fighting temptation

 It doesn't relate to the post, but I just love this luminarium ^^

So, here I am right now...back to the field of reality for a few months.

This morning, I heard something really interesting from Dato' Fadzilah Kamsah on MHI. I always like watching MHI in Malaysia. I watched it on the day of the release of my SPM result, during Christmas and on the days of summer last year just so that I can get some updates on what is going on in this country. Anyway, he said that we should always pray that we will not have the opportunities to do any sins. It's because, when we are surrounded by these opportunities, it is feared that we might not be able to resist the temptation of doing them.

True enough isn't it? Let me elucidate further by using myself as an example.

As an environmentalist, I always try my best to recycle the wastes that I created; be it the receipts from the purchase of ZARA jackets or even the box used to pack my Neuroanatomy colouring book from Amazon. It really is easy to recycle in the UK where the recycling bins are readily accessible. The ones around Dunkirk allowed me to recycle almost any recyclable wastes. But then, it was closed indefinitely. That's alright..cause I still can recycle at the medical school.

But here in Malaysia, I can assure you that I could not even find a recycling bin in a radius of 500 m from where I'm typing this blogpost right now. The one place I know would require me to drive for about 5-10 min in order for me to fulfil my so called "environmentalist" purpose. Looking at my rubbish bin, I can see several ounces of paper wastes which I could easily recycle if I were in Nottingham. 

The point is, it's easy isn't it for me to recycle when all these recycling bins are around me? But when they're not, I can easily turn into a waste-producing monster.

Ajr like sins..your likelihood of obtaining them depends on what you surround yourself with. If you always be in a group of friends whom remind you of Allah 24/7, then insyaAllah, you'd be safe and sound. But if you surround yourself in an environment that can easily tempt you into committing actions that can lead to Allah's wrath, then you might do yourself a good deal by staying away from the opportunities.

And this summer, well let's just say I have several projects in my head (including medical, saving the world stuff), books to be read, tasks to be achieved and so much more. They do seem mountainous at the time but I hope the progress would be smooth insyaAllah.

So let's pray shall we that Allah will close the opportunities for us to commit any sins...

...cause we might not be able to resist them and give in to temptation, naudzubillahi mindzalik...

butterfly fly away

I have a bestfriend...about 2 years ago, he made lots and lots of butterflies out of many coloured papers when IB exam was around the corner.

And then, he asked me what to do with so many of those paper-coloured butterflies; I said give them to your friends, colour up their lives. 

And I got one butterfly; red in colour, which I happily wore the whole time on that one special day where you get to meet your teachers and friends before the dreadful exam. Sadly, the butterfly which I put on my green Pierre Cardin shirt went missing whilst I was in the hall on that fateful day. I was slightly upset about that but then again, it's not about the butterfly that made me upset. It's the fact that I have lost something sentimental which my friend had given to me.

Two years have passed, and here I am, trying to be strong with all the dramatic events that life can offer. And even though I may have lost the butterfly, at the very least, I still have him as my friend. (although I don't get to see him that much and even when we're in the same place, we would not have much time to spend together with...we're very busy people)

Anyway, this post is not for him, it's for you. 

Yes, you :)

So, exam is just around the corner. And I made a butterfly for you. Why? In the hope of trying to make your day. Cause I love trying to make someone's day. That's my hobby which I have developed since KMB. And that butterfly? It's the exact same type which my bestfriend had given to the lucky people of KMB. And since then, butterflies have always been special to me. Anyway, I wish you all the best. After all, who knows what the future holds? Only Allah knows what is destined for us. But at the very least, we need to ensure that we have given our very best. At the very least, I knew that I've tried my best~

"Do your best and let Allah do the rest ;)"

Caterpillar in the tree

How you wonder who you'll be

Can't go far but you can always dream; 

Wish you may and wish you might

Don't you worry, hold on tight

I promise you there will come a day, insyaAllah biiznillah...

didn't we almost have it all

And so the result is out:

So I walked home quickly to see if I got a reply from Dr D and it seems that he emailed everyone saying that the result was out - and I got no. 3!

Well okay, I've already gotten MIA (Molecular Immunology and Autoimmunity) for this semester so maybe it's time for someone else to get their 1st choice(s). You can't get everything that you want in life.

