APAI KENYALANG

GONG XI FA CAI!!!

2012-01-22T11:25:00.003+08:00

The image above says it all. To all chinese friends in Malaysia and around the world, this is for all of you celebrating the festivity this year. All the best for the new year!

SELAMAT HARI RAYA AIDILFITRI

2011-08-28T04:42:00.002+08:00

To all muslims out there, here's wishing you Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Maaf Zahir & Batin.

BALIK KAMPUNG!!!

2011-08-27T14:22:00.003+08:00

It's that time of year again...balik kampung season. Come to think of it, balik kampung is one of the major events in Malaysia everytime there's a festivities. Anyway, to all friends wherever you may be, especially to those balik kampung, have a safe trip home. To those taking the opportunity to go on a trip during the hols...take care too. My family will depart on the 28th, from Limbang by land to Miri, then taking an airplane to KLIA. Should arrived by 11pm. Hopefully still have time to do last minute shopping in Klang.

Return to Limbang

2011-08-08T07:23:00.006+08:00

Come this September, it'll be 2 years that I've served in Limbang. A lot of things and informations I've not mastered. Slowly but surely, I am getting there. 'Stumbling' on this documentary about Limbang (specifically during the rebellion) had increased my knowledge of Limbang. Just thought of sharing and learning more of this Northern-most division of Sarawak.

HaPpY 9Th AnNiVeRsArY DeArEsT!

2011-08-03T15:02:00.002+08:00

Yup, today is my 9th wedding anniversary. How time flies especially when you're with someone so special and close to your heart.

Tahun ni, sambut anniversary dalam bulan puasa. Dari semalam dah plan nak buat bodoh je...mesti wife ingat kite lupe kan kan kan...today ada la nak celebrate sikit sikit..nak lebih lebih pun bulan puasa. Tambah lak ngan anak-anak yang comel-comel belaka (nakal ya rabbi...but sweet), dia orang yang over celebrate karang...yang pasti Kek mesti ade. Lepas tu kena la cari bunga segar...entah ade entah tidak ke Limbang ni. Apa-apa pun kad tunggu nak print je (buat sendiri lagi best + jimat belanja). Bukan kedekut tapi biarla berpada-pada.

Okayla..have to search for the flowers now. Cheers!!!

TeN pRiNcIpLeS fOr PeAcE oF mInD

2011-08-02T11:17:00.006+08:00

Rajin la pulak update blog hari ni...anyhow, just to share with all you reading this entry...cheerios!!!

1. Do Not Interfere In Others' Business Unless Asked.

Most of us create our own problems by interfering too often in others' affairs. We do so because somehow we have convinced ourselves that our way is the best way, our logic is the perfect logic and those who do not conform to our thinking must be criticized and steered to the right direction, our direction. This thinking denies the existence of individuality and consequently the existence of God. God has created each one of us in a unique way. No two human beings can think or act in exactly the same way. All men or women act the way they do because God within them prompts them that way. Mind your own business and you will keep your peace.

2. Forgive And Forget:

This is the most powerful aid to peace of mind. We often develop ill feelings inside our heart for the person who insults us or harms us. We nurture grievances. This in turn results in loss of sleep, development of stomach ulcers, and high blood pressure. This insult or injury was done once, but nourishing of grievance goes on forever by constantly remembering it. Get over this bad habit. Life is too short to waste in such trifles. Forgive,20 Forget, and march on. Love flourishes in giving and forgiving.

3. Do Not Crave For Recognition:

This world is full of selfish people. They seldom praise anybody without selfish motives. They may praise you today because you are in power, but no sooner than you are powerless, they will forget your achievement and will start finding faults in you. Why do you wish to kill yours lf in striving for their recognition? Their recognition is not worth the aggravation. Do your duties ethically and sincerely.

4. Do Not Be Jealous:

We all have experienced how jealousy can disturb our peace of mind. You know that you work harder than your colleagues in the office, but sometimes they get promotions; you do not. You started a business several years ago, but you are not as successful as your neighbor whose business is only one year old. There are several examples like these in everyday life. Should you be jealous? No. Remember everybody's life is shaped by his/her destiny, which has now become his/her reality. If you are destined to be rich, nothing in the world can stop you. If you are not so destined, no one can help you either. Nothing will be gained by blaming others for your misfortune. Jealousy will not get you anywhere; it will only take away your peace of mind.

