Goodbye 2009 and Welcome 2010!

Another short break from blogworld owing to the lacklustre life I am leading at this moment. Finally, after 6 years of books and exams, I have successfully completed my studies and currently sitting at home enjoying the routine life style.
I could not believe that we are bidding farewell to 2009 already. It feels like only yesterday that we stepped into 2009. 2009 is special for me because I returned from Australia for good and reunited with my family after almost 4 years. This year has been quite eventful with few incidents to cherish for a life time as well as incidents which are better to be erased from our memory. But I strongly believe that everything happens for a reason and every painful moment teaches us something about life. With every year, we mature and learn to understand the nook and cranny of the pages of life more clearly. It’s not just the numbers that changes with passing years, but our perceptions and outlook change too. We do not mature with time, but with every experience and every person that we meet in life.
From personal front, from a student I have graduated into the working world. But still, it saddens me that I have to wait till mid January to get my posting. Whatever it is, I hope 2010 will bring some luck for me and God’s willing I should be able to achieve my dreams and goals. Though, I don’t really believe in New Year resolutions, I do believe that we need to have some goals and ambitions in life which will gear us towards interesting and spicy life. Having no direction in life is like sailing without a direction and thus we will stagnate. Thus, I am happy I have achieved whatever I wanted to achieve in 2009 and now few plans are on the cards for 2010, and I confident I will be able to achieve them.
To dearest friends, I pray for good health, and immense happiness for everyone in 2010. May all your dreams come true and success fills in your lives. Take a piece of lesson from the pages of 2009, and essay 2010 more confidently. Ansd also I wish for less violence in the worlds and more civic awareness among Malaysians. Happy New Year!!

So long..Farewell

I cannot believe I have reached the end of the road called ‘ student’s life’. Today officially I’m stepping out of this wonderful world. 5 ½ years of tertiary education has always been something that I dread. It seemed never ending and I was getting tired of answering people’s questions about my education. But, in a blink of eye here I am bidding painful goodbye to my dearest friends. This 5 ½ years have been thought provoking , touching years. I still remember the first time I entered this college, I felt so out of place. I thought I had made a wrong choice. I used to get annoyed with people. I could not see the positive sight of people as I examined every single person that I met. But as time pass by I learnt to understand, respect and tolerate people. There were so many conflicts too. But friends were there to open my eyes. Through these friends eyes, I learnt to see the world. The timid and shy girl was gone and I learned everything from them….makeup, gossiping, confidence, socialising..etc. Up to now, I have said goodbye to so many of them and every time I hug them, pricks of tears well in my eyes. So this is it. Once I step out of this college, I am no longer a student. I am a teacher, a daughter, a sister, a friend but not a student. The world of adults and responsibilities scares me. But I am ready to face them. To my dearest friends, thanks for all the love and so long…ciao.

P/S- To my dearest friend Venisha, I will miss you a lot. I am so sorry could not hug you goodbye. This 5 ½ years have been wonderful years in my life. We do fought a lot, shouted at each other a la Tom and Jerry couples, but I treasure the friendship. I have learned a lot from you and patience is one of it ;p. I will cherish this relationship forever and I am so sorry had I hurt your feelings in any way. Miss You Missie!

Truly 1Malaysia

Disclaimer: I am not a racist and I do not intend to hurt anyone’s sentiments. This post is purely of my humble opinion.


Ever since the new Prime Minister stepped in, 1Malaysia has become a daily term in our lives. However, how far do we understand and cherish the diversity? Is there unity in diversity as everyone claims? One of my lecturers who was giving a talk for the Kursus Induksi, stepped in said Salam 1Malaysia and said “don’t know what it means. Since everyone is using, lets use”. I think that exactly reflects most Malaysians mentality.

How far do we respect each other’s beliefs and sentiments? Few months ago, I was in my hostel room with my Malay roommate, when the Malay warden walked in. As she entered the room, the first thing that came out of her mouth was “Eh, I ada Keling kat bilik sini Kak,” (there is a Keling inside here) to the other lecturer. And quickly she realised her stinging words and apologised to me and even HUGGED me! Just to make up for what she had said. Just to shut my mouth! And she was clearly perturbed that the Malay girl is staying with 2 Indian girls. In fact, she was keeping on bugging the poor girl if she is Malay. Well, reality check..We are in Malaysia ..a country that talks about 1 Malaysia and unity in diversity.
Past few days we have been having Kursus Induksi, which boasts compulsory attendance of all civil servants. The topics were on Dasar-dasar and Malaysian policies and as clichéd everyone talked about unity, diversity, single stream schools. But what annoyed me and few friends was that the talks were used as a medium of preaching religion lessons and beliefs. I have no qualm about mentioning religious quotes but one has to be very fair when you quote examples from religious verses. Some wise lecturers asked the nons about the view expressed in their respective religions without sounding judgemental. During a session conducted by an Ustad, he was oblivious to the fact that there are Non-Muslim students in the class and started using Arabic words and quotes from Quran verses. Had he translated them, everyone would have benefited. However, to my dismay, he was not bothered about us and kept talking about particular religion. I have no idea about these types of people who cannot act fair to all. You can always take a neutral stand and address God as God instead of giving Him culturally specific names.
Not enough with this marginalisation, recently I heard from a Bumiputra girl that her brother was given a scholarship to study Mandarin in China by MARA. This particular boy has no prior knowledge in Mandarin and was given several choices by the scholarship division to pick one that appeals to him. I suppose all the Chinese in Malaysia has stopped learning Mandarin that the scholarships are given to others who have no knowledge in the field. Imagine a scholarship division calls you at home and asks you to choose an overseas course. Wow..tat’s cool. Long live Malaysia.

Complaints and Complaints

In our daily life, there might be a lot of things that we feel unhappy about. After all we are just human beings with messed up hormones. While some people choose to voice out, some people might just shout at a wall and move on. Something similar happened in my college recently.

A kind soul who could not tolerate the inconsistent and inefficient moves taken by the college in addressing issues concerning our graduation and compulsory courses, decided to draw the director's attention on those matters through a simple letter. And he/she managed to draw the attention of the whole college in fact. The director and deputy directors who prior to this was not even aware of the hustles and tussles happening in our course finally came looking for us to solve the problem before it gets severe. Though, it is very wrong for the writer to have used the word 'we' without our concern, personally i feel that was a good move. In fact, the writer has managed to grab half of the cohort members support while the rest are infuriated by the letter.

