Adieu 2008

It is so hard to bid farewell.

I love the year 2008. I really do. The best year for me that I shall never forget.

Let me recap the chronology of the months in 2008.

January 2008

Can you imagine that I was sick for 4 bloody days. What a start for a new day,huh? Hehehe... Well, served me right for the late partying. Anyway, right after I had fully recovered, I started my first day of chambering at Messrs WHSN, Subang Jaya on the 7th. I was trying to adjust myself to the working environment and to the staff as well. I was occupied with the Petition of the admission of Advocate & Solicitor and the workload dumped on me. So, it was a busy month. I was clueless with the procedures of the Forms and the whole 9 months of pupillage process. There were some problems with my petition but it was resolved. At that firm, I met this crazy girl goes by the name Azzeren who happened to be my gossip partner and my lunch buddy.

February 2008
This is the month that me and my friends went to Penang and attended Humairrah's wedding. It was such an adventurous and exciting trip with Jezz, Sidi, Shah Tready, Asari and me in Kia Sorento cruising around Penang Island. Eating nasi kandar, shopping at Queensbay Mall, snapping countless of photos and videos, buying cheap DVDs and camwhoring by the seaside are the activities that we did. As for Humairrah's wedding, it went well and we had fun. Her wedding was lovely and so was her reception. Next on the schedule is Valentine's Day. I received a stalk of a red rose from Asari and that was about it. Was I expecting more? Well, I do not want to talk about it. The best event of all is the Backstreet Boy's Concert! Hhaha... Jezz went crazy over them! Their concert was OK for me. I love their old songs during my high school days.

March 2008

My birthday month! Not only that I turned 24 but it was the first time that I cast a vote at the General Election 2008. My duty to the nation is served. Next, back to back concert for me! Colbie Cailatt and Sunburst Festival on 14th and 15th Mac. Thanks to Shah Reza for bringing us to Coilbie Cailatt's showcase. She performed live well. As for the Sunburst Festival, I had the chance to meet Incubus face to face. I couldn't believe myself that Incubus was standing a few inches away from me. I could smell Boyd! Hahah.... Thanks to Anis for the backstage pass! For my birthday treat (together with my Mom), my second brother, Bang'Ish treated us all at Tony Roma's, Cineleisure Damansara. It was a great family dinner with two cakes sponsored by my sister-in-law,Kak Som and my brother. My gratitude towards my family members.

I was kinda disappointed for my birthday gift from someone special. I have to quote this, "the worst birthday present in my entire life." I don't want to exaggerate it but the truth is the worst birthday present ever! Let it be a secret what the gift was. Anyway, I do receive birthday wishes, gifts and lunch/dinner treats from my beloved friends. I love u girls, so much! A massive thank you to my girlfriends. Muaahh!

April 2008
This month is very stressful for me. The fact that I'm beginning to hate my chambering makes me want to change my Master and the firm too. For three and a half months I was unhappy there. I need to get out. Thus, I went to hunt for another legal firm which was nearer to my house. My heart said Messrs GYA is the firm where I should be. Oh, it is 5 minutes walk from my house. Believe me. Hehehe... I felt lucky because during that period the rise of the petrol price was at RM2.70. So, I do not have to dig deeper into my pocket holes to spare extra cash for the fuel. I did something beyond my expectation, I went for a job interview as a flight attendant. What was I thinking?! However, one thing for sure all my silly questions are answered. At GYA, I met Rebecca and Chia Sinn who were my partner-in-crime dealing with food, songs, movies, downloading stuff, and more food. Hahah...Knowing this two girls, had made my chambering life a lively one. Oh, I almost forgot, I won four movie passes to watch Fools' Gold at GSC, One Utama. Thank you, Fly.Fm.

