The Story about Us

Salam guys.

Its the time of the year,
when melancholy and nostalgia reigns,
as a group of human beings,
break free from tradition,
and are forced, albeit willingly, into a completely different cycle.

yes, its the time of the year to move on.
its time to leave the term "secondary school kids" and usher in "jc kakaks/abangs".
and what other way to do that,
than have a final dinner together,
crapping, eating, being plain noisy.
just us.

Before that, how about a trip down memory lane.
Introducing,
the makciks / family tiri clan


notice the bright flash behind Afizah? the sunshine of our life - that we used to say, and still do. this was taken after registering at PERGAS. yes, we have PERGAS to keep the love strong!


our paths crossed way back in Sec 1, all 4 of us. (Afizah, Shaf, Faj and Yours Truly)
but the friendship was a late bloomer - we became friends only at sec 3.
We were then joined by another sweetheart, Anum, who always rushes off with her boyfriend after school.

So from not-so-good-acquaintances [because i was a full-fledged bitch back then, loud/foul-mouthed, short skirt, practically non-existent eyebrows, and of course, sucking up to teachers being my optimum specialty], to good classmates [long chatting sessions after PE lessons and during recess], to best friends [the family tree goes ironically as follows - the "eldest" being myself, followed by shafiqah, to afizah, to anum - and guess how the birthdates goes.] , we began our upper secondary school journey.

and on Thurday, we officially ended our secondary school days - but not our friendship - with a celebratory cum farewell dinner over at alazhar, off bukit timah road.

there were 3 couples - well, 2 actually, but the 2 singles decided to team up and form an impromptu lesbian team.





We have the not-so-secret-affair between vice-chairman and head-of-welfare.


We have the couple-that-everybody-cannot-understand.


and of course,
We have the impromptu lesbian team.


It was a great night out, despite the fact that we were late.
reminiscences, memories, laughter, tears, fights.
man, the 4 years were packed with everything and anything.
we laughed at our silliness, our idiocy, and smiled at the memories.
entering competitions together, going through breakups together etc.

Im going to miss you guys.
Every 3 saturday of the month ok?
or maybe once in 2 months.
or once in 6.....
I wonder what'll happen if the couples break up... gosh.



Baby, its time to move on..

[atikah] The closed circle says:
darling, are u guys planning to party on new year's eve?
|©| εз ïQí εз |©| says:
tu pasal laaa
|©| εз ïQí εз |©| says:
i dunooooooooooo
[atikah] The closed circle says:
hahaha
|©| εз ïQí εз |©| says:
AutoMessage: Wait ok. If you dunno how to wait ur loss.
|©| εз ïQí εз |©| says:
lagi2 its hari raye haji
|©| εз ïQí εз |©| says:
i dunno seyy
[atikah] The closed circle says:
tu pasal ar
[atikah] The closed circle says:
hahaha
[atikah] The closed circle says:
aku igtkan nak tgk bunga api ar
[atikah] The closed circle says:
hahaha
[atikah] The closed circle says:
kita hang out tgh bunga api jer nak tak
[atikah] The closed circle says:
tak dosa per
[atikah] The closed circle says:
hahahaha
|©| εз ïQí εз |©| says:
HAhaah
|©| εз ïQí εз |©| says:
hmms
|©| εз ïQí εз |©| says:
nething i ask shir n syasya ferst

wahahaha. i heart you many2 lah sayang! =D

yes, im desperately trying to find someone to witness the fireworks on the stroke of midnight. not for the meaning of the event per se, but more to experiencing and witnessing the beauty and awe first hand.

finally, finally, my parents are allowing me to go out on new year's eve to go and see the fireworks. but alas, i have nobody to go with - if the girls decide to go party unless they choose to respect aidiladha, and i dont want to end up going on another date with my brother ok? and no, this is a reason why i would like to have a significant other/ partner in crime/ boyfriend. lol.

dont worry, no hanky-panky whatever shit, will go on. its pure clean fun. take it as a simple outing to go and gawk over the fireworks display. it is hari raya aidiladha you know.. =)

so who wants to go and gila2 with me?

love,

atikah.

