Childhood : Now and Then

by : Nurshahirah binti Azman

Do you still remember that one moment during your childhood where you went outside, and played with your fellow friends? That one time where technology isn’t a synonym to leisure times, instead it is all about going outside and enjoy the fun being with your friends, playing no matter if it was hot under the sun or it was drizzling. The time when your mother would run after you with a stick in her hand just to get you home because you just do not want to stop playing with your friends yet.

 

     Playing cook with all the unused cooking utensils on the ground is something so popular among kids during that time. Also, even with our own slippers we can play hitting the can with slippers, or even playing the ‘baling selipar’ where you’ll throw a slipper onto the built slippers and then catch the opponent. Or even jumping the rope made of elastic bands, playing hide and seek, home-made kite-flying, ‘lompat tikus’ and ‘galah panjang’ where you’ll need to pass different kinds of level to win the game, and many more. Aren’t all of this call back all those memories of your childhood and made you feel like you have had the best childhood memory ever?

                That was the time where we all have no single idea about computer games, let alone those gadgets that are totally popular nowadays and had replaced mostly all of these exciting games that we played when we were little back then. It is quite  sad thing to know that kids nowadays rarely go out to play like how we did before. With the advancement in technology, the gadgets like hand-phone, tablets and laptops are increasing in number and usage. Don’t be surprised if you find 5 months old baby is able to unlock a tablet screen and knows where to tap on the game application.

                Kids nowadays rarely go out of the house and mingle with friends in a real social life. Instead, they are ‘trapped’ inside the house, and just ‘link’ themselves with the outside world through the internet, via the social networking sites. Most of their leisure times are spent on playing games on their gadgets. That is one of the reasons on why these kids became clueless when they’re asked on what kind of real games they play with their friends outside the house. Ask them about any of those childhood games we played, most of them have no idea on what are those games about.

                The rapid advancement in technology is admitted to be something that we are proud of, it symbolizes the modernized community that we are living in. However, if this kind of lifestyle is to be introduced to every single children, these kids will never know what’s the real excitement in being children where you’re supposed to go out and adventure the world, mix around with friends and explore new things before you figure out how challenging being a grown-up is. At this point, parents and the society hold the biggest responsibility to change this kind of childhood lifestyle before it affects the younger generation.

..because we can't let their childhood to be like this, or even worse in the future..

Culture Shock: University Life

Hi guys. I am called to write about something that pertaining us. Culture shock; is something that everyone will experience once in a while. I'd done an interview in a favor for a friend couple nights before who asked me what is culture shock. 

In a high definition form of culture shock, a formal definition. 

According to Meriam Dictionary, it is a 

a sense of confusion and uncertainty sometimes with feelings of anxiety that may affect people exposed to an alien culture or environment without adequate preparation

That is a formal definition. Well, my version of culture shock (speaking from experience) will be 

A state where someone meets new culture and have difficulty adjusting to it. And at the end of the day, they change and adapts into it.

Culture shock is not a medical condition, it is not a disease. But it is common especially when you move into a new place, where you have to meet the whole i-get-to-know-you process. It can be exciting but it is also can be overwhelming. Speaking in our own context, university life that is; I believe that we all kind of have the same problem.

University life can be demanding. I bet all of you have the same idea as I do. No more uptight schedule, no more prep (for boarding school student), no more uniform (yeay), and no more bestfriends from school :"(

Everything changes, you got to meet new people and most importantly the new environment that you are in now will it affect you or not. 

I met some people from my past back in my Uni's life. Well, they changed a bit. The change in appearance is common. Everything hips is swag right? (kudo to shady's group) But if you change because of someone, or just to feel accepted...You might want to ask yourself was it worth it? So, point number one of culture shock in university life. FRIENDS

We all get it, you want to be accepted. All of us want  to feel as if we are part of something special. Getting attached with new friends is amazing. It is different. Friends you have met during your school days seem to be long forgotten. You have your new friends, alas you forget everything. DON'T do that. Remember who you are. I'd love to quote my old favourite song. Seems legit eh?

Avoid horrible influence, get in touch with the good one.

If your friends lead you to the right path, then there is he or she is the keeper.

But if they lead you astray...you know what to do..

Point number two, LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

If you are saying learning environment in school and university is the same.

THINK AGAIN.

