5th Vocabulary Entry

Exposition - Takes place at the beginning of the story. The setting, characters and background information are discussed.

# The movie Twilight opens with a narration from the heroin, Bella. She has just moved to the small town of Forks to live with her father since her mother re-married. At first things felt really awkward, and she really hated the damp and cold weather.

Rising Action - The author discusses the conflict or problem and the characters attempt to solve the problem.

# At her new high school, Bella meets a few new friends. She also meets the Cullen family, a mysterious group of siblings studying at the school. Through a series of event, Bella fell in love with Edward Cullen, and discovers that he and the rest of his family are vampires. But Bella doesn't care. Edward brings Bella to meet with his family and they play a round of baseball.

Climax - The problem or conflict is at its worst and the characters begin to solve the problem.

# Bella is kidnapped by an evil vampire who likes to play games, James. Edward came just in time to rescue Bella. A fight scene happens between Edward and James.

Falling Action - The characters begin to solve the problem.

# Edward managed to kill James. Injured Bella is then taken to the hospital for treatment.

Resolution - The conflict comes to an end, or the problem is solved. This is the story's ending.

# Edward takes Bella to their school prom, and both proclaim their love for each other. The movie ends with both of them kissing. <--(swoon)

3rd Vocabulary Entry

1. Tear

- Tear off ( To tear something apart)

- Tear down ( To bring something down)

2. Fall

- Fall off ( To fall down from somewhere)

- Fall over ( To fall over something)

3. Break

- Break down ( Crying about something)

- Break away ( To separate from something)

4. Stand

- Stand up ( To be in a standing position)

- Stand down ( To back away from doing something)

5. Keep

- Keep it ( To keep something)

- Keep going ( To continue on)

6. Turn

- Turn back ( To come back)

- Turn away ( To look away from something)

7. Pull

- Pull out ( To get out of something)

- Pull in ( To pull something in)

8. Walk

- Walk away ( To leave from something or somewhere)

- Walk in ( To walk into a room or somewhere)

9. Back

- Back up ( To back away from someone or something)

- Back off ( To get away from something)

10. Take

- Take cover ( To hide or defend one self from something)

- Take over ( To gain power over something from someone else)

2nd Vocabulary Entry

The Magical Forest

#Dingy old SUV - Gloomy or drab old car.

#Her pink already almost auburn cheek - Describing that her cheek is pink, almost auburn in color.

#A weak forced smile - A smile that is unconvincing.

#Brown leather jacket - A jacket made of brown leather.

#Fifty acre vineyard - A really huge vineyard.

#A very small person dressed in green - The person is small in size and is wearing green clothing.

#A pair of small eyes - Two small sized eyes.

#Sharp pointy nose - A nose that looks sharp and pointy.

#His face was shaped like an apple - Apple shaped face.

#Thick beard - Thick facial hair.

#Bushy eyebrows - Thick, bush like eyebrows.

#A very old pair of green jacket - A jacket green in color, and have been worn a long time.

#Worn out green khaki pants - Green khaki pants that have been worn so many times.

#A very big oak tree - An oak tree that is very big.

1st Vocabulary Entry

IDIOMS

1. April showers bring May flowers.

++ Although rain in April is annoying, it starts the flowers growing.

a. Although it was a dreary, rainy day, we felt cheerful, since April showers bring May flowers.

b. I hate when it rains all day long, but sin April showers bring May flowers, I'll bear with it.

2. Ask for the moon.

++ To make outlandish requests or demands for something.

a. She is asking for the moon, and she is not getting it!

b. Be reasonable, don't ask for the moon.

3. Curiosity killed the cat.

++ Something that you say in order to warn someone not to ask too many questions about something.

a. They said curiosity killed the cat, but last I check, I'm not a cat.

b. Dude, don't poke into things that is not your concern. Don't you know curiosity killed the cat?

4. Clothes make the man.

++People will judge you according to the way you dress.

a. Jim was always careful about the way he dressed because he believed that clothes make the man.

b. Before John was rejected at the job interview, the man in the fancy suit told him, clothes make the man, so next time make sure to clean up before coming in for a job interview.

