INDEBTED

Distant Sound

2011-06-02T00:32:00.003+08:00

While driving at 100kph along the Puchong-Dengkil expressway, I noticed something.

The engine sound was not that loud anymore. Or was it just a feeling I have? It seems to grow distant.

I guess I won't need the air box after all. But we'll never know. Maybe it's just me being deafened and desensitized.

And driving the Mini barefoot is something that I just did today. It takes some getting used to, but I think I can handle it. Just needs to familiarize with the feeling while braking, when different pressure force is applied. Maybe I'll even try to execute controlled emergency braking while at speeds.

I cannot better the gas mileage just yet. I need a needle changeover, something I have said for a long time, since 2006 I think, but have not done at all.

Muzaffar A Grown Up

2011-01-06T12:22:00.003+08:00

Muzaffar is seven today.

And it is his third day in school. Standard 1.

He seems to have no problem adjusting. But I do fear whether he can cope with a hand too full.

But judging from his remaining energy at home, he seems able.

Hope he can be the best he can be, unlike his just-nice dad.

Happy Birthday Along!

Eat Ship Sleep Ship..

2011-01-03T17:11:00.000+08:00

A new decade is here.

As for me, it's been hectic. Thus anything about blog, I can't do much.

Currently, working life is all about ships. Think ship, breath ship, touch ship, watch ship, sleep ship.

Luckily I am ever so interested in them. Ever since I can remember.

We'll see whether the shipbuilding industry has anything in it for me.

My Next Car Is...

2010-12-31T17:08:00.000+08:00

I have such strong feelings for this car, much so I would probably have it as my next car.

But I do have to read a lot in forums or discussion areas before really jumping ship.

As I seem to read more and more about it, it seems like a friendly car. And quite cheap, as it is below market price, normal for a Korean brand.

It seems large enough for me and my family I think.

Don't be shocked or anything. It's just a normal car.

Yup, the first generation Kia Optima.

Although I might settle for a Perodua Kelisa (which looks so much like a Mini), since my wife's Wira works just fine all these years.

Kids Today

2010-12-28T15:58:00.000+08:00

Ever since he's back from his Aunt's wedding, Muzaffar kept asking about it.

He kept pestering us to buy it.

I am just imagining that he be contented with Windows based PC games. But have yet to intro it still.

Now he wants it as present for his 7th birthday.

Hmmm...

Bus Again

2010-12-06T11:08:00.004+08:00

After what seemed like forever, I boarded a direct bus from Dengkil straight to KL today.

I guess the last time I took the bus was probably in July. And that's already an on-off thing, irregular.

Nothing eventful happened. Less jam too. School holidays and tomorrow's public holiday helped too today.

Come next month, probably need to do something on STELLAR's road tax. I need to be mobile still, even while regularly car-pooling.

The Kirov Class Battlecruiser

2010-11-20T22:29:00.000+08:00

One of the greatest ship that ever exist today, has to be this one called the Kirov class battlecruiser from the Cold War era.

Currently only one is operating. But news are, they are going to reactivate the rest (I know there are a total of four, but I think I found five?)

It's so important, that the Americans reactivated their formidable-but-near-obsolete Iowa class battleship. And these ships are the best the Americans have during the Cold War.

Closer To Your Heart

2010-11-20T18:10:00.004+08:00

I probably have played this song a hundred times already this week.

FM sure wrote great tunes. Too bad they are not well-promoted as fellow Brit Def Leppard.

I can only write the chorus, there is no lyrics for such an old and unpopular B-sides-only song...

"Tell me what it takes girl
Help me to get closer
To your heart..."

I can never get enough of this song.

Picky Eater

2010-11-16T13:46:00.000+08:00

I am a picky eater.

I have always been.

I don't have any memory of eating durian, though I can remember eating eggs indirectly, as recently me being 10 years old. In the form of French toast.

And I remember not liking eggs as recently as 11, when I ordered fried noodles, "without eggs" being added.

I remember eating durian ice cream, and not liking its taste. That's probably the closest that I have ever eaten a durian.

But me being picky has been inherited. Both my son are picky eaters. Though the eldest probably is the pickiest. But I'll probably tell you about that later.

I Play

2010-05-24T18:19:00.002+08:00

I currently looped only these few songs.

Thought I'd Died And Gone To Heaven
Stand Up, Kick Love Into Motion
Home Is Where The Heart Is
Don't Shoot Shotgun

Just find out yourself who the artists might be.

No Multitasking Today

2010-05-22T23:03:00.003+08:00

Planned to go to work as well as send my car for repairs, especially with regards to the clutch.

But I only managed to do the latter today.

Tomorrow, work extra hours, I intend.

By the way, the repairs they managed to do, were to overhaul the clutch hydraulic system, the brake pump, replace the pedals and swap the starter motor.

From 1pm to nearly 8pm, the time they spent.

Phewww...

Comparo Ep1

2010-05-21T21:15:00.000+08:00

Been a while since I last updated something.

So I'll re-start the blogging fever again, by just making a comparison between two cars.

This will be the comparison between Warrior and Stellar's top gear speed at certain rpm.

At 1000rpm, Warrior = 30kph, Stellar = 28kph

At 2000rpm, Warrior = 60kph, Stellar = 56kph

3000, 90, 84

4000, 120, 112

5000, 150, 140

RPMs of 6000 and above are purely theoretical. Haven't reached those speeds.

6000, 180, 168

7000, 210, 196

8000, you wishhh...

That's all folks..

BZ

2010-02-14T01:13:00.001+08:00

BZ lately...

It's the project I'm part of that is to blame.

Later guys...

Weeding Operation

2009-12-20T17:03:00.004+08:00

I really abuse my fingertips.

It's the Operasi Lalang in my parents' house that is to blame.

But the operation was worth it. I mean, really.

It's an awful lot of weed that accumulate within 14 years. And I got it all out in 3 1-hour sessions. 2 of the sessions I do by myself.

And then, I washed the jagged brick tiles, or mostly half of it. Washing the mosses in between the bricks.

Next time, weeding the flower pots. This one may not take that many sessions, I think.

Acer Back

2009-12-16T21:41:00.000+08:00

My Acer is back.

I lost all data, by the way.

It's good though. I just probably need a new start. Though with the same laptop.

Acer Acts

2009-12-14T17:03:00.001+08:00

OK now my Acer acts up.

It won't boot up.

Probably a good time too, since it's still under warranty.

May head to the service center today.

Music Duration Test

2009-12-11T22:48:00.000+08:00

I have thought about doing a duration test to the Sony Ericsson Z530i under my custody (it's my mum's actually) to prove whether its worthy enough for a long haul trip. Entertainment is a necessity you see.

The battery, meanwhile, is not its original, but comes from a donor W300i damaged by the flickering WSOD (white screen of Death) courtesy of my youngest brother. This will also mean I will do another test using the original battery as well soon.

