Assalamua'laikum.

HAKIKATNYA....

Jika tahun lepas aku berkorban 'career' di bandara Changi demi untuk memberi lebih masa dan perhatian kepada adik dan mummy, tahun ini pula pengorbananku agak kecil-kecilan sahaja. Maklumlah diri ini masih 'single-mingle' dan borang penyertaan bagi "Pernikahan Si Dia Ni" masih kering-kontang, aku menjalani perwatakanku seperti insan biasa yang terataknya di bawah naungan Ilahi.

Hujan masih menitis di permukaan bumi ini, begitulah perjalanan hidupku di pulau Temasek yang tanahnya rendah dan tidak penuh dengan keajaiban luarbiasa. Jika ku pandang perairan Singapura, jauh berkail-kail panjangnya dari atas feri yang menuju ke pulau Batam, ia nampak seperti sebuah Pulau Jutawan. Bangunan tinggi melangit bagaikan imej kedewa-dewaan kepada mereka yang memandang dari luar kaca cermin pulau ini, akan berair mulut mereka mengingatkan kehidupan yang senang di sini. Padahal, padahal... Seharian hidup di pulau ini dengan pembayaran cukai seketikanya kami melangkah kaki keluar dari rumah adalah cukup menggusarkan bagiku. Berapa peratus yang masih susah mendapatkan pekerjaan tetap pada waktu sekarang ini, apatah lagi dengan kenaikan harga. E-eh, kalau aku nak liputkan kisah harga ni memang menjela komen aku. Tempias hempas pulas kata-kataku ini.

Pendek kata, aku banyak berkorban kertas berwarna ungu, hijau, merah, biru dan oren. L'argent. Dan masih banyak lagi kertas yang akan di korbankan pada masa yang akan datang ini. Memandangkan kebanyakan syarikat kertas saiz A4 menggunakan kekayu dari kebun, mengapa tidak dapat aku membuka satu kebun kertas ungu, hijau, merah, biru dan oren? Pelik juga, ya.

Namun aku bersyukur kehadrat Ilahi, syukran JazakAllah, tidak haus pengorbananku tahun lepas. Pekerjaanku sekarang ini amat dekat dengan rumahku, majikanku yang terkadang siuman dan kebanyakan harinya marah kerana kebodohan sendiri, adalah masyarakat majusi yang sedar akan kebolehan pekerja melayu seperti aku dan empat lagi yang lainnya. Masuk telinga kiri keluar telinga kanan, cukup haribulan majikan aku pun 'kena asap' - ahaks!

Tetapi hakikatnya begini, aku jarang bertulis dalam bahasa. Jika ada silap aturan bahasaku, harap diampunkan. Aku pun insan biasa seperti awak-awak semua. Yang membuat kita luarbiasa adalah CAHAYA yang memancar dari atas, kiri, kanan dan bawahmu. Fii sam'ii wanuuran, Insya'Allah. Selamat menyambut AidilAdha wahai para sahabats, walau apa jua pengorbananmu itu, biarlah ia datang dari sang sanubari yang murni, suci lagi ikhas.

Wassalam.

Di atas katilku, yang sedang menunggu layananku, senyap sunyi sepi tanpa sensasi untuk berkata, ia kaku tapi tetap mengharap belaianku...hampas-hampas kertas kerja ku. Adui, malasnya nak layan...

Assalamua'laikum.

INNER SANCTUM.

I missed shopping for knickers. It's been a long while since I've visited St. Michael's Marks and Spencer to look for intimate garments. My shopping grounds have been restricted to John Little and Metro only, pending on my laziness to walk through the throngs of crowd in the city.

Our neighbourhoods have since been packed to the brim, shops of competitive nature, the likes of Isetan at Marine Parade since the 80's and now Marks & Spencer joining the cluster. Tampines is also a buzzing hub proudly ornamenting Metro as its centre of attraction. Daimaru was in Bishan, I don't know right about now if the store's still around anymore. But I'm mentioning about knickers.

