Afternoon weird dream

I had a weird dream from this afternoon nap. I dreamt about flying to South Africa with my whole family and relatives and we were in desert, lol, watching leopards and lions, in which later they grew wild and tried to kill people... We locked ourselves in to a room, in which the room, the longer I saw, the more it looked like my bedroom lol. Then my sister had to leave his sons to me, cos she had to leave the room to find her husband, and apparently later Denmark invaded South Africa and she found her husband being captured by the Danish soldiers. lol And one of my uncles passed away and we even conducted memorial meeting in that room.

Anyway, the dream was weird but I kinda remember it, afternoon nap gave me certain fresher memory of the dream.

Now, to think of the dream, it was so bogus and weird, it felt so real when I was dreaming, it feels as if we are moving to a complete different world.

 

Opinion

Recently, I had seen so many people taking opinions too seriously, even in a virtual society, one got a heart attack just cos she couldn't handle the opinion, which obviously, people's opinions aren't necessarily true. A man asked me to shut the fuck up simply cos I feel annoyed when he poses an annoying question towards a woman, and that woman has expressed her inconvenience. And I told him to back off cos his question was not propitious to the woman. Anyway, he can't handle it. Here's some flash:

1. Negative opinions exist. Anti-abortion groups are not deprived of their rights to speak negatively on discussions about abortion, unless if it is a discussion forum exclusively arranged for pro-choice people only. Even then, pro-choice people may be allowed to make counter-views to certain aspects related to abortion.
2. No one is claiming undeniable truth or ultimate credibility to whatever they are saying, but it is not one’s fault that he is more literate and convincing in getting his point across than you are.
3. If you do not wish to discuss about anything that is more than just a bunch of one-liner empty assertions, then DO NOT! Why bother to try?
4. Just because someone has a negative opinion about certain aspects of A, it does not mean that he cannot acknowledge some positive aspects of it. Nor does it mean that he views A in entirely as negative.
5. Similarly, switch the words “negative” and “positive” in #5 above and re-read the sentence.
6. Ad hominem is downright desperation. And it does NOT work no matter how hard you push it.
7. Or any other non-related bashing. It might or might not be correct, but it is still irrelevant.
8. Popular opinion does not equal truth. Remember geocentrism?
9. Opinions are opinions. You are allowed to have yours and I am allowed to have mine. At the end of the day, they are just opinions. Why are you taking it too seriously?
10. If you cannot handle opinions that do not agree with yours, then NEVER proceed into any discussions.

A note for myself

"Think first before you speak!"

This is exactly what I have to keep doing. Have you ever hurt people by your jokes even when you don't mean to? This is what I did last night on a person I really care about. :(

I really wanna bum bum my head as I don't see why I am so silly sometimes. He has been a great encouragement for my nose-bleeding recovery, helping me to find all the good remedies for that one problem of mine last night and later a stupid joke came out of my mouth that kinda stung/ upset him.

Why do I sometimes not think first before throwing out such joke? It feels like something I really didn't mean to, a joke that was intended to be funny for seconds, apparently upset him, and worse was, I didn't even realise it before I opened his email. How silly! Bum Bum my head...

I don't know if it's because of the hot weather, almost 40 C, the nosebleeding and headache that happened last night, or cos of lack of sleep cos I was sleeping for less than 5 hours, or cos I like him too much, I became sensitive as well that I burst into tears that I have upset him, a joke that was not intended that way turned out to be a stupid silly joke. Silly me.

It's good that in the end, he was fine about it, yea, it was not a big deal for him even at first, but It's a good warning and shock therapy of how I should talk next time. Wish to sweeten our days... I'm such silly girl.

Jamila dan Sang Presiden (2009)

I rarely watch Indonesian movies, not because I have preference for foreign movies, definitely not, I appreciate movies with good storyline, act, but somehow Indonesian movies aren't that appealing, especially how Horror and comedies bombarded our film industry here, and most of the comedies aren't really good comedies, rather silly and weird and irrelevant. I remember watching "Tarzan masuk ke Kota (Tarzan enters city)", I couldn't stop yawning and looking at the time thinking when it would end. For the sake of complete content, I stuck it out. As Horror movies aren't actually my favourite genre, hence even tho heard Indonesian horror is great, I don't really feel like exploring them. I believe, Indonesia films are one of best in Southeast Asia, and therefore, they gain popularity all over, especially in Malaysia and Singapore, that I know of. But for my stereotype, I haven't really explored my country's films as how I explore Hollywood movies, anyway, I admit that some Indonesian movies can be really awesome, like Eiffel I'm in love, Nagabonar2, Ada apa dengan cinta, Laskar Pelangi, and on this post, I will give more attention to Jamila dan Sang Presiden.

A woman named Jamila (Atiqah Hasiholan) suddenly becomes a headline in national media. She admits killing a minister and faces capital punishment and refuses to be assisted by a lawyer and not even asked for any forgiveness from president, or what we call here in Indonesia as agresi.

Jamila was jailed and the jail was led by a jailer named Ria (Christine Hakim). In this particular jail, the story unfolds. It starts showing us Jamila's past, on how she has been traded by her Dad even when she was a baby, making her a victim of human trafficking. Well, the topic is in time as Indonesia is the 3rd most prone country to human trafficking issues. Indonesia girls have been traded to foreign countries being prostitutes.

