Honesty is Novelty

I went to SRI Aman just now to pick up Yaya and Hazim. It was crowded as usual, duh, and the kids were late. So I had to park Budu near Aulad Playschool and walked back to SRI to haul them all up.

Mission accomplished. I carried Yaya's elephant bag. As we walked towards the car, I saw Irsyad and Faiq walking towards us, each holding a 30-sen packet containing junks and low-quality robot.

"Teacher!" Faiq waved at me.

"Hah! Faiq!" I smirked at the small boy. "Apa beli mercun masa-masa camni!"

"Bukan mercun la!~"

And the kids ran off towards the school.

We walked pass the stall selling the alleged mercun. Faiq ran back towards us, yelling out his tiny lungs, "Mak cik! Mak cik!"

I spun my head around to look at him. What's up?

Faiq ran into the stall and, still yelling, made his way towards the surprised mak cik. "Mak cik, mak cik, kita tak ingat nak bayar tadi!"

I smiled. Such honest boy, and he's only 8 years old.

I pray for more of Faiq, and blessings for all. Ameen.

Disclaimer: ESTP

I screwed up today. I asked a sensitive question to an acquaintance of mine and she’s not replying. I think I’ve just made her cry.

Which is typical of me. And that fact just made me feel even worse about myself.

Sure, I didn’t mean to hurt her, but I overlooked the sensitivity of the issue, thus asking her was a fatal mistake.

I know I suck at public relationship. I am a Choleric, an ESTP; I do the background ordering and such. I rarely deal directly with people unless to order them around.

Why did I even think of venturing into dealing with commoners when it was crystal that I can hardly do it? Oh, because of the challenge it provides.

I can be as friendly as I want, but can also be as taciturn as can be. I still could not read my own self.

So let the web do the reading for me.

-----

When standing in one place they tend to wriggle rhythmically as if they have a slight electric current running through them.
Yeah, this is true.

Their eyebrows are often asymmetrical.
*grabs a mirror* Eh?

When ESTps want to show their dissatisfaction they frown as if they are angry.
Yeah, we do.

Older ESTps often become puffy and swollen around the eyes.
Am I considered older?! I look like a racoon.

They also have a tendency to squint.
Yes, this is a fact.

ESTps rarely wear eye-catching clothes. ESTps generally prefer to remain in the shadows.
You should see my wardrobe.

When in conversation, ESTps always show self-restraint and tact. They generally interact in an open and friendly manner, always showing positive emotions.

They do not like to openly express their opinions. During interaction ESTps always try to show that they are paying full attention and that they understand their interlocutor very well. They do this with masterful tact and delicacy, therefore gaining other peoples trust very quickly.
But then again, that's why we choose blogging as an expression of our turmoils.

They can pause for long periods of time before replying to questions or statements. This can give the impression that they are assimilating the received information. In situations such as these they usually squint.
I do this all the time.

ESTps are never afraid to show others that they did not understand or do not know something and therefore never hesitate to ask people to repeat or to specify what they said.
Yeah, and this one, too.

ESTps enjoy showing their understanding and like to explain things to others. They always do this slowly and methodically giving simple, practical examples.

They also prefer to have the last word in conversations, concluding the dialogue themselves.

When in confrontation, ESTps quickly focus on their opponents weaknesses, usually destroying them with one perfectly placed phrase. If this opportunity does not manifest itself, they have the skills to provoke the reaction they desire.

ESTps are very slow to anger. And when they do become angered it is very difficult for them to calm down.
Please do not tick me off, because this one is so true.

They like games that require quick thinking and tactics and often win these games as they have great skill misleading and provoking their opponents into making bad moves.

ESTps have cast-iron self-control and nearly always achieve their goals. If required they can step on anyone or anything often ignoring ethics completely if the situation calls for it.

ESTps do not care much how people achieve results. They give others complete independence to choose their own method of working, as they consider the end result to be more important.

ESTps are very tactically minded and know how to adapt to changing situations very quickly. They know how to arrange people according to their abilities and usefulness.

They prefer to adopt an informal and unofficial leadership.

They also do not like doing their own dirty work.
I've bodyguards for this.

ESTps are hard working and extremely persevering people. The more obstacles they meet the more obvious these qualities become.
Aiwah! \(^v^)/

They do not react well to unchallenging situations. They truly come alive in the face of adversity. ESTps are inclined to give ultimatums.

15th Sept: Shop till You Drop

I took a leave from Ustaz Rashid today, since my parents took the day off to take me shopping and banking.

Banking

First stop was HSBC Bank. We met Ms. Lee and dad chatted with her like old buddies while I stared at them with goofy smiles. Off the record, she told us tales of banking in Malaysia and some of the situations in Egypt.

