Everyday Hero

Yesterday, when my mom was driving to school to pick up my brothers, we saw this little kitten on the road. It was an inch away from being crushed under the wheel of this fast moving car. The kitten went tumbling forwards due to the force of the wind and there were like even more cars zooming past! I felt my heart my was about to burst. My mom swerved to the side of the road, stopped the car and immediately got out of the car. She was just a few steps away from the kitty when this teenager walked cautiously across the busy road, picked up the poor thing and brought it to safety by the side of the road. I couldn't have been more awed at his heroic and rare deed.

All the way to school in car, I was thinking how much it was my instinct to save the cat but inside me, all I was thinking was there, there would probably be someone to help OR it's too dangerous. I guess this was what crossed other people's mind too, that's why eventhough there were so many people at the pavement, no one did anything. Until now, I can't stop thinking of what that guy did. Such a brilliant move to trust his instincts.

I guess that's what it means to follow your heart; that the first thing you think of is usually what's right:)
My mom said that act sort of portrayed the type of person he is. People show their true colours when they are under pressure or stressed or in a situation.

~nadhirah
nine thirty six post meridiem
fifteenth january two thousand eight

My Treasure

Moments are temporary but memories are forever...

10 years ago, I received my first ever letter. I remember very well I was sulking on the sofa when my mom gave it to me. At that time, being 8 years old, I was upset that I had no sisters and I always felt so left out whenever my brothers got together and talked about 'boys stuff'. Computer games, remote-controlled cars... I mean, sure I played them too but then again, none of them would play dolls or cooking (masak-masak) with me.

Dearest Alia, it began. The letter continued revealing my mom's side of her story: how even though she has 2 older sisters, she still fought with them when she was young and that even if I have sisters, it doesn't mean that I would get along with them. After that, I kept on writing letters to my mom; even though we live in the same house and always see each other. Sometimes I would slip my letters into her planner or her books, or leave them on her desk so that the next day, she would wake up and find them. I wrote when I had problems, when I just felt like thanking her, when I wanted to tell her how much I love her.
When my dad was outstation, I remember saying how wonderful she has been looking after us without my dad around and her warm reply was that; it was her pleasure:)
My mom wrote long letters and short letters. Once, when I came back from school, I found a letter on my desk: Just wanted to tell you how special and neat your room is. Love, Ummi.
Getting attention from a mother isn't easy when you have 5 other brothers. Sometimes when I wanted to talk to her privately, one of my brothers would come barging in. After that, I resolved to communicating with my mom through letters. It had become our thing.

I stopped writing to her when I became a fully-fledged teen (as my mom says it. lol). Simply because I could talk to her whenever I wanted to. My brothers are older now so they aren't that... demanding. (haha!) In my mom's published parenting book, she wrote about communication and she included my letters inside too (there's an excerpt in there from one of my writings. hihi). Anyways, I still continued letter writing. When I was in Secondary 2, there was this... elf creature (as she describes herself) who wrote to me almost every single day. Even though she sat next to me and even though we see each other all the time, we still wrote letters as long as a WHOLE page (or even two!) every day. Until now we haven't stopped writing even though she's half the globe away.

I've gotten letters from my childhood friends, my primary teachers, friends, classmates:) I've received letters which made me cry; due to both sadness and happiness (the elf's last letter before she went and Aki's letter on my birthday). Letters which made me mad and upset (ahaha. Really!). Letters which made my heart constrict and felt like it's going to burst. I've gotten letters which made me laugh and smile; and these are the best letters ever:)

I have two whole filled up folders of letters. One of the sweetest of my friendship began with letters. My birthday request is always for a letter *hint hint* lol. Letters has become an important and the most treasured item in my life. They are personal. They speak of the feelings of a person. People take time to write letters, means they take time to remember you. If I was feeling so miserable one day, it takes just one letter to perk me up and make me so happy for the rest of the week:)

I guess emails can be considered as letters too; but my most favourite are unexpected handwritten ones (ultimately and without a doubt, the best). Especially if they are sent through the mailbox (usually this is from the elf).

Want me happy? Write me a letter:)

~nadhirah
eleven fourteen post meridiem
twelfth january two thousand eight

KPP Comp test!

So I have finally taken my KPP Computer Test! Two days ago. I had been telling myself to study or take the mock test on the CD; but I've been putting it off and told myself I'll study the next day or something (this went on for a month!:P) So just the night before my real test, I switched on the computer and tried the mock test. I didn't read anything before that and haven't done any questions. So for the first time, i got 82% which was a GAGAL!>_< style="font-style: italic;">Basha'!

