It just happened out of my conscious. Even not at a glimpse.
I would say I might have a poor vision towards my routine and changes.
Believe it or not. I just watched three movies for two weeks.
And I noticed it just now. When looking at my oldest post about the movie.

They are not captivating, but fairly enough to make me forget that I had a bunch of papers to read and write on.

Although they offer unfamiliar movies, I am surprised that most of the DVDs are "missing" especially when the weekend comes.
Check out the racks on Friday's evening. A big hole there, another small hole here, and there. Even the DVD that I hid went missing!

There are two types of movies from my own personal view.
A movie that just stays as a movie after we're done watching.
And a movie that stays as a novel, fresh idea in your thought and life, soon after it ends.
You might want to think back, how awful it was, how clever he/she was, what would happen if he/she did not, and how it relates to my life recently.
In general, this movie ask you to become judgmental, skeptic and analytical but in a good mean.

I would love to review Michael Clayton, Babel and Doubt.
But, I guess it is unnecessary.


Thursday night: I watched Doubt.
Friday afternoon: Doubt was repeatedly spoken in the sermon.
I doubt it was a coincidence.

I keep replaying the same video, song.
Not Maroon 5, I dare say, though I just went back from their splendid concert.

It's a special dedication from someone and I am touched.

Thank you and I love you from a very far continent.

</div></div>
La Campanella - Liszt</div>


When I listened to it (maybe Imeem), it sounds nice and rejuvenating.

When I just watched it online (Youtube, of course), it is amazing.

When I witness it in front of myself, it is totally a new wonder in my life.

My eyes were staring straight at his fingers, which appeared dancing and jumping with rapture. My ears listened attentively how beautiful this piece was. My mind could not stop thinking how can those fingers produce such a complicated yet wonderful, harmonious sound.

Overall, my spirit was lifted after the recital. New inspirations, but to no good, I could not share that with others.

Until now, I still wonder how Liszt compose such a genius work.


La Campanella

Muvitherapy is a chemotherapy originated from Aryan. Muvi in Aryan means movie.

(Stop saying LOL)

I feel it was long long time I did not discuss about my recently-watched movies.
From last few weeks until today, Four movies were accomplished. Satisfied enough with all of them.






I grabbed Becoming Jane movie by a glimpse from the library.
I desperately need a movie therapy for the day.

Well, I saw Anne Hathaway with classic English attire (she looked splendid, I must say) and for split second, she was mine, in my hand. I ran to the counter. I say borrow. He said "all set", and I rushed to the bus stop.

Oh, it's about Jane Austen's story. A story about her life as an author who depicted love theme in every novel she wrote.
Why did she only write romance, happy-ending story in her novel?
Why did she end up unmarried?
You will know why in the movie.

Special alert for the fans of Atonement's Robbie Turner.

Mrs. Radcliffe: Of what do you wish to write?
Jane Austen: Of the heart.
Mrs. Radcliffe: Do you know it?
Jane Austen: Not all of it.
Mrs. Radcliffe: In time, you will. But even if that fails, that's what the imagination is for.
(Becoming Jane, 2007)

Tom Lefroy: What value will there ever be in life, if we aren't together? (Becoming Jane, 2007)







Mystic River is succeeded with excellent performance by Sean Penn. Plus, the film was intricately crafted with renowned director, Clint Eastwood. (You should know him)
I am not fond of being descriptive to this movie.
A mystery movie with different approaches of narrations especially when revealing the culprit.
At the end, you might want to re-think who is the most guilty character.
The murder? The sexual abuser? The gangsters?

That is what Eastwood want the audience to do. And I believed, the unique finale was specially made for that reason.

We bury our sins, we wash them clean.

The river has many depths. Let it wash over you.

I had two more films to review.
The Prestige.
The Constant Gardener.

Should I go on?
Don't worry, I won't.
You had many other things to do, I presume.

But I dedicate The Prestige for those who are willingly to witness the complexity of magic tricks (with related to friendship and rivalry) between two legendary magicians.
And The Constant Gardener, I present for anyone who has some pieces of his/her heart at Afrika.

I adore films which broaden my mind, made myself thinking.
Any film that can change my lame, conventional perception about life, love and other significant values.
No rubbish film.

Why do you waste your time persuading other people when their hearts do not belong to you?

This post is made to celebrate the end of a diarrhea, nausea-causing week.


Have you ever made a sarcastic remark to yourself? I did one on this post.
I read a magazine at Purdue and I had to admit that I was offended with this statement.

Stop complaining. You should always keep in your mind that no one ever cares and does anything to help you.

Oh..
Hmm...
Err.. true.

