The narrow routes of life

The Parable of the Pencil
Source : Qisas.com

The Pencil Maker took the pencil aside, just before putting him into the box. There are 5 things you need to know, he told the pencil, before I send you out into the world.

Always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best pencil you can be.

ONE: You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in Someone’s hand.

TWO: You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, but you’ll need it to become a better pencil.

THREE: You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make.

FOUR: The most important part of you will always be what’s inside.

FIVE: On every surface you are used on, you must leave your mark.

No matter what the condition, you must continue to write. The pencil understood and promised to remember, and went into the box with purpose in its heart.

Now replacing the place of the pencil with you; always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best person you can be.

ONE: You will be able to do many great things, but only if you place your Trust in Allah.
[Yes, and I surely will put my trust on Him rather than the trust on the people whom lack trust in me]

TWO: You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, by going through various problems, but you’ll need it to become a stronger person.
[I have to be strong. I got several sharpernings. But I can still endure and move on. ]

THREE: You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make.
[ It is surely a learning process... ]

FOUR: The most important part of you will always be what’s on the inside.

FIVE: On every surface you walk through, you must leave your mark.
[ I am gonna leave a very memorable mark on this, I believe ]

No matter what the situation, you must continue to do your duties. By
understanding and remembering, let us proceed with our life on this
earth having a meaningful purpose in our heart.

* * *
Duties. Duties come with responsibility. Responsibilty is an amanah bestowed to you. Am so disturbed with things happening around. When we were small, how easy it was to forgive and forget. Remembering an incident today...

Cikgu, Petom, Melor dengan Kemboja taknak kawan saya, Lily, Hibiscus dengan Orkid.

After awhile, less than a minute, they were in talking terms. No grudge against each other. Happily doing the essay assigned to them.

As we grow older, we are tied down by all these sensitive issues. An act considered zilch would suddenly be a big hoo-haa. One of the sasterawan I knew ever wrote a poem on the changing chronicles of humans' personalities. What we do might not be sincere anymore. A laughter may just be a mask worn to satisfy the needs of others.

Sometimes, I just don't understand, why minor things turn out big. Easy things, turn out difficult. People complain more, but they do little. Sincerely, I'm not at my comfort zone. My senses are telling me to get away from the undesirable phases of life.

My phase of growing up. I miss my school years now. Where you can do stuffs voluntarily without getting depressed on pr0.t0.c0ls. A minor step of help is even a big issue. In the first place, the amanah was on me alone. Giving me something you think I could do alone. I don't want to lie to myself and be idealistic. If I were to ask those who loves to complain to help, duh, unfinished task for sure. I am very happy with where I am at now with those who help me currently. Those whom I really regard as friends.

My role model, our dear Prophet Muhammad. Never failed to make me reflect and pick up these broken pieces and go on. Knowing what I have in my heart. To just go through the obstacles, come what may.

So this is my life. My duty. This amanah, I wouldn't burden to another person. How can the thought of me wanting to junk the bulk to the other person be a thought in the first place? This thing might just be a minor item. But I am doing the best for the umbrella above me. Great it is, compliments you get.

But as the end note of the beautiful story above, let us proceed with our life on this earth having a meaningful purpose in our heart.

They may not understand. But Allah does. That is sufficient.
Another Ramadhan test, I guess.

Ya Qalb...

Hati...

Terkadang riang

Terkadang hiba

Terkadang lesu

Terkadang lemah

Kalbu...

Kekalutan yang sendiri ku tanya

Kebahagiaan bak bintang bercahaya

Adakalanya bersinar

Tanpa bicara bermuram durja

Sukma...

Tiada titik noktah rasa gejolak

Kusutku biarlah terlerai

Bukti halusnya jiwa yang longlai

Ramadhan...

Sinarilah hati, kalbu dan sukma

Untuk ku kenal erti permata

Terangilah diri yang kerdil di mataNya

Agar tenang, kuat dan tabah

Ramadhan...

Kuatkan hati ini menempuh mehnahMu

Adakah ku mampu, sendiri tiada tahu

Lagu dah irama malamku sungguh syahdu

Hanya Kau, jelas dengan apa ku mahu

Bertautlah kebenaran di hatiku

Hanya pada pancaran warna

Dendangkan rinduku pada yang Satu

Iringi ku yang hilang menuju jalanMu

* * *

Kadangkala diri ini benci pada hati

Yang kadang tenang kadang berombak

Mengapa mudah dipukul ombak

Hanya kerananya?

Ketahanan tidak perlu rapuh

Sedangkan besi kian karat

Apatah hati selembut ini

Dibiar hanyut kian larat

Sahutku, teriakku, pohonku

Tunjukkanlah...

Here we go for the special month!

GET READY!
Dragons' team had a recharging session after a long break. Although there was minute attendance, it was still a good refresher session for us. The descending wall differed from the previous one because of the shelters albeit it being just a 3-storey floor. I did some hillarious 360 degree stunt while dragging myself down. Lucky this time round, no video-taking! In the first place, I thought it was easier than the 5-storey building I had back in Aljunied. But I had difficulty climbing over. Maybe due to the slanting shelter.

Then, prussick just to remember the coordination. Soon after it ended, showers of blessings from the rain. Hopefully, I will be able to do a good job for the sharing session before the actual event on the 30th. So what's HOT coming this fasting month?

Come this fasting month, Saff Perdaus is organising the event above to coincide with the Ramadhan Youth Challenge 2006. Highlights include sports climbing and abseiling . So...

Are you between 13 and 22 years of age?
Brave enough to take up a challenge?
If so... Take up our challenge!!
More info here

And me, I gotta prepare myself before I belay them on the 30th,

The family gathering

Family members are the best when it comes to birthdays. A weekend well spent which united us. A time almost lost as the growing up years continue and precious memories still vivid in our minds and hearts. Most of yours truly's maternal cousins' birthdays are in the pix above; one new cousin in-law's birthday too - Kak Lia. Welcome to the family :) In fact, our birthdays are just a few days away from each other.

Oh well, yours truly's paternal side too has a birthday which falls on the same day as mine. Happy b'lated birthday, kak Erlis. In fact, both paternal and maternal side has a cousin each sharing the same birthdate as me. Weehoo =)

Thank you all - for the food&drinks, the venue and of course, the comfort. <3

Self Development

People have different ways of interpretating success. To each is his own. To achieve any success is a moment appreciated. Success is not measured in its length, but to be done progressively with consistence and determination.

Sir Winston Churchill once said,

'Success is the ability to go from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm.'

Success, which I almost lost if it hadn't be for the motivation by abah to continue after failing twice. I remembered back then, an online conversation when I discussed with a sahabat about failure breeds success. This, is one of the simplest examples. Alhamdulillah, I have received my plate of orange and yellow pie stuck with me for a year. One of the goals which I have been waiting and now, the gain. My best advanced birthday gift so far.

Truvy (Dolly Parton) in "Steel Magnolias" ,

Smile, it enhances your face value.

So smile, when the video's on you. The knowledge for the intensive video production workshop held at Substation & MOE was undescribable. It seemed impossible to create a storyboard and direct a short film, but the experience was a roller coaster ride. Not only does yours truly learnt to video edit in depth, but produce and direct films. Hoping to utilise this knowledge in the education line which was the initial reason as well as for outreach purposes, insyaaAllah. Thanx Li.oneL C.h.ok for the intensive and productive but super tiring 2-days ride.