It looks as if we're heading towards another

Flood extravaganza.
i meant that not in a good way ok.

anyway, yes, the raining is continuing, after a day and a half dreary sunshine. not that im complaining really, since i dont really have to worry about floods at this part of the world and this high up in the building. i live on the 12th floor, you see. but, have you seen the destruction lately?







Subhanallah.

Who would have thought that such a great calamity could happen, in such a short period of time? there are places that you could only see the second storey of buildings! hundreds, possible thousands of families are displaced out of their own homes and are staying in schools, public places, together, as they helplessly see their items being caught in the flood and/or being looted. yes, humans are advantage-seekers. in times of crisis such as now, there are groups of people who are raiding empty homes and looting whatever that seems valuable in their eyes. wtfish? yes, that is human for you.

this episode could be looked upon as a disaster and also a reminder. a reminder of His existence, for so many of us have taken it so forgranted. we forget, we ignore. but now, the reason for ignorance has ceased. its time to sit up and really look. what have we done, or not done, that could have caused such a wrath? are we taking life for granted, as a whole? is it time for us to change? its for you to answer.

for we are blessed to not be presented with such a calamity, we should remember the unfortunate, or perhaps fortunate enough, to receive a reminder from Him, before its too late for them to turn back. we should take this opportunity too.

Be sure We shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods and lives and the fruits(of your toil), but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere, who say, when afflicted with calamity: "To Allah we belong, and to Him is our return." They are those on whom (descend) blessings from Allah, and mercy, and they are the ones that receive guidance. [Surah al-Baqarah: 155-157]

They say I need to learn to

Relax.

Salam guys,

Well dont get me wrong, really, i KNOW how to relax. REALLY.
I mean, i dont go around everyday stressing over the screwed world that we live in.
i do have a life you know. =D
I mean,


I go out and play in the rain with the boys.


I play the guitar. jeng jeng jeng


I play dress up.

AND

I go and watch some great theatrework by Teater Kami.


The first was Kelab Dangdut. Not something i would like to remember for its theatrework, but rather for the great time i had with kak gee. in other words, i didnt like this one.

but i didnt stop at one.


I went to Horlicks Milo Kopi Teh next. Alone. Kak Gee was in the production crew, and well, i couldnt find anybody else who was interested to go. I remember being dead tired after band, and rushing to the place, running in the rain, getting my hair and clothes drenched i havent don the hijab yet. Recollection of that day

and recently,
i went to catch this.
with my brother.
yes, we went on another date.
aisyah was supposed to come to, but well, she couldnt make it at the very last minute.



it was superb. the acting was nearly flawless, the continuity was there, and well, the ending, despite being quite absent, it didnt evoke the same kind of questions and helplessness like Kelab Dangdut. The actors and actress, certainly did their homework, and the clash of fantasy and reality was evenly balanced and brought about comfortably. it was also, dare i mention, scary, to be said the least. i certainly, felt freaked out, and i had goosebumps all over. it wasnt because i was cold, needless to say, but the effectiveness of the cast to shadow the image of, well, ghosts, and eeriness.

kudos to the 2 soldiers for their ability to transport the audience to pulau tekong, in a way, whilst conducting their topography exercise. special mention specially to Hilsham Helzie, who managed to potray the part of the soldier with the 'Third Eye', which lead him to a series of unfortunate sightings and eventually die in the hands of *insert ghost's name*. it was also great that he was able to coordinate with adib during the fighting scene, without adib actually touching him. man, that scene had got to hurt!

however, up till the end of the show, i was still unable to decipher the "ghosts". I mean, if they were the spirits of the people who used to stay at Pulau Tekong, then they wouldnt be referring themselves using the connotations "I" and "You" right?
Like,
A:You tahukan I sayangkan you?
We're talking about oldies here you know. Orang dulu-dulu ada ke cakap ber"I", "You"? Wahahahaha.
So are they orang bunians then? Maybe, since that lady killed the soldier in return, for erm, I dont know, the baby's life.

Well, its not perfect. But its a good job done, especially since its only the 2nd play under the direction of Anwar Hadi, the first being Horlicks Milo Kopi Teh. You see, this guy, is a guy that will bring many new and great things to the art of theatrework. and heck, i feel damn priviledged to actually be watching his works. the sad truth is, is the theatre scene in Singapore ready and big enough a venture for a guy like him? Only time will tell.

