After a last minute cancellation by 'my company' to JB to collect my biscuits, I decided to drive down alone, for it would be quicker that way. So at 6am yesterday, I jumped into the viva, and hit the road. All along the way I would sing my lungs outs, it's one way of venting out negative energies, you see. When no one is around, it does not matter if I was out of tune or singing the wrong lyrics or making up new ones. Or screaming or screaching.(and...there was alot of reasons to get that way for) By the time I reached JB, I was healthier.
Adi and I collected the biscuits in Kulaijaya, went to Maklong's house, gave her some for blessing, then to Gee's house, delivered her order, then back again to Adi's house to rest and talk to the old folks. Allah had given me a good share of old ladies in my life for Adi's mum and I chatted happily.
At 4.00 I hit the road home . Drive, sing, drive, sing until the sun went down and my energy to sing went down too . Time to do some zikir, listen to the Islamic channel, hear some sound advices, listen to Quran and be more sober, emm...how I should have been from the very beginning. (tau, takpe)
At 9.00pm I reached Abang's house to deliver his biscuits. Spent the night there because I was exhausted.
At 9.00am today, sent biscuits to Aziz's house, Kak Ros's house and Bahiah's house. Less and less biscuits in the car.
I hope everyone like these biscuits. Adi and Kak Timah are selling them too. It started from me bugging Adi for tarts. So she bought one bottle for me and posted to Shah Alam. It arrived in crumbs beyond recognition. The post office people must have made a football out of my parcel. Then Adi bought replacement. And more and more until the three of us decided to sell tarts and other biscuits this hari raya.
This tag line came up, 'Jangan menyusahkan orang, jual kueh tart' when we were sharing the throes being single parents and would like to prove we are far from being burdensome to people around us.
That is how we ended up selling biscuits this year.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Pakistan flood
Mimi told me her lecturer said, helping someone is like giving way to a vehicle on the road. Another time you need to cut in, another vehicle will give way, but not the vehicle you gave way to, for it would be far on it's way (excuse the many 'ways' here for coherence) That's why when we help someone, he might not be the one returning our help but help would come from another person.
It is said that as long as we help another person, Allah swt will always help us.
What is happening to our mother earth? My heart had just recovered from watching the Haiti earthquake aftermaths, now I watch Pakistan hit by the horrendous floods. Yesterday's news showed the seas and rivers joined up and flowed into the lands, submerging everything in its way. How the waters raised and where did all this water come from? Millions of people's lives and livelihood destroyed. Millions and counting.
How long would it take to put their lives back together again? How much money would they need? How would they be living through all this? We see them fighting and hitting each other for food. Scraping fallen grains on the ground. The victims getting sick and ill. My heart bleeds again. It is like a smaller version of the floods during Prophet Noh as, don't you think?
In this holy month of Ramadhan lets do our bit and donate to them what we can spare. For every donation or sedeqah for the cause of Allah, Allah will double in folds.
Firman Allah :
Perumpamaan orang-orang yang menafkahkan hartanya di jalan Allah adalah serupa dengan sebutir benih yang menumbuhkan tujuh butir, pada tiap-tiap butir, seratus biji. Allah melipat gandakan (ganjaran) bagi siapa yang Dia kehendaki. Dan Allah Maha Luas (kurnianya) lagi Maha Mengetahui. (Surah Albaqarah ayat 261)
Allah also grants the doas of those who fast. Let us doa for them for survival, strength, and sustainance. Amin ya Rob.
It is said that as long as we help another person, Allah swt will always help us.
What is happening to our mother earth? My heart had just recovered from watching the Haiti earthquake aftermaths, now I watch Pakistan hit by the horrendous floods. Yesterday's news showed the seas and rivers joined up and flowed into the lands, submerging everything in its way. How the waters raised and where did all this water come from? Millions of people's lives and livelihood destroyed. Millions and counting.
How long would it take to put their lives back together again? How much money would they need? How would they be living through all this? We see them fighting and hitting each other for food. Scraping fallen grains on the ground. The victims getting sick and ill. My heart bleeds again. It is like a smaller version of the floods during Prophet Noh as, don't you think?
In this holy month of Ramadhan lets do our bit and donate to them what we can spare. For every donation or sedeqah for the cause of Allah, Allah will double in folds.
Firman Allah :
Perumpamaan orang-orang yang menafkahkan hartanya di jalan Allah adalah serupa dengan sebutir benih yang menumbuhkan tujuh butir, pada tiap-tiap butir, seratus biji. Allah melipat gandakan (ganjaran) bagi siapa yang Dia kehendaki. Dan Allah Maha Luas (kurnianya) lagi Maha Mengetahui. (Surah Albaqarah ayat 261)
Allah also grants the doas of those who fast. Let us doa for them for survival, strength, and sustainance. Amin ya Rob.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
QOROH
A COW!!!!! Ain't it wonderful???Alhamdulillah.... I wanted a pony for ecotherapy but got a cow instead. Awesome. Quite the same, four legs, tail, hooves, eat grass, (but 'smellier') and of course, more realistic, where would I get a pony.
It's name is Qoroh. Short for Baqoroh, which means cow in arabic.
Of course there is a story behind this but lets just say, it is a gesture to help a loved one.
A COW!!!
Second act - part 3
Who would want to clean cupboards instead of doing really fun things like.... emm...I don't know... haven't been doing fun things. But...doing work around the house does bring some fulfillment. Fun and fulfillment, arent they the same?
More ideas on how to save.
1. Do not buy mineral or drinking water. Put boiled drinking water from home in a good container and bring along with us.
2. Pack food. Sandwiches, fried rice, potato chips. Cook rice, fry an omellete, drizzle soy sause and there you go, you have your lunch.
