Hidden Jewels

MYRA La Mode on Bella, NTV7

2011-12-06T17:08:00.000+08:00

2011-11-11T19:22:00.000+08:00

111111

Once as the Prophet s.a.w was sitting in a room with ‘Aisha r.a. fixing his shoes, ‘Aisha happened to look to his blessed forehead and noticed that there were beads of sweat on it. Mesmerized by the majesty of that sight she remained transfixed staring at him long enough for him to notice.

The Prophet ṣ.a.w said, “What’s the matter?” She replied, “If Abu Bukair Al-Huthali, the poet, saw you, he would know that his poem was written for you.” The Prophet ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam asked, “What did he say?” She replied,

“Abu Bukair said that if you looked to the majesty of the moon, it twinkles and lights up the world for everybody to see.”

So the Prophet ṣ.a.w got up, walked to Aisha, kissed her between the eyes, and said,

“Wallahi ya Aisha, you are like that to me and more.”

2011-11-11T19:20:00.001+08:00

‘Aisha r.a. and the Prophet s.a.w. would use code language with each other denoting their love. She asked the Prophet s.a.w how he would describe his love for her. The Prophet Muhammad answered, saying: “Like a strong binding knot.” The more you tug, the stronger it gets, in other words.

Every so often ‘Aisha would playfully ask, “How is the knot?” The Prophet s.a.w would answer, “As strong as the first day (you asked).”

Twitch

2011-11-02T13:43:00.001+08:00

Horny

2011-11-01T03:25:00.005+08:00

011111

A word is just a bunch of letters arranged next to each other unless you give a meaning to it. You may pronounce a word a thousand times, but the sound will remain a hollow echo unless you define the word with conviction, and believe in its meaning with passion.

SUCCESS
suc.cess /səkˈses/

Merriam-Webster defines the word as

1 obsolete : outcome, result

2 a : degree or measure of succeeding
b : favorable or desired outcome; also : the attainment of wealth, favor, or eminence

3 : one that succeeds

People define success differently. Some needs fame and wealth. Some wants dame and health. Define the word as you may, but never live according to the definition of others. Set your own terms, find your own meaning, define your own success.

I am successful when I : Protect my heart from harboring bitterness toward God or a person. Spend my day making my loved ones proud and others happy. Learn new wisdom from anyone at all, anywhere at all. Find joy in the simplest of things, with full gratitude.

I am successful when I'm happy.

And at this point of time I'm ~~hungry~~ horny for success. I don't wish for it. I want it. And I want it badly.

Success. Success. Success.
You may pronounce the word a thousand times, but the sound will remain a hollow echo unless you define the word with conviction.

What is your definition of success?

"In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure. Develop success from failures. Discouragement and failure are two of the surest stepping stones to success."

Spring Cleaning

2011-05-19T14:18:00.007+08:00

"Let no feeling of discouragement prey upon you, and in the end you are sure to succeed"

| Abraham Lincoln |

There are three kinds of people in the world today. There are "well-poisoners", who discourage you and stomp on your creativity and tell you what you can't do. There are "lawn-mowers", people who are well-intentioned but self-absorbed; they tend to their own needs, mow their own lawns, and never leave their yards to help another person. Finally, there are "life-enhancers", people who reach out to enrich the lives of others, to lift them up and inspire them. We need to be life-enhancers, and we need to surround ourselves with life-enhancers.

I started my day by getting rid of unwanted things and unwanted people- the kind that sits idly in our online profiles with zero interaction and taking up the space by putting up inappropriate statuses. In short, today is about getting off negativity. I don't have room for any of it. So I hugged my hairdresser a little longer than usual for getting me the hairdo I didn't even dare to imagine myself with before. I decided to get a haircut randomly and only stopped to ponder when I was already seated at the hair salon. I was fidgety and nervous throughout the transformation and prayed hard that I don't end up looking like Chucky! To my relief an hour later, I feel brand new! teehee. I've always loved my locks. Chopping it off might not be so much of a big deal for others, but it is a huge significant step for me. It means getting out of my comfort zone and attempting the uncertain.

Getting out of our comfort zone and having the courage to discover the route not taken are what we need to move forward. Unfortunately, most of the time those steps are the hardest to take. Sometimes, its not really that we lack courage. But despite our mountain high curiosity to explore our own strength, we always worry that we end up in an unfamiliar place. We are afraid that we too, might become an unfamiliar person. Someone who we ourselves cannot recognize .

Without realizing it, we are in constant need of approvals from others. We give people the power to tell us who or how good we are by craving for complements and attention. Encouragement is vital. But what if we unconsciously hand over the power to cheer us on to the people that will only use it to pull us down? More often than not we spend so much time listening to others and let ourselves be bothered by what they think until we no longer remember who we are and what we want. We let others define happiness and success for us. And in the end, we live our lives only to impress and satisfy someone who is not ourselves. Someone who does not even care.

Don't let yourself; worry when you're doing your best, think evil of anyone until you have the fact, believe a thing is impossible without trying it, waste time on trivial matters, imagine that good intentions are a satisfactory excuse or harbor bitterness toward God or a person.

2011-05-16T18:19:00.006+08:00

Dear little boy,

I pray that when you grow up, all your dreams will be fulfilled. May endless blessings come your way. May His guidance and protection are always with you. I hope you will receive all the love you deserve, from someone who will take you just the way you are. For who you are, not what you have become. I wish you all the happiness in the world and that you find someone to share the beauty of life with. Someone that will grow together with you into better souls. I pray that you will be shielded from any hurt or pain, that you will find contentment in the simplest things, that you will be strong in undertaking challenges and conquering your fears. I wish you the clarity of conscience, the will and drive to execute your responsibilities, the resilience against temptations, and the ability to still laugh even in the bleakest of time.

Beyond all prayers, wishes and hopes, I just know you will. You will.

Time

2011-05-16T11:01:00.011+08:00

You remember people not for who they are but how they made you feel. You remember most those who have taught you. You remember best those who have taught you the hard way.

Those who taught you important lessons such as how to see the thin line between sincerity and pretense, sympathy and condescension, reverence and denigration;

That people grow up, but they don't necessarily change. That people change unnecessarily just to grow up. That the world only revolves around One, not around one person only;

That sometimes perseverance means stubbornness. That there is a difference between giving up and moving on. That you must know when to keep on going, and when to let go;

That sometimes acting dumb is a smart move. That most of the time, the best defense is silence;

That people tell others the words they think they heard you say, not the words that you actually said. That there are things not worth knowing, and things not worth keeping;

That you need to be careful when you feel sorry for someone. Because what they have is probably just what they need. And what you think they lack could be something they don't even want;

That you will thank God for bringing the people who have taught you the hard way into you life. That you will thank them for the lessons. That you will forgive them before you even realize it. But you can never forget them;

That sometimes, the only mistake one makes is being in the wrong crowd at the wrong time. That innocence can lead to self-destruction. That a little prejudice can save one from heartbreak;

That heartbreak, is indeed more often than not, self-inflicted.

"Things break all the time. Glass, and dishes, and fingernails. Cars and contracts and potato chips. You can break a record, a horse, a dollar. You can break the ice. There are coffee breaks and lunch breaks and prison breaks. Day breaks, waves break, voices break. Chains can be broken. So can silence and fever."

-Handle With Care, Jodi Picoult

Everything breaks. But some breaks, the kind that even time cannot heal, are better left broken.

Now learn this; That I am not heartbroken. That I am very blessed, very grateful, very content. That I thank you very much.

2011-05-09T09:24:00.001+08:00

How do you forget your first love?

You can never

In Pain, In Vain

2011-03-07T15:38:00.015+08:00

You know how sometimes a particular song or smell or taste brings us back to a certain period of time in our life? The fresh smell of Sanex takes me back to my agonizing first year in boarding school. The thick texture of amoxicillin relives my childhood, where I paid uncountable visits to see the doctor. I imagined the syringe as a giant mosquito, sucking out vials of blood. The way Oreos blackened my teeth recalls the good times I had with friends I now call sisters. We would sit and lie on the floor in our dorm and talk about anything and everything. Innocent voices describing dreams. Full of hope, full of faith. Ignorant to the then unforeseeable pain that awaits ahead.

Pain galvanizes us. Makes our thin skin thicker, our fragile bones stronger. It gives us the power to sense it when it is near. It trains us to smell deceiving danger in the form of cloaked hypocrisy. It keeps us awake and aware of the reality that friendship can transform into rivalry but true comradeship knows no end. Relationships have expiration but love lasts forever. And family, no matter how crazy or dysfunctional it may be, it is our pulse, our heartbeat. It will always be.

Pain galvanizes us. It makes us glow in the dark and teaches us to pick up only what makes us stronger. There are things I wish I had not done, chances I wish I didn't take. But I know I have grown up so much within these past three years. I have learned to embrace both pain and joy. I have gathered the strength to forgive myself for the pain I have inflicted upon me and others, forgive those who have hurt me and forget those who are better off gone anyway. I have learned to thank those who make my life hard as much as those who make it beautiful. For they both made me stronger in their own way.

So to you, all of you. Thank you.

"And the recompense to evil is punishment like it,

but whoever forgives and amends, he shall have his reward from Allah,

surely He does not love the unjust."

[Al-Shura:40]

2011-02-28T20:27:00.001+08:00

God's love for us gives us the reason to encourage others.

God's love in us gives us the ability to encourage others.

God's love through us gives us the way to encourage others.

| John C. Maxwell |

2011-02-24T11:57:00.016+08:00

No one will love a person who does not love herself. Unfortunately this is one important fact girls tend to forget when they are too busy loving someone else. And then they go loose and in the end lose themselves. Always remember to love thyself, first and foremost.

I have been asked too many times on how to find 'the right one'. The reason this question keep on coming to me remains a mystery but I have been thinking for an answer to that nonetheless.

So this is how; Stop finding the right one and start being the right one instead!

The logic is that by doing so you will conveniently work on something that you are actually in control of- Yourself.

One mistake women often make is expecting men to be mind readers. Let me break it to you, honey. They will never be one. They don't possess the power to scan your brain and find out what you are sulking over. They have not a clue that you are upset because they didn't get the hint that you wanted that pair of Louboutin. They are almost incapable of understanding unless you make them. Metaphors and little hints are Greek to them. Just cut the crap and be direct. That will save a lot of time and energy. That will also save you from disappointment that came from expecting them to be something they are not.

If you want a man that respects you, you've got to have enough self-respect first. Because the only person who can respect you best is none other than yourself..And then spread the notion of respect to others around you.

If you want a man who is responsible and knows his priorities, you have to play your roles well first. Do know that until and unless until you are married your prime role is as a daughter and you shall be a good one by obeying your parents. If you cannot be a good daughter there is a chance you will not be a good wife. You would not want that as much as you don't want a man who cannot be a good husband. A noble man who is worthy of you will never make you go against your parents or do something that is bad for you.

If you want someone who is always there supporting you, be supportive too, and support does not mean that you two have to be in each other's presence twenty-four-seven. Giving and keeping a personal space between the two of you is also a form of support. You don't have to be a shadow tied to his heels and follow him wherever he goes, or call him every other hour. When you are ready to love, you should be ready to trust. Let there be space in your togetherness, says Khalil Gibran. Put yourself in your man's shoes. Its suffocating isn't it to not be able to breathe without having to 'report' to that other half? Independence is attractive. Your man doesn't need another mother.

If you want a man with all the good traits, make sure you have those traits first. What you give is what you get. So don't give something you don't want to be getting later. Never expect your man to turn up with a carriage or on a white horse. Life is not a fairytale and he is not prince charming. If you are looking for perfection, go buy yourself a Kent from Toys "R" Us. You are not perfect either. No one is. The only thing you can do is to embrace the strengths and weaknesses of the two of you and learn from each other.

People say love needs no reason. That is bull. You need to have reasons and those reasons need to be the right ones. Love can be blind so make sure you keep your sight and senses awake. You don't want to fall and break yourself.

Follow your heart but use your brain. Matters of the heart can be wisely dealt with logic after all.

Ten Lessons From Two Thousand Ten

2011-02-23T14:33:00.001+08:00

200111

This is probably a bit late hence lame to be wrapping up the previous year. But then who really cares about following the norm anymore?

One. Be proud when God has thrown you difficulties because that means He knows you are strong enough to pull through. Two. No one has ever died for being kind and patient but many hearts have rotten due to hatred and envy. Three. Friends that you make in high school are the friend that you're going to keep forever. Four. Perfection is God's. All we can be is honest. Five. You don't need to please anyone but yourself and your loved ones. Six. Treat everyone with respect, kindness and sincerity even those who are rude to you. Not because they are nice, but because you are. Seven. Live day by day, with the drive to strive better even when every thing is hard on you. Eight. Heartbreaks and disappointments are more often than not, self-inflicted. Nine. Never take anyone or anything for granted. The moment you realized you need them, they might already be gone. Ten. Always believe in yourself. Never let people tell you what to think or how to be.

Now, be nice two thousand eleven!

“My life is like a stroll on the beach, as near to the edge as I can go.” -Thoreau

2011-01-26T11:43:00.015+08:00

"Why settle for less when you have what it takes to get the best?"

You're the best.

Don't stop chanting MM

You're THE best!

A Letter to a Friend

2011-01-23T15:33:00.011+08:00

230111

"Never question why things happened. Allah dah janji dalam Quran, He will not test us with something more than we can bear. And He has promised that He will always be with those who are patient. Never forget that. Never question that.

Families are never perfect. And hardly functional. I always imagine that God just toss us all in one house and we end up like different veggies in a salad bowl. I too, sometimes feel like a clueless olive sitting next to a slice of cucumber. Different families are different mix of veggies and its up to us what to name our salad. Mine would be 'Conservative with Wacky dressing and a tad of Drama' and yours could be 'Disfunctional with Dramatic dressing and a lot of Patience' :)"

If you choose to see beauty, you'll find it.

2011-01-11T19:36:00.002+08:00

I love you not because you make me feel good.

But because you make me want to keep on getting better.

ps: I'll start with the OCD ;)

2010-12-08T16:00:00.005+08:00

Funny that we were taught to chase our dreams and follow our hearts. And yet they expect us to listen to their words and fulfill their expectation of life.

Funny how we were told that everything is possible when we put our hearts to it. And then they say, some things are of too much risk. How can we know it for sure until we figure it out ourselves?

Funny that we're too busy juxtaposing what's right and wrong, what should be and shouldn't, that we forgot to just be. The only one we can be after all, is ourselves. Whoever that is. Discovered, or yet to be found.

Funny that we pray night and day for the best, and yet when something comes our way we whine and complain. Forget we must not; that it may be that we dislike a thing and Allah brings through it a great deal of good, yes?

2010-11-28T18:05:00.001+08:00

Mak Tok and Ninda at my parents' solemnization, 1984 ♥

I thank the person who took this picture for capturing style, grace and beauty in the form of my grandmothers.

2010-11-24T00:00:00.007+08:00

"Whether you conceal what you say or reveal it, God knows best all that the heart contains."
[Al-Mulk:13]

I have grown up to learn that what is harder than to be truly honest to others is to be completely honest to yourself. And the hardest above those two is to actually summon the courage to admit it, and to announce it out loud. More often than not the mind will make up excuses to deceive the heart. We tell ourselves to listen to our hearts but in the end we always opt to find justifications not to follow it. Its a tricky trade, you see. All this business of deciding. I am so far blessed with a decisive mind. I have always known what I want to do. But between choosing what I really want to do and what I am expected to do, that is the bitter part.

And so we pray that our hearts are always protected, guided and lead to the right path. But when something comes our way, especially excruciating challenges, we wept and cry and complain and stumble. How ironic. Shutting our eyes blind to the possible fact that perhaps, the bleakest moment that have swallowed us could actually be the chance to be reinvented better.

Lets not stop praying for us to be given the strength to pursuit what our hearts really set on, no matter what comes our way; be it demotivating contradictions or weakening failures. For us to be granted the senility to forget the people we never liked anyway, the good fortune to run into the ones we do, and the eyesight to tell the difference.

