Hari Raya - days of joys

First Raya and we gather at my mom and dad's place. I starved myself because i knew the day will continue with eating lots of foods from the open houses. Ofcourse first on the list would be my grandma's house at Jalan Ban 4 and all my uncles who resides at the four houses along Jalan Ban 4. I managed to get a few shots of my happy mum and some of my faboulous sisters whilst my favorite nephew continued his activities of funs and laughters - the bedils and bunga api. Number 12 just leads him on. But i loved it that the day ends with happiness and cheers. Yay!!

S3am4T H4r RaY4 AdLftR to all!!!

One of My sister

On The Eve of Hari Raya

It's 12th of October and its the eve of Hari Raya। Most people will gather tonight with their families. Nothing can beat Raya celebration at the kampong. Yes, 'Balik Kampong' and celebrate the raya eve is meaningful to most bruneian families. Since i am living at the heart of Bandar, spending time with the whole family 'balik kampong' is one of my top priority. Most of the time, i am pretty much preoccupied with work, work and work. I just couldn't wait to gather with my family. 7 pm and my other siblings had arrived earlier and i can hear my favorite nephew asking on the phone if i will play 'bunga api' with him.

Number 12 was already prepared with his boxes of 'badils'। In the car on my way home to kampong, many times i could see fireworks litting the sky and the sound of firecrackers, making me more eager to reach the destination which i love most। Yes, its the place where i was born। I managed to capture some photos. I would feel so empty if i was alone that night. That night, mom and dad were busy preparing the house and kueh raya.

Remembering Our Loved Ones (Al-Fatihah)

Every Ramadhan or Ist of Syawal Muslims in the country visits the cemetary to pay respect to the loved ones. It has became a malay culture and this tradition has became one of the most important characteristics of being a malay bruneian. I have always thought it as something special and i once vowed to teach my young ones (in the future) to remember it as a practise, to always remind ourselves who we are and what the future holds.

Al Fatihah to our beloved ones, our prayers help them in the after life. Surah Yaasin, Surah An-Naas, Surah Al-Falak and Surah Al-Ikhlas to all our beloved ones. Do remember that while Syawal is approaching, we must always remember those who are gone, who took care of us while we were young. It is our responsibility to repay them by at least by uttering prayer to Allah, May Allah blessed us all.

Photo shows a woman reading Quranic Verses for her late grandfather.

The Smoke at Kg Ayer & The Fish Agratin

De Royalle Cafe asks me to sample their newly introduced menu, the special Fish Agratin. No rice, just fish with vegetables, cheese among other ingredients but i can say that it is very delicious. I do like a free meal and this menu is a great treat. Thanks De Royalle!

Number 12 caught me after Sungkai giving this photo of smoke during a fire yesterday at Mukim Peramu that ravaged a house just about 2 weeks before Raya. Number 12 demanded that there was something in a smoke which look like a face and he told me that he didn't realize about it until he and his friends were chatting at the cafe. They were surprised and some were freaked out. He also show me the second photo which i will upload later and 'the face' was also there at a different angle.

Awaiting Ramadhan

I am counting the hours. I don't know but i really love the idea that Ramadhan is approaching. I have always felt that this time of year is where anyone can be at peace and spent more time to get closer with family.

First day of Ramadhan as promised, i will be having sungkai gathering with the whole family. I've told the maid at my parent's home last week to prepare the 'big table' (the one we use for our family gathering only). My sister will be bringing her list of delicacies and we will bring our specialty. My mom cookings are my all time favourite.

Its been a while since we last ate our dinner together.

Massages,Mooncakes and Mr. Corleone

Its a few more days before Ramadhan and i am already getting into the mood.

But not yet.... not just yet.

Not before i had a chance to relax and indulge in the traditional Thai massage with my confidante last night. After two hours, we felt lighter (not that im getting thinner or anything hehe).

And guess what? Yesterday i just read that they are promoting speacially baked moon cakes at the Empire. I must go buy some later.

What more can I ask.... than to relax, eat my favourite snack and watching my precious movie collection of my favourite actor - and yea....... it's De Niro!!!

...... and tonight is Casino.

Slow Wednesday

Almost everything are a bit slow today so i decided to navigate few things.

Parenting is an art and a skill that needs a person to acquire certain abilities. I have always admired them because i think being a parent requires a lot of guts. Patience, determination, perseverence and other qualities are of the utmost importance. So i am pasting something which i find useful to parents and guardians alike.

Text below are taken from http://www.childparenting.about.com

Why Children Tell Lies - And How to Stop Them
From Karen Bilich for americanbaby.com

Find out what causes your child's lying problem and how to stop it.
Children under age 6 often tell tales and have difficulty distinguishing between reality and fantasy. Telling tall tales is entirely different from lying. This usually is just an expression of your child's imagination at work, and does no harm to anyone.

Tall tales become more harmful when your child reaches age 6 and you--or your child--can no longer distinguish truth from fantasy. At this point, your child might have a problem. Find out what may be causing your child's lying and how to end it.

The Causes

A child's lying may be the result of numerous factors. These can include:

Fear of disappointing a parent
Avoiding punishment
Seeking attention
Crying out for help
Avoiding stressful situations
Imitating the behavior of the adults around him

Read more on http://www.childparenting.about.com

That Means Being Me

Being Dewy means.... being blunt, stressful at times but being a person who see the world in different perspective now that things change for a reason.

Being Dewy means..... being selfish and generous at the same time.

But then again.. why do i need to explain myself?

No one needs to understand.

By the way, the photo i uploaded is not associated with me. It's taken by my friend/colleague. He's cool. I mean in a way that he's good at shooting photos and with video editing. Im not surprised he's always getting all booked on weekends with all the orang kawins and other functions. Dear pal, "Jangan tah bekiha!".... hehe