3.Buy less imported goods or food. Go local, cheaper
4. Budget to spend only RM15 per day on food (more than enough, it used to be RM10, you can do wonders with RM15). Should we overspend today, cut tomorrow's ration. Adjust our spending to that amount. If we buy 1 chicken, go for cheap vegetables like cabbage, spinach, green mustard.
5. Things we can sew ourselves. Curtains, skirts, table cloth, table mats, pillow cases, bedsheets. Find clothes we don't wear because the buttons or zips came off or torn stitches or need alterations and mend them. Its easier than you think. Do it while chatting with a friend.
6. Spruce up what we have. Beauty is when things are clean, not neccessarily new.
More ideas on how to save.
1. Do not buy mineral or drinking water. Put boiled drinking water from home in a good container and bring along with us.
2. Pack food. Sandwiches, fried rice, potato chips. Cook rice, fry an omellete, drizzle soy sause and there you go, you have your lunch.
3.Buy less imported goods or food. Go local, cheaper
4. Budget to spend only RM15 per day on food (more than enough, it used to be RM10, you can do wonders with RM15). Should we overspend today, cut tomorrow's ration. Adjust our spending to that amount. If we buy 1 chicken, go for cheap vegetables like cabbage, spinach, green mustard.
5. Things we can sew ourselves. Curtains, skirts, table cloth, table mats, pillow cases, bedsheets. Find clothes we don't wear because the buttons or zips came off or torn stitches or need alterations and mend them. Its easier than you think. Do it while chatting with a friend.
6. Spruce up what we have. Beauty is when things are clean, not neccessarily new.
With all these great plans which are easier written than done, we should help those in hardship and dire needs like the flood victims in Pakistan. If you have successfully saved some money from doing all this, maybe you can send some to them? Here is the account no. Maybank 514271339000.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Second act - part 2
When you read on the net about people moving out from your big houses to live in small houses, or see corporate people started planting vegetables and rearing chickens, it sort of leaves you worried. Is this real? Then on Oprah I saw people being laid off work that immediately changed their place in society, from high-class to middle class, from middle to poor, from celebrity to layman. Would that happen to us too? Then comes the floods in Pakistan and China, the earthquakes (this is getting depressing).
So rule no 1 - live within your means.
2. Buy smaller fish to eat. Cut what we eat and cook in size and portions. Not too small. We still need nutrients. Air Asia menu size portion looks small but sufficient, no?
3. Go and buy at the cheapest place, like here in Shah Alam, Tesco offers good prices.
4. Eat in (Sorry Dellizze regulars)
5. Save electricity, water and fuel (ok, no more fan for cats)
6. Less entertainment. Turn out and clean your cupboards instead. Kitchen cupboards too. Do gardening. Share my love for edible gardens. (not that I have one) Learn new recipes. Cheap but good fun like go walking with a friend. Take up a new inexpensive hobby. Have pets. Keep fishes. Sit with the family. Join the library. Learn a new language. Sew own clothes.
7. Deposit slowly but surely. Fill up piggy banks with the loose change. Invest for those who know where to invest. For those who doesn't know, do it the old fashion way, keep it anywhere really safe in the house.
8. Always pay our zakat and give sedeqah for these two will clean and increase our rezeki.
So rule no 1 - live within your means.
2. Buy smaller fish to eat. Cut what we eat and cook in size and portions. Not too small. We still need nutrients. Air Asia menu size portion looks small but sufficient, no?
3. Go and buy at the cheapest place, like here in Shah Alam, Tesco offers good prices.
4. Eat in (Sorry Dellizze regulars)
5. Save electricity, water and fuel (ok, no more fan for cats)
6. Less entertainment. Turn out and clean your cupboards instead. Kitchen cupboards too. Do gardening. Share my love for edible gardens. (not that I have one) Learn new recipes. Cheap but good fun like go walking with a friend. Take up a new inexpensive hobby. Have pets. Keep fishes. Sit with the family. Join the library. Learn a new language. Sew own clothes.
7. Deposit slowly but surely. Fill up piggy banks with the loose change. Invest for those who know where to invest. For those who doesn't know, do it the old fashion way, keep it anywhere really safe in the house.
8. Always pay our zakat and give sedeqah for these two will clean and increase our rezeki.
Second act
I hope I comprehended right what second act means when I read about people in the USA who took a turning in their lives to scale down drastically or to purposely live down in order to save themselves from the economic gloom. They leave their expensive lifestyles to a much more basic and simple lifestyle to cut cost before the cost cut them.
In a sense I was very fortunate to have lived frugally last time , when I had learnt the value of money so now my second act is more or less my first act. Even when our ministers try to convince us the economic gloom in US and Britain will not come here, I am not convinced because the trikle down effect happens all the time.
Even now when the girls had grown and have their salaries and scholarship, the hardship still stays in my heart, engraved forever. I remember when every dollar is stretched to the moon and every penny counts.
I just wish to emphasise in my blog today the importance of being penny-wise during these times. We should not be stingy but should stop the unneccessary spending. Scale down, save up. Shine up old stuff. Buy less new stuff. Save for rainy days because rainy days seems to be everywhere.
Lets save. Caiyok Caiyok
In a sense I was very fortunate to have lived frugally last time , when I had learnt the value of money so now my second act is more or less my first act. Even when our ministers try to convince us the economic gloom in US and Britain will not come here, I am not convinced because the trikle down effect happens all the time.
Even now when the girls had grown and have their salaries and scholarship, the hardship still stays in my heart, engraved forever. I remember when every dollar is stretched to the moon and every penny counts.