What i am not happy about this whole issue is that there are some people who feel that writing complaint letter and putting it into suggestion box is very amateurish and lacks professionalism. What is wrong in conveying one's disagreement in a proper way especially when meeting and talking to the authorities directly is impossible? If that is wrong, government would not have provided complaint boxes in government premises. Wherever we go, let it be bank, office, or school, there are complaint/suggestions boxes for the public to convey their disappointments or address any pertinent issue. In fact, i personally feel that the public should come forward to let the people know of their feelings. How are we to achieve first class mentality and first class service if we cannot even convey our difficulties and dissatisfaction?

However, i should say some good words about the deputy director of the college who was very open minded in addressing the letter. Though, she was little curious about the writer, she admitted the flaws from her side and even promised to look into the matters personally. My cohort has never ceased to surprise the lecturers and the letter is jut another feather in our caps.

Happy Deepavali

My favourite celebration is here again. After two years celebrating it far from home, this year I'M Actually HOME! But the only sad thing is now it's my sister's turn and she is away this time. Still, i shopped like hell and can't wait to go home. By the way Happy Deepavali to all my readers out there. Wish you a wonderful Deepavali. Do eat a lot. :-)

Of a Loss and a Gain

After a long break, now i'm back with a bang. These past few weeks has been quite eventful and believe it or not has been all about saying hi to some and saying goodbye to some. 2 weeks ago, i successfully finished my practicum and slowly getting ready to enter into the working world of adults which still sends jitters to me.

About the farewell, i was surprised to get so many gifts from my students especially certain little devils whom i thought hate me to the core. Though the gifts were tiny and simple, they worth millions to me as they are from my first students and also it's a symbol of love, affection and respect. Imagine the student running off to the school Koperasi shop to get a note pad and a pen while i was teaching when she came to know that was my last day of teaching them. I still remember telling my friend that nor me neither my students will feel sad on my last day of school and it turned out to be just the opposite. In my class, there was a giggling student whom i never forget to scold. She giggles without reason and never does any of my work. I love teasing her in the class and she never fails to respond either. On my last day in the school, she came to me and gave a wrapped gift and said. "Teacher when you unwrap this gift, i bet you'll smile also". And exactly as she had said, i burst out laughing at the little cute ANT MONSTER that she had given me.

Amidst all this, just 3 days ago, one of my students passed away of heart attack. I remember her as a petite girl whom i thought as a weak girl but actually proved me wrong when she responded to my question. God bless the soul of the little angel. 16 years is no age to say goodbye to the world and this is definitely one of the toughest good bye for me.

On other note, just as said by to my students, recently i bumped into my ex-teacher in the Deepavali Carnival, KL Central. I have been looking for her for past 10 years plus and out of sudden there she was walking in front of me. Small world indeed. The first time i saw her, i was shocked and at the same time scared to approach her as i was not sure. So, i just let her slip. Then, my friend was asking me to approach her. So, i told myself that if i happened to bump into her again, then i would approach her. And Gods willing again, she was walking towards me and i went and talked to her. When she confirmed her name, i was so happy and upon recognising me, she was so speechless. We were just staring at each other in disbelief and i bet i saw tinge of tears in her eyes. The same was happening to me either. Quickly we updated each other about the things that happened in the 10 years span. I was surprised to know that actually, she knows about my whereabouts in 10 years time as she always ask people about me. The only surprise for her was when she came to know that i am a teacher now. I remember her coaxing me saying that i will be a lawyer in the future as i always wanted to be when i crying that i did poorly in one of my subjects when i was in standard 5. So she was, "What, Teacher? You could have done better than this with your results right? Did i not warn you not to be a teacher?,,,bla..bla " There she was nagging as a typical teacher as she always has been..

With love from your student

"Dear Miss Ramyah,

Firstly, we would like to apologise for every mistakes that we have done in your class. For your information, you’re the first practicum teacher who have influenced us to speak English and succeeded in making us completing our work.

We also now have confidence to talk in English though only in the class. (If we speak English outside, “kantoi” our grammar.) You know how to win our heart by preparing all the interesting activities for us. Sometimes we do not like you coming to the class so early. No time for us to ‘zzzzz’. We used to look at your outfits and different sort of shoes (two inch shoes) and we would start gossiping about it. Sorry ;-)

In addition, we love the way you speak English since we are into English but no one could lead us. We are so curious why you always walk around while teaching. It makes our eyes (a picture of eyes spinning)

We are going to miss you, teacher. Pardon us for our bad English and translating from Malay to English. We are trying and practising. Do pray for our success in future and achieve our ambition to be a lawyer (X) and flight attendant (Y). Love Ya."

This week was my final week in the school as a practicum teacher. The letter above is one of the letters given by my students. I still remember before starting my practicum i was telling a friend that i bet neither my students nor i would feel touchy on the last day of my prac. But i surprised myself when both my students and i got emotional on the last day. This letter is from a weak and struggling class, but still i have always felt attached to the class. When the one of the students was reading the farewell speech, i could feel pricks of tears in me. The speech was very touchy, sincere and straight from the heart. Now i know why even the smallest gift from a student matters diamonds to teachers. Thanks dear students for giving me a wonderful memory to cherish forever.

There goes 1Malaysia into the drain

I am puzzled at whatever happening in this nation at this point of time. When he said 1Malaysia did he mean 1 united Malaysia or Mono race in Malaysia? Whatever incidents happening now, they are so not good for our country especially right after celebrating National Day. What is the point of running National Day celebration for one long month in schools, flying National Flag on every car on the road , if you cannot build a nation which respects each others beliefs and racial sentiments. When a group of radical protesters walked with COW HEAD, You brused it aside that as a cow-pie issue and when our people staged a silent demonstration, You arrested us and trashed into the jail. May be it was wrong for us to have walked with candles in our hands as that might have instigated racial tension to some people or we should have walked with some other heads in our hands, and You would have supported us as reacting normally to the issue and how You have supported the other group. Bravo and way to go 1Malaysia.

We younger generations are clear and respect each other unlike those old dumbos. I fasted with my Muslim friends during Ramadhan. When we were in Sydey, my friend and I never cringed at the Quran recitals in our home during Ramadhan as we respected my Muslim friends. My muslem friends showed their respect by observing vegetarian diet whenever we observed vegetarian diet during Indian Holy days. That was our way of respecting each other and here in Malaysia where 1Malaysia is preached, nothing that sort is happening.