I definitely wouldn't mind making my way up the @!$^$#!@$! track to ONE - TWO - SIX Cairnhill Arts Centre, 126 Cairnhill Road, even though its damn tiring and by the time i reach the place, i'll be sweating like !~@%#^@$# and feel that i was stupid to actually go there in the first place, to watch another TK production. You should try and go to. Heck, its only $12. Worth.your.money.


Perhaps, next time we can go together again, kak gee =)

I was supposed to write a review for this production, but i cant seem to find the proper words to do so. what.to.write?

Screwed Society

Yes, as you may have noticed, i've developed a certain, angst towards the Malay/Muslim society.
No, its not because i feel that im-oh-so-good or anything, i just find certain things about US that is so $^%&#%*$^ revolting.
Like when it comes to money and POLYGAMY.

What's this hoohaa over Aa Gym getting a second wife? Why is everyone getting so worked-up and emotional about him. marrying. another. woman? firstly, he's ENTITLED to marry again. and secondly, HE CAN AFFORD IT. think about it, he has the means to marry again, not like the pakcik-pakcik gatal that marries again but cant even support one wife. he's RICH lah, and the person he marries is a janda, not a virgin anak dara or something. so yeah, she's pretty, and used to be a model, but she's not the exposing-gila-nak-mampos kind that attracts all the men that has their lust all the way up to their adam's apple.

why the hoohaa over him GETTING MARRIED, as in LEGALLY, but not so much of hoohaa when it comes to the ^!%@!^$ scandal that involves the Indonesian MP and the DANGDUT SINGER. tu lagi power siot, siap ada mini porn video lagi! tak pun kecoh sangat. *rolls eyes*

Aa Gym is a wealthy man, who preaches about Islam and wants to see a change in the Muslim society.
Even Time magazine, so damn pro-American, devoted an article for him. click here for it.

Remember when he came to Singapore and gave the seminar "ORANG ISLAM MESTI KAYA" [MUSLIMS MUST BE RICH]?
That is true because why? Because money REALLY matter in this world today.
Do you know because of MONEY, many muslims convert to other religions?
Do you know that MONEY is the most essential weapon for religion-conversion?

Well, it is. People will do many things for money, be it knowingly or otherwise. And im not taking this point blindly.

I know an elderly couple, who goes to church every Sunday (the makcik wears a tudung mind you!), after they were given aid by the church. You see, its easy to get financial aid from the church, no questions asked, all you need to do is ask for it. But what about Mendaki, Muis and all other freaking organisations here?
There's a 101 questions to be answered, and so many procedures to follow, that by the time the money is given (if it is given), its probably too late. and get this, a friend of my father's, was unable to get aid from [insert organisation] because he is NOT MALAY! WTF?!?!

Which comes to the point that i was stating. Muslims must be rich. WHY? so we can help the needy, the people faced with poverty all around the world, just like the Christians/Catholics. I am not being racist/religionist or whatever, but it is true fact. Look at what happened to the couple. and trust me, read MASTIKA NOV 2006 EDITION and the exact same thing is happening in Malaysia! Muslims are being offered financial aid by the Church, and in turn, they are given classes. and the thing is, it is NOT compulsory. but of course, the feeling that one's obliged to return the favour is there, and they attend the classes. slowly but surely, what do the end up as? Non-Muslims. SAD but TRUE.

It's about time we wake up. WE.NEED.TO.OPEN.UP.OUR.MINDS.AND.SEE.WHAT.IS.HAPPENING.IN.THIS.WORLD.

Where are all the rich Muslims? Doesnt matter whether they're Arab, Malay, Chinese, British. IT.DOESNT.MATTER.
they're probably somewhere else entertaining their lust and greed rather than help humanity.

Decorated for people are the desires of women, offspring, and of heaped up piles of gold and silver, of pedigree horses, cattle, and sown fields. These are the enjoyments of the worldly life, but with Allah is the best return. [Surah Ali-Imraan (3):14]

Flash of Faith
Before you think that this is another random mumblings of a teenage girl, do take the time to read this entry. May you find knowledge in what i'm about to share.

