Hello 2021, Goodbye 2020

Today, 2nd January was my official registered birthday. I’m 54 today and very glad that only 1 more year for me to achieve my financial freedom. Time does fly so slowly few years back, but not any more. From now on, I could stay cool and stop counting the 12 months countdown like what I did in the past. It has been more than a year that Covid-19, sent down by the Almighty as a test and a warning to human kind affected everyone in the world whether small or big scale. Although the vaccine has been distributing in many parts of the world but some prediction written by the Forbes, Nicholas Reiman said that the United Nation is warning in year 2021 could be the bleakest and darkest outlook ever. Famine in 2021, a widespread of scarcity of food due to inflation, crop failure, population imbalance, political instability due to pandemic aftermath could be the worst in terms of humanitarian catastrophes in the organisation’s 75 years history.

I took this matter seriously and I hope you do too. I started telling people close to me to be prudent in their daily expense by remembering what the Prophet Yusoff advised to the Pharaoh backed in his day interpreting the Pharaoh’s dream. Stay diligent in maintaining social distance and try as much to stay at home as it is the best vaccine everybody ever needed. Stating this fact, I would not be including traveling as part as my important to do list for 2021.

Looking back, spending 366 days in 2020, a leap year wasn’t bad at all. The first movement control order, known as the 1st MCO commencing from 18th March till 4th May 2020 with 6 months moratorium has helped me to settle the blue house commitment. I used the surplus from not paying the 6 months Altitude Condominium for my wet kitchen built-in cabinet. The kitchen looks neat and tidy, it helps everyone in the house to have cooking mood. In May, due to economic instability, the Government has issued a conditional MCO where many of us are able to resume works. We woked from home from March till May whereby every paperwork were done in digital format and it's quite an inconvenience with no revenue to be generated. All our projects at the 3 different site re-commence its activity in early May simultaneously with the CMCO.

Before the 2nd lock down, on 15th October 2020, we had achieve so much in the office. We completed and handed over the 2 crucial project in Gamuda Gardens and Gamuda KK257 that is scheduled for handing over vacant possession to the buyers. During that short period of time also, the Group decided for VSS, yes, the Voluntary Separation Scheme was offered as a operational cost cutting measure. Many has applied and many has got it. 15th October 2020 was their last working date. It gave us a new start and strength for the Company to face the challenges and obstacles in 2021.

That’s all about work and the nation. Our family are truly blessed as before the MCO, Syahirah’s wedding went ahead on schedule, successfully on both of her solemnization and her reception day. Hubby and I went back to my hometown in Kelantan by road to invite relatives and friends to the wedding. We started our journey on 1st January 2020 to Raub, Kuala Lipis, Temerloh and arrived a bit late in Bachok. We stayed at my brother’s new house. The next day, on 2nd January 2021 we went to Jeli, visited my parent’s late house now passed down to my late sister who passed down to her children. I had some vision of what I wanted to do while looking at my late father’s surau in JKR Base Camp and the orchard that he left us. I hope I would be able to implement that in 2022.

We followed Kuala Terengganu coastal road on the way back to KL. It was worth the trip as we got to see how the East Coast states being developed over the last few years since our last visit. There are quite a number of attraction beside its beautiful beaches and the Crystal and Floating Mosque. There’s newly completed Drawbridge, Central Market and a walk through Chinatown that in my opinion is a must visit place when in Kuala Terengganu.

Syahirah’s solemnization was on 2nd February where we invited only about 200 people to our house. The following week, on 8th February, a day after her 28th birthday was her reception which was also held at the house. I became Syahirah’s wedding planner for both occasion. The event went very well as according to what I imagined it was to be. My neighbours claimed it was wedding of the year, and I took it as a compliment.

Although we spent a lot for the weddings and the trip for Nazhif’s convocation a year before, the Almighty has helped us in His special way that hubby and I do not feel that much burden. Toward the end of the year, with major commitment cleared away, I manage to treat myself for a GLC 200 AMG, also with Allah’s blessing. He, being the Ar-Rahman has blessed me for what I did in 2020 and I stay indebted to Him till the day He called me. The greatest gift that was bestowed to me in 2020 is a close relationship between us. Happy new year Everyone.. stay safe! Remarks: Photos in this entry are from our trip back to Kelantan, hubby in fron of my late father's surau and both of us at the Kuala Terengganu Drawbridge. The rest of the photos are from Syahirah's solemnisation and reception day.

