1st December - The birthday

I woke up feeling old (like last year and a year before that) but i smiled my way through the rest of the day. Its one of my happiest day infact. Although my day was tight, i felt really happy knowing im dearly loved by family and friends.

I love all those presents from my sisters/colleague - Rina, Nyza, Fea and Sweet Suzz. Love u guys!

...And also a big beautiful flower bouquet delivery from my bestfriend Elle. Im touched. Love ya. The next morning i put them in 2 separate vases in my living room.

... and also not forgetting gifts from other half, what would i do without you..

That night me, hubs, Bijul, Siraj and our maid went back to my parents for a small birthday party set up by my siblings.

On my way i saw the moon smiling down on me...


I thought it only happens on fairy tales that the moon and stars smiles back at you but Alhamdulillah i was able to witness the amazing phenomenon.(the next day i came to learn that Jupiter and Venus's amazing alignment. Prediction said that next occurence of the same will be in 2036)

When i finally arrived at my parents, i was surprised to see my family prepared delicious spread with the likes of Barberque Chicken, Pais Daging, Smoked Salmon and other mom favourite delicacies. Thanks for the beautiful cake, i love it.



That day made me a happy woman... Alhamdulillah

what about the talent..

"It's important not to indicate. People don't try to show their feelings, they try to hide them"

"The talent is in the choice"

"There is a certain combination of anarchy and discipline in the way I work "

"There's nothing more iconic or contradictory than life itself "

"You learned the two greatest thing in life, never rat on your friends,and always keep your mouth shut "

- Travis Bickle

Some of us learn about life 'the hard way'. I was one of those people. Then everything finally falls to place Alhamdulillah.... but i am still learning though

Just for treats

Coming up...

The Bukit Tinggi Excursion

Sweet November

mom's cake

..because both my parents celebrated their birthday in November so its a double celebration.Dad on 1st November and Mom on the 6th. The usual family gathering was inevitable and i sort of need that right now amidst the ever tight work schedule i'm in. I love my parents, i can see them enjoying themselves seeing we're all there. After dinner, there were karaoke session. Everyone was forced to sing and me included. Like i always say "suara betagar udah" but then ..what the heck... Anything for my mom and Dad haha

Dad's cake

Some raya photos

My sisters gave me some photos that they took during Hari Raya. Note : i'm not in any of the photos below hehe



At my parents house. I had to satisfy my crave for mom's sup tulang so sorry, im nowhere in the photo.



My sisters at my house in Bandar. Simple menu of Mee mamak, satay and ketupat.But the guests liked it.



Nadya...



This one we took a day earlier, family from Tutong.

Happy Hari Raya Kullu' Am Wa Antum Bikhair...

Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri.Kullu' Am wa Antum BiKhair...

The day of joy has arrived. I was busy and had limited time to update, let alone to get my hands on the laptop. Our malam raya was always how i wanted it to be. The whole family gathered just to be with each other together on the night of aidilfitri.

As promised, i bought with me a box containing loads of firecrackers and bunga api to lit the sky where my parents live. Siraaj and Syahmi were really enjoying themselves like were no tommorrow.. Meanwhile Adik, the curious one just stood there in awe adoring the beauty of the fireworks as well as the togetherness of our big family. Bijul on the other hand, did a superb job of entertaining everyone with his neverending series of beautiful fireworks. My siblings practically screamed with joy, i can't believe these adults!! haha



The next morning, we arrived a bit late. My mom prepared my all time favourite, the Sup Tulang special, daging masak rendang, ayam masak merah, udang rebus among others. I really did ate before i ask forgiveness salam from both my mom and dad and my husband too.
I felt good that morning and lucky for i have a chance to celebrate pagi raya with my parents and the whole family. You know,some people might not get that chance on that day so again, i am thankful of His blessings. Alhamdulillah.

Remembering the departed

Family traditions on Ramadhan continues...

Last year this important family legacy was posted as a remembrance

This customary practise continued this year. Al Fatihah, Yaasin, Surah An-naas, Al-Falak and Al-Ikhlas to our those who are gone. It is our responsibility to repay our late ancestors by uttering prayer to Allah. Not just on Ramadhan but perhaps every day if possible.



My late grandfather took care of me and my family until i'm 24. I have always loved his wisdom, strength and patience. Al Fatihah..

What i had for Sungkai

Its one of those days where you crave for fish curry. So i called KJ restaurant and ordered for a Kari Kepala Ikan for Sungkai.



and since my close friend Elle decided to drop by for Sungkai, why not prepare Sambal Mangga pedas.. hehe



..but then again nothing beats my mom homecook recipe and this sunday,as agreed we will balik kampung and mom will be preparing her speacialties YIPE!!!