He arranged for my account to be made joint with his, easing me in cases of stolen or lost ATM cards and such. If I'm left stranded, at least someone trustworthy can act on my behalf.

Not really interested in banking, that's why I took up medicine. Dad likes to talk finance with me (with me admitting boredom, to which he laughs understandably) and encourages me to monitor my unit trusts, finance portfolio and read financial related books and mags, instead of the neurones-damaging comics. Which is as exciting as watching my cat yawns.

Afterwards, he went to Takaful whatsit to run a few errands regarding my Takaful Siswa or something like that while me and mom went shopping for Hakim's baju melayu.

We came out of the shop not with a nice pair of baju melayu, but with a nice tudung for me instead.

Never trust girls to go shopping. Even with a list, they'll steer off coast and end up with something else instead.

Then the real deal began. We went to KB Mall in search for my stuffs.

Shopping

Buying bags

I was never good at shopping. I made a lot of mistakes (repetitively) with my purchases that I need to rely on others to give me ideas and such. Which is where my parents step in.

They told me which bag they like, and with a few nods at their reasons of why, I will pronounce my, "Yes, I'll take that bag."

As soon as possible. I can't stand being in a room full of stuffs. I know I'll end up magnunah with all the choices to be made.

So, now, I am the proud owner of a set of Camel Active gold-colored cargo and hand carriage bags.

Buying winter clothes

We went to buy a set of long john for me. The clothes are funny looking. Not haha funny; funny funny. (No, I am not confusing. It's just you not watching Teenage Mutants Ninja Turtles.)

One set is enough, I suppose.

Mom asked me about sweaters.

"I have one. The one I brought home from Shah Alam."

"That one's not really suitable. It won't keep out the cold air. We'll get you a new one."

"But I like the color! Can't I just bring it along?"

"It's your call, but it won't do much trick. Why not you just take Along's jacket? He hadn't given you any souvenirs yet, had he?"

Haha! So there it goes. I shall take ownership of Along's olive jacket. Along, you hear me? Don't play deaf! (or blind, in this case.)

There were thick socks and gloves on sale, too. Dad suggested I buy one, but he did mention it would probably cost less in Egypt.

"At least, I'll take a simple one just to use before I buy a winter one, eh?"

"Sounds good. Choose one."

"This one is double-layered, but this one is single. Which one, papa?"

"Double."

"But the single has cute stripes!"

"Then buy the single one, la."

"Papaaa!"

In the end, I end up with just the long john and a pair of wool socks.

Buying shoes

I wanted a new pair of shoes (haha. Okay, I know I should stop blabbing about shoes.) so we walked to the shoes department, where I fall in love with this Camel Active Hydra shoes!

I slipped into it and it was like, perfect!

Only it was one size too large.

"Excuse me, sir. You have this in 5?"

The guy went to check. He came back later with, "Sorry, 6 is our smallest."

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!! Nehiiiiiiiiiiiii!!!

I recovered from my shock and left to soothe my aching heart.

Buying pants

"No, mom. I've enough pants at home."

"Sport pants?"

"I used my black slacks when I played futsal."

"You can't use slacks for sports!"

Well, I did. And I have lots of black slacks, so it should not be an issue.

But debating with mom will be lethal on my behalf, so I let her choose a sport pants for me. "Here, try M."

"It's..." I stared at my feet as I held the trousers close to my lower limbs. "Too long."

"Here, S."

Don't. I. Grow?

As I wandered around for the salesperson, I stumbled across this beauty hanging off the rack. Malicious smile. "Mama, can I have this one, too?"

"Sure."

It was a khaki slack.

Buying white shirt

I arrived at the ladies department. Stared at the endless rows of petite clothes. Okay, I am at loss.

This was the first time I shop at the ladies department. Usually I pick up my clothes from my mom's drawer, the gents department (they have cool t-shirts off the racks there) or specialty shops.

I need a white shirt to go with my navy blazer for my departure this 6th October. How do you choose a shirt for blazer?

They're short, for God sake. Who wear such garments?

Mom pointed out, "This one, this one, this one... Oh, this one, too. Now go try them on."

Naturally, I tried them all. Man, I can't believe ladies wear such short clothes. What's wrong with them, anyway? Fancy showing off their gluteals to the world.

Why am I writing like I'm not a female myself?

I'm supposed to take an M, but I asked for an L. Which felt a lot breathable and won't embarrass me had I to take off my blazer.

I hope Egypt will be cool enough to welcome me.

Buying groceries

Took two of each common powder.

Took four of serbuk kunyit. I believe we will do a lot of frying in Egypt.

Passed the rack of instant fried rice without much of a glance. (Nasi goreng is easy... You throw in some garlic, anchovies, veggies, egg, rice, salt, some anchovy cube if you want, and voila!)

