Race to Ramadhan

Sheikh Yahya Ibrahim started the Youth Muslim Project by introducing Ramadhan as a month that people envy Muslims for. When else will you get 1.7 billion people unite to abstain themselves from the temptations of life, be it food, cigarettes, sex or even gossip? There is no such unity in the world that is stronger than the spirit of Ramadhan.

And what is the point of it all? For me, I think it’s to remind ourselves. Like Sheikh said just now, nothing trains our hearts better than deprivation. When we’re in an airconditioned room, we don’t realise how hot it is outside. When we’re rubbing our tummies at a buffet, we don’t realise how hungry some people outside are. Feeling the pain of others helps us remember, helps us become better people more willing to help others in need.

But then, the Sheikh said something that touched me.

 “From the last Ramadhan, 365 days has passed. Have we changed? Are we still doing the same habits? Are we still doing what we did a year ago? Are we still talking the same slang? Are we still wearing the same clothes?”

But I get what he meant –> Have we improved aspects of ourselves to become better people, better Muslims in particular?

Ramadhan is supposed to instill some awareness in us, a chance for our sins to be forgiven and kind of reborn ourselves to a clean slate. Have we all taken that opportunity? I know I haven’t. I’m still the same me a year ago or maybe worst. Sheikh said that if after Ramadhan we don’t feel clean, new, improved and loving Allah more, we should be wary. It’s probably because we didn’t embrace Ramadhan for the goodness that it is.

He gave us simple links. Just 3:

1) Quran – The more time you spend with it, the more Allah will love you. Our life guide is in there.

2) Solat – The wajib is one story, but the Tarawikh is what’s special about Ramadhan. Once a year opportunity, he told us to grab it. There was a story of our Prophet Nabi Muhammad s.a.w. praying in the mosque at night until his feet shook. One person asked him, “Don’t you think Allah already loves you and will protect you from hellfire?” And our Prophet said, “So then shouldn’t I be a thankful servant?”

3) Sedekah – Be generous to people with the sincerest of heart.

Foooh, can’t believe I’m meeting u again Ramadhan. This Ramadhan I want it to be different than the previous ones. Hope we can feel a difference and change for the better, InsyaAllah. We are not kids anymore, it’s time to mature and make decisions you’d be proud of.

Credits: V

Whose kid is that???

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Little S pointed to a picture of me.

“Watermelon,” she says while pointing at my face.

I’m never eating again.

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And the worst of all.
Her favourite word is kentut now.
So everytime she sees someone and she’s bored, she’ll say, “Hey, *insert victim’s name here* kentut!” in front of everyone! For no apparent reason.

And because everybody laughs when she says it, she thinks it’s really fun. So she does it over and over again and makes sure the whole house / restaurant / shop / country knows that someone farted.
It’s so embarrassing to take her now

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She picks up on words so fast these days! At one point, I kept saying “duh” to just about anything. And she followed and kept saying “duh” at anything we say. I felt so guilty for gay-ing her up like that!

Now I choose my words carefully when I’m with her.
Saying “whatever” a lot isn’t gay right?

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Dilemma

Almost everyone knows about it. Quite disappointed because I am more than happy to deliver the news by myself you know :'(

But who knows you can help me to choose?

Ok, lets get it to the point.

Well, good news is I got three placement from three different medical school from two different countries. Ok, how cool is that? Two of the universities, which I have applied during my IB era, alhamdulillah i got both. And this one university, I applied after I finished with IB. Yes, I got it too.

Yes, I'm changing course. And please don't ask. You're just lucky enough if you happened to know why I changed it.

I'm allowed to have three options:

1) Barts School of Medicine, Queen Mary L

2) King's School of Medicine L

3) Alexandria E

I don't know where or what to choose. My parents want to send me abroad to a good and cool English city. They said they wanted me to learn independence. *Cough* Well, the top 2 looks cool right?

But lets see, please September, come fast!!!
Can't wait to start my studyyy! Books, I need BOOKS!

Allergies

Kak Ju’s homemade lasagna.

Too bad, didn’t know she added prawns in the lasagna and whoosh few red spots spotted. My face, arms feel itchy!

You know what really disrupts life? Allergies.

