Unwrapped

First and foremost, I wanna send a warning to tears! If at all you are reading, please be selective of situations to flow out from my eyes. I'm sick of dealing with mascara mess and wet cheeks. Plus waterproof make-ups don't sell cheap ok? Considering all that, and also this being a closure post of 2013, I would like you to by all means stay away!

Now back to my hopefully-existing-readers.

I finally got my exam results of the 6th semester. Happy and satisfied! But that's just about exams . On a bigger picture, 2013 was a tough tough year in which I put up a tough tough front. Well I have become pretty good at masking emotions over the years. Practice makes perfect they say. Though there were hundreds of hurdles and heart wrenching moments, everything somehow fell into place at the end.  No problem is eternal. And having said that, I definitely have to thank the man above us for all his blessings.

Leaving pain and hurt aside, let's talk about the happy things of 2013. I found a handful of amazing people to call friends. People come and go, that's one bunch. But there are those who come with lots of care and love and stays with all their heart. The rare bunch. I'm glad a few crossed my path. I hope they will be a part of my life forever . Believe me, forever is a strong word. I won't use it if I don't mean it.

Apart from all mentioned, 2013 changed me into someone who's proud to be who I am. Some people are born to love themselves, some takes time to appreciate who they are while the rest are all wannabes of different kinds. I was once a member of the wannabe team, not anymore though. I think I'm special. Ok that might have sounded too much like a self-obssessed maniac, but hey,  everyone is special. Hence, me insisting my share is purely benign. I'm happy to wake up in the morning being myself and satisfied going to bed as Renuka and nobody else. Sometimes, being a typical human that I am, negative thoughts do mess with my head of who I could have been and why I'm not Mary or Jane. But such thoughts do not last and 'that' characters do not exist :D

In my perspective, I strongly feel the most important thing in life is keeping one's emotions intact. I'm progressing well in mastering it, thus, I was very much enduring and strong this year. Glad no extremely wrong decisions were made , convinced life comes with numerous lessons, and proud another river had been crossed.

All in all, 2013 basically wrapped up fine. Or shall I say wrapping up fine?

2014 will be a whole new chapter itself. Can't wait to be curiously turning the pages.

Renuka G

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ABC goes on

There are times in my life, so rare that it goes unnoticed , I get too eager to read every single thing crossing my vision. Today is one of the mentioned. As much as I want to call myself a slave to boredom, I rather say I'm craving to expand my knowledge. God I'm done being dumb. For about 2 months I was so busy being busy that it intruded so badly with my reading routine. Now it's time to dust my ABC.

Reading makes me feel smart. It's not like I share books with Dr.Sheldon Cooper or read Stephen Hawking like a love note. I read junk. Even the ones with the worst syntax and penmanship, I hunt down like a werewolf. Reading is the sole agenda, therefore, nothing else matters. Sometimes I even  settle for children stories and twitter updates, no surprise. Just being able to cuddle with words and kiss a few thoughts allow me feel so privileged.

Reading kills time. Believe it or not, it does. At times it's because I get too engrossed, the other times are due to the involuntary naps. Not that I could help it. Bored? Grab a book.

Putting trust into a read and giving it your full dedication is the most humble favour you can do for self-growth. It's not about the number of pages you flip or the number of dictionary visits you make. Reading is about the times you pause to think, the way it stimulates your close-to-dead ,machine-like-mind and how it feeds the soul. Of course the times you fell asleep are exceptions to the rule. Thus, speaking a whole new chapter called "Rest' for the soul, which we shall not touch further.

Renuka G

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Satisfaction and Shades

In a materialistic world in which everyone strives and chases after money, I'd like to work for satisfaction. In just 3 weeks of my practicum I've spent approximately RM 200 on the rewards for the pupils and also for things used to create teaching aids. If you have read all my posts under the label of 'The teacher in me', you would find out that I once said if anyone want a cozy life out of teaching, just quit. A teacher's pay offers one  comfort and the most is a good sum of savings for a yearly vacation, unless you are serving in the interiors whereby you receive a lucrative, I consider lucrative amount in the name of allowance.

