Being Hostess

It is approaching to the last couple of days of the 2017 end of year school holidays. I had a very tiring but fulfilling time playing hostess to the guests who came to stay for the early two weeks of December. My partner's siblings and mother came one after the other and stayed with us. My task was to make sure they were comfortable and well-fed. It was cooking for the two weeks for about twenty people for any each session. Nobody wanted to eat out and with so many kids - ranging from eight months to thirteen years old - it was more conducive eating in. Alhamdulillah the house was large enough to accommodate all of them who came for breakfast and dinner. Lunch and tea was not provided as it was time they went out while I prepared the next meal with Syafiq's help. I was so grateful for his help and assistance. I only had a day to change the bedsheets and towels and cleaned the rooms before the next sibling turned up. I was just glad that my partner was very happy and satisfied with the hospitality rendered. My days would start after dawn prayers and ended up usually after midnight when the siblings nearby finally went home.

Thus, when the last sibling finally went off after a three days stay, I thought I would have my usual routine again. Allah had other plans for us. My sister in-law (SIL) from Kangar told us that her father in-law (FIL) had been transferred to the hospital in Alor Setar to have his biopsy on his kidney cancer. Initial findings confirmed a stage four kidney cancer. Since Kangar hospital did not have the facilities, he was transferred here. We offered our house as a transit house for her family of three teenagers (aged 10 to 14 years old) and her mother in-law (MIL). Her husband stayed at the hospital to care for his father at night. Syafiq and I became the baby-sitter for them. When she had to go back to Kangar to check upon her business, we took care of her MIL by sending her to the hospital after breakfast and picking her up at night to rest and sleep. The kids, surprisingly, got along fine with me so much so that they opted to stay home with me when SIL went to the hospital. I was not "aunty material" to my partner's nephews and nieces being serious most of the times. Syafiq and I took them to watch "Star Wars - The Last Jedi" as they were Star Wars fans. We took them jogging at the park with us and also to the book fair.

FIL had a heart attack when he was in the hospital here and he was sent to CCU for  three days to stabilise his condition. After that he was sent to CRW (Cardiac Recovery Ward) for a couple of days. Once he was stabilised, SIL's hubby asked to be transferred again to Kangar as nothing was being done for FIL's cancer. It was already ten days. Besides, it was easier if they were in Kangar and the kids started school next week. He had to go back to work too. Syafiq and I sent MIL and SIL's hubby to Kangar as FIL was accompanied by a doctor and two nurses for the transfer in the ambulance.

I had just cleaned up the house again and sent the linens and comforters for laundry. I had not done my morning walk or writings or readings. At the same time, I was also caught up with the Back to School program by Gooddeeds. Anyway, it only involved the few students that we had a personal interest in so it did not take up much of my time.

I was very grateful and pleased that the main intention when we built this house was realised i.e. being a transit house. Besides that, I was also able to help out although I wished I could have done more. FIL was still in delirium most times - maybe due to the pain - but I think he is much more happier being on home ground. I kept FIL and family in my prayers every day and although I suspected FIL would never get well as before - he also had diabetes, high cholesterol and hypertension - I hoped Allah gave him strength and patience to face his pain. And to MIL, SIL and her husband's family too. Do say a prayer for all of them in facing these trying times ... Aamiin.

For Suri, Azizi and Makcik ...

Roses In Memory ...

Mak loved roses. She had a few bushes of pink coloured roses which were always blooming with flowers. She used organic fertilizer - water saved from cleaning fish), soil taken from burnt rubbish and fertilizer which was water saved from washing rice. I was the caretaker and gardener of her rose bushes. When I went off to college and Bapak passed away soon after, we had to relocate. She never grew any more roses after that. She never explained why. Yet, her talcum powder, her EDT or anything always had rose fragrance that we always associated the smell of roses with her. Thus, when she passed away, I refused to have anything that smelled of roses. It reminded me so much of her. Even though I love roses especially when we went to Cameron Highlands ... just to see and touch the flowers were enough to overcome the longing for Mak's memory.