Sighh…. I’m definitely a cheap date because I can’t eat seafood. I can only wink at expensive lobsters, prawns and shellfish from afar.

Little S

Mothers are soooo enthusiastic when it comes to their kids’ birthday parties. You should see Kak Ju preparing for this. It happens twice a year (for her kids) and those times, I hate going near her. She’s yelling on the phone going, “I wanted the cake to be like THIS…not like THAT!!!” *runs out of room* Danger zone in there.

And she actually MAKES the invitation cards for all the other kids in pre-school.

Me : “Kak Ju, you know they’re going to throw those away right?”

She : “Who cares…it’s prettyyyyyy…” and gives herself a satisfactory smile.

This particular birthday, she got goodie bags custom-made with little S’s name and all. She ordered them from outside KL and was so worried that they won’t arrive on time. While waiting, she bought the stuff to fill in the bag; chocolates, Play-dohs, tiny books, party packs, candy, cupcakes, toys….oh…my….god….

When the goodie bags arrived, she couldn’t fit all the stuff in them!! Hahahaha.

Kak Ju : “NO!!! I should’ve gotten BIGGER goodie bags… Our little S's going to be so upset!!”

An image of Little S comes up in my head, her trying to differentiate left foot and right foot….

Me : “Oh I think she’ll be fine…”

It’s so funny to see Kak Ju get worked up about goodie bags and candy. Maybe because I don’t have kids yet, so I won’t understand. Apparently A LOT of mothers are like this. It’s sweet, really… you do it for your kids. One day when they grow up, they can look back at the albums and videos and be thankful to have parents who give the best to them, regardless of whether they appreciate it at the time or not.

Happy 5th birthday, Little S. If you’re all grown up and reading this, hope this will bring a smile to your face knowing that your parents always try to give the world to you.

Oh and when you read this and kak eka is really really old, please tell me to not be lame and stop blogging already! Hehe.

They'll be missed

Let’s be honest here.
The friendship trend for cliques go like this..

High school:
The whole clique is as tight as Super Glue. If you don’t like somebody, the whole group will not like that person for no reason the brain can comprehend. Go toilet also you’ll go with the rest of the crew. Every single member has the same toilet schedule :D

College/Universities:
You and your friends are still tight, but see each other less. Lectures, assignments and essays become your best friend. The toilet becomes a lonely place, but you’ll soon learn to go on your own. Toilet schedules gradually differ as may involve time differences in different countries.

Haha. Ok something like that la.

Admittedly, all throughout my school life, I have been in cliques. *blush* Not really cliques I guess because I can be friends w anyone, because I'm friendly like thattt? ;p.

But now we rarely see each other. Now we’re all on a mission to conquer different continents on the globe, so we can only meet when we’re all in the same country at one time.



Of course, the Universal Holiday Committee has not replied my email on why they don’t do standard holiday times across the globe. (ok, this is not true) So I have no idea why they make our lives difficult trying to plan holidays and outings with friends overseas. They are also enemies and omg super not cool, okay?

I can’t remember the last time we all met, but for now, we’re still grateful meeting up even without the full quorum.



It’s a tradition to have all friends every Raya because that’s when most of us are around.



This year, there'll only be a few. Most of them were busy on a mission in the New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Egypt, Korea and US. But I'm sure we will still have a blast because this might be my last Raya in Malaysia before leaving. I'm not sure whether next raya will also fall into my summer holidays ;)

Little Snippets

Today I was in a goofy mood because it was a happy day!

1. Over the weekend, I managed to do something I haven’t been able to do in at least the least several months; give myself a scrumptious apple pie! =)

ok! i know it looks cacat somehow.


2. I miss my little cousin, beacuse she always like,..screaming, running and tearing up my room. Her memory is just amazing. She remembers anything I promise her and things I’ve told her like “You said we are going to TOYS’R'US today” or “But last week, you said I can play!!!”.

So witty, I tell you.




3. Went to friend's sister's engagement last Friday and didn’t realise how short it was! Basically, for Malays, engagement is just when the MIL-to-be puts a ring on the bride-to-be’s finger. That’s it! And then makan makan la. In the olden days, the groom-to-be isn’t supposed to even come as he’s not involved in the ceremony, but nowadays, they sibuk come anyway.




