The BackPack Packing

Ok. This entry has nothing much to do with my Cambodia trip. These are the things I learned after only a few trips some where and things I get from the internet during my homework. Just thought I'd share them with you.

Do your homework

If you really want to go backpack, you have to start doing your homework early on. Plan your trip at least 6-12 months ahead. It helps especially if you want to get a good cheap flight from Airasia. You can get a very good bargain for the flight you intend to take. Study the place you want to visit thoroughly and compile them in one file.

These are a few things you have to know:-

• Political situation of the country. You may not want to end up with the street demonstrators (or if u re like me who WANTS to be part of it, thats another story, go talk to your parents first)
• The Visas and all the taxes you may need to pay, you may get shocked like me who didnt know that we had to pay an airport tax of 25USD when I wanted to get out of Cambodia. Apparently Malaysians need not pay any tax when going into Cambodia but still have to pay the 25USD when going out.
• The price of the taxis, tuk-tuk. The trick and trade of the taxi drivers and tuk-tuk. Like you have to know the places yourself instead of accepting and agreeing to everything that the Tuk-Tuk drivers suggest.
• Get the map of the town you're visiting. Get the idea of the place in your head.
• Check the tips from other travellers.
• Check the cheap hotels you intend to stay. Make some notes and try looking for any comments or reviews from other travellers who have stayed there.
• Get to know where the Mosque and the muslims community are.
• Find the Halal restaurants from the internet, so you wont be starved to death while crawling in town looking for one.
• If you re planning to travel from one place to another, its good to know the ticket price of the bus, taxi, train etc beforehand so that you can make a proper and estimated budget.
  

Check these sites : VirtualTourist, LonelyPlanet (and its forum), Halal Guide, Journeywoman (for us women travellers) to get tips and brief ideas of the place you're visiting.

You can also buy all the travelling books, like LonelyPlanet Guide Book, but they can cost half of your flight ticket.

Anyways, below are the essentials for your packing :-

Top Of The List

• Passport
• Tickets (flight, train etc)
• Booking documents (when you book online - eg hotels)
  
• Identification Card
• Some cash (in USD)
• Driving license (just in case)
• Photos (ur ID photos - some places might require photos)

Kindly make photocopies of all the important documents and put the original documents safely in your bag. You can put the copies in your day bag.


The Bag

If youre going for not more than 2 weeks, a 30 ltr bag is actually enough. Well if you have to bring lots of your stuffs, then you might get yourself a 40 ltr or maybe 40 + 10 or even 50 to 60 ltr bag which to me is very very big, the 50 ltr and above bag is actually meant for the round the world trip or 3 months journey through Europe or the whole of South East Asia. ( Well I made a mistake the first time I went to South Thailand with my 60 ltr bag ). The bigger your bag is the more tendency for you to bring the content of your room ! No matter how commercialise Deuter sounds to you, its actually the best one around. Karrimor is good too, less expensive than Deuter or you can find The North Face to your liking but which may not suit your budget.

You should also get yourself a small pouch or something like the blue pouch I have. I love this small bag, its not bulging as any other pouch , quite thin and can carry my passport, cards, bills and other small stuffs which can be easily reached.

Me and my 30 ltr bag and the small sling pouch

You still need to be careful with the sling pouch as it can sometimes not only reachable for you but also be easly reached by the snatch thief as well.

The List

Appparels.

Ok. You don't have to bring one shirt for everyday of your trip, if you only have a 30 ltr bag. You can bring 6 shirts according to the days of your trip only if you have a bigger luggage. Lets just keep your list of apparel to:-

• One thin cotton shirt, one t-shirt, one long sleeved shirt, one thin jacket (which I didnt bring but felt that I actually needed one) one pair of jeans and one cotton pants (or khaki pants). Jeans are heavy actually but if you still want to look cool during the trip, just shove it into the bag. You dont have to bring a t shirt, just buy one at the place u re visiting as the first souvenir for yourself ! Get a dri fit shirt which u can wear for more that a few days, it doesnt smell !
  
• Underwear: panties - get the light ones, 4-5 pieces. Bras- 3 at least
• Telekung and sarong with socks - for solat
• Socks if youre taking your Nike sport shoes
• Sandals
  
• Cap/hairband/cotton bandana
  
• Swimming suit (no, I didnt go to the beach in Cambodia)
  

Shoes

If youre going to do lots of walking, get a good walking shoe. I was thinking of wearing my Converse cotton, but its not really comfortable actually. Better still you can get a Teva sandal, but I must warn you, Teva sandal can be smelly after some times, wash it off with soap if your travelling companion starts complaining of the foul smell (or if the locals squeeze their noses when you come in). Nike sandals are ok but my they are not really durable. I heard that Chaco sandals are highly recommended, try to find one in KL but it may be tad expensive.

Personal Hygiene

Toothbrush.toothpaste.liquidsoap (as you may not like the small soap they give at the cheap motels). Razor blade (should you need to (!)). Shampoo. Baby oil (I have no idea what its for but its always with me when I travel). Deodorant (a must). Cotton Bud. Facial wash.Facial cream.compact powder.lipstick (if your femininity calls) Hairbrush (small one u silly !) Sanitary pad (in case). Perfume (backpackers need to smell nice too).

First Aid

Panadol.Charcoal pills (when the foreign food is not to your stomach liking) Miyak Cap Kapak (ointment) when you cant stand the foreign smell in the local bus or their musics. Bring some Vitamin C as well or maybe some other vitamins to boost your energy all through out the trip.

Miscellaneous

All sorts of charger for your phone, camera, videoacamera, mp3. Mp3 is highly recommended (again to help you with the sound of musics not to your taste). Safety pins, bring one packet if you must, they help you when u cant close the hotel windows with their cheap curtains. Small day bag, for you to take during the day trip around town (so you dont have to bring that big backpack to the restaurant)

And dont forget to bring one small bottle of liquid wash soap for washing. You may not like your shirt to smell like bath soap !

Your Travelling Companion

Be ready to accept everything that comes with the package. Be open minded. Dont be too sensitive. Be considerate. Compromise. Understanding. If you cant get along with your travel buddy, your trip wont be that fun anymore. Dont fret over small petty things. No body's perfect. The main thing is that both of you should at least agree on certain main issues, like both should agree on what type of accommodation (simple, cheap, expensive, comfortable etc) and both agree to spend as little as possible (like cutting down the expensive comfortable bus and use the local bus instead)

Notebook

Something for you to jot down everything from your plan, itinerary, expenses etc......

Pray

Never forget to pray for your trip to be safe and sound

Cambodia-The Plan

No, I didnt actually plan to go anywhere initially, I was thinking more of Langkawi or perhaps one of the Terengganu islands to recharge myself (yes I need that ocassionally to get my sanity intact).

I went to Cambodia with my good friend whom I met virtually through her blog. Ijul, yeap thats the girl. We ve been visiting each other's blogs for more than 2 years. She was in KL last year but we didnt get the chance to meet. So this year as shes visiting her sister again (whose husband is a manager of one of an IT international company here), we vowed not to miss this opportunity to meet. She told me that shes going to Cambodia first before she could come to Kedah. I was intrigued.... wondering whether its possible that I could follow her. Shes leaving on the third of raya and will only be back 5 days later. As usual, on impulse, I just blurtered out whethere she'd mind if I go with her. She was overjoyed.

So its on !

I told here I was quite tight on budget. I had only 350USD to spend after deducting the flight ticket. I was glad we agreed to spend as little as possible for the 6 days trip.

I was excited.

I Am 21 again !

Happy Birthday To Me !


happy birthday dear me
life as you ve learnt is never easy
but you've made it quite fairly !

