Full Social Calendar Planner (Part II) : SK Serendah Aidilfitri Open House 2010.

The school’s Aidilfitri’s Open House 2010 which has been discussed by the BAKSI (teachers’ committees including me!) finally took place today around 11.30 A.M. at the School Hall. The event which is to commemorate the recent Eid 2010 is attended by approximately 100 teachers and 15 administration staffs is a smooth-flowing and close-knitted one, I would say.  An opportunity to rekindle and replenish the bond with teacher-colleagues; both morning and evening sessions.

I donned my 2nd Raya Baju Melayu suit (the purple-colored) since Kak Sakinah was like badgering me to wear the whole suit completed with songkok and samping! Yeah, on whole everyone was indeed full with the various delicacies such as lontong, soto, lemang, ayam rempah, satay, nasi impit and raya delicacies. Alhamdulillah! (,”)

Full Social Calendar Planner (Part I) : Teacher-Colleagues Open Houses. “King Cobra” & “Magika.” Genting Highlands.

If I had a social calendar planner, it would be a chaotic! Lately, I’ve been threading a hectic life schedule with fun and exciting events. I guess my post-Raya days are like other people- filled with memorable get-together and Open Houses! From last week until the upcoming 3 weeks, my social calendar is going to be really pack; but I ain’t complaining. I am loving it.

Beginning on last week, 2 teacher-colleagues conducted Open House : Kak Nani at SK Serendah’s Quarters and Kak Rafidah at Desa Anggerik. It was a sweet, simple but nice events to flock in their houses with the rest of colleagues and feasted ourselves with delicacies like Nasi Impit, Beehoon Sup, Soto and a lot of Raya cookies, you can expect! It’s simply nice affairs to have that with your colleagues. I guess in a way, when people invite us to the Open House, they are sincerely anticipating our presence and it is something that give them joy to see us attending the event they did.

On Friday, pushed off to Putrajaya; watched this one Siamese/Thailand movie called “Revenge of King Cobra” at Alamanda. Initially, I was planning to watch “Magika” but turned out that the cineplex was almost full and the empty seats were ain’t nice enough. So, scrapped the idea and the only movie that fitted was that Thailand movie. Honestly, after 15 minutes, all characters were beginning to be terrorized by these unknown-what-were-the-motives-of-attacking-cobras one by one. And of course, there wasn’t any plot; there wasn’t any theme; just simply CGI-generated cobras feasting on human fleshes. The rate is 2.5 stars out of 5 stars!

On Saturday, had a get-together with Kord and Salim at Midvalley. Pushed off from Serdang via commuter and it was congested and sardined with people! Hangout at Al-Esfan (I noticed there is also a branch in Bukit Bintang. Maybe Al-Esfan targets shopping malls at its branches premises) and met Salim who came all the way from Tanjung Malim via commuter (pass through my Serendah!). We managed to watch “Magika”, the musical piece by KRU Productions. All I can say is that the CGIs were something to be proud of and the theme dwelling on mythical Malay characters were brilliant; nonetheless, the theatrical ala Broadway (musical) approach somehow make the film quite draggy and the singing voices of the protagonists were not that strong. Pardon me, but Mawi as Badang is simply ridiculous. However, I have to say amongst all the mythical characters portrayed, the “Gadis Bunian”(Nymph-Lady) by Maya Karin and “Puteri Gunung Ledang” (Princess of Mount Ophir) by Ning Baizura were the most memorable. Other than that, less-sparkling, I would have to say. 3 stars outta 5 stars.

Gambar Ehsan Google Search.

On Sunday, pushed off back to Serendah; then decided to have a peekaboo at the nearby Genting Highlands. It was so cold and cool! Hmmmmm…. It was indeed the City Of Joy (Kota Keriangan) with its theme parks, hotels, cineplexes and all. Since I was in the nick of time, didn’t stay long. I plan to go back- I mean, it’s just nearby the Serendah neighborhood y’all! Hahahhaaha…

A bit tiring; yet exciting! (,”)

My Cloud 9 (Destiny Symphony) : Sharifah Aini’s “Forever & Ever.”

Lately, I have taken a great liking towards Sharifah Aini. I have been navigating You-Tube and I have to say I was a bit flabbergasted by how versatile she was! This lady could sing English with flawless pronunciation but yet still retaining the authenticity of the melodious Malay voice. And she also sang nasyeed, Arabic, traditional numbers and a lot of English cover-versions from International singers!

I have to say if Sharifah Aini was as young and as thin as she used to be, she could be the one claiming the No.1 Malaysian Chanteuse now! You-Tube has taught me a lesson. It is no wonder that Sharifah Aini has a quite massive number of fanatics (mostly the older generation) because she was really good during her prime era! I have to say, she was darn good!