I am tired. I complained. But, that does not make any difference at all.

Tuan-tuan dan puan-puan yang saya hormati sekalian.
Berdirinya saya di sini adalah untuk menegaskan bahawa, kerja rumah saya sangat banyak.
Betapa sesungguhnya, jika kerja rumah ini diletakkan di atas dacing yang sangat besar, dan di bahagian yang lain diletakkan pula lautan Saccharomyces cerevisiae yang ada di dunia ini, bahagian kerja rumah adalah lebih rendah dari yang lain.
Seharusnya, berat kerja rumah itu adalah sama dengan berat S.cerevisiae darab dua sebelum ditambah dengan 1.8.
Akhir kata, saya tegaskan sekali lagi, bahawa kerja rumah saya adalah berat.
Sekian. Salam perjuangan.

Suddenly, I got a vision that the audiences shouted out loud.

Meihepyu???? (May I help you?)

I agree that others can do nothing for you when you complain.
You are the one who can make a great change in your life.
Sarcastic enough for me.
What I should say is, I can do it! Kerja ini mudah amat. Jangan tangguh. No, I don't procrastinate.
I put Hawa in my role model list. In term of academic assignments, she is far far away ahead than me.

Last week was the ultimate hell quarter. I took a vacation on the weekend for that reason.
Then, post-mortem was done along the road trip (which took places between me and my inner self)

When you know that a "week that ruthlessly treat you like a slave" is just around the corner, take a step ahead than everyone else.
You should start studying before others. Do not ever care about people's feelings when looking at you immersed in reading the notes.
He or she should always know that we had our own reasons.

Considering the workloads that I have, I shall stop for now.
What assignments to begin is another problem after.
Hopefully it does not take too much time.


Listening a random classical music playlist while studying makes me feel calm and focused enough.
Lyrics distract me when going through every single word on the white paper.

I changed and I didn't even notice it. I realized that as I stepped my bare feet on the tiles, in the bathroom.

A girl cannot live with an ignorant boyfriend. She adores him but things does not goes well in the middle of the road. Some girl can handle the emotion, some could not. And I heard the sentences from a mouth of a girl, whom I closely know.

And then, I looked upon myself. Oh, If she had me, I wonder what would happen the sun. Being ignorant all the times, dealing with works everyday (or maybe playing games), may I put that as an excuse? I still asked as I know the real answer.

I don't really know what is going on on the other side of the relationship, even in mine. I have to admit, I had to ask and she had the right to ask and to have honest explanation from me. What we should presume best is, we know that we are working together to stay in the same road.

Last time, I went to a gym, bringing along a novel that I currently read. The Time Traveler's Wife. I might need to look at the book, especially when in languorous waiting. Well, they improved in term of punctuality. I could not say yes to read.

However, I felt quite reluctant if someone asking for the book's title. I hate to admit that the novel is a romantic novel, if I were in the situation to do so. Do men like romantic books? I proposed the answer is no. What happen to John Grisham? Is he dead?

Another insight popped.
Why did I watch romantic movies lately? First with Revolutionary Road, The Proposal, Atonement, Pride and Prejudice and the latest, Becoming Jane.

As I stared myself in the mirror, I know the reason behind.

I think that is obligatory, since I barely know myself on how well I appreciate her in my life.
Watching and reading are just the best ways you can keep her face in your mind, beside the fast-paced life.

When all the works are above love and emotions.
When the only thing that can connect you is love.


And I stepped into the tub, and pulled the curtain off.


Saya tidak ada peluang untuk menamatkan cerita ini setelah seminggu berlalu. Kesibukan tidak pernah tidak hadir.

Never at all in my thought that English is such a beautiful language.
I didn't neglect my own mother tongue.
In fact, I found the aesthetic in Malay long time ago when I read the Malay literature short-stories (cerpen) and novels.

Kerana Manisnya Epal. Hadiah Hari Guru. Tangan Kiri, Kanan atau Kedua-duanya.
I love them.

However, reading every single line in Jane Austin's Pride and Prejudice, followed by watching its adapted movie, made me realized that it's very luminous. The British accents and the old English literature are such lovely unison.

I must admit, I adore Keira in films I just watched last couple of days. Not as a hot, agreeable celebrity. But as a serious, talented British actress. She displayed every character in the story exactly the same as in my mind, when I read the books. It is just that I never imagined Cecilia and Miss Elizabeth Bennet are so charming as she is, in the movie. Should I watched her in Pirates of Carribean trilogy? Not at all.

