.....bIntanG*

Seduction

2010-03-05T22:53:00.004+08:00

[Update: decided to let the yes/no card decide for me and I got a 'no' and other insightful answers :P I just needed another reason and well... it kinda told me that the only reason I want it is to make a statement that I didn't consciously want to make] Lots of love to all that bothered to listen to this call of mine, love you lots (^3^)

Hi there my loves. I'm not really sure if anyone is reading this anymore but I thought I might share my... worries and hope that this act will somehow lessen my burdens.

As you all may or may not know, I have a long and continuous love affair with anything cute+modern (just look at my computer and laptop and what I listed for my born-to-be-rich wish list). I understand very well that I have this taste for class, and things that I like are usually ... pricey, without me consciously trying to aim for such prices.

I have been able to work with feelings of constant temptation by telling myself that I :-
1) don't really need the item
2) need to wait longer to have it
3) really don't find it useful other than the fact that it's either classy, modern or cute.

Any two of these reasons is enough to deter me from getting things that may or may not break my 'personal', i.e. fluctuating, budget.

Now comes my dilemma. I've been called by a siren and I invite you to look into her eyes and hear her song :-

I must confess... I am not as strong for this challenge. I mean, look at it!! It's so pretty >.< (I don't care so much about the model sitting on the chair). _that_ is the Osim usoffa petit. It is 1) Cute 2) Modern 3) Functional (Useful) 4) Affordable 5) Classy It's a massage chair that really does look like a normal sofa chair. You know how much I like hidden things like this. I like how cute it is. I like how it's not just a chair. I like that you plug it in and it's a massage chair. I like how no one will know it's a massage chair unless you tell them. I like how it's not all black, bulky and leathery like the usual massage chairs. I like how it doesn't cost more than 3K. Lastly, I like how the sofa looks classy without being over-the-top. Its definitely defeated no.2 and 3 from my list of "reasons not to buy something expensive". Now, I do admit that I sometimes do impulse buys that ignores the 3 reasons altogether, but usually during an interval of 2-3 months and the items never cost 1K :o So here I am in my room, being skillfully seduced by a chair, and I'm not sure I can really say 'no' this time. In my desperate and blinded-by-love state, I implore thee, whoever is listening, to become my ally and fight this enemy with me, to call me back before the waves drown me, to show me how this is just like any other temptation, to tell me that this love affair will end as badly as any other if I had given in then, and to knock some sense into me >.<;; Thank you and good night. p.s. *sigh* I would probably have gotten it if I haven't done so many impulse shopping lately. Like, if I'm not going on a day trip to Miri and Singapore, and if I didn't go for a fancy lunch or bought that ... 'other' impulse item >.<;

Hyakuman

2010-02-20T17:05:00.002+08:00

Wow, the first post for 2010 ^^ How is everyone? It's been such a long time since we've seen each other last.

As you all might now, my mind is now filled with that particular number ;)

It's really easy to try and write down what I'm thinking right now, but words aren't nearly enough or even perfectly adequate to convey the roller coaster of wishes, hopes and dreams that comes with the possibility of achieving that one thing in reality.

Instead, I thought I'd link this article that somehow explains away questions that others might ask and show that I'm only human. ^^

Happy New Year.

Well wishes to all <3

Mencari Masa

2009-11-04T20:29:00.016+08:00

Whilst trying to finalise my wedding and reception dates (2009? 2010?) I discovered some cool things on the Net.

No 1:

I discovered Google Calendar.

You need to have a google account. For existing gmail user, take some time and explore the links on the top left hand corner. If you are curious cat like me, you'd definitely would love Google Calendar. It's easy and it runs quite fast on my ancient machine and the chrome internet browser. I have fun creating calendars and playing with the setting. In fact I have created 2 public type calendars:

Brunei Public Holiday Details http://tinyurl.com/yl9h72r
Embed it to your website using the following code:
<.iframe src="http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=9fngr3v627728fe594cf0f6n10%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=Asia/Brunei" style="border: 0" width="800" height="600" frameborder="0" scrolling="no">
PS remove the "." before iframe
Brunei School Term Holiday Details http://tinyurl.com/yffkwcl.
Embed it to your website using the following code:
<.iframe src="http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=354iakklr4q4a4p5u567obbbg4%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=Asia/Brunei" style="border: 0" width="800" height="600" frameborder="0" scrolling="no">
PS Again don't forget to remove the "." before iframe

All this information and the code link can be found at the google Calendar's Settings tab. It's the second box on the left hand side of the Google Calendar page. Click the Settings, then click on the Calendar that you wish to view the details to. The codelink is on the Embed This Calendar section. This section allows your to embed or attached the calendar to your website or blog or facebook profile (see my next discovery) . you can attach multiple calendars and change the color using the a nifty feature called the Google Embeddable Calendar Helper. To access this feature, click on the 'Customize the color, size, and other options'.

No 2: My Google Calendar apps

Since I am also a facebook addict, I also have discovered My Google Calendar apps which can be posted on to your profile. Yay! You can see it here: http://tinyurl.com/yj8hgtq

It's also quite easy to post. All you have to do is go to applications (bottom left hand corner in facebook page), search for My Google Calendar, add it to your profile, then add your google calendar by posting the code.

No 3: Brunei Government Ministries website

My final discovery tonight, and the most important one is the fact that I have found useful, relevant and quite information on the government websites. I like it!

Granted I had to traverse the depth of the Brunei Prime Minister's Office website at the http://www.jpm.gov.bn/ to find the pdf memo for Public Holiday 2010 (Menu > Circular > 8/2009 - Hari-Hari Kelepasan Awam 2010), but at least it's available online. Yay!

Since I was looking for a holiday calendar, I had an easier time at the Ministry of Education website. The School Term and holiday is posted right on the front page in its own little yellow box. I love it! The website is http://www.moe.edu.bn/ but here's the direct download link to the pdf : http://tinyurl.com/ykkq2lq

Now that I have disclose the true nature of InTANiz the geekette (gosh I thoroughly enjoyed the entire process of discovering all this stuff!) I hope you find it useful as well.

Live long and prosper. XD

Here, there, under...where?

2009-07-16T01:47:00.002+08:00

My lil' sis thinks I should write stories. I don't really know why though. I've known better writers and I doubt that I fit in that category. I realise that my stories are mostly nonsense anyway, but just because I'm curious, I thought I'd try writing something now... from the title I just made up... lesse....

___________________________________________________________________

I don't really know where I am at the moment. I woke up from a dream or a nightmare, I really can't remember. I can hear the sounds of my heart beating, faster and faster, until it beats in a steady pace. I look around me and I remember that I'm in my room and on my bed. I must have fallen asleep without realising it. I see a TV monitor at the foot of my bed, showing static. What was I watching?

I can still recall what I did yesterday though I can't remember how I got into my bed. At least I'm at home. I am a bit hungry now so I decided to just go downstairs and find some food in the kitchen.
____________________________________________________________________

Anyway, this looks like one of those 'continue the story' we get in high school. I have an idea on how to end the thing, but feels like it'll be insulting to writers who take their work seriously. Therefore, I'll leave it at that, and well... perhaps it's much more fun to let everyone make their own stories out of it. It's like a catalyst, or a spark or whatever it is you call a small thing that starts a chain of something big... a fuse? hehe :p

3 GREAT things online

2009-06-28T11:26:00.004+08:00

TED - A wonderful place for someone who loves stories.
Twitter - Keeping it sweetly short and Simple.
Watch this space <3

..the week-end (1) **BEWARE: IMAGE INTENSIVE!! :D

2008-12-29T14:51:00.004+08:00

..visiting Jack :D

..a good ol' buddy's wedding (the end of your bachelor life mate.. :P)

..late breakfast/early lunch @ the Country Patch cafe

..adventuring/brisk walking around 'Tasek'

..about a girl and a boy..

2008-12-26T00:40:00.006+08:00

..and a rabbit..

(aka. Jack Sate/Satay/Skewered-meat) >:] *ebil grin*

..then the food..

(ps. no, not related to the directly-above) :P

..wrong/bad focus..

..corrected focusing..

..matching color..

..the horror..

(yea, eventho' its our *mothertongue* language) O_O

I dream of loft

2008-12-17T07:24:00.008+08:00

Another week to go before my 1 week leave this year. Yay!

My life has been full of magical things - I joined Brunei Speakers Club every Tuesday, made tons of interesting friends, bonded with Kathleen over BSM Walk-a-hunt, learnt to make pretty things with my hands with no computer intervention ;p, and that's just the start of it. Thanks to Twilight series (books) and Stephenie Meyers, I am intensely in love again... with Awangku Izham, who will be my Pengiran after 7th day of the 8th month of the 9th year in the milenium. *big grin*

Anyway, looking forward to redecorating my own room this holiday. It's challengingly exhilarating to do a room 4m x 3.5m x & 7 feet (ahaks).

Most likely it will look like this:

Photo taken from somewhere on the google Photo.

Which is not exactly what I wanted. I want it to be cozy like that but I want need to have my study desk and wardrobe and bookcase and vanity in. Maybe I should do a Nora and go out there buy a house :)

Which brings me to the idea of building loft (loft in a small room? For bride to be... ohh I am so going to break all rules).

Photo taken from somewhere on the google Photo.

Here's a cooler alternative (but it doesn't look a room room):

Oh well... a girl can always plan and dream and do :)

A meaningless story

2008-12-11T01:28:00.000+08:00

This is a story about a boy.

The friend of an acquaintance's second cousin's classmate.

He definitely likes to play games.

He always goes online.

He enjoys watching many great shows.

Let's say, the boy goes out one day.

He wants to go on an adventure.

He wants to discover something new.

On his journey, he finds an ordinary pebble.

He walks on and he sees an ordinary person.

The boy thinks that his adventure is not interesting.

He finds that the outside world is pretty boring.

It was so much more interesting in his house.

Right there in his room.

So in the end, he decided to go back home.

At home, where he can find interesting things.

In his room, where he can have better adventures.

Online, where nothing is ordinary.

This is a story about a boy.

Bon Voyage~ Babai Zaim & Nisa @ Keryn

2008-09-23T15:26:00.012+08:00

This year raya will be a tough one at Dolrani's household. It's the not the fact that our house extension is still on the way. It's because the Dolrani's dirty dozen will be down by one. The newly minted driver/slave Zaim has left for Liverpool to do his degree in E-Commerce.

Dirty dozen posse - arranged accordingly

(Standing R-L: Numero Uno Intaniz, Ft, DJ, Zaim, Liilah, Kirin, Wafa Wada.
Sitting L-R: Haziq, Zirah, Nazif, Nabil and the youngest baby Naufal)

Ia tu yg kantut...

With the CEO & co-CEO of Dirty Dozen (Bruneian Chapter)

Thank you Tua Haji & Hajah for sending Zaim!
(Also shout out to Uda Jaya & Auntie Dk Sabariah who showed up 5 minutes before sungkai, Twin Babah Dolsani & Auntie Timah as well as Abang Fortune!)

I also have to say see you again... next year! to my *other* other half ;(. So sad... Nis!

Nisa with her daddy

Nisa with her mommee

Nisa with her daleng, no tears here...

Ct and us

My top 10 fictional males

2008-09-20T19:58:00.004+08:00

Hi, it's me again.I'm feeling kinda bored so I thought I might as well think of well, the... you know ;)

It didn't actually took me that long to think about this, and it just happens that I thought of 10. Anyway, here there are in no particular order:-

Jareth from Labyrinth (Villain in love = very sexy)

Captain Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean ( I love the word plays that he does <3 *sigh*)

Yagami Raito from Death Note ( Soo smart, soo pure, soo misguided. I actually didn't mind if he was to be the God of the new world, alas, he was 'evil' and had to be defeated. Light! I'd vote for you!! )

Conrad from Kyou Kara Maou (kind, loyal and strong; bodyguard to the pacifist demon king. He looks like he hides and knows more than he shows. The perfect love-slave, hehe)

(Mirai) Trunks from Dragonball (I like his looks, and his innocence despite living in a terrible future)

Ten Shin Han from Dragonball (One of the first I fell for, the exact moment was when he started to doubt his master's teachings)

Zoro from One Piece (I like his determination)

Loki from Matantei Loki Ragnarok (Exiled god of trickery. His children seems to love him and his cool attitude is what makes him attractive)

Entei from Pokemon 3 Movie (My favourite line:- "whether it's right or wrong, I will do as she wishes" I love that)

Giroro from Keroro Gunso (My most recent obsession, a red alien frog; I can't believe I have gone this low in fangirl-ism, it used to be that I'd only go for the guys, not the frogs. Anyway, military type who fell in love = awkward moments. I enjoy those tough guys who become butter when faced with their love interest, hehe. It's just too cute)

So, now you know why I chose the particular word 'male'. Love also knows no bounds, species, planet or plane; whether real or just a dream hehe :p

p.s. while looking for the pictures I thought of more fictional guys ;p but I might as well leave the list at 10 ;D

p.p.s. real guys? ehe, well, that.. I'd rather tell you guys in person :D (love ya <3)

8-8-8

2008-08-08T14:54:00.003+08:00

An auspicious date for the Chinese, and a very memorable date for myself.

Thanks to people at Mazda Brunei (Thanks Aming!) I get to drive my sunlight silver Baby Intaniz home today.

Photo take without permission from internet search. Plus mine is a 5 door version.

Will upload actual photos later - now off to shop for isi kerita ^^.

What women want

2008-07-28T01:18:00.006+08:00

I know it's more than a month away and it'll be during the Puasa season, but I found something naughty that I just wouldn't mind having for my *ehem* sweet 19th *cough* birthday hehehehe

You can guess what it is, since you know me so well...

Yes. I want porn. (^.~) for women. (of course ^^)

I mean, just look at theses samples and tell me that 'that' doesn't make you hot :-

Of course, this is a wish; so it's not really a hint, if you know what I mean :) but in case you girls (or guys; show you are confident in your masculinity by buying your beloved porn ^.~) are interested, you can click on the picture link below.

Oh, and in case you need more convincing, how about one more peep at the oh-so-scrumptious selection *rawr*

Happy Birthday Boss!

2008-07-15T00:10:00.002+08:00

I am celebrating it quietly at home, praying for another year of your happiness and prosperity.

May you live long enough to see the continous support and innovation my generations will do for our beloved tanahair.

My June-December 2008 KPI

2008-06-26T14:56:00.003+08:00

Lose weight. A lot of it.

Why?

In this following photo, where do you see Siti Intan?

Photo taken without permission from Pinah's blog.

Blank Intro as Wish by my dearest Intan. :D

2008-05-15T20:58:00.002+08:00

yes folks, it may seem like it, but this aint Intan. she requested me to add an entry to "timestamp" it so that she can edit it later. *phew* its hard not having the internet. :D

anyway, since im still yapping here, might as well say..

