Read Wan's Blog

I'm Back

2006-03-29T00:05:00.000+11:00

Assalamualaikum

Just to remind people that I'm STILL updating this Blog.. been busy with moving apartments . Internet just got here last Sunday.. and thank you, anonymous Indonesia hacker for the BRONTOK virus, my HD got corrupted, and MY PC kept on showing a blank Black scree...had to pay $70 just to get a diagnose.. plus got a new DVD-R driver since I cant install a new XP cuz BOTH my CD-RW and DVD is either obselete or simply not functioning properly..Busy with my Microprocessor Fundamental Assignment's thats due this Thursday .. catch up with you later,

cheers.

Home

2006-03-06T11:01:00.000+11:00

Assalamualaikum.

Somewhere out there in the South,
someone is waiting for me patiently
I have discovered that
home is a place where you return indeed
and home is wherever she will be.

"tempat hati berlabuh" ?
Tidak.
"tempat hati tertanam."
Ya.. :)

With age comes wisdom, but this time age comes alone

2006-02-26T17:11:00.000+11:00

Assalamualaikum ,

ok i know this update is long overdue, but i've been really busy, .. with work most of the time. Just got an sms from mum "Jangan lupa jaga kesehatan dan sekolahnya". Had night shift at the hotel last night, went home, slept, and when i woke up and checked my mobile i had two missed calls from.. OCEN!!!! Yaay, .. he's back in Melboourne, to top it up, ARI came back too. Miss that guy, he's a high school mate from KKIC days, after a year of uni, he went home to work as an intern. How cool is that? After a year, now he's back, and i swear he looks all grown up and business-like today. I need exercise.. i think the lack of it has made my sleep (or lack of sleep) loses its quality. I havent been sleeping well. I've been getting night shifts after night shifts.. i think its going to be permanent. *sigh* well at least i get shifts, being a casual, sometimes it jus shucks when you dont have work. But on the other hand, I can refuse work when i dont want to.

The taxi driving's been fun. Except for yesterday, (Driving day-time AND then hotel work at night, no wonder my body feels jelly-ish). There was a freakish storm and flood at Fitzroy yesterday, and I was stuck in the traffic. The car choked and then died. Obviously some of the water came in thru the exhaust. The engine wouldn't start and it was raining cats and dogs and cows. Tried to force it and the choking was just mad, I thought the egine would just jump out of the bonnet. I got it to start eventually, and decided to call it a day (the best thing about taxi-ing is that you are your own boss!). As a Taxi driver AAAND and an engineering student, i am sad to inform you that Ridwan knows nothing about cars (Ask me about microcontrollers). Cars are just not my thing. I know theoritically how a combustion engine works, even had a short-lived love affair with rotary engine cars. But in general, elia might know more about cars than i do , sad to say. But elia's a walking breathing encyclopedia (with PMS) . Speaking of which, I'll be seeing her soon !! :) .. can't wait.

I've started giving tuition again. My most favorite-est job, cause its easy, since he's only in year 10. But one of my fares while taxi-ing yesterday was a tuxedo, and that was easy. I was waiting at the taxi rank and along came this woman who gave me a tuxedo and an address. Apparently there was a wedding and the groom's tux was torn, so i had to deliver the new one. Which was fun cause they can't start the wedding without me and when i arrived I was welcomed like a hero. Then the storm came. I hope the wedding was indoor.

I watched Syriana this week. That was superb. Its so REAL. and George Clooney was great.

I am reading Freakonomics to see what all the hype is about. Its interesting. If you want to know how the Klu Klux Klan is like a group of real-estate agents and how teachers are related to Sumo Wretlers, read this book. You will see that they are related, and it actually MADE SENSE.

I am reading Remy Sylado books too. "Kembang Jepun" and just starting "Paris van Java". Remy silado is a pen-namey.Mijung pointed out once that the pen name is derived from "Do re mi fa so la si do". Cool..here's a name you can sing. One of his books was made into a movie "Ca-Bau-Kan", and elia asked me once "Why does the girl always get raped in his stories". That's a good point. I don't know. The stories are generally sad. Bit i enjoyed it because of the setting above all. And the fact that Remy Sylado researched the setting, the era, the language, and history carefully. The setting is always Indonesia pre-post Independence (1920s-50s) Where people speaks in a mixture of their local dialect ,Malay, and Dutch, and the true meaning of patriotism is defined.