The English have a penchant for intimate garments. Comparing design, wearability and comfort between ERO lingerie at Jurong Point and Knickerbox at Raffles City, I'd choose the latter for its sexiness. The Japanese, for one, takes extra detailing to its production of lingerie. I give big salutes to Wacoal for providing the due comfort of inner support for a size 38-C consumer like me.

I remembered a trip to Bangkok I once made in June 2001 with my mum. We were at Seiyu in Maboonkrong and the inner garments are selling at SGD 16.00 each, all tastefully colorful and branded to the end. Guy Laroche, Chanel, Calvin Klein, whatever, yet still I didn't get to buy any. Size 85C just didn't exist on their measuring tape. Imagine the look on my face as the sales personnel shook her weary head upon a request for a 38C. Great danes! Does anyone remember Blush, that high fashion lingerie shop in the city? That shop is a great dismal too - no size to fit the hefty queens.

Thankfully in Singapore most 80% of its lingerie retailers stock up sizes enough to make round, full-bloomed ladies weep with joy. I think I shall go look for more knickers to flood my drawers full and my favourite knickers are those sexy high-legs of polyamide fabric, soft to the touch. I know what he likes....since "patience is a virtue", I shall observe that advise and may The Almighty gives me the strength to persevere and the perseverance to be strong.

READERS 21 YEARS & ABOVE see here!

NAUGHTY NAUGHTY!

Wassalam.

Assalamua'laikum.

GOMEI-KUDASAI....

I wanna talk about the rain that has been pouring incessantly non-stop from Friday till 6am today. Friday, being a public holiday and a family day-out to Changi Beach was in supposed order. The early Friday morning wetness is a big no-no message to step out to the beach. Alrighty then, I shouldn't fret like a freak so I chose to curl cosily on my bed till the rain stops. The rain gradually slowed down in Jurong area and the 'fun lorry' belonging to an uncle starts to roar into the KJE to fetch the other members for an evening eats at Changi Point. Damn cold it was, "Wind In Her Hair" was my classical Sioux nickname and I lived up to it. Changi is so windy, it's almost pleasant to keep a house by that seaside, if not for its haunting history.

It's amazing that the rain carried on continuously for Saturday. Accompanying me in my office is the rainfall outside. My bosses and manager stepped in, handing one more red packet for good luck and since all other yards and shipping offices are closed for the holidays, we closed in at 11 am. Meeting my mum and brother for a little shopping trip in the neighbourhood, there is no stopping those two even if the rains threaten to flood the island and leverage with the sea's depth.

The rain continues to beat the lands with pretty abundant water until late into the night. It still rained when I bought tickets for a very late Saturday night screening of The Last Samurai. A perfect setting though, both I and Aredz watched the movie like a King and Queen in a private theater. Nobody is around to watch with us! We accomodated the back row and treated the serenity quietness in deep concentration to the essence of the movie. Katsumoto is the good-hearted Samurai and a Lord who upholds the tradition of his culture while at the same time maintaining the image of a feared warrior esteemed to serve the Emperor. Captain Algren has a mission to lead the Imperial Army into a progressive world-class troop. Nonetheless, the two warriors met in an awkward custom and after 3 seasons' change, they joined forces to fight the Emperor's army. Their bid : to redeem their dissatisfaction and the ultimate desire to stand up against shame and humiliation. Ways of the samurai, oh yeah. And by the way, the rain was as hard as ever, still.

Today has brought in not sunshine but not rain, so it's a little in-between. A trip to the Sunday Flea Market at Clarke Quay proved fruitful, Ajan's stall was at a corner, his trade spread across the table for all to see and evaluate the quality and beauty. My mum and me swooped 5 timepieces at a very attractive price by Ajan. I've got my much-adored piece, the one that I've drooled about since having seen it at his catalogue. The new piece shall serve as my work-wear and that means my other Guess watches shall be kept very nicely for occasional events. And I heard Ms Huda has snapped 3 pieces as well. Looks like Ajan has already got an exclusive group of clientele. Well, good luck to the guy and hope his watch business runs strong and smooth.

Wassalam.

Assalamua'laikum.