I just wish to emphasise in my blog today the importance of being penny-wise during these times. We should not be stingy but should stop the unneccessary spending. Scale down, save up. Shine up old stuff. Buy less new stuff. Save for rainy days because rainy days seems to be everywhere.
Lets save. Caiyok Caiyok
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Thursday, August 19, 2010
What would make me happy
1. A pony for ecotherapy or pet therapy
2. An edible garden
3. A lucrative hobby
4. more books by Adibah Amin and other malay english books writers
5. A trip to London weight management
6. A trip to the spa
7. An old friend
8. An old love
9. A new jewellery
10. Join Mercy
2. An edible garden
3. A lucrative hobby
4. more books by Adibah Amin and other malay english books writers
5. A trip to London weight management
6. A trip to the spa
7. An old friend
8. An old love
9. A new jewellery
10. Join Mercy
Elderly friends
Yesterday I made a point to visit Kak Ros, my elderly friend in Kelana Jaya, to see how she is. Actually, I like to visit old ladies, especially the ones that is still holding up splendidly at their age. My charm seems to work better on them than on men. I really enjoy amusing them and let them pour their woes on me. I would listen and absorb like a sponge. Laugh at their opinions which others take as 'a nyanyok tendency', and in the end, I would fish for an advise, a tip, a secret that keeps them so 'well maintained' and feisty.
I lined up many minutes for the bubur lambok at the Masjid for I know Kak Ros will like it. A widow of many years, she lives with her son in front of a small masjid, the place we first met when she was a committee member than who handles the food section. She makes a mean nasi lemak.
She looks tired and frail, maybe because she is fasting. We talked and shared. Kak Ros told me, her health had been withering these days. Had gone to the hospital and clinics, put on drips, given tablet under her tongue, x-tray, sleeping pills so on so forth. Then she was given the results. STRESS. Nothing wrong with her.
So she told me, the cause of her stress is her son. A stress she cannot separate, therefore not much medicine can do. She told me, certain things you cannot run from, it is just for you to redha or accept with a open heart and ask Allah for help for He is the only One that can help us. Everyone has problems, she is syukur, grateful she has her pension and a good roof on her head. She hopes she does not trouble her children at old age and will die without much trouble.
So moral of the story here, sons give mothers illness. hehe
Last few months I met Kak Habsah at an Ibu Tunggal event. She came over to Adi's booth and gave us all a sample of her muruku. I don't know what made me chase her to get her number. I liked her muruku but there is more than that. A few days later I called her up and ordered 30 packets. For what, I don't know.
She too is elderly but does not look 75. She looks 60, widowed for many years. I got to her house and as soon as I switch to sponge mode, she started telling me that she is forgetting alot these days and it is worrying her. She has a mentally handicap daughter , is taking care of her mentally handicap brother ,a sickly son and she feels she her health is deteriorating, showing me the bruises from needle pricks due to her blood tests. Her daughter though handicaped, can take care of herself, only very low in IQ. Kak Habsah makes nasi lemak for her the brother to sell in the mornings. Financially she is good, for she told me she had been penny-wise since young, saving while spending and investing wisely. Her main worry is her daughter, what is to happen when she is gone. Kak Habsah so far has coped wonderfully, but age is wearing her down, nevertheless.
Moral of the story here, be smart with your money, for it can lessen our burdens in the future and to start exercising soonest. Learn how to make mean nasi lemak.
I lined up many minutes for the bubur lambok at the Masjid for I know Kak Ros will like it. A widow of many years, she lives with her son in front of a small masjid, the place we first met when she was a committee member than who handles the food section. She makes a mean nasi lemak.
She looks tired and frail, maybe because she is fasting. We talked and shared. Kak Ros told me, her health had been withering these days. Had gone to the hospital and clinics, put on drips, given tablet under her tongue, x-tray, sleeping pills so on so forth. Then she was given the results. STRESS. Nothing wrong with her.
So she told me, the cause of her stress is her son. A stress she cannot separate, therefore not much medicine can do. She told me, certain things you cannot run from, it is just for you to redha or accept with a open heart and ask Allah for help for He is the only One that can help us. Everyone has problems, she is syukur, grateful she has her pension and a good roof on her head. She hopes she does not trouble her children at old age and will die without much trouble.
So moral of the story here, sons give mothers illness. hehe
Last few months I met Kak Habsah at an Ibu Tunggal event. She came over to Adi's booth and gave us all a sample of her muruku. I don't know what made me chase her to get her number. I liked her muruku but there is more than that. A few days later I called her up and ordered 30 packets. For what, I don't know.
She too is elderly but does not look 75. She looks 60, widowed for many years. I got to her house and as soon as I switch to sponge mode, she started telling me that she is forgetting alot these days and it is worrying her. She has a mentally handicap daughter , is taking care of her mentally handicap brother ,a sickly son and she feels she her health is deteriorating, showing me the bruises from needle pricks due to her blood tests. Her daughter though handicaped, can take care of herself, only very low in IQ. Kak Habsah makes nasi lemak for her the brother to sell in the mornings. Financially she is good, for she told me she had been penny-wise since young, saving while spending and investing wisely. Her main worry is her daughter, what is to happen when she is gone. Kak Habsah so far has coped wonderfully, but age is wearing her down, nevertheless.
Moral of the story here, be smart with your money, for it can lessen our burdens in the future and to start exercising soonest. Learn how to make mean nasi lemak.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Brain Gym
The other day Kak Hanim was teaching us brain exercises founded by a doctor of anatomy, to integrate our left brain and our right brain for maximum thinking. To mentally impaired people, they will not be able to do these exercises or would do it poorly. Simple it may seem, though not scientifically proven, the exercise works and Kak Hanim had been successful with her pupils at her kindergarten.