Well. thats it for now.
Good night and Good Luck.

Tombo Ati/Obat Hati/Remedies of the Heart

2006-02-14T20:49:00.000+11:00

Assalamualaikum,

This one is a reminder especially for myself, elia (extra strength to the heart when facing your patients), and for whoever out there. A remedy for the heart, whether its broken, shattered, hard cold, or even dead, you name it. This song has a looooong amazing history, all the way from the time of Ali bin Abi Thalib, to the Wali Songo's Sunan Bonang, up till now. The song was 1st written by Sunan Bonang as an adaptation of Ali bin Abi Thalib's Teaching.

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(Its roughly 12Mb , Might take some time, If its not Broadband, forget about it)

Tombo Ati

Tombo ati iku limo perkarane
Kaping pisan moco qur’an sak maknane
Kaping pindo solat wengi lakonono
Kaping telu wong kang soleh kumpulono
Kaping papat, iku weteng ingkang luwe
Kaping limo dzikir wengi ingkang suwe
Salah sakwijine sopo biso ngelakoni
Mugi-mugi gusti Allah nyembadani

Obat hati ada lima perkaranya
Yang pertama baca qur’an dan maknanya
Yang kedua, solat malam dirikanlah
Yang ketiga berkumpullah dengan orang soleh
Yang keempat perbanyaklah berpuasa
Yang kelima dzikir malam perpanjanglah
Salah satunya siapa bisa menjalani
Moga-moga Gusti Allah mencukupi

The remedy for the soul (the heart) consists of five affairs:
The first is to read the Qur'an and to reflect on its meanings
The second is to prostrate oneself; body and soul, in prayer in the middle of the night
The third is to surround oneself with the company of the pious
The fourth is to endure hunger (by fasting)
The fifth is to never be weary of Dhikr
Should one be able to devote oneself in any of the above, God-willing, one's fate (affairs) will be taken care of (blessed) by the Almighty.

Ridwan & elia pty un-ltd (estd since 2000)

2006-02-14T15:08:00.000+11:00

Assalamualaikum,

No, despite the song I wrote about V-day six years ago, I don't celebrate V-day. I was young and I had a big crush when i wrote that. I was insesitive about cats too, RSPCA might get me into trouble over that song.

14th February is where it all started. BY PURE CHANCE i decided NOT to follow the rest of my class to Orchard rd eventhough I'm already few meters away from the Bus Stop. Maybe If i decided to follow them things would be different, or maybe NOT, if u've watched "Eternal Sunshine of the Spottless Mind".

Meeting Peter after that, our cupid with attitude who figured that i had a crush on elia even when i didn't know that. I was expecting to spend the whole V-day playing pool with Peter at the Gym till I saw her at the other Pool Room. So, a tap on the glass, and I asked her out for a movie, totally oblivious to this V-day wachamacallit-thingy. I still don't know how Peter end up tagging along with us. We watched "The Bachelor". and then Peter left us. Maybe its because we are BORING ... (God knows what made him think that).. aaaaaanyway we decided to go to the National Library after that....

and then sent her home, and of course, the most important thing, we SHOOK HANDS before we part (romantic??)

I went home, wrote her a song about cats, went to Khai's place the next night, and sang it to her over the phone. Khai had the courtesy of leaving me alone in his room when i did that, or maybe it was out of disgust. I was in love even back then, but too stupid to realise that it was love. Still can't pin-point exactly when i started to realise that its more than a crush. We don't even know when we officially started 'dating'. Its just sorta happen. We (Me and Co-founder and owner of 50% share) discussed this issue and finally 'agreed' with 16th of Feb being the 1st official date of establishment. For formality's sake, we picked an anniversary date. In other words, i forgot to pop the "Would you be my girfriend?" question. I totally skipped that part and went to "I think I'm in love with you" few weeks after that. I was that slow. I should write a book "Courtship OF dummies"

I even (almost) forgot to ask about her phone number and did so in the end just before we parted (again) just for the sake of formality. Thinking that if we are going to start some kind of partnership, that its only logical for me to have her phone number. Thus we exchange phone numbers simply out of necessity.

Who would've thought that 6 years later the two nerds still hang around in libraries, borders bookshops, and watch documentaries, miles away in Australia. And I've never been happier in my Life. :)

Thank you elia dear, for the last 6 years and for many many more years to come, I Love you.