The conflict in the jail is interesting. The act of  Atiqah on how her past affected her, and how she became prostitute, the need of her to seek justice and life and education, yet she becomes hopeless, and also her involvement with the minister, all wrapped up pretty well. The jailer showed pity and yet such intense attitude that makes the movie more interesting. The injustice, ignorance by the government were portrayed well. One interesting point from the movie is the theatrical way of expressing it. The choice of words, such a beautiful literary word they are using make it more appealing.

Well, I don't have much to say about this movie, but that this is one of good Indonesian movies

60% for this movie.

Gran Torino (2008)

Gran Torino is a fantastic movie by Clint Eastwood that has action, laughs, and most importantly emotional depth. Clint Eastwood portrays Walt Kowalski incredibly and this character is almost flawless. The supporting cast holds their ground as well and are a pleasure to watch. The movie is suprisingly very funny with laughs provided by Eastwood throughout the film. The way he conducts himself and his constant bigotry is almost funny and laughs are constant. In addition, there are some gripping scenes that are intense. Gran Torino has a simplistic plot, but thrives in character development, despite running barely 100 minutes. Eastwood is the key character of the film and clearly demonstrates the obvious change in character and perspective on life throughout the film.

He plays a disgruntled Korean War vet, named Walt Kowalski, living in a small home in suburbia, when an oriental family moves in. It doesn't take long for the ethnic slurs to follow and Kowalski firmly expressing his disapproval of the unexpected arrival. The conflict starts to boil once an Asian gang, related to the newcomers, starts harassing the family; the elderly, but intimidating Kowalski, locked and loaded, orders the tough guys to get off his lawn.

But, the whole film isn't just Eastwood expressing his xenophobia; we learn more about the fragility of his character, and how his family discreetly wait on their tippy-toes, to inherit his 1972 Gran Torino, from his will. At first, the Gran Torino serves little purpose, but it's not until the boy next door, Thao (Vang), tries to rip off Kowalski's favourite treasure and the story hits full gear.

Ironically, this is when Kowalski's perspective on foreigners and religion start to escalate. We still see that dark-remorseful side to his character, but he slowly develops  into a different person as if Eastwood wants to deliver the message that people, even emotionally broken down ones, can change.

Gran Torino goes deeper than racial clashes and the opening of one bigot's eyes, it's about forgetting and letting go of your past, making the most of your present, and accepting the world now. Overall, Gran Torino is a gripping movie with great characters, emotions, actions, and a fantastic ending.

However, Eastwood does have a tendency to 'play' to the audience. Some will consider this film to be tear-jerking, but at times, it feels forced and too obvious for the audience. The primary example of this takes place at the ending, which is formulated properly, not contrived, but still predictable. Nevertheless, this predictability is necessary because the film has to end like this; otherwise, it would not be a good film. I seriously cried watching this. :P

Therefore, Gran Torino thrives on Eastwood's performance. He claims this film will be his final film as an actor, which is a shame. In Gran Torino, he still goes out producing the film, directing it, starring in it, his talent and soul is everlasting, such a great actor he is.

90% fresh for this movie.

Teacher Cath ^_^

Posting some of my student's pics... My cuties, my pretty ones and my handsome guys... Love ya'll, students/friends. There are many other students' pics, but oh well, I guess these are enough... Our fun classroom time, crazy time, hangout time... lol

                                              

hmmm

The class before the students come

When they haven't come, I like to sit down there and study or prepare for the subject.

And in private student's home, just now I was given this...

and it tasted yummy!

Reflection

 

A little mirror stands in front of me:
her hair is as black as mine.
To mimic is a game that brings such glee;
where will this strong resemblance draw the line?

Her wide grin mirrors mine as well,
eyes squeezed shut over undimpled cheeks.
Will she also take on my faults--
run into walls, have allergies, and an absent mind?

I need to act and speak so carefully
if she is to reflect each thing I do;
an "uh-oh" turns my head to face myself--
a little mirror stands in front of me.

Lost

A girl
lost in her loneliness
closed off from the pain
that so long has surrounded her
I am lost
who will find me?

Smile...

I stumbled upon this in one website... Cute!

Creamy Rice Pudding

First of all, thanks to Paul who recommended me this pudding. It tastes yummy indeed. I promised I would make it, so here it is. Again, tho, the quality of the pic isn't that good, this is all taken this morning (Saturday morning), but the quality of my mobile phone camera isn't that good. :( My digital camera is currently with my cousin on his vacation...) Anyway, I am using my sister's kitchen again, hehehe

The creamy rice pudding started with this...

These are my scribbles on the recipe, thanks for the link, Paul.

Here, lemme copypaste the recipe:

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup uncooked white rice
• 2 cups milk, divided
• 1/3 cup white sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2/3 cup golden raisins
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan, bring 1 1/2 cups water to a boil. Add rice and stir. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
2. In another saucepan, combine 1 1/2 cups cooked rice, 1 1/2 cups milk, sugar and salt. Cook over medium heat until thick and creamy, 15 to 20 minutes. Stir in remaining 1/2 cup milk, beaten egg and raisins. Cook 2 minutes more, stirring constantly. Remove from heat, and stir in butter and vanilla. Serve warm.

Then. this morning, I went to market to get this measuring cup, and some other groceries.

Now, the making of creamy rice pudding:

                                                                                  
Yummy!!!Eating it while working!