Time to upload some photos

Earlier this year....

... and so i have the time to upload some of the photos i took during my trip to Ulu-Ulu Resort in Temburong.

All photos are taken by an amateur.... yours truly.

Memoirs of First Ramadhan 1429

Puasa has begun and the month of Ramadhan brings families closer. This is the time when i will usually get together 'balik kampong' to break fast with my mom, dad and my other siblings. Since yesterday is a public holiday, everyone was at ease so we went off around 4pm. Living away from parent is a lot different. That is why even as busy as everyone in the family gets, spending time together especially in this holy month, for me is very important.

First ramadhan is quality time with my big family. On our way, we stop at the roadside of Bengkurong/Junjongan junction. Coz i know mum like Lauk Salai so i simply must get her this favourite delicacy. This year i will be missing my favorite air kausar as the old woman where i use to bought it from died tragically few months ago. Al Fatihah to her. I will forever remember her as the old woman who make the best air kausar!

And so we all gathered around 6 at my parents house. Dad cook my favorite 'gulai campur'. My sister bought 'Pais Daging' and i was a glutton! Hubby was laughing at me for being such hehe Everyone was in a jolly mood, even after sungkai.

Discussion were made on when to visit the kubur, trying to fix appropriate date to fit on everyone's calendar. Belait first then Kilanas and Mulaut.

Yea, just how i want it to be, like last year.

Blessing in disguise..

Finally i was able to sit back and relax for a few days. If it wasn't for my urge to get to my blueberry pie, i wouldn't be taking these holidays. But considering the hectic weeks are turning back to normal and now that life as it is... is boring me down so perhaps i should sit back and watch.

Majlis Ilmu 2008 was not very popular this year. Despite media attention, i think that the inaugural ceremony last year was more pleasing and awaited by the public. However, in a more positive note and being involved in 2 major projects of the event, im beginning to believe that the opportunities are being laid down and i should be able to differentiate whether one are a being treated unjustly, or taken advantage of or maybe ..just maybe... being assessed. My superiors instructed me to deal with the translations on the important exhibition. The researchers of these valuable documents were my brilliant colleagues. Since the exhibits mainly features documents and artifacts, it was far beyond my knowledge that my works will be exhibited in such honorable manner. Thank you Allah for this opportunity...

July the 18th

My Blueberry pie's birthday. We just popped up a surprise for him. Mom was there and so was all my sisters, my nephew, niece as well as my long time friend and his family.

Just a birthday cake but we have a free treat 'gratis' of fireworks since we're living n the capital. And its His Majesty's The Sultans Birthday, so there were beautiful firewors presented by the sponsors of the auspicious celebration.

Its fun to celebrate your birthday and enjoying the fireworks in the background. What a pleasant suprise for my blueberry pie :)

... and thanks sis for the pics..

'The Holiday' on a Friday afternoon

Spend some time relaxing today. Both me and hubs started with a window shopping for cars. Apparently, he plan to buy another car. Later we decided to spend some time to watch a film at home together, one thing that we hadn't done for quite a while as we are both busy juggling our workloads.

We watched 2006's 'The Holiday' and i know we're 2 years behind. Nevertheless, the film is romantic and some scene touches my heart. Reminds me of how i fell in love with my other half hehe...

Approaching July and...

...as usual my July turn to be more hectic and busy.. why? because i got so many datelines. My involvement in The Convention of Knowledge (Majlis Ilmu 2008) and not to mention covering some activities on His Majesty's The Sultans Birthday Celebration is essential.

I love both of my jobs. I learn new things and experience. I don't know arabic except for jawi and some stuffs i learn from the ugama school when i was a kid. While my colleagues are Syariah/Usuluddin graduates, i was worthy of history and anthropology which i learned in UBD and i forgot most of them haha... My colleagues are young, energetic and brilliant youngsters and i love them. I love their energy, their ambitions and committment. These people are fast thinker with good decision making skills. I learn a lot from them, especially if i require arabic translations.

My other job is equally challenging. I need to be in focus all the time and i carry great responsibility 'to' and 'for' the people. Their opinions are of great value to my job. I am lucky to be assisted by a good friend of mine, A most of the time.

.... and i am blessed to have a supportive hub whom i love dearly, 2 great kids to cheer up my day, my lovely niece and nephew, my lovable sister and ... both my parents who made me as who i am today.

Which reminds me to upload this photo which i took in the clear waters of Sungai Apan, Temburong. The water is so clear with beautiful fishes swimming their way to happiness. Life is simple, don't make it complicated.

Ar-Rumi's Words of Wisdom

Ever came across a masterpiece called 'The Rubaiyat' by Jalalluddin Ar'Rumi?

