...

Life ... is it being fair !

2012-01-27T19:45:00.002+03:00

Have you ever wondered ...
Why
What
When

WHEN they said ... everything happened for a reason(s)

WHATs the reasons ?

WHEN it only hurts you like a knife cutting through

Seeing someone else(s) living their dreams on the ruins of your life !

Down
Out
Trodden

Looking up at the blue skies
Maybe ... Maybe theres still an Angel
Willing to salvage you

Hoping
Wishing
Praying

As I lulled myself to sleep

Tomorrow is yet another day !

Another New Year

2012-01-01T16:59:00.001+03:00

Syukur we are here to welcome another year. Hopefully it will a year with plenty of Blessings.

Oh What a time ...

2011-12-29T18:20:00.002+03:00

The month of December has always been a month that brings out a lot of fond memories.
The rainy season definitely reminded me of the winter months though minus the snow.
The cool morning fresh air, the gloomy days with strong winds blowing...oh why do I have to think of the past ?

And tonight I am listening to Enya again, my favourite music. Enya always reminded me of how beautiful "LOVE" is... more so what love "WAS" or "WERE".

They are all past tense now. Where are all the loves of my life !
They are all nicely stored in my Ferragamo shoe boxes.

Whenever I listen to Enya ... a day springs back to life ... and makes me want to fall in love!

Will "LOVE" comes back into my life again ?

11.11.11

2011-11-11T16:18:00.001+03:00

Eleven of Eleventh of Eleven !
What an awesome date. Many people chose to get married today, just so they could have the great sounding date ! Hopefully it is lucky as well.

AidilFitri ... hari mulia

2011-08-30T18:29:00.002+03:00

Today we celebrated AidilFitri. The weather was not being too good on us...been cloudy with some slight drizzles.It was rather quiet in the early morning, then people started to come in the afternoon. Their visits are predictable ... all our relatives..their spouses and children and friends.
We made some ketupat pulut yesterday, and thats our main dishes for the day to go with the meat rendang.
My neice made some cookies and her storage bottles are all neatly arranged on the counter which attracted the visitors attention. Soome even wanted to place order for next Hari Raya. But my neice had to politely decline the offer, we are not selling ! Since we know what we went through in making those "beautiful" cookies.
And guess what we had for dinner, none other than the good old fried rice. We were too tired to cook anything else. Tried to stay up to watch Nur Kasih the movie on tv, but it was a real big dissappointment. Nur kasih the series were much better.

Eve of AidilFitri

2011-08-29T19:58:00.002+03:00

A month of fasting has gone. Tomorrow we shall celebrate Hari Raya.
All preps and cooking for the big day tomorrow was done. My back is breaking !
My nerve is wrecking.

Some of the nice people came over tonite to recite the Takbir Raya at home.
It was really a great feeling having them in the house. It brings up the mood for Raya.
Been a very long time since I wrote anything here, too many stories, too many tales, but where do I begin ?

Ramadhan Mubarak !

My dream

2011-03-19T18:33:00.001+03:00

Now that I realised
All my dreams
Are nothing
Without you

New Year's Eve

2010-12-31T17:29:00.002+03:00

Well..we'll soon be saying our goodbyes to 2010. Lots of things havent been accomplished although I wanted to very much. Just didnt have the energy and guts. What a lame excuse.
No use crying over spilled milk. Should have been more careful or rather should have drank the whole bottle of milk so that it didnt get spilled !

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2010-12-25T17:47:00.003+03:00

December 25th 2010,

Today, after so many years I let myself feel the mood of Christmas again. It is so nostalgic, listening to those Christmas songs. Memories keep flowing back, as if they were all 'yesterdays'.
Shopping and the Orchard Road's light up, Christmas with friends, Christmas gifts, Christmas deco ...Christmas holidays are the best time of the year. Or at least it used to be. Once upon a time.

But all that has changed. Time has passed. I am now at a different time zone, different wave. All I have is a memory of those wonderful time.
Something ... Someone ... So Near yet So far Away !

Maal Hijrah - December the seventh 2010

2010-12-07T08:56:00.003+03:00

A double celebration. Mesti ada hikmahnya. Alhamdulillah.

20.10.2010

2010-10-20T17:56:00.001+03:00

20.10.2010

2010-10-20T17:56:00.000+03:00

10.10.10

2010-10-10T14:50:00.000+03:00

AIDILFITRI

2010-09-10T10:37:00.002+03:00

AidilFitri this year falls on a friday, thus it is a bit more special. Although the weather has not been too kind since the morning. It drizzled for a bit a continued to be gloomy. The sun refused to shine. Which reminded me again of Eids celebrated in the winter months. Back then Eid was not as merry and joyous as we were away from our family and the culture was different. We got to taste the ketupat at the embassy open house, meeting fellow countrymen and catching up for a bit and trying to have some small talks just to be nice to people. If you know what I mean, how some of the Malaysians when they are residing overseas. After the meals we would end up having coffee at starbucks and shopping at Seef Mall or take a walk along the corniche.
Now that I am home, I missed those days as much as I missed celebrating Eid in Malaysia.

This year, the second year of celebrating Eid without my mother. The Ramadhan which is supposed to be a Blessed and special month, came and went, with a mixed feeling of loss, regrets and relief. Too much work around the house with too little help is a huge burden. Sacrifice is the word. Life is not easy. To balance things while keeping sane. Hope to get all my energy back and soon to continue with my daily routine.

EID MUBARAK to everyone. May we live to see the next Ramadhan. Good health, plenty of happiness and wealth for each day to come. Maaf zahir batin.

Can - Am Spyder

2010-06-24T20:02:00.004+03:00

My New found love ... !
This gorgeous Can-Am Spyder is my dream. Beautiful, stylish, powerful and safe to ride.

What is the the Can-Am Spyder Roadster?
- the Spyder has three wheels, with two at the front and one at the rear
- the Spyder is unlike any other vehicle on the road, with motorbike performance and car like control
- the Spyder has car like safety features such as ABS, traction control, EBD, and even power assisted steering
- the Spyder is powered by a 1,000cc Rotax V-Twinengine producing 110HP
- the Spyder has an advanced semi-automatic transmission called SE5

Oh boy ...! drool....drool....

An old friend ?

2010-06-02T19:33:00.002+03:00

It all started when I asked my sister about an old radio which should have been a piece of antique by now; I have forgotten that it has been taken by this individual. That seems to be a very long time ago.
So, out of curiousity, I tried to search online, typed his name and voila...his name came about...but through his daughter's blog !
In one of the entry is about her early days, the story about her parents and how she came about on this earth. She put up some pictures and after cringing my eyes at the low res pics it was confirmed that he is the right person. I could still recall his face. And the early pic of her parents while they were still dating, he was wearing a white short, which sort of was his somewhat uniform, working as an assistant manager at one of plantation estate. GUTHRIE !
Ah..memories came flooding back. Reading and looking at the pictures, plenty of water has gone under the bridge for him as well. He got married to "that girl" had three kids and got divorced.If my rough calculation is correct they must have been married for at least 14 years. Both went on their own path and few years later he remarried.
Now they are in Taiping.
From her perspective, her father is "everything" and she loves him very much, what she wrote must have been stories as told by her father and mother of how they met, fall in love and raised their family.
Quietly I told myself.... Girl..there are plenty of things that you do not know about your father and mother. The UNTOLD stories. I wonder what was/were the reasons of their divorce !
I had a strong inclination to put up a comment on her blog, but on second thought I decided it is better to let it go. Let it rest and sleep in peace.

What a small world.

I wanna be free

2010-04-21T20:09:00.003+03:00

Like life in a bottle
I wanna be free
To fly away
For pure fresh air
To feel the rain on my feathers
To a faraway land

And perhaps to circle that rainbow again ...!

Valentine's this year

2010-02-17T19:00:00.003+03:00

Its that time of the year again, which everyone talks about love. It is just another occassion that has been so commercialised. But it is nice too to see all the decorations, the flowers, the toys, chocolates and gifts for the loved ones. Memories... Memories !
They are all safely and quietly tucked in my Ferragamo shoe box. Currently residing under my bed.

010110

2010-01-01T18:34:00.000+03:00

A new year
A new beginning
To hopefully a better life ...

31st December 2009

2009-12-31T17:13:00.001+03:00

Its the end of another year...!

It's just another birthday

2009-12-07T18:07:00.003+03:00

BQ shades

2009-11-25T18:18:00.003+03:00

Found this lovely pair of shades in the blogworld.
Wish I could have a pair.