May 2008
My short-called and my graduation is on this month. After 4 months of pupillage, I was short-called on the 16th. It was another moment for me. Hahaha... But, my graduation was the best part of all which was on the 27th and it was also happened to be my Dad's birthday. Thanks to my friend, Steve who accompanied me to collect my robe for my convocation. Actually, I was not keen to go to my graduation. I don't know the reasons why. My Mom even insisted to pay for the convocation fees. Shame on me! But, really I don't feel excited as before for my BLS (Hons) graduation. My parents, Nazianne, Zul and Asari were present on my big day. Thank you for being there. U guys were awesome! Later at night, there was a family dinner in conjunction of my Dad's birthday and also my graduation. My appreciation to my first brother, Abang Wawa for the lovely treat at this exclusive Indian Restaurant. Oh yes, there were two cakes (again) for this occasion courtesy of my sister-in-law and my brother. Thank you so much!

June 2008
One of my best friends, Azlena is coming back from Ireland. It has been a routine for us to hang out every time she comes back to Malaysia. I remembered last year, I helped her to plan a surprise return for her parents. Her parents was thinking she was on the different flight but actually she was here with me plotting the surprise comeback. It was hilarious seeing her parents' face when she showed up at the doorstep. Seeing the month of June has definitely tighten my friendship bond with my close friends. Sis Fa, Ros, Fai, Wanie, Hanis, Liza, Aleeka, Jezz, Juju, Huda and the rest of group LLB 2A are the people that I treasured their friendship. The sad part is, Jasmine a.k.a. Jezz will be going away to Melbourne for her LLM. There was a farewell dinner for her at Chillis, Mid Valley. No more movies and late hang outs at PJ with her anymore. Gonna miss this babe.

July 2008
This month is full with birthdays and weddings. There was a surprise birthday party for Shadril at USJ. Shad looked blur as always. It was a fun party along with Jill, Icam, Shahrul, and few of other friends. Next birthday on the list is my close friend, Nazianne a.k.a. Naz. We (Asari, Zul and her) celebrated her birthday at Secret Recipe, Seapark. It was a surprise birthday for her actually. Everyone in the restaurant sang 'Happy Birthday' to Naz. As for weddings, firstly is my cousin's wedding, Abg Izzam at Shah Alam and next is my senior from my high school. FYI, it has been ages since I went to Johor Bahru. On the 19th & 20th, me, Asari, Naz & Zul went to Johor for a weekend getaway. It was an awesome trip. We went to Desaru Beach, Danga Bay and around the city of JB. The food was so delicious that I tend to eat more. Even though, the trip was tiring we had tons of fun.

This was a lucky month for me because Asari won 2 movie passes to watch The Dark Knight at TGV, One Utama. Definitely a must-see-movie for the summer. Another thing is, Sis Fa has free tickets to watch Daughtry's showcase live at OU on the 26th. I am not a big fan of Daughtry but I did enjoy his performance. He was awesome on stage. Next is my parents' anniversary which falls on the 28th. My third brother, Bancik treat us all at Vicchuda, Damansara for the family dinner. Of course, there was a cake for my parents to celebrate their moment together after having going through a lot. I love my parents to death. Happy Anniversary to Mama & Abah!

August 2008
Wedding month. Four weddings in a row. Aimi's and Juju's sister's wedding for the first week and the following week is Kak Oyun's (my cousin) and Hanis' brother's wedding. Thanks for the invitation. Surprisingly, my best friend (Aimi) during my primary school days got married first. Congratulations to all the newly-weds. My turn? Hurmm...let God decides. On the 13th & 14th, there was an Ethics Course held by the Bar Council. It is a compulsory examination for pupillage students to sit in order for us to Long Call. After our Ethics Exam, we attended a Luncheon at Royal Selangor Club which was also part of the Ethics Course. I had the opportunity to dine with Mr. R.Sivarasa who is a leading Malaysian lawyer and human right activist. He is also the vice-president of PKR. He did throw some critical thinking questions on law and asked our opinions on current legal matters. Well, I did contribute some of my views and hopefully I impressed Mr. R.Sivarasa. Hehehe....

