26 January 2009

From Scraps To Walls...

A few months ago, I met a couple of my childhood buddies. After hanging out for a few hours, we parted with that classic 21st century line, "Dude, pass me you're email Id, we'll keep in touch!"

"Hey, do you have a Facebook account?" One of them asked me.

"Yah, I do, but I dont use it now. I'm there on Orkut though."

"Oh," they said. "Oh". That was all. Two minutes later, they were gone. My friend who'd watched all this, looked at me as though I'd become retarded. "What's wrong with you? Who on earth uses Orrkutt?"

That's the way he pronounced it. As though it was some tribal leader's surname. "Firstly, it's Orkut. And what's wrong with it anyways?"

I didn't know it then, but it seems there are three - well, four kinds of people in the cyber world. The ones that use Facebook. Then the ones that use Orkut. The third type are the ones don't use either. And finally, the last kind are people like me, who log into both and don't know which side to pick.

After that horrible encounter, (those friends didnt bother to get in touch with me again), I decided I needed to pick a side.

Sure, my loyalty should have lay with Orkut. That was the first site where I actually wrote about the things that would be found next to my bedroom (dont know why they ask that.) I spent a week figuring out what kind of a build I was, and what I'd except from a first date. After all that hard work, I had to spend (just like most of you sly fellows), a lot of time in order to increase my scrapbook. It was fun actually. In the beginning, getting a scrap was like receiving a letter by post.

What happened then? A friend of mine decided to show me how much better Facebook was. Thankfully, he failed. Why? Becuase within a day of entering Facebook, I was getting poked, hugged, kissed (yes!?), slapped, and given all types of gifts and drinks. They had stuff like 'Are You Spoiled?' requests.

Finally, after about six months of detesting Facebook, I realised the truth. Even if I was caught by Somali pirates and stuck in a cellar, all I'd really need was Facebook. Ofcourse my status updates would be gloomier than normal. And my photos wouldnt have any thing worthwile to tag.

A friend's friend had a headache. She wrote it in her status update. It may surprise you, but I was the one who adviced her to get some medicine. See how amazing Facebook is?

Frankly, I've changed camp. I cant stand Orkut now. I'm suffering from Orkut-to-Facebook-Exchange-Hangover. It's been happening to a lot of people lately.

Take my advice, and give Facebook a try. You should probably stay away from the applications and requests though, or else you'll find yourself poking someone for no reason.

One last thing. I'm sure you've got this feeling yourself. Doesnt it seem as though the only thing Orkut Buyyokoten (the founder of Orkut) does is, log into his secret Facebook account everyday, and note down all the new features in it, before ordering his own software guys to come up with a cheaper, less dazzling version of it for Orkut?

Even if that's not true, I'm not going to scrap you anymore. Check you're wall for my writings...

Note: From now onwards, the Blog will be updated every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Please subscribe to the blog, so that you get the latest updates in your inbox. Besides, leave a comment, or if you are a blogger yourself, follow this blog.

23 January 2009

Lyrics That Reflect Life

Since the past two years, I've been an avid listener of English music. In fact, I've been so fond of music, that it's been tied to my life itself. Several instances of my life are linked to songs. I'm sure it's the same way with all of you. So here I'd like to share some of them, starting with the most common one...

'Welcome To My Life' By Simple Plan
This song should be declared as the anthem for teenagers. The lyrics are beautiful. In fact, this is one the few songs that all teenagers can relate to...

Do you ever feel like breaking down?
Do you ever feel out of place?
Like somehow you just don't belong
And no one understands you
Do you ever wanna run away?
Do you lock yourself in your room?
With the radio on turned up so loud
That no one hears you screaming

No you don't know what it's like
When nothing feels all right
You don't know what it's like
To be like me

To be hurt
To feel lost
To be left out in the dark
To be kicked when you're down
To feel like you've been pushed around
To be on the edge of breaking down
And no one's there to save you
No you don't know what it's like
Welcome to my life