If you were to ask any senior teachers who sticks by this profession, they would say one word 'satisfaction'. Not the one you get when you see the bulge on your wallet or your fat bank balance. It is of different sort. Teachers shape individuals. While parents shape a few of theirs, teachers at school do the same to dozens and dozens of children who is of different blood, ethnicity and most certainly abilities. It isn't easy. Books only can't do the job, it takes experience, patience and sincerity.

The three weeks had been a hell of a ride. It started of with yelling and hitting the desk with the ruler, later develop into lecturing about values and finally after bonding with them, I earned the badge of 'Cool teacher' in SK Batangan. I did not physically hurt any of them. Well I believe I don't have to. There are many alternatives to class control. Deep inside I know I don't have to step on my values only to get their attention or run my lesson. Choices were plenty and I experimented many. Somewhere along the line, everything worked out , I now have their attention during my lesson. The money I've spent doesn't matter anymore to me for I've brought change in them. I've taught them something. And even more priceless is when they wait at my parking space at school for me and Ain to arrive only to stalk us to the staff room and play hide and seek-of-a-sort with both of us. Our daily-morning routine it is.

No matter what, I'm still a shopaholic, frugal shopaholic :D The other day I was shopping for a pair of shades online, for the first time apparently! Since Ray-ban is growing too common in the market , seeing every tom dick and harry wearing a pair of Ray-ban Aviator , I was looking at Marc by Marc ( since I feel it's better in terms of sunglasses compared to Marc Jacobs' collection) and of course BVLGARI including  a few other signature names best-known for shades. SO how to pick the perfect pair of sunglasses?? That will take up my next fashion-post here, after a long break!

Marc by Marc-Aviator..how I love aviator glasses!( not exactly this piece)

Good night!

Renuka G

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Rewarded!

Just when I’m biting nails trying to figure a way to get done the teaching aids and tasks that are to be submitted and presented next week besides having qualms about the trip back home for a short break, I was greeted with the best-news which highballed me the green flag! Rewards come unexpected indeed! 

From the 5 taxing submissions, only 2 ( 1 considered done) is in the list for the coming week! And you know what that means? I can have a peaceful, joyous stay at home without having to fuss like some wannabe ( at least not at home). Even better, I would be able to chanel channel all my focus into making my storytelling session with the year 3 pupils a great one. Really am looking forward to it. 

Back on rewards. I’m more gratified than ever! Some of us here seriously had a tough tough tough week with so little sleep and excessive working hours , I’m one of them. The corporate video thingy, CD sticker-making,task presentations, SDP coursework, Children’s cartoon Act out session which my group played spongbobsquarepants, me being Squidward (my voice turn out quite successful I should say), lesson plan presentations for Grammar yada yada totally sucked our energy better than how the Cullens suck blood (vaguely stating only for I’m not Twilight-savvy).  Therefore, this teeny tiny reward really mean a lot and I’m so freaking sure everyone would make the most out of it, for I’m already all into it! =D

To the lecturers and AJKs in charge, Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Off pursuing my happy clouds in the south! Bye Bye Macbook. See you when I need you. Probably Sunday =p

Renuka G

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Time held captivate

The way things are going, I just wish the world would cease for an hour or two so I could a take a break from the irksome load of courseworks, lesson plans and tasks. I even think about them as I eat, jog and even before I fall asleep. Well, that might have sounded like I have found my new beau in orthography etched papers, trust me, even I was, for a second convinced of the slapdash information. And ‘No!’, we are not declaring it on facebook or any social networks for there’s another 56  who are pursuing the mentioned ‘beau’ as well.

Amidst the around the clock schedule and routines which frazzled even my shoe soles, the one thing which I’m missing very much is reading. It’s like I can’t recall where I placed which anymore, I mean the books,  for all that is in my sight right now is ‘The confession’ by John Grisham only. Others? I certainly am clueless since it has been some time you know. The guilt, my god! When you are used to reading then you stop, you would definitely feel it especially if you are dealing with language every day. Even though I still read newsletters via email and online mags, they are nothing compared to sitting down with a good book and a highlighter, mesmerizing the sentences and get blown away.

