I used to hate black coffee so much. I mean i really dint see how anyone would drink a cup of extremely bitter thing showing a calming expression on their face. I never understood it. Im not saying i dont drink it myself, but i do admit i hate the taste. I drank it for two reasons. One is to blend in with friends and another being that, if i do drink it mistakenly even, im far away from sleep for about 5 to 6 hours minimum. Very useful during my exam days.
I used to wonder why i drink it even though i hate it so much. The answer came to me easily. A necessary evil as people say. I came to relate that that to life. I mean i have met many people i dont necessarily would love to hangout with, but due to circumstance, do so. I even met few i loath or would love to spat few words at. But i never do. Y again i think. And comes to mind, Black Coffee. I tolerate black coffee because i need some benefit from it. Im not saying im showing a good side to these people just for my benefit. Its also because although they are irritating i wouldnt gain anything from fighting back. Im a thinker, and i think even though the person im dealing with is painfully irritating, i only can get what i want if i stay calm and try to calm the other person. Its not always easy, but i do ok. Just like black coffee, i can get its benefit if i just tolerate its bitter taste and drink it up.
Now i used to think how i no longer give much thought to the bitter taste in my cup of black coffee. It do not bother me anymore. But then again black coffee or just life, we tend to get used to things. And im guessing thats just what happened to me. .
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Hard Choices
Everyday, every hour, every moment we have decisions to make, some good others not, some hard others simple. Not all of us are very good at this task. Its’ only the wise and unselfish people who manage to make the best decisions at the end of the day. Especially when the decision concerns others life and feelings, that is when its’ really tricky. Hard part would be deciding whether what you have is worth having or giving up.
Keeping or giving up, which one to choose? If keeping something means your hurting some one else, its worth giving up. Not taking into consideration your own feelings or how hurt you feel. This is where being unselfish is important. You can’t have something just because you want it. It’s our decision that would define who we are at the end. It’s a decision to give something up selflessly for a better cause which would differ one from another. Shows just how much extraordinary you are.
It’s not important that people come to know of the noble things you have done. What important is that you know and you’re a good person in front of your eyes. That is what really matters.
Keeping or giving up, which one to choose? If keeping something means your hurting some one else, its worth giving up. Not taking into consideration your own feelings or how hurt you feel. This is where being unselfish is important. You can’t have something just because you want it. It’s our decision that would define who we are at the end. It’s a decision to give something up selflessly for a better cause which would differ one from another. Shows just how much extraordinary you are.
It’s not important that people come to know of the noble things you have done. What important is that you know and you’re a good person in front of your eyes. That is what really matters.
Secrets
I have secrets I have never told anyone. I don’t find this surprising, I believe all of us have secrets for their own reasons. Im not saying Im particularly proud of some, but I keep them to myself for one reason or another. Other secrets I believe are better left hidden with me. Its my techniques to do something or maybe somethings that would make it easier for someone else to jugde or know me. Im not rying to be mysterious, rather I don’t like people knowing much about me. So to hide its easier to be interested in the other person and make lots of jokes. It allows the other person to see how confident and easy going I am. Thus, rules out time to talk about some of my stuff.
Lots of things that I have seen, heard and experienced have taught me a lot. What to say, when to say or more importantly what not to say. Its not always easy, I do make slips. Things I don’t mean to say. For this reason maybe some people have a very different view about me than others. And this ‘different view’ is pleasant for some and might not be so to some others.
Guess this is the reason im so keen on studying people. Sometimes doing something to see how they react or just observing and also reading what I can find which might help me in my task. Most of the people its easy. Apparently they don’t seem axious to hide, and others, to look. In life various things tend to be easier if others are known properly. Its easier to get help or get along with others if you know to deal with them.
I don’t intend to tell anyone I have left as secrets all this time. Long since life has taught me not trust people much. Gain others but never let my guard down. Experience has given me a nudge away from the fairy tale life I lived.
Lots of things that I have seen, heard and experienced have taught me a lot. What to say, when to say or more importantly what not to say. Its not always easy, I do make slips. Things I don’t mean to say. For this reason maybe some people have a very different view about me than others. And this ‘different view’ is pleasant for some and might not be so to some others.
