Meeting a Friend

I can't think right at this hour. I'm preparing for an interview for a research grant tomorrow and decided to deposit a very significant moment today. I'm in Kuala Lumpur at the moment for the said interview and apparently, there was a plan to meet a friend who was out in the cold for a good nine months or so.

It's so good to meet up with someone after that period of time. The knowing smile. The unsaid gladness painted all over the face. Face gleaming. Grinning. Then came the usual what have you been up to and all went into top gear from there.

A bubbling sensation was felt when she began to share how she'd overcome the oft-encountered patronizing behaviour of the so-called men and women of science; people calling themselves scientists and academicians. I'd prefer the term politico-scientist. Never mind me, I'm thinking weird at this time.

On and on she went about the environment, about choices in life, and family members of course. Also, her preparation and application for the Chevening scholarship. Go girl! It was a rather short reunion which lasted the trip from the Institute of Medical Research to Mid Valley City (I'm not sure how far though). What I got? Great feelings and a first day cover; the latter being the (in her words) the most valuable item in her room [located in a rather old student residential hall, I may add].

Next I met up with another friend in Klang, the place one could find the famed bak kut teh or pork rib herbal soup. There were lots of food and catching up to do. Laughs and walkabout highlighted the meeting. Didn't know I'd see another down to earth and simple outlook towards life in the mean world. I've got to better myself rather than complain on and on and did nothing.

Unforgettable trip I reckon.

Trigger Happy Wanderlust

love it. not so good at it.
good eyes. lack of ideal settings though.

am seriously thinking off backpacking around the country after graduation (which is a distance away) and which means I have to start saving which I already have. speaking of which, I wanted to snap some nice photos - of places and structures and not faces.

i remembered once in my sophomore when I was asked to do a write up on my choice of archaeological sites in southeast asia -- to digress a little; archaeology lecture was fun even though its just to fill the credit quota. thoroughly informative and interesting. too bad i missed excavation and practical since they're offered for though choosing to do minor. back to photography, not sure if I'd own a DSLR or just a humble digital camera, mobile phone camera, plus GIMP to finish it. the latter seem realistic i reckon.

someone suggested writing a memoir. maybe a few more years, yeah? time to dry the wings and fly already? you bet.

good memories. disorganized compilation (this is an oxymoron, by the way)
great plans. unsure where to start.
am excited. real excited.

Strengthen harmony, learn acceptance

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has called on Muslims and the people of Malaysia to strengthen harmony and break down any prejudice for the sake of the future generation.

"Let us make use of occasions like this to restore and strengthen relations among us Muslims and among us Malaysians," he said in his Hari Raya message.

Najib also called on the people "to repair the existing bridge and to expand it by building new ones."

"Let's break down the walls of prejudice, hatred and apathy for the sake of our children's future," he said.

More here

Another Aidilfitri (Eid ul-Fitr) address from the Prime Minister. Whilst inspiring festive messages abound through the years, can't help but think that it's only meaningful for the 15 minutes broadcast and forgotten soon after.

One should always be aware that disrespectful behaviour - whether a 'spur of the moment' thing or otherwise - could bring about feelings of discontentment and tension. Although the Eid is all about forgiving and seeking forgiveness (as are other mirthful festivals celebrated here), let not harmony be a once-a-year affair. No more senseless hollering and/or parading with an animal head. Yes, break down the walls of prejudice, hatred and apathy but don't stop and stare after the walls crumbled. Don't stare at the other guy but learn to live together; accepting and respecting his/her rights as a human being.

After 52 years, infantile screams and demands are unacceptable. Let cool heads prevail. I'm waiting to sup with my dear friends at another friend's Raya (from Hari Raya; day of festivity) open house. Ah, come soon 25th for I can't wait any longer.

And I Wish...

The festive mood is upon us again. And after countless laugh-filled fast-breaking sessions with the mates from the lab, now we get an invitation for a feast come the month of Syawal. Shout outs to Mimi, Asyura, Firdaus, Firdaus, Shameem and Farid. Not forgetting their boss Dr Zary Shariman and my boss Dr Normi; this Eid her first with her hubby.

Ah, the thought of scrumptious food...

Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Maaf Zahir dan Batin

We Remember

the billowing smoke
the lives snuffed out prematurely

the crumbling buildings
the shattered hearts

the sombre mood
the quiet cries
the inconsolable grief

we'll remember that life is precious
wherever. whenever.
to heal, reconcile and move on.

(Photo from here)

The Ever First Time I Saw Your Face

The first time I ever hugged you
and felt your heart so close to mine
the first time ever I saw your face
I just wanted to protect you
and help you through the hungry years
because you're part of me
for you are special, a miracle from above

The first time ever I carried you
I'd been waiting for the moment for years
I thought it would not come.
Gladness, joy and thanksgiving filled my heart
The first time I ever saw your face.
You're the angel from the above
only God creates such perfect love.

So be free, spread your wings
a whole new world is waiting for you

By one C. Wong in today's Heart and Soul column of the Sunday Star; inspired by the Roberta Flack song (The Ever First Time I Saw Your Face).

And I've always wondered why there exist people who couldn't appreciate life whilst others struggled to conceive.