Cool gray saturday

2009-11-14T09:11:00.002+03:00

This is one of those very rare days that I am able to relax and spend the day enjoying the cool gray day. Been cloudy since early morning, the sun hiding behind the dark clouds and the sky is drizzling.With the cat sleeping on my lap to keep me warm I am pondering the events that had taken place since more than a month ago that I was unable to write.
The Hari Raya AidilFitri passed without much joy even with relatives and friends that came to visit. It was the first hari raya without my mother. Felt strange without her and of course we missed her a lot. An old friend called to wish me happy Raya and asked how am I doing. So I said I had sad news that my cat died. He told me that he was about to share an even sadder news. A friend from college days passed away in a tragic accident in Gurun Kedah along with his wife and two daughters just a day before Hari Raya. Infact I saw the news on tv, but didnt realised that it was my friend who was involved. That was really shocking and sad, they were all burnt to death in the wreck of their car. I couldnt imagine it.

Last nov 9th marked the first year of my mother's death anniversary. It coincidently fall on the saw day as one of her great grandson's birthday. As I quietly reminesce the memory of my mother, he and the family was having fun celebrating his 9th birthday. Its a totally different world that we are brought up nowdays. As a parent, the father should have taken a more positive role in moulding the kids to respect the elders. What hurt me most was on the day that my mother passed away, the father celebrated his son's birthday. We buried my mother in the afternoon and in the evening he and the kids and his side of the family were happily celebrating, blowing the candles, cutting the cake and having a merry time. A family friend once told me that, I have to be patient and wait fro him ( the father ) to grow up and understand what life is all about. What irked me most is that he is staying and making a living all out of the late lady's inheritance and he couldnt even have a slight respect for her soul. Blimey. And he is the son of the local Imam. When will he realised of his responsibilities towards his wife and children and family? When will he learnt?

So here we are, back to the present day, the weather has not improved. Perhaps a hot cup of tea would help.

Todays Thought

2009-10-19T19:58:00.000+03:00

Everything happens for a reason

2009-10-07T18:38:00.001+03:00

Basic browns

2009-09-29T21:25:00.001+03:00

This is the coordinated look that I like. Very me!

Eid Mubarak

2009-09-20T18:38:00.004+03:00

Wishing everyone Eid Mubarak !
We celebrated Eid today with the usual feeling of joy and grateful that we are able to see another Ramadhan through.

27th day of Ramadhan

2009-09-17T18:02:00.003+03:00

The last few days of Ramadhan always is busy as usual with all the last minute preparations. Schools off starting tomorrow till the next next monday. That also means more hectic, headaches, high blood and fainting spells in between. God, Please give me the strength and courage, patience and ability to smile,grin and bear it with dignity. I need them to stay alive.
Yesterday was a marathon day from morning till night. Making cookies, cooking for iftar and the traditional 'dodol'. That took about 6 to 7 hours stirring the mixture till it cooks and thickens in the 'kawah' ( big kwali ) But all the efforts were worth it. By night time, after all the washings and packing were done, we needed panadol extend just to stand straight !
This season only comes only once a year, thus we are ready and looking forward to it, the Blessings, the joy, the fun and all the hard works.
Tonight we light up the oil lamps in the garden in front of the house and kids were ( are ) having a good time.
I could only watch them from my window while trying to finish my sewings for the Eid.

This is the time for children to have fun and the adults having the headaches. In trying to observe the joyous occassion while making the balance sheets works.
Still lots of stuff to be done, before the eve. Thanks to ecards, which I could end to friends. Still theres the green packets waiting to be filled up.

I need my pretty sleep before syahur tomorrow morning. Good nite !

Swirly mood

2009-09-15T16:09:00.003+03:00

090909

2009-09-09T18:04:00.002+03:00

19th day of Ramadhan is here. Another 10 days to go before Eid. Today we made cookies and jam tarts. The joyous mood of Eid is here, with all the raya songs playing in the background. There was a special feast at the mosque tonight. Weather has not been too kind, been raining almost daily. That hinders my gardening in the mornings. During ramadhan all our schedules changed, can only work in the garden in the morning when it is not hot.

This Ramadhan two of my former school mates lost their beloved husbands, one last week and another a couple of days ago. Although I havent met them since we left school, I feel the sadness. Life is so fragile...you never know.

Hoping that the days to come would bring more pleasant news, I needed some cheering up.

Waiting

2009-09-07T00:02:00.006+03:00

Waiting
can be sweet ...
Waiting
can be stressfull ...
Waiting
can be like eternity ...

For search of destiny

You Came To Me by Sami Yusuf

2009-09-04T23:19:00.001+03:00

Simply a beautiful and mesmerizing song. A gift for Ramadhan.

My favourite Kathira

2009-09-04T01:35:00.002+03:00

This is my favourite drink during Ramadhan. Its so yummy and refreshing.

Revenge is sweet

2009-09-03T00:57:00.003+03:00

A Simple Dress

2009-08-30T01:28:00.009+03:00

I found this blue dress and fell in love with it. It comes in a few colours too and the dusky pink is very nice. I was contemplating of buying it but didnt get to do it. And now I am dreaming of it ... Wish I had....
Well..the next time you see something that you like...grab it or you will live to regret it. The best that I could do now is to get it tailored.
Huh ...

Puteri Mandi

2009-08-28T00:27:00.005+03:00

Today's dessert is Puteri Mandi. A sweet dish made of glutinous rice with grated coconut and gula melaka.

Fifth day of Ramadhan

2009-08-26T19:08:00.003+03:00

Rained the whole evening,
That didnt dampen my spirits
As I sit and watch the falling rain
Waiting for Iftar
... with roasted chicken and sardines sandwich wrapped in filo.
and that wonderful hot cup of tea

Got a sad news today
The passing of an old classmate's husband
May his soul rest in peace
Al Fatehah.
Life is so fragile.
So lets treasure what we have ...

Went shopping for Eid
Eyes went starry over all the beautiful dresses with all kinds of scarves and shawls.
Riots of colours
Beads and precious stones ...
Embroideries ...

Nice, nice, nice
But when do I wear them ?

Ramadhan Kareem

2009-08-20T17:32:00.003+03:00

They were sighting the moon this evening to determine when would Ramadhan starts. As always it is exciting to wait for the announcement on tv. The "Penyimpan Mohor Raja Raja Melayu" only appears twice a year on tv to announce the Ramadhan and Eid. Although we all had thought that it will starts on saturday. Kids were ..oohh and aahhs since they have to attend school another day.

Got in touch with a few old friends today just to catch up on some news. And unfortunately one of them is down with H1N1. She is recovering well and I do hope and pray for her good health. She shared with me a couple of tips to combat the H1N1 first it is green apples, just eat it raw or blend it. Second is dates soaked in coconut juice. And of course drink plenty of warm water.
Stay healthy and stay away from crowded placed.
Ramadhan Kareem !

Finally ... the end !

2009-08-13T18:13:00.003+03:00

After Four years I finally managed to look at his pictures and feels nothing.
And it feels just great !

THE END OF LOVE

This is the end
Of a beautiful love between two people

Somewhere
Between the stars
Are memories of our love
Of warm sunlit evenings
Leisurely strolls
Down old country lanes
Of Tim Hortons coffee and muffins
A sit in the park
And quiet moments on the balcony

Alas
I didnt get to see the apple tree
That you promised to plant

For
These are gone forever
And I can only
Cherish the memory
And look past the stars
Into eternity
And see
A broken heart
behind a locked door

2009-08-08T00:48:00.002+03:00

Your heart is no good
Until it has been broken
At least ten times ...
Love and pain make us human

The first shop in the world !

2009-08-04T01:43:00.003+03:00

An interesting shop, at a latitude of 00'00.4'W in Greenwich.

Latitude and Longitude

2009-07-19T18:59:00.003+03:00

Me and my faithfull Clarke that has taken my everysteps up the hill to Greenwich.

A Day in Praha

2009-07-15T18:00:00.005+03:00

We arrived at Ruzyne International Airport from Stansted on a fine sunday morning. Took a bus and a train to the city and checked into our hotel. We then began our discovery walk. As it was still early, the place was not very crowded. The sight were simply amazing. The whole city is paved and it is like walking through history in the present day.

Praha/Prague is the capital and largest city of Czech Republic. One would often associate Czechoslovakia with Nazi occupation... Stalin...Communism coup...Velvet Revolution...
These are such crucial milestones of the Czech history. But Prague offers more than that. Everybody who visited Prague would instantly fall in love with the place. There is so much history, so much so that you would feel like you are being transported back in time.

Crossing the Charles bridge over the Vltava river took us to the Lesser Town Square. The bridge itself is like walking through an open air museum. Various artists displayed their talents from paintings to carricatures, accessories etc.We then took a tram up the hill to Prague Castle which is one of the largest fortress in Europe.

Befitting its image as one of the World Heritage Site, they have different means and modes of seeing the city, from "walks in Pragues" with tour guides, horse carriage rides, Vintage car rides, and the modern GPS guide !
Souveniers aplenty, but expensive. You find plenty of shops selling amber,garnets and precious stones.

Amongst the old historical buildings and sites, theres the Palladium, a very modern shopping complex. And they are having sales too !

well I got myself a purple suede ankle length boots from a small shop near the hotel.

