Celebrate The Small Wins

It has been about four months since I started my weight-loss journey. Tuesday marked the day I have lost 10kgs since the day I started.

It's a small milestone. I've never felt healthier and stronger. Sure I've been lighter before back in 2016 in particular, but I didn't feel as healthy.

Nowadays I don't tire easily. I can walk long distances without my feet feeling like it's being stabbed constantly. I started wearing this Adidas shoe I bought back in 2017.

I don't usually wear it that often as it hurts my feet every time I walked. Now I can finally say it is comfortable enough.

I've also started wearing this leather shoe I bought back in my freshmen year. I don't usually wear leather shoes to class as they aren't as comfy as sports/walking shoes, and at one point in time this shoe specifically hurt my toes whenever I wore them.

Now I can wore these without any problem, which is super satisfying.

I had hoped to lose at least another 10kg before the year ends but with the way my classes are going now, I've cut that down to just 5kg.

My light eating routine can be maintained easily, the same can't be said about my workout frequency. I try to work out whenever I can find the time now but with my capstone project coming to it's most important part and me having to learn 3 new programming languages this semester, my old work out schedule is just not feasible.

On another note, I think I did pretty well on both of my midterms this week. So cheers to that too!

Wellness to The Future

The first thing to overcome a problem is to acknowledge it.

I've been ignoring it for a good part of my life, but earlier this year I finally decided to address it myself. I was fat, overweight and unhealthy.

That was the start, me acknowledging that it is a problem. a really big one at that. It made me want to change.

I gave a lot of thought about what I want to do, and what I want to become in the future. It made me shudder thinking about doing all the stuff I wanted, while still being unfit and unhealthy.

Deep in my thoughts, I didn't want a future where I was big, unhealthy and unreliable.  I don't want the diseases that comes with it. I don't want the negative notions that comes with being fat and unfit. I don't like having low self-esteem. 

How would I survive the daily rush of work and assignments in the future? How would I care for my parents when they're old? How would I pursue my dreams? How would I care for my future wife and kids?

How would I do all this if I myself is unhealthy and sick?

Enough is enough. It's time for a change.

And change I did. I changed my lifestyle a tonne. I started working out. I eat less. A lot less. I'm now crazy about calorie counts too.

It worked! It didn't show that much at first but within 3 months of the change I've dropped 10kg.

I do have days that I slip into what I call 'cheat' mode, where I eat a lot. The difference is now it is more controlled and if it does happen, I try my best to work it off.

Do pray for my continuous dedication to this cause. It's the hardest part. I've tried losing weight several times in the past and those attempts fail due to not being consistent and not having a firm resolution to improve my health.


**I think having a huge crush on someone helps too. It's my first in years!

A Journey's End

I just felt a sudden urge to write something. It has really been a while huh? Almost 3 years to be exact.

My journey in the U.S is coming to an end in 3 months time. It has been fun, it has been sad, it has been inspiring.

Can't believe it's coming to an end. I've been through a lot. I've learned a lot.

But I still have tons of things to learn about how the world works.

I look forward to what the future holds.

-Adlan

of Ramadhan, Arcade and Half-Squat

I remembered TGB for many things, awesome teachers, awesome classmates. It's also the place where I learnt to play VolleyBall.

Out of all, one thing I'll remember till death, that 'hukuman' we got cuz someone saw us main arked before buka puasa outside the school.

I remembered returning to my dorm with a really full stomach*makan seoul garden buffet meh*. I was halfway into my kain plekat*ask the boys of block D they know its my fav outfit dalam asrama*

I had done everything, hw done, berus gigi done, kunci loker also done. All that's left is for me to get into my kplekat n lie down to dreamland.

N then it happened, with his voice, cikgu Radzi called us through the PA system. Dang I tell you tbh I was like weyy nak tido dah but yeah what can I do cikgu panggil.

Reluctantly but quickly*you dont want to be late when cikgu panggil through his PA system* I grabbed my nearest sweatpants put em on n rushed to the scene.

On the way, I met up with Fahim Azzam Zaid Zaihirain Nazif Yusof. The others are already on site.

When all of us finally arrived, cikgu ordered us to stand in line.

"Gopal, korg tau x kenapa saya panggil ni?
Apa korg buat tadi?"

"Buat apa cikgu?"