5. Change Yourself According To The Environment:

If you try to change the environment single-handedly, the chances are you will fail. Instead, change yourself to suit your environment. As you do this, even the environment, which has been unfriendly to you, will mysteriously change and seem congenial and harmonious.

6. Endure What Cannot Be Cured:

This is the best way to turn a disadvantage into an advantage. Every day we face numerous inconveniences, ailments, irritations, and accidents that are beyond our control... If we cannot control them or change them, we must learn to put up with these things. We must learn to endure them cheerfully. Believe in yourself and you will gain in terms of patience, inner strength and will power.

7. Do Not Bite Off More Than You Can Chew:

This maxim needs to be remembered constantly. We often tend to take more responsibilities than we are capable of carrying out. This is done to satisfy our ego. Know your limitations. . Why take on additional loads that may create more worries? You cannot gain peace of mind by expanding your external activities. Reduce your material engagements and spend time in prayer, introspection and meditation. This will reduce those thoughts in your mind that make you restless. Uncluttered mind will produce greater peace of mind.

8. Meditate Regularly:

Meditation calms the mind and gets rid of disturbing thoughts. This is the highest state of peace of mind. Try and experience it yourself. If you meditate earnestly for half an hour everyday, your mind will tend to become peaceful during the remaining twenty-three and half-hours. Your mind will not be easily disturbed as it was before. You would benefit by gradually increasing the period of daily meditation. You may think that this will interfere with your daily work. On the contrary, this will increase your efficiency and you will be able to produce better results in less time.

9. Never Leave The Mind Vacant:

An empty mind is the devil's workshop. All evil actions start in the vacant mind. Keep your mind occupied in something positive, something worthwhile . Actively follow a hobby. Do something that holds your interest. You must decide what you value more: money or peace of mind. Your hobby, like social work or religious work, may not always earn you more money, but you will have a sense of fulfillment and achievement. Even when you are resting physically, occupy yourself in healthy reading or mental chanting of God's name.

10. Do Not Procrastinate And Never Regret:

Do not waste time in protracted wondering " Should I or shouldn't I?" Days, weeks, months, and years may be wasted in that futile mental debating. You can never plan enough because you can never anticipate all future happenings. Value your time and do the things that need to be done. It does not matter if you fail the first time. You can learn from your mistakes and succeed the next time. Sitting back and worrying will lead to nothing. Learn from your mistakes, but do not brood over the past. DO NOT REGRET. Whatever happened was destined to happen only that way. Why cry over spilt milk?

SeLaMaT mEnYaMbUt RaMaDhAn Al MuBaRaK

2011-08-02T07:36:00.002+08:00

Alhamdulillah masuk hari ke dua puasa tahun ni. Anak-anak pun tahun ni berazam nak puasa penuh cam tahun tahun lepas. Lama sangat dah tak masuk update blog nih, bukan sengaja cuma tak ada kesempatan dan idea untuk dicoretkan. Nak kasi taruk yang biasa biasa, nanti boring lak tapi will try my best. Ramai gak member bloggers dah tak aktif dah cam saya gak. Nampak gaya kena remove dari list la...sorry okay. Tapi kalau aktif balik, jangan malu jangan segan, kasi tau la. Last nite cari member active bloggers, rupa rupanya dah tukar blog. Kena add balik, sorry pasal lama tak update blog.

Kali ni nak cakap pasal puasa la ye since berada dalam bulan Ramadhan yang mulia ni. Petang semalam bila buka posa, tengok muka anak-anak yang puasa sehari suntuk, timbul gak rasa kesian tapi tak boleh la bagi muka, karang sampai besar nanti tak nak puasa. Yang abang nak goreng pisang je (air teh-c-special wajib), kakak lak nak apam balik (ngan teh-c-special gak la, pasal umminya yang buat). Tapi masa keluar beli juadah berbuka tu, dua-duanya tak larat, sampai kakaknya baring je dalam kereta. Abang lak, kejap kejap tanya dah boleh buka ke (kat sini buka puasa 6.40 ptg, so kira awal gak la). Macam macam kerenah kena layan, sabar je la kan. Tak kisah, asalkan mereka berpuasa.