This test involves playing music from its fullest battery down to some percentage left, which may be necessary to do calls. It involves using the biggest available headphone, the bulky yet worthy Sony MDR-85 I bought in 1997, which still tops all my mobile entertainment stock in terms of sound and clarity. The volume used a majority of the time is 75 percent, which varies plus minus 8 percent mean.

Battery status starts at 96 percent, and ends around 20-ish percent.

By the way, I don't really listen in most of the time. I just start the test and put it aside.

The official result: 9 hours.

After the battery stabilizes, several minutes after music is turned off, the battery capacity is around 23 percent.

I can safely say I could bring the whole entertainment gear to a remote site anywhere within Malaysia West.

I may test a 100 percent volume duration test next.

WM To CM

2009-12-08T18:55:00.001+08:00

I feel so bored waiting for the LRT, I suddenly thought about this impromptu test I had wanted to do since long ago, but forgot.

I wanted to see how long is the whole trip from Wangsa Maju to Central Market LRT.

I even counted how long the doors opened for all stations.

These are the results.

Stopwatch starts when the doors slam shut at Wangsa Maju, till the door opens in Central Market.

Total time: 21 minutes and some seconds.

Duration of door longest: 45 seconds at Masjid Jamik

Duration of door shortest: 14 seconds at all stations from Setiawangsa to Damai, and Kg Baru

Duration of door others: 40 seconds for KLCC, 35 seconds for Ampang Park, 20 seconds Dang Wangi

Thank you and good night.

Decaffeinating

2009-11-25T14:50:00.003+08:00

I have to admit, I am addicted to coffee.

I drank quite a lot of that stuff.

Sometimes I see myself downing 4 mugs per day.

That's excessive.

So my first resolution for next year, less caffeine. Other than, less monetary expenses that is.

I have cut down quite a lot lately. Strictly one cup per day. Regardless of how healthy the coffee is.

Maybe in a week or two, I will have it every other day.

In time, once every three days.

Coffee's bad I know. But like Maya Karin said...

The Replacement

2009-11-14T18:48:00.003+08:00

Since Nik's absence, I have been contemplating on a replacement, albeit a much cheaper one.

And I have really considered a film SLR instead.

So a few weeks ago, I got me a Nikon F90.

This will mean that I have to be more careful everytime I shoot. No more playful snaps, only costly exposed rolls.

I even have processed my first film 2 weeks ago. I guess I will try to scan them whenever I have access to a scanner (like, at my parents' home).

But, I have to admit, I have hiccups at first, just like I used to back in 1997. But, lesson learnt.

Living Easy

2009-11-10T18:40:00.004+08:00

I am currently slowly getting rid of my hobbies, one by one.

The first to go will most probably be my Tamiya Mini.

Then the Shell Ferrari cars.

Then the car books.

And maybe my CDs and cassettes.

But I will still keep some. My Mini (yep it's quite a hobby), my Nikon.

But really, I have to ease off so much. I simply can't afford it anymore. I have to shed the excess baggages.

I guess it's just about time I start over.

Umrah Hair Still

2009-11-05T16:39:00.001+08:00

I can't wait for my hair to grow to its normal again.

But that's probably it.

It will remind me about my umrah session.

And I guess I will always..

Cult Favorites

2009-10-30T15:44:00.000+08:00

Lately I'm so into The Cult.

Ian and Billy did a great job. Though Britisher, they convey the Native American theme very well in their music.

And Billy's playing is very anthemic, it reminds me of Andy LaRocque sometimes.

So here's my The Cult playlist, and it's very suitable as a driving music.

Spiritwalker
She Sells Sanctuary
Love
Rain
Nirvana
Love Removal Machine
Wild Flower
Big Neon Glitter
Edie
Sweet Soul Sister
Soldier Blue

Yes I am still the hard rock type like I used to.

M Vitamin

2009-10-20T14:51:00.000+08:00

I don't update much anymore.

I guess mood changes. Obviously.

This needs some impetus. And I don't have any at the moment.

Or is this a lack of the M Vitamin? Maybe...

Old Habits Die Hard

2009-10-07T15:41:00.002+08:00

Two things I have yet to change.

Procrastination..

Impatience..

Hopefully I'll get over both by the time this posting is published.

Yearly Shave?

2009-09-25T08:28:00.003+08:00

It's been exactly a month, I think, since I shaved my head.

I probably liked the feeling, if a bit.

Maybe I will make it my yearly hair rejuvenation session.

It's also a way to check my bald spots, which thankfully, I don't currently have.

Tiny Likes To Drive

2009-09-22T17:10:00.001+08:00

Muzfirah, just like her siblings, loves car rides.

She's really relaxed while in the car, and in her bassinet. Yes, we had mostly no problem during Raya excursions. Except for some minors regarding his brothers.

Just like her brothers.

Lovely kids.

Yes, them investments..

Nik Is Gone

2009-09-19T20:05:00.001+08:00

I have sold Nik the D40.

And now I miss the mirror slaps.

I guess in no time, I will get another Nik.

For now, I am sticking to my Z my sister borrowed.

Salam AidilfITRI everybody!

Miss The Holy Land

2009-09-04T21:43:00.001+08:00

What I miss most during my umrah, are these few things.

Shaikh Sudais' emotional recital of the Quran during prayers
Being able to guzzle (yep) the Zamzam water anytime
Madinah's friendlier and less hectic life compared to Makkah
The masjid being full everytime
The cheap shopping costs

Maybe if AirAsia offers anything like a RM1000 per round trip, I will go again.

I think I am having jetlag. Hopefully this won't last.

Back From Umrah

2009-09-03T12:05:00.000+08:00

I am back.

And I brought a few things too. Including a Makkah flu. Heheh..

All in all, it was a very interesting trip, historical and very spiritual in nature.

I only wish I can go again.

But if ever I am allowed to choose, I'll definitely choose Madinah.

Umrah

2009-08-21T14:19:00.001+08:00

Will head for Arab Saudi tomorrow.

First stop, Madinah, for at most five days.

Then, to Makkah for probably a week.

Let's see how it goes.

Wow!

Briefs

2009-08-11T23:22:00.005+08:00

Siblings sleeping together. Note sheer size difference.

Up close, personal, and awaken..

Exciting New Beginning

2009-08-10T14:48:00.004+08:00

Been a while since I last updated.

So here I am, a father of three!

Muzfirah was born exactly 10 days ago.

She weighs 3.08kg, I would love to just say 3.1kg.

And we got ourselves a new house. We moved probably three weeks ago, if I remembered correctly.

Thus some changes needs making.

I am selling my gear. I already sold my long lens. And I feel like selling my Nikon D40 now. The remote control Mini will have to go as well.

Maybe my life will start over once again, but for the moment, I will have to let my daughter live her life first.

It's a sad end I know, but it's an exciting new beginning as well.

About To Move It Move It

2009-07-07T16:48:00.002+08:00

It's a worthwhile wait.

Finally we are living in our own home.

But first, grilles and cabinets are to live there first.

And hopefully before the end of the month we will be living there already.

Field Day?

2009-07-03T19:34:00.002+08:00

Finally, the wait is almost over.