First, we identify which side of our body parts are dominant. Left leg or right leg, which ear, which eye. Then it explains the outcomes and causes. Its funny eventhough my rights are dominant, I look with my left eye. Which means I use alot of my right brain.
That shows I look at the big picture and poor in details. Emm...quite true...
But what is important to me at the moment is, I concluded that I can call up my left brain!! Good, huh? ( Calling, calling, left brain, please surface now, need help here)
I heard somewhere we humans do not use our brain to the fullest. We only use a few percent. They pictured our brain like an iceberg. On the surface of the water is only a small part of the iceberg. Underneath, there is a huge portion unseen. So, there is a huge chunk of our brain up here somewhere not being used yet.
I really hope my brain is not a tiny loose iceberg. So now I will do these exercises using my right eye, maybe I will tape down my left eye while we do this and start tapping on my left brain for the right brain has quite worn itself out with life's challengers.
First, we identify which side of our body parts are dominant. Left leg or right leg, which ear, which eye. Then it explains the outcomes and causes. Its funny eventhough my rights are dominant, I look with my left eye. Which means I use alot of my right brain.
That shows I look at the big picture and poor in details. Emm...quite true...
But what is important to me at the moment is, I concluded that I can call up my left brain!! Good, huh? ( Calling, calling, left brain, please surface now, need help here)
I heard somewhere we humans do not use our brain to the fullest. We only use a few percent. They pictured our brain like an iceberg. On the surface of the water is only a small part of the iceberg. Underneath, there is a huge portion unseen. So, there is a huge chunk of our brain up here somewhere not being used yet.
I really hope my brain is not a tiny loose iceberg. So now I will do these exercises using my right eye, maybe I will tape down my left eye while we do this and start tapping on my left brain for the right brain has quite worn itself out with life's challengers.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
About smiles
2. A smile is a curve that sets everything straight
3. Smiling always starts the healing
4. A smile is a way of writing your thoughts on your face
5. A smile is a language everybody including babies understands
6. Every morning is like a painting. You need an inspiration to get you going and a smile to brighten it
7. Life gives you a hundred reasons to cry and a thousand reasons to smile
Saturday, August 14, 2010
A painful love story
Eventually, Shushu and Giogio fell in love.....and became the cutest of the cutest furry couples.
Giogio does not have any experience in 'making babies'. So, I don't think, with all that process being done without the slightest inhibition or embarassment anywhere and at anytime, infront of everybody, that we end up running for cover , that Giogio got it right. Maybe Giogio is still young, or too clumsy or Shushu is longer than him, it looks like an unfruitful effort.
Giogio bit Shushu's neck so often and so hard that it bled. It became a patch of open wound all red and watery, it got us all queasy and squirmy at the sight of it, what more with Shushu stratching on it all the time made the wound bigger.
So we brought her to the vet, went through hell when she fought the vets with her ferocious temper that cames out when she knows something painful is going to happen her. And with me trying to pacify her with my frantic 'sayang Shushu', 'sayang Shushu' which I am sure made me look like a nutty cat owner, she finally got her jab.
That night, the wound did not improve. So we cleaned it, apply medicine, covered it with a panty liner (the cleanest and most hygenic material around the house) and tied it with a ribbon. We took Mimi's socks and pulled them on all four legs, fastened it with rubberbands so that she does not stratch her wound. She tried to escape and ran around all funny and comical. We quickly put her in the cat carrier to confine her and minimise any form of movement. Okeh! job well done!
Only then Mama could sleep soundly when I know Shushu is not scatching her wound to bleed. But.... At five o'clock when I woke up for Sahur, I see Shushu looking at me with a frown, free from the carrier, panty liner and socks, scratching her wound, with all her sisters fast asleep.
Somehow, someone did not see this through....
Doctor's orders to separate this two lovers so most of the time, Shushu stays in my room. Giogio would go searching for her and sit outside my door with its lovelorn face, looking hurt and pining for his love......
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Dear Xin Li
I have read your blog and am not at all surprised to find it just the way I thought it would be. Why did you say "aiya, shy la, this la that la...cannot tell la, dowan to share la..." Are you just being humble or is it the ego thing, remember? when Aishah did not want to share her what is in her mind???
You all blog so (x10) much better and have lots and lots to share and do it with much more, lets say 'variant of feelings' . As for me, I write from my little window, from my equally little life but write I must, for a friend told me, writing is a gift. But 'the gift' to a doctor like you, of course, has more depth and substance, kan...
So keep me posted, Xin Li! Auntie Fish
You all blog so (x10) much better and have lots and lots to share and do it with much more, lets say 'variant of feelings' . As for me, I write from my little window, from my equally little life but write I must, for a friend told me, writing is a gift. But 'the gift' to a doctor like you, of course, has more depth and substance, kan...
So keep me posted, Xin Li! Auntie Fish
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Breaking fast together
If Aishah had invited one Indian doctor, yesterday we would have a rosy picture of breaking fast 1Malaysia.
Otherwise, with Bibi's Pakistani features and eurasion colouring, pretty as a chinese picture Xin Li, Shaz, Aishah and I, the 'interfriendship' were a mixed array of 'colours' . I for one, was happy to cook for these promising young women with such fine mental faculties and aspirations, though equally pretty Peh Hueh, who was on call, could not join us.
Beneath the talking, laughing and eating, we have, in some tiny way, fear in our hearts of this being our last meal together. At least in Shaz's heart, I am sure. And I hope there are meals like this again so that I can try out other recipes and watch you all grow from strength to strength in your careers and in your personal lives . And as I said, strong friendships can stand the test of time, and being humans, the test of hurt and pain too that we would inflict on each other intentionally or unintentionally at some time or other. As long as we accept a friend for what they are and respect and cherish one another, no matter what our race. True friendship does make this world a better place. That, I think, is one belief everyone at the table share.
