Three Seasons

Egypt has only two seasons: a mild winter from November to April and a hot summer from May to October.
-Tour Egypt

Summer


Winter
No, we don't have that much snow.
Thus Jr. Pepe's reaction.


Spring
= Exam season

not even a real post, i just don't want this to be misplaced.

also i feel obliged to write something for K's birthday today however unrelated it might be. it's the thought that counts, right?

"Let's roll."

Nenek Teh told us about the break-in at her house and that of her surrounding neighbours. Targeted victims were pensioners and unsuspecting civilians waiting for the bus.

Motorcyclists rushed by, pushed you down and grabbed your belongings before dashing off leaving you to suffer head trauma.

Pensioners crossing the street in front of his house for the morning paper, got grabbed upon and be led back to his house for a thorough ransacking.

Blame her clarity or my overactive imagination, but my blood suddenly rushed with my eyes darting towards Hadi's safely-kept pocket knife (b*tch is uber sharp) and the want to stab it into the offending scum's jugular.. At that point, a gun permit is a good idea.

Told this to the guys in the car and they commented how sadistic I was.


I'm still vindictive over the fact that I can't as freely move around unsupervised with the inefficient public transport we have (wonders where the public fund goes to), and add the safety issue we're having especially against our elders?? This people.. they have no respect whatsoever..

I don't like the constant vigilant we have to be in in our own country, against each other; it should be a safe place called home.


“Let’s roll,” was heard by the passenger Todd Beamer on Flight 93 before he and others rushed the cockpit. It became a rallying cry for the entire nation.

Remembering 10 years of 9/11 and the issues that came with it.

Thought Sounds Like This

aka Day 8 – A song to match your mood.

Umair says I’m usually a happy kid and silence from me means a catastrophe is looming. Maybe around her, but with my flipping mood, I’d say I am normally content. I am blessed with so, so much.

This song is content, River by Tatsuya Ishii. I am mostly attracted to his vocal and the feeling he put into it. I heard longing and hope in this song without consulting the translation to its lyrics. And I wasn’t off by much, you can look up what that song meant here. The lyric is to ponder as well.

The point in music for me, is to be able to dissolve the many trains of thought in my head.

Please say 'I do'

aka Day 7 – Your dream wedding.

Last year our maternal grandparents passed away; both when I was in Egypt and during exam period. 2010 was exceptionally hard and I wasn’t tough enough so yeah, it sucked. It changed me somehow, unfortunately for the worse. I have only myself to blame for.

Anyway, back to the topic. Last year's summer we went back to our village in Beruas, Perak. While the rest of us camped at Ateh’s house, me and my mom went down to our grandparents’ house. No one was there, and the emptiness brought mom to tears and me felt hollow inside.


So I told my mom, “When* I get married, can I have it here?” So that the place will be lively again, so that this special home won’t be another vacant empty space. It used to be filled with us running around chasing chubby cousins for a cuddle and aunties preparing meals while uncles smoked (urgh, when will they repent?) over coffee. It was a happy place.

I want it to still be a happy place.

Mom doesn’t share my sentiment though. She said it’ll be more work for her. I still got time to change her mind, no biggies.

* The usage of 'When' is indicative of my confidence that that day will arrive, hehe.

It's a Healthy Two Years

aka Day 5 – A photo of yourself two years ago.
Day 27 – A picture of you last year and now and how have you changed since then?

Other than the fluctuating weight and the irreversible sunburnt by constantly kissing the sun, I don’t think I’ve changed much physically for the past two years. I still wear black slacks for every occasion, still keep the same sweater and never felt the need for baju kurung other than for functions. And still retain that impossible attitude (to an extent).

So to prove this point, I'm attaching a picture of myself more than three years ago.

OLC final debate, April 2008 maybe?
From left: Faizah, Razan, Mits. Oh I miss them.

But mentally, it’s another story. You think differently once you expose yourself to others’ dreams and hopes. Mingling with people of various backgrounds and upbringing leads to exposure to variety of ideas, thus you have to be able to think critically and integrate all those information to benefit yourself greatly, among others.

And the reality is that, I realize how much of an emotional and social retard I am since I couldn’t as easily relate to their common sense. Am still learning to mix with people..

Wed

Marriage has many pains, but celibacy has no pleasures.