I like Siti Nurhaliza. But I have to say, Sharifah Aini was far very more versatile that what Siti Nurhaliza does these days. Nonetheless, too bad it was yesteryear time. Siti Nurhaliza is impeccable with her Saloma-resonance voice but Sharifah Aini’s voice is absolutely an international quality. I am not a fanatic so my opinion would not be of a biased one.

Listening to this cover-version of Julio Iglesias’ romantic track by Sharifah Aini makes me in Cloud 9. And tonight, it’s raining in Putrajaya. Hmmm… (,”)

Ever and ever, forever and ever, you’ll be the one
That shines on me like the morning sun
Ever and ever, forever and ever, you’ll be my spring
My rainbow’s end and the song I sing

Take me far beyond imagination, you’re my dream come true, my consolation
Ever and ever, forever and ever, you’ll be my dream, my symphony
My own lover’s theme

Ever and ever, forever and ever, my destiny will follow you eternally
Take me far beyond imagination, you’re my dream come true, my consolation
Ever and ever, forever and ever, you’ll be the one
That shines on me like the morning sun
Ever and ever, forever and ever, my destiny will follow you eternally

Aidilfitri 2010 : Celebrating Victorious Against Nafs (Rebirth Into Reality).

Time pass by within blink of an eye. Instantaneous! All I can say; Alhamdulillah. This year Eid-Mubaraq proves to be a nice one like the past years- the aim to rekindle the rusty relationships with relatives and friends is a success. As cliche as it sounds, Eid Mubaraq (Aidilfitri) is the one moment where we meet up with those who are far from sights but close to hearts. Exchanging news and updates. Forgiving and apologizing. Cleansing the heart and the mind from the Deadly Sins.

Like usual, on the 1st day of Aidilfitri, we went to my grandfather’s house at Kampung Padang, Jitra where my Pak Ngah’s and Cu ‘Aq’s entourages were thronging in. That night, the entourages visited my house.

On 2nd day, Kak Yati planned to organize a feast at Mak Caq’s house in Alor Star. But since Kakak & Abg Zam planned to go to Penang to visit my father’s side-of-the-family, I joined them. We managed to drop by at Mak Caq’s house before we departed to Penang.

The first destination was Cu Timah’s house in Kepala Batas. We were treating ourselves with Laksa and a lot delicacies and cookies. It was nice to meet the friendly-chatty Kak Nazirah, Kak Najah, Abg Min and Cu Timah. Cu Timah was Mak Tok’s sister- who happened to babysit Kakak when she was a toddler and also happened to be Kak Yati’s mother-in-law. Confusing, aite? Read the lineage carefully then you’ll get it! Hehee…

Second destination was Mak Ngah Nah’s house at Lahar Kepar. Mak Ngah, Kak Aida, Kak Alia, Abang Anuar & Kak Hasni were there. So full that I couldn’t afford to eat no more. But I managed to feast on Rendang Ayam, though!

Third destination was Pak Anjang Yop’s house at Kampung Permatang Berah in Penaga. It was used to be my grandfather’s house but now is inherited by Pak Anjang Yop. Mak Anjang always feasts Aidilfitri with lavish dishes and for this 2nd Raya, she cooked Mee Udang; so it was simply a sumptuous one!

Next stop, was Pak Su ‘Id’s house also in Penaga. Mak Su is always being dubbed as the best cooker in the family so you can expect lavish foods at the house too! She cooked Mee Kuah and again, I ate there! Alhamdulillah. It was nice meeting up with Pak Su and all the clans. After that, we went to Permatang Rawa for Cik Semah’s house; just sat there for like 20 minutes then we went to Pak Long Wahab’s house at Telok Ayer Tawar. Since Mak Long Minah is a restaurant owner, so you can expect that she wanted us to eat rice there! So another round of Rezeki!

The final destination was at Abg Zam’s friend’s house in Kampung Lebai Tahir. The family was having some barbeque but we only feasted on Laksa and satay. Hmmmm….Alhamdulillah!

On third Raya, we gathered at my grandfather’s house (Mak’s side) in Jitra since Kak Yati and Abg Jie; along with Kak Liza and Mak Caq were paying visit. I also managed to meet up with Miss Tina and also with Salim and Kord. It was nice meeting up friends who we rarely have time to catch up.

On whole, this Aidilfitri 2010 teaches me a lot. Despite many dramas with a few ‘friends’ prior to Aidilfitri, it has taught to become a better person. I received a message from an acquaintance who severed friendship with me 2 years ago without any concrete reason. I was hurt that time and I still could not forget why he did that. But when he messaged me, I remembered the incidents I encountered recently with a “Tak Ada Adab” friend. If I were to cleanse my heart and emancipate myself from all the pointless and stupid vengeance, I would have to learn how to FORGIVE people. And with that, I forgave that friend although what he did was hurtful.

