Madame Blossom's Book of Poems

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

what happened last night

Last night, I was awaken from my sleep, after midnight by my stomach spasms. It was quite painful. I even considered going to the 24hr clinic.. but decided to wait till morn, which was a very long time, since I cannot sleep properly, thanks to the every now and then spasms.

I even dreamt about the pain and in the dream, I was with my mom at some kind of hospital. I was suppose to accompany her and I asked an agitated nurse which doc I should see for my stomach problem. And she said.. on the same floor, but I told her, ok I'll send my mom first.. and we went on this lift, where you can see outside, and it went to the top most floor like 10th or 12th, then suddenly the lift went sideways and around the building and through staircases - it was like a mild roller coaster and I enjoyed it very much. We ended up in a big hall of an old building that looks like a library, and I like the place a lot, and then I was awoken by another stomach spasm.

Finally it was morning and I woke up groggy and weak. Took me 2 hours to psych myself up, to get up.. bath... get ready.. GO TO THE DOCTOR.

Dr Masayu in Clementi is good - she always explain to me in detail, showing me the chart of the human anatomy to explain exactly what's wrong with me. And she's quite quick.

I just told her I had this pain that comes and goes around 'here'(showing her my upper abdomen) and she immediately asked if I took anything spicy last night. Well, I did.. I ate the black pepper chicken. She says it's acidic and some combinations make it more acidic.. then I remembered that I drank orange juice with that. 'Ah-ha she says - that's the culprit.. these 2 combinations".. plus I went to sleep not long after - so the acidic stuff, didn't have time to travel down my digestive system, and got stuck there (I forgot the name of that place in my tummy) - causing it to react as it did.

So, now I have to stay off spicy food for at least 2-3 days, to allow that area to heal - cause there's probably a bit of ulcer there already.

Then I told her about the sudden dryness on a part of my face.. she felt it and asked.. if I had applied anything new to the face.. or ada perfume ke.. then I remembered that, YES, I accidentally sprayed perfume to that area two days before. So she said, the facial skin is the thinnest and most sensitive compared to other parts of the body - so.. it reacts like that. Just apply moisturizer.

See, she's quick. I like.
And I get MC for today.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Today, I want to fly.




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for two?

just now we went on a double date. my fren-her hubby, hubby and me. we were going to watch 'couples retreat'. the guys went to get the movie tix.

at the ticket counter, the counter guy looked at them both, then asked,'for two?'

:p

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

i want to write

I read of people writing volumes of books, taking a whole year to finish a book..and I really admire them.. why can't I just sit down and write every night?

But what do I write about? Even though I may read fictions like Time Traveller's wife aaaaand.............. Da Vinci Code aaaand.......... Is there Anyone out there (or something to that effect) and I enjoyed these books, I don't think I want to write a fiction.

Well, Da Vinci Code is quite okay because it deals with some historical facts so there are some historical lessons to learn there.. Time Traveller's wife.......well, it really provoked my thoughts about life and time, end of time, meaning of time.. what life and time is all about. And 'Is there anyone out there' is really by accident - it was an exchange with my cousin cause she wants to borrow my book and so I thought.. whatdeheck..just read.. and I liked the story. Oh yes, the Kite Runner.. but that was also quite educational, cause you learn about how they live there, the struggles they go through..

Ok, so IF I write something fiction - it has to give some value (not just pure entertainment and definitely not to create unrealistic expectations of others, through unrealistic romantic stories and made up struggles-with-major-accomplishments e.g like twilight and harry porter and even that 'Is there anyone there' even though it's nice.)

But what I REALLY enjoy is non-fiction... books like Fabric of the Cosmos, Road to Mecca, Angela's Ashes, A Year of Living Biblically etc etc..- I mean, these are REAL stories, REAL stuff.. and even if you get engrossed in it.. it's something REAL y'know.. it makes you think about how we live our life, it affects the decisions we make, and how we affect the lives of others. It makes us understand ourselves better, it creates empathy.

IF I write, I want to write books that will give that kind of benefit to the readers. I do not want, yes I'm repeating, to drag readers into unrealistic visions and expectations. No, no, no, nothing feculent.

...IF I write... I should change that to.. 'When I write..' but.. I'm not that strong enough yet.. not that confident and diligent to start.. and I can't even decide on something to write about. I AM working on something right now, but it's not a story.. why don't I go see if I can even finish THAT first, before I waste my time further on talking about writing a book. pfft.

Right. Shut up erni, and just do it.

Monday, December 14, 2009

getting what we don't need

Can we not have basic electronic products as prizes? Unless it's luxury products..maybe.. but even then..

Basically, if it's basic and required, people would have gone out to buy it themselves and not wait for events. Plus they would want to choose one that fits their requirements best - e.g. size of rice cooker, functions of microwave ovens... It's better to provide cash vouchers instead - so that people can use it to get what they really NEED.

Grocery vouchers are are also good - cause that is definitely required every month - and it's really a relief to get some, which means more balance cash for something else.

Isn't it funny that people who can afford things, are getting all those stuff that we can do without- as prizes or gifts, such as electronic products, trophies (I hate them, dust collector), golf bags, mugs, cups, bags, pen, pencils, colour pencils. I wish I can collect them all and send it to places where they TRULY need them - not in Singapore I think.

I wish I can bring all those mugs and glasses I have and give them to those living in slums in Indonesia - so that they have something nice to drink in.. (but... do they even have clean water to drink? would drinking dirty water in nice cups make them feel better? :( )

:( don't mean to complain.. just a bit tired with all these wastes, just because we don't think that far before we get these things and give them to people who won't need them.

