Amused at Istana Kehakiman, Putrajaya

I think it's time I get back to writing, maybe... to find a sense of normalcy/ sanity, maybe... to keep some secrets here.

Today was the first day I visited one of the appellate courts in Malaysia, i.e. the Court of Appeal and Federal Court.

Honestly, it is amazing. Unfortunately, since I went there empty handed, I have to pen down my memories without any photos. =(

The interior and exterior (even the pavements) of the Istana Kehakiman was marble... everywhere, so as I walked around in my court shoes, the steps I made was clear. Reflected by the floor, walls... I'm not so sure about the ceilings! Haha.... funny that I think of the sound of my shoes at this point! 

Then, as I walked nearer and into the Istana, my Master greeted his friends, checked his case and Court at a kiosk before asking me to follow his friend up to the Court room.

This being my first time, the 'wow' factor of the Istana made the whole place seemed like a maze (when it really is not that big -disclaimer- I only walked around 2 floors *hehe but there's definitely more than two floors). So, I graciously followed his friend to the Court and waited patiently before he dismissed me, telling me to visit the other courts since our case would start after 10.00. 

*WEEE~~~! Travel time.

So I sat in the Federal Court (2nd Bench), if I'm not wrong since the other Federal Court was filled to the brim with reporters eager to write on the Church's case on the use of the word 'Allah'. So, I settled myself into the chair for the spectators/ public, i.e. at the back of the Court. (Well, if you're not a lawyer submitting, you also sit here)

*mental note, please check where you're sitting so that the light doesn't make you blind/ tired. 

What of my experience with the bench?

Seriously and honestly, I almost thought I was watching a movie/ drama. The lighting made the male chinese judge's face depict the face of an opera mask. The rest of the judges, were not much different. Haha.... but it was really cool, watching them up there as they considered the submissions of the counsels.

Any shining moments in that Court? 

Yes. When a counsel representing a law firm was suing presumably one of the partners, stating that lawyers are liars, unethical, to know them properly is only possible if one is to judge the person themselves.

The reply by the judge. "You can't say that." 

This reminded me, not to judge a group of person just because of one person. 

Eg. not to judge a basket of apples as bad just because one of the apples had a worm in it.

Eg. not to judge that women are all prostitutes just because there are many female prostitutes.

etc.

Take-back messages

To make sure I can pronounce my words clearly and persuasively. 

Why? I find difficulty in hearing counsels who can't do that well, so naturally, I don't listen to them. If this is happening to me, what more the judges.

To be very prepared. To make sure I've done all that I have needed to do before approaching the Courts.

Any place worth seeing in the Istana Kehakiman?

The Muzium Kehakiman. I liked that I could see relics/ antiques. Besides being able to see them, there were short succint explanations to explain certain objects/ history.

The library?

Well-stocked from what I've seen in less than 5 minutes, but I still prefer my University's library! =D

Well... I think this is my max.... of random blogging.

See you soon....I really should make a schedule to write this!

Before Toastmasters - How I came to fear speaking

Dear reader/s,

I believe there is always a reason behind every single thing. In my case, my fear of public speaking began when I was sixteen. Yes... 

16

At the age sixteen, while I tried to recite a speech from a text/ reference book for an oral test (because I was too lazy to craft one & didn't know how to write a fabulous one), I suffered the greatest shock of my life. 

After my speech, my English teacher, in a lowered voice warned me to 'stop kicking her'. 

In my head, I was like, 'How could I be kicking her? I'm sitting down, for God's sake."

Then, I looked down at my legs and found that ... my legs were indeed trembling. Specifically, my knees, really were ... shaking. So, I replied, 'I'm sorry' and left the chair. 

This experience, occurred because as  I was sitting closely to her to while giving my speech, she suddenly screamed to my classmates to, 'Keep Quiet!', then giving them a short lecture to be fair to the people taking the oral test. This made me really nervous, so... at the heat of moment, I forgot the contents of the speech. (BLOW ONE)

Then, after examining the speakers for the day, she forced me to acknowledge my first ever 'C' grade for my English Oral test. Honestly, I had always aced it, so giving me a C was the biggest shock of life. 

(BLOW TWO)

Well, I did manage to improve my grade after my second attempt (fortunately, she wasn't screaming again) but I could never, remove my fear of that incident happening again, while I give my speech.

