Bah Merah

Whenever I'm in my car, driving, alone, I think. A lot. About everything. I have a lot of thoughts too. About everything. I keep on reminding myself to blog it. No matter how petty it is. Or how insignificant it is. The thing is that, whenever I am in front of my computer, all my thoughts fly away, and left me sitting motionless in my chair. Thank God my favorite cousin (mind you, all my cousins are my favs =P), Yie, tagged me. At least there is something for me to update. This is what I am supposed to do (this sounds rather familiar actually).

* Link to your tagger and post these rules on your blog. * Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird. * Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs. * Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

• First rule... checked
• Second rule...weird and random huh?
  

1. I dance to my own rhythm a.k.a I seriously don't know how to dance
2. For this year alone, I've read and reread Harry Potter series for more than 10 times.
3. I like traditional songs, not classic like "Tudung Periuk" but traditional like "Cindai"
4. I like my foods and drinks at room temperature.
   
5. I never win a lucky draw ever in my whole life.
6. I think that my luck for lucky draw has been transferred to being lucky when finding a parking space in the mall/office. Always found it, front row.
7. I can't sew a straight line if my life depended on it. My last attempt on sewing was trying to sew beads on my blue baju kurung sleeves. I ended up messing it so bad that the sleeves are all cutted out/up and the baju kurung ended up in my thrash can. It is that bad.
   

• Third rule... I think I've tagged my friends before on this and I don't know many bloggers, so I'm gonna pass
• Fourth rule... irrelevant

On another note, I went to visit my grandmother the other day. She suddenly fall sick and can barely talk. When I was there, her eldest sister was there too, we called her Tok Long.

Tok Long is a very cute old lady. She's petite like my grandmother but she looks a lot stronger. She walks around on her own (without a walking stick) and full of energy might I add. Her voice is loud and clear and she remembers everything. Amazed at the old lady, my brother and I asked her, her age. She told us that she is 86 years old. My grandmother though interrupted her by saying that she is only 81 years old since she was only 2 years older than my grandmother. They bickered for a second until both agree that they don't know for sure their birthdate. They also agree that they are 2 years apart and Tok Long was 2 years old when "bah besar" hits Terengganu. Puzzled with the term, my brother and I asked them about it. What they can tell us is just that there is a huge flood in Terengganu back then that was called 'Bah Besar' & 'Bah Merah'. Neither can tell us the year when it happens.

I did a little googling on the subject when I got back to my house. Yes, there is a 'Bah Besar' back then, 1926 to be exact. The flood is also called by another name, "Bah Merah". Mainly because the water is all muddy and also because it took many lives and destroyed many houses and plants. The flood did not only affected Terengganu, but many other states in Malaysia. Since then, Malaysia was hit with big flood every 40 years. The latest was the one that hit Johor on 2007. There is no documented evidence on any flood previously to 1926. It is however being speculated that there is a big flood sometimes in 1888s.

After a little calculation and some deductive reasoning, my brother and I both agreed that Tok Long was born around 1923, which makes her 85 to 86 years old. She does actually remembers everything!

Lagi-lagi Hari Raya?

This Hari Raya eve marked a 2 years anniversary to my blog, Hijri Calendar of course. Who knows after 2 years, this blog is still up and running. Although, like Sarimah said many times, update sebulan sekali, it still is being updated every now and then. =)

How was your Hari Raya?

Mine was a little tiring this year not that it's not fun. On the first day of Raya, we left for my grandparent house a little after 12.00PM. We usually left right after Raya's prayer but this year my brother bought a new camera and all of us were taking our sweet times posing for pictures. I guess after 2 years of no proper camera (we only have handphone camera before), we became a little obsessed with taking pictures. The thing is, no one can sit still for that few minutes. There will always be someone who would break and laugh.


We don't really have anything to eat at home except for Nasi Himpit, Kuah Kacang and Rendang Daging. We usually have Lemang and Ketupat but it seems this year, everyone that I knew who sell these Raya meals were not taking any orders anymore. Oh well. Thank God for Nasi Dagang at my grandparent house. I am not a big fan of Nasi Dagang, but I guess empty stomach + festive(y?) feeling clean my plate. Around 4.00 PM we left for another grandparent house (my late father's side). They have always celebrated Hari Raya in Kuala Lumpur with my aunties, Ciksu and Auntie (Saba) since Chik (my grandma) stays with them.

This year however, they decided to come home and I was ecstatic to be spending Hari Raya with them. Their house is where I grew up and having to leave the house for quite a while, the house looks very old. It was a little sad being there.


We left Chik's house at 6.30PM and got home around 7.30PM. Since everyone was hungry we bought a family bucket at KFC. Surprisingly, the line is quite long. I guess many have missed Hari Raya meal this year. On the second day, we started our Hari Raya jalan-jalan to our relatives house around 12.00PM. We got up a little bit late that morning =P. We went to Tok Ngah's house at Bukit Kecil but the gate was locked. Then we went to another Tok Ngah's house in Kuala Ibai. They didn't really recognize us if my mother wasn't with us and I guess it goes both ways. I wish we'll be more in touch but leave it to me, always so malas to visit family. Thank God for Hari Raya. After that we went to another Tok's house in Batu Burok, only to find out that Tok already moved to a new house (the current house that we always visit is his daughter's), a new wife in fact. Heheh. Then, we (all the other guests who wanted to visit him also) drove to his new house which is only 3 minutes drive.