However, being fully conscious of what’s approaching after the courseworks bid adieu, which is the semester exam, I can pretty much conclude there is zero chance of finishing up even one book in the nearest future. SO  let’s save it for the year-end holidays! 2 months is incredibly long to appease my  literature cravings and of course my HUGE appetite for shopping.

Hang on Renuka!

Whatever it is, I’m not distracted and also am not giving up for elbow grease is the best polish. Reading can wait, leisure can take a rain-check but a dream I’m giving my all to, that for sure demands all my attention.

Yes I’m not there yet but I just wish to share this one thing. Maybe most of you already know, for all I care nothing wrong in reminding good stuffs. So here you go,

 If you want something so bad, dream. Everything starts with a dream. I have read about successful people, and they all had a dream and lived it the best. The world has thousands of ways to remind you why you can’t, shouldn’t and musn’t, just smile.  Circumstances would beat you down, it’s ok dust it off, start moving again. If you can dream, if you can protect it, you are so close to achieving it. And always remember, life isn’t all about success, it’s who you were once, who you are and who you can one day become.

 Hence,

 Live to inspire, not to impress.

Renuka G

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Better kept less

A disastrous storm could end up a slave to the wind, a major triumph might get stepped by ill wills, nobody knows.

Certainly agree, hopes at times do keep us going. Meanwhile expectations, mirrors a foolhardy trick we play upon ourselves, of what it should and should not be.

You could even be armed by the best forecast, who knows maybe the lady luck herself , but believe me friends, it's worth so less, for reality, it strikes so well.

Save the disappointments, save the fuss,
Expectations are risks, don't play to regret.
Today it might seem like a pretty bird in hand, tomorrow perhaps, its the feathers that remain. 

So let me remind you to save the stress, expectations, they are better served less!
But if you still want to pursue a mess, I sure wish you all the best!

Renuka G

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The girl with an agenda

September is going to be such an onerous month. My plate is all full, only waiting to crack anytime, and I’m certainly hustling with time to save it by any course. For the first time in my life, after so long whining about people subjecting themselves to being ‘busy’, I’m officially busy! Can I be any happier?

I’m serious folks, I’m busy! And I’m totally absorbed by the whole idea. 

You might think it’s like playing the hard ball in business, so nerve-wrecking and requires dire attention. Honestly speaking, i’m taking it similar to a walk in the park. Leisure-struck responsibilities I call them. Makes sense? Probably No =) 

I do complain like any other NORMAL souls, yet I secretly love the bee-like spirit. (Oh  mai look at my choice of words, souls, spirit..seriously Renuka?) Probably, this mortal ( referring to me) has been fatigued by idleness too much therefore, avidly out hunting for tasks to kill time apart from signing up voluntarily as its slave. Again makes sense? No nah?

Yes, my blogs do keep me occupied, but that doesn’t seem enough to establish myself as a 'busy person'.( FYI I was kinda striving for the title for some time you know, without you people's knowledge of course. Don’t like competitions. Finally I’m crowned!!!). I have like 3 and I update all of them at least once every week, usually though it hits like  2-3 posts everyday especially my wordpress and tumblr account as I use my iPhone apps. I'm utterly against wasting thoughts, eventually turning them from novelty to nothingness ( my old blog’s name), you see? 

(And Hell yea, I’m the crazy writer who writes everywhere and every second whom inspired millions. And I do know about the wikipedia page they are secretly creating for me *busted!* )

However,blogging is like a routine, or to be exact is a habit of mine. (Hope you are aware of the difference between routine and habit. Or else, goggle it as I’m too lazy to conduct a lesson here. Already 12 you see!) I need not put too much effort or work, because as I type the words just come pouring like a broken dam or for a better visual, more like a ...maybe, waterfall? Hence, blogging do not feed much on time. Assignments and tasks are different, they require planning, thinking, evaluating, processing information yada yada. And that’s what I call as busy-defined-well.

Not to appear annoyingly positive or fake, I really do feel glad about the load-to-be-attended-to. I’m growing bored of the same routine of reading newsletters, watching Suits over and over again, replying on interpals, reading online mags and embracing the pleasure of doing nothing. Let me be busy this time ok?