To our 'beloved' Indian leaders who are too busy thinking on where and how to loot the Indian society, we trust you no more. You are too busy plotting against each other and bribing people to get away with your crimes. If at all, one day you wake up from your LOOOOng Dream (which less likely to happen), remember there are some souls who are still counting on you.

Random thoughts

Lately, i find it too hard to update my blog. Nothing exciting is happening around me that i can blog about. Life is getting very mundane and i seriously need something to excite me. School life is throwing challenges every single day but i'm just too tired for that. I just brush them aside and keep strolling. Two things that are keeping me excited for now is the end of my practicum (in 15 days) and Deepavali (I know it's too early to think about it). It has been 2 years since i celebrated Deepavali as i was away in Sydney. So, i'm looking forward to the family celebration. But it's still not going to be exciting as my sis won't be around this time. I can't believe it has been 5 years since we celebrated Deepavali with our complete family. And i have to wait another 2 years before being able to unite with all my family members. That makes it 7 damn-long-years.

Well on a different note, i want to start a new regime to GAIN weight. I know most people would want to lose weight but i am one unfortunate being who have to struggle to gain weight. I'm tired of being the underweight person. But it's just hard to cater for my high metabolism when i'm stuck in the hostel. For the next one week to come i'm going to try my best to eat and eat and check the scales. Wish me luck people.

100th Post

Well, i seriously can't believe that i am writing my 100th post for i have never thought of reaching this. In fact for past few weeks i have been so tied up with my teaching practice that i have ignored my blog for weeks now. I grew tired of writing about my teaching experiences and practically vowed to myself that if i am ever going to write a post, it better not about teaching. So, that's why i did not turn to my blog when i had a conflict with my students and they 'tore me up' in their blogs. Little did i know that i have reached my 100th post. Today, now i'm in my staff room trying to revive my sabbatical when i realised that i have reached 100th post. Well, it's quite an achievement for someone who gets bored doing the same thing over and over again.

This is not my first blog as i had tried my hand at blogging twice before only to close it within 2 months. This is the only blog which survived my momentary boredoms and mood swings. Thanks to my active as well passive readers who have always encouraged me. And sorry to some dear blog friends whose posts i'm yet to read. i promise i will catch up with them soon when i can actually sit down and loosen up. Anyways i have got a class to attend and babysit the little monsters. Ciao!

Conflict..Conflict

Again another post related to teaching experience. Sorry buddies. You have to bear with my mundane teaching experiences for another 2 months. I might start a different blog for that soon. But seriously, I feel like I’m living in a world where weekend flies in seconds. And the teachers bully us, the trainee teachers. We were given too many relief classes, asked to key in marks, and translate Science works from BM to English and when I told her about the reverting to BM policy, she just smiled and said, “Yeah, but it’s better to be prepared”.

On the other hand, the students really see us as the adults whom they can seek help from. I was relieving a Form 3 class the other day and casually started talking to a girl who seemed very much into studies and stuff like that. After few minutes of talking the girl started asking me about the options that she has for her tertiary education. She was like, “Teacher, do you think private university is good? Or do you think government university is better?, Do you think I should take accountancy? Which university is better for accountancy. Which course should I do after SPM?..yadda..yadda..” and I was looking at her , eyeballs out. She is just 15 and she is already thinking about what she is going to do when she is 18 which I think too much for her. But still, I can’t shrug off saying, “Well, before that make sure you pass your PMR and SPM”. So, I gave her some advices instead. She really made me to feel like an adult and I was like “God! I AM giving professional advice to someone. I, the one who can’t even decide on what to eat!”.

Then the next day, I was teaching literature to my Form 4 students and assigned some group works to the girls. One particular group of girls were so engrossed in something else that they were not doing my work. When I reached the group, suddenly one of the girls asked me,

Girl 1 : Teacher can I ask you something?
Me : Yes darling. What do want to ask?
Girl 1 : I don’t know how to ask. (turns to girl 2).. You ask la
Me : What’s wrong girls? Just ask.
Girl 1 : I don’t know how to ask this to a teacher. I hope you are open minded.
Me : ( Oh God! Why isn’t the bell ringing yet.) Yes dear. You can ask me whatever you
want to. I don’t mind.
Girl 1 : Ok teacher…hmm…hmm…What do you think about having relationship during school years?
Me : Hmmm…(What should I say)..Hmmm..it depends…why do you ask?
Girl 2 :Teacher, God has given feelings to fall in love right?
Me : (This is easy)..Yeah certainly. All of us have got feelings.
Girl 1 : But teacher at this age we don’t have the feelings yet right?
Girl 2 : Teacher at this age, we have got a litttttle bit of the feelings right?
Me : (Somebody save meee)..Actually girls, we have the feelings in us all the time. It’s just that it should come out at the right time to the right person. At this age you might feel attraction but you should be very careful with the infatuation.
Girl 1 : Teacher so, love after marriage is the perfect love right?
Me : Oh yeah. That guarantees long term happiness.
Girl 2 : So, teacher is it wrong to fall in love now?
Me : Can’t say that. But you must be very careful with tour feelings as long as it does not hurt you or others. Ok. Girls…anyways are you done with your work?
Girl 1&Girl 2 : He ..he..Not really teacher. But we are meeting up later after school to finish it.
Me : Are you sure. I don’t want you to talk about guys again.
Girl 1 : (with a serious face)..no teacher. Never. This would be my last conversation about guys. Never after this… (the bell rings now :p)

Oh how I enjoy resolving conflicts! Teaching IS fun.

Teacher oh teacher

It has been one week since I started my teaching practice and I already have a bag full of dilemmas, stress and gossips. Whoever said teaching is a mundane job? Well, I think it’s extremely stressful and depressing job with loads of fun. Despite this 1 week practice, still at times I feel artificial and out of place in my classroom as I stand in front there putting up the face of an all knowing adult, a responsible one and the one who does not tolerate any nonsense in the classroom. When I look at my students I can see myself sitting among them pulling pranks and cracking jokes. As Venisha says sometimes, I feel like I can go near them, pull out a chair and join in gossiping and ‘pranking’. Though it’s not wrong to do so, one need to establish a sense of authority in the classroom or else the students will be climbing all over your head.

I have always believed that a teacher should foster a positive relationship with the students. But in my case I have 2 extreme of students; one who worships teacher and another who regards teacher as dirt. Teaching smart, rich girls have always been my nightmare and it’s happening right now that I feel like AARGHHH.