Speaking of eyesight, you might want to click here to see what I see ;)

PS: Kadang-kadang rasa blogging ni kurang matang. Ibarat fikiran dan emosi bertelanjang.

2010-11-07T18:45:00.004+08:00

Who says you can't love a person you have never met?

Put your hands down please. I did. Twice. And this time with a wonderful soul who is always believing in the best of people, or cats, or turtles. teeheeehee.

I pray that you will always be protected from any harm, any hurt, any disappointments. I pray that even in times of hardship, you will remain strong, with chin up. If life becomes a roller-coaster, put your hands up in the air and scream and laugh your heart out. Because no one will make us happy except for ourselves. I pray for Allah to bless you always always and make everything easy for you. Because only He can repay your kindness and reward your patience.

"You are not defeated when you lose, you are defeated when you quit"
- Paulo Coelho

Thank you, precious. Just what I need. Just what we need. Now, to the moon, shall we? ;)

ps: Stalk her. She's awesome.

2010-11-06T22:36:00.002+08:00

I should prepare a bucket list. You know, in case time betrays me.

In the meanwhile, pray for me, please?

Thank you :)

2010-10-17T16:55:00.004+08:00

"When we seek to discover the best in others,

we somehow bring out the best in ourselves."
-William Arthur Ward

The best lesson at the end of a tough time is knowing yourself better, and knowing for sure who your true friends are; The ones that are not always with you in presence but are always there in support. The ones that will tell you the most painful truth that you need to hear rather that the sweetest lie that you want to be told. The ones that still see the best in you even in the worst of time. The ones that tell you to do good even when you are treated badly.

The ones that make life worthwhile and beautiful even on cloudy days. For being a wonderful soul, I am forever thankful to be blessed with you.

Happy birthday dear sister! I pray that your new phase of life will be blessed, always :)

2010-10-09T18:44:00.016+08:00

2001

"this picture speaks for itself, kan?

im having ur back, and ure leaning towards me. :)"

-Raihan

2010

Years after, the bond is still the same. Only stronger. You may no longer be next door and just a yell away.
But you still watch my back and I still lean upon you :)

2010-10-07T23:17:00.002+08:00

God gave you style,

God gave you grace,

God put a smile upon your face.

| Coldplay |

2010-09-29T01:25:00.005+08:00

"You will get whatever you want in life when you want it bad enough

except for when it comes to wanting somebody to love you back as much as you love them"

2010-09-26T01:22:00.002+08:00

"If it doesn’t break your heart, it isn’t love. If it doesn’t break your heart, it’s not enough. It’s when you’re breaking down with your insides coming out, that’s when you find out what your heart is made of."

Yet/Switchfoot

2010-09-20T19:22:00.004+08:00

Supergirls. My supergirls.

Yuna Zarai | Hana Tajima-Simpson

2010-08-31T04:02:00.007+08:00

300710

Death isn't necessarily physical. You die such death only once. But you die emotional and spiritual deaths too many times to keep track on them. You know you are suffering terminal emotional disease when what you want is what you don't need. When what makes you breaks you.

Cancer is just a state of mind, yes?

No.

Please behave, and stay just how you are.

2010-07-27T23:55:00.004+08:00

270710

"One of the greatest discoveries a man makes, one of his great surprises,

is to find he can do what he was afraid he couldn't do."

Henry Ford

If I was born a man and attempted polygamy, I must say I will be thrown to the deepest pit of hell for not being just. I may be able to multi-task when the circumstance demands me to, but man, two love more than one at once is a superpower! Hence, I shall settle with the reality that I am a serial monogamist. And serial means, I can't stay at one thing for too long. There's always new things that catch my eyes and after I get what I wanted, I'll want more. I tell you what, this kind of girl might not be the right choice for a girlfriend. She moves fast, and moves on faster.

So forgive me for abandoning this page while I work on another. I shall try, in vain as usual to do justice to this site and any other commitment.

So what's the #411?

Not much I can tell now. In fact, I will not tell at all. But I will show you later, when it's time. Because the recent months have taught me that talking too much, sometimes, makes you work less. And as for now there is still so much to do, so little time, even less time for nonsense.

Please pray that all the things I am working for right now will turn out well.
And I hope all is well on your side too :)

2010-06-16T21:22:00.004+08:00

150610

You just like to come unannounced, don't you?

Some mornings, I wake up really early because I couldn't pretend to sleep any longer. I'd put on my gym shoes and run on the treadmill until I can't feel my legs. Some nights, I just get up and create something just so I wouldn't have to go to sleep with tears in my eyes. I don't dare to sit still and do nothing. I don't want to know what day it is or what have changed. I get afraid of silence because that is when reality whispers the painful truth. Sometimes, I pick up my phone to call you, and put it back down again when I remember where you went. Every moment, every second, I miss you dearly that I forgot how to forget.

You just like to come unannounced, don't you?

And you left in the same manner too. Al-Fatihah

2010-06-08T14:12:00.000+08:00

See you there ;)

2010-05-29T00:14:00.005+08:00

280510

"If you have a tumor, make humor out of it!"

-Mak Tok

I adore my late grandmother for her ability to remind us to live life to the fullest even long after she is gone. Life doesn't end just because you know its ending ;)

2010-05-21T15:10:00.003+08:00

190510

The perfect anthem :)

Take Five: On Adamaya

2010-05-14T00:32:00.002+08:00

140510

One. Adam is a specimen of the perfect husband and has every thing a woman could dream of. His only flaw; he only exists in dreams.

Two. Maya is young and confused. Uncertain of what she wants. Ignorant of what she needs. Oblivious of the blessings she has. Just like many of us.

Three. The epitome of a misogynist comes in the form of Dani. The only other word that suits him starts with a B and ends with a D. Go figure. Wait, don't.

Four. You'll never appreciate what you have and realize how much you need someone until they are gone. Or almost.

Five. A solid marriage is mostly made of a strong sense of responsibility. Not love per se.

"Marriage is not a noun; it's a verb. It isn't something you get. It's something you do.
It's the way you love your partner every day."
- Barbara De Angelis

Take Five: On May 13th

2010-05-13T02:09:00.020+08:00

XX0510

One. For the rest of the world, a day like today bears not much of an impact unless it falls on a Friday. That might send our superstitious friends running with a howling shrill. But in our Motherland, the thirteenth day of the fifth month of the year has been playing a dual-functional role for the past forty one years. It stands proudly as a monument that boasts our strength to push ourselves up and pull ourselves together after a paroxysm in the past. A medal proving how far and fast we are willing to run to the finishing line; achieving national unity. On the other side of the fence, it also lies as a sepulcher of prejudice and vengeance.

Two. Various efforts carried forward in vain. Millions of monies spent in pain. While most of us are merrily promoting the melody of oneness in a choir, there are still some doppelgangers who enjoy yodeling discontentment hoarsely. To them, unity is unanimity and equality. They deem whatever that stands in their way as injustice, ironically oblivious to the fact that justice is all about putting something in a place it deserves. I am fully aware that Malaysia is no Utopia and it will never be. But to see even a few amongst us blatantly and unscrupulously causing our harmonious state to totter is simply excruciating. To be a go-getter is unequivocally a positive attitude but not when you put the nation's fate at stake. Mind you, in a country like ours where the cloth of tolerance that blankets sensitivities can be as thin as a piece of paper, even a half-uttered infelicitous remark can tear us apart.

Three. Evidently we have traveled far, living footprints of positive outcome. However whether we like it or not we have to agree that there are still much more that need to be done, partly because only some of us are doing it and mostly because only some of us are doing it right. It is said that unity in our Homeland is superficial. Just because we have integrated, that does not mean we are truly united. Liberals like to think that racism is a product of ignorance, of lack of contact, and that as people mobility increases, so racial gap will decline. This might be best described as the Benetton view of the world and it does contain a modicum of truth. Intermixing can foster greater understanding but not necessarily form unity.

Four. We are still divided somehow and not just into races. We divide ourselves according to the boundaries outlined by our ethnicity, political party, geography, socio-economy and to a certain extent, according to the football team we cheer for. I cannot help but to wonder whether we'll let sexual orientation join the list anytime in the near future. We label each other based on belief and origin, turning a blind eye to the striking colours of similarities that we share. Why? Probably because we are not ready to move forward and give away a piece of ourselves to be shared. Why not? Getting together does not make us part with who we are and what we are made of. It makes us grow stronger as one. Highlighting our differences will only erect a wall that stands as a hindrance towards realizing our visions.

Five. Unity is a state of mind. It cannot be printed in the form of policies. It does not come into being through the vociferation of slogans. You can let the word swim into people's ears but you cannot force the value down their esophagus. It needs to be formed by our forebrains, nurtured with our hearts and safeguarded by our conscience. To make this date a mere effigy of racism that deepens schisms between us or to take this date as a humble reminder of our strength that motivates us to run forward is up to each one of us. All that has happened are complementary gift from history. But what is yet to happen is a choice and the choice is ours.

"Biar kita tak sama, tapi kita sentiasa bersama"

- Amirrudin Abdul Rahman

2010-05-12T16:04:00.016+08:00

120510

Life is full of difficult choices, you see.

Caramel Frappucino or Off the Edge?
Declan O'Callaghan or John Tyree?
500D or iPhone?

But in this sort of circumstances, you know the answer before you even finish the question.

Going for Arau Open or nursing Dad for his eye pterygium operation?

The latter, unequivocally.

"You can't feel right when you know its wrong"
-MM

2010-05-03T16:18:00.006+08:00

030510

"Kadang-kadang kuda lebih memahami"

Take Five: On Hurt

2010-04-28T10:22:00.015+08:00

270410

One. The first person who is on your mind on the moment you open your eyes when you wake up and the last person you think of before you go to sleep has either brought you a great amount of joy or have given you tremendous pain. You are most unfortunate if you think of the same person for both reasons at the same time.

Two. If everyone wants to be different, what's the difference?

Three. Sometimes it helps being childish. You are carefree, selfish, guilt-free and egocentric. You are still happy despite making others around you unhappy.

Four. The cause of a broken marriage is not lack of love but lack of friendship.

Five. People come and go. Don't be sad when some leave. Because those who left are better gone.

Every moment spent with you is a moment I treasure

2010-04-23T18:29:00.010+08:00

One. The past one week has been one of anticipation, expectation, perspiration and a tiny pinch of desperation. When all these co-exist, enough rest and sleep were far beyond reach. But then again, it was the week that witnessed the 9th Interschool Debating Championship (IDC). Surprise, surprise? Maybe not. Not for those who have been accustomed to the nature of this event which is one of the highlight in the life of one who enslave himself or herself to the debate arena, whether you came as an eager participant or you got to it as one of the hand that made it happened.

Two. Responsibility and passion are the appropriate words to explain why over three hundred IIU peeps spent their holiday to contribute their energy in making this event happened. I could not find any other word to express my admiration and gratitude towards all committees that have joined us this year other than thank you. THANK YOU!

Three. It is easy to understand the reason why people like me and my debate club colleagues came back to the campus during semester break to work on this tournament. But it always made me wonder what drives other university mates to keep on coming back to join us as committees years after years. For their passion and hard work, they certainly deserve a big applause. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Four. Millions of gratitude go to my Special Task committees who managed to turn late night chores into an entertaining time, working through the wee hours without complains. I really appreciate each one of you. Nana for being a great mentor, Chaer, Manal, Halimah, Ecah, Shahir, Ija, Sumaiyah, Suhaila, Anaz the entertainer, Cheyun, Muazan, Hafiz, Asma' and Laisha, thank you so much for your patience, perseverance and dedication.

Five. Having given the opportunity to be on both side of the wall gave IDC a sentimental value for my personal mantel. Once a participant, I crossed over as a committee and adjudicator. The latter was a role picked up automatically by us debaters of the internal circle which was also extended by invitation to debaters from other varsities.

Six. Adjudicating more often than not served snippets of entertaining moments for us because high school kids could end up saying the darnedest thing and do unexpected OTT gestures. Contrary to the funny things that came out from these kids mouth, I took adjudicating very seriously. I must say I am most nervous before the debate round starts, and my nervous system went crazier when I am about to announce the result. This was not the first time I adjudicated for the same tournament but it was the same feeling all over again for every round. The need to prepare for new ideas and empty my mind off any expectations that could cloud my judgment. The obligation to free myself from malicious thought that can impair my thinking faculty. Those could be quite a challenge to execute especially when you're doomed with lack of sleep. I constantly reminded myself that judging the kids debating didn't only mean that I was just putting down marks or ticking who won and picking the most entertaining lad as the best speaker. The responsibility stretched further than that. My judgment might determine the end of one poor kid's debating career in high school. My comment might motivate or kill one's passion for debating. One wrong fact might affect one's understanding for a long period of time. The best tips would be, when in doubt, remain silent.

Seven. While adjudicating, I was also teaching and enlightening, not just the participants but above all, myself. Only by adjudicating then I realized what judges usually expect in debates. As I walked back to the tabs room after each debate I often recalled debates in the past which I have lost, wearing a content smile, knowing what was lacking and what needs to be improved.

Eight. The opportunity to meet new wonderful people has been rejoicing. I treasure the bond my committees have with each other, and I treasure the new bond created between the participants and us. I also managed to get together with some old pals. It was good to catch up and relive the good 'ol days. Thank you Kay-A, Haziq, Kina, Eri and Afiq for coming. Hopefully the tournament was not just an event for us all to have fun but also an experience we learnt worthy lessons from.

Nine. To the winners and to each one of you that made this event a success, congratulations. To those who didn't win, congratulations too, because God has put you through trying times that will only make you stronger and better.

And that wraps up the 9th Interschool Debating Championship

God sent me a soul mate in the form of a brainy and awesome hot chick in stilettos

2010-04-22T21:52:00.016+08:00

"Good friends are like stars. You can't always see them, but they are always there."

We found this quote years ago while doing one of our favorite past time activity in the dorm -unwrapping Baci chocolates just to find the quote strip included inside.

True enough, its so hard to catch her for dates nowadays because this girl is all over the world, either busy breaking hearts or acing competitions. This week she's here in KL and the next she could be in Bangkok or Turkey. No thanks to her ever busy debating life, which started back in high school. Those who know us would say that we are of complete opposite. But our differences never stayed in between our bond. They in fact tied us even closer, and make us understand things better.

Despite not being able to be in presence all the time, this woman has always been there for me in the happiest and bleakest times, ready to protect me or bail me out. She may seem to be the crazier one between the two of us but no one can knock perfect senses into me when I started losing them like she does. For always being my pillow, for always being honest and telling me things I need to know rather than what I want to hear, and for always being right here for me, I thank you. Happy birthday darling! :)

2010-03-02T14:14:00.004+08:00

"And ever has it been known that love knows not its own depth
until the hour of separation"

- Khalil Gibran

Thank you, Aini.

Dear Vladimir Vadim Kryuchkov,

2010-02-28T00:33:00.003+08:00

If a Muslim proselytised outside a church, he might find a cold welcome. He would be legally within his rights. But he would be socially provocative.

Same goes to the Malay language edition of The Herald. Using the word “Allah” in reference to the Christian God, may be perceived as the exercise of freedom of speech and rights to practice religion. It may me theologically correct as Allah is the Arabic word for God and that Arab Christians use the word Allah when they refer to God. And indeed, it is true under the freedom of speech and freedom of religion, one should be able refer to the supreme deity any way one wants.

But the question here is not whether one can do something, but whether it is wise to do so.

Do we put peace and harmony at stake just because we can do something? Among Malays who are practically all Muslims, states the Constitution, (well most, since the conversion rate has been escalating throughout recent years) Allah refers to the Islamic Supreme Being. The attempt by The Herald to appropriate the word Allah to refer to the Christian God appeared to some Malays to be seeking to convert them away from their faith.

