MERRY CHRISTMAS

Come again this time of year, my family and I would like to wish all Christians A Merry Christmas 2009. May the season be jolly and happy!!

Good News, Bad News!

Well I found out that the house that I planned to sell is not for sale. I mean I can't sell it for another 8 years or so even if I wanted to do it now...hmmm. Plan B kick into action...can't sell? Then its for rent! Any takers? Email me...or friends who do have my number, call me. Further details, look up at www.mudah.com.my. Please note, the house is not furnished for rental...

Back To Limbang.

Time flies really really fast especially when you are enjoying yourself. My one week holiday with the family is coming to an end. Tomorrow I will be returning to Limbang taking the 7 am flight from KIA to Miri then to Limbang. Expected to arrive in Limbang at 11 am. Yeah I still have the weekends but all by myself. Plan to do some cleaning (continuing) around the house. Will be back in Kuching (I hope) in October for a meeting which is most probably in the mid-october. Went to a property valuer today...planning to sell off the house since I do not know for how long I will be serving in Limbang. In the beginning thought of renting it out but after considering the pros and cons, decided to let go of the house. Kind of 'sayang' la but rather than returning after all the years only to find a rundown / 'rosak' house and spend more money on refurbishing, I might as well get a new property...but then again...I'd rather purchase a piece of land enough to build my home sweet home especially after my retirement. What do you think? Okay or not?

Pineapple Tarts!

Guess what...it's just a 'spur of a moment' thing later in the afternoon today, I just decided to bake some pineapple tarts. Since there was still some baking supplies, it was sorry to see it go to waste. It was pretty much a simple process. A bit of shifting here, weighing there, rubbing etc...and voila!! I managed to create (I must say) edible pineapple tarts. Not that I've never done it before but this time I just tried a recipe which I looked up through the internet today and gave it a try. The ingredients were simple and precise in measurements of ingredients that I did not have to make any adjustment to the portions. It is delicious (so my daughter said)! Going to bring some back to Limbang. And FYI this is the only cookies homemade this time around...the rest of the cookies..well some were bought, some were gifts. I think I'm more of a cake making person. It is more tedious but I enjoyed seeing the end result (the looks and taste) of the cake (mostly Layer Cakes). I inherited the recipes from my mom and most of the measurements are like a cup of this, a can of that etc...back then measurements are based on the texture of the mixture and so the hand and eyes coordinations are important to determined the right mix. Didn't do any cake making this year or else I would be taking some orders for the festive season. Maybe not this year huh! There is always next year...maybe if I have the time to do so.

Holiday's over!

Wha...t! The holidays almost over! (for some of us) Soon it's back to work guys...but then again there are those whom did not get any leave during the Raya (poor lot). For me, still got the whole week which is like a few more days to go. Have to get back by Friday (since the airfare is cheaper). Then it's bachelor life again for the next couple or so weeks (provided there is a meeting in Kuching in October). Kind of worried of leaving my family to care for themselves for next few months. Helpless? yes..but somebody has got to do the job. Discussed it over with my significant other and we've decided to sell off our house (any takers?) since we don't know how long we will be in Limbang, maybe 1, 2, 3 or more years there. It's hard to get back later if the house had been rented, one would expect to redo the house inside out which in the end will cost a lot and it won't be the same anymore. Maybe in a year or two will begin house hunting again (if condition permits). Working in the civil service, it's hard to stay put at one place for a long time / forever but in the end we will be ending up somewhere. For me, I'll let fate decide. Of course it will be much sweeter to come back to your own home town but anything could happen. My dream would be own a plot of land to build my own home. We'll see, maybe not so soon but at least before I becomes a pensioner.

SELAMAT HARI RAYA AIDILFITRI

From me and my family, we would like to wish all muslim friends Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Maaf Zahir & Batin.

Last Minute Shopping

Had a run around today...pretty tiring. In the morning had to settled my banking needs then for friday prayers with my colleagues from HQ (lama tak jumpa) after that went searching for Kek Lapis at Kampung Boyan. Didn't realised that the Kek Lapis is really selling like a Hot Cake!! Decided to look around near my housing area..found ready made kek lapis (dunno whether it taste nice) and cookies. This year had no time to make some as previous year. Later in the afternoon went to look for new clothings for my children (they deserved it) as a present for fasting for the whole month. But I realised that they are more interested in getting new toys rather than clothes. I think I'll save the toy buyings for Christmas as we always do every year. They, my children, get spoiled by their nenek, aunties and uncles. Pretty much a toned down affair, eid-ul-fitri this year. Hmm...need to get some coconut milk tomorrow for the beef rendang. So friends, do call me before coming on the 1st day of raya....for those who hasn't done any shopping yet...good luck for tomorrow..it'll be a challenge.

