How to have good command of the English Language

I've been asked on a number of occasions by my famous little sister, Waridah the story teller to write on tips to be competent in the English Language. I'm not saying my English is any good but I guess it's good enough that I could understand when the language is spoken by its native speakers. So, this entry is an attempt to fulfilling her request.

My siblings and I were brought up in a military quarters not too far from the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Our dad used to work for the armed forces. I'm not quite sure what exactly did our dad do. All I could remember was that he would sometimes bring home exam transcripts to be marked. There were even times when he'd return grunting about how bad some of the cadets' English was. If I remember correctly, in his grunt, dad said sternly, "I don't want any of my kids to write like this. You must all have good command of English. You must speak fluent English". That was the beginning how my sister and I were trained to be competent in the colonial language. Our dad would bring home comic strips for us to read and he'd pushed us to volunteer to do public speaking at our school assembly. I didn't quite like it then but I guess I have to thank him now. Had it not been for him, I don't think I'l ever manage to over come my stage fright and gain the courage to speak in public. Our dad conversed in English with us at home to further improve our fluency. During our birthdays, dad presented us with English novels. I still remember as I entered my teen ages, dad bought me my very first set of Nancy Drew's mystery novels for my 13th birthday. Other than books, our dad encouraged us to watch English tv programs be it cartoon show, tv series or movies. I must say watching a lot of tv shows and movies have tremendously helped me to converse in English. Not only do I get to listen to the way words are pronounced but also I learned to understand spoken English. 

You see, that was the kind of regiment our dad put us through to ensure that we are moulded the way he wanted us to be. Sure at first I felt forced, but the more I read the more I understand the language. And as I have better understanding in the language, I started to love it as much as my dad's love for the language.

Whoa! That is a long rambling on some tips. Let's summarise them for your ease of reading:

1-Read a lot of English reading materials be it fiction or non fiction books, magazines, newspapers. In the beginning, it is best if you read out loud in order to pronounce the words correctly and hear how you sound if you are to converse in English.
2-Get a good English-to-English dictionary for you to refer to if you need to look up for the meaning of words you're not familiar with. Avoid using English-to-other language dictionary because doing so would discourage thinking in English. 

3-Watch tv programs in English, or movies at the cinema. And if you're watching a movie on dvd, be sure to put the English subtitle on because you'll do both listening and reading at the same time
4-Practice the language by having conversations with others

5-Keep a diary written in English. The best way to practice writing is to tell the story of your everyday life. I learned this tip from my English teacher when I was 13. 

6-Don't worry too much about grammatical error. As you read, you'll subconsciously learn and know what is right and what is not right.  

Do try the above tips. You'll begin to notice the difference within a year or less if you follow them religiously.  

#MemoriesofWardinaLothpi

So it has been 20 years since Titanic...

and it has been seven years since the last time I posted anything here. I have one thousand and one reasons for putting this blog on a long pause, most of the reasons are discreet and I prefer to keep it that way. Recently however as I was re-reading my past entries I decided to resume the sharing of my thoughts into the cyberspace as they will soon become distant memories for those who knew me. And I for certain want my children to read and share these distant memories with their children when my time is this mortal world is put to a halt. I want my memories and stories be told to my descendants for they may learn a thing or two from my past.

Anyhow, last night as I was watching e-news on the television, the entertainment news caught my attention when the reporter interviewed the singer of Titanic theme song, My Heart will Go On; Celine Dion asking the infamous singer what did feel when they recorded the song 20 years ago. It was then that I realised Titanic was first released twenty years ago. It struck me then that it was some 20 years ago I first set foot into a cinema with my friends from college. I could vividly recall our first experience like it was yesterday. We were all drawn to watch the most anticipated romantic movie of the year on the big screen mainly because of the actor ie Leonardo DiCaprio. Leo was a heartthrob (he still is) to many teenagers back then. I went to the cinema twice just to watch Leo fell into the deep ocean on the big screen and I cried every time that handsome face of his slowly merged into the sea.

I wasn't the only one who was crazy about Leo and Titanic. It turned out my little sisters too had a crush on him. When I returned home from college, I was surprised to be greeted by a big poster of Titanic at the back of our bedroom door. Not only that, they even had a booklet of Leo's photos. Never had I realised that my sisters and I would share the same interest. Despite having watched the film twice at the cinema, I watched it again and again with my sisters at home once the CD was released. I remember how we criticised the way Leo's character; Jack gave up a chance to save himself from freezing to death to Kate Winslet's character;  and how we wished for Jack to not die too soon in the film. Perhaps it is not too much for me to say that Leo was our first crush.