One of the classes that I am teaching now is a weak form 4 class. But for me they are angels. I can feel the positive energy flowing whenever I enter the class. The moment you enter the class, they rush out to clean the board for you, compliment your dress, smile at you and participate in the class sans the rightness and the wrongness. And they want to learn so much that they always ask you to teach so many things and willing to learn from their mistakes.

On the other hand, I have another class where the girls (especially one group) who think their too smart to be in the class (and it’s a 4th class). My introductory lesson was a disaster as I found out the girls were complete wannabes who have lost their ground. They were least interested in the lesson and when I asked them to tell me something about them, one said “Actually, I don’t like being scolded” (you should have heard the tone of her, OMG). And they were going gaga over Robert Pattinson and whatnots (and I can feel a generation gap between us and we are ONLY of 6 years difference!). And when by slip of tongue I mispronounced (well, I pronounced it the US way when it’s supposed to be UK), one girl actually giggled out loud and started imitating me which practically made my eye balls come out. Gross. And that too because earlier I had punished the girl for disturbing my class. That very moment I knew I’m in for trouble. And did I tell you my lecturer was sitting at the back of the class observing me? Damn! Darn it! And the first thing she told me was “ Ramyah, watch out with &%%#@ I think she need to know how to respect people. She thinks she is too smart. She will be disruptive to your class”. And I was like “Shit, how many things do I need to concentrate on at a time!”. The next day, the classroom teacher came to me and apologetically started telling me that the class is an extremely notorious class and has a very bad reputation among the teachers and has been pain in the ass for all of them. All she can tell was that “ignore that gang for they are attention seekers and focus on those who really want to learn in the class for they inspire you to teach”. Being a new broom, I wanted to change that and have been trying to make the gang to feel that they are capable of contributing to the class in vain. Imagine them doing their add maths and chemistry graphs while I’m shouting my lungs out trying to teach them. And one girl dared to use my paper ( I spent RM 20 to photocopy them) as a chop board to incise her eraser. WTH! And another one who was so engrossed in talking gave me What! Can’t –you- see- I’m- in- important- business- right- now look when I slapped the desk to get her attention. God! What do I do with such characters? Every time I’m about to enter the class I tell myself “Ramyah you love the girls, Ok. They are a joy to be with” and the moment I enter the class and look at them I’ll be like “shit, of all class why this one? …full with devils”. Practically I can see the devilish horns on their head!

But I have not given up on them yet. I’ll try to make a difference. Even if I fail, what matters is that I have tried and given my best. I’m ready for the third week now!

Of Lesson Plans and Fish Therapy

My days are getting pretty busy with all the lesson planning and materials hunt that i feel restless most of the time. During college times, i never longed for weekend that much as i had only 3 days of class and my weekeneds used to start on Friday itself. But eversince, i started going to school, i have been longing for Friday to come and practically I vowed at myself that i'm not going to wake up before 10 am.

So today i started my day pretty late(thanks to my brother who called as early as 9-ish). Well, then i decided to pamper and spoil myself a bit. So i headed for a nice banana leaf lunch, a soothing facial and then the Fish Spa. I have always wanted to try the sensation of the Tickling fish but never got the chance to do so. But today, i had the time and it was really cheap only RM5 for 10 minutes and it was not crowded. As dipped my legs inside the pool all the fishes flocked towards me and started 'nibbling' my feet and i started screaming as it reminded me of touching frogs which is a big phobia for me. So i was keep on taking my feet off the water and after few minutes i told myself "you have to do this. You have paid for this!" And i sat there eyes shut for the next 10 minutes. But it was not that bad as i started relaxing after few minutes. When my time was over, i got down and saw an English lady dipping her feet inside and there goes the ears piercing scream again....

First Day at School

Today was my first day at school… as a teacher. Since the previous night I had been having butterflies fluttering in my stomach. Not only me but whole lot of my teacher trainee friends were having butterflies in their stomach and weak knees. After few years, I think today was the first day that I woke up as early as 5.30 a.m. That itself is a big achievement for me and when a fellow friend commented that it might me my routine once I graduate providing I am given an urban school, I shrunk. Since we had to car pool with some of our friends who are also teaching nearby, we had to leave as early as 6.10 am though the school is only starting at 7.30. And as we guessed, we were there in the school at 6.30 am and not a single soul was there. Nothing could have been better than visiting your first school in sheer darkness. Amazingly, there were some students slowly strolling in with a quizzed look at us. Wonder what was in their little mind. As usual canteen was the first place that we got to know before anything or anyone else.

After some time, we were standing in front of the office to report and we got some more curious glances from teachers as well as the students. The teachers were asking us ‘Trainees?’ just exactly like questioning a wanted criminal. Eventually, after all the quandaries finally we were attended and briefed about the school, buildings, students, teachers and their prides. Gods’ Grace that I got two nice ladies as my co-operating teachers who had ample of advices to be shared. I freaked out the moment they told me that their students are not as good as they pretend to but they have the tendency to test a new teacher’s knowledge and expertise in the subject matter. It was soothing to know that they are going to allow me to observe their classes before start teaching this Friday.

Today I had to relieve a Form 3 Science class and it was not an easy task. The students were chit chatting all the time and controlling them was a tiring task. What was more annoying is that the girls are so addicted to combs and make-ups. Well, girls just being girls. One of the girls, was combing a hair without a mirror for a whole 30 minutes .She stopped for a while sensing my stare and then start continuing it again once I turn my gaze on somebody else. At one point, she was combing her hair so indulgingly that she forgot to notice that I was standing next to her. Then I had to ask her to put down her comb and then she gave a pleading look. I was repeating my instruction again and then finally she put it down. It was so annoying at that moment. But now as I think back, it’s hilarious! I wish I am back in school…as a student again.

A Reunion and A Bagful of memories

Memories are signatures imprinted in one's heart that comes with a person till the last breath of a person. What could be sweeter than childhood memories. No matter how much a person grows or how much success one attains, past memories would never be forgotten. The pleasure or reminising the funny moments and incidents that had occured in one's life is indescribable. And i had such moment recently when i went back to my hometown for 3 weeks break.

Even before going for the break, i planned with my friend Viknes to gather all my primary and secondary school friends whom i have not seen for 6-7 years. It was not an easy job to gather people who are scattered all around the country. But thanks to the social networks such as Facebook and Friendster and the century's amazing discovery: handphone , we managed to track down most of them and it's such a pity that some could not even remember each other.