We can almost step into our new house very proudly, and with the keys..

Now to think about, yes, the kitchen cabinet. And then the grills and metalwork.

Then, the rest.

Yes, kitchen cabinets are THAT IMPORTANT... with a capital T and I.

Missing HIM

2009-07-01T15:12:00.000+08:00

Still waiting for my big bro, to come home.

We miss you STELLAR!

Corded Life

2009-06-21T13:06:00.001+08:00

That's like life itself.

Lots of entanglement.

But we have to soldier on anyway.

And untangle it slowly.

And then you can enjoy the music inserted into your ears.

Lots Of Stuffs

2009-06-19T19:21:00.001+08:00

I have not blogged for five to six weeks already. It's just I am lazy to log in, that's all. One small but nice reason.

Lots of things happened lately.

Dad in law is hospitalized in IJN, and already had bypass surgery, and just discharged a few days ago. A total of close to 2 weeks of ward time.

My wife had two checkups. About three weeks ago, and we got to see our baby's face, and our baby even did a small stunt, by yawning.

I went to site, countless times.

We are awarded a new project, refitting a ship. And the shoulders are suddenly seemingly heavy.

The communication racks are assembled. Only a few things to slot in.

The Mini engine is slotted in and awaits one full week of leak test, in preparation of our new home. No oil to smear the driveway tiles hopefully.

And our home is near finished. Might get the keys next month.

That's all I guess.

OK need to prepare for Maghrib.

Tag The Screen

2009-05-06T16:40:00.004+08:00

Tagged by my dear wife.

Wallpaper of my office desktop PC

Click Print Screen so that the PC captures your desktop wallpaper
Do tell or write the reason you love this wallpaper.

I love my Nikon. And I wish to get that long lens someday, a-la Ken Rockwell.
Tag 10 people.
I tag my friends Azuhuri, Aisyah, Bastian. Three is enough lah... Hehehh..

It Costs More Than Two Bread Loaves

2009-05-06T15:28:00.002+08:00

Think this.

One rice and fish, cost me 4.5 ringgit.

Hmmm. What do you think?

I should be buying bread again.

But then again, I have always relied on bread.

I should just have coffee at that shop the next time I go there. The price is still fixed.

MeCD Not McD

2009-05-05T17:44:00.001+08:00

Been having this thought for a while already.

While I am not really sure about it, I'll just try it out.

I will go to The Mall sometimes this week. Probably when I visit the AutoMex exhibition in PWTC later this week or something. And register for a business.

It's not big. It's nothing, really. But here goes.

It's just a small start. But a start nonetheless.

Now I gotta warm up for my jam session.

Just Like In The Safety Ads

2009-05-02T08:55:00.001+08:00

Muzzammil did a stunt that nearly costs him his life today.

Yes, the inevitable dashing across the road.

He's so lucky to be alive. He's saved by my inlaws neighbour.

More description at my wife's blog entry.

We tremble at the thoughts.

Taxi In Calcutta

2009-04-22T09:55:00.001+08:00

Declared my tax filing today.

I should be paying about 80RM of tax money. Not much I know.

Lucky I stayed with the 11% EPF bandwagon.

Insomniac Me

2009-04-14T01:24:00.002+08:00

I cannot sleep after watching Hall & Oates live just now.

And then I opened up a folder of saved TV themes. That started it.

As a kid growing up in the 80s, those era still had a great influence to me.

When I reminiscent those years, especially when watching themes of old tv series, I began to remember those dreams I once had.

Watching the BJ And The Bear theme, especially, made me dream of living life as such. In a truck that is.

And I still remember a childish vow I made, of never to get married. Heh heh. Just living life as a lone ranger, I guess, and obviously, driving mammoth trailer trucks. Albeit probably with my brother as a companion rather than "Bear" the monkey.

BJ And The Bear, and the 1978 movie Convoy has so much influence in me, followed closely by, probably, Roy Scheider's Blue Thunder and Hardcastle & Mccormick. Ahhh those days rule.

Knight Rider, Streethawk, Airwolf, The 'A' Team and other more commercial releases don't stand a chance at all for me.

Another one, is the survivalist series Macgyver, and the alien favorite V. Marc Singer and Jane Badler were the stuff.

I can talk all day regarding my 80s heroes. Mike Hammer, Johnny Bukowski, Spenser,

Mark Thomas Miller in The Misfits is the coolest too. He shoots electrical bolts and runs like lightning.

And the guns and its toter in The Equalizer still make me want to be a justice seeker, like him, one of these days, especially in these complicated times.

Moonlighting, Hunter, Fall Guy, CHiPs, Buck Rogers, what else?

Oh yeah, the haunting theme of Robin Of Sherwood and Tom Baker version of Doctor Who made me think of living in hideouts too, as well as the character Sasuka in The Ninja.

And then there's the Perlman Hamilton love story, that so nostalgic Beauty and The Beast. I do think I fell in love, though with no one in particular, back then in 1986.

The heroes, Michael Praed, Greg Evigan, Erik Estrada, Will Shatner, Desi Arnaz, etc...

The heroines, Erin Gray, Mariska Hargitay, Emma Samms, Heather Locklear, Vic Principal, Cybill Shepherd, endless...

The decade closes, I think, with the father and son flick Starman, starring Robert Hays and his glowing marble. The first and the final episode has such an impact on me.

I can relax anytime watching these again.

Those were the days...

My Day

2009-04-07T08:47:00.000+08:00

A small happy birthday to me.

And yes, I still don't celebrate. It's just well, another day for me.

Into The Spillway It Goes

2009-03-31T18:15:00.000+08:00

Sometimes too much information leads to overflow.

And overflow drains thought.

A 9 hour meeting is one such occurence.

From 9.30am to 6.00pm. Imagine that.

And he talks too much too.

Yes, too much information.

It's so tiring that I gotta catch a few winks before I head home.

Time Worth Spending

2009-03-24T00:02:00.002+08:00

We had our own life.

But then again, we always had our own life.

We just had more time to see each other between classes.

But that's friends. Companions that used to have more time to meet up together.

Sometimes we have more time together. When we sat next to each other.

So having own lives may not leave you with more time with your friends.

But that little time you had left, is time worth spent.

Dedicated to Kudin, Asri, Amar, Mash, Bas.

Blissful Normal

2009-03-19T22:25:00.000+08:00

After quite a period of serious daily driving, I finally hopped on a bus tonight

And this is because I am just back from two almost straight weeks of working at site. And I dare not leave my car at the office, for fears such as parking fine, and the rest you all can imagine yourself.

But leaving it unstarted for a long while can be troublesome too. Lucky my mechanic swapped my mechanical fuel pump with an electric unit. Thus no fear of petrol starvation.

And it started the first time, though the cranking needs about 5 seconds.

Tomorrow it shall be another long 43km ride to the office, and another one at noon. Yes, it's half day tomorrow. All thanks to the company family day starting in the evening.

Their Future

2009-03-10T11:01:00.001+08:00

I am worried about my kids.