Do I have 100 friends?

Date: 29th March 2020

The question pop-up last year when we were deciding of how many cards that we needed to print for Syahirah's wedding. It was at a family meeting. I said I need to reserve 100 card for my friends, alone. Do you really have 100 friends to invite mama? Asked Syahirah with her expressionless smile that I do not really like. In my opinion, we both are similar. She doesn't socialized as much as I do. We both stopped socializing due to the fact that we are not able to spend lavishly like we used to when we had our expatriate life. That's a fact of life. A sacrifice is necessary when we want to gain something that we currently are enjoying. Right! She thought she had more friends than me. Sigh!

With Fong Suo Mein

Well, due to that I kind of asked Fadhilah my current BFF as we are working associate, to come. Fadhilah and I occasionally meet up for lunch and we honestly do gossiping a lot about our personal life and some office matters. She is currently the one that I'd be seeing almost every day at work. Therefore, she attended all events, Syahirah's engagement, solemnisation and reception. So I would named her as 1 out of the 100. My 22 neighbours are of course friends that are really close to me like sisters. Just like Fadilah, they were also attended all 3 events sharing my happy moments in welcoming a new family member. Them altogether is already 23.

With 5 out of my 22 neighbors on solemnization day

Some of my classmate in technical School, friends since 1983-1984

Among my classmates who attended the wedding receptions are Zaharah, Mariam and Hazudin from University Malaya. Only Shahmoon, my best girl friend during my study time in UITM came apart from a bunch of guys that I really close, i.e. Zamri, Nasir Norizam, Zali, Zainudin, Megat, Shahrom, Roslan, Suhairy and Aturk. There were 13 good friends from SMTT (Teknik Terengganu) who came, Sureini, Ruzida, Lena, Nora, Nortie, Salwani, Hanim, Siti Habidah, Wan Aslah, Roslina, Wan Rafiah, Che Maznah and Shaiful. My hajj team that were with me in 2017 also attended. There are Robiah, Kak Hapsah, Laila, Intan, Zaleha, Zie, Kak Sal and Siti. This group makes another 35.

These boys were my classmate when I was doing my Diploma and Degree. At that time only 9 girls out of 89 in the Diploma class and I was the only ladies while I was pursuing my Degree in Construction Management.

Roommate during Hajj 2017

But the first who came was my best friend who I met when attending an International Course on Valuation at Inspen where she was working at that time. She was an organizer for the said course.Her name is Fong Suo Mein, she was in the first photo. I was working at Central Bank of Malaysia attached in General Services Department and my former boss sent me to enhance my knowledge in valuation. It was fun as I was the one in-charge on evaluating staff's housing loan application. Miss Fong & I clicked and hooked up since 1994. We have been a best friend for the last 16 years. While in Central Bank, I also get very closed with Hayanim who is still attached in Bank Examination Department until now. And she is a cousin to my cousin's husband. We rented an apartment in Kg Baru when we were single.

Hayanim

Nora, whom I met in 1985 was my roommate and best friend. We were studying in UITM, but at a different school. We were best friend since the last 32 years. After school, we happened to meet our spouse together. Her husband is my husband's good friend and we introduced the 2 of them till they get married and still together like we are. I hope our friendship last till very long time, till we are both old and kinky.

With Nora

Besides, there were so many Malaysians that my family and I get to be so close with when I was working in Karachi. Julia, Shery, Shaiful, Hidia and Rizal came with all of their families. I'm still feeling very grateful and thankful for their presence that day as they were more important to Syahirah. Syahirah is very close with them and their childrens went to the same school with her. On most weekend we would hang out at each other's places for food and lots of parties. That was a precious friendship that we had with all of them.

Our huge families when we were in Karachi

There are colleagues from former work place and current work place. Few ladies and guys came from MMC, i.e. Iza, Jamilah, Ina, Sam, Alias and of course my best friend Adibah. Former colleague from IJM who were present that day are Idris, Hj Razin, Ridhwan, Amin and 2 of my best friends, Ila and Ili. 11 from MMC and IJM. I would say the whole village from my present colleagues at all 3 project sites, HQ and subcontractors who came over to make up more than the 100 list of friends that I have.