Took countless amount of chicken, anchovy and tom yam cube.

Took three of Habhal's sweet soy sauce.

Took four of Kimball's chilli sauce.

Stared at the massive pile.

"Do you think it will be enough?"

"It won't ever be enough. Are you planning on stocking up for one year?"

"Haha~"

"Why so much kicap? Are you planning on eating ayam masak kicap for the rest of six years?"

"Mama, they don't have kicap in Egypt. Better bring some before I run amok out of craving."

"Okay la."

"Besides, ayam masak kicap is easy."

For Atiqah, cooking, theoretically, is easy. Whether it is edible or not is another issue.

Buying kuali

I'm not even sure whether I should be buying one, but I might not have time to go for kuali-hunting in Egypt when I should be hunting for Chik's Harley Davidson.

I took one off the rack. "What do you think of this one, papa?"

"What's it made of?"

"Aluminium. This one's a stainless steel."

"Stainless steel, then. You could get aluminium poisoning from an aluminium wok."

"What?" I nearly dropped my hold of the aluminium wok.

"Don't worry, those are just rare cases. You could buy that one if you like." He stated selamber-ly.

"Papaaa! You can't expect me to buy this one after you told me of aluminium poisoning!"

Mom sort of glared dad. "That is, if the wok is scratched."

"Yeah, but I'm just saying the fact. You could get renal problem from it."

My stomach tightened.

"Aluminium wok is not the primary cause of renal problem."

"Of course."

Mom gave me the aluminium wok and made for the cashier to pay. I heard dad muttered, "Still, aluminium poisoning is one of the causes..."

Is it safe?

Back at home...

I stared at my pile of stuffs. Stared at my giant Camel bag. Okay... now how am I to ensure I'm not exceeding the luggage weight limit?

"Mama, can I borrow your office's bathroom scale?"

"Don't be ridiculous."

"Then how am I to know my luggage's weight?"

"You go to the air port and weigh it." Dad popped out and laugh.

Ha. Ha.

Inevitable Pain

Masalah hati adalah masalah yang amat menyusahkan. Hati adalah organ yang bertanggungjawab terhadap pelbagai jenis tugasan dalam badan kita, primarily in detoxification of toxins and drugs.

Hati juga merupakan organ yang bekerja amat keras, even exceeding that on the heart. Terima kasih, hati. Saya sayangkan awak.

Kalau hati kita ada problem, mesti susah hidup. Toxin tidak dapat disingkirkan dari badan, will accumulate in tissues and organs, leading to death.

Simple, kan?

Hati saya ada problem. Agak lama juga di-diagnose. Kalau ingatan saya baik, sejak 8 Ogos lagi. Lama, kan? Saya pun tak pasti bagaimana saya masih boleh hidup dengan penyakit hati yang kritikal ini. Mesti kerana sokongan dan dorongan orang ramai.

080808. Tarikh yang cantik.

Saya tidak tahu bagaimana nak mengubati penyakit saya ini. Surpressing and keeping the pain to myself will only deteriorate my health, which will be lethal at the end. Though I tolerate pain well, it still doesn't help curb my inability to focus with tasks at hand.

Banyak urusan belum disettlekan. Saya tak nak bazirkan masa saya dwelling in self-pity when I could participate in iman-building activities.

My condition is severe. I keep losing focus. Terkaku kadang-kala di saat buah fikiran saya diperlukan. Terpaksa duduk dan tenangkan diri.

Adakah saya perlukan bantuan? Cukuplah rasanya dengan membaca Al-Quran dan mengingati Allah, sudah pasti hati akan jadi tenang.

Kalau tak tenang juga?

Go for a liver transplant, duh.

p/s:
Dari Abu Abdullah Al-Nu'man bin Basyir r.a. katanya: Aku dengar Rasulullah s.a.w. bersabda: ...Ketahuilah! Bahawa di dalam badan ada seketul daging, apabila ia baik, baiklah badan seluruhnya dan apabila ia rosak, rosaklah sekeliannya. Ketahuilah! Itulah yang dikatakan hati.

8 Sept: Menemui Mereka dengan Pisang

Aku berlalu pulang dari Ole-Ole melalui Bazaar Ramadhan di depan Kolej Cemara. Aku ternampak ramai pelajar berkumpul di tepi gerai buah. The only fruit stall in the vicinity.

Terbau benda. Ternampak benda kuning.

Oh tidak.

Maka aku pun beli pisang itu kerana tergoda dek esternya.


1.5kg. Agak berat bagi sesikat pisang.