I wonder why do I always go for the popular ones..

"This year the percentage of students awarded their first or second choice of homebase (71%) fell from the previous year (85%)."

Yeah, I'm one of the 29%.

"This was probably a consequence of a substantial rise in the numbers placing Psychiatry as their first choice (68, up from 33 last year)."

And again, I'm one of the 68 from 270 (25.19%) medical students who opted for this homebase. Apparently, Psychiatry is the hot stuff for this year.

2 statistical figures directed at me :P

Ok, so I wouldn't be meeting Dr T or Dr T. I guess I'd be seeing Dr X (X means unknown).

Haha, my Top 5 had always been a plan. Put only those with less than 20 spots and think of the ones which people are least likely to go for and arrange them.

So there'll be no cakes for me then. But the reason why I put the 3 MOL (Molecular Medical Sciences: Immunology, Microbiology & Molecular and Cellular Pathology) in the middle is because I know that there will be Ms JP and she consistently gets credit for her efficiency. And plus MOL is one of the homebases which you do not have to read a lot during summer. And it's 5000 words of report only. And out of the 3, Microbiology is the one (according to my research prior to the selection) that recorded the highest mark for its modules; I put it as no. 3 instead of 2 cause I like Immunology more - I have passion for those Y-shaped thingies! Last but not least, I still have a chance to see Dr T and even Dr M-P, my tutor if I get the taught course III!

All is well! Even though I'm one of the few who didn't get my Top 2...(tu sebab kena keluarkan result awal-awal, haish)

Lagipun, bukan kita kena berazam untuk jadi golongan yang sedikit ke? (smile, smile, wink, wink) That may not be relevant, but you get the point right? ;)

Haha. Ok, I guess that's enough. I have 100+ lectures to be read. And it's sad to say goodbye to MIA..reminds me of the time when I said goodbye to BHS (Behavioural Sciences) last year. lol

Thank you Allah. I believe this is a better plan for me (^^,)

Bring on Microbiology for Sem 5! InsyaAllah, biiznillah...

the reason

I have always wanted to write this post...and a tweet a few days ago probably initiated an urge to write this concealed recollection of the days in Jasin.

Mind you, this is a very personal reflection of me. I have been saving this story from being published on this blog for a very long time. 

Well, I'm not gonna tell the full story cause I prefer to keep it recondite. But during the month of May 2005, I was in one of the most significant events of my life. And I had to endure an obstruction whilst the other students of Jasin were undertaking the first semester examination. Yeah, I didn't manage to reach the finish line with the others. I was taken back to Shah Alam with 4 subjects left to be completed - Pendidikan Islam, Chemistry (couldn't remember the other 2). So basically, my CGPA was incomplete. Yet, it was sufficient for me to apply for a post in the BWP (Badan Wakil Pelajar) - the Student Council. 

So I took the form and several processes later, I ended up at the final stage - the campaign, the manifesto, the election.

I reminded myself. I was competing with an unfinished CGPA. And it was during that one morning in the dormitory when I began pondering about my decision as to whether or not I should take the offer given by my parents - They have made it clear that they would be delighted to take me home and it's just me who needed to make the decision to withdraw from MRSM Jasin. As I showered myself with the cold water, I finally came up with a solution. I said to myself, that if I win and become one of the BWP members, I shall stay. Because at that time, I just couldn't seem to find a purpose to continue my studies there. I needed a reason to stay.

(Not in the picture - Abdul Haq. I'd call this an irony, huhu)

Alhamdulillah, I was one of the 14 members of BWP and I was grateful for everything that happened afterwards :)

So, that was it. Thinking back what had happened, it was quite funny on how things turned out to be. Staying in Jasin allowed me to learn more about Islam. Although not to the level that I was presented with at KMB (smile, smile, wink, wink ^^,) ; it was  perhaps the initial step which have made me who I am today. 

But now, I'm aware that there is a bigger responsibility. And I reminded someone a few days ago which in turn, is a reminder for me as well:

"...sbb sgt penting niat kita dlm tiap2 sesuatu. and kalau niat kte betul and ikhlas, insyaAllah kte akan diredhaiNya..."

Sunday, 27th March 2011, 10.10pm

Cause we had the AGM (Annual Grand Meeting) for NMS (Nottingham Malaysian Society) a few days ago. And it did make me recall some things in the past.