Sunday, December 13, 2009

the quest to go up petronas tower

And so, we were in KL for a few days and me, for almost a week. KL sakan, I say. I stayed there until I didn't feel like I have to be peeled from the place.. I was ready to go back home by the 6th day, cause by then it's like 'been there, done that'

Went with Leen.. (and takde photo together eh??) for Teater Natrah on Monday - not bad - shown from the 3 perspectives - Natrah, the real mother and the foster mother. Acting is good. blunders handled well, and leen was excited over Remy Iskandar..who I learnt, is an actor from Nur Kasih.

Oh and did I tell you.. people in Malaysia and Singapore are all 'crazy' about NurKasih - including 2 girls from there who I wouldn't imagine, watching a malay drama. I didn't know it was so big..they should have a Nur-Fan and Nur-Mum and all that.. :p

A nice surprise for me, was to see Dr Siti Hasmah in person - she was in the audience. No, Tun Chedet was not there.. and I didn't get the opportunity to have a photo taken with her.. not with all the bodyguards around. :p

Oh, Leen convinced me to go to Masjid India and I survived and I actually bought some kain, which I don't know when I'll send to the tailor and which tailor. I hope it will not stay in the closet that long. However, when she said she wants to go again to Masjid India, I..... just couldn't. :p

I got to catch up with a few good sistas in KL.. and the family joined me on Wednesday. Then it was all rides and more rides.. Sunway Lagoon, Cosmos, movies, Subway etc. It was Hanaa's first time, to be able to ride on the roller coaster (she passed the height limit) - and she was all excited and I had to go on the roller coaster TWICE in a row.

Then on the last day, Saturday, the far-fetched plan was to wake up EARLY and go to KLCC to pick the tix to go up petronas tower, which after so many times we've been in KL, we have never succeeded to do. The official website says that they release the tix from 830am onwards and other sites say it's usually gone by 11am. So when we were all ready by 10am.. I thought.. MAYBE..there's hope.

Then, when we about to leave, hubby found out that he misplaced his Thule keys, and now we can't pack our bags into the car. He spent 3 hours settling the issue and I was in the room, thanking God that it wasn't me who lost the keys - because I think I handle other people's mistakes better (provided i'm not having pms). So, again we failed in our mission to go up the Petronas Towers.

But we had fun anyway, as always. :p

Thursday, December 03, 2009

Monday, November 30, 2009

twilight

I had no idea what Twilight was about, and I didn't care, at first. But my daughter, she's into it (but she's not THAT into it - phew), thanks to her peers.

So one day, just a few months back, her friend came over with the Twilight DVD and they wanted to watch together. So I thought I better sit down with them to know what they are watching. And that's
how I got... to know about it and liked it. Maybe what I liked most about it is the intriguing character of Edward Cullen and his look, ONLY in that movie. Seriously, if he is for real, and I'm
single (and I'm dreaming), I don't think I would fancy him that much because he is very temperamental. And if a guy like that hovers over you to watch you like that, in real life... most girls I know
will feel suffocated. And the fact that he is a vampire.. hmm.. I mean girls.. SERIOUSLY, you're talking about the likes of jins here.

And then I read about that Twi-mum thing on TNP, and I'm happy to report that I'm not in that group. Twi-mums are women in their 30s and 40s, who are married and with children (obviously), who are
craaaazy about the twilight series and robert pattinson (or is it edward cullen?). They, the mothers, paste posters of edward cullen or robert pattinson on their wardrobe doors (kan da kotor), have
his figurines, spend hours reading the books and watching the movies like... 9 times, and they prefer to be undisturbed by husbands or kids (girlfriends are okay), in their own fantasy world, when
watching the movie.

It's funny that it's making news like it's something trival, because it's not. It's seriously not good for their family life and mental health.

My friend and I, we were talking about what makes them go crazy like that. One of the ladies interviewed said, perhaps they fancy Edward Cullen (or Robert Pattinson?), because he has with him, what
they know they cannot get from their husbands in real life (something to that effect).

And I find this to be a real problem. This kind of movies, set unrealistic expectations in them, of their husbands or of the man they are looking for. They always forget, that most movies, are
exaggerations of real life.. or just selected scenes from whole deal in real life.

Like in a relationship, I'm sure there ARE moments with your spouses, where you feel smittened - those happy and intimate moments... and if you collect all these selected memories and put them
together, I'm sure you'll find that your husbands, are just like those leading actors in the movies you like (plus or minus a bit).

In real life, there are such intimate romantic moments, and there are normal moments, and there are the not so good moments. This is REAL life. If you're smittened 24 hours a day, I'm sure you'll
get sick of it too. It's like being fed sweet stuff (e.g. sweets and chocolates) for the whole day - you'd feel like puking. You would want to take something spicy and/or bitter too. (e.g. sambal
tumis and/or coffee). So....

I saw New Moon, and I think Twilight, as a whole movie package, is better than New Moon. I'm talking about the plots, scenes, logic (like there's much in the first place.. but still..), story line and
the ending (the ending in New Moon and one slow-mo-running-in-the-forest scene, I like.... cannot carry ah..). No, I didn't read any of those books and I don't know them from the book aspect. Okay,
okay... I admit, I find Jacob's running transformation into a werewolf cool - that was a scene that made me think that, yes, maaaybe I should watch New Moon.. you know to accompany my daughter...

