+F A R A H+

Sayo not-so nara.

Hello, goodbye.

Trivial Trivia.

I felt exceptionally, exorbitantly inspired yesterday that I came up with something. It took me approximately half a day for it to look like it is now, albeit, still, incomplete. Thing is, I've ran out of ideas. Or probably, my inspiration supply got cut short. Only Jay knows. And the Huggies-wearing-bear wanted to see what I've been up to, so basically, I have been asked to flaunt, which I'm glad to do. Haha. - I usually don't show my sketches.



The trivia would be, to guess how many pictures in total there are in that one whole piece of paper - you might have to tilt your head. Anyone with the correct answer will receive a virtual standing ovation and a ginormous cookie!

Muffled Ennui.

China is no liking me. I didn't get past the Great Firewall of China. Got this link from Fazri's blog. Go, see if china likes YOU - or rather, your blog, for that matter.

Don't mind me, I'm just gonna wallow in self-pity in the corners of Timbucktoo cause China doesn't like my blog. Isk.

Okay I'm done floundering around abrogating energy.

On another note, amongs all things that underwent a raise in price, even squash balls are getting expensive these days. The normal pricing was around RM7.50-RM8.00 back then. Now the abnormal pricing has reached RM9.20; for one miserable ping pong-sized rubber ball. Sheesh.

(. . .)

And apparently tracing paper and butter paper are two totally different types of paper altogether. I never knew til, well, yesterday. Oh well.

Sigh.

Truthfully, I have absolutely nothing to blog about but I'm having that urge to do so. So I'm basically just typing whatever comes intertwining my path presently.

Oh, oh. I just got a mail! From Malis. She, would be the person who organizes practically every youth related activity or event that The Star comes up with. So, clearly there is an upcoming event. Early June, specifically. I'm sure all BRATs are aware and well informed of this and perhaps those who read The Star daily. Well, this programme basically offers you the oppurtunity to view the limestone conservation and at the same time learn about the environment and more importantly it will help promote limestone conservation actions among local communities and young people. Check the poster for details if you're interested. I think Arif would be. And yes,


God, I'm femmished and in serious need of a good verbal fist fight.

 I suppose, that's just about how much I can gouge off my dull day.

[more]

Tarry Plague.

My aunty just called. To ask for my IC number. Now the obvious perpetual daunting question that keeps skipping around in my head flamboyantly with much blithe, would be;   

WHY?

   

To check whether or not I got in the system.

or

To confirm a successful outcome.

I'm praying for the latter, patently. Now every time my phone beeps, I'll be muttering meaningless harmless gibberish curses if it isn't my aunty that's trying to reach me. The agonizing anxiety, it can kill. Gahh.

It reeks that in such a short span of time, I'm already back in my sweaty palms decorum. I'm actually disorientated and restless. Perhaps the sexy mammoth's trotting it's way back into my belly playing marco polo with it's own reflection against the walls of my stomach. Great. I'm not even making sense already.

(inhales, exhales)
    

   

And such satire lingers. Mika's Relax, Take It Easy is playing now.

Oh, I'll take it easy, alright...

Pfft. 

Fumes of Fancy.

I saw a famous poot.

Who?

Abdul Razak Mohaideen

Was driving Lina to tuition and had to go through USM. The place should be empty, considering twas a weekend. But then, near the guest house, the bend was smothered with people and vans and cameras. Didn't take a rocket scientist to figure that there might be a shooting session in progress. Question is who's shooting what. Well, I pretty much gave the answer away earlier. No cookies for diligent readers this time.

I was busy ticking the pros and cons boxes in my head, deciding whether or not to drive over the cables and the orange triangle thing (the object's name just isn't coming to mind right now) when Lina blurted, "Kak Farah! It's that Mami Jarum director. You know... that Prof something something." I was like, "Huh, where?" He was in a maroon T and sweat pants with a cap and a towel hugging his neck. Same as what most his crews were wearing but yeah, it was him. I recognize that wide awkward smile he usually throws about. He likes to shoot fractions of his stuff in USM for some unknown reason.

Oh well, that's that.

Been up to more comics/webcomics lately plus, I just discovered the wonders of RSS Feed and it's tedious ways around it. Been meddling with it, gave up for a bit (did I mention it was tedious?), got back at it - I can't stand incomplete lists especially when it comes to something I do daily.

I'm done with the second and third issue of Fables. I've uploaded the thing for quite some time now. Not that it's not intriguing enough to be read. It's just that I have to do several steps in order to get to it in the first place. CDisplay should make that particular task rather easy but I can't exactly get it to run. So I had to open it using WinRAR instead. That's the hassle, right there; cause I have to open/load the image after finishing a particular page. And there's around 22 pages per issue. So, y'know... But! I have made use of the ample time I have by loading each and every page of it. And, I've finish reading Fables #2 and #3 odi! (like how someone would say already) And here's my favourite cover so far;

 

 

 

The rest of the covers are here but I haven't mustered all the patience I need to go through each and every one yet. Yet.