Such strong words from The Rubaiyat expressed his calm and sure state of mind. I find his words of wisdom simply incredible:

“I died as a mineral and became a plant,
I died as plant and rose to animal,
I died as animal and I was Man.
Why should I fear? When was I less by dying?
Yet once more I shall die as Man, to soar
With angels blest; but even from angelhood
I must pass on: all except God doth perish.
When I have sacrificed my angel-soul,
I shall become what no mind e'er conceived.
Oh, let me not exist! for Non-existence
Proclaims in organ tones,
'To Him we shall return."

Yesterday at Pantai Seri Kenangan

Yesterday, went to Pantai Tutong just to wander off on a boring afternoon. Noticed that it was about to rain offshore. The weather was fine inland. The remarkable features that god has created fascinates me. Appreaciating its beauty and uniqueness, i spend some time to witness the panorama. Luckily, i brought my camera with me.

After few minutes, the panorama changes.....

I didn't regret going out yesterday because god granted me a gift - that is witnessing this fascinating creation.

Off tu Temburong's Ulu-Ulu Resort

My life has been pretty hectic with work schedule, it has always been. Juggling 2 jobs at a time, i usually finish everything at 8.30 pm. The other remaining hours is sleep, wake up, breakfast, and work again. This routine of mine is almost boring.

So i decided to take 4 days off and booked a package for 2 at Ulu-Ulu Resort, Temburong National Park. Check out this site http://www.uluuluresort.com. This is actually something good for tourism. A 3 star resort in a middle of Temburong's thick jungle is a treat for nature lovers and tourist alike.

I'm going this afternoon and hope to shoot some photos.

The Look

The look on the face of my favorite nephew is priceless, especially when he is happy. I love this kid. If i were to have my own, i want him/her to be equally intelligent and talented as him.

Can you believe this kid.. at 2 years old he was able to sing perfectly. Now he is 4 years old. I guess that's how the malay saying goes 'kemana tumpahnya kuah kalau tidak kenasi'. I just simply have to snap his look.

second photo of Syahmi by yours truly

My mother - my hero

Today is the mother's day.
I have always loved my mother, though sometimes i can be a stubborn daughter. She has endure many years of pain and sufferings but yet she still able to smile with grace and confidence because she is such a strong woman.

My mother has made me who i am today. It was she who fought through the hard times. Bringing me to this world, educate me with her charm and wisdom. She was able to juggle the task both at work and being a mother. She never neglected us and was always behind us every step of the way.

Dear mom, maybe i couldn't say these things in front of you but i want you to know that i thanked you for bringing me into this world. I promise to make you a happy woman as you have made me a happy daughter, until now.

You have always been my inspiration.

You ...... my mother is my hero.
Happy Mother's day to my mom, Hjh Azizah binti Haji Hassan.

image taken from www.socpa.com

Landscape-Scenery

This one is not mine but i just love the scenery. I just have to put it here

Time to upload the photos

I love taking photos. Although i really don't have the time to learn more on photography, but i always have passion in them. Maybe one day if i'm free, i will try to learn. However, these are some of the them, taken by an amateur and yours truly..

Wasai Mentiri

hmm... a few days ago, Number 12 and me decided to take a break (since it's sunday) and we went to Wasai Mentiri. The weather was fine, and one nice family seem to be enjoying their picnic there. I guess maybe we should take a break once in a while. Luckily i brought my small camera with me ..

At Nad's 21st Birthday celebration - a modest affair

Nad's decided to celebrate her 21st birthday in style!! Yes, she did. She didn't hold a wild party nor was there a quite family dinner like we usually have every once a month at OGH. But it was a simple one, at a buffet restaurant in Kiulap. It was quite a modest affair as none of her boyfriends were invited ( i guess to avoid those guys making a scene). Nevetheless, the food was great. God i love the sambal pedas!! and the waitress were lovely too.

Nad's got the birthday celebration she wanted - a familly gathering.

At 21, Nads (in the picture, standing 2nd from right) still pursue her higher education at one of the colleges in Gadong as well as doing part time modelling. She's quite a babe, being one of the models at Alan's. We all hope she will always be blessed by Allah the Almighty, all the best in what ever she excels at.

"Happy 21st Birthday Nadeya"

Curiosity killed the cat

Well.. well.. well as they say, curiosity kill the cat. Why do people always have to ask how is she like? How does her house look like, issit lawa? Is she bossy? How come she's fat now? Not so hot anymore ay? ... hahahaha

These questions just made me want to laughs my head off.