"Ala, jangan buat2 x ingt. Tadi sebelum berbuka puasa tu"

Apparently a teacher saw us at the arcade. And unluckily, the person reported it to our head of wardens.

"Sekarang saya nak kamu duduk steng*im not sure how it's spelled but cikgu ordered us to do half squat position*

"Malam ni, alam akan mengajar kamu"

He then asked us to hold big handful stones in both hands while also doing the halfsquat.

"Sambil tu, cuba kamu semua lakon kan balik macam mana kamu main tadi"

And we tried our best imagining both a gearbox and steering 😂😂😂

"Gopal, saya ada suruh keluar bunyi ke?"

So to kinda make it real I accidentally imitated the sounds as well,n boy how the others were pissed off takut the sounds mengundang kemarahan cikgu hha.

Im not sure what was the time when he finally allow us to return to our beds, but I do remember all of us terkangkang-kangkang balik sebab semua sakit peha lepas entah berapa lama half squat haha.

This happened 2 years ago, bila jumpa dengan classmate mesti teringat balik hahaha. N I believe all of us will remember this story for more years to come 😊

Saya ambil kesempatan ini utk mengucapkan ribuan terima kasih kepada semua warga MRSM TGB. All of you played an important in helping me to stand where I am now. I'll be forever grateful for that, thank you.

Future Endeavours

When I heard about it for the first time, I was speechless. Who would have thought that would happen ey mate? I know the chances of you reading this are slim, but allow me go on will you?

Maybe we had planned for something in our minds, getting an engineering degree and stuff, but I guess He had something else in store.

I too, went through the same thing, and I asked myself

"Did I chose the right major?"
"Do I really want to be an engineer?"

Turns out that I don't.

The transition must've hit you hard, cuz to get really good grades over here you would have to put literally lots and lots of effort. Anyways, good luck my friend. Do your best, start anew.

Wherever you are on this world,
goodluck on your future endeavours.

A New Start

Hey there,

It's been a while since I did any updates. So here we go,

Summer break is ending. Classes are gonna start after 3 months of 'rest'. To most, today is the first day of class. To me, it's my first day of work! My classes starts tomorrow. I'm kind off excited to start class though.

I really want to improve on my GPA's as much as possible this time. Last semester I got a pretty bad one as Physics dragged my GPA a lot. We'll see how this semester goes, I'm going to try my best this time. Misi 4 Flat!

Maju

Kan ku terus mencuba,
Kau tahu ku percaya,
Komplikasi itu takkan ada.

Biarpun nafas terhenti,
Kau tahu ku takkan pergi,
Sehingga ku jumpa apa yang ku cari.

Crush

I feel a little rush,
I think I've got a little crush on you,
I hope it's not too much,
But baby when I'm with you, I hear it 
My heart singing

~It's been a while but I'm back! Yeay!

Lengthy Road

Reliving that scraped up yesterday, We'll open the way to a hopeful tomorrow. What even remains in these hands?

My voice, dispersed into the sky.

Even if the reality I've obtained is dim, and I can't see what lies in front of me. I feel like I can proceed on this journey, as long as I have you guys.

Even if the bonds that we have gathered dust, as our past and future stand back to back.

Repeating an answer that's is full of inaccuracies. We'll seek the right answer, reaching out our hands, as many times as it takes!

Be.Long

The InterACT performance that I watched was ‘be·long’. The performance that night was directed and facilitated by Elizabeth Wellman. The play was devised and written by the InterACT Theatre ensemble in spring 2016. The play took place at the Roy Bowen Theatre at the Drake’s Centre at approximately 7.30pm on the 22^nd April 2016. The performance was  part of a service-learning course and was mainly conversations between characters and the audience for research purposes.

            This was the first ever interactive theatre performance that I have attended. It is a completely different experience as compared to all of the theatres that I have experienced throughout the semester. The play started in Part 1, where a group of students were seen in class at the start of a whole new semester and Part 2 is an interactive session between characters and the audience. I was really interested in the performance as I can somehow relate my own life with almost all of the characters in the play.