So, there. It's all out in the open, why I'm that afraid to speak to older people. 

= D 

Lesson learnt from my own experience, don't scream in front of other people when they're trying to tell you something, you'll give them a shock of their life. 

Project Paper Aftermath

The last break was a little heartbreaking for me... so here's a short summary of it.

THE PROBLEM

During the past Semester break holidays, I had one of my greatest heartbreaks. My project paper didn't do as well as I had hoped for after all the blood and sweat I went through. After all, I put in so much effort in the past year, I interviewed people, read many articles and wrote what I think was relevant and pertinent. So, basically I was upset because I didn't know what went wrong with my paper. I definitely find it puzzling to receive that mark when my lecturer said, 'you're done and okay with your project paper. You are ready to hand it in.' That said, am I supposed to just accept my pitiful fate as it is, without knowing what had went wrong, or how could I have done better. After all, when you receive a bad mark, it's obvious that the evaluator/ marker wants you to know that, "something is wrong, somewhere. Please find out what is wrong to improve yourself".

When a door closes, open ANOTHER door. 

FIND THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM

That said, finding an answer to this problem was a little difficult. I tried with my supervisor (rather busy *maybe reluctant) but he couldn't spare me the time/ answer in detail (only brief comments that just said I was not up to his expectations). But I did not lose hope, and managed to find another kind lecturer to go over my paper. She's Puan Maimuna Merican. She looked over my project paper and started going over each page critically (questioning me on my choice of title, objectives, scope) and soon I realized, I was really lacking in certain areas. Realizing that, I could come to terms to the result of my problem. Then, she made me realize how important it was for me to link my material facts and evidence adequately to show how they're connected (mindmapping/ diagrams), and she reminded me what I should do, 'be passionate about what you're doing'.

This struck me because I was sure, for I wasn't that passionate about taking my law degree nor was I passionate about the project paper, but I was passionate about the work I do (thus, the heartbreak I felt since I could do nothing to rectify a poor work done). For this strong reminder cum advice, "Thank you Puan Maimuna Merican".

THE NEXT STEP AFTER THE PROBLEM

I believe this step is the next most important step towards rectifying a problem, which is to learn from the problem. This is to ensure that we do not repeat the same problem again. Hence, knowing that I lacked so much in the paper, should I redo the paper (to show I've gotten a little smarter) or just get over it and do something else?

Honestly, I had mixed feelings about this. Wasn't sure what to do, what to expect. But thankfully, I met up with Datin Grace Xavier, 'Get Over It!' she says. I should, and I'll try. After all, it's no use crying over spilt milk, what's in the past is in the past. That said, it's easier said then done right? Coming from me, who has spent the past two months trying to get over this, so I asked her how. She said, 'Be with your friends. Join some activities. Concentrate on the subjects you have at hand.' What I wanted you, a student, to know when you wrote a project paper were it's procedures to conduct a research. If you pass it, it just shows me, your lecturer, you  know how to conduct a research. It's not something incredibly ground breaking if you aced this. That said, if you scored a C for your Jurisprudence paper, I'd want you to retake it. With that... I received my second enlightenment/ realization.

REALIZATION
I was reminded that school was a place for me to get my foundations, right. The main principles/ issues for a certain subject matter. If you can't get it, you should go back to get it right. Only then, when you get on with life, would I be able to find the answer to the problems (extended from the main problem) I faced.

Hence, I realized, she's right. Why waste time on matters that aren't important?

If I have the time, spend it better on more important things.

For all the above advice, thank you.
Sincerely

Music and it's attack.

Truth be told, when I woke up early this morning, I thought I prepared myself to receive the worst possible scenario; with regard to criticisms for my project paper. I thought I would be able to embrace all that I had done, but I was far from prepared. I couldn't even begin to ask about the problem because... I realized, I had been running round and round the problem, in my mind. Constantly thinking about it but not knowing the cause of the problem, which IMHO, is pathetic.

So, as I approached my school, my advisers, to ask for their opinion on my research paper, I realized I  couldn't even voice out what I really wanted to say without tears rolling down my cheeks. Even then, I knew  nothing about my project paper from them because they couldn't help me. So, I waited and waited for another appointment I made with another lecturer.

Thank God I asked for that appointment, for I was reminded of the true purpose I entered law school, the real reason I even considered law, which was, to not be idle for a cause I fought for, to be passionate about sth. And to know myself better, without which, I would be dead even if I am not dead.

