SCMA : Lailatul Qadar

Sewaktu saya di Tingkatan 1, saya bersekolah di kampung. Saya bersekolah di sana sehinggalah awal Tingkatan 4. Sewaktu itu di rumah hanyalah Atuk, Nenek, saya dan Koreng si kucing. Maka jika saya takut tidur keseorangan saya akan mencari Koreng untuk tidur bersama saya. Jika saya tidak dapat cari Koreng, walaupun ada semut di bilik itu cukuplah saya berasa selamat. Sekurang-kurangnya ada makhluk hidup yang menemani saya tidur.

Sewaktu bulan Ramadhan dan terutama sekali 10 malam terakhir, Atuk memang tidak pernah gagal untuk bangun di tengah malam untuk solat. Saya tahu dia menunggu Malam Lailatul Qadar. Kadang-kadang jika saya terbangun, saya berani turun ke bilik air kerana saya tahu Atuk ada di bilik sembahyang di sebelah.

Saya seolah-olah dapat merasakan yang Atuk pasti pernah terjumpa Lailatul Qadar. Suatu hari saya bertanya pada Atuk, “Atuk, kalau Lailatul Qadar ada nampak apa?” Atuk dengan senyum penuh rahsia menjawab “Nampak harimau.”

SCMA : Dalam Kereta

Saya teringat ketika kecil, jika jalan-jalan Mama akan memandu, Atuk duduk di sebelah, Mak Ina, Achik, Nenek dan Pak Busu duduk di belakang dan saya akan duduk di atas pangku Atuk.

Ketika perjalanan saya akan melihat pemandangan dan Achik serta Mak Ina akan berborak. Sepanjang perjalanan. Tanpa henti. Sampai Atuk berkata : “Mak Ina dengan Achik baca berita kan?”. Hehe.

Jika terserempak dengan polis, Atuk akan menyuruh saya menyorok ,(saya percaya pada waktu itu polis akan menangkap orang yang duduk dua orang di hadapan dan Atuk membiarkan saya mempercayainya.). Maka saya cepat-cepat tunduk dan mencangkung di tempat letak kaki. Ketika kereta sudah melepasi polis barulah saya bangun dan duduk di atas pangku semula.

SCMA : Konvokesyen Tadika Kemas

Saya ingin memulakan koleksi kisah-kisah pendek mengenai Arwah Atuk saya, Haji Othman bin Abdul Ghani. Sebenarnya idea untuk menulis kisah mengenai Atuk ini sudah lama saya fikirkan. Sebelum Arwah meninggal dunia lagi saya sudah berkira-kira mahu menulis. Namun, tidak jadi jadi. Setelah saya membaca e-mel yang panjang mengenai Arwah Atuk karangan Pak Long, saya seolah-olah mendapat rangsangan baru untuk mula menulis.

Saya rasanya tidak mampu untuk menulis sebuah kisah hidup yang panjang. Mungkin itu diserahkan kepada Mama, Pak Busu, atau Pak Long, atau mereka yang berminat atas projek itu. Apa yang ingin saya mulakan adalah kisah-kisah pendek mengenai Atuk dari ingatan dan pandangan orang lain. Saya harap saya dapat 'meminta cerita' daripada orang-orang lain kelak. Namun, saya akan mulakan dengan cerita-cerita dari ingatan saya sendiri.

SCMA : Siri Cerita Mengenai Atuk


Konvokesyen Tadika Kemas

Kisah ini bak kata Mak Ina, sudah diceritakan beribu kali. Itulah sebabnya cerita ini perlu membuka tirai siri cerita ini.

Tahun 1990 saya tinggal di kampung. Ini kerana ibu saya bekerja sendirian di Kuala Lumpur dan tidak dapat menjaga saya. Waktu ini, saya bertadika di Tadika Kemas Simpang Kesang. Namun, perangai saya ketika ini adalah saya tidak suka pergi ke sekolah. Walaupun Atuk tidak pernah gagal membayar yuran RM 10 setiap bulan. Saya masih tidak mahu ke sekolah. Dan tiada siapa yang dapat memujuk saya untuk pergi semula. Saya masih ingat ketika Mama bertanya "Alin tak nak pergi sekolah ni dah besar nak jadi apa?" Saya dengan selambanya menjawab: "Penoreh getah."

Kenapa saya tidak suka ke sekolah? Jawapannya mudah. Saya lebih suka duduk di rumah. Bukannya saya takutkan guru. Bukannya saya tidak tahu membuat latihan sekolah. Bukannya saya tiada kawan. Saya tidak suka bangun pagi. Dan jika saya bangun pagi pun, saya lebih suka mengikut Atuk ke Jasin, ke Pejabat Pos bergerak daripada ke sekolah dan disuruh mewarna tapi tidak boleh terkeluar garisan.