" HAPPY 12th (wasnt it 20?) ANNIVERSARY !!! " (and advance birthday in 2 days time. :P)

bah atu saja.. my heads a bit woozy. ;) --outs--laters--izumintan.

Kampong Ayer swim team, 2008

2008-05-13T21:09:00.002+08:00

Izham turns 27 today

2008-04-07T23:29:00.003+08:00

Happy birthday my dearest other half.

Love always and forever,

Intaniz

A trip down memory lane

2008-03-30T23:30:00.002+08:00

We don't do Valentine's Day. That's pretty much a given.

But I did get cards on that day for several years from that very special someone, who's been with me from primary school to higher education and from childhood to adulthood.

I was doing a bit of spring cleaning and transferring all the stuff I've accummulated over the years when I came upon my treasure trove of old scribbled notes and various celebratory cards - my cherished collection of mementos from the past.

As I went through the pile, smiling and near to tears at the same time, I re-disovered this gem: a red card with heart-shaped flowers on the cover, which proclaimed that "Life is Lovelier with a FRIEND Like You".

And inside this heartfelt message:

I say, I can't believe we have been in the same class for almost five years... five years stuck seeing each other every morning (shudder)... anyway, it has been five wonderful years knowing you as a true friend. And I hope we'll stay friends till the end.

O.k. before I embarrass myself or make a fool of both of us, just remember that...

I have a phone and two ears and a heart. So as a "friend", make use of them, 'kay?

That's it for this year.

More loves,

Intan (call me when you need me!)

I don't think I'd be the same person I am today if I hadn't had Intan as a friend. And if I were asked to recall the best things about secondary school, I'd think about her and Hjh Amalina and Siti Zulaikha and Amir, my bestest of best buds.

We're all living our separate lives now. We no longer share classes, homeworks or teachers. No more people-watching or afternoons spent playing ping-pong.

But one thing remains.

We each have a phone, two ears and a heart. When that call comes, I'll be sure to be there for them when they need me.

Because I know they'll do the same for me.

Jerome K. Jerome (1859 - 1927)

2008-03-29T22:54:00.003+08:00

It's really amazing the things you can stumble upon online. I was just chatting somewhere and came across a quote I really love. It rings true in my heart and I feel a sense of wonder. How this man can articulate a sentiment that will forever have a profound impact on the masses have left me humbled. I ponder this everyday miracle, when a writer can reach his/her reader even as the body has turned to dust. Oh, right, and the quote?

Read on :-

"I like work; it fascinates me. I can sit and look at it for hours."

Now, who can tell me that they don't share his opinion? Look him up, you might fall in love with him, as I did ;)

From
all-"workaholic wannabe"-mania

No object

2008-03-26T13:29:00.009+08:00

Okay, I've just been to bornrich and found things that I wouldn't mind having <3

From top to bottom : a liftbed, personal theatre and my very own sky (as well as scenery) heh ;D I'm gonna get me a house :p

Vroom vroom

2008-03-25T12:00:00.001+08:00

Someone just bought a motorbike. It makes a loud sound, a really loud sound. Is it supposed to be that loud? I mean everytime that thing parked, the rider had to revved it up for 5 minutes and the sound would just fill the entire area. I hoped that it doesn't happen at night or perhaps when I'm asleep.

There are times when I want a motorbike, because I think it's cool. I'd just make this infernal sound to let everyone know I'm there :p. However, being a girl and wearing skirts, I doubt it's gonna be practical or cool for me to ride one. Then came the scooter idea someone put forward. At least I won't have to worry about giving a free show there, but still, it doesn't look as cool anymore.

From

all-"biker chick"-mania

Vespa scooter

World's youngest comedian

2008-03-02T08:23:00.007+08:00

Presenting Pearl McKay

Screenshot of the final performance of Pearl in the "Good Cop baby Cop"

Watch her performance in "The Landlord":

I. put. you. on. the. street.

The adorable 2 year old has already got a fan in the Dolrani household - Naufal. Luckily with 5 year old kids and younger, they don't understand the words . So if you are having problem with the language, it's probably because you know too much :D.

"Fortunately she is in this great stage now where she repeats anything you say to her and then forgets it right away, which is key," says McKay, who has two daughters by his wife of 11 years, actress Shira Piven (Jeremy's sister). Adds McKay, "She has not said the B-word since we shot the thing." Behind Will Ferrell's 'Cursing Baby' Video By Oliver Jones

The Landlord is apparently the first posted video on Funny or Die http://www.funnyordie.com/, which is a user generated video comedy competition site with similar technology like YouTube. However, unlike YouTube, the fate of videos on Funny or Die are determined by the viewer's rating; where the videos deemed unentertaining or funny enough "die" and are relegated to the site's "crypt".

I actually would have stumbled to this site because I love going to the animated movie review site Spill.Com (http://www.spill.com/). Liilong beat me to it, and she was pretty excited to show me Maguto being interviewed by Cory. So that's why I am in front of my pc on a sunny Sunday morning :D, watching and relooping Pearl, Will Ferrell's littlest Landlord.

How did you spent the 2008 leap day?

2008-02-29T21:29:00.004+08:00

This list included planned and 1 unplanned activities. Guess which one is which ;)

Attended the closing ceremony of Brunei Android CodeFest.
Read more on: AnakBrunei Coverage :: Ranoadidas :: AITI

Local BruneianDroids Code Fest'er (Don't look for me - I was the one behind the lens)

Hot Mama Zetss and me in pink
.

With one of the UBD IT lecturer, Daphne.
Don't be mistaken by her sweet look - she was voted the All Around Enthusiastic Participant & Excellent Contributor to the workshop. Ms Daphne won an iPod Shuffle and Escapade Voucher.

Siaw Wei - one of the BAGian pride!
Invigilated (Try saying that aloud! Does it even exist? lol) 3 hours of ICDL tutorial, assessment and exams.
(No photo, but it was a fun tutoring session. I absolutely love my job!)

Brought mom and the gang to Brunei Book Fair at ICC.

Hero dan Heroin Pujaan Hati ku *lol*

Mom and her favourite Malay authors from Alaf 21

'Another Intan' signing Mom's latest purchase

Not bad for a Friday huh?

Cinderella's Pumpkin Coach

2008-02-26T22:50:00.005+08:00

Gundah jiwaku rasanya eh. I can't sleep - my mind is still too active. It's prolly because I'd had my Highway Code Test at Brunei LTD - and I hated it. I whined to everyone at work when I came back from the test at 3 pm sampai Omar snarkily commented, "Artinya selamanya lah ko kena driving kan tu!". LOL. If my destiny is to be chauffeured around - no problem beb. My pride does not suffer if people call me an old fashioned coach-riding princess. I am a 'point A to point B' person - don't care how, just go!

Honestly I absolutely love the idea! I spent a very short 2 weeks in Europe taking coaches, going by train, and went splurging on the black London taxi ride, basically experiencing the quote Public Transportation culture unquote which proves to be both educational and enjoyably satisfying (awu orang kebaruan). There were some crazy experiences like to buy halal chicken in the a kampong in Bristol, Ft and I had to exchanged at least 3 buses through some rough neighbourhood. However there were some fun stuff like do you know that if you stay in La Defense in Paris, the Metro (subway train) runs in a straight line from the district centre to places like Arc De Triompe, Champs-Elysees and Louvre? Though I admit you have to appreciate the town planner for this fact.

Still I wish that somehow that Brunei would have such a system in place. At this point of time I simply can't afford even 20k for a car, I am saving that much for a small wedding and marriage life with Awangku. I read it on someone's blog (which is now sadly defunct) that Government is unwilling to invest on Public Transportation because no local will be caught dead riding a purple bus. I would though! Not without air conditioning unit though and it has to work at least 50% as efficiently as Transport for London. Heck, we don't even have updated map of Brunei available at the kadai runcit, jangan kan public transportation, town planner kitani pun masih honeymoon. Hehehe.

There are so much more to comment - like the poll on YM Tuan BR's blog on building bridges - I voted for Build the darn thing oredi. My 2 cents to this 1 billion dollar question is sure it's a very expensive investment, but will the relevant authority follow up with plans and immediate actions to get that money back that is not limited to $10 toll gates and spiels on Brunei Tourism shtick? We can only do our part and watch, and pray.

Back to blogging

2008-02-24T19:20:00.007+08:00

I had a long, long vacation in December 2007 - it was a week long but it was enough. I swore not to be productive, to be slow, to be mindless. The side effects are almost like pms- I became irritable, bored and lost. My heart was broken and my spirit contrite - rasanya macam kan suicide. However like a drug addict, the lethargy persists and it took me 2 months to recover...

I have goals now. It always help to aim at something before you shoot.

I shall now update my blog weekly.

Let there be light through my lenses again.

Happy Quirkyalone Day

2008-02-14T00:00:00.001+08:00

Or you could say Happy SAD. Sad being the supposed state of the single's mind. Singles Awareness Day sounds more like a consolation prize, or worse still, a jealous outburst by those who haven't found their mate.

Which is why I like Quirkyalone Day, celebrated on the 14th of February since 2003; as it is not anti-Valentine's Day. It is a celebration of friendship, the romantic and independent spirit. Yes, it is yet another senseless holiday people have come up with to validate their existence (i.e. show off) and we may never well be able to resist the temptation to one up the next man; but competing on which of us is happier, in theory, doesn't seem like such a bad idea.

So Happy Quirkyalone Day to those romantics who prefer to be single rather than settle, those who hold relationships to a high standard and those who value friendship very highly.

And if you are a follower of consumerism(not that there's anything wrong with that), why not buy a singelringen, a "single ring" from Sweden, to celebrate the day:-because you’re never alone when you’re quirkyalone.

Two tone beauty

2007-11-30T06:56:00.000+08:00

What's Crimson on top...

and Onyx below?

It's my brand new spanking

Nintendo DS Lite!

I am super excited because this is an addition to my sexy, (but) monochrome devices.

Next stop... PS3! (sides Zaim is getting the XBox 360 and Awangku is already getting a Wii. What's his is mine. What's mine is mine. Hohohohoo)

Another main reason why I am getting a PS3 is because of Final Fantasy. I have played the whole range, starting from FF Mystic Quest on emulator up to FFXII (go Vaan!). That's also another reason why I bought an NDS Lite - because of FFXII Revenant Wing. The NDS version is unlike other RPG or Strategy Turn Based. It was a pleasant surprise to see that it's actually a RTS! It's like playing mini WarCraft - so CUTE!! XD.

Well, nothing like gaming to get me talking like a Dijong. I am just so super excited to play the game. The only reason I am online is because the battery's flat and I am charging it now. Oh the waiting....

Sexy real & digital men

2007-11-22T23:49:00.000+08:00

Warning! Sexy photos of real & digital men!!

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I think his best feature is his dimples.

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Dig em chains. Rrrrrrrr...

*lolz*

Photo source: Stolen from other websites using Google Image. I really prefer Brad Pitt over Ray Winstone, only because the former has got dimples. Honest!

Panaromic

2007-11-21T15:33:00.001+08:00

Exam season

2007-11-21T15:29:00.001+08:00

Serious faces of IT professionals filling in their mcq answer papers. Exams like this are often done after the completion of courses as short as 3 days. Failing is not an option, as no one wants to reopen the textbook after this.

The Mitsubishi M"i"ne

2007-11-20T22:05:00.000+08:00

If you recall my post early last May, _this_ :D year, about the car that I wanted to buy, the mitsubishi i, and how I'm waiting until next year for it, and how I think it won't be as expensive as my brother said and that I wanted it blue...

Well...

I BOUGHT IT \(^o^)/

It's cute and it's mine. I've been saying "mitsubishi i" everytime I'm asked what car I want to buy and I finally, finally have it, and the best thing about it is that I have it on my terms.

Of course, there had been times when I feel like I should just buy a second-hand car as waiting became unbearable. I would look at my progress and wondered how much longer I have to wait. I worried about the price and wondered whether I was getting abnormally stingy ^^;; I would look at used-car adverts and thought I should just buy that one, or maybe that other one, and that looks like a good price for a year-old car...

But the wait is over (in a couple of days, I mean :p) !!By Thursday, the car will be at my house and I will be able to fix the driver's seat and the mirrors to my liking ;)

I would like to thank my colleagues who accompanied me to just go to the distributer and ask for the price ( and finding, to my utter surprise and excitement, that I've reached my goal). I also would like to thank my friends who has given me encouragement and support these 14 months (hehe). And of course I want to thank you-know-who for this everday miracle and for more than I can list :D

So that's the big news. I've told most of you about it anyway, so I'll just post a new picture of the car.
I didn't get the blue one and settled on ash grey. My bro said that the car is actually expensive like he said, but since it's been in the Brunei market for about a year (?) and they were having a promotion, I had a discount. Whether that was just salesman talk or that I had a really good deal, I'm just glad it's finally mine. I had my heart set on it for so long (thinking that if it was more than I expected, I would need to pick another small auto car) and I'm just grateful I no longer have to wait and dream of the day.

Making money- Islamic way

2007-11-14T18:42:00.000+08:00

It's knowledge sharing day again at BAG and the topic this time is Islamic Banking Concepts. It is not the first KS we have on - during a Ramadhan afternoon we had some bankers over from BIBD to talk about their Islamic Banking Products.

Words like Murabahah (cost plus/commercial trade instrument), Sukuk (Islamic Bond) and Mudharabah (Profit Sharing instruments) gets highlighted but it all down to Riba or usurious interest and Gharar (unknown/uncertain consequences - haram because it is equivalent to gambling). Understanding these two concepts, and a very strong knowledge in Sharia- which is accessible to everyone in Brunei through our afternoon Sekolah Ugama - you can come up with many different flavour of Halal financial product - and Brunei has very strong potential to access the 500 billion USD market of Islamic Banking. Most Bruneian people mistakenly think - including Awangku before I straightened it out - that Islamic Banking is about not making profit - but the numbers says otherwise.

Being a small country with close knit society, Brunei has proven that we don't main-main when it comes to Halal-Haram through our international known guaranteed Halal food product. So why not expand it to Islamic Banking? The challenge is for our Islamic bankers and UNISSA scholars to come up with alternatives to the controversial murabahah concepts currently practiced by most conventional turned Islamic banks, who are staffed with, according to some professional and academias, bankers who are educated in capitalist Western way. The challenge would also be to make the Islamic banks as competitive as conventional bank.

As mentioned during the discussion - Shariah Compliant/Halal Living should not come with a premium, it should be a way of life - not something special you have to pay extra! Good customer service should not be a concept you hear only from BAG Networks blogs (waseh) or see at HSBC outlets. It should be inherent in every business in Brunei Darussalam including services from the government itself!

Shariah Compliance Lifestyle... I how wonder what kind of animal it is? :)

Private Sector Corporate Life: the most important thing is that you have fun...

2007-11-07T22:33:00.000+08:00

...and fun it is I have been having this week.