5. Eye for an eye.

++If someone hurts you, you should punish the offender by hurting him or her in the same way.

a. When they were little, the two brothers operated on the principle of an eye for an eye, so that if the older one hits the younger one, the younger one can hit the older one back just as hard.

b. In the game of way, it will always be an eye for an eye.

6. Pain in the neck.

++ Someone who is very annoying and always disturbing you.

a. My little brother is a pain in the neck!

b. The girls in my class are a pain in the neck, always bothering me with their gossips.

7. Keep in touch.

++Keep communicating with someone even though you may live apart.

a. I still keep in touch with some of my childhood friends.

b. She moved away a few years ago, but every now and then we still keep in touch.

8. Face your demons.

++Confront your fears or something that you have been trying very hard to avoid.

a. Sometimes you just have to face your demons and jump in the water.

b. My friend told me to just go ask him out. Easy for you to say, you're not the one that has to face your demon!

9. Dark horse.

++ A person that is a bit of a mystery and we don't know how he or she will react or perform.

a. Ever since he won that game unexpectedly, people have been calling him the dark horse.

b. Suddenly, after years of being in the bottom, Joshua has suddenly become the dark horse of the team.

10. Back the wrong horse.

++ Giving your support to the losing side in something.

a. She knew she back the wrong horse when the team she was rooting for was being thrashed by the other team.

b. The worst feeling in the world is when you back the wrong horse, and someone is always there to tell you I-told-you-so.

5th Reflection Topic

Scene 3: A man trying to sell a magic potion to a young lady.

It was a cloudy and windy evening at the park. Cindy tried her best to stay warm in her coat, while sitting at a bench waiting for Jason to come. He was taking ages.

Suddenly, "A pretty young lady such as yourself should never be left alone on such a lovely evening,"said a creepy looking man, probably in his mid-30s. "I won't be for long, since my boyfriend will be coming soon," said Cindy. It was her attempt to get rid of the suspicious looking man.

Smiling the weirdest smile ever, the man approached Cindy. I smell trouble. "Would you like to have a magical evening with your man then?"he said, still smiling. I have to get away from him.

"Now now miss, there's no need to be afraid, I just need you to look at this magic potion,"said the man. He was pushing a small bottle into Cindy's hand, and it smelled funny. Not in a good way.

"I'm afraid I have no money with me currently,"Cindy said in a cold voice. Where are you Jason? "Well, that shall not be a problem miss. I can give you a free sample for now," his smile was starting to really scare Cindy. "No need, I don't think I need any kind of magic to help me with my life right now,"said Cindy.

The smile on the man's face was quickly replaced with an angry frown. Oh boy. "Is everything alright honey?" asked Jason who came out from nowhere. Cindy had never felt so relieved. "Yeah, let's just go, I'm starving," she said while grabbing Jason's arm. Walking away quickly, Cindy glanced back at the man. He was already gone.

4th Reflection Topic

Ever since I saw Sepet, I fell in love with the whole cast member. Not just the main cast, the hero and heroin, but also the supporting cast. I was especially fond of Adibah Noor. Still am fond of her. Whats not to like? That woman's talent is even bigger than her body. She is gorgeous by the way, no matter what size she wears.

That was years ago. Then a couple years later, I saw Adibah in a commercial about sanitary pads, Libresse. It was hilarious. Seriously it was. I have to give it to the product's company. It was a business savvy decision. Making one of Malaysia's most beloved celebrity as their spokesperson? Genius guys. Nice move.

The thing about me is, once I have found something that I am comfortable with, I stick with it. I like to think of myself as a loyal person. I decided long ago that I was going to stick with Stayfree when it comes to sanitary pads. And I have been using the same brand for years.

Then the Adibah Noor Libresse commercial came out.

