No. 8

The 8th week has arrived. Swift and silent. I wonder how long it'll be
now. Considering the fact that I have quite abit to do. Either have to
or NEED to.

Decisions decisions. Rhymes with recession.

Ya Allah, ease me of these burdens.

ps: that's me Cik liz and Ya at the Coombe Abbey Park in Coventry.
Welcoming spring, Coventry style.

There comes a time

Where you'll have to choose between reality and dream. Most of the time, we'd go with reality. Just because we have to live through it. Nonetheless, our decisions are always affected by the minor details that we have just received.

Nothing more aggravating than to wait and see what's gonna happen to us. What is planned for us? No one but Allah knows. Thinking of ways to really consider what I'd like to be in 4 years or 10 years time all depends on how I'm going to achieve it now. Preferably in the slightest of ease. Nothing comes easy. And of course nothing is impossible too.

It's like sedating yourself with such strong medication that helps keep you in tuned with the goals or 'what I want to be' in the near future. Thinking away, I really am quite lost for awhile.

It's been two years since i left Malaysia to study in the UK. Apart from knowing so many people, so many things and learning at the same time. I've come to realise, the more i learn, the more i get scared. Is that why some people just lay it off and consider not to gain knowledge?

I sometimes wonder what will become of me in 4 years time. A question that was asked by my tutor. I know i sound really 'SKEMA' for saying this. But hey, it's my future. My road. My adventure. I do think i have the right to choose and work through it no? Rather than aimlessly pointing at a direction and shouting 'OK! That's the way I'm heading'


bollocks.

Anyway, alot has to be done. We only be what we want, when we KNOW what we want. It's easier said than done. Yes, i agree. Ultimately it is quite the most profound thing you'll ever do in your life! Setting the course of which you alone have to go through.

I had my thoughts and i'll have somemore. InsyaAllah with the dua and prayers that i make in every Salah, i try very hard to keep calm.

Where will you be in 4 years time?

=)

No. 9

9 weeks left. Come on spring! Let's rush summer in ;)

New modules.. New challenges.. come on!!

I pray for wellbeing, success and diligence.

Amin.

picture courtesy of : abdul bari

A little shutter story

Today the three of us went for a photoouting somewhere in Birmingham.
A pretty park up in Handsworth. It was beautiful. And the company was
fantastic. Enjoyed every second o it.

The tulips were beautiful. The daffodils cheerful. Nature at it's
best. We then ate at the Thai Orchid restaurant for dinner. It was
delicious. Not too bad. Tom yam and sea bass was good.

Anyway I have quite abit to do for my submission tomorrow. Wish me luck!

Salam

It's come to that

First off, nearly all of my photo collections from end of 2008 till now are missing. Due to iPhoto's 'smart' features. It hurts so badly. But insyaAllah i'll be able to find it somewhere somehow.

Anyway, it's not a good time in the world right now. Not in mine at least. Knowing that it won't be an easy ride. It'll be quite bumpy as i've imagined.

I pray to Allah, that we are lifted from this heavy burden and hope that Ya Rabbal Alamin would ease us with our burdens.

Murahkan la rezeki hamba-hamba mu ini. Aku mohon kepadamu ya tuhanku. Aku-lah hambamu yang lemah.

" Mintaklah dan doalah. Dan AKU akan kabulkan."

InsyaAllah.

Amin.

Counting

I'm counting the weeks. Hoping it to be days. Not too long now.

10 weeks.

Doa Taubat

Subhanallah. This is just so beautiful. It's even more beautiful, when you understand and know the meaning. And heart it.

I heart it. And MasyaAllah.

Forum Petua Mendapat Pasangan

hahaha this is just hilarious. And informative at the same time! :D

do give it a go ;)

Forgiveness

" Baransiapa yang memaafkan SEMUA orang setiap malam sebelum tidur, akan dibukakan pintu Syurga. Dan ditutupkan pintu Neraka "

" Whoever forgives ALL beings at night before they sleep, the doors of Heaven will open for them. And the doors of Hell will be closed for them."

A little mishap?

Lazing around on monday. As if i had nothing better to do! hahaha

The family came on skype and we had a chat for about an hour or so. Beats phone bills. hehe. It was pretty random at subjects. My car. British weather. My mum's cookie. hmm lots more. After i hung up the call with them, wanted to get some tea downstairs. Thought of giving the little kitties a visit before i stepped downstairs.

