...and here is how it all started

This was what Glen Frey said to the audience before The Eagles launched into Take It Easy in the now legendary Hell Freezes Over concert.

Allow me to introduce myself. I am Me, I or Myself, while you can address me as You, Anda, Kamu Awak, Lu or whatever deemed appropriate.

I was born in 1980, and as long (or soon) as I can remember, I grew up in a small town called Muar situated north-west in the southern-est state of Malaysia, the great Johor Darul Takzim. I wasn’t born a Muarian though, I am a Malaccan. But Muar is where my home (and heart) is.

Muar has always been a cult favourite among food lovers, and for some, it didn’t come into the spotlight until the recent haze episode. For many, it is a pensioner’s town but for the heartlanders, it is where we wish to return to if opportunities arise.

The past 10 years have seen the town embracing some changes, with modern features complementing the old town charm. We have 6 main streets in town and to begin with, the local council has coated all buildings with uniformed colour, one for each street. With more vibrant colours on what are mostly pre-war buildings, Muar has indeed come alive and I do believe the locals work hard to preserve the small town way of life – from food courts to markets, from street vendors to road side stalls – it’s hard not to be soaked into the carefree vibe the town poses, albeit growing traffic and road congestion, especially during weekends and festive seasons. This to me adds life to the town.

I grew up with my grandma and aunt, with a bunchload of cousins all under one roof. My family shifted out (to about 3km away) when I was 6 years old. Mum and Dad are both teachers. I don’t really recall having my sister back home until she was 5 or 6 years old. She was at the world’s best nanny/babysitter’s place.

Today, my dear sister shared a video of a 80s Malaysian band - Freedom - performing their hit song - Mulanya Di Sini. I had tears in my eyes watching that clip. It reminded me so much of what the 80s was and how was it for me growing up back then. That song is a timeless classic and there are so many positive messages that one can derive from it.

Funny enough, I have been sharing my recollections with my sis on what was it like growing up, also because we were greatly inspired by one of the best book in the world: When I was a Kid  by CheeMin Boey. We would text each other occasionally, reminiscing scenes from our memories growing up, and most of the time, we will slip in the phrase “mengembalikan nostalgia zaman silam” hence the title of this blog.

I think the wake up call was probably the arrival of my baby girl 2 weeks ago. I realized how much I have missed so far. I was busy pursuing God knows what….and neglected many other aspects of my life (I am also a son, husband, brother, cousin, nephew, uncle, rock star, guitar god, responsible citizen, slave to life, and faithful follower of the religion of Rush and Dream Theater)….and I have a feeling I was doing more of slave to work role. I think the change starts here...and if all else fail, the change will definitely come to me.

If divination is true, I will not live past 60 years old. Not that I am worried but considering a rather eventful year so far, I felt it is only appropriate to share my anecdotes growing up, in non-chronological order though. Many a time, random thoughts hit, therefore, I guess this is the way it should be (I try not to talk about the low point unless worth sharing…and not that I had a bad childhood…)

In days (hopefully weeks and years) to come (and hope I do not lose the ability to recall and rejoice) I will share what was it like growing up – most of the time, together with my sister, cousins and many of those little things that came and touch my life, and lives of people around me.

And nope..nope, if you are thinking I am being emotional starting this blog, then you are wrong; as wrong as thinking 21/8 or 11/16 cannot be musically correct in terms of time signature.. I am an introvert. I don't talk. I write.

….and while I could be hopeless as a parent, hopefully, by looking back, I can bring back the values which was instilled in me by all my loved ones (and I am blessed having many many of them).

Before I go, the song that started this explains exactly my current state of mind.

 Mulanya Di Sini

Music: Royston Sta Maria
Lyrics: Syed Haron Ahmad

Tibanya di sini
Bagai terulang lagi
Kisah yang indah
Antara kita berdua

Sehingga di sini
Tiada berpaling lagi
Kita berteman
Seiring jalan dan sehaluan

Chorus:

Sama sama menjejak mimpi
Sama sama mencari dan menanti
Segalanya direstui cinta sejati
Sama sama gunung didaki
Sama sama turun ke lembah sepi
Suka duka bersama dirasai

Mulanya di sini
Ku kenali dirimu
Sehingga kini
Sehingga ke akhir waktu

Akhirnya di sini
Ku kenali hatimu
Sehingga kini
Kita akan terus berlagu

Chorus
 
Di hadapan kita ada jalan
Menuju di kejauhan ada sinar menanti
Di penghujung perjalanan ini

Oh... sambil bernyanyi
Mendendang senandung yang syahdu
Riangnya hati dan indah duniaku

Chorus to end.

Love is indeed all around. All you need to do is feel.

Folks, if you ever want your kid to learn communication, get them to talk and interact with the following characters: Old ice-cream uncle, THE Indian breadman, Soybean seller and the best night char kuey teow peddler.