Daily Inspiration: Excellence in Thinking

A quote taken from this post from Productive Muslim's website.

This post was particularly interesting because it highlighted that the way we think can and will affect the way we carry out our duties in this world as a Muslim. The writer even stressed that these days, what we usually do is always blame others or dwell in our sorrows and failures instead of finding effective solutions. And that in return makes us very unproductive.

You can have a read of the article, but I'd like to highlight the most important questions that we should keep questioning ourselves in life, and not be champions of the blame-game. Don't always ask "Why me...?" , "Why do I always screw things up?" or "What's wrong with this world?". Instead ask these questions:

#3 Gaining New Perspective

1. What can I learn from this?
2. In what way is the current situation absolutely perfect?
3. How could I turn this around immediately and enjoy the process?
4. What in this situation can I find to be grateful for?
5. What am I doing well? What can I do better?
6. What’s my favourite way of sabotaging myself and my goals?

Jazakallah :) 

Good Reads: Where'd You Go Bernadette?

Edit: I finished this book last night and it was splendid! :) 

Current Read. And already I've fallen in love with this book!

Read the synopsis here

Poor Bernadette, she's so caught up in her chaotic catastrophe she's gone bonkers! And with her bitchy neighbors talking about her behind her back doesn't make things better either.

Though I haven't gotten to the part where she's yet to disappear, but it's hilarious and sarcastic all the way! 

It gets a recommendation from me anytime ;) 

Now off to finish this book...See ya. 

Good Reads: 19 Katherines and 1 Dumpee

Read the synopsis here

My Review:

Just. Plain. AWESOME!

I loved this book, and after reading all of John Green's books except for will grayson will grayson, i gotta say this and The Fault in Our Stars are definitely my favourites! I'm a nerd (that's an understatement, really) like Colin too though far from a child prodigy, but i do love reading and i found his character totally relatable. Few friends and always trying to make sense of the world. Trying to matter. 

Maybe I'm annoying just like him but i definitely don't have such a good friend like Hassan who i love cause we're of the same religion! Though he's not a full practising Muslim but I am hehe...

It's a good read, one u'll enjoy. I actually had fun understanding all the graphs n formulas cause i am studying engineering in college and i just get numbers. And for once, I'm grateful I worked my ass off in ODE and Calculus to understand the equations in this book easily :D

Daily Inspiration: Motivating Yourself to Fast on Thursdays

Hello everybody! 

I found this inspiring post from the Being ME FB page about fasting on Mondays and Thursdays, I thought it was a really good motivation, especially the beautiful hadith.

Happy fasting in the incoming future! May we all are blessed with His mercy to motivate ourselves more to fast on sunat days. Especially those in scorching hot Malaysian weather :D

Have a lovely day :) 

Daily Inspiration: Traits Not Measured by Tests

Courtesy of Tumblr

This is a very powerful and truthful list. 

Only intelligence is tested on paper, and your ability to do maths and excel in your academics. But THAT'S IT. Even Malcolm Gladwell in his book Outliers pointed out that a person having an IQ of 190 (total genius) have the same chances of succeeding as a person with an IQ of 110 (which most of us has) How you live and succeed in life and be happy has nothing to do with how smart you are, it's how creative you are to deal with obstacles that come your way once in a while.

So don't feel bad if you think your grades will never be good enough or smart enough. Because these traits up here do matter and will matter in your life.

Daily Inspiration: Good Advice

Image courtesy of Tumblr

Good Life Advice. Have a great week and be inspired to keep inspiring others! :)

Daily Inspiration: Choose Two

Have a look at this picture:

Taken from Tumblr.

If it were you which would you pick? What you pick deeply reflects your personality. 

As for me, I'd choose intelligent and emotionally stable. Why? Pretty simple, intelligent lasts a lifetime, but without emotional stability to make wise and mature decisions, that intelligence will go to waste. If I had chosen good looks, I might have been obsessed with my looks over time, and as we all know: Looks fade with time. 

If I didn't have emotional stability (sometimes I don't, I do get depressed at times) I know I'd be a wreck. And after having gone through all of that, I'd do anything to regain some sense of stability and balance in life where I wasn't scared of being on the verge of a nervous breakdown. 

I'd give up good looks for a stable and eventually happy life.

So what would you choose and why? :)

Right Ways to Learn English

I'm sure there are endless of posts on the internet about how to improve your English (just Google it, I did) but I'd like to summarise the most effective ways on how to speak and write in English fluently. 