Koosny! You can yousendit me #4, #5 and #6 already! .___.

On another note, Uncle Malik  came over the other day and took a peek at my portfolio. Gave a few comments. He did say that my photography skills are awesome and what I really have to focus more on is my sketching. Which I think is true also. He advised me to squeeze a can and sketch the detail of it’s exterior or trace anything randomly using butter paper. He assigned me to draw the plan of my house. ( I haven’t had homework for the last 4 months or so, I’m ecstatic) I’ve started on the lower floor by the way. Now I wish I was a The Sims aficionado back then. Would’ve been some kind of help. Now where’s the CD when I need it…?! Part that sucks the most is I have to ask help. From Syafiq. Yeah. Whoopdeedo.

Now that my conscious self is tired of being a personified slob, I’m on a mission to get back into shape (I'm chewing cheesecake. Contradiction or irony, now?) and narrow down my priorities into a reasonable frame of specific aspects. About time, eyh?

So, I’m off to do some mini shopping to complete that mission. First, would be a squash ball – since Syafiq successfully hit my one and only ball into the vent. Second, a few rolls of butter paper. Third, maybe two or three 0.3 extra fine gel pens.

And oh, Catbert’s cynicism never fails to make my day.

Goodbye Sexy Mammoth.

So, I'm back from KL. Or, Selangor, to be specific. Which indirectly means the extra sharp spike wearing mammoth has magically evaporated from the vicinity of my insides. (Koosny, I told you the words aren't coming...) Which means, I'm no longer surrounded nervous vibes. And sweaty palms. And blistered heels. Yes, the interview is over and done with. And I'm uber proud of my first and only portfolio. It's actually flaunt-able! Ngee. I say this cause the super autocratic and haughty interviewer complimented it.

*grins gleefully*

It's nice to have my ego stroked once in a blue moon. Especially by a condescending biggety practicing architect.

So, I'm going to tell you the details cause I'm certain one chubby quirky person wants to know all about it. *pokes googly eyes*

When I got there - UiTM, Mama went up to the courtyard with me. Yes, cause I'm a courageous clucking chicken - flaps. Well, obviously I knew no one. Except for Alia. Who was busy with her own stuffs. I'd like to make her my shadow, even, at the moment. But that'd just be unfair, won't it. So, walking, walking, walking. (Uh, stop me if I'm starting to sound like Wendy Cheng, okay?) We stumbled upon a printed paper saying "IBU BAPA SETAKAT INI SAHAJA". I is cuak already. But the statement was called for. I'm not expecting Mama to sit beside me in the hall with pink polka-dot purple pompoms rooting for me while I sketch. I was, in fact, expecting Bal in a skirt holding that red blinding glittery banner, though...

Anywho. The schedule was, sketch test > colour blind test > interview.

In the cold hall, I walked in. With no familiar face to greet me, I hunted for a seat. So, I did what a normal Farah would do, to calm myself down - the adrenaline rush was ludicrous. I started looking for nice baju kurungs! And the most uncomfortable shoe - that'd be done solely by looking at the girl's facial expression a'course. That aside, we actually had to draw an arranged model consisting of a cube, pyramid, sphere, cylinder and a sphere - draw according to the angle that particular person is facing the model. Still feeling unnerved, I heard the lecturer burp in the microphone while explaining what we were suppose to do. That was it. That was what I needed. Some kind of familiarity. I felt better right after.

After an hour-long of sketching, they grouped us according to our categorical courses for our colour blind test (supposedly). I was expecting the setting to be pretty much like what we go through during our driving test's colour blind test. But apparently not. When I was called to enter the room, there were people and tables. Instead of a piece of paper with colourful drawings for me to decipher, there were two panels waiting for me. I feel so cheated. I mean. I didn't get the chance to psyche myself for questions.  I didn't know what I was in for! On the contrary, it is, somewhat of a goodthing, not knowing I was going to be interviewed at the same time. I wasn't too nervous. If I knew I was going in the room to be questioned, I wouldn't have walked in as graceful as I did.

First thing the lady interviewer said to me when I greeted them, was; "I like your baju kurung." My reflex action wasn't on routine mode, so I didn't have time to do my 'blush and grin sheepishly' routine cause I was ultra-extravagantly nervous. They spoke in English, I was thankful. I mean, I'd be having a pretty difficult time expressing myself if I were to be asked to converse in Malay. The interview was done in a jiffy, in fact. Approximately 3-4 minutes if my natural timing is accurate - minus the time I handed them my portfolio.