First, let me break my fast of not talking about my day job in this blog: [START] Monday was great because my partner is back from her long vacation and now I don't have to look at another leave application to process nyuk nyuk nyuk (Note to self: Must focus and get that function automated and working before 2008). [END]

Had a great lunch on Tuesday where us - me and 4 other BAGians from various unit - were joined by the CEO. Surprisingly, it did not turned out to be a disaster for klutzy me. In fact it was a very pleasant experience, I mean sure we get to see him everyday in office where you smile smile and wave wave, or occassionally bug him about business issues and other official stuff, but this is the time when you get to sit with the man and share with him a few laughs and even your worries. It was simple but very thoughtful gesture, for him to spend some time with us and although I can't speak for others, I am sure they feel the same as I do. I felt extremely honoured and appreciated, and even feel extremely proud. Name me one other organisation - in Brunei - outside function or raya celebration that you get invited to eat in the same table with the top guy if your title is not a manager?

I also had great fun that Tuesday evening. Nora, a great girl at work, organised a Netball outing with some ex-UBDians sport elite. Afshah and me were comparing how many years ago when we last touched a Netball (she hasn't touched it since form 3, me - it was back in ITB but I did not even last a game!), when our new CFO Puan Haslina, whom earlier had softly confessed that she hadn't touched the ball since she was 13, scored her first goal. Shut the heck out of this fat cat. *lol*

Finally this afternoon, the impromptu speech is back to BAG Knowledge Sharing session program whoohoo. With Reuben as the table topic master this time, William Lai immediately responded to his challenge to describe how to survive in a deserted island with just a marker pen. Solutions included writing a huge H E L P on a wide surface (hopes the marker's new), using the ink as food supply or as fuel (good luck with that!). Khairul had us in stitches when he did his best -and it was an above average performance - to convince us that the mouse plugged to the pc is a cat. His last words were: "When you really think about it" *stroke the mouse* "it really does feel like a furry animal" *indescribable creepy/funny facial expression*. LOL. There were equally good attempts from the two new girls speeches - Ima getting the role of a Royal Ant Queen trying to dissuade an Ant Eater from killing the source of its sustenance while Tina did not disappoint when she described her feelings about receiving a power drill during Valentine with "He wants me to be a Housewife and drills!?" Aerol confessed that he likes to wear girl's clothes at home and "main masak-masak" because he doesn't want to disappoint his parents who always wanted to have a daughter. Salmi thought he was called to the front to pack the OHP when Reuben told him that an anonymous person wants to know how does he feel being the last during Bowling game yesterday with the boys. Claimed that he was very good, his aim was very true... to the longkang. He concluded by throwing a challenge "But same time next week...!" Farisan closed the show with a new revelation: "If you're a MAN, a true MAN - go play with your little chopper toy". Great fun.

Same time next week again, hopefully...

Sacrifices in the month of Ramadhan: Sacrifice #1

2007-09-11T13:21:00.000+08:00

"...Hunger and thirst that is felt during the day is automatically connected in our minds. Hence be careful of one’s speech and control your tempers. We are also encouraged to lower our gaze (to not be tempted to obscenity or promiscuity) and to refrain from tribal squabbles..."

I went to the mall and fell in love

2007-09-09T18:24:00.001+08:00

This is the KOHJINSHA SA1F00 PC. It's a laptop. A small laptop. A smaller laptop compared to the one I already own. And it is extremely cute!It's a bit heavier than my current laptop (800+g compared to 900+g) but it has a lot of features. It's also much cheaper, costs about $1388. How's that for a laptop price? Makes me itchy to buy it >.<; I've fallen for a laptop. I love cute things! kono laputopu wa totemo kawaii desu ^^;

Btw, if you want to know, the shop is called "Welit Trading", 3rd Floor Mall Gadong where the ice skating rink used to be, you know, the one close to the Uni arcade.

The language of love

2007-08-12T11:55:00.000+08:00

Do you have the same language in love? Find out how you say the three words to your loved ones and how they say them to you (I feel like such a salesman :p)

Life is fair - Guest Starring BruCinema

2007-08-11T11:02:00.000+08:00

From someone who has not a single atom of creativity in my blood, it never fail to surprise the heck out of me to discover that everyone else in the family has a knack for art and more.

Take my dad, if circumstances were different, would probably be an sketch artist with his own gallery. (A sketch artist who'd never lose in chess. Yup, I'm still smarting after the last match I had a long time ago. ;p).

My sisters, dearest Dijong and Lilong can draw with a computer mouse! My 15 year old brother who won best History student award after flicking History textbook in front of tv 2 hours before the exam, created a weapon of small destruction with a piece of flat wood, a cloth peg and a rubber band.

For someone who cannot carry a tune to save her life, I have a cousin, aptly name Juara (champion) who can belt out perfect pitch rivalling Mariah Carey; an uncle who is the best in his Al-Quran reading class because he can count harakat to perfection.

On top of that my father's eldest brother's family is a gulingtangan troupe with their own production house! Check out this capi-capi skit they produced that cracks me up everytime I watch it:

Brucinema - Capi Cinema

I understand the law of balance and stuff, but how come I get to be the geeky bookworm?!!

EDIT: P/S. The guy's real name is Artison. His dad was Bintang RTB in the 60s/70s. Hence, Artist's son. Geddit? :D

P. P/S. My name is Siti Intan (Intan - Diamond) because my dad's mom is Hjh Amas (Gold). Very original ey? Oh, I just CANNOT resist this, but my girl cousin is called Juara (Champion) because her dad is Jaya (Success). ^^;;

Since my other half is Awangku Izham, my daughter's name will be... Dayangku Nur Blings Zoom. LOL.

Waiting

2007-07-22T12:14:00.000+08:00

"The good of a book lies in its being read. A book is made up of signs that speak of other signs, which in their turn speak of things."
— Umberto Eco, The Name of the Rose

These are the books that I have yet to read. I bought most of them in the US, some in Singapore and others here. Some of those in the picture are borrowed from Fei.

Between working and *trying* to have a life outside the office, I have precious little time to crack open a book and read it through. I am still somewhere in the first half of Zadie Smith's On Beauty.

I started reading it last month, and whenever I don't immediately fall asleep and if I remember to, I'll pick it up and read a few pages before my eyes get too heavy to keep open.

Yet everytime I pass a bookstore or a magazine rack, I am tempted to purchase another book, another magazine. I am seduced by the words and images contained in the pages.

Even when I have plenty at home waiting for me.

One of the editors said the other day that his ideal job would be as a security guard or something similar, where he would have oodles of free time to read and read and read. .

Journalism is all-consuming, and leaves you with little time for anything else.

I wouldn't have it any other way.

Bmobile is getting more expensive

2007-07-13T17:12:00.000+08:00

I've switched to bmobile because their rates are cheaper than DST, but somehow 777 is a lucky day for the company and not the customer.

Starting from the 'auspicious' day, they've changed their prepaid rates. From being as cheap as 30 cents per day (never mind that I have to wait until the day the account expire to achieve this), they've now upped it to 50 cents per day.

While DST's prepaid rates can go as low as $195 a year (if you use the $40 card), bmobile offered a rate of about $110 a year ($18 card), which gives a savings of about $85 a year, so I didn't even mind the fact that there are sometimes no signal on my bmobile phone :(

With this, they're now catching up with DST with a rate of about $182 a year. This means I pay an extra $72 a year and save about $13 for not going back to DST.

Yeah, so their rates are still cheaper than DST but that's not the point here is it? *sigh*

Hidup Bebas atau Mati Keras...

2007-07-06T21:14:00.000+08:00

An eventful week - had a very INTERESTING internship presentation last Wednesday. How interesting? Check out the Malay-fied movie title that I repeated as this post's title. Plus, the presentation also featured a memorable movie starring a horrible looking me with a guilty expression while tapau'ing some leftover during last Monday's lunch (Kuang asam kamu Azz, Asyraf!). Plan of revenge... will look for dreadful photos that I can upload to this page. ;p.

1
Also BAG Networks organised a movie outing with clients - lucky top 25 callers to the Service Desk got 2 tickets, so them and the entire staff (plus 1 *winks*) turned up at Empire Cinema last night watching the Hidup Bebas atau Mati Keras.

(Photo stolen from Ranoadidas.com) L-R. Farhah, Anis, Nadiah, Intaniz, Nora & Fely- the 4 HR ladies and assorted others. :D

The movie is OK. It's basically a Hindustan hero movie from Hollywood. I mean, come on, if a sexy chinese hacker can't kill McClane, never mind the fighter plane shooting rockets - sure won't die punya. The one thing that killed my braincell was not the C4 implanted CPUS, it was the Malay/Indon based subtitles - "Kekal rapat... Kekal rapat!" for "Stay close, stay close!".

I wish they would do away with subtitles altogether. Mom-who finished "Malay language only- stream" school- agrees. She says she understand the spoken English compared to the rubbish that they show.

Transformers on the other hand, which I watched on Monday night, blew me away. The script sucks but the action is amazing! Except for one scene, I almost forgot that I was watching a CG movie - it was that good. The beat up Bumblebee mobile form reminds me of Bam's beat up car - the really old car autobot's insignia on his steering wheel. Bam! Begarak lakat keta mu? Cuba gambar -mana tau jadi Bumblebee hehehee...

The Return of Lum

2007-06-30T21:13:00.000+08:00

Do you guys remember this? It sure is a walk down memory lane. I remember the chapter when the sexy nurse Sakura took a diet pill that expands 100 times in the stomach. It was called Bloat-a-roni, I think. Now how will I ever know which is real or manga?

i have nothing to share with you...

2007-06-26T01:00:00.000+08:00

...but some music... XD

*experiment from earlier* huhuhu XD

jz managed to find some time to listen to this song and scramble myself to play it straight away for this dinner.. doesnt seem so bad..

also experimenting on capturing vids during performances.. XD

anyway, prior to posting this.. i jz realised we have reached a milestone in this blog..

THIS IS THE 101st POST! XD

i wish i cud contribute more :S bt always end up with nothing thats good enough to be shared.. bt mayb this.. ^^

owh yeah.. title was lambada.. originally by kaoma (i think) for more info.. click the vid.. kk ^^

I still can't stop laughing...

2007-06-17T11:27:00.000+08:00

at this:

The media in Brunei consists of tabloids, newspapers, television and all those sorts of media producers. If they don't provide television, they will turn to the Borneo Bulletin which houses the most crackpot writers in the world, mainly [[Ignatius Stephen]. His ways of writings can shame even your writing! The newspaper also consits of an opinion section where bruneians are given the freedom to write in and complain. Unfortunately the letters make no grammatical sense whatsoever which results in them becoming completely ignored as no one can understand them, one of the better known writers is seymour jugs. The people of Brunei thinks he just might be the next Agatha Christie; critics say he is unbearable compared to J.K. Rowling.

Uncourtesy of http://uncyclopedia.org/wiki/Brunei - thanks to Otaku-Izu & his Moaning Musume addiction 0.o

Take the site with a grain of salt baby! Sayang tho, coz it's not updated to include the description of the first newspaper blog - only in Brunei!

What Intan does on Sunday morning...

2007-06-17T08:45:00.000+08:00

I have been stood up again. The perils of being a Cinderella with a temperamental magical pumpkin. I wish I have enough dosh to get a car- heck, I wish I have enough dosh to get a car and a driver.

Neways, remember these guys:

Back dorm boys

(I tried embedding this up on my wordpress blog - don't know how maurina and the rest do it, but it just doesn't work with mine! BLEH.)

Then I just found this new thing they made:

We will rock you street performance.

You have got to see it till the end. The one that made me laugh so hard I cried is when the kids started flinging rubbish to them and the parents grabbing them away from these weirdos. LOL.

Could it be? I'm in love with everything

2007-06-16T18:07:00.000+08:00

I dunno why but today I just wanted to shout out "I love you" to everyone I know. I've learned so much from you and I'm still learning a lot. Everything that I am, is a reflection of the people I've met (not that you guys are responsible for me or anything ^^:;). I finally understand what they mean when they said love doesn't run out (who are they? :p)

I love you. I love you. I feel like I have so much love to give. Mind you, I'm not trying to rub it in or anything, one should mean it when they say love, and right now, I feel like love and therefore I must mean it <3 Wow, I feel like I'm high on love. I don't want to forget this at all. I don't want this to be the exception <3 I don't want it to disappear. If it will then at least this will be my proof that it exists. Love that doesn't diminish, I'm not sure about love growing or becoming less, but true love will not become less once you give it. It just stays there, always, you share it and you still have it. So cool :D

I'm happy! really happy! because I love! Thank you so much everyone!! No matter what our coincidences were, I'm glad we met! I'm thankful I'm me. You guys (meaning all of you, girls included :p) are so beautiful!! You are \(^o^)/ Your heart, your body, your thoughts (maybe :p), are so beautiful!!! I chose to believe it, so there’s no sense in arguing. Love is overflowing in me.

Wow. Thank you. A million 'thank you's <3

Public Service Announcement - NOT 911

2007-06-15T09:06:00.001+08:00

Emergency numbers in Brunei - how to remember 'em.

Ps. You have to say it aloud with a Chinese accent. ;p

No. 1 - the most important thing - human life

99.1.

Ambulance

Yell Thief!

99.3.

Police

.
Fire! Fire!

99.5.

Fire brigade

Who knows? You might save a life today.

Kisah 12 budak, mak bapak dan kedai makan sushi

2007-06-05T18:44:00.000+08:00

Standing from the left: Zirah, Liilah, Dijah, Kirin, Haziq, Nabil, Effty, Wafa.

Sitting from the right: Zaim, Naufal, Babah, Mama, Intaniz, Nazif

Ps. The guy with the hat is definitely not one of us :D.

Me and Mama and her bling

Hepi selalu - The other half of the family
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She was definitely not adopted.

Life is unfair coz your 14 year old brother is taller than you ;p

Life is extremely unfair when your 17 year old sister's boobs are bigger than your head

Our hands were definitely busy that nite ;p

A random post

2007-06-04T20:38:00.000+08:00

... just because.

There are 5 people co-authoring this blog, and the fact that a new post only appears sporadically, and at unexpected moments, is a testament to our collective attitude towards blogging.

I don't have anything clever or profound or even remotely interesting to share.

Except for the following.

1) The gadgets

Us BT reporters have been getting envious sighs, looks and comments since we got our cameras. Apparently, not only does the 400D have a rockin' reputation, the fact that we only have to pay a fraction of the total cost also makes us the coolest kids on the block.

Now, we are each attached to our new baby/sweetheart/toy that it has become a part of our psyche, in addition to our existing components.

Except for Miss S.H, of course, who has gone and locked her camera in her desk drawer, and lost her keys.

Full of sympathy and understanding, we tried to make her look at the bright side. Our uplifting chorus of "At least it's safe" wasn't received very well, and she responded with her trademark eyeroll and scatching "Whatever!"