Using the word Allah to mean the Christian God may be theologically and legally correct, but in the context of Malaysia, it is socially provocative. In a country that is easily triggered emotionally and has a thin line between love and hatred, that can be deem to be unwise. This fiasco is no longer about freedom of speech or freedom of religion. It has become about freedom of conscience.

On the other hand, just because one is in fear, it never justify him to create fear for others. Whoever that attacked houses of worship did not understand his religion in its true meaning. And worse, when issues of faith and belief become instruments of politics, God's name turned into the toy of the devil's spawn.

So Vladimir Vadim Kryuchkov, this is what I think about all this church burning stuff.

Long Time Debt :)

2010-02-07T17:45:00.006+08:00

by: Syama Ramasamy. Good Living Magazine, June/July 2009 issue

Beneath the sweet, almost fragile exterior lies an admirable tenacity that fuels the girl's passion for handicrafts. Twenty-one-year-old law student Putri Mahirah (Myra) still can't get over the fact that her love for handmade goods has reaped in overwhelming response from internet shoppers, an astonishing feat for a home biz that took off just a few months ago.

ON BEGINNINGS
The soft spoken KL lass who used to make her own Barbie clothes tells me how her mom too is into handmade handmade crafts. "I'm always making cards and gifts for friends and family," says Myra. "They are the ones who suggested that I put the stuff I make up for sale on a blog." And so she did last February. "I put four items of each category up for sale on my blog. All items were sold out within the first week, surprisingly. That was very motivating." To boot, Myra's craft even impress the international audience. She has even received orders from France, Australia and Jakarta.

THE GOOD AND THE BAD
When asked what the best part about having a home biz is, Myra tells me that it's all about doing something you're passionate about. "My real ambition is to enslave myself to a job I love doing.. not doing something that I am forced to. This is definitely and absolutely what I love doing." And the worst thing? "The only pressure comes from meeting customers' demand," she says. "And also time constraint, as I make every single thing myself."

A PIECE OF ADVICE
Would Myra encourage others to dive into home biz? "Go for it," says Myra, who always saw imperfection in her work. But seeing how her products have been so well received in encouragement like no other. "But know the risk, such as lack of manpower when you're overloaded with orders. Also you don't have a stable income."

BEING YOUR OWN BOSS
"It feels really good to be my own boss. I'm very content, and also proud because I started off really early," says Myra. "Feedback from customers is always uplifting. That's when all the tiredness disappears and all is worth the effort."

FUTURE PLANS
"I want to see my brand, Myranesque, expand.. maybe to other areas liked baked goods and stuff," says Myra, who also dabbles in creating cute little cupcakes and brownies.

TIME-OFFS AND DESIRES
So what makes Myra happy besides Rocky, her slithering pet ball python? "I'm a movie freak," she says, listing epics, chick flicks and cartoons as her favourite genres. "I also read a lot, fiction and non-fiction. And of course, shopping- what girls do best." Any life-long desires yet to be fulfilled? "I'd love to change some lives.. make some lives better. I want to be the change I want to see."

Newton was right. Inertia matters.

2010-02-04T09:27:00.001+08:00

Newton’s first law of motion is one that everyone confronts. He said “every object in a state of uniform motion tends to remain in that state of motion unless an external force is applied to it.” In other words, it takes a lot to make something happen. Inertia is a powerful, if often unacknowledged, force in life. In our lives.

So I'm just going to run through walls if I have to. If it gets me where I want to be. Bruises will only toughen us up.

It’s not always what people tell you. Its what inside you.

I wont let others define me. I won't let you

Uhuh.

2010-01-29T03:09:00.003+08:00

Under RM50 Daycation

2010-01-28T20:50:00.021+08:00

Singapore

Malacca

Cherating

All stroked off because a few other members of the clan couldn't make it due to family matters. That was the sad case of my planned and anticipated vacation. One week worth of break and I had no where to be but home, nothing to do but to cuddle up with 'fun' coursework and Jake, my sewing machine.

Desperate for an escapade my junior, RT and I came up with a solution. If we can't get ourselves out of town, we'd enjoy the town our way. Or as he wished, bon vivant way.

Radzi Tajuddin:

Yesterday, I had a date. I was keen to make a good impression. The rendezvous point was my usual hangout. It was within the KLCC. But for some strange reason, I couldn't find the entrance.

Skybridge is like Pandora to me. I've never been there. It was a disaster. I lost my way. Obviously, I made a zero impression by turning up late.

My date came to a conclusion: I wish Neytiri- a female Na'vi clan- is there to show me the way. But I'm not Jack Sully. I'm just silly enough unable to read instruction properly.

Being late for almost an hour, I was dead worried my plan for that day will be jeopardised. But my anxiety was unfounded. That Tuesday morning, I arrived with Cool Hand Luke's attitude and meet Putri Mahirah.

As decided, Skybridge is our first venue. I cannot resist the temptation about the hanging bridge. It really seduced me with this modern steel and glass structure. That's what I had always wanted.

PETALING STREET

I wasn't interested in spending my daycation time at KLCC. This type of daycation is a norm for yuppies, nouveaux riche and arriviste. The originality of traveling cannot match the vulgarity of consumption. I had had enough of that during my long first half second semester. I was looking for the ultimate experience of being a bon vivant.

Over to you MM.

If Radzi wanted to be a bon vivant for the day, I had a fight to win. The fight against my OCD. The first challenge was to not use hand sanitizer excessively. The most amount allowed was 5 drops and Radzi kept the sanitizer under his supervision -until this very moment you're reading this. I wonder whether he himself has actually picked up the habit of using the sanitizer compulsively. I hope he has. The second challenge was to spend less than RM50. No proper restaurant for meals. No shopping for wants rather than needs. Last but not least, the final challenge was to make peace with public places. To touch them. To open public doors with hands and not feet.

We took the Hop On Hop Off bus to save traveling cost and to stay within the under 50 Ringgit budget. Good heaven it cost us only RM12 with student discount. The bus's route was convenient. It went pretty much where we wanted to. But the excruciating part is the waiting. Almost 3/4 of the trip was spent on waiting for the bus. Waiting was the most tiring sport especially when one had to stand for an hour straight which lead me to a deep sleep on the way back. We were the only locals on the bus and I could see the frustrated faces of tourists on board and it was embarrassing. I felt like I had to play host and apologize on behalf of Malaysia's pathetic public transportation system. I was really tempted to interview one of them just to get their feedback on Kuala Lumpur until, well, the bon vivant boy stopped me.

So much of a daycation, we went to Petaling Street. Radzi wanted to find the palm watch like Sherlock Holme's but none pleased him. And then he came up with something which excite him more: one-coloured CD. Again to his disappointment, we found no CD vendors selling such candy. With every step that I took along China Town, I couldn't help but to wonder why on earth is this place promoted as one of the great tourist attraction in Kuala Lumpur when it seems to be so proud to stay filthy and unattended. That is a sad case. I had no craving for Daging Khinzir Salai or CD Blue or faux LV bags. But one shop never fail to mesmerize me which was Kedai Butang. Heaven for crafters.

After a short debacle over which way to take to go to Central Market, we settled to the non-bon vivant lady's choice of route which was evidently shorter than Radzi's suggested route. Central Market. Once a wet market, it is now a beautiful place where art lovers flock to. Even the washrooms are beautifully crafted! I've always loved Central Market. Its one of Mum's favorite place.

We treated ourselves to a RM5-for-10 minutes-fish spa. Short, full of giggles, refreshing nevertheless. Then we had lunch. I'm under a strict budget because I've spent RM20+ on breakfast *cough*, and skipping lunch wasn't an option unless I choose to drop dead in the heart of KL. So we had RM5 Indonesian delight. I had lele penyet while RT devoured down a plate of ayam penyet.

All in all, the day was very tiring. Silly me forgot to bring along a bottle of drinking water. I dozed off on the way back to KLCC, pissing RT off. Boo! I don't care! The only way to make my eyes stay open was to hold it apart.

Tiring, but worth every step. At the end of the trip, I spent RM64 *coughs* (I accidentally purchased some stuffs at the button shop). But hey I only used 3 drops of sanitizer! *clap clap*. But err, I didn't really open doors with my hands. That, I'll keep working on. Promise! *crossing my fingers*

2010-01-28T00:46:00.002+08:00

"We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?"

- Nelson Mandela

Mari Berbogel

2010-01-12T18:34:00.004+08:00

I can't remember the reason why I started blogging. If there is even a reason to begin with. Suddenly blogging makes me feel naked. Stripping my thoughts and emotions bare in front of people. People I know, people I don't know. People who think they know me. People who wants to know me.

Naked. That is not a good feeling. The last time I was naked in public was probably the day I came out of my mum's uterus.

Owh crap. My point is, I'm giving this page some rest. Simply because I'm too occupied walking the talk rather than just, well, bragging only about the latter.

Till then, have a blessed new year :)

2009-12-19T22:41:00.005+08:00

"Challenges are like durian. Busuk, tapi sedap."

And They Roared Once Again

2009-12-18T17:22:00.003+08:00

Di mana nilai kesetiaan kalau menang dipuja dijulang, kalau kalah dicaci dimaki. Tahniah buat yang berjuang memakai jersey. Tahniah jua buat abang-abang dan pakcik-pakcik yang jual jersey. Sale must be rocketing.

Harimau Malaya has ended their draught. KDBM, lets end ours!

The King, The Royal Court and The Monkey

2009-12-18T15:26:00.003+08:00

They say, if you want something bad enough, it will eventually be yours. But lesson learnt. Merely wanting something is not even close to obtaining it. It is never enough. You need to give enough as well.

And this, concluded Debat Di Raja 2009.

Now, the details.

The tournament's name speak for itself. But for those who are unfamiliar with it, the Royal Debating Championship is the largest inter-varsity debating tournament in Malaysia. Well, at least technically it is for it pulls together all IPTAs in one single tournament in three category; Bahasa Melayu, English and Arabic. However this year the royal court has opened its doors and invited three IPTSs to join in.

The question is whether Royals 2009 really lived up to its stature as the biggest and most prestigious event in the local debating scene?

With all due respect, credits need to be given to the host, Universiti Malaya for every single effort put forward in organizing this event albeit the fact that they are plenty and spacious room for improvements that urgently need to be made on areas such as the quality of adjudication, hospitality and efficiency in running the whole tournament. Nevertheless, thank you for hosting 'Debat Piala Di Raja'- the new name of the sacred tournament as the organizer accidentally modified.

I believe the more important question is whether we have lived up to the standard of the tournament, to our own standard? Have I?

My battle throughout this Royal begin on day one, against a monkey which was casually lounging outside my room right in front of the door, picking up trash from the waste bin. No joke. I was both appalled and amused at the same time by the fact that UM students in Kolej Ketiga specifically have been co-inhabiting with monkeys harmoniously for years and years. That is quite an achievement.

With only ten days of intensive training which started right after our final examination, the tension was visible within the thick air. Ten days of preparation in the debating dictionary means picnic in the park as compared to cross-country. Ten days as opposed to months and months of preparation done by other varsities.

So with only ten days of blade-sharpening rituals, four teams marched to the royal court. On the night before the first day of preliminary debate started, team captains were called by the Chief Adjudicator pertaining to a newly imposed regulations. The effect; both junior teams had to be reshuffled. But the sudden change did not deter the fighting spirit.

Two days of preliminary debate. Six rounds of babbles on economy, sociopolitical affairs and humor. The third day saw only team Senior A and team Junior B pursuing the fight in the knockout stage. My team, Junior A and Senior B had to change hats from speakers to cheerleaders. minus pompoms. But their fight was put to a stop at the semi-finals. And with that, we all sat together and grieved and ponder and wonder, what went wrong?

Really, what went wrong?

The easiest and simplest way out is to give this as an answer; It was fated. It was not our rizq.

Truth is, there must be an essential piece missing somewhere in bridging efforts and achievements. Passion. Hard work. Focus. Talent. Dedication. Intelligence. Name it. Name 3758962 nouns or verbs. Include forks and spoons if you wish. Excuses can be creatively made up. At the end of the day, if we did not get what we merely wanted and wished for, it is either we are not good enough, or we did not give enough. That is just it.

But losing is not the Armageddon. The trophy is not everything. The spirit, the will to win, and the will to excel are the things that endure. These qualities are so much more important than the events that occurred. It is the journey that counts, the lessons learnt from the ups and downs. To look back and to regret is to conform to mediocrity and surrender to the trap of reality. If reality does not please us, leap out of it. Proliferation of effort, is undoubtedly an urgent need.

The only thing that stands between a man and what he wants from life is often merely the will to try it and faith to believe it is possible. Lets try again, harder. Lets believe again, stronger and deeper. Lets give again, give more than ever.

To yearn and to strive for more, to not yield and to not give up.

World, don't blink. Watch! We are reviving. The King is on his way to claim back the throne.

The Ultimate Meeting

2009-11-18T00:23:00.005+08:00

Today I started my day with a meeting that transcends time and distance. The important things in life aren't things, but a reason worth living for. A joy worth waiting for, and a belief worth fighting for. And you're my raison d'être.

Next, a meeting with the dentist followed. I miss the long hours spent in that cold chair while she attended to my braces.

Near noon I sat for a meeting with the new cabinet. Issues discussed. Strategy laid down. Aim set up. It is motivating to see that we are all diligently focused on one purpose; to bring back the glory.

The day was brightened by a meeting over food, drinks, updates and laughter. Contrasting colors of personalities made the whole picture pretty. Bickering and bantering did not divide, but binds us closer. Its good to know that family is not only restricted to blood relations.

Come the eve, an anticipated meeting with someone dear invigorated a tired soul. Thank God for always reminding me that life is not to be lived in a grand way or perfectly, but sincerely.

A spontaneous and chaotic meeting slipped in next involving debacles over which pair of shoes is best and how to turn the flash off, patting me with the fact that differences only get to bring us apart if we let it. And the most odd combination can result in never before seen strength.

Today I am grateful for the chance to be a part of all these unions. Though short, they were all beautiful.

But today was also the day a dear friend went for his ultimate meeting. Today our somber hearts were pulled together by the force of a shocking news of a friend's passing. We gather under the same downcast cloud, praying for his soul to rest amongst the Mukmineen. Our hands reach out to Arwah's family and to Lina dearest, be strong. He loves him more than we all do.

For Muhammad Syafiq Zulkipli who was a good friend to many, and who fought bravely against lung cancer, Al-Fatihah.

"Perhaps our eyes need to be washed by our tears once in a while, so that we can see Life with a clearer view again."

Kepada Semua Hantu

2009-11-05T22:18:00.004+08:00

Hantu tidur, hantu makan, hantu shopping, hantu movie,

hantu chitchatchitachat, hantu ape saje.
Please go away.

Give way to hantu exam.

Selamat berjaya semua! Doakan saya!
May we all get to the end of it ALIVE.

no, i did not forget

2009-10-21T10:25:00.004+08:00

because a wish on the wall would be too lame for someone as special as you are,

Happy Birthday Kak Nas :)
Have a wonderful 23rd!

May you are endlessly showered with His blessings, and embraced by His protection, always and always, just as you're always there for me, with the right thing to say.

Love,
Adik

Yours, Forever

2009-10-11T21:34:00.011+08:00

After a long week of work and hustles, we'd always look forward to Friday, the get together night. When everyone else is out, I would sneak in your bed and we would cuddle up and watch a movie we mutually agreed upon. Sometimes, when I'm lucky, I'd get to pick. But most of the time, our stubbornness battle each other's and who debates best win. No, this is not a nuclear related issue. Its just a fight over which movie to watch.

And while I'm in your arms we would update each other about what's new, what's gone and what's coming up. There were gloomy nights when I would literally cry on your shoulder over things I couldn't control. But most of the nights, we'll both end up being cracked up by your out of the world jokes. As always, you're better at it. As always, you're better, than me, at almost everything.

And last night, like any other night, we replayed our special thing that has always kept us knitted together closer than anything else. But this time around, it was something that you said that made me cried.