-Samuel Johnson

Kak Ina's. She was the closest to a big sister when I was growing up.

Wedding is in the season! There's a few anticipated nuptial ceremonies ahead of us, and that include Ira Sahri's on the 3rd September, Anah Suparman on the 10th and Abang Warouq's on the 18th. I was hoping for a PO entry for the latter given the celebrity status of our best-beloved super senior ;)

Before I forget, feel free to drop by our house on the 3rd September (that's this Saturday, people), we've got a ceremony of our own. Introduce yourself as Atiqah's acquaintance alright? Map is as attached.

Demonstration is for Kids

Amalia has the commonest syndrome of the youngest girl with plenty of years separating her from her older siblings; 24-7 looking up to us which results in jealousy of everything. It didn't help that she's such a lovey girl who could be associated with a clingy cute kitten.

I have something, she wants that too. And being dad's youngest girl, she pretty much gets everything she wanted. So when I'm currently enjoying my nearly two months summer break while she has to lug herself daily to school, of course she would raise the issue to dad.

"Tak aci kitorang cuti (Aidilfitri) dua minggu je, Kak Ngah tu hari-hari cuti!"

I tried to defend myself by stating that we don't have mid term breaks and Chinese New Year and all that public holidays Malaysian enjoys, but she wouldn't reason.

"Esok Yaya pergi pejabat sekolah, berdiri depan pejabat buat demonstrasi," my dad offered. "Minta Mudirah bagi cuti lebih."

Pelajar SRI Aman berdemonstrasi menuntut cuti dua bulan.

Yaya screamed. I burst off laughing.

"Bawak kawan-kawan sekali." He added.

She dropped the topic and rolled on the couch.

Never thought the Middle East Revolution would be this beneficial.

Life, Glorified.

Whenever we discussed political corruptions at the dining table, I'd get real pissed off that I wanted to pull a Leverage on those corrupted asses. Some big shot names came up and my mind immediately recalled some of Ford's plans to bring them down.

Then we'd discuss the shambles our police institution is known for and I'd get sickeningly sad at their dishonesty. My mind automatically went to the Reagans and the integrity of Mac's crime lab.

Life is so much glorified by the television that I'm getting my hopes high. Too high perhaps, which translates to either me or life is pathetic. (And it cements the fact that I'm way overdose.)

It is in human nature to be good and the idea of not doing the right thing is alien to me. At the same time, we all have a fearless quality; an adjective that defines us overwhelmingly that it rids us off our very nature to the point of heeding nothing of the words of God. It could be as palpable as greed for the group of people I mentioned above, and it could also be as seemingly innocent as laziness.


But when your laziness is fearless, it is life-threatening. So is any other qualities.

"Gentlemen, smile for the camera."

Some people have the brightest smile reflecting inner purity and sincerity; contagious and highly viral, and you can't help but to be happy at the receiving end. Others however have the crooked version shining out sinister aura at its best.

Maru reads his Al-Madkhal and Juz 'Amma after every Maghrib prayers.

I am with the latter. I can't smile, I'm more of a smirking kind of person. Now this leads to my MO of intimidating, where I stand looming over my intended victim and do nothing but smile my eeriest.

He recites with utmost focus to prevent from looking at me smiling at him. If he does look up and see the 'sweet' smile, he will pitch his note high and try futilely to kick me.

It works wonders with my youngest brother Maru. He will scurry off yelling for my dad to "look at" me when actually I really am doing nothing. Last time I checked smiling is not illegal and I'm sure the family lawyer would have kept me posted.

The Unfortunate Advertising Agent for Najib's 1Malaysia campaign.

I love driving people mad.

What the experts say about smiling.

Bunny Dump

Finally got a truck for Kevin.

It is made from plastic with a rope attached to a ring for ease of dragging it around. Actually it's a beach toy set and comes with a mini watering can (hardly the size of my palm), a mini shovel and a mini rake (double as a back-scratcher).


Nice colour, right? The pastel combination is soothing with a childish hint. I especially like the pink that gives this typical boy's toy a girlish touch.

Tesco sells them for a rounded RM13. My younger siblings played dirt with it and I had them wash it with soap and water before bringing it back to the house.

Since Kevin is in Egypt, the first passenger is the new baby bunny.



Note that this is a dump truck so dumping the baby bunny off is fated. I'm sure he doesn't mind.


