Those Things I Do

I am

• cherishing the final days of being at home
• listening to the same songs over and over again that I have changed from someone who did not care about the lyrics to someone who is lyrics-savvy
• listening to the same songs over and over again, while writing here, and blog-hopping
• listening to the same songs over and over again, while writing here, blog-hopping, and simultaneously attending to some household chores
• wondering whether those are called 'cherishing the final days of being at home'
• thinking of catching up with some reading while listening to the same songs over and over again
• also thinking of going for a swim this evening that the hazy days are gone
• also thinking that if the swimming pool is full, I would not make others unhappy with my existence, so I would go brisk-walking instead
• extremely happy that I got to talk to my mother after the phone went haywire yesterday 
• missing him more when I think of the two-week course in Kluang
• grateful though that I have such a lovely life

Tatih

The first step.
I thought I would tumble down, but hey, I was still standing.
I went further.
I thought I had no chance after the lucky strike, and the path was full of challenges, but again, I made it.
I went further, with confidence.
I fell down with a scratch.

Now, I am walking and about to run.

My First Old Boys' Weekend

I am listening to Toploader's Dancing in the Moonlight, which was introduced to me by Neo. The happy jive is simply contagious, and that reminds me of the fabulous day I had in Kamal's secondary school, Malay College Kuala Kangsar despite my initial wish to spend the weekend with the girls and let Kamal had extra fun with the boys. No, how wrong I could be. The best moment in my life was spent with him, and each moment spent with him is the best.

There, I met Tengku Elida Bustaman, whose blog proffers incredible insights into life. In the end, to Kamal's horror, she warned me of the boredom I will feel after 14 OBW's. Hilarious!

Not long afterward, Kamal and I watched a rugby match. Just one musing after watching my first rugby match, 'the sport is surprisingly fun.'

Before the dinner cum concert started, Kamal showed me the serene beauty of Kuala Kangsar. What an elegant little town. Do you hear my future footsteps there?

And the dinner cum concert was awesome. The Thoroughbred featured talented singers, who rocked the crowd.

Nice being in Kuala Kangsar. Nice knowing Kamal's friends and their respective wives. Nice dating you, Kamal.

I am 24

July 19, 2005. I am 24.

It was a blast! I had infinity of fun. Need I say more?

Thank you for all the wishes.

Special thanks for my Camus.

The Mini Reunion

Another reception!

This time around, it was Saz and Azizul's.

The Seri Puteri '98 chums called each other up days before the big day to confirm our attendance, again and again. Excitement was in the air, of course.

With more commitments of various sorts now, reunion is scarce and mega reunion is out of the question. Another wedding is just what we needed to reunite and simultaneously rejoice in a dear friend's union.

The Other Reception

Intially, I wanted to write one due post per day this week. Nonetheless, tomorrow is taken, so, here I am, with all the old stories entries. To start with is a post on the reception in Ketereh.

The Other Reception

Although the date for the reception in Ketereh was set to be on July 9, Kamal and I, along with my parents, went to Kelantan on July 7. Kamal also decided to take the whole week off.

Ayah and Mak needed to drive in a different car as Cajib, Cimi, and Cilan would join them later. Cilan had to wait for Cajib to finish his Friday lecture. They boarded the Intercity Train from Rembau to arrive on the day of the reception. Cimi took a bus from Ipoh as he had to register his subjects in UiTM Sri Iskandar. He was also scheduled to arrive on the reception day. A merry reunion, though it would be merrier if Faizul and Bakhtiar were there as well. They couldn't due to work.

To Kamal and I, the trip to Ketereh was our first long drive together. The most relaxing eight hours in the car. Amazing that I did not sleep at all throughout the journey despite my tendency to fall asleep very easily while travelling on any vehicle. We kept each other amused with our respective reflections of life and lots of laughter.

Being awake enabled me to really appreciate the lovely scenery as well as the moments with him Kamal. I snapped photos each time Kamal said a "wow", but there were times when he was just teasing my enthusiasm or lack of it. Heh.

Everything about this particular trip was lovely, except for a little incident which I choose not to re-tell as it is too minute now. What I remember most is the visit to Kamal's childhood home a day before the reception. I sensed the solidarity despite the brief encounter. It was an indescribable warmth and comfort.

Upon our arrival in Ketereh, we received surprise cards from Kamal's cute nieces.
(Photo 1)

And, how I was reminded of my siblings' mischief as I looked at his nephews, sliding on the garage floor as they cleaned it up.
(Photo 2)

The reception the next day was smooth. I got to dine with my father's aunts from Jerteh. Kamal was interviewed by Tok Chik, while the rest of us helped ourselves to the sumptuos ayam percik, bawal masam manis, kerabu, and sira labu, among others.
(Photo 3)

The highlight of the day was the cake-cutting event, not only for our union, but also for Ayoh and Mok's anniversary. They are such a sweet, romantic couple!
(Photo 4)

How could I not be overwhelmed with gratitude?

Entries Owed (First: The Honeymoon)

I owe myself these entries:

1. The Honeymoon
2. The Other Reception
3. The Mini Reunion
4. The Birthday
5. The First Old Boys' Weekend

So, here is the first entry.

The Honeymoon

(Photos will be here again once the technical problem is resolved.)

July 1 to July 5, 2005. Five days in Melbourne. Yet, it was not enough to cover all of the places Kamal and I intended to visit. Nonetheless, we truly cherished the whole trip. How we were never tired of walking. How we kept on absorbing minute details throughout the City of Arts and Culture.

(Photo 1)
The unique architecture demanded our attention the first time we toured the city. Among others are these. One with ultra modern approach while another with old world charm.

(Photo 2)
In fact, the city consisted of stark yet harmonious contrasts, like the Australian Centre for the Moving Image, the Federation Square, and the Flinders Street Station.

(Photo 3)
My favourite visit of all is The Dutch Masters exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria. Seeing the works from Rembrandt and Vermeer's era reminisced the time Seri Puteri '98 art students spent with Cikgu Hadi in Balai Seni Lukis Negara. In Melbourne, not only we admired the masterpieces brought from the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, we also spent equal time at the official shop, browsing through the art books. Simply spectacular.

(Photo 4)
Kamal, on the other hand, was looking forward to visiting the Albert Park, home to the Formula One Grand Prix in Australia.

(Photo 5)
I especially enjoyed the long walk to get to South Melbourne, where the Albert Park was. We stopped at several attractions. One of them was The Shrine which placed Australian war memorabilia. Tastefully simple.

(Photo 6)
After leisurely spending our time at Albert Park, we snacked at a nearby Map Cafe. Kamal = Formula One + Geography ;p

(Photo 7)
Not to forget, definitely, are the gardens! Our favourite picture in Melbourne was snapped in Fitzroy Gardens.

(Photo 8)
Alternating between walking and taking the free tram tour, we really savoured the taste Melbourne had to offer within five days, like:

(Photo 9)
strolling along Yarra River,

(Photo 10)
being enlightened at Melbourne Museum,

(Photo 11)

watching Puffing Billy Steam Railway,

(Photo 12)

appreciating traditional Aboriginal art,

(Photo 13)

enjoying dinner by the roadside aside from surrendering to Kamal's sudden craving for nasi padang, and,

(Photo 14)
having a morning walk in Victoria Market.

(Photo 15)
Accommodation: Ramada Hotel.

(Photo 16)
So, honey, where is our next honeymoon?