Here's a Cat, on its way out the window...

Jomblo, the movie

2006-02-13T17:44:00.000+11:00

Assalamualaikum,

'been waiting for this movie to come out. I lluuurve the book. The 1st Indonesian Novel that can make me laugh almost non-stop. It's that funny! It has a pretty good depth and social analysis too. i admire writer, Aditya Mulya. I kind of wanna be a writer like him. I mean, he's an engineer, and he's pretty much works full-time, he was stationed overseas for some time. I think I'd liked that. To work overseas but publish my writings (or songs) in Indo.

SI gave the movie crappy reviews though. I know, given the popularity of the novel, the movie has a lot to live up to. But then again, SI can be a pain sometimes. I hope i'm not gonna be dissapointed. The trailer looks pretty funny. Btw, Jomblo means "Single" in a humiliating way. The term is not to be taken seriously, and i think I misplaced the book somewhere in Hudsons...urgh, whats the chance of finding that in Hudsons..this place is a public warehouse.

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;
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Melbourne Cabby day One:

2006-02-12T14:56:00.000+11:00

Assalamulaikum,

Yesterday i drove a taxi! It was exciting but i was quite nervous in the beginning. I did a stupid mistake in my very first fare, I drove THROUGH bourke street mall!!!! (luckily it was a saturday morning, it was quiet, and the passenger was not from Melbourne, so he didnt understand the gravity of the situation). Bourke street mall is strictly Tram & Pedestrian only, for those who don't know. I was so nervous i didn't know where i was going. I had to endure stares from road workers who mustve thought i was such an idiot.

But it was a breeze after that. I think (Day-time) Australians are such wonderful people. I heard so much horror stories from the night-shift drivers about drunks and prostitutes, I don't intend to maybe ever drive at night. My passengers were either friendy or warm and friendly. A had a couple of denmark tourists (God has a funny way of reminding me not to become a racist over this whole Cartoon issue), but we , of course, didn't talk about such issues. A middle-aged couple off to watch the Lion King play, A friendly, young talkative sydneysiders who are scared of Melbourne's infamous "Hook turns"; A Tram driver off to work. He was originally from Mexico. We talked about Montezuma and Cortez, and how he hated black people. Oh yeah, it was a sensitive issue, but i had to byte my tongue and pretend that i had no opinion on that. Most taxi drivers are either indian or Somali here, maybe he would say the same things about asians or other races if I was a somali driver. But he was a friendly and talkative passenger.

At the end of the day, I was not tired at all. I spent most of the day in an air-conditioned car listening to the radio and reading a book. I should've brought some of my assignments. I only had 8 passengers, although 3 of them was to the airport, so I made pretty good money, though probably only about 50% of what an experienced driver would make. Jacob (the depot owner) told me not to worry about income, and to learn the ropes. So far the people at the depot had been nice and supportive. I'll be joining the Jeffcot Mosque Gang too, hehehe. But Jeffcot is a strategic place to wait for calls. I had 2 jobs one after another before and after i did my Zuhr prayer at the mosque. Maybe God is looking after the Jeffcot Mosque Gang. :)

It was a good first day. And its because i had friendly passengers. And i like meeting people from different backgrounds and talking to them (and get paid in the end). I hope it stays that way. Amin.

before i go: Possums can be cute (source:University of SouthAustralia)

In memory of Uncle Siddek

2006-02-10T11:52:00.000+11:00

Assalamualaikum.

Innalillahi wa Inna Ilaihi Rajiun, I just recieved news that another uncle, Haji Siddek, has passed away. He's not a direct uncle, i think he's my mum's cousin, form my Grandma's side. Or he could even be her nephew, despite him being much older. I just call him "uncle". This is very sudden because he was not sick, or showed any signs of sickness. Its quite a blow to me, because he is my favorite uncle. During the three years I was living in Singapore. He was the one who cared for me the most. Who visited me for a chat or a meal, or to take me with him for his tour-de-Mosques around Singapore. I was 15 and living on my own at that time. I hope he knows how much his visits and our conversations mean to me. How he influenced my character . He was, above all, a very wise man both in actions and words. A humble, kind, and peaceful man, with laughter in his eyes and his ever present smile, and the way he never leaves home without his white Hajj Cap, and the way he storke his white goatee when he talks. He's very animated when he talks, and he looks at you in the eyes when he does, which raises some concerns because he does so even when he's driving. I always thought he's one of the very few individuals who is truly at peace with himself.