So study hard, work hard, play hard and I pray you all achieve your dreams.
Otherwise, with Bibi's Pakistani features and eurasion colouring, pretty as a chinese picture Xin Li, Shaz, Aishah and I, the 'interfriendship' were a mixed array of 'colours' . I for one, was happy to cook for these promising young women with such fine mental faculties and aspirations, though equally pretty Peh Hueh, who was on call, could not join us.
Beneath the talking, laughing and eating, we have, in some tiny way, fear in our hearts of this being our last meal together. At least in Shaz's heart, I am sure. And I hope there are meals like this again so that I can try out other recipes and watch you all grow from strength to strength in your careers and in your personal lives . And as I said, strong friendships can stand the test of time, and being humans, the test of hurt and pain too that we would inflict on each other intentionally or unintentionally at some time or other. As long as we accept a friend for what they are and respect and cherish one another, no matter what our race. True friendship does make this world a better place. That, I think, is one belief everyone at the table share.
So study hard, work hard, play hard and I pray you all achieve your dreams.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Ramadhan Al-Mubarak
Last night after magrib, I waited for someone to sms us whether tomorrow (today) we start puasa. We do not have tv or radio in the house so we had to rely on family back in Semenanjung.
As soon as we got confirmation, we drew on our telekongs and headed to the nearest mosque in Kota Sentosa. The parking was already full and parked the car rather out of line, which is not the norm in Sarawak. They had finished 4 rakaats of tarawih due to time difference from the place the puasa confirmation came from.
Ramadhan with all it's special significance has another meaning for me. Its a month when the 'big' things tend to happen. I usually brace myself for Ramadhan praying that whatever is to happen, may Allah help me to be able to handle it.
I plan to read (and understand) as much Al-Quran as possible, and try to improve my ibadat. My Allah forgive my inconsistency. May Allah forgive my slowness. My Allah save me from my laziness and other bad qualities.
As soon as we got confirmation, we drew on our telekongs and headed to the nearest mosque in Kota Sentosa. The parking was already full and parked the car rather out of line, which is not the norm in Sarawak. They had finished 4 rakaats of tarawih due to time difference from the place the puasa confirmation came from.
Ramadhan with all it's special significance has another meaning for me. Its a month when the 'big' things tend to happen. I usually brace myself for Ramadhan praying that whatever is to happen, may Allah help me to be able to handle it.
I plan to read (and understand) as much Al-Quran as possible, and try to improve my ibadat. My Allah forgive my inconsistency. May Allah forgive my slowness. My Allah save me from my laziness and other bad qualities.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Little Ladies Part 8
In Mekah, the little ladies, the mother and the grandmother (Mama Robiyah, who is a mother to me) did their best to do as much ibadat as possible.
We all did the whole works, the hurry for jemaah prayers for every waktu, to read the Quran, to pray various solat sunnat, the repentance, to doa for all that we need and of course, to do our umrah which comprise of miqat, tawaf, sa'i, tahlul and to kiss the Hajarul Aswad whenever we can. To take care of what we feel, intentions, (our niat) say and do for in Mekah it is cash delivery. You pay the price quite immediately for your actions. The outcome doesn't come in installments. I have a few stories on strange effects from my own wrong doings.
In Mekah and Madinah, I had to take care of Mama for she is old with weak eyesignt, Hajar plodded along, and Aishah and Mimi went exploring on their own.
The best part was on the last evening before departing home the next day, we wanted to say our own goodbyes. Mama and I wanted to kiss the Hajarul Aswad and make doa at the Multazam for the last time and headed to it. From another direction I saw Aishah and Mimi heading towards it too, and saw Hajar coming the same way.
Though we went about in our different paces in Mekah, but in the end, we ended at the same place. Subhanallah Walhamdulillah Wallahuakbar. Thank you Allah, I ask for nothing more.
We all did the whole works, the hurry for jemaah prayers for every waktu, to read the Quran, to pray various solat sunnat, the repentance, to doa for all that we need and of course, to do our umrah which comprise of miqat, tawaf, sa'i, tahlul and to kiss the Hajarul Aswad whenever we can. To take care of what we feel, intentions, (our niat) say and do for in Mekah it is cash delivery. You pay the price quite immediately for your actions. The outcome doesn't come in installments. I have a few stories on strange effects from my own wrong doings.
In Mekah and Madinah, I had to take care of Mama for she is old with weak eyesignt, Hajar plodded along, and Aishah and Mimi went exploring on their own.
The best part was on the last evening before departing home the next day, we wanted to say our own goodbyes. Mama and I wanted to kiss the Hajarul Aswad and make doa at the Multazam for the last time and headed to it. From another direction I saw Aishah and Mimi heading towards it too, and saw Hajar coming the same way.
Though we went about in our different paces in Mekah, but in the end, we ended at the same place. Subhanallah Walhamdulillah Wallahuakbar. Thank you Allah, I ask for nothing more.
Mekah and Siti Hajar
The plight of Siti Hajar has effected me more than than I know. I must have loved her since I named my first child Hajar.
The story of the woman behind the building of Mekah. Wow! That is awesome isn't it? A WOMAN! By my poor and humble judgement, correct me if I am wrong, Mekah was built on trust. Let me explain.
Siti Hajar was a slave. No lineage or high ancestry to her name. We do not know of beauty either even though until today we see people from that side of the world generally are beautiful. We only know her as a slave given to Prophet Ibrahim alaihisalam. We also know Prophet Ibrahim has another wife, Siti Sarah who at that time could not bear him a child.
