Monday, November 06, 2006
Foreword by Syar*
Shaiful asked me to write a little something to "usher in the new era of Cinta Arjuna" after a year of his blog's 'death'. Like Buffy, clawing her way out of her coffin after being prematurely buried. That might be a little morbid for you, but well...that's part of who Shaiful is. Not morbid in a sad sense, but in a maniacal, mad-scientist sense. And that is one of the highest compliments I can bestow anybody. He weaves weird magic with his words and however lame his rambling stories he'll make you listen all the way to the end even if only to leave you scratching your head wondering what was the point. Because the thing is, Shaiful doesn't need a point. Shaiful tells stories. And what wonderful stories he tells. Hopefully Cinta Arjuna doesn't die another death. Its got too much to waste lying there unread.
* Who thought doing this was highly ridiculous but fun practice for when she has to do this again for Shaiful's other professional endeavours, and/or her own novel.
Welcome Back to Myself by Shaiful
365 days have passed by right in front of our eyes…that’s equivalent to 8760 hours, 525,600 minutes and god knows how many seconds (I’m too lazy to update this blog, what makes you think I want to type on this calculator again?). In chronological order, I personally experienced Rock The World 6, Selangor’s 30th Malaysia Cup triumph, the first ever metal gig in Planet Hollywood, 19 new movies, 67 new albums, 22 visits to FAM for char kuey tiaow, 2,190 gallons of liquid consumed, an countless crushes (big and small) along the way.
First off, let me apologize, err…maybe I should wish first (thinks to my OCD self). Okay, I’d like to wish a very, very belated Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2006 to all of you! I’m catching up here alright, so please cut me some slack! “Jingle bells, Jingle bells...” Same goes for Chinese New Year, Thaipusam, Hari Raya Aidiladha, Wesak Day, Hari Gawai, Tun Dr. M’s 300th birthday and so on. And most recently, Happy Deepavali and Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri, maaf zahir batin dari hujung rambut sampai ke hujung nyawa.
Now, here comes the difficult part, just because Sir Elton said “Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word” and Air Supply agreed with “Hard to Say I’m Sorry”. I would like to sincerely apologize to all of you, my dear friends, for letting this blog rot in its own filth for oh so long. I’m not one to give excuses (at least not this time), therefore let me just admit that I got lazy. It all started when I thought of taking a couple of weeks break off blogging. Those two weeks felt real good that I decided to just postpone posting till, well, indefinitely! But as the weeks turned to months, the urge to start blogging again grew stronger as certain things happened in my life, and I needed a channel to pen it all down, alongside my views and whatnot.
The catalyst, or as Nana likes to call it “the lemon that got squeezed into my eyes” for me was when I started reading other people’s blogs again. Namely these two individuals: Syar and more recently Chris. Their posts are so witty and full of life that I felt compelled to start doing something useful again with my free time instead of procrastinating on my assignments. Thank you Syar and Chris for the inspiration (kudos should also go to Nadia and Ayu, the two other blogs I frequent).
As for the future, I was initially planning on having an offshoot blog to post my literary creations and entertainment reviews, but alas both of my mentors have thought of this before I did. Syar’s poetry and Chris’ reviews made me decide to just post my other materials on this blog as well, instead of having another one. Having said that, I already have an offshoot blog underway though, which is more on the fantasy side. I will only reveal that one when it has garnered positive response and prove itself worthy to be announced. So do stay tuned for updates on that prospective project.
Finally, I would to welcome all you friends to the semi-new cinta arjuna. Expect nothing, ‘cos that is what you might get from this blog! Just kidding. The new Cinta Arjuna will strive to beat its predecessor both with the diversity of its contents and also the promptness of which it is updated. Stay Tuned (I kinda like saying that nowadays =P)
6 souls that need closure