Guess this is the reason im so keen on studying people. Sometimes doing something to see how they react or just observing and also reading what I can find which might help me in my task. Most of the people its easy. Apparently they don’t seem axious to hide, and others, to look. In life various things tend to be easier if others are known properly. Its easier to get help or get along with others if you know to deal with them.
I don’t intend to tell anyone I have left as secrets all this time. Long since life has taught me not trust people much. Gain others but never let my guard down. Experience has given me a nudge away from the fairy tale life I lived.
Saturday, October 6, 2007
little bit of faith
The Six Key Prophets of Islam
Adam
The prophet Adam is the first man that Allah created. All people descend from him and this is why he is referred to in Islamic tradition as the father of mankind. Allah created Adam from clay. As such, Muslims believe that all humans are made from clay.
When Allah originally created Adam, He told all the angels and Jinn to bow before Adam. So they all did, except Iblis who thought he was better then mankind. Iblis vowed to prove he was right and decided to corrupt mankind. Adam and Eve were allowed to dwell in paradise by Allah but they were warned not to eat from a forbidden tree. Iblis came to Adam and Eve and tempted them both to eat from the tree.
Realising that they had sinned, they asked Allah to forgive them. As Allah is most merciful, he did forgive them, but told them to live the rest of their lives on Earth, and that mankind will have to earn his/her place in Paradise. This worried Adam as he had sinned and he had direct knowledge of Allah, and so he told Allah his worries. Allah in his mercy said to Adam, do not worry for I will send guidance, and so Adam became the first prophet of mankind.
Noah
During his life, Noah's people led sinful lives: they lied, cheated and disobeyed God. When Noah attempted to teach his people better ways of behaviour, they dismissed him, calling him a 'madman.'
After preaching for 950 years. Allah gave Noah news of an imminent flood and told him to build an ark. Noah related the news to his people. He wished to warn them about the flood in order that they could save themselves from it. Despite the rejection of the people, Noah was faithful to God and began to build the ark – just as God had instructed. The people mocked and made fun of the prophet, believing that building an ark was only confirmation of their claims that Noah was insane.
However, he laboured on. When the ark was finally ready, Noah put two of each living creature on board. This order, commanded by Allah, was intended to guarantee the survival of all earthly creatures.
A few people believed him, but most treated Noah's warnings with disdain and disrespect. When the flood came, Noah and his closest companions were saved whilst the wicked and arrogant people perished.
Abraham
Referred to in Islamic tradition as the father of the prophets and the friend of God, Abraham pbuh is looked upon with tremendous respect. To this day, many Muslims visit Hebron, in Palestine, where Abraham is buried.
Abraham is also the father of two other prophets, Isaac and Ishmael. Both of his sons are revered by Muslims and looked up to as true prophets of Allah.
The people Abraham lived around believed in idols, something strictly forbidden in Islam. Unlike his brethren, Abraham wanted to worship the true God and so he would think about what the real God looked like. He saw the sunrise and thought, 'this is my God', but when it set he said 'this is not God as God would never go away or set'. Abraham called his people to the worship of one God, but they rejected his words and continued to worship their idols. One day when the villagers had gone away to celebrate a festival, he destroyed all the idols except the biggest one. He placed an axe in that idol's hand. When the people came back they where dismayed and knew only Abraham would have done that. So they questioned Abraham about the desecration of their idols. When Abraham asked 'Why don't you ask your idols who broke them?' they replied that idols could not talk, and so Abraham pointed out to them the folly in believing in idols that could not protect themselves, or speak up, or do any harm to you. His people decided to burn him rather than accept what he was saying, but Allah saved Abraham by calming the fire. According to the Holy Qur’an 21: 69, Allah said: O Fire! Be cool and safe for Abraham!
Moses
Known by his Aramaic name, Musa, Moses is considered to be one of the great messengers of Allah. When he was born, the Egyptian Pharaoh, Rameses I ordered that the first-born of every family from the tribes of Israel be killed.
To save her newborn, Moses's mother placed her son in a basket, and placed it on the river. The river carried the child towards the palaces of the Egyptian royal family. Here, he was picked up and eventually brought up in the house of Pharaoh by Pharaoh's wife.