After that, we called Ayah Zih (my uncle) because his house was supposed to be next. He said that he was at Istana Maziah and would be home in 30 minutes. We went home first because everyone needed to use the bathroom and my mom wanted to pray (zuhur) at home. After we got home, we went to Cik Nor's (neighbor) open house and we were about to leave for Ayah Zih's house when Cik Nah (another neighbor) and her family came knocking.

We left to Ayah Zih's around 4.30PM. I haven't been to Ayah Zih's house in a while. Been meaning to drop by when Yie came back for his semester break but didn't get a chance to since I've been running forth and back to Kuantan and Kota Bharu. So, I didn't know that Ayah Zih have done an extension to his house. I was a little surprised when the usual yard now turned into walls and pavements. The place looks gorgeous though. Not many furniture in the new living room. So, it looks spacious especially with the right wall color (Ayah Zih had been bragging about choosing the color himself. hehe). He left the deco to Makcik Nor though. So, the room looks as elegant as the rest of the house.

We left around 6.30PM and after Asar's prayer, we went to Mydin Mall to buy all the ingredients for our Hari Raya makan-makan on the next day. Abang kept reminding us that we only have 30 minutes since they wanted to pray Maghrib at home and Abang has a prior engagement at 8.30PM. We managed to shop for 35 minutes (thank you for the constant reminder). I was a little disappointed because the beef, beansprout and tempe are all sold out. I guess the soto can manage without beansprout and kuah lodeh won't lose its taste without tempe. But try telling the guests that they are eating beefless beef biryani.

Nevertheless, I started cooking that night with the helps from everyone. Abang was late for his futsal game because he was helping with cutting the chickens. Ijat was assigned to finding all the ingredients I couldn't found in Mydin, all over Terengganu. Co was crushing the potatoes (and that was only after I pulled a face since he was busy playing online game while others were busy cooking, my poor brother. hehe) and adik baked her famous chocolate chip banana bread (erk, famous only to us).

My soldiers fall one by one, starting with Ijat. Then adik said she wanted to take a nap in the living room. I know what that means, =P. When Abang got home from futsal, he kept on asking if there's anything that he can help me with. I left him in charge for mencarik-carik ayam for Soto, I thought that would keep him occupied. Turned out he was quite fast. Then, I asked him to peel the fried ground nuts (for Kuah Kacang), that took a while. Co was helping with shaping the potatoes for begedil and that took a while too. They finished around 4.00AM. I was cooking Dalca when they finished. Abang went straight to bed while Co continued with his online game.

After frying papadom and suhun, I felt a little light headed, that was around 5.00AM. I decided to take a nap in the living room and set my alarm to 5.30AM. I woke up to my mother's voice waking up my brothers and sister for Subuh prayer at 6.30AM. After washing my face, I took my car key and drove to the nearest butcher stall and got my 2 kilos beef. The butcher told me that the Gelugor morning market was opened and I went there next, hoping I could find tempe and beansprout. There was barely 5 stalls opened.

I then headed to Pasar Chabang Tiga (wet market). The pasar was crowded considering it was only the third day of Hari Raya. I asked around for tempe and bean sprouts but it turned that no one makes tempe yet and someone showed me the stall (the one and only) that sold beansprout. The crowd was intense. Everyone wanted a little bit of beansprout. I could never believe, me, who have been hating beansprouts my whole life was battling for beansprout at 7.00AM. I lost the battle.

I started cooking (again) as soon as I got home. Adik was up early and she helped me with grinding and cooking and cleaning. Our first guest came at 11.00AM. We told everyone to come after 12.00 but I guess Mi's (my mom) friends must have missed the details. The second guests was Cik Nor and her family. I was still in my T-shirt and Jeans at the time and was still cooking. Soto, kuah kacang and lontong has finished cooking. Nasi biryani was on the stove still.

I managed to sneak upstairs after Cik Nor and her family left and get myself cleaned. I guess we overestimated the guests. The crowd was much smaller than the previous year but I guess it's better this way. I got to spend some quality, personal time with them. To my surprise, some that I haven't met for quite sometime showed up. That was nice. There are a lot of leftovers. I think I'm going to bring some to the office tomorrow.

Like I said. Tiring. I had fun though. Selamat Hari Raya everyone. Have a great one!

Change of Season

I’m quite an optimist. I see the silver lining rather easily. To be an optimist is not difficult. You just have to have faith that something always happens for a reason. I learned to not judge by its cover. I learned that it is best to give people the benefit of the doubt.  

To remain as an optimist though is becoming harder for me. I see people around me getting better jobs, bigger paychecks, found soul mates, having babies and I can’t help but feel a tinge of jealousy building inside of me. As much as I want to be grateful for the life that I have, I wonder if this is it to life?  

Fortunately, I share this feeling with quite a number of people, who feel that there is more to life. How curious that the people that I envy feels that they don’t have enough where as I would kill to have the life that they have. I guess the grass really seems greener on the other side. 

Question: Are there really more to life, or are we just being ungrateful? Do each of us really meant to do something big, someday? What if we never found it? Do we need to find it or will it eventually come to us?  