And with that adlan wafi, don't forget the reason...

blackbird

Let's go back to Nottingham.

So basically, the 2nd Year Medics of Nottingham were given a week - from 1200 on Tue, 15th March 2011 till tomorrow, Tue, 22nd March 2011 at 1200 to make the top 5 choices of what we will be doing in Semester 5.

And of course, it's painstakingly difficult for some to settle on their final decision. I for one have changed the ranks numerously.

But whatever it is, if there's a homebase which is really popular and it is something that I really want, I won't simply give in to others. Yeap, I'm not giving up. I would fight for it.

So, my advice to you are pick and choose.

Then, pray and light up your night.

And, let Allah decides.

Cause you just don't know what the future holds but at the very least; you know that you have tried...

when i look at you

I think the title explains my life in the previous week.

Monday.

It was the day where I went to Portland Primary School and got to see the children once again. It was still kinda hard for me to build rapport with them since I haven't even completed half of my required commitments - They probably have not wholly accepted me as a member of their class. Even so, when we went to the music room and the children started singing; it was the time when a connection was made. I can tell it was their favourite song as I looked at how exuberant they seemed at that time. I looked at one particular child which presumably has grown fond of me and as I looked him in the eye, he smiled like there's no tomorrow. And I just smiled at him back and that was one of the best moments you could ever encountered with a child :)

Thursday.

It was possibly the windiest day so far in my 2nd year in the UK. And I for one am delighted whenever cool, invigorating winds breezed through the land of Nottingham. The temperature was just nice at that time, not too cold to make me shiver but perfectly suited to make anyone who went out on that day to praise Allah for His Magnificence. As I walked to QMC for my CLS class, along came a figure treading along the path underneath the grey dull concrete structure where vehicles would usually chase each other. He might not recognize me from that distance but I was certain of whom I was seeing. And I just kept smiling at the time until we bumped into each other..cause I haven't seen him for quite a while. It was just perfect; it was windy and I was simply happy :)

Sunday.

It was the day filled with unexpectations. I did not know that I'll be meeting you, you or you. And truly, I am thankful for going there. And to you, yeah me too. I'm happy just by looking at you :)

Hadith.

It was many weeks ago when I heard this hadith for the first time. And the effect is still eminent. 

The Messenger (salallahu alaihi wasallam) said, 

“When the inhabitants of Paradise enter Paradise, Allah will say to them, ‘Do you want Me to give you anything more?’ They will reply, ‘Have You not made our faces bright? Have You not brought us into Paradise and moved us from Hell?’ Allah will then remove the Veil and they will feel that they have not been awarded anything dearer to them than looking at their Lord.”

[Sahih Muslim]

I get goose bumps when I have a read :)

And I also think it is sweet...

i can

Hiya! You're alright?

Well, I'm currently in the 2nd week of Sem 4 and the workloads just keep coming in. So basically, I did get to know the modules of this semester and they are freakingly exciting! Guess what? There's still another module to be introduced tomorrow. Sweet! (I know I sound like a kid in candy store and I do know that some people just couldn't stand when other people are happy because they are suffering from some kind of congenital depression. Poor sad people ;P)

But I'm not going to comment about my modules (well, at least not for now). Instead, I'm going to let you know about my 2nd module for the Nottingham Advantage Award (I'm so active this semester, I wonder why). The module is:

Source: NUSA

NUSA: Insight into Education

If you realize something, both of my modules are closely related to teaching. I don't know, I probably miss school..probably miss my teachers. And I actually went to J Club 7's blog just to read some of the silly stuff that we actually wrote and published on blogspot. 

So anyway, NUSA stands for Nottingham University Samworth Academy and it was opened in 2009. It's a school basically and also one of the first in the UK to have "direct sponsorship and academic links with a University" (Source: The University of Nottingham). In this case, they have links with my university =)

At first, I thought it would be similar to Student Associate Scheme. After attending the 1st session today, I guess it would be so much different. If a Student Associate would work with cute, adorable children in a classroom; a volunteer for NUSA will work with the staffs of the Academy - the teachers :O

And you know how it is going to be assessed? Yes, just because it's volunteering work, doesn't mean I'm not going to be assessed :P

At the end of March, there will be a presentation. COOL! You know, I have always enjoyed doing presentations. You can ask anyone of the J Club 7 (M07J) as you can actually see me glowing whenever it's time for presentation. Being a presenter is fun cause you're trying to engage yourself with the audience and make them interested with what you're talking about.

