Assalammualaikum y'all!!!
I am finally home. 3 days away from home despite being in Singapore is a bit horrible. But then again, the experience of being at ITQAN and attending Mistaken Identity's album launch is something worth my time.
ITQAN BATCH 22

We started the whole camp by just slacking away. The program sheet indicated that the camp would start at 2000 hours and registration was at 1930. So I came right at 1930 hours to register myself. Sis Nur was there alone, unfortunately. I was the third to arrive, I think. The girls started to break the ice and by 1945, were all making jokes and laughing with each other. Suddenly, we realized that the actually Ice Breaking will only start at 2100 hours.

2100 hours. Whaaaaatt thhheee??

But I chose to keep quiet and just joined in the fun. After Isyak prayers, we introduced ourselves and then the real fun began. We played something similar to BINGO but instead it was called 'Cari Siapa, Yang.' I got myself a star for getting 15 out of 19 signatures. Yay me!

Then we had to choose an Amir, which means a leader of the entire group. It was a bit weird cause we didn't really know each other yet but we had to elect a leader for all of us. Yet, we nominated 2 people that could possibly be the Amir, or rather, Amirah.

Bro Atif and myself were the nominated ones. Saiful Islam, yes the Velvet Rose guy, apparently decided to spill my secrets. So I became Amirah. My name is now Amirah Shamsydar Ani.

HELL NO! My name is long enough without the Amirah. Haha. But it sounds kinda cool ah?

We began the camp proper the following morning. We woke up at 5.30 to wash up and get ready for Subuh and the sermon after that. Sisters Suriati and Hanaa decided not wash up first cause the program said that there would be a morning exercise. After the sermon, however, THERE WAS NO MORNING EXERCISE.

Tipah Tertipu.

So sisters Suriati and Hanaa had to wash themselves really quick after breakfast. I think they managed to wash up in like 15 mins? Express giler.

Saturday was really fun laa. We played quite a bit of games and the best game was 'X or Y'. It was something like a stock market game, but the Islamic way. It was so controversial laa. The teams had to send a finance manager for a 'conference' and we all had to agree on putting Y for every round so we won't lose money. Still, out of the five groups, only 2 stuck with the agreement and my group was one of them. We ended up losing money. Haha. And I was PISSED. Haha. But it was just a game.
I stole a bit of time after that game to attend Mistaken Identity's album launch. More about that later.

So the next day, we didn't play much games. We had to absorb a lot of infomation though. There talks after talks after talks. Then it was the jiwang part. We had to visualise what we want for ourselves, family and da'wah. I cried. They cried. Everyone cried. Then it was time to sing Doa Perpisahan.


Basically, the entire camp was worth my time. I learnt so much things that I can apply to daily life as well as my future projects and stuff. So I recommend ITQAN to you people.
MISTAKEN IDENTITY ALBUM LAUNCH

The album launch was at Blue Jazz Cafe at Arab Street. The concept of the cafe is very similar to my idea of SKREM Music Cafe. Except that they sell alcoholic drinks. My restaurant won't be like that cause I want everyone I know to come and eat good food and enjoy uberly great music.

Anyway, I was the only tudong girl around. So I was quite uncomforatble when I arrived. I was frantically looking for Illyas so I could say hi to the band. They weren't there when I arrived so I took a seat outside of the restaurant. Then as I was happily scrolling down my contact list to call someone so I won't look stupid, I saw the band coming. I thought I saw a guy who looked like Illyas so I didn't wave or anything. But he waved! I mean, he recognized me. Haha. (Who wouldn't Sham, your face is everywhere on Friendster)
So I went up and Illyas introduced me as Sharmee to all his friends. How touching. He knows my name. We talked a bit while waiting for the band to get ready and stuff. Then there's this guitarist named Harun Ismail. Haha. We share the same name dad. Lol. Jon's hair is like super short now. And I mean short. Tim, well he is just botak. Jarell looks the same to me. Haha. Apparently they have to go and serve the nation (yeah right, nation my foot).

But the biggest suprise was that they were all 22 going to 23. Can you believe it? They are my brother's age. Suprise suprise!!! Oh yeah, did I mention that Illyas is about a head taller than me? The whole band was tall. And I really mean tall.

That's Mistaken Identity and me. Can you guys believe that I was the only one from Friendster who came? I felt so honoured. And the others call themselves fans? My foot! Go continue listening to Ashlee Simpson and Simple Plan laa. I made myself available although I was supposed to go for ITQAN training.

But then again, with me the only one around, I got a fair bit of attention. Haha. When I left after getting all their autographs and loads of pictures, they all said 'Bye Sham!!! See you around!' Not just the band but their friends as well. How sweet can these people get, man! I'm so glad I came cause they really changed my mindset and removed the stereotypical thinking I once had about certain people.

Great job, Mistaken Identity!!!

Btw, they are having an album showcase at Orchard Library on 2o January 2007. Please do come down if you can.

Till we meet again, salaams to all!