You told me that in a few years time, you will have to let me go because I will no longer be yours. And I will have to cuddle up in the arms of someone else. You will have to hand me over to someone else who will love me and take a good care of me for you.

But can anyone else love me and care for me the way you do? You're the first person I fell in love with. You are the one that taught me how to. You taught me to love humbly, to love unconditionally. Even if one day I have to let go. Love humbly, love unconditionally, but never possessively you said. Because what we do not possess, we can never lose.

And now I am telling this right back at you. Right back at you. You've loved me in the utmost wonderful way. Humbly, unconditionally, never possessively. How can you ever lose me?

It was your love filled letters and hand written poems that kept me going through my first two years in boarding school. It was your assuring and comforting words that lift me up again in the bleakest moments. Can I find another person who can speak of wisdom even through unimaginable silly jokes like you can? You say the right things at the right time without having me to tell you anything beforehand.

As always, you are right though. One day I will have to leave your house. I can't cuddle up to you anymore. But forever, I'm always yours.

Happy birthday Mum. I know you had a great one :)

Kalau Tak Cukup, Tak Payah Beli

2009-10-03T00:05:00.010+08:00

Kalau tak terasa, tak tau lah

to thyself thou shalt say

2009-09-30T01:00:00.005+08:00

Nothing in this world is ever completely wrong.
Even a stopped clock is right twice a day.

Alhamdulillah for the results :) But this is merely just half way. More need to be done. More need to be given. A whole lot more need to be sacrificed. Hello harder work and lots lots of caffeine! *June, June, June* ;)

and in a blink,

2009-09-26T00:38:00.008+08:00

my little monshter

has blossomed

into a beautiful princess :)

and a bit samseng some more ;p

All Hell Breaks Loose

2009-09-18T07:44:00.004+08:00

"The most depressing thing about Ramadhan -is finding out how many of your problems are not caused by shaitan."-N.M.

The second thing is, knowing that its coming to an end. One more day, people. One more day. Lepas tu shaitan dah keluar.

How's your Ramadhan? Mine is, beautiful :)

Have a blessed and wonderful Eid! :)
Maaf Zahir & Batin

Finding the Right One

2009-09-15T01:25:00.010+08:00

Selamat tinggal timbunan kerja yang menyemak meja. Welcome carefree holly days where 10 is the new 6. I have been home for two days now. And within that two days, dua balang kuih raya sudah lesap. Isy. Bila berat naik buat buat terkejut.

Seusai ashabul kahfi dengan jayanya, hidup harus diteruskan. Today berjuang shopping last minute bersama-sama Cik Kiah. Dari Sogo, Jalan Tar and last but not least, Ampang Park, kami sabar meredah lautan manusia. Paling mencabar, banyak pulak gerai-gerai menjual minuman yang meleleh-leleh aisnya. Ahh, godaan! Puasa-puasa ni jual air buat apa? Haishh.

Kenapa jauh benar perjalanan? Sebab mencari 'the one', may take a long time. Yang cantik pada pandangan mata, boleh jadi tak kena ukurannya. Untuk mencari yang tepat, it does not necessarily have to look good, but you have to feel good in it. Like its tailor-made for you :)

And lucky me, I got both ;)

Hari ini penuh kejutan. First, Mummy let me buy my own baju raya for the first time. Comes with the being-21-package, no? Second, business mercun dan bunga api, makin disekat makin menjadi. Dari Taman Permata sampai Desa Pandan, banyak betul gerai-gerai menjual mainan wajib hari raya ini. Ikut hati nak beli. Tapi, sayangkan jari dan Daddy tak bagi.

Third, baju raya di pasaran JT tahun ni, tak banyak pilihan. Most failed to turn us on. Bila ada yang memikat hati, pasti no size for me. Who says it is easy to be small sized? I almost bought an XL for kids. Almost. But, searching for the right one, tak boleh cepat give up. Percayalah, its waiting for you somewhere. Finally, after hours of walking, and a few minutes of driving, saya bertemu jodoh dengan baju raya pilihan hati di Ampang Park. Yang drive tu, Cik Kiah, bukan saya. She wont let me. She said, she's too young too die. So saya just tunjuk direction. Ini baju raya ke berapa, tolong jangan tanya. Immaterial. Yang pasti, its my favourite. Bila dah jumpa the right one, semua penat lenguh disappear, just like that.

Ini pula kejutan keempat. Beggars, atau nama sedapnya alm-receivers, sudah menjadi hiasan tetap di Jalan Tar dan juga Jalan Masjid India. Biar penuh mana sekalipun tangan membimbit plastik, hati pasti terdetik untuk memberi walaupun sedikit. But the discovery I made today, memang cannot go one ah! Dari jauh, my eyes fell upon this one man, sitting on a wheelchair. His legs, amputated. Kasihan hamba Tuhan ini. I have one hand searching for some notes, while the other, memegang handphone. As I get closer to the unfortunate man, to my surprise, in his hand too, sat a handphone of the same model as mine! Bezanya, the man was playing a game, while I was replying a text. Baiklah. Pengemis hari ini sudah mampu memiliki handphone. There are many ways to interpret this. Mungkinkah rakyat Malaysia adalah masyarakat pemurah yang gemar membantu mereka yang kekurangan? Ataupun, meminta belas ihsan masyarakat adalah pekerjaan yang paling senang. Namun, saya dipesan untuk sentiasa berhusnul zon. So lets assume ada insan yang amat bermurah hati untuk meminjamkan handphone beliau agar pakcik tersebut tidak kebosanan. Or even better, someone gave the handphone as a gift. Whatever the truth may be, semoga kita semua tidak pernah jemu memberi. Tetapi jangan pula sampai berputus asa sebelum berusaha.

Tapi kejutan sebenar hari ini ialah, I went back with only one baju raya. Teeeheee. Tinggal lagi 15 minit sebelum masa tamat, baru saya score. At the end of the trip, the result was 4-1. Cik Kiah won. Tahniah Cik Kiah!

If you have not found your right one, cepat-cepatlah pergi cari. Tahun depan belum tentu dapat bersama. Tak perlu empat, satu pun sudah cukup melengkapi. If its the right one.

Eh, saya bercakap tentang baju raya taww :)

2009-09-11T10:05:00.001+08:00

Oh, godaan!

2009-09-02T13:08:00.007+08:00

Benar kata orang, godaan ada di mana sahaja dalam apa jua rupa dan bentuk.

Ini,

melawan

ini,

erghhh, tak sexy langsung!

Bookfest '09 was a blast. All the patience of resisting the crave to buy these books long ago paid off. The discounts were crazy! Soalnya sekarang, how to resist these temptations? Semoga dikuatkan iman dan ditabahkan hati :D

Bila Cinta Berbicara

2009-08-25T21:49:00.003+08:00

They say love needs expression. Some say it out loud. Some show it, through kisses and hugs. Chocolates and roses. Diamonds and glitz. But He shows us His love once again by giving us the chance to live through another Ramadhan. Some left earlier to join Him up there, because He loves them more. Most are still here, not because He loves us any lesser. Whether the reason we're still here is for the chance to seek repentance or to gain more rewards, I believe we already know what we ought to do. Either way, in all ways, He loves us. Do we?

Narrated by Abu Huraira - The prophet said, "Whoever established prayers on the night of Qadr out of sincere faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven; and whoever fasts in the month of Ramad...han out of sincere faith, and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven." [031:125]

Wishing all of you a blessed Ramadhan! :)

.hiatus.

2009-07-21T15:55:00.001+08:00

off making wonders :)

the Law is

2009-06-23T19:21:00.005+08:00

In the case of a broken heart,
volunti non fit injuria applies.

When there's consent there is no injury.
Simply because heart break is self-inflicted.

And more often than not,
res ipsa loquitur :)

The Cat and the Boots

2009-06-18T23:20:00.012+08:00

Today I was confronted with these two choices; Kill the cat and rip it open like a bag of chips OR drown it in a basin of water, with a dash of paprika and clorox. Wait, there's a third choice; Put the cat on a baking tray, lined with potatoes and tomatoes. Sprinkle some rosemary and voila! We have a crispy roasted cat.

But I choose to put something else on the baking tray and came out with this instead-

The cat ate my boots. Yes. The cat ATE my leather boots. For a moment or two I forgot that the cat is just a cat. Murder seems like a brilliant idea. I won't be sent to prison for murdering a cat right? Not if they don't know I killed any right? Right?

Its not that I have not killed before right? How many mosquitoes have been martyred between the claps of my hands?

But amidst that anger, I know for sure that one wrong choice will lead to another. I most probably have to commit a lie after I put the cat to rest. So no, no. Its a definite NO.

How can I end the life of a living creature for 'killing' a thing that is not even alive. Life. That is a word with a lot of way to define it. Life can be hot and sweet at the same time like Life Chili Sauce. Life can be like a beautiful melody, only the lyrics are messed up.

Life: It is about the gift not the package it comes in.

Or it could be like a box of chocolates - a cheap, thoughtless, perfunctory gift that no one ever asks for, non-returnable because all you get back is another box of chocolates. So, you're stuck with mostly undefinable whipped mint crap, mindlessly wolfed down when there's nothing else to eat while you're watching a game. Sure, once in a while you get a peanut butter cup or an English toffee but it's gone too fast and the taste is fleeting. In the end, you are left with nothing but broken bits filled with hardened jelly and teeth-shattering nuts, which, if you are desperate enough to eat, leaves nothing but an empty box of useless brown paper!

For me life is a choice. Allah will not change the fate of a people unless they first change themselves, goes the wisdom of the Quran. That is just the beauty. Its a choice baby. Its a choice. We can make the best out of even the bleakest moment if we want to. We can choose what and where we want to be. So lets choose wisely. The choice is in our hand. Bak kata Aizat, 'Hanya Kau yang Mampu'.

ps: I need to work on my anger management pronto!

Dear PPG,

2009-06-17T05:33:00.004+08:00

this young lady here is the biggest-est powerpuff girls fan i have ever met!
to the little girl with big big dreams,
i wish you all the best in whatever you pursuit :)

Happy 21st Birthday Siti Fatyn!
*hugs*

Kisah Pensil II

2009-06-16T06:16:00.007+08:00

A boy was watching his grandmother write a letter. At one point, he asked:

"Are you writing a story about what we've done? Is it a story about me?"

His grandmother stopped writing her letter and said to her grandson:

"I am writing about you, actually, but more important than the words is the pencil I'm using. I hope you will be like this pencil when you grow up."

Intrigued, the boy looked at the pencil. It didn't seem very special.

"But it's just like any other pencil I've ever seen!"

"That depends on how you look at things. It has five qualities which, if you manage to hang to them, will make you a person who is always at peace with the world.

'First quality: you are capable of great things, but you must never forget that there is a hand guiding your steps. We call that hand God, and He always guides us according to His will.

'Second quality: now and then, I have to stop writing and use a sharpener. That makes the pencil suffer a little, but afterwards, he's much sharper. So you, too, must learn to bear certain pains and sorrows, because they will make you a better person.

'Third quality: the pencil always allows us to use an eraser to rub out any mistakes. This means that correcting something we did is not necessarily a bad thing. It helps to keep us on the road to justice.

'Fourth quality: what really matters in a pencil is not its wooden exterior, but the graphite inside. So always pay attention to what is happening inside you.

'Finally, the pencil's fifth quality: it always leaves a mark. In just the same way, you should know that everything you do in life will leave a mark, so try to be conscious of that in your every action.'

-Paulo Coelho, Like the Flowing River

Hati Malaya

2009-06-11T00:39:00.022+08:00

This post is a respond to Fiqss's 'on the issue of PPSMI'. She made good points, and I unequivocally agree with her. Now allow me to make my stance on this issue clear.

Apa kecoh-kecoh ni?

1. Isu PPSMI ini sungguh fofular. Kalah Mawi dan Dato' Siti.
I see the PPSMI fuss as not just a matter of language. This issue is far deeper than that. It potrays our mentallity. Our readiness to develop. Our maturity in adapting to changes. And how far we are willing to sacrifise for the advancement of our beloved nation.

2. The reason why we Malaysian are still where we are rather than where we should be is because we always find excuses not to do something instead of stepping up to take the challenge. Stop seeing the negatives, and go all out for the positives! Have you even heard of the word 'optimism'? So now, start listing down the reasons why we need to do this.

Language vs Concept

1. As a person who suffered science stream for five years, I know how hard science subjects can be. But I also know that when it comes to science, its all about grasping the concept, theories and formulas. I was taught in Bahasa Melayu and still finds it hard to digest. You know why? Not because I don't understand the language, but because I couldn't master the concept itself. (Truth is I just wasn't interested).

2. Picture this. Ali is very good in English, he manage to understand Shakespeare's like I understand my stomach's rhythm when its hungry. But Ali has no idea what Bernoulli Principle is or how it works. On the other hand, Abu's English is so-so but all Physics concept are at the back of his hand. Which one of them is a better science student? Abu right? Because he masters the subject.

But then again, which one of them will get a better result? Is it Ali? Because he understands what the question wants. Yes he has no idea of what the teacher was babbling about in class. But thanks to textbooks, Ali applied this magical techniques used by many- 'memorization'. The Ctrl+C, Ctrl+S, Ctrl+P handy style. Read texts, copy and temporarily save it in your mind, and paste it all on the answer sheet.

What about Abu? Will he do well? He loves the subject and can sing all the formulas and theories like you sing Negaraku. Unfortunately, he finds it difficult to understand the requirement of certain question. Some terms sounds so Martian to him. So? Lets Ctrl+F a solution to this.

3.Bottomline, its not about the medium per se, but also the method.

The Lacks of the Lab

1. Dear government, stop treating students like white mice. They are not subjects of experiment. They are assets that need to be developed.

2. The Ministry introduce and change policies like women buy shoes and handbags. Impulsively.

3. Remember EST? Now, what happened to that? EST was regarded as one of the ministry's 'masterpiece' in its effort to improve our education system. After three years of 'experimenting', they abolished the subject. Kudos! How many of our result was 'spoiled'? How much ringgits were spend to send teachers to courses. Textbooks bla bla. My beloved English teacher admitted that she finds EST as something gobbledygook and doesn't even know what she was teaching about.

4. Thing is, they scrubbed off EST and came up with PPSMI. And now they are comtemplating to send PPSMI back to the days went it did not exist. See the problem? They need to shop for patience. Don't jumpstart the kids like cars. Give them time. They need a transition period. Plus, the kids aren't the only one suffering. The teachers are too you know.

5. There is also a problem with the method of assessment used. Our examination system cultivate the 'Ctrl+C' and 'Ctrl+S' culture. ~~Kids~~ We are somehow trained by exams to copy information and save it in our head, leaving critical and creative thinking outside our head.

Jaguh Kampung

1. Now, isu 'kasihan mereka budak-budak kampung'. The fact that the term 'budak-budak kampung' exist is sad for me. I personally believe 'kampung' is just a matter of geography. Kampung Baru? Kampung Pandan? Kau rasa kat mana pulak? Yes those kids are situated in rural areas. Yes they are not as exposed and as proficient in English as the city kids claim to be. BUT they are not any less in mental capacity and capabilities!

2. Dear teachers, why don't we adapt a Human Resource skill called 'potential development'? With proper guidance and extra attention, these kids will shine. I somehow feel that it is an insult to sympathize them. Because you know what? They can do it!

3. Back to 'Language vs Concept'. Its not just the medium, but the method.

The Malay Dilemma

1. Malaysians are better at politicizing than they are good at politics. Because everything seems to be politicized today. The Minister's bedroom affairs, religion, sports, and now education.

2. The sentiment that 'PPSMI kills BM' is to me, just another lame stigma created by some to scare the many. Horror is not just the 'in thing' in the film industry I see.

3. Certain quarters argued that if we teach our kids science and math in English, our mother tongue will be abandoned/kids don't speak proper BM.