Married to someone who is a somebody, ya know... i mean one need not look like THE posh spice.. haha i mean really, the most important thing is being able to let go of yourself, and just be happy. No one you need to impress anymore hehe (as if i ever have to) Come on man...
and the nerve of some people ah i mean lemme just explain it one more time. I am happy as it is now. You may not like nor expect me to be this way but just accept it as it is. No more Miss-wild-night-life-young-free-single attitude again. You may not believe it but i've changed.

But anyhow, i love the change. Sometimes i think, so this is how it feels to be tua hahaa.. i mean im not that old but 32 is not that young either hehe.. seriously, i feel at peace with my current situation. A sip of hot nescafe and a hot shower after a hard days work is actually relaxing and peaceful. Being a food lover now, enjoying my favorite recipe while watching my fav. tv show is just nice, you know.. especially since you have a husband who's always there for you. What more would i ask for?

Nah.... forget the old golden days. At home is where i should be.

Cerita Hantu

Yeah.. call me old fashion tapi aku andang suka horror movies. Number 12 sometimes think im some sort of lunatic on this type of genre tapi antah ah i grew up loving this type of movies. I dig it a lot! Aside from Robert De Niro and few others movie legends, i kinda have this addiction to scary stuffs, you know just to relax and chill

hehe... i remember i used to lied arah my Number 12, telling him that the movie we about to see di wayang is not a horror movie when instead, its dead haunting for him!! hahaha... he hated me but i love him for that. Here are two recent films yang kuliat tapi not scary enough to frighten me... crap...

The Anniversary

25th March yes it was our anniversary last night and i just had to surprise him. 7 pm went over to the saloon for that 'special look'. Just to look different for Him, well at least it was worth it. He came back from his football sessions to pick me up at 9 for dinner. It was an OK dinner at a casual japanese restaurant in Kiulap although i actually wanted to celebrate at Pantai restaurant. So it had been 3 years already!!! wow... lets hope nuthing changes. Days gone by without never has to fear the future. We are meant for each other i hope ....

Behold thy lyrics for thee hehehe

I pasted this lyrics as i was doing numbers of songs with karaoke back at home with Number 12. Yea you can call me being vain but the lyrics has some truth in it (at certain extent) haha
Walupun jiwaku tetap terluka
Hingga nyaris bunuh diri
Wanita mana yang sanggup hidup sendiri
Di dunia ini
Walaupun telah kututup mata hati
Begitupun telingakuNamun bila dikala cinta memanggilmu
Dengarlah iniWalaupun dirimu tak bersayap
Ku akan percayaKau mampu terbang bawa diriku
Tanpa takut dan ragu
Walaupun mulutku pernah bersumpah
Tak sudi lagi jatuh cinta
Wanita seperti diriku pun ternyata
Mudah menyerahWalaupun kau bukan titisan dewa
Ku takkan kecewa
Karena kau jadikan ku sang dewi
Dalam taman surgawi
Walaupun dirimu tak bersayapKu akan percaya
Kau mampu terbang bawa diriku
Tanpa takut dan raguWalaupun kau bukan titisan dewaKu takkan kecewa
Karena kau jadikan ku sang dewi
Dalam taman surgawi

Oh yea... the song is entitled SANG DEWI hehehe

Almost 3 years now

It's almost 8pm and its 5th March now. A few more days i'll be celebrating my third wedding anniversary with my other half. Im still planning for a special surprise for him. But not quite sure if its appropriate. Coming to 3 years now and i must at lease congratulate myself and him for that. We are both 2 different people but still we can manage. A long winding road but that is what marriage is all about. Not just because of love, but also responsibility and few other aspects that we must acquire in ourselves. We are afterall, humans. Hmmm... perhaps a dinner .... yes a dinner, a river cruise whilst having dinner can be romantic. Must book first, though.

After a Long Time

It's been a while since i didn't write in this blog. I've been too much preoccupied with work and life. Having 2 work at a time is not making you less busier hehe... My usual routine is waking up at 6 am, simple breakfast then 7 o'clock leave for work. At work i usually began my day by reading newspaper before checking the mail and then start doing my work. 12 noon i'll be on my way home where my amah will usually prepare a heavy lunch before i leave again at 1.30 for work. I will be back at 4.30, take a bath and eat my dinner and then rest a while before leaving again at 6.30 pm for my night work.

Usually back at 8.30, i'll be lying on the couch watching television or DVD's or going online. Sometime i would go out for a movie, eat out or shopping (sometimes only though). Sometimes i feel like i live a boring life, occasionally i planned to go for a holiday in a remote place or rural areas... say like Belalong (in Temburong) perhaps, but i find it hard to find the time. Living in BSB itself is not helping either. Number 12 also find it hard to fit in with his ever busy schedule. He takes coaching dead serious hehehe.... oh well, i guess we need to get away sometimes.