Pride and Prejudice is brilliant, but I like the novel better than the movie. It's not that the movie did terrible job. They just produced a wonderful masterpiece, instead. The novel went into a deeper, more-detailed story, descriptions which the movie could not represent them all together.

Some scenes in the movie are very well-executed by the casts. Especially the favorite scene of mine. The most shocking, surprising love scene I ever encounter in any romantic movie. I didn't saw that coming at all. Unexpected. Even the novel didn't indicate any damn hint to me that Mr Darcy really loves Elizabeth.


Mr. Darcy:
Miss Elizabeth. I have struggled in vain and I can bear it no longer. These past few months have been a torment. I came to Rosings with the single object of seeing you. I had to see you. I have fought against my better judgment, my family's expectations, the inferiority of your birth, my rank and circumstance. All these things I am willing to put aside and ask you to end my agony.

Elizabeth Bennet:
I don't understand.

Mr. Darcy:
I love you. Most ardently. Please do me the honour of accepting my hand.

Elizabeth Bennet:
Sir, I appreciate the struggle you have been through, and I am very sorry to have caused you pain. Believe me, it was unconsciously done.

Mr. Darcy:
Is this your reply?

Elizabeth Bennet:
Yes, sir.

Mr. Darcy:
Are you... are you laughing at me?

Elizabeth Bennet:
No.

Mr. Darcy:
Are you *rejecting* me?

Elizabeth:
I'm sure that the feelings which, as you've told me have hindered your regard, will help you in overcoming it.

Mr. Darcy:
Might I ask why, with so little endeavour at civility, I am thus repulsed?

Elizabeth Bennet:
And I might as well enquire why, with so evident a design of insulting me, you chose to tell me that you liked me against your better judgment.

Mr. Darcy:
No, believe me, I didn't mean--

Elizabeth Bennet:
If I was uncivil, then that is some excuse. But I have other reasons, you know I have.

Mr. Darcy:
What reasons?

(and the story goes on as in the movie)

Oh God, what is the language I just heard just now?
Atlantis.


Maafkan saya sezahir-zahirnya (tidak termasuk batin) jika anda, (keutamaan kepada Arif Aiman Ahmad Lela) terkilan dengan tajuk blog saya di atas.

</div></div>
The Cottage On The Beach - Dario Marianelli [Artist]</div>


Atonement had a huge impact on me. Emotional impact. I still could not believe what was actually happened, though the story line is still clear inside my head. The movie apparently worsened my sadness. It's unendurable. The movie reached the untouched side of my heart.

How come a perception's of 12-years old girl dramatically affects the couple's lives as lovers?
It is so cruel, yet no one can be blamed.

Up until now, the depression remains in me.

When I went back from class, the day started to rain. I walked to the bus stop and waited for the bus.
Watching and feeling the raindrops on my face and hands, I began to feel truly, deeply sad.

The cloud is crying and it is raining.
The cloud is trying to hide his sadness, and it is snowing.

Officially, Atonement (2007) becomes one of my favorite movies. All of time. Hall of fame. I don't mind to watch it over and over again.
(I never made up a list of my favorite movies. I should have made one.)


I feel for him/her but I can do nothing.
I hope time heals the wound.
Don't give up, be strong.

Trust is a powerful word.
I should learn the lesson.
Hoping I will always know what will come next.
And what wouldn't come.

It is an atonement.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Sejak bila saya mula mengarang puisi?
Saya tidak tahu.


Maafkan saya.

I don't always memorize the lyric.
Any song, tell me. I can tune them, but then I will make my own lines. Sometimes, they are perfectly fitted in to the melody, to my surprise!
It's not like I didn't have enough "coverage" in my brain sequence, (forgive me, I love genomics class. I hope that suits well)
But, I choose not to memorize them. I even cannot tell myself why you cannot make any afford to memorize any.

Believe me, when I heard E-Board planned to organize karaoke for Hari Raya, I tried to memorize Seloka Hari Raya to my best.
I scared that I could not sing any Hari Raya song. Plus, they should make a "surprise' thing to celebrate my birthday.
Well, at least I tried although I thought that was a bad performance.

Eh, actually I want to copy paste the lines from this song. Unintentionally, I overwrote this post with redundant topic

Mengapa berat ungkapkan cinta
Padahal ia ada       (Pada hati yang ada??? What!)
Dalam rinai hujan, dalam terang bulan
Juga dalam sedu sedan

Mengapa sulit mengaku cinta
Padahal yang terasa    (Pada hayat terasa? That's really weird, but  I thought that's because of Indonesia language style!)
Dalam rindu dendam, hening malam
Cinta.. terasa ada…

From Ada Cinta, Acha Septriasa and Irwansyah.