Do you wanna be somebody else?
Are you sick of feeling so left out?
Are you desperate to find something more?
Before your life is over
Are you stuck inside a world you hate?
Are you sick of everyone around?
With their big fake smiles and stupid lies
While deep inside you're bleeding
No you don't know what it's like
When nothing feels all right
You don't know what it's like
To be like me

To be hurt
To feel lost
To be left out in the dark
To be kicked when you're down
To feel like you've been pushed around
To be on the edge of breaking down
And no one's there to save you
No you don't know what it's like
Welcome to my life

No one ever lied straight to your face
And no one ever stabbed you in the back
You might think I'm happy but I'm not gonna be okay
Everybody always gave you what you wanted
You never had to work it was always there
You don't know what it's like, what it's like

'Crush' By David Archuleta
Those of us who've had the pleasure of getting a crush will know what David Archuleta means when he says, 'What a Rush...What a Rush...". It seems as though he penned the lyrics just when he turned 14. Beautiful...
I hung up the phone tonight
Something happened for the first time deep inside
It was a rush, what a rush

'Cause the possibility
That you would ever feel the same way about me
It's just too much, just too much

Why do I keep running from the truth?
All I ever think about is you
You got me hypnotized, so mesmerized
And I've just got to know

Do you ever think when you're all alone
All that we can be, where this thing can go?
Am I crazy or falling in love?
Is it real or just another crush?

Do you catch a breath when I look at you?
Are you holding back like the way I do?
'Cause I'm trying and trying to walk away
But I know this crush ain't goin' away-ay-ay-ay-ayy
Goin' away-ay-ay-ay-ayy

Has it ever crossed your mind
When we're hanging, spending time girl, are we just friends?
Is there more, is there more?

See it's a chance we've gotta take
'Cause I believe that we can make this into something that will last
Last forever, forever

Do you ever think when you're all alone
All that we can be, where this thing can go?
Am I crazy or falling in love?
Is it real or just another crush?

Do you catch a breath when I look at you?
Are you holding back like the way I do?
'Cause I'm trying and trying to walk away
But I know this crush ain't goin' away-ay-ay-ay-ayy
Goin' away-ay-ay-ay-ayy

Why do I keep running from the truth?
All I ever think about is you
You got me hypnotized, so mesmerized
And I've just got to know

Do you ever think when you're all alone
All that we can be, where this thing can go?
Am I crazy or falling in love?
Is it real or just another crush?

Do you catch a breath when I look at you?
Are you holding back like the way I do?
'Cause I'm trying and trying to walk away
But I know this crush ain't goin' away-ay-ay-ay-ayy
This crush ain't goin' away-ay-ay-ay-ayy
Goin' away-ay-ay-ay-ayy
Goin' away-ay-ay-ay-ayy
Goin' away-ay-ay-ay-ayy
'Shadow of the Day' By Linkin Park
I've already decided that this will be the song sung during my farewell. There's no better way to sing a farewell song, is there?

I close both locks below the window.
I close both blinds and turn away.
Sometimes solutions aren't so simple.
Sometimes goodbye's the only way.

And the sun will set for you,
The sun will set for you.
And the shadow of the day,
Will embrace the world in grey,
And the sun will set for you.

Pink cards and flowers on your window,
Your friends all plead for you to stay.
Sometimes beginnings aren't so simple.
Sometimes goodbye's the only way.

And the sun will set for you,
The sun will set for you.
And the shadow of the day,
Will embrace the world in grey,
And the sun will set for you.

And the shadow of the day,
Will embrace the world in grey,
And the sun will set for you.

'If Today Was Your Last Day' By Nickleback
What if today was your last day? What would you do? How would you live your life? A 4 minute song serves as a powerful reminder....