A lot of people told me that the computer test can be done either in English or BM. And since the question book and KPP book was in BM, I just thought that (as much as English is WAAY easier than the BM), I was more used to the BM (or what if the English is ambiguous??). So in the end, I decided that I'd take the test in BM. When I do it in BM though, I'd have to read it like about 3 times before I understand what the words mean; since I read English more, obviously I need some time to comprehend Malay words. Lol.

Anyways, on the day, I reached the Computer Test place as early as 9:30am or so. Sat there like a nervous wreck and reading the KPP book; like what everyone else was doing. The question book has 500 questions in it and I managed to do about 300 of them that day while waiting for my turn. Finally at about 1pm, when the chinese lady at the counter called out my name, my heart was beating like crazy; and I had to remind myself that this is just a Computer test. But I told myself many times that I am NEVER going to wait this long and repeat this 45 minute test. I finished it all within 15 minutes and went through the whole thing twice to check. With just 5 minutes left, I couldn't stand not knowing my results and pressed OK. I held my breath and finally when the results were shown, i searched for that one word and: LULUS.
I felt like screaming and smiling and grinning. Lol. Then walked shakily out and when I opened the door, everyone was looking at me. Ahaha. But I was so happy that I passed:) Considering I did it in BM and studied ONLY the night before. Okay, I barely passed but i STILL passed. Which is consider (still), a pass:) Alhamdulillah.

~nadhirah
eight fifty seven ante meridiem
tenth january two thousand eight

First Day of School

First Day of 'school'. Lol.
It felt kinda weird going to school without having to wake up so early to iron my uniform.
Didn't have to pack any books.
Didn't worry about how to the day would go and what type of things I'd be facing today.
Hmm... Which is too complacent on my part, I have to admit...

Oh well... Spent another day with ze weird aki. (sorry aki:P) Sometimes being scolded for weird things. Sometimes being visited by the same people over and over again. But they're good people and they only want what's best for their children:) I can memorize every single stock which has run out now... Primary Jubah, smallest size in stock is L.. boys trousers have to be bought outside... not sure when the new stock would arrive... Kopiah L for preschool has run out... payment can be made at the office or bookstore. Lol. If Aki was reading this, I bet she would laugh her head off. It's what we have to repeat every time:P

there was this one dad who was ever so polite and saying sorry for the smallest things and asking me what I think and my opinion. Lol. There was another woman who had come to the shop four times already and everytime she came, she bought nothing because what she wanted was out of stock. sometimes I wish so much that what they need is available right then; not because I dislike having to be scolded... but to avoid seeing the disappointment on their faces after having to come to the shop again and again.

Anyways, it's amazing the type of people you meet out there when you're dealing with others.

~nadhirah
eleven thirty six post meridiem
third january two thousand eight

Alumni Gathering '07

Note to self: I have got to start writing posts on time (on the date it happens) or else I'd have to write 2 to 3 in a day just to keep up:P

On 30th Dec '07, the Adni Alumni Association had an Alumni Gathering. Kak Nihlah says we're not officially alumni yet.. Not so sure when exactly that would be but as I said, you're automatically an alumni when you finish school.

Anyways, my batch was assigned to handle it. A few weeks before that, I sat down with my classmates and it was really cool having to talk with them again. I think it's our forte that we can hold activities and stuff, considering the type of people in the team, Iman, Fuddy, Yaya, Aki, Zana, Mo, Chwafu.. just to mention a few:) We know each other a lot, the strengths and weaknesses so it's easy to delegate duties.

To cut the long story short, we came up with the idea: Potluck + BBQ by a lake plus Tower Building activity. We had to discuss lots of things like the food and setup and logistics and everything. It wasn't that easy since we had to think them up from scratch. However, after around 2 hours, the agenda took shape and it was looking good:)

I was at Kampung when the Alumni General Meeting took place (which was the same day that our idea was proposed to the seniors). I heard that it took 6 hours long (SIX HOURS?!!) but our proposal was approved:) I didn't expect that we can ask the other batches to help out and bring some other stuffs; so it really lifted a lot of burden and made things easier for us:)

There weren't much problems except for the date and location at first (we thought at taman tasik titiwangsa on the 1st Jan. But then people would be busy and there would probably be gatherings at TTT due to the new year). In the end, we decided to do it at Janda Baik (ABC Training Resort). The biggest worry to me was that quite a few people told me they can't make it. At first I was really worried because then there won't be enough people. Some nights I didn't sleep because I was so anxious that so little people would turn up. Seriously, it was a big deal to me. Some days I felt that never in my life would I want to direct a program again! Hahaha.
My dad said that there are some things we can't control. If they come, they come. If not, then it's okay. We can just enjoy by ourselves:) Lol. Which made me feel a lot better.