Here I am in Malaysia, where widespread gangsterism among kids are more and more exposed.

Kids gang-beating up each other doesn't need any excuse anymore. They can claim they are doing this purely for fun.

Then, the drugs. The smoking. The harassments. The sexual crimes. The biking gang.

That sadistic.. the world nowadays.

This too, is a catch-22 situation.

Other kids may know about violence, while my kids doesn't.

Should I expose them with violence, so they can be ready for it? I am not so sure, but part of myself tells me I should at least talk to them about it, just for the sake of preparing them to such situation.

But I know it's not right. More violence is not the solution to end violence.

First, I don't want my kids to be like them.

And then, I don't want my kids to be terrorized by them.

What can I as a parent do?

This has to stop, right here, right now.

I will think of a way, and contribute to whatever commitment to make this work.

Still Aching

2009-03-02T11:28:00.004+08:00

Ever since my suspected dengue/chikungunya scare last November, my whole body ached, even months later.

Obviously I don't feel like fasting at all. I didn't even manage to do the six day fasting. I just don't feel like it. It's that bad, the feeling.

So, after several month of not fasting, I finally feel I should try it out.

I didn't wake up for the sahur though.

Let's see how it goes then.

Speechlessness

2009-02-25T11:24:00.000+08:00

Is this somehow what I should regard as "rezeki anak"? Is there even such a word in English?

I don't know if I can even think of such a thing, let alone do it.

Well, here goes...

Got Tag?

2009-02-20T23:56:00.004+08:00

It is about time somebody tagged me. Even though it's only my sister.

1. Apakah benda yang paling penting dalam hidup kamu? (I will assume these are material things)

In order of appearance,

a Quran and a copy of the translation
a camera (ex), Minolta X-700
a Mini (ex), SYCLONE,
a collection of Mini magazines
a desktop PC at office
a collection of Konsumer newspaper
a desktop PC at home
a car, Proton Wira, I call it Warrior
a pair of Pro-Mark drum sticks
a car, Mini Clubman called STELLAR
an RC car, Rover Mini
a camera, Nikon 4600
a camera, Panasonic FZ5
a camera, Nikon D40 called Nik
a tiny student size guitar
a house we bought in Dengkil
an ultramobile netbook, yet unnamed.

2. Apakah benda terakhir yang kamu beli dengan wang sendiri? (anything goes)

papprika rice (a seemingly steep RM6)

 3. Di manakah tempat impian perkahwinan kamu?

the masjid

4. Berapa lama anda rasa hubungan kamu berkekalan?

I hope it lasts forever

5. Adakah anda dilamun cinta?

still do

6. Di manakah restoran terakhir kamu makan malam?

Restoran Raene's

7. Namakan buku terakhir yang kamu beli?

Two children's books for Muzaffar, Adab Dan Doa, and Sayang Muslim

8. Apakah nama penuh kamu?

Muaz Che Kamarrudin

9. Kamu lebih senang dengan mak atau ayah?

always my Mum

10. Namakan seseorang yang kamu ingin jumpa untuk pertama kalinya dalam hidup anda?

Bruce Lee

11. Sebutkan 8 nama sahabat yang paling rapat dengan kamu?

In order of appearance

Mohd Azammi M
Kamarudin I
Ahmad Nizam MA
Mohd Shukri Z
Mashuri M
Arman HAM
Intan SH
Bastian AM

 12. Adakah kamu mencuci pakaian anda sendiri?

under necessity (for purification, as an example)

13. Tempat yang paling seronok kamu mahu pegi?

England (the wealth of Mini spare parts available!)

14. Pelukan atau ciuman?

I am so into both

15. Butirkan 5 perkara tentang orang yang tag kamu.

the only girl
tiny-ish
jual jual jual jual
garfield hello garfield
kepakkkk

16. 8 perkara yang amat saya gilai.

Too many of them, had to choose what I can recall

Hudud
Jihad
Gold Dinar
Camera
Mini
My kids
My gadgets
this particular thing husband and wife do together (!)

17. 8 perkataan yang sering di ucapkan.

Ya Allahu Ta'ala!
As Salaamu Alaikum!
Power Man Five Thousand!
Huiyoooo!
Elo!
Opapa Omeme
Wee Hee!
Yaiyo!

18. 8 buah buku yang paling terbaru dibaca.

I seldom read book, thus the inclusion of webpages

Quran
Solat-Solat Sunat
Nikkor Lenses Brochure
Nikon D3 Brochure
Unexplained Mysteries
Why Things Are, Why Things Aren't
Ken Rockwell (web)
Thom Hogan (web)

19. 8 lagu yang saya boleh dengar berulang kali.

Def Leppard - Don't Shoot Shotgun
Bryan Adams - Thought I Died And Gone To Heaven
Mister Big - Never Say Never
Journey - Hopelessly In Love
Journey - Stone In Love
Lynch Mob - Sweet Sister Mercy
Hall and Oates - One On One
Peter Cetera and Amy Grant - The Next Time I Fall (In Love)

20. 8 perkara yang saya pelajari tahun lalu

About Diet and Exercise
About Budget
About Government Transition
About PTD Exam Studies
About Mini Fixing
About PBX
About ICX
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21. Mari men'tag' 8 orang lain.

In alphabetical order, I hereby TAGGED these people..

Aisyah D
Azrul Irwan AR
Azuhuri Mustakim MR
Engku Iskandar EZ
Mazlyda AR
Salman AW
Siti Haliza J
Suhaida S

Nice And Slow

2009-02-18T09:48:00.000+08:00

I do slow drives nowadays.

Like, very slow.

Like, 50. In an 80 zone.

Like, 60. In a 90 zone.

Like, constantly.

Not to worry too much though. I concentrate on the left lane, and even do it way before rush hour.

Like, around Subuh time.

You see, I was inspired by a series of fuel efficiency contests. First by the Isuzu D-Max. Then the Nissan Grand Livina. The latest was the new Proton Saga.

Thus I am only emulating what the contestants did.

I don't dare to dream of achieving such figures like the Livina or the D-Max's outrageous results of more than 50km per liter of fuel.

I am optimistic of only doing at least half that, though. Especially using STELLAR.

And while doing it using the Proton Warrior, I only hoped everybody are sleeping soundly the whole duration I cruised slowly, to avoid complains and the iconic "Are we there yet?!" questions.

If ever I get 25km per liter for both cars, I'll be happy to drive everyday.

New Gear

2009-02-16T14:44:00.000+08:00

I have long imagined owning a true portable machine, ever since I saw the tiny Toshiba Libretto way back in 1996.

I imagined using such a gadget as a true road-warrior, for usage such as web use on the go, while thinking I might do a bit of photo selection from my seemingly endless collection. Movies, music or games will also come in handy once in a while, for me or the family. Nothing heavy really.

I was made aware of such a genre of ultraportable notebook back in late 2007 or early 2008, with the InkMedia. Then OLPC, UMPC, EEE PC came out. The EEE PC was particularly successful, covering both world with attractive package and low price, albeit a bit restricted initially.

