:|Zaffywaffy|:

My December Checklist

2010-11-14T21:47:00.000-08:00

I have been begging my parents, ok more to my mum to allow me some downtime away from Singapore, and no approval has been receive. With that i decided oh well make do and plan up for a crazy mazy December. Here goes my checklist before i forget what i want to do (in no order)

1. Clear away my notes, time to throw throw throw
2. Pack all unwanted goods and mess into the give, give, give bag
3. Go Carousel lunch with Tuty
4. Go Dempsey Hill
5. Watch movies
6. Prepare resources for 2011
7. Plan lessons for Sem 1 2011
8. Start surveying accomodation for Krabi Trip
9. Plan my 2011
10. Revamp my classroom
11. Revamp my room
12. Organize one outing for the girls
13. Spib marketing video
14. shall add on if found any....

I might need more than a month to finish all this.

Wonderfully today i came across a great website call the The Office Stylist and it offers amazing idea on how to revamp your office space, now all i need to do is incorporate it to my classroom. Also because i am hating most of the furniture i have there now.

Can't wait to get Week 10 and Seminar Week over and done with!

Fairmont Singapore has a Halal 5 star cafe!

2010-11-02T06:36:00.000-07:00

We were lucky to get a chance to stay here last year and alhamdulillah, now they have a fully halal certified kitchen and cafe. Time to go check out the food and service.

Abstract from Berita Harian, 2 Nov 2010.

_____________________________________________

SINGAPURA

Sijil halal untuk kafe di hotel lima bintang

Oleh
Linilidia Abdul Hamid

MASYARAKAT Islam di Singapura kini mempunyai satu lagi pilihan untuk menikmati makanan halal dalam sekitaran hotel lima bintang.

Ini kerana, Plaza Market Cafe, yang sudah ditukar namanya menjadi Asian Market Cafe di hotel Fairmont Singapore, di Raffles City, kini menyediakan hidangan 100 peratus halal.

Dalam ucapan di majlis perasmian penerimaan sijil halal di kafe itu, pengurus Hotel Fairmont Singapore, Encik Carlos Monterde, berkata pihaknya sudah melihat potensi menyediakan hidangan halal sejak tahun lalu.

Encik Monterde berkata mereka mendapati tidak banyak hotel bertaraf lima bintang yang menyediakan makanan halal atau khidmat menyeluruh bagi keperluan masyarakat Islam di Singapura.

'Ini berbanding dengan bertambahnya jumlah pengunjung ke sini dari negara-negara yang mempunyai majoriti penduduk Islam,' ujar Encik Monterde.

Beliau menukil statitistik Lembaga Pelancongan Singapura (STB) bulan lalu yang menunjukkan jumlah pengunjung dari Malaysia dan Indonesia membentuk dua pasaran pengunjung tertinggi manakala jumlah pengunjung dari negara-negara Timur Tengah juga semakin bertambah.

Selain daripada menyediakan makanan halal di kafe itu, Fairmont Singapore juga menyediakan menu makanan halal kepada mereka yang menginap di hotel tersebut.

'Kami juga akan menyediakan arah kiblat, sejadah dan naskhah Al-Quran di bilik-bilik kami,' ujarnya lagi.

Encik Monterde menambah, Pusat Konvensyen Raffles City juga akan mempunyai dapur bankuet khusus bagi menyediakan hidangan halal dan ia akan diselia seorang ketua tukang masak Muslim.

Semua itu, kata Encik Monterde, adalah bagi memenuhi keperluan pasaran pengunjung Islam yang semakin berkembang.

Menerangkan mengenai hidangan yang disajikan di kafe itu, Pengarah Makanan dan Minuman Fairmont Singapore, Encik Burhan Culculoglu, berkata ia menyediakan lebih 100 jenis hidangan dari rantau Asia dan hidangan antarabangsa dan menunya ditukar setiap hari.

Encik Culculoglu berkata proses mendapatkan sijil halal daripada Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (Muis) mengambil masa enam bulan dan mereka mendapat sijil itu sekitar dua minggu lalu.

Maher Zain - Open Your Eye with Lyrics

2010-09-27T08:50:00.000-07:00

A visit to my Ustaz's place whom has recovered from stroke was an eye-opener. It has been 3-years since he got it. Although he is better now, his memory still fades and the right side of his body is not strong yet.

Ya Allah please keep all my teachers in good health, bless then with your rahmah, give them patience to those who are still teaching and to those who aren't may they spend their silver years faithfully in your service.

I teared while recalling the story of everything that happen, the struggle his family had to go thru but the most important lesson i learn today is if you do things for Him and him only he will protect you, he will ease your path and open up options to you. Subhanallah, i teared when it was time to go home i just couldn't contain myself and i envy Ustaz's strong fighting spirit, while i always complain over all the small little problems i have to face every now and then.

Ibu, Ustaz's wife ask me if i had a calon and i said belum lagi, Ustaz doakan lah ye and Ibu also ask nak cepat2 ke nak lama lagi? hehe cute lah ibu, insya-Allah dah bersedia.

My main intention is for companionship someone who can guide me, walk along side me, keep me sane and make me laugh, protect me and remind me when i do wrong, at the end of the day i only want a halal relationship(the make babies part tu later later sikit lah eh hehe). I envy some of my friends who are studying and married, seronok kan kalau dah ada hubby, at least kalau nak gi travelling parents tak lah risau sangat. Of course it comes with responsibility and maybe Allah knows best.

May you come soon my dear zauj, i can't wait to meet you :)

To the gung-ho gang

2010-09-25T23:54:00.000-07:00

A group of people got together for a common goal, to further continue the things we learn fro Spib and in return give something back to the community, in addition to helping our Ustaz organize his first major event comes RCM:Ramadhan Changes Me. Alhamdulillah i am bless to meet all this people, who work without complain, with every drop of sweat they put in a 101%. May Allah keep our ukhuwwah strong and our niyyah only for Him in everything we do.

This post will be a tribute to this group of amazing peeps.

Our two big brothers, Firdaus and Rozmail.

The women power missing Azeemah. Wish you were here with us. L to R: Sa'adah, Fadlun, Zakiah and me...

And our lovely young one whom we love and loathe soo much, Syafiq, missing Azan.
The rest of our lovely day in pictures.

Our trusted driver, very safe driver, i really don't mind him driving again next year :) Thank you abg Mail.

At Zakiah's.

At Rozmail's.

At Ustaz's Abd Rahman.

At Sa'adah's with her mum :)

Dalam kereta must shot! hehe

At Syafiq's.

At Fadlun's.

At Zaini's.

At my crib, muka dah penat and it was 11pm. Good night folks.

17 years of friendship and counting

2010-09-20T08:58:00.000-07:00

Asrory or Ary as i address him flew back to Madinah today to finish up his final year. Bit taufiq wan najah akhi! I have been in the same class as ary since Primary 1 and we grew up practically getting on each others nerve, always trying to outwit the other. Luckily we have much sober down now and conversations have turn more diplomatic, focus and ambitious. As a friend i have seen him fall into the deepest point at Sec 4 but have also seen him rise after his fall. His courage and preserverance never die off through out the tough days he had to face, and now soon i can call him Ustaz Asrory, with ilm i can only dream of learning, subhanallah. Keep it strong Ary I am sure you will succeed not just in this life but bring also many others to succeed for akhirat, insya-Allah :)

Your last goodbye today almost made me tear, see you again insya-Allah in 2011.

p/s: for a walk down memory lane, please click here.

Back with vengance

2010-09-18T21:10:00.000-07:00

Eid Mubarak 2010 to lovely readers, if anyone still reads this. I have totally lost any blogging interest since a year ago. After a year of staying home, i have manage to finally settle in to the working world. Not something i plan for, but all praise to Allah happy to be where i am today. Of course if you want to know more you will definitely have to contact me personally, i love to get calls from dear friends and family.

Hot topic discussion during this year's jalan raya is kahwin2 and we saw a number of wedding albums dated back from our parents time to the latest one of a relative from Malaysia who got married end of last year. Pressure much? maybe but being the eldest cousin who is still single does put me in a spot sometimes.

On the other hand i have my insecurities of pursuing my career in special education, i still have a heart to do Human Resource and may decide later on to go back there. For now, happy to be here and since it's a 3 year contract, i have more than enough time to think about what i want to do next.

May Allah guide us all to be of benefit to the ummah.

On the verge

2010-05-10T07:37:00.000-07:00

I am not feeling well inside, physically and emotionally. I hope i can still be patient and go thru this test with lots of willpower. I just feel like breaking apart. It's been really stressful answering questions from people about my current idle status, i am trying, i am. Most days i just feel so guilty. For not being worthy, other days i feel useless, like a bump.

I want to stand on my own, please, soon, and grab someone to buy a hdb flat with me.

First time at Bukit Timah Hill

2010-05-08T19:26:00.000-07:00

Oh my oh my, after 23 years of life in Singapore i finally set my foot at Bukit Timah Hill. I had received warnings that i was not gona make it thru the climb but insisted to go on the day. I nearly black-out as soon as we reached the first hut, oh my, that's bad, the rest of the way it was lots of talking to myself done. I keep repeating "You got to keep on moving" especially when we got lost in the words and went a whole big loop, when initially we wanted to make our way down. I feel bad for slowing down the team, as i was frequently last in line and had to stop a few times to catch my breath. It would get worse if i had really fainted in the middle of the jungle. Weight issues and i have lost my chin, argh! Bad bad. Nevertheless great company and this post is dedicated to everyone of you who serves every Saturday of your time from your heart for the beloved students of M.W.T.I.

A bIG Thank You!!!

Happy Birthday Ma

2010-04-14T19:59:00.000-07:00

I love you till the end of time, i would doa for you till my dying breath, you have given us so much and still do and all your funny antics always crack us up. Thank you Ma, and thank you for treating us Manhattan Fish Market. Sorry Ayah we know you don't like fish so we didn't bring you along.

You will always have the right to nag at us, and we will always have the right to be nag at :)))

Manhattan Fish was yummy yummy and since they have now got the Halal cert, Muslims out there should go and try Manhattan Fish and their lunch deals is superb, comes with a big glass of soft drink and soup.

Quote 1

2010-04-06T15:47:00.000-07:00

Sharing some love.

"Success is determined by many things. Some of the keys to it include, the Clarity of your Vision, the Firmness of your Intention, the Steadiness of your Faith and the Depth of your Gratitude"-Mizi Wahid

Still far away

2010-03-31T14:03:00.000-07:00

I am not back yet, will be arriving safely home by Saturday insya-Allah. Caught way too many movies over the holidays and can't believe that Marley and Me touch me the most. Yesterday we went to watch Bounty Hunter at Ibn Battuta Mall but somehow i could figure out the story line just 15 minutes into the movie.

Life's been great other than still worrying and constantly searching for the job, immediate plans as soon as i am back will be tuition resume and doing some relief teaching to cover the holiday expenses. Allahu musta'an, and to Him we turn to always.

Had my first ever Ski lesson today and it was great + tiring. Did my lessons at Ski Dubai located in Mall of Emirates. Sadly some of their staff really underperform today with sulky faces, i could just smack them there and then, even when i ask nicely and use the magic words like 'please' and 'thank you'. Luckily three of them made my day, ok make that four.

My first instructor his name starts with an A, was nice and patient with me, not the funny kind but friendly. The second instructor is one i have been raving about in my facebook, his name is Muneer, he's from Morocco, speaks English and another language from one of the Europe country and oh-so Hot!. I think maybe coz i was a Muslim girl so he wasn't you know interacting much with me. He chatted with some European chicks and it made me scream inside, coz he was suppose to be teaching me, Helo!! However nearing the end of the lesson then only he started asking questions and he was ohh so friendly i can *melt* into the ice. He ask me if i was a teacher(do i have teacher stamp on my forehead?) way no though everyone keeps having the same thoughts. When i told him i was looking for work still, he said Insya-Allah you will get a job and i was just so thankful at the moment. I wish i could take a picture of him but i was skiing alone so no camera with me :p. In the last 20 minutes i got really tired and after my bad fall my knee hurts, so he just pull me around, so that i can slide in my skies. Then he started teasing me with the word lazy. He encourage me a little more to practice on my own after he left and i did and today i officially achieve 3 small but smooth turns, gracefully.

