Widening Of Horizon

I had probably one of the best 2 months trip this year.

A 56 days expedition (It was supposed to be 60 days but something happened, I'll explain it soon) from China and across 5 Southeast Asia countries was truly a remarkable journey which brings out new perspective of travelling, adventure and cultures.

Coming from a typical middle-income Singaporean family, I grew up in a metropolitan city which is a hotpot fusion of different races and cultures from Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Caucasian and spanning across all the different religions you can think of. From young, I was taught to be tolerant of other races and their practices and we learnt the importance of racial harmony (in which Racial Harmony Day, in conjunction with Total Defence Day, is held annually in Singapore on 15th February. It serves as a reminder of the dark times when Singapore was under immense national security threat of numerous racial riots in the 1960s after the independence, but let's save this space for my trip.)

Therefore, it wasn't a culture shock for me travelling in this strongly-cultured Asian countries, but what actually open my eyes were the travellers I've met along the the way. They've made me realize how contented I am living within my comfort zones, when these people, coming from all of the different sides of the world, travelling alone and accomplishing more than I do at a relatively young age.

I've met a Belgium guy, William during our first week in Guangzhou, China and he the the first traveller we've made friends with. At that point, he was travelling alone for 3 months across China, and at the last leg of his trip in the country before continuing to the other parts of Southeast Asia. He just graduated from the University of Brussels with a degree in Sports Science, and I suspect he is younger than me. To think about it, a fresh graduate from Europe backpacking alone in China for months! When asked why he was travelling alone, he said none of his friends wanted to go with him because they thought he was crazy to backpack in a country with huge communication barrier and being the 4th largest nation in the world (I've googled and realize USA & Canada are ahead with 3rd & 2nd respectively, apart from Russia which everyone knows). However, that didn't stop him. Apparently, we went our separate ways in a most unglamorous way, by getting lost in the Guilin jungle. It was a shame I didn't manage to get hold of his personal contacts, but he somehow strikes a resemble of Bear Grylls, and he was sure living up to his doppelganger as he has no choice but to leave us behind to reach his destination before dusk at a Chinese village on the other side of the Guilin mountains.

Another guy worth mentioning here was a young Argentinian dude, Nico. I've made friends with him when I was in Hanoi, Vietnam. It was on a Sunday, when my 3 good friends and I had planned to visit the Ho Chin Minh Museum (apparently that's the only opening day of the week), and our hotel receptionist arranged Nico take a taxi with us since he was travelling solo. He was an avid photographer and his photos were amazing, always capturing the essence of it. To our pleasant surprise, he was our roommate in our shared dorm that night, we managed to catch up our dinner at a vegetarian shophouse stall (sadly, there wasn't any cheap halal food) and i've learnt he had worked for 8 years to save enough money to travel the world for a year. A South-American backpacking for a year across Asia? You bet it. It was interesting to hear his insights on Asia in general, and strangely enough, earlier that day we ourselves had a bitter experience dealing with a Taxi Mafia which has its meter digitally modified that makes the fare goes up at a ridiculous rate. We manage to negotiate for a lower price (if we didn't pay he would drive us to his armed Mafia gangs), but Nico almost did his South American move and gagged that taxi driver from behind. Thankfully, that didn't happen and manage to resolve the issue peacefully, albeit a sour one. After we went our separate ways, Nico went on to Nepal, India and the other parts of Asia and having to see his wonderful pictures, I can't help but to feel happy for him.

Both of them resembles the new travellers of our time, exploring places to widen up their perspective and pushing themselves out of their comfort zones. We too, should, inculcate those values on top of the existing cultural roots which shouldn't be marginalized.

On a personal level, as a Muslim, I would want to travel, not just for the sake of travelling, but with a niya' (purpose) to find the path that will bring me closer to Him and my religion. Where it is all started from the Middle East with the holy lands of Jerusalem, Madinah, and Mecca, and not to forget some of the Islamic regions in Turkey, Spain and the other parts of Europe. Learning the history of it and seeing the historical places ourselves will bring out the best and strengthen our beliefs.