When Siti Hajar gave birth to Ismail, Siti Sarah could not take the rivalry, so Prophet Ibrahim who loves Hajar and his long awaited baby son, had to place them elsewhere. He brought them to then, a barren land to be left there.
Siti Hajar begged him for mercy but he said that he leaves them in the care of Allah swt. With that one line, Siti Hajar surrendered to her fate and let Prophet Ibrahim leave while he recited the famous doa in the AlQuran for Allah to take care of his family, for fruits, for sympathy, for peace.
Prophet Ibrahim as and Siti Hajar laid their trust solely and exclusively on Allah. Thus, trust is the beginning of Mekah Al Mukaramah.
Each time I sit in front of the Kaabah, I can see two figures. A mother and her baby who trusted greatly.
The story of the woman behind the building of Mekah. Wow! That is awesome isn't it? A WOMAN! By my poor and humble judgement, correct me if I am wrong, Mekah was built on trust. Let me explain.
Siti Hajar was a slave. No lineage or high ancestry to her name. We do not know of beauty either even though until today we see people from that side of the world generally are beautiful. We only know her as a slave given to Prophet Ibrahim alaihisalam. We also know Prophet Ibrahim has another wife, Siti Sarah who at that time could not bear him a child.
When Siti Hajar gave birth to Ismail, Siti Sarah could not take the rivalry, so Prophet Ibrahim who loves Hajar and his long awaited baby son, had to place them elsewhere. He brought them to then, a barren land to be left there.
Siti Hajar begged him for mercy but he said that he leaves them in the care of Allah swt. With that one line, Siti Hajar surrendered to her fate and let Prophet Ibrahim leave while he recited the famous doa in the AlQuran for Allah to take care of his family, for fruits, for sympathy, for peace.
Prophet Ibrahim as and Siti Hajar laid their trust solely and exclusively on Allah. Thus, trust is the beginning of Mekah Al Mukaramah.
Each time I sit in front of the Kaabah, I can see two figures. A mother and her baby who trusted greatly.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Ustaz Ridhwan
Ustaz Ridhwan would narrate history and stories of Rasullullah s.a.w and his prophecy in Mekah and Madinah as he takes us around. His narration was full of information and life, we could picture the scenario in our minds. He was a wonderful history teller for the innumerable details flowed effortlessly from his lips. The stories behind the auspicious mosques or places, and its significance to our religion, what role it plays in the rise of Islam during the days of Rasullulllah s.a.w and so on.
Our bus would drive into an area and he would show us, what now is a curb of the road and a tree, where stood the house of Sayidatina Maimunah ra, one of the wives of Rasullullah saw. He would take us around Masjidil Haram and show us where stood the house of Sayidatina Khadijah ra and I would feel so honoured to stand on the ground where she had lived with our Prophet saw. He would take us to the spot where Sayidina Omar ra first converted into Islam when actually he went to beat up his sister. He showed us Suqulail, the area where the Quraish had sanctioned Prophet Muhammad saw and the muslims for a few years from any trading. We stood where Rasullullah saw said his khutbah Wida' and we too doa for ourselves. We visited many more places. Ustaz Ridhwan knows the places and the history at the back of his hand. Every visit became interesting and inspiring, that brought us closer to Rasullullah saw as we could see where it all happened.
He brought us to climb the Gua Hiraq and Aishah and Mimi who reached and entered the cave said Ustaz Ridhwan got up there easily, unlike everyone who were out of breath and panting.
The highlight of our umrah was not Ustaz Ridhwan even though I go gaga over him.( I am sure I am long forgotten) He was only a gifted and a very effective guide who brought out the best picture of our holy land and it's history. I pray may Allah bless him success and happiness in this world and hereafter. And may Allah bestow upon us too the many good qualities we see in Ustaz Ridhwan. Amin.
Our bus would drive into an area and he would show us, what now is a curb of the road and a tree, where stood the house of Sayidatina Maimunah ra, one of the wives of Rasullullah saw. He would take us around Masjidil Haram and show us where stood the house of Sayidatina Khadijah ra and I would feel so honoured to stand on the ground where she had lived with our Prophet saw. He would take us to the spot where Sayidina Omar ra first converted into Islam when actually he went to beat up his sister. He showed us Suqulail, the area where the Quraish had sanctioned Prophet Muhammad saw and the muslims for a few years from any trading. We stood where Rasullullah saw said his khutbah Wida' and we too doa for ourselves. We visited many more places. Ustaz Ridhwan knows the places and the history at the back of his hand. Every visit became interesting and inspiring, that brought us closer to Rasullullah saw as we could see where it all happened.
He brought us to climb the Gua Hiraq and Aishah and Mimi who reached and entered the cave said Ustaz Ridhwan got up there easily, unlike everyone who were out of breath and panting.
The highlight of our umrah was not Ustaz Ridhwan even though I go gaga over him.( I am sure I am long forgotten) He was only a gifted and a very effective guide who brought out the best picture of our holy land and it's history. I pray may Allah bless him success and happiness in this world and hereafter. And may Allah bestow upon us too the many good qualities we see in Ustaz Ridhwan. Amin.
Little Ladies Part 7
When we lost something or something is taken away from us, read Innalilla Wainna ilaihiroji'un. Customarily, we read the verse when someone passed away, but actually, we are to read it when some calamity, big or small, has befallen upon us. Continue with the doa Allahumma ajurni fi musibati wa akhlufli khoirun minha. To the meaning "Ya Allah, give us pahala for this calamity upon me and replace it with something better than it."
Now what shall I write to uplift our spirits? It is 5 am in the morning and Adi, by Norhayati Ibrahim the author's advise, asked me to write during these wee hours. Ok, we will try writing sleepy. Hope it works.