My best friend gave me the best advice
He said each days a gift and not a given right
Leave no stone unturned
Leave your fears behind
And try to take the path less traveled by
That first step you take is the longest stride

If today was your last day
If tomorrow was too late
Could you say goodbye to yesterday
Would you live each moment like your last
Leave old pictures in the past
Donate every dime you have
If today was your last day

Going against the grain should be a way of life
What's worth the price is always worth the fight
Every second counts cause there's no second try
So live it like you're never living twice
Don't take the free ride in your whole life

If today was your last day
If tomorrow was too late
Could you say goodbye to yesterday
Would you live each moment like your last
Leave old pictures in the past
Donate every dime you have
And would you call old friends you never see
Reminisce old memories
Would you forgive your enemies
And would you find that one your dreaming of
Swear up and down to god above
That you'll finally fall in love
If today was your last day

If today was your last day
Would you make your mark
On ending a broken heart
You know it's never too late
To shoot for the stars
Regardless of who you are
So do whatever it takes
Cause you can't rewind
A moment in this life
Let nothing stand in your way
Cause the hands of time
Are never on your side

If today was your last day
If tomorrow was too late
Could you say goodbye to yesterday
Would you live each moment like your last
Leave old pictures in the past
Donate every dime you have
And would you call old friends you never see
Reminisce old memories
Would you forgive your enemies
And would you find that one your dreaming of
Swear up and down to god above
That you'll finally fall in love
If today was your last day
'Keep Holding On' By Avril Lavigne
Anyone who's been in a testing situation with friends, will tell you how much this song means to them. The lyrics are gentle words of encouragement....

You're not alone
Together we stand
I'll be by your side
You know I'll take your hand

When it gets cold
And it feels like the end
There's no place to go
You know I won't give in
No I won't give in

Keep holdin' on
'Cause you know we'll make it through
We'll make it through
Just, stay strong
'Cause you know I'm here for you
I'm here for you

There's nothing you can say (Nothin' you can say)
Nothing you can do (Nothin' you can do)
There's no other way when it comes to the truth

So, keep holding on
'Cause you know we'll make it through
We'll make it through

So far away
I wish you were here
Before it's too late
This could all disappear

Before the doors close
And it comes to an end
With you by my side
I will fight and defend
I'll fight and defend, Yeah yeah

Keep holdin' on
'Cause you know we'll make it through
We'll make it through
Just, stay strong
'Cause you know I'm here for you
I'm here for you

There's nothing you can say
Nothing you can do
There's no other way when it comes to the truth
So, keep holding on
'Cause you know we'll make it through
We'll make it through

Hear me when I say
When I say I believe
Nothing's gonna change
Nothing's gonna change destiny

Whatever's meant to be
Will work out perfectly
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah..

'Never Gone' By Backstreet Boys
This song was written after the lead singer of Backstreet Boys's dad passed away. The lyrics are deep and heartfelt...
I really miss you
There's somethin' that I gotta say

The things we did
The things we said
Keep comin' back to me and make me smile again
You showed me how to face the truth
Everything that's good in me I owe to you

Though the distance that's between us
Now may seem to be too far
It will never separate us
Deep inside, I know you are

Chorus:
Never gone, never far
In my heart is where you are
Always close, everyday
Every step along the way

Even though for now we've got to say goodbye
I know you will be forever in my life(yeah)
Never gone (No, no, no, no)

I walk along these empty streets
There is not a second you're not here with me
The love you gave, the grace you've shown
Will always give me strength and be my cornerstone

Somehow you found a way
To see the best I have in me
As long as time goes on
I swear to you that you will be

Chorus:
Never gone, never far
In my heart is where you are
Always close (always close), everyday (everyday yeah)
Every step along the way
Even though for now we've got to say goodbye
I know you will be forever in my life (in my life, yeah)

Never gone (gone from me)
It's the one thing I believe (I believe)
I will see you somewhere down the road again(I will see you somewhere, somewhere, somewhere, somewhere)

(Never gone) Never gone, never far
In my heart is where you are
Always close (always close, always close), everyday (everyday, everyday)
Every step along the way
Even though for now we've got to say goodbye (yeah, yeah)
I know you will be forever in my life

Never gone, never far
In my heart is where you are (in my heart is where you are)
Always close (always close), everyday (everyday)
Every step along the way
Never gone, never far
In my heart is where you are
'Leave Out All The Rest' By Linkin Park
They say this is the most played song at funerals. Why? Read the lyrics and you'll know...
I dreamed I was missing, you were so scared
But no one would listen, 'cause no one else cared
After my dreaming, I woke with this fear
What am I leaving when I'm done here?