Masa Yang Berlalu

Saat itu resah terjadi
Aku tiba-tiba seakan ingin memanggil namamu
Tatkala itu aku merasa himbauan sesuatu yang dalam
Senda apakah yang ingin kau beri
Duka apakah yang paling abadi
Melainkan sepi berabadku ini

-Pyan Habib-

Can I Hold The Memory

What was I looking for when I started the journey.
Not knowing the uncertainties that lies ahead.
Believing what has been written somewhere is my fate
And yet I planned the plan thats been meant for me to create.

Along the way I found myself
together with the other side of me that I always tend to forget
Tis' a couple of lessons I learned
From a far away friend who is never hesitate
to point out her thoughts thats forthright straight !



ps:
I will unfold my 6 days story in a short time
after the sorting out of the hundreds of the photos comes to an end ...

Run If You Can

Packing again !

Eidul Fitri 2006

"I want to teach you five of those things which deserve your greatest anxiety to acquire them:

Have hope only in Allah.

Be afraid of nothing but sins.

If you do not know a thing never feel ashamed to admit ignorance.

If you do not know a thing never hesitate or feel ashamed to learn it.

Acquire patience and endurance
because their relation with true faith is that of a head to a body, a body is of no use without a head, similarly true faith can be of no use without attributes of resignation, endurance and patience. "

Imam Ali (AS)


Selamat Hari Raya

Aku Gubra

Setelah beberapa bulan aku mencari CD asalnya, baru dua malam lepas aku berjumpa. Bukanlah aku ni seorang yang mengumpul original CD tapi bagi sesetengah album dan filem bagi artis yang aku hormati, aku akan rasa bersalah yang amat sangat jika mendapatkan CD mereka dengan harga sebanyak RM5 sahaja. Barangkali penjual vcd lanun merasakan aku gila bila aku berkata pada mereka “ Saya mahu vcd Gubra yang original punya !” di dalam suasana mereka mahu sembunyikan vcd-vcd cetak rompak di belakang rak vcd-vcd original.

Terlalu banyak yang telah diperkatakan orang tentang “Gubra”. Aku adalah orang yang terlewat untuk menontonnya. (Inilah harga yang aku harus bayar bila tinggal di tempat yang namanya Alor Setar ni, di mana cerita atau filem yang aku nak tengok, agak susah nak cari, mungkin salahku yang begitu gigih menunggu vcd originalnya).

Aku suka “Gubra” walau aku agak kurang senang dengan beberapa perkara yang dibawa oleh filem ini. Aku ni agak fundamentalis dalam hal2 yang berkaitan dengan isu sensitif yang dibawakan oleh filem-filem sekarang terutamanya bila aku mahu menontonnya dari kacamata seorang Muslim. Aku juga sensitif dengan message-message yang dibawa oleh filem. Tapi aku ni bukanlah pengkritik hebat, aku hanya salah seorang penonton yang agak cerewet memilih filem yang mahu ditonton.Kalau ada yang mahu melabelkan aku fundamentalis Islam, aku tidak akan membangkang.


Ramai fundamentalis yang marah dengan filem ini yang mengangkat persahabatan keluarga seorang bilal dengan pelacur. Aku melihatnya dari sudut lain sebagai seorang fundamentalis juga. Aku juga pernah membaca betapa marahnya para fundamentalis Islam kerana bagi mereka “Bilal jenis apakah itu yang tidak membawa message “Amal Maaruf Nahi Mungkar” di dalam persahabatannya dengan pelacur-pelacur itu?”. “Amal Maaruf Nahi mungkar yang mereka mahukan ialah dengan satu terjemahan sahaja iaitu dengan menegur dan memarahi pelacur kerana memilih kerjaya itu dan seterusnya memboikot pelacur tersebut dan anaknya juga akan dilarang untuk bercampur gaul dengan anak mereka. Inilah watak bilal yang mereka mahukan. Mereka agaknya terlupa untuk menterjemah ayat untuk berdakwah dengan hikmah. Barangkali mereka sendiri tidak tahu apa itu maksud “Hikmah”.

Aku suka dengan persahabatan baik yang dijalin antara keluarga Bilal dan Temah serta temannya Kiah , satu perhubungan tulus dan jujur sesama insan atas dasar keagamaan dan juga kemanusiaan yang mana akhirnya menjadikan pelacur-pelacur tersebut tertarik dan mahu kemballi kepada fitrahnya. Fitrah seorang Muslim. Cerita pelacur Muslim seperti ini mengingatkan aku pada waktu zaman Revolusi Iran, di mana antara tempat utama bagi para revolusioners untuk turun berdakwah ialah rumah-rumah pelacuran. Mereka tidak memandang rendah apatah lagi menghina para pelacur tersebut. Dengan penuh hikmah mereka berdawah dengan mengatakan bahawa antara sebab para pelacur tersebut memilih karier itu adalah kerana tiadanya pilihan lain yang disediakan oleh kerajaan Shah pada waktu itu yang menyebabkan ada segelintir rakyat terpaksa memilih kerjaya yang “paling tua” di dunia itu.

Aku juga paling suka dailog antara Temah dan Mas ketika Mas sedang mengajar Temah membaca kitab suci Al Quran.

Temah: Mas tak marahkah Temah tak pakai tudung?
Mas: Tak. Kenapa nak marah ?
Temah : Kalau Temah nak pakai tudung ?
Mas : Kalau Temah nak pakai tudung? Mas belikan
Temah : Kalau Mas beli, Temah tak nak pakai ?
Mas : Kalau Temah tak nak pakai tudung, Mas simpan. Mana tahu kalau satu hari nanti Temah nak pakai; dah ada


Betapa hikmahnya dan bijaksana “amal maaruf dan nahi mungkar” yang dibawa oleh Yasmin dalam cerita Bilal dan Pelacur.

Yasmin berjaya membawa sesuatu yang sangat fresh dengan memberi nafas baru bagi seorang bilal dan juga keluarga bertudung labuh hitam yang sangat terbuka, bijaksana yang menunjukkan contoh dan sikap yang baik sebagai Muslim. Di dalam dunia sekarang yang memandang serong pada mereka yang memakai kopiah dan bertudung labuh hitam sebagai pengganas ekstrimis yang suka berdemonstrasi, Yasmin mengangkat golongan ini ke satu tahap yang sewajarnya.

Aku juga akui bahawa pada mulanya aku agak skeptical bila melihat babak keluarga yang memakai tudung labuh warna hitam di sebelah katil bapa Jason . Melihat keluarga betudung labuh hitam di sebelah katil tersebut, aku seakan menantikan suatu babak yang tidak baik yang akan menjatuhkan mereka yang memakai tudung labuh, tapi Yasmin yang bijak tidak membawa message seperti itu. Dibawanya babak Mak si Jason yang marah-marahkan suaminya yang tak nak makan kalau tak ada daging babi dan keluarga bertudung labuh hitam disebelah pada mulanya agak terkejut dan tersenyum tetapi kemudiannya si ibu bangun dan menawarkan daging rendang buat si Nyonya. Aku menarik nafas lega.

Signifikasi pada pemakaian tudung labuh hitam di situ menunjukkan bahawa famili tersebut adalah keluarga yang wara’ dan amat serius dalam beramal. Tudung hitam yang labuh juga selalu melambangkan perempuan yang fundamentalis, ekstrimis dan sangat patuh pada peraturan menutup aurat di dalam Islam. Yasmin tidak meletak di situ famili yang memakai tudung putih tiga segi yang biasa, beliau juga tidak meletak famili yang memakai selendang atau scarf. Dengan membawa pemakaian tudung hitam yang labuh itu, Yasmin telah memberi satu imej yang sangat positif kepada orang ramai bahawa tudung hitam yang labuh tidak bermaksud ekstrimis yang melampau dan menunjukkan bahawa ada juga di kalangan mereka yang pandai bermuamalah dan berbuat baik sesama insan, hatta insan itu bukan Muslim sekali pun.