I was looking for my passport the other day and I stumbled upon my old diary, as old as 10 years ago. I read through it and how interesting to find that I have not changed that much. Interesting too at the turn of events, the unexpected friendships, the never-I-thought-would-happen tragedy. Interesting too that 10 years ago I have already wonder what will happen to me in 10 years. Then it hits me. 

I will never know the answers. It’s a mystery and I am sure it will surprise me again as it did 10 years ago.    

But if I learn anything from my life 10 years ago, it is that it doesn’t matter what will happen later in my life. What matter is what happens now and I don’t want to fill my day with wondering, I’m pretty sure I wondered enough for the rest of my life. I am going to live my life to the fullest, today. God knows what will happen tomorrow, but I will deal with tomorrow, TOMORROW.  

As for the green grass, they are never as green as they look like. Besides, I am happy with my blue, purple or whatever color grass that I have.  

Didn’t anyone tell you that freaks are the new normal?  

p/s I am into sewing now, not that I know how. I bought a textbook and started reading it last night. On the first chapter the author said something along this line: "Jika anda berpakaian simple ke pejabat, orang akan keliru dan berfikir apa yang kurang mengenai anda. Anda akan kelihatan pelik dan tidak cantik". And I thought less is more. hmm..

Lagi-lagi Tag

Syu re-tagged me.. I'm not usually a tag-killer, but for this tag, I hope this will be the end of it.. =)

1. The person who last tag you is:
Cik Syuhada Adnan

2. Your relationship with him/her is:
Friend, sister, lover.. hahaha

3. Your five impression of him/her:
a.Someone who speaks her mind
b.Brilliant, literally.
c.Artistic
d.Very kind
e.Stubborn-stubborn ayam

4. The most memorable thing he/she had done for you:
A lot actually, one that I always remember and treasure and tell the story to many is how she helped get my sister to the bus station. I can't describe how worried I was leaving my sister alone and sad that I couldn't send her myself, but the fact she's willing to come to KL during rush hour (she doesn't have a car at the time) and then send her to Putra Station (by cab) until my sister get on her bus really touched me.

5. The most memorable thing he/she had said to you:
Pun banyak and there's a few I keep in my phone (SMS). Here's my fav:
"Hi. Bleh tk dm hujan lebat rasa sangap dan trus pg tesco mkn kfc? Haha. Aku kt kfc skarang. Tgh mkn sorg2! Wish u were here.."

6. If he/she become your lover, you will:
She is =P

7. If he/she become your lover, thing he/she has to improve on will be:
She's perfect the way she is

8. If he/she become your enemy, you will:
I don't know. I just hope that if we ever fight, we'll come back to this entry and see how much we mean to each other.

9. If he/she become your enemy, the reason will be:
Can't think of anything right now.

10. The most desired thing you want to do for him/her now is:
I really want her to be happy. I know she's happy now but she'll be happier if she's studying. So, I wish I can get her the scholarship to study anything and anywhere in the world.

11. Your overall impression of him/her is:
A great friend

Ahlan Wa Sahlan Ya Ramadhan

It’s that time of the year again! Ramadhan this year came a little early than the previous year but I am just as excited. Celebrating Ramadhan always feel like celebrating a new year to me. Even before Ramadhan, I have set up a few goals that I wish to achieve by the end of this blessed month.

For one, not eating and drinking do give me a better perspective on life. For some reason, it helps clear my mind and make me more focus. I guess it has something to do with science too. Isn’t it the same practice too if you want to get rid the toxic in you? Or fat. Hehe.

Secondly, I get to save. Not taking lunch break helps my wallet. Normally I have to spend for lunch and the goodies from the bookstore in front of our office “Pustaka Seri Intan” and easily be RM10 per day. Since I decided to stay in the office during on lunch break during Ramadhan, I can easily save RM200.

The third reason might be influenced by the idea of this month itself. Since we were kids, we were told that the devils are being tied during this month. All the bad deeds come from our own self and not influenced by any external factor. For that reason, my heart trying to prove that I am actually a good person and I feel a strong need to be good and to do good.

During Ramadhan, I always challenge myself to do difficult chores and that is the fourth reason. I like that I get to challenge myself. To see, what I am capable of. In any normal days, I would easily grab a drink. Since I know that I cannot eat or drink no matter how hard it is, I challenge myself to always take another step. It not only resulted in physical fitness but it will also improve your will power. It is more of a mind game. Corny but, You Can if You THINK You Can.

On my life PH scale, the journey during Ramadhan is a 7. It is up to me by the end of it to turn left or right.

p/s Ramli Awang Murshid has launched the last of the "Bagaikan Puteri" trilogy, "Hijab Sang Pencinta". I have to say I'm a little disappointed with the third book. I like the ending, it's realistic. What I don't like is the unnecessary characters and subplots that makes the main plot messy with many loose endings. I read that Ziela Jalil was interested to make a mini TV series of the books and I seriously hoped that RAM won't allow her. The books are too good to be make mini-series. With the right director and actors, it can be the Malay Lord of The Ring. They have to get the right Sunan though, very much like Aragorn but with a lot more patience.Let's just hope Ziela won't mess it up!

A reason to Blog

Hahaha, I haven't updated my blog for a while now.. Been busy actually.. I'm doing a little project called Kueh Raya.. hahahaha.. I never really into tagging, it can get very personal sometimes.. since most of the readers are either friends or family, not much a secret there..