They were GONE?!

It was so nerve wrecking. Three small kittens. I just hope i didn't step on them. hahaha! I shouted for them and Zaidi replied. He said the three are downstairs. I was shocked? How the hell did they get there. He said Putih took the three and brought them down. Hehehe ayu suggested it might be cause, Kuning might be preparing for her 'turn'. Hmm we'll see.

Had fun with the little cuties and took some photos of them. Hope you like them!

p.s: i'm behind schedule in doing my essay. Shit.

fascinating...

The book i started reading two days ago, i've just finished reading just awhile ago. my verdict?

It's pretty interesting to have read the wit of Arden in this book of his. Very very fascinating. Like they say "a bible' for advertising/designers.

Give it a go. You won't be dissapointed.

hilmi

Ridiculuos

I lost my March collection of photos. Thanks to not transferring my
iphoto properly. But alhamdulillah, I actually have a second copy of
most of the images. Cause I shot in RAW, I had a seperate folder for
them. Thus, relief.

Anyway, happy Easter to all my Christian friends!

I was supposed to be doing my essay research. But only got to Reading
journals. Arghh. Tomorrow's another day.

Thought of the day:

"you don't have to be creative to be creative"
- Paul Arden's book.

Refer to earlier post.

Le Festin- Camille (Ratatouille Soundtrack)

I just love this soundtrack. Beautiful voice. Ahhh the french. I might just live in Paris someday ;)

Alot on my shoulders

'They become rich and powerful by wanting to be rich and powerful.'

'Nearly all rich and powerful people are not notably talented, educated, charming or good looking.'

excerpt from 'It's not how good you are, but how good you want to be'


I've just received the book order i placed two days ago. It's a book written by PAUL ARDEN, titled : 'IT'S NOT HOW GOOD YOU ARE, BUT HOW GOOD YOU WANT TO BE'

The title itself gave me goosebumps and a hint of some sort. It's really hard to fit yourself in such huge shoes. Knowing that people expect alot. What more if you yourself expect MORE! I've got so much to do to be what i dream and WANT to be. I know it sounds rather cheesy and cliche, but it's really what i want.

Papa always drive his children in wanting to be the best but only if that's what you want. He drives us in such a way, where we realise that, we NEED to be hardworking in order to succeed. With mama's support and guidance, insyaAllah we'll make it. I just know it.

p.s: image courtesy of DaoWen.

Growing

" Growing old is inevitable. Growing up is a choice "

The kittens are growing well, thanks to Fairuz and Ayu's care. They
look healthy and are starting to crawl around the room. Hehe

Anyway, I've been having good sleeping habits. Not sure why. By 11pm
I'll be so sleepy. And I'll wake up by 9.30am. Isn't that just great.
(good enough for someone who sleeps at 4am and wakes up at 1pm) hahaha

Must be the vitamins I'm taking everyday. A to Z Vitamins. Also been
drinking less sugary tea. Only one teaspoon or none at all! ;)

Alhamdulillah. Anyway, might hit the sack pretty soon. A friend
invited me to go to Warwick Castle (again) tomorrow. I'll see if I'm
up to it.

I have a 1500 and a presentation to prepare by the 20th of this month.
Also need to compile all my research and work too.

May it all run smooth insyaallah.

Goodnight!

Salam

Gran Turismo 5: Prologue

OH MY GOD..... i just LOVE the graphic and gameplay!!!... oh dear... i really want a PS3 now.. :(

Amsterdam City

Sunset in Amsterdam
Sunset in Amsterdam
Amsterdam Centraal Station


Heineken Brewery Lady


Amsterdam Architecture


Bicycles


Van Gogh Museum


These are random photos of Amsterdam. The photos which i think are substantially iconic of Amsterdam. The bicycles, buildings and people. :)

When i am asked..

the questions i do not want to answer, i simply close my eyes and pretend i didn't hear it. At time, it can be rather annoying to hear things when you know the answers of it. The tendencies of peopl asking questions, which the answers they already know.