The other 2 staff who made my day was the Pinoy guy who just finish his shift and talk to me nicely saying that i am a pro and such when i told him today is my first day skiing and he replied by saying "I dont even know how to put on the ski boots". The other is the guy from the Kodak counter, he was one really serving with a heart.

Customer service is so important and people on the frontline must at all times serve with a heart. another service provider who was so GREAT in doing his job was this Indian i met at Cinnabon Cafe. He wasn't sure how to address me so he called me Madam Ski Dubai(i was carrying two bags of ski Dubai items) but he was good with some light humor. He wants a job in Singapore but he wasn't being pushy when asking for help. I wish i could help him, but i am in the same boat too. If any of you ever read this i am sorry i didn't catch some of your names but you guys really made my day.

(Ignite my thirst to read more Customer Service books/information)

If i ever get a job here, i am so gona throw my money at going for Ski lessons. Even though at times i was thinking, am i out of my mind being here? Isn't it easier just to watch somebody ski.

Looking forward to

2010-02-22T22:17:00.000-08:00

Feeling better from the last post, just need to increase productivity and efficiency to ensure that this project on hand is completed on time.

Anyway i am looking forward to

and

Deep down inside

2010-02-15T19:26:00.000-08:00

I recently attended a workshop which i initially had some assumptions in mind on what its all about. Initially i didnt want to attend due to the hefty price tag that came with the workshop, but one of the organizers call me up and offered an alternative installment plan. So i gave in finally when deep down i know my own finances are already in deep shit.

So when i finally realized there was more to the workshop, it was ok, maybe that's why it was so expensive, however the things that i wanted to learn where only part of the workshop, we had to work on another of our personal assignment, which at first was exciting, but it just burns me out everyday, and the workshop was like the whole of my Saturdays in Jan.

I guess my state of mind wasn't really into it, i just went because i went with the flow to top it off i am now in debt and have to put in extra hours to pay for my course, which is not giving me an attractive ROI-return on investment, which is very disappointing for me. However i am not changing my attitude. So let's see, i am still thinking how am i going to correct this?

On unusual days

2010-01-29T15:26:00.000-08:00

I will pick up some courage to get out of the house and do something useful like heading down to National Library after visiting a sister who was hospitalized in KKH. I headed straight to this section and rows of books just made me go nuts. Initially wanted to borrow 8 books, but since i only brought a small bag and had to carry the books home, i finally settle for 3.

I then got hungry so for lunch i decided to finally try Hanis after wanting to eat there for many many moons. I had fish and chips set. The fruit, soup and garlic bread was much better than the fish and chips itself. Next time i am going to give the pasta a try =).

There is also currently an on-going exhibition at National Library about Singapore's Top Brands Logo Design, go check it out.

Looking forward to March.

Dream home v.1

2010-01-27T08:12:00.000-08:00

I think i will start composing and saving images for my dream apartment, what a lovely kitchen + dining area taken from CasaSugar. Love their DIY contents too.

Rediscover

2010-01-25T23:56:00.000-08:00

Wah, i am so backdated, didn't know blogger has some new posting features. I change my skin again as i wasn't connecting well with the previous one.

I have been bloghopping a lot since i am home all day long now and it really get into me how some can write so fluently. I wish i had more juice. Right now morning day and night is about looking for that job of mine. Oh where are you? It's like playing the dating game. No good news to share yet, but hopefully soon enough or if anyone is kind enough to offer me a job? :)

Today i finally got down to setting up my mum's shelves beside the bathroom. She's been bugging since November and the eyesore just irks me. I finally arrange our years of travel memoirs nicely on the shelf, thought some of her things i have no idea where she wants to put them., i'll tackle that another day. The room downstairs is also going through major overhaul. Need more muscle around.

Before the arranging and getting sweaty.

The mess!

Organize them together, group put in Ziploc bags. Thank God for Ziploc!

Finally, tada!

Hopefully i have more to write soon, miss being here. At the mean time my site still needs twitching, so to my friends who still read me, say ola!

The land of halal food

2010-01-03T19:26:00.000-08:00

For every Muslim Singaporean going to Malaysia also means being able to eat almost everything that it has to offer. the likes of Subway, Kenny rogers, Nando's, Wendy's, Marrybrown and many more. The food lover me of course enjoyed this oppurtunity.

We also checkout a new shopping centre in Damansara Utama area. It is actually a large plot of land, where three shopping building resides: The Curve, Ikano + Ikea and @Curve. The food choices i would say there is the best.

The only shop that attract me was this Brands Store @Ikano, really worth the buy there. Quite a number of sale going on everywhere too. We later decided to pop by One Utama, another shopping centre. The typical father wants to have rice so we ate at Sri Melaka. The rendang was awesome and butter-cream prawns just melts in your mouth.

Dinner was spent with Kak Rahimah and Kak Zana. Initially we were suppose to have Seafood at Port Klang but once we got there the crowd really turn us off. It was way too crowded and we had to queue, queue, queue.

I was very hungry by then, it was like 9pm. Ayah then suggested we drive back to Shah Alam and had seafood too at one new restaurants. Seafood was still live! but from the tank :) Just as nice. They even had Wi-fi there, what a great plus-point. Service was great!

We drove up KL on Thursday, spend Friday at shopping centres, and concluded Saurday with a visit to Petaling Street in the day. Mother borong like crazy, two bags! and i bought shwals. Then down to Berjaya Times Square to have my maiden Subway Sandwich, before heading back home. Dinner was at Jalan Kayu, nothing beats saying "It's great to be home".

To my wonderful parents, thank you for this short trip! I was the one bugging them to bring me somewhere hehe. Since the brother got a chance to fly-away.

Our adventure didn't stop there. On the drive back home, we were suppose to go to Perhentian Pagoh but ayah accidentally exit at Pagoh. When we exit the toll we saw a sign saying Taman Herba, 3km, we pursue that road on to find a nice place Nasuha Herbs & Spices Paradise selling medicinal herbs. They even have a restaurant, and there was crowd(although this place was kind of out of the way). It seems that this place is well known for the owner, Mr Nasuha a natur lover. If you would like to know more here their website Nasuha Paradise. Would love to try their Herbal Spa Lodges one day :)

Reporting Live from KL

2009-12-31T07:10:00.000-08:00

I am saddened that i had to forego my SPIB Graduation which coincidentally happens today but nevertheless it's for a good deal. I am in KL right now, reporting live from The Saujana@Subang. =) since the brother is away on a school trip to Abu Dhabi + Dubai, i am pretending away to be the only child with the parents here.

It's been a smooth drive up, traffic was heavy, it rain here and there but it was manageable, as long as i am not driving i am enjoying it. Ayah ask if i would like to sit behind the wheels but mama immediately say no, aper sey! hehe. Tak pe back seat is still the best.

It was her maiden flight at two months old.

Lunch was at one of the stop overs, guess what we had BK and i add-on my calories by having two Dunkin Donuts after our solat jama'.

I mainly fill my time during the drive up watching the a video off The Secret book, amazing man! Everyone should read it and watch the video(Hidz i am so recommend it to you first!) hehe.

We finally arrived at The Saujana around 630pm, we left Singapore around 1pm, so around 6 hour journey, plus two stopovers. Ohh ya i saw this at Kawasan Rehat Dengkil, has anyone ever seen something similar in Sg? Cool presentation!

Alright hitting the sack soon, after a good warm bath. Going swimming tomorrow yeah! and the rest of the photos up in FB alright. Good night Singapore, good 2010!

Get Productive

2009-12-23T05:00:00.000-08:00

Great website i came across, you should all link it too, Allah must be sending signs to me to get productive and not be ever lazy, preserverance is key(still looking for a job).

Here you go readers check out Productive Muslim. It's everything self-help books will teach but with an Islamic twist. Subhanallah all this people inspire me, i wish i could do more for my religion. I will have to ponder on that.

They are also currently running a competition so if you're keen and creative, go sign-up for it.

Till i post again, currently working on being a Diva on Excel with the help from a book.

Get productive :)

New look

2009-12-15T06:44:00.000-08:00

Finally settle for a new skin that works with blogger. Most of the one i was eyeing for had some complication especially on their widgets bar. Contemplating to move over to wordpress or tumblr. Looks pretty cool. I've tried wordpress but it ain't talking well with me yet.

I wish to be elsewhere at this moment of time and down with fever, flu again! argh been way sick this year too many times. Still searching for that job that is waiting for me. Gona get well and get moving =)

Drop some comments will you(readers), are the font size alright? or i'll know very well i am talking to myself over in this space.

Reminder: Awal Muharram is coming

2009-12-12T06:10:00.000-08:00

Live as you will, but remember you will inevitably die. Love whomsoever you wish, but remember that someday you'll leave them. Do whatever you want, but remember you will be accountable for all your actions.

-Imam Ghazali

Greedy!

2009-12-10T07:03:00.000-08:00

I went greedy in the library today and borrowed these books and magazines. Now let's find time to read them all. =)

A guy was hitting on me in the library today, a man i would say maybe 30-ish.He walk pass me while i was staring at some books then turn to walk back towards me. I innocently thought he just wanted to make a query, coz i regularly get that everywhere, people asking me for directions, location of certain shops yada-yada.

Man: Assalamualaikum

Me: Wa'alaikum salam

Man: Tumpang tanyer sikit boleh tak?

Me: ye saya

Man: Nama awak sape? boleh berkenalan tak?

Me: No no no

As soon as i said that he turn and walk away from me. Haha irony, i was still smiling at the whole incident that just took place. While thinking about it i came up with this line, the next time somebody asks me a similar question i would

say: Have you got money to marry me? If not i wouldn't even waste my time

Haha, evil to the max.

Three more weeks of crazy December people. <3

Undecided

2009-12-02T06:57:00.000-08:00

I have a problem, i can't decide between the two organizers for 2010. This year i was using a Moleskine too. Love the cuteness of Kikki.k but need the professional look of Moleskine, how now brown cow?

(Image 1 & 2:Moleskine, Image 3 & 4:Kikki.k)

23-Year-Young =)

2009-10-24T08:46:00.000-07:00

Selamat Hari Muda! to me...

This year mum planned a suprprise birthday party for me, which didn't turn out to be a surprise in the end coz i got to know all about it BUT this year is what i would call one of the ideal birthday i had. Started off by sleeping in after subuh, without anyone screaming at me to wake-up lazing till 9++ before me and adik start cleaning the house. The maternal side came over first, it took almost an hour to start the fire burning. Weather was scroching hot but cool down as we approach evening, Great Time when everybody gets together =)

As the BBQ draws to a close, we proceed on with dinner, with the paternal family at where else Swensens T2, i think this year we can win some award of the most common face there. Since it was a Saturday night, getting in took almost 45 minutes, also due to the fact that there were 18 of us.

Double celebration this year and finale will happen on 6-7 November, watch out this space =)

S.O.S

2009-10-23T08:50:00.000-07:00

I had my first try at doing gubahan pengantin and it was, a brain-cracking work. My auntie Bik Lilin was the one who called for SOS. Luckily we manage to finish them on time, like by tonight. Now i know how much creative brain juices are needed to make something from norm to spectacular. Here are some of my work hehe. the rest are credited to my aunt =) Good night world!

Full of joy

2009-10-20T17:05:00.000-07:00

(picture taken from http://blog.tinyprints.com)

Ma: Don't you want eat dinner?

Me: I am full of happiness, no need to eat.

Alhamdulillah, was asking God for some silver lining after everything that has happen. Good news came in the mail yesterday. Finally received my Honours grading results and i manage to obtain a Second Class First Division Honours. All thanks to Allah, my family and friends for their doas and undying support, love, care and concern.

Now to get the Masters hehe, just kidding.

Immediately after i read my letter, i went to call mum and bro but none of them pick up the phone. My brother's initial reaction was: Congratulations! how come u never get first class honours? and my mum was like: If you had work a little harder maybe you could have gotten first class. Haha ohh well what's done is done, can't do anything about it. Dad gave the most realistic respond: but still you haven't get a job what?. Hearts my family.