Did you know that it is haraam for us Muslims to actually wish "Merry Christmas" to our fellow Christian friends?

Well it is.

“Say: "O People of the Book! Exceed not in your religion the bounds (of what is proper), trespassing beyond the truth, nor follow the vain desires of people who went wrong in times gone by, who misled many, and strayed (themselves) from the even Way." [Al-Maa’idah (5):77]

"Quite a number of Muslims today, especially those living in Christian dominated countries or those influenced to a large degree by western culture, have been led to consider that taking part in the Christmas celebrations of friends and relatives is, at very least, a harmless pastime if not a legitimate source of pleasure for children and adults alike.

In many instances, pressure to conform with the practices of society is too great for those of weak resolve to withstand. Parents are often tempted to give in to the pleading of children who have been invited to a party or who are unable to understand why they alone are being prevented from joining the festivities they observe all around them or why they cannot receive gifts on this occasion like the other children."

Excerpt from here
click the link for the whole article

Why the sudden disposition to actually discuss this topic?
Alhamdulillah, i just finished watching a VCD - a talk given by Hj Irene Handono.
Does the name ring a bell? Well, fret not if it doesnt, because I'm about to tell you who this wonderful woman is.



Hj Irene Handono was born into a rich and pious Christian family. She was educated in Christianity since young and eventually entered an elite convent school and became a Sister.
One day, she was taught to hate Islam. Her pastor told her to observe her homeland (she's Indonesian) and picked out that all the corruption and negativities that was happening there were mostly made by Muslims.
She, however, didnt take all of it in and started to question her faith. She observed other countries - Mexico, Phillipines, Italy etc, and witnessed the same mayhem - by Catholics and Christians.
She made a groundbreaking conclusion that will eventually lead her to Islam - one should never judge a religion by its followers.
She therefore started to study the holy Quran, and alhamdulillah, she began to realise many things in Christianity that seeks her to question, and eventually find her faith in Islam.
She went further, to detect the ways that the Church uses to manipulate the weak Muslims and eventually convert them to Christianity.
Ways so subtle, that you and i probably never could differentiate.
a)The Bible, translated to the Arabic language, and read in the same manner as tilawah Al Quran
b)Calligraphy of Bible Matius, so similar to the verse of Al-Quran, that an untrained eye would find impossible to differentiate
c)The Church urges its people to wish Slamat Idul-Fitri, such that Muslims will feel compelled to wish Merry Christmas - when it is haraam to do so.

Honestly, throughout watching the vcd, i felt scared and saddened at the same time. at the vulnerability of the Muslim nation.
It would be easy isnt it, to actually fool the Muslim population, if the estimated number of people who actually study and know the teachings of Al-Quran remain to be a mere 10%?
And what are we doing about it really? Are we just sitting around and hoping that the Muslim population will revamp itself and rise from the ashes? Or are we going to do our part, no matter how small, in actually recreating a new image of Islam. A clean one. Are we actually carrying out our responsilities as a Muslim?

Of course, by saying that, i dont mean jihaad. Subhanallah, no. I'm referring to the simple tasks of actually carrying out your daily prayers, of knowing whats right and wrong(and actually acting by it) and by not compromising your duties as a Muslim.

Have you ever wondered at how we know the dates for Christmas, Valentines Day, and the immense celebration that we partake every new year; but we fail to recite the Islamic months and/or actually take any notice when 1st Muharram comes around. (Its the Islamic new year if you dont know) Funny how liberal we've become.

What's going to happen to the future generations?
Are we going to continue to degrade ourselves, and in turn, Islam, further?
Or are we going to do something about it?

I am not saying that im oh-so-knowledgeable in Islam; I have my flaws, and I had my jahiliah moments.
All im hoping is to see some change, in this society that we live in, and of course, in myself.
InsyAllah, we'll be able to do it, and live in harmony.

Do not confound truth with falsehood, nor knowingly hide the truth while you know. [Al-Baqarah (2):42]

Love,

atikah.

Remedy for a Panic Attack / Screwed Feelings.

Malboro lights, penknife, alcohol, loud pumping music

Astaghfirullah.