When I got married and had children, I had no time for gardening. I had to juggle so many tasks at a time - mother, wife, cook, maid, driver, teacher, examiner, counsellor and other tasks that just left me no time for any other leisurely pursuits like gardening. Nevertheless, there was always time for a book .... hmmm ....

Hence, when we moved into this new abode with some space for a garden, I started imagining having the roses again. Thus, when my very few close friends decided to come over for housewarming, they had the decency to ask me what I wanted as a gift. I asked for a potted pink rose plant. This was what I received. It was beautiful that I could just looked at it and enjoyed its beauty ... This was back in October.

So, I decided to buy more rose plants as company to my pink one. One marketing day a month ago, I bought two more pots. That was in November. One whitish yellow and one in red.

The roses were very particular and sensitive to direct sunlight. The buds would wilt and bend forlornly. I was so unhappy and put them at the corner where they would not come into contact with direct sunlight. I talked to them and when we went off to KK, I made sure Zura, whom we entrusted the house keys to, to make sure to water them only once a day. They bloomed beautifully. Roses or any flowers for that matter, make you smile and feel good with yourself. Well, for me anyway.

Now I am ready to embrace the roses back into my life. I started buying rose fragrant talcum powder and EDT. It makes me feel Mak is around to guide me with the gardening. She had never left me anyway. Anything good I do in this world is always for her and Bapak.

What has happened to the pink roses? It has now started to grow new shoots ...

Now I have added the kekwa flower, jasmine, Japanese roses and the kesidang plant. It takes time for them to grow ... but soon enough, I will have a garden of flowers just as I used to have at my old house in Peringgit where I grew up. Hmmm ... maybe I should get another pot or two more ... ;-)
"Roses speak a language of love that only the heart understands".

Kiulu Whitewater Rafting, Sabah

This time around, I planned an outdoor type holiday. The trip to Kudat to see the tip of Borneo was cancelled as it did not fit in with our itinerary when we discussed it with Akmal, who acted as our tourist guide. Besides, we did not have the luxury of time. Four days and three nights could not fit in everything. So was the planned excursion on the North Borneo Railway - a nostalgic travelling by steam engine from KK to Papar was scrapped off too due to time constraint.

We went to visit Borneo Cultural Village which was smaller than Sarawak Cultural Village. We checked out each houses of the ethnic people of Sabah. We took lots of photographs, interviewed the staff there and tasted some of the food offered. We also proceeded to Lok Kawi Wildlife Park. I loved this park. One of the keepers stressed the word park as it was a different concept from a zoo. The wild animals were well taken care of, enclosures which were almost similar to their habitat and breeding was also successful as we were informed by the informative keeper. They had third generation tigers, baby porcupines, deers, proboscis monkeys and seladangs. Beautiful creatures. We also made it to the Sabah Museum and wondered around reading about its history not only on local culture but also of wild animals. I have always enjoyed museums, zoos or parks and galleries.

For making it a November to remember, Akmal and I planned a whitewater rafting activity. Kiulu river was about an hour's journey from KK. I was afraid of the river as it brought back memories of almost being drowned while river trekking at Peretak, Kuala Kubu Bahru in Selangor. This time I was determined to go through it. Since we had not done it before except for Akmal, it was much looked forward too. Being novices, Akmal booked Level One activity. Being in the water means no camera. Even though my partner had his GoPro, he had no time to sort out the photos and videos taken. Thus, this is what we had before we started the activity. This was taken around the centre.

The guide had to carry the raft onto his back to return it to its storage area

One of the views from the centre

Flying fox was also offered

Evidence that I did it!!! ... ;-p))

I did not expect myself to go through it being afraid of water and did not know how to swim. The guys were quite sceptical but encouraged me and gave their wholehearted support. Halfway through the river, where the water was shallow and calm, the guide told us to jump into the river, lie back and float with the tide until a certain point where they climbed up back into the raft. Me? I sat with the guide in the raft. I did not think I was ready to put myself into the water .... ;-0)) 

It rained heavily before we started the activity, drizzled and stopped during the whitewater rafting and rained cats and dogs when we finally reached our destination. It was a fun activity as a family. After cleaning up ourselves and changed into dry clothes, we were given lunch (inclusive in the package) which we ate ravenously as the activity had made us hungry. It was delicious - a simple lunch of fried chicken, black pepper lamb, vegetable and fruit. Would I go for another trip of whitewater rafting? A definite yes ... next time around - second level of course. Provided I still remain in the raft .... ;-0))

This is one of the rapids that we went through - photo taken from Kiulu whitewater website

Our trip was organised by Riverbug. The place was clean and our needs were taken cared of. The guide was friendly and answered all our queries. Safety was of high regard and it was team work to make sure we all paddled our oars ....