But wait, I hear some future responses to this post (not everything receives 100% positive feedback you know),

"Buat pe kami perlu belajar Inggeris? Kami patut martabatkan Bahasa Malaysia, mansuhkan Inggeris dalam sekolah! Pakai balik Bahasa Malaysia dalam Matematik & Sains, biar anak2 orang kampung tuh ha boleh skor jugak dalam peperiksaan" - says the ignorant Malay society of Malaysia.

Well my fellow friends who refuse to learn English for the sole reason that we Malays should be using our mother tongue instead of English, I have only 1 thing to say: What would you do about your children when everyone else is moving forward and using English as a secondary (some use it as a primary) language and your child can't understand? Would you let him be ridiculed and commented upon in a language he doesn't know because his parents are too proud to let him learn it?

We should be grateful that Malaysia has put an emphasis on English language but our English speaking citizens are still nowhere as good as our neighbour, the Singaporeans (damn it, Singapore you're good in everything) English language nowadays has become a sort of a reflection of the rich and high status of the society. Where people living in villages or outskirts can't speak proper English and only the middle and upper class families can. 

Well, let's change that. Everyone deserves a fighting chance to learn English. Doesn't matter what class of families you come from. All it takes is passion for the language and a lifetime dedication to learning a beautiful language.

Think about it, once you've mastered basic grammar, you can move on to literature or fictional books which will take you on a whole new level of enjoying language :) 

And if it makes you feel better, I've met a lot of 'rich or posh' people who don't even speak proper English. They just use broken English (a mixture of English & BM) and add in a fancy British/American/European accent and voila! Everybody thinks they speak perfect English. 

Don't be fooled my friends. 

So. 3 Simple steps to improving your English:

1. Read, read, read! But there's a right way to reading. Kind of like the school education system where you enter kindergarten, then primary and secondary school, then onwards to college, it's the same with books. If you're not ready to read those adult fictions yet, read kids stuff like Enid Blyton, Mary & Jane or those Famous Five mystery books. Their English is simple and they're perfect for a beginner like you! Once you get bored of those amateur books, move on to teenage books and then adult reading etc. If you hate reading novels, go right ahead and read magazines, newspapers, online articles etc. It doesn't matter so long as you read. You'll become smarter in the process too!

2. Write lots! Keep a journal, or write your thoughts on scraps of paper. Or if you have thoughts in other languages, convert it into proper English (don't use Google Translate I beg of you) If you don't like writing no worries, think in English! It's a sure-fire way to get you more confident in conversing in English in the future :) 

3. Practise, practise, practise! Converse everyday in English even just a little bit. But make sure you have a few friends around you who are willing to correct your grammar should you are wrong. And don't be egoistical when it comes to people correcting your grammar. They're not being cocky, they're helping you to avoid further humiliation in the future! 

So those are pretty much what I did to improve my English and I'm still working on it now. There are so many English words that you discover everyday that slowly you will fall in love with them. :)

I hope one day you love the language as much as I do and realise there are a lot of hidden excitements behind the English language. Good luck!

Daily Inspiration: Improving Yourself Secretly

It's true isn't it? In Islam, good akhlaq comes from within, from a pure and good intentioned heart. Only then can it be reflected in our actions and speech. If we plan on improving our public and social life without truly understanding ourselves from within, then I think it's all just a charade. 

Don't matter what people say about you, what goes on in your heart is between you and God Himself. So improve yourself inwardly and then the result will be shown outwardly :) 

Have a good Monday everyone! 

The People You Meet is Just as Important as the Books You Read

5 years ago I was 16. I was in Form 4, and didn't have a clue what went on in the outside world. I was content in my own world, filled with studies and friends I only saw during school time. Back home I would spend the day with my family and cats.

Now, I'd say I've met a lot of people who taught me a lot about life. People who took advantage of me, used me for their own gain, gossiped about me behind my back and taught me that I couldn't trust anyone. But I've also met kind and caring people who made me believe that each one of us has at least that small streak of kindness embed deep within us. Even if it takes time and kindness in return for it to surface.

I can count on 1 hand the number of people I trust. And I'm grateful because having more than 1 hand of people to trust just means you don't really know who to trust. It just means you have lots of friends. That's all. And you can't be too careful when that happens.