Graduation will be on 7 November, so we are going to party for two weeks long my friends. Starting with this Saturday! woo hoo....

Helo helo cobwebs here

2009-10-15T23:27:00.000-07:00

need; inspiration

need; to get a job

need; move my butt

need; clean my room

hook; kucing kemari

Hari Raya Event 2009

2009-09-26T08:32:00.000-07:00

Me: eh your fuel dah nak habis

Abg kim: Don't worry nanti dia top-up sendiri

Me: huh? really

Ok and extract on the initial part of our convoy jalan raya. Me itchy hands wanted to have a go at the Honda Fit and though i had highlighted about the fuel to the owner he insisted with "You've got to trust me".

So from CCK it survived the journey to Marsling, next stop was Hougang. I was really insisting that we go top-up as my gut feeling said it would not survive the journey to Hougang. True enough, we were about 5 minutes drive away from the next person's home, i was cruising on the right most lane and the speedometer started to decline, i step on the accelerator but nothing happen. In my heart, oh no it's soo dead.

Me: Abg Kim your car is going to stop

Abg kim: Relax lah dont worry

Enlarge the pic to see two girls in baju kurung by the raod divider

And the car did stop immediately after that sentence. Haha panic like mad, first switch on hazard light, second get out of car to divert traffic. My cousin and aunt was in the car with me. Pakai baju lawa2 diri kat tepi jalan raya, sangat glam. Third call to get help, told Pak Long to get fuel so that the car can move. The most dangerous thing is that we were on the right most lane and to move left we would have to cut across two lanes to the nearest bus stop, and cars were passing by non-stop(we were along Hougang Ave 3, main road that leads Hougang to Eunos).

Eventually Pak Long came with a can of fuel, HOWEVER it wasn't enough to even start the ignition running Because the tank was dried to it's wits. Somehow the mature drivers also assume that the tank was design width wise, a second can was needed before the car could move to the nearest petrol station.

Never in my life had i experience such a thing, personally i would start to panic when the fuel indicator shows a quarter of tank and would refuel, if the warning light were to pop i would go into panic-crazy mode.

So that's our Hari Raya 2009 event of the year for you.

All drivers remember refuel before E.

Eid Mubarak 2009 - Sneak preview

2009-09-20T19:01:00.000-07:00

To all Muslims, minal a'idin wal fa'izin kullu am wa antum bi khair =)

Untimely post

2009-09-10T14:55:00.000-07:00

This is a very untimely post, kicking off the last 10 days of Ramadhan but i had to let this out.

I told myself i am going to love you for the rest of my life and i will still.

Everyday i wake the only person i miss is still you.

I was driving yesterday, without realizing tears start to roll down my cheeks.

Why did you do this to me?

I'm gona pray, very hard.

Fish & Co bentuk cabang halal, cawangan pertama di Tampines One

2009-08-08T08:39:00.000-07:00

DAPAT SIJIL HALAL: Pengarah Urusan Fish & Co Restaurants, Encik Ricky Chew, berkata cabang halal Fish & Co, F.I.S.H., dibuka kerana mendapat pertanyaan "hampir setiap hari" oleh pelanggan Islam yang ingin menjamu tanpa was was. -- Foto JOHARI RAHMAT
Mudah cetak
E-mel

6 Ogos 2009

EKONIAGA

Penuhi permintaan masyarakat Islam

Fish & Co bentuk cabang halal, cawangan pertama di Tampines One

Oleh
Norhaiza Hashim

SYARIKAT yang terkenal dengan juadah ikannya, Fish & Co Group, membentuk satu cabang halal dipanggil F.I.S.H. bagi memenuhi permintaan masyarakat Islam.

F.I.S.H., yang mendapat sijil halal daripada Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (Muis) pada 8 Julai lalu, membuka cawangannya yang pertama di tingkat empat pusat membeli-belah yang baru, Tampines One.

Berbeza daripada restoran Fish & Co, yang menjual pelbagai juadah ikan dan makanan laut, F.I.S.H. menyajikan gabungan makanan ikan, makanan laut, ayam, daging lembu dan kambing yang mempunyai pengaruh Barat dan Asia.

Kesemua menu makanan di F.I.S.H. berbeza daripada juadah yang terdapat di Fish & Co.

'Hampir setiap minggu kami mendapat pertanyaan daripada pelanggan Islam yang menanyakan bila restoran kami akan menjadi halal.

'Kami sedar pelanggan Islam merupakan segmen pelanggan yang penting. Mereka mempunyai kuasa membeli yang semakin tinggi dan tidak boleh diabaikan.

'Justeru, kami memperkenalkan konsep baru F.I.S.H. yang halal,' ujar Pengarah Urusan Fish & Co Restaurants, Encik Ricky Chew.

Selain di Tampines One, Encik Chew bakal membuka sebuah lagi cawangan F.I.S.H. di sebuah lagi pusat membeli-belah baru, 313@Somerset, November ini.

Ditanya sebab kumpulan itu tidak menjadikan Fish & Co restoran halal secara menyeluruh, Encik Chew berkata ia adalah kerana minuman keras dijual di dua daripada cawangan Fish & Co iaitu di Terminal 2 Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Changi dan Parkmall.

Namun, Encik Chew berharap akan mendapat sijil halal bagi kesemua rangkaian restoran Fish & Co di sini akhir tahun ini.

'Kami sedang berbincang dengan Muis sejak beberapa bulan lalu untuk meneroka cara menjadikan Fish & Co sebuah restoran halal,' ujarnya.

Dibentuk oleh Encik Chew dan Pengarah Kanan, Encik Lambert Yeo, pada 1998, Fish & Co kini mempunyai 16 cawangan di Singapura, empat di Malaysia, dua di Dubai, enam di Indonesia dan lima di Filipina.

Selain dua cawangan di Kuala Lumpur, yang dimiliki sendiri oleh kumpulan itu, cawangan- cawangannya lain di luar negara merupakan cawangan francais.

Selain Fish & Co, kumpulan itu memiliki restoran berjenama yang lain seperti Giraffe, thesimplelife dan Chaozhou Inn di Singapura.

Dengan pembukaan F.I.S.H., beliau berharap penjualan kumpulan akan meningkat sebanyak 20 peratus.

F.I.S.H. menjual pelbagai juadah seperti Ikan Mediterranean Goreng, Salmon Bakar dengan Krim Balsamic, Ayam Mozambique Panggang dan Cumi-cumi peri-peri.

Pelanggan juga berpeluang menikmati bufet salad meliputi salad cendawan shitake & enoki, salad betik rangup, salad salmon dan salad timun Jepun.

Taken from Cyberita Online.

Sometimes

2009-08-03T05:43:00.000-07:00

There are certain things in life that you have to forgo. Sometimes you can give so much but some others cant give you back. Sometimes you try so hard but things still don't work out.

And the f.b left, leaving me hanging on my own.

Today i fall, and i decided not to stand up again.

Positive karma

2009-07-28T07:19:00.000-07:00

Got to tell myself i can do this. That i am fine, that it's ok to fail in life. W.ork is really creeping into me the workload is, no words will describe but -sigh-. I so need to make myself happy at w.ork. Don't have much of a choice right, either do something that makes you happy or be happy with the w.ork that you are doing. So going for two.

Lot's of July babies celebration over the past few days, pictures are up in facebook go have a look. This blog is gona see more emo posts over the next few months. Some days it's just been so hard, it's not that i dont have anyone to talk to i do, but sometimes i just require another avenue to vent my frustrations. I am tired of trying so hard somedays. That i could give up, but will try not to, not least i get a firm answer. Argh the future is looking so dark right now, i need some light!

Need to stay strong, need to stay strong..

pain

2009-07-25T09:03:00.000-07:00

and it hurts so much tonight

How could you?

Weekend came and went

2009-07-19T08:55:00.000-07:00

Hi Azeemah, best part of the week, meeting up the SPIB peeps with Ustaz and having a great laugh at Simpang Bedok. Next meet up Kuliah ilmu on 30 July at P.erdaus B.edok. Open to all anybody interested to join, buzz me.

Best part of the week, waking late on weekends, sleeping in. I don't know where my energy went to but everyday after work i feel so penat.

Best part of the week, telling everybody i want to go back to school and not work.

Best part of the week our board game presentation at MKS, which we will develop insya-Allah.

Not so best part of the week, having to go crazy over the weekends coz my f.b is busy :( I miss my f.b.

Somedays it feels so hard that i just want to give up, but then i will be disappointed in myself :(

Confuse..............looking forward to the next weekend.

My f.b

2009-07-09T07:51:00.000-07:00

i wish you knew
how much i really love you
i wish you see
for the distance i would go for you
i wish you would
help me answer this
how far will we walk together?
i still wish it would be forever and ever

Work = less time for myself

2009-07-08T06:44:00.000-07:00

Alhamdulillah i manage to secure an internship for the past month or so at a timber trading company in town. Assuming that everything goes fine Friday will be my last day there and starting 13 July i will have a new home in Kembangan. My first real full-time permanent job, now now don't go all happy and ask me to belanja or anything =p, i would like to save my earnings for my Masters insya-Allah. Dont worry either i dont earn much but most importantly i must perform in this new position.

Azziana has been a great company for lunch since her building is only a street away from mine, but sadly now i will have to go lunch alone as she decided not to continue at the current location, it was a temp job anyway, i hope she gets a perm position soon too. The was a particular Friday when someone was craving for Pastamania and so we did had lunch there, one of the more expensive lunch we had =)

Last week was quite an adventure with me flying off to KL and a drive up to Pahang to meet one of our suppliers. It was a day trip so imagine how tired i was by the time i got on the flight home i was already imagining my bed. We left SG 630am in the morning and return to SG 1130pm. The drive from KL to Pahang itself is longer than my flight! How ironic, but totally a good learning experience.

Best part of the trip is when we stop by Midvalley Megamall for dinner, dapat makan Kenny Rogers!!!! bestnyerr!!

Upon return Saturday and Sunday was pack with tuition and the annual kenduri arwah at Eastwood, by the time Sunday end i was feeling pretty tired, lethergic and very moody! But the best part was that every one of the cousins really rope in this year to help as much as possible so preparing and cleaning up after event was such a breeze, glad everything went well. Sod and ina hard at work, masak nasi you!

Where did all my time go? It has been a really fast moving June and now we have arrive in July, Ayah's birthday coming up and my f.b hehe. Ramadan is coming soon too, gentle reminder to all, bayar hutang puasa sebelum terlambat =p. Till i post again. Check out my semangat little cousin cleaning the chairs when we went for breakfast the other day, he was wiping the table at first and then move on to his seat.

I want to work, i need a job

2009-05-27T07:36:00.000-07:00

So what have i been up to at home? Nothing other than being a full-time maid and full time job-hunter.

For being such a nice friend i accompanied Hidayah to Seoul Garden on Monday, somebody wanted to use birthday month advantage=free dinner. I on the other hand remembered clearly the last meal that i had in SG roughly about 2 years ago, made me puke as soon as i step out of the outlet. With that i vowed not to eat at SG again. I decided to go slow this time and actually not be greedy. Somehow my stomach have grown a little smaller, i couldn't eat as much as before, but we had a great time nonetheless talking till there were only less than 10 patrons left and the waiters keep coming back to our table and ask 'Can i clear this?' irritating i tell you.

Zafirah is actively looking for work, would you like to hire her?

I am still not cleaning up my desk and bookshelf, so teruk, somebody scold me please.

Old friends never rust

2009-05-10T05:18:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Ali and Kasma on their union! Sadly i didn't get to take picture with the couple, nevertheless manage to catch a glimpse of them and catch up with ol' friends. Time flies, this year is already our third year since we all graduated =) Many more wedding to come, two in May and two in June.