The Gamuda young QS came with lots of present. Cheng, Tek & Hui Ping

Iza, Jamilah and Alias from MMC

Finishing this entry made me realised of how lucky I am to have so many good people that I able to call them "FRIENDS". I'm so grateful for the blessing that I currently possessed. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for having me as your friend. I value you as much as you value me. Hugs!

Hello 2020, Goodbye 2019

Date:23rd March 2020

Almost a week since the Malaysia's lock-down life activities begun. The keyboard warrior in the social media keep on cursing those who disrespect the Government's order to stay home. It is so unpleasant to read, so I stayed away from reading all those negativity. In addition, I change the way I see thing after my aggressive Facebook post on how an UMNO treasurer make tonnes of money and insulting most Malaysian saying that "RM2 million is only his spending money" received harsh racial comment by my dear close friend. I should be more careful in posting anything on my social media moving forward. For now I need to concentrate on other important things that lingers in my mind for months already. Let us see what had happened in 2019 before welcoming that important lingering thing in 2020.

January 2019 -  There was a 10 year challenge being viral on the Instagram. So, I have to participated following Naim's challenge. Below photo was how I looked like when I was 42 and last year January when I was 52. Oh boy, I do age gracefully, I guessed. One thing obvious is that I now covered more and not too overly exposed or properly covered as a Muslim women, being a Hajjah.

Instagram post on 16th January 2019

February 2019 - Our youngest son, the apple of our eyes has finally graduated. He obtained a Diploma in Graphic Design from the same university that Naim graduated, Management & Science University (MSU), 2 years ago. I was so so proud of Nasrul despite of him not giving me a driving license yet after I gifted him a Polo car. I guessed I spoiled him unnecessarily and we both do not care much of that fact, after all. People may say whatever they wish to say but Nasrul do not even brag nor proud that I hopelessly loves him the whole milky way. He is a really cool.

24th February 2019, Nasrul's conocation in MSU

March 2019 - After 4 years of waiting, Dato' finally allowed me to participate in tendering. I was over the moon preparing and presenting him the 5 years Business Plan. Ismail and I flew to Kuching, Sarawak to do the market study. It was such a long time ago when I was last traveled to Sarawak. We rented a small car at the airport, headed toward the Pan Borneo road alignment till I felt satisfied. We had a late lunch but very heavy and I couldn't ate anything for dinner. Later that night we walked along the Kuching Riverside Majestic hotel to enjoy the night city life. The city has drastically change though it's still in-comparatively quiter than KL. Anyhow, I had my fun taking so many pictures that night with Ismail. 

Kuching Darul Hana Bridge on 18th March 2019

April 2019 - One of my husband cousin had his wedding ceremony in Singapore. We decided to enter Singapore on a day trip, riding Nasrul's Polo. Nasrul came along. We let him drove although we know that he doesn't have a license yet. Hoping that he will rush-up with his driving class and test. As I'm writing this post there's no evidence that he will get it any time sooner. Anyway, the wedding ceremony was very well celebrated. Nasrul took a couple of nicest photo of me and hubby. See below. The weather was extremely humid and I had to take shower and changed my Kurung into comfortable clothing at the R&R later that afternoon, on our way back.

21st April 2019, "can you feel the love?"

May 2019 - I forced hubby and Nasrul to accompany me for a tender visit cum briefing in Kerteh. It was a productive trip as I was able to prepare a good tender briefing and proposals with Nasrul's help. The project is somewhere within Tasik Kenyir area. It was my first time arriving in Kertih and physically presence to see how huge is the Kenyir Lake. The PWD officer handling the project suggested that we stayed longer to enjoy the boat ride, to see more of Kenyir Lake beauty. I honestly feel very ashamed of myself. As a Malaysian, I never had actually properly visited all attractions in Malaysia. I have been and crossed the Ton Le Sap lake by large boat from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh but I didn't event take an effort to explore Kenyir Lake. It's a new wish-list added now.

In Tasik Kenyir on 9th May 2019

June 2019 - Time flies very fast. It was already eid celebration and by June last year, I almost done with arranging for our family trip to UK for Nazhif's graduation. With positive mood, I cooked really a lot, all by myself and little assistance from Syahirah for the eid meal. I invited all my relatives in KL and neighbors to come over and share my home cook meal. I am so glad that I had a talent in cooking as everyone seems to be enjoying the meal, so much. Let's pretend that everyone is honest with what they told me... hehe!

