One simple act of kindness...

What does it take for you to be remembered fondly for the rest of your life and even after that?

One simple act of kindness. That's all it takes. It doesn't matter in what form. As long as it is a sincere one, you'll be more than fairly rewarded.

I remember one absolutely tiring day when I was just a junior executive. I was in charge in training and among the responsibilities were getting the training materials ready on time and making sure there are enough copies for everybody. There are a lot of modules, a lot of participants, a lot of work...

During the preparation for the training, I made frequent trips to the copier room. One day, I was really down. My feet hurts from standing and walking all day long. I've already substituted my heels with a flat sandal... I didn't want my feet to be sacrificed. It was a dreadful day to be facing a few copier machines during lunchtime. Then, out of nowhere, a canon copier technician appear...

It's time for him to service the machines. I was so frustrated because that means my work also had to stop. I was already so tired, I just wished I could finish copying as soon as possible. So, reluctantly I started to collect the training materials and stopped whatever I was doing.

I'm not sure what made him say those wonderful words to me that day. I think because he saw my tired face, slouch shoulders, heavy steps... and maybe also he didn't want me to be in his way. But I really didn't care of the whys... I only know that 'let me help you with that' was the nicest and sweetest thing a man could say to a woman in my condition. He sounded sincere, but I still asked him whether he was sure about his offer. With a smile, he said 'yes'.

Only one word... the best word.

So there we were... him servicing the copier machines while tending to my training materials. I was sitting on a table, hanging my feet, enjoying a bit of free time. We didn't talk much. But at that time, I feel like he was the nicest man on earth and the silence was the best conversation I ever had.

After an hour, his work done, so were the training materials. I said thank you with my highest appreciaton, he said 'no problem' with the sweetest smile on his face. Then we parted.

I remember telling my good friend I just had the happiest time that day. And it really was. Believe it or not, I think I still remember his face, the canon copier technician. I don't think he remembers me. But that doesn't matter.

One simple, sincere act of kindness can go a long way. You don't plan this kind of things. It just happened. If it happens to you, you'll feel wonderful. And if you make it happen to other people, the feeling is amazing. You just won't believe what one simple, sincere act of kindness can do.

So, go out there, be kind, be sincere... make people feel good. Then tell me how that makes you feel.

Fanaa...

I'm listening to Hindi song right now. Chand Sifarish, OST of Fanaa. One of my favourite Hindi movie. But I think this is the best Hindi movie ever. The storyline, especially the love story is closest to reality. Aamir Khan gave an outstanding act and Kajol is as excellent as ever. Even though the ending is not the happy ending you always expected from Hindi movies, the ending is very much satisfactory. Makes you wonder what would you do when choosing the lesser of two evils.

Make sure you catch the videos of Chand Sifarish and Mere Haath Mein.

Good site...

Today, a colleague of mine forwarded a very good link. All of us muslims should visit this website. Especially those like me who always travel and away from home. We have limited time to spend to listen to Islamic teachings, and when we have the time, we rather spend it window shopping, go to the movies, bookstores or always in front of the tv catching up with missed CSIs episodes. I feel that I've drifted for a distance from Islam. This does not feel good.

I thank ALLAH for this website and for giving this idea to the webmasters. May ALLAH bless you all always for what you're doing in the path of ISLAM.

'YouTube', the Islamic version --> www.ceramahislam.com

Late nights...

Working until late night again today. It's been like this for three weeks and I think it's going to continue this way until a few more months. Up till now, my body still can take it. Physically still going strong, mentally still ok... but motivationally, extremely low. Still in the end, the heart matters the most. I actually prefer a more relax lifestyle (you too right?) where I can go and have a life. But no complain. This is what I wanted, I chose this path and now I must go all the way, at least until the project completed. Then, I might turn to another direction, where I can spend sometimes doing the things I like.

At times like this, I think everybody will start to reevaluate the course of their chosen path. Heads up to those who are enjoying what they really enjoy right now. I wish my mind was as clear as you guys and I wish that I was strong enough to follow my heart. For those out there who are like me, just believe that everything happens for a reason and there's always a blessing in disguise. Only that we must put an effort to hunt for the blessings.