Inilah message 'uswatun hasanah' yang mahu di bawa oleh Yasmin dan saya percaya message tersebut telah disampaikan dengan begitu baik. Mungkinkah terpesongnya aku dari fahaman biasa fundametalis di sini adalah ini kerana lakonan Namron sebagai bilal yang sangat handsome dan cool. Teruja sungguh kalau memang benar ada lelaki Muslim Melayu seperti itu !

Di satu cerita yang lain, tentang Orked, terus terang aku agak menyampah dengan watak Orked di dalam Gubra. Barangkali aku masih mengharapkan watak yang sama seperti di dalam Sepet, “innocence”. Innocence itu sudah hilang di dalam Gubra (bersesuaian dengan umurnya barangkali) dan diganti dengan watak yang agak mengada-ngada dan manja terlebih. Itu pada pandangan aku, mungkin itulah sifat seorang Orked yang kalau saja bukan Orked sekalipun, sesiapa saja yang berwatak sedemikian, aku memang akan menyampah.

Tanpa memaafkan Arif sebagai seorang yang telah menduakan isterinya, aku agak “bengang” dengan Orked yang pada masa dan hari yang sama suaminya di’tangkap’ olehnya sedang berdua-duaan dengan wanita kedua, si Orked juga pada waktu itu sedang berjalan berdua dengan lelaki yang bukan mahramnya. Aku maafkan kalau Orked keluar berdua sebagai teman tetapi yang aku tidak faham, sebaik sahaja dia menempeleng suaminya, Orked terus berjalan berdua dengan lelaki yang bukan mahramnya itu “dengan memegang tangan” ! Ahhhh…… alangkah tidak adil dan peliknya wanita bernama perempuan. Boleh saja dia berpoya ‘flirt’ dengan lelaki lain tetapi amat marah bila mendapati suami berbuat demikian. Okay… aku faham, paling tidak Orked belum di bawah selimut dengan lelaki bukan mahram tersebut. Tetapi, jangan menipu Orked kalau engkau menafikan engkau juga sedang cuba menggoda lelaki bukan mahram tersebut ketika beliau keluar dari bilik air dengan tidak memakai baju. Apa perlunya engkau Orked menarik bulu seorang lelaki bukan mahram dari tubuhnya. Lihat saja bahasa dan lenggok yang engkau gunakan sewaktu bersama lelaki bukan mahram tersebut.”Orked, I’m sorry, but you didn’t come with clean hands too maam”.

Dan aku juga paling tidak faham dan memang tidak akan masuk akal, bagaimana seorang yang bijak seperti Kak Yam yang boleh berbahasa Inggeris dengan baik, boleh menjadi seorang ‘maid’ di Malaysia negaraku yang makmur ini. Melainkanlah maid itu adalah seorang Filipino dan aku percaya yang amat sangat Kak Yam bukanlah orang Filipina.

Aku juga sebagai seorang fundamentalis agak terkejut dengan babak-babak yang melibatkan sentuhan-sentuhan yang tidak sepatutnya oleh sesama Muslim yang bukan mahram. Barangkali kerana aku berpegang kepada hukum fiqh “Matlamat tidak menghalalkan cara”. Sekalipun message atau niat yang hendak dibawa oleh Yasmin adalah kasih sayang yang teramat sangat sesama watak di dalam itu, aku masih merasakan itu tidak menjustifikasikan sesuatu yang jelas haram. Aduhhh.. aku ini juga bukanlah manusia malaikat tapi aku rasa aku perlu menyatakan sesuatu yang benar walau aku sendiri tidak sebersihnya.

Aku mahu berkiblatkan sekali lagi kepada Iran. Walau tidak banyak filem mereka yang aku telah tonton, tapi di dalam satu dua filem yang aku berpeluang menonton aku kagum bagaimana mereka dapat mengeluarkan filem yang amat bermutu tanpa menggadaikan maruah dan prinsip Islam. Tanpa perlu watak si suami mencium isteri, si isteri mencium suami, dari ekspresi lain, penonton masih dapat merasakan kasih sayang yang wujud antara watak suami isteri tersebut. Mereka juga tidak pernah perlu menunjukkan rambut isteri yang mengurai atau serabai bagi merealisasikan watak perempuan.

Inilah harapan dan impian aku bagi industri filem Malaysia. Menghasilkan filem yang jujur dan berilmu dan pada masa yang sama tidak sesekali menggadai maruah dan peribadi Muslim. Memberi imej yang baik bagi pelakon dan seterusnya menjadikan filem sebagai medium dalam berdakwah.

Yasmin telah mengorak langkah yang baik dalam penceritaannya di dalam cerita Bilal dan Pelacur dan juga Keluarga Bertudung Labuh Hitam yang telah memberi message yang positif kepada masyarakat. Tetapi dalam masa yang sama aku juga mengharapkan sesuatu yang aku rasakan tidak mustahil boleh kita lakukan. Jika Iran boleh melakukannya, kenapa kita tidak ?

Fuming Mad !

"welcome..hehe..
mm..dah baca gak prettyfit tu dulu..
tp tak silapnya dia cedok dr blog anjakan paradigma sbb entry dia lambat sikit..

tu kalu aku tak silap la..
tp as i said, blog anjakan paradigma tu dah takdek, so tableh la nak cross check n verify tarikh entry derang tu..

apa2 lah...
yg penting maksudnya sampai..
hehe

selamat hari raya "

Now I know how does it feel to be furious when someone is talking things that is not right about you.

Whoever said those words above, kindly be informed that I will never never write something via cut and paste from others and claim that its mine.

That is so so far below me.

Please check that my original entry revolves around my discussion with a couple of my closest friends. Had it been from cut and paste why would I include their names.


Ohhh shit... I dont need to defend or prove myself.

Ramadhan Is Leaving

Ramadhan is leaving us in just a few more days.
What have I gained so far? What have I endevoured to gain ?
Did I take this once in a year time's opprtunity to get closer to him ?
Have I ever been close to Him all these times, even before Ramadhan?

Has Ramadhan now become just a superficial ritual ?
Has it become a celebration month where everybody gets to go to the Ramadhan bazar and choose all sorts and variaties of food ?
Do we really cherish the true meanings of Ramadhan;
something far beyond hunger and thirst?

Will it's spirit linger around us for the next 11 months until a new Ramadhan comes around?
Will we be praying as much after this month is over?
Will we still find time to keep close to Him?

Will there still be another Ramadhan for us next year?

Walking Alone

Sometimes you have to walk alone. You have to be on your own, not to depend on anybody but your self. You just have to be by yourself without feeling lonely. You will have to trust your own feelings, revise the book of life from lessons you have learnt along your short journey in life. You put aside all fears and doubts and rely only on your guts.

During this time, you will learn more about yourself. You will discover more of your strenghts that you never knew existed. You recognise your flaws and acknowledge your weaknesses. And you learn from your mistakes. You vow never to repeat them.

You realize that you can never change people. You realize that the only thing you can change is how you react towards people's behaviour that you know can hurt you. People can hurt you as long as you let them to. To retaliate can sometimes imply that you are just like them. So you stay 'above' them.

The best thing when you re on your own is you know that you are never really alone. And you slowly and shamefully turn to HIM for you know HE will never forsake those who turn to HIM.

You learn to walk alone now because you know
the next journey you re taking will never be accompanied by anybody.

My Comfortable Sneakers You Are

We are a pair of shoes

Never one without the other
How I wish we would always be together
And stay like this forever

You are my right, and I am your left
A mirror you are that reflects my true self
In each of my weaknesses and best
You make me believe I’m no less than the rest

I want no Prada, Jimmy Choo and all that is not cheap
(though an iPod 80GB may be something I need)
And you want no JLo as you gladly admit
(But I’m sure if shes around you’d of course,like to meet)

We have talked and discussed just about anything under the sun
From history, politics, religion, work and all that is fun
We may not agree with each other at certain times
But we both respect each another as somene more of a friend not a fiend

Best friends, lovers, soulmates you just name it as you like
For this relationship does not need a label for it to survive

Heart

I'm dissapointed.