COLORIZE MY LIFE I'M SO SICK OF BLACK & WHITE.

Cannon-like shots blasted overhead us last night. It took me a couple of seconds to figure out the on-goings outside as I was engaged in activity indoors. Nevertheless, being the celebrations of des chine, it was indeed the bloomings of the fireworks in the dead of night, to the excitement of onlookers around.

It did colorize my world for a while. I was like the child I was of 20 years ago. Ecstatic at the colorful display of explosive ammunition however just a couple of minutes it lasts. After a small invasion of the fire display in the sky, blackness resumes its color. Life is back to normal once again. For I am one who wonders at the colors of life, benignly in search of its true aura, not benighted.

My submissiveness just attracts bees, stinging my every inch of good-naturedness. My nurturing manner may inspire some who needs a good two-cents' worth. My defiant inner sense shows at the corners of my sharp glares. I am after all, a balance of Yin and Yang, sometimes I just run out of colors to express!

Wassalam.

Assalamua'laikum.

ORANGE MEADOWS

The chinese lunar new year looks more of an 'Orange Harvest' festival. Tonnes of mandarin orange shipments abound from overseas over the past few weeks. While it serves to be a popular fruit of the season for 15 days or so, the aftermath of unwanted orange extras resulted in cartons upon cartons of those pulpy, juicy golden fruits left alone and rotting away....

Lucky hands that touches the right crate of oranges will result into those ever so sweet treat. The not so lucky hands might just pick the sour ones to go along their moods all year long! Nah, another set of blabbering...

Orange scents filled the corners of the season. Beautiful laden baskets of citrus becomes the centrepieces of many Lunar-calender followers' homes during this festive period. The orange is a pretty eye-catcher. Oranges itself comes in many different species. Les gens de chine are using the mandarin lukans for this symbolific event, which are deliciously edible, while for decoration were the kumquats, well-pruned in pots. While blood oranges taste exquisitely fine for the discerning palate, some prefer the Jaffa oranges and the Seville sour.

These golden fruits are originally from the Middle-East, cross-bred in the Americas, Europe, China, Indonesia and the Oceania. It provides the vitamin C needed by daily requirement, plus two vitamin B properties of thiamin and folate. It has the nutritional benefit of its membranes in between the segments of the fruit. Amazing how much an orange can do to help repair bodily damage.

Oranges has its cons too - the acidic properties adds shrinking pain to the stomach for some. Migraine-proned people ought to stay away from citrus. No death-by-orange cases have been reported before, therefore, have your orange by the meadows if you will!

Orange Pudding, Orange Marmalade, Orange Chicken, Orange Biscuit, Orange Spongecake...

Wassalam.

Assalamua'laikum.

TIME WILL SURELY TELL

An update about Ajan's stall opening on Sunday, 25th January 2004.

The stall at Clarke Quay shall operate from 9am to 5pm on that particular day. If you happened to have already visited Ajan's watch-sale website, please do take note that the prices indicated are in US Dollars. The conversion rate for this week is SGD 1.00 = USD 1.699 .

Have fun browsing for your selection!

Wassalam.

Assalamua'laikum.

ONLY TIME WILL TELL

I am sure every one in our 7-EL community knows who Noorazan is. Otherwise simply recognised as Azan, or, Ajan within the community.

This friend of ours has decided to sell time. Time which you have direct control of in within your personal sanctity. Time which can be worn on yourself. In simplistic terms, this good buddy is selling watches affordable for both the young and old. Pretty snazzy timepieces for private utilisation, as a gift or as collectibles.

Check-out his stall on 25th January 2004, Sunday, at Clarke Quay. Give that man a tiger - strength and support!

Herewith I've included a linkage to his website featuring the full range of watches available for preview. Check this out - Ajan's Jamboro Website.

After a personal view of his watch catalogue, I find that apart from the hip and cool designs, it proves to be a worthwhile offer! So, come on down one and all, over the next weekend to Ajan's stall to choose your favourite piece.

Wassalam.

Assalamua'laikum.

"I'LL BE BACK.."