The books I read now have much evolved from the books I once read during secondary school. I like that about myself. My books have matured alongside me for the past 5 years. As I grow up and grow old, so will my books. They gave me wisdom when nobody else wanted to. They accompanied me whenever I felt I needed company.

And I know they'll still be with me 5 years from now...

"A book lover never goes to bed alone"

Daily Inspiration: What Allah Creates is Always Beautiful

[Al Mulk - 67:3]

Daily Inspiration: Mastering the Art of Yo-yo

Have you ever heard of a Yoda Yo-yo Master? Meet Black, the world yo-yo champion. Watch his inspiring talk on TedTalks here: 

People may think that yo-yo is just a measly sport that doesn't benefit the world at a large scale, but after they watch this video I hope they beg to differ.

It doesn't matter what you're doing, whether people agree with it or not. If you're passionate and dedicated enough to learn any skill or acquire any knowledge, you will be successful, in your own terms :) 

Happy Sunday everybody!

The Real Deal Behind the Dove's "Real Beauty Sketches"

Have you seen this video?

DOVE Real Beauty Sketches 

It has gone viral for the past few days in the US and the rest of the world (though not in Malaysia I suppose cause everyone's still excited about the annoying Gwiyomi video -.- Get a life people, there are more important videos to be watched, like Ted Talks for example, but that's another blog post for another day) 

Anyway, this video has made a huge impact, bane and boon, to the global media society. Why? Because people have been questioning the authenticity of this video. Should 'real beauty' be the most important thing to look in our lives?

Here's my take on the whole thing: Yes, beauty is important for our self esteem. Every woman wants to be beautiful and looked in admiration because God made us that way. We care about our appearances more than the guys. And truth be told, I am exactly like the girls in this video. I have underestimated my physical appearance for years. Having drop dead gorgeous girls as friends who post their photos on Facebook or Instagram and getting endless likes make me feel like I want to be in that situation too, pretty and confident just like them. As shallow and humiliated as I am for admitting this, there are countless of times where I wish I was in their shoes, who are constantly adored by their boyfriends and praised by everyone for their beauty. And it makes me sad because by feeling this way, I am not appreciating the other talents I have...

I watched this video first before reading this post from fellow blogger: Shaelaiza. My first impression was: Yes, I can't be as ugly as I perceive myself to be. Maybe other people think I'm actually a decent-looking person and I should be grateful with the complete physicality God has granted me for the past 21 years.

Then there's Shaelaiza's comment that made me ponder again about the video: 

Yes, it's a well-produced ad but all I'm getting from it is: What you look like is important and it will always be important no matter what age you are. 

Then what I realise is that, beauty isn't the most important thing is it? Well, not physical beauty that is. Beauty is so subjective that I should be proud at the talents that make me, me. I shouldn't have to dwell on the fact that though I'm not as pretty as my friends, I do have some other notable qualities that could easily define my personality and integrity.

Same goes with other people, we shouldn't judge them based on looks. I think we are aware that good looks doesn't necessarily mean a good akhlaq. 

So after watching this video, I hope you don't think that how others see you is what matters. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. But do we necessarily have to care all the time what the beholder thinks? I believe that while beauty does good for your self esteem, I know it's not enough just to be a pretty face. 

Let's challenge the social norm and change society's perspective that there's more to girls that just their physical appearance! 

Good Reads: Of First Love and a Dead Dog

I've had the pleasure of reading these 2 books for the past week and I must say they are equally amazing in that unique ways of theirs.

Eleanor and Park is a love story. And it's just that, a love story at its best. My best friend recommended this book and I'm the one who ended up finishing this book instead of her hehe. Anyway, it's a story of 2 high school star-crossed sweethearts. Eleanor is quirky yet mysterious, while Park is the typical Asian dude who happens to be really cute and cool. Both share their love of comic books and music. But Eleanor comes from a difficult family and that in return jeopardises their relationship. I especially loved this book because it's been so long since I read a good and genuine love story. And it reminded me of the beauty of love and relationship when we're always so busy with work and everything....

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time touched my heart because it was written in the perspective of an autistic boy who wants to be like Sherlock Holmes and solve the mystery of who killed his neighbour's poodle, Wellington. Contrary to a crime novel, it's more of a memoir into the strange and untold life of autism and what parents usually have to face with a child with this syndrome. I've always been fascinated by autism, I've read books about them and I always think it's particularly interesting when you're in that state where only logic and patterns bring meaning into your life. Autistic children are usually intelligent and brilliant in maths. They're not dumb, they're just anti-social, but that doesn't mean they're introverts as well. It's because they choose to be by themselves and immerse in a world of details and logical thinking, something we normal people don't usually do.