Question:
i. Chinese and Indian kids who go to Sekolah Kebangsaan learn in Bahasa Melayu. DO they abandon their mother tongue?

ii. Without PPSMI, do kids today speak proper BM like 'Saya sungguh teruja untuk ke sekolah pada hari ini', 'Ibu, terima kasih kerana menyediakan sarapan'. Do we? Do those parliamentarians? Even most politicians today can't speak proper BM. Wait, most of them can't speak. With or without PPSMI, we are no Zaa’ba. So what is the difference?

4. When it comes to educating the youngs, I believe its a matter of 'do or die'. Problem is, some look at this issue as 'di telan mati emak, di luah mati bapak'. Owh really? Is it so? Because I believe there is nothing to lose.

Hilangkah jati diri anda sebagai seorang Melayu hanya kerana anda belajar dalam Bahasa Inggeris? Adakah anda menjadi kurang Melayu apabila anda bertutur dalam Bahasa Inggeris? I personally believe equipping yourself with good command of English does not make you any less Malay. It only makes you a better Malay by having that advantage.

5. Plus, that guy who almost became UMNO Youth Leader who married you-know-who's daughter, wasn't he fully educated in England? He is very much Malay still. All for Malays in fact.

SO, the fear that Bahasa Melayu will soon dissipate and be forgotten is no longer relevant

Pak Cik Einstein kata 'Change is the only valid constant'. Selang satu minit kau tukar status facebook. Hari-hari kau tukar baju. Setiap minggu kau tukar handphone. Now you just have to make a change with a bigger scale. Change your mentality.

Wahai bangsaku, please be more receptive. Challenge 6 of Vision 2020: To form a progressive science community. We will only progress if we are able to keep up with the world. And that is by assimilating its language.

There's no harm injecting some Kiasu spirit -to not lose out in a highly competitive society today. Lets cross ~~SELF PITY~~ like this.

So this is my stance: Saya sokong PPSMI sebab saya sayang bangsa saya. Saya sayang negara saya. Dan saya tahu, Malaysia BOLEH!

Kisah Pensil

2009-06-09T20:27:00.017+08:00

One of the things I always find to be wonderful is how absence indeed makes the heart grows fonder. In fact, most of the people that are dear to me are not actually near me in distance. They are scattered all over across the country/globe. But they are definitely forever close at heart. And thank God for inspiring mankind to come up with communication technology which makes everyone just a click away.

Wonderful isn't it, how little little things can bring great joy to you. When someone says "Thank you". When a stranger smiles at you. Random chat on the street that teach you wisdom you'll remember for a long time. And today, a simple message from a loved one made my day.

"When you were little, you told me you want to be a pencil when you grow up =p From that particular day years ago, I've always known that you will blossom into a nonconformist, always seeking for new mountains to climb and do wonders. And I was right =)" - Mama

I what? I wanted to be a PENCIL?? Owh right. That was my second ambition. Was a secret up until today. But the first ambition still is :D

I haven't heard from Mama for a long while. She's always caught up in her work. Not her fault though. She's great at it :) So people trust her with a lot of task. God, I miss my God-mother a lot. She is one of the beautiful soul I am blessed with in my life, and her eyes have watched me grow from the very first day. As she always put it, "Since you were only a little bigger than my palm" :)

One text message lead to another. Mama said I wanted to be a pencil like Enid Blyton because kids love her. 'Pencil', was my kiddish vocab for 'Writer' btw ;p

"So I see you are already evolving into a pencil =p"

Have I? I wouldn't call myself one. More of, erm, a babbler :D

It was her second question that sent me to do some answer searching in the deepest pit of my soul.

"Why do you want to be a writer? Why do you write?"

Mama always says, you have to set your intention right in every thing you do. And after a few hours of pondering, here's my honest answer, "Because I want to be immortalized".

Yes, I want to be immortalized. Not in the form of statutes or sculptures. Not by having my image framed or my name engraved on the walk of fame. But rather by having the values and virtues I preach practiced. Wisdom, like all good things, need to be shared. And the most influential way to do that is to write.

Salah satu faktor tamadun Islam berkembang pesat pada suatu ketika dahulu adalah melalui penyebaran ilmu melalui penulisan para cendekiawan agung sewaktu zaman tersebut. Eropah bangkit semula ketika zaman Renaissance setelah tertidur lebih seratus tahun sepanjang Zaman Gelap adalah dek kerana penulisan ilmuwan yang digelar 'heretic' oleh pihak gereja. Wadah penulisan juga merupakan saluran utama yang digunakan nasionalis untuk membakar semangat menentang penjajah. Bak kata pepatah cerdik pandai bangsa saya, mata pena lebih tajam dari mata pedang. In the modern world of blog sphere, it would be right to say- hujung jari lebih 'tajam' dari mata pedang.

Yes, little little things can bring great joy and great wonders began from little steps. If you want something bad enough, it will eventually be yours. A pencil I will be :)

Wake Up People!!!!

2009-06-05T22:05:00.007+08:00

First and foremost, Bug, its 3pm!! Wake up!! ;p

Now, the story. Last Wednesday, I was at PLF for something I have been anticipating for over a month. But my mood on that day was pretty melancholy. Perhaps because of the weather yang 'panas macam nak pecah kepala'. It could also be because I left my mind at home in between those pile of work. So I stepped into the event with zero expectation and one sleepy head. I was placed beside this gentleman, who looked very familiar. He was very friendly and fatherly as well.

I could tell that he works for the government from the way he dress, plus the name tag thingy. And with that innocent observation came a mischievous urge to ask him on certain government policies and the political soap opera that no doubt beats Mis Tres Hermanas and such. He humbly introduced himself as a lad from Raub who loves to read and was sharing his views on youth today, how he wish more would come out and get involved with the foundation. Half of the time I was contemplating whether or not to jab him with my curiosities. But I decided to hold my words back. Its definitely not nice to spoil this gentleman's afternoon isn't it :) I only found out later at the end of the ceremony that he's one of the board of trustees for the foundation, also a prominent public figure. (Glad I didn't give him a reason to slap me for bombarding him with my questions)

*sips coffee*

Then came Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Dr. Khoo Kay Kim's speech, whose words stabbed right into my heart. The pain was alarming it caused my sleepy eyes to popped wide open. First stab- "I find it sad to be having to say this, that the achievement of Malaysian universities has caught my concern, and also disappointment. Ranking of local universities has dropped, including Universiti Malaya's".

He pointed out that students these days look at education in the wrong way. Instead of regarding it as a lifelong quest for knowledge, ~~they~~ we see it as a platform to get a degree just to get hired in order to earn money. Second stab- "If you want money, don't go to university, go find a job".

Third stab- "If you look in reality, Chinese business tycoons who got rich didn't even go through tertiary education".

Fourth stab- "Don't waste other's money and time just because you want a scroll of paper you call 'ticket to luxury".

Fifth stab- "When I mark my student's paper, I'm marking my own answer. All they do is quote my lecture word by word".

Hopefully none of you are stabbed :) In whole he was voicing out his worries about today's youth. How ~~they~~ we lack critical thinking, and the enthusiasm in seeking knowledge. More often than not, ~~people~~ we judge excellence by how many As one have, overlooking the fact that 'smart' and 'wise' is different in essence. Education isn't just about bagging As. Its also about being street smart, and nurturing a balanced person with a towering personality.

Listening to his speech, I felt myself shrunk in my seat. What he said was somehow insulting. But what made it more painful is the fact that all of it, IS the truth. The current state of our students is alarming. I am not sure what is the logical explanation behind the fall of local universities in the TESS ranking. Is it because we are at a stagnant point with no improvement? Or its other international universities that are progressing rapidly? Or it is just because we don't progress enough? (tapi ikut fund research projects allocated for IPTA macam belambak je). Khoo Kay Kim said ~~students today~~ we are going to classes half-awake, eyes half-opened. Lethargic. Not creative. Not inovative. Living under a glass dome. Bak kata bangsa saya pulak, LEMAU. And I say, we need to wake up peeps!!! *Sum 41's Wake Up menyelit*

*yawns*

Night all!!

4 minutes

2009-06-05T04:17:00.006+08:00

I have only four minutes. Perhaps you have less. So here's a quickie.

1. To those who have been wondering whether I still live on planet Earth, yes, I still do. Pretty much the same retarded person. Only with a new mobile number and tonnes of fab things to do :)

2. I have 21 things to do before end of June :)

3. I've been saving for three awesome things. Almost there honey, almost there :)

4. Am taking Tun Siti Hasmah and Prof. Khoo Kay Kim's advice. Owh yes, be sure I'll be driving away with that ;)

5. I'm freaking nervous to see copies of it hit the rack :)

6. Can't thank Bernama TV enough ;p

7. I'm all smiles because I know June will be a wonderful wonderful month :)

Meminjam Mata Si Buta

2009-05-27T08:28:00.012+08:00

A lady and her daughter went to a massage spa somewhere in town.

"Selamat datang Puan"

"Hai dik. Akak nak buat reflexology boleh? Ada tempat tak?"

"Sorang ke dua orang kak?"

The daughter tersengih lebar. Like this --> :D

"Erm, dua orang lah dik"

"Okay. Akak tunggu kat bilik ni ye"

Two women walked in. One is a Malay girl, and the other, an Indian lady.

"Hai dik. Nak urut kaki or seluruh badan?", the Malay girl, Lina asked.

"Owh die budak kecik urut kaki aje. Akak nak urut the whole body lah dik", the mother tolong jawabkan.

Sambil berurut, Lina asked.

"Adik tingkatan brape? Keras nye urat. Bersukan ye?"

Mak kepada adik itu pun sekali lagi tolong menjawab, "Die dah dekat universiti dik. Tu la asyik duduk menjahit aje die ni. Tak tidur malam"

"Owh patutlaa. Jahit ape kak?"

"Tu haa, bag tu", referring to the one that's on their side.

"Owh, mesti cantik", Lina just smiled.

Mak kepada adik itu dengan semangatnya pointed to the bag, "Tu haa dik, yang hitam tu"

"Owh mesti cantik", Lina smiled again.

The adik quickly took her phone and texted her mum, who was just beside her btw.

"Mummy, shuush, they CAN'T SEE! Remember??"

And the mother replied:

"OMG! :("

----------------------------------------------------------

Looking at the smile engraved on both of those women's faces and the cheerfulness they brought with them into that room, the mother totally forgot that the massage spa she stepped into had this sign above its door - "Blind Massage"

The following is a story about what the writer has learnt within that one hour she spent at the massage spa that day, from two blind ladies, that apparently can see more than she herself could, with her two healthy eyes.

Lina

Chatty, friendly, witty and adorable. She's just 24, and a proud mother of two. Lina was born without the gift of eyesight. She went to a school for those who are visually impaired, and got married at the age of 20 to a guy whom she met at that school. They were classmates btw. Sweet.

I closed my eyes while listening to her stories. Her ever enthusiastic tone. The way she confidently expressed herself. Her positive outlook on things. If I didnt knew, she sounded just like any other optimistic youngsters who lead a normal life. Lina's words are all filled with one thing. CONTENTMENT. Which, made me feel so ashamed of myself for all those complains that I ever whined about :(

"Takpe akak. Susah sikit takpe. Kalau kite sabar, semua akan diringankan". Despite her disabilities, she's so positive. She presumes everything to be good and beautiful. ~~Hardship~~ seems to be the easiest thing for her. I can feel the love she has for her husband, children and family. And the inner sight she has, opened my eyes to see things beyond what my vision allows me to.

Aliya

This lady's presence is filled with warmth and makes you feel comfortable opening up to her. Aliya lost her faculty of sight due to high fever when she was 20 something. Born an Indian, Aliya later embraced Islam and got married to a Malay lad. She has two children. One, is adopted.

What amazed me is the fact that she adopted the boy from a welfare home for mentally disabled children because his mother could not afford to bare the cost of his maintenance. God. This lady has a big generous heart, despite the fact that she herself is not financially stable. She told us although she sometimes struggle to put bread on the table, but it satisfies her to be able to help others. "InsyaAllah, kalau kite tolong orang, Allah mesti tolong kite". Again, I feel ashamed.

Aliya also told us that she is ever thankful to the government for the help they provide for the disabled in this country. Free medical treatments. Financial assistance. Monthly allowance and such. This, reminded me that Malaysia is a generous country after all, compared to our neighbours.

Suara hati saya berkata, "bagusnya menjadi si buta, kerana mereka tidak menghakimi dengan pandangan semata-mata". Our eyes can deceive us sometimes. We often look forward at things that are not within our grasp rather than look down at things that we already have in our hands. Note to self, always always be thankful for what you do and don't have, and appreciate everything you're given with. Lihat bukan sekadar dengan mata kasar, tapi jua dengan mata hati.

Good day to all! :)

ps: thanks for the treat Mum!

Zombie Kampung Pisang & Kritik So-sialnya

2009-05-25T23:20:00.007+08:00

by Nazrin Faris

I read a post from a wellknown blogger, who is from Perak, and he commented further on the Perak drama. It was quite interesting how he see things, and also, the Perak slang of the Kuale people seronok didengar. Which reminds me of Zombie Kampung Pisang. Dengan assignment bertimbun, tak bersentuh, gatal tangan saya mencari di Youtube tentang " Zombie Kampung Pisang". Mesej-mesej cerita tu amat mendalam walaupun santai.

Sila la tengok. Seronok woo.

Even, housemate saya kata " Kampung la kau ni Naz, tengok cerita macam itu". Idok le pulak die cakap, "ish, yob, ape kampung bebenor nengok ceghite cenggitu, udoh berape kali le teman nengokkan kat ghumah dulu, adik teman suke bebenor ceghite ni".

Saya pun menjawab dengan slang perak celup, "ate, teman suke ceghite ni, suke ati teman le."

Zombie Kampung Pisang juga boleh dipanggil "Krisis Perak". Apa kaitannye?

Saye pun idok le tau, yang Kampung Pisang ni kat Kuale Kangso sebenornye. Mujur le sedare saye ceghité mase rayé dulu, "Yen, ape deme buat ceghite kat kampung pisang ni Yen? Bukan glemer pun kampung tu. Situ le tempat mak ngah kamu jumpe dot dot dot (dah lupe isi cerite) ".

From Kuale with love (macam tajuk majalah Gila-gila pulak)

Dengor ceghitenye, dari media (both sides), ade le antare demé, nak re eleksyen , ade pulok yang kate, ish bior le. Rakyat yang mane kite nok dengornye yob?

Ceghitenye, undang-undang tubuh salah sebut, Sultan salah discretion, dan macam-macam lagi le.

Teman ni jauh bebenor kat sini, idok le ade kat Kedai Capati Medan Gopeng atau kat belakang Mesjid Sungei Rokam . Therefore, idok le clear bebenor ngan ape yang jadi.

Harap-harap kawan-kawan teman yang sekarang kat Perak, tolong updatekan teman ye. Ate, takkan le teman nak harapkan paper semate. Time kasih

Ade satu video, mase rusuhan kat Kuale, mase kerete-kerete orang besor2 kene block tengah jalan, ade sorang ni tengah marah kemain, die marah dalam slang orang kuale kot "Ape sabor-sabor?". Tak pasal-pasal la raja dihilir tu kene maki. Idok le die nak datang kalo bukan pasal keghoje, kata beliau mungkin dalam hati. Pastu ade pulak rempit dari Ipoh cakap cenggini bile pakcik Unit Amal suruh rilek, "Mampuih ang, $%^&^%%!"

Ade pulak jiran saya, berseloroh dengan saye, "Nazrin, aku cukup marah dengan nama kau."

Saye pun tersenyum faham. Mesti dia kene cari orang nama Azlan untuk marah jugak dengan nama itu. Banyak lagi nama nak kene cari dan marah nampaknye yob. Azlan, Nazrin, Bainun, Ashman, Zara, Noraini Jane. Layan. Sume royal household kene le marah gamaknye.

