Turquoise and Roses

You know, once in a while, when you are feeling dark, blunt and jaded, life throws at you sparkly diamonds. Just when you start to think how cruel is this world you are living in, you go through life changing events that changes the way you view humanity forever. Those events, though simply gone in fleeting moments to others, remain with you for a long time, like little beacons of hope, waiting for the next time you start to sink.

I’ve always thought that, nowadays, if you somehow misplaced something valuable, and forgot all about it, it’ll definitely be lost forever. It should be lost forever, if not to punish me for being so careless, it is a reminder of how ugly other human beings can be and become. It’s just a well-known and established fact. They are like crouching tigers, just waiting for the perfect moment to pounce and rid you of your precious worldly goods.

But like I said, nothing in life is predictable. When you are on the brink of losing your sparkle, your sanguine belief in the inherent good in people, something just shines and you miraculously regain your luster.

And those are the world’s most precious diamonds.

I would like to extend paramount appreciation and gratitude to the big hearted person who found my mobile phone mysteriously lying around unassuming at the Chancellor’s Hall this morning and practically made sure it came back safely into my hands. I have yet to know his real identity, but I do have a vague idea who he is.

Many would not have done what you did. Your kindness is my beacon of hope.

I guess the Mid-Autumn of the Lunar Year is coming soon because yesterday, while having dimsum with some of the bestfriends at Gadong Properties Foodcourt, I discovered that, to my joy and delight, the moon cakes are for sale again! They are prettier this year than the past year’s moon cakes that I just have to pause to take pictures before gulping them down into my stomach acids.

I bought the small sized pretty pink ones (naturally) with red bean filling. They are a bit pricey though (BND$1.50 per cake).

They were so yummy! Well, granted, I like everything with a red bean filling. These were the nice and chewy type which are wonderful sweet treats to be enjoyed with tea. =D

***

Oh by the way, the very much awaited payday is tomorrow so why not spare a mere BND$5 to buy tickets for the Bazaar Amal? The proceeds will go straight to the Pusat Ehsan. If you are interested then, by all means either leave a comment (with a valid email address so I can get back to you), use the contact page, or simply drop me an email!

My battery has arrived! =D

As I’ve informed everyone, my laptop battery died on me the same time as my charger did. So obviously unless I’d rather be stuck with an extremely unportable laptop, I’d actually have to fork out a major sum to purchase a new laptop battery.

Anyway, so after deciding that buying from the supposed “Apple Store” in Kiulap is too expensive ($288), I decided to just go ahead and bid on eBay for the same item. I was quite pleased that there were actually quite a few sellers willing to ship to Brunei (unlike the charger).

I ended up losing two bids, but they say three time’s a charm! I finally won with a bid of AU$58.99. That amount, plus shipping (AUD$19), is roughly BND$110? Much less than it’s price at the Apple Store. This also includes a one year warranty.

Here it is still in the envelope. I came and got the package from the Berakas Mail Processing Center this morning. I had to open the package at the Customs and Excise booth to show the officers the insides. Then they gave me a nice little surprise!

Apparently I had to pay import duties! Hahaa, damn, they should’ve warned me in the brown card they mail us. Call me ignorant, but until this morning I have absolutely no idea that electrical goods get levied such taxes.

Now close friends of mine will know that I seldom carry any cash (except for coins) around with me, as I prefer to pay everything using my debit card (safer for someone like me who tend to lose wallets and other important things). So there I was stuck in a funny situation of being cashless and owing $18.30 in taxes! In the end I had to sign a detention form while I go skulk around looking for an ATM machine.

Another funny thing about this import duties business is how vague the whole system works.

Officer: Apa dalamnya ni dayang? (What’s inside the box?)

Me: Bateri untuk laptop (Battery for laptop)

Officer: Berapa harganya dayang membali? (How much was it?)

Me: Errr, antah ah. Tujuh puluh ringgit Ostarlia perasanku. (Errr, I’m not really sure. Seventy Australian dollars?)