Diikutkan cerita, suatu hari Tadika saya mengadakan majlis hari jadi. Waktu itu saya di dalam bakul motor Atuk saya dan sedang dalam perjalanan balik dari pasar bergerak. Saya dengan tidak tahu malunya berkata pada Atuk yang saya nak pergi. Walaupun ketika itu saya sudah tidak pergi ke sekolah berbulan-bulan. Saya merasakan seronok berada di sekolah ketika itu dan saya mula rajin ke sekolah semula. Dan masa saya kembali ke sekolah itu rupa-rupanya sangat tepat. Ini kerana tidak lama kemudian akan diadakan majlis tamat sekolah atau lebih dikenali sebagai Majlis Konvokesyen Tadika Kemas yang sangat popular itu.

Saya masih ingat, jubah konvokesyen bewarna merah itu hanya ada beberapa pasang. Setiap kali selepas pelajar menerima 'skrol'nya cikgu cepat-cepat membuka jubah dari badannya untuk diberikan kepada pelajar lain yang sedang beratur. Ketika giliran saya, saya teringat pesan Atuk yang suruh saya selepas menerima skrol mengucapkan "Terima Kasih!!" dengan nada Alleycats. Tetapi saya tidak buat. Dan di rumah Atuk sambil senyum besar bertanya kenapa saya tidak melakukannya. Sudah tentu tidak. Saya perlu menjaga reputasi (pelajar hebat yang tidak hadir melebihi 80% tetapi masih boleh graduate).

It's the Annual 'Kuiz yang Banyak' Entry Again!

I'd like to blog more about football but Achik said she's boycotting my blog until I write about something else. So, here goes! The Annual 'Kuiz yang Banyak' entry. Technically it should be posted around September like last year. Tapi, suka hati sayalah.

Your Birthdate: December 14

You work well with others. That is, you're good at getting them to do work for you. It's true that you get by on your charm. But so what? You make people happy! You're dynamic, clever, and funny. And people like to have you around. But you're so restless, they better not expect you to stay around for long. Your strength: Your superstar charisma Your weakness: Commitment means nothing to you Your power color: Fuchsia Your power symbol: Diamond Your power month: May

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

Hmm.. Nadiah said I totally can persuade others on/for something. Pandai merengek. I'm charming alright!
My power month is May?? If it is so why my channeling of power to Liverpool on CL Final failed? Huh? Huh?

You Are 60% Bipolar

You're a bit moody, and at times, your moods can be a bit extreme. It's up to you to decide if you're simply dramatic... or slightly bipolar.

Are You Bipolar?

Yup. slightly bipolar. Of course. Short attention span, ADD and all that.

You Are 15% Left Brained, 85% Right Brained

The left side of your brain controls verbal ability, attention to detail, and reasoning. Left brained people are good at communication and persuading others. If you're left brained, you are likely good at math and logic. Your left brain prefers dogs, reading, and quiet. The right side of your brain is all about creativity and flexibility. Daring and intuitive, right brained people see the world in their unique way. If you're right brained, you likely have a talent for creative writing and art. Your right brain prefers day dreaming, philosophy, and sports.

Are You Right or Left Brained?

Your right brain prefers day dreaming, philosophy, and sports. 2 1/2 out of 3. Not bad. Half for day dreaming. Eceh..

You Are a Lazy Cook

Technically, you're a cook... in that you do cook the occasional frozen burrito in the microwave. Get a little adventurous. Sprinkle some fresh cheese on that frozen pizza next time!

Are You A Good Cook?

Heh. heh. No. comment.

You Are 20% Abnormal

You are at medium risk for being a psychopath. It is somewhat likely that you have no soul. You are at low risk for having a borderline personality. It is unlikely that you are a chaotic mess. You are at low risk for having a narcissistic personality. It is unlikely that you are in love with your own reflection. You are at low risk for having a social phobia. It is unlikely that you feel most comfortable in your mom's basement. You are at low risk for obsessive compulsive disorder. It is unlikely that you are addicted to hand sanitizer.

How Abnormal Are You?

Of course I don't have OCD. I'm mildly opposite OCD.


Hmmm. This is me being lazy again. I want to blog about the kenduri in my house, about the absolutely delightful occasion of nenek and MakChah and family's visit to my house. I want to blog in Malay. Yet I'm being lazy. But apparently I'm going to Pn Ainon Mohd's seminar this Saturday with my mom. Perhaps I'll be motivated to write anything other than nonsense then.

I love International Football

The international actions.. Watched it and collapsed the next day.

First it was Germany vs San Marino Live at 0050

First half, fine fine display by the San Marino's defense. But nearing half time Kevin Kuranyi managed to nudge one goal. The second half, I figure those San Marinoans (am I correct here?) were exhausted. Playing with only 10 men did not help. They conceded 5 more. The highlight of the match must be the second goal by Mario Gomez. So impressive! I love how he casually flicked the ball into goal by the back foot action. It was only his second cap for the NT and he already scored 3 goals.

The match result was predicted anyway. Though maybe we all thought the Germans could've won it with a larger margin. And, what happened to Miroslav Klose?? Not even one goal. I almost felt sorry for that guy.