I never knew what job he's had, I knew he was a teacher, because ive hear people call him "Cikgu", in the Malay community, once you're a teacher "cikgu", you will always be a cikgu. and I heard he used to work at SingTel. But he's been retired since the first time i met him. When i asked what he does he only said "I work for Allah". No he doesn't work for an Islamic organisation or a Mosque. But from what i observe, this is what he does:

He is like a chauffeur, he drives imams, visiting lecturers, islamic clerics, from one venue to another. He visits one mosque to another, delivering Qur'ans/Donations/Food he obtained from some wealthy businessmen living in Indonesia and Malaysia. Although he doesnt set them up, himself, he helped build Oprhanages in Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam/Cambodia, i forgot, but he visits those places and helped the muslim community by simply being a middle man. He visits powerful and rich people, most of them simply by chance, and reminded them casually about these places that need help, and somehow make them feel guilty enough to donate or help out in other forms. He's very good at that. I saw it myself first hand when we visited another distant uncle who was a public figure in S'pore, he was an MP i think at one stage. We went to his posh house and had dinner with the family. It was really cool for a teenager like me to watch my two vey different uncles in action. These two people are of the same age, and both of them are wise in their own way. They talk casually, but so many things is being exchanged without words, and uncle Siddek was totally relaxed and always in good humour, while the other one was calm and steady. Like i said, he doesnt work for any organisation, not like a Jehovah-Witness-door-to-door type. He approaches his friends and relatives, and seemingly simply by chance. in the end, he'll get something out of it, whether its a donation, or a contact. Simply put, he has a knack of reminding people about other muslims in need, and to make you feel guilty because you forgot about them.

I've learnt so much from him, and always, before we part, he would ask me .. ME .. to pray for him so that his effort would be successful, and when i said, that HE's the one who'se suppossed to pray for me, because i think God would clearly listen to him more than me, he said "You are still young, Your accumulated sins is much much less then mine, I'm old, therefore i have more sins than you, so you prayers will have more effect than mine". I've never met, in my life, an older person who shows such humilty to the young. I thought that's not necessary true, because he's done much more good deeds than i have. But its the way he encourages me, by making him look less religous than me. Its like giving me hope, that i can be better than him.

Islam means "Peace" or "Submission" , or "Peace through Submission" to the will of God. I see that in him how he lived his days and how peaceful he was in living his life. The lesson i learnt from him, is that, when Allah guide your way, you will not have a worry in this world, money, work, family, He will provide for you, and you will find peace.

Allahummaghfirlahu Warhamu wa aafihii wa'fuanhu
I'll see you again, uncle, you passed away on Friday. I know you would've liked that.

To non-muslims, i need to vent, mind u.

2006-02-07T09:36:00.000+11:00

Assalamualaikum.

I don't want to write about this subject. Reading the papers (since post 9-11, actually) saddens me. Sometimes it truly amazes me how some people just never learn that we are DIFFERENT. If you can't accept that, there is no hope of moving on. Tolerance? Tolerate what? There's a sense of arrogance in the word "Tolerance" such that by being tolerant, you feel that you are giving a leeway, doing a favour, looking down at the people you "tolerate". There is a sense of superiority. I personally do not like that word. The word should be "respect".

We are different. Respect that! After that, we can get to know one another, and live in peace.

(The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 109), Bismillahhirrahmanirrahiim.
Say: O ye that reject Faith! I worship not that which ye worship, Nor will ye worship that which I worship. And I will not worship that which ye have been wont to worship, Nor will ye worship that which I worship. To you be your Way, and to me mine

You can never fathom about what you did. You never know how much we love our prophet, peace be upon him. That is how much we love him, Everytime we mention his name, we say"peace be upon him". Its like saying "I love him" everytime i mention his name. We love him and testify that each time in the 5 daily prayers. We testify that when we make our prayer calls, we let it be known to the world. If you think about it, there is not a single second on this earth where his name is not being called, the moment the prayer call ends in one place is where it starts in the neighbouring place, and so on, until his name, is proclaimed and our love professed, over and over again, around the world, every single second. I love my father, my mother, my family and would defend them from harm, and insults. We all do, its logical. But I love my prophet, peace be upon him (yes, i say that ALL the time-sincerely) even more. So it is logical why I am very upset.