Travelling intrigues your mind and question your purpose in this life. When you come across a beautiful scenery before your very eyes, you cannot help but to feel blessed how beautiful this world is crafted. It leaves us wondering and be mesmerized with the wonders of this world. Only He, the Creator, knows and to whom we seek for His Mercy and His Blessings.

P.S: Apologies for being a doing more of a reflection for this entry.. I would surely want to share my 2 months backpacking adventure across the 6 countries to you guys soon!

Musafir

Someone came up to me at a Kapitan Keling mosque in Penang one fine day asking, "Salam bro, i'm a musafir (traveller) and I need money to survive.

I told him, "Salam, i'm a musafir too, and i just got robbed yesterday. I have only 30 ringgit to return home in Singapore before Aidilfitri.

From one traveller to another, i wish i could help him...

Travel is never a matter of money but of courage.  I spent a large part of my youth traveling the world as a hippie. And what money did I have then? None. I barely had enough to pay for my fare. But I still consider those to have been the best years of my youth.The great lessons I learned has been precisely those that my journeys had taught me.”

-Paulo Coelho

2012: Breaking personal barriers

Apologies to all my readers (hmm i wonder if there's readers to my blog in the first place) for not doing much blogging for the past months, due to my packed schedule and a little tinge of plain laziness (i shall blame myself on this, perhaps i've found something better to do. More to that later)

However, I noticed something. My tagboard just got SPAMMED. I don't offer advertising space for you guys, please. (I don't mind if i got paid for it)

Since I didn't really write much (or nothing at all in fact) about the year 2012, here are the lists of highlights i've managed/achieved this year (not in any order).

1. Part of the executive committee of the Freshmen Orientation Camp'12 of SIMCMS (SIM Malay Cultural Muslim Society). I was basically the programmer of the whole event, and, undoubtedly being sabo-ed to the become the emcee for the event too.
2. Part of the title-winning team Yew Tee CSC in the Inter-Constituency Games and SNG (Singapore National Games). I must say I was pretty honoured to be playing alongside Ali Imran Lomri, an ex-national player.
3. Sunig... *cough*... first-half... *cough* champions! We played really well throughout the tournament, i must say, but were let down by lack of fitness and concentration in the last 10 min of the games and were duly punished by last-gasp goals for 3 games in a row! (from 2-1 to 2-2 with NUS, 2-0 to 2-2 with NTU, and from 2-1 to 2-2 with SMU and eventually winning SIT 4-2) Noticed the pattern? Yes, we conceded two goals throughout. We ended up as 3rd out of the 5 universities. It was very disappointing for such promising campaign and I was actually silently hoping we could finally win it in my final year but, i guess, it wasn't meant to be.
4. My 2nd year academic results was almost-there-yet-still-falling-short to my expectation. I'm still searching for the formula to achieve outstanding results. Anyone?
5. IVP disappointment. Losing out to SP, ITE and NP, and eventually beating NTU. The only takeaway for me was the match against SP, facing my own brother on the same side of the field and manage to score my only goal for the tournament. The last time we faced was the CCKSS vs TWSS and that was also another epic derby battle. It was also sad to see Marko, our coach has to step down and focus on his new coaching stint at Woodlands Wellington. Its been one of my best experience playing under his tutelage for 2 years, and putting faith on me every game on the right midfielder role.
6. Got called up from my Marko, what to be, my only chance to test my ability on professional level to play for Woodlands Wellington, in which I turned it down due to school commitments. If not because of the exams looming, I would have definitely accepted the offer.
7. Played for Suria football team in the Piala Dollah Kassim tournament, which we were disqualified due to 'infringement of the tournament rules'. Disappointing way to bow out but glad to play with the quality players from the FirstXI reality TV show.
8. My part-time working stint ends with NEC Asia Pacific in September when they moved over from HawPar TechnoCentre in Commonwealth to Boon Keng. It was indeed an invaluable experience learning from my superior, Julia (Cik Ju whom i addressed as), Joanne and my fellow colleagues Rani, Faridah and Hairi to name a few. Definitely will miss the Chicken Noodle with extra rice that i ate almost every lunchtime. Perangai PBG sey, but its only $3.50!
9. Had my first ever Mendaki classes this year. My kids are great bunch, love every single one of them and I will definitely missed their unique characters and behaviours. I hope you kids will grow up into good people and contribute back well to the society. Insya'Allah.
10. This probably go down as the most significant achievement in my footballing 'career' (Hahaha though to some it may not be much) when i was selected to be part of the 20-man squad Singapore Football team to play in the Asean University Games (AUG) in Vientiane, Laos from 9th to 21st December. It was the most memorable event for every aspiring footballer to experience; playing in the packed daunting Chao Anouvong stadium, the national stadium of Laos, having to see ourselves playing live on the national TV and getting mobbed by fans. I never thought it would be such a grand event, let alone, feeling like a celebrity over there. Haha. On top of that, the teammates and friends I've made there were awesome. We had such a great team bonding time, in every training sessions and leisure activities. Though i wished i could have played more there (I didn't get to play against Malaysia, and came in as substitute for the last 30 minutes of the Laos game), but it was still a good experience playing with good players in the ASEAN region. Sadly, we lost to Malaysia 1-0 in a nail-biting encounter and were deservedly beaten by the brilliant Laos side 4-0 (were told afterwards that 14 of their 20 registered players were from the Suzuki AFF team.)
    