Oh yes, stuff I learnt from twilight and new moon.
a. vampires can live in nice glass houses in the forest (pretty, I like).
b. vampires can climb trees and win marathons.
c. vampires are ice cold and werewolves are hot (like they are their own sun).
d. vampires and werewolves have mood swings.
e. werewolves must have short hair.
g. vampires don't sleep, werewolves do.
h. carlisle cullen is the best looking of them all.

p.s for those who wants to try to be cured of the 'robert-pattinson' craze, you may want to watch another movie he acts in, it's called 'How to Be' :p I admire him as an actor.

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Landing soon at a theatre near you.




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importance in finding the source

In any rulings or news, it is important to find the source of it, to determine it's authencity and correctness - and to see if the judgement with which the information or rule was derived at, is relevant and in context.

The importance was proven again just now.

I was planning to go out with my girls & Aida. Eema and Nadhrah, just came back from Aida's place.

There I was, in the room, smsing Aida to confirm what time we should meet downstairs, when suddenly Hanaa called out from outside my room, saying 'aunty aida is not going, y'know'

So, I went out of my room and I asked Hanaa, how she got that idea? She said from Eema. I asked Eema how she knew that - she said from Nadhrah.. and then I asked Nadhrah how did she find out that aunty aida is not going, and Nadhrah said,'abis dia tak siap pun...**'


** 'cause she was not getting ready...'

Friday, November 27, 2009

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

the mission

So, the last two days, I was assigned to be an emcee for my company's regional IT conference. I have never been an emcee before (as far as I can remember well.. actually I can't recall if I have ever actually emceed a D&D event before, or if I had only been the organiser, and not the emcee).

When I was first informed that the director had asked me to become one, I was most surprised. And the first thing that went through my mind was that this is a chance for me to 'show' of a 'covered' Muslim woman's existence in the IT arena, and insyaAllah, the ability to communicate well - to the many country representatives from Asia & Oceania in the conference.

Alhamdulillah, these two days went well, and 2-3 of the conference participants actually came up to me to say that I did well (masyaAllah), and that it was quite professional.. aaand.... that I have a nice voice. Muahaha.. I seriously did not think so before that. :p

Seriously, it was all unexpected, and I can only say, masyaAllah and alhamdulillah. I hope my 'mission' was accomplished.

Monday, November 23, 2009

poor guys..

Today, I had the opportunity to talk to two interesting group of people, from two totally different cultures.

The first group of people I spoke to, were the guys from India. First we were talking about attractions in Singapore, then it went on to cultures in Singapore.. and then one of them mentioned about differences on the train. I thought they were going to talk about how clean and comfortable trains in Singapore are, and how dirty it is over there. But I was wrong. Luckily, I didn't say it out.

They told me that when an Indian guy goes up the train in India, and he opens up a newspaper to read, the people around him, on the train, can actually ask him for pages, that he's not reading. And so those people in the train, will be reading all the different pages of the newspaper.. it's shared. Mind you, they don't know each other. And when the guy wants to get down, he can ask for the pages back. I was like... REALLY??????????

So, when this guy first came to Singapore, and took the train for the first time, he felt awkward ignoring people, so he turned to the stranger beside him, smiled at him and said, 'Hi I'm Anand', and the guy next to him gave him a funny look and went.. 'ok..' heh.. poor guy.


Then, during the event dinner, I was seated with some people I don't know. Then one guy, he looked Japanese, he kept looking at me and suddenly he asked.. 'kamu bisa bahasa melayu?' And started speaking in Indonesian..

I told him I thought he was Japanese.. didn't know he is Indonesian Chinese.. He said, he IS Japanese. He has been in Indonesia for 2 months, and has been taking Bahasa lessons for two months now. Impressive. The other Japanese guy seated next to him, he explained, is stationed in India.. and he is suffering because there's no Japanese food, and he is still trying to adapt to the surroundings and culture and food in India. And most times, he can't understand the Indians.. especially outside the office.

To think that he will be there for another 21 months... poor guy.

Friday, November 20, 2009

Ion (pronounced ai-on)

I know why there's lesser things to blog about now. I mean to really go into detail to describe...

It's because, basically, it's all the SAME stuff repeating themselves in life. You know.. like the 'circle of life'.

I can't tell you how many times I've stared at a blank screen, trying to think of something useful to blogged about, that I haven't blog about before.

But now that I'm here, I do have something to say.

This week I went to the range to hit some golf balls. This morning, both my arms were aching, especially the right one.
I was thinking of taking up golf, so that I can spend a bit of time with my husband and son, and my husband can buy me cute and nice ladies golf stuff that he said he would get for me, if I play golf. Oh and most interesting of all, is to be able to go onto the golf course, where the scenery's beautiful, spacious and green.. to take photos. Having said all that, let's see if I will stay interested long enough, for me to get the license to play.

On fashion news, last night, when I was with Nurleen (hi!), my daughter called to say that she has 'nothing' to wear to graduation night. I told her to go find SOMETHING to wear from home. There MUST be something. A few minutes later, hubby called to ask me to give her support and bring her out to buy something to wear. It was nearly 8pm. What time was I suppose to go home, fetch her and go out again? Anyhow I listened to the husband and went back. To cut the story short, at last the husband, brought my daughter and me out, to ION Orchard, to find something there.

He said to go to Uniqlo. I like that shop. Some of the clothes look chic, and comfortable AND they are affordable - from Tokyo. The washing instructions were in Japanese, but...oh well. I have a strong feeling that I'll be back there again to shop for pants, jeans, shirt, cardigans etc.