You will never know because you don't want to know. You can never accept that because you can't even accept that we are different. You make fun of your god, and your religion all the time, in your movies, your jokes, your daily lives. Because you worship yourselves, and you equate freedom as doing whatever you feel like doing, about being your own God. Of all the -isms in the world, they are all just Humanism in essence. Arrogance of a creation in the face of the Creator. A theory that we evolve from microbes and became the masters of the universe. And that is why you mock your god and your religion. Because you worship yourselves. If you worship god, then why are you so arrogant? even to your own god. We take our religion seriously. Because we belive the truth. The truth that there is only One God, and the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, is His messenger. The simple fact that there is The God and no matter how big our head is, our life time is too short, and too insignificant.

If you can't see all that, its because you don't know Islam. Its either you are uninformed or misinformed. I dare you to go to any bookshops or library, look under the section of "Religions: Islam" and you will find that 70% of the books you find will be books against Islam. Even the ones neutral or supporting Islam is not written by Muslims. You look at other sections about other religions, and you will find that ALL of them are supportive and at least neutral about what they write. But its like that. It's always been like that. We are seen, judged, stereotyped but never heard. Because you belive that you are "experts". And history is being re-written all the time. And your children will follow your steps and learn from your expertise.

And how are you going to undestand why we are very upset? You can make fun of Osama all you want, the way that you make fun of Bush all the time. It's funny. I laughed as much as you do. But while muslims make mistakes just like everyonelse, Islam does not. We belive that Islam is the truth, what you belive is up to you, but that is what we belive. When you insult that truth, you are insulting our very existence, our reason to live.

Its funny how we can be invisible and totally ignored when one in every 5 people in this world are muslims. But you can't even differentiate between an Arab and a Muslim (or even a Sikh and a Muslim)

Fortunately, i've met many non-muslims who are kind, and they are some of the best individuals i've ever met. And to many of them, I'm the only muslim they have ever come across. And we became friends, because we learn about our differences, and respect them.

Unfortunately, the rest of the world don't. Even if the are, what are the chances of any good things coming up in the papers/media these days?

A Place to call home

2006-02-06T20:50:00.000+11:00

Assalamualaikum.

I have three homes:
1. Indonesia: Because its the only place that accepts me for who I am. Because it is where I'm welcomed with open arms. Because it's where I feel needed. Because its one place on earth I know i could make the biggest difference (Indonesia, I call it "Ladang Beramal"). Because of its warm, peaceful, simple, and happy people (not city folks). Because of its landscape and undiscovered beauty. Because of its huge potential to be a great nation. Because it's where, InshaAllah, I would lay my head to rest.

2. Australia: Because it is the land of opportunity (there are no kangaroos in U.S). Because its where I learn to stand on my own two feet. Because it taught me to speak and to speak out with pride. Because it taught me my rights.Because of its access to global culture and knowledge. Because of its cafe's,parks, and autumns. Because of its myriad of people from all over the world, many of them, a mirror image of myself.

3. Singapore: Because of elia, khai, zayed, and many more true friends that I'm very lucky to find. Because of its kopitiams and Void-Deck Weddings. Because of Glenn Ong and PCK. Because of its security and Educational System. Because it taught me discipline and how to listen. Because it taught me how to compete at such a young age. Because of elia.

Would there be a 4,5,6? I wish there is only 1. It would make things a lot simpler for me. It's difficult to chose just one of them.

God gave us the earth, we drew the lines, and fought over something that is not ours.
It's not like we can take it with us when we die.

Number two

2006-02-04T16:28:00.000+11:00

Assalamualaikum.

I came across this while reading a magazine:

A man would spend $2 on a $1 object for something he needs
A woman would spend $1 on a $2 object for somthing that she doesnt need

I'm inclined to agree.