Ralph Parlette quoted,

Real birthdays are not annual affairs. Real birthdays are the days when we have a new birth.

How true. A new birth, a new step towards betterment in life. To be under the umbrella of His blessings and approaching the gates of life's ending. Thank you to the people I love, my best buddies, my good friends and virtual ones for your well-wishes and du'a. A special touch for it's the day of Nisfu Sha'ban as well... :)

A Chinese proverb states,

The journey is the reward.

Excruciating it may seem, but the journey as an undergrad at the same time enlightens the pain when satisfaction is achieved. If you really work smart and try your best, insyaAllah good returns will come. You can't turn back the time when you took campus life for granted. Doubling roles and taking a longer journey can make you stronger or even wiser. Alas, last sem's results: 3 A- and 1 B (G.P.A : 3.5) Much tougher for the following sem, I can only try to do the best I could. I might not do better than last sem but I believe, all these are phases of life to test your beliefs, your Eeman and your strength on the journey of the truth.

And this path of self development will never end. That's the beauty of life.

In the path of our happiness shall we find the learning for which we have chosen this lifetime.~ Richard Bach (Illusions)

And I am learning, for the future garden that awaits the entrance of carers to bloom it well. Thank you Allah for this ni'mah. Aameen.

* Gems of Knowledge *

Be It Yourself Day - ACES Day - Teachers' Day
My role : Videographer / Photographer
Dolling up as : Martial Artist

Then said a teacher, "Speak to us of Teaching."

And he said:
No man can reveal to you aught but that which already lies half asleep in the dawning of our knowledge.

The teacher who walks in the shadow of the temple, among his followers, gives not of his wisdom but rather of his faith and his lovingness.

If he is indeed wise he does not bid you enter the house of wisdom, but rather leads you to the threshold of your own mind.

The astronomer may speak to you of his understanding of space, but he cannot give you his understanding.

The musician may sing to you of the rhythm which is in all space, but he cannot give you the ear which arrests the rhythm nor the voice that echoes it.

And he who is versed in the science of numbers can tell of the regions of weight and measure, but he cannot conduct you thither.

For the vision of one man lends not its wings to another man.

And even as each one of you stands alone in God's knowledge, so must each one of you be alone in his knowledge of God and in his understanding of the earth.

Selamat Hari Guru!

The prezzies are all left in the staffroom. Too heavy to bring home. Till school reopens!

(F)ATHER (A)ND (M)OTHER (I) (L)OVE (Y)OU

F A M I L Y

I ran into a stranger as he passed by,

"Oh excuse me please" was my reply

He said, "Please excuse me too;

I wasn't watching for you."

We were very polite, this stranger and I.

We went on our way and we said goodbye.

But at home a different story is told,

How we treat our loved ones, young and old.

Later that day, cooking the evening meal,

My son stood beside me very still.

When I turned, I nearly knocked him down.

"Move out of the way," I said with a frown.

He walked away, his little heart broken.

I didn't realize how harshly I'd spoken.

While I lay awake in bed,

God's still small voice came to me and said,

"While dealing with a stranger,

common courtesy you use,

but the family you love,

you seem to abuse.

Go and look on the kitchen floor,

You'll find some flowers there by the door.

Those are the flowers he brought for you.

He picked them himself: pink, yellow and blue.

He stood very quietly not to spoil the surprise,

you never saw the tears that filled his little eyes."

By this time, I felt very small,

And now my tears began to fall.

I quietly went and knelt by his bed;

"Wake up, little one, wake up," I said.

"Are these the flowers you picked for me?"

He smiled, "I found 'em, out by the tree.

I picked 'em because they're pretty like you.

I knew you'd like 'em, especially the blue."

I said, "Son, I'm very sorry for the way I acted today;

I shouldn't have yelled at you that way."

He said, "Oh, Mom, that's okay.I love you anyway."

I said, "Son, I love you too,

and I do like the flowers, especially the blue."

FAMILY

Are you aware that if we died tomorrow,

the company

that we are working for could easily replace us in

a matter of days.

But the family we left behind will feel the loss

for the rest of their lives.

And come to think of it, we pour ourselves more

into work than into our own family,

an unwise investment indeed,don't you think?

So what is behind the story?

* * *

A few days ago, one member of a dear family friend, the mum, passed away in Down Under. I've always had these jitters everytime when the phone rings during weird hours. It was Subuh time around 6+ in the morning. Mum was obviously shocked hearing the news as the latter is one of her very close friends.

I am close to the first two of her sons during my childhood years, but keeps in touch longer with the second one out of the 5 children she had. Now, without the care of parents, the eldest son which is my age carries a huge responsibility. The dad has passed away, a few years ago.

Now, if I were to travel there, I won't be fulfilling my objective to meet the mum anymore. I guess, it's not my rezqi to be able to be there when my parents had the chance to spend their time in Melbourne without me.

I have been reflecting, what would I do, if this happens to me. For a son who has younger siblings to take care of, the bond may be stronger. As for me who would be left alone, it is just unimaginable.

So this poem forwarded by a dear colleague triggered me to write about the fateful incident. But the mum passed away in her sleep. May Allah bless the sons and only daughter who are still young but strong beings of the ever challenging life. I can already see the maturity in them albeit the hardships they went through all this while. And reminiscing on my childhood days with them, I surely miss them all very much :o/

Chill, Its Sunday!

It's a nice day. Had good pol.Science lecture early morning. Today I shall relax the whole afternoon to pamper myself and rest. Let's chill awhile and look at the fun quizzes I took today.. Shalalalala....

*Quiz No. 1 *

How to make a Nur Khairiah

Ingredients: 3 parts competetiveness 3 parts humour 3 parts ego

Method: Stir together in a glass tumbler with a salted rim. Top it off with a sprinkle of caring and enjoy!

Username:

Personality cocktail
From Go-Quiz.com

*Quiz no. 2*

Are You A Solo Blogger Or A Network Blogger? : A Blogging Analysis Quiz

RESULTS ANALYSIS
You're a trailblazing blogger! You can definitely blog solo. But, with your background and financial capital, you might even want to consider starting your own blogging network.

*Quiz no. 3*

If I Were a Blog Component,
I would be the MAIN BODY ENTRY.
I love living life - and blogging - to the fullest!

*Quiz no. 4*

You Are 50% Boyish and 50% Girlish

You are pretty evenly split down the middle - a total eunuch. Okay, kidding about the eunuch part. But you do get along with both sexes. You reject traditional gender roles. However, you don't actively fight them. You're just you. You don't try to be what people expect you to be.

How Boyish or Girlish Are You?

*Quiz no. 4*

Your Dominant Thinking Style:

Visioning You are very insightful and tend to make decisions based on your insights. You focus on how things should be - even if you haven't worked out the details. An idealist, thinking of the future helps you guide your path. You tend to give others long-term direction and momentum.

Your Secondary Thinking Style:

Experimenting You're all about looking at the facts, and you could always use more of them. You see life as your lab - and you're always trying out new things, people, and ideas. The master of mix and match, you're always coming up with unique combinations. You are good at getting a group to reach consensus.