They dont really play basketball. If the girl has been playing since childhood how come she still dribbles the ball high from the ground. Worst still is the hoop. How can they still shoot at the 4 feet hoop after all these years ? Cant they put the board a little bit higher at least? Oh I know... so that they can do slam dunk like Shah Rukh Khan did in Kuch Kuch Hota Hey. *ouch*

And ohh.. for the rest of the story.... I .. errr... fell asleep after the first 15 minutes.

The correct "Heart"
(Alor Setar version)

Asalnya Adam

Found a blog with details about the creation of Nabi Adam. Click here. It s in Bahasa Malaysia.

Adik Has A Boyfriend

We were both lying down in bed, talking when Adik told me she has a boyfriend.

"Whats his name ....?"

Smiling sheepishly "His name starts with "F" ..."

"Farid..? Farouk..? Fauzi...? .....hmmm...?"

"No.. !.. No ....!"

"Fuad ...? !.."

Covering her face with the pillow ... smiling ...

"Oh.. FUAD.... !"

"Wahhh... tell me.. tell me more.. how in the first place did he become your boyfriend ?"

"Dia duduk sebelah Adik dalam kelas. Satu hari dia tiba-tiba tanya adik...... "Esok besar hang nak kawin dengan sapa..? " Adik kata "Adik tak tau lagi" Lepas tu dia kata "Hang kawin dengan aku lah..!" Adik jawap "Boleh juga...!""

"He sits next to me in class... One day he suddenly asked me... "When you grow up who do you want to get married to ?" I said "I dont know" and he then said to me "You'll marry me then ..!" and I replied "That sounds alright""

And they are both 8 years old.

Will Ye Have Patience ?

"We have made some of you as a trial for others:
Will ye have patience?
For Allah is One Who sees (all things)"

Al Furqan :20

Just when you think that a person is a test to you, he may be thinking the other way round too. Because we are all not the same, we have to adapt to our differences with patience and kindness. When you are in a disagreement with someone you have to take a look at the background of the situation. You have to find out the stories behind your opponent. You have to try be in his shoes to make you understand his views and situations. Instead of concentrating on yourself, you have to step outside the box that s surrounding the person and you and evaluate the circumstances around it without being too emotional. Most of the times when you do that, you will understand the whole state of affair better. You might even find out the actual reason of your anger or resentment.

We sometimes do not get angry at the person, we are angry because of the situation and the circumstances. We are angry because we cannot handle the situation thats been shoved to us without prior notice. We are actually frustrated because our expectations have been smashed. Most of the times, we get angry because we loose control of ourself.

And next time when I'm about to go crazy because the driver in front of me is driving at 20kmph, I would think of this verse !

You Are How You Eat

I went out with Nora to KFC quite a few times. She would order the “snack plate” with two pieces of chicken together with the bun, coleslaw, mashed potatoes and sometimes we take fries or potatoe wedges for side orders. I notice how Nora would first eat the fries and then the bun and later go for the chicken and the coleslaw or the mashed potatoes; one at a time but not in particular order. Never two of the dishes at the same time, she would take them one by one.

And if you ever get to know Anis, you will notice how she eats. She would arrange everything neatly on the plate and eat them slowly and gracefully. That’s the word; yes despite the fact that, how ‘cranky’ or ‘crazy’ she can be, she eats her food gracefully !!! It amazes me the way she eats. But Anis would always eat the fries first because she likes the fries hot.

I on the other hand would eat everything at the same time. I would take the chicken together with the bun dipped in mashed potato and coleslaw with a little bit of the chili sauce in the coleslaw. I would take the fries too in between the chicken and the coleslaw. Its like I can just take almost all the foods at the same time, I cant do like Nora does. I just cant take them one by one.

Now, the way Nora eats is exactly the way she does her works. One by one; and one thing at a time.

I guess Anis does her work the same thing too. Neatly and ….. ‘gracefully’ ?? How does one do her work gracefully ….?

And in my case, I suppose you can imagine how I work … which makes me running here and there all the time ……



P/S : Now ....... I even heard that the way you eat shows the way you are in bed …. *wink*

The Best Answer

"Silence is the best answer to a fool"

Imam Ali R.A

I couldnt agree more with the saying.
Dont you think so too ?

Aku Ini Dari Tanah

Allah bertitah pada satu masa
Mahu diciptanya makhluk manusia
Maka malaikat dan jin berkata-kata
“Adakah Engkau akan mencipta yang akan membinasa?”

Dari tanah bentuknya dibina
Tanah dari bumi yang sesuai istimewa
Diperintah malaikat yang pertama hingga ke sembilan
Tiada seoarang pun yang mampu mangambilnya kerana kasihan

Bumi merayu kepada sembilan malaikat
Janganlah aku diambil kerana berkat
“Aku mendengar makhluk yang dicipta akan membinasa
Dan aku pasti akan turut sama merasa
Kerana aku adalah mereka
Apatah lagi kalau ramai yang akan ke neraka
Pasti aku dibawa bersama”

Sembilan malaikat merasa kasihan
Maka disuruhnya Malaikat ke sepuluh,
Namanya saja menggegar tubuh
Dan tiap kali Izrael disebut ramai yang berpeluh

Izrael turun ke bumi dengan satu misi
Mengambil sesuatu yang tak diizin dari bumi
Bumi tetap merayu merayu lagi
“Janganlah aku dibawa pergi
Aku tidak mahu membinasa diri”

Kata Izrael “Aku ini datang atas perintah
Jangan engkau berhelah-helah
Tidak aku yang bercakap-cakap”
dan tanah terus direntap

Tanah dibentuk merupa makhluk
Dan dari Allah ruh ditiup
Tapi sebelum sempat sampai ruh ke kaki
Adam sudah bangun mahu berdiri

TitahNYA “Manusia ini makhluk yang tergesa-gesa”
Apa saja yang diminta mahu nya dengan segera
Tidak peduli yang diminta itu buruk atau baik baginya

Iblis itu asalnya ketua para Jin danMalaikat
Penghulu bagi semua yang berpangkat
Dan tatkala cerita mahkluk baru yang akan dicipta tersebar
Iblis benar-benar rasa tercabar
"Aku dari api dan makhluk itu dari tanah, maka aku pastinya lebih besar"

Ahhh ...semua orang sudah tahu cerita seterusnya
Cerita turun temurun Iblis dan Adam dan juga Hawa
Betapa janji dan sumpah Iblis mampu dikota
Sehingga ayahnda berdua diarah keluar dari Syurga
Kerana memakan buah laranganNYA

Yang aku mahu cerita sebenarnya di sini
Bagaimana kita ini dari tanah asalnya

Jadi salahkah aku.........
Jikalau aku bergelumang dengan sesuatu
Yang asal usul terciptanya aku ?

More here

Marhaban Ya Ramadan

Selamat Berpuasa Everybody.

Drink at least a few glass of water during sahur.
It helps

When Anis Is In Town

The sister who brings sunshine to the family .....

" I Am Near "

"When My Servants Question You About Me:

Tell them that I am Near
I respond to the dua' (prayer) when they call on Me"

Al Baqarah: 186

This is one of the most important verses in Quran that most of us tend to overlook. When we are sad, when we are lost and when things are not according to what we hope for, we forget that HE is very close and near to us. HE listens to every of our prayers and hopes. HE knows our fears and worries but HE has also promised that HE will not burden us with something that we cannot bear.

Some Muslims who convert to Christianity feel that when they were Muslims, they felt that HE was far from them and when the Christians missionaries told them that Jesus is close, they fell for it and embraced the concept without hesitation.

Is it our faults, the Muslims, for spreading more of HIS wrath rather than HIS Rahman and Rahim (Most Merciful and Most Compassionate) ?

Is it our fault that we do not tell our brothers and sisters that Allah is indeed close and very near to us and that HE actually listens to us .......?

Well, HE has listened to my prayers and HE has granted most of the things I asked for. (Of course the iPod 80GB prayer is still under consideration.... I hope).