Seafood Galore in KK

KK is very well-known for its seafood and the reasonable price. They are fresh and a wide range of choices. We ate seafood every night we were there. The roasted honey chicken wings were a must have every night. Plus the fried bananas with cheese. We even had that for breakfast !!!! I felt that with four guys ... I also followed suit their eating habits which was eat, eat and eat ....  Enjoy the photos and if one day, you reviewers ever reach KK, go to the Todak waterfront or Todak roundabout for your seafood galore. Or one could go to Anjung Senja. Prices would be almost the same.

The kerapu or grouper comes in various species and colours 

Lobsters,Oysters and a kind of shell - very large 

This is one huge lobster

Mussels, Scallops, Cockerels and other types of molluscs

Lobsters, tiger prawns (my favourite), soft shell crabs, other types and sizes of prawns

I enjoyed taking the photos besides asking them questions on the origin of the sea food. The names of types of fishes that we did not have it here in the peninsular. What types of dishes was recommended for each of the seafood chosen. The vendors were very friendly and gave suggestions on what could be cooked with whatever you had chosen. Thus, we went along with their suggestion.

the must have honey chicken wings - sold all over the place

We all loved the fried bananas with cheese - yummy!!!

Sabah vege fried with garlic - nice. We also had sayur manis (another local vegetable) and also seaweed

Squid cooked in salted egg - not bad

from top - soft shell crab in salted egg, lobster with butter sauce, grilled local fish, fried squid, dry butter prawns and kerapu steam nyonya - this was the birthday dinner  :-p))

Grilled kerapu with sambal

I would not mind going to KK if just for the seafood .... and I finally got the lobster .... :-p))

A November To Remember ... 12/11/2017

My profile picyure for this month - Make it a November to remember. Thus, I suggested that we all went to KK to celebrate my birthday during that weekend. Since Akmal could not be with us, we would go to him. It was a birthday to remember. My boys gave me the most beautiful and treasured present ever and the most meaningful and touching birthday card - the old school way. Not digital or via social media. What did I receive?

A boxful of roses - red to signify love - on a bed of white chrysanthemums ...

 Who would have thought the young men would have thought of a simple gift but so treasured by me? My favourite flowers. When I asked them if they knew why I loved roses, they answered in the negative. So, I happily enlightened them - Roses speak the language of love that only the heart understands ... thus be careful that they give roses only to whom they are seriously interested in. :-)) 

The beautiful wordings ... I was so touched and honoured that all these years, I was not only a mother but also a friend. Alhamdulillah for this relationship and bonding with my young men. I could not have asked for a better present than this. Thank you Allah. May Allah bless us with His grace and love upon our small family. Aamiin.

November 2017

My birth month. It always brings a nostalgic and melancholic kind of feeling. Another year older. Life is getting shorter and one feels that time is not enough in a day to do all the things that one wants to do. Health is an issue. Every day I can be just be thankful that I am given a new day. At times the body just refused to get into action whereas the mind is three steps ahead. There are times when I just have to push myself out of bed. I do not seem to be getting any better after the bout of flu. I am still feeling lethargic and just so slow in everything. My mind is telling me to do so many things but the body refuse to function likewise.

A September to remember. Ikram started his training stint with Sime Darby. I went for a solo trip to Muar. Syafiq completed his three and a half years of engineering course. Meeting up with some friends and realising that some things have to change. It is time to let go. Welcoming Mak's third great grandchild. Adik's grandson. Baby Yusof. It always gives you a protective, full of love and hope when you hold a new born baby in your arms. A gush of mix feelings when I recalled the moment when I held my three boys when they were born. I only wanted the best for them. Now I prayed for the best for baby Yusof in this life and after.