Heads up, another holiday trip for me! Hooray! Azlena, me, Abby (Lena's cousin) and Cynthia (Abby's friend) went to Tioman Island on the 15th, 16th and 17th. It was the most exhilarating trip for all of us. We received a very special treatment from the hotel. All thanks to Lena! We have our own snorkeling trip, private tour around the island and received excellent services from the hotel. We felt like VIPs. Hahaha...I did really enjoy myself there and it was the first time I went for snorkeling. Not forgetting, hundreds of camwhoring pictures and recorded a video on the Soulja Boy dance moves. While we were there, we played volleyball, karaoke(d), swam, played cards, camwhored (again!) and looked sizzlin' hot in our bathing suits. Hahah...four gorgeous girls on fire! Owh, I looked tan, by the way. For Merdeka's Eve, I went to the Curve together with Asari and Ikram for the celebration.

September 2008
Fasting month. The month for me to lose some weight. (Yeah,right?!) There were two reunions for the breaking fast event, one was my high school reunion and the other was my matriculation reunion. It was good to see my high school friends after few years of not seeing them. Oh, Hunny Madu was there. My matriculation reunion was the best because I was the one who organized it. It was at Madam Kwan, KLCC and most of my friends turned up. It was great to catch up with Wanie, Tasha, Chie'a, Saady, Heikal, Siam, Belach, Hafiz, Kak Ros and Openg. They are still the same people I know when I was in Sg. Petani, Kedah. U guys rock! I have a job interview on the 23rd at AGC. I was shocked and glad at the same time. Seriously, I do not know what to do after my pupillage. Career dilemma! I was trying my luck and the interview was daunting. I did my best to impress the panel. However, I was hoping to land a job in government sector due to my parents' wish. Next is the moment I've been waiting for - Hari Raya Aidilfitri!

October 2008
My 9 months of chambering is finally coming to an end. On the 14th to be exact which happened to be my brother's birthday too. I have to say this, Raya 2008 was one of my best Raya. I wore all white kurung modern on the first day. Family friends, cousins and my friends came to my house. Luckily, I still received some duit Raya from my Dad and my relatives. Although I'm not entitled to receive duit Raya but the fact that I was doing my chambering (practical) at that time is still considered as not working. Hehehe....thank you, though. Well, I did something unexpected again. I helped my friend, Juju to model for her online business clothes. I was doing it for fun and I love playing dress up and posing too. Thanks to Juju for this golden opportunity. Haha!

There was a lot of open house invitations. I had diarrhea for two days and I was bummed that I could not attend some of my friend's open house. On the 24th was my last day at Messrs. GYA. It was sad though to leave Ms. Chew, Ms. Geraldine, David, Kak Zura, Kak Zana, Kak Heesha, Ana and Sam. They are the most helpful and wonderful people I know. To celebrate the end of my last working day, the staff of GYA treated me for lunch. It was really sweet of them. Thanks! As for Halloween day, Chia Sinn, Rebecca, Dheepa and me went out for dinner at Chillis, Bangsar.

November 2008
Praise to Allah for I have landed a job as a FC at Wisma Putra, MoFA .I am so blessed with this news. Alhamdulilah. The working environment is very different from my chambering days. The onus is heavy on me because I am rendering my advice to the Government. I'm so worried that I will screw up. Let us pray that I will do well in my career. On the 17th was the arrival of my friend, Jezz from Melbourne. I met her at KLIA to surprise upon her return. Welcome back, Jezz! Next on the line is the moment I've been waiting for in my entire life - my Long Call on the 20th! I am so content with what I'm having now. Again, praise to Allah for giving me such a wonderful life. My family members were present on the honourable day. It meant so much to me. I received a gift from Sis Fa - a watch! It is a beautiful present from my beloved pet sister. Many thanks! Owh, I received 2 free movie passes for the movie "Twilight". An enthralling saga not to be missed. On the 28th til 30th I attended my first course under the Ministry. The ESQ course was held at Heritage Hotel, Ipoh. It was an educational course and hilarious one, I may say. The participants are so friendly and amusing.