. I asked HIM to make my relationship with my Mom smooth ... (Checked) - granted
. I asked HIM to give me a man I can respect ... (Checked) * -granted
. I asked HIM for a car I could go places ..... (Checked) - granted
. I asked HIM for an iBook ... (Checked) - granted

I asked HIM for lots of other things that I now realized that HE actually listened and granted! ALHAMDULILLAH

and for the things HE has not (yet) granted or will not grant ... I leave that its for my best interest.





And why do I still fail to be his loyal servant ..................................................


*note: forgot to ask for a Husband I can respect: dua' duly amended (on the way... *wink*)

Dear Housemate

As you are aware we have been housemates for quite sometimes now. If I'm not mistaken more than a couple of years. Even though you have been around, I never bothered about you actually. I couldnt be bothered what time you got in and what time you went out. You go in and out of the house as you wish and I never restricted your movement. You have created your own rights to enjoy the previlege of being my housemate. I saw you sometimes and I knew you saw me too but you would always try to avoid me by hiding away in your room. Your presence in the house was not felt anyway but we both know we re there, if not for each other.

You know I always bring home food to put on the table, and you know I sometimes put aside the leftovers. But I was so angry that day when I found out that you took my steamed corn. I didnt know that you took it only to find out later from that foul smell coming from your room. I was furious and angry actually. How could you left the corn in the room with all its foul smell.

You knew I was angry and I knew you were not happy about it. Instead of apologizing to me you planned your own revenge. I didnt like it at all when you took away my phone charger without telling me. I was looking all over and didnt know that it was you who took it. I had to buy a new one. But to my suprise I found it later IN YOUR ROOM and you took the liberty to cut it.

That was not the only thinng you took from me. Even the second telephone charger was taken by you without notice. And some other things of mine have been the object of your anger. What baffled me was even the telephone line had fallen to be your victim. You had caused me troubles as I had to get a new line.

I have no choice my dear housemate. After a few unforgiveable things you ve done and after causing me so much troubles, I have to ask you to leave. I can no longer live with you. You have to find another room of your own.

These are the result of your mean actions :-









I have to ask you to leave with immediate effect.You leave me with no choice. I am sorry.

I Am Not A Choice

I jumped with joy when I saw this CD. Been looking for it for some times, especially that particular song " Aku Bukan Pilihan" which I had blogged somewhere some times ago.

This is a song with a very manly strong lyric, about a man who does not want to be a pathethic left-by-a-woman man, who stands tall despite being hurt, one who doesnt want to compromise his ego and dignity by begging the girl to take him back.

Now... thats a refreshing kind of man... at this age.......

Goodbye

Was chating with At80 about relationship and breaking up and it hit me:-

The hardest part of breaking up is not
when you have to tell the other person that its over,
its when you would have first to admit to yourself
that the relationship is not working anymore;
thats the most painful thing one has to face
even before saying "good bye"

The Only T Shirt

the only licensed and approved Calvin shirt to exist

Too bad At80

Source :- Bill Watterson's Rarest !

Calvin and Hobbes

You can see that I ve been reading some of my "Calvin and Hobbes" collections again. This boy never fails to fascinate me. I love his wit, his humour, his thoughts on everyday life. But I also feel pity for him for being such a loner, I mean in relation to his social life with other kids, (except for Susie Derkins of course, for almost everybody thinks that Calvin has a mild crush on that sweet smart girl). Even Bill (Bill Watterson) thinks that Calvin might face a hard time getting a girlfriend considering the way hes treating Susie right now.

Ms Wormwood : Which state are you in ?
Calvin : Denial

There were a few ocassions where Bill tried to make Calvin join the scout and even the baseball team, but Calvin is not really a team player, he detests rules and he cant stand being ordered around, and I doubt that Calvin has any talent for sport actually. The only game he can play is "CalvinBall" which he plays with Hobbes (the rule changes as you play along and the only rule to be followed is that you cannot make the same rule twice).

In his own world, Calvin is never alone, Hobbes is always there for him, his partner in crime. The time he spends with Hobbes, their views about the world .... ahhhh... I can never get enough of this boy.

Too bad Bill has stopped drawing Calvin.

I Swear

"Life's dissapointments are harder to take if you don't know any swear words"

Calvin and Hobbes

Do you swear ? Do you swear a lot ? Do you swear with every other words that come out of your mouth ?

I suppose swearing helps us go through life without having to suppress our anger and dissapointment . When you let 'em out, you clear your sub concious mind.

But the question is to what extend should you let your anger overcomes you. Maybe mere words help you from punching somebody's face or kick somebody's back, which may turn out worse.

I googled AskOxford and found this :-
swear :-

• verb (past swore; past part. sworn) 1 state or promise solemnly or on oath. 2 compel to observe a certain course of action: I am sworn to secrecy. 3 use offensive or obscene language, especially to express anger.

I dont mind if people swear but I try to make it a point to only use these words when I'm angry or dissapointed or when I bump myself on the doorway:-

Bodoh- Bangang-Gila

Yaaaa... my life is not that colorful when it comes to swearing ....

You Dont Know What You Have

The only way to appreciate a person is to think that we might loose him/her at any time without notice.

I would always use this trick sometimes whenever I want to have a sip of my sister's favourite drink or a taste of her food. Anis always says that I do not only taste, she's always afraid I might goggle up half of her drink or her plate.

"What happens if after this second I go out to the street and a car knocks me and I'd drop dead. You can never forgive yourself for the rest of your life for not letting me have a taste of your lasagna when I asked you for some a few minutes before my death. Hahaha"

I try to apply this with every person that I'm close to. I always try to set in my mind that death is never far away from any of us. And even when I cant come to terms with my loved ones I would always try to give in because I dont want to regret later.

"You dont know what you have until its gone"

And the trick works with Anis.

Women Can Keep Secrets You Know

Here goes the conversation .....

AB: You know what... this friend of mine, ABC, at the office; he told me he doesnt actually love his wife and that he married her because the wife is his mother's choice... Nobody knows this except me. He said he has never told anybody about this.

Me : Oucchh.. My heart goes to the wife if she ever finds out about her husband's true feelings for her.Waa... he can tell you this kind of things eh..? To tell his secrets to you ... !

AB: Well... you know me.... guys can always tell me their secrets.. because they know I would never tell anybody. You tell me.... who would I tell all their secrets to.........

Me : True

AB: And please dont tell anyone about this ABC's secret

Me: Sure

I rest my case My Lord .

Merdeka !

From the mouth of cK:

Merdeka Parades are meant for these three categories only :-

1. The Sultans
2. The Politicians; and
3. The Media

the rest are forced to ........

Notice that this time around photos of YTM Allahyarham Tunku Abdul Rahman are all over ....

Question:-

Is it because they want to eliminate any photos of the ex - Prime Ministers especially the recent ex ?

But along the way they must have forgotten to put Pak Lah's photo too.....

alahaiiiiii....

I'm Kicking !

It's about time I change the layout of my blog. I suddenly realized that my blog was rather too plain and it was confirmed by my good evil (!!!) friend At80 last nite when she pointed out that my blog is "simple and 'pucat' (pale)". Its simple alright, because I actually like my blog to be neat and simple even though it can be the other way round with my house and office *ehemmm*. I dont like my blog to be bogged with all the blocks ....

But anyways, so as not to keep my blog pale, I thought why not I add banner and colors to it. I have always been envious of those people with their own banner at the top of their blogs. Didn't really know how to do it but I did my own findings and now... tadaaaaaa .... my own banner !! with the creativity of my own two sweaty hands ... (hahaha... berpeluh2 nak buat) because for once photoshop is "alien" to me but I knew I had no choice but to dive in and start kicking and paddling to stay afloat. Alhamdulillah I managed !

I know I can always ask people for help but after sometimes I have begun to understand that it is better to learn and find what you want to know by yourself. You can never always depend on people, well at least try not to in the first place.