The gap between the difference of learning environment in university and school is so long. *insertjokehere. If back in school, we struggled a lot in our homeworks, buku latihan, rampaian, buku kira-kira, buku graf, buku nota.. But in university.. what do we do?

Haha, it is a lot to adapt eh for the new students in university. Another thing is to get used to the hectic life of university. Especially for us with all of the Hps' and college programme which requires endless meeting, datelines and you  have to catch up with your group work programme. If you used to only sleep and date with your book, you have a MEETING to add to your misery. Commitment is another thing right guys?

I guess we all just have to embrace everything. *sigh

So do you know whether you have a culture shock or not?

These are a few symptoms although some people experience or dealing it differently

• not wanting to be around people who are different from you
• sadness
• loneliness
• anxiety
• trouble concentrating
• feeling left out or misunderstood
• developing negative and simplistic views of the new culture
• frustration
• extreme homesickness

STAGES OF CULTURE SHOCK

Excitement	When you first arrive, you are excited and interested in discovering new things
Confusion	Then you start to focus on the differences and feel confused, homesick, frustrated or depressed. You avoid spending time with people
Resentment	You then start to resent the different culture and perhaps feel hostile, defensive or vulnerable
Coping	Eventually, you feel more relaxed and less dependent on others. You may start to appreciate the new culture
Belonging	Finally, you feel a sense of belonging and confidence. You enjoy both your new and home cultures

How to deal?

• Remember that your reactions are normal
• Stay in contact with your family and friends
• Join a student or community group
• Join a study group
• Contact your department to find a tutor
• Talk to your advisers and lecturers about problems studying

credit from http://www.monash.edu.au/counselling/self-help/culture-shock.html

There are lots of form of culture shock. But this is all that i can write in such short time.
I hope you enjoy reading it and I leave you a quote to ponder.
Whatever you do, if you set your motivation and for us Muslim, betulkan niat anda
Then you will get there. 

nina osman

The music that inspired me most

Today I would like to share with you guys about type of music that I listen to.Lots of my time have been spend listening to instrumental types of music which focusing more on the sounds and not much of a lyric.Since my childhood I have been exposed to the world of instrumental music and the first would be "Kitaro".My father play a major part in introducing me to this kind of music,there are a story behind it.As a first born and his favourite(at that time) I always slept besides him while he working on the computer and he will played instrumental music all night long.What happened is that music have become a candy to my ear and entering my slumber resulting me to become accustomed to its rhythm,tempo and flow.For the first time I as a 6 years old boy fell in love with what be known as"INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC"and passing day made me grew fond with this music.Two of my favourite piece from 'Kitaro" would be "Mirage" and "Matsuri".As a fan I love his music because it brings tranquillity and sometimes awake my inner senses and helps to inspired me through hard time.The instrument uses sometimes comes from the nature itself like the sounds of water dripping and it is refreshing to hear to that kind of sound.I also at that time  listen to The Symphony No.5 in C minor of Ludwig van Beethoven and start to explore the world of classical music and symphony ever since.

Then I start to hear piece from Vanessa Mae and she has succeed to make me fall in love with her super fast violin strokes.She is super talented and her music is brilliant as there are one performance that I watched since I was child where Vanessa-Mae plays a rare version of Toccata & Fugue with her acoustic violin, accompanied by the Bratislava Radio Symphony Orchestra. This was during her Classical tour in '96.I even inspired to be a violin player after watching her performance but it was just a dream for a reason well just leave it at that,pastis a past.There are 3 piece from her that I listen most which is 'The Devils Trill","Storm" and "Destiny"and "The Devils Trill"is the hardest to be played as its requires the speed and swift hand play which only Vanessa could do alone.

Last but not least is the music produced by a production music company named "Two Steps From Hell".Their music is really great and inspiring though their company names not(stop being judgemental in the world you venture not).This company or in short TSFH is the hotshot in background music industries or the BGM industries.They make music for games,movie and tops brands commercials.I like all of their piece but there are few that I personally indulge to which is Heart of Courage, Protectors of the Earth, To Glory,and Strength of a Thousand Men.This 4 piece never fail to keep me persevere and motivated especially while confronting the lass boss in a game or while having a match of on-line games(really,really help).Actually you too could listen to this music despite of its name or image(don't worry about that) just try listen to it and you will understand what I meant.