I was totally surprised that I just made up my own line for the second line in each paragraph!
That's not my favorite lines, for sure. But I used to sing it whenever I felt "hungry to sing" but at the same time, I had no lyric running on my head. That's my only lyric I could even think of!
Maybe true, maybe not.
I just could not prove or even figure it out for myself.
Probably I adore the song really much.


Zzzzzzzzz  Zzzzzz

I should not have complaint. It was my decision. The choice that I think best fits me long time ago. What can I do now is just persevere.

Back to the spring quarter, I discovered that dealing with bacteria is the not a bad idea. Although some people complained the smell and nasty look of the bacterial colony, I found it as a very interesting subject.

Then, I heard from most of the lecturers that Genomics course is useful, handy to be brought into research and job experiences.

So, I planned the Fall schedule and ended up taking 4 biology classes for the first time in his life at RIT (at least biochemistry is taken into account since it has biology elements on it).

Now, I feel that struggling and cramping is not enough. This time, it's all about time management if you want to succeed.

For this week for example, I felt painful of memorizing 20-30 pages of Environmental Microbiology slides and all the facts, calculation, amino acid structures in Biochemistry.

Both exams were doable but everyone is hoping for a great score to come out. So do I.

I thought that I can take a deep breath. No, you are not. Other two exams are coming up next week on Monday and Wednesday. Again, it's all about memorizing figures, slides of Plants, Medicine and Tech, and also my crappy Genomics lecture notes.

Hopefully after Wednesday, I can shout out the freedom at the top of my voice. Truth hurts. I have another Environmental Microbe exam next week with medicinal plant presentation. If I checked my schedule again, I should say that every week in this quarter has at least an exam and presentation.
People just say it's hell week. Mine was a hell quarter.
Luckily, I was not able to continue my research course this quarter.

Thinking of withdrawing the class? No. I enjoyed learning noble, fresh ideas from the slides.
I believe I can survive.
Survive with flying colors.


Sorry for being too busy.

I went back, and sat down on my chair, in front of the laptop.




Click icon.
Boring.

Click 
No "hot, controversial" news at all. Like Taylor Swift and Kanye West.

Then, I checked on .
Hmm, what to watch...
Then I looked at the Recommended Video for You.

Erk, Ultraman? Dragonball? Son Gohan? Brujita? Digimon?
What the hell had happened?

Oh ya, then I remembered that I gave my brothers to "youtube" back during the summer.

Something caught my eyes. 1812 Overture.
With no hesitation, I clicked and started to watch. Of course it's an orchestra performance.
What else you expect when you read something called "Overture".






So Grandesville! Tremendously amazing overture I ever listen to.
No wonder why Subway choose this overture to be part of their ads.

I watched two different versions of the overture. Both are splendid.

One had very entertaining, significant conductor with diligent orchestra group.
One had colorful, banging fireworks, creating epic atmosphere to the audiences.

I noticed that these Western people really like classical music.
Their great colossal halls were over-crowded!

I guessed, I had to listen to this overture over and over again tonight.
I need to hide my sorrow of celebrating Hari Raya abroad though it's already my third time here.
Should I start memorizing Lagu-Lagu Raya?

No, I had two must-memorizing exams next week.
Enough of memorizing things.


Best kan main click2 dekat link tu?

I wrote this note to make sure that I greatly appreciate what had happened on this date.

It is when I shamelessly but in confidence, say the love sentences, for the first time, to a person called friend.

I rarely say I love you to anyone, even to my own family members, who are always sitting beside me for the most time.
I admit that I had a big ego to infer that I had a deep affection to someone. (I think she can count how many times I say I love you to her).

However, expressing love in words is a must thing to do especially, when it is really coming from the inner side of your heart, you think that you cannot let it hiding beneath anymore.
It's unbearable.

Well, here we go. I say I love you.

Then, my ears and face turned red. My heart pounded quickly. My eyes became wet. My fingers was shaking too much.
And I was sweating cold in the hot summer.
Thank God, no one ever see me feeling and reacting that way.
Even she did not know anything.
Luckily, we had an electronic messenger who did a great job.

Oh no, enough telling everything about me.
I know that we are still young and immature.
It is still a long long way to go.
Everything can happen, who knows except Allah.
Hopefully, we can strive through all the endeavors with the virtue of love and patience.
Helping and understanding each other better.





Oh no. It took me so long to complete and revise this post.
I guess, this is the special post and I had to be meticulous enough to make it a really special one.
But I was exhausted enough after cooking for people who are in hungry to eat our nasi tomato.
Forgive me for any error, mistake or imperfection.