Then, we went to Dr Cafe Coffee. Hubby wanted to try. I think the place, ambience, drink choices - are better than starbucks and coffee bean. And they also have the dates cookies, which I like. I wonder if they have an outlet in KL.

I love it, that we did not patronise or consume any western products, while out shopping last night. I mean like clothes from tokyo and drinks from arab... that's what I think is cool.

30 mins more to end of work week. Yippie.

*unplugged!*

Monday, November 16, 2009

lol

I find it funny that my daughter actually says out 'lol' (not even spelling it), when there's a funny scene from a comedy show. So, what is real now? A real laugh or chuckle.. or just a grin (:D) and saying out 'lol'. That's a funny (weird) expression. And she's not even online. Oh ok.. sometimes she is watching some comedy on youtube, so technically she is online.. but...uh.

Anyway.. it's no big deal.. just an observation.

I should start speaking in Arabic to her.. not like I KNOW how.. but just those things like.. 'look!' or 'faster!' and 'i want.. (followed by a malay or english word)'.. i can manage. still, i always forget to do it. No, this is in no relation to the above (lol).

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

mental disorder

So, while i was having my pedicure at a shop, 'gossip girl' was playing on their tv.

Gossip Girls is about a bunch of girls and boys who have nothing else on their mind except sex and possible flings/pointless relationships. During the start of the show.. it was already like this girl making out with that boy, that boy with another girl and another girl with the friend's boyfriend.. it's like they have some mental disorder.

And then, two girlfriends whose self and bodies have no value whatsoever, were talking after a 'summer holiday' and one of them was exasperated that her friend was not enjoying herself, having sex with any of the many boys at the beach.

My GOD!! Sick pointless show - there was no real plot or story whatsoever to the whole episode - it's like if it's minus the making out part.. it's just like a story about people walking/driving/eating.

I was almost sure then, the creator of this stupid show must be a male. And true enough it is. What more can I say.

A piece of crap. Yuck.

Sunday, November 01, 2009

15 cm above the ground

Sometimes, I feel like I'm out of this real world.
But then, what IS the real world?

The real world is neither what we see in movies, nor is it what we see in our bustling cities and the adverts on radio, tv, billboards everywhere.

It's quite tricky to stay grounded. And it's quite tricky to pen your inner thoughts when your daughter is next to you humming Michael Jackson's Who Is it.

She has gone out now.

Yes, it's quite tricky to stay grounded with the real purpose of life, when you are being bombarded with all these distorted images and views about what successful life means.

When I'm watching movies or after I watch a movie, I have to keep reminding myself of what those really are. They are just exaggerated and overblown normal events that happen to everyday people. And I'm just talking about dramas.. not even the overly fictitious characters and stories like super heroes, science fictions, vampires and what-nots.

That's what drama is - exaggerated feelings and reactions to overblown normal events.

If I'm having some issues with these.. I wonder how it is for the younger ones, who don't have clear notions of what is real and what is made up.. what is purely, wastefully entertainment only and what actual life is about.

It's no wonder then, that a LOT of people have distorted expectations of life or people around them, of their spouses and their parents and their children. Poor us, always trying hopelessly to be what we will never be able to achieve in this world. In these area and in this sense, we are always.. close to the ground but not really grounded.

We need to shake ourselves into alertness every now and then.

A business trip to Hong Kong

Frankly, I have not been keen on going to anywhere other than Malaysia for holidays. Even Indonesia. My main concern is if the toilet is clean, and is the area clean.. and if I can eat there.

So anyhow, when I was told to go to Hong Kong on a business trip, I was thinking.. 'wookay.. let's see how I'll survive.. let that itself, be the interesting part of the trip'. And so I went with an open mind.

FIRST DAY
I went there with my Chinese colleague, MQ. We took the 1330hrs flight from Singapore and reached there about 5pm. The airport was huge, and the standard comparable to Changi Airport.


this is a walkway, just outside the airport, towards the taxi stand. We were to take the Urban Taxi.

And this is a bridge across the islands - they are, masyaAllah, quite a sight.


We stayed at Harbour Plaza Metropolis, in Kowloon. As soon as we checked in and put our bags, we headed to the Ladies Market at Tung Choi Street, in Tsimtsatsui area. A.K.A. to me as the Petaling Street in Hongkong, with much lesser counterfeit products.

I ended up buying a lot of stuff there, compared to MQ, who suggested it in the first place.

We walked around town a bit, while looking for the entrance to the train station that would take us back to Hung Hom where our hotel was.



See this disabled man, making a living.. I'm impressed.


The first night, we had dinner at McDonalds.. and I just had the Fillet.

SECOND DAY - THE PEAK
Today is when we're suppose to report to our HK office. Our HK colleagues said we could walk to the office from our hotel, but when we asked the front desk, he thought it would be 'difficult' for us. So we took a cab.

But after work, they explained to us how to walk, and we tried, since we were not rushing, and it turned out to be, quite an easy route.

MQ wanted to bring me to The Peak. She said I would love it there if I like to take photos. Took a ferry from Kowloon pier to Central. From there, we took bus no. 15 to The Peak. The bus was going up so fast, we decided that we'd definitely take the tram down later. Up there, it was very cooling, not so very cold.. and the view was spectacular.



THIRD DAY - DISNEYLAND
Today, we walked to the office in the morning. I like walking among the locals.
And then after work, our destination was Disneyland. It was very easy to get to. Just take the MTR to Sunny Bay - and there will be a train that takes you to Disneyland.




Since it was already a night, we didn't get much chance to take rides. Not like I want to so much anyway. It was Halloween month, so.. In most recorded public and rides & shows announcements, they spoke in English and Cantonese. So, it's ok for non-cantonese-speaking people like me.