Two of our colleagues tried - and failed - at lockpicking. My mispronunciation of lockpicking - picklocking, said I - earned a dirty look from F.P. who wrote a Feature on it.

(I am so not cut out to be a small-time criminal. I would probably call a concealed weapon a 'thingy' and pronounce street fight as freet sight.)

S's camera is still in the drawer. The rest of us are learning how to use ours.

2) We have two new colleagues - B and J. Their addition to the workforce has lightened and evened out the workload somewhat, and we were able for the first time in ages to send a reporter to Temburong, that dreaded assignment destination.

3) Oh, I caught on fire yesterday. Really.

I was wearing pink, and I was lucky to get away with just a small hole in my tudong.

I shall say no more.

4) I also got to go onboard the Tenyo Maru, a Japanese ship.

Having nothing to do in the afternoon, I decided to join D on her assignment to Muara Port. F and S, having done their assignments, also tagged along. We also brought B with us, seeing that he is a newbie and he also had nothing to do.

So there we were, 5 reporters with 4 brand spankin' new cameras between us. Clambering onboard a ship with narrow hallways and small rooms. Plastering ourselves against any convenient wall so as to take up the minimum amount of space that 5 reporters can occupy.

Add in a Minister and a Permanent Secretary into the mix, and about 20 or so Japanese sailors in white uniforms. Plus some students in red overalls. And government officials.

It was one sempit ship.

I also had a cameo in the local RTB news broadcast later in the day. It lasted about 0.9 seconds, but it was clearly me, peeping in the doorway to gawk at the captain of the ship and the 40 or more people crammed into the 'conference' room.

5) The heat. It was an extremely warm, sunny day. Poor B was melting as each minute passed by, and homed in on any available source of airconditioning. He was practically breathing in the AC in D's car on the way back to the office.

I promised myself when I came back from my US trip that I will never again complain about the heat.

I am trying very very hard not to.

5) And - saving the best and most personal for last - I went out.

As in, went out went out.

I had the loveliest time.

And I am still smiling about it, days after.

I am happy

2007-06-02T01:03:00.000+08:00

Because:

* of the Bear

* we got our very own, can-take-home-and-give-stickers-and-petnames-to cameras - the beautiful Canon 400Ds were placed into our receiving arms and loving care on May 28... the same day our paychecks came out.

* work gets more interesting (and tiring) everyday, and I love it more and more.

* I have the best workmates in the world, who are each so unconventional, brilliant, interesting and simply WEIRD that any time spent with them is never boring.

* I have wonderful friends, who wait for me to finish work and indulge me with jokes and stories and Casbah kebab (love u Intan, Amalina and yes you too Amir, though you weren't there that night - kemana ko??)

* of the Brown Bear

Thank you all =)

Yo, ho, haul together

2007-05-31T20:54:00.000+08:00

There is so much to be said about the third installment of Pirates of the Caribbean.

BEWARE - SPOILERS AHEAD. But who cares, you have to see it to believe it.

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End is one of the very few movies that manage to arouse such conflicting emotions in me- I never felt so confused whether I should or not like a movie.

My first impression was that it was loud, but somewhat hollow- storywise. It's got so much potential that are just not realised. I had such high expectations, especially for cameo appearance by Chow Yun Fatt - whom impressed me in Curse of the Golden Flower. Somehow he came across as this ordinary, and later, DEAD chinese pirate lord who lusted after the golden locks of bini2 orang putih. Sad!

Another thing that grated on my nerve was Elizabeth's determination to fight a war in the open sea against a vast armada while you can do so in an impenetrable fortress called Shipwreck Island. It surprised the heck out of me when she was made King of Pirates. In a battle for control between young hotblooded chick idiot vs scheming pirates, you'd expect the latter to win, won't you?

Nevertheless, PoTC: At the World's End is a triumph of special effects wizardry and amazing makeup (though it couldn't quite cover a child's actor teeth braces in the first chapter of the movie). The bizzare/supernatural pirates concept is also thoroughly enjoyable. I especially love the idea of returning from limbo sea to the real world by capsizing one's ship - it's as excellent as the manga One Piece when Going Merry went up to the Sky Sea.

The movie has got a few excellent scores. The one scene that I can't shake off my mind was the singing convicts and the execution of a child. It's got this haunting music ala Phantom of the Opera. Here's the sample music.

As for the ultimate spoilers, here's the lyrics.

// Yo, ho, haul together, / hoist the colors high. / Heave ho, thieves and beggars, / never say we die.
// The king and his men / stole the queen from her bed / and bound her in her Bones. / The seas be ours / and by the powers / where we will well roam.
// Yo, ho, haul together / hoist the colors high. / Heave ho, thieves and beggars, / never say we die.
// Some men have died / and some are alive / and others sail on the sea / – with the keys to the cage... / and the Devil to pay / we lay to Fiddler's Green!
// The bell has been raised / from it's watery grave... // Do you hear it's sepulchral tone? / We are a call to all, / pay head the squall / and turn your sail toward home!
// Yo, ho, haul together, / hoist the colors high. / Heave ho, thieves and beggars, / never say we die.

Would I watch this movie again? Definitely!

Kau di hati ku...

2007-05-25T10:09:00.000+08:00

I woke up this morning to find my Artemis Fowl's The Lost Colony wedged against my rib. No wonder I was dreaming of being hold up in a Kadai Runcit stick up. ;p. I always dream of living in Interesting Times.

Anyway, Liilah was youtubing before I booted her from the pc to eat my Indomee. Eating Indomee on Fridays infront of the box is almost like a culture in my house - practically everyone does it. No matter how much my mom lectures and my dad sarcasms, us kids just can't eat properly without reading/watching telly/surfing internet. So after years of practice we developed this ability to expertly click clack both the mouse and keyboard while stuffing in oily noodles. Amazing skill what!

I was about to continue reading Artemis Fowl while indomee'ing when I saw the huge array of youtube sites opened on the tabs of IE7. Trust Liilah to do something useful on 8 AM Friday!

It's quite amazing to see all the stuff on youtube. However my current favourite - thanks to Liilah - is this amazing excerpt from Tarzan Animated Movie. It's so good that it almost made me cried.

Check it out:

Lyrics*

Berhenti menangis tenang lah // Peganglah tangan ku dan di gengam erat // Ku melindungi dari apa yang datang // Berhentilah menangis

Tubuhmu kecil bertenaga // Dalan dakapan ku kau tenang dan lena // Pertalian kita tak kan terputus // Berhentilah menangis // Kau di hati ku // Kau di hati ku // Hari ini dan selamanya // Kau di hati ku //Walau apa kata nya // Oh kau di hati ku // Selamanya//

Selamanya...

Sweet no?

Zainal Abidin of Headwinds is an amazing, amazing singer.

The trivia states that this is the only Disney movie that has been dubbed in Malay - WHY? It was such a good attempt, IMHO. Disney always have a knack for creating beautiful melodies and I am still hoping that it can be enriched with Malay sounds. Not trying to be racists or anything, but I am sure this two elements can be reconcilled. Perhaps there are other similar attempts, but I sure have not heard of any.

Omedetou Izu, and to us - a lifetime

2007-05-15T22:10:00.000+08:00

Congratulations Awangku, it has been 11 years.

Today marks the 12th year since the existence of Intaniz - Intan & Izham, since a brown eyed boy once sneaked up behind me and "proposed me to be his girlfriend while staring at his shoes"*. There are no celebrations, no pledges renewals, no huge bouquet of roses, nothing big and showy, nothing teary. There is just a quiet, meaningful hug this morning - just like any other morning for the past 11 years.

*something I wrote in my High school diary, May 15, 1996.

The girl in me wants a bit more, honestly, but when I look inside me - all I can fill is happiness, and thankfulness for having someone who gave me a place in his heart and allows me to fill mine with him. Someone who grew up with me, stayed true and damn has basically seen everything in me including the selfish girl and the kusut baby. :) See, even when writing I can't stop grinning - malu ku eh...

Anyway, Nihongo no benkyo kurasu is taking its toll - so tired desu.

Izu-san, Awangku Izham- zutto zutto aishiteru-desu yo. Togezza foreva. :D

Hopefully this time next year we won't be that far away.

The mitsubishi i

2007-05-04T12:20:00.000+08:00

I have this image as my desktop wallpaper. I've fallen in love with it once i realise how strangely cute and small it was. It looks reeeeaaallllyyy strange at first, but it's actually the kind of cute car I want. Very small and yet 4 door. I'm hoping to buy it but if it's expensive, like my bro said, then I won't. Though I think it's not expensive. I mean, it's small and it's not Yaris... We'll see what happens next year ;)

Objects of desire

2007-05-01T19:25:00.000+08:00

But before I proceed...

Hepi besday Rimey!!

Cokolet Kerunch from Empire Hotel.
$45 for 1 kg - worth every cent!

Anyway back to main topic:

OBJECTS OF DESIRE

Nintendo DS lite

Aku suka!!!

And oh btw, my birthday on 17th May.

List of other objects yang aku mahu brabis tapi malas ku kan mencari gambarnya. Damam bah ku damam!

Nintendo Wii - alum ada yg kalernya warna warni kah?
Tipun nokia pink 3g
Vista black Honda Jazz with mp3 jack in and sunroof (ehhehe)
Coach bags <3
Awangku Izham Pengiran Haji Abdul Rahman. Chocolatey brown eyes. Yum.

Ps. Napa ia cali brabis ani kan? Heheh

this aint right..

2007-04-08T23:16:00.000+08:00

why so quiet? even the tags are quiet.

5 of us here.. this place mustve been haunted :P

i think it is now safe to proclaimed that we are a bunch of...

procrastinators :P

anyway.. it should be quiet since yesterday.. so im just gonna say/announce this:

HAPPY BELATED BDAY (7/4) TO AWGKU IZHAM~!!!!

enjoy life ^^

bah jan lupa.. lanja aku..

yatah pasalnya ku baik2 ani XD

An memorable evening with Datuk J

2007-03-23T23:01:00.000+08:00

I have just came back from one of the most amazing dinner ever. I've been having doubts lately of my future and how much I am worth to the organisation that I am working with - which is something that I believe is directly proportional to my worth to our nation, Brunei Darussalam.

The consequences of hearing the first hand accounts from the MERCY Malaysia or the Malaysian Medical Relief Society) link president & founder, Datuk Dr. Jemilah Mahmood, or fondly known now as Dr. Jem, strangely has an equal and opposite reaction on me. I never felt so young (read: hanching), so sheltered, and yet felt so strangely more semanggats, more determined to continue on my mission - to help others be more successful in their careers, in BAG Networks, or wherever my path will take me.

However, most of all, strangely, it makes me appreciate MEN more in my life.

Dr. Jem speaks very fondly of her other half, Datuk Dr. Ashar Abdullah - whom she exclaims to be more like a romance partner and bestfriend than a husband. She recalls that it was him who pushes her to establish MERCY. He supports her all through the 37 years that they've known each other and continues to encourage all the intiatives that she's doing. An amazing woman needs an amazing man.

Comparing this with my own life, I realise on the long journey for me to be the next amazing woman, I have had support from amazing men in my life as well. There's Babah, the temperamental 7th son of the river, from whose loins I sprang, picks and sends me to places that I need to go to amongst others; David Abberton, the most positive manager in the world, mentors and guides my career in BAG Networks to where I am today; Mr. Shakh, who has done so much for the company as well, and whose signature causes much celebration every month on the 25th ; Rimey, best officemate whose support and tireless guidance never cease even after I left the tech team; and lastly, Awangku Izham, who is always, always there to pick up the broken pieces and to make me whole like no one else could.

I think it's interesting that the IWD - International Women's Day - a day to celebrate achievements of women could also be seen as a day to celebrate the succesful union of Adam and Hawa. After all there is a man in every woman, and every man comes from a woman.

Unity 2007.

pics~!

2007-03-12T00:13:00.000+08:00

so.. as i promised.. pics..

i dont rly know why i dint regret having pics of meself during my trip.. bt i guess its more like when u go to some place to live there for a while, its different than going to some place for vacation/work where u want to capture as much memories as u can.. or mayb just to proof that "i was there" XD so the camwhore mode ndada.. and mayb jua coz otw ke sana my camera is still rusak and all i had was this camera from my $99 b-mobile phone wic is so low quality it turns u off even when u r just thinking of taking pics of the surrounding.. :P

the pics im gonna share is just the ones i took @ singapore national zoo.. wow i cant believe i still remember how it was when i first went there dulu back in '95.. even sentosa.. ppl kept saying "oooh theyve change alot already, those places" bt looked the same to me? o_O bt the only thing that kept me from being bored @ the zoo was theres white tiger ^^

cute kan?? XD

menggambar suasana XD :

and my fav of them all :

3 ekor babboon ponders near a waterfall wondering why their ass is pink :P

ok nda caley hehehe.. so.. hrm u can view the rest >>>HERE<<<

enjoy~ XD

Ratu BAG Networks

2007-03-11T20:06:00.000+08:00

Paying homage to the most beautiful Ratu

Netty

and her gallant consort

Amin

Semoga berbahagia ke anak cucu.

300 years in Singapore

2007-03-10T14:54:00.000+08:00

Yes, i stayed in Singapore, if according to Brunei/normal calendar its 1st Feb to 3rd March..

but i tell you. being in Singapore is like being in those kayangan or alam bunian or something that you always see in cerita dongeng.. 1 Brunei day = 10 years there *scared. bites teeth*

ive gotten so old.. you want proof? okay ^^ here goes...

me in January:

when i just got back:

darn... liat tu! abis rambutku...

lol XD nadabah..

awu bah the truth is.. i miss someone soo much yatah mcm 300 tahun rasanya...

peduli apa aku jiwang? asal happy wah :P

ok actually i miss alot about Brunei.. *buang kes*

so yes i cut my hair.. finally.. X/ my soft, long, wavy hair =_= and as u can see aku tarus stroll by the beach the next day i got back... i missed the sound and the feel of the wind.. but when we got home we had this..mcm gigit nyamuk on our feet but its harder and bigger.. apa kan tu? kinda annoying.. abis kakiku X/

anyway as the return day approaches when i was still in Singapore.. i just realised that the whole trip, was yet another realisation of a wish.. thank you Allah for making my wishes comes true.. i wish i can be a better servant than the one now who seems like doing not much to appreaciate just how wonderful the life You've bestowed upon me so far.. and i have to thank my sister for making it possible by sponsoring most of the whole trip ^^

Being in Singapore gave me time to reflect on a lot of things. hopefully will come to good. ^^

photos? actually, i only took photos in the final weeks i was there (since my VAIN camera baru baik) and sorry to say i dont include myself in photos i took.

ok mayb just vain ones i did to check on my hair and stuff ok >.<

tho i did take some good shots @ the national park / zoo. nanti aku upload semua

test

2007-03-10T14:10:00.001+08:00

>.<

Ima

2007-02-26T20:29:00.000+08:00

Yesterday I wondered
Why tomorrow comes
And today I write
my thoughts down

If only now exists
Then where did yesterday go

If only now exists
Why worry about tomorrow

What is the past
When is the future

What of a world that only has now?
Never knowing the years, minutes, and hours
Everyday is today
Today is yesterday
Yesterday is tomorrow
Tomorrow is everyday

If now is the beginning and the end
If now is everything and the only one

What if time is alive
living inside each of us

What if time does not flow
but has always stopped

What would you do?
What stories can you make?
If you only have now

Kejadian-kejadian

2007-02-13T21:37:00.001+08:00

(Events)

It has been weeks since I last did anything here. I still can't access www.blogger.com from my pc. Luckily, I have just remembered that I have Microsoft Live Writer here. YAY. Life is GREAT!