When he grew up, Allah spoke to Moses and told him and his brother Aaron (Haroon) to challenge Pharaoh Rameses II. Moses and his brother went to Rameses II and instructed him to stop his wickedness and to free all the people he had enslaved. Rameses II arrogantly refused and continued to tyrannise people. Even when Moses performed miracles, with the permission of Allah, Rameses II said, 'This is nothing but magic!' Eventually, Allah destroyed him and the Egyptians for their conceitedness and oppression of innocent people.
Jesus
Known in the Qur’an as Isa Bin Maryam (Jesus, son of Mary) this prophet is not only revered and loved by Christians but by Muslims as well. Islam makes it an article of faith to respect Jesus.
No Muslim is a true Muslim if he does not believe in Jesus. Muslims believe that he was one of the greatest messengers ever sent to mankind; Muslims believe that he was born without male intervention; Muslims believe that he cured those born deaf, blind and lepers; and Muslims believe that Jesus raised the dead with Allah's permission.
In the Qur'an, Jesus's first miracle is speaking as a baby to defend the allegations aimed at his mother.
Muhammad
While still a boy, he was loved by his people. When he grew up, he was known as Al-Amin – the trustworthy one. When local tribes were quarrelling over who should place the sacred black stone near the Ka’bah, they asked Muhammad to adjudicate. He brought forth a cloth, upon which he placed the stone. Then, each of the four tribes' leaders held a corner of the cloth and took the stone towards the Ka’bah. Muhammad then took the stone and placed it in its sacred position near the 'House of God'. This was an example of his shining ability to make peace between people.
At the age of 40, he was visited by Gabriel who first revealed the Qur'an to him. Over the next 23 years, the holy book of Islam was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.
Adam
The prophet Adam is the first man that Allah created. All people descend from him and this is why he is referred to in Islamic tradition as the father of mankind. Allah created Adam from clay. As such, Muslims believe that all humans are made from clay.
When Allah originally created Adam, He told all the angels and Jinn to bow before Adam. So they all did, except Iblis who thought he was better then mankind. Iblis vowed to prove he was right and decided to corrupt mankind. Adam and Eve were allowed to dwell in paradise by Allah but they were warned not to eat from a forbidden tree. Iblis came to Adam and Eve and tempted them both to eat from the tree.
Realising that they had sinned, they asked Allah to forgive them. As Allah is most merciful, he did forgive them, but told them to live the rest of their lives on Earth, and that mankind will have to earn his/her place in Paradise. This worried Adam as he had sinned and he had direct knowledge of Allah, and so he told Allah his worries. Allah in his mercy said to Adam, do not worry for I will send guidance, and so Adam became the first prophet of mankind.
Noah
During his life, Noah's people led sinful lives: they lied, cheated and disobeyed God. When Noah attempted to teach his people better ways of behaviour, they dismissed him, calling him a 'madman.'
After preaching for 950 years. Allah gave Noah news of an imminent flood and told him to build an ark. Noah related the news to his people. He wished to warn them about the flood in order that they could save themselves from it. Despite the rejection of the people, Noah was faithful to God and began to build the ark – just as God had instructed. The people mocked and made fun of the prophet, believing that building an ark was only confirmation of their claims that Noah was insane.
However, he laboured on. When the ark was finally ready, Noah put two of each living creature on board. This order, commanded by Allah, was intended to guarantee the survival of all earthly creatures.
A few people believed him, but most treated Noah's warnings with disdain and disrespect. When the flood came, Noah and his closest companions were saved whilst the wicked and arrogant people perished.
Abraham
Referred to in Islamic tradition as the father of the prophets and the friend of God, Abraham pbuh is looked upon with tremendous respect. To this day, many Muslims visit Hebron, in Palestine, where Abraham is buried.
Abraham is also the father of two other prophets, Isaac and Ishmael. Both of his sons are revered by Muslims and looked up to as true prophets of Allah.