Tiap-tiap kali puasa, saya tak la ada masalah sangat(insyaAllah tak sakit ke ape ke), cuma bab mengantuk ni, tu la dugaan yang paling hebat. Aduhhh, kalau boleh nak bantai tidur je (tapi kurangla pahala, ye tak?). Nasib baik kena kerja, kalau tak memang sah buat taik mata je! Bukan tak cukup tidur, tapi faham-faham le, tak cukup supply tenaga (hehehe). Kalau nak fikirkan, orang rumah lagi penat. Mana nak bangun sebelum subuh nak siapkan sahur, lepas tu nak jaga baby lagi (anak bongsu la ni), nak buat kerja rumah lagi ishhh...tak leh bayangkan kepenatan melanda. Kita ni kerja kat opis okay la jugak. Esok kena buat special untuk orang rumah. Pasal esok genap 9 tahun dah bersama-sama sebagai suami isteri!!! Wah wah, cepat masa berlalu yek! Apa nak bagi kat wife ni?? Any suggestions??

Okay la..cukup setakat ni update kali ni...so to all muslimin & muslimat, Selamat Menjalankan Ibadah Berpuasa!!! Caio!!!

HaPpY nEw YeAr 2011

2010-12-30T21:14:00.003+08:00

It's has been a really, really, really, really, really long time since I last update my blogs. Well it's that time of year again. Questions like what's your new resolution(s)? Hmm...is there always new ones? Maybe then maybe not! Call me a non visionary person or person with no goals in life but mind you, I do! But it doesn't have to be renewed every year like your car insurance etc. Well you decide...should you renew your resolution or continue with the old one. However you want it to be, it's you to decide. There is no right or wrong just be happy with yourself. Enough said. HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011!!!

Ramadhan Al Mubarak

2010-08-14T05:15:00.002+08:00

Assalamualaikum. It really has been a while (cam biasa dengar je statement ni kan?). Been tied up with work plus not in the writing mode. However, here's to all muslimin & muslimah out there for the fasting month of Ramadhan. May Allah bless us all. Selamat Berpuasa!!

jerry kamit - rampa menua

2010-06-01T11:07:00.000+08:00

XPDC LONG NAPIR

2010-05-28T21:15:00.007+08:00

A road less travelled...

Unique House Design surprise at Long Napir (pastor's house)

Breath taking view from the top...

Serene river view...

SELAMAT HARI GAWAI DAYAK 2010

2010-05-27T17:36:00.001+08:00

HERE'S WISHING ALL DAYAKS SELAMAT HARI GAWAI DAYAK 2010. Gayu Guru Gerai Nyamai, Lantang Senang Nguan Menoa!

DiD yOu KnOw?

2010-02-24T10:29:00.004+08:00

Lebihan doktor pelatih di Semenanjung dihantar ke Malaysia Timur

PUTRAJAYA: Kementerian Kesihatan akan mempertimbang menghantar doktor pelatih yang berlebihan di Semenanjung Malaysia ke Malaysia Timur memandangkan kekurangan di sana amat teruk, kata Ketua Pengarah Kesihatan, Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican, hari ini.

“Kami sudah mencadangkan kepada beberapa orang doktor pakar dan pengarah negeri, jika bilangan doktor pelatih memang ramai di sini, kami sedia menghantar mereka ke Sabah dan Sarawak.

“Jika anda ke sana, anda akan mendapat latihan lebih baik dan persekitarannya tentu lebih mencabar. Saya yakin kebanyakan mereka cukup teruja untuk bekerja di Sabah dan Sarawak,” katanya
Beliau menyatakan demikian selepas mengadakan dialog dengan Ketua Perkhidmatan Klinikal, Ketua Jabatan Klinikal dan Doktor-doktor pakar dari pelbagai disiplin di sini.

Menurut satu siaran akhbar, ketika ini terdapat kira-kira 5,000 doktor pelatih ditugaskan di 38 hospital utama, yang dijadikan hospital latihan.