First of all...

Intaniz

has made it past

44 days of

2007

25 days of

1428

الحمد لله

(and for Keryn as well, who survived a car accident @ Tutong one rainy morning last week)

Secondly, what's new?

Here's a list:

Sudoku. Loving it! Try it today: www.websudoku.com
Japanese Language Class @ UBD. Dozo yoroshiku onegaishimasu!
Marriage plans. Teased Awangku, "Bilakan kawin?". Awangku mentioned it to his mom last week, I believe. Next I found myself staring at a gold saree his sister bought for the after nikah ceremony. Uh oh.
Bonus & Holidays. No matter what the hog says, 2007 is going to be Intaniz's!
Valthonis. Tanis Half-Elven is dead. Call me Valthonis, the Exile. (Ok, this is not new. I am still a role play geek :D)

For Marin-chan & her car... GANBATTE KUDASAI!!

Matte iru

2007-02-02T20:51:00.000+08:00

It looks like the year is starting busy. I don't really want to think it is though. I think I've balanced the right amount of hard work and laziness. Hard work at work and the other at home (but I do cheat sometimes, and I'll let you guess where).

I miss lots of stuff, even if I can't really pinpoint what kinds of stuff I miss. Really, I rake my brains for things I wanna do and I can't think of anything. Oh, I have things I 'should' do but I have yet to find what things I 'want' to do. This is different than things that I 'can' do because there are lots of things I can do, just that I don't really wanna do them :p At least, not yet anyway.

Btw, I'm actually waiting for another post before I'll post random stuff about me, but since there isn't any and my life is just so exciting, I decided to post one anyway (It's strange how I can read sarcasm in that). I'm not really into reporting what happens in my life for the world to see, but then I thought 'what the hey'.

I watched Death Note: The Last Name, and I loved it, not gonna spoil of course but... (really, I'll wait til you've seen it). For those who know of my car thing; I'm steadily going through it. Though right now I feel like I should tell those close to me about it, especially on how important it is to me. What do you think? I think I'll feel a lot better if I had some support... Not that I'm strugling or anything, but you know how you sometimes want someone to root for you ^^

I guess everyone's also waiting for the holiday in the next two weeks. I recalled that it's something Demond is looking forward too, and speaking of Demond, nihongo no obenkyou wa dou desuka? Hope it's fun and perhaps we could practice when we meet. Btw, how was the drum(?) thing?

Anyway, just felt like writing that out. Someone to tell my secrets to huh? I think perhaps I should put that MSN new year's resolution in mind.

P.S. The link to the resolution thing is given, just click on the title, perhaps you'll like to see yours ;)

First post of the year

2007-01-05T17:49:00.000+08:00

**I could've thought of a better title, but i dun wanna :p**

I was feeling a bit sluggish this morning, but then I finally got round to actually doing something about it ehe. A nice hot shower managed to wash all the tiredness away :D There's actually things I 'should' do but I decided to rest a bit (read 'a lot') and just relax until, well, maybe until I eat dinner.

So it's farewell to 2006 and welcome to 2007, I think there are lots to look forward to this year. I believe I haven't changed much but I do consider myself an adult now, responsible for all my decisions. It was last year when I finally found my goal in life, it's not much, but it is mine. So, I suppose this year will just be another step in realising my goal ;) I still have much to learn, but then so does everyone else and I find comfort in thinking that I don't have to rush nor be impatient with my progress because I would've said the same to others in the same position as me. I hope everyone else find that something to aim for, and if you still haven't, that's still fine, there are lots of interesting people in their 40s who still don't know what they want in their life (this phrase alone kept me going before I found that something). Ganbatte ne (^o^)/

Bad poem inspired by Terry Prachett's Discworld badness.

2006-12-15T16:49:00.000+08:00

What you see,

really, is half of me,

but the other half me,

is still me,

you see?

I wonder apart from this, how can I be a Discworld character? ;p

Intaniz's favourite 2007 shot

2006-12-11T23:15:00.000+08:00

Click on image to view full

DSLR? Complex Photo stitching program?

NOPE.

It's my trusty Sony Ericsson k800i 3.2 megapixel camera phone and 5 minutes with Adobe Photoshop.

Both phone & pc configuration sponsored by Awangku. Because I'm worth it.

Physically fit weekend & more

2006-12-11T20:27:00.000+08:00

The last few weeks proved to be an active time for BAGs of Fun™ - my company's ECA program. In fact, it had been quite a busy quarter for me as well: organising intra-team orientation program for the new joiners; coordinating training; being a presenter and attending training as well. After all that hard work, it's time for hard play :D.

........................................

I did some community service work with Hadianna at KACA, two fridays ago. Hadee's always been an active popular girl for as long as I can remember. She grew up with me, a part of the rowdy 1996 class's form 1, 2 and 3 'i' back in Maktab Sains.

Hadee playing games with KACA kids

BAGians with KACA kids

EVENT 1: KACA's International Children Day celebration.
FUN RATING: *** (unofficial photographer).
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES: Minimum.
.......................................

I presented for the first time ever at the company's staff meeting at the Marine Centre, Empire Hotel & Country Club last Saturday. (Read news coverage : Brunei Times) I was so nervous that I got told off when I bugged Nora and told her not to be karau while being an MC. >.<. Hah. I did lose a lot of my earlier reservations (and prolly made a fool of myself) and was very kiasu as the group leader (read: ulun) of the Duck team during the team building session. QUACK QUACK YEAH!

Ps/ Will insert photos later. It's currently downloading at 1kb/s on msn messenger from Awangku.

EVENT 2: DECEMBER's STAFF MEETING.
FUN RATING: **** 1/2 (-1 because we have to rush home to prepare for the Brunei's Marathon 2006 the next day).
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES: HIGH
........................................

Despite the hu ha about the event, I actually enjoyed the Brunei Marathon 2006. The GM aka my secret crush actively endorses fitness related activities and this year, once again sponsored the entire company to join the Fun Runner category - we had great fun last year during the Shahbandar challenge. Despite staying at the Sheraton, I nearly missed the marathon due to the Empire's fun the afternoon before. Either that or the big dinner I had in my room :D.

Food: Magnificent view isn't it?

The scary view of a half dead exhausted HR analyst after tarik kalat.
Tapi sampat posing ;p.

Luckily, Fetty's phone call at 5.53 AM woke me up. Lina and me rushed to get ready and immediately joined the Fun Runner procession infront of the Royal Regalia's Building with Hjh Kasmah who participated with her husbands and kids.

Sunrise at Bandar Seri Begawan

Red faced Intaniz & her medal

Intaniz & Lina clinging to each other after marathon ;)

When we completed the 5.5 km fun run - walking most of the way - we joined the rest of the BAGians for a late breakfast. The menu was delicious Nasi lemak with rendang meat and fried chicken. Sigh. I think I lost 2 kilogram of weight and gained it back promptly that day.

And to wrap up the weekend, Lina and I was at Cantik Spa Sheraton Utama. I had the most heavenly aromatherapy massage while Lina soaked in milk bath. It was a perfect ending :)

EVENT 3: BRUNEI MARATHON.
FUN RATING: *** (overslept, but +1).
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES: Medium. Flat road - walk in the park.

After the rain

2006-12-10T09:51:00.001+08:00

...a rainbow will appear.

Hidden History = 8 December 1962

2006-12-08T22:48:00.000+08:00

The gloomy weather yesterday triggered Babah's nostalgia mood. Driving home in the rain, while worried me texting Awangku to take care and baca-baca (pray), Babah suddenly spoke, "Isuk, hari dalam Sejarah yang orang inda tahu." When Zaim asked him what was the big deal about tomorrow, he sighed.

It was a tale of hunger, of terror and extreme helplessness to the situation. I was as small as Naufal, Babah reminisced. He did not remember much, just sketchy details and rumours that his mother, Nini Amas told him- that the country was under attack by bad guys, who were probably japanese soldiers. What he remembered most was the gnawing hunger, and he was given only water for days to fill his stomach. No one went to work; the waterways in Kampung Ayer empty from padians peddling their wares in their little sampans. Orang darat (Land people) were lucky, he sighed, because there were ubi kayu to munch. Cheekily I told him that he could have fish but this was lost to him.

Lastly, he said, when it all ended, he remembered the joy of seeing a padian paddling her sampan ladened with ambulung and tahai and ubi kayu. "Sekarang ani sanang, nasi katok ada berjurit bejual", he smiled, ending his tale.

Do you know what today is?

There was a girl who was in Bali...

2006-12-08T16:59:00.000+08:00

I was awake long before the alarm I set the night before went off, my excitement of the coming day acting as an internal wake-up call. It was my fourth day in Bali, and the third day of the Asean Journalist Visit Progamme Phase III, of which I was one of the two representatives from Brunei Darussalam.

I had been looking forward to this day, the sight-seeing leg of the programme. The previous days had been filled with visits to media centres - the Bali Post headquarters, the Televisi Republik Indonesia Denpasar and the Radio Republik Indonesia, where we went live on air - and a full-day broadcasting and multimedia expo, and while I enjoyed them tremendously, I was also itching to see more of this magical island than the insides of offices and convention centres.

By half past eight all twenty-odd members of our group, including the organisers of the event and our faithful bus driver, who manouvered the massive tourist bus along narrow streets with the precision of a Formula-1 driver rounding the bends at the racetrack, were gathered in the lobby. There was a new face though, grinning at us as we boarded the bus in files.

I sat next to Xayxhana, a fellow journalist from Lao PDR, and he would be my bus mate for the rest of the day. Around us, representatives from other Asean countries - except Singapore, which had not been able to spare its reporters, and Vietnam, whose two delegates have departed for their homecountry that very morning - settled into their seats. The newcomer, large and splendid in his garb, which was livened by traditional touches to his outfit - a yellow headgear, a patterned sarong fashioned around his waist, far shorter than those of a woman's, and a kemboja flower behind an ear - also boarded, and he stationed himself at the front of the bus.

``Good morning, ladies and gentlemen of Asean,'' he boomed. ``Welcome to Bali. I am your guide for today. My name is Gede - in the Indonesian dialogue, that means `large' or `big', for I have always been a big person.'' He flashed a white grin that was blinding in his dark face, and I realised that the people of Bali were as much an attraction to the tourists that flock there as was everything else on the island.

We set off finally on our tour, listening as Gede listed the names of the streets we passed, the buildings and the interesting landmarks, his baritone voice almost crooning as he told us the history and the events related to such places. Our first stops were to be the first and second bomb sites, and I was excited and apprehensive at the same time. I had an aversion to morbidity and certainly looking forward to laying eyes on the site of so many deaths was morbid.

The first bomb attack in Bali occurred on 12 October 2002, an event that has since been referred to as the Black October. Two nightclubs were affected, right in Kuta, not far from where we ourselves we staying in the Ramayana Resort and Spa. When we arrived, what we saw was a devastated lot on one side, locked by a metal gate but open to view by all who wanted to look. On either side, buildings still stood, which made the abandoned lot all the more desolate.
On the other side of the road, a monument stood which lists the date and event of Black October, and all the names of those who had perished. I did pose in front of the monument, with several others. But when I look through my pictures, I realise that nobody is smiling. And perhaps those pictures where we were all somberly staring at the camera is a fitting tribute to those who are lost, because by our expressions, we were making a statement that we were only here, the monument bearing the names of the dead was there, because of wrong choices and malice, and that we wished that it was not so.

The second bomb site took place in an idyllic seaside setting in Jimbaran, quite a drive away from Kuta, where a row of restaurants still stand today, offering diners delicious seafood cuisine and local dishes, as they had before the attack. No signs of the tragedy remained, the devastation wiped away by the coastal elements as they did everything else. As we stood in the exact spot where the bombs killed dozens as they dined outside, under the stars and near the waves, the sand under their feet, there was nothing left to remind those who came to pay tribute to them. There was nothing there that said, ``This place was victimised, and here people were killed.''

After Jimbaran, our tour bus wound its way up a steep hill, past several disntictively-Bali looking houses and several dry patches of farmlad. "The farmers here are waiting for rain to come," our guide said, ever perceptive of the questions in our minds as we took in the surroundings.

Jalan Uluwatu eventually ended in a parking lot, and a short walk took us to the entrance of Pura Uluwatu, a 10th century cliffside temple, said to be one of Bali's kayangan jagat or directional temples. At the entrance of the temple ground, we donned yellow ceremonial sashes as a sign of respect, and those with shorts or skirts had to put on a sarong. We were also warned to take off our ornaments - watches, earrings, glasses - anything that could be snatched by the monkeys that populated the temple grounds.

Another short walk down a sloping hillside took us to the heart of the Pura Uluwatu. "Shupak," our guide called to one of the Cambodian delegates. He pointed to the blue, blue sea stretched out in front of us. "You said want to go to Australia? Australia's in that direction, you can swim clear across from here."

Rather than going up directly to the temple, a group of us decided to explore a side path for photo opportunities. The trail overlooked the ocean and the surfbreak, and many clicks of the camera captured the coastal panaroma.

Monkeys of all sizes lay in wait for us, leaping out from the bushes at intervals. We bribed them with peanuts and mangoes sold on the compound and posed for pictures warily, constantly on the lookout for simian presence. The path eventually petered out, but it was a good walk, and we had plenty of scenic shots of the temple from this vantage point.

Eventually we made our way up the stone steps and onto the main temple courtyard, where we peered into the temple compounds through the locked gates. The camera came out again and was put to use. I found it hard to describe then what I saw, and find it hard even know to put down words to convey the scenery. Perhaps the pictures I took, of the cliffs and the waves that lapped the rocky shores, the trees, the signs that thanked people for not littering, would do more justice, but I doubt I have a greater mastery of photography than I do of words.

After Pura Uluwatu we headed to the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park, which we had passed earlier on the way to temple. The park seemed deserted, but upon closer inspection it was the vastness of the area rather than lack of people that gave it that impression. The main grounds were occupied by shops, lonely and lacking activity, and two men who brought out their pet boa snake and offered to take our pictures with it. I had a feel of the reptile's scales, but that was as far as I would go. I didn't want to spend the whole day smelling like a snake.