Solat, du'aa, faith, patience.

Ibraaheem al-Khawaas (rahimahu Allaah) said : Patience is having steadfastness upon the Qur'aan and the Sunnah. And it is said that patience is restraining oneself in times of difficulty with the best manner and character. And Abu 'Alee ad-Diqaaq (rahimahu Allaah) said that patience is not remonstrating against that which Allaah decrees for us. However, making apparent ones difficulty through complaining [to Allaah] about it does not negate ones patience. For Allaah ta'aalaa said about Ayyoob (alayhi as-salaam) "Truly! We found him patient. How excellent a slave! Verily, he was ever oft-returning in repentance (to Us)!" [Soorah Saad, 44], while also saying "And (remember) Ayoob, when he cried to his Lord: Verily, distress has seized me, and You are the Most Merciful of all those who show mercy." [Soorah al-Anbiyaa', 83], and Allaah knows best.

Subhanallah.

I am better than this wreck that I am now.

But sometimes people forget that I too am human.

I've learnt how to cry after so many years of restraining.
But do you know it hurts more when crying alone?

Name : NUR ATIKAH AMALINA BTE MOHD Z

1. The results of your application are as follows:
Posted Institution : ST ANDREW'S JUNIOR COLLEGE
Course Name : ST ANDREW'S JUNIOR COLLEGE (ARTS)
Course Code : 30A
2. Please report to the JC/MI on 3 Jan 2007 at 8am.

Alhamdulillah.
But i want to cry can?
2nd choice leh!

Salam guys.

It's been a crazy few days.
This is the first night since Saturday that i'm home.
Yup, i went back to the days of going home at @$@%^$ hours and having my system screwed up due to the lack of sleep.
Thank god my parents are not suckers for qoute atifah kuno-ism.
=D

On Sunday, the DAMAY gang, after the hoohaa during registration/sale of books/uniforms for next year's religious classes at Darul Makmur Mosque, decided to *shudders* go to VIVOCITY. on a Sunday, mind you! it was damn crowded lah! so we decided to leave the place, what with Wak not being able to be in crowded places, and crash at Banquet next door. What we did next, is more @#%#!@&%&@ than going to Vivo on a weekend.

WE WENT ON THE CABLECAR RIDE

the thing was,
we had 2 persons who scared of heights within our gang,
which makes it hilarious inside the cabin;
and the last time any of us took the cablecar,
was A LONG TIME AGO..

which gave space to....
JAKUN-ISM.

the feeling of being on top of the world was enrapturing. the view was breathtaking - especially since we got to view the sunset! and it was better for us since not a single cent came from our pockets! =D and for couples, eherm, its reccommended to take the ride to Mount Faber, and well, walk around.

Since it's Christmas season, the place is fitted with decorations, and well, we met with a MUSLIM SANTA! lol. With all due respect, we actually were jakun enough to take a picture with Santa and his fairy helpers. How we knew he was Muslim?

Santa: Ho Ho Ho! Selamat hari raya! Assalamualaikum!
lol.

Rating: ****
must-go-date-venue

With the combined selenge-ness of 7 people, none of us brought along a camera, but here's a snippet of the pictures that were managed to be taken with Raimi's cameraphone. the picture with santa has yet to be scanned though. =)


before going on the cablecar


mentel-ing at Mt Faber


Sunset at Harbourfront. this was taken by a 6280 phone!

the next day was another late night with a failed dvd marathon over at Shir's place with the girlfriends. yup, we had it all, the dvds, the popcorn, the pizza, the pepsi, the huge cushions!
but due to a certain cock-up with regards to the dvd player, we only managed to watch one dvd - a pathetic one at that!



whatever you do, dont watch underworld:evolution.
its a pure waste of time/money. the plot is non-existing and evidently, the producers felt that gory + sex should be enough to cover it up. the gory scenes bring hollywood's cinematography's reputation to shame, and the sex scenes were doubly unnecessary. we were wondering what the heck was going on in the movie most of the time and well, it didnt help that 2 of the girls already watched the damn movie. pun intended.

it was a crazy night, and it was a first night since a long time that we crashed at someone's place, with me sans the hijab. we gulped down 2 pizzas from Rites Pizza and a not-very-nice bag of home-made popcorn. the only reason we left at ten to 12 was it was a working day the next day, and it was impossible to crash at her place in our uncomfortable clothes.

