That Rule of Thumb

I've realized this blog is growing cobweb hehe.. but what can i say, i have been pretty busy lately.

The hectic days are never ending. Infact, i also find it hard to get a proper 'holiday'.. if you know what i mean.. ... But no matter how much hectic things can be i have this rule of thumb adhered by members of my household.

"A Family That Eats Together, Stays Together" - yes this rule of thumb i do consider quite important since everyone is all busy working their * off haha

But anyways, this is what my parents taught me since i was just a child. Since family is of great importance to me, the dinner table is a place for all of us to at least sit together and share that moment in a day.

I guess we all need to do that. Don't we?

25 years of glory - 'Kedewasaan Bernegara'

Its 23th February in Brunei. The silver jubilee - 25th National Day Celebration. I can say i am among the thousands of proud bruneians who attends the event at the Stadium this morning.

Before this, attendance on such celebration was never my interest. However,this year is different mainly because of few reasons. I think the celebration reminds me of my childhood in a way.

Back in 1985 (2nd national day), i remembered taking part in the flip cards presentation together with the rest of my schoolmates. I was only 9 at that time and with the excruciating heat of the sun during the rehearsals, it was quite a task. But it was an experience.

In 1986, at 10, i joined the march past with the rest of members of the Girl Guides Association.

Now after 25 years, i thought that who knows if i will still be here to witness the Golden Jubilee in the future. So perhaps this may be one of those chances you don't want to miss.

Another reason for that 'sudden interest' (believe me some of my friends did made fun of me about being patriotic all of the sudden hehe) was that i wanted to be there for my dad and my two sisters who were taking part in the march past.

My Dad marched past the celebration with members of the 'Kejiranan Kampong' (Neighborhood watch). He was kinda looking forward to it, judging from his look of excitement everytime he left for the rehearsals - he always came over before proceeding to the stadium. I guess retirement perhaps bored him a bit. In 1984 (Day of Independence), my dad was a government school principal before he transferred to the ministry until his retirement in 2004.

Susi, my sister too took part in the march past with the Red Crescent Society. She was leading her students from Sekolah Menengah Jerudong who were Red Crescent members. During the Independence day, she was only 4 years old.

My other sister, Dahlia and her colleagues joined the ministry of defence on the march past and field presentations. In 1984, she wasn't born yet.


Since my mother and my other two sister and hubs were equally interested to attend, then why not jump on the wagon and enjoy the ride..

I was calculating at first, because i do not want to wake up very early just to beat the congestion while all roads to the stadium closes as early as 7 am. But then hubs announced that a day before, he was given a parking pass allocated in front of the swimming pool complex, just outside the stadium so we don't need to leave too early. And so mom, my 3 younger sisters, me and hubs had a fun time.

Meanwhile, hubs shoot some photos and it was a so and so attempt hehe...



p/s what amazes me the most was the 1984 veteran singer .. Cikgu Haji Husin bin Tuah who sang the national day theme song this year. The announcer said since it was Silver Jubilee so the theme song will be sung by 2 singers - the major who sang the 'Brunei Bumi Bertuah' in 1984 and the young singer from this generation. However, i find the legendary old school in his 60's sounds better than his subordinate ... amazing huh.

Yes We-Can

I was a bit sad that i couldn't attend Siraj's birthday party but i managed to see him after the party. He looks happy to see me and i gave him a big birthday present, better than the one he told me he had wished for earlier hehe..

Meanwhile, my sister had decided to celebrate her birthday on the same night. Believe me, i only have 15 minutes to change and then off to Gadong ..




I had my ups and downs, but family gatherings usually brightens up my day..







Happy Birthday NurIzyan Naqibah

January Specials - Mom and Dad 34th Wedding Anniversary

Wow... so it has been 34 years of successful marriage for my mom and dad. Again, this calls for a celebration. Lea seems to be determine this time as she reminded me again and again not to miss it.



I was sick but the gathering got me all excited. So was Siraaj and Syahmi who helped blew the candle..




...and so the night continues with food fest.





that was when an intruder came to visit.

Happy New Year Hijrah 1430 Hijrah and 2009M

I'm on holiday until mid January. Unlike previous years, this time i opted to stay at home and having peaceful quality time - celebrating my upcoming long holiday from work.

I love the idea of waking up late and spoiling myself with spontaneous plans and activities. Me and hubs have 1 destination in mind for the holidays but we'll see what happens...

Today, we went to my parents and i stayed outside -waiting for the sunset. I missed it. Wandering around, i began to realize the amount of energy and commitment of both my parents after their retirement. They grew coconuts, rambutans, mangosteen etc.. even long before i could remember. Too bad i didn't have time to shoot them all.

When i realized it, i even respected them more for their capabilities in bringing things to life. Yes i grew flowers - roses, orchids etc but my maid took care of them for me.

It made me think. Am i taking things for granted?

Perhaps, .......... I am.

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