1st day of Eid, 5th June 2020

July 2019 - 4 years ago, in September 2015 when Nazhif were about to fly to Glasgow I promised my brother that I will take him to UK for Nazhif's graduation. On many occasion I felt like cancelling the trip until the beginning of the year. I wanted hubby to fly alone for the graduation. Hubby disagreed as I was the one the support system for Nazhif. Judging on many facts and a way to become wiser in life, I let go of the unhappy feeling built over the 4 years and just go ahead with my original plan. So, here we were in University of Portsmouth celebrating Nazhif graduation while touring UK (Wales, Scotland and England), Ireland and Paris. It seems that I took the whole village to attend Nazhif's graduation whereby only Hubby and I attended Nasrul's convocation in MSU in February.

Nazhif's convocation day on 15th July 2019

August 2019 - It was my actual 53rd birthday and Naim 24th. After so many years cutting the expenses at fine dining restaurant, shopping in high end shopping mall, I told my family that let's finally lifted the ban and just enjoyed the day. So we spent the whole afternoon in Pavillion, eating and shopping. I bought a Gucci purse as birthday present to Naim and he gave me a skincare products from Sephora in return. After all, Naim is earning quite good in Air Asia as a flight steward. I guessed, it's time that I am slowly getting back at my old former life before I sent Nazhif to UK.

Combine birthday celebration for Naim and I on 17th August 2019

September 2019 - Nazhif is back for good on 15th as he couldn't secured a job in UK. He received an offer from 1 of the top company in Malaysia, Top Glove. I'm glad he did not get so stubborn to continue staying there and return home to his root. He started working on 1st October 2019. As for Syahirah, her boyfriend has been sending message since the 2nd quarter of the year to me that his family is coming to meet us. As I was so busy with tendering and UK/Ireland trip, I asked them to come in September. Syafik and his family are a God sent. My family knew how much I wanted to see Syahirah getting married. The time is nearer and she is gifted with a good man and a good family.

Nazhif is back for good and I was with them on late soccer night in Putrajaya

October 2019 - Syafik's mother letting me do whatever I planned for the 2 of them. Therefore, the engagement date was set on 26th October 2019. We invited only relatives and neighbors for the event, about 200 pax. I let Syahirah use the french lace material that I bought for myself in Karachi for her engagement dress. She got it tailored in Merah Jambu boutique. I also allowed her to arrange her own dais. Hubby and I were not really happy with her choice so, we make sure that she will have no say on the solemnization and the wedding reception day. I becoming her wedding planner and it's not a joke. The first thing I did was spending unnecessarily for the textile at Jakel. To say I regret those expenses, I did have a little feeling of regret. But when the big day is over all of that feeling is gone in split second. She is after all my one and only daughter. I love her endlessly.

Alhamdulillah Syahirah was engaged on 26th October 2019

November 2019 - I forgot another important event happened in September. Nasrul finally make-up his mind and chose KDU to further his Degree in Digital Media. It was his dream (latest and final one, I hope) to become a film director like James Wan. James Wan is a Malaysian born Australian that directed a movie Aquaman. Nasrul talks nothing but James Wan after we watched the Aquaman movie in the cinema. He even searched the university where James Wan was graduating at. He is so determine that after he finished his degree, he will enrol to the same university that James Wan attended, a Royal Melbourne Institute. Yeah... it's going to be another pricey journey for his mother. But I think when you love someone you will do anything for them, right? 

Nasrul and his dream to become a Film Director, now continuing a Degree in Digital Media in KDU since September

December 2019 - To be honest, hubby and I were financially constraint after the trip to UK/Ireland/Paris but we had no choice but to prepare for Syahirah's wedding. We knew that Allah will somehow eases our financial burden. It is proven as I'm writing this post very late in March, the wedding was just over last month. And we managed to pay everything except my sister's credit card that I'm still owing. Not that much and not that little but within my means.  

Everyone, especially me started busied ourselves with wedding preparation. This invitation card was a huge challenge to begin with.

What I wish to conclude is that, 2019 was  a year of challenge for my family. Alhamdullilah, at Allah's will, my family manage to surpassed all the challenge in life without burdening ourselves and other people. I am truly bless for a good support family that I had. I am blessed for everything Allah has given me, for all the love and protection that He showered me. I am more than indebted to Him, the Almighty.