I felt a great connection with Mario(Eduardo Lozano). Mario(Lozano) was depicted as a student who does not have any friends in the class and seemed really lost. Even when he was assigned into groups with other students, he seemed scared and did not really open up with any of his group members. To be honest, I felt that way earlier this semester. My first ever semester in a different country. I felt out of place. I felt scared at not living up to my classmate’s expectations, which I imagined and created upon myself. I also felt scared of the consequences if I didn’t manage to speak English properly. I felt insecure. Thankfully, I realized later in the semester how silly I was going on about my insecurities. It’s normal to feel that way, but what matters most is how we adapt and overcome that feeling.

Next, I also can relate to Charlotte’s(Kesley Frustere) situation. Being in a group with her friends, she probably already knows her friend’s habits and decided it was best for her to do the proper research. I myself literally did it once as I was not satisfied with what my friend had came up with on a previous project together. When you know your friend is a total slacker who doesn’t really put his heart into his work, you end up taking the work load upon yourself to get the best of results. It was really horrible of her friends, Adam(Mohamad Quteifan) and Evan(Alex Wilson), to not have even the slightest of interest since the start of the class.

Lastly, I loved how Amanda(Ronda Cristie) improvised on her mistake of forgetting Kate’s(Casey Murray) name. If I were in Kate’s(Murray) shoes, I will definitely feel better if my TA apologised had they forgotten my name instead of pretending to know. I feel it is better to clear things up earlier in the class rather than face the awkwardness later. I’ll also feel disappointed if my TA pretended and will probably lose all my interest and focus in the class. It also leaves a really bad impression on the TA.

All in all, I really enjoyed my InterACT experience. Audiences pointed out a lot of things that I did not even think about in the discussion and the session rolled out pretty interestingly. The performance truly reminded me of myself earlier this year.  It was awesome how people share great ideas to overcome the problems that the characters were facing in their class. I believe the outcome of this InterACT research will prove important for the future.

Precious

I guess the best times of our lives is really when we're in school. And sometimes I do feel like going back, living my school days all over again. Though I know it's impossible, but I just can't shake off the feeling.

If ever given the chance, that would really be nice.

Guess I should've been more and much more grateful, given the chance of a lifetime to live.

Thank you, Allah.

~Your imperfect servant

A Change of Heart

It ain't fun, believe me.

That lost feeling, but I have to work hard

And I guess it is the best for me

One last meeting before I change for the better, InsyaaAllah

Would it be Data Analytics or Economics?

Who knows, both of em are really interesting majors.

Chicago Travels

Finally the video is done after a week Spring Break Ended. Although it's a bit late, but yeah here you go. Our trip to Chicago!!

So next in the list? New York City!! XD

The Best Decision Maker

I had a dream once,

To live in the Windy City of Chicago, where most Sci-fi and blockbuster action movies took place in*most notably the Transformers movie line. Where I believe I could live my life to its fullest.

So when the opportunity came by, I voiced out. I told IIE, the organization which MARA asked to settle our placements, that I want a university somewhere in Illinois, where the City of Chicago is located. 

After several months of endless waiting. Then one night, IIE took us by storm*literally semua kecoh gila hha*. Each and every one of us got a list of our own, a list of universities in the US which has accepted our applications. There was a mix of emotions that night, some felt relief after months of waiting, some felt excited, some felt sad to the prospect of leaving Malaysia.

My list rolled out like this

1. University of Iowa
2. Ohio State University
3. Michigan State University
4. University of Illinois-Chicago, YES! Chicago here I come!

At least that was first that came to my mind after looking at the list. Turns out the university was literally located in Chicago which will kinda fulfill my dream back then hha.

Then came the first knock,

Ayah said that Chicago holds the highest crime rate in the US.

The second knock,

 Only me and Imran got a place here, not that it would be a gigantic life affecting problem though.

The final knock,

Ultimately, MARA decided to only send us to Ohio State or Michigan State after making several assessment themselves. 

Fast forward to today, here I am as a student of the Ohio State University pre-majoring for Mechanical Engineering. I'm sure He has decided which was best and helped me avoid bad things that I don't know that could have happened to me in Chicago.

I'm sure there's a reason for me to be enrolled here. For whatever reason He holds, thank you. 

Though He did allowed me to visit the place recently hehe.

University of Illinois-Chicago xD

And I'll probably miss the really cheap halal food restaurant right infront of the campus, but yeah.

Be more grateful will you Adlan?

Mind Opening

Given the chance to be involved in a talk program intended to share ideas and thoughts, I felt really privileged to be able to hear those intelligent voices, passionately being spoke out. TedX, an independently organised event to share with the local people experiences, researches and ideas of local speakers.