Selepas ini kami akan ke KLIA dan berbuka di sana. Ada praktikal Bahasa Arab sambil-sambil menghantar budak-budak Yayasan Pahang yang akan berterbangan ke Mesir sebulan lebih awal dari kami.

Aku membeli kuih sayur yang hanya ada pada hari Isnin sebelum aku kempunan seminggu lamanya. Membeli roti kebab. Ternampak air kelapa laut.

Tapi Idayu kata air mata kucing sedap. Boleh percaya ke taste mak cik ni? Tak pe, kita cuba test.

Beg kertas aku dah berat berisi makanan.

Woi, kau biar betul. Nak bawak pisang pergi air port ke?
Wallahi, ana bigad.
Buat lawak...

Aku merenung pisang yang mengeluarkan godaan esternya. Hmm, boleh habis ke?

Tak pe la, nanti aku letak dalam beg kertas yang elok sikit. Bagi dekat Akmal.

---

Roti kebab aku habiskan. Kuih sayur aku kongsi dengan Tasnim. (Walaupun harganya RM1, ia amat mengenyangkan.)

Nak tahu? Aku sedikit berdendam dengan air mata kucing itu. Sudah lah tertumpah sedikit dalam beg kertas ku, ianya mengeluarkan ester yang ganjil dan rasanya pun ganjil juga.

Lain kali, aku takkan beli air mata kucing lagi. Taste Idayu sememangnya ada problem.

Aku beli Dinner Plate KFC. Tapau untuk sahur nanti.

Beg kertas aku dah buang. Aku pergi ke kedai majalah. Beli beg kertas dekat situ.

RM6.90. Reasonable la tu, considering the place itself.

Aku letak pisang dan ayam-ayam aku. Dan aku kelek beg itu sambil menunggu budak Yayasan Pahang.

“Atiqah, ada apa dalam beg tu?” Azfa tanya.

“Ada pisang. Dan ayam.”

“Pisang??” Dia tersengih, bertanya penuh keraguan.

“Wallahi, ana bigad.” Muka aku serius.

“Okay la, saya percaya.” Dia ketawa.

“Nak tengok?”

“Nak.”

Dan aku buka plastic KFC, menampakkkan isinya yang kuning. Azfa ketawa.

“Kenapa bawa pisang?”

“Sebenarnya saya nak makan, tapi saya dah kenyang. Ingat nak bagi Akmal.” Aku sengih, Azfa ketawa. “Sorry la, perangai tak berapa betul kebelakangan ni. Jom makan.”

Azfa amik satu. Aku jaja pisang aku dari seorang budak perempuan MEP ke seorang yang lain. Aku mesti kelihatan amat lucu, tapi aku kesah apa?

Pisang itu amat manis. Sedap. Isinya mantap. Sedikit keras, tapi kami semua ada gigi dan gusi yang masih segar lagi, so no hal.

Aku makan satu je. Dan pisang aku pun habis.

“Terima kasih, Atiqah.” Nadiah asyik mengulangi tiga perkataan tersebut. Aku tahu la nama aku sedap, kak. “Beli sendiri ke?”

“Ye.”

“Beli dekat sini?”

“Akak, mana ada orang jual pisang dekat KLIA.” Aku ketawa. “Beli dekat bazaar tadi.”

Pisang aku dah habis. Aku lapar balik. Mana nak cari pisang lagi?

Gi jumpa budak-budak Yayasan Pahang dulu la.

Berjalan. Berhenti. Tenung kelompok budak-budak MEP yang bersepah-sepah depan kaunter H. Apa yang aku nak buat sebenarnya, eh?

Yayasan Pahang... Akmal...

Eh! Ambil gambar MT Mesir!

24 Ogos: Kambing on a Sunday

Gambar hiasan. Tiada kaitan dengan hidup mati aku.

Selepas Subuh, aku naik bosan. Or macam si kecil Ikbal Hariz kata, puah.

Ulang-alik dari bilik ke sink. Hish. Aku heret Tasnim ke taman. “Jom lah, kita gi jogging! Ajak la orang lain jugak!”

Nik ajak Nadhrah, Umairah dan Khadijah. Mantap. Aku minta dia pesan ke Umai suruh bawak kamera sekali.

Aku tengok cermin. Muka dah basuh, gigi dah gosok. Apa lagi belum? Oh ya. Mandi.

Mana ada orang mandi before jogging, kan? Gasak r. Aku pakai tudung and saut sweater over my short-sleeved France black tee.

Turun bawah. Tunggu Khadijah. Kami bergambar sebentar.

Sampai di taman. Aku malas lari. Budak-budak ni humban handphone atas aku. Aku jalan keliling taman tiga kali, berlari jugak in between. Poket dan tangan aku sarat dengan handphone.
Aku perasan ada budak yang tengok aku semacam je. Tak kesah la.