A short break

2009-07-10T18:52:00.003+03:00

I was away for a short break to London and Prague for a week. The trip was planned since last year, but unfortunately the spread of H1N1 the world over has dampened our sprits slightly. Nevertheless we went on as scheduled, with loads of precautionary measures. We brought along facial masks and some medications and a prayer!
when we reached the airport we saw some passengers were already putting on the masks and it was a long and tiring flight. Imagine people eating maggie cup noodles in the flight instead or airline foods! And it was selling at $6 per cup.
We reached Standsted in the evening, still bright and sunny. Took a bus to London and then to our hotel in Paddington. By then Londoners were already having their happy hours drinking beer outside the bars. We reached the hotel, unpack our stuff, had dinner and went straight to bed.
The next morning we woke up early, took a stroll around the area before breakfast and the weather was so nice. That was a great start and we were looking forward to the rest of day and our trip that we forgot about H1N1.
Anyway the first day we went sightseeing around London, places where tourist would normally go. In the afternoon we went to Oxford street looking for good bargains. As usual Oxford street is always very crowded during the summer sales.

Saturday was reserved for the famous Portobello market. True to their name they have lots of interesting goodies, clothes, accessories, antiques, foodstuffs and that slick and fully automated bathrooms with the door panel that rotates.

We also checked out Camden markets which were undergoing with some renovation works in some parts.

A trip to Greenwich was interesting although the walk uphill was an uphill task it was worth it. The museum was really like taking us back in time, with all the antique time pieces,and how it was first created. Thanks to that we now have our new designer timepieces.

After four days in London, we flew to Prague.

I went to a wedding

2009-06-20T19:11:00.003+03:00

Its one of those rare occassion when I went to a wedding. Todays wedding happens to be a relative's daughter wo lives nearby. Just a walking distance. So I hauled the kids to accompany me. Unfortunately it rained in the afternoon. So that was a bit of a mishap, kind of spoils the happy day. Some people believe that if it rains on your wedding day, it means 'good luck', but some people belives otherwise.
Apart from the special lunch, it was nice to see the relatives of whom we havent met for a while now.

On the homefront we have been busy chasing away the 'monkey'. She seemed to have made her home in one of the 'rumbia' plants. having a full days work of gathering all kinds of fruits during this local fruit season. Durians, rambutans and mangoes which are in abundance right now. If not for the fruits she would hunt all the chickens eggs. And she is not alone, for we ahve seen a few more in the area. A male and babies too. Fun to observe their behaviour and they are actually very smart. Its their surviving technique I guess. Although they are a nuisance I havent got the heart to call Bomba ( rescue team ) to take them away. I just wish she/they would move to another location, another greener pastures with lots more fruits and eggs.

Its school holidays again

2009-05-31T17:18:00.004+03:00

Its that time of the year again. Term break for two weeks began since yesterday. Good to have them around but that also means more work and chores to be done. Mountains of dishes to be cleaned. Sinks seem to be forever full.
They have gotten a new hobby now. Fishing ! And they have caught a few since yesterday. Not bad considering its kids efforts. Dont ask how their t-shirts and jeans look like. Washing machines would reject them right away.
I am finding myself with less time to touch the PC, let alone write anything in my blog. Got another set of kitty to take care of as well. 2 girls and a boy. None take after their mother.
So in between all that cooking, washing, gardening and taking care of my pets I am trying to put it a picture from my garden. May not be a daily routine, but hopefully more often.

This "Sepuleh" plant is from my front garden.

First of May

2009-05-01T18:21:00.003+03:00

First of May always had been a day with sweet thoughts for me. An old movie and the song by Bee Gees always brings back memories.
But today time has changed. Many things had passed us by. Just another day to be observed. Looking at things and trying to understand all the "why" which I sometimes failed to understand whats in their thoughts.
A lady who is a close relative,having a not so responsible husband, struggling to make ends meet and bringing up four kids is not an easy task. I still wonder why there are guys who take things easy and dont bother about bringing up their kids the proper way.
Or maybe we have been "being there for them" all the time, so much so they are taking things for granted.
On this first of May, I wish that he would grow up and take responsibilities to be a good husband a father and having some respect where they are due.

BINJAI

2009-03-18T09:19:00.004+03:00

This is one fruit that is really very tempting to me. I would buy it whenever I see them in the market. It is seasonal and only available somewhere during the local fruit season. There are two types of binjai, one which is sweet and another of sweet and sour.
You can eat it on its own ( which is mouthwateringly good ! ) or the sweet and sour type is more for cooking and making "sambal".

Getting In Touch Again

2009-03-14T18:43:00.003+03:00

A few days ago, I finally made it to the phone and call on an old friend,and a former schoolmate. It was a welcome surprise to both of us and had a lot of catching ups to do. How time has passed us and lots of things had gone by. Through her I managed to hear some good news, happy news and sad news as well. Good and happy news to learn that everyone in our batch had done well for themselves and making a niche in the corporate world, both in Malaysia and overseas. But sadly and shocking to know that some good friends had passed away and at such a young age.
That phone call was like magic, that supplied me with the latest info and a ticket to join their online groups. Its so nice to be able to trace your friends from school days time. Reminds me of the movie "To Sir With Love". Reminiscing of all the good times that we had in our boarding school. That was the best part of my life.

I asked her if theres still anybody "single" amongst us, she said YES ! Gee so I am not alone like a freak, not having a "Director" or somebody with a tittle as a hubby.

In the news today

2009-02-16T15:03:00.002+03:00

What a surprise to read this in gulfnews today.
"No market for prostitution in Bahrain, official says"

According to the news an officer denied there was a market for prostitution in Bahrain.
I couldnt help myself but to smile on this.
We knew ... everybody knew ... the stories and what is happening in town.
Some people chose not to acknowledge it, but we can hear and see.
Just go down to one of the night spots,sit back and observe the scenes.

I wonder if there is a country in the world that is free of prostitution at all.

Love

2009-02-14T18:17:00.004+03:00

Love
Like a river
Will cut a new path
Whenever it meets an obstacle

Love
Like a river
Flows ...
Leaving sands behind

Do we still celebrate the New Year ?

2009-01-01T16:49:00.003+03:00

Do we still celebrate New Year ? Not anymore.
Gone were the days when we waited for the clock to strike 12 at midnight.
Gone were the days of having a New Year's Eve feast and parties.
Gone were the days of putting up decorations and traditional rites to bring in the New Year.
I could still remember a friend who told me to get twelve numbers of different fruits and arrange them in a big bowl for good luck. Another would hang a bunch of grapes at the door.
Gone too are the sms on the mobile phones.
It was a very quiet evening for us. No fuss. Infact it went almost unnoticed. Just like another day in our lives. No particular significance.
I guess, time has changed. I have changed. Migrated.
Looking back things have turned around almost 360 since the past two years. Lots of water has gone under the bridge. Nothing lasts forever, but the earth and the skies.
Nobody cares nor talk about new year resolutions anymore. For we dont need the beginning of a new year to make new resolutions.

"Time" certainly had healed a few scratches. And in time, all would be gone with the wind.
For those that had touched my life, some have gone forever into nothingness, some had "Rest in Peace" in the shoe boxes, but a few had remain dear in my heart.

Happy New Year to everyone...!

Maal Hijrah - 1 Muharram 1430

2008-12-29T10:49:00.003+03:00

First day of the Muslim New Year.
As usual it was celebrated with saying a prayer for the coming year. Hopefully it will be a year full of Blessings.
Wonder what Allah has in store for us all. One thing for sure, things are not looking too bright. Although we have to remain positive and think of that whatever happens, it happens for a reason(s)
Weatherwise, the weather has been gloomy since morning. But it is slightly better than the heat for the past week which was so dry. Its time to have that wonderful cup of tea.

Remembering my dear Mother .......

2008-11-29T19:25:00.003+03:00

Been three weeks since my mother passed away. I missed her tremendously. Its like theres a kind of emptiness within me, within the house. Every spots reminded me of her, her bedroom, her chair, places where she used to sit, right down to every little things. My regret is that I was not able to spend more time with her, even from the time I was growing up. In the early days I was off to a boarding school when I was thirteen yrs old, then to college, and then to an away working life. The only time spent with her during those times were school holidays,monthly visits and vacations. Its only since March last year that I decided to come home and stay with her.I am glad that fate has played a hand and that I was able to be with her till her last days. Or I wouldnt have forgiven myself for being so selfish.

Looking back, at how difficult it must have been for her, being a single parent after my father passed away. She did the best she could in her own way. And I couldnt thank her enough. Nothing in this world would measure up to all her hard work and sacrifices. Its only when I started working that I managed to ease away her burden.
But I still wish that I would have done for more her. I feel as if I havent thanked nor repay her enough. Although everybody knew that she was happy when I finally came home to stay. Thats the only consolation that I have, that I was able to care for her personally towards the end.

What I have now is only memories to treasure. Snippets of life, like a reel of films playing in my head.
Her presence will always stay in my heart and in my prayer every single day.