Hello 2019, Goodbye 2018

Date: 6th January 2019

I attempted to put a yearly post on 31st December 2018, the last working day of 2018 but to no avail. When the day was long and bored waiting for a new year count down, nothing positive would come, right? Suffice to conclude that in 2018, I stayed focus with finding funds to pay off Nazhif's university fees and recollecting myself to be what I used to be. At the point of writing, there are still 2 more months of university fee installment that yet to be charged to the HSBC credit, i.e. in early February and March 2019. I will be set free from Nazhif thereafter as he himself had promised that he will stop bothering me with funds. Oh dear, how time flies where I can finally remove the heavy burden off my shoulders with Nazhif. With that, I think I can make peace with my self without worry.

Bonus for year ending 2017 was too good, more than 3 months with good increment. But after the change in Government recently, our group of companies has been hit by cutting expenses, ending of the staffs contract employments and offering Employer's Separation Scheme (ESS). So many people from many industries losing their job and salary cutting but I wasn't affected that badly. Allah has been looking after me so well. I received the most highest bonus of one and a quarter month in December pay whilst other people ranging from 0.5 to 1 month. I also received a good salary increment due to grade upgrading though not as good as before the economy was impacted. A lot of our mega project being put held as KIV. Nevertheless I truly indebted and grateful with Allah's blessing. He heard my prayer and He knew that I am nothing without His blessing.

Not many people knew this. I was so confused since young age about celebrating my birthday. My birth certificate as being registered by my late father was on 2nd January 1967. By right, that should be the date that I would be celebrating my birthday. However my mother was telling me that father was away in Terengganu for works and she got her birth and maternity spent in our hometown. He only registered my birth at the Registry office when he took us back to Terengganu with him few months later. I was actually born a year after my brother was born. His birthday is on 16th August 1966. I do not like January as I wanted to be treated of my older age, so, I adopted my brother's birthday as my birthday. People closer to me knew that I only celebrated birthday in August month. It was too late to ratify. Few years ago, I decided to remove my birthday from the Facebook and no longer celebrating except with my very own family. Birthday supposed to be quite as you aged. 

Nobody from the office knew this fact. They are sending me lots of message and wishes few days before my birthday. Though I keep on reminding them not to give me surprises, they still do. I was speechless and over the moon when at lunch break they called me to the meeting room with my favourite pizza, Domino and Secrete Recipe cake. I was feeling overjoy and appreciated with their kind thoughts. Since the pizza box was written "It's all about you", hence I wish to take that as my resolution. From now on, it's all about myself. I want to move from being despair and with doing that I will disregarded my past. I wish to be happy and content with my remaining years on this world. Most importantly I would be smiling widely when Allah has sent Angel Azrael, the angel of death to take me to reunite with Him.

I went out for lunch the next day with Ismail and Fadilah. Fadilah treated an apple pie (the last photo of this entry) as birthday treat. Though I put a distance from my former acquaintance and colleagues I still have a lot of them around me and I'm going to cherish them dearly. In 2019 I want to focus on being happy with my travel plans. But my future travel plan would only be with my dearest family. I will not be going for any oversea trip with friends anymore as family is where you should be at all times. Please get ready as in 2019 I will continue writing on my travelogue yet again. Please continue to support me by reading them ...

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE. LOTS OF LOVE.

New Ladies Group

Date: 5th November 2018

I was supposed to share photos of my new group of friends at this neighbourhood on 5th November 2018, Monday morning. As usual first day at work after a weekend was a really busy day, hence only today, 20th November I remember to write about it. It was 2 weeks ago that my neighbour Husni held a wedding reception for her only son in Putrajaya Convention Centre. Mostly all of our neighbours were gathered for the reception. She had arranged for our group to sit in the same tables of 4. The 11 ladies in below photos were all close to me now. Though we seldom meet but once we did, we were inseparable.