Kami stop di gelanggang skaters. Aku letak barang. Pandang gelanggang dan sengih.

Aku berlari dari satu hujung ke satu hujung. Sampai top dia. Steady... kasut getah aku licin gak. Aku gelongsor turun, full momentum atas lutut.

Terduduk atas court. Ketawa. Berdiri dan sapu lutut.

Rasa amat puas.

“Ya Rabbi...” Khadijah cakap.

“Best. Rasa cam budak.” Aku tersengih lebar.

“Tau tak pe.” Yang lain ketawa je.

Kami buat senam robik dan Pocho-pocho. Nadhrah pasang muzik.

Sambil-sambil tu kami kutuk MT lelaki. Muhammad, sorry deh. Umairah start.

Kami berjalan pulang. Diorang ajak gi breakfast. “La... yang pergi bakar kalori tadi tu, semata-mata nak isi balik la ye?”

“Apa lagi?” Kami ketawa.

Jogging tadi adalah rehat last aku. Kene sambung balik IFF yang dah seminggu aku tinggalkan ke Akmal dan Khadijah sementara aku berfoya-foya di BTN.

Call Puan Umi. Dia tanya pasal BTN. “Mantap je.”

Dia kata, dia tak call aku awal-awal sebab nak bagi aku rehat. Aku ketawa. Baik kan, lecturer-lecturer INTEC?

So tugasan disambung kembali. Aku tukar note on my handphone dari ‘Choleric no more’ to ‘Phlegmatic no more’.

Habis breakfast di Wira Sejati jam 10 pagi. Aku mengambil laptop dan sambung buat kerja di tempat Pak Guard.

Bincang dengan Khadijah pasal IFF. Settled sikit. Baru je nak call Akmal, dia dan Asyraf lalu. Macam tahu-tahu je. Aku suruh dia panggil semua yang terlibat masuk meeting pukul 12.01. Pukul 3 aku kene pergi shopping ngan Puan Umi.

“Saya maybe tak masuk meeting kot. Family datang. Saya dah bagitau hampir sumer ke Khadijah.”

“Pergi entertain family tu.” Aku sengih.

Pukul 11. Khadijah naik ke atas untuk mandi. Dia suruh aku naik atas jugak, tapi aku stayed back untuk settlekan refinement.

Aku call Papa. Dalam pukul 12 Papa and the gang sampai Shah Alam.

Aku tersengih. Ada chance aku lari dari meeting.

Terhenti sejenak. Leh caya ke diorang ni? Seminggu aku minta diorang carikan anak buah untuk unit aku, tu pun nak kene tunggu aku balik. Aish.

Hujan rintik. Aku simpan laptop. Nampak DAF 6565 parking dekat ngan Rafi Bistro.

Happy! Lari jumpa diorang.

Ternampak Akmal. Lari keluar jumpa dia sekejap. Maklumkan dia apa yang aku perlukan untuk IFF meeting kali ni dan maklumkan pasal family aku datang.

“Dah, dah. Pergi.” Tersengih menghalau aku.

Aku ketawa penuh penghargaan.

Kami brunch di Bistro. Sejam kemudian, diorang bertolak meneruskan perjalanan back to Kelantan.

Mama bagi aku lima dodol kecil, empat tart telur, tiga tin susu Dutch Lady dan satu bungkus kerepek.

Wah!

Meeting dah lama tamat. Aku call Akmal. “Sudah la tu. Pergi entertain family tu.”

“Pak cik, diorang dah balik la.”

Akhirnya pada hari itu, Atiqah mandi pagi jam 1.15 petang. Tahniah, kambing.

Merenung Lembu di Jalanan

It is now 4.13 am. I don't know which crazy bug bit me, but I've been awake since I woke up at 12. My brain aches.

I apologize to anyone who had waited for an update and I offer no excuses for such delay. It has been a very hectic life, though I managed to write snippets of it in the Notepad day by day. Just waiting to upload it, that's it.

Sounds like a lot of work. I'm reverting to my Phlegmatic self right now, and a lot of pushes need to be done before I get up and get going.

I understand the frustration of a hectic life, that's why I take privilege in staying up late and savouring the quietness and the tranquility of the pitch dark night. Let me relax and loosen up for a while. I suppose I deserve my break.

Tomorrow's another day of work. I've to purchase stuffs for IFF, finish my assignments, gear up for a visit from Papa and the gang and try to make room for ABC with Kak Aini.

Wondering why I didn't finish my assignment today? Well, it's my break, remember? Who in their right mind will finish assignment on break day?

Well, I used to a couple of weeks ago. When I was Choleric Atiqah. Now I'm Phlegmatic Atiqah. Hoho.

p/s: Starting to be annoyed with my too-relaxed self. This post is pure crap. I'll have it deleted soon.

