It Only Hurts Me Even More

Note: Nisa's Blog, Happy One Month Anniversary! (This should be my last post before my flight to Mecca this Saturday, June 5th. Would be back after 2 weeks, maybe June 20th)


"Are you free today, Lin?" I asked my sister.

"Not really. I have to stay at the store, mom going back home today."

I pouted with disappointment.

"Why ask?"

"I thought of asking you to come with me to the PCB. I want to ride horse there."

PCB is the abbreviation locals use to refer to a nearby beach. Pantai Cahaya Bulan. A friend told me, there are horses to ride for the visitors.

Mom was listening in on our conversation. Curious. I rarely behaved in such way as I'm always fatigue these years, losing interest in most activities. It seemed she was trying to provide me outdoor hours as much as she could.

My Long Journey of Finding the True Culprit: I Hate Electrics, I Love Mechanics (Part 2)

He had so many arguments. Clear, solid and proven. All what he was saying weren't wrong at any point. I agreed, electrical engineering is actually a fascinating field. The engineers are free to bring their creative ideas into life. They don't need lots of money to experiment on their own. Small pocket like mine can afford the thrill of testing a new idea any time, almost anywhere.

Only passion required.

From there, you can taste the sweet joy of success at almost every attempt you make. If you use the right components, of course. Err..no short circuit, please.

My Long Journey of Finding the True Culprit: I Hate Electrics, I Love Mechanics (Part I)

I kept on staring at the textbook.

Words of Basic Electrical Engineering were printed on the front cover.

The page I was 'studying' seemed to be written in a foreign language I've never known.

Foreign, ancient and long lost. I couldn't understand even a word. I couldn't concentrate.

I shifted my sight to the ceiling, wandering into the future.

How would I survive in this course for another 7 semesters? The very first semester is depressing enough. In contrast, this is the time I should have scored really well. Very easy subjects. Others are aiming to score A and I'm thinking about passing? Thinking about getting it done. 

My roommate was focusing on her book. Her eyes were fixed on the same chapter I was opening. Envious of that look on her face, I stopped watching her and continued wandering.

Her Campus Life: Geography...? Oh, Where Is That Place?

NOTE: This is from my diary, written in January, 2009.


"Where do you come from?"

"Eritrea"

"Eritra?" my face wrinkled.

"Yeah....Eritrea. E-R-I-T-R-E-A. Eritrea."

I nodded several times, pretending to know where that is. I am totally bad at geography stuff. I don't even realize Semporna is in Malaysia.

Her Campus Life: Funny Yemeni Girl

NOTE: This is from my diary, written in January, 2009.


I went to the health centre today for the medical checkup.

All new students for this semester went there, both locals and international students. I knew I would meet the Yemeni girl again.

Her face beamed with excitement when she saw me. She smiled sweetly.