But during one boat ride.. they had a boat where they'll speak in chinese, then another boat where the tour guide will speak in English. Of course I took the English one. Ok, I will not exaggerate and say that I may as well have taken the Chinese one.. but..you really have to pay attention, if you want to understand what the local guide was saying in English.. Throughout the whole ride, it was spoken without an punctuation marks and with a cantonese-like-pronounciation. :p

Other than that, there was the Halloween parade.. the announcement for the parade was in English/Cantonese.. then during the parade, the ghosts were 'shouting' some ghostly stuff in Cantonese throughout the whole parade :D It was cute I guess.

11pm, when the place closed, we took the train back to the hotel. We had walked SO MUCH the last three days.. that we skipped dinner that night, because we can't bear the thought of having to walk some more, to go to any restaurant at Tsimtsatsui.

FOURTH DAY - LAST MINUTE SHOPPING
Having walked and worked the last few days, this time we took our time to wake up and go down for breakfast. By the time we did go down for breakfast, it was 9plus. Checked out after breakfast and took the hotel shuttle to Tsimtsatsui, to go to Sogo. I couldn't believe myself.. I spent $2000 buying 4 wallets/purses for myself and 1 for my daughter. I'm not usually like that. Oh.. that would be in HKD. Converted to SGD.. it's about just below $400.

Right after that, we decided that we should leave the shopping area asap and go back to the hotel to go to the airport. We wanted to go on the cable car near the airport, but didn't have time.



At the airport, Popeyes was Halal certified.. i had my lunch there.. we took our time to look at some more stuff at the airport, then checked in. 4pm SIA flight from HK to SIN is the Airbus A380.



I think the flight to and fro was also enjoyable for me, because I just wanted to watch movies. On the way to HK, I got to watch My Sister's Keeper.. and then on the way back, I watched 500 Days of Summer.. which was quite good.

I think I wouldn't mind planning a holiday with my family to Hong Kong next time. I've expanded my horizon. Alhamdulillah :p

Friday, October 09, 2009

Cute mosque. Masjid Kampung Delta

First time ever, here. :) And that's ALL of it.. the male prayer area. :p. the female one is upstairs, half of that.


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Wednesday, October 07, 2009

Murdered pau!

Check out the murder weapon. Either she's too strong or pau is hardrock


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Wednesday, September 30, 2009

FB friend confirmation methodology

Sometimes kan, after I confirm a friend request on facebook from a person who I don't know, or who is a friend of a friend, I wonder if they had intentionally, knowingly, purposely added me as friend, or if they had accidentally clicked on the 'add as friend'. Here is how I normally react to FB friend requests:

If it's someone I know, I know.. then I'll add without hesitation.

But when it's someone whom I have not met or known.. then my acceptance of a friend requests depends much on the mood of the moment and the relation of the person, i.e. if the person is a friend of a friend.

A friend of a friend, may be accepted more easily, then a stranger.

A friend of a friend maybe confirmed more easily, but it may not be immediate. It may be after due procrastination.

Whereas, for a stranger - it REALLY depends on the mood AND due procrastination.

If the mood is like 'I only want to be alone and anonymous'.... I may ignore the request.
If the mood is like 'ok.. maybe I can share some of my more meaningful updates with them' , then I just confirm.

But... if M Nasir or Jason Mraz add me, I'll add without any hesitation whatsoever.

However, I hope people who add me, are aware, that I can sometimes be quite nonsensical. It may even lead them to wonder if I have a split personality. For one period.. I may be all sober and thoughtful and weigh my words carefully, and another period or time.. I'll be updating about what I had for lunch - of which such information seriously, does not add value to the person reading it, other than that they know what I ate.

Having said all of that.. :) I think FB has a lot of it's advantageous. I'm now connected to a whole lot of interesting people. Families and friends whom I have not met for a long long time.. or those whom I meet only once a year.. people who have insightful thoughts.. people who are just funny. :) Yeah.

Note 1. 'Yeah' is a good way to stop an entry.. when you have no time to think of a closing paragraph or when you really can't think of any closing paragraph. Yeah.

Note 2. This entry is unplugged. Nanti when I have the time, I'll read through and edit.. in the meantime.. read unplugged.

Friday, September 25, 2009

How long is 'Id-ul-Fitr (Hari Raya Puasa)?

Narrated Aisha:
Abu Bakr came to my house while two small Ansari girls were singing beside me the stories of the Ansar concerning the Day of Buath. And they were not singers. Abu Bakr said protestingly, "Musical instruments of Satan in the house of Allah's Apostle !" It happened on the 'Id day and Allah's Apostle said, "O Abu Bakr! There is an 'Id for every nation and this is our 'Id."

Sahih Bukhari, Volume 2, Book 15, Number 72



Selamat Hari Raya and maaf zahir batin. :):)

How long is Hari Raya Puasa?, my youngest daughter Nadhrah asked.

In actual fact, Hari Raya Puasa or 'Id-ul Fitr is only ONE day - the day right after the last day of fasting. It is a day to celebrate the achievements of Ramadhan. To go out in the morning to offer the Eid prayer, to offer alms...

Narrated Ibn Abbas:

The Prophet offered a two Rakat prayer on the Day of Id ul Fitr and he did not pray before or after it. Then he went towards women along with Bilal and ordered them to pay alms and so they started giving their earrings and necklaces (in charity).

Sahih Bukhari, Volume 2, Book 15, Number 81


...and to eat (in moderation) after a whole month of fasting. As such it's prohibited to fast on Hari Raya - Eid.

