-
The constipated mind
I have not written anything for a while. 19 days to be exact.
It’s not that I don’t want to; I started a few drafts but just couldn’t put the necessary touch to finalise and publish it. I felt like my mind was having a block, that I kept churning the same repetitive blog post/draft again and again.Drafts
The thing with these drafts is that even I can’t stomach reading it. Getting likes, that thumbs up icon was never my main intention when I started writing this blog. I just needed an avenue where could take out these thoughts, like a tangled roll in my head. I am like the kitten that keep playing with the rope ball and getting nothing done in the process. I just needed to get this rope ball, put it on a table maybe to be used later or at least gets it rolled properly for future use.
All this coming from someone who is so easily satisfied (read lazy). I sometimes use the same drinking mug again and again, alternating between coffee and plain water because washing is a hassle.
Random photo from lunch, 22 Mac 2023. Had dinner at the same place, the night before. Refreshment
This morning I read a few pages of Anne Lamott’s book, Bird by Bird and came across this eye-opening line :
“The word block suggests that you are constipated or stuck, when the truth is that you are empty”.
This hits me like a gong sound at 3 in the morning. I realised that maybe I am empty. I have not read much lately. My brain is not as active as I would like it to be.Aftermath
So I decided to take a suggestion in the book – to write a 300 words article, doesn’t matter what topic. I started writing a bit about my primary school years. One thing that bugged me was that how do know I have written down 300 words? Later I realised that you could actually see it at the bottom of the Word app. Silly me.
I reckon this should be my though process for now; to keep writing 300 words daily and see how it goes. My current progress of Bird by Bird is at 80%; hope to finish reading it before my next post.Until then, stay hungry, stay safe.
-
The Red Hot Experience
Things I learnt at the RHCP concert in Perth (12Feb23).
1. Come early, you might appreciate the opening act
Most of the times I am not interested with the opening acts. Just realised that some songs I heard on the radio was sung by Post Malone.
2. Sitting down is not bad
“You have to be standing in the pit area to experience a concert”. Not really.Nowadays we prefer staying away from the crowds when possible. Not to mention the sweat, alcohol spilt, brazen vapers, losing your place at the front because of toilet breaks, fights. List is endless.
3. Toilet break before the breaks
Its still ok if you are a man – just point and shoot. Ladies, the queue gets super horrendous. Best bet for you is to head to the loo when the show is still on, or before half time break.4. Business opportunity everywhere
The official tshirt costs roughly A$60-ish. A pass for me considering we got the tickets at around the $80 mark.As we walked back across Matagarup bridge, there were people selling RHCP tshirts. Can’t tell the quality, but pretty sure it doesn’t go to the official merchandise coffers.
5. Go for it; you might not experience it again
We skipped the last two Foo Fighters concert in Perth. In 2022 the drummer, Taylor Hawkins passed away and we won’t see him perform again.If your favourite aging performer is coming to town and you are undecided; my advice would be, just go.
6. You choose how to age
The RHCP are still going strong despite turning 60 recently. Having a healthy body ensures that they could perform better for their fans.
7. Alcohol and vaping spoils the mood (mine at least)
“Drink Responsibly” is the theme – but would you “Act Responsibly” when under influence?The last World Cup in Qatar did not have alcohol served – all is well. Less fighting, less headache. Definitely a better thing for everyone.
We also see people vaping while in queue to enter the stadium. Come on man!
8. You can go to concerts solo
I was amazed at the solo guy sitting a few seats from us. When his favourite song comes, he will stand and sing his heart out. He doesn’t need a company to feel good. Good on him.
9. Different performers, different style
Post Malone chatted more with the audience while drinking, smoking, doing a shoey. Once he paused his show to check on the well being of a spectator – the mosh pit area is a really human salad bowl area. New found respect for a performer who checks on his fan.10. Always time/place to worship your Creator
Concerts are usually done around the Maghrib time (Muslim early evening prayer). One other reason why I prefer seating – you can wander around, find a quiet spot to do your prayers and continue with the concert.
Stay hungry, stay safe.
-
Ramadhan in a nutshell
Ramadhan, the 9th month in the Muslim calendar, is a blessed month where Muslims would perform fasting; one of the pillars of Islam.
Definition of fasting differs from one religion to another. It is usually considered a training/state connected to attain a higher spiritual level.
Even in the sports/health world there are a variety of intermittent fasting done to obtain a healthier body.(WHAT & WHEN)
Fasting is done in the whole month of Ramadhan.