Mother's Day at Eastwood

2009-05-09T08:12:00.000-07:00

The YCC force was in full and all turn out well and great, and to me one of the surprising moments is when we got a token each hehe! gerekz you! Photos are up in my Fb but i do hope you guys have a look at the following video made by one of the cousins, superbly creative for a beginner =)

Superwoman in our lifes

2009-05-05T08:44:00.000-07:00

Even when you had a bad day at work, when things don't go your way, when your kids wont return your call and when your husband just sit all day long in front of the television, you still do your duty as a mom and do it well. I salute all the Superwoman in our lifes, our beloved mothers. (In view of Mother's day but just something random yeah) I try to help out as much as i can but i know i haven't been a good daughter to my parents, i am trying, i still am so forgive my shortcomings.

I am trying my best to understand, this transition period will tell it all, the beans will be spill but i am not sure if i can handle everything. I don't mind sacrificing for you but is it going to be this way till like you said 'everything is confirm'. I am not sure if i can bear with the sadness, coz it seems that every time i fall, i have to pick myself up again and you wont lend a hand to help me. Maybe like someone said you are afraid of commitments? Are you? I am still trying to understand and understand.

Tokyo Trip 2009 - Day 2

2009-05-03T19:49:00.000-07:00

Continental breakfast provided by Frasers Place was how we started our day, the usual cereals, bread and jam/butter, coffee and tea and internet! Finally found the location for the free internet access. Access from our room is chargeable and we only need to do the very basic of check e-mail FB and others so it was convenient, and every breakfast thereafter was spent at the computer station.

Today’s plan was to go Shibuya, Harajuku and the Tokyo Camii Mosque. We had some trouble looking for the mosque and practically all road sign/maps were in Japanese, though some people are helpful most still can’t speak English and was not able to answer to our queries. The final resort was to go to the police booth and ask the officers.

Shibuya and Harajuku are shopping haven not much of sightseeing but lots of shop, be prepare to burn a hole in your pocket, but no worries we didn’t visit most of the shops only spend about 30 minutes in this super cool, 4 storey Adidas store. Some of their design cant even be found in Singapore, and price wise is reasonable for the Adidas products, mum got herself a pair of sneakers and long-sleeve t-shirt.

We then took a 30 minute walk to Harajuku before getting on the Odakyu line to get to Yoyogi Uehara where the Tokyo Camii Mosque is. Along the way while walking around to find the mosque we met two cats, and one of them turn out pretty friendly, my mum when to give her a pat and stroke her till she refuse to get off her lap, well we still had to leave the cat behind in the end. Did our prayers there and got a free cup of tea to warm ourselves, beautiful mosque with marble facade and flooring. Love the multiple khat decorations and styles that was present in that one mosque, amazing!

Shinjuku was our last stop for the day. Using the google map printed off the net, we navigate ourselves to find Kebab Ye, a small eatery to have our very late lunch. It cost almost 40 just for lunch, Tokyo is really expensive, wonder if i’ll be able to survive if i had to stay here.

This time around we skip the whole in and out of train stations and took a walk back home, roughly about another 20 minutes of walking, we really use our feet well today. Upon reaching Frasers we hit the supermarket to get supplies for dinner and tomorrow lunch. Guess where will be heading to next...................the place where Mickey and Minnie lives =)

My April in a post

2009-04-29T19:31:00.000-07:00

My final presentation in all of my school life ended on 29 April at 415pm. It was wonderful great and all thanks to Allah i manage to answer the very difficult questions my lecturer shot at me which i wasn't really prepared(i did assume certain qs that he was going to ask and pre-made answers for them but those didn't appear) for but still manage to find a good response from the corners of my brain.

My April in short was full of birthday celebration.

First adik's birthday with dinner at Sedap Corner@Simpang aka Chef Bob Restaurant.

Second mama's birthday at home, no biggie, except we surprise her with a cake.

Ma and her all time must-order-if-eat-at-Swensen Coit Tower!

Third was grandma's 69th birthday at Rasa Istimewa, CCK.

May all the April babies be in good health and iman.

I am so not motivated to update, or somedays i have ideas on what to write but by the time i reach the keyboards i just couldn't be bother, hehe. Nevertheless for my caring family and friends i am now recovering from fever and a bad sore throat and at the same time is job-hunting.

My days have been pretty good and i will try my best to catch up with those people i have been missing pretty soon ya =)

University of Life

2009-04-12T08:02:00.000-07:00

Transcending into the next phase of life. University of life, where tests are real, challenges are constant, problems are everyday, complaints are conversations but go above and beyond it all by staying Positive =).

One more presentation to go. I had my share of ups and downs, but i hope things turn out more right this time around.

Japan updates coming up Day 2 onwards.....Stay tune.

Tokyo Trip 2009 - Day 1

2009-03-23T07:36:00.000-07:00

After 6 hours flight on board the A380 we arrive safely at Narita International airport, this would be my third visit to the land of the rising sun. I was pretty hungry as we had our breakfast much earlier at 4am on-board(macam sahur you) and it was a freezing 2 degrees. Move over quickly to the train station to proceed to our destination Shinjuku. I kept grumbling at mom that i am hungry and am going to faint any time(drama mama) so she hand over 3000 yen and ask me to grab something. Lady luck was on my side! Just beside the JR Line office was a Starbucks! Omg starbucks and everything in Japanese okay. So i took away a small Caramel Mocchiato and two sugar churos for only 770 yen. The cute thing was over the counter when i place my order, i spoke to the cashier in English and all my replies were in Japanese.

The train ride took around 80 minutes, from Narita to Shinjuku on the Limited Express train, and i spend my time away doing my Literature review for my project, tell me about it, going on holiday when you’re just 3 weeks away from exams, very boring! Be warn that the train station is horribly crowded everywhere all the time, and imagine i arrive on a Saturday i wonder what’s it’s going to be like on the Monday to come. Any one station is like City Hall MRT multiply by 10 and the crowd is peak-hour morning rush multiply by 10 and the multiply exits that are there, one could get drown in the crowd immediately.

We book a place over at Fraser Place, Shinjuku, however check-in was not available as we were too early and our room was still occupied. So we left our bags and head over to Ikebukoru. According to my dad two years back when he came for a work trip he ate at this Malaysian Restaurant however he remember nuts about the name, only using his memory and navigation skills he brought us there. Practically we were at Ikebukoru walking from east to west around 45 mins before we finally found Malaychan Restaurant, by that time we could all eat a bear! Lapar lah, and because it was very cold it kind of make you go hungry faster.

Started heading back to Shinjuku after lunch to complete our check-in, along the way go supermarket buy all the supplies needed for cooking. The good thing about staying at Frasers is that the abundance of supermarket in this area and even one at the ground floor, convenience is number 1. The rest of the day was spent sleeping; warming in to the surrounding and dinner at home, here’s what we had.

Half-way there

2009-03-19T17:48:00.000-07:00

Half-way thru the finishing line, anyway exams was erm susah and senang so i just hope i can clear the papers or else will be going for re-module which will take another 4 months, so hopefully not.

Last Saturday i sprain my ankle on the way to Mendaki, it has been killing me because sometimes the pain will come and it hurts so much, need to keep reminding myself to take care of my weak ankle. On another note my project is starting to warm up and it's 22 days to submission. I miss blogging and been wanting to update on my Japan trip hopefully soon enough ya.

As for today will be heading down to the job fair at Suntec =)

Stay positive and smile for the day.

The beginning of the end

2009-03-01T04:00:00.000-08:00

I am home, just arrive 3 hours ago.

This is it, the final leg of my undergraduate studies.

March and April going to be pack and crazy.

2 exam papers, 1 major project, 4 birthdays, 2 weddings.

Will update about my trip with pics during my free time.

=D

Feb weekend v.2:Luge, Sentosa

2009-02-14T06:29:00.000-08:00

The other tickets that i had to buy from my bro was of Luge rides, the advertised price was 9 bucks but his promotion was selling at 6, so i got 5 pairs of those and distribute it out to the girls. Initially everyone was suppose to come down today but finally only 3 of us went. Nevertheless great great day, though a bit hot(and i went to wear all black and v-day sumore) the crowd was terrible, mostly tourists i see.

It was kind of confusing to figure out how to get to the main counter of Luge, according to Sentosa directions you can alike both at Imbiah station or Beach station, but soon to be discovered otherwise, let me share with you the best way to get there:

1) Board the Sentosa Express for $3 from Vivocity Level 2(take escalator near to Coffee Bean)
2) Alight at Beach Station
3) Walk towards a big brown building away from the Beach Station
4) After bypassing the brown building you can see the skyride and at the foot of it is the Luge main ticketing counter.
5) If you are afraid of heights or might have any trouble you can board the Luge from Imbiah Lookout area, to get there, you must alight at Imbiah Station and take the escalator up towards Imbiah Lookout point.

There you go, tips from me, personally i prefer the Skyride and Luge as the Skyride really gives you a great view of surrounding Singapore, we could even spot Swissotel Stamford from up there.

Enjoy the pics below, the rest are up in my FB =)

Crazy week ahead, take care! Don't take drugs!

For all Muslim learners

2009-02-10T06:17:00.000-08:00

“To begin my every action with a niat,

To be able to define exactly what I want,

To be so strong that nothing can disturb my peace of mind.

To wear a cheerful countenance, a tranquil smile, and charm every living creature I meet.

To focus only on the best, to ask questions for the best results and expect the best.

To rehearse and rehearse; improve and improve; in a relentless pursuit of excellence.

To give so much time to the improvement of myself that I have no time to criticize others.

To find something that I like in my friends, say good words to them,
let them see themselves in the best light possible and know that they are special.

To put behind the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.

To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too brave for fear and too wise for vain talk.

Life’s victories don’t always go to the stronger or the faster hand;

They go to the one who has faith in God; has faith in himself;

has good conduct and always think ‘I can’.

It’s in the heart; It’s all in a state of mind”.

Pastamania dah Halal!!!

2009-02-09T05:34:00.000-08:00

FAQ Here

Last week i received and e-mail from my friend, she mention casually that she saw Pastamania with a halal logo, so i eagerly google it down and smack in their main website is the halal logo. With much disbelief, i went down to check it out today!!! Yeay to another halal-certified outlet, now we can all contribute to the economy of Singapore. It was awesome, food was great and they had this mini-menu booklet, which in my opinion is the best marketing tool ever.

My friend's vegetarian pasta

My creamy chicken pasta and orange juice =)

Imagine this, you're going for lunch and you decided to settle for Pastamania, not knowing what to order, you take out your mini-menu and there, choices galore!!! The mini-menu fits well into any wallet. Basically you choose the sauce and then the pasta of choice, pay at the counter first, a number will be given and you settle down in your seat while waiting for your food to arrive. Amazingly food came in less than 5 minutes!

I got down to Kino to buy the present my student requested, but i just can't help it that i needed to get another book. Was searching for "Who move my cheese" initially but couldn't find it, so decided to go with something about Islam. Have always wanted to read the writings of Karen Armstrong, so here goes my first Armstrong book, any other recommendations about Islamic books in English are most welcome! and i better give all my pay to my mother once i start work or else i will keep on buying books after books, never bring me into a bookshop okie?

Feb weekend v.1:Night Safari

2009-02-08T07:46:00.000-08:00

My brother's personal selling module includes discounted tixs to Night Safari so that's how we ended up spending our Sunday evening. I had a great time helping out in the Gaza Donation Drive earlier in the day(pics in FB) and later on at night with the family. However i wish there were more animals, going to the night zoo seem a bit dead, the animals were sparsely located, lucky there was the tram ride and Giant Flying Squirrels that was really amazing to watch(them flying from tree to tree)! Certain areas were quite dark almost pitch black but all in all a great time and i get up close and personal with a snake and kind-of-cat animal, lost track of their names hehe.

Now lets play a game of spot the animal! it was almost impossible to take pictures as NO FLASH photography allowed, due to the nocturnal nature of these animals =p and since we didn't get to touch the real thing we settle for the next best, soft toys!!! tak boleh beli petik gambar pun jadilah hehe.

This i have to share

2009-02-05T06:29:00.000-08:00

Nasihat No.11: Petua 3 Tiang Bertunang

(taken of another website, click on title for link)

“Jangan tunggu lama-lama, nanti lama-lama, dia diambil orang,” kata Ramli Sarip. Begitu jugalah halnya dengan pertunangan.

Usah tunang lama-lama sangat.