The day of the reunion is the recent memorable incident that have ever happened to me, i would say.In these 6 years some has grown bigger, some has grown smaller and some has never changed. However, when we finally met, the 6 years gap disappeared in 6 seconds and it felt as though we were never apart. It felt as though the last meeting was just yesterday. It’s good to know that despite all the drastic physical changes, they were the same people I left 6 years ago; insane, cranky, loud and ever gossiping.

I was amazed at their ability to recall every single incident that has happened from our primary school till the secondary school. The funny pet names were revived; the teachers were mocked and the who-dates-who and who-break-up-with-who issues were seriously discussed. I was in for a lot of shocks as some puppy loves which I thought would end as the school life ends, stood firm and still standing firm and some strong relationships were disconnected while some have already started thinking and preparing for their impending weddings.

It’s unbelievable, where life had brought us to. The small kids chasing each other around the school compound have grown into young guys and girls who are now entering the world of adults. One thing I have learned from the reunion is that friendship is the purest relationship in the world which sans education level and socio-status. In our group there were some who are graduating soon and some who have dropped out of school. But the friendship between these two groups is as solid as rock as there is no superiority in friendship. All are equal in friendship and I’m cherishing each moment of being in this wonderful relationship. In 5 years time, we might meet again to see more surprises that life has in store for us.

Happy Anniversary

This month TINYBRAINTHINKS celebrates it's first anniversary. I never thought that this blog would celebrate it's anniversary when i started it as i am a lazy blogger. But thanks to my blog friends who supported my blog and contributed to the betterment of the blog, i am here today savouring the completion of the 1st year.

Thank you for your comments and supports! and Please keep visiting and commenting.

P/S- 3 weeks break had kept me occupied with personal matters which kept me away from blogging. And as usual i came back to college only to suffer from super slow internet connection. I can't wait to blog about a recent reunion that i had with my friends but no thanks to the internet connection i could not upload the pictures. Hopefully, i will be able to post them soon. tc

Cricket and Me

Cricket has never been Malaysian's cup of tea. I have always been amazed at the Indians' love towards cricket that it showed with the churning of movies like Lagaan, Chennai 28 and so forth. I still remember , my close Indian friend once told me that Cricket has disabled the Indians' ability to play other sports as they can never support another game as much as they do for cricket. And today i got the answer.

I would not call myself as a sports person but i have always interested in sports. I love participating in games as the adrenalin rush at the moment is indescribable. As i am a netball player my friends have always teased me that i 'fly' in the court and i just smile at them. One would never understand the feelings when you jump in the air and get hold of the ball and hit the ground with a great satisfaction and the crowd goes wild with that. That's what i love about sports.

This one week we have been asked to learn Cricket for no reasons. And i remember me along with my friends were making noises regarding the implementation as we could have gone back home for longer holiday had it been cancelled. When the national team Coach came, we asked him "Why Cricket?" and he said "you'll know by the end of this week". And now i know the reason..because it's fun.

I skipped the second practice session on the first day and went for the second day practice session. Since the coach is an Indian and his assistant is an Indian, and also since there are only 2 Indian girls in my cohort, he noticed that i was missing on the first day. So, as we gathered for the training, he was demonstrating some catches by picking some students. I was seated in the front row and praying to every God that i should not be picked. But as you would have guessed, he looked at me and said "You the weakly one. Where were you yesterday? Now go and try this catch".Usually, i'm not that bad with catching and throwing but since i was very nervous i missed the catch and tripped and fell. Imagine the person who was bowling was a young Indian guy who is also the assistant coach. I was so embarrassed at the thought that both the coaches would have thought that i was so hopeless in sports. So i was so determined to get my name cleared.

Finally, i got the chance yesterday. The coach fixed a point and told us that whoever manage to hit that point will get RM5. And when it was my turn i was just 1 inch far from the point which really impressed him. Then, he looked at me and then stretched out his arm for a handshake and i was like "See, i'm not that bad". And subsequently, as we started playing i fell in love with cricket. Though, we did not win the game today, i wish to play cricket again and i might watch Cricket games after this. And yeah even the assistant coach who laughed at me (imagine when i went to bowl, he asked me "ayyo, neengala" (OMG, You are going to bowl)was dumbfounded when i bowled the ball smoothly. Then he was like "Oh, not bad. You're a good bowler". So, Mr. Don't ever judge a book by it's cover k.

The Demise of a Hero??

I dare not say that i have been following the ethnic cleansing in Sri lanka but i would consider myself as someone who feels attached to the issue as i share a common language with the victims. I used to wonder whether the step taken by LTTE worth the lives of the innocence people killed in the name of the war. Hitherto, i could not rationalize it as for me war could never be a solution. But i respect the LTTE Tigers as they fought for their people, they shed blood for the freedom of their people. From my observation, i have always been fascinated by some indians who have no idea on whatever happening in Sri Lanka. It has become an issue close to Tamils who writes, and reads in Tamil only. May be that's because only Tamil papers write in length about the happenings over there.

I am in no position of questioning Prabhakaran's deed as i did not experience what he had. Some would say he is a rebel;some would say he is a terrorist; for some he is a hero. For me he is REAL. When he chose this path, he would have known his end; he would have known that he might lose his family or forthcoming generation. But he went ahead. There have been debates about the suicide bombers, the children trained for army. But then, what would you do when your own siblings refuse to give you a hand when you are dying? What to do? Sometimes, the world is not fair. You need to 'make loud noises' if you want to be get noticed. And i believe that is what he did.

We, Malaysian Indians are not treated as badly as the Sri Lankan Tamils (though we are deprived of some basic rights in the name of 'quota') but still we came up with a rally to protest the government. As such, as people who are robbed off their right to live in a country, LTTE's approach could not be simply categorized as nonsense. Is it fair for them to be killed just because they are Tamils? Whenever i read that ladies are raped by the Sri lankan army, i feel a rage in me and feel depressed that i could not do anything to stop this. And finally selfless people came forward, pawning their lives and Prabhakaran was/ is such a person.

While all the media at this point of time is saying that this Tamilan is dead, there are some unofficial reports circulating that he is still alive. I want to believe that he is still alive. Today morning when i saw the newspaper, i felt tears welling in my eyes. As a Tamilan, i pray for you brother.