Germany 6 - 0 San Marino

And then it was France vs Ukraine Live at 0300

If England managed not to qualify for Euro 2008 (with the stooopid McClaren at the manager's helm I'm afraid if this could be the case), I'm sooo rooting for the French.

I love the France National Team. I must admit that my Pak Busu was the one who introduced me to the team. I remembered being astonished when he told me that the famous Zinedine Zidane is a Muslim, and Zinedine is the French way of spelling Zainuddin. Pak Busu also told me how after France won the World Cup the French publics are more accepting towards Muslims. That was back in 1998. Zidane is retired now. But not before the head butting incident. (And that is why Italy is one of the NTs that I don't like. Ee.. tali..)

And, the sight of two Muslim France players performing the du'a on the pitch before the match started on Sunday makes me very ---!!. The feeling was indescribable. Especially the sight of Samir Nasri with both his palms facing upwards, head bents, mouth reciting. Now, if following the tone of my previous posts about footballers I could be typing this:

Samir Nasri!
He's French, He's young!
He's brilliant!
He's so cute!!

But it seems inappropriate with the mood that he brought with his performance. He is very young for a senior NT player. He is only 19, but played with such confidence, always staying on his feet even when being pushed and tackled by a number of defenders. He is (in my humble opinion) a gifted playmaker. It was also only his second call up for the France NT. I also smiled hearing his name being shouted by other players. Samir! here, and Samir! there, directing him to be where they want him to be. So cute! (uncontrollable inappropriateness, please forgive).

The two goals of the match were scored by two Muslim French. First it was by Franck Ribery. The second goal was by a brilliant performance from Nicholas Anelka, the other player who cited du'a before the match. It seems like his prayer was answered. :)

If not for any other reasons, this is why I'm going to definitely wish France will win Euro 2008. We're used to seeing the sight of players crossing themselves before entering the pitch. I don't think it is a propaganda or anything. It just happens that so many of professional footballers are Christians and the gesture is part of their ritual for asking assistance from the Higher Force, but it feels so refreshing to finally see a Muslim player doing the same ritual but of Islamic nature on the international stage. I feel very proud. Especially after feeling disgusted of the blatant advert ism of the "I Belong to Jesus" shirt worn by Kaka' during the CL Final. He's a Brazillian who plays for an Italian club. Why is the message in English? Why not in Portugese or Italian?

So... go France!

Wow.. so many thoughts and emotions from a single match.

France 2-0 Ukraine

Next match I watched was the Latvia vs Spain Delayed at 0650

Hmm.. I don't know what to comment. It was kind of boring. The goals should have come sooner. But maybe the feeling comes from me being dead tired and sleepy and having to listen to a lousy commentator. Always saying the wrong player's name. Announcing the first goal was a David Villa's goal when in fact it was a Latvia's own goal and confusing between Xavi Hernandez and Xabi Alonso. Aiyya.. I'm a Liverpool fan who watch Xabi plays every week. I know his running style, his passing style. That is soo not Xabi Alonso!

But, seeing Xabi's smile after watching him cried at CL Final makes the sleepiness and tiredness worth it.. in a way. So, don't you dare sign for Barca Xabi!

Latvia 0-2 Spain

I did not watch the rest of the matches. But the Denmark vs Sweden? Has it really been decided that it's 0-3? What happened to Denmark's 3 goals? I know the red card and penalty is deserved. It was Poulsen's fault for punching Rosenberg at the first place. But abolishing all the Danish goals because of one stupid fan? It's a little bit unfair, I think. But it's the same referee from the CL Final. No wonder. The same ref who ended the match a full 30 seconds earlier. Allow me to be gleeful of his attack then.

Ahhh.. tomorrow is the same cycle again. Expect me to be nonexistent on Thursday.

Ole!

England 1 - 1 Brazil

Heh heh heh..

I thought it was a great match. England almost had a clean sheet if not for the very last minute equaliser by Diego.

I've said it countless times. Steve McClaren should've called Beckham back months ago. I think he's stooopid for dropping Becks on the first place. He's brilliant at dead balls. Look at the England's goal last night. He kicked the ball and bent it right at JT's head. He's brilliant. Plays unlike any other English players.

Owen has to work a little harder. There's the promise of his form, his header nearly went in, alas it was a little too high. But I believe in my first football crush, Michael James Owen. He'll regain his form back. He's the original Boy Wonder. He was the European Footballer of the Year.

Alas, the Man of the Match is my captain, Steven Gerrard. He is the screamer player last night. He played in an unnatural position, defensing deep. It shows his great flexibility and adaptability as a player. Crunching into tackles here and there, he kept Kaka' in his pocket. Heh heh heh. In your face, Kaka'!

Frank Lampard was okay, but not impressive. When Owen Hargreaves returns from injury he should be benched. Give Gerrard his original position back. That is where we can see a lot of his genius performances.

Go Inggerlanndd!!

England NT the way it should be

Tonight it's Germany, Spain and France matches. I'm officially dead.