Next time we crash, we watch The OH in OHIO ok? lol!

Yesterday was the record.
I reached home at 15 to one in the morning,
that was, of course, accompanied with constant phone calls from the folks.
and no, i wasnt up to no good.

it was all good fun with the DAMAY gang, again.
dinner at Rubinah, tucked away at the back alley, eating seafood, we created a guffaw!
with them, there's never a quiet moment, and we were laughing so hard through that 2
hours, that we didnt manage to complete the food. this was, of course, thanks to Wak.
Pure de-stresser.
Pure fun.
Bucketload of craziness.
What more can i ask?
I heart them many-many can?
=D

Convo Nov 2006

Mt Faber Dec 2006



Love,

Atikah.

Salam guys.
enough of being emo-fied.




Teater Kami Ltd
is proud to present:

TEKONG HIGHWAY
From Salabin to Ayer Samak... (In Malay)

Ringkasan

Izam dan Shaufi, dua orang “buddy” yang sedang menjalani latihan
“topography”. Mereka dikehendaki berjalan seluruh Pulau Tekong selama 3 hari 2 malam, mencari “checkpoints” untuk melengkapkan latihan tersebut.

Perjalanan itu walaupun hanya beberapa hari, telah membuka mata mereka
tentang kekayaan Pulau Tekong, terutama dengan sifat Izam yang “adventurous”
digandingkan pula dengan Shaufi yang mempunyai “Mata Ketiga”. Penonton akan
diajak mengikut bersama kedua-dua watak ini untuk menyelongkar kisah-kisah
di Pulau Tekong.
______________________________________________________________________________

Summary

Two buddies, Izam and Shaufi undergoing topography exercise for 3 days and 2
nights on Pulau Tekong. They are tasked to look for checkpoints throughout
the island to complete their exercise.

Though a few days walk, the experience had opened their eyes to the richness
of Pulau Tekong, especially with the adventurous traits of Izam and the
blessed “third eye” of Shaufi. Audience will be brought along with them
throughout their journey in uncovering the stories of Pulau Tekong.
_______________________________________________________________________________

Written / Directed by
ANWAR HADI RAMLI

Performed by:
YAZID TAHIR, HILSHAM HELZIE,
DALIFAH SHAHRIL, MD ADIB KOSNAN SIRAN,
ANWAR HADI RAMLI

To be performed at:
Teater Kami Black Box Studio
ONE - TWO - SIX Cairnhill Arts Centre
126 Cairnhill Road

22nd December 8pm
23rd December 3pm & 8pm

Tickets: $12

So, anybody interested to go with me?
contact me alright?
or i'll be on another date with my brother.
yes, pathetic. =)

heee.

love,
atikah

And keep your soul content with those who call on their Lord morning and evening, seeking His Face; and let not your eyes pass beyond them, seeking the pomp and glitter of this Life; nor obey any whose heart We have permitted to neglect the remembrance of Us, one who follows his own desires, whose case has gone beyond all bounds. (Qur'an 18: 28)

Salam.

you know who your real friends are when they've gone through whatever shit you've gone through, together. you know who your real friends are when they stick by you no matter who you are. and you know who your real friends are when they'll pick up your calls at 2-3 in the morning without a single grumble.

but when your real friend is screwed up, what do you do?
do you just accept it as who she is,
or do you try to change her back to something that she's not.

you see, my real friend has been with me through all the shit i've been through. and i mean it. she's seen me throughmy wild, havoc days; she's seen me through my self-injury days; hell, she's even seen me through my suicidal days. days that i look back now and istighfar. astaghfirullah. but dont get me wrong. i dont regret those days, since they were the ones that eventually mould me into who i am today.

my real friend has also been through the shit herself. that's why we're strong. we understand each other. but instead of seeking solace in Islaam, well, lets just say, she'd strayed. damn far. too damn fcuking far.

i've cried for her. i rode with her on the ambulance on the eve of her birthday when she tried to take her life. i've been with her through the craziest of times. i love her.