December 2008
Reunion month. On the 6th, there was a reunion dinner with Jezz, Dolo, Bulan, Huda, Sidi, Asari and me at Tony Roma's, Mid Valley. All of us get some OZ goodies from Jezz. Thanks babe for the head band, it brings out the hippy in me. Next, Hari Raya Qurban was on the 8th and I went to Ros' house for her open house. During that following week, I was juggling with my work, PAC Assessment and my relationship. It was a hectic week because I could not concentrate on what I was doing. So many things at once. My almost 2 years relationship ended. Seriously, I don't feel anything. Call me heartless. Only my close friends knew what were the real reasons. It was disastrous mess involving my friends. I want to apologize to my friends (you know who you are) for this unwanted circumstances. Thank you for being understanding. I'm grateful to have the best set of friends. It was great to have the karaoke night at Redbox on the 20th. I had lotsa fun singing and dancing with Huda, Jezz, Tisya, Shiqin, Ah Lok and Fazril. Of course some of the song selections are kinda silly and entertaining. On Christmas Day, I went to a shopping mall wearing a Santa's hat. It was cute though.

On the 27th til 29th, I went to Bandung, Indonesia with Juju and Rozanna. This my first overseas trip with my friends. It was such a pleasure holiday/shopping trip. We went to Mengkubang Perahu, hot springs, factory outlets and around city of Bandung. You wouldn't believe what I splurged on. Pants, shirts, baby-Ts, scarves, kebaya batik, kain and some souvenirs for my family members and my close friends. The food was scrumptious that I had diarrhea on the second night. Heheh...it was really really bad. I have to take MC after my arrival from Bandung. My appreciation to JA for waiting patiently and picking me up from the airport. Did you know that our flight was delayed for 4 hours! Looks like AirAsia hasn't improved on their services yet.

I wasn't looking forward for the New Year's Eve celebration due to urgency in my work matters. I had to forfeit my leave in order to get the job done. Nevertheless, my Eve celebration was different from the previous years. A quiet one but it was worth it. It was heartbreaking to leave the year 2008. It shall be the best year that always engrave in memory forever.

Goodbye 2008. Hello 2009.

XOXO,
Azza Aziz.

Finally!

Honestly, I don't know how to begin this. So many things to say at once.

Inhale. Exhale. Breathe.

OK, I'm finally an Advocate & Solicitor! Indeed, 20th November 2008 was the MOST memorable date for me. After one and a half years of Pre-Degree Law, three years of BLS (Hons) (Bachelor of Legal Studies) and one year of LLB (Hons) (Bachelor of Law) AND 9 months of chambering, I was called to the Bar. After all these years, I'm a certified lawyer. Alright, enough about gushing this. Anyway, my blog would be my six and a half years of surviving to read law and the bitter-sweet memories of it.

When I was in high school, I always have the passion for History subject. Don't ask me why. I just love History sooo much! So that explains why Law has been my numero uno choice for my career path. Thus, after SPM I was offered to read Law at UiTM Sg. Petani, Kedah for my matriculation program. Being the youngest and away from home has make me somehow vulnerable. The fact that I have to be independent and alone ponders me on how am I going to survive at this dreary place.

Truthfully, I really hated that place. However, when I came to think of it. I miss Sg. Petani, Kedah. (auuwww...) That place has somehow mould me to become a strong, discipline and outspoken girl. I am what I am today. The best part I can remember is the set of friends I have there with me. Wanie, Chie'a, Nurul, Pnut, Tasha, Hafiz, Siam, Belach, Saady, Yash, Eina and Kak Ima are the people who make my life an unforgettable one. Trips to Penang occasionally and a holiday trip to Langkawi were the awesome times I had. Eating together, going to the library, playing basketball, hanging out at Central Square, watching DVDs and so on are the activities we did there. I have the best roommates ever and I still keep in touch with them.

One and half years has gone by and my journey continued to UiTM Shah Alam for my BLS (Hons). Three years of learning substantive law is really challenging for me. The ups and downs of friendship, studying law, social life, family, relationship, final exams and lecturers are the matters that I have to jungle in life. Actually, we all students do. That's the fact of it. The best time for me would be my second year whereby I met someone and being close with my group of girlfriends. At this point, I scored my highest GPA. (As if I'm going to tell my pointer). Unfortunately, things didn't turn up the way I expected and I decided to part away from my close friends. Anyway, Alhamdulilah I succeed in accomplishing my general Degree of Law.