The girl with an agenda ( I should consider this one as my blog name),

Renuka G

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Brain-boosters

Hold your breath folks, I'm about to surprise you with some shocking yet heart-soothing facts!

i Was THIS shocked!

Recently, Glamour released its list of food rich in brain-boosting nutrients. The chosen ones are said to make you think quicker, concentrate harder and of course be smarter. Strawberry, blueberry, yogurt, prawns and spinach are some which made the entry. They were the ordinary, commonly-known ones, causing no impact to my system. Apart from the mentioned, the list did shock me with 2 extraordinary names and that is what going to constitute this canvas today.

No matter how hungry we are, we often never forget to alienate the red-spicy foes but who knew they could make us focus better. Yes, chillies beside being crowned for their fat-burning abilities is said to possess brain boosting powers. Capsaicin the natural compound in chillies, capable of giving the vegetable its heat, when collides with its' receptors in our brain release good hormones known as endorphins. Endorphins apart from helping us maintain focus, do promote calmness and reduce stress. Pretty shocking uh?!  Chew over that and stop sending them to the bin, they belong elsewhere I suppose!

Coffee lovers, this is for you. Your beau is included as well in the top 30. Despite years sustaining its bad rep in the diet world, caffeine grins to ears when applauded for its ability to stimulate brain cells eventually helping them to work faster and efficiently in the short term. Turning the spotlight on coffee beans, they are full of antioxidants which assists in transporting oxygen to the brain. Even more shocking, and rather exciting to the coffee lovers, studies have proven that drinking 2 to 4 cups of coffee a day can even reduce the risk of degenerative mental illnesses  later in life. All hail coffee!

Having read what you should, the next time you meet the two Cs, make sure you 'hello' them right! And you know exactly how, don't you?

Renuka G

 

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Tikki Tikki What?

Totally!t

As soon as my School-Based Experience is over and the Raya holidays wave goodbye, the assignments will get piled up once again. Setting aside 3 lesson plans and the time-consuming corporate video we have to create, storytelling is another huge agenda to be prepared and endured. Not enough of  the singing and poem-writing activities the previous semester, this time around we have a subject solely focused on storytelling in primary ESL classroom. Fortunate for some while unfortunate for beings like me, the coursework for this particular subject requires us to conduct a storytelling session with level 1, 2 or 3 pupils for about 10 minutes. Ain't no joke buddy!

The only consolation being, we do not need a lesson plan for this one!

Point blank, what worries me the most is the 'fact' that I'm not a good storyteller nor a good story-writer. Have you ever seen me writing a story? (Not those long facebook or interpals replies okay?) I hate that in fact. I spent my years in secondary school avoiding essay questions which demands for a story, like a plague. I love public speaking and have participated in English Debates a few times but story-telling is not at all in my field of expertise nor it is under the list of interests. However, if you were to praise me for the Jungle book storytelling session, honey that's what we call as fluke! Just in case you are still in denial, I so totally love you!

Whatever it is, there is no escape in this one, so I better start doing something instead of voluntarily- embarrassing myself in front of those kids. If they laugh because it's a fun session, that's absolutely fine, but if they were to laugh because of my rotten-eggs-worth-'showmanship', I rather take an MC and repeat the semester! Seriously Renuka? 

Hell NO of course! What do you think? I'm a warrior okay, haven't you heard that about me? =p

Even though, I have ranted for paragraphs about the work-to-be-done, to your surprise I have actually picked the story already. Excited nah me? It's not a boring fairy-tale with a lame happy-ending, not a modern fantasy with huge giants and mythical unicorns, and also not an allegoric fable with personified animals. I chose a chinese folktale entitled, Tikki Tikki Tembo.

Interesting name right? And that's is indeed the highlight of the whole story. Since I'm too lazy to write my own summary, here you go, the one given by wikipedia.com;
"Tikki Tikki Tembo is set in ancient China and invents an ancient Chinese custom whereby parents honor their first-born sons with long, elaborate names that everyone is obliged to say completely"


The boy's tragedy is caused by that long name he had. Read the story if you are interested! It's pretty short. 