    Yeap that's it! Darn.. i have to rush off now. Till the next time, i'll write again Insya'Allah.

2nd year UOL exams is TOMORROW.
Praying for the best.
Everything will be fine, Insyaallah.
Ya Allah, berikanlah hamba lulus dengan cemerlang dalam peperiksaan ku ini.
Sesungguhnya engkaulah Maha mengetahui.

Help?

The wisdom tooth growing is really affecting the nerves to my brain. Growing to be wise is a painful process i guess. Like as if it is not depressing enough, my body decides to add another misery. Swollen left eye. Great, JUST GREAT.

Well, at least i got a reason to be in front of this computer rather than the books, for now at least.


UOL exams in exactly 2 months' time. *Gasp*

Q & A

To Passerby:
I think there's not much of choice, unfortunately. Im not trying to dampen your spirits but we have to be realistic too. Unless you wish to go directly into the workforce, i think getting your O levels cert will be the next best step. From what i know (maybe you can check their websites if you want to do your own research), even those private diplomas offered by private institutions such as SIM would only accept candidates with acceptable no. of credits from their 'O' level results. It depends on what course you wish to pursue. Perhaps a more specialized diploma offered by Laselle, NAFA for talented individuals in arts and design may have a better chance, if you do have the passion and talent.
Much being said, actually it depends on what you want to pursue in life. Once you know that, the path ahead is clear for you to choose for. Begin with the end in mind!

To Bobo:
Im not sure if the directives has changed over the past year, but as far as i know, YES you have to recourse the full pro-term again. That being said, the cadet would need to join the next batch of OCTs. I know, it sounds depressing. But going through army, especially command schools, is never easy. Good luck!

A little workout for the brain

Let me blow off the web dust on my blog!

Okay done.

Hi everyone! I'm not sure if anyone still read this blog, but heck! i shall still post this entry.
First of all, its been a fruitful past months that i went 'missing'. I was rather busy working with Inland Revenue of Singapore (IRAS) as a tax officer, Enforcement Division. What i did basically was picking up calls from taxpayers who has overdue taxes or filing. I would say it was rather nerve-wrecking at the start and as someone who doesn't spend much time talking on the phone, i felt a little restless now and then with the earpiece covered my ears. Worked there for about 3 months before I decided to leave the job to prepare myself to go back school!

YES... SCHOOL.