Yeah... I'm still kicking at 5 am now. I have been doing this layout almost all night long. It should be easy to some, but well... Alhamdulillah I think I ve done OK.

If only I can kick some more to finish the files from the office ......

*Yawning*

I Want ......

A friend whos getting married asked me whether shes going to be a good wife or not?

I said to her:

"Insya Allah you will be one ! The reason being: because you want to be a good wife"

I truly believe if you want something , the first step is "to want" it.

You cant just be rich if you never wanted to be rich in the first place.

Once you set something in your mind all your actions will work towards achieving it.

You will only get what you set in your mind first.
And thats when your subconcious mind will catch your intention and trigger your actions.

So whenever you re up to something please check your intention and your want first.

MalaysiaKu

You know why Malaysia still cannot be a developed country ? Because Malaysians have yet to reach the same standard of mentality. Malaysians have yet to come to the same level of thinking.

I truly believe that there are so may things that make us what we are today but on top on the list is the mentality which is derived from ones' exposure and education background. Mentality and our way of thinking differentiate us from one another.

Your mentality and your way of thinking come from your everyday exposure, your level of education and your family background too.

A is an architecht. "A"'s father is a lawyer, his grandfather was a civil servant who went to further his study in England. A lives in a city and went to a local university.

B is also an architect. "B"'s father on the other hand is only a farmer and his grandfather was also a farmer. B has been living in his kampung all his life until form six when he then managed to get into a local university just like A.

Even though both of them are architecths in their own right, if you look closely at both of their personalities, you will find certain behaviours and characteristics that differ them from one another.

A person who comes from a lower family background tend to behave and think differently from a person from a middle class family even though when both are standing on the same platform. A person with various and vast exposure like A would be more relax and confident while a person like B sometimes would try so hard to look like A that they look so ridiculous.

Without any intention to undermine the kampung folks ( as I am also from a kampung ) we have to accept that our mentalities may never be the same as the city folks.

A kampung folk would be raving mad when they heard Amani said "I look stupid if I speak in Malay"

Whereas a city folk would take the remark "as it is" without being judgmental because most of the city folks do use English as their first language . But, they (city folks) understand that that kind of statement would make their kampung counterparts angry. Very angry .... grrrrrrrrr!

Like I said, even though most of these people like B's background are now living in a city like KL even for many many years, their exposure would still not be at par with people like A's background.

Like the famous saying:

"You can take a boy from the kampung; but you will never take the kampung out of the boy"

which is very true.


But you know what..... only the children of B will someday be at par with A when A's children would have ventured a few steps further (even from B) ....

The reason why Malaysia has yet to become a developed country is because it may take another generation of B kind of people to reach the same mentality and exposure like A. And can you imagine if B did not get to the university where he remains in the kampung and only his son gets to get out of the kampung and be an architect, which means that only B's grandson will be at the same level with A.

I believe that many of the developed countries have reached that stage .... where most of their citizens have come to that standard phase of the same mentality.


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

But funny thing about Malaysia, we develop too fast materially whereas our mentality has yet to catch up with the material world.

I give you one example:

The treadmills I use in my gym. The treadmills are the latest ones but they are always out of order because those people screw them up, they do not know how to handle its complexity.

Unlike in the USA where going to gym has been their culture for more that a few early decades from us, the Americans grew up with the technology. Like they must have been using the basic treadmill and slowly change to use a later and later ones until the technology reaches the high-end treadmill.

Unlike us when we started with a basic treadmill we did not grow with the technology, we jump straight to the high-end-complex-hard-to-handle-machinery like the treadmills they have in my gym. Its like when you learn mathematics from the basic 1 + 1 and suddenly within a matter of one or two years you re shoved with calculus. And thats why the treadmills are out of order just like any student who would also be "out-of-order" if they have to learn calculus without going through the basic backgrounds.

And thats why when the internet and computer technologies catched up on us.... many of our youngsters are so taken up by this new technologies that we have to catch them at the internet cafe during school hours .

***********

But come to think of it, we have been independant for only 49 years .... whereas :-

1. Thailand _ Never been c0lonised
2.England - England has existed as a unified entity since the 10th century
3.America - 4th July 1776
4.Australia -1 January 1901

Ok I managed to Google only that 4 countries .... and thats in term of "Independency"

and we have yet to touch on civilization ...... which of course ..... we will never match:-

Chinese, Indians, Egyptians or what more Persians or even " orang putih" .....

And I felt like rolling on the floor laughing when "they" talk about Melayu Baru to conquer the world ...... Adehhhhhhh!

The problem we have is that we think "We are the best" not knowing that there are many other countries better than us .... well in many aspects ... but to discuss this will jeorpadize my sleep....

zzzzzzzzzzzzz.....

Call Me Crazy .....

This is the small fountain pool they have at the Masjid Zahir's compound. Its has been there for as long as I could remember. It holds a special memory of how crazy I used to be (and still am). I was about 8 or perhaps 9 when my Aunt brought me and my brother and two other cousins to the mosque. As we were outside waiting for her, my eyes suddenly fell onto that pool, and you have no idea how crazy I could be with water (I just cannot stand looking at any river, swimming pool or lake or even that small pool) I had this sudden urge to plunge into the pool.


Me: Cik (my cousin) Aku nak terjun mandi kat kolam tu
(I want to jump into the pool)

Cik : Wehh.. hang gila ka ?
(Are you crazy ...??)

Me: Tak pa lah Cik.... Aku tak tahan dah ni...
(Oh Come on.. its ok . I just cant stand it anymore)




As I the conversation went on, I was actually pulling the zipper of my dress and almost running to the pool.

And yes, in my only underwear, I jumped into the small pool and had the blast of my 8 years (maybe 9)life. I remember that I even dived under the water and only to come up to my Aunt's glaring angry face, shouting at me to come out of the water ....

Happiness Is ....

Hanging out with my cousin, Adik , my adorable Adik. Shes always been the subject of my tug-n-war with my sister beacuse my sister and I both want her to be each other's gang ! The last time she was my "gang" because Anis was in KL., but when Anis and I meet, Adik would point out that she doesnt belong to any "gang".

The Three Articles

Article 3
(1) Islam is the religion of the Federation; but other religions may be practised in peace and harmony in any part of the Federation.

Article 4
(1) This Constitution is the supreme law of the Federation and any law passed after Merdeka Day which is inconsistent with this Constitution shall, to the extent of the inconsistency, be void

Article 11
(1) Every person has the right to profess and practice his religion and, subject to Clause (4), to propagate it.

Why are you then crying out today when Lina has converted to Christianity? There is nothing one can do if she so chooses because these are the Articles that have allowed her to.

You cant do anything because the reason is you as a Muslim has failed in making this country an Islamic country. Whether you like it or not, the fact remains that Malaysia has never been an Islamic country, though UMNO has been chanting that it is. Why are you shouting now at Lina, because even when PAS has been making proposal towards HUDUD, not all Muslims have been behind PAS. The Hudud proposal may not be a perfect one but at least it is one small step towards an Islamic country.

But what you, UMNO did when Hudud was brought up by Pas? You shot it down. Instead of helping Pas in amending the draft, you even let all your non-muslims counter parts have their say when they should not interfer at all with Hudud, because Hudud is a Muslims' business.

Apostacy is not the only seven deadly sins. Drinking, adultery have been part and parcial of many Muslims' lifesyle now and what have we done to stop all these ? We havent. We cant do anything when the primary principle which we should have taken steps towards it has not been taken care of.


As per Article 3, Islam as the religion of the Federation has been implied only to rituals and not more than that.And nothing in the constitution mentions that Islamic Law is paramount because Article 4 clearly states that nothing is above the Constitution.

Having a Muslim Prime Minister does not make Malaysia an Islamic country.
Having an International Islamic University does not make Malaysia an Islamic country.
Having Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad does not make Malaysia an Islamic country.