So go have a read at these two books, if you're like me...you're in for a good read :) 

Daily Inspiration: Good Manners

Practise good manners and you will gain respect and happiness in the long term. It's better than being the jerk who cuts in line, or holds up his middle finger on the highway or teaches his children to disrespect others.

Good manners and respect is what this world needs right now. People fighting against each other because of difference of political views, or racial and prejudice reasons, are pointless when there are wars and terrorism going on in the country and the rest of the world. 

Why fight among us? Why can't we work together side by side to improve everyone's standard of living and help war-terrorised countries? We're so selfish at times, we only think of our own beneficial gains when we should already be thankful with what we have and it didn't get any worse. 

Daily Inspiration: Avoid Arguments

Avoid arguments, engage yourself in healthy and pro-active discussions instead :)

Writer's Write!

got this from Writers Write

And if you're a self-proclaimed writer, go on now and write something! Anything at all! :) 

Travels: Learning from the Japanese.

At JX Corporation Negashi Oil Refinery, Yokohama, Japan

I wanted to write this post a long time ago, but forgot about it until I chatted to a course mate of mine and complimented of the Japanese and their ethical ways. She remarked that I was lucky to have traveled and experience other cultures and I should share them with the world. Hence, this post :) 

So, let me recount the number of times I was fascinated (and no doubt impressed) by the Japanese in order all of us could take them as an example to become better citizens :) 

1. The first night we spent in Tokyo, it was at the airport since our flight arrived almost to midnight. We stayed at the airport until 9 AM the next morning. during the almost-12 hours I spent at the airport, I had a front row seat to how Japanese worked. They are extremely clean. There was this cleaning guy who came and polished the area we slept 3 times in 1 night! He came every few hours and polished the SAME spot (which was already spotless to begin with) until he was satisfied, only to return 2-3 hours later to repeat the task. Later in the early morning, he'd use a small vacuum and vacuum the carpeted floors leading to the toilet. Later he'd wipe every inch of metal surface in the area until you could practically see your blackheads in it. I was amazed (and annoyed at the same time of his floor-polishing routines) at his determination to clean. I guess they are very hygienic huh?

2. They are super, super punctual. Like down to the minute and seconds punctual! Not one person we had the arrangement to meet was late. From professors to students to staffs, everyone was on the dot punctual! It made our task and day smoother knowing there weren't going to be any delays on the Japanese part. (On the Malaysian part, well let's say we really need to reconstruct the term "Janji Melayu" that we are so famous for.

3. They are so polite and they really respect their elders (and practically everyone else). Honestly, the level of respect they have for everyone else, with the way they bow (and boy, do they bow a lot!) and speak in low tones, deserve an immense amount of respect in return. Once I asked a Malaysian student we met at the airport, Why are all the Malaysian students seem so 'pious'? And he replied it's because of the Japanese people themselves. They hold high respect and moral value within themselves and their surroundings. The way they live their lives, in harmony with each other, in consideration and proper etiquette, reflects the values of Islam itself. And yet how many Muslims actually apply Islamic moral values in their daily life? You can't live in Japan and not instill those good values yourself and have admiration for your own religion that has been preaching the same thing for centuries.

4. They are ethical in their studies and work. And this is still definitely something we all need to learn. No matter how much we hate our job, or how bad the Monday blues get when we attempt to get to class, we have to remember what the Japanese do. They embrace their working life. They do it with commitment and dedication. And above all else they work honestly and know it will reflect their reputation, which is very important in Japan. Can you find a young Malaysian nowadays who's not in it for the job unless it offers a big fat-ass paycheck? How many students are actually interested in the classes they're taking? The Japanese believe that if you put your whole time and effort towards something, you can be productive and it will benefit everyone, including yourself. It could lead to a better future generation and more opportunities. Unlike in Malaysia, where there's such a thing as "curi tulang" or slacking off in work, checking your Facebook during working hours or tweeting things which are irrelevant to work. 

That's what I learned from the Japanese. Sure they drink a lot (guys get yopparai every Friday night) and have the second highest suicide rate in the world (Russia takes first place), but they have a lot more good things in them than us Malaysians. That's why they're so far ahead in the global industry, while we're left in the smoke of their hybrid, green-technology engines. That's why Tun Dr Mahathir, Malaysia's 4th Prime Minister had a point when he started the "Look East to Japan" Programme.