After 2 years in army, i would say it is a little weird yet something to look forward to. I suspect my brain is filled with dust and rust right now, and in need of serious clean-up. Oh.. regarding school, after 3 years of trying out for the local uni of NTU NUS and SMU, sadly for me, i did not make the cut to study in any of them. It was a real heart-breaker. REALLY. I did not cry over it though, but enough to make me to frame up the rejection letter and use that as a motivational piece. I wondered and pondered for few days after receiving the letter, where did i go wrong in choosing the courses and the appeals, but eventually i had to swallow the sour truth. The fact that i did not do well for my A Levels. Even with BCDC kind of grades did not make the cut, i have to admit, Singapore educational standards has risen up so quickly when actually with this same grades few years back, it can at least get me into a decent course.

Anyway, i knew i cannot just stop here. An alternative education route is just what i need. And so.. after weeks of serious consideration, listing out the best other possibilities and opportunities for my life, i finally made my decision. I chose to study in SIM Global Education - University of London taking up BSc (Hons) Accounting & Finance. So here i am right now, waiting for school to start on 23rd Aug.

I would say it was not that hard in choosing the degree programme that i want. I knew i'm interested in, other than sports, it will be business and finance. I wanted a certain specialization either on banking, economics or accounting. And accounting was the one of the brighter prospects from the research i've made. So yes that's about it. I've made my decision.

Okay im really tired right now. I shall hit the bed right away.
I will continue soon okay. hopefully REAL soon. :)

P.S: Anyone in need of tuition? i hope i can start some tuition classes soon!

I shall dedicate this entry to the popular comedian, TV and radio personality Din Beramboi, or his real name, Mior Ahmad Fuad Mior Badri who passsed away recently due to Dengue Shock Syndrome.
It was a huge loss to the Malaysian entertainment industry. His death came as a shock to me because i have just started watching his latest show 'Spontan' in Astro Warna, or the malay equivalent of 'Who's line is it anyway?, and it has been my routine to watch it every night on youtube before going to sleep. I have always enjoyed watching his show, and his acting and funny antics on TV had never failed to make me laugh.



Salam takziah kepada keluarga Din.
Semoga rohnya dicucuri rahmat dan ditempatkan dikalangan orang-orang yang beriman.
Amin.

Post ORD

I've decided to blog since i just woke up and i can't sleep right now. Thought of sleeping early at 10.30pm but somehow the body decides to be active again at 2am. Weird.
Anyways, 3 full months has already past since i've last blogged! And i've realized many things had happened which i have yet to talk about it.

First things first, i have ORD!
Well.. at least a month ago actually.

So, like what usually 'Men' do after they got their Pink IC and much-awaited freedom from National Service, I've decided to take a break and enjoy every simple life's pleasure for now. At a start, i felt a little strange waking up in the morning, after subuh prayers, and i was asking myself "hmm.. what should i do next?" I was thinking maybe, should i go for a run? or should i go for my breakfast first? Wait.. are there breakfast ready for me in the first place? As much as Singaporean guys dislike/hate National Service, i have to admit i miss those physical trainings and the well planned-out meals, though it didn't went along well with my taste buds but i finished it anyway. It is the right amount of nutritional values and exercise regimes which made me grew up to a healthy 63kg guy, packed with a decent amount of muscle, well, at least if im compared to my old self back in JC. Im saying this, not because i wanted to go back army, but it is the discipline that has been instilled, is now diminishing fast upon the 'Operationally Ready Date'. Yeah.. so much so as being labelled operationally ready. Instead, S'porean guys are supposed to be afraid of being called upon anytime for war and fight for the country. Just a little reminder, the next time you exclaim "ORD OH!", be wary because it has also a hidden meaning of " 'Obviously Ready to Die' OH!"
haha. Don't tell i didn't warn you.


Finally got my LTA rank on the last day as an NSF. haha. so slow.