So if you're asking me, I want you to know

When my time comes, forget the wrong that I've done
Help me leave behind some reasons to be missed
Don't resent me, and when you're feeling empty
Keep me in your memory, leave out all the rest

Leave out all the rest, don't be afraid
I've taken my beating, I've shared what I made
I'm strong on the surface, not all the way through
I've never been perfect, but neither have you

So if you're asking me, I want you to know

When my time comes, forget the wrong that I've done
Help me leave behind some reasons to be missed
Don't resent me, and when you're feeling empty
Keep me in your memory, leave out all the rest
Leave out all the rest

Forgetting all the hurt inside you've learned to hide so well
Pretending someone else can come and save me from myself
I can't be who you are

When my time comes, forget the wrong that I've done
Help me leave behind some reasons to be missed
Don't resent me, and when you're feeling empty
Keep me in your memory, leave out all the rest
Leave out all the rest

Forgetting all the hurt inside you've learned to hide so well
Pretending someone else can come and save me from myself
I can't be who you are

I can't be who you are
If there are any more songs that you'd like to share, please feel free. And if anyone's wondering why I'm uploading lyrics all of sudden...well, it's because I have a sudden attack of Blogger's Block. Will be cleared by Tuesday I hope!

Thanks For The Memories

For those of you who hate my philosophical musings, I have good news and bad news. The bad news is, what I'm going to say now is quite philosophical. The good news is....you'll probably like it.

Last Wednesday, my classmates and I went to the Sand Dunes as part of our annual picnic. The details arent necessary, since most you already know everything about it. But there was a catch in this particular picnic.

We werent allowed to bring cameras (the school had its own valid reasons, it seems). Nor were we allowed to bring Mobile Phones (that too, for a reason). In fact, we couldnt bring anything that had a motor or used even one watt of electricity. Not surprisingly, the school had its reasons.

Now the question was this. What on earth were we going to do in a picnic, where we didnt have Ipods and Sony Cameras? What good is it if there arent mobile phones in our pockets?

The pissed off mood amongst me and my friends, almost lead us to drop the idea of going for the picnic. But somehow, everyone decided to go anyways. It would suck, 'to the core', as one of my friends rightly pointed out.

Well, surprisingly, it didnt.

In fact, it was a whole lot of fun? You want to know why?

I wouldnt be able to pin point the reason. All we did, was play football or rugby in the beach side, build sand castles (some pretty good ones, I must add!), and finally, walk up and down the sand dunes. We didnt even get buggies to ride, for god sakes!

So who's responsible for making the trip fun? I think it's the guy who lunged onto me when I was playing Rugby. Or the guy who helped me build a fine sand castle. Perhaps the credit goes to the fellow who pushed me down the sand dunes. Better still, it goes to the guy who helped me chase down the guy who pushed me in the first place. How can I forget the guys (and girls) who sang along to my horrible, musically challenged singing? And what about the sixty odd fellows who stomped their legs and clapped their hands to the tune of 'We Will Rock You!'.

Wait a minute, I just realised what made this trip fun. You. You and Me. We made it fun. Because 'fun', as we teenagers call it, isnt provided by Apple Inc. or Nokia. It's provided by our friends. Sure, it would have helped to have a music player. But singing out of tune was way more fun. A Buggy would have made it easier to climb the Dunes, but I'd never miss the chance to roll down the sand with my buddies.

I could go on now, but time (and patience) is of the essence. If there's one thing 21st January, 2008 taught me, it's this: Life's best moments are the ones that you share with your loved ones. In this case, you guys!

With Love,
Musthafa
P.S.: Thanks for the Memories

Note: From now onwards, the Blog will be updated every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Please subscribe to the blog, so that you get the latest updates in your inbox. Besides, leave a comment, or if you are a blogger yourself, follow this blog.