The night before the real thing, Fuds, Iman, yaya and me slept over, just to get the things ready before the Alumni arrive. We slept at 1:30am, catching up on everything and playing taboo; had heart to heart talks and simply enjoying each other's presence:) We also prepared the agenda and everything and came up with a last minute energiser which was the Taa'ruf game; getting to know other people's names. We also had to make a lot of calls especially to OUR batch to make them all come. Ahaha. With coaxing and forcing and 'bribing'. Lol. So we got around 7 people to agree to come the next day!:D

So next morning, they arrived. Iman said they'd arrived at 9:30 as planned but I said it would be 11am (and I was right!). So they got there and we started of with The Blanket Game (also known as Quick Name Game) was actually played during Girl's Qiyam. I never expected that the boys would enjoy it too. In fact, I thought it would be so awkward to see our OWN seniors playing it. Though in the end, they were laughing with all their tactics and strategies that it got us all laughing too!

Next was the Team Building activity. Construct 2 meter poles ontop of each other, using rafia string. At first it was kinda slow (which was okay because when we did it at Rebutia, it was slow too:P) but later on, when everyone got used to it, it got faster and everyone knew their own roles. In the beginning, I guess everyone wasn't as serious as I expected. But at the end, it's like... the people whom you expect to take the lead automatically assume their roles (know what I mean?). So when we reached the 6th pole and was about to add the 7th, the tower started swaying and crumbled down. Well, more specifically, it snapped one of the connectors which broke (thankfully, Poknik -whom we borrowed it from- said we didn't have to replace it:D). Everyone started clapping which was the natural thing to do. Eventhough it fell, it was really awesome to see something we constructed so high up!:D

After that, had the BBQ and free time. Some seniors played taboo and after that played in the river:)

Anyways, huge thanks to my team for making this happen and being with me throughout; even though I was scared many times it wouldn't work out, they all reassured me. Thanks also to Kak Nihlah for comforting me (when I thought that the seniors would eat me up. Ahaha. I'm scared of the Alumni but after this Gathering, I guess it's okay now). Also thanks to everyone for coming! I guess it was really a nice number of people who turned up:) Just nice to play the Team Building Activity. Thanks also to the boys in my batch for turning up and joining the activities. It was really unexpected that you guys would come. But thanks a lot anyways:)

And to all those people who didn't come, you guys rugi!!! ahaha. Oh well, that's alright. I hope you guys can make it next time:) I had a really great time.

~nadhirah
twelve o nine ante meridiem
second january two thousand eight

Colmar Tropicale, Day 2

Next morning, I woke up for Subuh; and it was ABSOLUTELY FREEZING when I took my wudhu. Was shivering and had to snuggle back in the covers to warm myself up. hihi. Siraj and I shared a room and he wanted to put the AC at 20 degrees but my dad said to put it at 23 because it would be so cold. And true enough, in the middle of the night, Siraj woke me up shaking with his teeth chattering>_< So I switched off the AC and we went back to sleep, though this time we slept under THREE blankets and snuggled closer.

Next morning, we took a buggy to the Japanese Garden Spa (JGS) and Botanical Garden. THe JGS has this really beautiful Japanese environment. Koi fishes, shrubs and the like. There was even a house there, made of wood, low-ceiling and had sliding doors. We had to go up a hill but the walk is absolutely worth it!:)

Plus, at the JGS, there was a Kimono rental thing and I really wanted to wear one. If you've seen a kimono before, you'd be surprised at the cutting and how it's worn. Ahaha. The cloth at the arms are kinda extended a bit and the 'dress' is bound by another strip of cloth. The lady put on really tight and I think I couldn't breathe that well, much less walk properly. Hihi. But it was okay in the end:)

Then we walked to the Botanical Garden. Long walk!>_< though it was just full of flowers and greenery:)

