.....JUST SHARING # 9.....

By: Shel Silverstein

.....R.I.P. Neil Armstrong.....

NEIL ARMSTRONG (05.08.1930 - 25.08.2012)
The late Neil Armstrong's family's statement on Saturday (25.08.2012) made a simple request for anyone who wanted to remember him:


"Honour his example of service, accomplishment and modesty, and the next time you walk outside on a clear night and see the moon smiling down at you, think of Neil Armstrong and give him a wink."

.....Syawal Jottings.....

          Yes, the last few days of Ramadan 1433H were okay, Syukur Alhamdulillah. Drew up a list of Syawal chores and started to tackle them on Thursday, 16.08.2012. Slowly but surely, managed to get them done with Dilah's and Bijou Boy's help. On Saturday morning (18.08), Dilah did the marketing and by early evening, she started with the cooking of the chicken rendang, which was ready by 1.00 AM Sunday morning. The instant ketupat cubes were also boiled at the same time. The sayur lodeh was tackled by yours truly very early on Sunday morning and by 7.30 AM, our 1st Syawal breakfast was served.

          As always, 1st Syawal was spent indoors, waiting for the 'Larkin Jing Bang' to come a-calling. Also spent most parts of our time resting and recuperating from the exhaustion. This Syawal, we had the heart to go a-visiting. Hence, on 2nd Syawal, we started off by visiting our beloved Sultan's "Open Palace", so to speak. Had an awesome time there, although we had to jostle with the HUGE crowd of the Sultan's well wishers. Managed to taste plates of fried mee/kueh tiow with KFC and the Sultan's special herbal brew. Delicious! But the best part of it all was that we managed to greet the Sultan and members of his family and also to pose for photographs with them.

          After Istana Pasir Pelangi, we were Bukit Mahmoodiah bound, to visit our beloved dearly departed final resting places. In the scorching heat, we did the needful. Al-Fatihah for all of them.

          The third stop was the 'Larkin Cattery', and after that, after dropping off the Household Head at TUTA, the three of us went gallivanting, first to Taman Munsyi Ibrahim (Aunty Nor's and Nani's residences), and then to Taman Sutera, Perling to grace Chah's Open House. We were bushed by the time we reached home that evening.

          3rd Syawal saw the three of us gallivanting again. Had a whale of a time Raya visiting Hani and Shahain and family at Taman Kota Masai, Aisyah at Taman Johor Jaya and finally to the 'Kempas Cattery'. We hit home base at around 7nish. Needless to say we yet again!

          Yesterday, 4th Syawal, we entertained guests with the likes of my siblings, Rashidah and Rosnita from Kempas, my niece Ana and her hubby from KL and Hani and her Mom from Taman Kota Masai, Pasir Gudang. The dishes served were well received and by evening, it was quiet again on the home front.

          This afternoon, 5th Syawal, we attended Nab's Open House at the Bayu Puteri Apartments at Permas Jaya. Enjoyed the delicacies served, but we didn't stay for the 'Qiqah Ceremony' since we had a couple of important errands to run.

          Thus far, Hari Raya Aidilfitri 1433H has been a-okay for me, Syukur Alhamdulillah. Healthwise too, I've been alright, save for that little headache I had on 2nd Syawal morning, which I managed to squash off with a Ponston tablet. I know that I'll have to watch my diet again soon, after indulging in the uncontrolled consumption of the 'poisonous stuff' during the past few days! Oh yes, I must note that I had 'uncomfortable cramps' in both my upper extremities on Raya eve. Luckily the discomfort eased off after the application of a lot of Axe Medicated Oil. Reckon both my hands were tired out after doing all the chores earlier on. Anyhow, needless to say, I panicked for a bit. I've resolved not to over-tire my hands and my whole being, for that matter, after this.


"SELAMAT HARI RAYA AIDILFITRI, EVERYONE! MAAF ZAHIR & BATIN"

.....Ramadan Snippets # 5.....

          It's the 27th day of fasting today. Very soon the month of Syawal 1433H will be welcomed by Muslims all around the globe. Syukur Alhamdulillah. 'Minor' health setbacks were faced by the residents of this household, with the likes of fever, flu, cough, allergy, diarrhoea and extreme grogginess making their presence felt, particularly during mid Ramadan. Hopefully, these last few days will see us in good health.