Tapi ini bukan soal dia tu diambil orang. Tetapi takut-takut, dia tu diambil sebagai “isteri” oleh si bakal suami walaupun belum lagi sah jadi isteri.

Apa halnya ni?

Begini....

Waktu pertunangan inilah waktu yang paling mencabar sebelum nikah.

Macam-macam perkara boleh berlaku semasa menunggu hari pernikahan.

Kalau setahun dua, maka setahun jugalah juga member kita tu duduk menanguk.

Nak kata isteri belum sah lagi, nak kata belum ada ikatan, cincin dah diberi.

Syaiton pun bukan main lagi. Naik tocanglah dia menari-nari…Nak kena jaga-jaga ni...

Takut bila iman lembik, nafsu pulak yang naik!

Apa yang harus diperhatikan oleh semua yang terlibat dalam hal tunang-tunang ni?

Amalkan Petua 3 Tiang Bertunang.

Apa dia?

Ulang lagi?

Petua 3 Tiang Bertunang…

Tiang 1: Bertunang jangan panjang. Paling lama 6 bulan. Kalau nak lanjutkan pun, setahunlah. Kalau lebih, takut-takut, maksiat pun lebih.

Tiang 2: Bertunang mesti berpantang. Maknanya, mestilah ada batas hijab di antara Cik Abang dengan Cik Adik kita tu. Kalau tidak, pasti ada pihak ketiga yang bisik-bisik buat awak-awak tu syiok sangat kat awek-awek. Jangan cari pasal beb.

Tiang 3: Bertunang biar bertenang. Tak lari gunung dikejar. Usah asyik nak tengok, nak call aje. Lagi tambah risau, resah gelisah nanti! Untuk bertahan, puasalah. Kalau panas, mandilah.

Pokoknya, berhati-hatilah bila bertunang.

Jangan tunggu lama-lama. Pasakkan 3 Tiang bila Bertunang – iaitu jangan panjang, mesti pantang, biarlah bertenang. InsyaAllah menang!

--------#--------

p/s:kalau macam i masih belajar tak habis2, calon belum jumpa, kerja pun tak ada,jangan mimpi nak tunang lah =p good article just wanted to share =D

Virgin Trip to Haji Lane

2009-02-03T06:13:00.000-08:00

I've been wanting to go down to Haji Lane but have yet gather enough courage to do so alone, so i drag the most important person who's been there to walk me thru it hehe, thanks Lin! and since i had khat class yesterday which was just at the next Bali Lane, it was pretty convenient. The most amazing shop i think it's Soon Lee, i just love the layout of that shop house, making me itch more to get that dream pent-house that i want.

In 2006 when i first graduated from poly, there was this looming fear of entering the workforce, which i overcome by going back to school, that looming fear is back again, and this time around i will have to face it for real. Fear of the unknown, like i know what i plan to do next, but the outcome of it, there's no certainty to that. Whatever it is, i hope Allah guides me thru. Time to get down to business =)

Down with flu

2009-01-28T05:19:00.000-08:00

This flu that i have have is suppose to get better by now, but looks like i'll be grounded at home for quite some time. Even not going to visit Atuk, i might spread my flu to the rest. Sleeping it off but soon body aches start to appear, and i can feel my mind slowing down, no stimulation happening other than a sheer focus to get better. I need to get well, tonnes of assignment and revision to do. The trip also needs some calculation, since we're taking public transport all the way, i wonder if it's cheaper to buy the 7-day or just buy day-trip tickets. Exams in March and i'm going away, my parents are nuts, they must be, looks like my books are coming along with me.

Take care people and for those who are sick like me too, get well soon =)

The evening routine

2009-01-26T07:43:00.000-08:00

That we are getting use to is visiting atuk at SGH, i hope he gets well and they can clear all the blockages in his blood vessels soon. He's already asking to be discharge coz he's bored at the hospital, but one thing i learn from my paternal grandad is that be a fighter and never give up or give in. He has been sick for long and in-out of hospital for umpteen time, but there's something about him that never quits and strive to get well, no matter what.

My evening in pictures plus my still so lousy photo-taking.

Extremely empty over the CNY holidays

Trying to blend in with people from the past, which i miserably fail...

Satay Club@Lau Pa Sat

2009-01-24T07:04:00.000-08:00

Been sometime since we last ate there. After visiting atuk at SGH, daddy decided to have dinner there, a new surprise we found was this Mamak Stall selling the usual Mamak noodles/mutton chop/soup kambing, which turn out quite nice in the end. However they're only located at only one end of the road. the one nearer to SGX Centre.

I was also testing out my new E71 camera, didn't realise it had soo many different functions, haha enjoyz!

Upcoming Event | Solar Eclipse

2009-01-20T06:49:00.000-08:00

Looking to do something fruitful during the upcoming CNY holidays? Why not attend this Solar Eclipse event supported by Altinak and Perdaus.

For more info go to Solar Eclipse 2009

p/s: I can get tickets for you too, let me know or drop me an e-mail at zafirah.z@hotmail.com =)

What?

2009-01-13T21:48:00.000-08:00

I just had to let this one out. I am at the sch library now and just a few minutes ago this guy came to occupy the seat beside me. He still had this stinky cigarette smoke smell which bothers me and guess what, he just zip his pants plus making that zip sound loud and clear! What? He just left for the toilet I hope he doesn't come back anytime soon.

I dream of an apartment

2009-01-06T21:14:00.000-08:00

GIRL NEXT DOOR

Your home is quintessentially feminine: pretty and fun with the occasional foray into frou-fou (and who cares if the odd kill-joy says it's silly?). Light, bright colour, layered pattern and texture all help to add variety and character. But above all, your home is a charming extension of your personality, with loving attention lavished on every detail.

Living Room

Your living room is a welcoming haven of grace and fine taste. If it was good enough for the Ancient Greeks and good enough for Georgian England, it's good enough for you! In interior design, the classic look is predicated on the ideals by balance, proportion and moderation. It is, to many, intrinsically pleasing to the eye, which is no doubt why it remains an enduringly popular look. In the living room, it's a style that errs towards formality. Less formal, vernacular accessories work surprisingly well, just as long as they don't tip over into the folksy. Neutral wall colours provide a calm, easy background, while floral prints and textiles are pretty and perennially appealing. There are few things more luxurious than a sneaky afternoon nap, dozing off in your favourite spot in the living room.

Bedroom

Your bedroom benefits from a lovely feminine touch. Sleep is fundamentally important to our well being. Clean, fresh air can truly aid sleep, but so, too, does a well-made bed and the best mattress you can afford. Touch is an important issue in the bedroom, from crisp, linen sheets to wool or even sheepskin underfoot. You like to surround yourself with pretty frills and flounces in your bedroom, using cool pastel blues and greens to create a fresh but restful sense of calm.

Dining Room

You're a home-lover, bringing a light, feminine touch to mealtimes. At home, you bring a particular sensibility to your dining space: everything is spot on, without being pretentious, unwelcoming or fussy. You're a home-maker par excellence, and mealtimes are the perfect occasion for bringing everyone together, or just treating yourself. If you like pattern, especially floral designs, be careful not to overdo it: there's a fine line between beguiling feminine charms and gilding the lily. When it comes to entertaining, you're incredibly sociable if frequently pushed for time.

Home Office

You have a place for everything and everything has its place. These days, almost all of us have a home office: a desk and a chair in one corner of the living room with adjustable task lighting and adequate filing is all it takes. The modernist adage that form should follow function is nowhere better demonstrated than in the home office: keep things simple and add your own sense of style by using a splash of colour or a single, well-chosen decorative piece.

Conclusion

Your home combines the best of old and new, rural and metropolitan, to prove you really can have it all!

If you would like to do the test go here

Good morning Monday

2009-01-04T18:11:00.000-08:00

I have this sudden urge to do something BIG right here, right now, this motivational force coming within me. Due to the fact that i am graduating in a few months time and have to go out to work scares me like crazy, with the economy being unstable and retrenchment heard every so often, oh can i even land a job to start with. So there it was, i should start something now, BUT no idea BUT then again can find ideas BUT brain not generating ideas haha oh well.

What a beautiful Monday morning today, clothes are out hung to dry, i'm suppose to revise and start on my assignment, have i told you guys how difficult the two modules i'm taking this semester are, both are accounting-related modules and i'm so not a fan of accounts. So i guess i have to work hard, got to practice more, and this time around make it real good, i did ok for my pass accounting modules, however this time around it involves more theory than calculation. I usually can't make sense of the lecturer and have to figure out later what he was saying, like i said accounting not my forte.

M.endaki class starting on Saturday, i'm looking forward to meet a bunch of 7-yrs-old and have a great year ahead with them, that reminds me-photocopy worksheets for Saturday and i've been posted to East Coast Primary School for now but might be transferred elsewhere later.

Need to keep focus and move forward, emotional worries are just so burdensome at times. I'm trying to take a step away from everything that has happen, so that hopefully just one day i can forget about them all.

I feel good today, hope it last till midnight =)

p/s: Puasa Hari Asyura people, Tue and Weds or Weds and Thurs or Tue, Weds and Thurs.

The first day

2009-01-01T04:21:00.000-08:00

A brand new day, attended the Seminar Interaktif Al-Quran at Expo, was glad with the 1200 crowd, masya-Allah, it was pretty fun and had a great insight into what Tarannum was all about. They will held another seminar as such in May so do look out for it.

Later accompanied Aishah for a senior's wedding at Tampines, i've always love red but don't think i look good in one, but she look stunning, congrats Kak Marsyitah!

I feel an urgent need to re-learn my tajwid, anybody interested? saw a class at Al-Ansar that fits my schedule. My nearly 2-year old Nokia 6288 needs to be replace however i still can't decide as yet what handphone i want to buy, so fickle-minded ahakz.

It's hard to let go, i thought we share a common ground and now all you do is leave me behind

Last weekend of 2008

2008-12-28T07:59:00.000-08:00

Every start of the new year we make resolution we wish for better things, we pray for a good life, stable career and so on and so forth, but before going on to the new we have to reflect on the past. The 2008 for me is erm actually nothing much exciting really happen, no big changes other than i travel more this year than the past few years, i was living my life, my single-life to say. It was good with a bit hiccup at the end, but i've got my closure and look forward to new beginnings in 2009.

And talking about new beginnings i would like to congratulate Hajar and Fendy on their union which took place last Saturday, i thank Hajar for inviting us, love the deco and food and the special of the day was Putu Piring made on the spot with fresh coconut, it was super sedap, now i'm craving for another round of Putu Piring ;)

We proceed on to Marina Barrage after that and had a great crazy, a bit 'buang-tebiat' time at the Water Playground, not growing up yet eh!

History of Hijri Calender

2008-12-28T06:10:00.000-08:00

1. HISTORY AND MOTIVATION

The Islamic Calendar, which is based purely on lunar cycles, was first introduced in 638 C.E. by the close companion of the Prophet (PBUH) and the second Caliph, `Umar ibn Al-KHaTTab (592-644 C.E.) RAA. He did it in an attempt to rationalize the various, at times conflicting, dating systems used during his time. `Umar consulted with his advisors on the starting date of the new Muslim chronology. It was finally agreed that the most appropriate reference point for the Islamic calendar was the Hijrah. The actual starting date for the Calendar was chosen (on the basis of purely lunar years, counting backwards) to be the first day of the first month (1 MuHarram) of the year of the Hijrah. The Islamic (Hijri) calendar (with dates that fall within the Muslim Era) is usually abbreviated A.H. in Western languages from the latinized Anno Hegirae, "in the year of the Hegira". MuHarram 1, 1 A.H. corresponds to July 16, 622 C.E.

The Hijrah, which chronicles the migration of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Makkah to Madinah in September 622 C.E., is the central historical event of early Islam. It led to the foundation of the first Muslim city-state, a turning point in Islamic and world history.

To Muslims, the Hijri calendar is not just a sentimental system of time reckoning and dating important religious events, e.g., Siyaam (fasting) and Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah). It has a much deeper religious and historical significance.