Answers answers answers. The solution to problems. When we face turmoil, the first thing we think of is GOD. Oh Allah. Or, if you are less religious, shit, crap and f**k comes first. No offence :)

Anyway, experiencing the most sad part of being a sibling is when i'm not able to be what they hope of me. Sometimes, it's hard to satisfy everyone. I try to fulfill what i am asked of, but sometimes, it's just too difficult.

Blabbering on, sometimes i just think i'm trying too hard. I am only human. Nothing more. Nothing less. I do lack a few 'features'. Having the idea that i'm the eldest in the family brings great weight to my shoulders. I know my parents know that. And they support me for it. Alhamdulillah.

My siblings, i pray each day and night for your success and happiness. Like what i always tell them, HAPPINESS and success is something you can only obtain, earn and search for. You cannot ask and get it instanteanously. Like what papa would always say to me, work for it. You've just got to do it.

Alhamdulillah, i've been given the privileges of the world. Living at ease, with great rewards and comfortable lifestyle. Alhamdulillah for all the great things that happen in my life. Loving family. Caring friends. But sometimes, i just hope my siblings would learn of that as well.

I told my sister Syakirah, Birthdays are not just about the presents. It's not also about the celebrations. It's also about being thankful to your Creator in giving you life and breath to continue your journey in this world. I always remind myself and of my brother and sister, that in life, we often ask of things which are just too much. Forgetting that we are already living such a lavishly decorated life. Although we (especially me) envy others whose lives are much MORE lavished, i still am thankful for even having the bread and butter of life on my table. More than bread and butter.

Sykur i am to Allah and to my parents for giving so much support and great trust in whatever i do here. A few thousand miles away. Trusting me with such amount of investment. haha i sound like a businessman now. The reason i'm writing this is to remind myself and others that, in this life, we are only for awhile. There's nothing permanent. Like they say, we live only once. Yes we do, so why waste it on useless and unbeneficial things? :)

Always put family first. I'd die for them. I'd bleed for them. I'd sacrifice what i can for my family. No doubt. No second thoughts. Sometimes, when i was younger, i used to think why papa wouldn't let me do such things. Why he would just interfere. Did he? Or did I make him sound like he was? Our parents are much wiser than us. They've been through what we have. That's why they know best. :)

Although many might not agree. That's just too bad for you. At least i know, at the end of the day, when friends forsake me (i know they wont), i have my family that i can count on. My father whose advice and words inspire me to be the man i dream of. And my mother's soft spoken words which soothes my heart with great comfort. And the thing that drives me forward, my brother and sister.

I made a promise which i'll never break. I rarely break promises anyway.

A promise to keep us all together. TO be bonded by laughter, happiness and spirit. InsyaAllah.

:)

p.s: i wanted to let out a few things in my heart. this has nothing to do with anything. so don't worry! :D

Syakirah's 11th on the 4th of April 2009

Happy birthday Syakirah!

11 years have passed. Wow that's pretty quick. In no time, you'll be what me and abg eam is now. hahaha a pain in the ass! :P

May Allah bless you in all your future endeavors and di-rahmati Allah no matter where you are.

Abang can only watch from afar. I'll be home soon. :)

hope u liked the present. ;) now you can follow me wherever i go with my camera. Two of us :)

happy birthday!!

Life on a strap

I wonder sometimes. When we hold in to the one most dearest to us. How
do we know we are doing the right thing? I know it sounds pretty
ambiguous.

What would happen if you strapped yourself to a ride? How brave would
I be? Menemani aku sepi.

Resah aku di dalam minda dan pemikiran.

This place is located a few mins away from the Central of Amsterdam. It's somewhat the mini countryside of the city. Just after Zaandam. Anyway this place is beautiful and i love it!

It's a package of things a tourist should get when they come to Holland. You get the whole mix, Cheese with a few windmills. Dutch Wooden Clogs and also pewter. Lots more. The landscape is just breathtaking. Pair all this with great food, pancakes and their local delicacies. Ooh la la. Heaven :)

Anyway, i'll post more pics later.

till next time.

salam!

Amsterdam Day 3

heyya! Sorry for the late reply. I just arrived in Birmingham safely this morning. Alhamdulillah flight was alright. It was abit bumpy before landing, but it was ok. :)

On day 3, we went to Zaanse Schans. On the outskirt of Amsterdam, just 15 mins by train. It's a beautiful village with a rather classic dutch farm setting. Greens, yellows and cheese.