I also want to take this opportunity to wish you a very blessed Ramadhan.. May Ramadhan this year will be better than the last Ramadhan.. InsyaAllah.. Ramadhan Mubarak!

1. The person who last tag you is:
Adek - Tengku Norhanisah Binti Tengku Kamaruddin

2. Your relationship with him/her is:
My dear Sister

3. Your five impression of him/her:
a.A good listener
b.Creative
c.Sensitive
d.Stubborn
e."Agak" mendengar kata.. hahaha

4. The most memorable thing he/she had done for you:
She's my lil sis.. So just by being that is memorable enough except on her stubborn-as-hell day..

5. The most memorable thing he/she had said to you:
hahaha.. ok this happens a while back but she actually said this when I asked her what did she want from the States when my friend is coming back for the summer "Kakna balikla. Tak payahlah bagi apa-apa lagi" Somehow, that get stuck in my head and I came back that summer..

6. If he/she become your lover, you will:
Hmm...

7. If he/she become your lover, thing he/she has to improve on will be:
Hmm..

8. If he/she become your enemy, you will:
I don't think she can, she's family you see.. bicker, fights, yes. Enemy? never gonna happen, I'll make sure of that..

9. If he/she become your enemy, the reason will be:
Maybe, in a very slim chance that we can become enemy, because of the stubbornness trait that we both inherit.. hahaha

10. The most desired thing you want to do for him/her now is:
FOR her? well, like everything you want to do for the ones that are close to your heart.. keep them close and safe..

11. Your overall impression of him/her is:
I still see her as my lil sis, the three year old ones..

12. How you think people around you will feel about you?:
I think people think that I am a little different (read:weird).. hahaha.. not that it bothers me =P

13. The characters you love of yourself are:
It's a love-hate relationship but I do like that I am stubborn, it keeps my eyes on the goal and make me want to fight harder.

14. On the contrary, the characters you hate yourself are:
Hahaha like I said, love-hate relationship, still is stubborn. It can be too much at times that it became out of control and force me to say or to do something that I don't even mean.

15. The most ideal person you want to be is:
No one specific.. but I always have this person in my mind that I wish to be.. it still is me, just the upgraded version.. =)

16. For people that care and like you, say something to them:
Hahahaha.. I think these people heard these enough from me, but yeah, I do love you guys..

17. Pass this quiz to 5 persons that you wished to know how they feel about you:
1. Sheila
2. Syu
3. Ainur
4. Sari
5. Liena Ideris

18. Who is no.1 having relationship with?
Alamak, is it Shahrul? or Shahril? or fakhrul? I totally forgot..

19. Is no.4 a male or female?
Female

20. If no.3 and 5 are together, will it be a good thing?
hahahhha.. you guys are together, aren't ya? =P

22. What is no.2 studying about?
She's currently working at Kementerian Luar Negara and she graduated from UW, Madison in International Relations.

23. When was the last time you had a chat with no.3?
I think last week..

24. What kind of music band does no.4 like?
Anything that is US top 40.. kan sari kan?

25. Does no.1 have any siblings?
Yep.. 4 right?

26. Will you woo no.2?
already wooed.. =P

27. How about no.4?
we shared the same bed before.. hahahhaha both no.2 & no.4 used to be my roommates, silly..

28. Is no.1 single?
No, she's having a relationship with what-his-name

29. What is the surname of no.3?
No surname, but her dad's name is Ahmad Fuad..

30. What's the hobby of no.5?
I think, travelling..

31. Does no.1 and 5 get along well?
Oh yes, they used to work at the same place..

32. Where is no.2 studying at?
She went to UW-Madison for her undergrad, yet to tell me where she's gonna do her Master's.

33. Talk something casually about no.1:
The most confident person on earth would be everyone's first impression.. get to know her better and you'll see a fragile little girl.. (don't hate me for this Sheils)

34. Have you tried developing feelings for no.3?
Don't have to, it has been developed.. =D

35. Where does no.5 live at?
She's currently doing her Psych Master in Manchester

36. What colour does no.2 like?
Earthy colors and gold and silver..

37. Are no.3 and 1 best friend?
They have been friends for 8 years and they still like each other.. that would qualify for a best friend right? haha the truth is all of us are best of friends..

38. Does no.3 have any pets?
HAHAHAHAHHAHAHA.. what are the odds this question dapat kat ainur.. yes, yes and yes.. she has or might I say had many many pets but she killed all of them.. kura-kura masak merah anyone?

39. Is no.1 the sexiest person in the world?
hell, yeah! (not that the rest of you guys aren't)

40. What is no. 5 doing now?
Liena, you are so far away!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! but you are thinking of me, aren't ya? ;)

The Red Wedding

After all the huha and hihi, she finally gotten married, Sarimah Samad and my Informatics buddy, Syahrizan Ali Hassan. We got there a little bit late, around 8.30PM but we made it there all right, just in time for Sarung Cincin ceremony and the awesome traditional meal of Negeri Sembilan, which I was told was cooked by her very own daddy. Ayam salai masak lemak cili api, ikan keli goreng cili and pucuk paku masak tempoyak+petai+ikan bilis. It was dee-li-ci-ou-s. The couple wore whites with a hint of pink; they look lovely. I almost shed a tear =). Then we head back to our homestay, Homestay Warisan, which is very traditional looking yet is quite high-tech (facility-wise) at the same time. I will definitely come back!

