Over Morning Graves - 2009 Christmas Reflection

The call came early that morning, while my parents were sleeping. Someone in the family had passed on. That marked the beginning of my Christmas, one that was sobering, yet at the end of it all, I find myself comprehending.

A night passed in the mourning house. Bleary eyes, and tired thoughts, weary ears of hearing the traditional Iban mourners wail and cry (reminiscent of the Jewish customs of the funeral dirge), as I stumbled over wet ground and twigs to the place where yet another would be put to rest.

Memories were resurrected, stories told. Of how quickly a life would go, and how no one could tell. How a man, missing his old home, returned, injured himself with a slight scratch on a metal piece, only to succumb to the infections it wrought. A good father and brother.

I think of friends, those dear to my heart, those who come and go in my life. Just like raindrops on an early morning clothing line.

The winds of destiny come and off they go. Dearly loved.

Separation is painful, and I took this photo the morning you left.

Yet there is comfort in death, for the Christian who believes. For there is joy in knowing that one has returned home to God, and is now in a new renewed body, spending eternity praising Him who created the heavens and the earth.

On Christmas day, I sat in church, and almost wept at the choir song. Tugging, was my heart, at the call of the Saviour. There is peace in knowing that death brings the beginning of a perfect new life in a perfect world, after seeing all the ruins that sin has caused me and the world to become.

I visited my grandpa's grave for the first time, this Christmas day. And whispered as we left,
"See you in heaven, grandpa..."

2000 over years ago, a babe so small entered the world. Unknown to most, he was born in the simplest of ways, in a manger of an animal stable. Yet, destined for death. A death that would bring life to all who received.

Merry Christmas.

Grace Found Me

Christmas, you're here!!!

Can't believe it's been a year.

Friends, Lovers or Nothing.

Friends, lovers, or nothing
There can only be one
Friends, lovers, or nothing
We'll never be the inbetween
So give it up.

(John Mayer -'Friends, Lovers, or Nothing' taken off his new album "Battle Studies")

THE ALBUM ROCKS!

Flyfm's 4th Anniversary - totally.rocked.

Top-class sound systems
+
annoying 'mosh pit' wannabes
+
thirteen local acts
+
responsive crowd
= THE BEST EVA' SHOW

I don't really listen to Flyfm or any radio station for that matter, but last night's show totally rocked. A little background for you: I have been searching for live shows since coming to West Malaysia. This is only my second. My first, is here.

By the time I got there, I missed two opening acts, Couple and James Baum. No worries, because I was there to see the big acts. Sheila from One-in-a-Million did a pop song (not into pop, so no comment), and One Buck Short came up and totally rocked it. I was still a bit awkward, just stood there and watched.

Dinner time spelled a break, and we were back at 8 for opening act Caprice. (Note, it was raining-drizzling-pouring throughout the 8-11.30pm session. Totally loved it!) Once again, not a fan, but danced along with the crowd because of the over-the-top hip hop beats.

Can't even see what band that is.

Then, ah yes, Disagree! I loved their progressive, alternative feel. They were emotional, yet explosive. And we all sang along to "Crumbs"! Hands in the air!

Next, came Yuna, the one I would say, had the best voice of the night. The crowd loved her so much so that every song was sung to. She performed four, and I only recognised "Dan Sebenarnya". It was her birthday too, yesterday.

Faizal Tahir was next. Oh my oh my, did he surprise us! He did a whole medley of Michael Jackson songs (Smooth Criminal, Beat It, They Don't Care About Us, Black or White). We went crazy. Everyone started jumping, singing, whooping. His drummer went wacko with the double bass. Loved every second of this band.

The rock continued with Estranged. By this time, the crowd was very rowdy, and in the first song, the ANNOYING black shirted guys with smelly breaths, dyed hair, cigarettes started pushing and punching each other, dancing like monkeys. Naturally everyone backed away, which made them even more eager to "dance". Estranged closed off with "Itu Kamu", which of course got everyone singing. I'd lost half of my voice by now.

Joe Flizzo came out next, throwing fake money in the crowd singing "Do..it...Du..it..Du ittt..." : ) A good break from all the distortion guitar sounds.

We were all really tired already, having jumped, screamed, and still waiting for Bunkface, so much so that by the time they came out, the crowd seemed unresponsive. But when they started "Situasi" everyone started rockin' again. They also sang a new song, with a chorus about "all you need is life..." Quite nice. Chord progression was very simple, put that's the punk mode.

After Bunkface was Lapsap, which means trash in Canto. By that time I was satisfied, so Nick and I headed back to his place in Centerpoint. We could hear the booming bass from his room for another half hour or so. Supper proved interesting, we went to a place called Murni. I'd never seen so many tables pulled out across a WHOLE shophouse block, and only ONE unit used for all the cooking. Waiters were carrying 7-8 plates at a time. The food was wacky; Roti Hawaii, Mango+Watermelon+Lychee+Jelly+whatever else drink, Supper set of sausages, egg, french fries etc (RM5) totally was worth it!

RM5. Eat that, al-Awal and Rafi.