4. Kids nowadays are so lucky with all those cool clothes. Mothercare is soooo cool!!!!! Got so excited seeing all the pretty dresses when I stumbled upon the website. They look so delicate and well…all white and clean….so crossed those off my list.


5. Guys, think about your loved ones and think what were the last words you said to them. And on a more serious note, young or old, God can take our lives anytime. It’s really a scary thing that comes unannounced. Life is really not a joke.

Sushi and Me

Anyone who knows me, knows how much I love sushi. I love them so much I don't think I can be married to someone who doesn't enjoy Japanese food as much as I do. HAHAHA. Ok, that was a joke. Sort of.

My favourite Japanese meals so far? Anything with salmon will do, just awesome ;)

P/S : Tengok kek batik yang macam legend dalam blog Shikin, terus rasa nak bake another cake. And my kek batik is now in the fridge. Take note Shikin ;)

The 10 Day Ramadhan Prep Challenge!

Assalamualaikum brothers and sisters!

During my somewhat apathetic teenage years I never gave Ramadhan much of an in-depth thought. I knew it meant waking up as early as 4.30 a.m. to sahur, staying away from actions or things that would make my fast invalid and not forgetting, taraweeh night prayers (which can be long and tiring).

I knew it also meant increasing deeds that would please Allah. Deeds like reading or reciting the Holy Qur'an more frequently and giving charity (sedekah). Fasting during Ramadhan was a tradition and deep down inside I knew it was a positive thing to do so I didn't question why or why not.

My friends and I would learn in school about the benefits of fasting and the beauty of Ramadhan but to be honest it was more of learning so we could get an 'A' in Islamic Studies and not really because we were interested in understanding our faith a lot more. I guess that is what happens when you live in a Muslim country. You do things because it's socially acceptable, everyone else is doing it and they expect you to as well. Not because you truly understand why.

But no, not this year!

Because I believe Ramadhan will gives you the opportunity to reconnect and rebuild your relationship with the Creator through ibadah and good deeds. Last Ramadhan has opened my eyes and made me realise that.

So, before the day comes, what about prepare yourself and boost that Ramadhan spirit!

I hope it's not too late. Come and join me for The 10 Day Ramadhan Prep Challenge!

Venue: Infront of your PC (or Mac). We sometimes can stand for 1 hour long of Korean dramas or Gossip Girls but let's try this aite?! :)

ps: Well, they even have Nouman Ali Khan!!! (the one from my previous entry :) )

I'm a Good Person But I Don't Pray 5 Times a Day

...does God even care?

If He doesn't need us then why must we pray to Him at certain times in our daily lives?

Is performing the solat fardhu 5 times a day too much?

Is it enough to only be a good person?

People donate money/stuff to charity or help the needy or practice good manners and all but now i ask, is it enough to be good person but at the same time neglect our religious obligations?

and.......Is it fair for a good person to be punished by God?

How do we define a 'good person' anyway?

Watch the video for answers.





As always, Allah s.w.t. knows best.

Harry Potter

Fans from around the world anticipate, gather and watch together the closure to this movie that captured many hearts. I must say that it didn't disappoint me much as I chucked the idea of re-reading the final harry potter book before watching the movie because I believe it might be such a bad idea to be criticizing it too much instead of just enjoying it as a fan.

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Anyways, back to the movie. There were moments where I felt it was a little too draggy though, especially when it felt as if the character was going through a time-stand-still kind of moments and the fact that my massive headache wasn't helping much to give me a comfortable experience but it did not deter my spirit nor my concentration.

Thank goodness they kept the sappy love scenes to a minimal cause I wasn't interested in seeing the lovebirds snogging so much. I was up for the magical war scenes!

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 However, I expected the duel between Harry and Voldermort to look more....epic. But the journey through the Gringotts vaults was...*speechless*, if only that was a real rollercoaster. I'd be up for it in a heartbeat! =D

I loved the fact that I was close to tearing when the movie ended because tell you, I GREW UP with it, and it was one of the books I read religiously. I even went out of the cinema asking myself, "What do I do now, it's already the end (of my childhood)"

My awesome red velvet!