On the next day, we left the homestay around 11.00 AM and got there around 11.30 AM. Sarimah was one happy bride. If Yani cannot stop smiling on her wedding day, Sarimah just cannot stop laughing, very loudly might I add. I guess this is the new generation’s bride. Pengantin perempuan malu-malu has extincted…

The whole wedding was red. I was told to wear red and I thought that she only requested her friends to do that. As it turned out, everyone’s there (well, almost everyone) worn red. It really is a red wedding, just like she wanted. Syu’s mom made the hantaran for Sarimah’s side and they are beautiful. Ainur and Ana helped with the hand bouquet and the flowers are just gorgeous. The bersanding ceremony started around 1.00 PM. We stayed for a couple of pictures then we left around 1.30 PM for Faiz’s wedding in Malacca.

It was a sunny day. The food was great. The guests were happy. It couldn’t be better.

Syah & Sarimah, I wish you a lifetime of happiness. Good luck on this new journey together, may you will be blessed with many fortunes in many different ways (I see girl twin although you kata nak merancang..hehe). All the best. Cheers.

*The picture is courtesy of Missy Ainur. You can check out the rest of the photographs at her blog http://dhillah.blogspot.com

I'm Yours

I've heard this song so many times on the radio but never ever really listen to the lyrics. I love the music though, it has that colbie caillat's vibe. Nevertheless, I ran out of fresh, good songs on my drive to & fro office and started looking for new songs when I watched the videoclip on YouTube. It's love at a first sight, =P. Then, I looked up the lyrics and I was surprised that it's not really a love song (kinda), which makes me love it even more. It really is that kind of song that you listen to on a long drive. I'm making a mix-cd for someone and this song will definitely be in it.

This would be my first video attachment. Hope it works.

Jason Mraz ladies and gentleman..



Well you done done me and you bet I felt it
I tried to be chill but you're so hot that I melted
I fell right through the cracks and now I'm trying to get back

Before the cool done run out I'll be giving it my bestest
And nothing's going to stop me but divine intervention
I reckon it's again my turn to win some or learn some

But I won't hesitate no more, no more
It cannot wait, I'm yours

Well open up your mind and see like me
Open up your plans and damn you're free
Look into your heart and you'll find love love love love

Listen to the music of the moment, people dance and sing
We're just one big family
And it's our God-forsaken right to be loved loved loved loved loved

So I won't hesitate no more, no more
It cannot wait, I'm sure
There's no need to complicate, our time is short
This is our fate, I'm yours

D-d-do do you, do you, d-d-do, don't you want to come?
Scooch on over closer dear, I will nibble your ear
Oh yes love, love love love love love
Love you love, love you love

I've been spending way too long checking my tongue in the mirror
And bending over backwards just to try to see it clearer
But my breath fogged up the glass
And so I drew a new face and I laughed

I guess what I be saying is there ain't no better reason
To rid yourself of vanities and just go with the seasons
It's what we aim to do, our name is our virtue

But I won't hesitate no more, no more
It cannot wait, I'm yours

Come on and open up your mind and see like me
(I won't hesitate)
Open up your plans and damn you're free
(No more, no more)
Look into your heart and you'll find that the sky is yours
(It cannot wait, I'm sure)

So please don't, there's no need
(There's no need to complicate)
There's no need to complicate
(Our time is short)
'Cause our time is short
(This is our fate)
This is, this is, this is our fate
I'm yours, I'm sayin' I'm yours

I dream of utopia

I dream of Utopia
until i open my eyes

i saw babies
with broken arms, blinded eye

i saw a man
flat on his stomach
laying legless on the road

i saw women
at a gun point
holding her veil
defending her faith

i saw fathers
lifting dead bodies

i saw mothers
crying over lifeless babies

i saw children
lifting riffles

i saw students
reading in hiding

and i wonder what kind of world i am living in
and i wonder what kind of people are living in this world

too many has suffers
too much has been scarificed

I long for empathy that make us human
I long for humility that keep us grounded
I long for forgiveness to set our heart free

i'm closing my eyes
let me out
to utopia

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This poem is a respond to my sister's entry and a recent event that happen to someone I know, where he was brutally murdered. I can't help but wonder, when and where did we lose our human touch. When did we feel that it is alright to take someone's life. To torture is even worse. What right does we have in this world to torture people? WHAT RIGHT? WHO'S RIGHT?
Please never make me understand the rationality.I never want to know.

**For those who would like to contribute, please go to http://fast2fund.blogspot.com/

Something Random

Life has been too hectic these past few days. Actually scratch that, for the past few weeks. I can't even catch my breath let alone to stop and smell the roses, =). I've been running here and there and I don't remember how many people actually told me (including my colleague and a boss) that I need to take a break. I'm not THAT hardworking, trust me. But it is approaching the end of our financial year (30th of June). Taking a break is not an option because even if I do, I would still get panic attack just by thinking how close the date is. I rather run around NOT thinking about it. Haha.