What's Your Thinking Style?

That's all folks. Have a break, have a nap!

H.a.d.z~

I thought I wouldn't want to blog about it. Yet, after reading Miss Púrpura's entry, had the itch to write about it. Sharing the same sentiments as her, last few night's performance was a blast. Basically, I have been watching since the top 12 and he wasn't that prominent although I know he has one of the good vocals but today, his performance totally blew me off! Haha, maybe the tinglings she mentioned were the same kind of tingle bug I had...

Apparently, I am much sensitive to Malay songs. I'm a jiwang-jiwang punya oranglah... So my ears were more sensitive when I was listening to his diction and tones... In addition, a jazz is not easy... Sheila's songs are made specially for her voice quality. And dia dapat bawa lagunya dengan teramatlah emosi. Most prolly of one's own m.o.t.h.e.r tongue language. Miss Púrpura's 60 cents... WiDz's 60 cents x 6 for 2 days... haha. I guess, it's a stress therapy for me. Felt good doing that... And glad its all worthwhile to see him coming back once again. Smitten? Oh yeah I am, sesungguhnya. With the looks which are in the listed looks of my kind (the c.h.i.n.e.s.e looking essence) , he surely rock the stage! Not forgetting the maintain cool. Only tensed during the results. All the best Hadz!!!~

I've been a tad of big eater lately... It's nearly entering the 2nd month of such habit. Been eating big portions of food be it a course meal, or just a simple meal. Well, it's so unlike me. Is there something wrong with me? Existence of subconscious stress perhaps? Is there such a thing? And it's been two days of stomach problem. The machine in the stomach is losing its function, heh. I think I am having diarrheoa? I'll see how it is tomorrow...

I totally forgot to check out my book review interview on RSI (R-a-d-i-o S'-p-o-r-e I'-t-e-r-n-a-t-i-o-n-a-l) podcast yesterday. I have to wait for its repeat telecast tomorrow afternoon and listen to my not-so-well-done review (i think) because I wasn't that well prepared since I am currently into working commitments too much to settle.

So, my dear friends, if you have any good books you've read (Malay or English), you can simply inform me by tag/ sms / msn okay?

x x x

I wish for a winter sonata story of my own...

Super Duper Beach Affair!!!

Fun, faith and friends last weekend @ ECP!

With the end of the inter-madrasah sports event, (which I admit I didn’t train the girls much due to work and study commitments) it didn’t mark the end of the bond between the super juniors/seniors and us, the super seniors.

Why should I be happy? 10 facts I love about it…

1. An overwhelming response from the pax we invited as a bonding session with them.
2. Yummy food which made us constantly sat at the food/drinks section to eat fried rice, munch satays, dig in chickens and orange syrup!

3. The hippest beach volleyball game where us, the oh so unfortunate super seniors had to become baits for them. As human nets!
4. Nearby restrooms to cleanse and purify ourselves.

5. Played soccer! We’ve always loved soccer since our yesteryears…

6. Advanced birthday liquid bash for our August girl, ‘A.z.m.a! (Sorry girl, we wet your clothes!)

7. My team won both rounds of bowling! (Heh, although I played quite bad for both games, failing to meet my normal scores for the usual first 2 rounds which I always do as warm up). Losing team bought us ice cream! Yummie!
8. There are vehicles to bring us home albeit ‘y’ having to return to uni that same night.

9. The company of my fellow pre-u2000 clan. Their stories, their antics, all!
10. Because I definitely love my pre-u2000 girls!

It’s this particular event and responsibility given to us that rekindled our friendship once more. I hope, our young girls will be able to appreciate this kind of friendship rarely found. Till we meet again for the next sports event in 2008, if given the chance. Many things can happen along the way. We might be or unable to train thre rest of the batch in the future. Heartfelt thanks to my sweeties who covered my role of a netball trainer. At least, we clinched medals after all. Kudos to the ones who won!

p.s. Sanah Helwa Ya 'A.z.m.a!!! May Allah bless your special twentyfour today with umbrella of blessings and may this friendship last till the last of our breath! Lurve you lots sizta!!! ;)

Apresiasi Bahasa dan Akoo

Memandangkan ku tidak mahu blog peraduan yang ku sertai dibiarkan berabuk, aku akan menggunakan lelaman itu sebagai wahana pandanganku tentang sastera, bahasa dan budaya kaum Melayu. Aku bercadang untuk meletakkan alamat lelaman itu sebagai sebahagian dari senarai jalin maya.

Mungkin juga aku akan meletakkan tugasan-tugasanku di sini sebagai perkongsian...

Alhamdulillah, lelaman 5 Jauhariku dapat dilestarikan. Akan kujadikan pengalaman ini sebagai medan perjuanganku hingga titisan darah terakhir (hehe). Moga-moga dengan usaha ini, anak didikku dapat mengembangkan potensi mereka dan memperbaiki mutu kerja dalam kehidupan seharian.

Penggal 3 akan berakhir tidak lama lagi. Aku harap prestasi kerjaku juga dapat meningkat, insyaAllah... Semoga Allah membantuku dalam mehnah yang tidak pernah mudah...

.. She prowls ..

Her day was not an eternal bliss. She didn't mind rushing on her own without involving others. Yet, she deters others who love to initiate things on their own without consulting her, when she did that hardwork albeit the mayhem she went through. That was particularly the reason she began to slow her pace due to under recognition of efforts. Hardwork doesn't pay off totally in life. Hopefully, in the Hereafter.

Her favourite class got their taste of medicine due to half-way efforts. All these while, they have been fed with sweets. Too much sweets, can rot your teeth. So, they are almost at the rotting stage. Prevention is better than cure. Had a short shock-bitter medicine before dismissal of class. They better buck up on their working attitude, else the tigeress might show her claws once again; which is seldom seen in this close rapport of gems she has.

Oh well, knowledge aren't for her gems alone. She has a long road for her path of knowledge. This long road includes the long, thick pages she has to read before her battle with the pen and papers starts tomorrow afternoon. The long, thick pages which to her, are excruciatingly painful in her brain. Hoping to be given the Nur and compassion by Him to help her understand easily. Please let the ink flow gently tomorrow. She needs it very very much. And she hopes that her friends who read this pray for her...

And she also prays for her cousin's well-being on her special day after her own brother's special day last few days...

Grow beautiful my child,
Either Ukhrawi,
Or Duniawi...

Listen to your parents my child,
You'll seek happiness,
It's all worthwhile...

Hopefully,
you'll be among the Qur'anic generation,
The young caliphs...

Nurfatin Syukrina...
I love you my dearest cousin...

When the orchid blooms...

A friend,

a sanctuary;

a smile;

a hand...

A new found friendship,

Out of the boundaries;

Of merely colleagues;

One you can rely on...

A bridge of ukhuwwah,

of two Muslim sisters;

Hope to stay strong;

In the tide of tough times...

A bouquet of love,
For the comfort at work;
For the strife of knowledge;
To make me feel the worth;
To have a flower;
for the laughter;
for the tear

A friend,
a feeling of the heart...

