This is a continuation of the previous post. Actually, it shouldn't be the part two of a flattering dilemma because it is no longer a dilemma. And so.. *drum rolls* I'm taking part in the conference! I'm excited, honestly :) So, as what I always like to do.. here's the conversation between me (G) and my boss (U):
Grace walks into Dr. Ummul's office...
G: I've decided!
U: What's that?
G: I'm gonna do the conference thingy.
U: Ok! So what are you gonna do about it?
G: LOL, what am I suppose to do?
U: write your abstract.
G: which includes........??
U: It'll be different from the abstract of your thesis though, *tells the gist of the abstract*
G: Ok.. writing isn't a problem. I'm afraid my mind goes blank during the presentation.
U: I'll help you present the difficult part, but you'll have to explain the data.
G: *big smile on her face* YOU WILL BE THERE??? :))))
U: If you want me to be, yeah.. :D I'll hold your hand until you can soar. But you'll have to include my name in it.
G: Oh sure!! :D
U: When's the conference?
G: Uh... June 11-13
U: Oh, I can't,I'll be away..
G: HUH?! :( Man..... Oh well, it's ok.. I'm a nobody, so even if I screw up, it's ok.
U: Oh you can't screw up. *G looks puzzled* Not when my name is in it.
G: Your name will be in the paper? :)))
U: yeah, if you want it to be :)
G: Of course!!! But then I have to present it on my own..........
U: Come on, it'll be easy. I chose you because you have potential.
G: You see something in me?!
U: *smiles* well, you're Grace.
*pause*
G: but seriously, you see potential in me?! Gosh, that's something worth wondering about!
U: *smiles* Yeah. I don't just ask anybody to present a paper, you know. What you did was good.
G: Wow, who would have thought, me. You see something in me. LOL!!!
Anyway, the rest is history. I have a very possible publication coming my way, and it's really overwhelming. Who would have thought that I would be writing a paper with the professor whom I respect the most. Oh gosh! Feels like a dream! :)
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Sunday, November 23, 2008
roots? what roots?
I am Malaysian. Always have been, always will be. No matter where I go, no matter where I have been. I know I am of Chinese descent, but really.. it stops there. Everything I do, everything I say just screams out one word- MALAYSIAN.
So why the heck do people say, "Go back to your roots!" Where are my roots? It is none other than Malaysia! I don't exactly speak Chinese much, and I know that people are asking me to "go back to my roots" and learn Chinese. But does a language define roots?? Does speaking Chinese make me any more Chinese? Or does speaking English make me any more.. English?? It doesn't! A language is a language.. a vehicle. It does not define me, nor does it mould me into anything more.
Don't get me wrong, it's not I'm totally abandoning the whole "I'm of Chinese descent" idea, it's just that I don't see the point dwelling on it. I find that people go back to China to "find their roots". Let's see, I went back to China.. and the only I found was how different I am from the people of China. Our accents are different, our demeanors are different.. so just because my ancestors were from China, I have to learn how to speak, act and spit (sorry, I just couldn't help it) like them? And what right do those people who ask me to "go back to my roots" have, to ask me to do that?? They're in Malaysia, they claim their Malaysians, and their Chinese language aren't that perfect either. Oh and you know what, they speak Malaysian English just like I do. Talking about hypocrisy!
Call me banana, verbally persecute me in whichever way you like, I'm not bothered. I'm Malaysian and I'm sticking with with it!
So why the heck do people say, "Go back to your roots!" Where are my roots? It is none other than Malaysia! I don't exactly speak Chinese much, and I know that people are asking me to "go back to my roots" and learn Chinese. But does a language define roots?? Does speaking Chinese make me any more Chinese? Or does speaking English make me any more.. English?? It doesn't! A language is a language.. a vehicle. It does not define me, nor does it mould me into anything more.
Don't get me wrong, it's not I'm totally abandoning the whole "I'm of Chinese descent" idea, it's just that I don't see the point dwelling on it. I find that people go back to China to "find their roots". Let's see, I went back to China.. and the only I found was how different I am from the people of China. Our accents are different, our demeanors are different.. so just because my ancestors were from China, I have to learn how to speak, act and spit (sorry, I just couldn't help it) like them? And what right do those people who ask me to "go back to my roots" have, to ask me to do that?? They're in Malaysia, they claim their Malaysians, and their Chinese language aren't that perfect either. Oh and you know what, they speak Malaysian English just like I do. Talking about hypocrisy!
Call me banana, verbally persecute me in whichever way you like, I'm not bothered. I'm Malaysian and I'm sticking with with it!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Flattering dillemma
To do or not to do, that is the question. Last Thursday, while on the way back after having lunch with my boss, she told me "Grace, I have something for you." So, we went back to the office, and she handed me a MELTA (Malaysian English Language Teaching Association) Conference application form. I was stunned. Why would she? What am I suppose to do with it? She told me:
"Why don't you present a paper? What you did for your PSM (thesis) was good."