I can now name them one by one. Kak Asmah standing on the left side, becoming a dearest person to my heart as she was dragged by Kak Kamariah (in pink dress on 2nd from right) to hang out with me often over tea, talking about plants and her grandchildren. Nonie, second on the left is younger than me, a pioneer in the neighbourhood. I've been to her house only once for a community meeting before we shifted. Yan, stand next to her is Rashid Sidek's wife who operate a special child school in Kajang and Ayu, next to her claimed that I look a lot like her best friend. Therefore, I told her that I am. Standing next to Ayu is Hana who is a close friend of Mas, stand in the centre with her daughter Keisha. Jue Salam is most friendlier among all. She was supposedly to be my left side neighbour but she sold her unit and built 2 storey bungalow next to Yan's house. She has 3 daughters and I have 3 sons of whom we taught can match. Next is Liza who used to live in Islamabad when her husband was working with Petronas way back in 2008. Standing next to me is Aidea, who is my friend since Karachi time. Aidea and Amran bought the house in front of ours when I told her that the plot is up on sale when she came for our house warming party. It's fated that we became neighbour. I love her, pull stop. Kak Datin Kamariah and Kak Zai's house is separated by the small hill and the water tank on top. I have not been to Kak Zai's house as yet. Kak Zai and husband bought 2 plot of land and built a Balinese concept houses inside and I wanted so much to be invited. 1 day perhaps. Kak Kamariah is my right side neighbour, the closest family of ours of whom my unconditional love is set upon.

The beautiful lady above is Kak Sharifah who has a heart of precious gold. I love everything about her. Hana made the above photo as WhatsApp sticker photo later on. Kak Sharifah house is seated behind Aidea's house and 1 of the pioneer in this neighbourhood too. 

Please take notice of Jee wearing green baju kurung in above photo as she wasn't inside the first group photo. Her family stays on the second house after the entrance gate next to Nonie's house. His son is Nazhif's school friend and Nasrul was attending a tuition at her house way before we move into the neighbourhood. Her husband is the imam at the nearest Surau where most of us gathered for Terawih during fasting month. I'm indeed being very bless with the new surrounding.

One last photo with Husni, the host of the wedding reception. She had been working hard for the party of the only children they had. She look so very pretty and radiant that clearly reflected her happiness that night. I hope I will look the same when Syahirah is getting married. We all know the date already, I mean the date for Syahirah to get married. It will be on 2nd February 2020 @ 02022020. I'm so looking forward as it will be another 14 months to go. Alhamdulillah as the date has now been set.

Remarks: I'm the eldest out of 4 ladies in above photos, putting some weight as it is. That's the price of being overly happy and content. Till next time.

Nasrul and His Polo

Date: 28th October 2018

How time flies. Nasrul has moving from another comfort zone, a big boy or rather an adult now I would claim. He agreed to a lot of thing after I shared about Volkswagen's promotion on 21st June 2018 in the family whats App group. It was on Tuesday that the red Polo car appeared in the group. No response from him on my question whether or not he likes to have that Polo as his first car till Friday night. He said okay to visit the Volkswagen sales gallery somewhere near our area the next day, i.e. on Saturday, 23rd June. Everyone except Nazhif who is in UK tag along. Four of us were more excited than the "Apple Boy" turned "Polo Boy".

The whole family accompanied him for the test drive within the Volkswagen compound even though it was Naim who drove. To everyone's surprised, I paid a booking fee of RM500 immediately after everyone convinced that the car is suitable for him and after he, while kissing my face whispered YES, he likes it. The loan was arranged immediately after by a beautiful petite sales girl, Sam Moo. My family never expected that I was serious nor did I expected Nasrul to agree. But I announced publicly that I want him to get his driving licence firstly and secondly he must continue his degree in University Tun Abdul Rahman (UTAR) by October. But none of that important to him anyway. He wouldn't be bothered to entertain to my 2 conditions. He took his own sweet time to take a driving class. When the car is ready to be collected on 13th July, Nasrul did not even sit for the driving test yet.

Naim was the one who drove the car for more than 2 months since his own car was at the workshop due to the accident. Those days when Naim was a teenager, he always hinted that he either want Polo or Golf as his first car. But when the time came for me to buy for him, I wasn't ready to take a loan, hence I bought cash a second-hand car, Peugeot 206 for him to go to college. Indirectly, by letting him drive the Polo while his car is out from the workshop is like fulfilling his old dream. Nasrul doesnt make noises too as he knew he has no bargaining power without a driving licence in his plate (p/s: until to the day I'm writing this, that boy hasn't had his licence yet). 