Of a dream and renewed hope

2008-10-15T19:06:00.004+03:00

Reading an article in the gulf news recently has given me a huge inspiration to my dying dreams. A middle aged grandmother made her teenaged dream of owning a harley came true. That after much hardships that she has gone through before she came to Abu Dhabi. Finally she got her dream machine and having a good life in Abu Dhabi.
We just will not know where the road takes us nor what it has in store at the end. Inspired. Inspired. Never lose hope.

Most of us dream, few of us pursue them and very few of us make them a reality.

Ramadhan came and gone. Eid was celebrated on a modest scale. There was simply not enough hours in a day to finish all the chores. No matter how I tried to schedule my hours, it seems endless. Everything screeming for attention at the same time.
The whole month was chaotic, in trying to prepare for iftar and reap the Blessings of Ramadhan. Our only hope is that we would see another Ramadhan.

Now that the holiday season is over, it is time to get back on the road again. Mend the fence and take care of my garden which has been abandoned for the whole of last month. Hopefully the mulberry tree will be fruits soon. All the seedlings that I planted would sprout hopefully, the orchids continue to bloom, and all the plants remains green.
Yesterday we were blessed with another four kittens. Mother and child(s) are doing great. Till she gets pregnant again.
Its now time too to enjoy the Raya cookies, they seem to taste better after the Eid.

It rained this evening, so it is a bit cool tonight.
With nice cup of hot tea for companion.

Now ... would there be a harley for me ?

08.08.08

2008-08-08T11:25:00.003+03:00

Another good day with good numbers. One that is to supposedly bring "good luck" ...

Love Thy Neighbours

2008-07-27T17:37:00.003+03:00

Its that time of the year where you just have to love your neighbours.

Fruit season is here again to whet your appetite and enjoy that durians, rambutans, mangosteens, dukongs, langsat, mata kucing etc. I think I had a bit too much of the durians this year. We had so much excess after distributing them to the neighbours and relatives. We even made some "tempoyak" and "lempok". Both are sort of ways to preserve the durian, one with salts and another with sugar. So this will keep for a year till the next season.

Speaking of my lovely neighbours, one in particular whose house is right across the road from us. From her house she has a good view of all the other houses and she sort of keep watching them like a hawk. Not even an event goes without her noticing it. She would soon come over to get the exclusive rights..!

Even a small matter like when I had the nursery lady to deliver some potted plants, she came over to inspect. Good thing is that we get to hear the latest news and gossips from her. She seems to know the latest story and whats happenings amongst the community.She couldnt bear it if someone else has better or much more than her and her children.

She would come to the house at odd times, most of the time when we are busy with household chores thus delaying us and taking our time when we need to rush. She has nothing to do at home, she must be bored so she has to go round and broadcasting some news.

Beside her we have some good neighbours around. Yesterday they came with another big sack full of fruits. The other day another neighbour came bearing a plate of freshly steamed apam with kuah gula durian which was really yummy.

No matter what happens we have to be nice to the neighbours, for they are our relatives and we all need one another in a community. Sometimes we just have to smile and grin it off. One thing for sure, what goes round comes around.
It is better to be an observer at the sidelines. Reserved your comments for it might be misunderstood. Look, Listen and Smile...!

My "To Do List"

2008-05-22T19:15:00.003+03:00

After visiting Abu Fares's blog, I am compelled to write my "TO DO LIST"
Since I have a long "TO DO LIST" I would just simplify them.
What I want were just some simple things in life although I am not fortunate enough to have the luxury to achieve them. Not Yet anyway.

1) Current and top most on my agenda is my garden landscape.
I have always wanted to build a water feature, with lush greenery and lots of
aquatic plants. The Balinese style fascinates me. Serene and suitable for
our tropical climates.

2) To have my very own vegetable and herbal patch. I have started this at the back
of the house and it is coming up quite nicely. I would spend a couple of hours in
the morning to tend to my garden, usually after breakfast. Sweating it outlike a
routine exercise. We have enjoyed the pleasure of cooking fresh vegetables from
our back garden.Still I would really like to add more to my list of herbal plants.

3) Travelling to see places of interest.Amongst the places that I would like to
see are the works of Gaudi in Spain, The city of Petra in Jordan and the
mediterranean countries.

4) Pick up on my painting. Always have the desire to paint but do not have the
time to do it. My love for Naive Art started with a collection of childrens
paintings, in all their childlike simplicity and innocennce. As an adult we
could not get that style. So the closest we can get is through Naive Art.

5) Jewellery and accessories design. I learnt the art of Chinese knots and have done
a few pieces. I have always been fascinated by ethnic jewellery. I should be
taking that jewellery making classes ... but When ?

6) Upgrade my knowledge. I still have a lot to learn and study. Knowledge never
ends. It seems is parrallel with our lives. I gave up the idea of paper chase,
sometime back but just being content with reading without any pressure of
examinations.

7) To own a Harley. This remains my dream. The engine sounds reverbrates in my
mind ,in my solace. You could hear it from a mile away. It never stops to
fascinates me. The memories flooding back. Nothings gonna change my love for you.

There goes my list, it is doable if I have the time and energy.

Its been a while.

2008-04-19T19:13:00.004+03:00

Its been a while since I was able to write anything here. I kept telling myself that I would write something today, but I end up curling on my bed with my new room mate...a Siamese cat. My nephew picked her up from her temporary home (under the lorry) where she has spent four days wondering about. Apparently her previous owner abandoned her or she ran away from home. We never knew. But it is our gain actually since she is a lovely cat and so sweet too.
Apart from that, my herbal patch is coming up nicely, plus the grass has become thicker and greener due to the almost daily rainfall. Good and bad. I dont need to water the plants much. But the grass is thriving better than the flowers and plants.
The seasonal fruit trees are flowering now, soon bearing fruits; Its going to be that time of the year again.
A good friend will be flying to Dubai on sunday, to start on his new job. Lucky fella. Looks like the job market is so good in Dubai now. Everyone seems to be heading there.
I am still stuck here,procastinating things.

Ah well..theres a huge basket of fresh ripe tomatoes in the kitchen which my neice brought home, I should be thinking of what to do with them.

Arrow roots

2008-02-26T19:06:00.006+03:00

The CNY season brings about plenty of seasonal delicacies. And this arrow root is one of them. Through a recommendation from a friend we bought some arrow roots and made some chips. This is the first time that we tried and tasted the arrow roots. All you need to do is to slice them thinly and fry them. You dont need to add anything to it. It is very delicious and crispy. Tastes sweeter than potato chips.
In no time the chips all disappeared from the plates.
You could also stir fry them with chicken. I didnt have the opportunity to try it yet but I could imagine the taste.

CNY

2008-02-07T16:46:00.001+03:00

Happy CNY to everyone.
Hopefully there will be more cheese this year ... !

Of rainy days and comfort food

2008-02-04T17:24:00.002+03:00

The last few days weather has been moody and it often rains in the evenings. I love it since I dont have to water the plants. Spent the morning clearing up a patch in the back yard and digging some tapioca. Tapioca relates back to the good old days and it was a staple food during the japanese occupation. Life was hard then ( according to stories from our grandmothers )
There was not enough rice so the village folks grew tapioca. Infact the humble tapioca is very versatile. A lot of dishes and cakes can be made from
the roots. But an all time favourite is just to boil them and eat it with some fresh dessicated coconut and brown sugar. And some hot black coffee to go along. Better still have it on a rainy afternoon. It definitely will warm up the soul. This is just some simple pleasure of the village folks.

The tapioca roots.

The boiled tapioca served with fresh dessicated coconut.

The lucky bamboo for chinese new year celebration. Holiday season is here again.
Welcome RAT !

A postal glitch

2008-01-26T14:06:00.001+03:00

This is what the Government claimed of an efficient postal service !
I received a letter which has been opened. It is one of those letter where you tear on the perforated sides. When I received it, I noticed that on one side it has been torn about a third in length. When I turned to the back I noticed that it has been opened on both sides and one could have read all the contents. Looks like it has been done by someone well practiced.

Perhaps this person(s) has been doing it often. I think they targetted certain letters to gain some information on individuals. They very well know the contents of such letters from the Govt bodies, through the address on the envelope. Perhaps the Govt bodies never realised that the letters could be tampered with. Or nobody has ever complained or they just keep deft ears about the matter.
I called the local Post Office and the lady directed me to call a Postman masters to lodge a complain. I did all that and the guy was telling me that he would investigate.
This is his way of investigation.
He called up the postman who delivered letters in my area, to come and see me. The postman said he didnt realised that the letter has been opened, and asked if anyone has opened it before I got the letter. I was the one who picked the letter from my letter box, so it could not be anybody in my area.
Normally if mails had been damaged the Post Office would seal the letter in plastic envelope and stamped it with "Damaged upon receipt" ( Well this was in another country actually ) Here it is different. Nobody cares. So I told the postman should anything happened I would hold The Post responsible.
There could be a few possibilities.
*It could have been opened right from the beginning at the Government Office.
*Someone who sort out letters at the Post Office opened it, out of curiousity or working for syndicates.
*The postman himself.