I've been bugged (in a good way) by a number of "is that you on TV" questions or equivalent lately. So let me clear the doubts, YES THAT'S ME. :)
Up to date in this year's itself, i've been in one of the episodes of a suria info-ed series (Testimoni on Hyrul Anuar) and a family gameshow (Hooray Hooray last episode), which is coming out tonight! I won't say im proud of this so-called breakthrough into the entertainment industry, but i won't say im hating it either. Let's just like say, im just trying out every opportunities and gaining new experience. Like in the case of Testimoni, it was just a post-ORD instinct. I was yet to get a job, so when the audition came about, i decided to give it a go. Never thought of getting role because it took me few weeks before i was called up. Even that i rejected it initially because of the role that i was supposed to bring across. For the benefit of those who didn't get to watch the episode, i acted as a cyber buaya looking for victims to fulfill sexual desires. I felt it was challenging for me, especially on an acting debut! Luckily it wasn't that bad afterall. In fact, i've enjoyed the experience. Making new friends with the casts, crew and the people behind the scene. And even if this going to be my only acting opportunity in life, im glad that at least i got to experience it. So again, do catch me tonight @ Suria 8.30pm!


The casts and crews of Testimoni.


The other two main casts i've worked together, Erny and Faizal.


The assistant producer, Iqah. Coincidentally both of us wore green on the last day of shoot. haha nice.

And after more than a month now, im sure you are asking me what i am doing currently, well basically im on a mission of doing odd jobs. An accidental one that is. I've wanted a temporary job which last me till end of July but i've yet to get one! Maybe because of my commitment on weekends that is. I kept getting 6-days/week job which i try to avoid because i need the weekends for soccer and family, really. Oh ya, forgot to mention. I'm currently playing in the National Football League (NFL) Division 2 with Borussia Zamrud FC, besides Team Orange under Equatorial Football League (EFL). So yeah, i would prefer to commit myself to a 5-days work week and the two teams, instead of the 6-days work week and didnt get to play soccer at all, since that one day-off might not be necessarily be on weekends. I've did some acting and calefares (Suria's Dikir Putri and Cinta Ixora too), and did some chocolate factory work alongside with the China workers (i've been pushed around by them in my own country. tak boleh accept sey! haha kidding. but really), and also part-time waitering with Grand Hyatt Hotel. So yeah.. that's basically about it. Odd jobs aren't that bad too. It gave me to experience the different kind of industries, the expectations and job scopes. It is not easy afterall in the working world. The important thing is, how much and how fast you can adapt to the environment as quickly as possible. :)

Okay, i'll stop here. I shall reserve my in-depth opinion on that once i got a temporary job. Haha. Goodnight people.

Goodbye 2009, Hello 2010.

Just as we all know, time flies very fast. It's already the end of the year! how fast was that?! I got soooooo much to update, hopefully i can squeeze everything inside. After reading up my last few entries i realized i've updated like.. once a month? NICE. i didnt even summarize my 2008 year! and now i feel the need to summarize my 2009.

the year TWO THOUSAND NINE was a very very good year indeed. I felt the need to count my blessings so alhamdullilah, it's been a memorable and smooth-sailing one. :) Undeniably, the best moment in 2009 will be the Commissioning Day. It has always been my dream to follow the footsteps of my war local hero, 2LT Adnan Bin Saidi, and being in his shoes now, i felt both the recognition given and the responsibilites i had to carry. What makes it more memorable was the journey i experienced during the 9 months of OCS. The friends i've made, the regimentation i've learnt and the military strategies i've gained were invaluable.

Come to think of it, im going to receive my additional bar soon as an LTA! It may look nice but that's another bar of responsibility given.

2009 was also the year when i volunteered to do something REALLY DIFFERENT. I had a choice not to raise up my hand when being asked "who wants to go HQ NCC??" but i chose to raise my hand anyway. It was that spur of the moment when you felt you want to be different from the others, without thinking what ppl might think of you for that kind of decision. and i remembered vividly, my officer instantly replied "EH KHAIRUL **** UP AH YOU?!" and i just laughed it away. i told myself "why not?" it's not like as if it's a REALLY bad place. well, i wanted to go NCC last time during sec sch, and didnt get selected coz i've already got a place in the soccer team. probably this should be my chance to 'so-called 'redeem what i didn't get the last time?? Well, no regrets from that day i raised up my hand. HQ NCC posting was a new challenge to me. Instead of dealing with recruits, men and the higher-ranking military personnel, i had to deal with civilians; cadet officers, cadets, teachers and even parents. It was a whole lot different from what i've learnt in army, but that's what i want, to learn as much as possible with the new challenges i have to face. :)

A typical day in the office.