sometimes, i feel useless as a friend. for not being able to guide her back to the right path. for being silent when she tells me of her conquests. for agreeing with her when she tells me of the joys of the free life. for allowing her to be like so.

my faith is sometimes questioned when im with her and the rest of the girls. wonderful people. but strayed. i'll pray that i wont drift away together with them, into the life that i swore that i'll never have ever again. but sometimes, its just too difficult. not when they're the ones who's true to you.

she accepted me when i changed. she never questioned nor taunted me when i decided to throw away my past and embraced islaam. she respected my decision to wear the hijaab. she tries to protect me. she doesnt allow me to follow her footsteps. she loves me.

but im disappointed in her. truly.

i want the best for her. and its not the way things are now. the life that she's leading now will eventually lead to her demise. is this the way she wants to lead her life? i often question that.

it doesnt help that she has other non-practicing muslim girlfriends, who are also my girls too. so how can she see the difference between embracing islaam and not? its not as if she doesnt know the basics of islam. she does. she even went to religious school once upon a time ago. does it make a difference if i excuse myself to perform my prayers when i go out with them? does it make a difference when i tell them of the joys of embracing islaam? does it make a difference when i tell them of the changes i've experienced since then? or will they just take it lightly? or will they instead look at my constraints without realising that there's a purpose behind it - for my own well being as a muslimah. i dont know. subhanallah. i wish they realise the essence of my being with them.

my friend. i know i should accept you the way you are. but deep within me, i resent the person on the surface of you now. i resent your lifestyle more than anything. i know you're capable of doing so much more. you're always in my prayers. its the weakest thing i could ever do as a muslim, as your friend.

for i pray that one day, He will shine hidayah upon you and the girls. insyAllah.

i know who my real friend is.
if you're reading this, please know that im sorry for not being able to say this to your face.
i love you.
and im always your friend darling.

Salam guys.

Yes, i've gone out of the much needed hibernation.
its great to be able to crash back into bed after subuh prayers, or simply just slack around the house.
i do miss australia though.
i want to go again, can can??

anyway,
as promised, the pictures.

you see, a holiday will always be divided into 4 parts.
a)accomodation
b)activities
c)FOOOOOOOOD!
d)shopping!!
so lets start with a) shall we.

we stayed at Courtyard Marriot, Surfer's Paradise which is right smack in the middle of EVERYTHING. and well, it was a congregation arena for the schoolies [click here to get a definition], meaning nights were filled with outrageous behaviour such as wild partying and binge drinking, and well, screaming. it explains why my lullaby was police and ambulance sirens. tsk.



the hotel is in the background. heh.



we got the junior suite on the 22nd floor, and the great thing about having the suite was, i have a room ALL TO MYSELF.
which meant i didnt have to fight over the pillows from my brother or sleep on the floor with the pathetic comforter.
no no man. i have a bed sofa all to myself plus all the other things you get in a hotel room. sweet suite! =D

next, lets go to b)
we went to, (in order)


i love this theme park for its crazy rides! i can proudly EXCLAIM to the world that i've conquered my fears and went on EVERY SINGLE ride that can found there, well, excluding the kiddie rides lah!
and let me tell you, that is no small feat! not when the rides are gigantic and goes at 0.1km per second!
3 of the best rides there are :


Lethal weapon.




Escape - Superman




Wild Wild West

oh and here was where i got to meet the cartoon characters! and of course, relived the inner child!





the next day, we headed to seaworld.
quite a boring place.
but they had cartoon network island and i got to meet the gedik dexter!
heh.






the highlight was the water ski stunts show - WIPE OUT!
fantastic stuff i tell you.
its ala GREASE on water.





next was Paradise Country.
I HEART THIS DAY MANY MANY!
heh.


got to see/touch koalas and kangaroos!





and we got to witness sheep shearing!
something funny happened.
when we were at the farm, there was a whole group of chinese/japanese tourists. when the guy was talking in english, and made jokes and puns, the only people laughing, were, well, us. only when it was translated to the language did they laugh. which is both awkward and funny at the same time! lol.



then,
we went to this great place.
which is a MUST MUST go!!!
i fell in love with it lah!!