The genre then basically was altered to the simple term Netbook.

After contemplating for a while (read: a year), I finally settled on a Netbook after all.

It is one Acer Aspire One, in blankish white. The lucky shop is East Computech near the Air Kelantan site I work at.

I chose it primarily because Acer accepted Easy Payment Plan with zero percent interest for 12 months. The rest are primarily the storage, the easy OS itself.

Using it till the last drop of the battery, I was particularly amazed by the elongated duration I saw. 6 to 7 hours to be exact. And I did use it but still do feel too conscious about exhausting the battery anyway. Only thing about the battery is, it protrudes out a bit.

I actually expected it to be much lighter, but I guess such a thing will not be available just yet. A kilo still seems many.

Halcyon Days

2009-02-11T14:45:00.001+08:00

The Minolta X-700 was my first SLR.

I do miss using it. It's feel. The solid built. The smallish package. The aura.

And I miss the old photography days too.

I guess it's almost time to revert back, or something.

Me going to get a cheap enough film camera.

Here's my short list, a Minolta X-700 or the XD, or maybe a Nikon FM or F3.

The Minolta X-700

My Father's Namesake

2009-01-29T23:38:00.003+08:00

He was my best friend.

I was his too.

We lost contact way back since UPSR days.

I have been looking out for him for what seemed like forever. I even thought I got a glimpse of him way back in 1995. And I did call out to him, but him not turning around makes me think it's someone else, and didn't retry.

We have not met in 19 years. I had to see him.

And that we did. I guess we missed each other so much, we hugged.

Apart from his basically superior current height, I think I am so lucky he stayed true to his roots.

He is still a good friend, and I positively think he will always be.

Effin Buckle Up Will Ya!

2009-01-15T15:13:00.004+08:00

Anyone who does not buckle up, front or rear side of the car, is plain stupid!

I have buckled up rear side ever since I saw the first accident photo on the Internet, though sporadically, and I cannot remember when is that. And I went serious when I frequently went to site in 2003, and having to sit at the back.

Regardless of what position you are sitting in, you will get thrown out, and a merciless one at that. You may not crush somebody in front, but you may crush a pedestrian, another car's occupant, a biker, a toddler.

Just watch the vids. Warning, the first one have quite a squeamish content.

Muzzammil Is Two

2009-01-12T17:02:00.000+08:00

Happy birthday Muzzammil.

With his birthday, I resolute to treat them the best of my ability. To shower them with lots of love. To give tender loving care.

Them, including the soon-to-come baby.

Stay tuned. August this year, yeahh!!!

Boycott Till They TOTALLY STOP

2009-01-09T16:11:00.003+08:00

To my brothers and sisters in Gaza. My utmost prayers goes for you.

I have boycotted almost everything I should. And everything else I already bought, I will finish up and replace with something else.

And I wholeheartedly support the Halal Movement by PPIM and CAP.

Let's boycott to stop their invasion. Let's boycott to stop their colonization. Let's boycott to stop their attacks to Islam.

I am doing whatever that I could do now.

AND PLEASE READ THIS! Sorry for the cap letters, just trying to get yer attention.

Muzaffar Is Five

2009-01-06T13:56:00.002+08:00

Ultimately one high-FIVE!

I thought time runs fast! And I think I stayed the same. Still the same size, weight, height, car, bla bla..

Yeah, some thing's different too. Different house, extra kid, more house furnishing, longer hair, receding hairline, bla bla..

And my God he grew already!

I am thinking of the day he was born as I wrote this.

STELLAR Road Test

2008-12-27T15:15:00.000+08:00

Instinct makes me feel like taking a drive today.

The purpose is mainly about testing him after his latest repairs almost a month ago.

All was nice and cozy, other than one or two glitches, plus an overly warm moment in a traffic jam.

Read more about it here.

Incapacitated Rocker

2008-12-24T21:08:00.000+08:00

I do feel old now.

I think I am losing more hair than I should have.

God I am worried.

An ex-rocker (or probably still am) like me losing hair!?

Think Sean Killian in 1992 compared to the more recent live version back in 2005.

Or even better, think Rich Dean Anderson during Macgyver times compared to Stargate SG-1.

Or the best, think Kojak or Yul Brynner, all those eternal times...

Arrrghhh!!!

Far from serene isn't it....

Or was it the MSG I subconsciously ate these few weeks...

Aspiring

2008-12-17T17:56:00.002+08:00

I do feel jealous sometimes.

My office mates have their own laptops, and are blissfully surfing the Wi-Fi airwaves available just about anywhere.

I feel so left out.

In fact I am so jealous I am thinking of my Citibank credit card, and whether I should swipe it at the Acer branch opposite my Air Kelantan site for the brand new Acer Aspire One netbook.

Lucky I did not bring THAT credit card. It's all lust... hedonism... heck...

Niner

2008-12-14T20:08:00.000+08:00

Can't wait.

I just can't wait....

Worn Out Reverse Gear

2008-12-11T16:02:00.004+08:00

The 80s were my era.

It belongs to me.

That's why I can never leave it. It will certainly almost immediately came back to me.

Ohh! Those were the days.

The songwriting, the musicianship, the sincerity, the true heyday.

I can consider the Malaysian seminal band Alleycats as my first serious music listening, and that was way back in around the year 1986 when they are at their greatest. And up to now, most of their songs are still covered, and was never obsolete.

And my first serious listen at rock was the quintessential band Def Leppard and that was in 1988. And that particular album Hysteria was the best, and still is.

How about Ratt? Guns N Roses? I don't think anyone can top them, especially back in those arena rock days.

Who can forget screaming heavy bands such as Overkill? King Diamond? Metallica? They were all born in the early 1980s. The late 80s saw Vio-Lence, Sacred Reich, Forbidden etc. And that era was the best for all of these bands.

And who can deny the soul rock musicianship of Hall & Oates, and those jazzy sensibilities Sheila Majid, Chicago, even Toto?

Those doesn't include countless other I can only hope I have more time to listen and indulge.

I had to mention this. Punk and hardcore, too was prevalent in those days.

Though my listening diversified in the 1990s when I bought my first tape, it was still those based on rock. And the grunge movement didn't even make any difference. Besides, it's only a part of rock.

I have at times moved forward. But I will always pull that reverse gear and head back home.

Very Crunchy

2008-12-05T09:19:00.003+08:00

They say toasts are the best breakfast one can eat.

I read that probably a couple of years ago. I don't know who said it, but considering I read it in English, it might as well came from an Englishman of yore.

But bread has been a somewhat Muslim food too, especially in the Arab countries, since historic times. And I probably have a small percentage of Arab blood in me. So there...

Nevertheless, I love bread. And everyday it did for me.

For this week, it's been almost everyday that I ate toast, with one session as my lunch instead of breakfast.

At other times, I ate Kellogg's Corn Flakes. Nothing like the originators of corn flakes, Nestle doesn't even come close. With milk, it's a quintessential food of choice.