All I know, Allah SWT had taught me a great lesson and I am thankful for all these. I am grateful that Allah SWT bestows me a heart that is very sensitive and not egoistic when it comes to apologizing. I honestly proud of myself for being able to bend down egos and dare to ask apologies for any wrongdoings. I’ve been asking people around and they said,

‘The most important thing is that YOU ALREADY TRIED to apologize despite whether you are in the wrong or the right side. If the other party adamantly refuses, it’s the deal with Allah SWT. From what is worth, you already did what Allah SWT asks you to do as a Moslem.”

There is so much things I’ve learned. Alhamdulillah, Ya Allah. I hope I will be remembered as an honest and sincere person.

In Spite of “Sewel”& “Tak Reti Adab” (Trying To Be A Good Moslem, Masya Allah!)

Moslems are to forgive and apologize with each other especially when Hari Raya is approaching. It is the platform. But what happens when an initially ‘Selamat Hari Raya Maaf Zahir Batin’ greeting then become the token of creating another friendship-severing atmosphere? Irony, right? I don’t know. Maybe that is always instilled inside of me but for me, if I believe I did nothing wrong, I will let it go pass by. BUT if I were the one who caused the dissatisfaction and is the guilty party, I will TRY MY BEST to solve it immediately without any further ado or hesitance.

I guess people in this world come with different quality;

1. Some are just come with filthy-mouth and fire up on the spot and didn’t give a damn about it later on;
   
2. Some are vindictive and seek pleasure in tormenting others;
   
3. Some are born with soft spots to make peace with everyone as to seek solace from God.
   

Unfortunately (or fortunately; I am not sure), I am the 3rd kind. I have bent my ego and myself to inquire the well-being of the other party. But yeah, not everyone is born with the same quality. I’ve been :

1. Called “sewel” and “tak reti adab” just because I was adamantly on calling a friend early in the morning to explain the situation;
   
2. I’ve been ignored although I humbled myself to explain;
   
3. I’ve been vented out that “sins between men and God could be forgiven because God is Merciful but not men-to-men because men do not forgive easily.”

Yes, it hurts. But I do believe I have done my part as a Moslem. And it all started from a “Selamat Hari Raya Maaf Zahir Batin” FB comment which then leading to him being irritated of me calling him trying to explain and leading to severing the friendship! Amazing isn’t it? Especially when you think how a “MAAF ZAHIR BATIN” comment could lead to another friendship-severing tragedy? It’s sad but being cliche Shahrill, it is not my conscience to trigger animosities.

I guess the other party could say anything to manipulate the situation but in the end, I believe Allah SWT knows the situation. After all, if a friend of ours Nor Muhammad (Cikgu Mad) could forgive him for what he had done, doesn’t it a bit tacky for him to NOT FORGIVING me for disturbing his sleep early in the morning? But I guess maybe it wasn’t just about calling my friend early in the morning. Maybe it’s the embedded anger being repressed all this while. Maybe. But yes, it is everyone’s prerogative. It’s just me and my conscience to become a good Moslem. With these flaws, I am still learning.

P/S : But Of course, this is ONLY applied for friendships!! For my EX-es (not that many! Less than 3), I never forget.

Au Revoir Ramadhan 2010 : Welcoming Syawal 2010 (Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri).

The announcement has already been made by the ‘Penyimpan Besar Mohor Raja-Raja’ (Custodian of The Kings’ Emblem) that the Eid Mubarak or affectionately known as ‘Hari Raya Aidilfitri/Puasa’ in Malaysia will be celebrated on this Friday, 10th September 2010. The methods used to determine the date to celebrate Eid are via :

1. ‘Rukyah’ (according to the numeration from phases of the moon) ;
2. ‘Hisab’ (numeration from the calendar timing; the rotation of earth around the sun).

Time pass by instantaneously. Within blink of an eye. Cliche. Yet, it’s true. This Ramadhan seems to end so fast! I don’t know but I am kinda sad that it is leaving us behind. Ramadhan 2010 will no more emerge in our lives. And I really hope I will be given chance to ‘meet’ the upcoming Ramadhan; or spending it in Makkah. It’s just one of those aspirations inside.

Just now for the finale of Terawikh Prayer, I manage to perform a prolonged 12 in comparison to the usual 8 Rakaat. For me, it’s a kinda Hallelujah moment. Maybe because I was wearing the White Robe (it is more breezy); but I was feeling alright just now to savor the final bits of Terawikh. Alhamdulillah. But it’s just sad.