Great ideas and life experiences were shared throughout the whole session. Eye opening speeches that needs hope, while also giving hope. A hope to make this world a better place where everyone can call home.

No speech was more important than the other. From innovation to salvation, everything was worth to hear out. One speaker pointed out to the benefits of a pet, how pets could help a person's life to be ever more positive overcoming stress and tension. Another spoke about justice, his first hand experience being branded a felon only because of a book he wrote. A book which was about a constantly misunderstood organization of the past who only wants justice for everyone.

While there were no short of attention to any of the talks, one that really caught me was the PHD to Ph.D segment. Given by OSU's own professor, Elaine Richardson. Her life was full of obstacles*literally*. From being addicted to drugs and abusive pimps, from streets to jails. Everything in life being thrown to her at a very young age.

Her recovery was no short of a miracle. At one time it seemed like her choice was either death or prison. But her mother and education saved her. Her mother didn't gave up on her. She went to school and never stopped. She now has a Ph.D.

Now she shares with the world her journey, to promote healing, recovery and empowerment through education.

-Adlan

TedX squad of the day!

*She wrote a book about her life. PHD to Ph.D by Elaine Richardson

Muslims Are Normal People

Islam is a religion. A Muslim refers to someone whose faith is of Islam, believing in a one and Almighty God. A common word that is constantly and unfairly being related to Islam and Muslims nowadays is terrorism. In this world, wherever and whenever there are terrorist acts, one way or another, someway and somehow it will always point to Muslims. The media will always find a way to relate it to ‘Muslim Terrorists’, giving a fearful impression of Muslims towards all of society.  Some politicians even used this issue as a way to rally their side and to gain more supporters. As a Muslim myself, I am not impressed and disappointed with how certain parts of the community unfairly judge Muslims in the world.

            It is important for everyone to know, that Muslims are also normal people who undergo normal lives. I want everyone to know that Islam is actually a religion which strongly promotes peace, love and unity. Muslims were taught to always love and be loved, respect and be respected, help and be helped. People also must know that all those acts of terrorism proudly being done and admitted by ‘Muslim Jihadist’ are strongly conflicting with what was taught by our Prophet and the Holy Quran. Never were we taught to hate and kill. Instead, we were nurtured to always be kind and respectful of others.

As students of a highly respected institution, it is essential for us to know the difference between Islam and Terrorism. Thanks to our educated environment, we see less hate messages in our daily lives. Despite that there are still people out there, who do not know or they themselves choose to judge Muslims badly. I want everyone to be aware that there is a fine line between a true Muslim and those who call themselves ‘Muslim Extremist’. A true Muslim will never ever promote violence and evil. Islamophobia, extreme fear and hate towards Muslims, should not be in our lives as Islam is actually a really gentle religion but it exists because those terrorist out there who claims to be Islam while doing horrible things. The media also never helps. The whole world need to know the true nature of Islam.

A point of view from this issue that I would like to include in the theatre piece is a way for the society to know more about the truth, to ‘open eyes’ and destroy all those double standards that was built towards Muslims. Islam and Muslims are not things that should be feared. People also need to realise the effects that are being experienced by Muslims in America due to prejudice towards Islam. Some Muslims are deeply traumatized while others struggle to live a normal life due to communities that judge them based on bad things that they did not even do. Innocent Muslims are being treated badly everywhere for things that they are not even involved in.

I imagine a theatre which could expose the audience with the true nature of Islam. A theatre which would depict the daily activities of a true Muslim. One which would also show the struggles in a life of a Muslim because of prejudice and hate that is not supposed to be directed on him. The prejudice and hate which is commonly played around by the media and politicians. The prejudice and hate which he or she never deserved.

-Adlan

Theatre Class Assignment, Social Change Paper

A Leap of Faith

The last time around, it was 2012. My final year in Pasir Salak. How time flies, from being reluctant and full of regrets in 2010 to living a happy life full of friends. It was exciting truly, a part of my life which I'll never ever forget. The part which is preciously stored in my memories forever.

It ended well :)

Fast forward,

And here I am, 2016, in Columbus attending The Ohio State University. One might say I got lucky*kadang aku pun rasa macam tu haha*. Others might say it is destiny. But I say it is my rezeki. Who would have thought that this guy who think he had made a huge mistake by enrolling in MRSM Pasir Salak back in 2010, would end up pursuing his studies in the US? Not me certainly.