Let's find a happy memory. We can use it during these times. As Micheal Jackson's song goes...."though you don't need me now.....I will stay in your heart...and when dreams fall apart.....you remember...one day in your life...." A happy memory is our happy tonic for today. Now....(searching, searching).
Girls, remember our umrah? Come to think of it, nothing can top that. This is Mekah we are talking about. I sold my little house in Kota Bahru after we moved back here from there. With the 45k,after paying all my loans and debts which was mounting, I decided to give little ladies 4k each as a very belated present for all thier good grades in school, eventhough 2 had already finished school. I thought along the lines of savings for further studies or to by a laptop. Coincidently, my brother just came back from umrah with his children and the little ladies too, wanted to go to Mekah with their 4k present. Coincidently Mama Robiyah, was offered a ticket by some generous person. And coincidently too, her son-in-law works in a famous travel agent for umrah. It was meant to be.
So off we went, totally leaving ourselves in the hands of Allah to be the guest of Allah. I did not worry at all for I have total faith in our HOST.
During our short kursus umrah, we were told our mutawif would be a special young man with many abilities and very popular. To the extend of being offered marriage by a few women that came under his charge.
As we landed in Jeddah, we waited to be collected and I was looking out for this umrah hero of ours. Then comes a smallish young Indonesian man, less than 5 feet tall, ushering us into the bus. Very deftly he handled our group and we find ourselves on the stoney and sandy way to Madinah Al Munawwarah.
Its only when he starts talking (and later on, singing) that I could see why he is extraordinary. This guy is loaded with charisma but the special kind, the kind that comes from the AlQuran which is very hard to find. If I had been beautiful and young, and have the guts, maybe I too would offer him my hand. We were captivated to the end.
to be continued....
Now what shall I write to uplift our spirits? It is 5 am in the morning and Adi, by Norhayati Ibrahim the author's advise, asked me to write during these wee hours. Ok, we will try writing sleepy. Hope it works.
Let's find a happy memory. We can use it during these times. As Micheal Jackson's song goes...."though you don't need me now.....I will stay in your heart...and when dreams fall apart.....you remember...one day in your life...." A happy memory is our happy tonic for today. Now....(searching, searching).
Girls, remember our umrah? Come to think of it, nothing can top that. This is Mekah we are talking about. I sold my little house in Kota Bahru after we moved back here from there. With the 45k,after paying all my loans and debts which was mounting, I decided to give little ladies 4k each as a very belated present for all thier good grades in school, eventhough 2 had already finished school. I thought along the lines of savings for further studies or to by a laptop. Coincidently, my brother just came back from umrah with his children and the little ladies too, wanted to go to Mekah with their 4k present. Coincidently Mama Robiyah, was offered a ticket by some generous person. And coincidently too, her son-in-law works in a famous travel agent for umrah. It was meant to be.
So off we went, totally leaving ourselves in the hands of Allah to be the guest of Allah. I did not worry at all for I have total faith in our HOST.
During our short kursus umrah, we were told our mutawif would be a special young man with many abilities and very popular. To the extend of being offered marriage by a few women that came under his charge.
As we landed in Jeddah, we waited to be collected and I was looking out for this umrah hero of ours. Then comes a smallish young Indonesian man, less than 5 feet tall, ushering us into the bus. Very deftly he handled our group and we find ourselves on the stoney and sandy way to Madinah Al Munawwarah.
Its only when he starts talking (and later on, singing) that I could see why he is extraordinary. This guy is loaded with charisma but the special kind, the kind that comes from the AlQuran which is very hard to find. If I had been beautiful and young, and have the guts, maybe I too would offer him my hand. We were captivated to the end.
to be continued....
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Little Ladies Part 6
The family is going through a difficult time as I pen down these words. Something came up and Alhamdulillah and InsyaAllah, I hope the little ladies and the old lady will come together and see this through. Lahaulawala Kuwataillabillah. Allah giveth, Allah taketh. And our deepest trust in Him for a hikmah with all that is happening.
To keep our spirits up, I will write the quirky things about the little ladies.
When the girls were young and I go to my second job at night as a clinic nurse, when I come home, I will find Hajar sleeping with a broom by her side and Aishah with a penyapu lidi which indicated they must have had a fight when I was at work.
Once, when I came back from work, Mimi would not drink her milk that her sister made for her. Then I found out 8 years old Hajar put salt instead of suger in her milk.
Aishah first admirer in primary school was a deaf boy whom we call Abang Uk Uk because that is how his tones sounded. Whenever he sees Aishah he will carve a love sign in the air to her. We still tease her with Abang Uk Uk today.
I asked Hajar to buy some rambutans when she was young and told her, tawar sikit, ja.(harga) Then she goes to the seller and said, "nak rambutan yang tawar". hehehe
When Mimi was in primary school, before going to school would be a session of barganing. How much money to bring . When I gave her 1rm, she asked for 2rm. then I gave her 1.50rm, she bargained for 1.70rm. I could see she learnt the value of money early. (material girl?)
Hajar loved nasik lemak even when she was a toddler, sweating and flustering in the hotness of the sambal, but still keeps on eating until the last morsel. She cannot live without nasik lemak.
When Aishah was nearly 2 years and could talk, she likes to answer in opposite meaning. For instance, when someone ask her, "sedap tak?" to what she is eating. She will say "tak" when actully she likes. She changes all her 'yes' to 'nos' and her 'nos' to 'yes'. (ish ish ish)
When Mimi was young she calls 'banana split' as 'banana sleep'.
One day, when I came back from my clinic work, the girls slept like a log and would not open the door. I had to climb up to my balcony from the neighbours balcony into the house with my neighbour's husband pushing up my bottom to reach the railings. Omg.