Hari Rehat Para Pejuang

Today is Sunday. My last weekend for this week.

I'm staring at the park outside Kolej Cemara. People are jogging, some walking, and a father is teaching his son the exquisite art of playing badminton.

Such lovely day. I should be joining them.

Instead, I'm sitting at Cemara Cafe with another three; the Pak Cik and Mak Cik Cafe and Raziq, waiting for my laundry to finish.

I've just finished typing the paperwork for Salam Wida' and am struggling to finish the alterations made to our MEP Dinner's tentative.

At 9 a.m sharp, I should be waiting for Puan Umi at the entrance of our college. She'll be picking seven of us up to go to her house to practice cooking for our upcoming IFF. I'm not sure whether I can make it on time or not. I still need to wait for my laundry, finish the tedious paperwork and bathe.

Have I told you how wasted I am now? About my puking in the sink this morning? No? Well, I won't say so, then.

A lot pitied me, you know. Most prominent worriers are guys, which embarrass me quite. Akmal told me not to come to Puan Umi's house and rest instead; I had a hell of a week with their absence.

I declined him. He wasn't being rational with that suggestion. I have to go; I'm in-charge of the food for IFF!

He succumbed afterwards, after I replied his sms with, "I'm still alive, and what doesn't kill us makes us tougher."

I'm a stubborn lass, am I not? I'll have my break at the BTN, no worries.

Asyraf sms-ed me earlier this morning regarding the flash presentation needed for our dinner. He was involved in last night's INPRO Closing Night march and also in-charge for the MPSI, UiTM Quality Day and MEP dinner's performances.

He deserves a break. So I told him to hold it down first. I am kind, am I not? I should be kind to myself, too.

Have a happy day, everyone.

p/s: I slept on the floor last night, which was brilliant at first (I woke up real early). Now my back hurts.

Modest 18

10.45 p.m.

Atiqah and Hazirah were revising Chemistry. Atiqah's head dropped to the table.

"You wanted to sleep?"

"No, just lagging."

"Sleep on your bed. Your back's gonna ache."

It already is. "Wake me in 5 minutes, please."

11.03 p.m.

"Assalamualaikum! Atiqah!" Hamizah and Nuha came dashing in. Atiqah sat up straight and stared at the happy faces.

"Were you asleep?" Hamizah enquired, head tilted to the right.

Blinked. "Not supposed to. Ask Hazirah."

They chuckled, and proceeded to discuss on updates on the lecturer's t-shirts, upcoming MEP dinner and International Food Fair.

Atiqah remained awake. Am I forgetting something? She stared at her watch. 11.45 p.m. Nope, maybe not.

Nuha excused herself to go back home. Soon Hamizah followed, after piling her pictures of their Frisbee group into Atiqah's Haizen.

12.00 a.m.

Phone alerted her of an incoming message. From Kamilah.

Oh yeah, she smiled. I'm 18 already, hoho. How could I forget?

12.05 a.m.

Heard footsteps running outside the main door. Stood stirring her Nescafe + Milo and faced the door.

Nuha and Raihaana dashed in, squeezing between the frame as to enter the house first.

"Atiqah!" Both in unison. "Happy birthday!"

She chuckled.

"Here, from me." Nuha grinned her Noga Nany soft nouget.

She took it gratefully. "Haha, thank you." Perhaps a bit sheepishly.

"I've got something for you, too." Raihaana fished something out of her pocket.

"Same nouget?"

"Here." Atiqah held her hand out to accept Rai's identical nouget as Nuha's, albeit a bit squashed.

The four of them (don't forget Hazirah) laughed. Atiqah contemplated on her inability to make herself a card this year.

"Were we the first?" They asked.

"Fourth and fifth; you guys tied." Atiqah continued stirring her NestLo. "First was my muallimah. She was a month early."

"Second?" Raihaana asked after her fit of laughter.

"A classmate from SMI. A day early. Third was Kamilah. Exactly at 12."

"Wow." They nodded in recognition. "She's still here?"

"Sure, still in Damansara."

Maybe treat ourselves to a slice of cake this evening?
Sure. Oh, cannot. We've to review that place for our MEP dinner.
Oh yeah. Maybe next time.

"I'm fourth." Nuha said, facing Rai.

"No, I was earlier than you."

"I'm first."

"Me!"

Atiqah stared in amusement. A second message entered her inbox. Fatimah. She smiled gratefully.

"You guys were spoiling our surprise for her." Hazirah said, still seated facing her Chemistry notes. "We housemates planned to feign forgetfulness."

Third message that night entered. Along's. Her grin widened.