Okay guys, that's all from me,hope that I could help gives you idea to try a new genre to listen.


Allif Rosdin

THE RED KIMONO

“Kill him! You just don’t deserve the right to let him live after what he had done to you! I don’t think you just forget what had he done to you? Are you senile or insane?” she plays with the knife as it is like her doll. The knife starts to do it works precise and sharply. “Shut up! I don’t want to hear anything from you! I love him! He is the most precious diamond I ever had! He said he loved me from the first time he looked me wearing that kimono and he even promised to marry me. You know nothing, just go!” the hand is covered by blood as she loses the hand grip when the stinky-smelly fluid started to running out from the vein. With the most annoying tone she replied, “Any stunning guy likes him will never adore you! You’re mad! Talking alone and living in the abandon-dirty small hut that you’re so called home. Even the snagger will curse you.” “Shut up!!!” pangggg!! The mirror crushes to the floor. “You’re wrong! You don’t love him. He’s mine! You just reflected of mine. I own the beauty and I can stand the whole night wearing this suck baggy thing on my curvy body that I supposed tell the world I own the nice leg. No one will ever do that!” Out of amaze, her crappy, shrivel image appear at the window, “Only stupid creature will sacrifice that! Come to the real world dear. He doesn’t even bother to call you when you sick. Syndrome girl on her dreaming! Lalalalalalala.” The voice keeps singing in her ears. She feels sick looking on her own face. Laying at the floor, the ceiling looks vaguely when she tries to see but it turned black as the blood had covered the whole of the dusty old surface.

All Emma ever wanted          

Bear the confusion that always happen in the world of schizophrenia. This is what happening to Emma. She talks to herself, listen to her hallucination and having delusion on something in her own imagination. It is a mental illness or brain dysfunction called schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia is diagnosed as genetic factor and interaction factor. Even though, it can be developed under genetic factor, 60% of determinants are free from this illness based on their surrounding that being supportive, friendly, care and give less stress which secure them from this sickness. (Sign, symptoms, causes of Schizophrenia, helpguide.com, August 2012). As in the matter of interaction, it is more related to the family bonding, their social life or the difficult experiences that they had gone through. For instances, childhood abuse, parent divorce, trauma scene and others. Inherited person probably getting higher risk on this sickness especially when they had the experiences.

These are the symptoms which you may recognize “schizo people”. Disoriented speech, insomnia, careless on hygiene, always on depression, expressionless and hostility are the lists of physical symptom. To the worst, the patients will start to have hallucination and delusion as the mental factors. These are the two types of major symptom of mental illness that combined in the schizophrenia.

They need someone to feel them

Hallucination: never fail to comply what emotion take you

Hallucination

It is one of the mental disorders that only occur within the patients only. (schizo people only) It involved the sensory devices of the patients such auditory, vision, gesture and others. However, the most common by far the auditory will affect the most. Heavy stress because of the traumatic experiences can end up by having a danger and wild imagination, talking on their ownself on something which doesn’t make senses. Such what Emma experiences when her boyfriend leaves her suddenly without concrete reasons. So, don’t always humming your favorite songs or murmuring on something or people may claim you mad!

Delusion

Unlike hallucination, delusion happens when the patient misinterpretation on the surrounding situation which they believed are directing to him or her. Delusion may happen in two common conditions; persecutory delusions and referential delusion. Persecutory delusion involved when the person believes he or she is being followed, tricked and spied on. On behalf of referential delusions, it occurs when the patients believe that certain gestures, comments, passages from books, newspapers, song lyrics, or other environmental cues are specifically directed at him or her. (Different between delusion and hallucination, DSM-IV, 1995)

                                                                    Confused?

We can deduce that everyone has schizophrenia isn’t it? Since everyone do have monologue of what you think on something. Don’t be scared! It is only minor schizophrenia until it affected your real world interactions. After all, sometimes we need to talk to ourselves especially if we critic on something that we don’t intended to share.

Exorcism vs Schizophrenia

"Classic case: Psychiatric treatment of ghost possession" This is one of the cases which the accused is free from the sentence. Judge held that the murder found not guilty as he claimed his action is undue influenced by ghost possession. Logically, it makes no senses when someone with motive murder undue influenced of possession. There must be any other intention such revenging or other factor besides possession. Ironically, scientific investigation and medical explanation saved them by claiming their having a mental dysfunction which affecting on the making the right decision during the incident. For most happened in real life, some counsels used this trick to save their client for living of three years in medical treatment rather than gone through mandatory sentence.