***
Thank you for making my working life fruitful. Thanks for making me a mugging buddy too.
It has make a difference since the first year I came in. I'm much more stable now... ;)

***

Mungkin yang terakhir kalinya

Monolog kepada saudara-saudaraku di T.i.m.u.r Tengah

Sudah lepaskanlah semua
Dendam yang meragut sukmamu
Janganlah kau cuba menghadiahkan
Kebinasaan dan gejolak yang mencengkam jiwa

Sudah lepaskanlah semua
Impian dulu yang sudah lusuh
Omong kosong yang dusta
Hanya impian kau fikir kan capai

Hari ini ku lihat kau di depanku
Hari esok tiada ketemu lagi
Hanya mereka yang berfikir
Yang ada hanya insan yang lemah
Tidak kira kulit, bangsa mahupun agama

Fikirkan ke mana arah kita
Ini bumi Tuhan, bumi Dia yang Esa...
Rintihanku.. hanya mampu melafaz
Tak terdaya melangkah...

Inilah hati yang tergerak sejenak membaca blog Zul tentang serangan yang melanda. Orang kata, 'picture speaks a thousand words?'. Hanya titik air mata yang terpaksa ditahan...

Red & White

A long holiday for a good cause and a shocking realisation. Reason being, there is an assignment to be completed for one of my modules. Consulted my lecturer on the two chosen topics and he replied to me to focus on the one entitled 'Orientalists criticism of Wahy and Muslims Responses'.

The shocking one is my mid-term exam for the one particular module I had difficulty understanding. D-Day, this Saturday. Due to the hectic yet learning working experience, I just realised when a coursemate smsed asking the pages of readings to be done. So I have 2 and a half days to catch up with my readings for mid-term and assignments as well as editing the test paper for my kids. Seems that I've found another study partner. Prolly mugging at my old study hangout, oh those moments.

School's NDP show today was great. In the sense that there was a flow in the skit they did. And it's always exciting to see them role-playing the characters stated in Sg's history. Later, managed to burn some fats (I hope so) during the captain's ball game we had versus our ex-students. But gained much more during a farewell lunch for a colleague. I actually ate a lot. I had a full course meal (fish 'n' chips, barley soup, coke) + free a single scoop ice cream + A full ice cream + free flow cold water.

And today's a good day for my closest cousin in town! Yeap, closest in age, exact in birthdate and best rapport during our yesteryears. Woohoo... Happy 23rd birthday Muhd Nur Azhari!

You may not have been updating your own blog. But I really hope you read this.
(Note, his sis/bro pls tell him, heh)
I really want you to excel in your career path right now in the aircraft line. May Allah make things easier for you in achieving your goals and aspirations. Ameen! Make us family proud especially your cuzz here, aite... ;)

x x x

Needing a longer time
To think it over
To istikharah
Again...

Going through a testing phase...

Semakin Sirna

Adakah masa ini mencemburui diriku? Saat aku terpaku mencari jalan yang kering menunggu hujan, mencari mentari, mencari sesuatu yang mampu membuatku melangkah terus ke hadapan dengan kepastian. Sedangkan waktu masih mencemburui diriku…

Pabila mentari menyinarkan kasihnya kepada makhluk Tuhan, pabila hujan menangis bersama mengiringi perjalanan insan… aku masih di sini mencari haluan yang sebenar untuk kuteruskan...

Terkadang aku terlupa dengan hati yang sebenar… umpama ombak membelah pantai tanpa menghiraukan mangsa. Kucuba hadir pada makrifah dan menolak segala gejolak di jiwa. Lantas kau, dia, mereka menjelma lalu meninggalkan kesan dengan calitan warna berirama mengusik kalbu...

Sinar... pancaranmu biarlah menembusi cahaya yang sirna. Aku butuh kepastian yang utuh. Aku ingin berdiri kembali, berpacak di kemuncak pasti. Tegarkan hatiku, agar keyakinan ini kembali terpateri...

Art Attack

Cover art is the illustration or photograph on the outside of a published product such as a book, magazine, video, audio album or brochure.

Where did the passion go?

Still within me with the blood it flows

Only known to the one who appreciates

The beauty which lies beneath ones who believe

There are many forms of art. It's the choice of the lover of art to express himself through the medium he/she likes. Cover art is one of the ways to indulge your creative ideas you have. Well, some might say that it is more to design. Although design and art are two different entities, there is a link between them, I believe. Yours truly is very proud and happy for the artistic values that run in the family albeit herself not being able to pursue a major in that field. Let that be a place for her cousin to squeeze all the benefits he gets from his course. It's a healthy jealousy. The consolation she gets currently is the slot she gets to teach art&craft with a superduper challenging youngsters.

Cover art used to be yours truly's favourite past time. More towards CD covers. How she wished a proposal be made to her, at least once in a lifetime. Saddened by the fact of the lost covers while rebooting her old pc, her current love is comics. Why the mention of this when she found a new love? Cousin got a proposal for a book cover from a known writer who's also a ML teacher... *pulls hair* If you get that as a free goodie, my dear cousin, shall I be the first to read it? Please, please???

Maybe yours truly should start producing quality literary works. Then design her own cover and keep it for her own collection. Who wants to sponsor an underdog, hmm? So, let the saga begin... if it's for real..

For the love of art she still feels...

x x x

Never liked green tea

But this green tea from lipton tastes good!

Maybe cos parents got it for free?

F.O.C stuffs always taste that good, I'm liking it!

Mug. mugging. mugged. [Yok bual pasar]

Masa berlalu pantas.. hmm.. rasanya baru hari tu aku memulakan Sem 2. Tuk, tuk je bulan Ogos nanti dah mula mid-year exam. Sekarang je dah nak akhir bulan Julai. Tugasan Uni aku kali ni lagi susah nampaknya...

« Kali ni Sains Hadith ngan Qur'an kena hafazan. Dua-dua jadi tugasan. Belum mula dengan Hadith, dah mula dengan Qur'an.

« Kuiz/Ujian Sains hadith minggu lalu, aduhai, cheem! Ada yang mudah, ada juga yang tricky. 'Ala kulli haal, aku tawakkal 'alallaah. Cuma dah lama tak berperasaan susah nak jawab semasa kuiz. Minggu tu pula, memang kerja aku macam sarang tebuan. Langsung tiada masa untuk ulangkaji sebab masa balik aku dipenuhi dengan tugasan kerjaaaaaaa. Aku cuma baca lepas Subuh pada hari kuiz yang hendak diambil. Lebihan lagi, muka surat yang perlu aku baca, banyak pulak tu... lagipun, maddah ni memang banyak terms yang perlu ingat. Walaupun dah pernah touch masa zaman sekolah dulu-dulu, yang ni lagi in depth ah... Aku tak konfiden dapat markah bagus untuk kuiz ni!

« Hal kaji-mengkaji ni pula... aduh... kaji tu untuk buat tugasan biasa tu memang boleh diatur. Tapi kalau dah ikut method-method ni seme... Hampeh! Cuma pensyarah dia ada skit kereta api lah. Walaupun dia nak kita discover processes sambil buat kajian, readings untuk faham definisi tu je aku dah pening. Baru selesai buat literature review.