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I saw a rainbow 2 days ago. Except that it's not really a rainbow. The shape was like a distorted circle. The colors vary and changing every minute. It was hiding behind a rather large cloud, but every few minutes, it peeped out. I saw it at 6.00 PM and it was not even raining. Make me wonder if it really was a rainbow. I guess it doesn't matter if it cannot be define. It was just too beautiful.

********************************************

When the price of everything else rise for the last few weeks, I did whine a few times. But not as much as when the petrol price increase. I really hate that it increases to a point that I feel like crying. It made me thinking. If I, a middle-class citizen, is feeling like this, I wonder how are those who earn lower than me reacted. This is the most disappointed I have ever felt living in this country. We are not being fairly treated. The percentage of the petrol price against the average wages is way too high. This is no way to live a life in a developing country. I am protesting in any ways possible. Ask me, and I'll join you.
Too disappointed and extremely pissed off.

Got Tagged by my sister!

Instructions: Remove ONE question from below, and add in your personal question, make it a total of 20 questions, then tag 8 people in your list, list them out at the end of this post. Notify them in their chat box that he/she has been tagged.

1. Do you believe in love at first sight?
Lust at first sight, yes. Love might come later.

2. Have you ever felt stupid? Why?
Always! =) There's really no reason why, it just happens when I do something stupid.

3. Where is the place that you want to go the most?
At the moment, a place so foreign that I would feel like a new person.

4. If you can have 1 dream to come true, what would it be?
I have way too many dreams, but let me just keep the dearest to heart, =)

5. Do you believe in seeing a rainbow after the rain?
It's science, so of course I do.

6. Do you like being who you are today?
Some days more than the other. When I don't like it, I'll try to change it to be better.

7. If you win $1 million, what would you do?
Invest it, in many many ways , i.e properties, education, unit trust, charity

8. If you meet someone that you love, would you confess to him/her?
Depends. If I think he feels the same way, I just might.

9. Who are the top five people in the world you would wish to meet?
The top of my list includes our prophet, Muhammad S.A.W, Khadijah Bint Khuwaylid A.S, A'isha Bint Abi Bakr, Khalid Ibn Al-Walid

10. What are the requirements that you wish from your other half?
I wish for someone who loves me enough.

11. Which type of cars I love the most?
I like 4 wheel drive.

12. Please put one quote below.

Question: How does a girl who falls...No, actually, she jumps...                  
eyes open, down a rabbit hole,plummeting into chaos...
come out the other end unchanged?
              
The answer? She doesn't. 

13. If you have faults, would you rather the people around you point out to you or would you rather they keep quiet?
Tell me nicely.

14. What do you think is the most important thing in your life?
I wish everyone in this world have enough love and empathy to care and not to hurt.

15. Are you a shopaholic or not?
I can be, =P

16. What kind of electronic device/gadget you own that you like most?
My Asus P525

17. If you have a chance, which part of your character you would like to change?
I'd like to have more patience.

18. What makes you feel disappointed?
Bad customer service

19. If given a chance, do you want to see your future?
Only on a few things.

20. How important is being honest?
Only when it matters.

I'm tagging back: Syu, Sari, Ainur, Sheils, Ayaz, Fadhil, Kak Amy, liena Ideris

Put on your running shoes.

The experts always say that everytime you encounter a challenge, confront it. Never run. I wonder if these experts have ever have my challenges.

It's true in theory and yes it sounds really motivating. Let's get real though. As if having the problems is not bad enough, now we have someone telling us that we are not brave enough by running.

Is running really that bad?

It depends. There are some problems that you have to deal head on. However, there are cases that you have dealt with it so many times that it left you emotionally dried and yet nothing has changed.

It is like finding a needle in a huge stack of hays in a building with the size of Midvalley Megamall plus the new Garden. Do we want to keep on searching? Or can we go to seven eleven and buy a new needle or better yet, a new sweater at Nichis?

When we deal with the same thing so many times, the chances of the problem to be solved getting slimmer. Yet through the process, we wasted time and energy to do something that resulted in nothing. Worst yet, we might lose faith. An optimist could easily become a pessimist.

What would you do then? Do you keep on trying or are you allowed to run?

For a change, let me suggest to you something that is rather radical and might enrage all those motivational speakers. Stop trying. Stop solving and see how it would work out. It might surprise you that when you stop trying, things just fall back into places.

Besides, there are some things that can only be mend with time. And time never work well with those who suffers.

Then again, life is never that simple. In between the black and white, there is a stinking huge wide gap of gray. It might work, it might not work. But what have you got to lose?

Give it a thought.

When is enough is enough?

I saw a mentally challenged person today. She is my client's mother. He did not tell us that his mother has this condition until she suddenly came into his office and started screaming hysterically. He was extremely embarrassed but not once raised his voice. After a while, the mother left. He took sometime to lift his eyes to meet us but we waited patiently. He apologized repeatedly. I tried my best to tell him that he has nothing to be embarrassed about and we are okay.

He then explained that his mother had a mental breakdown 8 months ago, after his father passed away. He said that his family knew that even before his father passed away that his mother was going through something. She was depressed for quite sometimes. Since she never said anything, they did not ask. They assumed that she must be able to handle whatever she was dealing with or else she would say something. Unfortunately she never said anything and whatever that was building inside her exploded the day her husband passed away.