2009 was also the FIRST TIME i've played for a weekend league team at a consistent basis. Thanks to my light schedule in HQ NCC, i can spend my weekends for my passion. Team Orange came to 'sign' me up with recommendation from CPT Clarence and im glad i've settled really well into the team!

Not only i get to enjoy my passion every weekend, i even won 3 awards recently during the 'gala award ceremony' at St Wilfried Field! hahaha. Player of the Year, Best New Signing & Golden Boot Award in season. :) even if im not going to play for the biggest club in the world and winning the Ballon D'Or with million of cashes in hand like Cristiano Ronaldo, i think this is enough for now. haha.

Moving ahead.. 2010 will an another crossroad in my life. A new chapter in life. Previous crossroad was the time when i chose JC over poly and it was something i've learnt to accept as the right one. And now.. this particular junction in my life is much more complicated. Maybe i've considered alot of options that's why. It's either studying at an overseas university or not, it's either take that army scholarship or not, it's either committing myself with professional soccer or not, or maybe do i still want to achieve my ultimate dream as a pilot? I wanted to achieve so many things in life but i realize i can't have everything. I need to make that right choice soon, VERY SOON. And that decision will ultimately decides the next 10 years of my life.

Let's make 2010 a better year for everyone. All i want for 2010 are, new perspectives to life, good health & wealth, and become a better person to my family, the society and God. Insyaallah. :)

Pieces - Red

wow.
im just into this song already.



too bad this song was from a Christian band. and they referred 'you' to Jesus. As a Muslim, we do not depict our God to have physical atttributes or relate it as one of us. So, by right, we could not 'see your face' as what wrote in the lyrics. Nevertheless, the song is very very nice i must say. (:

Simple Pleasures

I need to loose myself and start doing this, just like i used to.

Just do it

Don't stop.
Don't procrastinate.
Just keep going.

Q & A

To William:
The Cadet Conversion Course for BSLC crossovers to OCS is, as you know, the preparation of OCS and giving you a little taste of officership. The ability to initiate, think out-of-the-box, lead to perfection, and of course, maintain high level of integrity & discipline.

As far as i know, mine was a 2 weeks course. We went through 4 main aspects; technical handling in demolitions & GPMG, Standard Obstacle Course (SOC) which is a compulsory to pass, presentation on current world issues and leadership games & talks, and lastly a week of Pulau Tekong missions in both attack and defence.

The first 3 things won't be much of an issue (since i assumed, that's why you are chosen for!) but what's important is the 1 week of field camo itself. Be prepared to be appointed as a Platoon Commander/Sergeant and excel in it. It won't be an easy task but its not that hard too.

Just as to say, if you're chosen for this, you are automatically be presumed by the commanders that you are already a highly-motivated soldier who are willing to take that hard knocks along the way and learnt from it. Remember, the two weeks course is just a CONVERSION course. Meaning to say, they are just going to change your mentality from a newly-appointed Corporal to a Cadet. Surely, you will still feel unsettle when you first step into OCS, just like i do. But it should be just fine once you get used to it. (:


best moment.

Saturday Morning

For you i will - Teddy Geiger



These Walls - Teddy Geiger



I just love his songs man.

Heal The World

I've decided to change my blogskin... like finally. i can't exactly remember when i last did it, but i think it was roughly 4 years ago. Meaning, i have been sticking to that old blogskin for 4 years! That's quite a record. Haha. It's not that im lazy to do it(okay.. partly i admit), but i really really liked the old one. But, like an old wise man says, you have to move on and change for the better. In this rapidly-changing world, you have to constantly keep up with the pace with the society you are living in. Get it? Haha you know what i mean. At least a simple thing like, a new look for my blog, shows that im learning to accept with the changes happening around me.

