The final yard, bluff and blunders, and stinky socks!!

“O my Lord! Expand my breast; ease my task for me; and remove the impediment from my speech, so they may understand what I say” (20:25-28).

This recitation helped me to overcome a very bad case of stammering back in the day, and it took some perseverance on my part as well. Do keep in mind that God will not help those who don’t want to help themselves.

Only one way to say this......... it’s gonna be one hell of a long post. If you have the time, do check out ‘Asma Allah’ by Sami Yusuf. It’s a very good song and I keep on listening to it over, and over again at one time. Another one would be 'I only ask of God' by Outlandish.

As final exams knocks at your door you can only wonder as to where all the time went. Memories are still fresh of how the new semester started; I even remember my first day of campus quite vividly. Then, I was delusional that everyone followed university rules and protocol only to learn that it was all a farce. Right then, back to the present. Things are looking bright this semester, but then again it is most of the time until finals. The past few days have been unbelievably hectic, physically excruciating, mentally stressful, and not to mention a stark realisation of ‘oh hell!! We’re doing the same shit again and again.’ I have not had a more eventful week this semester than this one.

One of my strengths is the ability to express and articulate myself better than others. It must be because I can talk, talk, and talk some more until the cows come home. Anyway, the presentation for strategic management got a bit queasy at the end. We hadn’t stated recommendations for the company in which we had to analyse. But fear not, the report would be edited accordingly. Last Friday’s presentation took the cake easily by a mile. To make it short, halfway during the presentation there was a mix up with the slides because a presenter didn’t know how to return to the original slide after clicking a hyperlink. What followed was ‘esc’; then ‘start the ppt again’; and continue from the breakdown point. My heart was in my mouth with the thoughts ‘crap!! Now we’re really going to lose marks.’ We didn’t forget the corporate video. Yea, that’s how we roll!!! After the entire escapade, my lecturer said “very good presentation. You should have presented first to set the benchmark for the other groups.” Hearing this remark my ego along with the other members soared to Himalayan levels. It got me thinking as to how we actually pulled it through?? Are we so good at selling a bluff and not get caught for it!?! The answer was simple ‘hell yea, baby!!’

I have had it with my neighbour and his hygiene issues. I don’t care unless it affects me directly and disrupts my lifestyle. This dude removes his socks and puts them on the ledge outside my room. Mind you, he wears them to play, and then dumps it on the ledge outside my door. Can you imagine the pain and agony of having that stench hit your sensors every day? I found a solution for it. I bet you would do the same. I threw the socks off the ledge!!

O Most Compassionate, have compassion on our weaknesses

O Forgiver, forgive our sins

O Concealer, conceal our faults

O Bestower of honour, bestow honour on our Ummah

O Grantor of prayers, answer our prayers

O Gentle One, be gentle with us

Ameen!!!

p.s – If you see me wearing black trousers all the time just know that I have no clothes to wear except for 3 pairs of black trousers. The culprit is weight loss. My other trousers are like gunnies so, it wont look cool. After landing in the motherland, first thing is SHOPPING!!!

The return of a son...

In my head: O Fortuna by Mozart, a very powerful and uplifting composition. If you like classical music then this might appeal to you, if not, your missing out on good music. This reminds of the music that we used to listen as a psyche-up before rugby matches and drama performances back in the day.

So, on with the matter at hand.

He came back from home on Thursday to finish off a semester bogged down with a few sorrowful memories. Leaving for home two weeks earlier, little did he know of what was to come. I, being his friend hoped that developments turn favourable towards him. Making haste to board a plane out of Malaysia was the only thing on his mind. His father lies in hospital and diagnosed with two blood clots in his brain. News of this magnitude itself is enough to send shivers down anyone’s spine. The situation was made even more complicated by a protective and caring mother not telling her son all the information. Needless to say, she had the best of intentions towards her son.

Restlessness took its toll and the son decided to return home fearing the inevitable. I too feared the same because none have come out perfectly unscathed in a prior scenario. Before leaving for home his mind was not in the present and neither could he have cared. One could see how he waited so pensive, fidgety, and anxious to leave. I felt his body language saying “Dad, I’m coming now. I’ll be there next to you very soon. I’m coming for you, dad!” He made it back home and things were not looking so bright. Eid was spent in the hospital looking down on his father thinking if he would pull through. He even sent me an sms reminding how my Eid could have eclipsed his thousand times over, and still be much better.

On the second day after Eid, his father’s condition had become complicated and God took his soul. At the time news came I was in Singapore checking ticket prices to go back home. I felt this sense of helplessness and rigidity as never before. The son got the chance to bury his father, which was a blessing in disguise. It was one and half years since he had last been home, and the second time he went was to bury his father. How fickle life is, don’t you think so?

Now, it’s to look ahead and do what is necessary. Time shall extinguish the sorrow in my friend’s heart, and I will do whatever needed to make him better. After all we are mates for better or for worse, and in good times and bad. After his return, he is not the same person I have known for the past 4 years. I pray that God will make it easier for him, Ameen!!

Life is a never-ending cycle; most say it’s like a wheel. Many are the obstacles along the way; potholes, speed bumps, detours, and much more. The wheel adjusts its velocity to these situations accordingly and goes on its way, but it stops for no one.

Pieces of Me....