Mereka ditugaskan bergilir-gilir setiap empat bulan dalam enam disiplin utama iaitu perubatan dalaman, pediatrik, pembedahan, obstetrik/ginekologi, ortopedik, dan perubatan kecemasan atau pembiusan. - Bernama

Hmmm....tak tau la pulak ada doktor berlebihan di Semenanjung Malaysia...all this while this 'frog-under-the-coconut-shell' is made to believe that we're short of manpower in this area. Did you know?? Kalau betullah, why only now baru nak consider (tu pun baru nak consider lagi) nak hantar ke Sabah & Sarawak. Ada jugak feedbacks yang saya terbaca di kalangan bloggers yang menyatakan keberatan hati doktor-doktor ini untuk bertugas di Sabah & Sarawak atas alasan (di antaranya) jauh dari famili. Now I would like to ask, what or why did one wants to be a doctor? Secondly, are the patients in the East Malaysia any different ( of course I meant the illnesses etc)? Dah la kekurang AMAT TERUK di Sabah dan Sarawak ni...there shouldn't be any second thoughts / consideration. Rakyat didahulukan...yes doctors are rakyat too but in the medical capacity, they are oblige to. Tu belum masuk bab guru-guru lagi. For those doctors (no offence) but look back at my first question. Please, please enlighten me why did one wants to be a doctor in the first place?

ReFrEsH!!!

2010-02-21T22:27:00.002+08:00

Yup...you're in the right blog IF you are looking for APAI KENYALANG. Thought I refresh the look with new template...should have done it right after the New Year but just couldn't decide on the choice of templates I should go for. Anyhow, here it is, the new Apai Kenyalang!!! Feel free to comment on the new look but do give suggestions as well...Ciao!!!

What Say You?

2010-02-17T14:45:00.004+08:00

MPs and groups counter Aussie protest (Update)
By ZULKIFLI ABDUL RAHMAN and ANDREW SAGAYAM

KUALA LUMPUR: Several groups including 17 Members of Parliament handed over memorandums to the Australian High Commissioner protesting the act of more than 50 Australian MPs who had called for the sodomy case against Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to be dropped.

Other groups who gathered outside the Australian High Commission here on Wednesday included members of the Barisan Nasional Youth wing, Perkasa and the Malaysian Makkal Sakti Party.

Barisan Backbenchers Club deputy chairman Datuk Bung Mokhtar Radin said that the MPs had presented a memorandum to the Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia Penny Williams protesting what it described as the “intervention” by the Australian government into the case.

“We are an independent nation and they have no right to interfere in our judiciary system,” he told reporters outside the Australian High Commission.

He said that the sodomy case against Anwar had not been brought up by the Government but by an individual, Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan, and the Australian government could not instruct any individual to withdraw his or her claims.

Barisan Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin said Williams, in accepting the wing’s memorandum, had maintained that the Australian government’s policy was that it did not get involved in the affairs of other countries.
Besides MPs, other groups who gathered outside the Australian High Commission included members from the Barisan Nasional Youth wing, Perkasa and Makkal Sakti Party

In its memorandum, Barisan Youth said: “We are shocked at the impudence of the letter (by the Australian MPs) in disregarding the rule of law and trampling upon the sacred principle of sovereignty that governs relations between nation states, by urging the Malaysian Government to drop the charges against Anwar.”

“We would like to remind the MPs concerned that Article 2 of the United Nations Charter spells out the principle of non-intervention in issues which are within the domestic jurisdiction of a state, in accordance with the principle of sovereign equality between all member states.

“We would also like to point out that Australia, as a signatory to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in South-East Asia, has committed itself to the respecting the sovereignty of other signatory states and for the right of each state to lead its national existence free from external interference.

“There can be no dispute that the trial of a Malaysian citizen – in a Malaysian court under Malaysian law – falls completely within the sphere of Malaysia’s domestic jurisdiction,” the memorandum said (click here for the full statement).

The Australian MPs had lodged a formal protest urging Malaysia to drop the sodomy charge in the interest of building “confidence in the impartial rule of law in Malaysia.”

It had been reported that almost 60 Australian MPs from both sides of the political divide had signed a letter in support of Anwar.

The chairman of the Australian Parliament’s foreign affairs sub-committee, Michael Danby, had delivered the letter to the Malaysian High Commission in Canberra on Friday.

Dang Wangi police chief ACP Zulkarnain Abdul Rahman said the situation at the Australian High Commission in Jalan Yap Kwan Seng was under control.