Officer: Ah ok, *counting on his calculator* ada tax ni ah, *shows calculator screen* BND$18.30. (Oh ok, there is a tax on this item amounting to BND$18.30)

I felt like kicking myself in the butt then. I really should’ve said it was AUD$20 or something because guess what? They do not check the invoice to see if you are telling the truth or not. For your information, the taxes are 20% of the total price of purchase (including shipping). The officer was quite vague on what items get taxed and what items doesn’t.

I’m still thinking about why is this not written anywhere? Maybe it is? Oh well, it’s okay, now I know. NOW I KNOW. Next time I know what to answer when they ask me. I am evil.

This was inside. I’m glad they didn’t check it. Nyahaha.

The box inside the envelope.

A very very confusing manual included with the battery.

The battery wrapped in a silver sheet.

Awwww, the new baby.

Inserting the battery.

It fits! It looks painfully brand new. My laptop looks old and brown.

Press on button.

Tadaaaaaaaa!!!!! *happy*

=D

Ebay rawks!

Kulimpapatwoman has tagged me!

1. Tell us your name:
My name is Maurina. Just call me Maurina for short.

2. Three things about yourself:
- I sleep like a log (seriously)
- I don’t like using Windows
- Bad hand eye coordination (so no simban for me)

3. What’s in your playlist:
“Welcome to the 60s” from Hairspray’s soundtrack!!!!!

4. Your favourite music:
Currently anything from Hairspray’s soundtrack. I wanna go see the musical!!!!

5. Favourite guilty pleasure:
Escaping to my favorite spa and after that getting a LARGE Big Mac value meal, with an order of strawberry milkshake to be consumed immediately. Glug glug.

6. Favourite food:
Curry puffs, gulai pakis (which is a forest fern i think?), and pretty much anything drenched in extra virgin olive oil.

7. Define love:
Love is……………….. evidently very complicated to define.

8. Define sex:
Hehe, well, define the context in which the word is used. Hehe. An act of copulation for whatever reason.

9. Any celebrity crushes?:
Monica Belucci!

10. The last person you hugged:
I think it was Boyfriend’s niece.

11. The last person you talked to:
My mum! I said *while peeping out the window*, “macam kan labat hujan atu” and she said, “kan bejalan kau kah?”.

12. The last time you cried:
Hmm, I forgot. It was quite a while ago. Hehe.

13. The last time you had sex:
Ooooh wouldn’t you like to know?

14. The last time you made out:
Refer to Question 13

15. The last person you dated:
Boyfriend. (doh!)

16. The last time you went out:
Yesterday in between classes for breakfast! =D

17. What’s on your mind now?:
Question 13 and 14 haha.

18. What’s bothering you?:
The disturbingly delicious chicken corn fritters downstairs.

19. This year’s resolutions:
Probably something to do with spending less and saving more. I say that every year.

20. Your MSN nick:
Apparently it’s “Exam grade eraser”

21. What’s your MSN nick about?:
…an eraser, which is exam grade. Blink blink.

22. The people you miss the most:
Umm, no one really. Hehe probably because it’s a Friday. Ask me again on Wednesdays and I’ll have an answer.

23. Current mood:
Bored.

24. What are you thinking?:
That my answers are probably the boringest ever in the history of blog-tagging.

25. Best childhood memory:
I remember the special days at some parts of the year when the weather is so nice and the waves in the beach at Danau won’t be too big that they’ll sweep us out into the ocean. On those days, the cousins and I would be allowed by the Nini and many pairs of parents to play and swim and do whatever it is kids do at the beach. We’d play for so many hours (sometimes from morning till almost maghrib) that by the time we finish, I can still feel the waves crashing on my body. Haha. It’s a funny sensation: like every few seconds, you’d feel as if someone is pushing you lightly.

26. 3 of your biggest fears:
- drowning
- heights (specifically the “plunging headfirst to my death” part)
- debts!