Honestly, that was very flattering. I never knew she liked my thesis topic that much (she was my thesis advisor, in case you did not know). Neither did I really think that she deemed me fit to even present a paper. She had that much faith in ME?! MELTA is a reputable organization, there would be some professors, experienced teachers and experienced researchers presenting their papers, having forums, and holding discussions during the conference. Oh boy, where does this inexperienced, amateur researcher fit in? So this is what else that went on (note: the conversation stretched on for more than 1 day and it's not in the exact words; G- me; U- my boss)
G: I don't think I can do it. I have no experience whatsoever!
U: There's always a first time, Grace.
G: I know... *looks at the application form* The conference fee is 350 bucks?!
U: LOL, yeah, your month's pay.
G: Yeah, almost. LOL.
U: Tell you what, I'll pay for you.
G: That's not very nice. Tell you what, I'll think about it, Dr.
U: Ok, no pressure though. But I'll be glad to help you out if you do it. :)
On one hand, here I have the best person to guide me, and the best experience I can get- presenting a paper in a reputable conference, and a possible publication to my name. But on the other hand, I am afraid I'm not up to it.
Honestly, I have 3/4 of a mind to present the paper. But I still have some doubts. So this weekend, I'm going to look through my thesis, and I will make the final decision. :) Oh boy. We'll see what happens.
"Why don't you present a paper? What you did for your PSM (thesis) was good."
Honestly, that was very flattering. I never knew she liked my thesis topic that much (she was my thesis advisor, in case you did not know). Neither did I really think that she deemed me fit to even present a paper. She had that much faith in ME?! MELTA is a reputable organization, there would be some professors, experienced teachers and experienced researchers presenting their papers, having forums, and holding discussions during the conference. Oh boy, where does this inexperienced, amateur researcher fit in? So this is what else that went on (note: the conversation stretched on for more than 1 day and it's not in the exact words; G- me; U- my boss)
G: I don't think I can do it. I have no experience whatsoever!
U: There's always a first time, Grace.
G: I know... *looks at the application form* The conference fee is 350 bucks?!
U: LOL, yeah, your month's pay.
G: Yeah, almost. LOL.
U: Tell you what, I'll pay for you.
G: That's not very nice. Tell you what, I'll think about it, Dr.
U: Ok, no pressure though. But I'll be glad to help you out if you do it. :)
On one hand, here I have the best person to guide me, and the best experience I can get- presenting a paper in a reputable conference, and a possible publication to my name. But on the other hand, I am afraid I'm not up to it.
Honestly, I have 3/4 of a mind to present the paper. But I still have some doubts. So this weekend, I'm going to look through my thesis, and I will make the final decision. :) Oh boy. We'll see what happens.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Why so serious?
If there's one valuable lesson I've learnt, it is don't take life to seriously. It really is kinda miserable if we take each and every one thing seriously. I've learnt to laugh at my own mistakes, to laugh at my quirky behavior and what do you know.. I live a happier life! I admit that I'm as perfect as the next person (which means I'm not perfect lah! LOL) so why not just let everyone see my flaws? Not that I'm proud of them or anything, I just think that there's nothing to be ashamed of. So, I am not as smart as the other person, so I am darn lousy at math, so I'm not good at geography and history.. but I am linguistically competent, I am musically inclined, I am domesticated (if that counts..lol).. but as long as I know my strengths and work at them, I don't see a problem.. if everyone had the same strengths and weaknesses, and were all the same, won't life be boring?
What I'm getting is that, do not focus on your weaknesses.. discover your strengths, work at them and laugh at your weaker points (if you want..), it makes life worth living.
P/s: I'm still perfecting the art of not taking life to seriously ;)
What I'm getting is that, do not focus on your weaknesses.. discover your strengths, work at them and laugh at your weaker points (if you want..), it makes life worth living.
P/s: I'm still perfecting the art of not taking life to seriously ;)
Friday, November 7, 2008
Emails wrongly sent
At first I thought it was just a coincidence. Probably they typed the wrong address or somethin. But really, it was occurred too many times! I have received personal emails which I initially thought were spam, but it was too personal to be spam. There were mentions of certain names and attachment of family photos, etc. One time, there was even an attachment of an assignment to a university professor! I have tried replying these emails, letting them know that they had sent it to the wrong email address and to check the recipient's email address before resending. Coincidence? Not so. I don't know, but I don't think my email address is very common. It's not as common as grace@gmail.com, in fact, I don't know why this keeps happening. I'm tired now. Really tired. I'm tired of having to reply every individual email that does not belong to me, I'm tired of this nonsense that is happening. How could this ever happen? And what if I ignore these emails? These are real people, who are hopeful of their emails being received, some who are desperate to get in touch with their loved ones. Is it gmail that has been redirecting mails that's suppose to be sent to email addresses akin to mine? Or is it just purely an internet screw up? I hope someone out there can offer me an explanation.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Life without technology
Can you imagine life without technology? Ok, maybe not the basic technology (like light bulbs, telephone, radio), but I mean like mobile phone, pda, laptops and the works? One thing for sure, technology is ruling the human life and we, humbly and gladly pledge allegiance.