Action speaks louder than word.
However, I should just say here that I love her so much.

  


You came back home, you feel the heat as you stepped out from the airport door, and you hugged your parents, then you sleep for the first time in two years at home. Yet, no longer my old favorite pillow is waiting for me. My mom threw him away accidentally.

It's been a long time I never been at home. A home where you can laugh, scream, annoy the brothers. The only place where I can let go my manners. Oh, it's so much fun. However, every fun part always has its own boring, tedious part behind it. I hated when my little brothers are away to school in the morning, leaving me alone in the house. Sleeping is the easiest choice of activity in the morning.

But then, my heart is high-spirited to read many books that I would love to read before. Before my return to Malaysia, I got times to shop some books for leisure time.

Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates
Atonement by Ian McEwan
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin.

Revolutionary Road has a great storyline I ever imagined. The story gives me lots of thrill and tension, especially when it comes to part where the two main characters encounter conflict between them. It's unbelievable how well the author creates an effective scene with powerful, strong dialogue between both of them. That becomes the same reason why I would love to watch Leonardo and Kate Winslet acting the same scene in reality.

Atonement. It took me three weeks to finish the first part of the novel. Reason? The words are quite difficult, most of them are from high-level of English literature. The beginning is pretty slow and lavishing. Then, when it comes to the main conflict of the story, I started to read non-stop the whole day, except for meals and prayers. Although, the words are unheard of, probably the author made up by himself, the story is still understandable. it is interesting too!  The idea and the narration of the story were outstandingly creative. Brilliant. No wonder this novel won several prestigious awards worldwide. I admired Ian McEwan's masterpieces since then.

Then, it cames the classical story. Pride and Prejudice. Oh no! I was confused reading it at first. Too many sisters, too many Mr., Mrs., and Miss. Mr. Bennet, Mrs. Bennet, Miss Bennet. Mr Darcy, Miss Darcy and the list go on. Same as reading Atonement, the words are so classic and pure British English literature. Luckily, my novel have footnote below explaining most of the unheard words. To my surprise, the story is increasingly interesting as I moved from one page to another. As I reached the last page of the story, I reread the final chapter until I felt,

"Ok, that's it, Mior. You can't ask the author to make a new story about them. Stop reread and do something else."
"NO!!!!!!"

I finally know why Pride and Prejudice is the most loved book at all time in the world.

After I was done reading all of them, my heart feels lonely again. Then, I went to Kinokuniya KLCC (with my aunt) and I grabbed a series of Harry Potter without second thought. I was hungry enough to read and I don't care what kind of books I want to read. As long as it's well-known and worth-reading. So, here we go. Harry Potter.

As I read the last word of the final Harry Potter books, I was at the highest peak of Everest. Feeling accomplished. Feeling free to soar the sky above.

I started to remember some spells and potions in Harry Potter.

Veritaserum, Expelliarmus, Stupefy, Avada Kedavra, Crucio, Impedimenta.


Checking online, deciding the novel I want to read next.

In a strict-ruled family, I have to obey every single things my parents said. Since we don't have any sister to depend on, we have to do cleaning jobs by ourselves. Washing our own plates and cups, helping sweeping and mopping the floor, and so forth. In term of my father, we had to follow him going to the mosque, reciting Al-Quran every night and helping him washing his car and the fish tank.

During Ramadhan, the work loads increased. Plus, we were urged to go the mosque every night to perform Isyak and Terawih prayers.
Since I was in elementary school, I already adapted to do Terawih although sometimes I cheated and played with my neighbors instead of praying in the mosque.

I believed to know that the rakaat in Terawih will become higher as Syawal draws near. If Terawih's rakaat for tonight is 20, it's going to be 22 rakaat for tomorrow. This misbelief is exactly due to my lost count of rakaat in the middle of . Sometimes, I counted 30 rakaat for the terawih prayer that I did for a night.

Another childish belief of Terawih is we can pray how many rakaat we want. Not neccessarily 8 or 20. If I feel I want to pray 12, I just can stop there and go doing other stuffs in the mosque. Whenever my friends calling me for a game during the transition, I simply follow them and having fun playing. Hide and seek. The most popular game in the old wooden mosque of Taman Kuala Kangsar.

Another funny habit that I had during Terawih time is checking the fadhilat of Terawih poster, hanged on the wall, every night before I decided to pray. I still remember 24th night's Terawih Fadhilat. The favorite.

Allah akan memakbulkan (4 digits number if I'm not mistaken) doa.