Do not hope to reach a destination without leaving the shore.

Assalamua'laikum.

Quote worthy of the week : -

"ROME WASN'T BUILT IN ONE DAY"

Think about it.

Wassalam.

Just A Little Patience..

We live and breath under the same sky, not wanting to stay apart yet still it's a choice we have to make. You told me to be patient, I heed your words. You needed my trust, I need yours too. Who was running against the current afore this and who is caught in the currents now? Listen more as we speak. It takes many turnings of the clockhand to feel your reach. Our souls unite, the calmness of the witching hour does us good. I can read the pages of my open book to you without boundaries. You free me. Without boundaries, upon miles of gravels, through thick forests, amidst the chilling wind, over and high across the miles, our souls blessed by love. Your warmth surrounded me. Cherish this sweetness, as pure as you've build it to be.

Assalamua'laikum.

MUMMIFIED.

At least my consciences are clear from this moment on. I am proportionately charged-up for the upcoming assignment for which I have set upon myself this year. After a hearty discussion with long-time comrade Nazri, he has provided me the spiritual advise and insight from which I gained the utmost peaceness after being so jammed up with what-to-do's.

The five points at this junction is Budget, Proposal, Concept, Theme and Purpose. My brainwaves have been busy lately. I need so much time to carefully source out and then navigate. It has to be done real neat, without a trace of evidence for the 'enemy at the gates' to 'smell my path' and crush my beautiful work like a cockcroach.

Yesterday afternoon was spent at Jurong Green CC with Argy, his mom and his friends, being his band's slot for the "Bandage" competition presented by Mus'Art, J.Green YEC and Accent Music. Argy's mom is the easy going sort of person who loves to be around her son's buddies. She is the mother whom so supportive and proud of her children's activities despite being a single parent, similarities to my own mother. My consciences are set clear once again. Although Argy's band did not make it to the finals, it was a stepping stone for them to be more exposed to the grittyness of competition these days. It wasn't a let down anyway, they performed finely and they've got the muse and the grooves, a well-written song in fact.

I was however ready to interview 3 choice bands before the final results came out. Surprisingly, those 3 bands that I spoke to, made it to the finals! Pretty accurate! I've spoken to HYDRA, good charming bandmembers, ready and compromising. AEROPLANE is a band playing for 4 years since and has played at least one gig before. Fark CLOCKWORK 7! They have no charm despite their tightness, they are as reluctant as snails. Fark CLOCKWORK 7! They don't go far and they don't know how to.

So there goes, my mental schedule planner is busy organising in my well of thoughts. I have not yet gotten meself a diary for this year, no time to visit any good bookshops lately. A good friend has offered to give me his AIA Insurance diary, which I accepted after much assurance. How much percentage does my virtual memory holds, it does get misplaced at the back of my mind sometime. I ain't getting any littler. (littler?)

As the night is getting older, I longed for my gorgeous body to lay calm on my comfy bed. I've had a long day at work and spent the twilight at Sembawang Park taking in the sea-breeze. I have to rest my thoughts till tomorrow morning. A fresh new day, another me but the same old attitude. So mummified.

Wassalam.

Assalamua'laikum.

BANDAGED

Another band competition held at Jurong Green C.C since yesterday. Competitions of this kind gives exposure to the new up and coming amateur bands in Singapore. Why band competitions? It's an exploration towards new ideas and sounds and for the love of music, the trend never dies down.

Argyrios will be performing at the competition today in a 4.15pm slot. His band is "Thirteenth Hour" and will be playing an original composition by him and a fellow bandmate. Of amongst the 25 competing bands, he is plying for at least a semi-f's if not into the finals. I salute good luck to Argyrios and may a win-win situation prevails today! Since the C.C is damn near to my home, I might be seen around there. It's my neighbourhood and that place used to be my playground.

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

Enduring the pain is a critical part in life I have to bear. What kind of pain do I conclude in this? The pain of many-a-things welling inside, anyway it's normal because it's human. If you pinch yourself and can feel the pain, that means it's real. A 'virtual' pain is when no physical blow has been given but a mental blow which subjugates an individual down to a depression - is the summit point of danger towards soul health and mind peace.