The centerpiece of the park is the towering statue of Wisnu, one of the Hindu deities. It was an ardous climb to reach the statue, but worth it. The view of the surroundings - we could even see as far as the beach, and the bay! - was spectacular. Wisnu towered over us, calm and solemn he seemed. Nearby the mythical giant bird Garuda's looks off somewhere to the side, its stone gaze eternally staring at something in the distance.

We stayed long enough to wander around the park amphitheater, a spacious arena carved out of the surrounding hillsides and surrounded by limestone pillars. It is regularly used for various outdoor functions, including weddings, corporate dinners and concerts. We had lunch in an airy restaurant where the food was good, the decor elegant. I enjoyed the setting and the company of my Asean friends.

Our final destination, after much meandering and several shopping stops, was the Tanah Lot seaside temple, where we were to view the sunset before heading back to the hotel. One of the most popular tourist attractions in Bali, the temple was indeed crawling with visitors. Before reaching the entrace we had to pass through long rows of small shops selling the standard tourist fares. Those of us who still had plenty of money and the will to negotiate zeroed in on them immediately.

The rest of us went directly to the temple entrance. The temple itself remained out of view until we descended a set of stairs, and around the bend we finally saw it. It was breathtaking, standing as it was at the edge of the shoreline, like an image out of a Lara Croft movie. Although tourists were not allowed to enter the temple, I saw many of them approach it, and stood at the base, at least.

I posed for a few pictures with the temple in the background, and then we went up to higher ground, where a cliff outcrop provided more photo opportunities. Finally, exhausting our capacity to take pictures and pose in them, we found a hut in which to sit, and look, and rest, and wait for the sun to set.

There were some surfers below us, energetically catching wave after wave. Being from Brunei, where surfing had never caught on, it was a novel sight for me. Far off, another building was perched at the edge of the cliff, another temple perhaps though I could not be certain.
Sunset came finally, spectacularly. I could not say how it was different from sunset in Brunei, but it was. The sun was bigger here, so I fancied. It was peaceful. I glanced over to where the Tanah Lot temple was, and from my perch at the cliff the tourists below looked like miniature people. There seemed to be more tourists nearer the temple than before, but they were all facing the horizon, as I was. Watching as the sun made its grand exit for the day, the sound of the waves a fitting soundtrack for the spectacle.

It was dark when our bus pulled out of the parking lot. I was not exhausted, but there was something nagging at me which I sought to explain, but did not know how. It was my faithful bus mate who provided the answer, and it was a simple one, but profound.

Xay was watching the passing scenery. Nighttime Bali was different, but it was no less beautiful. Mysterious and seductive, it offered entertainment, and fun, and a good time, while cloaking in the darkness all the things that defined the island during the day - the busy hum of the people as they went about their routine, the colours of the flowers, the offerings that littered everywhere.

``Are you tired?'' I asked him, for Xayxhana was being too quiet. He turned to me, a smile luminating his face. ``No.'' Then as my eyes drifted from his face to the scene outside the window, as always riveted by all thing Bali, his voice pulled me back. ``I feel happy.''

Useless but scary FACT

2006-12-07T10:56:00.000+08:00

Why I think e-Government initiatives in Brunei requires SUPREME ULTIMATE heroics effort:

'Nuff said

Useless Link: Bruneian PMB (Penilaian Menengah Bawah-Lower Secondary Exam) Result 2006 (coz you've prolly seen it already and I don't know anyone close who sat for it)

This post is mirror in http://kawan.rim3y.net. The Demond agrees too.

Intaniz

2006-12-07T00:25:00.000+08:00

stands for

Intan and Izham,

of course.

Awangku wrote me my very first love letter (and his last love letter), 2 days before my birthday, 10 years ago. He still keeps it with him- because I asked him to. We don't need to call/text each other because we see each other everyday anyway. The only thing missing is prolly a platinum ring on my index finger and the ability to snugglesh against each other's warmth every night. Soon, insyAllah, amin. :)

Awangku is in Manila now, though

Thanks to modern technology, nothing separates us except of 1 269.89 km of landmass and seas, and 3 days of lunching alone. Meanwhile, Dayang awaits her Awangku.

Google Brunei - sakai mode

2006-12-05T09:06:00.000+08:00

Brunei di persada dunia :)

Not that I would have noticed if I did not see it on my colleague's nick. I'm using Google Bar - just type in the search:

Izum's Monday Mornings.

2006-12-04T11:28:00.000+08:00

Heard this song while parking the car at the office.

original: Chamillionaire - Ridin Dirty,

what i actually heard was: Weird Al Yankovic - White and Nerdy

the lyrics.

wiki: about the song & himself.

the video.

p/s. i'm too lazy to look for the audio, so just look around. ;)

--------

Edit: Intaniz added the video embedded :)

Sunday morning lecture

2006-12-03T08:39:00.000+08:00

Eggfty whispered-sang 'I want to sleep' to the tune of Linkin Park's somewhere I belong. DJ yawned non-stop. I just fill in smileys while the teacher spent 40 minutes of roll call. If we come later than 815, we have to sit on the aisle or at the teacher's table.

Testing with Microsoft LiveWriter beta

2006-11-30T16:03:00.000+08:00

Hi Rimey! I got it working!

Yayayayayaayyyy.

Rimey is my best office buddy. ~~I haven't got a photo of him.~~

I stole this piccie from his friendster.

He's very rare because not only he's a tech genius and a kewl guy, but he's one of the very few guys that can have a heart to heart with me. We have this 'special' relationship in office where I get to bug him whenever I am bored and he gets to bug me whenever he's bored. And that is the true meaning of office buddy. Hehehe.

A lifetime of learning and ranting

2006-11-26T21:44:00.000+08:00

...................................................................................................

[Mini Recognition Corner]

I just realised that I wrote Shakh Rukh Khan instead of Shah Rukh Khan in my post about Death Note. It is prolly a subconscious crush or something for the man who signed my paycheck. I guess that makes him my Man of the Month. Specially after the paycheck that he signed was credited to my account yesterday and made my heart thumped erratically when I saw the balance.
Hmm, I imagine going up to him tomorrow and exclaiming, "Mr. Shakh, you make my heart goes 'doog daag'!".
Hehehe... Mamposh.

...................................................................................................

Now that I killed my career by having a secret crush on the numero uno of my organisation, let me enlighten you all of the wonderful life that I am living.

Randomly, I am still over the moon with Awangku's white box gift. It's pretty amazing how a simple stuff can make a girl happy for over a week. Sappily, but ikhlasly, Awangku, I love you(r cake and everything you are, really, I promise) and thank you sooo much. :D

Secondly, I also would like to thank Mr IB the Incompetent B4st4rd who sat with me this week for the experience. Pretty amazing to see such big mouth in action who only knows how to talk and direct but can't prepare sheit. Imagine having a lecturer who marks your Java programming assignment, but have no idea what object oriented is.

By the way, as a general advice to all, even if you did get an A1 in English O'level like me 5 years ago, please do still use the f7 function in Word when you're preparing a document at work. A report is not like blogging, and yes, surprisingly, accuracy is also criteria marked in the performance appraisal. No wonder I never get a 5/5 - bangangness is an infectious disease rupanya.

Thirdly, my brain is on the overdrive mode this week. Starting from Friday this week, I had to sit through 2 days of Leadership tutorial masquerading as HR Administration (Advanced) training at OGH. I have a report yet to prepare regarding it, so I won't rant much about it now. However, I would like to observe that OGH is a very weird cheapo hotel owned by some pehin minister whose staff prolly never heard of the concept Hospitality Management. Heck, they don't even have a single IT literate staff who can configure their own BENQ projector. Luckily, a certain IT savvy individual, ehem, Dayang S Intan, was there helped set up and configure the trainer's laptop and projector.

It's bad to stereotype, as I read (and agreed to a certain extent) in BlogSpeak by the famous brubloggette Maurina this week, but WHY OH WHY is it that most Malay Bruneian owned restaurant/hotel/business is SO much in need of Service Management/Customer training. Orang Gila Hotel, for example, had a noisy industrial type vacuum running outside a training room while the training is taking place. The marker pen the Hotel provided had dried out. Annajah, the training provider, had a timid girl as training coordinator who whispered announcement and ran off without making sure anything was OK. Bank Idiot Bodoh Dungu atm's cash withdrawal displayed that there no service after you have queued, inserted the card, entered your pin, checked your balance, then input amount of cash to be withdrawn. WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE?!

On the other hand, I am impressed by Redza Driving School. (Yes, I am finally getting a driving license after all these years being a princess) If not by the comfort of the lecture class that I attended early this morning, but by the instructor herself. I learnt from CMMI standard at BAG Networks - that whenever you create a document, the first section should always include an objective or purpose. If you talk to my manager Dave during work hours, he would always state the goal/objective of the meeting. Macam kebiasaan orang Melayu Islam bah, before undertaking anything, recite Bismillah to remind you that your task on that day is for Allah, and also for you to improve your life to be able to serve Him better.

So I knew I was in safe hands when hearing the first question she asked us - what is the objective of the you getting a driving license?. I also like the answer, Untuk menaikkan taraf mutu kehidupan sosial dengan adanya keupayaan dan kebebasan untuk bergerak or something like that, loosely translated as "To improve your social quality with your ability and freedom to be mobile." Malay is a very poetic language, and I seldom get to hear proper Malay in my daily course of work. Dayang Khamsiah is a very impressive person. (and a very formidable woman. You should hear/see her swears. Especially about JPD and their graduates officers who have master degrees but refused to acknowledge those who have experience and skills. Now I know how "Mun paham bisai" come to existense).

I am also impressed by a little Nursery stall at Hua Ho Mall basement run by a sweet lady called Kak Noor. Yes! People, now I have not one, but two animal-eating plant. YAY. On a impulse, I bought some orchid plant from me mom to add to her jungle downstairs. Not to one self, must blog about it soon. Now I have something common with Terry Pratchett, the Headology creator. Too bad I don't have his sense of humour >.<.

I've been trying to post photos of my animal-eating plant but blogger is just not showing anything. Oh well, bukan tah rezeki kamu tu. :D

Why I love being where I am...

2006-11-22T17:59:00.000+08:00

Two weeks ago I went to Tungku beach to watch the sunrise and Mercury's transit. Hours later I was in the palace where two heads of state met.

Last week, I was in Bali, being charmed off my pants by the sights, sounds and people of the island.

Yesterday, I attended a meeting where heads of statistical bureaus in Asean and international statistical bodies met to discuss statistical matters.

This afternoon, I had tea with the tallest and the shortest men in the world (according to their manager and promoter) and their crew.

These are only a few reasons why...

I love my job

White box tied with a single gold ribbon

2006-11-21T06:25:00.000+08:00

...is what Awangku handed to me during lunch yesterday.

I've got this the funny/deja vu feeling that's prolly triggered after hearing Effty wanting something about buying baju kurung katok that are delivered to the house tissue wrapped in a white box. A white box is an elegant & mysterious entity and it definitely symbolizes a romantic gift.

And it turns out to be a small white box tied with a single gold ribbon with triple layered cake with Hazelnut Nutela as filling and a chocolate rice on top.

It IS a romantic gift after all. :)

BaLi-KiSseD

2006-11-20T22:23:00.000+08:00

Amazing. Wonderful. Exhilarating. Beautiful.

When all else fails...

2006-11-19T15:27:00.000+08:00

...there's always you. Or in this case, me. I am a sister, daughter, girlfriend, analyst/kuli-kang/maniacal boss, blogger, anti-social girl gamer. (Scratch that, anti-social everything. It's the time of the month, you see). To illustrate:

No cats were harmed in the production of this pretty (scary) montage. All webcam shoots taken at a cubicle in a moment of morning madness, except for the last one, where the pink flowery pillow clearly indicate the person knew whatever the hell she was doing.

I am also hungry. Hmm.

I cannot find anything worth blogging. At least, I am under the impression that my life is too varied, too interesting, too short to blog. And no, I'm not being cycnical. There are just too many things to do, too little time to spend typing away. Besides, I typed from 8-5 and beyond, 5 times a week. By the way, have you seen the view outside? Too gorgeous to describe. I can smell the sea. The haze is gone. Here's a reminder of the ~~rainy~~hazy day. You people, go out already!

Candid Caryn

I can feel it already, the salty wind of Pantai Jerudong, the cool warmth (oxymoron!) of Bruneian sunset.

Alternatively, you can stay where you are right now and you can either (a) blog nonsense, like me, or (b) have your opera window open and starting reading blogs, like me. Here's a few: Intaniz(eh that's me) // Zeti // Rano // KING // Hanisah // AnakBrunei

Ps. This is a filler, in anticipation of Keryn's post of her BT assignment to Bali. I owe her lunch, and she owes me girl talk.

Ps. ps. I think I am taking my advice. Dressing up and getting ready for the Pantai Jerudong trip before rendezvous at Pizza Hut. Or maybe even Fratini's. Maybe I'll blog about it. Maybe my sibs would.

Death Note & Thoughts on Manga from Japan to the West to Brunei.

2006-11-12T14:12:00.000+08:00

BEWARE: LONG POST

Death Note Movie Poster. L looks like he's hungry for Raito's apple :D

Sera-chan texted me a few days ago that the big screen adaptation of Death Note manga is playing at the Mall Cineplex. I was not so excited about it because the lead actor is Tatsuya Fujiwara, who to me, has as much acting skill as Shakh Rukh Khan- Semi good look and a tendency to ham when it comes to emotional scenes. Plus, he's too cute to become a mad killer- it's his toothy grin you see. However, I trust Sera-chan's instinct since My Super Ex-Girlfriend. :D. It was a fun fun night for all.

I made the mistake of booking 5 tickets and asking Sera-chan later. Awangku is not partial to movies that do not have car explosion- having the attention span of a hamster. So i dragged along Effty, Liilah and Dijah. Poor Jazzu groaned with the weightload of an average 80kg per seat. Hehehe...

Death Note the movie turned out to be a pleasant surprise. It is clearly a Death Note reader/fan movie but it is, in my opinion, more likeable compared to other comic book adaptation. It has more story (though quite cerebral) than say, Hell Boy. Plus, it features not one, but TWO long legged bishonen geniuses, definitely better than a blind laywer in red tight suit.