17 January 2009

Laptop Diary Entry : "What's Wrong With You?"

Dear LG,

I think it's about time that I wrote another diary entry. Seems to me that you're kind of pissed off with me. Why else is it that every time I try to upload something onto my blog, a pesky little virus starts running around? Dont blame Norton Anti Virus for that. The chap's been updating himself since the day he met you. Obviously you're the one with the problem.

What is it? Is it because you think I'm ignoring you on my blog? True, when I began this blog, it was primarily to write diary entries to you. But LG, try to understand. Things have changed now. I have loyal (alright, at least passively interested) readers for my blog. And I don't think they like these kind of Laptop Diary Entries. And one of them already thinks I'm a little loose in the head. How do you think he's going to react when he hears about your and my relation? Who else in this world actually writes diary entries to his laptop?

Fine, I'll reach a compromise with you. If you allow me to get back to work on my blog, I promise I'll write to you every Saturday. In fact, I'll tell you all about my blog, and what's happening around me. It'll be fun. But please, for the love of god, get those Trojan idiots back into Quarantine. Or else you're really going to be in a mess.

So hope everything's sorted out between us. I have to get back to updating the blog every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Till then, hope you'll stay happy.

And one more thing. Since you have pretty much nothing to do in the mornings when I'm at school, cant you do something about the 'P's and the 'S's? They've almost sunken into the keyboard. And ya, you should really do a disk cleanup once in a while. You're hard drive is a bigger mess than my room.

With Love,
Your Owner,
Mohammed Musthafa.

This is my trademark 'Laptop Diary Entry'. Hope it's good enough, since I plan to post one every week. If it hasnt been clear already, I've taken my dear Laptop as a character (with a little too much of sensitivity, I should add), and this blog is essentially for me to communicate with him. Through the Laptop Diary enteries, I'll talk about my blog readers, what's happening around me, and so on. Dont worry, there'll be regular normal posts as well. Do tell me if this is a good idea. Thanks!

10 January 2009

My Family Pack

A few days ago, I called my buddy, only to find out that he was not at home. Over an hour later, I again called, and he pantingly answered the phone.

"Where on earth were you?" I asked, slightly annoyed.

"Dude, I was at the gym. Ghajini has really inspired me to work on my abs. I'm doing Ab Crunches every day..."

I did not know it then, but it was the beginning of a wonderful adventure...

For the next few days, I kept hearing about how good the exercises were. Then something convinced me to try it out for myself. Perhaps it was the little fact that : Abs were the most attractive part of the male body.

"Dude," I finally told him, "what do you think? Should I get an eight pack, or is a six pack enough for now?" I couldnt hear his reply, since he began howling with laughter. Pessimist, I thought. I'd get a six pack for now...

With complete dedication, I set out for my local gym. I approached the Gym Instructor, and told him, "I would like to develop abs." It was like asking for a bottle of strawberry milk at a department store.

The Gym Instructor observed me from top to bottom, and his lips twitched slightly. I think they teach the Instructors to remain polite.

He took me to a bench, which was slightly curved in shape, and had a bar at one end. I was supposed to lie down on the bench, with my ankles below the bar. Then, just as he illustrated to me, I was supposed to lift my upper body, till I could touch my uplifted knees. I hope you understood.

After saying a small prayer, I lay down on the bench, and was about to start my 6 pack ab campaign, when the Instructor told. "Three sets, okay?"

"Sure," I said, with a smile.

Now, have you heard a pig grunt? Seriously, have you? If you have, then you'll be able to understand the kind of sounds I produced when I did the exercise. I know for certain that they were unbearable, since an old man who was walking on a treadmill, increased the volume of the television.

After I was done, I lay down triumphantly on the bench, my till now undisturbed tummy, completely exercised. "I'm done coach!" I said.

The Instructor's lips twitched again. In fact, he placed his finger in his mouth, and bit hard so as not to laugh. "No, no," he said, almost choking, "you did three repetitions. Ten repetitions make one set. Like that, you should do three sets."

The next day, when my buddy called, I was busy devouring a KFC bucket.