Immediately after I saw that hilarious ad, I went out, went straight to the nearest Watson store, and got my self some Libresse pads. I felt so bad for betraying Stayfree, but I just had to try it myself after I saw Adibah being the spokesperson. Well, it was okay. But that was the first and last time I changed brands. Safe to say, the only reason I tried the product was because of the crazy commercial that Adibah was in.

3rd Reflection Topic

"Who Knew"

You took my hand, you showed me how

You promised me you'd be around

Uh huh, that's right

I took your words and I believed

In everything you said to me

Yeah huh, that's right

If someone said three years from now

You'd be long gone

I'd stand up and punch them out‘

Cause they're all wrong

I know better‘

Cause you said forever

And ever, who knew?

Remember when we were such fools

And so convinced and just too cool

Oh no, no no

I wish I could touch you again

I wish I could still call you a friend

I'd give anything

When someone said count your blessings now

For they're long gone

I guess I just didn't know how

I was all wrong

But they knew better

Still you said forever and ever

Who knew? Yeah yeah

I'll keep you locked in my head

Until we meet again

Until we, until we meet again

And I won't forget you my friend

What happened?

If someone said three years from now

You'd be long gone

I'd stand up and punch them out‘

Cause they're all wrong

And that last kiss I'll cherish

Until we meet again

And time makes it harder

I wish I could remember

But I keep your memory

You visit me in my sleep

My darling, who knew?

My darling

My darling, who knew?

My darling I miss you

My darling, who knew?

Who knew?

Believe it or not, I was once a lovesick high school girl. My very first serious (back then it was) relationship started when I was 16. That year I was in Form Five. It seems very silly now, but back then, that relationship was very dear to me. My friends cheered us on, while my teachers said have fun while it lasts. The latter used to make me so angry. Much like the lyrics of this song. I always said, or more like bragged, that our relationship will definitely end happily ever after. Boy, was I so wrong.

The lyrics of this song pretty much sums up the relationship I had with my ex-boyfriend. <-- Well, that felt awkward. At first, it was all going great, I even had our wedding planned, how many kids we were going to have, which house we were going to check out, and even what kind of dog to keep. I know. I was full of cheese and fluffy candy back then. But, like they say, all good things come to an end. When you commit to a relationship at a very young age, it is hard to keep up with your partner since eventually, everybody changes.

We graduated high school. We were still together after SPM, since we had all the time in the world to spend with each other. And then came the dreaded separation. He went away to study first. You know what they say about distance? That it makes the heart grow fonder? Its a bunch of bull crap. Long distance relationships are always hard. especially when you are an emotional, insecure and hormonal teenager. Breaking up was inevitable. I won't dwell on the details after the break up. Let's just say I was an emotional wreck.

Although I didn't get the fairy tale ending that I always fantasized about, looking back, that one relationship gave me all the experience I needed to prepare me for my next relationship. Which, by the way, still hasn't found its way to me yet. I feel fortunate that even after things ended with my ex, I did not immediately jump back into the dating pool. I took my time to relax and enjoyed being single. I think I enjoy it too much since I still am single till today. When the time is right, and God knows I'm ready, I'll find that one person. Maybe I already met him but haven't realized it yet. Who knows?

Aunty,Nasi Lemak Satu!

Today, I think I finally found a local movie that was able to compete with the late Yasmin Ahmad's movies for my love and affection.

This movie perfectly showed the reality of being a Malaysian, with everything from racist remarks, stereotyping and etc, but was ultimately able to send a message of unity throughout the movie.

And ironically, it came from a guy many considered a racist.

I don't care much for our local movie industry, since its always about mat rempit or jiwang karat love or comedy-thats-not-even-funny, but a selected few have gotten my seal of approval (as if it matters) and this movie, Nasi Lemak 2.0, by Namawee, is now on top of my list. Sepet I will always adore, but Nasi Lemak? I love.

1Malaysia indeed.

2nd Reflection Topic

Sara froze. What Odin just said didn't seem to make sense. And she refused to believe him. Odin smiled a knowing smile,"I'm sure yer heard me right love. Do yer remember when we first met? I told yer that the forest works in a way that it is here when yer need it, but don't want it, but when yer want it and no longer need it that is when everything goes away."