The people Abraham lived around believed in idols, something strictly forbidden in Islam. Unlike his brethren, Abraham wanted to worship the true God and so he would think about what the real God looked like. He saw the sunrise and thought, 'this is my God', but when it set he said 'this is not God as God would never go away or set'. Abraham called his people to the worship of one God, but they rejected his words and continued to worship their idols. One day when the villagers had gone away to celebrate a festival, he destroyed all the idols except the biggest one. He placed an axe in that idol's hand. When the people came back they where dismayed and knew only Abraham would have done that. So they questioned Abraham about the desecration of their idols. When Abraham asked 'Why don't you ask your idols who broke them?' they replied that idols could not talk, and so Abraham pointed out to them the folly in believing in idols that could not protect themselves, or speak up, or do any harm to you. His people decided to burn him rather than accept what he was saying, but Allah saved Abraham by calming the fire. According to the Holy Qur’an 21: 69, Allah said: O Fire! Be cool and safe for Abraham!
Moses
Known by his Aramaic name, Musa, Moses is considered to be one of the great messengers of Allah. When he was born, the Egyptian Pharaoh, Rameses I ordered that the first-born of every family from the tribes of Israel be killed.
To save her newborn, Moses's mother placed her son in a basket, and placed it on the river. The river carried the child towards the palaces of the Egyptian royal family. Here, he was picked up and eventually brought up in the house of Pharaoh by Pharaoh's wife.
When he grew up, Allah spoke to Moses and told him and his brother Aaron (Haroon) to challenge Pharaoh Rameses II. Moses and his brother went to Rameses II and instructed him to stop his wickedness and to free all the people he had enslaved. Rameses II arrogantly refused and continued to tyrannise people. Even when Moses performed miracles, with the permission of Allah, Rameses II said, 'This is nothing but magic!' Eventually, Allah destroyed him and the Egyptians for their conceitedness and oppression of innocent people.
Jesus
Known in the Qur’an as Isa Bin Maryam (Jesus, son of Mary) this prophet is not only revered and loved by Christians but by Muslims as well. Islam makes it an article of faith to respect Jesus.
No Muslim is a true Muslim if he does not believe in Jesus. Muslims believe that he was one of the greatest messengers ever sent to mankind; Muslims believe that he was born without male intervention; Muslims believe that he cured those born deaf, blind and lepers; and Muslims believe that Jesus raised the dead with Allah's permission.
In the Qur'an, Jesus's first miracle is speaking as a baby to defend the allegations aimed at his mother.
Muhammad
While still a boy, he was loved by his people. When he grew up, he was known as Al-Amin – the trustworthy one. When local tribes were quarrelling over who should place the sacred black stone near the Ka’bah, they asked Muhammad to adjudicate. He brought forth a cloth, upon which he placed the stone. Then, each of the four tribes' leaders held a corner of the cloth and took the stone towards the Ka’bah. Muhammad then took the stone and placed it in its sacred position near the 'House of God'. This was an example of his shining ability to make peace between people.
At the age of 40, he was visited by Gabriel who first revealed the Qur'an to him. Over the next 23 years, the holy book of Islam was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
faded flowers
In life you meet a great deal of people. Not all stays with you. Doesn’t necessarily mean they are dead or betrayed you. Still they just go. I have read from somewhere that there are three types of friends. First the seasonal ones, these people come into our life at times we are in need of friends very much. They stay with you till the season ends. Most often these days are sad ones. The second are the people who comes in when they have something they need from you. Until the task is done these fellows stay. The third type and the most important are forever ones. They stay with you, most time throughout the life.
It’s a shame though to lose the first kind. I rather get really fond of them, yet somehow they just leave. You can’t help it, its fate, and time, like everything that is beyond us to control. Yet today I remember those people, the faded flowers of my life. Who, I have stumble upon in narrow paths of my life. To thank them for their efforts, which have helped me so much.
Friends are the closest thing to family. I use to have a house full of family, then, I remember wishing I lived alone and had some privacy. I guess that’s why it’s said to be careful of what you wish for. Now it’s the other way around. And living like this for two to three years make you yearn for family. Watch hungrily at others. Waiting for your second chance, promising own self never to mess up next time. Fantasying a table full of family, talking at once, nice and nephews playing under the table, younger members fighting for tv remote or computer.
Family members you no longer can catch up with due to distance and time. Not gone, yet lost. The faded flowers I remember every time I go through my photo album, every time I remember the mischievous fun enjoyed so long long time ago…
It’s a shame though to lose the first kind. I rather get really fond of them, yet somehow they just leave. You can’t help it, its fate, and time, like everything that is beyond us to control. Yet today I remember those people, the faded flowers of my life. Who, I have stumble upon in narrow paths of my life. To thank them for their efforts, which have helped me so much.