That night, I prayed for full rakaat of Terawih, with my greatest level of khusyuk and tawaduk. I even didn't miss the wirid and doa'. Plus, I also do the istighfar with my loudest voice. Just to make sure that I gained Fadhilat Terawih of that night. Well, the Fadhilat Terawih poster really makes me choosy and picky in term of praying whether for full or half terawih.

I also believed with my father's advice.

Whoever do not pray Terawih for full 20 rakaat, he or she could not have more after Terawih

Before bilal shouted "As-solah tu Terrawih...!", I rushed to the kitchen and checked out what the jemaah will going to be served tonight. Sometimes, the food are just plain kuih-muih. Sometimes, it can be luxurious! Mee rebus, roti jala, kari ayam. The food which will turn on my spirit to perform Terawih.


When I was a grown-up child, a little bit maturer, I follow the Jemaah, praying Terawih for full. Luckily, I had several friends who joined me to pray Terawih for 20 rakaat. Sometimes, I was all alone by myself. Then, I met this cool pakcik. A fat with long-thick haired pakcik who always showed his grinning smile. He was very affable to children, I might say so.

He was the one who accompanied me every night doing Terawih (my father used to pray at the front row, leaving his son at the back with strangers). I usually performed prayers at the child saf, slightly at the back of other grown-ups. Then, he waved calling me, to join beside him. It's an honor to pray with adults! Well, I joined him for the first time and that was the time that we were close to each other. He treated me like an adopted son. Oh, we used to talk and did the rakaat count together always in transition. He will show his finger how much rakaat left. He also taught me not to forget witir rakaat in count.

My father also recognized him and we usually sit and had a little chat among ourselves in moreh (although I rarely involved in their conversation)

Then, I went to Gerik. Far far away from home. Not so long after that, during my school he died. I attend his kenduri arwah, I never believed that he was no longer alive.

Now, I came back and doing the usual Terawih prayers in Ramadh. I suddenly remembered about him, his smile, his joke and everything he did with me during Terawih. What I can only do for him is just Al-Fatihah and doa'.

Semoga rohnya dirahmati dan tergolong di kalangan orang-orang yang beriman. Amin.

Five Pillars of Islam, please Brother Ilyas?

I know that!
First, the testimony of faith (syahadah), second is prayers (Solat), third is fasting (Puasa)
Errr. I forgot number four and five, sir.

Ok, Number four is Almsgiving (Zakat) and last but not least, Pilgrimage (Haji)

Keep that on mind ok, my students?

Well, enough of drama.
(no more drama..  no more drama...)

Time flew so fast. I just had Israk Mikraj last two months, and then we are now celebrating Ramadhan Al-Mubarak with Puasa.
Consequently, I just realize why Solat comes first, followed by Puasa, Zakat and Haji. It's arranged perfectly in month. Here we go

Israk Mikraj is on Rejab. And the Israk mikraj story stressed upon the importance of Solat in Muslim. Israk Mikraj is the origin of the Solat in a Muslim's daily life.

Begitu tingginya darjat Solat itu sehingga Nabi Muhammad perlu diangkat sehingga langit yang ketujuh, menerima perintah Allah supaya menunaikan solat 5 waktu.

Almost two month after that, we will face Ramadhan Al-Mubarak. Of course, Puasa. Hungry and exhausted. We experience the same feeling of poor people around the world.

At the same time, we had to do Zakat via the recognized amil in our neighborhood. We realize that we had to help those who in need with our Zakat.

Since Ramadhan is a month when all of our ibadah are repaid with more pahala than the other months, Solat, Puasa and Zakat is combined together and therefore, we cannot imagine how much pahala we gain in a month. Not to mention for Terawih prayers, reciting Al-Quran and many more.

Then, few month later, we had Haji on Zulhijjah month. For those who are able in term of money and energy, they are required to do Haji.


But, why Allah does not combine Haji in Ramadhan too? We can gain much more pahala then.

Allah knows everything including human limits and we are the ones who need to find the best reason behind a rule. Think.

Are you able to do Haji in hungry and with huge crowd, under the hot, dry weather of Mecca?

Make sure you know this,
Puasa is just a waste to do if you don't perform prayers/Solat.
Your Zakat is nothing if you don't do fasting in Ramadhan.

In conclusion,

Solat (Israk Mikraj) - Puasa (Ramadhan) - Zakat (Ramadhan) - Haji (Zulhijjah)


Currently annoyed with the way my father did to wake me up for Sahur. You might not want to know what he did to his sons.
But, Alhamdulillah. Thanks to Allah that I have a super-duper caring, dedicated father in the world

I witnessed something quite weird but funny to be included here.