          Last weekend (11/08 and 12/08) saw us hunting for our Hari Raya clothes at Danga City Mall, Giant Suria and Plaza Angsana. Glad to note that we managed to purchase reasonably priced outfits for the 'joyous' occasion. As always, 'repair works' needed to be done, especially for Bijou Boy's Baju Melayu. We normally need to get him 'adult sized' clothes to accommodate his 'plus size' body and then, I will have to 'repair' the sleeves, the hem and the pockets for the baju and also the trouser legs. It's been the same routine every year. Anyway.....

          As for the foodstuff, we've only bought the 'dry' ingredients and the 'wet' ones will be bought on this coming Saturday (18/08). Then, the two household 'chefs' will be doing their 'annual thing' all over again, 'whipping up a storm', so to speak. Hahahahaha.....


          Our Hari Raya can be dubbed as an 'annual mundane routine', which we've learnt to endure, for reasons best kept under wraps. Guests are few and far between, and visiting other households is also very minimal. At one time, we used to attend the 'Open House' at the palace as well as at Saujana, but not anymore.....Oh, I don't know! Maybe, just maybe, we'll be doing more visiting this time around. It remains to be seen.....we'll be playing it by ear, I reckon. One thing's for sure though, we'll be visiting the final resting places for our dearly departed at Bukit Mahmoodiah, to offer our prayers and doa. Al-Fatihah for all of them.

          To one and all "SELAMAT HARI RAYA AIDIL FITRI. MAAF ZAHIR BATIN".....

.....Ramadan Snippets # 4.....

          We just completed twenty-one days of fasting, SYUKUR ALHAMDULILLAH. Another eight days to go before we welcome 1 Syawal 1433H. Health wise, it hasn't been too good for my Princess. She took quite sometime to heal from the bout of flu and cough, and today she was down with some kind of allergy. It's medication time all over again for her.

          As for yours truly, a couple of days ago, incessant sneezing made itself felt. The relevant medication was taken and needless to say I'd been a 'sleeping beauty' since the first dose, right up till today, regardless of the time of day or night. My cough is pretty bad and it's really tiring, as can be expected. However, despite the odds, I've managed to carry on fasting. Syukur.....

          Bijou Boy, thus far, has been spared of any health problems. Hopefully, he can complete the twenty-nine days of fasting, without any snags. He's definitely looking forward to tomorrow's outing.....our Hari Raya Shopping, so to speak. We'll be looking out for our Hari Raya clothes plus a few other knick-knacks for the household. Next weekend will see us doing our marketing for the Hari Raya meals at our favourite outlet, namely Besmart at Nusa Bestari.....

          Meanwhile, it's still 'Happy Fasting' to one and all.....

.....I Echo Charmaine's Thoughts.....

Datuk Lee Chong Wei
Charmaine, of Batu Pahat, wrote:

No Apologies Needed, You're Our Hero
          "Last Sunday, the entire nation was united in a common cause - to cheer for our badminton warrior Datuk Lee Chong Wei in his Olympic final match against nemesis Lin Dan.

          I for one, jumped on the band wagon and joined other fellow Malaysians for the live telecast, in the hope that our pursuit of the country's first ever gold medal will finally bear fruit.

          It was heartwarming to see Malaysians, regardless of race and creed, cheering for Chong Wei. Friends and family embraced each other every time he under took a nail-biting feat with success. The scene truly captured the quintessence of the 1 Malaysia spirit.

          Unfortunately, Chong Wei succumbed to Lin Dan after a nip and tuck match. Tears were shed. Dreams were shattered. My heart went out to him the moment he tweeted "I'm Sorry" after losing the match.

          Indeed Chong Wei has come a long way to be in the Olympic badminton final for the second consecutive time.

          He has had to endure intense pressure, from physical injuries to his dropping from the world number one ranking.

          Nevertheless, he has put up a brave fight, he has conquered his own fear and he has done the nation proud.

          It is certainly not about winning or losing, nor is it about the pride of garnering a gold (or silver) medal. What matters most is the show of sportsmanship in times of failure.

          Datuk Lee Chong Wei, there is absolutely no reason for you to apologise. Deep down in our hearts, you are a true champion. We could not thank you more for making Malaysia proud!
Football coach Vince Lombardi once said, "It does not matter how many times you get knocked down, but how many times you get up."

          Chong Wei's comeback despite his ankle injury is a true testament to his perseverance. He shall remain as a legacy in Malaysia's history.