Therefore, one can never be alone at all in a whole lifetime. Loneliness definitely kills and to some it develops into a mental disorder. Can you provoke a speech into the blank space? Yeah, unless it's the doa's you're submitting in your prayers and at any given time. But really, does it scare or does it sympathises you to see someone so devoid of human touch that they become an 'outsider' of society. Empathically, I sense sympathy. Of my compassionate nature along with a soft heart, I could only sit by a corner and watch because I feel so small to advocate help to people whose minds are roving yet not summing up to what they see. And so, again I'm back to endure the pain.

What results after a pain? Hurt. Everybody does hurt everyone, whether tangible or not, whether purposely or not. I am so bandaged. Because everybody and everyone are humans, un-prophetic, un-angelic nor un-godly. Animosity at times invades. As long as you feel secure with what you've accounted, so be it. There is only one person to change that - yourself. And by God Almighty does we live within HIS universe, it indeed is a test to what you need to endure in the after-life. God, give me the endurance to persevere and the perseverance to endure... all things in life!

Dido sang 'Life For Rent' and yes, in fact everything's rented from God, including those hands that you use to complete your tasks. However so, I'd like to point out that, with confidence and faith, we can make life our own if we build it right. Anyway, Ms. Dido's just exhaling out the impurities of her thoughts... detoxification I should say.

"Life For Rent" DIDO

I haven't really ever found a place that I call home
I never stick around quite long enough to make it
I apologize that once again I'm not in love
But it's not as if I mind
that your heart ain't exactly breaking

It's just a thought, only a thought

But if my life is for rent and I don't learn to buy
Well I deserve nothing more than I get
Cos nothing I have is truly mine

I've always thought
that I would love to live by the sea
To travel the world alone
and live my life more simply
I have no idea what's happened to that dream
Cos there's really nothing left here to stop me

It's just a thought, only a thought

But if my life is for rent and I don't learn to buy
Well I deserve nothing more than I get
Cos nothing I have is truly mine

While my heart is a shield and I won't let it down
While I am so afraid to fail so I won't even try
Well how can I say I'm alive

If my life is for rent...

Wassalam.

"Let's go soul-searching, today, tomorrow and the day after..."

Assalamua'laikum.

NEW LOOK.

Hurrah! I spent the sleepless night messing around my blog template. Ain't it spanky or what? I can't hardly contain my excitement.

That lady on top? Nah, I don't know her but she is the symbol of LOVE & PASSION I have in every bit of me. Don't let go the embrace... it soothes the quivering soul. Thoughts of YOU in my mind every single oxygenated-breathing days of my life.

Shamelessly I say - lurve ya... till the tide rolls in with the gleaming of the moon shall I feel your embrace again. Good night.

Wassalam.

Assalamua'laikum.

RANGKAI KATA

Selama dua hari hidup ku bagai di dalam alam kegelapan. Cahaya yang terang pun tidak dapat menampung kegelisahan badan ini. Ke mana arah ku tuju, ingatanku masih tetap pada 'itu'. Aku risau, entah apa yang berlaku selamanya aku tiada di sisinya. Ku paksa diri untuk mendekati kepada kegiatan yang lainnya tetapi tidak menemu bahagia. Pertanyaan yang melekat di benak fikiran ku tidak dapat menyelesaikan risalah. Dengan penuh tekun ku cuba sedaya upaya agar dapat bertemu dengannya kembali.....Blogspot! You bloody blogspot. Dah dua hari aku tak dapat access masuk blogspot! Apa kena lah hai...

Pantang nenek moyang ku
Di tindas badai yang berlalu
Dengan asyik kau melayan kebesaran perasaan mu
Pandang sejenak kepada ku
Dan amatilah maksud-maksudku.

Apa yang engkau mahu kan
Pasti harus kau telan
Prakata dilepaskan
Aku tidak penuh kemurkaan
Namun masa aku tetap berjalan.