Cheese?

Yes people, we went and visited the famous Cheese farm in Amsterdam. It was amazing!! I tried 9 different dutch cheese. hahaha it was delicious. Especially the goat's cheese. I'm obsessed with cheese now hahaha! A good friend of mine, Pak Adib suggested i try the Smoked Gouda. I did, and it was brilliant as well. I love the dairy products they produce. I wonder if Malaysia was able to induce such a thing. On such a huge scale! :)

Anyway, the location is also home to at least three major windmills (which are still operational). The one we went in was called 'DE KAT' or the cat. There was literally a cat in the mill. haha. The mill was used to produce fine grain pigments of coloured dye. Fantastic form of production. Somehow, i just thought of my friend, i said earlier, PAK ADIB regarding the whole engineering of it.

SO we then enjoyed a piece of pancake each at the famous HOLLAND PANCAKES near the farms. I had the Cheese and Pineapple. Woohoo!! :D

I'm sorry for not posting images now, cause i'm feeling rather tired and sleepy :(

Anywho, we headed back home. And the night was just dinner and roaming around town. We did check out the red-light district.

to be honest with you, i'm not a fan of it. I find the whole 'thing' a very disgusting and irritating thing. Paying for your pleasure. Men feasting their nafsu on things they aren't supposed to. Forgetting their wives and girlfriends. In short, it's just sick. Make fun of me all you want. It's just my honest opinion in regards of prostitution. It's just horrifying. I just don't agree on women being exploited like this. Though they don't mind, it's still something i do not agree on.

Anyway, our flight the next day was rather early. So had to sleep early and packed right before bed. I hope my friends had fun cause i enjoyed their company. :)

tot ziens!!

Amsterdam day 2

Alhamdulillah all is well. Today we started the day with a simple
breakfast and walked to the VAN GOGH museum. His Colours of the night
was being exhibited. The man who spoke of death and the starry skies
inspired me of what he was thinking. He wasn't morbid or psychotic, he
was just expressing his opinion on Heaven. And also his practice in
art. Amazing works. Bought a souvenirr for my personal self. A mug
with the Starry Skies illustration.

We then had a fun time at the famous Heineken Brewery. The origin of
the Heineken beer. It wasn't my cup of tea. Cause I do not drink. But
the interactivity and activities they provided in learning bout
brewing and their company was just appauling.

I know I'm on a break here. But somehow I've been amused at how
interactive these exhibitions/attractions are!! The idea of making the
client play around or fiddle with the little things just amazes me.

I'm hoping to go to Zaan Schanes or Zaandam tomorrow. The countryside
won't hurt yea? Hehe windmills, wooden shoe making and cheese. Here I
come. Oh the beautiful tulips of holland spring.

Gdnight!

Hilmi: iPhone.

Hilmi Ramlan

Amsterdam Day 1

Delayed for about an hour on ground. Another 30 minutes on air in
Amsterdam. Just very stressful morning. The flight was not bad though.

Went straight to the Centraal Station in Amsterdam and met with my two
friends. Found our way to Museumplein by tram no. 16 and checked in.

Went and got lunch. While accompanied by a friend who's studying in
the Nederlands. Great lad.

Had salmon+spinach+potatoes for lunch. Poured some Hosing sauce. Just
fantastic. Had a great time talking to the people of Amsterdam as well.

I've got to admit. The most friendliest people I've ever met!!

Visited the red light district. Hahaha I know it's not good but I just
thought I should give it a go. It was... Well a prostitution centre.
Name whatever sort of thing you'd want. I kinda got rather disgusted
by some of the things I saw.

Anyway we are just chilling in our rooms. Heading out for a cruise
probably later in the evening.

Haven't snapped much photos though. Till next entry.

Bye!

Hilmi: iPhone.

Early Haul

Aaaaargh. It's 4nin the morning. We are just doing our last minute
packing before heading to the Birmingham Intntl Airport.

InsyaAllah it'll be a great and fun trip. :)

Will upload pieces of Amsterdam here when I get the chance of WiFi.

See ya!

Hilmi Ramlan