Leo is no longer a young man as am I. A lot of things have changed since Titanic first's screening in the lives of its casts, production crews and its millions viewers. Leo has finally won his first Oscar last year after numerous nominations and his heroine Kate won her Oscar a few years back. The phrase "tonight Titanic celebrates its 20th anniversary", kept ringing in my ears and suddenly it dawned on me, what have I achieved in these past two decades? Hmmmm

#MemoriesLiveOn

Been away

My family and I had been busy attending to family invitation for the past few weeks. Not long after we return from our trip to Penang, we took our eldest, Azhan to a clinic and got him circumcised. We had to stay at my mom's for about a week before we could take Azhan home coz the clinic was close to my mom's. Alhamdulillah, Azhan has fully recovered within a week.

Recently, we went to my Gramp's place to fulfill his wish to gather all his relatives and introduce the new family members to others. Our journey back wasn't actually planned as a couple of days before the weekend, my hubby was busily engaged with his work. I had the assumption that we'd have to turn down my Gramp's wish. So, he was a lil' surprise to find us at his door last Saturday. Since returning from England, I always hope that I could entertain my big family's need as much as I could. Whilst staying farther from them, I learnt that money could never buy the time spend with my big extended family. I also learnt that family must always come first no matter what. Now that I'd returned, I'd like to spend as much time as possible with my only surviving Gramp. (Don't know why every time I speak of him, my eyes would easily fill with tears)

I'd say Gramp's "kenduri" was a success as he managed to gather most of his siblings and their children and grandchildren. He looked so please while he was introducing his grandchildren-in-law; my hubby and Hani's partner, and my "omputih" children. He even told them about his trip with Azhan to see his brother, where Azhan saw a talking bird (wasn't a parrot, just a local one. not sure what it was though). To be honest, I was touched to see my Gramp talked about his grandchildren and great-grandchildren with pride. You could clearly see how happy he was to be surrounded by his big family. My wish is to make my Gramp happy always. I know it hasn't been easy for him after losing his life partner but I bet being around other family members wouldn't only make him feel appreciated, looked up to but also satisfied of knowing that he'd done a fine job at bringing us all up.

I felt good to be around other family members again. I even met with some of whom I haven't seen since I left school. Most of them couldn't recognise me as I'd grown out of my child-like look and become a mother of two boys. Too bad I didn't have my camera with me to capture the moment spent with my extended family. Never mind that, I know for certain that I'll be seeing them again soon at my Tok Su's niece's wedding reception on Boxing Day.

Regret Remorse Sorrow

I can't help feeling regret for returning to my own homeland, to be close to my dearest mummy. I regret coming back to the land I love. True, I could see mummy more often than the last four years but what's the point of returning when my family and me are only treated like slaves. My children are often labelled as stupid by a few of their friends at school for thinking ahead of others with their creative mind. How could a-nine-year-old start diminish others with name-calling? Where did they pick up this horrid habit? Could it be from the television, or their parents who maybe more often than not belittle their own child's talent and wise thinking.

Since my sayang started working for his new employer here, he's never failed to return home later than 8pm. Today, he's still at work despite the clock showing 1.50 am. I could understand the logic of him having to stay back a little later at work as he'll be off from work for about a week for the coming Eid. But don't you think it's a little too late. We'll be heading off to my sayang's parents early tomorrow morning. Does it not occur to her that he'd need the rest for our long journey tomorrow? It's not rocket science, is it? (This post was drafted the night before we departed to Penang)

Before I return here, I said to myself that I'll never ever regret our decision of coming back because this is where we belong. But the longer I spend my time here, I can't help but feel regret of coming home. What kind of home is this? Home to me is where one finds peace, happiness and joy. But I haven't felt those feelings since I arrived. Yes, I was happy the moment my big family was reunited somehow though the longer I reside here, the longer I yearn to go back to our simple life back in Bury. Even my boys are starting to miss Bury. I guess this is the price that we have to pay to be closer to our big family. My only hope is that our homeland would grow into a better country for the sake of our future generations.

A new chapter

September 3rd 2010, marked a new chapter in my life as a wife. The date signifies that I'd spent a third of my life devoting my love for the man I married ten years ago. Sure, our ride towards the 10th year wasn't always dandy. It was sometimes accompanied by turbulent, thunder and horrifying things but somehow or rather with my partner, Fadz's patience's we made it to that magic number 10. All those horrible experiences were not the only thing we shared, but there were beautiful and joyous moments we'd shared too which made us a strong couple. Knowing that Fadz would always be there for me made our journey pleasurable and the pains more endurable.
I was never a good wife. There were even times when I misbehaved or even forgotten my place and here I'd like to apologise openly if I'd broken your heart, brought misery into your life and led you astray. But, believe me dear Fadz, being with you is the best thing that had ever happen to me. Let us now put the past behind and start a new chapter together.

Change; the time is now

12 October was the first day of my boys schooling in Malaysia. They were excited about going back to school after being away from the education institute for nearly four months. Thrilled were they that they woke up as early as 5.30 in the morning.