27. Who do you love?:
Absolutely everyone!

28. 3 of the things you hate:
- the smell produced by someone who just ate durian kuning when they burp hahah
- being broke and moneyless
- people who do not flush!

29. Do you blog?:
I have a feeling this questionnaire is copied and pasted from Friendster.

30. Tag 5 people:
Jirin, ShamNEO, JadeSimian, Dazzling, anddddd Shitsoil.

Nyahaha.

Remember how much fun we had during the Special Olympics Carnival? A flock of pink-coloured bloggers came, a myriad of snap shooters (of all shapes and sizes) came, mommies, daddies, kiddies, and a whole bunch of people were present to support the “See Ability, Not Disability” cause.

Well, I’m pleased to report that the Pusat Ehsan Al Hajjah Maryam, will be hosting another one of the fun-filled events! I would like to invite everyone to join me on this marvellous event of hope and goodness.

It will be held at the sanctuary-like Pusat Ehsan (map available below), which is located in Kampong Bengkurong, Simpang 66-38-60, on the 2nd of September from 9am to 5pm.

There will be the usual carnival elements of many many food, face painting, lucky draws, bouncers and much much more! For more information, do not hesitate to call the Pusat Ehsan at 2655245.

Map to Pusat Ehsan

Remember:

I’ll be seeing you there!

NB: All images in this post are free for lawful use, reproduction and redistribution. if you wish to put it on your blog, the poster comes in various sizes and is available here. The map (also in various sizes) is available here.

..and because I am in a “courier service frenzy” phase, here is one of the funniest FedEx commercials I have ever seen!

Hahahahahaahahahahahah!!! That’s the conundrum!

So today, just now actually, my bestfriends (who I decided to name after the 7 random continents of the world to protect their identity haha) went over and hung out at my place for a pizza party. In between slices, one of us, Miss Africa, was telling us all about an ex-boyfriend who is hell bent on meeting up with her because he wanted all his stuff back, to which Mr Europe replied,”Eh mautah jua kan bejumpaaaa, FedEx saja bah“

Being the normal lame ass we are, someone said, “atau pun pakai DHL saja“

Then, one of the most priceless lines of the night:

“EH JANGAN TAH DHL ATU DUA HARI LAMBAT!!!”

Do u get it????????? Hahahahaha I was laughing so hard I almost puked chunks of tuna!

Aww, lookie lookie, my baby’s this week’s featured blog! Thank you BN.

By the way, I can’t believe it’s almost two years. Was that really 2005 the day I start promising everyone rain and rainbows (anonymously haha)? Phew. A big thank you if you’ve been reading and keeping track of my posts eversince.

For new readers: welcome welcome! Feast on the delicious array of pictures, food, event commentary and frivolous FBEPS Bashing (awwww, I’ll miss this when I graduate).

I love the title for today’s post so much that it is only reason I’m blogging today. Can you spot the multiple meanings?

Hee hee hee hee hee. THOSE ONIONS! They are making me rather giggly!

Felt quite raw going straight back into a full 8am-3pm schedule after relaxing for 3 whole days. I’m really exhausted though I suspect that is caused by the heat more than anything. Is it hot today or what!

Anyway, I’m just going to post up some random photos I took during the long weekend. hopefully I won’t be saying too many things. You know how I tend to get carried away.

My small cousin and a bunch of spring rolls. Both came for the Isra Mikraj function we had in beach town, Danau.

Brunei traditional kuih, the very airy penyaram, made from flour, water, and palm sugar. Hmm, maybe eggs as well. Not really sure, but it’s sweet, and since it’s deep fried, have delicious crunchy edges, and unfortunately can be quite oily. According to old folks’ pantang larang (set of rules which are taboo when broken), to successfully make delicious penyaram with airy insides, one must not laugh out loud during the making otherwise the penyaram will turn out flat and unappetising.