The one thing I have to practice well now is the boy's long-lengthy name which is "Tikki Tikki Tembo-no Sa Rembo-chari Bari Ruchi-pip Peri Pembo"  which means the most wonderful thing in the whole wide world. It's not easy to get it right every time and that's such a huge risk as kids hear well you see. And as this is the most interesting thing about the story, I really have to make sure I can pronounce it well throughout the session, each time when the name is repeated, which is like 6 times! The props and other stuffs can WAIT!

Let's just hope for the best!

Renuka G

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Daffodils for the Depressed

Many embarked on a journey in search of happiness backpacking their life baggage, accompanied by bummers and loneliness. While the exact destination is still a quest, some researchers suggest a pit stop to the nearest flower shop to book a quick date with the much craved state of mind, eventually calling off the whole expedition with only.....blossoms?

Flowers for felicity, are you buying it?

Well, it is definitely a cliche that flowers were also once considered the mood booster, however, this one without a doubt elevates the old notion to a whole different level.

Perhaps the term flower is too general, thus, yielding doubts in your mind. To be specific, the celebrated-flower is none other than the yellow-lemony scent, daffodils.

A recent study conducted by the scientists of University of Copenhagen, proved the compounds of yellow daffodils especially of South-African breed to be able to penetrate a crucial layer of the brain which many other failed to pass. The mentioned layer has in fact created barrier ceasing the ability of most drugs to reach it thus halting easy cure for long loathed brain conditions like depression and anxiety. Now with daffodils in hand, depression better behave!

Hmm who knew a mere springtime cheer-blossom could trick the defense line ? You knew?

A florally discovery indeed  !

Nevertheless, not to get too excited as the study is still at an early stage and would consume highly on time to be developed into useable drugs.

Fingers-crossed! And all hail the mighty Daffodils!

Renuka G

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My group???

Being a student, the one thing neither of us can elude from is group works. Some love it for the benefit of different views, more ideas and at times forsake of expanding their social circles. While this bunch cherish the collaboration, people like me sigh instead. Not to say I'm against the mentioned idea. In fact, I do strongly agree the outcome of a team effort is at times more than astonishing. However, I feel way comfortable to work on my tasks individually. The reason being, it gives me much flexibility to follow my own pace and make changes whenever I feel without having to be answerable to the other members of the similar group. I love to fend you see! Just couldn't help it.

Prickly though, most of my courseworks are either a backgammon or a trio affair, both suggesting the esprit de corps notion which I'm not into, leaving me with no choice but to join the crowd and do the cheer.

oh dear.....

Plus, my class being a combination 19 different people of unique DNAs , selecting members of a group is often a tricky commitment. However, since it has been nearly 3 years that we bonded, our familiarity and deep understanding of each other's needs, in many instances helped keeping miseries at bay. Most of the times, we pick the same people over and over again because we are comfortable with them. At other circumstances, we opt for some changes by opening doors for new members to crack the books together on the same boat.

uh-oh I smell trouble here!

Changes as we all readily know can do good or bring tremendous harm. A few times I should say, the mentioned change and the new recruit piggybacked much joy and success but in the rest of the cases, they were severe wrecks to the whole team. Both sorts ultimately convinced me the power of each individual shading under the single umbrella. One can either be a great treasure unleashed or a nosedive-diva who descents gathering all the team efforts at once. Experience speaks (not necessarily my own).

it happens....on and off =p

And readers, if you think this lengthy post will end with a solution, erase you hopes right now for I can't advice anyone on how to prevent or filter bad choices, because it's not always about one's personality. The ability to perform a task together can be influenced by many other factors that are also circumstances bound. But all I'm sure of is, everyone will get to experience both treasure and the terrible-wrong as we commit into more fresh partnerships. To your surprise, occasionally even the old-coveted-treasure can give you a real shocking heads up. Just wait and watch.

God bless your groups!

Renuka G

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Arts..perhaps.