Happy Mother's Day

My mum and I are not great friends. We don’t share a lot of common ground. She is an outdoor person while I am more to the indoor type. She is quick and I am slow. She is predictable and I am sophisticated. She is fair and I’m brown. But she is my MUM and I’m PROUD of that.

When I was a small kid I used to be really really stubborn and people couldn’t put up with that. My mum and I could never get along and till now I am wondering about the reason. I was more close to my dad and literally mum was like an enemy to me that I could not listen to her. While my brother and sister occasionally did get their fair share of scolding and beating, I always made my worse by being ‘laser’ with my mum. I raise my voice when she raises hers; I hold her hand when she tries to hold mine. I was just completely aggressive with her. I used to wait at the aisle of the house waiting for my dad to come back from work so that I can complain to him and being dear father he would scold my mum. I secretly enjoyed it. I always accused her being partial to her own children though I have no idea on the rationale for that.

As I moved to primary school, I tamed a little bit as I was busy with my studies. My mum is not a well educated lady but she knows the importance of education. She started teaching us the basics at the tender age of 3 or 4 but never robbed us off our childhood in the name of education. I wonder if I could do that with my children. She could not help much with our education when we moved to standard 3 onwards due to her limited education. But her routine was imprinted in us that we never waited for her instructions to study. It came automatically thanks to my mum.

When I was in standard 6 and the UPSR results were announced, I scored 1D and could not accept that and refused to go back home. My mum was called to school and the moment she looked at me crying, she couldn’t bear and started crying. None of us said anything but the silence and the tears consoled me. Then, weeks after I was told there had been a mistake and was given 7 A’s. Again, my mum didn’t say much. She just hugged me and kissed me. She was never verbally expressive yet I understood her gesture.

When I moved to secondary school, and sailed through the teenage years of pimples and mood swings, I was never very close with my mum. I always felt my friends were closer to their mums compared with us. But we were never distanced also as we did talk and hang out together. I was so busy with my studies, tuitions; competitions whereas she was busy with her little farm and house chores.

I was 18 when I moved out from my home to further my studies in KL. I still remember the day my mum and dad brought me to register in the college. When it was time to leave, I saw tears welling in her eyes and I was quick to make some stupid jokes. She smiled, still with her tears. She hugged, kissed me and left crying. That’s when our special bond started. Suddenly I found myself very much attached to my mum. During weekends, whenever I was home, we talked a lot; we gossiped. Sometimes, I just lie on her lap with no words exchanged between us but still felt that some form of communication.

When I went to Sydney a year ago, I would call home and talk for hours with my mum which is something that I would not have thought of doing. I have become more understanding and rarely yell at her. I have started appreciating her and reduced complaining about her.

Even now, at times I am annoyed when she confuses my birthday with my sister’s; when she forgets to wish me during my exam; when she forgets things that I deem important for me; when she forgets our semester holidays. Sometimes, I ask her “What kind of mum are you amma since you can’t remember important things about us?”. And she shrugs saying “ I don’t know. I am very dumb. I can’t remember anything but the utmost important thing is I raised all my three kids into three diamonds”. That’s my mum. She is the most unconventional mum I know and the best too. I love you Amma and Happy Mother’s Day Amma.


p/s- I am supposed to post this 2 days ago but no thanks to my internet connection i'm just uploading it now.

Shopping Woes Part 2

Sales Person: Another important factor in shopping which either makes it a wonderful or bad experience is the sales person’s character. I have come across some sales girls who are so nasty and rude that makes me feel like hitting them with the stiletto that I was looking at. Some sales girls are so friendly and understand their job completely that they never make nasty faces whenever you request for different colours and sizes and even give comments (usually all positive ) regarding your choice. When I was in Sydney, I went for a job interview as a shoe sales person and my training for the first day was to smile at EACH customer and greet them. The manager told me that she was not interested with the number of shoes that I was able to sell because as a sales person I should be able to create a positive feeling for the customers. On the other hand, here in Malaysia the sales person does not even smile at you and I have encountered cashiers who don’t even look at my face and behave like programmed robots who charge the items and take money and return the receipt and balance money. WTH!! Still, I think the guys who sell Sari are the best. They take out and open the Saris without you asking them to and want you to see as much Sari as possible. No wonder in India ladies can shop for few days without going back home.


Accessories: Finding accessories that match the clothes has never been easy. I know friends who have matching shoes for every single dress that hangs in their closets. For me, I never bothered. I just buy either dark brown or black shoes which are the magic colours that fit any clothes. For once, I bought a pair of gold shoes and they are still lying in the closet unworn as I couldn’t find any dress in that colour. Some girls are very determined that they will buy a dress and immediately hunt for the appropriate accessories at that very moment itself and never leave the mall without getting them. I just pity their shopping partners especially if it’s a guy; p

Okies. I think I have rattled enough about shopping, thanks to the movie, “Confessions of a shopaholic” for the inspiration. So whoever thinks shopping is easy and very relaxing, I would ask you to think again. It is as difficult as other difficult things in life. Period.

Shopping Woes Part 1

It is universally acknowledged that shopping is an incredibly difficult task and knowing this God has chosen girls to shoulder this greater duty and given the guys the pleasure to support them physically and financially. And usually people (refers to GUYS) don't understand the mental torture that a girl endures during shopping. Shopping..Pheww.. How much decision making troubles and how much financial managements? No wonder after shopping all you want to do is sit somewhere and eat your lungs out. What makes shopping so tiring? The list goes on and on...

Decision Making- Decision making has always been the most torturous element in life regardless of the place, time and age. I think decision making process during shopping is the most excruciating pain in life. Being torn between to or not to buy is strenuous . Imagine you walk pass a shop and there lies the most beautiful dress that leaves you gasping. And you stand there making the most important decision in your life. Should i use my Credit Card knowing the reality? Should i skip my posh and lavish outing for another few months to come? Will i have enough place to store this in my already overflowing closet? Sometimes, your brain successfully overpowers your desire and you proudly walk out of a store feeling satisfied that you have controlled your desire. I'm lucky that i'm not a shopaholic to that extent but sometimes i do put a pair of shoes back to the rack dreadfully looking at the thin purse laughing at me.