Then I heard stories a few times the postman in my area has been caught red handed stealing money from the letters. Money is not supposed to be posted in envelopes anyway, But Postmanm are not supposed to steal either.
Well..it was just my hard luck !

On the homefront the weather has been so warm and dry. The year has not started right. Misunderstandings... miscommunications ... mismanaged ...and the list would go on and on. Enough said.

I just wish some "people" would grow up and start to think so as not to offend the others.Its not easy living with a big extended family.
I have to try to keep quiet, keep my mouth shut and keep to myself. The less I say would be the better.

A wake up call ...

2008-01-13T23:05:00.001+03:00

When life flashes just before you ...

I had a harrowing experience a week ago when the car I was travelling in skidded and came to a halt just in time to stop us from going down. It was a new highway linking it to the airport. We passed a few tolls which were still under trials. The road was badly design and constructed. It does not need an engineer to testify it, any driver would know. PLUS realised about the problems after several accidents had happened at the same spots. Alas they couldnt do anything to rectify it since the road has been completed. All they managed to do is to put up a speed limit of 50 km/hr. Who would have noticed the road sign and obscure notice?
That fateful evening it rained and we were on the way to the airport to pick up someone. It happened in a split second, the car skidded, I could see the deep drain down and the only thing that saved us from going down was the metal railings on the road. The back tyre of the car got stuck to the railing and we quickly got out of the car. Luckily nobody was seriously hurt.
Whaile waiting for PLUS and the tow truck to come several more cars had the same problems at the very same spot. It was like a bad dream or watching a movie, one after another the cars skidded. The tow truck came in a jiffy, its as if they were hiding somewhere nearby waiting for prey. They were extremely helpful, offering to take one of the girl to hospital and lending us their car to continue our journey to the airport.

We started thinking, were there a syndicate from the tow truck and the workshops ? Since they passed some questionable remarks to the luxury cars that were involved in the accidents. They would take the original parts and replaced them with others or fakes. And definitely the tow truck business were making cash. And at the expense of someone's life ?

Another friend who passed by later noticed some oil spills on the road. Could that have added to the cause of accidents ?
A jaguar skidded and punctured all four tyres. Is it fair to purposely set up something like this that endangered peoples life, just so you can make money out of peoples misfortunes? No doubt everyone was covered by insurance, but someone could have died in the process.

It was scary. My mind is still fresh with the thoughts. I kept thinking that it could have been worst. God still spare us our lives which I am very thankful.

Could it be a wake up call ? Or a gentle reminder ?

The very First day of 2008

2008-01-01T17:11:00.001+03:00

Wishing you
A new year that's filled
With all the excitement
Of living each day
To the fullest...!

The new year is here again.
First of January ...
It is just another date ...
Another day
Like yesterday ...

Everywhere Everyone is celebrating with a big bang, with wines flowing freely, hugs, kisses and all the good wishes.It was merry. It was joyous.
Everyone Everywhere seems to be greeting and wishing all the best of wishes for the new year.

For me it was a quiet evening at home. Talking to my best belg friend. Remembering the good old times. Going down memory lane. One beautiful summer ... !

And now, the first day of the new year is almost over, I am wondering what would the new year be like ? What is in store for us all ?
Will I be Blessed with all my dreams coming true ?

Que sera sera ...
What will be ... will be
The futures not ours to see
Que sera sera ...

Auld Lang Syne 2007

2007-12-31T16:35:00.001+03:00

Every end of the year has always been kind of nostalgic for me. Remembering what had taken place on the very same evening four years ago. How could I ever forget ?

It was supposed to be ...
A life full of wonderful new developments.
The kind of year that brings out all the best within.
But things dont always seemed what is being predicted.
Joy turned to sorrow.
Love turned to hate.
Friends turn to foe.

It is a year that I would like to forget.
A bumpy ride on a dirt road with all the wrong turns ... !
But I survived it like a rag doll ...

And as the new year dawns tomorrow, my heart is still full of hopes ...
Of beautiful things ...
Of peace and contentment from within.
Of a life filled with good health, joy and happiness ...

Good Bye Two 007 ...

My best belg friend

2007-12-23T18:01:00.001+03:00

Out of the blue an old friend resurfaced. We happened to share the same birtdate. As such I used to send him a birthday greetings but unfortunately we did not keep in touch for a long while until his birthday this year.
The last email I had from him, he was telling me that he was very happy and very much in love.So I thought he finally settled down, having kids and living happily ever after.
This year I suddenly remembered him and decided to send him a birthday wish.
To my surprised a very fast reply came telling me that, it was the best news he had ever received in the whole year.
Anyway ... we got to talk again after such a long time and it really does bring back a lot of old and fond memories. That was the 'Summer of 2000'.

Love is the most mysterious thing that happen in our lives. Sometimes you keep meeting the wrong persons when the right one is right under your nose.
Sometimes you are looking too far, when the love of your life is there right beside you. Sometimes you never notice someone who truly loves you.

Well to my friend I say ... Good Luck ! May the new year brings him joy and a new lady love.

I remain an observer of this thing called "love".
Whatever love is.
Wherever love is.

And as Foreigner sings ...I wanna know what love is ...

What I wish for today .......Dec 7th 2007

2007-12-07T16:25:00.001+03:00

A small wish for the day

Good health ... HAPPINESS
And
Plenty more excellent years ahead

Somewhere
A flower will bloom
And
Love begins again .......

Playing Midwife

2007-12-02T17:16:00.001+03:00

The long awaited day finally arrived.
She was making a lot of noise looking for a place to give birth. We found a place under a table and me and my nephew were there to lend her support. The father was nowhere... ( Men..!!! )
And now I have an additional of six new babies. Hope the mother will be able to take care of all her broods.

Hajj time again

2007-11-24T17:35:00.001+03:00

It is Hajj time of the year again. Thousands of pilgrims making their way to Mecca to perform the Hajj. My sister left for her trip last thursday. Their entourage was caught by the massive jams at the highway going into KL. There were road diversions and roadblocks everywhere. It is the norm that relatives, neighbours and friends would come by and bid farewell to those going for the Pilgrimage. The Imam would come and say a prayer and azan before they stepped out of the house. Somehow it gives a mixed feelings of joy and sadness whenever we send off relatives for Hajj. Hopefully they will have a good trip and Be Blessed till they completed performing the Hajj.

Meantime yours truly has to take over her daily chores and I am saluting her for managing very well all these while for which I am struggling to get it done..!
And today I didnt get the chance to even have breakfast. Things just kept piling up and to babysit four unruly kids really test my patience. This being the school holidays making it worst. I often have to remind myself to stay calm. I am counting the days till my sister come back. Somehow time is slow for those who waits.
I need plenty of courage, strength and support to get through this.

Still around ...

2007-11-18T17:24:00.001+03:00

Been a long time ( it seems ) that I wrote in my blog. Since then there has been too much water under the bridge.
Last weekend we attended a wedding, a neigbour's daughter got married.Following traditions we had to help out in the preparations. Long days and nights and some back ache later the awaited wedding day is finally over. It was a modest wedding celebration. Unfortunately the weather was not on our side. It rained very heavily in the afternoon. Some folks say, if it rains on your wedding day, it is a good omen and you will be blessed with many kids..!
So you better get married in the monsoon season..!

I am spending much of my time doing up my garden, the herbs are growing up nicely and I have added a few more herbal plants. It is such a joy to see the vegetables bearing fruits and all the ginger family bearing flowers.

And playing mom to a very pregnant cat. She has all along been a very gentle cat and she is resting a lot lately. I wonder how many kittens will we have ?

The would be parents.

Eve of Aidil Fitri

2007-10-12T19:35:00.002+03:00

Tonight is the eve of Aidil Fitri and its been four years since I celebrated it with my family. So I am glad to be with the family at this time of the year again. The whole of today was spent doing all the preparation and cooking the special dishes. It brough back a lot of fond memories, like when I was growing up,
Eid was so much fun and something to really look forward to. Having new clothes, baking cookies and getting the green packets were the highlights of the year.But the magic disappears as we get older, when we have become the breadwinner and had to be the one to provide all the things.

Tonight is no different. As I watched the kids playing with fire crackers and sparklers. The garden was already lit with oil lamps and the whole neighbourhood was simply aglow with the festivities.

Tomorrow we would be receiving guests, relatives and friends at home and I would normally be the 'dishwasher' for the day. Still with all the chaos, this is the best time of the year to meet everyone, to catch up and strengthened the family bonds.

The sad part is that Ramadhan is over and hope that all our prayers and religious commitments are accepted by Allah and continue to receive His Blessings throughout the year.

It is after midnight now and just starting to rain. Like a good sign to welcome Aidil Fitri tomorrow.