I am taking this opportunity to wish everyone “Selamat Hari Raya, Maaf Zahir Batin.” It is encouraged to seek forgiveness and apologizes during this Eid-Mubaraq. As for me personally, I am kinda proud of myself that I have mended a broken friendship with a friend (due to Facebook. Funny and ridiculous, right? BUT that is what happen) and did what I must do as a Moslem. Alhamdulillah.

Salam Aidilfitri 2010.

Ramadhan 2010 : Officially Tonsilitis Patient (A Subconscious Lullaby)

Writing blog for me isn’t something out of a force or to please anyone. It’s solely about myself. What I feel on that particular moment and what I want to say; perhaps not audibly enough through vocal; mere words are already serving as salvation valves. This is my territory. My space. My platform.

I am already back in Jitra. It’s already the 28th of Ramadhan. Amidst the spirit of Hari Raya, I feel kinda sad that the Ramadhan is approaching to its end. I just hope I’ll be given chances to ‘meet’ Ramadhan again in the upcoming years, Insya Allah. Came back to Jitra via car-pooling with Kord who came all the way from Maran, Pahang to Serendah, Hulu Selangor. Since he was on his way back to Changlun, I car-pooled with him. Alhamdulillah, the traffic was smooth-flowing without congested cars (NOT YET!).

Taken from Wikipedia. This is not my throat. Somehow people always thought I have a good-pixel camera that is able to capture my body parts (throat and body : referring to Chicken Pox blues)

Alhamdulillah; the throat is getting better although the red inflammation is still evident. I was officially declared as a patient of Tonsillitis when I went to re-checked myself into the Poliklinik Serendah and was given a thorough advice by the Doctor! It’s all about re-vamping my diet and strengthening my antibodies. Drink a lot of fluids. And for the time being; just in time to heal the throat within the one last week of Ramadhan, I was advised NOT TO EAT seasonal fruits (durian, rambutan, etc), hot and spicy foods (I am a Northern! This is insane!), or sourish-acidic “assam” (No Laksa! Sheesh). With another dose of lozenges, antibiotics and ANTIVIRUS (Zirax), the medicinal regime is taking place. Certainly no fun.

Last year I didn’t have my Baju Raya. So, this year I decided to lavish myself. Just pampering myself a little bit. Went out to Pekan Jitra today and with all the crowded people thronging the stalls (people are pouring into Jitra for ‘Balik Kampung’), I managed to buy 2 sets of Baju Melayu Cekak Musang (the last 2 and 3 years were lavished with Baju Melayu Johor); Purple and Turquoise color. In addition to that, I also bought a Baju Melayu ala Mini Jubah (mini robe) which is suitable to be wore at school on Friday. Now I don’t have to wear full suit of Baju Melayu on Friday! I hate wearing samping! I also plan to buy some beautiful/ serene-looking Robes (Jubah) I saw at Yawata tomorrow! Well….it’s not like I always pamper myself with wardrobes, right? (,”)

I also had an iftar tete-a-tete with Suhaizul at San Thai, a siamese restaurant opposite Taman Siswa just now. It was very nice of him to hurry back from Kulim site visit and from Alor Star pushing off to Jitra to have iftar with me; and addition to that treating me with the lavish ‘Ikan Siakap Masak Masam Manis’ (Sweet Sour), and Tom Yam delicacies! The ‘Sotong Goreng Tepung’ however wasn’t nice. The restaurant purposely CUT THE SQUIDS SO THIN that it feels like we were eating the flour instead of the squids! The squids were cut HAIR-THIN. Imagine that!!! Totally blacklisted. Bagan Lalang is still by far, HAS THE BEST ‘Sotong Goreng Tepung.’

Alhamdulillah. So far, I’ve been really make the most of this time to make up to my loss throughout Ramadhan. I’ve been  performing Terawikh Prayers and is trying to resume back to Al-Quran recital which was in a hiatus due to my poor health lately.

Anyway, for the past 20 years, this melody from a Japanese version of animated feature “Swan Lake” has kept been playing in my head. It’s like a subconscious lullaby. I remember that I watch the animated feature when I was hardly 7 or 8 years old. And now almost 20 years later, the melody is still reminiscing inside my head and I managed to find it via You-Tube! That’s what I like about You-tube. It’s a haven of bridges to the land before time! This animated feature was the rare masterpiece that was honestly devoted to the ones produced by Peter Tchaikovsky.

I don’t know why but the chorus part of the theme song melody is somehow etched and embedded in my head. Now that I have found the score, it is actually a score composed by Masashi Wakamatsu as the theme song to accessorize the original Tchaikovsky’s scores. It is called ” Ai No Mizuumi.” Oh…. to be able to hear the melody is like threading back to the childhood days. Miracle! Sometimes, I just wished I could go back to the olden days when I was a kid. Nothing to worry about except to be happy and carefree. Hmmm…. those good old days.