October. I would not say full of splendour. Full of challenges. Integrity. Trust. Sincerity. Principle. Firstly, the splendour would be Ikram's convocation. I had always enjoyed convocation. The attractive robes. The happy, excited and relieved faces. The gathering of coursemates and friends. The splendour of the hall. The magnificence of the function. The regality of the lecturers and Vice Chancellor when he conferred the degrees. The roll call of honours. The excited and proud faces of the parents from all walks of life, far and near. The "Pesta Convo" with a carnival like air. The various and many types of flowers and teddy bears for the graduates. The end of one phase of life and the beginning of another.

October. It was a fortnight of making quick decisions. Being a moderator and counselor. Being a friend. Learning the true sides of trusted acquaintance. Blessed in the magic of Allah. Humbled by Allah's grace and blessings. That by the first of November ... everything was eased and peaceful.

November to treasure. I hope and I pray. A new venture. A mutual interest partnership. A financial investment where the profit is minimal but the afterlife rewards are great. Hoping to make it work. In sya Allah - if Allah wills it. A sleeping partner but directly involved as I had personal investment and interest in it. If Gooddeeds is my involvement in charity work, thus Gdees is the channel to generate some income to sustain Gooddeeds activities besides donation from well wishers. November - the beginning of Gdees Education Centre (GDEC). Wish us luck reviewers. We do not expect much profit but enough to service the loan and utilities of our new operating premises. Gooddeeds is now standing on its own at its own premises.

So, in sya Allah, November 2017 will be a November to remember. I wish myself a very Happy Birthday as it is my month. May I always be in the grace and blessings of Allah. Aamiin.

Finally ... A Graduate

Five years of boarding school. Three semesters of Matriculation College. Three years of universtity. Almost ten years of studying ... finally, at Dewan Agong Tuanku Chancelor, Uitm Shah Alam, he was conferred his first class honours degree in Multimedia and Computing. Alhamdulillah ... one son graduated. Next year will be Syafiq's for his degree and Akmal's for his Masters. In sya Allah.

I guess that summed up what he felt. While trying out his robe, which I thought was the nicest among the other universities I had been to, he just playfully raised up his arms as if saying "I believe I can fly ..."  :-))

From Syafiq ... a bouquet of flowers and a teddy bear  ;-0))

Now the journey for the second phase of life ... reality and life ... may his life is eased and blessed with Allah's grace upon him. My love, thoughts and prayers go with him wherever he is destined to be after this. Amiin.

Being Sick ...

Alhamdulillah. I have been afflicted with aches and pain. I have been having health issues since I hit fifty. It is an age to remind us that our bodies, if not taken care of ... or whether we do take care of them ..., have started to show us their tear and wear. How much we abused them in our younger days. How we also take for granted that in the pursuit of career, family and self-interest, we never think twice how much the poor bodies can take.

I am sick. In a sense, it started with flu and fever. It had been such a long time since I had flu. I always took it as a sign that my body wanted to shut down and recuperate. It was time that Allah gave to slow down and rest. Time out for the body to replenish, renew and reenergize itself.  I must had contracted it from my partner who had the cough and sniffles. When after three days of paracetamol did not do its magic and difficulty in breathing caused many sleepless nights and days, I took myself to the doctor. I guessed I was so used to take care of myself. The doctor said my lungs had been infected by the phlegm due to the coughing and if left on its own, it might develop into bronchitis. So, she suggested nebulizer to loosen the phlegm and four types of medicine. I really tried to avoid medicines if I could. Yet in this case, I took her advice.

I found it so comical that I had to undergo nebulizing because usually I only saw children who went through this. Ikram had to undergo this frequently when he was a a toddler due to his coughing. Anyway, I thought after this I would be able to sleep but I had to suffer another four days of difficulty breathing, coughing with phlegm and sleeplessness. I was so exhausted due to the coughing as it pulled at my lower ribs and back. It hurt and I could only cry to Allah.