After that session with her, my day was was sprinkled with a little bit of humour from Toastmasters at BASC.

For all my experience stated above, I thank Ms Maimuna and BASC Toastmasters for making my day, a challenging but  fruitful day.

Thanks.

Experience: Fitness First Menara Axis

On the 22nd of May 2013, Chris invited me to join her for a cycling class in her gym at  Fitness First Menara Axis. That being said, none of us was able to wake up early enough so we ditched the class and at least I; XD played with the equipment.

So, how was it?

Honestly, I have entered a commercialized gym, a club gym, a school gym, apartment gym and even a home gym and I have got to say, commercialized gym makes exercising feel luxurious and compact.

Upon entering the gym, I found it to be really cool since they require a card for access and locker. Then when I walked into the dressing room, it was even more cool since I noticed that there were changing rooms in between the lockers! Really sweet!

So, the first thing I did with Chris and Viv was jog on the treadmill. Well...
I have to say, maybe it's because my mum bought a really good treadmill or I'm a dummie with theirs because I found it difficult to configure the speed. ( I didn't mind my previous apartment's gym cause I really played with it and knew how to configure it fast). It's really tiring to press the speed button while I'm jogging. That being said, I thought that the treadmills were stable and strong enough to withstand the body weight of the runner.

Other than that, if I'm not wrong, it's possible to watch the TV while jogging but I did not bring my earphones (to hear the audio), so I've got no comment regarding this facility. LOL. That being said, I only think it's reasonable to watch TV while jogging if you're not really intent on pushing yourself because you wouldn't even be able to concentrate at what they're saying if you're not. XP I did 1 set of 8 mins. with Chris and Viv, and anor set of 8 mins. just with Viv.

After trying out the treadmills, we found Chris doing crunches! OMG!! Crunches/ Sit ups, I'm not sure what to call it is but since I've done crunches on the mat before, I found the equip. facilitated the proper posture to do them. She was doing normal crunches, side crunches, and even raised lug crunches. Really cool.

Then she played with some of the upper body equipment and guided me along the way. OMG. Chris was so cool, just like a personal trainer!

Then, we chilled a bit; at this point I tried their Sauna and Steam Room. I didn't really like the Steam Room because I thought there wasn't enough Steam (due to the door not being able to shut properly) but I did love the Sauna. Very invigorating.

Oh well, my personal view of a commercialized gym?

Motivation

I found it really lively when people were motivating each other in the gym but other than that, slightly intimidating when I think of all the treadmills being used at the same time. Reminds me of a hamster with a wheel in cage. LOL and all it does is run in the wheel when it feels like it.

That being said, I think it's good to join one if you're interested in joining the gym classes because the atmosphere to exercise would really motivate each participant to really push themselves. =) AND if you're joining a gym class, you'd get to learn different fun ways of exercising. Sweet, no?

Relaxation

I liked the fact that they had a sauna and steam room, really nice shower rooms, and a really nice hairdryer. LOL. It's been ages since I hair dried my hair with a hair dryer because of the paranoia that I'd disturb my roommates (because it does disturb me) and I truly loved their pro hair dryer. XP

Refreshments

I didn't try their drinks but they did provide refreshments. =) Good tactic. LOL. But they really could up their refreshments by labelling the amount of calories for each cup so the patron drinking high calorie drinks is able to ensure that they stay on track with their fitness goals (and to reduce restocking that drink station). 

Overall, I do see myself going to one in the future since I hate traffic jams and I'd rather be exercising than being stuck in one for the whole period. LOL. AND because of the operating hours; rather long... poor staff., but good news for me, XD.

Thanks Chris and Viv!

Muse: the Body speaks

First and foremost, I have to identify myself - I am a GIRL.

So, since I'm born female, I'm usually surrounded by girls who feel insecure about their body and weight.
That being said, should they feel insecure about their size??? So, after my roommate (who is insecure about her body) raised the issue about being fat a-g-a-i-n... I think it's about time I post something to educate girls out there about their body.

First and foremost, GOD didn't make woman to be the same shape, same size and same person.
For example, twins may be brought up together but do not share the same characteristics. So, we are born or made with differences even if we have the same organs (hopefully), same parents and same environment. So, do not expect you and the woman sitting beside you to always have the same body shape!