From TESL Monday (today!) at Funbread Cafe, Gadong. This was Honey Bunny’s lunch. Not really sure what it is called but basically it is grilled tomatoes, grilled tiger prawns, parmesan and al dente fetucinne smothered in a light, savoury tomato sauce. Had a little bite and found that it was quite yummy- light and simple. It’s quite an uncomplicated dish with uncomplicated ingredients. Our only complaint would have to be: it came sooooooooooo slow! We waited almost 30 minutes for each dish, and this particular one took about 40 minutes.

Kembayau. Local delicacy, which is usually bathed and confined in a basin of salt water until soft and either eaten straight away or with dips of soy and sugar. The fruit is seasonal, and during off-season times, it can command a very high price at the markets. Many people describe the taste of the kembayau as very similar to the avocado, but earthier. Definitely an acquired taste.

The fruit that needs no introduction! Durian! Durian enthusiasts! It’s fruit season in Tutong!

My father went with his brother on Saturday picking these babies up from Bukit Udal, where his precious hobby farm is. The flesh is orange in colour, and the taste and smell is less tangy and of a deeper intensity than the conventional Thai durians. The fruit itself is also smaller in size and they grow free range and free from inorganic fertiliser.

And of course, it’s was also Mi Babah’s birthday yesterday! Hehe, green jelly cake with a background picturing the remnants of a big durian feast. Happy birthday Babah!

Oh by the way, I forgot:

=P

This post is a continuation of the last one.

I actually have some more pictures of the exhibits at ICC Berakas however I didn’t think they were good enough to be posted as some were a bit lopsided, some were blurry and others had too much reflection from the glass cases. Then there is the problem of me not knowing what the objects are in English and having difficulties translating some words.

Anyway I’ll just try my best. I remain not responsible for any headaches, eye problems, neck problems or whatever physical ailments caused by the viewing of the following blurry and lopsided pictures. Hehe.

“Tahi Bintang” – Pieces from meteorites

Hmm, doubtful of their authenticity. Claimed to be able to keep the owner away from danger and increase their physical and inner strength.

“Susuk Jarum Emas” – Gold charm needles

In Malayan culture, susuks, or charm needles, are needles made of gold or other precious metals, which are inserted in the soft tissues of the face to act as talismans. The practice pre-dates the Islamicization of the region, and is prohibited by Islamic scholars as haraam. Susuks have various supposed purposes, ranging from the purely aesthetic to the treatment of joint pain and other minor ailments or to protection against injury and accident. (From Wikipedia)

“Sempua Cina” – Chinese abacus

Well, I know it is a great invention and all but that doesn’t mean one should go and worship the abacus! What happens when they meet the calculator? Hehe anyway, this abacus is believed to be able to attract money and help one win the lottery.

“Mustika Kijang Hitam dan Putih” – Black and White Bezoars of the Deer

In short – furball. For hexing and cursing.

“Minyak Cenuai Jantan dan Betina” – Love potions for male and female

Name self explanatory.

“Keris Mataram Tikam Di Batu” – Mataram Keris Stabbed onto a Rock

For intimidating enemies. Hmm.

“Kayu Pasung Hantu” – Ghost Trapper

As the name suggests, a device used to trap ghosts. Eerie. Not sure whether the candle come with.  Not sure why it is pink either.

“Kain Kelambu Kaabah” – Sheath of the Holy Kaabah

The black fabric from the Holy Kaabah is unfortunately used by irresponsible people as amulets for bringing good fortune, physical strength and preventing evil curses and hexes.

“Daun yang bertulis dengan nama Allah” – Leaves with Allah’s name

Sure they’re unique and all, that is Allah’s creation. Sometimes I guess he leaves signatures. But we must not start prostrating to these leaves. At the end of the day they’re just leaves and Allah is the Creator.

Remember also that there are a lot of con artists out there, and these leaves are easilly replicated with bleach. It is just a matter of removing the chlorophyll.

“Candu Baghdad” – Baghdad Opium

Claimed to be be able to repel evil spirits and curses. Drugs kill.