Jauh kita menerbangkan sayap
Di hati ini kau bertetap
Penuh berdarah menuja kata setiap
Jauh berbatu hanya satu rangkap
Ku biarkan burung Rajawali yang datang hinggap.

Demi insan yang mendirikan doa-doa
Di dalam sembahnya
Kepada Tuhan, meminta seadanya
Petunjuk lurus dihadapannya
Sememangnya yakin ke atas doa ada berkahnya.

Pantang nenek moyang ku
Ribut sepoi yang berlalu
Menyapu diriku dan kepercayaanku
Kau menyandar di bahu aku
Lihat daku sejenak dan amatilah niat mu itu!

- Lizardeouss (nama yang hanya wujud satu-satunya di dunia).

Wassalam.

Assalamua'laikum.

WHERE IS MY DATE?

DATE, 1. accompany on social outing 2. engagement, appointment 3. sweet, single-stone fruit of palm 4. rendezvous.

Whichever type of date you may wish to apply today, may it be sweeter and fulfilling as always. I love dates, those soft, spongy Medjool ones that comes as a top grade date. Dates are a rich source of nutrient whereby all the necessary vitamins and minerals are present in it. Careful though, lest you might find toothache an inviting pain when dates are consumed in over-indulgence. Nanti kaki pun kena potong..

It has been an event-filled weekend and I am in dire need to cool things off. Yesterday's family eat-out at East Coast proved fun and delighting for my younger cousins, especially tiny toddler Syarina, the bubbly girl-pony. Celebrating the turn of a new age for a well-loved aunt is enchanting. The evening stars strewn all over the night skies is the prettiest present for her, similar to a black velvet fabric studded with white diamonds. The relaxing sea breeze is uplifting. The food was nice, the chocolate cake is much nicer. Mummy just had to record yesterday's movements on her vid cam. At least these moments shall serve as her 'memory lane entertainment' once she retires in another 10-15 years. It was way past the little ones' bedtime and Nyai's bedtime when Uncle Noh drove the whole lot in his 3-tonne vehicle. May I wish every good souls of my family members a pleasant dream.

Today, I have made a date with Johore Baru for an afternoon visit. Whizzing on a two-wheeler, I was set for another one of those extreme riding with a fellow friend, plus an eating expedition in Johore's vast food land. Lucky thing the rear wheels aren't punctured heavy with weight! Looking for 'ubi kemili' took me about 15 minutes. Searching for 2 decent packets of "Harvest" brand Vanilla flavoured tobacco for Senior Ez Jazz took me a total of 3 hours. The shops are out of "Harvest" tobaccos, much worse only one precious Vanilla is available in the whole of Johore town, which I grabbed. I then purchased one cherry flavoured fine tobacco. Kids, don't do this at home, only the brave ones need to. Tobacco is a BIG REVENUE for the sharks authorities. Importation without duty carries a hefty fine. One unlucky kid got caught this afternoon at the gantry point - over 2 packets of pitiful cigarettes.

Getting home before dusk is a relief and if I have every choice to deny another date, I would love an early night to rest my weary body. Hey, an afternoon humpy ride isn't a joke.

Yet, Hezam Badron, 31, - my supposed date - is persistent on a meet-up. To see is to believe and after this evening's little 'date' shall confirm of his acceptance of a new friend like me. Another old guy I'm meeting. I guess the young boys are really grounded at home. Where're the hormone-charged excitable youthful boys I demand? Mandom and Aredz better work their ass off to complete my demand. While awaiting for Hezam to turn up another hour, herewith is my blog. Where is my date?

Wassalam.

Assalamua'laikum.

TORN APART

I seek eternal forgiveness from my fellow bro, Idris, being the closest to him yet so far away eventhough it's only a few kilometres away from where I stay.... However so, it is inside of my heart does my bro lives and reside. "When he's near, yet you are so far away, Liza. What is there to make of it now that he's away in another land?" Dear bro Rai, rest assured. Where there's a way, the road shall lead me to bro Idris, Hakimah & their baby girl. My wings are so limped at the very torn decision of mine.