Talking about a rapidly-changing world, i was sad to hear about the several disasters that has been happening recently. Just take a look at the 7.6-magnitude earthquake. Only in West Sumatra itself, it is feared that more than 1,300 people is dead. And to think about what happened to the 400 people having a wedding celebration in Pulau Air, all gone sucked 30m into the earth from a landslide. What does this shows about the earth and nature? Scientifically speaking, the earth is getting old and this 'rapidly-changing world', not only refers to the modern technology and infrastructure, but also to the climate and the environment that we are living in. It is just embarass to say that, as Modern Man is going into a new era, the ageing chart of the earth also grows exponentially. A Modern Man supposed to know exactly how to improve one's life, but on the same time, be conscious about the environment and not be selfish about his own well-being. In a religious point of view, as a Muslim, i have to say that people have the tendency to pray and in search of His help only when they are in need. It is important for us to have faith in our respectives beliefs and continously pray for the best of health and life. Don't lose hope when you are down and thank Him for the blessings you cherish.



Personally, i feel really blessed living in Singapore. Even if its just a small hot country which people complaint about, I would gladly say it is the safest place for us to live in, and that's the best thing you could ever ask for especially at this depressing period. So let's support and contribute whatever we can for our fellow friends out there who are in need of help. Be it prayers or donations of money or clothes or volunteer work, let's do something good today. Your small little effort might just be significantly important to someone. Make this world a better place. Insyaallah.

20 years of life

It's been a hectic time for me for the past weeks; that explains why i took a little more time to post this. Continue from where i stopped in the previous entry, the H1N1 probation period was finally lifted earlier than expected and therefore the flurry of activties kicked in like nobody's business. camps after camps, courses after courses, expeditions after expeditions and the list goes on. And the end of all these, HQ NCC had to bid farewell to an another group of ORD personnels. Mr Herald, Khairul Anuar, Riduwan and Raziff to name a few. Those endless support, guidance and company that i would cherish for a long time.

Hari Raya preparation this year was a little special for me, because after 15 years living in the same room, i decide to do an, what u called it, 'extreme makeover'. Not that extreme.. but both bro and me did quite a plan on our drawing board and think through thoroughly with a long list of exquisite ideas of designs. I would say its not bad for a start. This was my first ambitious plan with all the effort, time and money spent. Nevertheless, im not going to stop here. I'm very sure there's plenty more of an overhaul to come! :)

It's only an hour away from my 20th year! Wow.. that's fast. Im no longer a teen anymore. Meaning.. there's some things which i can't do such as:

• Collecting green packets on Hari Raya
• Hoping for mom to give me pocket money
• Relying on dad to fetch me whenever im stuck somewhere outside
• Getting a hairdo from my sis
• Asking my bro for advice whenever im stuck on what to wear for the day
  

Which also means.. i should start doing this:

• Be financially independent(saves up money from this last 4 months of NS!)
• Stand up firmly and say "It's okay makcik, im working already part-time"(though next time if im still unemployed after NS)
• Getting a car licence! (i enrolled for BBDC since 2008's July and i've yet to start on my first practical)
• I think Awal Ashaari's hair is nice in Syurga Cinta. But i dont think i suits that. Need to get a new hairstyle soon!
• Start wearing my own clothes & accessories (if u see in an all-look-good attire, that's not mine)

Being in this 20th age zone meaning responsibilities have grown way up even before we realized it. I knew someday i had to sacrifice some things to help out with the family. My parents has been tirelessly doing all the work at the market and there were times when i can see they are just in need of that extra helping hand to push a little harder, especially during the Hari Raya season. Our parents are not getting any younger by the day and its time for us to step up and contribute what we are capable of. You need to be there even when they didn't need you. Your presence and effort will be appreciated, i can assure that. If you are being sincere, that is.

After more than a month of inactivity in the gym, i finally started again this week. I've recently read about how Ryan Giggs kept his fitness up through pilates sessions and trained on his flexibility and core muscles, and with his current top form continues (he just assisted 2 goals against Stoke just now!), i just want to follow his footsteps! So.. from now onwards, you readers as my witness, to encourage me to sustain this gym regime and healthy fitness of mine. Thank you.