Anyway. I'm sleepy. Worked night shift last night (11pm-7am), another night shift tonight, and tomorrow night. I had to refure another night shift for Monday, cause, Ridwan, for those who know me well.. is sooo NOT a nocturnal creature. The day's been draggy, had a 4 hours sleep in since 8am but its just not the same. Still feel considerably weakened. Why do i even bother to take this job? I ask myself EACH time i go to work. But i like night shift, cause there are no supervisors breathing down my neck. And the fact that i'd never miss my Fajr prayers. The irony, I'm more willing to be awake in the wee hours in the morning for money, but it feels harder to do so for God. I should make it a habit to wake up in the morning. Mornings are wonderful. I note that as i stroll lazily home from work. There is a sense of rebirth eventhough I'm dog-tired. Its very up-lifting for the spirit, and the people i meet on the streets seems to be friendlier in the morning. Maybe its because early risers look forward to their days, and therefore more positive than US late-risers. Thus, waking up in morning is also an Attitude towards life. Maybe I'm looking into this to deep. By the way, when i say morning, i meant Fajr time-Sunrise. I consider 8am to be late.

Last Friday, I got my Taxi-Driving License. I'm officially Ridwan, your friendly and helpful taxi driver. Maybe I start driving next Wednesday. I paid $660 for the course, took the test and got the job. All i need to do is pick a depot from where I'll 'bail' the car. The time table is flexible, the income is good, and you are your own boss. But the hotel is busy at the moment, and i'd rather work in the hotel cause its more consistent. But since I'm just a casual housekeeper, sometimes life's just not fair, when the hotel is quiet, there's no work, and the management forgets that you exist.

I still go to school, btw. Last time I check, it's still student VISA on my passsport. I overloaded my last 3 Semesters, as a result, I nearly completed the course and this semester I only need to go to uni 1 and-a-half days per week. My final semester is like an extended holiday, but this 'free' time is cruicial for my future. I hope i'll make full use of it.

I've been dreaming for a 'proper' job. I've worked as ....*counting*.... too many odd jobs to mention within the last 3-4 years, while I'm grateful fot the experience and the obvious benefits (Alhamdulillah). I'm scared that I wont improve. I want (don't we all do?) Something thats related to my course. But i have to be patient.

On the other hand, there's the life of ridwan, the aspiring artist. "It's not the real life" I kept telling that to myself. Just in case i got too attached to it. Alhamdulillah, my song is doing well, in the Bandung Indie Charts. It's been three weeks, and its currently at number 2. I'm happy.. though I must say The biggest thrill was still three weeks ago when i found out that the song was in the chart (at number 8). I felt, that iteself is already a miracle.

But then, so what now? What if I make it to number 1? It's 'just' an Indie chart. Seems like it didn't make it to the Jakarta chart (maybe not yet?). And then what? Honestly, I don't know. But all i know is that life goes on. There's this kind of anti-climax feeling. I feel grateful, but i know its another life. Not my real life, cuz in my real life, i got to do this darn night shift tonight.

I feel easily irritable lately.

I miss elia

I better get some sleep.

Instant Karma

2006-02-02T19:33:00.000+11:00

Assalamualaikum

Instant Karma, Just add tears
fill the cup, feed your fears
You'll be shaken, you'll be stirred
Satisfaction Guranteed.

(Read1 - Lilydale-bound Train @12.30pm, today)

"Think of the Solution, Not the Problem". That is what the First Wizard Zeddicus Zoorander used to say. If people can quote Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, then I quote Terry Goodkind's "Sword of Truth" Series, A fanstasy Novel. I can imagine myself quoting First Wizard Zeddicus Zoorander at a dinner party, and everyone will look puzzled. People always talk about what they've just read.. "I've Just read this good book.. ". They seem so proud, as if you, the listener, is illiterate, and all you do is watch TV.

And then the movie came up, and then they would say ".. But the book is much better..". The movie was two hours. The book 452391230 pages. Meanwhile, i could take a nap.

Hey, I love good books (+ good coffee + comfy chair = Borders, i live there). But theres undeniably discrimination against those who are not within the literary circle. But i read. I read comics and fantasy novels. They have knights and dragons, its interesting. I read National Geographics too. They have nice photos. I used to watch NatGeo Channel all the time when I'm cleaning the hotel rooms at work. But after a while i switch to World Wrestling Entertainment, cuz The Undertaker is back.

*sigh* no wonder elia calls me "The Boy"...maybe its short for "The-Boy-who-never-grew-up".

I'm rambling. The post has got nothing to do with the little poem in the beginning.