« Adik sedara aku tu tengah struggle nak jadi future engineer. Hari tu, aku sempat bantu dia dengan projek Material Technology. Hidup biar susah dahulu, belajar mendaki dengan keringat sendiri, nanti satu hari akan ke puncak juga. Macam aku, belum sepenuhnya ke puncak yang aku sangat impikan. Maju terus, hingga berjaya, yea!

« Jam menandakan tarikh yang baru. Masa untuk membuat soalan peperiksaan akhir tahun. Buat kerja mesti ada air. Malam-malam gini aku suka buat air panas, macam waktu kat kampus dulu masa belajar. Tiap malam air panas. Sebab bilik aku sejuk. Aku memang minah teh tanpa milk. Sejak dari kecil lagi. Tak berubah-ubah, huhuh. Kopi ke Nescafe ke, bagi aku kurang tendang.

« Kawan-kawan aku yang tengah backpack tu, semoga selamat pulang ke tanah air, iye?
Salam rindu...

Feel challenged

Baru selesai melipat sejadahku. Bertafakkur sejenak memikirkan kehidupan seharian…

This week has been the most hectic in term 3. Where all activities either clash and participating them at the same time. Most of the time I had to reach work as early as 715am and log out by 7pm the latest as the lights and aircon would dim signalling your supposed departure back home. The rest I could only get without even touching a book to mark would be around 30mins the most. That also, to take time for personal touch with the Almighty. Well basically this happened since it is our MT week in lieu of the B.u.l.a.n. B.a.h.a.s.a. With Friday ending, it marks the end of the MT week. The reason of this rushing hour is because of the task me and my colleague were given as organisers of an activity for the higher primary. We called it ‘Kembara Minda’, a similar A.m.a.z.i.n.g Race game; at the vacinity of our school. Alhamdulillaah it was a success. Since this batch is the first trial, I hope my colleagues will be able to give constructive feedbacks (which I hope will be a good one) to further improve the game.

Well, during the initial stage, my h.e.a.d wanted us to do that by utilising the PDA, like the one in S.u.r.i.a ( Z.o.o.m Thailand). However, they said that it’s not feasible. Well… belum cuba belum tahu kan? However, not a sound reason to me. I’d like to check the functions of the tool one day if I’m given a chance. Perhaps, I could do something about it to fuse with my ML lessons.

I am unsure whether I’m in an alarming state. With the rat-race working environment, I barely touch my books. What worries me, the books kept piling. I even had to put aside the thought of cleaning my table until I manage to clear off the piles. At home, I have to prepare the activity for the next day. I confess that some exciting things I’ve planned for my pupils have not been done and had to postpone because of the level of priorities I had to do first.

Much worse, I have not been able to set aside time to do on IIUM’s research project. Proposal to be presented tomorrow and I have not even started reading my literature on the topic. And Sunday, I heard there’s a test. Starting to feel the pinch! Ouch!!!

There are just a lot of things going through my mind this particular week. My experienced colleagues agreed that this year, especially this term is the worse they ever had in the workplace. Next week is submission on the final year paper for vetting. I am starting to like my work. But what’s liking without challenges? The challenge has already been felt.

Tomorrow's a next challenge too. Out of home straight after Subuh and back home after Isya'. Oh do I need a break...

x x x

The strings of faith is trying to pull me down
I could feel the force of strings to make me lie low
I seek your help my Dear Creator
Not suppose to feel such way
Show me the light
Wisdom not to go astray

NE Show 2006

To those who knew, last Saturday was the NE Show @ N.a.t.i.o.n.a.l S.t.a.d.i.u.m. for the g.a.h.m.e.n schools. So, by default, I was supposed to put that willingness in me to join the crowd as I am one of the ML p5 tee-cheers. I was quite reluctant in the first place as I never bother to be excited in attending such big hoo-haa events. Not saying that I am not a law abiding c-t-zen. Just that, I didn't fancy crowds that much. Since the event would mark the closure of the stadium, I thought that being there as a first timer and the last was quite an interesting thought.

We started all the way from noon. I had to help sorting the goodie bags and circulate them. This time, it's a sling bag. I was assigned as a buddy to my colleague. We went there by a chartered S.B.S bus after a short talk by the headmaster.

Being in N.S reminded me of my Big Walk years with my pre-u2000 clan. The last time was back in my higher secondary years? *I think* It hasn't change of course. The only difference were the number of spectators and a different set. I found the sound detector quite cool. The crowd were divided into 2 and we had the kallang wave challenge. Then, the detector will rank the sound waves created.

But only one thing that made me flabbergasted; the fireworks. Be it indoors or outdoors, I would certainly wait for the fireworks. It left me in awe! Infact, I captured loads of videos on fireworks alone. Hehe, I finished up all my 3 memory cards.

That particular day left me many memorable moments...

- I met some of my ex-NIE-Townsvillian friends
- Made better rapport with the P5 pupils. Now they know my name...
- Discover more of my colleagues - their humour, their jokes
- Met my practicum colleague as well as my practicum students

To add to this, of course... we went off midnight time! Believe it or not! Lucky it was Sunday. When we return to school, the entrance was shining brightly and parents eagerly waiting for their children in school. To me, most importantly is the safety of the students. Alhamdulillaah, they went back safely. I am also very sure they enjoyed themselves after having to wait for 31/2 hours after the end of the show just to get out of that gigantic place. It was a fruitful wait for me because of some things that happen along the way...

Puh-pearls nad Tea-Cheers

Met my practicum students. The few ones who actually made quite an impact during my practicum days. They are already P5! I taught them when they were P3! 2 years?!

Sunset @ Stadium

Love their antics and intro to a fun and enjoying game I learnt that day!

A rubber flower girl at night

Corat-coret malam

Lebih kurang setahun lebih yang lalu, aku baru sahaja memulakan alam pekerjaan. Haluan yang kabur ku tetap lalui. Ku jatuh, ku bangun ku mula dari tingkat yang paling bawah. Hingga aku tertanya-tanya, inikah hidup yang bakal ku lalui setiap hari? Adakah aku insan yang kuat untuk menahan segala ketidakstabilan yang ada waktu itu?

Hari ini aku mengimbas kembali seakan masa-masa bermulanya aku di sini. Bezanya, aku sudah setahun lebih berpengalaman. Peristiwa pahit dan manis telah ku lalui. Aku dapat rasakan aku ada sedikit kemajuan berbanding masa lalu kerana pengalaman dan kesibukan setiap hari membuatku mempelajari sesuatu setiap masa. Aku berharap aku semakin yakin untuk maju ke hadapan walaupun aku tahu, tohmahan yang tidak mungkin enak di gegendang telinga kadangkala akan wujud pada bila-bila masa. Aku juga sudah belajar tentang talam dua muka. Aku hanya berdoa aku tidak tergolong dalam manusia sebegitu.

Kini, aku diberi kepercayaan berada di hadapan. Setiap hari, mula dan pulang. Itukah salah satu potensi yang ada dalam diri? Aku masih belum mendapat kepastian. Cuma nampaknya anak didik yang tidak ku kenali sudah mula menyapa diri ini. Itu tidak bermakna aku sudah menjadi seseorang. Jauh lagi perjalanan.