Narrated Anas bin Malik,:

Allah's Apostle never proceeded (for the prayer) on the Day of 'Id-ul-Fitr unless he had eaten some dates. Anas also narrated: The Prophet used to eat odd number of dates.

Sahih Bukhari, Volume 2, Book 15, Number 73

***********

Narrated Abu 'Ubaid:

(the slave of Ibn Azhar) I witnessed the 'Id with 'Umar bin Al-Kattab who said, Allah's Apostle has forbidden people to fast on the day on which you break fasting (the fasts of Ramadan) and the day on which you eat the meat of your sacrifices (the first day of 'Id ul Fitr and 'Id ul-Adha).

Sahih Bukhari, Volume 3, Book 31, Number 211



HOWEVER, it is a custom of (ONLY) the Singaporean and Malaysian Malays to make use of this month as a month of visiting relatives and friends. It is important for us to KNOW the difference.

Having said that, I personally believe, as long as we do not think that it is some kind of syariah, to celebrate eid a month long - then it's ok for us to continue to use this month as a month of more frequent visiting and catching up, as it really fosters relationships amongst families and friends, which is encouraged in Islam too.

It is also interesting to note that, this does not happen else where in the world (as far as I know). In Indonesia, they start celebrating on the eve of Raya - even start visiting neighbours on eve of Raya, and next day, they go out as a family for picnics etc. In Jeddah I hear, they have fireworks and carnivals, but even that lasts for only 3 days. :p I wonder how it is in other areas.

And I have a feeling that this 'prolonged' celebration is somewhat influenced by the 15 days Chinese New Year celebration (which I have no idea how it's celebrated else where in the world). But I was 'comparing notes' with my Chinese colleague about what we do on Hari raya and Chinese New Year... apart from the reunion dinner (which equates to our big feast on actual day), we do exactly the same thing.. like go to parents/grandma's place.. visit aunts/uncles/cousins.. etc.

Anyway, it's always good to keep in touch.. so have a fun month of open houses, visitings, feastings every weekend, for the next 2-3 weeks. :p

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

She wants to cut her hair, shoulder length. Hmm..




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hardships

Sometimes I wish so very strongly, that I can take away all the hardships faced by friends and family and so many other people. I wish I have enough money, enough time, enough space - to clear them ALL. :'(

But I guess that would be impossible. And perhaps it should be impossible because, verily, our lives ARE about tests and tribulations - isn't that what Allah SWT told us? And I believe, it's through these tests and tribulations that we grow as a person, that we become stronger or wiser.. that we grow in patience and perseverance, and for some, in our remembrance of Allah SWT.

If everyone were to be constantly happy and they are veiled from other's hardships, it will most probably make us complacent with the life of this world, through the constant entertainment we seek. In that sense, yes, I can feel how Allah truly loves the people whom He has put some tests. And so big is the reward for those who are patient and who perseveres - so many times it's mentioned in the Quran.

But of course, we continue to also make doa, that we will be granted long life in IMAN, in gratitude, in peacefulness and happiness, in enough wealth, in doing good deeds with the wealth we have, and that we don't become among the complacent - insyaAllah Ameen.

So, with so much feelings for all those, who are going through so much hardships in any form at all, I sincerely, strongly doa, that Allah do not tests us, beyond what we can bear and that Allah grants us patience and perseverance - and may we, in the end, be among those who will attain much in the Hereafter. Ameen, ameen ya Rabbal alamin.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Why you so like that ah?

"... We have made some of you as a trial for others; will ye have patience? For God is One who sees All things." Furqan 25:20

MasyaAllah.. I feel like I've been spoken to. As with a few others close to me, I too, was having this feelings like - should I be angry, should I retaliate? Should I fight for my rights? Or should I be patient, and accept it as God's test, and perservere. Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi rajiun.

Any material lost.. is only that.. a material lost - and we can lose it so many other ways, which may not bring any good to me. To lose it unfairly, and still have patience - may bring me, God's blessings.

I came across that ayat timely. :) Alhamdulillah.. and I feel it is an answer to many of our FAQ:

% "Apasal ni dekni camn?!" ("Why you so like that ah?")

% "Dia takde kerja lain ke? asik nak menyusahkan orang?" ("This fella got nothing better to do is it? Give problem only!")

% "Manusia macam ni pun ada dalam dunia ni??" ("This kind of person also exist ah?")

% "Kenapa lah dia buat aku macam ni?" ("Why does he do that to me?")

% "Apalah salah aku?" ("What have I done to deserve this?")

% "Why do I have to get this kind of friend/relative/brother/sister/colleague/customer?"

etc.

Patience and perserverence will win at the end of the day.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

A husband's influence.

How a husband is, towards the wife and his mother plays an important part in the health of the relationship between his wife and his mother. A husband should respect his mother and have empathy for the wife. The husband should treat the wife, as a team, and the mother as... a mother.

If the husband keeps listening to the mother's request no matter how absurd - the wife will feel left out and may hold a grudge against the mother. If a husband listens to the wife all the time and ignore his mother, then he has hurt his mother and sinned.

A husband must be able to be firm in his decision, to both his mother and his wife - and be fair. Never should a husband raise his voice at his mother, especially in front of his wife - the wife must know and follow the husband in respect for his mother. And the husband should also never argue with the wife, in front of his mother - the mother must always see her son and his wife as a team.

In any case, both husband and wife, should respect both parents, as they would their own.

Difficult? Yes.. who ever said it is easy?