I found a link with good pictures on the different body shapes, so if you're interested for more details, go here.

Types of Body (Women)

Then, moving on the weight issue. 

GIRLS should NOT WORRY ABOUT YOUR WEIGHT!

Seriously, the weighing scale just gives you numbers and gives you the weight of your body. Weight of your body includes your fats, muscles, organs and water weight. 

So, can you be light and unhealthy? YES

So, can you be heavy and unhealthy? YES

Why do I say so? I remembered an article similar to this, but this will do for now... hehe

Being underweight or severely obese did cut life expectancy.

WAIT... So I can be light or heavy and still be unhealthy? YES yes YES! SO how can I be healthy?

Simple, just eat healthy and have a healthy lifestyle. =)

I know, healthy food is expensive compared to fried food (easiest cheap unhealthy food example). Why not? Supply meets demand. The people have been demanding fried food as compared to healthy food (since most prefer to make their own). Hence, the price would definitely drop (fried food becomes cheaper) to increase demand of fried food and increase the chains need to supply the public to meet that demand. So who's to blame. You yourself. BLEK. Don't point fingers... it's worthless. You have to educate everyone on healthy eating to reverse this trend and too bad I'm not the Minister of Health to make this change. 

BMI

So, everyone likes to use BMI right? So, I'll give you a BMI answer first.

What's a healthy BMI? Since I'm Asian, I'll give an Asian answer because most of the BMI readings out there are not for Asians. The research by the WHO is here. 

I know you'd be lazy so I had skimmed through it and found this at the 

conclusion and recommendations... at page 161.

1. The WHO expert found that Asians generally have a higher percentage of body fat than white people of the same age, sex, and BMI. Also, the proportion of Asian people with risk factors of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease is substantial even below the existing WHO BMI cut-off point of 25 kg/m3. Thus, current cut-off points do not provide an adequate basis for taking action on risks related to overweight and obesity in many populations in Asia (except for Northern Chinese and Japanese whereby the cut-off could be 5 units higher).
2. In considering BMIs of less than 21, it should be borne in mind that the lower range of BMI might reflect under nutrition in populations with current or recent widespread under nutrition.
3. They recommended that Asians population have this new BMI reading.

Underweight at less than 18.5

Increasing but acceptable risk at 18.5 – 23

Increased risk at 23 – 27.5

Higher high risk above 27.5

So, is BMI the end all. Definitely NOT!  

At page 163, scroll all the way down and there will be a comparison between two persons with the same BMI, with different x-rays, and different body fat levels. (Men were used)

BODY FAT? 

Is that a new word? No... It's an old word. So does that make a difference, yes it does. 

But to know more about it, read here.

DO NOTE! There is a difference between low body fat with muscle and no muscle.

MUSCLE MASS

Why?

If you are too skinny (cause you don't eat much and you work out sometimes), your muscles won't form, if it does; it goes inwards and you'd get to see skin and bones. Then, if you're a woman, you may have hormone imbalance and not have period. *Personal experience (didn't have mine for a year until I took hormone pills).

That being said, I didn't really take pictures in bikinis to show you guys, so I've got other experts data and pictures to prove my point, here.

My conclusion and advice

1. Don't fret about not being able to fit those clothes (body shape)
2. Don't fret about the weighing scale. (Muscle mass + BMI + Body fat)
3. Fret about not eating healthy food.
4. Fret about not having a healthy lifestyle.

Worry about the right things. Live your life as you want it and not as what the public wants it. After all, the public is not living your life and understand your troubles. You do, you live it and you experience it. Don't waste your life. =)

My Virgin FULL Marathon

Me, at a Toastmasters Area Contest, a day just before the marathon.

Can still smile! X)

I'm no sports enthusiast but I do love exercise as it helps my mood and stress levels; other than the fact that it allows me to not be on a restricted diet! XD Oooh Yeah!

So, with that in mind, how do I keep myself motivated to continue exercising?

Well, I favour jogging so I DO marathons! This year, I've ran 3 marathons.

My latest run is actually, TO-DAY! It's the Women's Day Marathon centered at i-City which is approximately 5 - 10 mins. from my mum's office; a reason not to miss and it's held on the weekend my semesters break starts; another reason not to miss.

Then, here comes my point of view of the marathon as I ran the race!