A very unusual sequence of an accident.
Unlike Kuala Lumpur or Lembah Klang metropolitan area, a road accident is undoubtedly rare to happen at Kuala Kangsar, of course the Royal City of Perak.
Plus, it happens inside my housing area.


Overall, the correct, usual sequence for an accident supposed to be like this:

A dangerous, irresponsible user at the road spotted - Unfortunately, accident happened - After a few minutes, ambulance arrives - Then, the police officers come if necessary.


However, this is what make things weird.

First, I saw cars slowing down and people were crowded at the middle of the junction. A usual guess is it must be an accident.
Of course it was, but I was about to fetch my brother from the school.

On my way, I looked an ambulance coming in opposite direction of mine. Where else this ambulance would go other than the accident scene area. Hopefully, no death and major injuries reported.

The next observation was very funny. Out of the blue, I saw a motorcyclist riding his with the front tire up, no direct contact with the road surface.
I was surprised and incensed.
(Rasa nak tekan hon je lama2 kasi dier jatuh bergolek, pastu ambulans yg dtg ke tmpat accident trus pick-up dier on the way balik hospital... secubit kemarahan di situ, maafkan saya).
Plus, what make me angrier was there was a small boy holding at his back!
That is absolutely not a great example to show off!
That is what we, people at RIT called "melampaui batas-batas pergaulan yang telah ditetapkan oleh pihak umum yang termaktub dalam perlembagaan negara"

Then, I was shocked as I recognized a police patrol car heading on the other way.
Erk, baru je sat tadi ade aksi berbahaya motosikal. Boleh pulak ada polis. Tau-tau je polis ni.
Never mind. I spoke to myself:
Please, caught him red-handed! Caught him! Caught him!
Then I thought again, how come the police use prophecy or epiphany that ask them to caught the motorcyclist.
Oh ya, the accident! They were there to solve the accident.
Why don't you think of that?


So, an accident happened- ambulance came - dangerous motorcyclist spotted - police came afterward


Some of people may realize this is rather ordinary and nothing.
But the motorcycle scene is really something wrong la....
Antara ambulans dan polis, sempat plak dia beraksi kat situ dengan motor buruk die.

The story is from the experience of a person who has a busy schedule of sending and fetching his brothers from school.


Be patient when you are at the road.

Tok (Grandpa):

He is a rubber tapper. He used to be a fisherman at Sg. Perak. He managed to bring back something from his orchard for his family.
He is such a diligent father, as well as grandfather.
He married with my grandmother, and lived in a traditional wooden house.
My father and his siblings lived there until they were fully grown up and possessed a stable job.

He is poor. All the career he had, were not well-paid. What a rubber tapper expect to get in a day? It is even worst when it is rainy.
A fisherman? He loved fish so much. He sometimes saved some of his money for the family by eating the fish he caught from the lake.
In the end, all of his children managed to obtain stable career and own comfortable house.

Ayah (father)

My father is not really a well-educated person.
Since the requirement to be a policeman was surprisingly easy (long time ago), he managed to be trained under police academy and being a ranger.
A ranger, who was obliged to patrol the part of jungle with his team.
Then he got promoted into higher level, step by step.
It is absolutely a bright side as the living cost nowadays are increasingly high and never going down.
The groceries prices. Education fee. Different kinds of taxes and many more.
He could not manage to take care of his family with RM1000 salary.
Luckily, my mom helped him with her salary as a clerk.

And how did my family escape from poverty?

Education

Education is not a burden. It is a responsibility especially for those who are sponsored by government to pursue further study.
In reality, we are not entertaining ourselves with homework and assignments we had right now.
We are hoped to help our family next once we gain a lucrative job.
Not to mention, we are here for the society.

John Wood

I watched Oprah couple of weeks ago about a man who let go his millionaire career (Microsoft executive) for a promise.
A promise to bring lots of books to children in rural mountain area of Nepal.

From the people experiences, there were lots of tourists had done so, but none of them really kept that promise.

The man, (unhappy that I did not remember the name, so I checked online)
Haa... John Wood!


He believed that the books he donated for the children has one definite purpose.
To give enough education in hope these children will be able to have better life besides helping their society to escape from poverty.
Education can be improved in many ways: school, teachers, books, and stationary.

It  unnecessarily needs money to develop education.
Like John Wood, he simply collected books and gave them to Nepal children.

For more information about Oprah's interview with John Wood, follow the link below:
www.oprah.com/slideshow/oprahshow/oprahshow1_ss_20070403/4


I am moved with his aspiring story he told to the audiences.
I wondered, will I do the same if I were him.
Will you?


This post is done with no systematic flow of contents. The idea just came out, and therefore, sorry for a long introductory part.