Learn to Read, Kid but Don't Fall in Love

I have officially found my favourite author/blogger of all time: RAINBOW ROWELL. 

Words cannot describe how amazing of a writer (and reader) she is. Go to her blog and indulge yourself in her witty and quirky posts as she takes you on a journey into the never-straightforward world of books 

One of my favorite posts from her, Learn to Read Kid, but Don't Fall in Love, is about how reading affects your child's life. Yes your child will learn to read and write and comprehend things that will be useful in the future, get a job, impress your neighbors and friends, like how I explained in my previous post. 

But what nobody has ever told you, even I have just realized this today, is how reading can disrupt your child's social life. And yet nobody tells you to stop reading. 

And that's the ironic thing, reading has been so widespread as a good thing, that nothing bad could actually come out of it! But every book lover knows that when you love reading too much (I'm guilty as charged), you have a problem. Yes, it will be constantly on your mind, the book you're currently reading. And for me, I'll get frustrated as when can I complete this book and move on to the next book? How long will it take to finish reading all the books in the world?

It's enough to make a girl go mad.

But, granted all the social time and major health problems endured while reading, we still read. 

Voluntarily. Willingly. Expectingly. Because we don't want to do anything else.

"But it also untethers you from the real world. People who fall in love with books never really stop falling." 

- Rainbow Rowell

Currently reading her new book: Eleanor & Park. Amazingly awesome by far ;)

When Work Doesn't Seem Like Work

You see the same story everywhere. People living mediocre lives because they're not meant to do the things they're currently doing. I see it everyday in college. Students forcing themselves to go to a certain college just because they received a scholarship there. They didn't want to burden their parents so they accepted it thinking they'll wing it throughout the next 4-5 years.

Big mistake.

Especially if you're taking engineering. Which is hell by the way.

I love it but even I know it's hell.

But I see students flunking classes, or skipping them cause they're not interested. Cause they forced themselves to be there, unwillingly when they'd rather be elsewhere. Their hearts not in it, so isn't their mind. 

It's important to choose something to learn/do that you're okay doing for the next 5-10 years the very least.  Explore your options, there are so many of them! But if you're already doing something you don't like and can't get out, then find a way to accept it and make the best out of it. Or else you might just end up like the zombies in my college. Without a purpose, not actually learning anything and taking things for granted without realising they've had the greatest opportunity to study something great which engineers the technology of what people are using today. Of course, I don't meant everyone in my campus are zombies without a cause.

You have to realise that whatever energy you put into something, it has to be worthwhile. Even if it is just for you. Be inspired, then do something inspirational! 

New Page: Books of 2013

Dear Booklovers,

I hope one day we can meet up and compare notes of our favourite books in a cute little cafe by the road and people-watch in our free time. 

Sincerely yours,
Me.

Thus, is the dream I hold on to until I meet other fellow book lovers  Most people won't get it. Why get so obsessed with books? Well, I can easily ask: "Why are you so obsessed with comics or DoTA or movies?" It's just the way life is. Each of us has a calling, and mine is to indulge myself in as many books as I can before I die.

Simple.

John Green summed it up pretty good.

That is how I got the name "The Romantic Escape" anyway. From a book I was reading. Could have been The Great Gatsby who was a huge romantic in getting his former girlfriend back, or it could have been another book. But reading is just that. A romantic escapism for me into a place where the characters are as eccentric as they'll ever be, or realistic than the people I've known all my life. Reading takes you into unexpected places, places you've never been to before. And reading sure as hell made me more aware current social issues, of war and of how we see life. I like keeping a record of what I've read. Which is why I created this page on the top of my blog. It's called my "Books of 2013" tab. Books I've read and want to share with the rest of the world. :) 

Oh and you can find me on Goodreads too! 

Happy reading :D

Good Reads: Love in a Headscarf by Shelina Zahra Janmohamed

A beautiful book about the struggles of this amazing British born-and-raised Asian Muslim in order to find love and the perfect partner to marry. What struck me was her intelligence not only in writing but also her view points in Islam. The way she aspired to become a better Muslim and the tests she endured to find the most suitable husband to live a blessed and exciting life with. 