Later that day, I keep on thinking about what happened. The questions that keeps nagging at the back of my mind is, how bad is it? Why did not she tell someone? And finally, when is the breaking point?

I cannot help but think back of all my depressed days. I took some psychology classes, so I know a little bit about the symptoms of people going through depression. One of the symptoms is that not wanting to leave the bed or even do anything. Whenever I feel like going through this, I always push myself to at least leave the bed to wash my face. That is all the push it needs, everything else will slowly fall into place. The worst thing when you reach the stage of not wanting to leave the bed is that, you don't really want to talk to anyone. Pushing someone to talk at this stage is a waste of time or would even make it worse. They will talk only when they feel like talking.

I know that this is more of Lina Ideris's area and I am no expert. However, I think when someone reach this stage, what they need is just attention. Whether a small talk or a touch of hand or simply by just being there next to them would help. Any amount of love is appreciated.

So, the question: When is the breaking point? When would you know that enough is enough?

The answer might be 'never' when it comes to love. However, in depression, whenever the question is triggered, the answer will always be 'Now' and it's time for story telling.

Starfish

One summer ago, a boy had changed my life.

It was a hot summer and I was getting suffocated with work that I decided to take some time off. As soon as my weekend started, I packed my things, filled up my tank and just hit the wheel. I have no idea where I was going, all I know is that I need some fresh air. I finally ended up on a rather deserted beach.

After checking in, I decided to take a walk down the beach. I could not really get near to the beach since there were thousands of starfishes washed out along the beach. Since I just wanted to clear my head, I did not mind the beach nor the water. I continued walking until I saw a boy, not far from me, throwing a starfish, one by one back to the water. It striked me the act was rather foolish since there were too many starfish, but I did not say a word. I just watch him from afar and turned back to the inn where I was staying.

On the next day, before checking out, I took my last walk on that beach. And then there the boy was, still throwing starfishes into the water. This time, I just stood there and watched him do it repeatedly. When I could not contain my curiosity any longer, I walked up close to him. If he was shocked to see me, he did not show it.

"Can I help you, sir? He asked me politely. His hands were still clutching to a starfish and his tone, the way he carried it, sound as if he was distracted from doing an important job. He might as well be.

"Well, I was actually rather curious about what you are doing actually. I was here yesterday too and I noticed that you have been throwing starfishes into the sea. So, if you don't mind telling me, what is it exactly you are doing? It seems that you are rather obsessed with it"

"Well, I'm saving them sir. They belong to the water" He answered innocently. I almost smiled, he must have thought I am a foolish person for asking this. I then tried to rephrase my sentence again, trying not to sound too idiotic this time.

"I know that. It is just that, don't you think it is rather foolish? I mean, look at this beach, there must be thousands of them. It would not even make a difference. You throw one into the water but there will be at least another 10 coming in. It would not even matter" I added the last sentence slowly, it was barely a whisper though I believed that he must have heard me because he suddenly looked at me.

The boy then lowered his head and stared long into one of the starfish in his hand. I soon feel sorry that I might have discourage him. As I was still struggling with my words to comfort him, he suddenly looked at me and raised his hand with the starfish in it. Then he gently throw it into the water.

"It matters to that one sir" He said in a as a-matter-of-factly voice, and just continue picking another starfish and throwing them into the water and then another.

I was stunned by his answer. There he was, a boy, realized that it does not matter to the result at large but only thinking on the one he is holding. Then I realize too, no matter how small a deed is, it still will change at least someone's life.

Then I picked up a starfish.

- The story was told by one of the trainer for Etiqa Brand Vision Training. It was a rather short story but is modified by me, to add a little life & spice to it. =)

I GOT TAGGED

My dear dear cousin tagged me! 8 random facts about me..
haha how random are we talking about? =)

The Rules

1. Link to your tagger and post these rules.
2. List eight (8) random facts about yourself.
3. Tag eight people at the end of this post and list their names.
4. Let them know they’ve been tagged by leaving them a comment on their blogs.
   

8 Random Facts!

1. I just recently learned to play Sudoku and now I am addicted to it.
2. I hate lotus notes.
3. For the past 2 months, I've been stocking up Jodi Picoult's and now I have 8 of hers.
4. London is my least favorite place of all the places that I've been to.
5. I hated bean sprouts with all my heart but is taking baby steps to eat them by eating spring rolls. =)
6. I have a crush on Brad Pitt since forever.
7. I don't get football nor the pleasure of watching it.
8. I have short fingers, shorter than Ella's.
   

Lucky 8:

1. Cik Ainur Fadhillah Ahmad Fuad
   
2. Cik Syuhada Adnan
3. Cik Sarimah Samad
4. Cik Nurul Fadhillah Yaacob (whom I heard is back in town)
5. Cik Nurul Sheila Khaleb
   
6. Cik Azlina Ideris aka ayu
7. Cik Amelia Wardah Kasim
   
8. En Ayaz Ismail

Have fun you guys!

Saturday April 5, 2008

THE END OF A FAMILY KETTLE

Kuala Terengganu: On 1981, a couple of Allahyarham Tengku Kamaruddin Bin Tengku Salim and Akmar binti Ariffin, had received a kettle as one of their wedding presents. Today, after 26 years, the kettle finally has rendered its service.