Friends are the closest thing to family. I use to have a house full of family, then, I remember wishing I lived alone and had some privacy. I guess that’s why it’s said to be careful of what you wish for. Now it’s the other way around. And living like this for two to three years make you yearn for family. Watch hungrily at others. Waiting for your second chance, promising own self never to mess up next time. Fantasying a table full of family, talking at once, nice and nephews playing under the table, younger members fighting for tv remote or computer.
Family members you no longer can catch up with due to distance and time. Not gone, yet lost. The faded flowers I remember every time I go through my photo album, every time I remember the mischievous fun enjoyed so long long time ago…
Monday, September 24, 2007
memories
i have a friend, my best friend. shes 31, 11 years senior to me. i first saw her when i was in my second job, computer plus. she came for an interview. i was the one who lead her in. i was 16 then. yet, it was me who had to teach her everything. fun time those were. she was so new to that field of work, sometimes i have to repeatedly tell her. however sweet she was i do admit sometimes i feel like tearing my hair out. it was just that she was really new to computer and sadly wasnt so intersted.
at first i never thought she would be such a close friend of mine. but hey, im wrong most time. i left mt job to join my A level studies. it was actually after i left the place we became close. not that we wasnt when i was there, i mean we really had a good time working and fooling around with others at work.
after i started school she would come to my house every friday. and she would bring food with her. sandwhiches, coke, fries, short eats. . . u name it. after eating we would tell each other about the week.we would talk about family, friends, school, work etc.
it was she who was there when my sister got married and i was sad the next day becouse i would be all alone. i remember that day. she brought me chips and a delicious chocolate covered ice cream cube kind of things. she stayed with me whole afternoon. and came back again than next day. she was there all through my A levels, when i got my first job after that. she was there when i was sick and my dad wasnt talking to me. she brought me medicine, vitamins, vicks. .
if she could she would never come empty handed, always would bring something delicious. she also had the sweetest smile and would believe in me no matter what.
happy times those were. . .
at first i never thought she would be such a close friend of mine. but hey, im wrong most time. i left mt job to join my A level studies. it was actually after i left the place we became close. not that we wasnt when i was there, i mean we really had a good time working and fooling around with others at work.
after i started school she would come to my house every friday. and she would bring food with her. sandwhiches, coke, fries, short eats. . . u name it. after eating we would tell each other about the week.we would talk about family, friends, school, work etc.
it was she who was there when my sister got married and i was sad the next day becouse i would be all alone. i remember that day. she brought me chips and a delicious chocolate covered ice cream cube kind of things. she stayed with me whole afternoon. and came back again than next day. she was there all through my A levels, when i got my first job after that. she was there when i was sick and my dad wasnt talking to me. she brought me medicine, vitamins, vicks. .
if she could she would never come empty handed, always would bring something delicious. she also had the sweetest smile and would believe in me no matter what.
happy times those were. . .
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
blog blog
its not everyday i have to write a blog for three times because i just have no idea what i am doing. anyway let me tell you about a sad story i read from a mail sent by a friend of mine.
there was this blind girl who hated everyone around her and the world she is in because she is blind. well, who would blame. its only her boyfriend she loves and was soon to be married. fortunately for her she got a donor. after her operation she found out her boyfriend was blind too. she did not like that and so she left him.
it happens that is was he who gave his eyes to her, and she left him. now, this story kept coming to my mind whole day. i mean, i just keep wondering if the story is even true, its going to be a real tragedy. someone leaving you is tragdy enough, but someone who you love so much that you willingly sacrifice one of your senses and she leaves you, now thats a tradegey we can hardly imagine
there was this blind girl who hated everyone around her and the world she is in because she is blind. well, who would blame. its only her boyfriend she loves and was soon to be married. fortunately for her she got a donor. after her operation she found out her boyfriend was blind too. she did not like that and so she left him.
it happens that is was he who gave his eyes to her, and she left him. now, this story kept coming to my mind whole day. i mean, i just keep wondering if the story is even true, its going to be a real tragedy. someone leaving you is tragdy enough, but someone who you love so much that you willingly sacrifice one of your senses and she leaves you, now thats a tradegey we can hardly imagine
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