Saturday, September 05, 2009

Road to Reality

Scientists are trying for a long long time, to find out WHAT IS REALITY.

Excerpts from Fabric of the Cosmos:

The overarching lesson that has emerged form scientific inquiry over the last century is that human experience is often a misleading guide to the true nature of reality. Lying just beneath the surface of the everyday IS a world we'd hardly recognize. (pg 5)

By deepening our understanding of the true nature of physical reality, we profoundly reconfigure our sense of ourselves and our experience in the universe.(pg 5)

But we will encounter a series of developments - some intensely strange, some deply satisfying, some experimentally verified, some thoroughly speculative - that will show how close we've come to wrapping our minds around the fabric of the cosmos and touching the true texture of reality. (pg 6)

..and a lot more talk on finding reality. I hope we'll be guided. Ameen.

"This is so, because Allah is the Reality. It is He who gives life to the dead, and it is He who has power over all things." Al Quran - Hajj 22:6

Friday, September 04, 2009

Thursday, September 03, 2009

The advantages of me in heels

I have found, so far, 3 very good reasons, and 1 unimportant reason for me to put on heels WITH straps & buckle, where you actually need to put the pin into the strap hole, then put the balance strap into the buckle - yes that much work.

1) Restricting shopping timing.
Putting on heels is a good deterrent for me, from shopping a whole day (or a long time). Which equals to more money being spent - i.e. if I were to shop all day . I'm sure my legs would be killing me, by the 2nd or 3rd hour. So I would have to stop shopping.

2) Ensure proper walking
With heels, I am more unconsciously conscious of my walk. (you know unconsciously conscious? like.. tak sengaja conscious, but tak perasan sangat). I think I walk more lady-like. Tak macam gangster sangat. I guess that should cover the way I stand also right.. I remember one time (did I tell you before?.. anyway).. I was visiting a friend's aunt at the hospital. I'm in my usual pants and sandals. I salam-ed the aunt. Then she looked at me and said, "awak diri macam gangster eh?" Like WHAT?!?!? True story.

3) Ensure that I sit properly too!
Since this shoe is with the manual strap, I don't take off my shoes at the office. Because if I do, I would need to bend down to unbuckle & unstrap, then to bend down again and buckle and strap when I need to walk away from my desk (and not trip over my own shoe strap). And since I don't take off my shoes, I cannot put one or both legs up on the chair (duduk bersila or sit on my legs macam tahiyat awal)- which I do most of the time at work, even during some meetings - which is not good actually for my image - but my colleagues have gotten used to seeing me sit like that - even my bosses. BUUUUTTT.. so, with this shoes, I'm kind of forced to have my legs down on the floor - because it's not comfortable to sit on my shoes or with my shoes between my legs here and there.. - which means I sit in a more proper way at work.

4) Makes me look tall.
Yes, I'm small and short and heels can make me look taller - although I've never had the urge or desire to make people think I'm taller than I actually am. I'm quite comfortable with my height and size now - as I grow older. I've learned to accept me as I am.

So why do I wear these heels? Oh yes, because it's there. It's a gift from my sisters, and I don't think I should just dump them one corner. As such, I'm making a big an effort to put them on, and suddenly finding all these advantages of having them on. :p

That's the end of the story about my heels.

*Yes, having them on today.

Sunday, August 30, 2009

You were here.

I finally finished 'You are Here'. It was reviewed by some to be a poetic book on science, but I didn't find it very poetic.. maybe only towards the end.

I like a poem quoted on the last chapter of the book:

Sweet is the lore which Nature brings;
Our meddling intellect
Mis-shapes the beauteous forms of things:-
We murder to dissect.

Enough of science and of art;
Close up these barren leaves;
Come forth, and bring with you a heart
That watches and receives.
(William Wordsworth, 'The Tables Turned')

Notice the name of the poet? 'Wordsworth' I guess he is! :D

I did read a lot of interesting findings (which may or may not be correct - but found to be correct at this point of time, with the current ability of humans). Some of which I've quoted in previous posts.

Among others are :

*| The only conclusion seems to be that all our ancestors died out, except for a single group from which all humans alive today are descended. This single group was no bigger than a few hundred people living in a single region of the world about 50,000 years ago, perhaps even earlier. (Now, I'm thinking of the great Flood and Prophet Noah A.S "They rejected him (Noah A.S.) but we delivered him, and those with him in the Ark, and We made them inherit (the earth), while We overwhelmed in the Flood those who rejected Our Signs. Then see what was the end of those who were warned (but heeded not)" ~ Quran, Yunus 10:76

*| A computer model made by the physicist Rasmus Bjork in 2007, predicts that it would take 10 billion years to explore just 4 percent of the universe, even if we could travel at a tenth the speed of light, a speed that is far beyond our abilities for the foreseeable future, and perhaps forever. (How GREAT the universe is? and inevitably how even GREATER the Creator is! Allahu Akbar - God is GREAT)

There are a few others that, for me, relates back to what I've learned and understand in Islam. I wish I can write them all here, but I'm not mentally prepared to do a research right now, to look up what I was thinking about, because I can't state it here if I'm cannot prove it to be from a true source. So, I'm not going to. For now. :)

Over and out for now.

Iftar at Muhajirin Mosque earlier.




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Pretty! Subhanallah! But I forgot where I took that photo.




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Thursday, August 27, 2009

not for naught

There is evidence that cyanobacteria was dissociating carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen 3.5 billion years ago. All the world's oxygen is here as a gift of the photosynthesising bacteria kingdoms. Without bacteria there would be no oxygen.
(You are Here, pg 229)

"...Our Lord! not for naught hast Thou created (all) this! Glory to Thee! Give us salvation from the penalty of the Fire."