I spent 2 hours surfing for nice pictures of these sexy bishies. Then I wasted another half an hour making this simple poster:

L and Raito. Yumm. Sera-chan this is for you :D
(Click for larger version)

Links: Death Note wiki :: Death Note movie: Official Japanese Site :: Death Note movie Review at LoveHkFilm.com :: Death God (Fan site)

I have been a fan of manga and anime ever since Sera-chan thrust a Sailormoon tankoubon to my face one boring Ugama school afternoon. I remember staring at one page of Sailormoon and thinking, this is not comic, these are raw sketches! To my untrained eye, a girl who is used to the likes of Malaysian comic Gila-gila -typically with no broken lines and no colouring beyond the line- japanese comics looked exactly like their writing, strokes upon strokes of black slashes that amazingly formed sketches of personality and scenario. It's not a matter of rejecting, it is more like wearing a jeans when all this while you have been wearing silk baju kurung. What a delightful discovery!

My exposure to manga and anime, hence Japanese culture (though severely limited to young adult perspective), has been greatly influenced by fan translated manga and fan sub anime that are available exclusively on MiRC channels. Interesting to note also is the fact that these groups are founded/created by Non-Asians in America and Europe. Not so surprising because the chinese translated manga are available so freely in the Bruneian market. What amazes me is the details that are available from each fan translated manga.

For example, to casual comic reader and to the world in general, Sailormoon is just another mini skirted sailor suited superheroeines in heels, complete with teenage alter ego.

However, when you scroll down to the last page of the fan scanlation you'd get all this amazing details of Japanese culture. In fact this was how I learnt anything Japanese. Fun eh? Who says comic are for kids and mindless entertainment only. :D.

Ps. I am being attacked by Awangku who's demanding his rights to sustenance lovingly prepared by his other half. ;p. Catch ya guys later.

Anak dara si Rani

2006-11-07T17:17:00.000+08:00

Just picked this up from the Studio. The female half of the family (+2).

(Back L-R) Liilah, Effty, Kirin, DJ, bIntanG
(Front) Dad, Zirah, Mom

The Deadline Dance

2006-10-30T19:05:00.000+08:00

The office opus, begins
Mad pianists of words
Typing furiously, passionately

Murmurs and hushes
Signal the grand dissection
Of Ideas, of Events, of Beliefs

The fluid rush of pressing keys
A familiar and comforting aria
In the workplace opera

Weary workplace actors
Gather the elixir of life and
Future’s currency

… in their hands
And in the fingers that dance furiously
Over the keyboard stage

Running, uneven
Like the insistent hum of rain
Ceasing, the storm’s passed

The page has turned
Another in its place
Infinitely, the magic in fingers contained

New Ideas, new Events, new Beliefs
The discoveries of new
Textual choreographies

Back to the symphony

Sleeping babies

2006-10-19T20:44:00.000+08:00

Tadi aku bekirim ikan terubuk bakar -siasiapun- because I know mom and Effty will definitely be buying stuff for sungkai at the pasar malam.

When mom got back home, she was apologising profusely because she'd forgotten it. I was going to pull of my anak bunga tubuh's manja attack, but my sister quickly showed me some candid shots of my sibs. Tarus sadar, diri atu 24 tahun udah. Hehehe.

Nabil. The second youngest in the family, and also the most spoilt one.
Don't be fool by his cuteness, he's your typical hi energy boy who watches reruns of Jurassic Park every day.

Naufal, 12th & youngest. When he turns 20 I'm going to be 40. -.-

Bwoh, they're awake!
Kiut brabis ni durang ani. They're both afraid of spiders, but watches movies of giant spiders eating human just about everyday. Mom calls it shock therapy.

Youngest kaka, Zirah, the 9th.
A better driver than I could ever be.

Someone once asked me what is it like to be in such a huge family. I did not remember what I answered but looking back, it gave us thick skin, and taught me especially how to make sacrifices. We're still far from having a 'normal' family, but we're managing. I love the tv show Malcolm in the Middle because I can relate to having a somewhat dysfunctional family. I can relate to Malcolm's humiliation when his crush organised a food drive after she discovered he has been eating egg shells for lunch. We had hit rock bottom before- I remember having nothing but fried rice season with maggie chilli ketchup. I hate that sauce to this day. :). See Awangku? That's why I love mayo. Give me mayonnaise anytime, because there was a time when eggs were luxury items in my house. Mayo is like tuna belly to me.

It's quite funny and so orang putih when people say "sh*t happens". It's so funny that is unexpectedly true because when thing were just looking fine, it happened. Like trusting a female member of Dad's family - who ran off with tens of thousands of dollar of co sign loan. Sigh. I remember running into her daughter, Ani, who looked me with so much hatred because my mom, dared to scream at the woman who made BIBD cleans every single cent in my dad's bank account every single payday until 2007. Not this ramadhan, until ever, will that family be qualified to be of any relation to me, nor earn my forgiveness. Nda ja, Ti?

Wah, I did not mean to show my dark side. Habislah my image. Maybe I should have left out the depressing part, because I also learnt there are some people who enjoys picking on scabs. It's a crazy world out there. Be it Bruneian or whatever, Malay or Chinese or Pinoy, Muslim or Buddhist, wearing hijab or not, UBD students or British educated, they all can inflict the same level of distress through their own unique backstabbing technique. Good intentions, bad channel? Or just excuses to pick a fight? I will never find out, it seems. Jangan tah terasa nah.

It's a scary crazy hazy world. Alhamduliilah Nabil and Naufal is still sleeping. Don't worry dearest, Kaka will still cuddleash you close and look after you when you sleep on my lap again next time.

The pain of being a woman

2006-10-17T13:52:00.000+08:00

Last Sunday I set out to tame my unruly mane.

Last year, I did it at HaiRock at the Mall - they charged me BND 100 for rebonding and additional BND 45 for hair colour. HaiRock is okay, but the environment is not for those who like to be pampered.

The result?

Intaniz 2005

Awangku liked it, so whatever your comments are, it'll just be like whistling wind amongst the bamboo trees. XD

I curled it on the first day of raya.

Intaniz Raya 2005

And these are my evil twins Intan Ella and Intan Putri. ;p.

An-2s. Hehehe

This year, I decided to ~~burn money~~go for class at the infamous Alan Inspiration Salon Bruneian chain. Click here for Kenny Sia's very funny review of Kuching's Alan salon and Ranodidas review of the Bruneian one here.

I lost BND 190 for rebonding using Shiseido product (just because). I also spent 5 hours of sitting torture with the hairstylist tugging and pulling my hair. Sakittt. I even had a McD Double Cheeseburger for sungkai while my hair is being ironed by 2 hair stylists. I brought Awangku, and nasib jua I booked a VIP room and plugged in my ps2 for a dash of Final Fantasy goodness.

The next day I forked out an extra BND 105 (that's after 30% discount yo!) for highlights. I can feel the scorch on my palms even right now. Another boring 3 hours torture - this time without the ps2. :(. Awangku was kicking Wolvern asses with my ps2 at home but he sweetened the deal by paying for sungkai at the Seasons. I wub my ♥Awangku♥.

The result? Tunggu lah for my Hairy Raya photo post in a week's time. Heheheheee....

Good bye Dani.

2006-10-16T08:52:00.000+08:00

Innalillahiwainnaillaihirajiuun.

Firman Allah s.w.t. yang bermaksud:
"Setiap jiwa akan merasai kematian"
Surah Al-Anbiya : ayat 35

Semoga roh Awang Muhammad Dani Akmal dicucuri rahmat ALLAH S.W.T

dan semoga kita semua redha atas pemergiannya.

Untuk Dani dan semua yang telah pergi.

AL FATIHAH

School antics

2006-10-14T12:49:00.000+08:00

He he he, he he he, today was, he he he. I was glad with how I handled the day, I was strangely calm for some reason. I might need to warn you though, the story I'm about to tell you is gory and icky, so for those weak hearted, I suggest that you read no further.

Now, for those brave enough, or curious enough (or, i advise you against this, bored enough - there are better things out there to read) I welcome you and implore you to keep secret what you are about to read.

DISCLAIMER: I will deny having any part in this, so don't even bother wasting your breath :p

It started ordinarily enough, I was killing time to (as Keryn put it) put an edge to the work I was supposed to hand in that morning. I was reading wikipedia, searching for manga reviews and watching the anime I downloaded. I thought that it was time to get serious when I saw that it was already 3am in the morning.

I decided to go to sleep. I had my sahur and only after then did I work on completing my work. I did it with only a few minutes over the time limit ( I was supposed to start getting ready at 6am).

Yadda yadda, and there I was at school, a bit late but my homeroom was also having my subject first so I didn't really have to hurry. I took my time to make sure that I had what I needed, took the attendance and register file and went to class with about 5 minutes before the first lesson start. The back door was locked, so I had to carry my stuff, a lot of stuff, around the staff room building to go to my form room. I saw a fellow teacher along the way and said the usual morning greeting.

I arrived at my class, my students said the usual greeting and I gave the usual reply. Then, I went to my table and put down my stuff. It was then that I noticed something strange. Will you guess what it is?

Could it be... a) I discovered a big hole at the back of my class? b) I was wearing different shoes? c) I forgot that my class was on duty and ruined the morning assembly? or d) I tried to talk but lost my voice?

Which one did you pick?

Ready to know the answer?

Am I ready to give you the answer?

Tune in next time for the exciting conclusion... teng teng teng

Yeah right, as if I'll keep you in suspense.

The answer? None of the above :p Now, let's read what really happened.

One of my five senses was disturbed. My sense of smell. Mind you, my nose is quite blocked from last week's cold so I wasn't in my peak. So imagine, my dear readers, how strong the smell could have been that it permeated through my blocked nose. At first I thought they must have been throwing in the fertilizers again. I saw that one of my students had already covered her nose with a handerchief, but then I realised that she was just having a cold as were some others in the class. My poor students, I understand how troublesome a cold can be.

As I was unpacking my stuff, I made a discovery. It was my sense of touch that was troubled next. I felt something gooey at my right side. What could it be I wonder and so I looked. My eyes were not prepared for the sight:- some slimy, jelly, brown goop had attached itself to my right side. It was then that I discovered that its reach went far beyond just my clothes, it had gotten to my bag (which I found out later was where it started), and on some of my books. Luckily, the students' books were not harmed.

Oh, did I mention it was the same goop that was producing the smell? Yes, that's right. I thought something **** on me. What else could it be right? But then, I did wonder (amazing that I find it curious) how something could make that _big_ of a mess. Surely, no bird could be that big?

But I had no time to delay. I was smelly and well, not flattering at all. I couldn't very well leave the class, I had a mission to stay in class when I'm supposed to. The students were not allowed to be there without someone supervising them. I decided that first I should get rid of the brown jelly goop. I took my tissues and just start wiping and throwing the used tissues in the rubbish bin just outside the class. I asked some of my students if there were any cloth in class. I thought that I could get some of them to get me some water on a piece of cloth. We didn't have any. So I had to make do with the tissues. I got most of the goop off (from my baju, my bag, the teachers' table and the books), leaving only a big stain and sadly the smell. Then, I went through with the lesson, staying in front of the class in the hopes that I won't spread the smell around. At times I would go back and wipe off any remaining goop I could see, throwing the tissues I used in the aforementioned rubbish bin. Note that I'm still calm though all this.

After one hour, class was over and I could finally leave. I remind you again that my nose was blocked. So while I was trying my best to stay as far away from the students as possible, I couldn't do much about their own abilty to smell. However, they were being such angels about it. Not one of them said a word about what happened. They continued with their work and were learning as usual. So so sweet <3>kesian. She also said that if it was her, she would've killed the cat next they meet. I didn't have time for those thoughts, my priority was to get cleaned and to rid of the smell. I had to make about a half a dozen trips to the toilet to clean my desk.

After I'm done, I went to dry my clothes by one of the many fans in the staff room. I only had to do one more trip to get rid of the gook from my right sleeve, which i missed.

Anyway, I just thought the whole thing was interesting. What about you? I welcome any theories you might have. Until next time!(^o^;)/

Ramadhan kali ini, aku tidak berlapar lagi...

2006-10-14T04:46:00.000+08:00

Written somewhat still groggily after sahur at exactly 440AM. Expect either an extremely short post or a long rambling pointless ones, like always.

The most difficult trial this Ramadhan is not eating, or not not eating. It is not having your little sibs (or big little sibs yg uzur) prance in the room with a nice cold lolly on an extra hot day - heck that's childstuff. But when they start coming in with a jug of plain water and start taking great gulp of the nice, cold watery goodness, followed with a huge satisfied gasp "Aah!", bah, they're in for a quick shout. Dangar tu twerps? Go away. Just. Go. Away.

Still that is not the worse tribulation in Ramadhan. I also managed conquered my impulse to make frequent trips to the pantry at work, and the bad habit of licking spilt gravy goody on my fingers while mengaut makanan. I resist that on the first day of puasa. I also mournfully missed the act of glomping the little big daddiness Awangku for reasons I don't need to mention here or anywhere decent. Hehehe.

Not bad huh? I might just go through Ramadhan unscathed this year with no big '0' on my puasa list we have posted on the family bulletin board. (ops, got some already due to fever. ouch.)

Jadinya, my dear readers would say, apa tah yang teruknya puasa kan?

I digress, the most difficult thing in Ramadhan is sleep, or to be more accurate, sleep deprivation. I am one of the few people cursed with the need to have at least 8 hours of sleep every day. Yup, I am prolly the only 24 year old in Brunei who has to go to bed by 10 to wake up functioning the next day. In fact, I am wasting precious time here click clacking on the keyboard instead of catching some serious snore.

And to prove my point, I am going NOW to my plump flowery pillows's embrace and I will do serious editing tomorrow. Or the next day. Or never. At least until I have enough sleep.

Watch this space.

Zzzzzz......

Count my blessings (^3^)

2006-10-12T15:23:00.000+08:00

DISCLAMER: This is not a work of fiction not. Any similarities to an actual living person are purely not coincidental not.

Since there's a rule which states that you call for that which you concentrate on most, I'm going to think about how well today went and concentrate on the well-ness of it :P

(as a side note, I'm not assuming you all agree with this rule or even believe it, it's just is. I'm not setting it up for debate or anything >.<;)

Onward to the list :-

I'm almost done with the paper I'm doing.
I'm completely healed now.
It seems like I'm not really the only teacher who thinks teaching is not always fun, so for that I'm glad I can relate and emphatise.
My friends want to spend time with me, and with that as proof, there is still so much I have to offer to the world.
It will soon be Raya, which means that I'm getting closer to this year's finish line and that also means I'll only have a few more teaching days to go for this year.
I have a job, that's a good thing, no wait, I have salary, yes, _that's_ the good thing =D
I'm already thinking on how to improve the situation instead of dwelling on what happened (and that's good, right?)
Truthfully, I don't really think they're bad, just, how do you say this... young, i guess.
I love Death Note!

Anyway, the rest of list is just shameless self-flaterry, hehe , and thus I'll spare you from reading it ;P

*Breathes out* I feel better now. I just remembered that my goal is beyond this. It's true that having a long term and short term goal can help, depending on the situation. Since my short term goal was stressing me, focusing on what my long term goal is helps put things in perspective. Vice versa if it's the long term goal that overwhelmed me.