Size, colour and Price- Another painful attribute of shopping is the painful journey of finding the right size, the right colour which falls within your buying power. And any lame person knows that it's not an easy task. I have a friend who undergoes such a difficult moment whenever she goes shopping for shoes. She will never find her size especially when she has already fell in love with that particular design and colour. Such disappointment is indescribable where it leaves you with welling tears ( that's an exaggeration obviously). But it makes you to feel so sad and gives some sense of rejection when you don't get what you want. And that makes you to curse the designer for being so selfish and being ignorant of other sizes. Personally, i am an underweight girl and had lot of problems in getting the right size in Malaysia that i hated going shopping. However, Sydney became a paradise for shopping when i actually i found that i'm size 6 and YES they do have clothes in that size. And that year i really spent my allowance to the maximum and had to pay extra for shipping all my stuff back home. Since i can't find a place in the closet they are still sleeping in my luggage back even after 5 months.

Rejection- That happens a lot to me. You think you have found the right clothes/shoe/bag and you try that on and flash to your friend and the person gives a nasty comment. As much as you want to hear a sincere you always refuse to take the nasty sincere comment. Recently, i was out on the mission of getting a new handbag, and as i laid my eyes on one piece, i went like "isn't she gorgeous?" and tried on. And my friend was "That's not nice. It's too childish. May be you should carry something else". My face wilted at that immediate moment. Then regaining my composure i took another one and she was shaking her head in refusal. I was seriously disappointed and in my heart i was like "May be i should just come alone another time and get one". But at the end of the day we found one beautiful bag that both of us agreed on immediately. Anyways thanks venisha for the sincere comments though at times i feel like choking your throat for rejecting them.

to be continued...

Exam..

Phew! The exam fever is finally over. I can’t believe that I am done with exam for another few years to come. After this, I am going to be the beast who tortures students with exams. 6 years of studies is coming to an end in another 6 months and I just can’t believe it ( though, everyday I woke up and wished I was already working especially when I had assignments to do and exams to study for). I just realised that I actually love examinations (I know that might sound freaking weird). I love the adrenalin rush at the very first mention of test. I love fidgeting in the examination hall and praying to every God for an easier paper. I love cracking my head to find an answer for a difficult question and mentally patting me when I got it right. Digging through my unorganized mental schemata and finding the right answer at the nick of time always fascinated me. It makes you to feel like a survivor; a smart alec or just a good digger, may be? But the feeling is indescribable.

But yeah, I have had moments where I feel like crying looking at the question paper; pouncing at the test designers for making my life a hell or curse the person next to me who writes non-stop. But then, on a frank note I have always felt difficult tests are very interesting as no one can easily answer them but the smart ones. Anyways, I might be roaming in blog world more often now that I am completely free. Adios

Bad DAY

Imagine you have been an angel all this while, following every ridiculous rule though you know they are utter rubbish. Then, comes one fateful day when you decide to take a very very short break from being the rule abider. And the next moment, you are termed as a rule breaker, trouble maker and yadda yadda. As you would have guessed I am the angel who has been following all the stupid rules that my college has been imposing all this while.

And today, I decided to take a break by skipping the first class. I don’t really skip classes without solid reasons and compared with my friends who skip classes whenever we have assignments, I am not that bad. The climate in the morning was so welcoming that I decided to prolong my sleeping hours and my decision was collaboratively agreed by my roommates and so we slept soundly for another extra one hour before going to the next class. Skipping the class and sleeping in the room does not make much difference as that is what I do in the class when I’m physically there. It’s a literature class where I have to sit and listen to numerous presentations. And the class has been recording the poorest attendance for past few weeks and the lecturers seemed not bothered about those students who have been consistently skipping the classes. So indirectly I was upset with the lecturers for not taking action against those students but nagging at us who were present there despite the tempting invitation of the not-so-cosy bed.

So thinking that they are going to turn a blind eye on the attendance, I skipped the class. Few hours later, I was in the college rushing to the next lecture when I bumped into my literature lecturer I did notice her sour face but thought nothing of it. The moment I enter the class, almost all of my friends sarcastically termed us the three musketeers as ‘trouble makers’ and wanting to know the reasons we skipped the class! Apparently, the lecturer called out each name (!) during the lecture and asked the absentees to write a show cause letter. The whole cohort knows now that I skipped the class! Hmm I never expected my new year to be like this. And what annoys me more is the fact that the frequent absentees (who barely have 90% of attendance) who have been skipping the class all this while chose to come today and have been making fun of me asking me whether I want them to teach me how to write a show cause letter. Now it looks as though I am the lazy one who skips classes. Talking about bad timing, I bet nothing could be as bad as this.

So here I am, venting my anger and annoyance again while cooking up some nice excuses to write in the SHOWCAUSE letter.

Puthandu Vaalthukkal

Hei folks! Happy Tamil New Year to all my blog friends. Wishing you a wonderful year ahead. And do celebrate. Tc

Ayan, Surya and the new member[s]

I'm just back after catching the surya starer Ayan. I am not going to write a review of the movie at least that's not my intention but i might get diverted half way though. This movie is one of the movie that i badly wanted to watch mainly because the new pair, Surya and Tamannah looks promising together and yeah i wanted to see the latest experimentation that Surya has got himself into. However, he has not tried anything new in this movie yet kept the audience engaged and entertained. I remember reading VA review somewhere and the author has said "it's a Surya's movie" and i think Ayan certainly is a complete Surya movie where he has stole the show with his impeccable acting and expressions. Of late budding and leading actors, i think Surya is exceptionally good with his expressions and voice modulation which makes you to feel everything that he feels on screen. Ayan is not going to be a life changing movie or a movie that's going to fetch awards but it's certainly worth watching. It's a commercial movie (don't worry it's not the cheap commercial movie that Vijay acts)... a stylish commercial movie full of logic and stylish fight sequences. I'm not an action movie buff but i personally enjoyed the fight sequence in S.Africa where it had lots of quick movements and had high spurt of adrenalin rush. Never knew Proton Wira is such a strong car till i watched how Surya drove it chasing villains from KL to Putrajaya and back to KL and along the way crashed into foodcourts, cars and what not.Tamannah was the envy of all the girls in the cinema not only because she got the chance to romance the handsome hunk but also because of her flawless beauty. She was gorgeous in the scenes and emoted quite well though sometimes i felt she went overboard. Talking about Surya, due to his commitment to VA while doing Ayan (or the other way around) a lot of variations can be seen in him physically especially the hair and his skin tone. But whatever it is or he is, he is a delight to watch and the whole cinema went GAGA when he appeared in white custom officer suit at the ending of the movie. And not to forget his natural flair for comedy. Kudos.