And with that, i want to end off with, Chelsea lost 3-1 to Wigan?!
Wait.. Manutd won 2-0 over Stoke both from Giggs's assists!
What do you know? They are the league leaders now!
That's a nice 20th birthday present.







Selamat Hari Raya to my dear readers! Maaf zahir dan batin.
May all of you have a blessing syawal for you and your family. :)

July Updates

i think i should start making every entry a monthly personal update, especially at this rate!

Hmm.. okay. Let me talk about the month of July. It was supposed to be one of the busiest period for any HQ NCC personnels, since school re-opens and normal NCC activities are resumed. However, it was declared that all HQ NCC activities are either postponed or cancelled till the end of August, thanks to the right timing of H1N1 outbreak. Therefore, it was a quite a good life during this few weeks. Been really working hard day in day out, everywhere but not in the office. What i meant was, there were more outdoor activities for the NSFs like kayaking & rock climbing 1 star course, Trainers' day(where we will just swing around, climbing here and there at the adventure stations), runs to train for the upcoming Army Half Marathon (AHM), and not forgetting, the rigorous weight trainings by the newly-posted bodybuilder ferdaus who makes me not even wish to move my joints after every session.


Trainers' Day.


Rock Climbing 1 star course at SAFRA Yishun.

SuperSunday with Team Orange was great. Great bcos im glad im performing well so far, at least from what i think! We had a couple of pre-season games to gear up our fitness and team strategy, but it was also sad to see Bryan to sit out for the upcoming EPL qualifying new season due to the nature of his injury. He had multiple bone fractures(sounds like road accident right?) when he landed awkwardly on his left ankle.
An excerpt from the team's website:

"Recalling the incident, Bryan could vividly remember himself jumping in the air as he tried to flick the ball with his right leg. The next moment, he lost his footing and his whole bodyweight came crushing down on his left ankle. Khairul, who was the nearest to Bryan could clearly hear a "crack" sound while a few lads simply "could not bear" to see the awfully awkward position of the ankle."

Yes, i was there to witness it. And it wasn't a nice scene.



July was also a good month for family gatherings! We had Princess M's birthday celebration/cuzzins' rendezvous at her 'palace', and also cuzzin's gathering @ Jurong Pt's Swensen. The games were fun, PS3, the forum perdana, the makeovers of our cute lil cousins and many more. Enjoyed it pretty much especially those i havent seen for ages!


fixing in nicely. ehh we won lah sey!


The cuzzins on my mom's side.


The cuzzins on my dad's side.

And lastly, I wish to dedicate this post to the these influential figures who had made a great impact in their respective arts of work.
May God rest their souls in peace.
Amin.


Sir Bobby Robson
18 February 1933 – 31 July 2009


Yasmin Ahmad
1st July 1958 - 25 July 2009


Michael Jackson
29 August 1958 – 25 June 2009

If I Die Tonight (Too Phat feat. Liyana)

I've been listening this song for some time and the lyrics is really meaningful, in my opinion at least. It gives me that extra motivation to put my best every single day.

Some of us take things easy and some wish the day will past quickly.
Others hope for the right opportunity to come before taking actions.
and only the minority will make full use of each day coming.

An excerpt from the song, "take every day like ur last day", really make me think twice, or maybe thrice, for what ive been doing all these while.
There are days when i just dread to go through, but let's just ask this to urself.

"what if u wont get to see the next day?"

Do you still want to dread and go through the motion of the day?
I dont think so.

Every day is a start of a NEW day. There will always be new opportunities, adventures and life lessons to cherish and it is important for us to THERE to take it, to learn from it and be a better person by each day.
Do not waste time pondering too much about the past, but instead, inculcate this habit of learning in the present, and be optimistic about the future.

What i wanna say is..
You cant decide when your time is up in this reality world,
but you can decide how much you want in your life before it happens.