I love to admire good art, abstract drawings and of course sculptures, however, when it comes to me forming one, a disaster is effortlessly born! Since I was in primary school itself, arts is not a subject I favor at all. Not to blame it on the teacher nor the lack of passion, it's merely my inability to draw and color well. I got some major issues on the important components you see. Yet I usually manage to escape with a C or under some fortunate circumstances, a B.  An A??? Oh well,NEVER!

This semester though, it looks like I have to get my hands dirty with sketches and brushes. Yes it is indeed annoying to know that I can't drop any subject because I badly wanted to pass on SDP. Like a few weeks ago.

Lucky for me, things turned out well. Mainly because, the lecturer is an easy-going one and the class had been incredibly fun, refusing to put me nor any of my classmates to sleep, thus, giving me a reason to not hate arts more. 

Besides, it is also worth included that, I had become a colour-person a year ago. The mentioned without a doubt contributed a vast deal in seeding happiness to paint when provided a chance, for the reason I can freely play with the pastels and hues without much restrictions. Colours make me happy like a cuckoo!

-I may not be a good artist, well who cares? I just LOVE colors!....... and SDP? -

Renuka G

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Craving-A-Craze

The one thing harder to resist than Gerard butler I should admit cravings, especially for food. This intense desire to consume a certain variety of food drives many crazy while stacking a few pounds to those drop-dead curves. Deadly uh? But if you were to say you can slam the door against it, you either deserve a salute or perhaps an addition of, liar to your CV. 


Salty, Sugary and Fatty are the 3 deadly variation of food cravings which trigger our happy hormones and compliments extra kJs on the treadmill the next moment muffin-top decorates our washboard abs.


Girls all over the world I should say, are able to hate and at the same time secretly enjoy food cravings like gossips they share in their grapevines. 

Moving on to the main cause, people often blame, its all in the head. Researches and of course some of us ,exclusive of me for sure, claim the mental imagery of certain type of food is what induces this self-destructive desire. Adding further, the more vivid the images formed, the more intense the craving gets. However, the truth behind the aforementioned is of course, thankfully, questionable. To prevent us from trying all sort of meditations and techniques to gain mental strength, the rest of the expert-bunch have suggested a far more soothing cause. They have indeed proved food craving to be the siren indicating the lack of body nutrients. Further simplifying it, we crave because we don't consume enough of a particular nutrient. So,the next time you crave, make sure you scream 'What the hell have I done to my body?' 


Hey don't think I'm kidding or trying to provide support as you self-loathingly weep standing on your weighing scale. Trust me that's not the case. Craving for diet vices is really an indication that your meals may be missing vital nutrients.


A salt craving might be a sign that you are dehydrated. If this sensation baits you particularly after your work out session, then a few glasses of water is a must. Apart from keeping you boosted, regrets and fats which tags along as a result of munching on a bag of potato chips can be saved for good.


The one craving that kills and hard most to resist is of sugar. When your hand itches to reach for the confections, be alarmed that your body now  cries for either more lean protein or carbohydrates. To stave off and survive this tricky hunger, stick to protein sources like fish and egg-whites. Yes you are also allowed to appease your sweet-tooth with  healthy sugary treats like granola bars or perhaps dark chocolate. 


Indulging in the sea of fatty food can be heavenly but the longing sensation for this type can be an indicator denoting your body's need for, of course, fat. No, don't panic! Fats are of 2 types, good ones and the bad, pain-in-the-neck type. Here let's stick to the goodie good version of it.  To your relief, nuts can come for rescue in this case. 


Well since I have now made 'craving' a subject to be attended to and not a road to indulgence or ruin, don't cringe the next time your body sends you those signals. Instead, treat your body well by fulfilling its' requests in a humble manner and in the right proportions. 


Bottom line? Crave, consume, trigger those happy hormones it's OK but never fill your waistlines! That is the ultimate rule!

Renuka G

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A tragedy turned hobby

According to Oscar Wilde, everyone has their own tragedies.

Some people desperately read to not grow stupid, that's their tragedy, I read yet remain stupid and that is my tragedy.

When things get real ugly and morphs into a picture perfect mess, I turn to books. And that's a lie. So we ignore that.

To be brutally honest, when things get real ugly and morphs into a picture perfect mess and I can't
'teleport' myself to any malls in the country, I opt for reading.