Slept at 2. The guard actually caught me as an outsider. I told him I'd take my bag and leave.
I never did. Where would I sleep? ; )

Crazy times are meant for memories, too.

Rain, loud music, sweat, and a whole lot of shouting, it's my thing. Not many people would though, and I suppose I'm different, so it's fine with me. In my medicine program, I can't find a handful of solid gig-loving people. (that's why we're in medicine, right...) I suppose, from yesterday, the only thing I disliked were the over-rowdy boys. Apparently they were high on something because when we were leaving, one guy had collapsed and was being carried by the rest of his friends. Ecstasy? Drunk? No idea.

Will be continuing on my pursuit of the next awesome gig/concert. In the meantime, signing out for now.

Music. Dig it.

Feast on this you music lovers!
Music, a huge part of my brain, heart, soul. Lately there's been a lot of revisiting, a lot of exploring (new genres) and more revisiting!

Currently exploring:
LUDOVICO EINAUDI
I'm not a sucker for classical piano, but my Mexican friend recommended him to me, so I checked him out. He's described as a minimalist pianist, which means his songs are simple, repetitive, harmonious. I studied Bio over his songs. Not learning them anytime soon, but I'll enjoy the listening.

THREE DAYS GRACE
Dig this. Alternative metal. I used to tell people, "I'm not a metal head." After listening to this:
I'm STILL not a metal head. Even though it's alternative, I can't take it! The dissonant chords, the sometimes-off-or-so-it-seems melodies.


PARAMORE
"Brand New Eyes" features more of Hayley's awesome vocals (I think she's the best secular rock lady singer), alongside tight solid drums and well-phrased guitars. Serious talent. In terms of lyrics, I found some issues of rebellion inside. Lol.
Always diggin':
PLANETSHAKERS
The drums!
HILLSONG
I feel it's an awesome testimony of music, that the best of it can be found in worship bands. There's something different every time I hear, or worship along with the tracks. Imagine, the whole world, practically, is playing their songs, learning their riffs. And it's just the power of God in the words that change lives.
If you don't follow them much, they're launching a worldwide "I-Heart Revolution". Young people, passionate. i LOVE!


Currently revisiting:
LINKIN PARK
Gasp! This was the band I used to listen to in Primary 6. The same one that drove me into quite a bit of anger at that age. But now I return to the songs with joy. I mean, there's a sense of "Wow it's been a while!" and the angst, it's gone. No longer there. Pure rockin' music. Can't get too much of it at a time though.

THE ALL-AMERICAN REJECTS
I remember borrowing home their "Move Along" album, and from that day on, a love was born. But they were silent for many years until their recent album. And I'm back! I believe a band has GOT to play well live, and these guys really make live music fun.

"Moments that fly" - Exam Thoughts

One morning I woke up to a beautiful sunrise. And oh how I realized the beauty of God's creation. Many times, we spend our mornings in a rush, we give barely a glance to the sky. And trust me, somehow my college's a great place to watch sunrises.

So I took my cup, and a packet of Milo, went downstairs to make a steaming cup of hotness, and watched the sun. And thanked God for the morning.

The semester has flown by quickly. Very quickly. It's been hectic many times, and our rooms are in a mess. Food, drinks, books are everywhere. The flurry of life; the desperation of a student under pressure; the eagerness to return home for a holiday. Tempers flare at times, but most of the time, it's laughter. And sleep.


Hunger begets me often. I suppose it's all the brain food needed. This week I experimented with Mamee's sluuurrppp!


Being content with life is important. My 6-stringed girlfriend, my simple clothes and friends, framed in one picture.

I'm born for this, I suppose...

The semester is ending. My apologies for my previous rant on it. I suppose I do need to see the good side of it. And of course, there were tons of blessings once I reflect on it. Still, it's been a tough year. And who doesn't have their lows? God is faithful through the rain. Here's my pics for your enjoyment.

I spent many nights up past twelve. A few times up till 4. Once till 5. Don't ask why.
But I know the stillness of the night, and my can it be wonderful.

A recent interest: bracelets and necklaces.

Sometimes we feel trapped. Like we're looking through a mirror.
Or a window.
We see frames. Some are straight and some are curved.
Escape.

My roommate's first expression: WHERE ARE YOUR PANTS?!
Lol. This was supposed to be an art shot.

My latest shot for Goggles to feature their latest article in Vogue.
Apparently the editor hated it. ; )

3 "lepak-ers".

A smile is worth a million laughs. Eh wait. Wrongly spoken.

No need for explanation.

Recently sat down with a friend who asked me why I never confessed to someone I liked. Ah well, I told him what I truly believe after much analysis. I'm just not ready for this stuff. The responsibility of a relationship, I feel like I can't even take care of myself well enough yet. But then again, one tends to wonder whether it's a fear. Fear of confining the other person, considering that we're all young, all moving on to somewhere and having our whole lives ahead of us. It can be very frustrating, very tiring, to be emotionally attached, even WITHOUT the relationship. I can't get it. I've been on sites (which have been helpful, thank you boundless.org, but I'm still a little immature heart that needs to grow). But for now, it's friendships and good ole' moments together for the taking. God bless y'all. On to my exams!