I had my mind set on the red velvet cupcakes last week in some so-called mom's recipe book. It didn’t help that I couldn’t find it and finally re-called that the last time I saw it was probably in KL or Miri.

My solution? Kraft foods recipe!

End result: Red Velvet cake! Creamy on the top, fudgy in the middle.

My verdict: The best red velvet the world could ever taste! ;)

My reaction: Dude, I baked!!!

The experience: Priceless.

Too much too much ppl

Quoted

Ayat-ayat cinta, kalimah cinta, tasbih cinta, tahajjud cinta etc. It's good to make dramas as a medium of dakwah, but too much of 'cinta' can be deceiving and overrated. Love is pure, and it's neutral. Being prudent in humanly love, insyaAllah one would be blessed with His love, but being too engulfed in humanly love, one would only lure himself astray from His love..

Caffe Latte

A holiday is time for people to sit back, relax and wind down. Right?

Wrong.

For me it's almost the complete opposite because I like to keep myself busy. If I'm not doing something, I'm most probably thinking about it and when I am doing something, I would be thinking of what to do next! I have a very active mind and sometimes I can't sleep at night because I have all sorts of thoughts and plans for the next day. In the end, I don't really get as much rest as I hoped for but that's okay...

Sometimes I hesitate to fly 'there' because I know that my holiday will come to an end sooner or later. It's like a splinter in my heart which I tell myself to ignore so I can enjoy the time I have here. Despite all the craziness and hecticness of all my holidays (MACAM BUSY GILA, POYO SENTIASA) I am always happy to be with my family and best friends. I am happy to be surrounded by the people I grew up with. We've shared all our ups and downs, tears and laughters, and we'll continue to do so in this place I call home. That is what truly makes 'home' a special place in the heart.

For me it's as simple as sharing a yummy brownies I've been craving for ages with some people :)

Bing!, a pretty hip coffee place in Kuching town.

caffe latte

Almost there

Life is mystery or I will say it beautiful because we never know or expect what is around the corner or going to happen. Being a spoilt as I am, I keep whining to my dad/mom about the difficulties I have to suffer.

And the feeling of left out-ness that I have to endure because I didnt make it. And because of that difficulties, my goal now is to just to have THAT BACHELOR OF **** and forget about everything else.

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But dad, being a wise one as he always does, said

“It’s not the destiny that matters. It’s the journey. The harder you work, the more experience that you will gain. The more you fall. The more that you’ll learn to stand up tall. And taller."

but I will never grow taller. HAHAHAHA

Oh well. Life is beautiful on its own way.

Come what may. All I have to worry about now is when am I getting married if it all ends at the age of 2*?? It would also be great if I have a baby there. The baby would have a chance to crawl and run in the snow like I did. That would be totally cute.

hahaha nahh, inside jokes ;)

Ice Ice Baby

The truth is that it is hard to tell the truth. It is hard to unzip and expose everything on the floor. Well if tell you the truth, I didn’t regret the whole thing ending, but I would be lying to say that there are no things that I miss.

I have been in serious conversations through FB with friends and seniors about this one particular thing. Something that I've been aiming since 'only Allah knows'. Glad that they are little gift for me from Allah. Thank you Allah, alhamdulillah. You listen to my small whisper through this tiny heart.

I hope everything will going smoothly. I'm done with the first phase of the process. And waiting for the respond from the other party.

I didn't expect that what I wrote for my 'Future 25' at the upper side of my blog leads me to this. hihihih. Syhhhh, I will keep you update, but I would like to keep this for closed friends before I exposed everything. hihi

There's a good advice in the latest episode of Grey’s Anatomy. In it the shrink said, “Yes. Horrible things DO happen. Happiness in the face of all of that? That’s not the goal. Feeling the horrible and knowing that you’re not gonna die from those feelings…that’s the point.”

Honestly, that’s one of the best things I’ve heard, and it’s free and so logical you cease to acknowledge it. And this coming from a tv series.

ps: No, Im not hiding. It's just that it's hard for me to write even one entry these days you know. Otak berkarat, I can tell. But you can buzz me on twitter! Follow me if you haven't :)