He said those who wanted to hand over memorandums of protest were allowed inside the High Commission.

ACP Zulkarnain confirmed that three memorandums were received by the High Commission authorities.

So what say you? Should have or should not the Australian MPs do what they did? I've always believe that we should be in control of our own internal problems. I still believe in the democracy practices here in Malaysia. That includes the judiciary system that we have. Guilty or Not, let the court decide and not otherwise. Does the Australian MPs (those 50 of them) represents the voices of Australians down under? Are they practicing what they preach? We still read or hear in the news of negativity about the Australian Government of today and yet we do not interfere in the internal problems. They should do so. Enough said!!

Rain, Rain Where Are You?!

2010-02-16T12:00:00.002+08:00

Normally, most people would like the rain to go away and come again some other day! (like the song la), but it has not been raining for the past one week or so here where I am residing.....kinda hot and humid. Just wish it would just rain for one day. Missed the rainy days (not too much of course). Blame it on El Nino, but that happens every year right? These are the small things we take for granted...bila hujan, nak kan panas pulak...bila panas nak hujan...guess it's human nature...but REALLY! Bila la nak hujan. There were clouds but somehow it was carried away to some other places. Found out places of friends are raining and kinda envy of the situation (pasal hujan pun nak jeles ek!). Whatever, hope it'll rain soon...again today looks like there are thick clouds forming but you never know for sure...RAIN RAIN WHERE ARE YOU?

Happy Chinese New Year!!

2010-02-13T11:01:00.002+08:00

Here's wishing all chinese a Happy & Prosperous New Year. May the year of the tiger brings much happiness and prosperity. Gong Xi Fa Cai!!

2010-02-03T21:31:00.003+08:00

THE PRETTY LADY

Once upon a time a big monk and a little monk were traveling together. They came to the bank of a river and found the bridge was damaged. They had to wade across the river. There was a pretty lady who was stuck at the damaged bridge and couldn't cross the river. The big monk offered to carry her across the river on his back. The lady accepted. The little monk was shocked by the move of the big monk. 'How can big brother carry a lady when we are supposed to avoid all intimacy with females?' thought the little monk. But he kept quiet... The big monk carried the lady across the river and the small monk followed unhappily. When they crossed the river, the big monk let the lady down and they parted ways with her. All along the way for several miles, the little monk was very unhappy with the act of the big monk. He was making up all kinds of accusations about big monk in his head. This got him madder and madder. But he still kept quiet. And the big monk had no inclination to explain his situation. Finally, at a rest point many hours later, the little monk could not stand it any further, he burst out angrily at the big monk. 'How can you claim yourself a devout monk, when you seize the first opportunity to touch a female, especially when she is very pretty? All your teachings to me make you a big hypocrite The big monk looked surprised and said, 'I had put down the pretty lady at the river bank many hours ago, how come you are still carrying her along?'

[This very old Chinese Zen story reflects the thinking of many people today. We encounter many unpleasant things in our life, they irritate us and they make us angry. Sometimes, they cause us a lot of hurt, sometimes they cause us to be bitter or jealous .. But like the little monk, we are not willing to let them go away.We keep on carrying the baggage of the 'pretty lady' with us. We let them keep on coming back to hurt us, make us angry, make us bitter and cause us a lot of agony. Why? Simply because we are not willing to put down or let go of the baggage of the 'pretty lady'. We should let go of the pretty lady immediately after crossing the river. This will immediately remove all our agonies. There is no need to be further hurt by the unpleasant event after it is over.

The Turtles

2010-01-19T20:23:00.002+08:00

A turtle family decided to go on a picnic. The turtles, being naturally slow about things, took seven years to prepare for their outing. Finally the turtle family left home looking for a suitable place. During the second year of their journey they found a place ideal for them at last!

For about six months they cleaned the area, unpacked the picnic basket, and completed the arrangements. Then they discovered they had forgotten the salt. A picnic without salt would be a disaster, they all agreed. After a lengthy discussion, the youngest turtle was chosen to retrieve the salt from home. Although he was the fastest of the slow moving turtles, the little turtle whined, cried, and wobbled in his shell. He agreed to go on one condition: that no one would eat until he returned. The family consented and the little turtle left.