As for me and hubby, we felt so much content to see Syahirah's and Nasrul's car parked side by side at above photo. All we want is the two of them to have such a harmony living together as we wish them to share the blue house when we are no longer in this world. At present we no longer have any issue of not having transportation of disturbing anyone to drive for as everyone has their own vehicle.

On separate note, Syahirah's first car for her to attend college was Hyundai I10 way back in year 2011, of which she sold off  as downpayment early this year as to get herself a new white Axia. That girl made her own living, capable of getting a loan under her own name without a need for guarantor. That girl has her own pride. I wasn't able to shape her life as I wanted. I rest my case whenever it came to her matter.

Well, the children are busy with their own dreams. Syahirah is preparing for her wedding, Nazhif with working part time, studying and living his own life afar, Naim struggling to have his own business while being an Air Steward, figuring out to change to an International Airline after finishing contract with Air Asia in March next year and Nasrul is busy creating his name as YouTuber and video making. Hubby on the other hand, living peacefully enjoying a heavenly place of our blue house. Suffice to him being surrounded with nature and simple life in this home of ours.

I, in the period of having menopausal state kind of thing, still figuring out of what will I want to do apart from having a secured career life in Gamuda's group of company. Sometimes, I miss those dreams that I created. Despite a busy schedule, I have started writing a book, this blog has been abandoned at one point, cooking is still to be out of context, travelling, chasing trains etc etc.... Gosh, there is so much that I wanted to do but my heart is so at peace as what is important to me is to have only Allah in my heart. The great attainment that I'm chasing now is that Allah is pleased with me. It's the meaning of Surah Al-Maidah verse 119 "Allah will say, "This is the Day when the truthful will benefit from their truthfulness." For them are gardens (in Paradise) beneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide forever., Allah being pleased with them, and they with Him. That is the great attainment."

That's all for now, peace be upon you!

External Course of Jurisprudence, the final year, I hope...

Date: 19th August 2018

This post is recalling to the time when I was a student again, back to school on 24th October 2013. For the record, I didn't completed my 2nd degree in Jurisprudence in 3 years time as originally intended. It was due to many reasons. The first reason was because I, a General Manager in Contracts & Commercial has failed her Contract Law on the first year. Do not worry should you want to laugh at me for failing the paper that I supposedly majoring at as I too laughed a lot for being over confident in the Contract Law. By not passing all 5 papers in the 1st year, a student can either obtain the degree in 4 or 5 years. Unfortunately, I failed 3 papers in the second year, that was for Equity and Trust, Criminal and Company Law. Luckily I passed all 5 papers in the 3rd year that concluded all 11 papers, left with 6. 

My close colleagues in UM. We have been together for 5 years, all 4 of us.

I could have taken all 6 papers last year and graduated within 4 years but the Hajj took priority over everything else. So, I was so determine to still do it this year and started early in preparing for the exam, as early as January 2018. But reading law is unlike studying for any other subject. It requires dedication, memorizing cases and attempting the past year question as if you are a lawyer debating the case in front of the judges in the real court room. The more I studied the freakier I became. It was tough and I do not think to continue studying anymore after this. I should focus on spending the remaining of my time doing something else that could be more meaningful. 

Living area situation, a month prior to the exam

There is no better word that could rightly expressed how I was feeling 2 weeks before the exam. I couldn't go to the library worried of seeing other people study therefore, I chose to study at the house living area and sometimes in my bed during exam weeks. Once in a while I did joined Zaharah at the UM's library for discussion on subject that I thought I was weaker and she is better. But later I discovered that the best place for me to study and had concentration at, was in my office, alone in my room after an office hour has ended.

The bed situation, a night before the last exam day

The last year in UM was quite an emotional journey for Maryam, Zaharah and myself after spending the last 5 years of our quality time together. The 3 of us became inseparable. Two photos below were snapped when we were having our last class this year. It was taken at 15 minutes break while having an International Law class on 3rd June 2018 with Puan Nur Halida, that was the last subject that I sat on 13th August 2018. This 2 ladies are my true best friend that I wish to stay truthful as I found a real friendship meaning with them. Yes, we had too much of good memories together. We are so free to speak up our mind without worrying of getting hurt or be hurt with the spoken words. For example, Zaharah though reluctantly gave away her Telekong when I said I wanted it as it's so unique and seems comfy. Days later I reminded her that she is indeed very lucky because I asked her Telekong for me to use and be reminded of her whenever we are apart. She said I was being funny but hey, "true friend is a person who made you feel so comfortable being yourself without the need to change yourself to be their friend". We are a friend in good and bad time. Hehehe, you better agree to disagree with what I wrote here. Very domineering person right?