They ended up asking;

- Tell us about your family.
- Which Malaysian building do you think is decent?
- Do you know any local and abroad architects?
- Who inspired you?
- Did you take these photographs?
- 1988? (The normal speculation on my age)

That was about it.

I'd say it wasn't so bad, yeah?

Now, I'm just praying so hard that there would be a post in the near future with colourful caps lettering saying I got in. Insyaallah.

Temp Input Junkie.

Been doing some brainstorming lately. Of what the interviewers might throw at me, looking at my obvious state of frailness and gullibility - I imagine I'd be. I'm just afraid my size'd shrink exponentially as the questions are asked. At some unknown point, I feel reasonably confident; with the tips provided and positive assuring words of encouragement. But then when I'm all alone, sketching without music, there's that blustering voice, trying really hard to deflate my flimsy built confidence - as contradicting as that sounds. So, there's;

What is Architecture?
Why are you here? (...I want to be the next American Idol)
Why does Architecture interest you?
Why should we accept you in this faculty? (soalan wang cepu emas)
What does your photographs show to complement this field?
What's you favourite malaysian/non-malaysian building?
Why do you like the building?
Who's your favourite malaysian/non-malaysian architect?
Why do you like the particular architect?
What's the latest proposition in the Architectural field in Malaysia?
Care to name us a few famous Architecture Firms in Malaysia?
Can you draw? (I'd like to think so...)

Anything else you think I should consider a witty comeback to?

Yes? No? Maybe? I don't know?

And oh! After some few hours of continuous sketching over the past few weeks, I discovered that I can sketch with my left hand! Yeah, I know I'm making a big ballyhoo, as if I just discovered how my reproductive tract works, but but I may be ambidextrous! Mr.Pompous Weed Killer would be so proud of me, or jealous. Following Zan's advice, I've been consciously reminding myself to do routine things (from switching channels to moving the mouse to sms-ing to making coffee to generally picking up stuff) with my left hand so that the right side of my brain cells can break freee and do some magic. It does, actually have an effect on my sketches.

H E R E

Add in epiphanies!

.__.

Free Loop.

I just got my whole Mesianiaga speculation cleared. Turns out, There's a Menara Mesiniaga, one in Subang. And a branch, Mutiara Mesiniaga, one in Penang. And apparently both designed by Ken Yeang.

How was it cleared, you might ask? (or not)

Some people working in Menara Mesiniaga would occasionally google the word Mesiniaga to see what pops up from time to time. Well, this time, my blog was in that list, cause, well, I mentioned it earlier.

Then I got a mail, this morning that reads;

Hi Farah,

Just thought that I'd let you know, yes there is a Mesiniaga Penang - building is called Mutiara Mesiniaga right in front of Sheraton Hotel. And yes, just as Menara Mesiniaga was designed by Ken Yeang, so was Mutiara Mesiniaga. Building was completed in 2003.

Ida Rahayu Mohd Jamli

Yes, now would be the best point in time to make a public apology to Wikipedia for the blunt accusation I made of it displaying false information. Though, Mr. Wikipedia, you should, consider putting Subang's Menara Mesiniaga under Ken Yeang's project y'know, cause it is one of his prominent works... I'm just saying.

Oh, oh. I saw Cikgu Azhar last week. He, would be the bestest most patient BM teacher ever. Liek everr. I wasn't exactly thaat nifty when it came to that particular language. I use to have 3 hour long private classes twice a week with the teacher. Along with Sarah. Yeah, I was that bad. For a teacher with a reputation of being strict with a look that says "I don't tolerate nonsense", he's very soft spoken and funny. He transforms into this handsome young teacher when he puts on his aviator sunglasses while carrying his old school briefcase. When it's off, he's pretty much just like any other BM teacher... Hehe.

BM tuition sounds boring as it is, no? So, as expected, I got bored once in a while. I remember poking holes in my water bottle and nonchalantly squirting water on his cushioned seat. And when he came in, he, unperturbedly sat on the chair, and of course, jumped when he started feeling water seeping through his pants. Man, his look was priceless. But, he didn't throw a fit. He just said, "Ni mesti kerja si Farah...". Took another chair and started marking my homework.

There was this one attempt of scaring him with a yellow-thumb-sized-grasshopper, but he digested my antics quite fast. He was more conscientious around me. But oh well, he was an interesting person himself. I once asked him what gerabak was. He just looked at me, squinted eyes, scrutinizing my face, figuring out whether I was asking for real or was I just channeling my boredom into something pseudo-educational. Although, he couldn't really cover up his immediate reaction that said, "Gawd, you don't even know that? Never mind I'll show yewww!" Alas, he reached for my notepad and started drawing a long long chain of chu chu train with the smoke and all. Not forgetting floral prints on the cargo. I was like, "Right, gotcha."