I hardly read books regarding Islam but I've been trying to during these past few months while I'm on my 4-months break. This is definitely a good read because not only does it show how courageous a woman can be in tough modern times like these, but she also proved that even if women are entirely independent and have their own careers and life, everyone wants that almost-perfect someone to just share life with. And even better yet, to learn more about Islam and work towards a blessed life and marriage.

She made me realise that women with careers and intelligence sometimes have the hardest time in picking out a husband because men these days are only interested in women they can control, dominate or want to be submissive. It's sad to know countless of cultures who have nurtured men like this to expect nothing much from women, and some even discouraged women to pursue a higher education because they didn't want a wife who was TOO smart! Personally, based on my experience there are guys who have told me the same thing and I've heard the same quote "Why do women want to study to get their PhD's if they're just going to end up in the kitchen?" over and over again. 

But, to girls who want to pursue a higher education like me know that in order to gain the kind of married life we dreamed of and the qualifications we know we can achieve, it is all up to our faith and finding the 'right guy'. The guy who dreams as much as we do and work even harder to achieve it. The guy who accepts us and admires our knowledge and intelligence and principles. Of course women will only end up in the kitchen by force only IF they marry the wrong husband! 

And this is what this book was all about. Finding Mr Right who could motivate Shelina into making her hopes come true to make the world a better place. One who was intelligent as her and knew what it's like growing up in Britain being a Muslim. She may have been fussy, but she knew what she wanted and didn't settle for any less.

This book is utterly inspiring and would touch a girl's heart everywhere. Guys should give it a try too and see women in a new perspective where every woman deserves respect and not to be treated like how the author was in her search for a husband.

Travels: Japan 2013, The Trip of a Lifetime

I was thinking of the perfect second introductory post for this blog, and my mind immediately flashed to the amazing Japan trip I had the opportunity to embark on earlier this year.
You see, I applied for this Global Enrichment Programme in my university UTP late last year. They said they wanted to recruit new committees for it's first oversea programme and exchange student programme with Tokyo University (which is ranked 7th in the world!) I went for the interview, had fun with it and thought nothing of it. To my surprise I was one of the 20 students they recruited, out of the 150 who attended the interview. :D

Of course I was ecstatic since this was my first time to Japan. But the work load was so tiring! We had to contact so many people for sponsors, including my dad haha. We did a Blossom of Japan Roadshow to introduce Japanese culture to our local students and I was in charge of every single photo shoot, poster, video and teasers ever made to attract students so that they'd come to our roadshow and contribute in our finances. We had to constantly show how much we wanted to go on this trip so that UTP would agree to sponsor us. And it was all worth it though when we landed in Haneda Airport on the 27th Feb 2013 :) 

At Asakusa

At Shibuya

 We visited so many places there from Asakusa, Ryogoku, Shibuya, Akihabara, Shinjuku, Yokohama and Kamakura. We did industrial tours and university campus tours, we got a feel of the Japanese culture and lifestyle that we always see on TV and the internet. We experienced lots of Japanese food and sweets, though it was a bit hard to find Halal food there. But the most priceless experience for me was probably the opportunity to take example from Japanese themselves and how they treated their guests and friends. The way they handled their work and their principles and ethics. It was a life changing experience and made me wonder, why can't us Malaysians be more like them? 

Ueno Park

Overall it was a great experience and it made me realise how little knowledge i have in myself compared to the wonderful Japanese students who guided us while we were in Tokyo. When i visited the labs and plants, it made me wonder...what else can i contribute to society if so many more opportunities lay in front of me just waiting for me to grasp them?

Yoyogi Jami (Mosque)

tasting oishii sushi in Tokyo!

Sakura tree blooming for spring

Hayato, Lester and Amin :)

The special video I made for GEPians of our trip there :)

A New Start Perhaps?

Hello Blogosphere!

greetings from me, Shahirah (my name in Japanese up there!)

i've had random blogs before this, but it's been sometime where i had a place i could actually write down my thoughts and the photos i take of my travels and life. Twitter hasn't been so kind with it's cruel 140-characters limit, and Tumblr's too hipster or art-ish for my musings and rants.

i love writing, it's always been a way for me to regain balance in my life especially when i'm in an emotional wreck. i hope i keep this blog active enough to keep me sane through out the next 2.5 years i have left in college and improve my knowledge of everything around me: the world, culture, islam, social etc. 

let's pray for a fresh new start with many adventures ahead :)