Muhammad Ilyes [Ilyes84] quotes Nadvi who wrote:

``It (the advent of the 15th century) is indeed, a unique
occasion to ponder that the Islamic Era did not start
with the victories of Islamic wars, nor with the birth
or death of the prophet (PBUH), nor with the Revelation
itself. It starts with Hijra, or the sacrifice for the
cause of Truth and for the preservation of the Revelation.
It was a divinely inspired selection. God wanted to teach
man that struggle between Truth and Evil is eternal. The
Islamic year reminds Muslims every year not of the pomp
and glory of Islam but of its sacrifice and prepares them
to do the same.''

From a historical angle, Ilyes quotes Samiullah who writes:

``All the events of Islamic history, especially those which
took place during the life of the Holy Prophet and afterwards
are quoted in the Hijra calendar era. But our calculations
in the Gregorian calendar keep us away from those events and
happenings, which are pregnant of admonitory lessons and guiding
instructions.
...And this chronological study is possible only by adopting the
Hijri calendar to indicate the year and the lunar month in line
with our cherished traditions.''

2. SPECIFICATION AND METHOD

The Islamic (Hijri) year consists of twelve (purely lunar) months. They are: (1) MuHarram; (2) Safar; (3) Raby` al-awal; (4) Raby` al-THaany; (5) Jumaada al-awal; (6) Jumaada al-THaany; (7) Rajab; (8) SHa`baan; (9) RamaDHaan; (10) SHawwal; (11) Thw al-Qi`dah; and (12) Thw al-Hijjah.

The most important dates in the Islamic (Hijri) year are: 1 MuHarram (Islamic new year); 27 Rajab (Isra & Miraj); 1 RamaDHaan (first day of fasting); 17 RamaDHan (Nuzul Al-Qur'an); Last 10 days of RamaDHaan which include Laylatu al-Qadar; 1 SHawwal (`iyd al-fiTr); 8-10 Thw al-Hijjah (the Hajj to Makkah); and 10 Thw al-Hijjah (`iyd al-'aDHHaa').

It is considered a divine command to use a (Hijra) calendar with 12 (purely) lunar months without intercalation [Ilyes84], as evident from the following verses of the Holy Qur'an (Trans: A. Yusuf Ali):

They ask thee
the New Moons
Say: They are but signs
To mark fixed periods of time
In (the affairs of) men
And for Pilgrimage. (II:189)

The number of months
In the sight of Allah
Is twelve (in a year)
So ordained by Him
The day He created
The heavens and the earth;
Of them four are sacred;
That is the straight usage
So wrong not yourselves
Therein, and fight the Pagans. (IX: 36)

Verily the transposing
(Of a prohibited month)
Is an addition to Unbelief:
The Unbelievers are led
To wrong thereby: for they make
it lawful one year,
And forbidden another year,
Of months forbidden by Allah
And make such forbidden ones
Lawful. The evil of their course
Seems pleasing to them.
But Allah guideth not
Those who reject Faith. (IX: 37)

Since the Islamic calendar is purely lunar, as opposed to solar or luni-solar, the Muslim (Hijri) year is shorter than the Gregorian year by about 11 days, and months in the Islamic (Hijri) year are not related to seasons, which are fundamentally determined by the solar cycle. This means that important Muslim festivals, which always fall in the same Hijri month, may occur in different seasons. For example, the Hajj and RamDHaan can take place in the summer as well as the winter. It is only over a 33 year cycle that lunar months take a complete turn and fall during the same season.

For religious reasons, the beginning of a Hijri month is marked not by the start of a new moon, but by a physical (i.e., an actual human) sighting of the crescent moon at a given locale. From the Fiqhi standpoint, one may begin the fast in RamDHaan, for example, based on "local" sighting (IKHTILAF AL-MATALE') or based on sighting anywhere in the Muslim World (ITTEHAD AL-MATALE'). Although different, both of these positions are valid Fiqhi positions.

Astronomically, some data are definitive and conclusive (i.e. the time of the BIRTH of a new moon). However, determining the VISIBILITY of the crescent is not as definitive or conclusive; rather it is dependent upon several factors, mostly optical in nature. This makes it difficult to produce (in advance) Islamic calendars that are reliable (in the sense that they are consistent with actual crescent visibility).

Efforts for obtaining an astronomical criterion for predicting the time of first lunar visibility go back the the Babylonian era, with significant improvements and work done later by Muslim and other scientists. These efforts have resulted in the development in a number of criteria for predicting first possible sighting of a crescent. However, there remains a measure of uncertainty associated with all criteria developed thus far. Moreover, there has been little work in the area of estimating crescent visibility on global (as opposed to local) scale. Until this happens, no Hijri calendar software can be 100% reliable, and actual crescent sighting remains essential especially for fixing important dates such as the beginning of RamaDHaan and the two `iyds.

The slight differences in printed Islamic calendars, worldwide, can therefore be traced to two primary factors: (1) the absence of a global criterion for first visibility; and (2) the use of different visibility criterion (or method of calculation). Weather conditions and differences in the observer's location also explain why there are sometimes differences in the observances of Islamic dates, worldwide.

Taken from http://fisher.osu.edu/~muhanna_1/hijri-intro.html

My insecurities

2008-12-26T05:58:00.000-08:00

As of this moment life pretty much sucks, gosh where are all this negativity from, my head is in a mess, i feel like blowing up, so much drama going on, i want my life back!

Lovely finds in Malacca

2008-12-21T20:22:00.000-08:00

One of the relatives house we visited had these beautiful garden and a weird looking plant, it's pretty small and the fruits are black and red, i have no idea what's the name though.

And look clearly here and tell me what you can see:

Finally we get to try Nandos at Mahkota Parade, the last when we were in Harbourtown, Brisbane we wanted to give it a go but we ended up having lunch elsewhere. I however still prefer Kenny Rogers, with it's muffin cakes yum yum. For Nando's the best to order would be it's 1/2 chicken with two sides, worth the kaching. I would definitely go there again, they have some outlets in JB but it would be even better if someone could bring Nando's in to Singapore, i would surely queue.

On our way back in to Singapore, we went by the new Johor checkpoint, my review on it, nice with lots of meandering road like in F1 race, very sharp humps(imagine planar edges than the usual semi-circle humps), very cramp in between passport booths(if your car is wide be prepared to get scratch, the new booths have lots of scratch marks on them), bottleneck entrance(there's only one lane for cars and only after you go thru that lane you'll be assign to 3 different zones), in a wrap ok lah but so much more can be done better. Not saying that Sg is any better, coz when we were driving in at Tuas, we were stuck for almost 2 hours just to clear the Singapore side. Well it's the holiday season and evidently everyone's taking a holiday, so if you're crossing over the borders have lots of patience ya, especially the drivers and go toilet early.

Weddings in Malacca

2008-12-21T07:10:00.000-08:00

Over the weekend we had a short gateway up in Malacca to attend two weddings, Saturday and Sunday, the weather was hot everywhere but i wonder why it seems much hotter than Singapore's weather. I can't really recognize my relatives but it was more for the grandparents to meet up with old acquaintances, me and bro just practically seat back and relax and let the old folks do their thing. I'll invite you on a pictorial journey of the two weddings i attended.

The first was located in Jasin, about 30 minutes drive away from Malacca town.

The second on Sunday, was near Simpang Empat at Malacca itself, this time around the food spread was better hehe however we were late the food was already finishing so we had whatever that is left, but the unique thing was these two booths cooking fried noodles and preparing fresh tahu bakar i think.

We met Haziq one of my nephews from KL, he's so grown up now last i met him was when i was 15 i think. My my that boy is so smart! Both weddings were held at their homes, with extra tentage being set up to accomodate the guests. Pretty simple, and the gotong royong feel is there, i mean like everybody chip in to help out.

The night was spend at Everly Resort in Tanjung Kling, not recommended by me, service is pretty much to the basics and i do think they overcharge, but since elsewhere is fully book we had not much choice.

We've stayed at Mahkota Hotel a few times and that's still the best to me, next time i would like to try Seri Costa Hotel located nearby to Mahkota Parade too and if you should know they've move the Eye on Malaysia from Tasek Titiwangsa,KL to Melaka Town, Melaka.

Twilight and birthday

2008-12-18T07:08:00.000-08:00

Hey dear i promise myself to do this before you go on you trip to Genting, so here it goes, Happy 22nd Birthday with much love from me. You've been the best kaki especially in ID, i am so glad we were in the same class or i'll be pretty much clueless, learnt alot from you and wish us more many happy years of friendship ahead, you one lucky girl *winks*

I had a great time with you today and soon as you come back better get back on that job-hunting track okie or i'm soo gona nag like a grandma! Take care and have fun in Genting =)

Old friends are like wine

2008-12-06T06:54:00.000-08:00

They get better with age =). Saturday rocking hanging chilling scrabbling coffee-beaning day and Jalan Kayuing with the girls whom i've not seen in 2 months plus, since the suppose jalan raya was cancel. Memories are best cherish in the heart! Thank you girls =)

Pictures credit to Azzie.

Holiday lah!

2008-12-01T06:46:00.000-08:00

Okie exams are over, but then again it's never really over you know, results up next. My short short holiday of two weeks as usual is plan with catching up to do, and i want to go watch Madagascar and Muallaf, i better do this two before school starts again. Anyway i'm planning for this blog to go in a different direction but still in the planning stage yeah, once fully done you'll see changes.

Anyway anybody want to help me clean my room, clearing off my stuff so look out for the year end giveaways coming up soon =) Happy December to all!

Weekend by the beach

2008-11-29T07:02:00.000-08:00

As my exams end this afternoon, i join in the rest of the maternal family with a picnic by the beach. A good stress reliever and the weather was just right, not too hot and not too windy. Though the rest overnight there, i went home to the comfort of my bed only with the promise of bringing them prata breakfast the next morning =p

Exam period again

2008-11-03T04:34:00.000-08:00

While i try to stay away from blogging/facebooking/friendstering/procrastinating, please doa for me for the upcoming exams alright. It will be over at the end of the month and i have some projects in mind for my TWO weeks break before term starts again, eheks.

Love luv Zaffy.

A little something about me

2008-10-25T07:15:00.000-07:00

Taken off Here credits to dear cousin, Noradlina =)

"happy twenty second birthday to my dear cousin zafirah (:

i scoured thru my family’s humble collection of albums to try to find a picture of us together but to no avail. i think most of the photos are at Eastwood or at her home. being the first two to be born in our family meant that for about a year or so all attention were on us. we had matching outfits, mine was always red, hers blue. and we were made into cam whores from the day we were born. everybody fussed over us. everybody wanted a piece of us, haha, almost literally. despite being close our differences were obvious, zafirah was always the more outgoing, more outspoken and more daring one. i can tell you over coffee everything that she did since young. from the Sydney van incident, haha to the time she bit me. lol! as we grew up, she was like the elder one although i was born about four months earlier then her. but she never stopped being my confidant. i have never once seen her sad. she’s always smiling or laughing, seriously she’s like little miss sunshine. and she always had my back, ALL the time. like one time i was so upset over something and i was at lost, the first person i called was her and immediately she came down to meet me and listened every pathetic, insignificant thing i had to complain about. or earlier this year when she knew that i was going thru a very difficult time in my life, she called me up for lunch and even made me a card to motivate me. you don’t get to choose your family but when you have someone in your life who does that for you, i am just damn lucky.

so happy twenty second to you (: i wish you nothing but all the best that the world has to offer to you. i hope you like the brooch!"

Love it i wore it for today's jalan raya, thanks dear! No matter what happens family rox! Then friends rox! hehe

I turn 22

2008-10-24T07:44:00.000-07:00

A year older, hopefully a step or many steps closer to be a better Muslim, i thank Allah for this day and the days ahead and strive to improve myself in everyway possible. Thank you all for the well wishes, those advance one and the ones i receive today, every single one of you made my day really special.

I kick start the day by catching High School Musical 3, awesome and the lovey-dovey in the movie just make me itch so much for my 22nd birthday wish hehe, go catch it if you can stand mushy stuff and are into musicals coz the singing and dancing are AwesoMe!

the two popular quotes for this birthday are:
1. "bila nak tunang ni?" (p/s:kak lin my father said cannot langkah bendul, u've got to go first :P)
2. "don't worry nanti i carikan you husband eh" (p/s:just because i'm single they want to match make me up with some nice guy, well if they're suitable why not kan hehe)

Thanks for the lovely presents every one of you!