Rak-rak buku dari satu menjadi dua. Meja kerjaku juga bertimbun dengan buku. Satu hari jumlah buku menipis, hari itu juga jumlahnya meningkat. Satu hari nampak hampir kosong, hari itu juga penuh tiada tempat. Hari-hari akan datang juga pada minggu hadapan, terpaksa bekerja lebih kuat, 12 jam sehari. Maklumlah, perlu tiba ke sekolah jam 7.25 pagi. Aku bersyukur sekolahku dekat. Satu hari di tempat kerja, duduk di meja paling lama 1 jam sahaja. Lainnya? Ke hulur, ke hilir...

~ Setelah sebulan dengan sandal sukan tanpa stoking, akhirnya, hari ini kembali mencuba kasut dan stoking. Parutku terasa gatal sedikit dan kakiku melecet pula.

~ Bulan rezeki, kerana bonus yang masuk ke dalam akaun. Tiada niat untuk berbelanja pada bulan ini lantas bonus disalurkan pada akaun simpanan setelah 3 bulan tiada fulus untuk disimpan. Mentelah lagi, aku bukan kaki belanja. Perbelanjaanku selalunya pada buku-buku, alat tulis, keperluan komputer atau jika ada rezeki lebih, barang sukan. Alhamdulillaah.

~ Keinginanku selepas musyarawarah tadi untuk pulang dengan teksi terpaksa ku tahan. Semata-mata untuk menyimpan wang. Lebihan lagi, aku berpeluang untuk menyemak karangan murid aku di kereta api. Hanya berjaya menyemak 7 dari 38 karangan yang ada.

~ Esok sejurus selepas Subuh, keluarlah diri ini ke dunia luar dan pulang hingga larut malam gara-gara ke NS. Lusa pula, menyahut medan ilmu pada awal pagi dan kuiz pertama untuk modul itu yang hanya dapat ku baca tadi sewaktu perjalanan ke musyawarah setelah waktu kerja.

~ Malam ini, aku terkesima. Kerana pandangan manusia, kerana terimbas hidup yang lama. Namun demikian, hanya satu yang amat ku terasa di lubuk yang paling dalam yang aku harap Allah dapat membantuku.

X X X

intelektualku bukan setinggi mana...
intelektualku bukan seperti rakan-rakan lainku...
yang lebih pintar, lebih cerdik hingga berjaya ke menara gading...
aku masih lagi perlu usaha untuk ke sana...
suatu hari nanti...

malam ini sungguh syahdu...
Tuhan, berikanku kekuatan...

Mt. Ophir - Gunung Ledang. The long awaited update.

An expedition which I will never forget for life. I have always imagined living in the cabin by the mountains. Everyday waking up breathing in fresh air, watching the sun rise and sitting beside the campfire. Haha, maybe I am just influenced by the adverts or travelling documentaries.

The mist of Mt. Ophir's peak

At least, I was satisfied to be able to reach the peak of all the mountains I’ve climbed. And this particular one seemed to be the one I was most challenged. It was a 4-day expedition leading 22 AJ girls, most of which have never climbed mountains before. Nevertheless, it was the place where tests kept coming, if not for me personally, for the rest of them. But I have my own story to tell.

The 700 fleet of stairs as our welcome drink of sweat

The beautiful Bonsai Tree, nearing to the peak (Sunrise)

The cool breeze of the river @ base camp

Rice Digging

Of all the girls, there were a bunch of them who had that strength and stamina. Since I was the 2nd person leading for the whole trip, I’d turn around and see this particular group of girls, the common faces who’d reach first for each and every check points we rested. They are a tough bunch I’d say. There were 4 rangers with us. . Because of different capabilities, we had to divide into two groups. Mainly, the rangers guided the back. The weather was good the first 2 days. Come the Subuh time of the third day to the peak, it has started raining cats and dogs. The sisters had two choices of departure time. We moved off from base camp around 1 am as the as the majority's choice. A ranger led the way and I was the third person. So, we had our Subuh at one of the stop overs with our ponchos on and the crampy situation while performing our prayers. And from there the rain keeps coming and going away. So there were times I had to be the first woman in line while the first person helped some pax along the way. That time, the leading ranger wasn't with us. He was totally exhausted during the rest point we had our prayers due to the few groups of climbers he had to guide the past few days.

It was a challenge for me, reason being it was a night trek and I had to take the lead at the point where there was a gaung and to ensure the sisters' safety. Moreover, this is the part where we had to climb big rocks, vertically with ropes and meeting a mini cave while taking a safe route for them to climb. Being at one of the stop overs called Bukit Botak and the peak itself reminded me Naruto’s episode of the Village of the Mist? Some friends said that usually at Bukit Botak, they would reach there with a scorching sun. Unlike this time round, it was surrounded with mist and the cold breeze of the place. Basically, when we were on top, we were surrounded by mist. That’s the scenery of the day. And the best thing was, the first 3 persons to be able to watch sunrise and reached Taman Bonsai were Hattz, Sakinah and me. It was quite some time before the rest of the crew reached our place. So, some ‘lame’ jokes were shared among few of us to kill the exhaustion.

Basically the 3rd and 4th day were raining continously. Had broken nails along the way. Burnt some skin too from the boiling oil as souvenirs back home. . It was a 2nd degree burn. To answer the curiosity, yes, My right foot, half of it was scalded. No footwear when the boiling oil hit directly to my bare foot. I was my own medic after all. My 2 AJ sisters helped me and they slept the moment they were in their tent. I slept in their tent that night with the asatizahs. That was the most painful jungle night I ever had as I only managed to sleep an hour after that due to the terrible pain I had to bear. I couldn't think of anything else except for Allah. It was only after much tears that I felt sleepy and dozed off until Subuh time at 5 plus. We had our own Subuh prayers in the tent because it was raining early morning. Anyway, I thank Allah that it wasn’t a thunder-lightning situation as things would be much more risky for us. There were only rains creating mini rivers on the terrains. Some surfed, others slid. And I had to take care of my cooked skin on the way back down because my bottle accidentally dropped on the affected area. Then, it created water bubbles like the look when you are cooking an egg, those bubbles. I was using sport sandals my friend lent to me because I only brought slippers. Only during the way back that I fell twice because of the heavier load due to the rain and my own injury. Alhamdulillah, no major injury happened to the pax except for a sister who had fever during the trip and I had to tend to her during some intervals and also when we reached Singapore. And so, I find out that she was a sister of a brother in my Relite organising committee. Small world.
My takeaways?

It is very very important to work as a team. Failure in helping one another will result in one or any members hurt. We have always been reminded for us who work in groups that there is no ‘I’ in a team. There is only ‘Us’. From here, we know who is organised and who is not. At least I know who is more disorganised than me. And calling me organised? Wow! That’s an over statement, hehehe. And who’s really your friend in need is your friend indeed. I realise the meaning of true friendship. It’s not a matter of who’s older or younger (as I am the eldest female trainer of all) but who is there when you really need someone you can rely on especially during the tough times. But I really learnt my own self, as the eldest sister, as a team mate, as a leader, as a medic and many more. He has made this trip not an easy one for me, but I think my stamina have build up than my earlier trip I had at Belumut. Challenges from every aspect. Dugaan menggunung, apa lagi kalau naik gunung lebih tinggi? Subhanallaah…


From the bottom of my heart, I am really moved by the company of my four much younger AJ sisters who entertained me along the way. Even in the bus while the rest are sleeping and tired, we were still the lively bunch. Salute to 3 of the Asatizahs whom with much hardship and a much slower pace reached the peak and the goal they strived for. Allahu Akbar! The nasyids we sang at the peak surely perked the determination they all had. It actually reminded me of my yesteryears while singing along with them, especially the Arab song Al Jihad Fi Sabilillaah. Well, thanks to two orang kuat, Hattz and Jamz as bat mobiles for the expedition.