Nuha and Raihaana laughed. Atiqah remained stirring, contend with amusing herself at people's rememberence of her birthday. They chatted.

12.15 p.m.

Nuha and Rai excused themselves from the not-so-homey house with a packet of sira-ed keropok flown in directly from Kelantan. Atiqah grabbed her handphone to reply the birthday wishes with deliberate care.

Typed the entry for a message to Mama. All of a sudden, the handphone blanked itself. Battery flat. Inwardly she groaned.

25 July: Frisbee in Midst of Azan

We're having our INTEC INPRO right now and I've just finished my fair share of Frisbee with the girls. It was great fun!

We've never played Frisbee before, and lucky for us Abang Hafiz (Master Pocho-Pocho), an ADFP senior taught us our backhand during our first official practice day. After him, Kak Nadia, Kak Ili and Kak Bella (Nabila) from AL trained us for two evenings straight.

We've got great seniors, haven't we?

First it was MEP girls versus ADFP/ACTP girls. 3-2. Not bad for underdogs.

Second was MEP girls versus AL seniors who taught us. The match was fun and everyone was being a good sport.

1-6. It was masters against amateurs. I'm proud of our one score, though.

It's a good thing I'm into sports at INTEC. It's the only way to meet and greet seniors, other than say Assalamualaikum during bumps at the crowded sughoyyir-awi surau.

There is another reason why I heart those seniors of mine.

Kak Bella was among the game officers. Right before the Asar azan commence, she hailed through the hailer. "Stop the game now! Azan, azan! Everyone, stop!"

So we did. I smiled and sat quietly. Though the Chinese ADFP/ACTP students and their Malay teacher on my right did not.

Nor did some of the Russian male players in the middle of the field.

Form afar, I can see Kak Bella with her finger on her lips reprimanding the ignorant Malay boys. They shut up afterwards, though. I was looking forward to seeing their marks got deducted.

Automatically we said our prayers after the azan ended. Immediately afterwards, Kak Bella sounded the alarm for us to resume playing.

The Russian boys were still with their doa. "Relaks r, kak! Kami tengah baca doa ni!"

Dude, so slow. We rolled our eyes in unison.

The girls stayed back to watch MEP guys playing against ALG. I've to rush back to college; my futsal training starts at 5.15. Our match is tomorrow! Wah!

p/s: The end result for girls was AL first, followed by MEP and ADFP/ACTP.

MEP guys got third out of six. Not bad, not bad at all. Currently MEP is at number three, compared to last year's abysmal six. Do wish us the best in your prayers.

We got the M!
We got the E!
We got the P!
We got the M E P!
Takbir!
ALLAHUAKBAR!
-MEP girls' Frisbee chant-

Marriage Woes

Today, my diligent self rose early, made the bed, took a 40-minute bath (crazy) and washed yesterday's clothes.

After that, I walked to Masjid Al-Hidayah in the middle of the crowd for our Latihan Nuqaba' 2 under the morning rain.

The program was comprehensive and left me thinking about a lot of things. We discussed on the practicality of dai'e in dealing with mad'u during one-on-one approach.

There were two slots. The first one lacked momentum on my part with my notebook to testify on my nodding off once in a while during the ustaz's speech.

Kak Khansa' on my right kept shoving me candies and massaging my arm. I'm sure my inner self was doing that on purpose just to get the special treatment.

The second slot was fun. Kak Khansa' and Akh Dhany presented their Dakwah Fardhiyah di Lapangan and it was real practical. I'm glittering with enthusiasm to get this DF going already.

I met Fatah Ismail there. He still retain his smug look and bushy hair.

"Kata pergi Mesir."

"Persediaan 3 bulan dekat INTEC dulu."

"Oh." He broke into a huge grin. "Nampak gemuk."

"Kurang ajar." I smirked.

Kak Aniisah gave me this book, 'Aku Terima Nikahnya' by Hasrizal Abdul Jamil. I've finished reading the book and it is very illuminating. It put out my intention to coax my brother into marrying before I fly to Cairo.

And it makes me wonder whether marrying during fourth year of study is a good idea or a cathasthrope.

*shrugs* Let's bother ourselves with that question once I have someone to marry with.

Buddy System Closing Night

Last night was the closing night for Buddy System Program and each block had to send a team of performers for the Performance Competition.

My housemate Idayu was one of them and she had been pestering me for a total of five minutes last week that I just have to cave in.

You would, too, if you saw what she did to coax me into joining.

"Ala, Atiqah," she advanced towards me contentedly minding my own business.

"Jom la join."

"Jangan datang dekat." I frowned.

"Atiqah, join la." She started that intimidating smile of her.

"Main jauh-jauh, orang kata!"

"Atiqah, join la."