Three years passed and the little turtle had not returned. Five years...six years... then on the seventh year of his absence, the oldest turtle could no longer contain his hunger. He announced that he was going to eat and begun to unwrap a sandwich. At that point the little turtle suddenly popped out from behind a tree shouting, 'See! I knew you wouldn't wait. Now I am not going to go get the salt.'

[Some of us waste our time waiting for people to live up to our expectations. We are so concerned about what others are doing that we do not do anything ourselves.]

Here We Go Again!!

2010-01-16T18:57:00.002+08:00

This will be my first entry for the year 2010...sishhh....susahla...sometimes there is time for me to do this and then again most of the time there isn't. Not only the time factor but also....*modal* penulis....writer's block? Maybe, maybe not....Anyhow updates.....as the title suggest...here we go again...new year ( a little bit late...hehehe) new resolutions (never understand the tradition of having new resolution every new year). Confusions between goals and 'cita-cita'. For me, here we go again...reset to 'zero', new targets, new expectations, new goals...etc...(kerja punya pasal la ni). Year in Year out the cycle repeats itself...As I see it...most of us are trying to survive in this world, cari makan! Each year (for me at least), it's getting tougher. Family grows, prices grows but money still don't grow (hehehe). I take it one day at a time. Career wise, of course I want to be the best this year...well at least better than last year. Advancement is what everyone I know wants...although there are those yang overzealous...tak ape, tapi jangan sampai kacau periuk nasi orang lain!! Berdosa tau!! What goes around, comes around...INGAT TU!!

Lately, I have been following some blogs on politics (couldn't resist) and there are some good and reliable ones but then again there are the 'pembohong besar' ones...you be the judge of it...sometimes it does make me sick just to read them. I'm a lover not a fighter sounds cliche but that's who I am. Why can't we just get along with life in peace and harmony. Sometimes I do feel that we are all pawns and some individuals are reaping the 'hasil'. Simple me just like to get along making ends meet and complete the cycle of life. I summed it up as the result of GREED that creates the unstable situations in the world today!! People have more time other than to make ends meet these century, unlike our forefathers where survival is the key.

Enough said...hope to sign in again soon. Do leave comments it you've read my entry/ies. Ciao!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2009-12-24T21:18:00.002+08:00

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!

2009-09-29T10:15:00.004+08:00

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.

2009-09-24T22:08:00.003+08:00

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!

2009-09-23T22:39:00.004+08:00

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!

2009-09-22T21:16:00.003+08:00

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

2009-09-19T20:57:00.002+08:00

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

Last Minute Shopping

2009-09-18T21:10:00.002+08:00

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!

2009-09-17T21:19:00.003+08:00

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!!

2009-09-16T23:05:00.004+08:00

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....

2009-09-16T08:57:00.007+08:00

Home Sweet Home.

2009-09-15T21:47:00.003+08:00

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!!!

2009-09-14T20:35:00.002+08:00

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

2009-09-14T05:27:00.002+08:00

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...

2009-09-13T22:24:00.005+08:00

I'm bored!

2009-09-12T22:32:00.002+08:00

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

2009-09-11T21:13:00.002+08:00

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

2009-09-11T14:34:00.002+08:00

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!

2009-09-11T14:19:00.003+08:00

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...

2009-06-16T19:58:00.001+08:00

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

2009-04-27T00:10:00.004+08:00

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

2009-04-10T11:43:00.003+08:00

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..."

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2008-12-24T15:13:00.004+08:00

It's the time of the year again to celebrate the birth of christ. To all christian friends, me and my family would like to wish you all Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year 2009. It is the time for giving and sharing within ones means. It's the gathering of family members, young and old which is more important especially those who spent the year apart from each other. Spread the love to all and be merry!

Pangkat atau Nafkah

2008-12-11T21:45:00.000+08:00

Terpanggil pula untuk memberi pendapat peribadi berkenaan pangkat atau nafkah. Harap tiada kekeliruan mengenai topik ini. Seperti kebiasaan pada hujung tahun begini, warga penjawat awam mengisi SKT (Sasaran Kerja Tahunan) masing-masing dengan harapan agar segala usaha kerja sepanjang tahun ini akan memperoleh ganjaran sewajarnya.