May Allah bless us all

And personally for me, it brings me all the memories I could bring back home. I miss the pax like Shaza, Sakinah and Ain and the trainers, especially my four dearest sisters – Aisha, Fariya, Atiqah & Rafidah.

Allah has bestowed upon me a beautiful ukhuwwah with the four of you...
May Allah unite us once more in any other events that we have!

Betapa tak susah masuk syurga? Dalam satu keterangan dinyatakan: orang jahil semuanya binasa kecuali yang berilmu. Orang berilmu semuanya binasa kecuali yang beramal. Orang beramal semuanya binasa kecuali yang ikhlas. Untuk mencapai darjah keikhlasan perlu banyak berjuang. Ibarat mendaki bukit yang tinggi, hanya orang yang lasak saja berjaya sampai ke mercu. ;)

Next adventure? Perhaps I’d still go on with my plans I’ve laid down since my Cameron trip last year, which is a cave expedition which didn’t materialise. I’ll see about it, since I’ll be missing out on the backpacking trip with my pre-u2000 clan this July. It’s funny when you tried to initiate something but in the end you can’t get involved because of working commitments, ha ha.

Untaian kata tanpa bicara

* * *
Hidup yang tidak pernah ada kepastiannya
Hanya mampu gagahi ke mana jua kaki melangkah
Hiruk pikuk manusia dengan tekaan mereka
Hanyut jika hanya percaya kerana tewas di jiwa

Kabur itukah yang membuat diri menyepi?
Goncangan itukah yang menjadikan diri terhimpit?
Tangis itukah yang merebahkan diri ke bumi?

Hanya waktu yang ditelan usia
Dalam kepekatan malam menggamit jiwa
Yang lusuh hampa jeritan tak bermaya
Bertanya kemampuan andai masih berpacak mekar

Bukan masa ku salahkan semata
Kerana jiwa tidak pernah berdusta
Sampai bila harusku bertahan megah
Yang muda tetap rapuh dimamah usia

Tegarkan hatiku merentas jalan ini
Kerana Kau tahu yang tersembunyi
Kian terkadang ingin jauh ku berlari
Bawa luka hati yang pedih

Masihkah aku dalam kasihMu
Layakkah aku terima kurniaanMu
Bila ku telan rasanya hempedu
Andai ku tahu pasti tak ku merayu

Beginikah jalan yang tetap ku temu?
Tiap terhenti di simpang yang ku tuju?
Bicaraku hanya bisikan di hati
Sukar diungkap untaian kata yang mati
Akhirnya, sendu
* * *

x x x

I'm much of...

New fav show on the block

A tech junkie? A tech savvy?

Sounds like an advert, huh? I got a new programme to add in my fav shows' list. Yes, that's IT. What's it? Oh, the show's called 'That's IT!' on CNA. It's already Season 5. I'm not sure whether I missed a lot of the tech junkies. But I sure will try not to miss the upcoming episodes. Whatever it may be, I was lucky to be able to catch the CyberBoard that might be the future whiteboards for educators of the future? For those who watched it, I find it cool. But to what extend it's useful for us and the students, I'd love to be one of the first few to try it out! No more markers, no more dusters... just your fingers. Then we shout out loud, ' Let the fingers do the walking!'

So have a good techie time with the host Timothy Go, every Monday 8.30pm & 1130pm that will surely enhance your sensory experience. Repeat telecasts available. More info here!

Till then, my next getaway Part 2 will be right back after this advert...

I'm liking IT! (-_-)"

Getaway Part 1 – A sea voyage, my take aways

There wasn’t anything as huge as such transportation! Packed thy bags and off I went to the famous StarCruise Virgo, departing at Harbourfront. There was a big crowd during our checking in to the ship. We were lucky because we took the Balcony Class. Anyway, this class caters the guests with the balcony view (specifically for me to watch sunrise!) So the movement was much faster. Due to Virgo’s first ever stop to Pulau Redang (I guess), she received approximately 3000 passengers to accompany her at sea.
Ample facilities especially if you need to empty your bladder. It’s everywhere. There was abundant food ring breakfast in buffet style to satisfy 3000 hungry stomachs. Alakat (my slang) style was also available. What interest me were the workers there. In fact, all of them are foreigners, around a thousand of them from around Asia – Thais, Phillipines, Vietnam… Pretty and handsome too actually, huhuh. Some reminded me of the actors and actresses I’ve watched from those soap operas or dramas.

My take aways?

# The magnificent sunrise. I’ve seen sun rises on land. Not at sea. The fact that you’re cruising at sea level and watching the sun rising is such a nikmat that one can hardly forget. I was a little unfortunate though because during the particular process of rising, I was in the rest room. So, my abah captured 2 shots because he was nuts on using the video function. But lucky me, while the sun was still shining, I was out so I captured better pics since I failed to see it rise.

# Still, the splendid sunrise 2. This time round, the sun faces the other side of the cruise on the way back to Singapore. Went with emak to the highest deck to witness the sunrise again. This time, a different experience. It rised quite late because of the cloudy weather. But I was lucky to be able to capture videos of the sun rising in such condition.

# My deeper understanding on Nikah Misyar which is the talk of the town. Well, just to add, the right pronounciation of it is not ش but س . Therefore it’s Mis-Yar. Why suddenly this topic on the cruise? Dr. Mashita was with us on board. So, food for the soul was not an exception there. I am glad that the rest of them had a clearer idea of what it is all about and the application to our daily lives. Heh, it’s not an easy application though.

# The clear waters. I’ve always wanted to visit Redang one day. So as a stop over, I spent a whole 5 hours, mainly swimming! The last time I swam was a more than 5 years ago? Long isn’t it? I remembered everytime when I’m out with my Pre-u2000 clan to the beach; I end up sitting under the tree as the bodyguard of belongings while listening to the music and enjoying the breeze. I’m not much of a sea person because I preferred the pool. But it was just an itchy feeling to be able to see the clear water and the beautiful scenery there. Sickeningly fun!

Basically, what is so striking is the fact that Allah has given me two different experiences of the same creation – the sun. And this is basically my main reason being on Virgo. I wanted to appreciate this particular creation in a different set. And MasyaAllah, it was pretty, beautiful, splendid and what say you. To be able to see the start of a new day shining to your eyes, giving a new hope to live a better life. It shows how much we took our morning for granted. Maybe, that was how the nomads or villagers appreciate each sweat they produced. Me and the early birds enjoyed the cool breeze accompanying us and the chance to see some fishermen seeking rezqi along the way which was a rare occasion. This is just one of the ways that is by looking at the nature to get close to Him, the Ultimate One.