Home At Last!

Been waiting for today. Departed from Limbang airport at 10.10 am. Once in Miri at 10.40 am, wandered around since my connecting flight to Kuching was at 2.20 pm. Unfornately the flight was delayed about 15 minutes so reached Kuching at about 3.40 p.m. Was met at the airport by my family and yes the baby too. She grows so fast and it took a while for her to remember me (and it's was only 10 days ago since I left them for Limbang). From the airport went to do some last minute shopping. Not a grand Hari Raya this year....tight on the budget (help!!!). Finally made it home and breaking fast with my family...did I tell you both of my children (aged 6 and 5) has been fasting since day one up till now. Made me proud seeing them achieving the one month of fasting. However, kids will be kids, fasting or not they are as hyperactive as usual. They are usually mellowed after breaking fast, in fact my son is asleep in front of the TV now! The girl, well she's in the kitchen with Ummi, helping out I guess. Well that's it for today...till the next entry...Ciao!

Balik Kampung!!

Hmmm...don't know I should call it balik kampung but I am going back to my roots, my hometown, my place of growing up and most important of all my wife and children. Will take the 10.10 am flight from Limbang then have to wait for the 2pm connecting flight from Miri to Kuching. Expected to arrive at KIA around 3pm. Called my family today and daughter has been counting the days for my return. The funny thing was when I asked her when Babah will be back, she confidently answered Thursday! Then I ask her what day today is. Again she confidently answered Wednesday. Next I asked her what day comes after Wednesday...(my wife told me later, she had to sing the days in a week to get the answer) she reply though not immediately, Thursday. She finally realised that her babah will be back tomorrow. It's different with my son. I guess boys does not publicly show their affections. He acted like nothing happened but I know deep down he misses me too. To those balik kampung, take care and have a safe journey home. Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Maaf Zahir & Batin.

How I am feeling today....

Home Sweet Home.

It's not my own but it'll do for now. Only Allah knows how long I will be here. Yes, I missed my own house, I mean who doesn't especially when it is close to your heart. Getting emo here...heheh...

Yes, I've just checked in my new abode and done some light cleaning...there is a lot to do but I guess it'll do for now. Had my colleagues over to help (they volunteered). Thanks guys. Bought some cleaning utensils and stuff and even bought a couple of pillows. Another colleague offered bedsheet which I planned to bring over my own when I come back from the holidays. At least the place looks comfortable to live in. Very spacious indeed but with minor defects. I like the kitchen area best because it has a storage room with racks for kitchen stuffs and food. Haven't done any cooking yet and planning to get a cooking stove when I come back. That's pretty much what I need for the next 3 months re-living bachelor live. Must do some mopping tomorrow....noticed my sole of my feet dirty walking barefeet in the house. Some thing for my to do list.

Finally!!!

Finally after about a week of living out of the suitcase, I'll finally get a place to call home! I guess working in the civil services has its perks. Nothing grand but comfortable enough to bring up a family. I still remembers the days I stayed in government quarters when my late father was still in service. Fond memories of growing up in government flats in Batu Lintang (so sad to see it has been torn down) and another quarters at 3rd mile penrissen road (also had been torn down to make way to a commercial area). There was always friends to play with, under the quarters, in the bushes nearby and of course catching fries in the nearby drains (back then it was not concrete drains). I wonder whether my children will go through the same thing I did when I was their age. Still remembers my mom use to get furious when me and my brother got home all wet and dirty after the day's adventure scouring the jungle nearby fishing or simply pretending we were soldiers with homemade wooden gun. If not we will be busy flying kites or playing marbles. We did camped underneath the quarters just for the fun of it. Living a carefree life with not a single worry in mind. Wish we could turn back the clock but life goes on.

Wet Monday

Just finished my sahur at 4.40 am. As I was writing this entry, it started to rain...again since last night. I am glad...at least, hopefully the day will not be too humid as it is still fasting month. Yes, I will be in the office but still a nice cool weather will help with the fast. Hopefully by the end of the day, I'll get some good news on my application for an abode. It has been comfortable but having a place to call your own would be much, much better. At least I can start work on it while waiting the arrival of my family whom will be joining me after Christmas! It's like another 2-3 months to go. Hari Raya is just around the corner. Time flies quickly this year and soon it'll be 2010. Once again to all muslim friends, Selamat Hari Raya, Maaf Zahir & Batin. While to the rest (especially you know who you are), I'll be back to Kuching soon and a gathering is set to take place while I'm there.