I got a valentine day card from the girls' headmaster in one of their schools. So sweet. He wrote this on the pink card, 'To my iron lady'. hehehe. Thank you En. forgot his name.
The girls had their own ghost called Hantu Kiki. (to them it goes kikikikikikikiki in the dark) They would frighten each other saying hantu kiki is wherever the other is going. They would really be scared to go anywhere further than where I am sitting.
So girls, I cannot stop things from happening, but I can teach you to cope with the pain. Dulu kini dan selamanya, love you with all my heart.
To keep our spirits up, I will write the quirky things about the little ladies.
When the girls were young and I go to my second job at night as a clinic nurse, when I come home, I will find Hajar sleeping with a broom by her side and Aishah with a penyapu lidi which indicated they must have had a fight when I was at work.
Once, when I came back from work, Mimi would not drink her milk that her sister made for her. Then I found out 8 years old Hajar put salt instead of suger in her milk.
Aishah first admirer in primary school was a deaf boy whom we call Abang Uk Uk because that is how his tones sounded. Whenever he sees Aishah he will carve a love sign in the air to her. We still tease her with Abang Uk Uk today.
I asked Hajar to buy some rambutans when she was young and told her, tawar sikit, ja.(harga) Then she goes to the seller and said, "nak rambutan yang tawar". hehehe
When Mimi was in primary school, before going to school would be a session of barganing. How much money to bring . When I gave her 1rm, she asked for 2rm. then I gave her 1.50rm, she bargained for 1.70rm. I could see she learnt the value of money early. (material girl?)
Hajar loved nasik lemak even when she was a toddler, sweating and flustering in the hotness of the sambal, but still keeps on eating until the last morsel. She cannot live without nasik lemak.
When Aishah was nearly 2 years and could talk, she likes to answer in opposite meaning. For instance, when someone ask her, "sedap tak?" to what she is eating. She will say "tak" when actully she likes. She changes all her 'yes' to 'nos' and her 'nos' to 'yes'. (ish ish ish)
When Mimi was young she calls 'banana split' as 'banana sleep'.
One day, when I came back from my clinic work, the girls slept like a log and would not open the door. I had to climb up to my balcony from the neighbours balcony into the house with my neighbour's husband pushing up my bottom to reach the railings. Omg.
I got a valentine day card from the girls' headmaster in one of their schools. So sweet. He wrote this on the pink card, 'To my iron lady'. hehehe. Thank you En. forgot his name.
The girls had their own ghost called Hantu Kiki. (to them it goes kikikikikikikiki in the dark) They would frighten each other saying hantu kiki is wherever the other is going. They would really be scared to go anywhere further than where I am sitting.
So girls, I cannot stop things from happening, but I can teach you to cope with the pain. Dulu kini dan selamanya, love you with all my heart.
Little ladies Part 5
Having a thing for doctors, they come to my mind in this picture. Bespectacled, stetoscope around the neck, hands in the white coat pocket, striding confidently into the ward, exuding quiet strength, (due to all the studying , studying needs quiet so they become quiet too) equipped with medical know-hows shown in their brilliant eyes no matter how small their eyes and a little smile on the lips, looking knowingly at us ordinary, no knowledge whatsoever folks. If not for these white coat wearers who could study like hell, we would be lost to our illnesses.
The progression from the lab coat to the white coat is a sign someone has, with much endurance and discipline, made it to the end. Alhamdulillah we have a white coat at home. Aishah has got to the finishing line of her medical degree. The thick books that consist of tongue twisting names of countless diseases, unseen viruses and bacterias, of body parts, big to microscopic size, of equally complicated names of medical drugs, of cures and treatment had been read and covered. Believe me, because the few times I read out loud to the girls for their exams and by the time I finish one page, I need water. The names are indeed a challange to your tongue and memory. Try get a medical book and see. Someone amongst us has been able to conquer it all and has the white coat, which I treat with upmost pride and stand second to the telekong.
Being a medical student and houseman is no small feat. It is a position that requires a person's inner and outer strength and endurance. The long hours, the thinking,(fast thinking) the treating, the running around, the charging can stretch one to limits. Limits way beyond other careers. Imagine working oncall 36 hours, sometimes sleeping only 2 or 3 hours, not even having enough time to eat. Underneath the white coat and the description in the first paragraph, they are overworked and exhausted.
All this has given invaluable lessons to Aishah. For that I thank Allah, for the medical training and His training, for as we plan and plot out our lives, Allah has His own plans for us.
The progression from the lab coat to the white coat is a sign someone has, with much endurance and discipline, made it to the end. Alhamdulillah we have a white coat at home. Aishah has got to the finishing line of her medical degree. The thick books that consist of tongue twisting names of countless diseases, unseen viruses and bacterias, of body parts, big to microscopic size, of equally complicated names of medical drugs, of cures and treatment had been read and covered. Believe me, because the few times I read out loud to the girls for their exams and by the time I finish one page, I need water. The names are indeed a challange to your tongue and memory. Try get a medical book and see. Someone amongst us has been able to conquer it all and has the white coat, which I treat with upmost pride and stand second to the telekong.
Being a medical student and houseman is no small feat. It is a position that requires a person's inner and outer strength and endurance. The long hours, the thinking,(fast thinking) the treating, the running around, the charging can stretch one to limits. Limits way beyond other careers. Imagine working oncall 36 hours, sometimes sleeping only 2 or 3 hours, not even having enough time to eat. Underneath the white coat and the description in the first paragraph, they are overworked and exhausted.
All this has given invaluable lessons to Aishah. For that I thank Allah, for the medical training and His training, for as we plan and plot out our lives, Allah has His own plans for us.
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