Kenapa nama "Melayu"? Macam layu. Me-Layu.
Entahla. Aku pun tak tau.
Cuba kasi nama Kembang ke, Memekar ke. (plus other unknown sentences)

I recall that I had a mere conversation with my friend back at Gerik.

Well, it's obvious that the world melayu means to wilt.
Flowers which have not been watered constantly will end up wilted and died.
I believe our race name can be associated with the flower.
Long time ago, the name of Melayu is tremendously famous around the world.

Lingua franca = Malay.
World's best harbor = Malacca
And other great achievement under the name of Melayu.

However, as time goes by, the name is now getting unpopular and empty.
At my time, I can't even proud of anything about Malaysia.

Well, I had KLCC Twin Towers!
Oh no, they got Taipei ...(I believe it is 101)

Now, we almost had nothing to be proud of under the name of Malay.
Except for MySA at RIT, which is awarded as SG Outstanding Cultural Association.
That is only from a small scope of achievement under people at RIT.

Today.
I was in a crime scene.
A snatch case.
It just happened right in front of me.

I saw a man running from the crowd. Bringing along a light blue cotton handbag, he rushed to the street and then dissapeared from my sight.
He is Malay.
Plus, I heard his friends who rode motorcycles shouted at him.

Cepat, Mat! Cepat!
Lari! Lari!

To no surprise of mine, they are Malay too.
It happened on Friday's afternoon. Time when people were getting ready to go to mosque for Jumaat prayers.
Gila laa..
I lost my temper and kept cursing the criminals.

I always ponder upon when my parents complained about non-Malay people.

Tengok org India tu. Bukan nak jaga lembu tu elok2. Taik lembu merata2.
Eeee cina ni la. Ari2 memekak pasang karaoke kuat2.
Ya Allah, anjing cina mana la yang dibiar merayau merata.

Well, I believe some people do not have their manners in certain circumstance.
But, please. Not all people are ill-mannered.
Look at us first.

Siapala yg buat keje2 tak berfaedah merusuh di tengah-tengah kota.
Siapalah yang rajin meRAGUT rumput-rumput rezeki orang lain. (metafora sikit)
Siapalah yang mencuri selipar Crocs yang aku yang baru beli dari US. (unrelated story)
Siapalah yang mengutuk dan mencerca sesama sendiri.
Siapalah yang berdoa seperti berikut:

"Ya Allah, engkau patah-patahkanlah pengikut-pengikut UMNO akibat perbuatan mereka."

Of course it is never been done except by Malay.

What can we do?
Please open your mind, and don't look at  everything with just an eye.
With two eyes?
Yes please, and your mind too.

I believe, a splendid achievement begins from one individual.
Together we develop ourself to the fullest and help others who are in need.
So that we can change people's sceptisms about "Melayu".

Layu means wilt.
Melayu is unwilted.

Let the hibiscus blooms once again under the name of Melayu.

Going back to Malaysia this summer really interests me.
In term of indulging myself with the delicacy of Malaysian food, I cannot say it wasn't true.
Watching all of my siblings and cousins grown up pretty obvious, they surprised me a lot!
My brother in Form 4, almost had the same height as mine.

However, I do regret leaving USA without knowing something earlier.
Well, it's not really a big deal as seeing and hugging my parents when I reached Bayan Lepas airport.
But, it is one of my dream in USA to be accomplished before I went back to Malaysia for good.

I watched Nodame Cantabile. Khalis was the one who suggested to watch the drama.
I was fond of instrumental + orchestra music after that.
One of my admired music piece from the J-drama was:

Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No.2

The music is slow. I know. But the music brought sadness and sorrow to my emotion.
The only emotion which I rarely expressed in front of people.
No matter how close you are with me, I sporadically cry or burst to tears.
But then, when I listened to the piece, it's really moved my heart.
Saya yakin hati saya ini keras macam batu belah batu bertangkup. (bukanla maksudnya tak boleh menerima ajaran agama)
Tapi since namanya batu belah batu bertangkup...
dan batu itu boleh dibuka tutup, perasaan sedih tu dapat gak masuk ke dalam.

Well, I just received a newsletter from RPO (Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra) that they are going to perform the piece this summer.
Two years waiting for them to perform Rach and it just went like that. Unnoticable.

I know I am not the only one who adore Rach 2.
The only music cause me to feel depressed and doleful whenever I listen to it.
Never mind. Just let it go.


The fact:
I clearly remember one night, when I was about to sleep, I listened to the piece.
The tears suddenly flowed down into my cheek.
I could not believe it did happen to me.
Well, why I tell you all about this?
It's pointless!