Eid Mubarak

2007-10-12T00:56:00.002+03:00

A special wish to all friends who come by...EID MUBARAK..!
May all of us be Blessed the whole year through till the next Ramadhan.

"Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri ... Maaf Dzahir Batin"

Happy Birthday Eb ...

2007-10-11T11:40:00.001+03:00

You would have turned 32 today.

Memories are all I have to cling to,
Think about the things we used to do,
Like a walk on the beach ...
Like a kiss in the dark ...
Like the fun rides that takes us places ...
And all the things we used to share.
I missed all those beautiful moments.

May You rest In Peace.

Going Back In Time

2007-10-05T18:33:00.002+03:00

The New Seekers - Never Ending Song Of Love

Hot Chocolate - I believe ( In Love )

To Look For A Star

Found these oldies on You Tube.

From the day we were born ...

2007-09-22T00:31:00.001+03:00

Had a chat recently with a friend who was waiting for the result of a biopsy test. I was expressing my concern about his health and well being. The repercussion is great and if not treated it could lead to a lot of side effects. I was definitely worried.
But he seems to be taking it well... or he was able to hide his fear and taking it all in his strides.
He said.."From the day we were born...we start dying"
When I look back to what he has said...it occured to my mind that there is some truth in it. Although life begins and we journey through our lives...we are actually walking towards that inevitable end. Eventhough we do not know when or where it would end. Nor how much time we have to pursue all our dreams and enjoy what life has to offer.

But at the same time I would like to share another friend's more positive quote..."Each day we are closer to meeting our soulmate". This is for those who are still searching for the love of their live. So if one relationship breaks, there will be another coming along sooner or later. Waste not time dwelling in the past but to look forward to the future, although very uncertain, there could be a rainbow at the end. Just be prepared for the rain or storms.

WHO .......?

2007-09-10T08:41:00.001+03:00

Who is blind ?
- The one that cannot see another world.
Who is dumb ?
- The one who cannot say a kind word at the right time.
Who is poor ?
- The one who is plagued with too strong desires.
Who is rich ?
- The one whose heart is contented.

"No One is perfect. I am No One."

2007-09-06T17:05:00.000+03:00

Someone really said that ...

I have met a lot of conceited people in my life and in most occasions they turned me off. I just could not stand conceited people.They got on my nerves. But my former boss thought they are brilliant. To him these are 'go-getters' and highly confident.
I dont mind if they are really good in what they are doing. They seemed to have found their own opinion and think highly of themselves and their works.I met one designer who is really good and highly creative and his clients would listen to every word he says. He has found a niche for himself and creating a name that is synonymous with "success"
At the same time I have met a lot of designers who think that their work is great but it is actually not. It is how people perceived your work and how clients look at them. But then...design is always subjective. One man's meat can be someone else's poison.
Still..there is no reason to show off, most of you have yet a long way off and far from being that "perfect"

So ...When No One is Perfect and you being the No One...then you are just a No One. You are just a nobody.

The Tropical Fruits Farm.

2007-08-18T17:55:00.000+03:00

Today we went to see an exhibition at the Tropical Fruits Farm in conjunction with Farmers day. It is a big farm with a river running through it and we had to take the tram ride around with a token of MR2 for adults. It was really a nice ride and I enjoyed myself looking at all the plantations. It is so green and pleasing to the eyes. We saw a padi fields and plenty of tropical fruit trees, spices and herbal plants, vegetables, flowers and some livestocks. Among the animals that we saw were the local deer, Indian deer, ostrich, camels, horses and cattles. And a few monkeys running around !
I bought some fruit plants like jackfruits, limes, guavas,rambutans and 4 pots of bougainvilla.He gave me a free pot of 'pengaga' too. Now I have plenty of time to do gardening which I have enjoyed tremendously. I have planted some fruit trees and started my herbal garden, still very basic and minimal but I hope in time they will grow with plenty of varieties.
The greens.

The Lotus pond.

The Dragon fruits.

Red hot chillies.

Jackfruits.

Dried herbal flowers.

Dried herbal plants and roots.

The biggest goats.

Our new guests

2007-08-17T11:50:00.000+03:00

These are our new guests for two weeks. They arrived yesterday morning. I think they missed their old place and friends because they have been making noises. Poor guys or lucky guys it depends on how you would interpret them.
The little ones all five of them have been having fun trying new cuisine and my new bammboo plants was victimised. We had to put all the pots into a small nursery until we can repair all the fencing. We have extra chores on top of everything else just to make sure they dont eat our plants and the cats dont catch the fish in the pots with water plants.
School breaks for a week starts tomorrow and my headache will be worse. Perhaps I should try to stay away quietly and try to ignore....and just ignore.

Service provider ... ?

2007-08-01T19:46:00.000+03:00

I woke up last saturday morning and found out that my modem has given up on me. It just refused to power on. Saturday and sunday were days off for the weekend too. I wanted to get back to the guy who installed my modem, but he was away for the weekend. Waited till monday morning to call him. It was only on tuesday that he finally managed to help me make a report. He said the telecom guys will come over to my place after 4 hours to fix the problem. Four hours turned to eight, when it was time to knock off. So I spent another frustrating day without a life support ! Only on wednesday morning that they finally came to check the modem and replaced the faulty part. A course of action that took them less than 15 minutes ! of course I was delighted that my problems was sorted out and that I can get back online.
But what irked me most is when the customer service department called me again to confirm that the job has been done, and apologised for the delay in providing the services, even though the moem is still under warranty.
He said that service technicians had to take care of the "bigger' customers first, since they are corporate clients and they paid more.
The plan that that I took was for home user.
That was really the wrong thing to say.
How many "small fries" like me who suffered at their poor after sales services ?
They still billed me a full month charge and I had missed 4 days of internet access. Life is never fair ! It is still a country of favouritism..red tapes and beurocracy. Excuses .. Excuses..!
They are scared if the corporate clients would lodge a complaint to the State Chief Minister and that they would get into trouble of their bad services. So they feel that the single home user can take aback seat and wait. What if there are a thousand of home users like me who suffered ?
Wont our voices be heard ?
I would give the thumbs up for those who dared to go on a picket and voice their opinions. My single and lonely voice will not ever be heard but I would be very happy to see them get one less vote when comes an election day.

How friendship breaks ...

2007-07-18T18:07:00.000+03:00

Dear friend do u know???
HOW F RIENDSHIP BREAKs ?

Both F riends Will Think The Other Is Busy

And Will Not Contact
Thinking It May Be Disturbing

As Time Passes

Both Will Think Let The OTher Contact

After That each Will Think Why I Should Contact F irst ?

Here Your Love Will Be Converted To Hate

F inally Without Contact The Memory Becomes Weak

They F orget Each Other.

So Keep In Touch With All And Pass This TO All Your F riends...
I Don't Want To One Of This Kind.

So Here I Am sending Mail To Every One

To Say

I Am F ine Here

Please keep in touch with me

I received the above email from a very dear friend in Bahrain ( K.A.K ) whom I havent contacted for a while. I was so caught up with my life and had little time for other things, it is a lame excuse which embarresed me to even own up. The email did woke me up and served as a reminder of how important a friendship is. It teaches us not to procastinate for we will never know what happens tomorrow.
So my dear friends whom I havent been in touch for a while, if you read my blog please know that I do remember all of you. You are in my heart and in my thoughts always.

"Like the summers rain,
And pearl of morning dew ...
Never to be found again
Someone as dear as you ..."

Friday the 13th

2007-07-13T17:09:00.000+03:00

I didnt realise that today is friday the 13th. Just a coincidence. Nothing much happenings here, just like any other day.

Yesterday was weird. Early in the morning we received a call informing us of a former neighbour had passed away in the hospital after a week in the ICU. And few minutes later we received another call, saying that a neighbour next door has given birth to a bouncing baby boy. So we had both sad and happy news in one day.
The former neighbour had a big history which we would rather forget. Anyway he was a changed man after he moved away, which was good for him and his family. May his soul rest in peace.

I am still trying to adjust to a new lifestyle in this neighbourhood. This evening a distant neighbour just walked right in when she found that our main door was opened. We were busy at the back and someone went out out without closing the door. I would not have gone into somebody's house if I cant find anybody at the door. There are a few nosey parker around here, looking for stuff to gossips about. The only plus point is that you get to hear a lot of stories and definitely a vice versa.

Neighbours ...

Auspicious date ... contd.

2007-07-09T16:49:00.000+03:00

This is a continuation of my previous post ... talking about auspicious dates ...beautiful numbers ... one to be remembered.
A lot of people took the special date of 7th july 2007 to hold their wedding, one even go a step further by giving a dowry of 77,777.77
I thought it was a special date too, it really sound nice and 7 is my lucky number. Unfortunately I had no wedding to hold on such a special date..!
So the day with the special date went by just like any other day of the year.