Back to toast, what I did was to buy a loaf of Gardenia bread, preferably the 3rm fibre type. And it can last for about 3 days.

We have a a toaster and a fridge in the office, and it's filled with jam spreads, Kellogg boxes, milk packs and a plate of Raya date, which I assume is still edible.

Usually the prefered choice of spread is the Orange Marmalade of the Chivers brand, though I can do with Strawberry or Raspberry too. Yes, it's sweet. Shoulda spread it thinner too, and it can be a healthier combination. Sometimes, I also spread JIF peanut butter or Goober of any combinaton. And mind you, one slice is only for one spread.

When I do feel like spreading the Planta margarine, I pour a fingertipful of sugar as a topping. Usually the amount needed for four slice doesn't exceed a teaspoon.

One thing though, never use one spreader knife for multiple spreads. You will ruin the spread in the jar.

Usually I ate four slices at any one session, usually mornings.

I don't feel like eating out anymore. I practically don't need to leave office.

No Kia

2008-12-03T20:43:00.000+08:00

I pledge to give up Nokia.

I already sold two of the three units I have, the 1200, and the 2300. I still feel like keeping the classic 6510 though, in case I need a backup.

But I will let it go too, but that's a later thing.

Why am I doing this? For one, my lovely mother gave me her Sony Ericsson, which is a fully welcomed change. Besides, it has MP3 Walkman features. I love!

Two, I needed the money.

Three, Nokia, I heard, contributes to the Zionist Jew. Being a Muslim I can only imagine the feeling a Palestinian do every day.

Tracii Guns

2008-11-30T17:09:00.001+08:00

Reading about all this crimes around me, makes me think...

I should get me a license.

And then get a Glock or somethin'.

Islam Supreme

2008-11-28T11:51:00.004+08:00

If there's one thing that is more interesting than everything else, it is the differences of opinion.

Differences of opinion has actually shaped the world to be what it is now. Or so I thought.

West vs East, Islam vs Others, Yoga vs Edict, Fatwa vs Constitution, Ulama vs Secularist, etc etc.

Those are a few of the big names in the news currently. Especially one of the four letter word mentioned above. Uh-huh...

We are entitled to our own opinion, so be whatever it may be. But there must be limits. And your opinion must take into account that others may not agree to it.

But in the end, it is Islam that matters the most. And nothing stood above it. Yoga all you can, but when you disregard Islam for the sake of yoga, do you think you are still a Muslim?

To put it a bit simpler, you actually put the yoga interest above Islam, as though that is more important than your own way of life, Islam, by making Yoga your way of life.

To put it in an even simpler form, you are with Islam (follow it fully), or you are not really Islam (follow only what you want, and reject the rest).

Yoga all you can, yoga all you want, but He the supreme being knows what lies in your heart. What your priorities are. And He witnesses every move you make, be it underground, above the skies, and He hears what you really think.

So do what you want. Fatwa forbids smoking, yet people still do it.

Yes I might seem like I judge, but I am actually just expressing my concern.

Priority is still the order of the day my friend.

One On One

2008-11-24T12:40:00.001+08:00

I am currently crazy about Hall & Oates song, ever since I ignorantly heard it years ago, and actually stumbled upon again just a few days ago.

This is one of a few song that you need to close your eyes and just feel the music.

Here is the live version, way back in 1983. Apparently there's lots.

Enjoy!

Meal Issues

2008-11-20T17:38:00.002+08:00

This is one tip if you traveling low budget, a-la Air Asia dot com.

If you feel like eating at LCC-T to escape the so-called expensive in-flight Air-Asia meal, forget it. You are better off eating at KL Central, and it's not that cheap either there. Or order something eat-in, or take-away at those nearby KL Central, and eat discreetly in the Skybus.

In both cases, the in-flight Air-Asia food is only marginally higher in price than the ground level equivalent of LCC-T. Like my example, my KFC two (2) piece chicken and a Milo drink costs me 11.90 or so. On board, the price of a more-fulfilling Pak Nasser's Nasi Lemak plus a Pepsi can costs me 12 sharp. But then again, by looking at the too-enticing picture of a catalogue meal, I don't really know what the Nasi Lemak actually looks like in real life.

I'm better off eating on-board. Besides, I get to feel the kick of being among the really exclusive few. Hehheh..

Melody

2008-11-19T12:39:00.002+08:00

Stumbled upon this ballad just last night.

To my wife, listen to this, for this is for you.

Bee Ohh

2008-11-17T10:39:00.000+08:00

Sometimes while on the bus or LRT, I have this strong urge to just do a sales pitch in-situ to all those Bangladeshis or Indonesians with bothersome body odor to buy this particular Amway deodorant I use.

Don't they realize what's going on, what is really happening?

Right now, my small solution is to use the wrapped hotel soap pieces I usually take home with me, and smell it when things do get in the negatory.

Some Things Need Two Repair Sessions

2008-11-12T16:09:00.006+08:00

The night I got the first bus, I went back home dragging my bike with a flat rear tyre.

Yes, for a week, I have to walk. But it's okay. Exercise's good anyway.

So two nights ago, I tried to repair the bike, with a tube I once used.

It proved futile, for the tube lets out air faster than fart. Unfortunately, it farted sometimes later that night, and I got to know it only the next morning.

Dang! Walking again!? And I'm late for the first bus...

So yesterday, I bought a new tube, and later that night, I re-repaired the rear tyre.

It didn't happen anymore, fortunately.

So today, at 5.30am, I departed using the same route I use, and prayed at a musalla near the bus stop. And I waited for the nice first bus as usual.

Please RTFM

2008-11-06T07:48:00.003+08:00

For those owners of anything, like, anything at all, it pays to read your user manual.

Or at least, read about the page mentioning about optional accessories.

It works for me to know exactly what I wanted when I buy.

In my case, my handphone. I happen to go to Uda Ocean near Jalan Petaling last week, and I thought about buying a handsfree kit.

At that time, I don't know a thing about the suitable one for my phone.

Neither do the shop owner! He seems to be clueless about the right type or model of the kit for my 1200 Nokia. He simply attempted to plug in one unit that I know was for phones from 4 years ago, labeled HS-7.

When the phone displayed "Enhancement not supported" I simply said, this one won't work. He said it will.

I just knew it won't because I have just that model for my old 2300. And it is not recognized by the 1200.

When I said it won't work, once again, he just dismissed me. Never mind then...

When I came back home, I went through the manual, for the first time. Hehe... And it should have been, a HS-47 instead.

I simply will not believe anybody so easily anymore.

Arriving In Style

2008-11-03T11:41:00.005+08:00

I finally did it!!

I got the first bus today, after more than a month of trying.

Since my car is still under repairs, I use my bike, as usual, and departs from home at around 5.45am.

At 6.05am, I arrived at the bus stop, and just waited for the bus, which arrived at 6.11am.

Phew!

The LRT ride was very relaxing too.

And I arrived in style, just like in those days within this years' fasting month, at 7.40am.

Let's do it again already!