Edited 8th September 2011:

We went to Tesco the other day and I saw a kid maybe 4 years old or something standing in the cart pushed by his father. There's the exact same truck laying on his feet.

I am such a trend-setter ;p

Instant Two Inches

This is a case of love at first sight after second thoughts.

I love boots, it does nothing but screams badass. But I admit it's impossible to find a Blundstone boots in Malaysia even when you scrounge the nooks of Suria KLCC and MidValley. So the next best thing is an ankle booties, if it's not a bit too on the feminine side.

Found one while wondering in iSetan. Armadillo Pleaded Leather Bootie by Bonia with the softest lining! I would have preferred a chunky heel so it wouldn't interfere with running but at 50% off, I'd say it was more than a bargain.

Sample picture

Mine is not a Christian Louboutin so it doesn't have the signature red sole. And cut off maybe half an inch from the heels? Yeah, perfect.

26th July - Sky Blanket

Two years ago after sending my dad off at his check-in counter at Heathrow Terminal 4, I trotted along with my bag in tow for my flight to Egypt (mine was Terminal 3, I think?) and was alone to amuse myself.

So indeed it was soothing that the check-in British Airway officer was young and very friendly with pretty smile some more ;) I get that Britons are polite people, but they are not exactly as amiable compared to the Germans. Anyway, he didn't make me feel awkward and he even asked if I have a preferred seat.

"If you could give me an isle seat, please."

"You sure you don't want the window seat?" His smile reached up his eyes.

"Very sure." I smiled back reassuringly.

"Isle it is."

Isle, because when I took Emirates from KUL to CAI on 2009, I had the agoniest of time waiting for the sleeping person next to me to wake up so I can run for the WC. I don't wake people up for my sake, I believe it is a violation of human right.

I swear I jotted down his name for keeps; forgive me Mr. Awesome.

Dad always pick me a window seat, though. For a short hour journey between KUL and KBR I think it's perfect, especially when it's clear and so blankety outside.





p/s: Speaking of flight attendants, there's this guy named Banter on my Saudi Airway from RUH to KUL who reminded me of Orlando Bloom the very moment I sat glance on him. Good thing he wasn't in charge of my section or I would have been deeply in trouble (hehe).

The crew who tended to us, her name was Fatimah and I couldn't thank her enough for she was prompt and friendly while tending to us. The flight was the first that I was beyond sleepy (if you count out easyJet between Munich and London) and I was holding the cup in my hands while shutting my eyes. But then I felt the cup being gently tugged and I opened my eyes to see her smilingly clearing cups away.

Syaimaa later told me that they had a good chuckle when Fatimah stood awkwardly beside my sleeping form, doubting whether or not to take the cup from me.

Today is My Last 20

1) Sleep well

When you slept for two hours that night, of course you will sleep in and rather in-deliberately missed the 10am appointment. Nevertheless, a 12 o'clock one works out either way.


I blame jet-lag.


2) A Limitless brain is fun

You know how they said, an expert is someone who can simplify the most complex of things? Well as I faced the doctor and had her explain the precautions of taking ICS to me, my inside gleed with the feeling of an oral pseudoexaminer.


3) Sensitivity

"Pa, who's that?" referring to the amiable man greeting my dad, mentioning something about being at the hospital for some diabetic drug. I remembered scrutinizing his physical and decided no, he was not diabetic.

They had a rather long talk while mom filled my prescription.

"He's a sales rep. I didn't know him, but he remembers me."

I think mom chortled.


4) Medical students have among the worst patient compliance

Singulair is easy enough; just pop once at night. But when it comes to two puffs daily of inhalation, it takes another level of diligence.

Thus the turbuhaler lays still in my backpack. Sorry mom self, I'll take it tonight, promise.


5) Maples and Transformers on iTunes!


Do you know, Maple Thief edition is on iTunes? It's less exhilarating than the real MMORPG thus less addicting, making it the better choice for me. And Transformers 3 whipped up a game as well with equally amazing graphic and I am smitten!

I am now not using my iPod as a writing aid, I am now playing games instead. Just until I am bored, really. (Favourite things to do nowadays last for a short one day the max. I study myself, the stats are rather accurate.)