Followed by this, I was accepted to complete another year of LLB (Hons) for my final year. That year was totally hectic and chaos for me. A lot of drama and tension in the air. It was so stressful that I have the feeling I don't want to become a lawyer. I was not sure what I'm going to do for living. At that moment, I felt like quiting. Nevertheless, Allah has given me the opportunity and I vowed to myself not to blow it. Luckily, I didn't fail any subjects. I'm at the final stage and only one year to go for my graduation. Come on, Azza Reen! Oh, I would like to thank to my class LLB (Hons) 2A for the great times. The "Red & Pink" and "White" Party at Jezz's house was the coolest and the best time ever. Not forgetting our Annual Law Dinner "Gold, Glitz & Glamorous" was a great event and a night to be remembered.

At last, I completed my LLB (Hons). What a relief! I would like to congratulate myself for being mentally strong, resilient, optimistic, determined and gone all out for my studies. I am proud of myself today. After my 9 months of pupillage, I was called to the Bar. This is it. The moment I've been waiting for. Per Her Honourable Judge Yg Arif Lau Bee Lan, "Dengan kuasa yang diberikan oleh saya, saya menerima masuk dan mendaftaraikan kemasukan Cik Aza Fyreen Binti Abdul Aziz sebagai Peguambela & Peguamcara di Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya".

It was the most euphoric moment for me witnessed by my family members and friends. Thank you for being there on my long call day. Without my family prayers and my friends encouragement, I may not be who I am now, Federal Counsel under the International Affairs Division.

XOXO,
Azza Reen Aziz.

9 months...

Ah-hah!

I know what's the first thing that pop out in your mind. PREGNANT. No,no...I'm no prego Mom or anywhere near that. God forbid! (unless i get married). Hehehe... Anyway, for law students the period 9 months is synonym to them. It is called chambering or pupillage. The reason why us law graduate need to do chambering is because for us to become advocate and solicitor. (I know law people are rolling their eyes right now). As for me, chambering is like a safe mat for my job career. My back-up plan. My Plan B in the future. Without chambering, there is no chance of practicing law or going to the court. In other words, we are not a qualified person under the Legal Profession Act 1976. Ok, I will not quote the Section because some of us will feel nausea looking at it.

My blog would be about my 9 months chambering in legal firms. So, where do I start? OK, this is the most popular question that I always get. Why do I take law? My lame answer would be because there's no maths involved. I'm really bad at calculation. Honestly! (laugh all you want). However, my genuine reason would be the ability to argue, to question and to analyze issues which have no definite answers to it. It is not a straight forward YES or NO answer. There are so many answers to one question that you need to figure out which one fits best. Your explanation must be supported with facts and proof for the answer or the argument to be substantial. No doubt that memorising and understanding case laws and remembering which Acts or Articles is part and parcel of law student's life.

After a month break from my final year, I decided to do chambering. Actually, I don't know what I'm going to do next. Out of the blue, one afternoon I received a call from a legal firm seeking for a chambering student. I was puzzled at that time because I haven't completed my resume yet. I didn't ask where they obtain the information but I agreed to come for the interview. Apparently, it is by recommendations of one of the UiTM lecturers. (That's funny! Seriously, I'm not one of the best students.) But thank you, though.

I was accepted to read in chambers at Messrs WHSN. My first day was total oblivious. I didn't know about the Petition, the Legal Aid, Ethics Exam and matters related to chambering. I didn't know a thing! Luckily, there are few friends who are wiling to help me out. My gratitude towards Ezzad, Iylia, Dolorish, Yaya, Tisya, Arfah and Sidi for being cooperative with my blurriness. I was not happy there due to certain issues. One thing for sure, forgive me because I'm not from Kelantan. (that's all I can say). I wouldn't want to create some tensions here but after 3 months at that firm I've decided to change Firm and Master.