Which reminded me of another special date way back in 1999. I was supposed to meet someone supposedly special for the first time. And it was disasterous. Not just one thing went wrong ... infact everything went wrong..!
I was hoping to relate the special meeting on such a nice date. But it was not meant to be.

I always have a soft spot for special dates or days ... that coincides with something nice. But in the end ... it was not the dates that matter. Any day
or date is as good as another. Each day is supposed to be taken as a Blessing.
Thankful that we are still alive to continue with our lives. Finishing of where we left off yesterday. Be glad that we are given another chance to repent or do more good deeds.

I guess I have mellowed since then. Sometimes I even forgot what day or date it was, waking up in the morning wondering what day it was. As long as there is a hot cup of tea waiting for me ... I am pleased.

An auspicious date

2007-07-07T17:37:00.000+03:00

Seventh of July 2007

Today is supposed to be an auspicious date for a lot of people.
Triple seven ... and alot of people chose this date to signify something in their life.

To be contd ...

Start living ...

2007-07-03T18:12:00.000+03:00

Have we truly lived our lives to the fullest ?
Did we let our lives be on autopilot and going through the motions having each day the same as the one before it ?
Have we gone through another year without having done anything, achieving something or
Do we ever look back on our lives with regrets?

Try to start living your life to the fullest.

Take mini-retirements.
Don't leave the joy of retirement until you are too old to enjoy it. Do it now, while you're young. It makes working that much more worth it. Find ways to take a year off every few years. Save up, sell your home, your possessions, and travel. Live simply, but live, without having to work. Enjoy life, then go back to work and save up enough money to do it again in a couple of years.

It is like having a long vacation. It feels wonderful waking up in the morning and not having to go to the office and having to look at certain faces.
Having a cup of tea, reading newspapers and not having to worry about datelines, moving in and late nights built ups, and having to beg and please people. I feel free ...

Cheers...!

The Tree Of Life

2007-06-25T16:27:00.000+03:00

I read with interest Mr Mahmoods blog regarding the Tree Of Life.
I was there with a couple of friends one friday afternoon in early march this year.
It is really amazing to see Gods creation in the middle of the desert, a mighty tree standing proud, alone and to be the pride of every Bahraini.
The breathtaking scenery around it is so mesmerizing and you could just sit and stare at the world around us.

That cool and windy afternoon, we were there with quite a number of visitors which looked like expats who are/were employed in Bahrain, having the friday afternoon off and perhaps some tourists.
What catches my attention was, how these people who were over excited to take pictures, they even climbed up the trees, sit on the branches without a care nor respect to the property.
I wanted to snap some shots of the tree alone in its majestic splendour, but I didnt have the opportunity since the crowd were always there.

One thing I do agree and hope is for the authority to take charge of the matter and exercise some kind of rules to preserve the tree and keep the surrounding areas clean.
Bahrain should be proud of its natural heritage and every care should be taken to preserve what it has.

Long live the Tree Of Life .......

The Yaya sisters ... part 2

2007-06-20T16:27:00.001+03:00

Guess I am getting old and all my bones are cracking..! I am just trying to find comfort, if there is anyone else out there who is also having a backache.

The YaYa Sisters

2007-06-16T17:16:00.000+03:00

Does any of the lines sounds familiar ? Love knows no boundaries or love is blind ? Or people in love are blinded ?

Deer oh Deer .......

2007-06-15T17:46:00.000+03:00

Last night we were sitting on the verandah when my sister noticed a couple of what looks like calfs grazing along the fence of our neighbour across the road. Then we saw a couple of cars and motorbikes, flash lights people running around and we got suspicious. We called the neighbour to inform them.
When she looked outside she saw two men crawling near her compound and she was very scared and called the police. By then my sister and nephew were already on the way to their house. And we were waiting and watching anxiously at home. The police car arrived almost immediately and making things look exciting. After sometime the police left, no arrest..and we were wondering what was happening... !
Then when my sister and nephew came back... we learnt the whole story. A guy in our neighbourhood was rearing a deers... and few of them escaped the night before. I guess they have become big and were able to jump over the fence and ran away. In the name of freedom ...!
And this afternoon, we saw the deer wondering about aimlessly, and disappeared again in the bushes. In the evening we saw the again, running down in the same area. Poor fellas, couldnt find their way home.
Their freedom might be shorlived. For tonight the hunters are waiting for them, if the police came first they will use tranquiliser gun. But if the hunters saw them first before the police could get there, it might be a hunting spree.
I pray that the police will catch the deer, they look so lovely and it would really be a pity if they ended up on someones dinner table.

Thats the excitement of staying in a village...

God answers .......

2007-06-06T19:00:00.000+03:00

God always answers our prayers
But sometimes the answer is ...NO...!

We often pray and asked from God. Sometimes our prayers are answered and we get what we wanted.
There have been many times when we prayed... but nothing happened.
Different school of thoughts have given few different ideas.

- It takes time for our prayers to be answered and that we have to continue praying. We should not give up, instead we have to pray harder.

- A lot of times we expect our prayers to be answered with what we thought is what we want. But God the Almighty knows best. He gives you what is best for you.

- You may not get what you prayed for... but you get something better.

- There are times too when you are burdened with one problem on top of another and another. God is testing you ! He will not let you face any problems if you cannot handle it. By solving the problems, it makes you a better and stronger person.

Sometimes I do wonder... all of my unanswered prayers...
- Actually the answer is ... NO ...

Not everything is answered by the word "YES"

Three Things

2007-06-02T06:12:00.000+03:00

Three things in life that, once gone, never come back -
1. Time
2. Words
3. Opportunity

Time... they said waits for no one. All the yesterdays were things of the past and if we didnt make full use of it, the time is lost and gone forever. I often thought of the days gone by that I had wasted, and that I should have done better or I should have made different decisions in life.I can only make it up in my tomorrows.

Words... that have been said, it is either music to the ears or it could hurt someone's feelings. There had been occassions when I regretted saying something that should not have been said. Worst still if it is being misinterpreted.

Opportunity does not come too often, if we missed one, there might be another but you are leaving it to chance. We should always grab the opportunities that comes our way, but without being greedy.

Three things in life that can destroy a person -
1. Anger
2. Pride
3. Unforgiveness

Anger... People say..anger is precious...so dont lose it. Anger will only add more stress to your life.

Pride... We all should have pride,but to a certain extent. We should not let pride get in the way of things.

Unforgiveness... Although it is easy to say that we need to forgive but its not so easy to do. We need to forgive, so that we can have some peace of mind and not let it consume our thoughts.

Three things in life that you should never lose-
1. Hope
2. Peace
3. Honesty

Hope... is what keeps us going. By having hope, we are hanging on to life.

Peace... within ourselves.

Honesty...is the best policy. It is better to be honest and dont have to worry when we had told a lie.

Three things in life that are most valuable -
1. Love
2. Family & Friends
3. Kindness

Love... makes the world a wonderful place to be.

Family and friends...makes us feel less alone and appreciated.

Kindness...is for all mankind.

Three things in life that are never certain -
1. Fortune
2. Success
3. Dreams

Fortune... is a gift from God.It could just come out of the blue!

Success...is a gift from God. We all tried our best to succeed. But sometimes luck is not on our side.

Dreams...We often start something by first dreaming about it.Dreams may come true or it may just remains as dreams. No harm in dreaming.

Three things that make a person -
1. Commitment
2. Sincerity
3. Hard work

Commitment...One should be commited to whatever one undertakes, especially in any relationship or any task that we undertake.

Sincerity...is a virtue. No one appreciates someone who is not sincere.

Hard work...always paid off.

Todays Thought

2007-05-27T18:33:00.000+03:00

"Dont let a person become a priority in your life, when you are just an
option in their life"
I read this quote from one of my friend's blog, and it got me thinking and looking back at my life.
There had been occassion when I had put certain people as my priority in life, only to have found out the hard way in the end that I was only an option. Or rather to put it bluntly " You are there for the moment, before I met someone else, or before my mother arranged for my life partner"

"You will know it, when someone is ready to cut my neck"
I guess by now his throat must have been slashed and blood oozing out his larynx, since he went missing and disappeared into the desert storm without a word. A real coward I should say.

Some of us, being very nice or very naive, just couldnt help it, trying to do everything for that person, or being in the position who give and give without taking, until that special person walks away from their lives.

Sometimes it would take ages for the wound to heal and the hurt to disappear.
When we are not in love with that person, we could think straight, but when we are in love... all hells break lose..!

This is where I am now ...

2007-05-26T10:25:00.000+03:00

For the past three months I have been spending my life at this village. No more work stress and no one to watch my everymove and report them to the boss. I am free to type whatever I like. I am enjoying the cool breeze every morning, a warm afternoon or a heavy downpour where it flooded the pond. The water level would rise and all the fishes escaped.
It is totally a different lifestyle that I used to lead and I am liking it so much that I sometimes dread at the thought that I am going to be sitting in an office again..!

I get to go shopping in the morning, where the supermarkets are not crowded and I could browse aisle after aisle in peace without any hassle. And I get to the check out counter without a long queque.