6) Study before you take a leap

I have a book on stocks that dad told me to read before I take another step forward. Problem is I haven't even finish the ones I'm reading and there's three lining up and I haven't started yet on the PDF files we have..

Somewhat troublesome, but here's where prioritizing comes in handy.


7) Twitter kills Blogging

Ideas run low and most of them made up of 140 characters, not much for a dignified blog post. Maybe it is for the best; after all if you have nothing matured, age-appropriate nor thought-provoking (in my opinion) things to share, might as well keep it shut till next time.

Meanwhile, use the time to hone an admirable brain and enviable thinking process. And get ready for Ramadhan :D


p/s: Cool HP PC yeeha!

The Coolest Nine

The conductor said the microbus was heading for Ramsis, exactly where me and Masyitah were heading. It had seat for us two but we needed to sit knee-to-knee with me sitting behind the passenger seat, quite uncomfortable for a distanced journey from Hayyu Asyir.


The microbus was actually packed with two other sisters on their way back to Alex and nine other ustazs. Seeing our discomfort, two of the ustazs gave up their seats and sat next to the driver. So I ended up having the whole row to myself, the window next to me opened with the rush of cool air when the microbus whizzed pass.

Imagine my luck :)

So the ustazs weren't exactly taciturn. The seven behind my seat were discussing their return to Shoubra and whether or not they're returning to Malaysia for the summer. I heard Kelantan accent and wondered if there is a place where Kelantanese weren't around. The two in front engaged the driver in a healthy heated conversation where the driver talked in typical Egyptian style; full-blast in both his speech and hand gestures.

However, the microbus did not stop at Ramsis as earlier advertised. Apparently that was what the conversation was about, and one of the seven ustazs argued with the conductor ("I don't know, the driver decides!") and lastly asked me, "Ustazah, where are you going to?"

Of course they will politely refer to me as ustazah. I knew it was a bad idea to wear baju kurung to Asyir today, it gave people a false idea of my humbleness. "Ramsis, then back to Sayyeda Zainab."

They nodded. The microbus stopped for real at Ahmad Hilmi and we all exited despite the noisy ustazs called out to stay put and not budge in a form of boycotting the driver.

I surmised that Ahmad Hilmi is one of the last station with many microbuses and buses alike stationed and empty. High building rose above us and flyover can be seen from a distance. Unfortunately, I've never been here before thus have no idea of its layout and how to get to the nearest Metro station.

Now what?

The ustazs all went into mushrif mode. Asked each of us specifically where we were heading, and when we admitted we weren't familiar with this place, they told us that "Metro station is behind, over there. Come with us then."

Automatically seven walked in front of us and two walked behind us thus ensuring our overall safety amidst the bustling afternoon crowd. We dropped the two sisters in front of Ramsis train station for their train back to Alex, but not before I had to assure the ustaz that they both know and are used to getting on the train back.

And then we walked.

I've told you I've never been to this place before, right? So I can't help feeling a bit skeptical with where we were heading and sort of hesitated every time we made a turn. But the ustaz behind me assured us that "We're heading to Metro, don't worry."

I also can't help turning around every three seconds to look for Masyi because I always walked at the front when going out with the girls and had to make sure none were left behind (some of the mushrifs we were used to usually left us behind with their long pace and not a glance backwards). But one of the seven; the dark, tallest ustaz with cool aviator shades, Bersih button-badge on his backpack, Bersih tee underneath his shirt and no kopiah (this is the coolest aspect) walked half a meter in front and periodically turned around to make sure me and Masyi were close by.

Amidst the maze of track, they professionally guided us to As-Shuhadaa Station (formerly Mubarak) and helped bought the tickets we needed. The cool Bersih guy then faced us and said, "Till here is okay, ustazah?"

"Yup." I nodded gratefully. "Thanks a lot."

And they went their way towards Shoubra while we entered the Helwan platform.

---

Rokiah the Mushrif Department of JAKSI pestered me all the time because I always forgo mushrif when I go out. Well you can't blame me because who use mushrif for running around under the sun? (Ehem.) And usually I have to go out on the whim and you can't really get mushrif on the spot, unless you call for Safwan or Dinmat from a place one block away; provided they're not busy.

This time, it was under the sun and we didn't even call for anyone but subhanallah, He gave us NINE mushrifs right that moment to ease us out.

I've never thought ustazs can be so cool.