Ape baguihnye demo kat Kuale ari tu? Selain PLUS dapat duit, orang masuk dari simpang pulai dan jelapang, pakcik-pakcik yang jual air dan keropok pun ade duit sikit mase tengah tengah gawat nih. Abang Din Kuetiaw Pekan Razaki idok le ade kat sane, ish. Rugi le yob. Kalo idak, sure hot nye kuetiaw abang.

Zombi Kampung Pisang

Ceghité Zombie Kampung Pisang cenggini. Menyedut sedikit dialog Husin dalam filem itu, "Mayat hidup tu macam orang yang amalkan ajaran sesat, politik sesat”-lebih kurang begitulah dialognya, saya pun hampir lupa keseluruhan dialog itu.

Zombi yang dihidupkan dalam cerita ini merupakan gambaran kepada sebilangan masyarakat yang 'tercemar’ akalnya akibat tumpahan ‘sisa-sisa toksik’ yang berbahaya, yang datang dari pihak-pihak yang mementingkan keuntungan diri sendiri dan ingin memecah belahkan keharmonian masyarakat. Golongan zombie ini terdiri daripada pelbagai lapisan masyarakat.Pemimpin masyarakat, golongan yang dianggap alim dan dihormati, ahli-ahli pasukan keselamatan, termasuklah juga orang seni yang nampak begitu tidak berilmu.

Kisah pencemeran dalam komuniti mereka bermula akibat amalan hidup mereka yang boleh dikatakan suke makan free. Maksud saya di sini jelas kerana apabila Pak Munawer (pemilik warung di mana sisa radioaktif tumpah) menawarkan makan 'free’ pada hari tersebut. Maka pada hari itu ramailah yang datang ke warungnya untuk makan ‘free’. Namun begitu, akibat keghairahan makan ‘free’ itu, mereka tidak sedar yang mereka akhirnya terkena satu padah yang tak disangka.

Golongan zombie ini dikatakan juga suka memakan otak manusia yang berIQ tinggi. Saya pun kurang pasti tentang ‘taste’ zombie-zombie itu tetapi pada tafsiran saya, memang golongan mayat hidup dalam masyarakat suka mengambil kesempatan atas kelebihan orang lain.

Zombie-zombie rempit juga ditonjolkan dalam filem ini. Haha. Saya kira ini sindiran yang juga jelas tapi tak semua orang terutamanya Mat-Mat rempit di dunia realiti ini faham. Husin sekali lagi menyindir secara tersurat dengan menyatakan ayat yang maksudnya lebih kurang begini; 'sudah dasar Mat Rempit, dah jadi zombie pun masih nak merempit'. Tu tak campur lagi time awie dengan skrip popularnya 'di sini, saya ingin berpesan pada rakyat malaysia..."

Sesuatu yang saya suka mengenai filem ini ialah bagaimana filem ini mengangkat lelaki-lelaki muda biasa, dari pelbagai negeri (dengar pada loghatnya) -yang tidak ada sijil SPM sebagai hero yang menyelamatkan Kampung Pisang daripada serangan zombie dalam satu malam. Sedangkan golongan yang memiliki sijil SPM, dihormati dan dianggap berpengetahuan tinggi pula yang mengeruhkan keadaan dan menimbulkan kekecohan. Mereka nampak bodoh-bodoh alang dan kurang amalan agamanya tetapi ada wawasan tersendiri. Lihat saja watak Husin. Sijil SPM tiada, namun katanya dia ada wawasan. "abang sebenornyé, nak jadi macam Amy Shearsh", (sambil memeluk tiang telefon).

Ironinya, dia masih berada di bawah tempurung, tidak mahu menjengah ke luar kampungnya untuk mengejar cita-cita. Mungkin yang boleh dibanggakan ialah rasa cintanya terhadap Kampung Pisang, yang menyebabkan dia terus menetap di situ walaupun kerjanya hanya melepak dan memetik gitar sepanjang hari. Mungkin hasratnya tinggi tetapi dikekang rasa takut serta skeptikal untuk bersifat lebih berani dan terbuka dalam menghadapi dunia luar. Jika ada inisiatif itu, mungkin dia boleh berjaya seperti watak A. Kasman, yang sanggup meninggalkan Munah di kampung semata-mata kerana mementingkan kariernya sebagai penyanyi rock.

ak sangka saya, mendalam sungguh kritik sosial Mamat Khalid nih.

Tapi dialog yang paling best ialah "rendang kering die brader, wa cakap sama lu brader".

Back to the "Perak Crisis", teman ghase le, daripade mintok buat re-election, bior je deme-deme ni perintah, sebabnye, kalau buat re-election, surely banyak duit hangus just for the sake of 59 ADUNs, nak gajikan SPR lagi, ini la itu la. Orang sure sebok berkempen, keghoje entah ke mané. Mungkin itu yang Azlan pikior kot.

Baik la duit yang tak di-spend tu, bagi kat rakyat-rakyat in terms of creating multiplier effect. Idok ke lagi seronok kite dapat stimulate economy dan bantu abang akak, makcik pakcik, belakang umah depan umah, yang kena retrench dari kerja to get on their feet back. Daripada duduk sibuk-sibuk berkempen sepanjang tahun. Kalo yob yong marah bebenor, next election ade. Komé balun le pueh pueh.

Since March '08, perkara yang paling glamer kat Malaysia ialah election.

Kite dok sebuk la nak FDI la ape la, tapi sibuk ngan hal politik, orang luar nak invest pun lari, tak boleh predict kestabilan politik negara. (oh, sounds like pencacai already, but its a fact yang tak boleh di ignore).

Ni pendapat teman, kome pikior cemane?

teman = saya
kome =kamu
pikior = fikir
zombie kampung pisang = filem mamat khalid

Ada lagi political and social cynic dalam zombi kampung pisang, bila anda lihat sendiri, tersenyumlah sorang2 :)

On the we (way) pak munawer.

Bringing Back Those Glorious Days

2009-05-25T17:21:00.003+08:00

The generation X. Mutated with quirkiness, designed to bring back the glory

For the past 7 years, IIU has been organizing the Interschool Debating Championship (IDC). Once a participant, I was blessed with a chance to keep some trophies. (kejayaan lama usah diungkit). Later on I crossed over to the other side of the wall as a committee, financial controller and adjudicator. And this year my experience grew as I was entrusted to emcee the English finals. Standing at the podium looking up the full and crowded auditorium, I can feel the passion in the air. These kids, they would do anything in the name of debate. Juggle classes and trainings. Stay up late to finish homeworks because their prep time was used for practices. Sacrifice holidays for tournaments. Spend on reading materials. Name it. Debate, is their life. And some of us were there too weren't we? Some, are still there :)

As I read out the name of the victors during the prize giving ceremony, I can't stop myself from saying this out loud with boasting pride, "And the second semi-finalists for the Malay language category is, Sekolah Menengah Sains Teluk Intan!" *tears tears* Ok that's a total exaggeration. But I have to admit I was overwhelmed to see the four young man walked up that stage to receive the mock cheque and trophies. Sadly I am not able to name each of them. Blame my dory-isy memory. The only name I remember is Haziq Jamaludin as he emerged as the 3rd rank overall best speaker! Congratulations bro! You broke mine and Hazwan's record :) And we are definitely very proud of you guys! All of you! :)

Ini bukan over react mahupun rasa bangga membuak-buak yang tak bertempat akan alma mater sendiri. This pride is due to the fact sudah lama sungguh tidak mendengar nama SEMESTI dalam arena debat, mahupun melihat adik-adik yang suatu ketika dahulu dididik dan turut dibuli sikit-sikit berada di atas pentas. And what makes me prouder is because these kids did it without proper regimented coaching like we had to go through back then. So congratulations again kiddos! Owh and they even have a shirt for the debate team! O-kay I'm a little jealous. We didn't have one back then! And its pink yo! Saya mahu satu!

I have another great news to share with fellow Semestians. The girls basketball team made it to HKSBP national level. How they managed to still surprised me ;p Banyak kali juga saya bertanya when one of the teachers informed me, seakan-akan tidak percaya. Almaklumlah, rasanya belum pernah ada team basketball alma mater kita yang berjaya melayakkan diri ke peringkat kebangsaan. This is definitely a blessed year for Semesti's contingent. You go kiddos! And I can't wait to join them!

PPM '09 will be at SSP from 28th May-2nd June. Do come if you're free!

Ini adalah bingkisan kejayaan dahulu yang sudah lama berlalu.
Aku mahu yang baru.

2009-05-17T02:07:00.010+08:00

“It is not good for the world to see us changing a mentri besar every other day. Public musical chairs like this is not very nice,” Tun Dr.M

public musical chair.

and what would the music be?

AF KELUAR

2009-05-17T01:12:00.007+08:00

Assalamualaikum wbt

*you're texting your mates to tell them that you're happy because the one you've been rooting for won/ you're cursing voters nationwide because you think they did not make a good choice by not voting the one you voted for*

Benar. Malam ini hampir semua rakyat Malaysia terpaku di depan kaca tv kerana ingin menonton konsert akhir Akademi Fantasia. Segelintir dari kita, ada yang tukar tukar saluran tv, jumpa konsert yang menarik, ah, tengok sajalah alang-alang bosan. Ramai, sekadar melihat untuk hiburan. Kebanyakan, tunggu depan tv setelah selesainya fardhu Maghrib sambil telefon bimbit tak lepas dari genggaman. Jari jemari diletup-letupkan agar lebih pantas menaip. Dan beribu, pergi meng'hangat'kan Stadium Putra.

Maaf sekiranya apa yang bakal anda baca bisa menyinggung. Bukan niat di hati ingin mengganti Adlin Aman Ramlee. Jauh sekali mengimpikan rambut secantik Edrie, mahupun mengejar gelaran Dato' satu-satunya srikandi. I have nothing against the entertainment industry. Neither do I have any problem with AF. Bagus, usaha untuk melahirkan lebih ramai artis yang berkualiti dan well-rounded. Syumul sungguh pendekatan akademi ini.

Pun begitu, secara peribadi saya merasakan ada sesetengah lagak mahupun lawak yang kurang cerdik yang perlu diberikan transformasi. Jenaka 'tak zip seluar', 'gaya nak terkucil'. Mungkin gelagat selamba ala-ala kejang otot sang pengacara yang mulia menggelikan hati segelintir penonton dari kalangan kita. Tetapi ia hanya mampu membuat saya terdiam, tunduk dengan perasaan malu. Lagi, aksi gadis manis bertudung terkinja-kinja di atas dan tepi pentas, membiarkan lentok tubuhnya menjadi santapan. Fanatik dan cool katanya. Bagus. Anda memang rock dan cool habis. Teruskan. Market tu. Terbaik!

Tinggalkan sebentar konsert akhir yang scale nya paling besar ini. Mari ke saluran @15. Terima kasih Astro kerana menyediakan chatbox bagi pemuja-pemuja peserta AF untuk menyuarakan buah fikiran masing-masing. Namun sayangnya, ruang interaksi ini dijadikan tempat meluah rasa benci. Si ibu beranak lima, mahupun teruna yang menerima peluang kedua di caci dan di maki dengan bahasa-bahasa yang kurang sopan. Nak tahu intipatinya sila lihat sendiri.

Mungkin ada yang merasakan perkara ini biasa. Maafkan saya, namun saya merasa gusar dan kurang selesa dengan budaya kurang sihat yang timbul gara-gara demam AF ini.

Mari kita fikirkan sejanak hakikat di sebalik program realiti yang mempromosi fantasi ini. Budaya kutuk-mengutuk. Lawak kurang bernas yang tidak pun lucu sebenarnya dan lain-lain lagi. Saya merasakan perkara sebegini bukanlah satu cerminan yang baik bagi bangsa kita. Melihat dari luar kotak, fenomena sebegini membuatkan bangsa Melayu tampak seperti golongan yang mengangkat hedonisme sebagai budaya. Sudahlah begitu, diapikan lagi dengan budaya dengki dan suka menjatuhkan sesama sendiri. Yes, I used a lot of the word 'budaya'. Kerana itu akar umbi maruah bangsa. Back to root people, back to root.

All these, along with the not so intelligent host, need to go. Owh yea, those tight pants too. To see guys in that, is just disturbing.

Sorry wok. Selamat malam semua.

To That Crazy Friend That Keeps Me Sane,

2009-05-11T02:20:00.005+08:00

Happy Birthday Raihan!!
as always you've reached there first than me, so tell me how it feels to be 21 ;)
wishing you only the greatestest of the greatest!
may you're always showered with Allah's blessing, and protected from all evil.

lots of LOVE,
the other crazy friend

9 years and counting

global-i-say-tion

2009-05-11T01:09:00.005+08:00

I never finished reading this book. Decided to go through it again tonight and laughed alone at this ;

Question : What is the truest definition of globalization?

Answer: Princess Diana's death.

Question: How come?

Answer: An English princess with an Egyptian boyfriend crashes in a French tunnel, driving a German car with a Dutch engine, driven by a Belgian who was drunk Scotch whiskey, followed closely by Italian paparazzi on Japanese motorcycles, treated by an American doctor, using Brazilian medicines. This is posted by an American, using Bill Gate's technology, and you're probably reading this on a computer that uses Taiwanese chips and Korean monitor, assembled by Bangladeshi workers in a Singapore plant, transported by Indian lorry-drivers, hijacked by Indonesians, unloaded by Sicilian longshoremen, and trucked to you by Mexican illegals. That my friend, is globalization!

Lee Iacocca, in his book 'Where Have All the Leaders Gone?'

Erti Kepimpinan dan Peranan Pemimpin Muda

2009-05-10T00:23:00.007+08:00

Kepimpinan bukanlah satu aksesori yang boleh diada-adakan untuk melengkapkan pakej seseorang yang ingin bergelar ketua. Kualiti dan sifat ini lahir sama ada secara semula jadi mahupun melalui iltizam yang tinggi dalam membentukknya. Satu perkara yang pasti, memiliki ciri-ciri unggul seorang pemimpin berwibawa tidak semudah meneguk air. Joseph A. Kechician dan R. Hrair Dekmejian dalam buku mereka The Just Prince, yang merupakan terjemahan dan ulasan Sulwan al-Muta’ Fi ‘Udwan al-Atba’, karya Muhammad ibn Zafar al-Siqilli, mendedahkan terdapat sekurang-kurangnya lima prinsip utama yang harus mencorakkan keperibadian dan perwatakan seorang pemimpin. Jesteru, penulisan ini akan mengupas jujukan ciri-ciri yang membentuk kepimpinan cemerlang serta peranan yang perlu dimainkan oleh golongan muda hari ini sebagai persediaan menjadi pelapis peneraju negara masa hadapan.

Pertama, kepercayaan kepada Tuhan. Prinsip ini merupakan satu kualiti penting yang akan membuka ruang kepada percambahan kualiti kepimpinan yang lain. Kepentingan memiliki ciri ini adalah, seseorang pemimpin akan menjalankan tanggungjawab dan tugasnya sebaik mungkin. Tanpa sebarang perasaan bimbang terhadap ugutan dan musibah ciptaan manusia. Ketika zamannya, Ibn Taymiyya merupakan individu yang memainkan peranan penting dalam kelancaran dan kejayaan pentadbiran Syria dan Mesir. Beliau acapkali mengingatkan pemimpin bahawa ‘ketua’ yang sebenar adalah Allah S.W.T. Al-Diwani, dalam karyanya Akhlaq-i Jalili, menekankan bahawa pemimpin haruslah mempunyai ciri sebagai Khalifah Allah yang bertaqwa di samping memahami hakikat betapa pemimpin boleh diibaratkan sebagai pemangku Nabi kepada rakyatnya. Pandangan ini membuktikan dengan jelas betapa pemimpin yang baik perlu mempunyai kepercayaan dan ketaqwaan kepada Allah S.W.T. dan bersedia untuk menjadi agen penyubur keadilan sosial dalam masyarakatnya.