Funny how it turned out. From the girl who don't know what to do with her life to one who finally has a plan. It's not much of a plan, but it's more than what my teenaged self could have imagined.

I used to just stay in the background and quite uninterested in the news of the world. I had actually thought to aimlessly go wherever life takes me, my life motto was and sometimes still is Que sera sera "whatever will be, will be." Now it's a planned que sera sera, if that makes sense. Oh I'm sure it does, we'll go philosophical(read chat) about it sometime.

All in all, I couldn't have been where I am now without you guys. Minna tottemo daisuki desu <3

P.S. That includes EVERYone

My Vista did what?

2006-10-11T13:49:00.000+08:00

Just a bit of simple activities to do:

Press ALT.
While not letting go of ALT, press TAB key once. Do NOT release ALT Key.

What do you see?

Ani kan:

The good ol Alt+TAB cycle menu

My tweaked XP shows this: The tweaked Alt+TAB cycle menu

My Vista did this instead:

I cheated. I had to hold Windows key instead of ALT.

It's so easy to impress a simple girl like me. :)

Ps. Another reason this post is here is to push the Cina and her Kerabau off the top page. Less chance of me kena timpa sampai mati karang when I get home. Hehehehee....

Anak si Rani yang numbur tiga

2006-10-11T12:17:00.000+08:00

Hi everyone, today I would like to present the photo of the week:

Aptly, I believe, entitled, "Si Cina dan kerabau nya" hehehehe

I Miss You

2006-10-07T11:11:00.000+08:00

Multihued crowds energised
Piping voices, excited
In a place of worship
Of a country's shield

Sitting, thoughts scattered
Heart is missing (who has it?)
Pink socks and a blazer here
Where there are none

When did everything
stopped making sense?
One week ago (since you left)
Feels like a lifetime

That incessant hum
In my mind's shadow
All around cheery people
I miss you (come back)

Tipping the mood scale ^^; my moolah and me

2006-10-05T19:48:00.000+08:00

Yesterday didn't start well. I felt sick, but only because I didn't have enough sleep. So there I was standing in front of the class trying to simultaneously hold the textbook and control my running nose. I have no idea how I look at the time.

It rained in the morning, which I consider a blessing. At least it was cool.

Then came the sleep demon, increasing the weight of my eyelids to probably about similar to my desk which was filled with books I was supposed to mark. Mind you, I was actually planning to mark them had I not been sniffling and closing my extremely heavy sleepy eyes. So I decided I'll just leave the marking for later and go home early and sleep. Sleep would have definitely cured the sniffles and get rid of however many hours my eyes were borrowing. It was an easy simple cure.

Alas, at times the simple steps are the hardest to accomplish. I was informed that my salary was out. That kept my brain awake as I had prepared it to spend the money and it was eager to carry out the plan. I couldn't sleep. My brain was calculating, anticipating and very impatient >.<; So I did what I had to do and didn't take my much needed nap that afternoon. (Oh, and just so you know, I'm ecstatic that I finally have some moolah)

Then came sungkai, my running nose can no longer be denied. It was time for the sneezing to start. My head was dizzy as it retaliated against the broken promise to give myself some sleep. Since it was already that bad, sleeping would not be an easy thing to do. I would lie down in bed, uncomfortable from the running nose and headache, yet sleep would refuse to take me.

It was then that I tried out an advice I read which said that listening to an audiotape might help one sleep. So I did that and tried to concentrate on the sound of the narrator's voice.

It worked. I slept (though I forgot to turn of the winamp repeat option; a song woke me for a bit and I had to turn it off i.e. unplug the power) Then it was sahur and school again.

My voice was affected by the cold and my head throbbed once in a while. At least my nose wasn't running anymore. Papers were thrown around in one class >.<;; and I don't really have the energy nor the belief that would allow me to raise the volume of my voice. I think my lessons went well though ^o^

What I want to say is : "Finally!! Moolah!!!! wahahahahaha"
"There are students willing to learn"
"There are students who wish to be helpful <3"
"I love ma stus, even the exteremely naughty ones" (why?) (because it's easier, that's why :p)

Anyway, Life is good ;p and my voice is sexy heh >:D

Hazy Crazy World

2006-10-05T17:13:00.000+08:00

When I read Intan's latest entry about that beautiful little boy currently in a coma, it struck a strong chord in me. I felt quite sad for the plight of that boy and his family, and also guilty.

I could've done more. I should've.

See, thanks to a university education in geography and the environment, I've been quite frequently appointed the 'haze-girl' in the office, since I know marginally more about it than my colleagues.

Everyday, except when I have other events or issues to cover, I find out what I can about the situation. I look out the window. I hope for a fax from the Department of Environment, telling me about the latest air quality. I call the weather station and speak to the duty forecasters, whose voices have become familiar.

I call up the Asean Secretary General to get his opinion on the haze and what the region should do about it.

I have had responses, I have found a lot.

Through my words (altered here and there by the editors and sub-editors, but still essentially mine), I hoped to educate the public, at least those who read the paper about the haze, its threats to health, economy and society.

I have done a similar article on the haze's impacts on local people's health, and yes, I have conducted some research and a few times I have found the same answer. There has not been a significant rise in people complaining of asthma attacks, just the normal, run-of-the-mill stuff.

Most disappointing, sometimes I don't get any response at all.

I don't blame any party but myself, but when all you want to know is how serious the situation has become and what you can do to protect yourself and your family, and you don't get anything forthcoming... well, it sucks.

And finding out a tragedy like this which was most probably triggered by the very same thing that I write about everyday, makes me feel horribly sad and that I should have had written more. Found out more. Gone around the barriers and the silences and uncovered those vital information that could've saved him, and others like him.

To the readers out there, whose world outside is overhung by the ominous presence of the haze, please heed these precautions. Reduce your outdoor activities, especially for those with respiratory problems and the very young and the very old.

Please be careful while on the road, don't drive fast, and turn on your lights even during the daytime, if the visibility is poor.

It is predicted that our skies would clear come November, when the winds change their course. Until then, I pray for little Dani's recovery, and that others are safe.

It's always the small ones to go first...

2006-10-05T13:01:00.000+08:00

This morning I nudged Suzi at work, whose nick ominously read "Pray for baby Dani". Turns out her asthmastic nephew stopped breathing for half an hour last Saturday and is now in ICU. According to Suzi, Dani, aged 7 is confirmed to be brain damaged. Tear inducing just to hear it and this little display picture does a sledgehammer round to my heart:

Poor kid. Looks so much like Nabil & Naufal. Later at home I'll glomp brabis those rascals.

Suzianti: Pray for baby Dani says:
kids are not meant to go thru all this

A quick scan at yesterday's paper shows that the psi was around 84, a level that is considered "moderate" but can somehow be blamed for sick babies and asthmatic people.

If the PSI readings are 51-100 (moderate), the public may be affected by minor
health problems such as coughs, cold and sore eyes. For those with lung and
heart problems, signs of the disease will increase. The health guideline says
there is no restriction on activities for the general population. However, for
children with asthma, lung and heart diseases, they are advised to reduce
physical activities.
(Borneo Bulletin. James Kon. Haze Prompts Issuance Of Health Guideline).

I stared in disbelief at this paragraph:

So far, there are no reports of increase in haze-related illnesses in the
country. A doctor at one of the clinics, said "I didn't notice any increase of
diseases relating to the haze, everything seems normal". Hospitals have also yet
to report of any increase in haze-related ailments.

Try explaining that to Dani's mum.

Inalillah wa inalillahirajiun.

Prayers to Dani to wake up and be well so we'll be bless by his smile again. Amin.

Fallen Star*

2006-10-04T21:32:00.000+08:00

Today I am (un)celebrating
the (un)anniversary of the thing that was never there and will
never be.

In the memory
of the fallen BIntanG*

"Kuingin
terbang bebas bersama bintang-bintang Taburkan sinar terangi di
heningnya malam Saling berbagi rasa, larut dalam suasana cinta"

The system

2006-10-03T19:13:00.000+08:00

Let me tell you how the system works here in the office, where I am the lowest entity in the foodchain.

I am part of the frontliners, the first to get the scoop (huray and yipee for that), but also the first to get tempias in the face in unfortunate circumstances where people are not happy to see us.

We work everyday. In the world of news parasitism, there are no holidays. We get off days, but these are uncertain and fragile. They can be revoked at a moment's notice.

We're supposed to come in around 9 o'clock, which is the start of the working day. I come in at 10, at best, when there are no early morning assignments. Some others come in at 11, or after noon.

There are no guy eye-candies in the office, and I have pondered whether this was a deliberate move on the part of the management. If so, then they are diabolical geniuses. By limiting the quota of office objects-of-affection to zero, the female reporters would be more motivated to go out to find a story, using that as an excuse to go male-hunting.

The male reporters can't say the same because, well, the girls are babes. I'll exclude myself from that group in an effort to sound modest and demure, but also because I've seen myself in a mirror.

While there is a definite start to the working day (i.e. 9 a.m. as above), there is no concrete end to the day. Nobody really looks at the clock and will it to show 2/3/4/5/o'clock, and freedom. We look at our articles and will them to be written and completed in an hour's time, magically and accurately.

When that doesn't work and we've wasted an hour, then it's time to panic. We then complain to anyone who will listen. When they have tuned us out, we then move to the final resort, using the materials available, researching and digging up more dirt, connecting things together, analysing the situation and writing a comprehensive story out of it.

Then we think, "this is what we should've done from the start!" and resolve to turn a new leaf the next day.

We then come in hours after 9 and repeat the same cycle, because of loss of memory induced by the frenzy to choose the right outfit every morning.

Because we produce at least 1 article everyday, we spend our time in the office surfing, chatting and gossiping, just to add an extra edge to the race against time. When we have satisfactorily missed the deadline, then we buckle down and write.

That's why we sometimes stay well past 2/3/4/5 p.m. and sit in front of our desks like zombies.

Like today. We just finished our article, and it's already 8 p.m.

We're only now getting ready to go home.

Tomorrow we vow to come in early.

Oyes, just to be clear, we = Keryn.

Keryn Kroaks...

2006-10-02T23:34:00.000+08:00

Some people very near and dear to my heart left recently to parts unknown, and I'm still trying to come to grips with the loss.

So the Keryn that's writing this isn't a very cheery one, but thanks to some Pandora's box-opening expeditions a while back, she found some of her old journals, which put a smile (mostly a grimace of humiliation) on her face.

Let's now revel in some of the more priceless entries in the diary she had to keep for an English project, which range from 'artistically lame' to 'heartrendingly pathetic'.

6.12p.m/6th September 2002/Friday

Sometimes I wonder why I chose to be a part-time tuition teacher. There are other less-hazardous and less-stressful occupations, like waitressing or becoming a phone operator. Today I had to deal with five noisy and fidgety boys. I would really prefer handling plates of food or ringing telephones and strange voices over the line, but alas - my current job description includes the whiteboard and tutoring five young people totally uninterested in Science.

9.41 p.m./8th September 2002/Sunday

Somebody opened my bedroom door at 5 p.m, dragged me out of bed and shoved me, still mostly asleep, into the bathroom.
It was my mother, thankfully. My hipbone made a not-so-friendly contact with the porcelain sink, and that woke me up. When I saw myself in the mirror, I didn't think I would ever sleep again.

10.23 p.m./9th September 2002/Monday

I like my bed. That's where I want to be right now. I'm not that fond of my desk. Unfortunately, that's where I am at the moment.

9.42 p.m./17th September 2002/Tuesday

I went to ITB for lunch today. Intan said that the canteen people there put carrots in everything they prepare. I ordered Chinese Fried Rice.
It was full of carrots.

----

I think I've embarrassed myself enough. If anyone wants to accuse me of having a vaccuum for a mind, or the poetic prose of a frog, I humbly appreciate your honesty.

To those readers who haven't been repulsed by my utmost lameness: Hi, I'm Keryn, the last member of the blog to actually blog.

I'm a graduate now, and some really trusting and gullible people have actually given me a job, and let me loose to do it. I now harrass people on a regular basis, e.g. Zeti from Aiti who I'd hounded repeatedly for press releases during TELMIN (oh, halo Zeti!), attend some event or another where I either understand what's going on or don't (in which case I have to somehow understand - and fast), and then write about stuff. And I love it.

I have amazing friends - the other bloggers on this site are proof that I am blessed in the friendship department (Love you guys - and no, I'm not trying to make you forget my past unfulfilled promises to blog... Did it work?)

And that's pretty much it really, for now.

.....bIntanG*

Seduction

Hyakuman

Mencari Masa

Embed it to your website using the following code:

<.iframe src="http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=354iakklr4q4a4p5u567obbbg4%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=Asia/Brunei" style="border: 0" width="800" height="600" frameborder="0" scrolling="no">

PS Again don't forget to remove the "." before iframe

No 2: My Google Calendar apps

Here, there, under...where?

3 GREAT things online

..the week-end (1) **BEWARE: IMAGE INTENSIVE!! :D

..about a girl and a boy..

I dream of loft

A meaningless story

Bon Voyage~ Babai Zaim & Nisa @ Keryn

My top 10 fictional males

8-8-8

What women want

Happy Birthday Boss!

My June-December 2008 KPI

Blank Intro as Wish by my dearest Intan. :D

Kampong Ayer swim team, 2008

Izham turns 27 today

A trip down memory lane

Jerome K. Jerome (1859 - 1927)

No object

Vroom vroom

World's youngest comedian

How did you spent the 2008 leap day?

Cinderella's Pumpkin Coach

Back to blogging

Happy Quirkyalone Day

Two tone beauty

Sexy real & digital men

Panaromic

Exam season

The Mitsubishi M"i"ne

Making money- Islamic way

Private Sector Corporate Life: the most important thing is that you have fun...

Sacrifices in the month of Ramadhan: Sacrifice #1

I went to the mall and fell in love

The language of love

Life is fair - Guest Starring BruCinema

Waiting

Bmobile is getting more expensive

Hidup Bebas atau Mati Keras...

The Return of Lum

i have nothing to share with you...

I still can't stop laughing...

What Intan does on Sunday morning...

Could it be? I'm in love with everything

Public Service Announcement - NOT 911

Kisah 12 budak, mak bapak dan kedai makan sushi

A random post

I am happy

Yo, ho, haul together

Kau di hati ku...

Omedetou Izu, and to us - a lifetime

The mitsubishi i

Objects of desire

this aint right..

An memorable evening with Datuk J

pics~!

Ratu BAG Networks

300 years in Singapore

test

Ima

Kejadian-kejadian

Intaniz

2007

1428

الحمد لله

Matte iru

First post of the year

Bad poem inspired by Terry Prachett's Discworld badness.

Intaniz's favourite 2007 shot

Physically fit weekend & more

After the rain

Hidden History = 8 December 1962

There was a girl who was in Bali...