How can Malaysia be one if the Constitution is the Supreme Law ?

Didnt we Muslims realize these before ? These are the roots behind all the troubles now. The non-Muslims are right to depend on the three Articles.

We should have fought the Article 3, Article 4 and Article 11 long before Lina's case. Instead of bashing Lina we should have bashed those who were behind the creation of the Constitution and those who never do anything to amend it.

And yes, I still uphold my view that those Muslims should not be among the groups who are for Lina and her rights. Let the non-Muslims fight whateverv they think are their rights, but you Muslims brothers and sisters shouldnt be in their camp.You should instead be helping your Muslims brothers and sisters to create an Islamic country.

If only Malaysia is an Islamic country, things wouldnt be the same.

(But to debate what type of an ideal Islamic country....thats another issue.....)

Lina Joy Who Is Not Joyous

In the name of Allah, Gracious, Merciful.

Say: O Disbelievers!
I worship not that which ye worship
Nor worship ye that which I worship.
And I shall not worship that which ye worship
Nor will ye worship that which I worship.
Unto you your Religion and unto me, my Religion

Surah Al Kaafirun


Do not interfer with Our religion
as we have never interfered with Yours





______________________________
You do not cross this line



And to you Muslims who are across the border:
Why are you there?
When you should have been with your Muslim brothers and sisters here?

Even if you you do not agree with some of your brothers and sisters views over here
it does not justify your choice of being in their camp

Dont you remember ?

Lakum Deenukum Wali Ya Deen

Let them be
But your place is here


You have helped them
You have paved their way into our ground
You opened the gate for them


....... you ve betrayed your family......


Whats in it for you?

Do you sleep better at night ?
Do you feel good ?

On what basis ?

On humanity ?
On individuality ?
On freedom of choice ?

But before you sleep tonite

Ask this question to yourself
(as I have been asking myself)

Where do I Stand In this Matter
As a MUSLIM ?

not as a humanitarian
not as a lecturer
not as a politician
not as a lawyer
not as a judge
not as any body you think you are

but only
AS A MUSLIM

Tujuh Nafas Lagi - On My Death Bed

Inikah dia
Yang kuimpikan
Dalam lambaian firdaus
Kali ini kuharapkan
Bukan fatamorgana lagi

I am on my deathbed, is this the feeling I should be having,
I can see and feel the heaven; which I hope is not just a mirage.

Jiwa lama bersengketa
Sedang hakikatnya kita sama-sama redha
Hati hamba dah sedia
Perjalanan ini tinggal tujuh nafas lagi

Its this fight inside of me not to die
But we (YOU and I) both know its a fact that we have accepted
I am now ready to go
My journey is left with only seven breaths

Sepertimu
Aku juga pernah persoalkan kekuatan batinku
Dalam seribu kekalutan kucinta
Dalam sejuta resah kucinta jua
Dalam mimpi ngeri kulihat cinta
Dalam rasa paling rendah kuangkat cinta

Just like all of you
I have doubts about the strenght of my inner soul
But in in all my unrestlessness I feel love (HIS Love)
In all my nervouseness I can still feel love (His Love)
Even in my nightmares I can still see love (His Love)
Even in my weaknesses I try to uphold love (Love for Him)

Rinduku bukanlah murahan
Jika mahu dianggapkan mainan
Kau tanya bilangan namamu kusebut
Jawapnya hanya sekali nafas tak terputus

I long for you Ya Allah
and I'm saying it just not for the sake of saying it
YOU ask me how many times do I utter (remember) YOUR Names
Its endless Ya Allah because in just one breath the chain of your names are endless (inside of me)

Cintaku yang kumaksudkan
Seperti buih-buih di bibir lautan*
Seperti nafas yang meresapi badan
Seperti kenangan yang tak pernah luput selamanya

My love for YOU Ya Allah
is like the foams at the lips of sea
spreading over my body
like a memory that never fades.....

* the lyric in the booklet put "di milik lautan" which i think if you listen carefully to the song shoud be "di bibir lautan" because you can find loads of foam only at the beach, which is the lips of the sea


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

I have to make a correction with regard to my last entry, and after a discussion with my cK, the song has nothing to do with sex. Seven breaths actually refers to the usual term used by the Sufis to express their last breaths before death.

Contrary to its upbeat rythm "broadway like" (as put by Nora)the song actually tells a story of the feeling of one is having as he is nearing death, it may not necessarily be at his deathbed (because death is in fact never far from us), it can also refer to a feeling at the highest level of divine relationship with Allah where the Sufis would refer it as "die before you die" where when you get to that stage,nothing else matters as it is only you and HIM and when there is nothing else except HIM, you are as good as a dead man (thats how cK puts it).

The person is feeling Oneness with HIM in his Dzikir and that he is surrounded by HIS love..... and is ready to end his life journey to go back to HIM for he has been longing to be with HIM



I have now with me "The Conference of the Birds" by Farid Ud-Din Attar for me to understand "Tanya Sama Itu Hud-Hud"

Dear Sifu, if you are reading this, please confirm my comprehension of this lyric.

Tujuh Nafas Lagi

Inikah dia
Yang kuimpikan
Dalam lambaian firdaus
Kali ini kuharapkan
Bukan fatamorgana lagi

Jiwa lama bersengketa
Sedang hakikatnya kita sama-sama redha
Hati hamba dah sedia
Perjalanan ini tinggal tujuh nafas lagi

Sepertimu
Aku juga pernah persoalkan kekuatan batinku
Dalam seribu kekalutan kucinta
Dalam sejuta resah kucinta jua
Dalam mimpi ngeri kulihat cinta
Dalam rasa paling rendah kuangkat cinta

Rinduku bukanlah murahan
Jika mahu dianggapkan mainan
Kau tanya bilangan namamu kusebut
Jawapnya hanya sekali nafas tak terputus

Cintaku yang kumaksudkan
Seperti buih-buih dimilik lautan
Seperti nafas yang meresapi badan
Seperti kenangan yang tak pernah luput selamanya

M.Nasir


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




Lets face it, M Nasir's songs are hard to comprehend. He just doesnt simply write songs for the sake of writing songs. There are always something behind the lyrics if you look close enough. And usually his lyrics are very close to sufism. Like the one in his song "Tanya Sama Itu Hud-Hud", youd think that its just a song, but I actually believe that most of his listeners have no ideas what Hud-Hud was he talking about.

This one too is no exception. What does he actually mean by the "Seven Breaths". Is it the seven breaths in respect to the Dzikir by the sufis. When MNasir talks about love he sometimes not necessarily mean the love of man-woman relationship, althoug the lyrics can sometimes be in that direction, but love to M.Nasir is more universal and I'd like to think that it is more towards the Divine relationship with Allah SWT. The Sufis would sometimes refer, in pointing out their views, to include something like "until his seven last breaths".

I'd like to think that this song particularly describes the feeling of the highest level of relationship one can have with Allah SWT. Like hes saying that as a servant he is now ready to face "HIM" at his deathbed "Hati hamba dah sedia .. perjalanan ini tinggal tujuh nafas lagi".

But when he said "sepertimu" I dont think hes referring to the other person as to a woman, I think hes talking to us in general, doubting his inner strenght, but through the love of Allah and the love he feels for Allah he could face everything even at his worst he could only feel the love of Allah.

When he mentions "rindu" he is longing for Allah and thats its not something he said for the sake of saying it .. because to long for HIM is to be able to remember and 'dzikir' HIS NAMES endlessly ...... dzikir which is part and parcel of sufism and of course of any committed muslims

The love for HIM is overwhelming him "seperti nafas yang meresapi badan" like when you re in deep thoughts of Allah, Allah, Allah ... the dzikir will be flowing through one's body ... into oneness with HIM


or

maybe it can also be something in relation to sex, but in a very subtle and polite way when the man is feeling that love can make him feel this way up in cloud nine.... heaven ... "dalam lambaian firdausi" and hoping that its just not an illusion that he cant have "bukan fatamorgana lagi". Because seven way of breathing according to some views, can boost your sexuality.