Something to smile about...

I'm bored!

Nothing much to do today. In fact almost nothing at all. Had a short trip to the border at Temburong but got stuck as we ran out of fuel and the gas station was closed early. Had to wait for rescue supply from Limbang. Kind of funny, because at first didn't want to go but at the last minute had a change of heart and followed. No regrets as it is an experience I can tell people in later days...hehehe...Other than that it's pretty much stayed at the rest house. Yes still waiting for a proper place to call home. Maybe after Hari Raya as I am going back to Kuching next week (Yehah!!). Missed my family so much. Can't wait to get home soon. As you can read, I've been updating my blog more frequently since I've been here just to kill time and to express myself. I guess and still believe that everything happened for a reason.

Limbang by night

Nothing much happening here at night. A change of environment but a good one. Peace and tranquility. Makes me want to know more about this town (though not much to explore out of the ordinary). I guess it'll have to wait after eid-ul-fitri. Then I will venture out to the sub-urban and rural areas to learn more of the people and cultures not forgetting the food too. I asked someone what is the food they called 'nasi katok'. I've seen it, looks like any other ordinary chicken rice but haven't tried it yet to ascertain the speciality. Durians looked like is in season here but was informed that it is still pricey at this time to buy one (they sell by kilos). I still have not a permanent place to call home. So kind of not settling down yet. Still living out of the suitcase. Other than that, it has been one busy week with function after function. Still trying to get use to being in this position. Pray and wish me luck.

Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Maaf Zahir & Batin

Sempena ketibaan bulan Syawal tidak lama lagi, saya ingin mengambil kesempatan ini untuk mengucapkan SELAMAT HARI RAYA AIDILFITRI & MAAF ZAHIR DAN BATIN kepada semua muslimin dan muslimat.

Welcome To Limbang!

Finally I am here! Don't really know what to say. Happy? Sad? Lonely? Betrayed? Sick? Excited? or it doesn't matter? I am here to serve the people not on holiday in case some of you are wondering. Yes, I have been transferred to a new office Limbang. I have not settled down yet....still waiting for a place to call home (macam la tak ada rumah). I have not been driving for a week now (rindu kereta proton saga 1997 aku). Anyhow, I found town of Limbang is actually an interesting place to be. The language is different from that of Kuchingites and so is the food here. I think it is the durian season here, but the price is steep. Maklumlah, jiran kita ke mari untuk bershopping jadi harganya naik semua ba...(ada bunyi cakap orang Limbang enda??). Excuse the mistake la...I think I will be happy here as soon as I get my family over (sigh!). It has been a lonely fasting week this week without my family but I'll survive.

Especially for friends...

To My Friends Who Are...MARRIED

Love is not about "it's your fault", but "I'm sorry", not "where are you' but "I'm right here", not "how could you" but "I understand", not "I wish you were", but "I'm thankful you are."


To My Friends Who Are...ENGAGED

The true measure of compatibility is not the years spent together but how good you are for each other.


To My Friends Who Are...NOT SO SINGLE

Love isn't about becoming somebody else's "perfect person." It's about finding someone who helps you become the best person you can be.


To My Friends Who Are...HEARTBROKEN

Heartbreaks last as long as you want and cut deep as you allow them to go. The challenge is not how to survive heartbreaks but to learn from them.


To My Friends Who Are...NAIVE

How to be in love: Fall but don't stumble, be consistent but not too persistent, share and never be unfair, understand and try not to demand, and get hurt but never keep the pain.


To My Friends Who Are...SEARCHING

True love cannot be found where it does not truly exist, nor can it be hidden where it truly does. Love is magic. The more we hide it, the more it shows; the more you suppress it, the more it grows.


To My Friends Who Are...PLAYBOY/GIRL TYPE

Never say I love if you don't care. Never talk about feelings if they aren't there. Never touch a life if you mean to break a heart. Never look in the eye when what you do is lie. The cruelest thing a guy can do to a girl is to let her fall in love when he doesn't intend to catch her fall.


To My Friends Who Are...POSSESSIVE

It breaks your heart to see the one you love happy with someone else but it's more painful to know that the one you love is unhappy with you.


To My Friends Who Are...AFRAID TO CONFESS

Love hurts when you break up with someone. It hurts even more when someone breaks up with you. But love hurts the most when the person you love has no idea how you feel.