Nevertheless, I did not let my health stopped me from doing my charity work. We had a call for one of the Gooddeeds students whose house was badly burnt in a fire due to short-circuit. They needed clothes and school uniforms. Alhamdulillah there was no casualty. At this moment, they were given a temporary transit house by the Welfare Department until they could get another place to stay. Fariza and I went to collect the clothes that friends had pledged to give and sent them to the transit house. After that, we went to visit the standard two student at her school and gave the cash donation to her teacher to be passed on to her mother later. By the time I reached home, I was exhausted.

Two days ago, we went to visit Gooddeeds "adopted" family with ten children. We started our pilot project of "empowering them with education" so they could break the poverty cycle. They were victims of the recent floods twice. Their water supply was cut off as they could not pay the bill. The husband did not get much work offers due to the rain. He was a grass cutter. To top it off, one of their twins, four years old, was warded due to lung infection. How could I complain of a little cough and lung infection? I was truly humbled. Although I was seriously not well, I still did my driver duty for Fariza and got a food box for the family. The good news was the three older kids whom we sent for tuition, showed a marked improvement in their studies and in their self-esteem. Alhamdulillah.

I know it gets worse before it gets better. Everyday it gets better. Syafiq reminded me when I felt like I just could not tolerate it anymore. I needed the reminder and the visits that I went to, made me felt so ungrateful and ashamed of myself. Just a little test and I felt on the losing end. When I could not breathe due to the coughing and phlegm, I tried to understand what my late mother and Hamid felt when they said they could not breathe. How Mak panicked and that made it worse. It hurt and it was frightening but I managed to calm myself to breathe slowly.

Being sick has its own blessings ...

It gets better everyday. In syaAllah. God willing.

The Inter-city Train Ride ...

After the ETS ride, I wanted to try the inter-city train ride. I had taken the inter-city train from Shah Alam to KL Sentral and vice versa. I had tried the old inter-city train from KL Sentral to Seremban when the boys were studying at SDAR. Since the ETS started, KTM had revamped and improvised the inter-city train.

Thus, last week, I took the train to Arau. It cost only Rm3.90 per trip and it took less than thirty minutes. If we had to drive to Arau, it would take us about forty to fifty minutes via Kodiang thus by passing Kangar. Since my partner was busy with his work in Arau, it gave me an excuse for the train ride. It was quite comfortable if it was not during peak hour. Otherwise it would be sardine packed with passengers. The coach was clean and quite comfortable.

It was an open ticket which meant that you had the option to travel at your own time. The train runs in an hourly interval with first train at 6:08am from Alor Setar. Very convenient and hassle free. If one does not need transport in town, then it is very convenient. It was only a fifteen minute walk to the town. You should give it a try ... just buy a ticket and hop on any inter-city train ... just enjoy the view and the countryside. One day, I will try the train from Kota Kinabalu to Papar ... just for the view and experience of travelling the "old school" way.

The stops along the way - Butterworth to Padang Besar

The inter-city train ...

 I remembered taking first train ride back in the eighties. We had completed our three years college studies and going off our separate ways. My room mate and I decided to take the train home even though there was no railway station in Malacca. My room mate was travelling home to Seremban. The guys from college helped us boarded the train. It was a third class ticket thus the rush for seats was chaotic as everybody started to scramble their way into the train. The guys just threw our bags through the windows and others took them for us. They simply pushed us into the train as it stopped only for a few minutes.  We had no seats and sat on the aisle and were such a carefree, happy and a fun ride. When the train stopped at Tampin, which was the nearest stop to Malacca, I disembarked and waved at them until the train was lost in view. I kept in touch with some of them and others were never heard or seen again. Wherever they are now, I pray and wish them well in their lives. I suppose most of them would have retired like I am.

The train ride now and then was a huge contrast and KTM had upgraded the comfort and speed of the train. More people are now using public transport as mode of transport. It is cheaper and faster. Keep up the good work KTM! Go ahead, reviewers ... take a train ride to enjoy the slow phase of life ... a good way to de-stress ... :-))

Salam Maal Hijrah 1439

It is not too late to wish all reviewers a blessed new Hijri year of 1439. May this year be a better year and we become better persons than the previous one. We are all nearing our end ... are we preparing ourselves towards it?