Sara showed some signs of life when she finally unfrozen herself and started to tear up. "But I still need you and the forest! How am I suppose to go through my days now?" she said through her sobbing. "There there love, all good things come to an end, but it also means the beginning of another good thing,"said Odin.

Sara stood up and plucked a lily. Holding back tears, she walked away and told Odin she'll come again tomorrow. She couldn't help but feel something was missing and doesn't feel right. Sara stopped walking and turned around to take another look at the forest, and finally rested her eyes on Odin, who was standing on a rock by the river, smiling the warmest smile. "Yer take care now love, yer one strong lassy. We will for sure miss having yer around." Sara turned around to leave, but she was sure she saw tears in Odin's eyes.

The next morning, even before the sun rise, Sara went looking for the forest. Devastated was what she felt when all she saw was acres and acres of vineyard. After crying her hearts out calling for Odin, she fell asleep under a vine, woke up late in the evening and went back home. She came back the next day, and the next day and the next until finally she began to accept the harsh truth.

Losing Odin was hard for Sara. Even harder than when her parents divorced. But she knew the memory will stay with her forever, and that she will treasure it. Thanks to the magic forest, Sara had a new found strength, and became a stronger person.

Days, months and years passed.

The vineyard belongs to Sara and her husband now.

Recently, her father passed away. They had a beautiful memorial service for him by the vineyard, with lots of white roses and pink lilies, his favorite. Sara's son, Jason, was really close with his grandpa. The lost really left a mark on him. It was hard for Sara to watch her son suffer.

So, one fine day, she packed him lunch, and told him to go take a walk around the vineyard. Although hesitant at first, he obliged. Jason was out for a whole day but when he came back late in the evening, he was a different person.

Having gone through the same experience, Sara knew something happened to her son. Something good and very much needed by him. Jason went out everyday since then, and always when he comes back, he seems more alive and happy. Sara knew. She knew that Odin and the magical forest was helping her son heal, and secretly she thanked her old friend.

1st Reflection Topic

A picture is worth a thousand word.

Maybe even more. Usually when people try to describe something complex or complicated, it gets lost in translation. Sometimes in situations like these, a picture simply does the whole explaining.

Meaning to say, I am obviously agreeing with the idiom. But, why?

I have been in situations where I would read a sad story about a woman and her dead baby, 3 pages long but feel just a tinge of sadness. Not even a drop of tear. But when I got to the last page, there was a picture of the woman with her dead baby, and tears just started running down my cheeks as if I had a burst pipe in my tear ducts. You see, the words told me the story, but the picture SHOWED me the story.

A picture, carries a story that can be seen or interpreted from a thousand perspective.

A picture of a girl standing in front of a white background tells us so much about her. From the picture, we can see how tall she is, the color of her skin, her hair and the freckles on her nose. No need for a long paragraph to describe her. We just have to look at the picture.

A picture gives us a lot of info about a particular thing.

When I look at our family photos, especially the group photos, I can easily point out the grumpy one, the emotional one, the I'm-the-prettiest-girl-in-this-family one, the alpha male one, and that one person who always has the same pose in every single picture. That tells us a lot about one family. What about pictures with the extended family members? I'm sure the idiom 'a picture is worth a thousand word' is an understatement.

Just look at the picture above, can you guess how many words can be used to describe it? I'll bet my left kidney and say there's probably about a thousand or so. Don't believe me? Count them yourself.

Hi Becky!

Everyone, say hello to Becky!

Since Berries went back to her original owner, I've been completely alone at home. I know I have Jason with me, but Jason can only be parked outside. Boo!

I wanted another pet but its gonna be a strain on me financially and responsibility wise since I won't have enough time to provide tender loving care for it. That's why I went for the next best thing, a plant! Becky might seem ordinary looking, but her red color is so vibrant, our apartment looks alive! I know talking to a plant is weird, but hey, Becky ain't no ordinary plant. To me, at least.

Welcome to the family Becky!