Great company!

2008-10-19T08:57:00.000-07:00

Jalan Raya with the SpMls people....never bored around these people, cracking jokes, talking merepek and also the serious notes. We may all grow up or grow apart, but deep inside, my poly days will never be as fun without you all.

Join in Spib peeps to go Ustaz Ahmad and Ustaz Abd Rahman house but forgot to take pics with them bleargh!

I lost my screw

2008-10-16T08:03:00.000-07:00

My first present(the ohh-so-gorgeous purple brooch) for the upcoming 22nd birthday, given to me by this classmate of mine, Ingrid. She's currently pregnant and we are all happy for her, she's married by the way, from Colombia and have been in Singapore for 5 years now, talk about globalisation!

I so need to pace up myself, exams next month! again! yeah i know, sigh! but oh well. Anyway i would like to share something from Zuhur's tazkirah i heard at the mosque today, "kalau ada problem jangan asik nak pergi kat kubur wali, bawa pisang, kenapa pisang eh? kenapa tak bawa apple ke pear ke? Sebaik-baiknya kalau ada problem pergilah kat IBU kamu, cakap dengan ibu, Bu saya ada masalah ibu tolong doakan ye, kerana Doa Ibu untuk anaknya tiada hijab(maksudnya can go directly straight to Allah) dan insya-Allah akan dikabulkan segera." Not exactly in that manner i paraphrase it lah, anyway talk about the Power of Doa especially a mother's Doa for her child. :)

I laugh hysterically in class today, i think i've gone nuts and my screws are loose, ok going to settle some ironing, toodles!

We'll always remember

2008-10-15T05:28:00.000-07:00

A dear friend that has been with me since i pass my driving license three years ago, it has gone thru much with me in intense rain and on my night tuition duties especially, comforting me with nasyid and Class 95 throughout the time. My first ever car(technically not mine but i drive it most of the time anyway), you'll always be remembered, berjasa betul kereta ni, alhamdulillah.

when i met you again after all that has happened i thought i was ready to face the reality but i wasn't i realised, that happy smile you threw at me just brought me down to tears, truthfully i nearly cried, but i pace myself, my mind wasn't there, though my body was, i need strength to get over this

I need to clear my mind, improve my efficiency, school work piling up, housework never ending, anybody wants to do my ironing????

Children Day Gift

2008-10-10T07:37:00.000-07:00

As a tutor i anticipated this year's Children Day celebration to be slightly different as it falls on 1 Syawal, so my tutees couldn't receive their presents on-time. I remember in primary school we look forward to celebrate this day and hope much to receive wonderful goodies from our teachers and the school. It doesn't matter what the gifts were as long as they're for us. Much needed therapy after the depressing event, i put my thoughts into completing the kids Children Day gift, something personalize and something from the heart.

Basic Materials:

1. IKEA photoframes in multi-colour
2. ZIG painty marker in Gold, Black and White from Art Friend
3. Photo paper from Canon
4. Printer
5. Black craft paper
6. Wrapping paper
7. Lots of TLC(tender loving care)

And tada:

A few weeks before completing the kids gift, i gave one to my Khat Teacher:

Glad that he likes it!

Tiga Gaya Hari Raya

2008-10-09T07:31:00.000-07:00

My three looks for this year raya, from green kurung to pink batik to red songket. Match them up with plain tudung and glam it up with a unique brooch, easy and simple way to be dressy this festive season.

Heal myself

2008-10-07T05:19:00.000-07:00

I didn't went to school today, because i had fever. I sleep it off but have yet to fully recover have been sneezing away the whole day long.

Okie i'm still thinking about this whole incident affecting me, it's not that bad afterall and since it's my own fault i have nobody else to blame but myself. However i need to get better so i'm going to take the first step, i'm going to heal myself. My fever and flu needs lots of rest and proper medication, my heart needs lots of zikrullah and after Mai's advice of crying it all out i do feel a little better. I always tell myself that time will heal, and it will, though for how long i don't know, but i know that i don't want to be feeling this sore.

So here it goes shifting focus to frenzy jalan raya 11 oct, 19 oct and 25 oct. Tutees exams till end of October, my brithday end of october, pay day end of october and Exams in November.

I can do this, and you will have a special place in my heart.

Biru Monday

2008-10-06T07:25:00.000-07:00

and i have my sad days too, today can be declared as one of the worst Monday's of the year.

Emotional turmoil over the night, crying, waking up in the morning feeling really sore. Couldn't bother to iron a scarf to match my kurung, hungry went out without having breakfast, sleepy on train, decided to skip second class, body couldn't take it anymore. All i wanted to do was go home and sleep...

Flu plus coming fever and now trying to touch-up assignment, still thinking about the incident, still sore, trying to forget about it, the last time i cried this bad was last year when the separation happen.

Keep me strong, keep me sane, i need to go back to bubbly me.

I hope to come out of this stronger and wiser, and stop being such a give-away.

Me and my thoughts

2008-10-05T07:29:00.000-07:00

Jalan raya with the maternal family over the past two days have been nothing short of crazy, fun, nonsense and good old catch up time. With me being the driver today, oh-so-tiring okie!

That aside first i need to let something out. Practically things were my fault, i had put on some hope but i didn't reconfirm the position, i wanted answers and when i got them i'm crushed, but it wasn't as bad as before, the feeling, so i'm trying to get by and recover from it all. Heartaches why do they even exist? Can i remain numb forever and be cold as stone?

Pictures shall be up tmrw, long long week ahead, tutees exam!

Aidilfitri 2008

2008-10-03T07:52:00.000-07:00

Trying out Picnik.com hehe and meeting the maternal side tomorrow, can't wait!

Sunnah-sunnah di Hari Raya

2008-09-29T20:39:00.000-07:00

I love this thing, go watch it, really cool way of da'wah :)

Minal a'idin wal faizin wal maqbulin.

Doakan ia

2008-09-23T03:56:00.000-07:00

Ya Allah tabahkanlah hati kami dan keluarganya dalam mengharungi hari-hari muka. Semoga rohnya dicucuri rahmatMu Ya Allah, ampunilah dosa-dosanya dan golongkanlah ia dalam golongan para solihin. Al-Fatihah.

Untuk saudaraku, Mohammed Borhan Jamal.

"MAYAT PENYELAM DITEMUI

MAYAT penyelam yang hilang sejak 9 September lalu, Encik Mohammed Borhan Jamal, telah ditemui di Pulau Putri, Nongsa, Indonesia, menurut laporan akhbar Batam Pos semalam. Mayat Allahyarham, 26 tahun, kini berada di Hospital Otorita, Batam.

Allahyarham bersama dua rakan baru selesai menjalankan kerja pembaikan pada sebuah kapal minyak, Oliva, di Labuhan Eastern Petroleum A, empat kilometer ke tenggara dari muara Sungai Kallang dan sedang berenang ke bot apabila mereka dipukul arus kuat.

Dua rakannya selamat tetapi Allahyarham hilang. Ahli keluarga dijangka membawa pulang jenazah Allahyarham ke Singapura hari ini."(taken from Cyberita)

p/s:Jenazah allahyarham selamat dikebumikan pada 24/9/2008.

10 goals of Ramadhan

2008-09-22T01:31:00.000-07:00

Ramadhan is leaving us soon let's make full use of the remaining days. I just received an e-mail with the above title and thought it's something nice to share. Here it goes:

1 Eat, drink and be moderate

Almost all of us do it - once Iftaar time hits, we just keep ploughing food and
drink into our mouths till it's hard to move afterwards. And those of us who do
it know this is totally contrary to the spirit of Ramadan, through which we're
supposed to learn self-control not self-indulgence. Let's try to stick to the
Prophetic rule on eating: fill our stomachs with one-third food, one-third water
and one-third breathing space, even in Ramadan.

2 Give a rand a day in charity...or five or ten

The Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, was always generous but even more so in Ramadan. Let's open our hearts and dig a little deeper in our wallets this year. Even less than a dollar a day adds up. Whatever you can give, it's the intention that counts.

3 Memorize 4 new Surahs of the Noble Quran

Memorizing the Quran often seems like a daunting task. But the key is doing it
in small bites. Since there are four weeks in Ramadan, try to memorize one new
Surah a week. Start off with a short, easy one. Once you've started, you'll
build momentum and may even want to memorize a longer one the following week.

4 Go to Taraweeh prayers

Post-Iftaar, the first urge is to sleep after an exhausting day. But try your
best to head out to the mosque for Taraweeh prayers. Praying alone is wonderful,
but doing it in congregation is fantastic. The community spirit is part of
Ramadan's blessings. Don't miss it this year. If going every day is not
possible, try going at least once a week.

5 Attend the Taraweeh prayer in which the recitation of the Quran will be finished

Call the local mosque and find out which day the Imam will be finishing the
recitation of the Quran in prayer. Attend to not only hear part of the Quran's
recitation in prayer, but also participate in the heart-rending Duas that follow
it.

6 Stop swearing and/or backbiting - with a special box

It's hard not to shoot our mouths off when someone's upset us. Whether we utter
those four-letter words or backbite about someone to our family and friends, we
know this isn't the God-approved way of letting off steam. In Ramadan, when we
want to build our spirituality, we've got to wage Jihad against our bad habits.

Try this: get a box and every time you catch yourself swearing or backbiting put
some money in it. It could be a buck or less. The point is to choose an amount
that makes it feel like punishment.

At the end of the month send the money to a charity or buy a gift for the person
whom you've backbitten the most against.

7 Call/email your relatives

You'd think that given the easy access to email, competitive long-distance
calling rates, phone cards, etc. these days, we'd keep in touch with family and
friends more often. But the opposite seems to be the case, as we get caught up in life's 'busyness.'

Strengthening ties with family members and keeping in touch with friends is part of our way of life and an act Allah is very pleased with. This Ramadan, call
family and friends or at least email them and ask them how their fasting is
going.

8 Go on a technology diet

Even if you work in the IT industry, you can do this. Avoid checking personal
email and surfing the web during your fast. After Iftaar, instead of plopping
yourself in front of the screen, go to Taraweeh. The same goes for the
television. The point is to try to give our full attention to spiritual
elevation this month.

9 Read 5 minutes of Quran a day...just five, not more, not less

Even if you feel you've got absolutely no time, set a timer or the alarm on your
cell phone and find a relatively quiet place. You can read the first page of the
Quran you open or follow a sequence. The choice is yours. The point is simply to
connect with God through His revelation in the month of the Quran.

10 Forgive everyone who has hurt you

Still got a festering wound from the fight with your friend last year? Still
upset about something your spouse said during a heated argument? Or are you
still bitter about the way your parents sometimes treated you as a kid? Let go
of the anger and pain this Ramadan and forgive those who have hurt you.
Forgiving someone is not only good for the body, but it's also great for the
soul. And in Ramadan, ten days of which are devoted to Allah's forgiveness,
shouldn't we lesser beings forgive too?

If you find it very difficult to forgive everyone, forgive at least three
people.

My Monday

2008-09-15T03:41:00.000-07:00

While walking home from school today i witness irony of 'cinta monyet'. There was this couple, students in school uniform, the tiff started off with "Why did u go to her house at 1150pm? Is she your girlfried?" and the couple then go on arguing while walking in the same direction that i was walking home. So i cross to the other side of the road not wanting to get in the middle of the dispute. What caught me by surprise was that the girl then started shouting "I whack you then you know" and she then started beating the hell out of the guy by punching him in the face a few times. Mind you the guy further challenge the girl by saying "come ah beat me ah" so she threw even more punches at him. Another lady who was walking with her daughter than shouted at them, "Kids even if you're fighting no violence please, you should hug each other". The punches stop but the shouting didn't, mind you i can hear loud and clear what they were arguing about.