River Of BNM Notes

2008-11-02T16:57:00.003+08:00

All four of us went outing today.

Where did we go? Sungai Wang Plaza.

Actually there are two highlights.

One. The Monorail ride. The kids love it. They can't help but look outside and see things like buildings, cars down there, or the rail stations.

Two. The wife's new phone. Err this one's classified. No more to say. Hehheh...

There are hiccups as well.

I was irritated mainly by my sinusitis, which worsens in the afternoon.

And of course, both of them kids displayed their usual antics, which was fine up to a point.

And the most disappointing thing to me is, bringing my camera while forgetting the quintessential memory card. This, adds an extra 1kg of burden to the ancilliaries bag without any purpose at all. Major breakdown this.

Muzzammil practising public transport tips, before going to work later next month..

Bike Routes

2008-10-30T12:44:00.000+08:00

I just felt like showing you guys my bicycle routes I use to catch the 6.40am morning bus.

Legends are :-

Red Line for Route
Green Box for Origin
Blue Box for Destination

And here's a description.

From Jalan P11 A2/5, enter Lebuh Sentosa. Ride downhill towards the bridge.
When you passed the bridge, use the newly constructed exit ramp to enter Persiaran Utara (you will ride against traffic, careful).
Head towards the motorbike lane beside Persiaran Utara and enter. Exit motorbike lane at end of field at left of motorbike lane.
Ride downhill Jalan P9G until 3-way traffic light, and cross Jalan P9.
To minimize sweating, walk uphill Jalan P9 with bike until 4-way traffic light. (this walking is like an exercise cooling-off, as far as I can feel)
Turn right to Jalan P9B and head towards the nearest bus stop.

This is probably the easiest route, among most I've tried. Yes, there are at least four options to choose, which I will not cover here. You can check the map and imagine the other three or more options.

Reverse the order to head back to Origin.

Wa Shing Ka

2008-10-27T17:16:00.000+08:00

We spend the weekends both at Seremban and USJ this week.

So while I am driving my mum to send stuffs to friends, I contemplated on sending my father's veteran Toyota Camry for washing.

Yes I am lazy. And I have lots of reasoning.

Actually what I especially emphasized was on the interior vacuuming. Yes, it's too neglected, I just think I should do something or ask somebody to do it.

So off I went to SS19 and was having high hopes.

But then I do think the paint oxidization on the roof and the trunk might not come off so easily.

Thus, maybe I will have it polished next. I don't know, when budget permits..

The Rain Will Always Be There Anyway

2008-10-24T09:32:00.002+08:00

Of all times, the rains usually occur around the time I travel to and from work.

So, it coincides with, most of the times, my biking trips to and from the bus stop.

Then, I cannot cycle. Thus, I have to wait for the bus.

And the buses were unreliable. At 6.50am, the first bus arrived. And I wanted to catch the 6.30am RapidKL at Precinct 9.

Fat chance.

I don't really mind enduring the rain after work. But it's a no-no when I am going to work.

The last thing I need is fever, from the rain.

Open Offices, Houses, Surau And A Wedding

2008-10-23T17:36:00.000+08:00

There will be lots of Raya invitations these few days.

I endured two Open Offices today.

There will be one tomorrow. The one our office will organize.

And then, several open houses the day after.

A wedding and an Open Surau on Sunday.

I just hoped I stayed at 58kg on Monday.

Tunnel Vision

2008-10-17T12:54:00.000+08:00

Sometimes, I experienced this personal form of tunnel vision.

I think the PC monitor in front of me looks too far away.

Sometimes, the water cooler looks like it's a kilometer away.

Probably it's the aftermath of the dengue scare I got a week ago, I don't know.

Not The Usual Fever

2008-10-13T17:00:00.004+08:00

Took MC the rest of last week.

I was actually suspected as having dengue.

So it's not the usual fever. I was lucky I guess.

So from Tuesday up to Friday, all I did at home was, lying down. And when the time comes, off to the clinic I go.

Everyday at the clinic, the usual routine was to go to the lab to have my blood extracted for tests, and then wait for the doctor to inform me of whether I should be warded or not.

Lucky, I am for all week, saved from being warded, all thanks to bottles of 100+, some Ling Zhi pills, and crab soup.

Needless to say, I don't like all three, but I have to take them anyway.

By Friday, come the good news, that my platelet count was over the "sick" limit. So starting from that day, I can Raya...

A Week Of Warmth

2008-10-06T13:43:00.000+08:00

Yes it's a Raya week.

But I don't really get to enjoy most of it.

I was actually down with fever come third Raya.

I felt so disabled. It's quite a hot one, and my body seems so weakened.

Traveling from Terengganu to Seremban was fully taken over by my wife, as I am unsure I could even watch the road properly.

The least I could do was enjoy the first two days of Raya, and that's good enough for me.

And today, I do try to come to work.

My Visual DNA

2008-09-24T10:22:00.001+08:00

Morning Beamer

2008-09-21T12:26:00.000+08:00

A nice beaming little face is all that matters sometimes..

Perfected Ways

2008-09-19T09:02:00.007+08:00

After going halfway through, here's what I can more or less talk about the perfect sahur and fast break.

The perfect sahur, for me, is waking up 2 hours before Subuh, and having a small drink of water. Then go straight to the bathroom.

10 minutes after bathtime, I will have some snack or two, anything that I like. Things that makes me crave for more, like a nice warm biscuit or two, or more. Or some bits of chocolate. Hmmm! After the initial taste shock the mouth waters and I think it's around 10 minutes before actual mealtime.

As the stomach warms up and all the blood flows normally, then you eat. Usually this is done 1 hour before Subuh.

As the Subuh nearly arrived, I will sip some warm water. Yes, plain sipping, one or two swallows only.

Then, off to work! Yes, it's barely 6am. The road will fill up in no time nowadays.

.
.
.

OK, now about the perfect fast break.

The perfect break is with water. A cup or less is good enough. Then I took my bath, and do my prayers. By the way, I prefer sugar cane juice. Or grass jelly (cincau). Very rarely, I start with the tamar.

As the stomach warms up again for the main course, I will start eating. Slowly at first. This is usually within 40 minutes after the break. I will eat the best part first. Like, the very enticing hot and spicy anchovies (sambal bilis) my wife sometimes cook, or the simple fried fish, whatever I think I should take first. Eat slowly. Steadily. While watching the news.

If any sugar cane drink this is available, I will drink more. And probably delay eating for an extra 20 minutes.

Then it's Isha. Finish whatever I can, and go pray.

I will probably sleep early during fasting months but this is not always the case. It's the nighttime things people do that renders me unable to sleep. ;)

Debut Tarawih

2008-09-17T15:33:00.005+08:00

I hate to admit this.

But I just actually started my tarawih last night.

Yes, that bad.

I'm just lazy I think.

Hope it'll last till the last night of Ramadhan.

Lifeblood Of Evil

2008-09-16T11:45:00.000+08:00

My colleague just told me about what happened in America.

It seems inevitable that something disastrous is about to happen.