Even when I transferred to MRSM Tun Ghafar Baba, I thought it was some kind of mistake.

But no. It was not.

He is the best of planners, keep that in mind peeps. All we need to do is work and pray hard. Whatever the outcome is, someway somehow, you will get to where you are supposed to be. 

Have Faith.

MADPP OSU!!

I won't know what will happen in the future, not the slightest of idea. One thing I do know, is I need to work harder and harder. Set and reach my targets, try my best to obtain the best of results, try to live a regretless life and of course, to always have faith.

There's just so much to look forward too in our lives. So much we can do yet so less which we really did. Let's pray for a better us, and a better tomorrow.

Can't wait for the next Leap year, we'll see what's in store for us. What He has in store.

Happy Leap Day,

Adlan

Hope

As I walked out of the US Embassy, with the pink slip in my hands, I grieved. Only several days left but my US Visa was put on hold. I felt hopeless, I sighed.

Then, came out the women whom I had a short chat with while waiting for my Visa interview.

"How was it?"

"I got the pink slip...."

"Ouh, dont't worry. It will be InsyaaAllah", She's a Muslim Caucasian.

"Yeah, InsyaaAllah", I smiled.

"Once you're there, and if you're facing any problems or have any questions. Do ask, we love to help out. We just do hhe."

"Yeah, thanks lady  :)".


Alhamdulillah I got a call the next Monday approving my US Visa.  And here I am now, in Columbus continuing my studies. Let's pray for the best and do our best shall we? Of course, with the niat of returning to help out our dearest nation,

Malaysia.

Priorities

I finished early, stood up and quickly handed in the Midterm Paper to my TA. I walked outside, burden lifted. And then I remembered.

"Oh my God, I haven't done my Maghrib Prayers"
"Ya Allah, Maghrib tak solat lagi"

I quickly stride towards the 18th Library, where there's a small corner which you can perform your prayers. Somehow after my prayers, I felt at ease. I managed to pray just in time*it's not a good practice*.

I'm glad I remembered to pray, glad that I decided to hand-in the Midterm Paper early. Since the exam was at 6 in the evening, 'running' from my usual schedule and at the time I'm still getting used to the time zone here in Columbus. Somehow I almost forgot, that I haven't perform my prayers.

"Oh Allah, thank you for the reminder"
"Ya Allah, nasib ingat.."  

Though I didn't exactly got the results that I wanted for the midterm. I didn't regret going out early. It just proves that I've got a whole lot more to learn, and a whole lot more work to do. Glad I managed my Maghrib prayers in time.

I guess everyone will have this 'moment of choosing' in their lives sooner or later. Just make sure which comes first peeps :).

Ups and Downs

Just as I'm finally able to truly make sense of what I'm learning in Physics*literally, then came the results of Calculus midterm. I had to admit, the pressure was immense. Most of my time was used to make sure I'm staying on track.

But to be honest, I'm kinda glad actually.

I took this as His way to ensure my feet is always running, on the ground. It was tiresome, with the meetings and all. But I don't mind*sometimes I do haha penat kot, because this ensures my primary niat coming to Columbus keeps going. Though sometimes I do complain, I felt silly whenever I think about what I'm actually complaining before.

Opening up does helps though. At first I was kinda reluctant. It wasn't easy as I expected*okay maybe I overestimated my self in this xD*. Working in groups helped me, a lot. I struggled at first, brainstorming words in my mind each time I talk with my classmates here. Also looking up Google Translate whenever I'm writing summaries or reports in a group.

Glad it didn't stopped me from talking though*hahaha.

I admit, sometimes I'll be at lost of words when I talk with the people here. And most of the time I'll have a Google Translate Tab opened up on my browser whenever I'm writing reports. But I'm coping with it. Slowly but surely.

All I did*and still doing* was try, try and try.

I believe anyone who goes to another country either to work or learn, will never really truly 'live' if they don't ever mingle with the locals. It's up to you yourself though, to decide.

I think I should be more grateful, given the chance to learn in a world class environment. This golden opportunity needs to be spend to the fullest. I'll show gratitude by giving my all. That's a promise I'll do my best to keep.