You may ask though what are friends for then? If everyone indulge in books and brands when problems knock upon our doors, what's the point of having friends? I will answer that.
Establishing bonds between books and new purchases seem way soothing than communicating with another human or human like creature. Not because of different personalities and characters (or species) but the discomfort of digging/ being digged further about an issue. It's better to ignore and cool matters first. You better nod on that!

Back on reading. It's simply a pleasure, pure selfish pleasure just like shopping. All utterly adding up to your benefit, despite the bemusements in some pitiful souls. Bemusement ? Hell yea. You know when a 6 years old picks up Da Vinci Code and start cracking the symbols....as in the 'alphabets'? Yup some adults who are just beginners have that ambition . Just stop! That's my two cents. To feel better or for bibliotheraphy reasons, choose books which matches your language level and interest, too. Refrain from reading-hopelessness and some major cardiac arrest situations due to 'linguistical' stress ! Seriously. Setting that sad scenario aside, you can literally see and count the pros of this leisure with much ease.

Come to think of it, books too can be a great remedy, a huge distraction, under one condition. That it hooks you. I have read the works of a few great authors including Sophie Kinsella (for sure), Jeffery archer, Oscar Wilde and the legend himself William Shakespeare. They are all good but I'm more inclined towards certain genres. And to your surprise, I loathe romance based books. I can never finish them up even keeping an eye closed on their zero healing power. Not to deny, I have a few up on my shelf and I'm not going to blame some supernatural powers or brothers for it, admitting shamelessly that I bought them. Sadly though, I didn't care to finish what I started. So Dear Nicholas sparks and Audrey Niffeneger, you folks can just come claim your works back. As for the books of my preferred genres, keep working as my antidepressants and rehab centers. Sounds pretty serious uh?

But It's NOT!

I don't know your formula to beat down sorrow and fight troublesome occurrences, mine is reading( apart from shopping of course) . The world doesn't get all better and healed when I read,that's true. However, I add a few healthy pounds to my brain besides feeling problem free at least till the moment I put down the printed words and start picking up the shattered pieces. If you were to ask me, a good book can be man's best friend at all circumstances. ('all'? That's a strong word. BTW sorry dogs :p)

Renuka G

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REad REnuka REad

After amusing myself with the plays of Oscar Wilde during my School-Based Experience, today is the second time I’m settling down with a book in my hand. Of course it feels good and relaxing enough after the long long day me and group mates had but I can’t deny how much my bed is distracting me at the moment from the good food I’m offering my brain. Whatever it is, I have to Thank God as finally the HE coursework is gone from our sight!! Brava!!

However, from the plans scheduled I can see that this week is going to exhaust me real bad. The HE quiz (not again), Classroom Management coursework presentation, usual lengthy boring classes, macro-teaching for reading (gosh!) and a few more events which I deem not worth mentioned.

 Geez this list makes me sick!

So let’s talk about good things! Finally all the pre service teachers are given their book vouchers!! Hahax I loveee this one! Even though I have to rush since the vouchers expire on the 30^th of April 2012, I will make damn sure that I get all the books I WANT to read. Yes I’m not going to spend even a single cent (which is slightly impossible but it’s ok) on anything except books. The imaginary list includes all (maybe a few)of  the Jane Austen novels  and Shakespeare’s plays. Well I did miss the staging (Abridged thingy)at KLPac last month due to some inevitable reasons like my SBE, but I’m planning to appease myself through intensive reading of his plays. We will see how k?

I think that’s all for today. Now let me indulge myself with the other of half  ‘The time traveller’s wife’ which is still pending. 

Renuka G

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Zombies and SBE

Let's talk SBE!

I never really had an abysmal experience in the past to stop me from doing my School-Based Experience in my home town. Seriously no! Well maybe i've felt like an alien but that's not a huge deal since it's normal when it comes to a new environment and people and stuffs.

However that was the past and I tell you what, NOW I have a very strong reason to NEVER come back for another SBE!

Why?

Let me present to you a list.