“Burung Cenderawasih” – Phoenix

Sure we all read Harry Potter, and Dumbledore had a Phoenix that had tears. But it is all J K Rowling’s creation. We generally believe that the phoenix is only a mythical bird that does not exist. Some people apparently think that the phoenix does exist, and seek it because it has powers to make people obey and submit to the owner. It is also claimed to be able to make the owner retain power and influence (if the owner is a ruler/king).

“Gambar Boraq” – Picture of Boraq

You remember the Boraq no? It’s an animal, mentioned in the AlQuran as having descended from the heavens during Isra Mikraj to carry the Prophet up. In Islam, these caricatures of any person, or creature from the Al Quran are simply not permissible and considered blasphemous. Some people put pictures such as these at home to bring good fortune.

“Gambar Bahtera Nabi Nuh a.s.” – Picture of Prophet Nuh and his ark

Another picture deemed blasphemous. Come to think of it, not very accurate either. In the Tale of Nabi Nuh, he was required to bring one pair of each animal species: one male and one female. I can see clearly two male peacocks. By the way, it’s Isra’ Mikraj today!

Anyway, some people believe hanging this picture is believed to bring good fortune and can help shield one from evil curses.

***

That’s all the pictures I have in my possession. There are more at the ICC exhibition so why not head down?

The ICC Berakas has been showing some very interesting array of items which are associated with black magic, witchcraft, bomohism and voodooism for the past two weeks or so. It is in conjunction with the Majlis Ilmu (loosely translated as the “Enlightenment Assembly”) which includes major players from various Brunei government and public agencies. The Majlis places special focus on aqidah, or specifically the loss of one’s aqidah through the belief of black magic, witchcraft, bomohism and their cronies.

The exhibition aims to educate the masses of these elements. As wise man, Sun Tzu (Art of War) had said,

“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not your enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.”

So today I went down to the ICC Berakas to see the exhibition for myself after various accounts from friends and family. When I arrived at the ICC, the first thing I thought of was that there were soooo many people! I remembered thinking that I have never seen so many 30 year old men and women in one building ever.

We went first to the Gallery of the Sultans (name totally fictional because my rapidly failing memory refuse to recall the actual name), where there was a collection of information about all of the 29 Brunei Sultans. In the middle was a stage where a man asks a quiz. When I went in there, the question was,

“Siapakah Sultan yang pertama menggunakan wang pitis?” (Which Sultan introduced the Pitis currency in Brunei?”

I volunteered to answer the question, went up the stage and got it right! Hehe. Won myself some presents. Do you know the answer? If you do, then state the answer in the comments section and I’ll buy the first person who got it right a drink.

Here are them presents reading material which are quite obviously sponsored by the Language and Literature Bureau. From left: Juara Pelajar, Bahana and Mekar (haha how very Primary Six).

After perusing the Gallery of the Sultans, we went and moved on to the more interesting part of the exhibition. There were many, many things on display, most of which are derived from nature itself and has unique physical qualities which makes them different, deviating from what is usual in nature. This difference is what usually drives people to think that the object possesses magical powers.

Instead of uterring “subahanallah”, praying and marveling at Allah’s creations, some people with weak aqidah irresponsibly take it upon themselves to implore whatever bogusness that the devils whisper into their ears. We fall into the devil’s trap and while we fall, they laugh.

Some examples (with some loose translations and their description):

“Tanduk Kijang Putih Kembar” – White horns of twin deers

What makes these horns special is the fact that they are a very distinct shade of white. Those in Indonesia apparently find these useful for those wanting to win lotteries.

“Mani Gajah Putih” – Semen from a white elephant

Eww. That’s very… unsanitary. What is this obsession of “white” things. Perhaps the typical Malay man’s preference for fair skinned ladies stems from this!

Anyway this is for, surprise surprise- attracting the ladies.

“Buluh Perindu” – Bamboo of Yearning

P. Ramlee movie lovers would recognise the name of this one! When I saw this buluh, and read the description provided I was instantly reminded of the Puteri Buluh Betung. Hihihi. Juvenile this.