Before we left Colmar, we stopped by at the Rabbit Farm. We got to feed and interact with them in this compound. Instead of feeding food pellets which were available, we fed them leaves (since they'd probably be so full from people feeding them the pellets. Besides, we seemed to be having more interest from the rabbits when we feed them leaves>_<). I really wanted to hold one so I tried luring this black rabbit with the leaves. But once it reached near to me, it started running back to where it was. Lol. So in the end, I gave up and just kept on feeding them. Siraj was a natural with the rabbits though. He got the carry a few and they just laid lazily on his arms. He's a pro with animals!:D

Next, we went to Hyatt Regional Hotel at Kuantan which was nearby a beach and stayed there for a night. It was just simply nice, getting to sleep a lot and relaxing. Hihi. The next morning we went to breakfast late (there was only 15 more minutes left) so then basically just stuffed ourselves with food. Lol. We had a walk after breakfast and my brothers body-surfed at the beach. The waves are really strong because it's from the South-China sea (as my dad told me) and it can pull you further and further away without you realizing it. At night, it's even stronger and as beautiful as it is, it can be really dangerous.

So that's our awesome end of year holiday!XD

~nadhirah
eleven twenty six post meridiem
first december two thousand eight

Colmar Tropicale, Day 1

For our ultimate end of year holiday, we went to Colmar Tropicale, a french themed resort in Pahang. It is absolutely indescribable once you reach there. The place is completely breath-taking and mesmerizing. It's like you're completely transported to a European Country. The cool air adds in to the feeling and it's just amazing!
We arrived on 25th December; since it was a holiday, there was a flea market so the streets looked so full. There were small shops which were set up there. But most interesting were the shops built there. Ahaha. There was the Boulangerie (bakery; the aroma is enticing!XD), an arts and crafts shop, reflexologist, clock tower, and many other restaurants.We pretty much just walked around upon arrival and enjoyed the scenery... It was really awesome; and eventhough the surroundings were of European style, it was still kinda funny to see majority of the people were Asians. Hehe.

After that we had a walk around the whole place. It is absolutely beautiful with all the greenery and flowers! Our next destination was to the Horse Stable since we were going horse riding!:D I was really excited and at the same time nervous. I've never rid on a horse before and I've heard soo many stories (scary ones; likes being bitten and kicked>_<).. When we reached there, we met the lady who was in charge of the horses. Her name is Loraine, from Argentina and she's really friendly! She can even converse in Malay which was soo surprising when I heard her! So anyway, there are about 10+ horses in the stables. Each of us were assigned to a horse. My horse was called Midnight and she's the same age as me! Ahaha. At first I was really scared when I came close but then the guide (this Vietnamese guy) said just relax and feel confident because the horse can sense how you feel. So I was taking deep breaths and mounted the horse. It just stood there, not doing anything (thank GOD!!) and it started trotting slowly. I stroked her a lot when she wasn't moving or anything. We had a half-hour practice, going round and round just to get used to it. The guide kept telling me to hold closer to the reigns. But it's not that easy because when I hold so tight to it, Midnight starts pulling her head down so then the reigns slip through my hands, and I'm thrown forward a little. So I get a lil freaked out then. But when I pull the reigns to the right or left, she follows and when I pull back, she stops. Which is good:) After the getting-used-to, we started on this trail near the hills. It was really an experience because we had to go up and down and the ground wasn't that even throughout. All was fine except one incident when she stopped to eat grass and the horses beside me got startled and jumped. Safi was next to me so he kinda got freaked out. AHaha. But it was all okay. I didn't exactly looked at the view or anything. Just mostly focused on riding Midnight!:D Once, we passed by a motorcycle and some cars. The vehicles looked so much smaller when I was on top of my horse.
At the end of the 1 and a half hour ride, my legs were really sore and cramped; probably since I don't know how to sit properly. Lol. And when I dismounted the horse, I forgot to bend my knees when I jumped. So then *ouch* my legs felt a shock throughout. Lol. We got to fed the horses some carrots (though not me, I'm afraid that I might get bitten:P). So I give all my carrots to Ahmad who feeds all of them to HIS horse until I started whining and told him to give some to Midnight (which he only gave ONE to)>_<

Later on, we returned back to the hotel and rested. Woke up later at around 9pm and went out to the restaurant La Flamme across the street to have dinner. I had Hawaiian Pizza! (yummy!) and after that we took a stroll around the place. We walked to the fountain which was at the entrance and Siraj started playing with the water:P Ahaha. All of us got wet but in the end, it was fun anyways:) Went back to the hotel and slept some more...

~nadhirah
twelve twenty five post meridiem
first january two thousand and eight