Pasti ada yang menaruh harapan tertentu, sama ada kenaikan pangkat atau gaji. Sama ada penjawat awam atau swasta situasi begini memang menjadi perkara biasa. Namun begitu hakikatnya sekiranya apa yang dihajati tidak tercapai, maka timbullah rasa ketidak puasan hati. Mulalah kata kata dan tingkahlaku negatif berlaku. Bagi yang sememangnya berhak untuk sesuatu ganjaran tersebut, memang malanglah nasib. Lagi pedih bila yang tidak berhak pula yang mendapat durian runtuh. Ini TIDAK ADIL!

Adalah hamba Allah pernah menasihati apai suatu ketika dahulu semasa baru melangkah ke alam pekerjaan, rezeki itu datang daripada Allah dan segala yang berlaku itu ada hikmah disebaliknya. Agak sukar jugak ketika itu untuk menerima nasihat kerana terlalu kecewa dengan keadaan. Namun begitu selepas beberapa tahun berikutnya, apai sendiri menyaksikan kebesaran kuasa Allah s.w.t. Tatkala kita merasa diri ditindas, ketika itulah Allah telah memurahkan rezeki apai walaupun tidak lah sepertimana yang dijangka, tetapi tetap bersyukur dengan pemberianNya. Mulai saat itulah, apai percaya bahawa, sekiranya memang rezeki kita, walau bagaimanapun orang lain cuba memperlakukan kita, rezeki itu akan tetap menjadi milik kita.

Yang penting kita harus bertanya pada diri sendiri, apa yang sebenarnya yang diingini oleh hati. Niat yang ikhlas untuk mencari nafkah pastinya membuahkan lebih daripada yang dijangkakan. Sebaliknya yang berlaku sekiranya hanya semata-mata ingin mengejar darjat dan kuasa, kemungkinan hasrat itu agak sukar untuk dicapai. Ada juga di antara kita pantang ditegur. Lentingannya amat dahsyat sekali, boleh putus saudara. Walaupun pahit untuk ditelan, namun begitulah asam garam dunia pekerjaan. Tidak semuanya berjalan mengikut apa yang kita kehendaki. Tetapi pilihan tetap terletak di tangan kita. Nak terus bekerja atau mencari kerja yang lebih sesuai? Dah terlalu tua untuk bertukar kerjaya? Tidak semestinya...apai sendiri melaluinya. Selepas 10 tahun memohon barulah sekarang memegang jawatan yang diingini. Sebelum ini, segala pahit maung dilalui dengan penuh kesabaran. Siapa sangka di kala umur hampir mencecah 40 thn, masih berpeluang untuk membuat 'career change'. Dan pada ketika itu juga, penjawat awam mendapat anjakan gaji yang agak lumayan. Agaknya sebab itulah Allah s.w.t belum berkenan untuk diri apai memperolehi jawatan yang dikejar dan terpaksa menunggu 10 tahun.

Berbalik kepada topik pangkat / nafkah, apakah yang anda kejar? Apakah anda bersyukur dengan apa yang anda ada sekarang? Adakah pekerjaan sekarang membuat anda gembira atau sebaliknya? Apakah tindakan yang anda ambil untuk mengubahnya atau hanya merungut ke hulu ke hilir? Ingat rezeki kita boleh datang dan pergi bila bila masa. Persoalan yang patut ditanya 'adakah kita berlaku adil pada diri sendiri?'. Jangan sampai ketidakadilan ini melarat ke orang lain, maka bertambah pula dosa pada diri sendiri. Minta maaf sekiranya coretan ini menyinggung perasaan tuan-tuan dan puan-puan. Hanya sekadar pendapat peribadi dan juga sebagai ingatan pada diri apai kerana lumrah manusia memang mudah lupa.

Hello

2008-12-10T15:06:00.000+08:00

Finally after all the hassle and busy schedule, Apai Kenyalang is born! Nothing fancy, no gimmick whatsoever, just a plain medium expression of thoughts. I guess more of the silent minority thoughts and views are to be expected in here asides personal journeys. Surely everyone has his or her own opinion on subject matters especially of those which affects them most. Likewise for this first post nothing much to say except maybe it is the time for reflections. Of what we have done in the past and of what to resolute in the coming times. What say you? What is your resolution(s)? What would you have done differently if given a chance to do so? I do so welcome your views.