you see, they have an interesting format.
its something like a broadway musical.
just that they perform stunts too.
and.......
you get to EAT dinner while watching the show.
yes, EAT!
they serve you dinner while you enjoy the great stunts by the stockmen and women from the great australian outback.
the effects, lighting and sounds used were topnotch!
and you even get a free cowboy hat upon entrance.
how coooool is that?

the 1000-seat arena's picture that i took illegally

another reason i loved this place was well, if you've known me long enough, you should know that my favourite animal is the horse, despite the fact that i dont one and its damn hard to come by it in singapore. i loved the magnificent creatures used and i've got to admit, it was the main reason why i was so excited to go to the show.
i love you horsies!! =D

our last destination was Dreamworld, which wasnt included in the package, so my parents had to scour about to find the best deal for 6 adults and one child + transportation. they finally settled for the package offered by the hotel due to security reasons.




its a nice place, i must say.
but it had too many things to offer.
TOO MANY
that 6 hours were unable to accomodate.
and the queues were DAMN long lah.
imagine having to queve for more that 30 MINUTES for a freaking less-than-5-minutes that turned out to be not worth my wait!
ergh. irritating i tell you.

but the best thrill rides (of those that i managed to take),
was THE CLAW, hands down.
we got to see the landscape and all!



it goes 9 stories high, swinging up to 75km/h while spinning 360 degrees!
heart pumping, i tell you!!
woohoo!!

AND AND AND,
another great thing was,
its the home of NICKELODEON stars!!
heheh.
the kid in me conquered on that day!!
look who i met!!
hehe.



The Irritating Yellow Sponge and his Pink Sidekick!!
are you ready kids?
aye aye, captain!
i cant hear you!
aye aye captain!
oooooh,
who lives in a pineapple under the sea?
Spongebob Squarepants!


and the amazing boy genius, JIMMY NEUTRON!

and we got to go to the Wiggles Village. so cuteeee.



of course, there were a bunch of others, but i didnt get to snap their pictures. =(

another great thing i forgot to mention was,
ALL THE THEMEPARKS HAD MUSOLLAH, AS IN PRAYER AREA!
so it was easy to both have fun and still carry out your duties as a responsible Muslim.
even singapore doesnt provide musollah!
waaah, i heart you Australia! =D


this was taken at Movieworld


anway, time to go to c)
ok, listen up.
whoever told you that it was difficult to find food in gold coast.
THEY LIED
there's loads of great food you can try!
especially kebabs.
shops selling kebabs are EVERYWHERE
so have no fear.
the BEST kebab, however, hails from this shop.

look at the size man!
definitely worth your buckeroos.




and if you want chicken or burgers,
you can always drop by


OPORTO!

their chicken and burgers are HUGE lah! and its cheap cheap!
man, i think throughout our trip,
all we ate were either veggies or chicken.
yummy ones at that too!

and, to top it off, every themepark has its own halal-certified restaurant!
yup, you dont have to crack your head to think of where to eat.



so definitely, no worries about food there.
your stomach wont be left grumbling!

for part d) however,
i have to leave that for later.
coz the things are still unpacked.
which means no pictures up yet.
next entry aights?

i can show you these though.



i'll tell you something though.

yup, you guessed right.
my 2 brothers, my cousin and myself busted AU$500++ on these 2 brands only!
the price was waaay cheaper as compared to singapore lah!
apa lagi, lantak lah kitorang!

and of course, there was a shop that sold clothes (in my size!) that were going at half price! i went crazy lah. its the kind of clothes you can find at MNG and TOPSHOP and FOREVER21 lah!

so i bought 3 dresses/maxis at only AU$53!
killer bargain lah!
wooots.

yerpx. we really shopped man.
imagine, we left with 4 bags altogether (excluding hand luggage).
guess how many came home with us?
8, EIGHT, LAPAN!!
and each bag exceeded its maximum weight!
lucky for us, the cute admin guy that was registering our flight closed one eye and let the luggage on board without extra charges!
hey, he should be happy, we contributed to his country's economy ok!

now, that was worth the S$10,000+++ spent on the holiday right?

anyway, click here to see more pictures alright? =D


Love,

Atikah