Kedua, pemimpin haruslah mengutamakan pembangunan dan kebajikan masyarakat melebihi kepentingan diri dan bersikap zuhud. Pemimpin adalah hamba nombor satu negara. Kenyataan ini terlalu benar dan besar maknanya. Pemimpin dalam erti kata sebenar haruslah sentiasa mengangkat kemaslahatan rakyat pada tahap tertinggi. Atau setidak-tidaknya, melebihi kepentingan peribadinya. Tim Harford, dalam The Undecover Economist, telah membincangkan dengan terperinci faktor-faktor yang mengekalkan Cameroon dalam kelompok negara termiskin di dunia. Mungkin ramai yang tidak percaya bahawa punca utama Cameroon gagal membangun adalah disebabkan oleh keputusan pemimpinnya yang mahukan negara tersebut kekal mundur!

Dakwaan ini boleh dibuktikan dengan menganalisis beberapa fakta penting. Misalnya, bermula seawal November 1982, sepanjang sembilan belas tahun pentadbiran Presiden Paul Biya, boleh dikatakan hampir tiada langsung pelan pembangunan terancang dilakukan. Bagi mengelakkan kunjungan pelancong asing, Kementerian Pelancongan Cameroon dengan sengaja menggunakan jolokan ”Ketiak Afrika” bagi mematikan minat dan perhatian masyarakat luar terhadap negaranya terutamanya bandar Douala. Kemasukkan pelaburan terus asing (FDI) hampir berada pada tahap sifar lantaran laporan Transperancy International (TI), yang meletakkan negara tersebut di tangga sepuluh terbawah sekaligus menjadikannya sebagai negara yang mempunyai tahap korupsi dan jenayah integriti yang meruncing.

Ferdinand Marcos dan Joseph Estrada pula merupakan nama-nama besar dalam sejarah Filipina. Bukan kerana mereka adalah mantan presiden. Akan tetapi, merekalah ikon popular pemimpin yang dikaitkan dengan skandal rasuah dan pengelewengan kuasa terbesar. Ironinya, tatkala pemimpin tertinggi negara ligat mengaut sebahagian besar harta negara, sebahagian besar rakyat masih dibelenggu krisis kemiskinan tegar yang begitu mengaibkan. Buktinya, pada awal 1990an, tapak pelupusan sampah utama di bandar Manila, Smokey Mountain, yang menjadi tumpuan golongan miskin, ditutup kerana dilihat sebagai simbol kepapaan rakyat Filipina. Namun tapak-tapak pelupusan sampah yang lain terus menerima kunjungan setia golongan penduduk berpendapatan kurang daripada USD3 sehari. Lebih menyayat hati, dilaporkan sekurang-kurang seratus tiga puluh orang pengemis terbunuh dalam runtuhan di tapak pelupusan Payatas, Manila pada Julai 2000.

Situasi ini menggambarkan dengan jelas musibah yang bakal menimpa rakyat sekiranya, golongan yang diberi kepercayaan menerajui kepimpinan negara, rakus memenuhkan kantung haloba sendiri tanpa memikirkan masa depan negara. Maka jelaslah, kepimpinan turut bererti, kesanggupan meletakkan kepentingan dan kemaslahatan pengikut melebihi kepentingan sendiri. Nescaya, sikap dan pendirian ini akan melindungi kebajikan rakyat. Malah akan turut meningkatkan kelancaran pengurusan sesuatu organisasi dan agensi kerajaan. Untuk membentuk sifat prihatin terhadap kemaslahatan masyarakat, golongan belia perlu didedahkan mengenainya seawal mungkin.

Ketiga, seorang pemimpin perlulah berpandangan jauh, berpemikiran strategik dan berani mengambil risiko. Sesungguhnya faktor yang menjadikan Albert Enstein saintis berjaya adalah keupayaannya untuk berfikir melangkaui zamannya. Namun yang bulat tak akan datang bergolek, yang pipih tak akan datang melayang. Pemikiran strategik bukan mukjizat dari langit. Sebaliknya satu kemahiran yang perlu diasah berterusan. Jesteru, ciri ini berkait rapat dengan ciri keempat, iaitu kesabaran dan kental menghadapi kegagalan.

Sejarah silam merakamkan dengan jelas contoh-contoh belia zaman silam yang memiliki keupayaan memimpin, jauh melangkaui zaman dan usia sebenar mereka. Usamah bin Zaid pernah memimpin tentera Islam berjuang membebaskan Palestin ketika usianya baru mencecah 17 tahun. Malah, ketika baru berusia lapan belas tahun, ketokohan dan daya kepimpinan Muhd Al-Fatih, Putera Raja Murad II telah menyebabkan beliau tampil dengan strategi perang yang menarik dan tidak dijangka musuh. Sehinggakan mampu menawan kota Constantinopal yang telah dikuasai oleh Empayar Rom sejak lapan ratus tahun sebelumnya.

Manakala pemikiran berwawasan dan keupayaan untuk merancang yang tinggi telah mendorong Tzar Peter the Great (1867-1912), pengasas revolusi Rusia, untuk mencadangkan perubahan bandar utama kerajaan Rusia ke St. Peterburg, yang dahulunya dikenali sebagai Petrograd dan Leningrad, juga berakhir dengan sebuah kejayaan. Tanggal 1919, menjadi saksi keberanian dan kesabaran Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (1869-1948), yang lebih dikenali sebagai Mahatma Gandhi, yang mengambil risiko menganjurkan mogok lapar besar-besaran secara terancang rentetan daripada tindakan tidak berperikemanusiaan General Reginald Dyer yang menembak mati sekurang-kurangnya tiga ratus sembilan puluh orang awam di Lembah Jalianwala Bagh, Amritsar, yang berhimpun sebagai tanda menentang penggubalan Rowlett Act oleh kerajaan British. Demonstrasi secara aman tersebut telah memberikan tamparan hebat kepada kerajaan British sekaligus memaksa sang penjajah untuk memberikan kemerdekaan kepada India.

Malaysia tidak kurang hebatnya, kita pernah bertungkus lumus menyelamatkan negara yang menerima kesan buruk kegawatan ekonomi akhir 1997. Ketika negara ibarat telur di hujung tanduk, keupayaan kerajaan pimpinan Tun Dr. Mahathir Muhammad mengambil risiko dan mencipta formula sendiri dengan melakukan tambatan matawang berpilih telah menyelamatkan kita dari termakan muslihat beracun Tabung Kewangan Antarabangsa (IMF).

Lantas kita bisa merumuskan, bahawa kepimpinan turut membawa konotasi, kebijaksanaan mencatur strategi dan kekentalan dalam mempertahan kemandirian negara menghadapi pancaroba. Apa yang jauh lebih penting, untuk mencapai perkara ini, belia selaku pewaris kedaulatan negara, perlu diterapkan dengan kepercayaan untuk selalu bertindak matang, bebas dan memiliki jati diri dan patriotisme yang mantap.

Kelima, pemimpin harus mempunyai penasihat yang berani, adil dan berperibadi tinggi. Kata orang, malu bertanya sesat di jalan. Maknanya, pemimpin yang berkesan memerlukan penasihat yang adil dan berperibadi tinggi. Bukannya sekadar dikeremuni oleh sekelompok pengikut yang dibelenggu konflik kepentingan dan cenderung untuk mengiyakan apa-apa sahaja yang dilakukannya. Risikonya, setiap keakuran dan kepatuhan yang dipamerkan oleh para pengikut tidak semestinya didasari oleh keperluan sebenar. Sebaliknya, sekadar satu manifestasi ketaatan membuta tuli demi menutup kelemahan seorang pemimpin yang akhirnya disantuni dan dituruti dengan penuh kepalsuan. Walaupun termaktub dalam kitab suci Al-Quran bahawa Rasulullah S.A.W. adalah pemimpin terpilih, Baginda tidak pernah menganggap dirinya sempurna apatah lagi menolak mentah-mentah segala cadangan yang diberikan kepadanya. Malah, dalam kebanyakkan hal, Bagindalah yang sentiasa membuka ruang kepada para sahabat melontarkan buah fikiran dan nasihat yang boleh menambahbaik kepimpinannya.

Selepas kewafatan Baginda, tradisi pemimpin melantik penasihat yang adil, berani dan berperibadi murni ini terus menjadi amalan. Fenomena ini wujud dalam hampir semua peradaban. Di Barat misalnya, Niccolo Machiavelli pernah memberi nasihat kepada pemimpin menerusi karya agungnya The Prince. Sun Tzu pula mempemarkan buah fikirannya untuk pertimbangan Maharaja China dalam The art of War. Walaupun Statesman, Laws and Republic bukannlah karya yang memberikan nasihat secara langsung kepada pemerintah Greek, Plato bertindak nekad merantau ke Sicily semata-mata ingin menjadi mentor dalam mengasah karisma Raja Dionysius II. Manakala Arthasatra, nukilan Kautilya, seorang penulis berkasta Brahmin yang merupakan Ketua Menteri kepada Raja Chandragupta (321-296 SM), pengasas Empayar Mauriya, tidak ketinggalan menjadi tamsilan ampuh karya berunsur nasihat kepada pemerintah.

Contoh yang sama dipamerkan oleh Cardinal Richelieu (1585-1642). Beliau memilih untuk menegur kelemahan Raja Perancis dalam membuat keputusanmenerusi huraian lengkap bab Le Conseil du Prince, yang dimuatkan dalam karyanya, Testament Politique. Dalam konteks sejarah Islam, senario yang sama berlaku. Safi al-Din Muhammad Ibn ‘Ali Ibn Tabataba yang dikenali dengan sebagai Ibn Tiqtaqa, menulis buku berjudul Al-Fakhri sebagai panduan kepada Fakhr al-Din ‘Isa ibn Ibrahim yang merupakan pemerintah bandar al-Hilla, Iraq pada ketika itu.

Untuk melihat kebobrokan pemimpin yang enggan menerima teguran, kita tidak perlu pergi jauh. Lihat sahaja malapetaka yang menimpa negara China akibat sikap para pegawai Presiden Mao, yang bukan sahaja tidak berani bersuara, malah sentiasa menghamburkan pujian berlebihan terhadap tindakannya memperkenalkan Revolusi Budaya dan dasar Great Leap Forward. Kepura-puraan dan sikap terlalu ingin menjaga hati pemimpin telah menggagalkan kedua-dua dasar tersebut dan mengorbankan sekurang-kurang tiga puluh juta rakyat China.

Ringkasnya, kesemua fakta ini relevan dalam dua konteks. Pertama, kepemimpinan bererti kesediaan untuk bersikap terbuka terhadap nasihat, kritikan dan teguran serta memiliki penasihat yang berani. Kedua, adalah menjadi peranan golongan belia untuk menjadi agen timbang tara terhadap pemimpin yang tersasar dan perlu sentiasa lantang bersuara menegakkan yang hak dan mencegah yang batil. Bak kata pepatah melayu, raja adil raja disembah, raja zalim raja disanggah. Jesteru dalam konteks Malaysia, tindakan memasukkan klausa dua dalam perkara 181, Perlembagaan Persekutuan, yang memansuhkan kekebalan Raja dan pemerintah Melayu di sisi undang-undang, merupakan satu tindakan yang wajar dalam konteks kepimpinan yang adil dan berkesan.

Pesan hukamak, jika ingin melihat pemimpin masa hadapan sesuatu bangsa, lihatlah belia hari ini. Sesungguhnya, tiada guna jika kita lantang membahaskan pengertian kepimpinan tanpa mengaitkannya dengan tahap penghayatan oleh golongan belia. Perangkaan yang dikeluarkan oleh Kementerian Belia dan Sukan melaporkan golongan belia di Malaysia dijangka meningkat pada purata 1.1 peratus setahun, daripada 11.1 juta pada 2005 kepada 11.65 juta menjelang 2010. Manakala, Rancangan Malaysia Kesembilan (RMK-9) yang dibentangkan pada Mac 2006 telah memperuntukkan kira-kira RM5.3 bilion untuk program pembangunan belia serta bagi mengasah bakat mereka sebagai pemimpin. Perkara ini begitu genting memandangkan hari ini kita berhadapan dengan cabaran globalisasi yang melanda begitu pantas dalam benuk yang sentiasa berubah-ubah. Kita pasti akan dihidangkan satu dimensi yang menakutkan, sekiranya kita menelaah apa yang ditulis oleh Thomas L. Friedman dalam The Nexus and The Olive Tree serta versi terbaru The World is Flat.

Menurutnya, kecanggihan teknologi internet yang beroperasi hasil penciptaan protokol digital seperti XML (extensible markup language) dan SOAP (simple object access protokol) telah secara tidak langsung membuka ruang kepada penularan hedonisme dan ektremisme dengan kadar yang lebih pantas daripada yang pernah kita jangkakan. Dan Tapsott, dalam Growing Up Digital: The Rise of Baby Boom, menceritakan gelombang teknologi maklumat menyebabkan kebanyakan golongan belia di Eropah dihimpit kecanduan hiburan dunia maya. Jelaslah, gelombang globalisasi mampu menghayutkan golongan belia daripada menghayati peranan dan tanggungjawab mereka terhadap diri dan masyarakat. Natijahnya, negara akan terkapai-kapai untuk mencari pelapis peneraju tampuk kepimpinan negara yang berkualiti dan berwibawa.

Maka, sebagai kesimpulannya, terdapat beberapa perkara yang perlu diberi pertimbangan serius. Misalnya, saranan yang dikemukakan oleh mantan Menteri Belia dan Sukan Malaysia bahawa belia perlukan satu pertubuhan yang diterajui oleh mereka sendiri demi merekayasa kemampuan memimpin. Jesteru, penggubalan Akta Pembangunan dan Pertubuhan Belia 2007 boleh disifatkan sebagai satu langkah matang, bersesuaian dengan tuntutan semasa.

Selain itu, kita juga boleh menubuhkan Akademi Kepimpinan Negara yang boleh mengambil model Institut Aspen di Amerika Syarikat. Pakar pengurusan dan kepimpinan terkenal, Dr. Keninth Blanchard, menyarankan kewujudan profesor dalam aspek kepimpinan di institut pengajian tinggi awam berupaya meningkatkan daya kepimpinana golongan belia.. Perkara sebegini telah lama dipraktikkan di barat. Contohnya pengambilan Warren Bennis di University of Southern California dan John Kotter di Harvard Business School yang berfungsi memberi nasihat dalam aspek belia dan kepemimpinan. Satu perkara yang pasti, biarpun seribu cadangan dan resolusi disuarakan, kesemuanya hanya akan mampu dicapai dengan adanya iltizam politik yang tinggi. Ingatlah, pemimpin dan kepimpinan adalah satu amanah! Rasulullah S.A.W. bersabda yang bermaksud:

“Setiap kamu adalah pemimpin dan setiap pemimpin bertanggungjwab ke atas orang di bawah pimpinannya”

2009-04-30T12:03:00.011+08:00

I wish guys come in boxes, complete with ingredients and nutritional facts. and at the bottom of it, they include this sign like those on toys packaging, "WARNING: annoying hazards or bad temper or extremely possessive or obsessive compulsively clingy"

THIS would come really handy don't you think?

owh I can only wish

To My Partner in Crime,

2009-04-21T01:14:00.000+08:00

who always watch my back,
who never failed to be there for both triumphs and turbulences,
you're my pillow

Happy 21st Birthday Wani darling :)

hard work pays :)

2009-04-17T17:35:00.002+08:00

Some might already know about this. But I'm quite sure most doesn't even know the existence of Myranesque :D But never mind that. I'm feeling chatty today so beware of a long babbling post.

The picture:
This is page 9 of Malaysian Today, April 9, 2009

The headline:
'Handmade Goodies'. yes. handmade goodies made by my hands! :D
ok lame gillaa weyy!