All I can say, I owe all my BM basics to him. Man, now I feel like glomping the dude.

My interview's next week. I'm pretty much just compiling some of my decent photographs and sketches to be mounted in my portfolio. I'm altogether pumped up, nervous, determined, scared all at once. I suppose, the epitome of mixed feelings, no? I just want this so badly.

 

So, I'm off to see what the camera can do for me today.

*pops a red glittery flower ---<@ out of my belly*

Silent Sea.

I dreamt of the Jewish Museum in Berlin.

. . .

I classify that as a nightmare but I disregarded the whole incident. It's probably because of the overload of information I've been taunting my own system. Or, cause Alia mentioned that it was her favourite building. Either the explanation, before going to sleep the night after, I hoped I wasn't gonna dream of another building. Not cause it was a dull boring dream - it was rather serene and intriguing and pleasant, actually. It's just that it's alarmingly freaky. I've never really dreamt of a building, perse. I did take a one day break from all the reading and sketching just to erase whatever small impact it has on my routine.

But.

Whadya know. I dreamt of another museum. This time, the Imperial War Museum North in Trafford. I might have a subconcious fetish for museum, perhaps. Who knows. I'd rather dream of the Denver Art Museum in Colorado though, but I suppose my latent self prefers Manchester goodies. Oh well.

I have to note that outside my dream-world, I'm an avid glass house/building afficionado.

Dreams aside (literally), went to Queensbay with Mama yesterday, we were hardpressed for time, it was almost dinner time. So, we split up. She started off with the groceries and I proceeded paying for the cushion she chose in Jusco. (I have a point, I swear) When it was my turn, the cashier dude, did his 'routine'; 

Let me just first say, this cashier isn't the 'normal' type. This one, by all barrier, managed to get a whole pot Brylcreem in his hair, a bottle of perfume equally under both armpits and I might add, a whole tube of Colgate while brushing. With that combination of scent, it's one thing to bear with. Didn't help that he was flirting (No footsie or playful hair twirling, but flirting nonetheless. Ahem.) with the customer before me.

Came, my turn;

Cashier dude: Tesco card please?
Saya: Huh?
Cashier dude: Tesco card. (with an annoyed tone like I purposely didn't want to hear him the first time)
Saya: Jusco card, ada la.
Cashier dude: Uh. I mean Jusco card. (control macho like, to the highest measure, you know)
Saya: Here. ( I have a certain degree of containing laughter but my cheeks and belly were too painful I accidentally bwahahahed)
Cashier dude: (he didn't exactly have any choice but to lol at himself to save the embarrassment)

Talk about habits dying hard.

And ah, here's a way to be extremely cheapskate yet inventive all at the same time;

While waiting for Nurul to finish her Kumon class, Syafiq and I went to McDonald's to kill time. They have complimentary newspapers, so eh... We bought ourselves a sundae each and a large hot, out of the deep-fryer fries. I brought along a book but McD was awfully full of people and small kids playing hide and seek for some odd reason and it was impossible not to read the same line thirteen times before my brain can digest it. 

Aaanyways, there was this couple on my left, they just finished their meal and left. And here came in a chinaman and sat where the couple sat, waiting for his table to be cleared. The long queue didn't really make that process any faster, obviously. So, being an over-inventive-thirsty-street-smart-person, this chinaman took the couple's cups and went to the counter and refilled the cups. And took two brand spankin' new straws. Free. Although, highly disgusting. But free, nonetheless.

A trick many thirsty people can try or rather, make use. Too bad they don't refill burger patties. That'd be a free meal altogether, granted, people leave their buns like they do their cups. (That sounded a tad silly, but oh wells)

And hey, snip the tip!

---

p/s: I'm conspicuously influenced by Wikipedia, seeing the amount of links I took the liberty to provide. Hah.

Bush-smoosh.

Remind me never to look away/get distracted while washing my hands at the sink ever again especially when 'someone smart' had to put a cactus as an ornament of decoration because I might end up having my fingers pricked like Sleeping Beauty again.

!@#$%^&

In any case, just as I was on a roll, leeching off Wikipedia, I found a false information.

Try Wikipedia-ing Ken Yeang's name and under his projects, there's a Mesiniaga Penang (Is there a Mesiniaga Penang?). He didn't design that. He designed Menara Mesiniaga In Subang Jaya, Selangor. One next to Subang Parade and The Federal Highway. A Penangite's reaction'd be, kelentong besaq.

(By the way, if you say Ken Yeang's name really fast, about 10 times, you'll end up saying kenyang. And I'm starving. Gah.)

Man, was I devastated. Now I'm starting to question whatever I've read from Wikipedia for the last week. Damn. I need another legitimate source of data for wide-range-information-ganking purposes.

. . .

I need a plate of Wiener schnitzel.