                                                            Helping or torture?

Different adaption were be given by the priests on schizophrenia. Romanian and four of the nuns executed an exorcism procedures to a nun believed that she had possession on demons and satanic. Maricica Cornici, found dead after the brutal exorcism procedure had been done to her symbolizing on getting rid the satanic and demons. The news spread out and the Vatican church institution took an action on banned him from the priesthood, excommunicated the nuns, and promised reforms.

Summon: believe to kill the devil

                                                                        Myth?

All I ever wanted to say is we’re all having this schizo-thing in our mind actually when we go overboard. It is bizarre if you don’t ever like talking to yourself or even having an imaginary friend on your young day. It is the normal thing to do. Just keep your mind out from heavy stress and always mingle healthy with your surrounding and friends! Working out or your favorites will help you better to release you redundant negative charge in your body.  Don’t let what Emma’s ends happened to you because all of us having the possibility. Keep calm and smile always!

AZREEN`S WRITING

“The wedding of the year”- Most couples today want to achieved the title as it is comply the trend, by trying to make their wedding event looks grand and expensive with unwanted things such as presenting popular singer as entertainment then lead them to be burden by debt. Logically, undue to the hiking price currency that we are facing today, wedding ceremony should be done affordably according to the partner’s expenditure. This essay will highlight on how to not over spending on your wedding event by three consecutive reasons. Firstly, wedding ceremony must be advice by professional, miscellaneous things can be done by man-made and saving money for family building.

First and foremost, any event needs a professional planner to make it runs smoothly with perfection. Every partner must dream of their ceremony goes well isn’t it? The best step they should do is to ask for professional advice. They can choose to use wedding planner to manage their event or ask the experienced people that had made wedding event before. Although it is a little bit pricey on the planner’s service, but I bet it helps you on choosing the best package for the weeding preparation. This is because, the planner had prepare and manage the package according things needed for wedding. For instance, the couples can choose if they want to include photo shoot in the package or not because the shooting can be done by their own family members if they want to. Besides, they also can cut off their budget on gown and attire because most wedding planners give rent service on the wedding attire according current fashion and style.

Next, you can save up your budget by making the miscellaneous things by hand made. Most of the additional or sides things in the wedding event is according the custom and tradition. For example, in Malay tradition, they give goody bag to the guests. In the goody bag contains “bunga telur”, candy, handkerchief and others. In order to save the cost on the goody bag, couples can do the “bunga telur” by themselves. The materials can be bought at the gifts shop and they can decorate the “bunga telur” with their own creativity. It also gives benefits when it helps to improve their skill on making handcraft. And who knows, it can be a business in future, right? Moreover, Chineese can less down their expenditure on Liau Taa or single party. It is done by bridegroom-to-be before marry with groom. He can make it in small range by inviting only family members and a circle of close friends to the party. Hence, it helps to save expenses on foods and others because it also required much money on the real day of event.

                                                                                                                          

Last but not least is saving for future family building. Once couple is married, they need to plan on living together especially on financial things. Money that left should not be wasted on the single-once-in-a-lifetime event. They must save up for family building in the future. For example, they can choose suitable investment to buy comfortable house with fully furnished and cars for family transportation. In addition, they can start save up for their children’s education later for safety in case of any death of the parents. Furthermore, it can also avoid the partner involve into marriage problem that lead them to early divorce because of bankruptcy or lack of money in future.

As conclusion, many steps can be taken in order to save up your budget during wedding ceremony. Partners can use professional advice on planning the wedding event by wedding planner. They also can manage to give gifts to the guest by making the gifts by themselves. Lastly, the remaining money should be included on the family building in future. They must plan for the rest of money to be spending wisely for their family comfortableness and usage in future. As wise said, “people who failed to plan are people whom plan to fail”.