So torn apart
It's neither here nor there...
For now I know how it feels like
to be
So torn apart.

Time can't split me
It waits for no man...
For now I know the importance of time-management
now, so you see
Time can't split me.

So small I am
I feel like I'm slipping away...
I get left behind, stampeded by time
If I close my eyes do I know how
So small I am.

SLEEPLESS IN SINGAPORE

While there were noisy countdown to the start of 00:01 hrs of January 1st 2004 outside, I was in my room, away from the brick-a-brats. Even my google box is switched off. The best I could ask for is total peace and calmness. I read on the papers that there were fireworks at the Esplanade on that very night. I am glad to be away from there. A strong person like me could develop claustrophobia on days like new year's eve.

Therefore, it's a call for an idyllic cafe-lounging session with the fellas from Jurong Central. It is a first time visit to Cafe Samar at Baghdad Street for me. And we are not the usual yuppie-type groupies. Because we don't go there to act cool. As unconventional as we could be, we insist on popping the non-alcoholic bubbly bottle at the mezzanine floor of Cafe Samar despite the sceptical reaction the floor staff projected. Besides, the cafe's management are being super patient and customer-friendly, what with the presence of our Senior council head and his experienced public relations persona. By an overall overview, Cafe Samar proves to be a class of its own, set in a demure and sultry manner which tiltilates the senses of the inspirational one. Comparing to Muscat Road's Al-Majlis, it is A Tale of Two Cities. Indeed I am transported instantly to the mystical streets of Cairo....

If it is normally a plain-water based shisha, that night I was treated to a heavenly taste of Shisha Laban, a milk-base inhalant, sharing a pot with Ez Jazz. Conversations laced with mischief, as always, the new dawn of another new calender year passes us by almost intangible we are of the time.

Sleep has made its final call on me and I was napping while the guys ate prata at a sidewalk eatery. It was to be a slow relaxing walk towards City Hall whereby we would be catching a train home. Did we realise when we were walking the junction while on green for traffic? Eventhough we failed to judge the traffic lights, the undeniable sharp visions of the experienced pool players then stumbled upon 'Pool Fusion' along Beach Road. To make matters much sweeter, the pool joint is owned by Jufri's ex-colleague. Topping the froth shall be Ez Jazz's ravishing 'wanna play' mood at the 9-feet table. Guess who monopolises the scoreboard? The usual 'kakis' must know the infamous Jasmi. Guess whose eyes have gone squinty and falling into a snooze? The usual 'kakis' must know the infamous lizard. And guess who got powdered-up in the end? So cheeky were the clowns to jester around a sleeping beauty.

It was a Just For Laughs gag all the way. Ez Jazz was busy Saving Sony Battery Life on his digital cam while Mandom was Busy Saving Raffles On Canon before the sun fully rises at 0655hrs, opening a fresh dimension into the first morning of January 1st 2004. I felt like hugging my homeboys and squishing my boobs while doing that, which I did. A fine morning it is. The greyish metallic spiky mounds of L'Esplanade suddenly seems new. The quiet calm main road of Raffles Boulevard seems like we've just been borned from the wombs of night, out into a cool grey morning. I have defied the laws of the wolves, the dawn sun rays pierced into my eyes. The train ride home with the pack is howling laughter. Has we awakened the dead?

No matter how much I knew how busy the schedule is for January 1st, I had to serve sleep first. The afternoon has really set in high. An urgent call has made me decide that I should only do one thing instead of two. And my choice is 50-50 right. The Rock Of Ages gig was a tiring event. Tiring to wait for Urbankarma's slot. The organisers wasn't wearing any watches that day, so timing is just isn't in order. Gigs are a reunion of friends from the local underground scene and indeed quite a number desired my attention, including 'Abang Pendek'. And I know this year I have a number of deadlines to meet, what a beautiful first day to start the new year. My job, my event planning and my burning love for a two-wheeler are some of the priorities I must accomplish.

My two-cents worth of the Thomson CC's gig - Flying Funeral, Spellbound and Malex, they kick horse ass!

Wassalam.