I feel like floating on a gust of wind
Far removed from present thought
Carried away in the occurring moment
Wrapped in a blanket of imaginary thoughts

I, at times feel bright and clear as day
Overflowing with energy, so much gay
Like the beating of a child's tender heart
Fragile entirely, but easily satisfied

I, at times feel dark like the night
Hollow, drab and ever so empty inside
Ignoring all that is surrounding me
Craving for solitude and doses of respite

I am a timely and periodic mood shifter
A chameleon portraying an array of emotions
Possessing masks that fit to any given situation
In spite of it all clinging to the rope of optimism

I am a realistically infatuated dreamer
Given the chance, even a suave romantic
In a fervent search of an elusive damsel
Ti'l my lonely life on earth comes to pass

The Baby Manual: An Unorthodox Version

Playing in my head now: What hurts the most by Rascal Flatts, Runaway (one of my favourites) by The Corrs, Nightingale by Yanni (one of my favourite contemporary composers) and Peace train by Cat Stevens (his music really gets to me. my #1 songwriter of all time).

Whenever, I come to JB there is something to look forward to. It's nothing more than seeing this enthusiastic toddler running about here and there. I must say, it is somewhat of a joy to see a child grow up; take the first steps; utter 'never heard of' sounds; and witness many antics up their sleeve from time to time. These small chaps know how to keep the adult mind guessing at all times, and guess what- they are winning!!! My job scope is like a parents assistant. Don't you think it kind of sounds professional? Here are a few tips for aspiring people in this ancient, but rapidly diversifying field.

Building a good rapport with the child is crucial for survival because the job task becomes easier. In my case except for the parents I am the only other related family member. Thus, I became an instant hit a long time back.

Building the child's mind is of immense importance. I have taught the boy how to do a "hi5." He has a mean one in which you can hear it go 'smack' when both our palms come into contact. Barney (a huge dinosaur character) is the latest fad for kids. The cd's contain numerous songs for the little ones, and I have sung along as well. Why?? It's quite simple really!! When 3 out of 4 people in a house start single there is nothing much one can do, but join the group. I even got the small chap to press some keys on the laptop, and hes quite good with the mouse for 15 month old baby, anyway!! Curiosity knows no bounds and inquisitiveness is at an all time high; he caught a bug and then broke its torso in two!!

The boy is an upcoming food lover in which I have a lot of faith. He is keen to try anything and everything that is seen on the table. Another proud Sri Lankan Malay in the making, but then again all Malays love food. He insanely loves Milo, and can tell by its colour. He cant be fooled and if not given kicks up a tantrum. Obviously, you don't have a choice then. Endowed with a good idea about the food he eats; the same thing cannot be given more than once in a day. A very picky chap, is he not??

A cute and cuddly expression makes you anything, but think before you do it. We are all at the mercy of their cuteness. I have never been so gullible when it comes to babies!! But ignoring those twinkly eyes and innocent smile is next to impossible. So, the bottom line is the babies win. If he runs to you because he is sleepy, then you have hit the jackpot. It means the kid 'digs' you like crazy!! It happened to me a few times and the feeling was indescribable. Here was a tiny boy with his head on one of your shoulders snoring away without a care. The only thing your thinking at that time is the child's safety, and absolutely nothing else.

Finally, the kids have loads of extra energy that seem to be expendable in gigantic proportions. I and his father are thoroughly worked out by chasing the boy around the house. He wobbles/runs along while shouting a language only other babies would understand. When you have a baby going to the gym becomes a thing of the past.

For more information do contact me. My gosh!! I sound like one of those children's TV presenters, but the only difference is I am a man!!

Everything has a price

What's playing in my head: many rivers to cross by Jimmy Cliff.

Before I continue, I would like to wish everyone a Eid Mubarak!! A day full of joy, laughter, reflection and remembrance. As for me, its been 3 years since I last celebrated Eid or any other festival back home. The time seems to blow away and one hardly even feels it. I am not certain about my chances of celebrating Eid would come any time soon. Being aware of your plight seems to make it easier to set free some emotions or feelings. Eid is a time for family and relatives; those who are most dearest to your heart, and mean absolutely the world to you. Frankly, that feeling is eroding like grains of sand passing through ones finger tips. Maybe its natural for my state, but then again maybe not.

It got me thinking as to why I'm whining so much?? I mean, after all its not like I dont have a place to go. I am so grateful to my 'adopted' big brother; that's what I call him anyway. I can turn to him for anything, and he is always there to lend a helping hand. I feel so sad about the people less fortunate during this time. Some are burdened with many difficulties and constraints that dampen their enthusiasm. The most shocking is hearing about those who died while returning home to celebrate Eid. The pain, hurt and anguish caused to the victims loved ones is incomprehensible. My heart goes out to all of them and also my prayers.

During these 3 years I have learnt an important rule. It applies to almost everything we do. In economics, it is referred to as opportunity cost. The underlying rule is that man cannot have everything, thus at times a few wants should be forgone for the sake of others. The question is how much a person will give up to actually procure something he/she deeply wants?? Answer to it is quite subjective from one individual to another. It also depends on the hierarchy of needs.

Everything in this world has a price. The million dollar question is do you have what it takes in order to pay the price?? The 'price' here does not necessarily have to reflect a monetary value. It can be psychological, emotional, physiological and many more depending on each individual.