Let me introduce you a stray cat that had turned my home into his home. We call him "Atok" since he is an elderly cat. I do wish he has his 9 lives still.

These are the chicken and the roosters, we had 3 brother roosters.

These are some of the goats.

This is a durian tree infront of the house, with the fruits which will fall in a couple of months. We'll have fun then.

This is a view of the pond. I love sitting here in the evenings.

This is the betel plant. The goats loved the leaves !

This is one of the antique shop in the Lorong Hang Jebat area, a very interesting tourist spot. A great piece of old architecture, the shops with 'peranakan" influence, with an airwell in the shops. Some of them have been turned into cafes and restaurants and they are really cool.

I shall post more pictures of the lifestyle here when I have the chance.
This is where I find peace away from the rats.

Ways to make money ... be a con artist !

2007-05-25T09:34:00.000+03:00

There are conmen everywhere in different forms and designer clothes !
Recently there were syndicates that con people with counterfeit currency.
One group has been caught ( mostly foreigners ) and there are many more soon to be hauled in.
First they enticed certain individual, pretending to be big investors, bringing in cash from overseas, then they asked you to invest. Once you gave them the money they disappeared. Those that had been conned must be feeling relieved that the culprits had been caught, but the money is already lost and will not be recovered. The only consolation is that they have been caught, the public is aware of them and lets hope we will not meet them again.

Another conmen style is targetted at families and people in the housing areas or villages. They pretended to do a survey and gave you and survey card with lucky fraw prizes. To be able to get the prizes, one has to purchase 3 sets of products, which are priced at more than their market value. But they are so good at conning and convincing people, some naive ones readily parted with their savings. I had witnessed how these people turned their sales pitch so dramatic, making it look like a polished performance.

When we are being sensible, we would remember not to fall for such tricks but there are times when ones is taken by the sheer pressure and wishing to gamble and try their luck. Who knows one might win the cars, motorcyles, big plasma screens, holiday packages and the list is endless. But when you scratch the lucky draw you will see that you got one of the useless items which you do not need at all and you have overpaid the items that you bought.

Sales gimmicks. We should try to make more people aware of such sales gimmicks and not fall into such tricks.

The funny thing is that these people can sleep peacefully at night, knowing they had conned people. How would they feel if one of their family and friends are being conned by others ?
What happened if they would hhave met with an accident or disaster and the nearest person who could help them was the one that they had conned ?

My guess is... they never bother to think other than how to make money..any which way..as long as they make money.
These people have no conscience. They forgot that there is a higher power that pay back and reward them for whatever deeds that they have done. Good or bad.

Glad To be Back

2007-05-22T18:16:00.000+03:00

Greetings to all my friends here.

I just got my internet connected and have lots of catching up to do. Almost three months that I was away from the computer and I missed all my friends here. So its gonna be a long nite from now on ! I was kinda of getting used to a life without computer and internet, but I guess tonite, I feel alive again. So much that I missed here.
The three months that have gone by has given me a lot of thoughts and reflections. Its a totally different environment that I went through. Not all is rosy posy though and not all smooth sailing either. Met a couple of "modern day crooks - daylight robbers", Got my patience tested quite often,
but there are little rewards along the way that makes me smile and feel appreciated.

Well... all I can say for now is...There are Blessings In Disguise !

Blogger power:Safeguard the web for children

2007-02-24T17:16:00.000+03:00

February 24th 2007
Budaiya

I have been tagged by my friend eastcoastlife and here it is, to show my support and my humble opinion.

The project Blogger Power is a campaign to safegard the internet for children against pornography.

A Request To All Webmasters Of Adult Sites:

"Please require a password-protected login before allowing even free access to explicit adult content. We understand that selling porn is your business and we respect your right to make a legal living. But understand our legitimate concerns and work with us. You already have the “warning adult content” on your websites. Yet kids, who are not legal customers of your product, ignore the warning. So to prevent them from having direct access to explicit images, texts and sounds, the simplest way is to have a password-protected login. No more “free tours” before a visitor supplies basic information."

In my opinion:
1)Children should be made aware that they are still too young to be viewing such sites and what impact it could have on them or what it may lead them to. Let them know that such sites are for adults only. At their age, sex should be educational and not for entertaintment or leisure.

2) Kids these days are very smart, a lot of them are much better than us adults, with regard to computers. They will find a way, to hack codes and passwords.
For home computers, we can install parental controls and block certain websites while browsing. Or place the computers in the general area of the house.

3) Parents should supervise their childrens online activities. But it is a little sensitive, as to to how much control that you want impose. They can still be online and do whatever they want behind closed doors or when the parents are not home, or they would view them at their friends place.

4) It is important that your kids circle of friends are not into porn, because children and teenagers specially, will want to feel belong to a group and not feel left out.Parents should be role models to their children, whereas friends often influenced one another.

5) Distract the children from such sites, and encourage them to surf or browse on safer websites. Buy them PS Playstations !

6) It is not easy being parents...! Lets hope and pray that our children will be disciplined enough to respect the parents and teachers and instilled it in themselves to be a good kid. Cross the bridge when you come to it. There will be time for everything in life.

Serendipity

2007-02-24T15:18:00.000+03:00

February 24th 2007
Budaiya

Friday was a nice sunny morning and as usual I was sitting by the big window watching the world go by. By 9am I could see the marathon runners doing their thing. Some were running and some were walking, but it was all for a good cause.
Shame on me who didnt take part. I dont jog much..but I do enjoy a long walk. The weather is perfect for such walks especially in the evenings.

I have been trying to complete my packing,which just seem to be endless, but I am getting there. Almost.
A friend came to help reformating the pc and hopefully it will not give me any trouble in the future. Had a nice chat while working on the pc, and it was the first time that he got the opportunity to read my humble blog. He was suprised that I had things to write, more so now when things are like a circus here. Clowns on a merry-go-round.

Saw the rerun of 'serendipity', and watching a romantic movie once a while is not a bad idea actually. It refreshes the mind, make me feel its nice to be in love again and definitely good for the soul.

Serendipity is the effect by which one accidentally discovers something fortunate, especially while looking for something else entirely.
About Jonathan and Sara, two strangers who met by accident while shopping for their respective partners' Christmas presents. Tussling over the only pair of black cashmere gloves on display, the sudden electricity between them catches them both off-guard. From that first chance meeting, their attraction to one another surprises them by growing stronger, despite the fact they are happily committed to others. Sara is a big believer in letting fate decide the way.And it was a happy ending to them both, when they found each other again...by chance or fate ..! They are meant to be together...and this happens only in movies.

That was the weekend that was gone, and today I continued doing my chores again. Went to the souq to collect my abayas and along the way, managed to pamper myself to some window shopping. I found some beautiful jewellery staring at me in the glass display windows. Let me sleep on it first..!

A little corner in the souq selling local products.

Yesterday's musings ...

2007-02-22T09:07:00.000+03:00

February 22nd 2007
Budaiya

The morning started well... promising a sunny day...tea and all.
Got confirmation of my flight ticket. And this is the amusing part.
From the admin:
" I have to confirm with you, according to the company policy we can only issue you a ticket based on the cheapest flight. I have booked you on Kuwait Airways since it is the cheapest, and if you would like to fly QR or EK then you have to top up the difference !"
The date for KU was a day earlier so it is not convenient, so I had to settle for QR, as the next best option as per the itenary. With that I had to top up BD48.
Moral of the story:
1) When they need your service they would get you the first flight out of your home country. Visas arranged and they dont bother much if the ticket is higher in price.
2) When they dont need you, you have to leave via the cheapest flight home.

And then I asked, will you also be charging me to send my cargo boxes to the cargo depot at the airport ?
She said..." Oh no... I will make arrangement for that "

Looking back, now I understand and relate to the bitterness felt by all those that had resigned or just left without resigning. There were a couple of guys who defected to London and Europe while doing some projects there. Smart guys.
A lady who forged a signature and ran away with a large sum of money.
A lady who used the company facilities for her own benefits.
And others who went for vacations and never returned ( at least they dont have to top up the air fares ! )
There was not a soul who left with a happy heart.
Oh..happy days..oh..happy days..!

And towards the afternoon, a friend came, gave me a hug and crackled my ribs!
Some people never know their own strength, on "fragile" people like me...And the doctor said, it will take a couple weeks forthe pain to go.
Meantime I had to bear the inconvenience..! What a life..!

No Matter ...

2007-02-21T11:45:00.000+03:00

February 21st 2007
Budaiya

No matter what, there will always be two sides to a coin. Have we been fair when listening to both sides of the stories ? Have we made the right decisions, or form an opinion ? Have we been biased in our decision just because one party is your wife; your ex girlfriend..or someone that you have to pleased or carry a favour; indebted perhaps ? Or your rice bowl depends on it ?

I shall leave it to those concerned, if they can sleep at night knowing that they have been unfair to some.