At quarter to 8, we arrived at their new school. After getting them registered and sending them to their new classrooms, my partner and I drove home before we head back to their school during their recess period to ensure that they'd adjust well to the new environment. The condition of the place where the school children dine really shocked us. I thought to myself, how could the school management let the children dine is such condition. True, from afar the school looks rather brand new and quite clean but when one zooms in and carefully inspects the school especially the canteen, it was quite horrifying. The tables where they put their food were not thoroughly wiped and clean. You could easily spot traces of bird poos, dust and stains on the table top. I'm not surprised if someday one of these kids would come home sick of diarrhoea.

The nightmare was far from over. We then went to observe the food offered for the kids. I have to say I was appalled by the selection of menu. There is nothing nutritious for the kids to opt for. Carbohydrate was the only nutrient contained in all of the food; plain curry noodles with nothing but plain curry, no meat or any other protein source offered here; nasi lemak with a fraction of boiled egg and a slice of cucumber; laksa - well there might be little traces of fish in the gravy, but I doubt they'd cooked it with lots of fish. What about the refreshment? I couldn't find any fruits in the selection let alone hi-cal drinks. Clearly the drinks were just syrup with ice cubes. So, tell me this, what exactly did these kids gain from these selection of food?

I don't mean to gloat or diminish the not-so privileged primary school but shouldn't there be a guideline for food provider at the canteen to adhere to e.g the nutritional ingredients to be included? Back in England, I remember seeing the school dinner menu consisting of all the essential nutrients that children need. In fact, their menu changes on a daily basis. What was served yesterday, wouldn't be served today. That's the way to attract kids to eat good nutritious food, no?

May be it is time for the ministry of education to look into this matter. This is not a political topic but rather an important issue needing urgent solution. How long are we going to jeopardise the well-being of our children for the sake of some political agenda? After all kids are our future leaders. Call me crazy, but I believe that what we feed them today, will determine their future growth and in one way or another influence the fitness of their mind. As goes the saying by Ludwig Feuerbach; (A) Man is what he eats.

Our Bury will always be in Bloom

Hello my fellow audience. I know, I know (as my boy An would say whenever I kept telling him to do things that he’s aware of), it’s nearly centuries I haven’t posted here. Might I add, my penmanship too is getting rusty due to my abandonment.

Let me start off this entry by some flashing news. The author of ‘Bed of Roses’ is back in town! You read it right! After completing nearly four circles of the beautiful four seasons, we decided to head back to our roots; Malaysia, for good. It was not an easy decision to make especially when the kids have adjusted so well to the weather, culture and language there. Plus, my partner and I were very much localised to the little town in northern Manchester. There was nothing to complain about Bury. Famous for its Best Market in Britain, Bury to us is a diamond in the rough.

To those who love the hectic and busy life in the big city, Bury may be the last place they’d want to be. But for me and my husband who are sick of big city life, Bury is the perfect getaway. I could vividly recall our mundane weekend routine. Every Friday afternoon right after work, (I work half-day on Fridays) I’d walk to the retail park near our place which is about 10 minutes on foot for a retail therapy session. I simply love it there. Nearly all of the well-known British high-street labels are offered here. I’d spend a couple of hours going in and out of every single shop lot before I start walking to Morley Street where my boys were schooled. Most of the times, I’d return empty-handed (well not really; I always bought snacks for my kids) but with a lighter head after indulging the view of beautiful garments.

Saturday is my lie in day. I’d wake up as late into the morning as possible. Never managed to be in bed till afternoon tough cause the boys would be in and out of my room until I got out of bed. Most of the times, all the male in the house would shook me off so we could quickly go to the local library which is about 10 minutes walk from our place. Each of my boys would grab 5 books to bring home. Azhan roots for the non-fiction while Nine enjoy story books. Saturday is also the day I’d treat my hubby and kids to special menu such as nasi beriani, tomato or nasi lemak (don’t laugh. It’s quite special here since you can never find makcik nasi lemak in Bury, ever). Later in the afternoon, we’d stroll down the park right across our place. My kids would usually take their bikes and made a few laps round it before they head for the playground. Sometimes they’d play with their friends from school here. Ah, bliss!

At dawn of Sunday, my hubby would hurry off to help his chairman organise the carboot. His chairman is involved with the local athletic club and carboot is one of the activities they organise to raise fund for the club. My kids and I would later join him to see what they have in store and we’d come home with bags of toys. (I always wonder how some of other people’s junk could be treasure for others. I guess each of us value things differently.) Later in the afternoon when my partner returns home, we’d go out for grocery shopping.

We like to take this route cause it always reminds us of the changing season. Changing seasons never fail to amaze me. It doesn’t take a brainer to think that this is all the Almighty’s doing. I thank God for giving me the chance to witness one of His Greatness for nearly four times. It was an opportunity that I will always cherish and remember for the rest of my life. And I really wish that someday He would give me another chance to see and experience it again.

I'm back

Hello peeps! The long awaited d_laDy is back to heal your misery. Check out my latest post later this week. See ya!