Next in the list is the Redang breathtaking experience. I love the scenery. In fact, the resort that abah rented for only 5 hours (we are lucky that resort was left with one last room) was huge with the balcony facing the forest. In fact, the room was quite huge for the 3 of us. It’s also a good place for recreational and scuba diving lovers out there. It’s quite on par with the Maldives’ waters. I simply love it.

Other good memories? Performance from the 6 Shaolin Kung Fu disciples for those who love martial arts, like me. Too much to say, but I’ll leave you with some of the pics…

My favourite @ Sea Level
(The shot from my cabin's balcony)

He makes night merge into day and day merge into night, and He has made the sun and moon subservient, each one running until a specified time. That is Allah, your Lord. The Kingdom is His. Those you call on besides Him have no power over even the smallest speck.(Surah Fatir: 13)

x x x

For those who have been waiting for my shots, i apologise for the delay. Got high fever bug recently. Still on the road to recovery. Do pray for me, ya?~

It has been confirmed...

Praise to the Almighty.

Time flies. I had one of the sharing workshops yesterday and met some of my junior NIE trainees who have just been out as full-pledged teachers. None of my batch was there except for one. Lucky me that we were in the same room. So, I met her awhile during our bio break and had a short conversation.

The added getaway left me in exhaustion with regards to the straight workshops and meeting once I touched down this island the following days. Saturday class has been postponed and the best time to take a deep rest before gearing up, hopefully. I really can't wait to get back home since I'm having a lunch break now at work before the commencement of the DISC workshop.

I will be updating my two getaways later. Today, I have received confirmation of my appointment as a General Education Officer 2. Alhamdulillaah the probation has ended with new expectations on the go.

Well, reopening of school with an injury is not an excellent start but I can overcome that insyaAllah. I hope it heals soon...

Some funny discovery!

Ten Top Trivia Tips about Kh.a.i.r.i.a.h!

1. A lump of K.h.a.i.r.i.a.h the size of a matchbox can be flattened into a sheet the size of a tennis court.
2. K.h.a.i.r.i.a.h can remain conscious for fifteen to twenty seconds after being decapitated.
3. Most bottles and jars contain at least twenty-five percent recycled K.h.a.i.r.i.a.h.
4. Only twelve people have ever set foot on K.h.a.i.r.i.a.h.
5. K.h.a.i.r.i.a.h can live for up to a week without a head.
6. K.h.a.i.r.i.a.h was the first Tsar of Russia!
7. The only planet that rotates on its side is K.h.a.i.r.i.a.h.
8. In the Great Seal of the United States the eagle grasps 13 arrows and K.h.a.i.r.i.a.h.
9. A K.h.a.i.r.i.a.hometer is used to measure Khairiah.
10. There are 336 dimples on K.h.a.i.r.i.a.h.

I am interested in - do tell me aboutherhimitthem

Disclaimer: Dots between name used to prevent from googled, heh.

>> In a nutshell <<

Time has come where the weekends are filled once again. And thinking of the remaining 2 weeks left for recuperation, or a week left to be exact is so not going to happen. Plans have not been done for the upcoming two observations once work starts in the first week and what more, the thought of being in the front line under the discipline umbrella for the whole 6 months gives an adrenaline rush. Basically, still in the midst of finding means and ways for personal motivation to anticipate thyself for the new term with the confirmed status.

New semester has just begun. The first encounter with the lecturer yesterday rang a bell. Such an epitome of Ust. N a s u h a, physically. But a soft spot which differed from the latter. Not forgetting the waiter who resembled a deejay with his oh-so-fluent talks and interpersonal skills (I guess he got the wrong job? He should be applying for m.e.d.i.a.c.o.r.p instead!) which I thought was a potential.

Earlier today, my intuition on the next lecturer was bull's eye. Another nice lecturer who received detailed ta'aruf especially from the brothers' side.

"Maybe they were too sirr on their detailed profile yesterday that made what they are today" she commented.
"Haha, perhaps.." I replied.

With the new semester, here are the four modules:

1. Research Methodology
2. Science of Hadith
3. Science of Qur'an
4. Political Science

First assignment entitled: 'Relationship between famliy socio-economic status and level of literacy of Primary 1 students in Singapore Schools' for no.1 module was the topic my group came up with. Albeit close to the field I'm in, unexpected data might spur pressing issues. But on a personal note, it helps to understand the needs of such groups while being in the current department and first-hand experiences on the children I’m tending to. Is there anyone who is willing to share any resources you have or stumble upon the site while surfing? Do tag or simply email me! *Hee*

Sem1 results not in yet. Once in, I'll update those who have asked.

x x x

Happy e n g a g e m e n t day to a darling buddy.

May Allah help you through these moments!

The Simple Yet Elegant...



The past week totally rock! 4 days of gotong royong and bonding session with the family members. Reminiscing my childhood days. Remember when we were young? With nothing serious to worry us, life was full of having fun, making new friends and lots of games that we played. Masak-masak, Indoor camping, Wrestling, Rounders, badminton, bowling... and the list goes on. But we need to grow up, we left the sweet old memories we had. And that moment again, we catched up with old times. We realised, some of us are taking over the place of the older generation.

So this is simply nothing fantastic. Just a simple clip I made, dedicated to a beautiful newly wed and for my loved ones... As I always have been saying since my yesteryears, 'Capture the moments...'

Happy Holidays!

Despite our career, we lack the fitness level which is in fact, a vital element to take care of. The initial hesitation has always been the problem. But once you kick off, that's when the best part comes in! So I guess, the amanah given this time round (definitely unexpected) is beneficial to all of us.

It has been a few weeks of physical and stamina building. Here I am right now, in the midst of coaching and training our tersangat juniors in the inter-madrasah tournament, coming soon with my pre-U2000 best buddies. 3 sports - badminton, netball and futsal. Maybe I should switch back my CCA from computer club to netball again? Reason being, I'm getting the hypes of sportsmania again. Heh. The only bane is my absence during the actual tournament due to meeting and workshop back at work again...

How about work? There are activities going on for the teachers as well as the students. In fact, our school is lucky to be one of the few chosen schools airing on T.C.S 8, Mediacorp soon. It's a reality programme competition showcasing young entrepeneurs. I am feeling delighted as 2 of my Malay students are part of the participants. The other 3 are Chinese. And well, they have to converse in Mandarin because it's a Chinese programme!

For us, we had our Staff Games earlier this week. So I decided to dig up my pair of blades which have been a white elephant for the past few years. We had few stations like in-line skating, line dancing, Sushi and English trifle making. So I chose my day to be with my oh-missing-you-in-line-skating, volleyball and some trials on table tennis...

I am hoping to regain my fitness level this month. There are also some important things up my sleeves, hehe.

My coming weekend will be a total family affair! My first cousin on my maternal side to get married. Counting down to a day left before her aqad. So these few days have been the gotong royong day. And it was my first time putting my designing skills to use. Anyway, it's my own design. I couldn't say it's pretty because practice is the key to success! After all, I'm a first timer! As long as my family members like it, I'm happy to do it!

So my June holidays is not that boring after all. Apart from the walimatul urus, I am also looking forward to my trip with my parents on the 3rd week of June.
Details later once I'm back, insyaAllah...