The question now is, have we got a plan for the hunt? I think I have... more of a draft actually. At least something already there. This time I have to make sure that it goes to the direction of the heart. This time I must make sure I'll be doing things that will help not only myself, but also others.

Oppssss... time to go. Taxi will be here in 5 minutesss...

2006 Blessings counted

There are so many things to be thankful for in 2006. Have you counted your blessings?

In 2006, I'm thankful for:
An amazing family... mak, ayah and my two adindas, I love you guys! My aunties, uncles, cousins, nephew and nieces... interesting group of people :)

Great friends and an international group of new friends

Challenging job... which has taught me the meaning of perseverence and thick face ;)

Technology! Life is much easier and interesting with digital camera, memory cards, thumb drive, external HD, FM modulator, MP4 player etc etc...

An increase of income

Good books! Thank you Clive Cussler for Dirk Pitt, thank you Neil Fiore for 'The Now Habit', thank you Gervase Phinn for 'Up and Down in the Dales', thank you Velocity Media for 'Digital Camera Magazine'...

Thank you ALLAH for 2006!

Qaisy & Laila

Last night I watched 'Qaisy & Laila' at RTM1. I love it! I wished I had watched it at the cinema and now I'm thinking of buying the VCD. I'm not sure where I was when 'Qaisy & Laila' went to the cinema in 2005. Where was I?

Anyway, I'm glad that Habsah Hassan decided to produced this movie despite the setbacks. Apparently her movie is as good as her song lyrics. I'm also glad that they casted Jehan Miskin and Fazura as the main roles. You guys did it beautifully... really reminds me of the chemistry between Azmil Mustapha and Ogy Ahmad Daud ;) Umie Aida and Radhi Khalid also did really well. I love you guys! This movie has given me hope that one day Malaysian movies will be acknowledged internationally.

Can't wait to watch another Habsah Hassan's movie...

10% Fiction

Today is my last day of confinement after giving birth to my 3rd child. A beautiful baby girl. Tomorrow I'll be going home in KL. After 2 months at my parents' house, I can't wait to go back home. I wonder how it looks like without me? My husband won't be able to keep it clean, neat and tidy all by himself. He rarely had a chance to call or visit me within these 2 months. He's occupied with work. Furthermore, he just got promoted, so he must be very busy now. Aaaahhh... I just can't wait to be home.

But the truth is, I'm the only one missing home, missing my husband. The truth is my husband doesn't miss me at all. The truth is my husband is seeing another woman. The truth is right now, my husband is in love with another woman. And, the final truth, my husband doesn't want me anymore.

When I got home, there's not even a welcoming smile from my husband for me. If it were not for my children, I don't think my husband would have smiled at all. You have to know that my parents sent me and my children home. No, my husband did not picked us up. After a few days at home, I sensed that something was wrong. It's all different, my husband I meant. But I figured it's just my imagination. I was in denial. That was when it all came to me.

I remember it perfectly. It was Friday night. My children and I were relaxing at the living room, watching cartoon. My husband just came back from work. The moment he stepped into the house and see my face, he looked disgusted. I knew it... then he said it...

"I don't want you anymore, I don't love you anymore. You can pack up your things and go back to your parents' house. You can bring the kids with you if you want. You can take the car. Go get yourself a job or even a new husband. I might get a new wife for myself".

*******************************************************

Do you think I can become a good fiction writer? Maybe yeah?

Unfortunately the story I wrote above is only 10% fiction. It's actually based on a true story that happened to someone I know quite closely. I'm telling you, I am very upset and angry hearing this kind of news. It's a mixed feelings. So, I'm not sure which part of the feelings that made me upset the most.

Is it the part where the husband doesn't LOVE the wife anymore?

Is it the part where the husband doesn't WANT the wife anymore?

Is it the part where the husband is IN LOVE WITH ANOTHER WOMAN?

No, no, no... what made me most upset is what the husband said to his wife. It's a total INSULT and I believe he thinks that a woman has no sense of self worth. I wish I was there when he said that to his wife. I'm not really sure what I would do to him, but most probably I'll teach him a few lessons... if you know what I mean ;)

For the wife and children, I really hope things turn out well for you guys.

For the husband, I hope you get what you're asking for. What goes around comes around anyway. Maybe you don't have anything to lose.