A few minutes later the tiff went down to this "You dont love me anymore right?" and the girl started sobbing, the guy just ignored her but they were still walking side by side. Just before i went into my lane i turn around and saw PDA, the guy was hugging the girl comforting her right in the middle of the pathway blocking people's path. Talk about puppy love, a classic example. Haiz kids nowdays can't they find a better spot to fight, but the irony of it all is how at that age, without being married they already started punching one another. She's somebody's daughter, he's somebody's son, they are still in school, what would happen if somebody really got hurt, and me being dumstruck didn't know what to do, lucky that lady tegur-ed them.

On a different note, children are parents responsibility, and i hope one day when i have my own kids i'll be able to bring them up well to be good khalifah in this world, amin. Before i can have kids i need to find the man to marry me, oh where oh where are you my prince? hehe, Selamat berbuka people.

I thought i stand a chance, but maybe i don't, give me answers and certainty please.

Cut it wide open

2008-09-08T20:20:00.000-07:00

I finally put my mind to it and did part of my ironing tonight after terawih, have been putting it off for 2 weeks resulting in me having nothing much to wear to school, which resulted in ironing early morning before going to school without switching on the light. As soon as i step out of the house i realized how selekeh i was, coz the baju that i iron is berbulu2, which i didn't notice due to the poor lighting. In the end i felt as selekeh as ever, to add to the already sore morning, class was actually in the afternoon and we were not told, so we protested and finally got it cancel.

What a way to start off my day, but i remember at the back of my head, how moms all mothers included sacrifice a lot more for us children and husband, especially more during Ramadhan waking up first preparing our sahur and then buka and also work and all the other housework they need to attend to. Phew! This mummies are Wonderwoman :)

I need some certainty in my heart. Lail saeed.

Must watch

2008-09-06T19:48:00.000-07:00

My wish this Ramadhan

2008-09-04T08:55:00.000-07:00

Some found their's early, some late, some none but i hope to meet mine soon enough.

This Ramadhan, i'm gona ask Him what i really want.

Give more than what you receive.

One more day

2008-08-30T07:57:00.000-07:00

Hayatilah bersama. One more day, blogging from the new comp, think i'm getting a hang of it.

The new one

2008-08-28T07:01:00.000-07:00

I

finally

found

him

my

new

man,

my Acer!

ehehe okie so what were you guys thinking. Went down to Comex today to get the newguy, the old one is still doing well, just running slower these days. Since it has been faithful for 4 years i decided to go for a new one coz i can do with more Ram and space. Anyway my newguy, i'm still getting use to him, i'm so attached to my Compaq that i felt bad parting with it. It's going to mum so i can still see him often :) I took photos of the real thing but am lazy to upload, so bear with the stolen pictures from the web.

So here's what i've got:

Comex will be on till Sunday people! HAppy hunting! Lucky the crowd was good to me just now :)

Tuesday shine

2008-08-26T07:08:00.000-07:00

i think i've found him ... the one i've been waiting for

to be continue Thursday

Art is patience

2008-08-24T08:48:00.000-07:00

When i first saw the advert for the Arabic Calligraphy class, i was more keen to meet the facilitator in person rather than the class itself hehe but nevertheless i pretty much HAD A GREAT TIME during the 3(it's actually 4 but i had fever last week and couldn't come) session we had and the company was lovely, especially with Riyadha whom i get pretty along well with.

This was my second stint with trying out Arabic Calligraphy or Khat in short, the first was done last year (if my memory recalls correctly or was it two years ago). However both the class were conducted differently, and somehow i enjoyed this one much better. Art to me is always about patience, to achieve something so subtle, simple and just 'wow' takes lots of patience and proper techniques. Opposite of all the other mentally-challenging course i've attended. Nevertheless it's definitely theraputic, something new to do during my free time(which i'm really short of right now). Enjoy the pics!

The different size of tools that can be use to write.

My writing in black and the Teacher's in red. Notice the vast difference.

Some of the male participants in this course.

We had to learn to cut our own writing tool, but i gave up half-way and kindly persuade my teacher to do mine for me hehe.

Thanks to Teacher Syed Hedder(centre,seated) and Tarmizi(2nd from right,seated) from Vocalpoint for organizing this class.

Ramadhan is coming :)

2008-08-18T05:27:00.000-07:00

An old American Muslim lived on a farm in the mountains of eastern
Kentucky with his young grandson. Each morning Grandpa was up early
sitting at the kitchen table reading his Quraan. His grandson
wanted to be just like him and tried to imitate him in every way he
could.

One day the grandson asked, "Grandpa, I try to read the Quraan just
like you but I don't understand it, and what I do understand I
forget as soon as I close the book. What good does reading the
Quraan do?" The Grandfather quietly turned from putting coal in the
stove and replied, "Take this coal basket down to the river and
bring me back a basket of water."

The boy did as he was told, but all the water leaked out before he
got back to the house.
The grandfather laughed and said, “You'll have to move a little
faster next time," and sent him back to the river with the basket
to try again.

This time the boy ran faster, but again the basket was empty before
he returned home.
Out of breath, he told his grandfather that it was impossible to
carry water in a basket, and he went to get a bucket instead.

The old man said, "I don't want a bucket of water; I want a basket
of water. You're just not trying hard enough," and he went out the
door to watch the boy try again.

At this point, the boy knew it was impossible, but he wanted to
show his grandfather that even if he ran as fast as he could, the
water would leak out before he got back to the house.

The boy again dipped the basket into river and ran hard, but when
he reached his grandfather the basket was again empty.

Out of breath, he said, "See Grandpa, it's useless!"

"So you think it is useless?" The old man said, "Look at the
basket."

The boy looked at the basket and for the first time realized that
the basket was different. It had been transformed from a dirty old
coal basket and was now clean, inside and out.

"Son, that's what happens when you read the Quraan.
You might not understand or remember everything, but when you read
it, you will be changed, inside and out.

That is the work of Allah s.w.t in our lives."

p/s: Read Quran then read the tafsir too, pick up a new habit this Ramadhan.

That's all we've got

2008-08-11T07:59:00.000-07:00

The new term has start, the first lecture was a killer with a long timeline history on Globalisation. To think i'm already in my second last term is really scary, scary thoughts coming into my head. Clearly time has always been the enemy, so tonight i'll be sharing some time management tips i've got off a website.

That's all we've got in the end, time.

"Seven Suggestions for Effectively Managing Your Time

1. Be Organized

- Use time saving tools: appointment calendars, "to do" lists, e-mail, answering machines, file folders, etc.
- Have an organized workplace (don't waste time constantly looking for your work).
- Use your appointment calendar for everything, including listing study time.
- Use "to do" lists for both long-term and for each day/week.

2. Plan Ahead (Schedule it and it will happen!)

- Determine how long your tasks will take (do this before agreeing to take on a task!)
- Consider whether any activities can be combined.
- Determine if big tasks can be broken down into smaller tasks that may be easier to schedule (such as studying for exams and visiting the library as part of an assignment to write a term paper).

3. Prioritize Your Tasks

- Use an A-B-C rating system for items on your "to do" lists with A items being highest priority.
- Set goals for both the short term and long term as to what you want to accomplish.
- Look at all of your "to do"s to gauge the time requirement and whether additional resources will be needed to accomplish them (if yes, schedule time to obtain those resources). Don't postpone the small tasks (a sense of accomplishment is good and overlooked small tasks can become larger tasks.)

4. Avoid Overload

- Include time for rest, relaxation, sleep, eating, exercise, and socializing in your schedule.
- Take short breaks during study and work periods.
- Don't put everything off until the last minute (for example, don't cram for exams).
- Learn to say "no" when appropriate and to negotiate better deadlines when appropriate.

5. Practice Effective Study Techniques

- Have an appropriate study environment.
- Split large tasks into more manageable tasks.
- Read for comprehension, rather than just to get to the end of the chapter.
- Be prepared to ask questions as they come up during study, rather than waiting until just before an exam.
- Do the most difficult work first, perhaps breaking it up with some easier tasks.
- Don't wait until the last minute to complete your projects.
- Read the syllabus as soon as you get it and note all due dates on your calendar.
- Be a model student! (be attentive and participative in class, and punctual, prepared, and eager to learn)

6. Be Able to be Flexible

- The unexpected happens (sickness, etc.)you need to be able to fit it into your schedule.
- Know how to rearrange your schedule when necessary (so it doesn't manage you - you manage it).
- Know who to ask for help when needed.

7. Have a Vision (why are you doing all of this?)

- Don't forget the "big picture" - why are you doing the task - is it important to your long-term personal goals?
- Have and follow a personal mission statement (personal and career).
- Know what is important to you. (What do you value most?)
- Have a positive attitude!"

In the end:

{By time, Verily, man is in loss, except those who believe and do righteous deeds and exhort one another to Truth and exhort one another to patience}
Surah Al-Asr.

Garden Festival 2008

2008-08-01T07:15:00.000-07:00

I plan to ask my mother along to this year's Garden Festival but then she said , go with your friends lah haha. Ok so Mai already went and the rest were working and what nots, lucky for me Azzie was off on the last day of the event, so i grab her before anybody else would =p. Thanks darling for the company!

Savour the beautiful pictures of flowers and us hehe.

X-files

2008-07-31T08:59:00.000-07:00

My frueqency to visitng E-hub have led me to discover the many halal-eating establishments there, and even a ala hawker centre corner right beside the Halal Steamboat Restaurant. Hei Sushi, Korean BBQ, Prima deli, Fresh Bulgogi, Coffee bean, and the usual fast ffos Mac, Kfc, BK can be found at Downtown East.

So after cetching X-files(it was my first movei at E-hub) we decided to have lunch, late lunch i must say. The food was nice, though the chicken was fried it didn't taste oily at all. Company was at best, my little sister Shamimi.

Clearing my head

2008-07-30T20:10:00.000-07:00

The exams are over, not really feeling relieved and joyous all over, next one in November and results.

I need to clear my head, random rambles

One: needs to get out of my life, i don't need you, if you want to stay and be friends please be nice and i don't hate you, how could you say that when once you were dear to me. Be diplomatic, don't step on my nerves and don't shorten my lifespan please

Two: needs to get out of my head, this madness have to stop, the more i try the deeper i fall, just got to let it go and let it loose, i so need control here, if i mean nil please go far away from me, i can't stand the pain

Three: needs to come soon and save me from this crazy thoughts i'm having

Or maybe i should just kidnap a person hehe, ok kalam fariq, off to bed

Got Tag?

2008-07-12T07:06:00.000-07:00

Amidst the revision schedule, in between i will take time-off to read my favourite bloggers and jump around hopping from site to site and the lovely Kak Yati (whom particularly i've been bumping into at Spize on Wednesday) have tagged me. So here it goes:

1. Link to the person who tagged you.
2. Post the rules on the blog.
3. Write six random things about yourself.
4. Tag six people at the end of your post.
5. Let each person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
6. Let the tagger know when your entry is up.

Points put up are gona be extremely random, beware.

First: My cat Inky sleeps with me, sometimes when i'm in the mood to let her in. HEr usual technique will be to climb up onto the roof at my window and start her usual meow siren. Once allowed inside she will quickly jump up to my bed and gone to lala land in less than 5 minutes.

Second: Once upon a time i wanted to further my studies at the prestigous Al-Azhar University and be an ustazah. Ohh well this is somehow still achievable within the near future hee hee.

Third: I have a quirky habit of re-arranging books on my shelf until they look perfect to me. However there is no parameter of perfect, they just need to look good and right at their respective locations. This particular row on my shelf have been re-arrange no less than 5 times within the past one year.

Fourth: I want to be rich and earn lots of money so that i can donate a lot more and help the people out there, like they say money makes the world go round and i believe a lot in being financially independent. Soon enough, i know that now i'm not there yet.

Fifth: I don't like exam periods becuase my hand-phone will be making lots of noises, smses and calls. However as soon as exam ends, i will not hear a single thing from all these people until the next exam.

Sixth: This current blogskin of mine, dosen't suit my personality at all, however because it's nice and because i wanted to so change my other blogskin, i ended by putting it up. Let's see how long it will stay :)

Here are the six people i tag:

-Amiratulwardiah
-DailydosageofQ
-MissyMai
-QauluQalbi
-Lin Loves
-CriesOFaKid