Long Time Ago...

Long time ago, when I was a kid, whenever I was in a ceremony and there were speeches involved, I would definitely stray away from that place, thinking why on earth people listen to speeches. Why don't just start the event?

Last week, I was in a very formal-dull ceremony but I listened carefully to the speech like there's a listening test afterward.

Yes people, I am getting there. If you know what I mean.

Trip To Kuching

These are the photos that my friends and I managed to take whilst the trip to Kuching. Actually, in the first place, there are 8 of us but due to uncontrolable circumstances, only 5 of us were able to make it on the trip. So here goes.

This is the Lodge that we stayed at - Lodge 121, nice Lodge I should say

Jalan2 cari makan

Woho... this is one big and tall house

Nicely snapped

I say "no way"... adakah angkat lesung padi guna mulut... Interesting..

Diapit dua gadis jelita

Hahaha... wasn't ready actually but I still think that this is a nice snap

At Kampung Budaya

Making our way across the river

At Cat Museum

Love this one..

At Fort Margherita

Hahaha... Nice photo I should say

We stayed in a dorm. Supposedly, there should be 8 of us but last minute calls, left only 5, huhu

Last photo infront of the Lodge we stayed at

At the aiport, making our way back to KK

Overall, the trip was fun and educating. This was actually my second visit to Kuching. First visit, I was 15. One that has never change, is the fact that, Kuching is very clean. And the food is cheap. My only regret is, we went to 3 Karoekes and none of those place really excite me compare to KK. I see one blatant fact here, Sabah has many talented and good singers!

Something That I Own!

Syaharil, Christy, Puan Winnie, Ned and Linda (not present: Jason, Azmi, Ain & Mr. Zack)

We were there but I don't know went wrong, the emcees announced that we were not. Harsh! Since my involvement in debates, weird things happened all time. But, like they said, got to swallow the bitter pills. We did receive the prizes soon after and we acted like the 'thing' did not give any impact at all. It did actually but we still try to give the best smile that we can.

I Am All Over the Place...

A photo of me winning the Anugerah, hahaha...

It's still not too late to wish everyone Kotobian Tadau Tagayo Do Kaamatann2009 and Gayu Guru Gerai Nyamai 2009 to our fellow Sarawakians. There are villages that still and pretty much celebrating it even if the climax of the Kaamatan itself has been held at KDCA, Penampang. Well, I wouldn't actually call the Kaamatan at KDCA as the climax of the celebration. I know I am still celebrating it, one way or the other.

And yes, I am, literally, everywhere again. This festive season, plus the school holiday, really had acquainted me. I have to admit that being at home is not my favourite thing to do especially during the holiday and thank God, I received many invitations to weddings, engagements and of course, parties.

I started the holiday with the right feet I guess. Not to brag myself, I won Anugerah Guru Paling Smart at my school, hahahaha. Funny. Never saw myself as being smart, seriously. I do think that proper attire add onto your self-esteem though.

So okay, I was in KK, was in Keningau, Tambunan, KK again then back to KM. And now, as I’m writing this blog, I am in KK, going to Keningau again this afternoon and then back to KK. Will be in Kota Belud/Ranau to attend some wedding on Saturday. Anyhow, I’m glad because it is the school holiday and I can be everywhere I want.

It’s a blessing, if I were to think about it. Of course it comes to my understanding that some people are just not as lucky as I am, as we are. I’m not that lucky, I must say. I don’t even believe in luck and fate. But, yeah, most probably because I am a Malaysian. A Sabahan to be exact and was moulded up in a place where peace and prosperity are the focal point of living. Exercising respects and tolenrance, well (yeah right?) I mean, are we not grateful for what we have now? Think about those people at Afghanistan. Africa, Somalia. Not to mention the highly anticipated ‘war zone’.

This festive season people, let us share and care. Let the bond of togetherness and respect one another sated in a secure awareness that, in order to maintain and sustain harmony, when you think about yourself, think about others too. Just don’t D&D!

This is from my barait...

Because It's Kaamatan People

Enjoy this clip uploaded by Kay Kastum. Just love this song...


Lyrics

This is Kaamatan, everyone is welcomed
No matter where you are from, we say no problem
This is Kaamatan, everyone is welcomed
And if you try the tapai, you'll say aramai...tih!

Every year in the month of May
Sabah is the place to stay
Kadazandusun harvest festival
Spirit of 'bambarayon' the source of it all

From those days even until now
We will have the Sumazau
A dance as beautiful as an ancient song
To the beat of the instruments that we called gong

'Unduk Ngadau' crowns the beauty queen
To honor 'Huminodun' sacrificed in her teens
her beauty, grace, strength and bravery
Represents the people who plants the 'padi'

Scared but now PROUD!

Yeah, I have to divulge that I’m a bit scared. Being 27 is another stage in my life and I can’t really accept it. People might think that it’s only a number but I say it’s a sign of vulnerability. Not being rigid, it’s like you’re life is going to end without you ever knowing it and I tried so many times to understand how most people would just take it as it is – as it was.

I am a bit sad, not a meresay. We are living in the world where people are bound to offer an end to their own life by being old. No offence but I don’t want to be old. I don’t want to stop doing things that I enjoy doing. This age thing is making me fragile and weak. Damn...

People, that’s what I think when I spent my time looking at myself without noticing that the world grew older with me. With us. I’ve been looking so severely at myself that I overlooked the fact that I am embarking on new experience, new encounterments, new life. Negative! That’s all that I’m thinking about. Stupid me...

Not apprehending that I should be proud of myself of my achievement being 27, at last, despite the ups and downs I staggered in the process of being one, where some or most people in world, does not really know what being 27 is all about. Selfish Ned. I should be proud! There’s more to the world than being a creepy-selfish-absurd minded guy.

Al last, I am me. The all-positive Ned. That’s explain the pre-menopause (hahaha) weeks I have. Gosh, how could I miss that! I have not being content with my ownself. All I’m thinking was that I am getting I’m old and that I could not do things like I used to. And the fact that other people will trounce my being – younger ones – scared me to the bone. Gosh, how random!

As I sing myself a happy birthday, I come to realize that I am just being human. Terrified by uncertainty and reluctant to see the bright sunny days over the highest mountain. I am still learning, I could see that, and I am not going to stop from helping myself. Now, I declare myself as a proud explorer whose life has just begun...

Coming soon - Debates @ IAB, Jitra, Kedah

Ned, Pn. Wanda (beloved mom), Christie, Mr. Zack, Ain, Syaharil & Jason

Debates @ Keningau

As promised, these are our photos taken before the debates in Keningau. Although we looked calm, but we were actually nervous and pretty excited and the same time.

Ned, Christie, Ain, Linda and Jason

(not in photo: Azmi & Syaharil)

A snap before the debate

Discussion + last preparation

Ned and Jason