Imagine, you're at a shopping mall and suppose to meet a friend somewhere(exact location not stated), and so what do you do? You whip out your mobile phone and dial away. But imagine if the mobile phone wasn't created? You would need to look for the nearest payphone (provided there is a payphone near by, and there was such thing as a payphone). And what if, after walking for a long time, finally find a payphone, realize that you don't have coins on you? That would be a disaster won't it? So you walk back to where you were before, and start looking for your friend while she looks for you too.. if she remembered to go meet you, that is.
The thing is, that is ONE instance of life without the technology we have now. What about mail? Emails are sent in seconds these days, with prompt response.. I can't imagine the snail mail kinda life anymore. In fact, I can't even remember the last time I sent an actually letter.
But the one thing I appreciate most is the word processor. If everything were to be handwritten, I'd probably die. Literally. I realized that these days, I can't even stand writing a whole paragraph without getting agitated and whining that my hand hurts. So imagine writing a project paper.. worse still, a thesis! Word by word, paragraph by paragraph, chapter by chapter.. I cringe just thinking about it. I salute scholars in the olden days. Honestly. Wholeheartedly.
I often wondered what I'll do without my computer and without Internet. I'll still get by I guess.. but what can a 24 year old do for leisure? Read? I hate reading. Write? Yeah, I guess.. like what I'm doing now. Listen to music? But of course. But I might be doing what girls my age did back then.. cook, sew.. what else? I don't know. I don't want to know. So I might never know. But who cares! It's the 21st Century.. and so, thank God for technology! :)
Imagine, you're at a shopping mall and suppose to meet a friend somewhere(exact location not stated), and so what do you do? You whip out your mobile phone and dial away. But imagine if the mobile phone wasn't created? You would need to look for the nearest payphone (provided there is a payphone near by, and there was such thing as a payphone). And what if, after walking for a long time, finally find a payphone, realize that you don't have coins on you? That would be a disaster won't it? So you walk back to where you were before, and start looking for your friend while she looks for you too.. if she remembered to go meet you, that is.
The thing is, that is ONE instance of life without the technology we have now. What about mail? Emails are sent in seconds these days, with prompt response.. I can't imagine the snail mail kinda life anymore. In fact, I can't even remember the last time I sent an actually letter.
But the one thing I appreciate most is the word processor. If everything were to be handwritten, I'd probably die. Literally. I realized that these days, I can't even stand writing a whole paragraph without getting agitated and whining that my hand hurts. So imagine writing a project paper.. worse still, a thesis! Word by word, paragraph by paragraph, chapter by chapter.. I cringe just thinking about it. I salute scholars in the olden days. Honestly. Wholeheartedly.
I often wondered what I'll do without my computer and without Internet. I'll still get by I guess.. but what can a 24 year old do for leisure? Read? I hate reading. Write? Yeah, I guess.. like what I'm doing now. Listen to music? But of course. But I might be doing what girls my age did back then.. cook, sew.. what else? I don't know. I don't want to know. So I might never know. But who cares! It's the 21st Century.. and so, thank God for technology! :)
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
How things have changed
I was going through my collection of music cds today and I realized that a lot of cds I have purchased, if I take a listen now, they nauseate me. Like seriously.. my taste in music has changed drastically since my music-cd-buying days.
First off, Bardot.. they were an Australian girl group founded during the tv show Popstars.. so I took and listen. Lousy! I don't even have the slightest idea why I bought their album. Needless to say, having 2 Britney Spears albums made me scratch my head too. Next up, Aaron Carter... I'm too speechless. And that's not because he was impressive to start with.
Sticking out of my rack is this guy called Michael Fredo. I actually totally forgot about him! I don't know where he is and what he is doing now, but I don't think he's anywhere near the spotlight. All Nick Carter-ish singers suffer the same fate.. except Jesse McCartney. That guy has more talent than the rest.
Of course, there are some albums I own which are timeless.. namely Michael Jackson.. no matter what he has become, his songs do stand the test of time. Oh, and the first album I ever bought is Mariah Carey's Music Box, I can't get enough of that too :)
So yeah, a peek into my music collection. I have hundred others, but oh well.. I know that there must be loads of teeny boopers, out-of-tuners, lip-syncing people. But, I'll just leave them where they should be, on the rack and collecting dust.
First off, Bardot.. they were an Australian girl group founded during the tv show Popstars.. so I took and listen. Lousy! I don't even have the slightest idea why I bought their album. Needless to say, having 2 Britney Spears albums made me scratch my head too. Next up, Aaron Carter... I'm too speechless. And that's not because he was impressive to start with.
Sticking out of my rack is this guy called Michael Fredo. I actually totally forgot about him! I don't know where he is and what he is doing now, but I don't think he's anywhere near the spotlight. All Nick Carter-ish singers suffer the same fate.. except Jesse McCartney. That guy has more talent than the rest.
Of course, there are some albums I own which are timeless.. namely Michael Jackson.. no matter what he has become, his songs do stand the test of time. Oh, and the first album I ever bought is Mariah Carey's Music Box, I can't get enough of that too :)
So yeah, a peek into my music collection. I have hundred others, but oh well.. I know that there must be loads of teeny boopers, out-of-tuners, lip-syncing people. But, I'll just leave them where they should be, on the rack and collecting dust.
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