"So dude, how's your exercising routine going?" he asked, panting as usual.

"Err...actually, I'm stopped for now." I said.

"Really? But then, what about you're six packs?"

I paused, thinking of my reply. My eyes caught the label on the KFC bucket.

"For now, I'm happy with my Family Pack..."

Note: From now onwards, the Blog will be updated every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Please subscribe to the blog, so that you get the latest updates in your inbox. Besides, leave a comment, or if you are a blogger yourself, follow this blog.

08 January 2009

"I Dont Believe In Best Friends"

Here's an interesting question:

How many of you, have heard one of your friends say, "I Dont Believe In Best Friends"?

Better still,

How many of you have said, "I Dont Believe In Best Friends?"

Now I'll tell you why I thought of this topic. I know of three people who have told me, that they dont believe in Best Friends.

The first guy who said it, had his own reasons. Which werent much actually. All he had to say was this: Why have a best friend, when you can have so many close friends?

Sounds pretty logical doesnt it? Not so much, when I realised, he's never had a best friend. So how does he know how it feels? He doesnt. Then doesnt make much sense in arguing the way he did, does it?

The second guy, also had his reasons. He said: Oh, its all so lame. Calling someone your best friend. And then if that person leaves for higher studies, or changes schools, you'll have to bother yourself with finding another best friend. It's all crap.

I actually believed this guy. Until I found out, he had a best friend, who left to India for higher studies. That still hurts this guy. Which pretty much explains his pessimistic attitude.

Then the third guy, was quite stubborn about his principle. He didnt believe in best friends. Said that it was all a waste of time, and that it was better not to get so close to anyone. Why?

Because the third guy, had a best friend. Until the two of them had a bitter fight, and split. Never to talk again. I dont blame the guy for thinking the way he did. But that doesnt mean he's right, does it?

I'll put it this way. If there's anything life has taught me in my minute 16 years of existence, it's this: What's life for, if it isnt shared? Who cares how happy you are, unless you can share it with someone? What does it matter if you cry, if there's no one to wipe away your tears?

I've had the best days of my life, with my best friend. I'm sure most of you'll agree that it's the same for you. And for the pessimists, I'll say this: Take a chance. Try it out. Reach out for someone, and experience what it  feels like to have a best friend. There's no harm in trying, is there?

Besides, I guarantee you'll never regret it...

Note: From now onwards, the Blog will be updated every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Please subscribe to the blog, so that you get the latest updates in your inbox. Besides, leave a comment, or if you are a blogger yourself, follow this blog.

06 January 2009

Dont Swear, It Ain't Kool!

Perhaps what I'm about to say, might sound kiddish. You might even wonder if I'm a sixteen year old after all. But that's how it's been for the past four years of my life.

Whenever I tell someone, "Dude, dont swear!", he or she looks at me as though something's horribly wrong. And why is that?

I personally believe that swearing isnt good. No, not just because my teachers and parents told me not to. But because I dont see why people have to swear.

Many of my friends have asked me to grow up. So I wonder: How is it that swearing is directly connected with growing up? Do I have to swear, just because I've turned 16? What sense does that make?

Dont get me wrong. Although I say all this, you might find me swearing, sooner or later. But swearing out of complete anger and frustration, is different from swearing for style. Perhaps its the movies, or perhaps how we see ourselves. Suddenly, unless we add the adjective F*** before every possible verb or noun, you aint cool no more. Doesnt make sense to me.

Sure, I'll probably keep telling people to stop swearing. And they'll probably throw me those 'Oh-my-God-what's-wrong' looks.

Perhaps they'll learn someday. Maybe that day will be when they swear in front of their teachers, and get in trouble for it. Or maybe much later, when they swear in front of family friends or relatives. Maybe even in front of their prospective employers. That time, they'll know what they should have known much earlier.

"Dont Swear, It Ain't Kool!"

Note: From now onwards, the Blog will be updated every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Please subscribe to the blog, so that you get the latest updates in your inbox. Besides, leave a comment, or if you are a blogger yourself, follow this blog.