When asked what was the cause of death, the eldest daughter of the couple does not have a definite answer for that. However, she speculates that it might be caused by her brother who left the kettle on the stove until the water runs dry. She also added that there are many other factors that could contribute to it. The kettle's age is one of the reasons given by her and also the pre-existing illnesses.

Throughout its service, the kettle had confronted with a number of accidents which had left it with many scars and cracks. It also had gone through many major surgeries where some parts of its bodies has been replaced. However, it had never stopped doing what it does best, boiling water. Until today.

In the meantime, the family is now hiring a temporary kettle to replace the deceased. Despite of the many options in the market, the family still wants to stick with a stove kettle rather than an electric kettle.

As a tribute to the kettle's long and loyal service, the family has decided to dedicate this column to the kettle. Peace.









Wear and Tear : The 9 faces of the kettle painted with colors of hardworks and loyalty. The picture is taken on the day of the burial.

















Temporary replacement: Seated next to its temporary replacement, the kettle is now at peace.

Gender Discrimination in Syari'ah Court?

I went to KL last week for a training. My colleague, who is also a good friend, joined the same session. She missed the second day morning session because she had to go to a syari'ah court for the verdict for her case. She is requesting for a fasakh for over a year and had moved to a new house . Her ex-husband made a fuss about picking up their children at their old residence and had my friend arrested since she failed to show up at the old residence on one weekend. My friend was bailed at RM2,000 as per the judge's instruction simply for that act, for wanting the children to be safe (the old residence was rather dangerous). She then filed a case against her ex-husband to have the child picked up at the new residence and the verdict was
announced that morning.

She did not say anything when she arrived that morning. When we break for lunch, I asked her if everything is okay and from her solemn face, I knew that it did not go well. She lost the case.

Facts:

1. The ex-husband tried to hit her last time when she sent the children to the old residence.
2. The distance between the old residence and the new residence is too far, it's economically and geographically insane.
3. The husband never give her and the children nafkah in their two years of separation.
4. She was arrested as if she is a criminal, when she only tried to be a mother.
5. The judge has sided with the ex-husband even before her case was heard.

Bottom line: She was being discriminated.

She told me even her lawyer was surprised that they lost the case since they felt that the case is rock solid. She is worried now since her request for fasakh is still ongoing and it will be heard by that same judge. She has lost thousands for the past two years and now she is going to appeal for the case that she lost, which would easily add another thousands.

She plans to file a complaint and asked me if I have friends who have a connection to the big people. I asked Sarimah for DS Shahrizat contact but was told that DS Shahrizat is not the person to contact for these type of cases. She gave me other options such as Sisters in Islam and Awam.

Sisters in Islam (SIS) is an independent non-governmental organisation,
formed in 1988, which believes in an Islam that upholds the principles
of equality, justice, freedom and dignity.

I also had a chance to talk to a very experienced lawyer and he told me that my friend has several options. She can complain to Ketua Hakim Syari'i, MB Selangor or straight to Sultan Selangor since he is the Head of the Religion of Islam in Selangor.

AWAM is an independent feminist

organisation committed to improving

the lives of women in Malaysia.

I know that she sounds a little paranoid. In her shoes, she has to be. There are a lot of story where the divorce cases lasted as long as 12 years. Not only it will involve a lot of money, she will waste her time and energy for unnecessary problem.

So, I'm asking you to help. Maybe not on her case. I am asking you to say something on this issue so that no one else would ever have to go through this.

p/s I think long and hard before I write this entry. I feel weird telling something so personal though she gave her full consent to me. Still, I want to put it out there so that people would know. So, I tried to not describe my friend and her ex-husband's personality as much as possible and lay out the facts as accurate as I could.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

I am jealous.

why?

Because I went to check out Syu's blog just now and it is filled with pictures.

Hence my new resolution, put more pictures in blog.

Anger

When my cousin's kids tore off the plastic cover of the congkak that I bought at Kota Kinabalu and took out the seashells (its marbles), really, I was trying very hard not to shout. I threw a fake smile and nonchalantly continued the conversation that I had with my cousin. Inside I was boiling, to think of how I carefully bring it from KK to avoid from any scratch.

Ten minutes after that, as I was still talking to my cousin, I silently reasons with myself. They are just kids and they are doing what kids do best, being curious. Besides, I can easily wrap it again. It's not like there's a special plastic wrap and as far as the seashells go, I can always find them. I am living in Terengganu for God sake, you see seashells everywhere you turn your head. Okay, so maybe I am exaggerating. But, really, there is no point of getting angry.

Anger. I used to hate it. I hated it because I saw what it can do to people. I saw how a one time anger can break a relationship for years. I hated it for years. I prayed to God to never let me have that emotion.

Then I got a job. My first job. I was an employee trying to shine and I see myself too soft to do so. I observed and I decided to hire someone new. So I employed anger. Used it as a weapon, as a bargaining tool. As a trigger. I was pulling the trigger, everytime, until I finally saw the images behind it. The faces of the people I hurt. It's the cost of that employment.

I changed my strategy then. I employ anger still, but only on the temporary basis. You see, we need anger in life. How else would you be motivated then if there's no anger to heat you up. I guess the secret is, you have to take charge. Let anger know that you are the employer and you are the one to pull the trigger.

So then you know. When the heat starts to burn your skin, you can call it to a halt.