-azreen-

FOOD

               Hey guys! Have all of you had your breakfast, lunch and dinner today? What type of food did you eat today? Since I was asking to make a short essay entitle food, that is why I am asking that particular questions. What is food?  Is it a stationary? Is it a car or a name of place? Of course, when we are mentioning a word ‘food’, all of us are aware that food is something that we can eat or else we are not going to call it as food right? But, is food just for human? Do human is the only creatures that know what food is and how to eat the food? Do animals have their own food? When we talk about food, we know that food is synonym with the word ‘drink’ or ‘eat’ because we are not going to play with food or we are not talking to the food but we are eating it. In my point of view, I think that the topic given to me is very universal. We can talk a lot about food since food is something that widely used all over the world whether by human, animal or plant.  We can also talk about the various types of food in the sense of food for human and food for animal, healthy and unhealthy food or better known as junk food, traditional food in Malay, Chinese and Indian and what not.  For sure, it will take me a week to story all about food.  So, I am just going to briefly explain about it and please do not get bored easily while reading this.

                Academically, food is edible or potable substances consisting of six basic and nourishing nutrients that needed by the body such as carbohydrates, fats, proteins, water, essential minerals and vitamins. Since standard one if I am not mistaken, we already learned about the pyramid of food right? We know the amount of all nutrients that we need to take in our daily meals. Food considered ‘healthy’ not necessarily mean we have to eat rice, vegetables, fish, chicken,  and fruits every meals in every day. It may be in many forms whether in organic food, whole food, natural food or even dietary supplements. When I mentioned about dietary supplements, nowadays there are so many dietary supplements out there such as Herbalife, Shakelee, Aura White and stuffs or better known as nutritious food for people who wish to stay fit and have fair skin like Hanez Suraya, the actress  (if you know her).  Seriously I am not promoting all those supplements because I do not get any payment for that.

                Done with healthy food and as opposed to it, of course I am going to write about unhealthy food as well. To put it simple, if healthy food is food that consists of six basic units of nutrients, of course unhealthy food is food that do not consist one or more than one of the nutrients. That is it, understandable and very straightforward. No need to explain more details which save time save energy save money save electric. Are we going to eat oily food such as ‘mee goreng mamak’ and ‘char kuey teow’ every single day for breakfast or dinner? Are we going to drink ‘teh tarik kurang manis’ (but actually still sweet I guess), ‘sirap bandung’ (which is my favourite) every single day also? And are we going to have junk food or snacks every time watching movies at cinema or own house (which is also my favourite doing that)? So people, sit down, gently rub your chin, think wisely and make a decision whether to live longer or vice versa.  Suddenly I feel like a personal wellness coach. *blink eyes*

                Next, food also can be categorized according to the various races in our country. Malay people have their own traditional food such as ‘nasi’ ‘nasi’ and ‘nasi’. Chinese and Indian also have their own traditional food like ‘capati’, ‘tosey’ (if I got a correct spelling), ‘yong tau fou’ moon cake and what not. I am drooling right now. Dear variety delicious and appetizing food, please wait for me; I am going to go and grab all of you soon.  Say good bye to healthy and nutritious food, hello and assalamualaikum to all those yummy cuisines.  By the way, I am coming back to Terengganu in two weeks more for Eid Adha breaks and like dreaming in the day, I am going to have the most famous local food in Terengganu which is ‘keropok lekor’. I am also going to have ‘nasi dagang mak ngah’, nasi lemak kak ros’, ‘satar’, ‘nekbat’ and many more. I am drooling again.  I do not want to mention all those Terengganu traditional food otherwise the page will be full with the food lists. Just come to Terengganu, and you guys can have a taste on all the delicious food but yes do pay for your own since I am not going to pay for it even I am the ‘tuan rumah’. I am sure that, other states like Johor, Penang, Perak also have their own traditional food such as ‘laksa johor’, ‘pasembok’, ‘nasi kandar’ or well known as ‘nasi kandaq’ and so on.

                                                                  Malay traditional food

                                                            Chinese traditional food

                                                              Indian traditional food

                                                      Terengganu traditional food

             

               Guys I am going to finish it here, do not worry and keep calm. But for those who love food, you can search more about food in Haji G (google). I am still having so many things to story but Mr Salleh said, just a short essay so that’s all. Even though, mine is not short anymore I guess.  Last but not least, do not forget that not only humans who eat but animals also eat. So please make sure that all your cats (for those who have cats) are having their own food like friskies , whiskas and stuffs.  Thank you J

p/s: serious talk, writing about food is very tempting and need high patience. Luckily this is not Ramadhan. By the way, do leave some comments, thank you :)





AisyahAzmal