Adibah Amin

Among the books I found while searching for some good ones to devour was "As I was passing" written by Adibah Amin. I asked my mum what she thought about it and she highly recommended it. My mum said it was Adibah Amin's writings which inspired her to write. I took the book and let myself indulge in her book for the night.

"As I was passing" is a collection of the columns she wrote in NST years ago about the Malaysian way of life, back when my mum was a teenager. Her writing has a warm edge to it... and it is the first time ever I encounter 'a piece' like hers. Humorous... witty... understandable... Filled with examples and entertaining stories.. Although it was a bit difficult for me to imagine everything since they were mostly about the kampung life, I could make out a little of what was going on:)

There was one writing about the differences of townspeople and kampung people. I finally found out what the meaning of kurang ajar is. I've always wondered why people say it and although it was kind of obvious, i didn't really think about it til I read that article. Literally, kurang ajar means 'not taught enough'. And when you say it to a person, you are actually referring more to the person's parents; that they were not educated by their parents properly. How ironic it is when parents say it to their own offspring.

At the end of the day, to me, Adibah Amin's stories are marvelous for light reading and just for fun. It's interesting to read about how Malaysians are.

~nadhirah
four post meridiem
twenty eight november two thousand seven

Reading

Last year, my dad began this Reading Awareness Campaign thing where we sort of compete with each other. We have to see how much books we read and the one who reads the most books would win a really cool prize. Hehe.

I started my reading marathon this morning and started on some Seerah Books which have been lying on my table since last month because I've been telling myself to look through them to get a hang of IRC Exam.

I read something interesting... The Prophet was named Muhammad which means the Praised One.. And the Quraisy one day were ridiculing the Prophet by calling him "Mudhammam" which means the Disliked One. The Prophet was not bothered by this at all and was completely patient. The Sahabah asked Why do you let the Kuffar abuse you and call you Mudhammam? You are always so patient and give them no reply."
The Prophet smiled and gave an amazing reply; "Why should I feel angry toward them and reply to them? See how Allah turns away all their swearing and curses from me to someone called Mudhammam? My name is Muhammad."

So I realized that if people start calling names to someone, that's not their name and they shouldn't feel offended.

People say things whether it is true or not. It's your decision whether you want to believe it or not:)

~nadhirah
two twenty one post meridiem
twenty seventh november two thousand and seven

My First

I think I can safely admit that this is the best day of the year:) Today i turn 17.

I've been thinking of starting a blog because some people have been asking me to write. Its good to write down thoughts to sort them out and also to enhance writing skills. I love creative writing. Though i have a lot to improve in. And i guess the reason i've been putting off starting a blog is because I'm afraid that my writing would be criticized or some time from now, I would wouldn't be able to reread what i write. Just like the poems i used to write years ago... And i guess i compare myself to other people so much. When i read my senior's blogs or someone else's inspiring blog, i feel that there's no reason for me to write. Hmm.. I guess everyone starts somewhere...
But starting something new... or facing a change isn't that easy... I just gotta start getting used to it because I'm gonna be facing lots of new changes. >_< One of the skills i decided i want to acquire would be good writing skills. Better start now.

Anyways, back to the Best Day of the Year:P Last night at 1140pm my lil brothers came into my room and sang me the "Happy Birthday in 20 minutes" song. It's just so adorable. They even had a little dance routine to it. They had to do it a few times since they started laughing so badly. On the 2nd last attempt, my dad came out asking what's all the ruckus and pandemonium about. But in the end, it all worked it and it was soo adorable:)

Oh well after that i opened some gifts and letters i got beforehand (but i wasnt able to open it til 12am) ahaha. And there was this big surprise. That morning, actually we had a farewell gathering and my dad secretly brought a card and asked my classmates to sign it. My family also signed a card. And i guess i was so happy, i was crying and everything due to all the emotions... ahaha. And my brothers who were all there was like laughing. Siraj was like "Kak Alia's crying?" and ahmad was like "lol dont need to get so emotional". Ahahaha. I cried some more when i read Aki's letter. It was so sweet. Mayb I'll write more about it later because it really does take one whole post. My usual birthday present request is a letter. So i got a few.. and hopefully some more later on!:D Wheee>_<

Ahmad said "I've never cried of happiness before. Cherish your friends."

So yeah... that's been MY birthday. and the 2nd time i remember crying out of Joy^^

Not too bad for the start of my blog:)

~nadhirah
twelve twenty seven post meridiem
twenty sixth november two thousand and seven