"Tak nak! Ana masyghulah!"

"Atiqah, join la~"

"Tak nak! Idayu! Lepas! ARGH! Lepas! Main jauh-jauh!"

"Atiqah, join la. Dua orang lagi tak nak. Kita dua join sekali la."

"Idayu! Let go! Geli wei!"

"Join la."

"Okay, okay! Saya join! Now lepas!"

And I was free, but I lost. I started to think how lucky those two sniggering housemates (Tasnim and Hazirah) of mine were.

So you had me, one green-clad girl frowning at the prospect of her singing 'Hijau' along with ten others.

I can't believe I've landed myself into this.

Like, I know my voice is sweet but singing is just not my thing. But it's too late to back off now; I'll just dishearten the team.

So last night, we walked to Dataran Cemara and sat on the dusty ground, waiting for our turn.

I commited into memory the small crowd gathering in front of the stage. No borderline between the female and male. They squeezed among themselves, being comfortable with talking and sitting next to each other.

How sweet. If only they're married.

First block presented. I watched wearily as three white tudung-clad girls and another three free-hair climbed upon the stage claiming their mauduq as 'We're All in This Together'.

The music started.

The girls danced.

The crowd cheered. The males whistled.

I automatically stared at the ground, aghast. I need to get out of there before I wrench off any of their heads.

So I stood up, headed towards our Head of Block and said, "I'm sorry, I'm out."

And like the wind, I walked away.

Perhaps it wasn't wise at all. My departure conveyed no message whatsoever, but I just couldn't stand being there.

INTEC's over-social life is disheartening. My fragile heart just couldn't let me stare and so nothing. There is no such thing as being okay with things that should never be considered okay.

Welcome to the real world, Atiqah.

p/s: I came back to watch our block's performance. Then I went for dinner with the crowd. I'll write about it soon.

There're Lazy Days Around, Too

Today is a quiet day. I woke up after Subuh at 9 and took a pleasantly slow cold shower. Had my breakfast of hot milo and three biscuits.

Now I'm staring at Haizen, unsure whether to start my Ophthalmology in Islam assignment or the Lipid Diffusion.

Finally I settled on reading Fanfiction.net and make-uping my Friendster profile.

I am such a deliberate genius, aren't I?

I have a date with Dr. House at 12 pm. I suppose I better get going now. Have a nice weekend, minna-san.

A few minutes later...

I'm back. Quite frustrated, really, but nothing I can't hide behind my enchanting smile. He didn't turn up.

I should wait for him, probably.

Now I'm back in front of Haizen, sipping milk as loudly as I can. Not that there are any etiquette police around.

Milk is good to keep my hormones in check.

I've checked my calendar and the nearest assignment dateline is for my Lipid Diffusion presentation. I should bid you fellows adieu and start head-long into it, shouldn't I?

Tasnim is having her RM4 lunch and she's coaxing me into buying mine now. I'm on a diet actually, which consisted of milo and biscuits for breakfast, low-fat milk for lunch, tea for tea and nasi for dinner.

And probably throw in some keropok in between. If I can find decend one laying around. Shah Alam's keropok aren't as delish as Kelantan's or Terengganu's.

Now that reminds me. A classmate of mine has gone back to Terengganu. Let see if he could handle some more keropok in his luggage.

I've rambled, I know. I should get my footing now.

Again, have a nice weekend, minna-san.

27 June: Flying Home

I went back to Kelantan from LCCT and arrived safely around 10 pm. Papa and Hakim whisked me from the airport, the latter grinning albeit a little querily from what he used to.

The house's renovation was doing fine and the second floor has been uprighted. Quite stable it is now, every time the male labourers depart back for their home, the female workers will take over.

Namely Yaya, Hakim and our neighbours Amirah, Atiqah, and Humairah.

The day after, Papa brought me to the PC Fair and bought me a TravelMate 6292. 12'' screen and prized at RM3,988.

Papa and the Syahrul salesdude were conversing on the RAM, the weight, a warranty, the whatsit and all those computer medical thingy.

I was caught staring foolishly with mouth agape at the prize tag.

"Is the warranty valid in Cairo?" was the only question I could ask without being obvious on my lack of computer literacy.

"It is in Egypt."

"Good, then."

"Where are you furthering your studies?"

"There. In medicine."

"No wonder." He grinned and addressed Papa. "I was a bit perplexed when you wanted to buy such gadgy laptop for your daughter. Most people opted for a less sophisticated brand."

As of Papa's principle, buy the quality.

It came with complementary 1GB USB drive, LCD cleaner, notebook lock, optical mouse and Sony mousepad.

My parents have always supported me in uncountable ways. I'm at loss of word.

A heartful gratitude is in order.