Well, I listened to my senior's advice and ate lots of carbohydrates on Thursday since my run's on Sunday. Thank God I did, I wondered what would have happened to me if I had not listened to her! XD

On the day itself, I woke up at 0300 hours since my race starts at 0430 hours (42+ km **was it planned? XD), got my milo, (since I ate a heavy dinner) and reached there approximately at 0330 - 0345 hours, did a short aerobics session ( to warm up) and moved on to the starting line (just like any other normal marathons). Surprisingly, nobody was crowding the starting line (maybe cause it's bloody long). Then I ran.

I was basically at the front line of the marathon. That being said, after 2-3 km, I started to slow down (probably no pacer/ motivator) and walk(hehe). Then, runners from behind me would motivate me, "Run sister run! You can do it!" Then, somehow out of nowhere, my legs could move further and faster; alas it was short lived. That said, the guy (pacing for his girlfriend/ wife/ daughter) moved on while I lagged behind again. Then, out of nowhere, a girl in black shirt and short pants touched me. That small touch made all the difference. I paced with her pacer and her up to the 20^th km mark (with another small touch – hehe). Then, all hell broek loose as my legs failed me and I just lagged behind after that. Believe me, it was awful. I was basically limping as the balls of my feet ached, the heel of my feet ached, the sides of my feet ached, my leg muscles ached, and my butt felt like it’s going to shit anytime soon (there were many movable toilets but I didn’t want to use it since I doubt the cleanliness). What made me terribly irritated was that I still had the stamina to go further but the physical incapacity to complete the race AND it reminded me of Marcuz cousin's experience, "Limping through the marathon". HUHU... It had to happen to me too? TOO??

So I limped around the Mosque (part of the race route), did stretches on my feet now and then and continued limping until I thought there were too many people cutting me. Then I asked the runners, “What length are you running?” The reply was, “21 km, we still have 2 more kilometres to go, let’s do it!” Listening to her enthusiasm, I almost took the easy way out; after all, I still had 19 more km to run. So, I walked and jogged with her near her turning until I heard the call for 42 km runners to take the U-turn. THEN, instead of taking the left turn back to my house, I took the U-turn. I TOOK THE U-TURN! I’m shocked at my own stubbornness and relentless desire to finish the race but when I did the U-turn, I knew there was no turning back anymore. After all, I had devoted MYR 100.00 to this race, like it or not, I’M GOING TO FINISH THIS! DAMN MY LEGS AND GIVE ME MY PRIDE TO FINISH THIS RACE!

So, I basically limped and walked and jogged. I realized I was walking cum limping quite slowly (because people who were walking rather slowly were cutting me), damn my competitive streak; I can’t run anymore and I’m not going to call for an ambulance to save me from the excruciating pain. So, I reached the end with pride even if it’s a turtle’s pace, 6 hours 30 mins. to 7 hours. Pathetic but possible since I limped and walked more or less 5 hours of the race.

However, I do realize me completing the race wouldn’t have been possible if not for the motivators (the guys, aunties, young adults and performers; including the running nurse). Thanks! A LOT! Now I can proudly say I ran 42 + km thanks to  you!

There were other freebies, but this was in the Finisher's bag with 2 bananas and 3 apples. 

Lessons learned from the race

1.     Be armed with power pack (chocolate liquid stuff) **experienced the difference when given at one of the water stations – it allowed me to run just a tiny bit of  a distance with those aching legs, and most of the runners do have it with them

2.     Wear better shoes – so the shock my legs receive is less

3.     Wear good socks – same as the above

4.     Stay hydrated – with isotonic and water at the stations, and get sprayed by water when possible.

5.     Eat bananas – keeps you sane if you’re a monkey (LOL- no, for the energy)

6.     Train  your legs to not incapacitate you (at least regular trainings of 30km)

7.     Tablets (if you’re really serious to prevent cramps and et cetera)

Personal thoughts on the race

1.     I hated the scenery, it was dull, ugly and repetitive (the mosque and lots of other areas – did a few U-turns).

2.     The parking cost me MYR 10.00.

3.     They did not publicize how to get the discount at MYR 10.00 and had me limping to and fro the ticket counter and the marathon counter.

4.     There was good guiding (bicycles, ambulances, police, supporters, and volunteers).

5.     Frequent water booths.

6.     Good timing devices (not too big and scary)

7.     Very positive and supportive atmosphere.

Temporary Battle Scar

My Results!