The actual dates differs year to year as the Muslim calendar is based on moon sighting instead of the sun rotation.
This year it starts on Thursday 23 March 2023 (some start a day later).(HOW)
For a Muslim, fasting means abstaining from food, water and other acts that would break it like smoking and sexual intercourse.
Fasting is done between sunrise to sunset. You can resume eating, drinking and other activities during night time, before sunrise.
We would wake up early around 4-5am before the morning prayer to have some food before starting our fast – this meal session is called sahoor/suhoor.
We aim to increase our act of worship which includes praying, reading the Quran, making donations.
We also refrain from acts that would lessen our good deeds like backbiting, too much entertainment ie etc.
This is the month where we train our physical side (refraining from food) and spiritual side.(WHO)
A matured (baligh), healthy Muslim man or woman are required to fast.
Exempted :
– Children/little kids
– Not of a sound mind.
– Sick
– Elderly
– Traveller
– Menstruating woman
Some cultures would start the child training since they are little, maybe at 6yo. Training could be in the form of half day only, or water only no food.
“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous..”
Quran 2:183(WHY)
Muslims believe that the reward for good deeds are multiplied in this month; hence it is common to see people making donations, sponsoring food for the break of fast, or increasing the quantity of prayers and praises to the Almighty.Popular food to have during the break of fast would be dates.
Travel around the world enough and you may find some food in different countries which are only prepared/sold in Ramadhan.
Keep hydrated, keep safe.
-
Hit the ground hooping
In 1996, a few of us were blessed with the opportunity to train a new batch of youngster the basics of basketball.
Fast forward 27 years later, we remain friends.
Poking fun at each others belly and graying hair (in my case, whats left of it). Breaking sweat together (some sweat more than others). Need to invite Fugu C97 to come next time – him sweating makes ours look like a cup vs a swimming pool.
Lately we chat (gossip) too. Who knows that growing older also adds a touch of gossiping skills. Next thing you know we might start to giggle over teh tarik.
I noticed some were slacking in defense. Back then they would feel my wrath; now it’s just a bonus for me to play with a weak defender (looking at you Air).
New excuse why we lost in 1996 – make the underbasket Bad! 
Some of them came from a distance to join the basketball session for which I am super honoured and touched.
Missing Azran, Hamz & Wyre from the 1996 F5. Shahir did a day trip from Ipoh (197kms north of KL) just to join the session, Bad took his whole clan with him – either the wife loves him so much or just doesn’t trust him😂 (I’m joking, Fara!)
So much stories to immerse in.💬 It was a nomadic day that Sunday 5th Mac 23; Cheras to PJ with Muzammil, court to Mamak cafe with Shahir, cafe to house/Amcorp Mall with Cooper, back to Cheras with Pak Din. Izrin & Amir came eventhough they don’t play.
It’s been awhile since I laughed so much on/off the court. Looking forward to our next session.
Until then, stay active, stay safe.
-
Waltzing in my backyard
Malaysians living abroad (and I don’t mean neighbouring countries ie Singapore, Thailand etc) – how long does it take to acclimatise once you come back?
The food would be the easiest; its pretty much what everyone would have in mind.
Promised this chap 3pm meetup; got there at 4pm. I blame the traffic😄 Traffic – not so much. It used to take me approx 2 days to get used to the Malaysian driving style; the trip last week I managed to reduce it to less than 24 hours.
I am definitely guilty of using my mobile phone – we just needed that dose of confidence on the best route to take. I do know most of the route; but seeing the long red lines on Google Maps/Waze just gives you some peace in mind, that you are going through this patch of storm…and it will be ok.
There are spots that was ok before but now become a huge bottlenecks, like this spot above as one is approaching Sungai Ramal from Kajang🫣
I guess the only way is to just move forward and “keep swimming”.
Stay hungry, stay safe.
-
Day 6 : Karratha
This is part of the Perth to Broome series.
Perth – Karratha : 1,537kms +
After spending 5 days on the road, it surely is a breath of relief to be able to take shelter in a proper home, surrounded by familiar faces.
Our host, Shahlan and Yati were generous with their time; sharing their abode, food, time and stories.
We spent the early morning up the Karratha Hill Lookout (you can tell from my dishevelled hair). Overlooking the town of Karratha, one could see for miles on all direction.