The story behind this article:
A few months back, I started sewing out of boredom. I have been madly in love with handcraft since the day I learnt to hold a pair of scissors and cut out Mak Tok's dresses to make clothes for my Barbie. Yes, aku dulu terlebih creative. in a destructive way ;p

As I grew up I learnt to make more handcrafts. Paper arts, knitting, cross-stitch yadi yadaa. A few years back Mum taught me how to use the sewing machine. So I started multiplying the size of my projects from little dresses to pencil cases to tote bags and it got bigger and bigger. BPE girls back in school would remember well the dorm curtain innit? :)

Then, pernah suatu ketika dahulu, saya sangat broke. Saya makan cheese biscuits and cheese spread yang tersimpan dalam cabinet bilik saya for brunch and late dinner. Nak jimat punya pasal, perlu creative combine meals :D owh owh. jangan bersimpati. Ini adalah akibat pengurusan wang yang tidak cekap ;p So yo! Say it out loud! Padan muka gua! :D

It was at that time, that it got to me, I need a plan. A bail out plan that's bigger than Obama's! (okay ini exaggerate gills). I asked my self what kind of life I want to live. What kind of job I'd want to enslave myself to and actually enjoy doing it. Despite doing LLB, I've always known that I won't practice law. Give me 10 years to finish that scholarship contract. Then I'll do something on my own. And it definitely has to be something I'm passionate about.

But I don't want to wait. Not another day, not another decade. Personally I believe 30 is the age to start enjoying the fruits that we sow, not the age to start seeding. Life is short. I want to start early. So I am starting now. Slowly. Step by step. But with a never ending marathon of hard work and patience. Yes. Patience. The most essential virtue one needs to succeed.

So here I am,
setting up the foundation of my dream to spend life enslaving myself to a career I'm in love with :)

At first it all started as a holiday project. I made a few bags and cards as gifts. Then I received unexpected demand. Alhamdulillah, from just a hobby, Myranesque managed to become a label on its own that's so far has gained its own fans :) To all of you who have always been there behind me, THANK YOU VERY VERY VERY MUCH!!! Your prayers and support keep me going :)

Conclusion:
This piece of newspaper cutting is just the beginning. It is not a privilege. It is a motivation to keep up, a challenge to step up, and a responsibility to fly further up!

Tak Bertegur Sapa

2009-04-17T00:45:00.010+08:00

In the name of Allah the Most Gracious the Most Merciful

The title of this entry was the topic discussed on Radio IKIM last Friday, which managed to enlighten me whilst I was silently swearing the traffic under my breath on the way to sent Mum to work. God bless KL's traffic.

Every 3-5 minutes there would a caller sharing his or her stories. Some, I tried to relate to. The rest, I think its better left untold. Certain domestic issues should have been kept private. Most callers end up crying, telling their tales of miseries with a croaking voice, trying really hard to hold back their tears which spilled the gore of a broken heart. The knife that cut through it was certainly the dispute between loved ones, friends and even neighbours which led to a ruined relationship .

For every problem confided, the guest speaker who is an Ustaz emphasised the danger of disputing amongst ourselves, and the torment that awaits for those who break the silaturraheem between each other, showing no effort to resolve the problem.

The Ustaz when back into the days of Rasulullah S.W.T., and again enlightening me with a few stories worth pondering upon. I am so sorry I couldn't remember the exact hadeeth but the gist goes like this: as narrated, there was this man, who had to face the torment of hellfire just because he did not talk to his brother in more than 3 days. Allah despises those who prolong dispute between themselves and refuse to bridge the fraction.

There was an event in which Rasulullah S.W.T taught a man a doa to purify his heart from hatred and ill feelings. For he who sleeps with even a pinch of hatred in his heart shall never rest in peace in the hereafter.

The Ustaz also mentioned that if you are in dispute with anyone, it is advisable to give presents to that person, as this signifies peace and forgiveness. If that person did not take the gesture positively, at the very least, you have execute your responsibility to mend the broken bond.

As I'm sharing this with you, I am actually reminding myself. Saya percaya kalian semua dari kalangan bijak pandai malah lebih arif dari saya. But as a mere mortal, we often mislooked certain things, separating theories and practices. So lets together preach and practice :)

In today's world where everyone is always busy with their own lives and agendas, fundamental matters such as the relationship between mankind should not be taken for granted. Ever. We might not realise it, but we might have hurt someone along the way. I am sure most of the time it is unintentional. But life is short. We don't know if there is still tomorrow for us to do good to others. Or worse, there might not even be tomorrow for us to seek forgiveness from those we have hurt. Remember, Allah will only forgive your mistakes to mankind when they have forgiven you. If you have issues, deal with it on the table. Don't just sweep it under the carpet.

James Bond said tomorrow never dies. But I'd say, tomorrow, we might die.

For those I have ever hurt, I humbly seek your forgiveness. May Allah cleanse our hearts and abstain us from hatred and ill feelings. Ameen.

"Kind words and forgiving of faults are better than Sadaqah (charity) followed by injury. And Allah is Rich (Free of all wants) and He is Most-Forbearing."
[ Al-Baqarah: 263 ]

Sincerely,

M.M.

please excuse the silence

2009-04-15T17:26:00.003+08:00

Assalamualaikum wbt :)

I know I keep on disappointing you guys with my absence of entries. As some of you already know, I've been busy elsewhere :) A lot of good things have been happening lately. and for all of that, I thank Allah, and all of you who have been supporting me :) I'll update you specifically very very soon. InsyaAllah :)

ps: I actually have tonnes of drafts waiting to be published :D

aaah, puas!

2009-03-31T06:36:00.003+08:00

biar jari kecil lagi montel aku ni berlobang-lobang dan 'bocor' lalu menitiskan cecair yang berwarna merah, tapi takpe, it was all worth it. janji, puas hati aku! :D

courage isn't the absence of fear, but the ability to face it. tried my hand at embroidery. ended up with two plastered fingers, but one happy heart! :)

mission accomplished

2009-03-29T16:54:00.001+08:00

sister, i am SO proud of you! :)

pffftt

2009-03-25T02:48:00.003+08:00

i feel like dancing in the rain
watched by those sparkling stars
will you dance with me?

note: rain and stars at the same time? pfft. chocolate at this hour always have this effect on me

Get Creative With the Lights Off

2009-03-24T07:05:00.002+08:00

o0o0o0o0o0ooo!! sounds so kinky ;p but this ain't my line. i stole it from today's NST :D the article is regarding the Earth Hour on 28th March. all the tall buildings in the world will turn off their lights to show their support to counter global warming. Worldwide Fun for Nature suggests that we do the same at home. switching your lights off indicates your vote to save our planet. amongst their other suggestions are- get romantic by having candlelight dinner at home with your loved one, or cuddle up to watch the stars.

alright. thanks for those suggestions. be sure as hell that i'm gonna have a torchlight candy dinner with the man i sleep next to every night. or in this case, that round young man :)

patience pays

2009-03-23T16:18:00.004+08:00

In the Name of Allah,
The Compassionate Source of All of Mercy

"But you cannot will, unless Allah wills.
Verily, Allah is Ever All-Knowing, All-Wise."
[ Al-Insan: 30 ]

pa·tient \ˈpā-shənt\

bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint: manifesting forbearance under provocation or strain: steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity

Being patient is a strength. Its true they say. Patience is virtue. It might be easy to gain, but hard to maintain. If patience be a virtue sought, my hope is in my forbearance. I'm a patient of patience. For patience gives hope. Patience heals.

And today, patience pays :)

Thank you Allah for rewarding a sweet outcome for those who are patient. And to the person who i know i can lean on, thank you for always being there. Thank you for turning another ordinary day into a wonderful one. Above all, thank you for your patience. You know who you are ;)

PS: Twix never tasted this good :D

what a wonderful life

2009-03-15T12:55:00.010+08:00

In the Name of Allah, The Compassionate Source of All of Mercy

"And to Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and Allah has power over all things. Verily! In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the alternation of night and day, there are indeed signs for men of understanding."
[ Al-Imran: 189-190 ]

have you ever feel so distraught, that you can't even breathe? your knees become so weak that you can't walk. grief grips you SO hard until that little lung of yours can't defy the pressure. even in the deafening noise you can hear it slowly rupture. well, i have.

to tell you the truth, my lung almost exploded. but what saved me was, the believe that everything, every thing happens for a reason.

"Allah will not burden us with something greater than we can bear" [Al-Baqarah: 286]

and just that, just by holding on to that believe, i managed to breathe again.

difficult times have helped me to understand better than before, how infinitely rich and beautiful life is in every way. and that so many things that one goes worrying about are of no importance whatsoever. in difficulties, lie opportunities.

the power that we often overlooked is the power of blessing. i have learnt that we always say the word 'redha', but do we actually feel it by heart? i mean, when we say the word, do we redha in the truest way and meaning? for me, you feel it by heart when you accept whatever that befalls you with open arms and heart, knowing and believing that He knows better, and He knows best. Allah is Ever-Knowing. putting your faith fully upon Allah and praying non-stop for the best. that, to my understanding, is redha. correct me if i am wrong please.

but bear in mind, that 'the best', is not what you want, but rather what you NEED.

bless a thing and it will bless you. curse a thing and it will curse you. if you bless a situation, it has no power to hurt you, and even if it is trouble-some for a time, it will gradually fade out, if you sincerely bless it..

and whoever said that life is unfair, i beg to differ. life IS fair. because God is Ever-Fair. you do good and you will be rewarded. you do otherwise, and you'll be tormented. and it is the mix of both luxuries and hardships that make life wonderful. for lessons and wisdoms may come in any way He wills.

for the courage, for the strength, for the patience, and for the unwavering faith that every cloud has a silver lining, i thank God.

in the end, they don't really matter

2009-03-13T23:50:00.005+08:00

people are often unreasonable and self-centered
FORGIVE THEM ANYWAY

if you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives
BE KIND ANYWAY

if you are honest, people may cheat you
BE HONEST ANYWAY

if you find happiness, people may be jealous
BE HAPPY ANYWAY

the good you do today maybe forgotten tomorrow
DO GOOD ANYWAY

give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough
GIVE YOUR BEST ANYWAY

for you see, in the end, it is between you and GOD

IT NEVER WAS BETWEEN YOU and THEM ANYWAY

berlari ke langit

2009-03-11T11:46:00.003+08:00

my flight is postponed.
May, please come quick!

more than words

2009-03-10T00:53:00.006+08:00

let's be honest. why do we blog?

most, have stories to share. anxious for the world to know about how their day went.

some, take freedom of expression seriously and want their opinions to matter.

a few, take this as a way to make this world a better place by spreading wisdom.

for the first group, they prefer to paint their lives on blog sphere for others to see and analyse, sharing details from that bitter break up to the latest pair of sneakers they bought to the tragic death of that-old-lady-living-across-the-street's cat.

the second group voices out their views with poise, self-assured that they are doing a great thing by sharing their great thoughts, giving great reviews on the not so great current happenings.

and last but not least, the third group. these are the people who see blogging, is not just a way to enhance your writing skill, or to be the protege of Simon Cowell, the political and economical version of critics that is, or even to be the worshipper of xoxo-gossip-girl. they see blogging, as a way to correct what's not. a way to get on the right track, and once you're there, get others to join you too. they, folks, see blogging as a responsibility to make the world a better place. to spread righteous and to abstain from evil.

now, why didn't i see blogging that way before?

one might argue: 'hey suka hati aku lah nak blog pasal ape. aku punye blog. aku punye mase. aku punye jari.'

yes, its all yours. your rights, your time. your blog space, your fingers.. its all yours.

*Article 19 of the International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) provides that:

“1. Everyone shall have the right to hold opinions without interference.

2. Everyone shall have the right to freedom of expression; this right shall include freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers, either orally, in writing or in print, in the form of art, or through any other media of his choice.

3. The exercise of the rights provided for in paragraph 2 of this article carries with it special duties and responsibilities. It may therefore be subject to certain restrictions, but these shall only be such as are provided by law and are necessary:
(a) For respect of the rights or reputations of others;
(b) For the protection of national security or of public order (ordre public), or of public health or morals.”

re·spon·si·bil·i·ty
ri-ˌspän(t)-sə-ˈbi-lə-tē
the quality or state of being responsible: moral, legal, or mental accountability

yes. its all yours still. your rights, your time. your blog space, your fingers.. its all still yours.

BUT

its also your responsibility.

blogging, is more than pouring your words into cyberspace. its a responsibility. not to pose your fab life for others to see. not to spread malicious stories about those who disagree with you. its not just a privilege, but also a duty, that must be done wisely.

note to self: i feel so ashamed. hence, will blog more responsibly. i want to be the change that i want to see :)

Still Standing

2009-03-10T00:22:00.003+08:00

"If you still have the courage after losing all,
you can be rest assured that
you have not lost everything"
:)

Thomas Paine

2009-03-04T02:07:00.007+08:00

Assalamualaikum dearests :)

i get asked a lot about my whereabouts. where have i been? am i okay? or am i hiding??

worry not. im fine alhamdulillah :)

but yes, i've been busy somewhere lately. where??

click for the answer! ;)

PS: to my dearests readers, especially you followers, i am so sorry for the hiatus. hope this will make it up ;)

love,

Myra

its time,

2009-01-01T01:24:00.007+08:00

please be silent.

i'm trying to listen.
to that lump of flesh beating.
it tells me what i need to hear.
not what i want to.
silent. listen

=)

2008-12-23T21:30:00.003+08:00

i was struck by thunder and swept away by a tidal wave

yes, it is now the bleakest of time,

but all i see are miracles

THANK YOU ALLAH =)

everyday miracle

2008-12-21T09:51:00.003+08:00

"there are only two ways to live your life. one is as though nothing is a miracle. the other is as though everything is a miracle" - Albert Einstein

i choose the latter. but im still working towards that. i want to be able to wake up and realize that everything under the sun, and all that lies beyond it, is a miracle. if we cleanse our inner eye, it is possible to see this and to live in a state of continuous wonder. once upon a time, i suffered from acute-perfectionism-syndrome ;p i expected perfection in everything i do. and more often than not, i ended up in deep frustration, simply because i was hardly satisfied with the end result i produced. but as i grow up, i learn to forgive myself, reminding myself constantly that i can never reach perfection. i can only give my best and take whatever that comes my way. i have learnt that even the shittest thing can bring great wisdom. my perception of life is then transformed: where there was randomness, now there is a mysterious order to things, and every event becomes precious and meaningful, even in the bleakest of time.

kesempurnaan itu hanya milik Tuhan. kita manusia biasa hanya mampu jujur dan ikhlas.

of course, it is easy to experience this perspective when life is going well. it is much harder when we're in the middle of crisis and suffering. but i believe that everything in our life is miraculously orchestrated by the Upper Hand.

my brother asked me what my new year resolutions are. i told him i have none. not because i don't have plans and goals for next year. but simply because, i make new resolutions on daily basis instead of waiting for January 1st to come. when i wake up in the morning, i will make sure i give my best so that today will be better than yesterday. and if the day did not turn out that well, i will thank God for His blessings. because i know today He still sent me another rahmah and lesson, only the harder way. above all resolutions and wishes, i wish that my spiritual growth accelerates beyond my wildest dreams, and joy and certainty become constant features of my inner landscape.

if only every soul can see everything as a miracle and blessing, no matter how bad something is, tidak akan ada lagi penyakit hasad dengki mahupun virus iri hati, kerana segalanya akan diubati dengan penawar kesyukuran =)

kita

2008-12-20T09:57:00.006+08:00

*bunyi bising PS2*

"Adik, solat! Dah pukul brapa dah ni!"

"Kejaaaappp"

"Cepatlah nanti habis waktu"

"Okayyyy. Kejaplaaaah"

*bunyi tapak kaki berlalu pergi. selang 10 minit, langkah kecil itu berbunyi kembali *

"Okay adik. Tak payah lah solat ya. Main lah game tu lagi. Sampai esok pun tak apa. Masa kan banyak lagi"

*bunyi PS2 berhenti. kedengaran larian anak sepasang kaki bingkas bangun pergi mengambil wudhu'*

---------------------------------------------------------

ironi bukan. bangsa manusia, yang ditegah di buat, yang dihebah itu jua kita tinggalkan =)