Next on the plate I guessed, since I've been reading and watching too many good stories, it is now my turn to start writing a good story too. That's the challenge I must focus from now on . Life is indeed so good! To the rest, I wish you all could take this opportunity to spend the remaining days of your life to achieve things that has not been achieved yet. Therefore, when you are finally rested in the permanent life, cold in the coffin, you knew that you have done it all.

Wassalam...

Mamma Mia 2 "Here We Go Again" - Time to celebrate

Date: 17th August 2018

I was just celebrated my 52nd birthday and its a real celebration this time around. My exam was over on 13th August with 2 law papers back to back. It was a horrible feeling as I went blank when listening to my colleague discussing the afternoon paper, an hour before I entered the exam hall. But I tried my level best to answer till my hand couldn't continue writing no more. I decided to stop 20 minutes before the exam time was over. 

The exam aftermath was amazing. I slept, slept and slept. There's a long to do list but I chose to take thing slowly. I'm recovering well and it's all a good feeling. A day after my birthday I invited my sister to go out for a movie. It was a Mamma Mia the 2nd movie of which Syahirah and I waited so long to watch after the 1st Movie was screening in 2008. We felt in love with the 1st movie that we watched 10 years ago as we joined the rest of the audience singing along in this jukebox musical film. It was fun. It was worth to celebrate with, i.e. a real celebration.

The story line this time is even more beautiful than the 1st movie, in my opinion. Syahirah and I both cried on the last scene when Sophie's at her son's christening, felt her late mother's presence while singing "my love, my life". It was a touching moment as I felt my late mother's presence with me too. Everything about the film and how the set was decorate are so soothing, so beautiful to my liking. Unbelievable that the principle photography of the film set in Croatia including the beautiful island, Vis said to be a must visit place when in Croatia.

And below trailer is with the lyrics of the song that reminded me of my late mother and the feeling of love that I have over my daughter, Syahirah. May the 3 of us shall be reunited in the after life as I love to see my late mother again and I'm sure I would miss my daughter Syahirah when I passed away. Amen!

Eid 1439, 2018

Date: 30th June 2018

Well, today is the last day of June 2018. People in Malaysia, especially Muslim are still celebrating a month of Eid celebration which is a norm thing in here. There's an open house everywhere. As for me, I celebrated eid for only 2 days. The first day of my eid was well spent with neighbors, families and friends. On second day, we visited our dearest aunt in Mantin and dropped by to see Harraz, my cute nephew.  

What make this year's eid special was because my husband and I received our first eid angpow for the first time in our life. The children used to see us passing angpow to the elders at each eid throughout their life. Since Naim and Syahirah has both earning salaried job, they decided to start their own custom. We were surprised as we never thought they would be sincerely enough to give that token of appreciation. The best feeling ever. Even their grandfather also receiving from them both. My father in law was beaming with happiness when Syahirah passed her angpow packet.

We chose dark blue color for eid attire. I bought mine and Syahirah's suit from Ariani and the boys had theirs from Jakel. Next year, we decided to have a custom made tailor. For the record, the second year celebrating eid in the new house felt even better. Hubby and I still recall of what had happened to us both, a year before. Like last year, my one and only loyal sister came to my rescue again this year. She helped me with the cooking and celebrated the first half of eid with us before adjourned to reunite with my brother in-law's family side in Malacca. Unfortunately I did not snapped any of the food photos for me to share with you of our eid meal. Next year, perhaps, I will share a lot more details.

Well, exam is just around the corner and I sat busy at home and in the office since early morning getting stressed up with the 6 law papers. Exam will begin on 2nd August and ended on 13th of teh same month. It's quite tough as I wishes and pray to finish-off everything in August 2018. A lot of other things waiting after 13th August 2018. The first in line was the list that I promised the Almighty to do when I was in Mecca last year. Second priority thing to do are to focus on the house the gardening and the cooking. Thirdly is the family trip for Nazhif's graduation in July next year. I had to stop for now and hopefully would be able to catching up with writings after August. Ciao...