Oooooh, but that's not all. Do you know what it means to be a volunteer in this module? This would be the best part - I would be conducting a research!!! Best gilerrrrr!

That's why I tweeted: "x menyesal ambik module ni, alhamdulillah :D"

And as a researcher, we were given 4 types of research to choose from. Well,  I would have to discuss this with some people. (Lutfi, sat lagi aku datang rumah kau. Haq, get ready jugak. Syakir, I'll see you in your room) And I might want to ask my seniors as well cause I'm going to do a research anyway next semester for Medical Sciences.

Probably because the types of research were interesting so that's why I seemed to be in a very bubbly mood, hihi.

Well, that's all for now. I'd better focus on my FBN (Functional Behavioural Neuroscience); the module with the potential of becoming a favourite.

With that, I'll end this post with the attitude which is being promoted to all the students of NUSA - "i-Can"

Source: NUSA

And I know I can, insyaAllah...

something to look forward to

And so it's the end of Sem 3. And during the exam period, some of the things that I planned to do when it's all over were:

"I'm gonna eat ice-cream, one tub of ice-cream, probably strawberry cheesecake"

"I'm going to have a duck dish for my dinner"

"I'm gonna runaway without telling anybody (well, except someone or some people. but not the ones in my house)"

"I'm gonna make my day by myself :)"

And so, that's what happened. Running away is fun. It's doing something impulsive. It's something that an adventurous person would do. So, I ran away to Leicester yesterday and I actually wore the exact same attire - the Nike and Nottie; the Jacket and Hoodie. Hehe.

The first stop in Leicester was Subway! And for dinner, I had Nando's. Truth be told, one of the reasons why I chose Nottingham is because I thought there would be halal Subway and Nando's restaurants at some corner. Apparently, not. I guess I made the wrong choice (ok, kidding ;P). I don't think it would have change my decision even if I found out about this earlier. Btw, yeah, I love jalan-jalan cari makan. And I don't mind going to a certain place just to have a meal; but it must be something that I look forward to. I don't want to go somewhere far just to eat a plain burger.

And let's see what else is great in Leicester? Well, duhh! It's the famous slide!! Ok, maybe it's not that famous as some of the Leicesterians have not even tried it. Try la korang! And it was actually Syamil's first time riding it. And I went on it for 3 times ;)

Plus, there's one article which I read about a boy who went out with his father in Leicester, and when asked about what is the best thing about the day? He replied, "The big slide."

And the feeling...it's like a rush of adrenaline.

And it was a great day, alhamdulillah. Got to meet some friends, tried making their day as well, hihi.

(I wanted to upload a picture of the slide from my W995 but something's wrong with it)

So, that was it. Anyway, I told my plans like I want to eat ice-cream after ending my exam to Lut and Bear. Yes, Bear as in this one:

picture courtesy of Animal Planet

They said I can always have the ice-cream during the exam. So I said, that's true but I need something to look forward to, something to keep me going. This is because I was probably influenced by that Reader's Digest article - the one entitled "25 Ways to Be Happy" and yeah, I've featured it already on this post. And then it struck me while I was browsing the ice-cream catalogue at a local supermarket - "Something to look forward to..."

What do you look forward to in your life, Adlan?

Heaven?

You betcha!

So Adlan, if you can look forward to attaining Jannah, shouldn't that be motivating enough to keep you moving on throughout your life?

Indeed, that is something to look forward to...

turn my swag on

This semester...

It's just the same really.

The time provided is exactly the same.

I had 2 weeks last year and so is this year.

The number of modules are reduced from 5 to 3.

The number of credits are lesser, 40 compared to 50 in the 1st semester.

Perhaps, the level is higher.

Perhaps, the modules are much harder.

Perhaps, I'm freaking out as time is running out.

And I should probably turn my swag on.

i'm chasing the rainbow...

adlan wafi, you've already met some morale boosters over the weekend. 

and Allah told you that he will always be there.

this feeling is natural, so just face it bravely.

and let's stay here for the next 4 years shall we...