Messrs GYA is my next stop. I choose that firm firstly because it is very near to my house (5 mins walk) and secondly because I have faith in this firm. During the period of 6 months, I've learn a lot. I was involved with AWAM (All Woman Action Society) at Seapark,Petaling Jaya for my legal aid program for 14 weeks. This program is an eye opener for some women who have to face such dilemmas in their marital problems. Divorce, maintenance, custody, sexual harassment, teen pregnancy, matrimonial property, immigration, rape and domestic violence are the areas that AWAM dealt with. I was really glad to assist, to listen, to try to solve their problems in a way that I myself couldn't do much to help. Being able to lend a helping hand to the one who needs it, is the most wonderful feeling I've ever experienced. This opportunity creates an impact in my life on how to give back to the society. The power of giving is greater than receiving (Hail Oprah!). A small contribution makes a huge difference in ones life.

My 9 months of pupillage is coming to an end. 14th October 2008 to be exact. Even though, I always complain that my allowance isn't that much, it is the experiences that count. I was very relieved that I passed my Ethics Exam (phew!). I swear during my LLB (Hons) days, I LOATHE conveyancing the most! Well, you know what?! I'm beginning to like this field of law. Funny it may seems. What goes around comes around. Does it even apply it here? Anyway, I'm enjoying my life as a chamby now before my Long Call. Till then.


XOXO,
Azza Aziz.

First Timer

Assalamualaikum and a big Hello to all,

Truthfully, blogging is not my thing. So, the title explains. Yes, this is my first blog ever. Why only now start to blog? Well, for apparent reason I don't fancy jotting down my own thoughts or what others think. However, after reading some of my friends' blog (Juju, Jezz, Foo to name a few), I realised that blogging is somewhat expressing your individuality or your personality. Perhaps to others, blogging is more towards sharing your views, thoughts, experiences and stories with your family and friends.

Thus, my first blog would be about being a first timer. You always remember your first book, first injury, first best friend, first love, first day, so on and so forth, right? I know some will say they don't remember or don't bother to take note in whatever experiences that they had endured. Well, shame on you. Whoever does not remember their first time is such a big fat liar. There I say it.

Anyway, have you heard of beginner's luck? Now, is there such thing of beginner's luck? I believe in every first encounter that you are facing, there's always a little bit of luck on your side. I remembered my first time playing bowling. The incident took place at Central Square, Sungai Petani, Kedah. What was I doing there? Owh, I was doing my Pre-Degree Law at UiTM, Merbok, Kedah. Yes, the place is like a dead end. Luckily, there's a place to hang out during the weekends.

What really happened was, Peanut and I were loitering around the mall and we bumped into our course mates at the bowling alley. I can't recall who were there at that particular time but if I was not mistaken, Munzil, Syafiq, Rijal, Erry, Bed, Alia and Ros were present. I told them I never bowl in my entire life and do not know how to play the game. Well, the (pro) bowlers told me, "Owh, just throw the ball into the lane. It's easy! Even a three-year-old kid could do it" I was clueless. I was like what?! All of them asked me to give it a shot and to try bowling for the first time.

Eventually, I just took the lightest bowling ball (it was pink in colour) and took a deep breath. I don't know what I was doing and I was going with the flow. I knew most of my friends were thinking that my bowling ball would NOT hit any pins or the ball would roll side ways and fell into the drain. Well, I proved them all wrong! So, I was holding the ball with my three little fingers and slowly threw the ball. The ball hit the floor with a loud "thud" and it rolled in a straight line (I was holding my breath that time) and with my beginner's luck the ball motionlessly hit all the pins! Hah! What did I tell you? I even surprised myself. Looks like the next Shalin Zulkifli. (Hahaha...dream on!)

My friends congratulated me, of course. Who knew with such little luck and my first time bowling, I managed to hit all the pins. (*Beaming*) Hhahaha...It was quite an experience though. After that, I bowled once in a while and kinda like the sport but not for long. I grew tired of it because I don't find it exciting anymore. Plus, there are not much calories are burnt when we do bowling. Hehhehe...

I hope my first blog is not a disappointment (beginner's luck). Anyway, I better put a stop to this. Trust me people, there's always a beginner's luck. Till then.

XOXO.