Oh how I wish I can get in touch with "the Sifu" himself to get into his thoughts....

and ahhh.. by the way before my wish is granted, I thinkI have to dig more into Qadir Jalani or Naqsyabandi or Rumi or Khayyam ..............

We Come In Packages

Thats what we all are. We come in packages. We have our bads and goods, our ups and downs, but one thing for sure we are all not perfect. We have flaws. By accepting the flaws in one another we can become closer. You can have a best friend because that best friend can accept and has accepted your flaws too. If your friend can only acknowledge without accepting your flaws, she can never be your best friend.


When you make a choice you take everything that comes with that one decision you make. The choice comes in packages with all its negatives and positives , you either take it all or leave it. You can never be selective of the items in that package as to choose which item you d want to take and which one you wouldnt want to take. Like when you buy something that comes in a box, you take the one whole box with you home, even when you find out later that some items are to your dislike.


The same concept applies to even a love relationship. You chose the person you are now with because of all the good things you see in him. And as you get to know him better and closer his flaws will tend to come up to the surface. This is the time when you have to make another decision and choice. If you can accept his flaws and you know that his goodness are far outweighs his flaws, you will definitely keep him. And if you feel that you cannot take his nonsense, you have the option to walk away. You cannot blame the person for what he is, because thats his package, you can of course talk and discuss the thing with him. If you re lucky, he might change, and if he doesnt, its nobody's faults, it was never meant to be and its what they call "incompatibility".


People gets into relationship with lots of expectations and hopes. But we tend to forget that the only things that always left us frustrated and hurt are the things that we expect and hope the most. Like when you expected to get straight As in your SPM, when you get less of only one A, you ll get dissapointed and hurt and sad. But if you expect to get only a few As, a few more As with two Bs would be like a bonus to you. The higher your expetactions and hopes are,the more likely of the risk of being diassapointed, frustrated and hurt.


When we enter into a relationship with too much expecatiotions and hopes we open ourselves to being hurt and dissapointed. To keep your expectations and hopes and a minimum would help even only a little.

The best method I think in helping us go through a relationship is to pray. To pray that you can handle the relationship with open heart and wisdom, for HIM to give you the strenght and patient when the relationship is at its worst. To pray that no matter whatever happens you will both carry on the relationship with love and care so as not to hurt one another.


But to abandon hopes and expectations altogether is futile. How can we have no expectations and hopes at all... we are, afterall, humans ....

A Blog Friend

When you read a person’s blog almost every other day (and some days in a row) you would feel like your’re exploring their world, you feel like you somehow know them personally because of the things they write about their life. You would also get to read about their thoughts on certain issues and gain some new infos. You’d follow their everyday stories, their ups and downs …. their happy and sad moments.

I sometimes feel like a peeping tom …

...until you feel like introducing yourself and make friends with them … or “her”

EyeDrop

I was feeling a bit uncomfortable with my right eye. Went to the pharmacy to get some eyedrop.The Pharmacist gave me one and told me to use it three times daily.

I had this urge to ask him:-


"Sebelum makan ka .....lepas makan ..."

What Is Your Authority ?

My Boss said hes having a problem with the staffs. To him the staffs rarely come to him to discuss about work.

"I am not a difficult person. I can accept people's opinion. If you think I am wrong, you could come and tell me"

I was silent for a few seconds.

"Its not that they do not want to come and discuss with you. Even if they think they are right, they could never come and face you because they do not have some backings to support their views. You know how the attitude of some of the Malays are. Lets just take for example if we talk about Hadith. Its very rare for the Malays to quote a Hadith together with the "rawi" (the sahabah who originally trasmitted the Hadith). Most of us would only say that "Rasulullah SAW said this and that". Its very rare that we can relay the whole of the Hadith together with the name of the persons who trasmitted it, let alone the background of the Hadith and the calssification of the Hadith whether its Sahih, Hassan or Dhaif etc. And if another person were to argue the authenticity of the Hadith quoted by some of the Malays, they'd be stunned because the Malays only know only the text of the Hadith, but even then, some do not even know the whole text of the Hadith, they only know the gist of it.

Those who are knowledged and well versed would be dissapointed. How can you have a discussion if you do not know what you re talking about and come unprepared without doing your homework.

The staff would not dare to come to you, because most of them do not want (or perhaps lazy)to do their homework and they would feel lost when talking to you because you would definitely ask them :

"Whats your authority ?" "

"Boss, I know this because I had on numerous ocassion discussed with you and I have learnt a lot not to come to you unprepraed and even then when I think I have prepared with all my ammunities, you could still shoot my point straight away without me taking out my "guns""

My Trainer

I am back at the gym.... for about a month now and this time I thought its about time I get a trainer, Liza. Shes the wife to an ex-Mr Malaysia Jeffrey. I like the couple, they have such a lovely husband and wife relationship. Both are so passionate about body building and they would always train together even though Liza can never get into a competition because women bodybuilding competition has long been banned in Malaysia but it never fails to make Liza go for her dream body. There was one time when she was training with the husband for a competition, following his diet and all that on the day of the competition some had mistaken her to be one of the competitors !

I have been going to the gym for about three years now with more absents on the last year. I ve known them ever since I joined the gym but never intended to get a trainer at that time. But Liza is nice and helpful and I had once followed Liza's advice on my diet of which I successfully dropped from 70kgs to 62kgs. I was at my best until I decided that I do better at eating ! And my body went back to being... errr quite heavy. As being put by a freind, "You re not fat.. you re just bigger" Whatever it means ..

When I approached Liza and Hub they asked me what kind of body do I want ...? Told them I wanted some muscles ! Liza then put up her MO for my body and even listed down a diet for me to follow. I have to admit I did cheat in my diet and Liza has been wondering why I have not looked the way I'm supposed to as per her schedule. She trains me well during the trainings and she really pushed me hard. Never would I lift those big bells had she not forced me to. And I tell you her system is really hard !

But its working now ... I can see some difference... I can feel some muscles and all I have to do now is concentrate on my diet to have the dream cutting because the muscles are already there and I only have to loose more of my fats...

Help me.....

More cardio please !

Why Akademi Fantasia Again?

There is no balance in between our entertainments and the kind of education the youngsters are getting. Read NST (14-6-2006).

Why do we have to spend so much on entertainment when the education system is still haywired ?

Why do we let our yougsters believe that being in AF is the in thing in life?

Why do we have to have lots of concerts when so many of our graduates and youngsters are jobless?

Why do we still need to take our graduates for courses to equipt themselves to get a job (and pay them for attending the courses )? Didnt they learn anything in the campus?

Why do you give fish to the man instead of teaching the man how to fish?

Why do our Malay graduates are being stepped over by the non-Malays when it comes to job search?

Not that we are against entertainment but we are getting worried when our kids can't think any further than what they re getting for b'fast tomorrow and when s the next concert coming in

Why do the non-Malays cant get into the Universities because of the quota even when the Malays ourselves do not qualify to fill in the quota?

Please stop Sure Heboh.

Please stop Akademi Fantasia

Please stop One in a Million.

Please stop Senario

We have enough of these. Our youngsters are in deep need for mind stimulating programmes. Even if we cant produce one, just stop all the above for the time being.

If only you can balance these up with good education system, we will not want all the above for a long time !

Its the delusion that we are doing well. We are afraid to tell the truth. We are afraid to face the truth.

Because truth hurts.

To Blog Or Not To Blog

I am going to write again, irregardless whether my entries are going to be read by anybody. Why do people blog if they want to be anonymous and at the same time secretly wish to be known for having a good blog. Not many have that thought but when they blog, they sometimes blog about the things that happen in their life which eventually will some times and most of the times happen to give the greatest clue one can find about who they are, and it turns out that the blooger is your neighbour.