1. On my 1^st day which was yesterday, without any mercy the headmaster called me to the stage (yes it was a REAL stage) and asked me to introduce myself and give a speech during the assembly. Of course introducing is an easy thing, Hi my name is Renuka and that's it, end of story! But the speech thingy literally bugged me! And it all ended to be an embarrassing one. Trust me, 'the' worst speech ever! You wanna hear what I said?
   
   
   Me: Hi, Selamat pagi semua, good morning
   Pupils: Good morning teacher (in chorus)
   Me: How are you feeling today?
   Pupils: Fine teacher
   Me: So what's next ( Aaaaahhhhhh why did I say it?)
   Pupils: blurred
   Me: Have a good day and study betul2 tau, alright? (Manglish? Shit happens)
   Pupils: *still blurred*
   Me: By the way my name is Renuka and you can call me Teacher Renu.(how can I forget that?) I guess that's all??
   Pupils: *claps* (thank god they did that and not throw eggs and tomatoes at me)
   
   
   BAD!!!!!!
   
   
2. They won't give me classes! And the reason being, they are busy with MQA! Familiar huh? Ya, the one body that will never leave us in peace *reminiscing IPG moments* So basically i'm sitting like an alien in the staff room with my oscar wilde plays from 7.20 till 1.15. What a life..
   
   
3. I can't find the boy who charmed me! Yes, that boy. The porcupine haired boy I mentioned on facebook. He was so charming yesterday, made me smile, made my day but today I tried to stalk him but tough luck I couldn't even locate that small boy even though his hair is 'tall' and unique to set him off the crowd. BTW his forehead is not huge, or big or anything, which is why I feel so confused. This isn't normal.
   
   
4. The awkward moment when a preschool kid invites you to play zombie! Sheesh. I wonder when he is going to meet snow white and sing baa baa black sheep. Another conversation:
   Kid: Teacher main ape? Banyak nyer colour..( I was playing diamond dash)
   Me: =) (yes I just smiled)
   Kid: bosan la teacher, main zombie/ Oum-bie ngan kite
   Me: =) (again)...........teacher tak suke
   Kid: knape? Teacher jom la, jom!
   Me: …...... * his friend came and they played oum-bie together*
   Happy ending!
   
   
5. Many more horrible happenings..

I seriously can't take it ! Things are getting worse and FYI I don't like to sit and do nothing.

Perhaps tomorrow I have to locate their preschool and put up hours watching the kids' mischievous acts. Whatever it is, NO ZOMBIE2!

I hate my SBE. Period!

Renuka G

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The Time Traveller's Wife

I'm enjoying every bit of this novel!

“Don't you think it's better to be extremely happy for a short while, even if you lose it, than to be just okay for your whole life?”

" I am a trick, an illusion of the highest order, so incredible that I am actually true."

“There is only one page left to write on. I will fill it with words of only one syllable. I love. I have loved. I will love.”

“Chaos is more freedom; in fact, total freedom. But no meaning. I want to be free to act, and I also want my actions to mean something.”

“Time is priceless, but it’s Free. You can't own it, you can use it. You can spend it. But you can't keep it. Once you've lost it you can never get it back.”

Renuka G

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I don't know

Neither do I!

Honey,
The one thing worse than going a year without shopping with a pocket full of cash is completing the PBS portfolio!

Can you imagine?

Well, I totally understand if you can't since who wanna fall into a nightmare voluntarily right?

But how the hell she does it? or they? or everyone else??
KIDDING ME!

Life sucks whenever a white folder is up for submission (sooner or later)!

Renuka G

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MIne As Well

 As I was busy revising for my coming exams, I found this somewhere in the Power-Point slides:

Rules For Toddlers ( I kinda live by it as well ....I suppose)

If I like it, it’s mine.

If it’s in my hand, it’s mine.

If I can take it from you, it’s mine.

If I had it a little while ago, it’s mine.

If it’s mine, it must never appear to be yours in any way.

If I’m doing or building something, all the pieces are mine.

If it looks like mine, it’s mine.

If I saw it first, it’s mine.

If you are playing with something, and you put it down, it automatically becomes mine.

If it’s broken, it’s YOURS!

Renuka G

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