To My Friends Who Are...STILL HOLDING ON

A sad thing about life is that when you meet someone who means a lot to you, only to find out in the end that it was never bound to be and we just have to let go.


To My Friends Who Are...SINGLE

Love is like a butterfly. The more you chase it, the more it eludes you. But if you just let it fly, it would come to you when you least expect it. Love can make you happy but often times it hurts, but love's only special when you give it to someone who is worth it. So take your time and choose the best!

ALWAYS MAGICAL

24th April 2009,3.6 kg bouncing baby girl through C-section at 7.38 pm (during the thunderstorm)a new addition to my family. Though it has been 5 years since my 2nd child was born but it is still magical everytime a baby is born. Be it normal or Cesarean, the feeling of hearing the first cry is always magical. There I was with my wife in the OT, I couldn't stop smiling seeing my newly born daughter and it is an indescribable feeling of wonders, happiness, proud and might I add, I was overwhelmed eventhough it is not the first time. I know there'll be sleepless nights ahead but looking at my baby girl, hey I don't mind. Anyway it isn't the first time I'm doing it and I do treasure the time I spend with my children (though there are the headaches). I believe children are our greatest treasure in heaven and on earth. (Disclaimer : the baby picture is not my baby...hehehe)

LIFE TOGETHER

It has been a long while, but here's something to share of things we take for granted, forget & ignored.

One fine day, an old couple around the age of 70, walks into a lawyer's office. Apparently, they are there to file a divorce.

Lawyer was very puzzled, after having a chat with them, he got their story....This couple had been quarreling all their 40 over yrs of marriage nothing ever seems to go right.

They hang on because of their children, afraid that it might affect their up-bringing. Now, all their children have already grown up, have their own family, there's nothing else the old couple have to worry about, all they wanted is to lead their own life free from all these years of unhappiness from their marriage, so both agree on a divorce....

Lawyer was having a hard time trying to get the papers done, because he felt that after 40 yrs of marriage at the age of 70, he couldn't understand why the old couple would still want a divorce..

While they were signing the papers, the wife told the husband..
"I really love u, but i really cant carry on anymore, I'm sorry.."
"Its o.k, i understand.. " said the husband. Looking at this, the lawyer suggested a dinner together, just 3 of them,wife thought, why not, since they are still gonna be friends..

At the dining table, there was a silence of awkwardness.
The first dish was roasted chicken, immediately, the old man took the drumstick for the old lady.."take this, its your favorite.."

Looking at this, the lawyer thought maybe there is still a chance, but the wife was frowning when she answer.."
This is always the problem, you always think so highly of yourself, never thought about how I feel, don't you know that i hate drumsticks?"

Little did she know that, over the years, the husband have been trying all ways to please her, little did she know that drumsticks was the husband's favorite. Little did he know that she never thought he understand her at all, little did he know that she hates drumsticks even though all he wants is the best for her.

That night, both of them couldn't sleep, toss and turn, toss and turn...after hours, the old man couldn't take it anymore, he knows that he still loves her, and he cant carry on life without her, he wants her back, he wants to tell her, he is sorry, he wanted to tell her "i love you"...

He picks up the phone, starting dialing her number....ringing never stops..he never stop dialing....

On the other side, she was sad, she couldn't understand how come after all these years, he still doesn't understand her at all, she loves him a lot, but she just cant take it anymore....phone' s ringing, she refuses to answer knowing that its him..."whats the point of talking now that its over...i have ask for it and now i wanna keep it this way, if not i will lose face.."she thought...still ringing...she have decided to pull out the cord...

Little did she remember, he have heart problems...

The next day, she received news that he had passed away...she rushed down to his apartment, saw his body, lying on the couch still holding on to the phone...he had a heart attack when he was still trying to get through her phone line....

As sad as she could be...she will have to clear his belongings.. .when she was looking thru the drawers, she saw this insurance policy, dated from the day they got married, with the beneficiary being her... And together in those file, there was this note...

"To my dearest wife, by the time you're reading this, I'm sure I'm no longer around, I bought this policy for you, though the amount is only $100k, I hope it will be able to help me continue my promise that i have made when we got married, I might not be around anymore, I want this amount of money to continue taking care of you, just like the way I will if I could have live longer. I want you to know I will always be around, by your side... " I LOVE YOU SWEET HEART"


Tears flowed like river......

"When you love someone, let them know... You never know what will happen the next minute.... Learn to build a life together.. Learn to love each other. For who they are.. not what they are..."