          I believe in Chong Wei. I still do." - THE STAR (Tuesday, 7th August 2012)

Thanks Charmaine for that beautiful tribute to our HERO.

.....Reflections Of My Life On My Special Day - Saturday, 04.08.2012.....

          It's the 4th of August 2012 today. It's certainly a very special day for me. I turn a year older today, three years after I crossed the 'Diamond Birthday Threshold'. Syukur Alhamdulillah. This date also marks the third anniversary of my maiden CT treatment session. The first blood sample was taken on this date three years ago. Again, Syukur Alhamdulillah, that I've been given a 'new lease of life' by Allah SWT.

          Upon reflection, my life has been a balance of the GOOD, the BAD and the UGLY. I enjoyed a happy and carefree childhood, I enjoyed my days in school and varsity and I enjoyed most parts of my working life. Family relationship and relationship with friends and relatives were GOOD and worth remembering and treasuring.

          Towards the end of the 1970s, following the demise of my beloved parents, 'things' began to turn BAD. Relationships seemed to stink and family ties began to disintegrate. The so-called 'nest' that I had built has turned out to be an empty and meaningless one. As the new millennium dawned, things started to become UGLY. Siblings (what remained of the original nine) started disowning each other. So much so that today, I can't help but feel 'sibling-less' at most times.I've also lost most of my friends and relatives due to a couple of sickening reasons. I just seem to float around where relationships are concerned...neither here nor there. It's atrociously sad, honestly!

          Despite everything, I can't deny the fact that I feel blessed. Perhaps, I've been given all the bad and ugly stuff, to serve as tests from Allah SWT. My endurance, patience, strength and resilience are being tested to the fullest and I'm proud to say that I'm still 'standing' to this day, despite all the odds.

          My fervent hope and prayer at all times is that I'll be blessed with 'continued good health', and that 'things' will straighten themselves out sooner or later and happiness and joy in the true sense of the word can be called mine, unconditionally. InsyaAllah. Only Allah SWT knows what actually is good for me. I reckon the fact that He only tests those He actually loves holds true for 'puny' me.


Ya Allah Ya Tuhanku
HambaMu bersyukur diatas segala anugerah dan kurniaanMu selama ini.
Ameen, Ameen, Ya Rabbal Al-Ameen.....

.....Ramadan Snippets # 3.....

          The above photo was snapped yesterday, 13 Ramadan 1433H/2nd August 2012, about 45 minutes before 'berbuka' time. At that point in time, my Princess a.k.a. Mama Dilah was still not feeling 100% well. The 'irritating' cough was still prevalent, though of a much lesser intensity and she still felt slightly feverish. The prescribed cough mixture , needless to say, made her feel extremely groggy. Hence, sleep has been her constant companion during the last few days.

          This morning, she went for a review check-up. Syukur Alhamdulillah, her doctor concluded that her health has improved. She was given another course of antibiotics though, but the cough mixture and the fever tablets needed to be consumed only when necessary. Hopefully, she can continue with her fasting tomorrow, InsyaAllah.

          As for my Bijou Boy, thus far, he's doing fine, Syukur Alhamdulillah. May his health continue to be a-okay so that he can fast for the entire fasting month. The only "seasoned casualty" in this household is, who else, but its 'head'. Never in the last 35+ years since he became the household head, that he managed to observe fasting for the full duration. Hmmmm, I don't know.....but, it's sad, really.....

          Hari Raya Aidil Fitri preparations wise, my Princess and I have decided to purchase just a few types of cookies made by her friends. We've opted not to join the maddening crowd at Plaza Angsana or any other outlets, to hunt for Raya delicacies, cookies etc. We'll only be looking out for our Hari Raya clothes, which will be of the 'orange-ish hue' this year. Reckon we'll be cooking the usual Hari Raya dishes, namely 'instant' ketupat, chicken rendang, sayur lodeh and sambal kacang for our 1st Syawal breakfast. We'll be playing it by ear with regards to the menu for the subsequant Raya days.

.....JUST SHARING # 8 - A "Dear John Letter".....

Dear NEGATIVITY,
You have caused me countless
nights of worry, shame and
regrets
and I'm now letting you go...
I have something new in
my life now...
POSITIVITY! It gives me
happiness, joy and all the possibility of a
wonderful future.

So Goodbye NEGATIVITY...

with no regrets,

ME...
[Gracias to "Lifes's Cheerleader" for this beautiful letter.]