The Lehman Brothers predicament suddenly made me realized, something must be done to my Citibank balance.

Coincidentally UOB did offer a balance transfer a week ago. Might do just that sometimes this week.

Cavitated

2008-09-13T17:52:00.001+08:00

Muzaffar has got a big cavity in one of his tooth.

I am so worried.

It's very visible. And I think it emits blood once when I brushed his teeth.

One thing though, no complain yet about pains or whatever from him.

Only one thing lingers in my mind, that I must send him to the dentist by this week.

Wish List

2008-09-10T15:25:00.001+08:00

Yummy wish list this one.

For Nik the D40

Nikon SB600

Nikkor 12-24 AF-S

Nikkor 75-300 AF-S

Nikkor 18-200 AF-S

Nikon Remote Control

Another body to be his brother, maybe a used D70s?

Not to mention, a point & shoot Nikon Coolpix for dear wife.

One can never be satisfied, can't they?

Being Healthy Again

2008-09-06T11:23:00.001+08:00

After several months without medication, the rhinitis/sinusitis came back.

So I decided to eat vitamins once again.

It's nothing much, and I don't really follow the dosage, considering the costs involved. It comprises of a 4 Nutrilite tablets, which are a multivitamin called Daily and three vitamins B, C and E.

I started about 3 weeks ago, and I think most of the symptoms are gone.

I think I don't get anymore canker sores too.

So that's it, lack of vitamins!

I sure hope this health is long-lasting.

I would recommend anybody who suffers to take vitamins instead of medications, which I am a bit phobic of, considering the chemicals that the body will undertake.

Permission To Eat Less

2008-09-05T09:04:00.002+08:00

Like last year, we have decided that we must minimize our visits to the Pasar Ramadhan.

And I stopped breaking fast at hotels, unless invited. If I do, I will only eat the things that matters, like, crabs. I love!

I am already used to eating less when eating sahur, and even lesser come maghrib.

I think my stomach already shrunk in size for more than a year or two ago.

Besides, it's a way to save. Obviously...

Few Days Of Fasting

2008-09-02T18:14:00.001+08:00

First day of fasting was uneventful.

Not really for second day though. Me and a colleague need to go to Penang for a site visit.

So this morning at 2am, we headed to Penang, anticipating arrival of at least by 8.30am.

But it's okay, no major works are involved. It's just a visitation to bid a tender.

One more good thing is, office hour will end at 4.30pm instead, compared to last years' 5.00pm.

Tiny Car Blog

2008-08-29T17:24:00.000+08:00

I have decided to move away STELLAR's entries into a separate blog.

If you are interested, please visit it here.

Missing Her...

2008-08-26T17:05:00.005+08:00

Feel so nostalgic today.

Sometimes I feel like going back to Kalamazoo.

I somehow missed those days there.

Those chills and greyish climate color in winter, those fallen leaves in fall, the university life, the friends, the classes, the MSO, the long walks, the Kalamazoo Islamic Center, the trips to Chicago, the town Kalamazoo, Meijer, Crossroads, Norman Camera, North Kendall Ave, the Dearborn Masjid, the Sears Tower at night, the CDs, the interstate flight, the Islamic Society, the bus rides, the train rides, the peaceful sleep, Hale-Bopp comet, the cameras at Norman, Waldo library...

I don't know. Sometimes I'm just like this..

Bukittinggi Trip

2008-08-24T23:29:00.000+08:00

Yes, it's different from the Malaysian version, it's a single word.

Words cannot describe how nice the food was there. Scrumptious maybe? One thing for sure, there's an abundant amount of food.

And small plots of rice field are everywhere. And the rice are not seasonal. The farmers independently farmed their rice regardless of the time. So rice is always enough.

Lots of fishpond too. Mostly beside houses, or rice fields.

And most of our entourage feels healthier there. Probably because the food is really organic, so to speak.

The highlights are mostly

all the Minang style houses
Japan tunnel
Pasar Atas, Linduang Bulan, Putri Minang (the shopping haven)
the food, yep, most of the eating sessions anyway
the quick-opening goods hawker (more shopping)
Tracking the old and intermittent Dutch railroad track
all the waterfalls
Danau Maninjau and the 44 Corners
Gunung Merapi and the views
the abundant rice fields, with all sorts of color

A few downsides though, my camera passed yesterday, together with the seat I occupy on the bus. That was followed by a good bout of runny nose later that night. Must be the rain.

But that's okay. I fell in love already.

The boys at LCCT, anticipating the exciting flight to Padang

The famous Nasi Padang, on the first day. Surprisingly delicious, and organic.

One of the first stops, this particular waterfall alongside the Padang-Bukittinggi road.

The uphill rail track from the Dutch era days

Minangkabau Tourist Information Center

The multiple rice field, from all stages of progress.

Lake Maninjau

Japan Tunnel,

Almost everybody at the Jam Gadang (Clock Tower )

Me-Me

2008-08-22T20:41:00.001+08:00

Muzaffar is an advanced kid now. Or so I think.

So now, Muzzammil is next.

Actually he can speak, sorta.

Dad: abah
Son: a-bah
Dad: mama
Son: ma-ma
Dad: abang
Son: a-bah
Dad: kakak
Son: ka-kak
Dad: atok
Son: a-tok
Dad: uwan
Son: wa-wa
Dad: adik
Son: a-wa

I think he just refuses to pronounce the word "adik". He used to shriek a longish "adik" everytime I bathe him, but that was like early this year or so. So he must know.

Dad: muzaffar
Son: pa-pa
Dad: muzzammil
Son: me-me

But I love it when I came back home, when he usually will greet me with a loving "abah". And I will be very disappointed when I came home, and he is already asleep.

Caught In The Studio

2008-08-17T11:20:00.004+08:00

I guess I won't be doing this next Tuesday with my colleague.

I'll fly to Indonesia instead.

But that's awright, I can still air-drum!

Nervous Brake Down

2008-08-15T15:46:00.008+08:00

I feel like a fever is coming.

It's very apparent when I reached the masjid for my Friday prayers.

It's the feeling when you first feel restless, and the body seems warmer than the usual.

Then comes the bits of nausea.

The stomach churns. You think you oughta go to the loo.

Loss of appetite.

Mouth seemingly dry, and it loves it.

Neck feels some tingling.

Does it have anything to do with the office aircond getting broken? It's getting hotter and hotter these few weeks.. Or...

Does it have anything to do with the upcoming PTD exam?

Does it have anything to do with the fact I hyper-anticipate whatever that is coming, when I drive the brake-less STELLAR this morning?

Yes he ain't got no brakes, other than the handbrake. And it takes lots of guts, and a very early morning trip. Yes, the cold wind seeping in the side glass, and the cold water I took bath with. Hmm...

I do admit that I do drive him, whatever his condition is. I just need the extra guts, extra car distance, extra numbers of downshifting gearchanges, and lots of pulling up the handbrake lever, while taking extreme care if it's wet.

Gotta do something about this fever t0-be, and also the brakes of my mate.