Al Quran, Ali Imran 3:191

Monday, August 24, 2009

How to avoid food wastage during Ramadhan?

Come Ramadhan we'll always face food excess. We always have much much more food than we need for iftar/sahur. Sometimes it's not really anyone's fault. It's just poor cultural habit perhaps.

People want to share their food with others, the neighbours etc. This normally comes as a surprise. And that's the thing that causes food excess. Those people are not aware that there'll be more food coming, so they've already prepared enough (or a little more than enough) food for everyone.. then comes more surprise food.

I wonder if it's possible to start the habit of informing the other party way before hand, that they would like to give some food and what food. This will allow the other party to gauge, how much food they should prepare, in expectation of the extra food that's coming.

In Dubai, I hear, people invite their neighbours to have iftar over at their place, early in the morning! I think that is good! I mean after all, if we're going to feed a fasting person.. feed betul2 sekali eh.. rather than give a bit of what they cook.

And the thing is, I find that during fasting, we truly need much less food than non fasting days(that should be obvious :p) I mean in terms of consumption PER meal. The amount of food required to satisfy you, is lesser when you're fasting, then when you're not. That's why when people eat their normal full meal during iftar, they always feel bloated. (disclaimer : this is not a scientific finding, this is my own observation).

In any case, I truly hope, I will be able to improve on not wasting food at home during Ramadhan. InsyaAllah.

Saturday, August 22, 2009

a plan to think about


Nadhrah
Nadhrah pun nak iphone..

Eema
Ya, why can't we get an iphone?

Me
Pasal kalau nak beli iphone kena ada plan dia.

Nadhrah
Oh, kalau nak beli iphone, kita kena think dulu eh?

Me
Think?

Nadhrah
pasal kita takde plan..



p.s. Salam Ramadan! and may we all have a blessed month and achieve as much goodness as we can. Ameen.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

To ensure honesty and fairness in business dealings

"Oh ye who believe! Eat not up your property among yourselves in vanities : but let there be amongst you traffic and trade by mutual good-will.."
Quran, An Nisaa 4:29


God encourages trade amongst us. A good muslim businessman, must be honest and most importantly fair. God warns the businessman against unfairness and fraud, in his dealings.

Give full measure when ye measure, and weigh with a balance that is traight. that is the most fitting and the most advantageious in the final determination.
Quran, Al-Isra' 17:35


Then, there is even a whole surah on Dealing in Fraud..

"Woe to those that deal in fraud. Those who, when they have to receive by measure from men, exact full measure. But when they have to give by measure or weight to men, give less than due. Do they not think that they will be called to account? On a Mighty Day. A Day when all mankind will stand before the Lord of the Worlds? ..."
Quran, Al Mutaffifin, 83:1-6

Spending time with Hadi @ Sports School




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What are we celebrating anyway?

There are a lot of things that we do in this world, because other people do it, but for which we don't really think about - like what is the objective?

I'm sure you KNOW, the hype around mother's day, father's day, teacher's day, valentine's day - is just a way to boost the economy a bit. But is there a true meaning in these days? If appreciation is to be shown sincerely, it can be shown ANY day at all. You can make them feel special everyday, and surprise them with dinner or presents(and it would be a REAL surprise) on any other day - when prices are more normal.

Then, there's the birthdays. When a kid is like 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12... yes.. MAYBE we can celebrate them getting older - for THEIR own sake. No no, it shouldn't be to make the PARENTS happy and the child distressed (like what happens in most birthdays for one-year olds and some 2-yr olds).

But as you get older, what IS it that we're celebrating? Because the one thing I'm always reminded about on these birthdays is that another year has gone by, so that's one less year to live. How much more time? Now, do we celebrate this with balloons and presents?

Or should we ponder over it, by making doa that whatever is left of our life on earth, let be a good and beneficial one.. that will help us attain goodness in this world AND more importantly, in the Hereafter. Ameen.

Then okaaay.. perhaps the one whose birthday is on that day, may want to treat some people for a meal - because that would add on to the book of good deeds, and therefore help him achieve the objective. Yeah.

(Allah selamatkan kamu.. jeng 3X) X 2
Allah selamatkan kita semua..
Allah selamatkan kamu. jeng 3X
Ameen.

Wallahu'alam. May Allah guide us all.

This is just a thought (see the tag.. 'thoughts' :D, and I don't make any judgements on anyone who celebrates their birthday. It's just me, for my own.

In space with big planets.

I was looking out into space, from a spacious space shuttle. Next minute I know, I was outside, and flying around the big planets. There were planets where u can see buildings jutting out.. they were all quite close to each other. I flew between them, downwards, upwards. I even did a somersault in space. I may have been flying with Hanaa, don't remember but when I was back in the space shuttle, I was holding Hanaa's hands, and we had loads of balloons (I guess, tks to the movie UP).. and we walk about the space shuttle, and I woke up.

Nice. Alhamdulillah :)

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Can't just say it all.

There were quite a few 'sensitive' issues, that I was pondering about and I jot down. But I have just deleted a long intended blog entry. I'm thinking twice/thrice and concluded that some things, cannot be put in the open by some people.. Some issues can only be or need only be brought up to specific people at specific times. Because the general public will most likely view it negatively, especially when they fail to see the perspective by which it's being laid out. Yes, generally people are judgemental.. sad but undeniably true.

WELL... live goes on! For now. But go about it cautiously.