While watching the movie, there were a bunch of girls and guys who started singing when the "Vizhi moodi' song appeared with expression and hand movements. I have never seen such 'drama' before and thanks to them i had one. And also it was so irritating when they were keep on commenting what's next (apparently they have watched the movie before). It's so annoying to have such people in the cinema when you watching a movie with full of anticipation.

That's all about Ayan and Surya and now it's about the new members that i have given a credit in my title. As i have mentioned in my previous post, recently i have developed a liking for pets and so i have got myself 5 beautiful fishes. Today after the movie,we went to Pets Wonderland, and i bought those cute fishes, their little aquarium and the food and medicine. Few people have been discouraging me on the basis that fishes have short life and the owners need some kind of luck to keep fishes. Well, we'll see how it goes. Here are some snapshots of those little ones.

Plots to Stop me doing this!

Lately strings of plots are going around me to ....STOP me from Blogging. They come in forms of assignments which let you think of nothing but of them and yeah food, cutting down the electricity which disconnects me from the blog world, fatigue attack... i have no explanation for this, illness (continues stomachache...i suspect the Chicken Rice that i had the other day).

Amidst of all these hurdles, here i am kicking and alive and converting them into my blog. It does not matter if i have don't have anything infromational or interesting to share in my blog (i never did anyways). All i want to do is letting my hair loose for a while before bunning it again, and do something that keeps me in good mood :-)

I see most of my blog friends (Veni, Karthik, Lancelot) are busy as well. May be that's among the reason why my roaming in blog world has quited down. People come back soon. It's getting pretty boring down here.

At this very moment, i was supposed to catch AYAN, but the plotters managed to disappoint me by saying things like "SOLD OUT". So, Surya has to wait first while i deal with my other commitments. I'm looking forward for Wednesday because i'm getting another new housemate! Keep on guessing till my next blog. Plotters do not come in my way this time for i had it enough. Till then Adios

New Housemate

Lately, i have been having some ineffable urge for responsibility such as having petS which was rejected without second thoughts despite the relentless persuasion, and having plants which i never bothered to tell my parents (At home we have so many plants and my mum maintains a big farm which i never bothered to water and care for). So today i went for shopping after the "confessions of a shopaholic" (What a movie! my stomach still hurts), to quench my thrist for shopping and while shopping we came across a wonderful looking glass bowl which would be the best home for tiny fishes. So, we stood in front of the shop wondering whether or not to have fish in our room. After few minutes, we realised there isn't any space left in that tiny room and therefore having a mini acquarium means we have to sleep outside the room. Not willing to give up, my friend suggested of rearranging the room to find some space to room the bowl and the fish. EVentually, we decided to rearrange the room first and then think about getting the fishes and the bowl.

Feeling dissapointed, i wanted to get a flower pot to put inside the room especially next to the window to give me some responsibilities in life. I wanted a plant with a lot of flowers which will bloom often ( i had mental image of watering the flower and it blooming the next day and me sitting next to the window admiring the colour of the flowers). But again , the reality hit me and yeah SPACE and $$$ are what i am deprived of. So, i spent REAALLLY long time deciding on the plant and eventually bought the smallest plant available, a CACTUS! WHat's in a size? Any plant is a plant. So, the CAcky is near the window enlivening my otherwise dull desk. I hope to see it grow bigger than this.

CUTE FELLAS!

Finally, i have found the time to upload the pictures of my latest crush. As i have blogged earlier,

i have fallen in love with one of the guys but my mum has strictly said no, leaving me with a broken heart. Since i can't have him, i visited him everyday ( i even bathed him one fine day and my brother has been complaining that eversince the wonderful bath, the puppy is balding :p)and captured some of THE moments . His brothers and sisters joined in and made it even merrier. May be in June i might get new puppy as promised by mum..hopefully! Here are some of the snapshots.

MR.BLACK!

CHEESE:p

DO NOT DISTURB! LUNCH TIME





LAST BUT NOT LEAST...MY GUY :0

When A is seen as B

Often in our daily lives we are subjected to various stereotypes and sometimes we tend to stereotype others ( may be out of the vengeance). It's a lie, if you say you have never stereotyped a person for all of us do that most of the time. I often feel ashamed of myself and guilty for casting a wrong image/ perception on people though most of the times it turned out to be the truth.

I have an uncomfortable feeling towards the foreign workers in Malaysia especially the Indonesians, Bangladeshis and Nepalis ( no hard feelings plz). I have no reason or rationale for the assumption but that's the way i feel about them. Presently, they are in abundance everywhere in KL streets, trains and buses. And what irritates me more, is their fixed, penetrating, pervert gaze at girls which spooks the hell out of me. Whenever, i board a bus in KL i always feel that i'm being scrutinized by some pervert eyes and it's more irritating when you notice a flirtatious smirk on their face and all that i want to do at that time is fork out their... EYES! Sometimes i just stare back at them for that's what i can do at that moment. Recently, i have developed a habit of not looking at them.

Few days ago, i was back at home for my break and i went to one of the clothes shop looking for my brother. There was a guy standing on the aisle of the shop showing his back. Once i walked in, he turned but i didn't look at him as i was engrossed in finding for my brother. In my mind, i had a preconceived idea that he was the shop owner who is a Chinese. So when he said "hi, How r you', i instantly replied cheerfully ( in Sydney, any stranger who walks past you greets you in a jovial mood and there is nothing wrong in replying strangers). SO, for a moment i was thinking of Sydney and replied him innocently thinking he was just being nice. And as i turned to look at him, i was shocked to see a dark skinned man and instantly my tiny brain concluded that he was a Bangladeshi. My expression changed and i bite my tongue. As i regret replying him a part of my mind was asking me "what's wrong replying a Bangladeshi? he didn't misbehave(so far)", he shot the next question. "where you from? What name? What name?". Alarmed i pat myself that i wasn't wrong when i casted an assumption on his character. That's when a call came in, and i busied myself, and he was not happy with that. He was keep on nearing me and constantly asking the same question "what name". As i was answering the call in Tamil, he was imitating me and countering my answers with his own answers in TAMIL!! That was when i realised that he was actually an Indian!God, why talk about foreigners when your own clan is getting on your nerve.

For once, i was thinking that it is wrong to ignore a guy when he says HI,because may be he is just being friendly and has no wrong intention. But then, the incident showed me that no matter what, you can't be friendly with strangers..No.not even an innocent Hi for they regard that as a green signal to flirt around. So, sometimes stereotyping saves you from some sharks loitering around you. Only sometimes ok.