Went back home for breakfast and pick up the kids for our next stop, Hearson’s Cove.
From afar it looks just like a normal beach. Unlike your typical sand grain, it comprises of small, broken seashells mixed with tiny pebbles.
Surprisingly there is a sense of comfort as you walk on the beach barefooted; like a thousand super small hands giving your foot a micro massage.
If I only have one place I could visit here, this is definitely it. We were short of time and our hosts are eager to show some other spots.
So off we head to Dampier region, the home of the famous Red Dog – the Pilbara Wanderer.
One thing about country towns are they usually have beautiful facilities like the one we saw at Dampier Foreshore/Esplanade. Too busy enjoying the area that I did not get much photos or videos.
Is that you Astrotrain? After lunch we headed to Wickham; climbing on old machines and locomotives, pretending we were in a Transformers movie.
Warning – do not attempt to climb if you are scared of heights or have weak limbs. It is easier said than done to climb that massive mining truck.
Long Haul, where’s the rest of the Constructicons? Some Transformers cartoon reference above 😀
But honestly once you are 1:1 ratio with the actual item, I developed a massive respect of engineering that goes into building these beauties.
Until then – stay hungry, stay safe.
-
Day 5 : Broome – Nanaturra – Karratha
This is part of the Perth to Broome series we did in July 2021.
Exmouth – Nanaturra : 198kms/2hrs in Nanaturra – Karratha : 272kms/2hrs 52mins
Nanaturra is the halfway mark in our trip between Exmouth and Karratha. More red dirt along the way.
Wishing for gold In some (if not most) stops, the beach toys turn out to be useful out here; it’s just that instead of sandy beaches, your choice of dirt is limited to red dirt.
Ampol Nanaturra interior We reached our host residence in Karratha around 6pm. Feels good to be embraced by familiar faces, pandan cake and hot tea.
Until then – stay hungry, stay safe.
-
March Malaysia Travel
Hours after coaching the basketball game, I took a midnight plane back to Malaysia. Travelling between 4th-11th March, main intention was to visit my mother in Melaka and in-laws in Selangor. A few extra activities in between.
Double trouble. I took my little one, Aydin and joked that my wife would have lower blood pressure for the next week as she doesn’t have to deal with his antiques. It turns out to be half true – there are still 2 other kids to hear her babbling about😂
Weeks before I have started writing down a list of things to do, people to meet, food to eat etc. With so much to think about, I find this practice helpful and helps to clear my mind.
Sweet dreams everyone. Until then, stay hungry, stay safe.
-
The 50% record
Unlike my spectating record, my coaching record these past months is just a paltry 50% (1-of-2).
I guess it’s OK, considering that the 1st game was played without any subtitute player for 40mins. My first time coaching since 2003.
I was asked to fill again as coach last Friday. I suspected they just needed an old guy at the side to call for timeouts.
We were neck to neck from start till finish. Had my heart racing all the time. These Year 11s (15-17yo) can play, they just needed guidance every now and then on things to do when situation changes. All of us needs it.
I do pity the opponents; our boys would foul them really hard – like I would personally grit my teeth when it happened. Stopped the opponents from scoring, that’s for sure.
Had to apologise to the opposing coach and tell him I am just the substitute coach, no full control over the boys. He did muttered something along the line of “That’s rubbish, mate….unsportsmanship foul…”.🤷
Ah well, at least it’s just a temporary stint. Who knows.
Stay hungry, stay safe.
-
The 100% record
I hope I don’t jinx it; but our current record of attending a professional basketball game in Perth so far is 100% win (2-of-2). (Like it matters :D)
5th Feb 2023 : Perth Wildcats vs Sydney Kings.
Needed a minimum 11 points win to qualify for the next round..
Final whistle result : 96-84.
25th Feb 2023 : Perth Lynx vs Bendigo Spirit.
Final whistle result : 99-78.
Different atmosphere to each game.
The WNBL game has a unique effect to Zarif. He quipped “Do you have a feeling that the ball has a high percentage each time the ball crosses half court?” I suspect the high estrogen concentration in the stadium.
Not bringing this guy again. I enjoyed the competitiveness both teams showed – contested shots (ball still went in), not holding back on committing fouls if it means stopping your opponent from easy baskets, chase backs to reduce the points gap.
My Asian side liked it because of the affordability for the whole family.
Breaking ankles since 1988. Keep balling; stay hungry, stay safe.
-
Subscribe
Subscribed
Have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