Having your stand-ups sitting down

2006-02-01T12:55:00.000+11:00

Assalamualaikum,

Spent a good part of last night chatting with Sidqi (and with elia and Ocen on MSN) and watching different stand-ups on Comedy Central. Sid found a rare treat: a video of Russell Peters in UK!!! .. Not the comedy central one, but a totally different video. I've been looking for it on the Net for months. Turns out I found several parts of the same video on Putfile. Maybe I should keep an eye on Putfile. Russell Peters is up on my list of the funniest people in the entertainment business. Most of his jokes are about Race. But he does it, in my opinion, in such an open and matter of fact manner. His jokes are not making fun of races. He's making fun of racism.

Yup, broadband Internet has really pampered me. Thats what i do when I'm bored, browse for stand-ups and funny vidoes on the Net. All that just to be entertained. to laugh. but being entertained and even laughing ain't the same as being happy. sure thing, laughter is the best medicine, but any medicine can be abused. Heck, if i kept laughing constantly, non-stop, for no reason, I will probably need real medicine. Laughter should be taken in moderation and should be kept natural, i.e don't rely too much on entertainment if you are looking for a genuine laugh. The best laughs i ever had is when I'm with friends. Probably because the best laugh is a laughter shared. and THAT is my medicine.

Imagine if you have to look hard (over the internet or video stores for example) just for a reason to laugh, or smile. Maybe something is really wrong in the way you live such that its too devoid of laughter and smiles. I like people with a good sense of humour. People who laugh easily, and spread the laughing germs to those around him/her. (Like Mario, Sidqi and Ocen :) ).
A good sense of humour is a sign of strength and patience. In times of difficulty, i would like to be near to those kinda guys. The kind of people who sees hope in tough situations. This reminds me of Akira Kurosawa's mastepiece. The "Seven Samurai" there was a character named Gorobei. Each of the seven samurai are distinct in character, just like the way not one individual in the world is the same. But they can work together as a team. Gorobei is not the smartest, the most skillful of them, but he was the one who makes the others smile and therefore bond the whole group together. Hmm, a kick-ass movie that one.

Well, have a good laugh today, .. thx Russell

Third Blog from the Sun

2006-01-31T10:48:00.000+11:00

Assalamualaikum,

After ditching my last two blogs, why would i bother to make a third one, if one may ask? hmm. Im not sure if this one will last either, but this time, i think there's a NEED for it. I honestly enjoy writing. Maybe that is why i ditched my previous blogs, because I like writing too much that I cant stop writing when i do. I will stay up all night. I will neglect things.

And theres the matter of posting it. The same old question of "If-you-don't-want-people-to-see-it-why-bother-putting-it-up-on-the-net-at-all?"

Well, this time I DO want people to read it. I've been reading people's blog, and to some of them, i must say that i really enjoy reading them. It's a chance to discover things that people will not show in person. There's magic in writings such that, even if you cant describe it in words, or even you know that a picture will paint a thousand words anyway, when you write. You let go a part of your soul, willingly or not. It may be within the lines or between the lines, it maybe the things that you dont write, or afraid to write about. But its there. Its You. To the reader, you are present. Sometimes, even much more closer than when you are actually there in person.

And when you read. You have no choice but to listen to the whole story, of what the writer has to say. When you speak, you may get interrupted, and some people LOVE to talk but they won't listen. And writing is a slow, and thoughtful process. It is to me anyway. I write slowly. I dont talk fast either, i realise. Not very expressive either. Hmm, if i meet me, I will think me is a very boring person. I can be extroverted, but as i get older I just cant be bothered. Maybe I just miss being around my buddies too much. It was Shahril and Kartini's wedding last Sunday. They've been together since Secondary two. Even when i was in Sec. School i know they would be husband and wife. Everyone does :) I pray it will be a marriage that is full of love, happiness, and strength. A union of two souls and families, where the other complements each other.

It was a superb wedding i heard. I wish i was there, with everyone.

Last night my uncle passed away. Uncle Mustafa or " Wak Popo " as we call him. I lived, while not actualy WITH him, in the same address for three years while i was in Singapore. He cooks a superb Nasi Lemak, Reads the Qur'an with a beautiful melody, and used to give me treats and presents. He was in his late 60s or early 70s, i think. Single, living and working by himself. He did not meet his companion in this life, and for most of the time, i think he is lonely.

I Pray that Allah will forgive all his sins, accept all his prayers and good deeds, and inshaAllah, in the Promised Garden, he will finally meet the best of companions, and he will never be lonely anymore. Amin.