Anyway from old folk’s tales, the buluh is used to make one’s voice like *insert favorite singer with powerful vocals*. Apparently, it can also make you rich and undefeatable.

“Buluh Bunian” – Bamboo of Elves

Elves are actually not an accurate representation of Orang Bunian but it is quite close. The only difference I guess is that elves are.. small? Hehe. But like elves, any story associated with Orang Bunian is shrouded with vagueness and mysticism, including, as above, their vegetation.

This buluh is used to guard us against evil. I’m thinking… reading the Ayat Kursi is better.

“Batu timbul di air” – Stone that floats on water

Ahh, unsurprisingly this is used to increase someone’s endurance underwater when hypothetically their boat capsizes or when they are thrown overboard. Maybe it serves as a buoy!

“Batu Hidup” – Living Stone

Apparently the rice husks are there to prevent the stone from… walking around.. the dish? Anyway it is usually used by shamans for protection against evil and any form of disaster. Also called the “Batu Petir” or The Lightning Stone.

***

Some exhibits are objects which are associated with death and those experiencing it. Below are again, examples:

“Tempayan Isi Abu Mayat” – Jar of a dead person’s ashes

This is used for casting evil spells on a person one doesn’t like.

“Minyak Dagu” – Essence of the Jaw

The most MORBID if the collection! According to some tales, this essence apparently requires a high level of black magic to produce. It is made from the head of a person who has been murdered. =S Very disturbing.

This is also used for casting evil spells on a person one deem undesirable.

***

Another element that seem to entice black magic practitioners are objects associated with mythical creatures. They seek these creatures, and when they somehow find them, obtain fluids and anatomical structures for the purpose of black magic.

“Rusuk Ikan Duyung” – Rib of a Mermaid

Must be a huge mermaid. Anyway, this is used for… casting evil spells again. In Harry Potter they only used a wand. See how resourceful Asians are.

“Air Mata Duyung” – Mermaid tears

Must’ve told a really sad story. Apparently used for married couples who wish to have a great sex life. Sheesh, need they make it seem impossible to have one?

“Toyol” – Alien

I don’t think this one is from Mars. Anyway, they are living creatures supposedly kept as pets by people who wants to steal money and refuses to do the dirty work. In return, the toyol sucks blood from the owner’s big toe. That’s just very… metaphorical as well.

[edit] According to many sources, the toyol is actually an aborted foetus which has been raised from the dead. That’s just.. really sad. =( Poor baby. [/edit]

***

Other items are just… simply man-made, with materials created by Allah by people who disbelieve his power but dare abuse His belongings.

“Azimat Wafak” – Wafak Charm

This is a piece of metal with scribblings, and you wear them to strengthen your inner strength (if that makes any sense), and to make one invincible.

“Azimat Perang” – War Charm

This is apparently a charm used for making enemies frightened and intimidated by the wearer. I’m telling you, all you need is good posture, black eyeliner, no smile and a confident attitude. Theatrics: that’s all to it.

“Jenglot” – Voodoo doll

You know what a voodoo doll does right? Well this is the Asian version.

“Baju kebal” – Jacket of Invincibility

Personally my favorite due to its sheer ridiculousness. It’s a shapeless fashion disaster which claims to be bulletproof.

Omigod this is a really long post!!! I’m going to end this here for now because I for one need to get out of my room!

To all readers, please for the love of god DO NOT by any reason or justification whatsoever practice any form of black magic whether for yourself or to other people, not even as a last resort. It is haraam, laknat and just plain mean. Place your belief in Allah Taala and his Prophet Muhammad SAW and they will protect you, far greater than any mermaid, doll, vest or essence can.

This just came in today.

An invitation to attend a soiree organized by the US Embassy and the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sports on the 6th August.

WELL! Judging from today’s date, I guess that means I’m not coming. Apologies to the Ambassador and the Ministry. Thank you for the invitation nonetheless.

We had quite a laugh in a certain underground room at UBD when F flipped out her phone to text someone.

You don’t see this everyday.