10 Feb 2011

As salam,
Thursday 10 Feb 2011 was another tahlil day for nenek ayah at nenek's house.  Abg Azrin was the imam since Abg Yamin went to KL to process Abg Yazid's scholarship.  Abg Yamin will be back next week.

Foods for the night were brought by various people as sedekah.  Jazakallauh to those who contributed.  May Allah gives his blessings for the good things you all did.

Below are pics from that day.

nenek, mak wa, aunty raya, mak uda

Mak Ngah, Nasreen

Bacaan surah Yasin

Elma, Aqeel - doa lepas bacaan surat Yasin

Tasha and Nasreen

Izzat and Khairee

putu mayang

kueh cara

Macaroni Bakar

Shepherd Pie

Singapore Mee Kuah

Satay Daging

Kuah Satay

kuai Teow

Toppings for Singapore Mee Kuah

Bubur kacang hijau

Abg Azrin, Abg Bon, Pak Ngah

Bingka Cheese

Sedap nampak makan tu Ka Nina? Mak Ngah and Ka Leela sempat posing.

selesai makan2

Izzat, Aqeel, Usu Mol, Mak Wa (sitting), Elma, Aunty Raya

Some of the dishes are kaka's favourites.  Nenek ayah loved the bubur kacang hijau.  May Allah cucuri rahmat nya ke atas roh ayah.  Amin.  We miss you.

In those days.....

Who doesn't know this?  Postman Pat

Why the postman Pat pic you ask?  HE was our closest link to home - to our families.  You see, it goes back to those days from 1986.  That was the year when Sam and I got sponsored to study overseas. Getting the sponsorship was not easy.  We had to work hard for it.  We applied for the Uni ourselves.  You can imagine the thickness of A4 size mail with our certs that we sent to UK.  The stamps were not cheap too.  And we had to send via registered mail.  Then, we had to wait for the reply.  No speed post.  No email.  No internet.  Unlike today they have UCAS to go online to apply etc.  They get to see the status of their application and they get their reply very fast indeed through email.

It just came to my mind that my daughter who is now studying overseas is able to communicate with me way way better and faster than during my time.

In my younger days, I have never travelled using airplane before unlike my children they travelled by plane when they were babies.  The furthest I went (once) was with my BTEC buddies to Singapore after exam.  That was just the spur of the moment decision with just enough spending money for hotel, food, taxi and some souvenirs.  There were 5 of us.

The flight to Uni was the furthest ever for me.  It was more than 13 hours flight.  Goodness!  Luckily I travelled with Sam.  She travelled before so at least she knew what to expect.  I didn't!

I remember when we arrived (if I am not mistaken), the taxi driver or the hotel porter who helped her with her luggage was asking Sam, "What did you have in there? Stone?"  Sam just smiled. She actually brought mortar in her suitcase.  Hee..hee...

Anyway, in those days, the means to communicate with families was via phone and/or mail.  Nowadays everything is at your finger tips like the internet using MSN, twitter, FB, Friendster, skype etc and the news is an instant update.  And you can video call.  Fortunately for us we have to wait for 1 year when we went home to see our families' faces.  Unlike me, my daughter won't feel so homesick as she has these technology to help her.  Isn't that so Ka?  During my time, some students needed to wait 2 years to go home.  Some even have to wait until they finished their studies 3 or 5 years depended on the course they took, only then they went home.  We have to wait for 2 weeks for the mail to reach our families and two weeks to reach us back (that is if they replied fast enough).  We normally called home once a month.  Calling home for 10 minutes was so expensive.  At the time the exchange rate was strong which was bad for us.

I remember saturday was our day.  Because on saturdays we expected letters from home.   We stayed in just to wait for the postman.  While waiting, we would listen to tapes/CD that we brought.  Nowadays, you just google and the songs can be downloaded and put in MP3 or MP4 orIPod etc.  I remember, everytime we heard the sound of the letter box, we would run down the stairs to see the mail.  When each of us received mail from home, we went to our room and read the letters.  We would read it again and again.  Don't mind breakfast, we wouldn't feel hungry once we received letters from home.  The smile on our faces would lingered on for a week/weeks (speaking for myself)...heee..heee...Saturdays were also the time to go window shopping and go to supermarket.

The above phone booth was another means of communication back home.  Sometimes, I need to resist myself from going to the booth because I can't affort to spend on calling home.  No hand phone in those days.  No text messages.  Of course we didn't have phone in our rented house.  We have to make sure we set aside the $$ to pay for the utility bills.  The phone booth was located very near to our house and when we called during weekend, we run to it wearing our PJ's (of course with outer jackets)..hee..hee..  We either called in the evening or early morning when there were less people.  Sometimes, either Sam or I just went to the phone booth on our own to call back home when we really really missed our families and needed to hear their voices.  

Alas...films..rolls and rolls of films.  Why the roll of film you ask?  Well, I like taking pictures especially landscape and candid pictures.  I like to use Kodak ASA200 like the pic above.  Doesn't matter how many rolls I have I can assure you I can use it very fast.  My finger just went clicking away.  In those days, no digital cameras yet.  So the pictures you take will need to wait until you get it printed from the shop.  You can see my disappointment when a few of the pictures didn't turn out right.  What a waste of money.  Now with digital cameras, if you don't like it you just delete it and you can take as many as you want.  No need to spend money to print it.  In those days, since I didn't travel much, I always have $$ to spend to print the pictures I took and to buy albums.  I always go for 4R size and it was expensive.  Only the special ones I would get it printed 5R size.  I would send some back home.  Nowadays, you don't need that as we have the digital album which can hold hundreds of pictures and your families can also see the latest pictures via FB, blogs etc.  All instant news and update of your latest activities.

So you see, good things do come with technology BUT provided we use it properly and correctly to our advantage.

Well, those were the days.......

SAMSA

Tuesday 8 Feb 2011 I took leave so as to accompany my daughter, niece and nephew to register for the A level.  My niece and nephew slept at my house so that we can travelled together to the school.  We came early and went straight to the hall.  We read at the requirements on the board.  Last nite we discussed what subjects they will be taking.  All are set.  While looking at the board, more and more parents and their children came.  Apparently my daughter saw there was a table for the receiption with people queuing but nobody to attend to them.  So I went to ask them.  On the table was instructions.  Apparently we had to get the number base on the color of the person's ic.

By 7.30am one teacher came and asked us to leave the hall.  We were not supposed to be in there.  Since we came early and the door was not locked, we went in straight away and read the necessary information we required.  Hee..heee..It is always good to be early.

So, all of us went out and queued up in front of the hall door.  Since we came first, we were at the front of the queue.  Then more people came queued up.  After registration, we went to have breakfast at DKM (we had Dim Sum, Kolo Mee, Chicken Wet Noodles, Fried rice Pattaya style).  After that we went to the bank to open their account.  This is required for them to get their allowances.  If absent from school, it wil be deducted.

After breakfast, we went to CCMS (ex school) to get the principal's stamp on the form.  Then we went to JIS to send another form for Aqeel.  She will be called for interview in April or May.  By the time we reached bandar it was noon already.  After sending the form we went for zohor prayer at the University's mosque.  Very nice mosque.  I think Aqeel, Izzat & Elma have not been there before.  We used to go there eh kakak?  Especially after your exam?  Remember??  We took a few pics as well (see below).  Unfortunately, I forgot to take some pics when we were at SAMSA.  How forgetful of me.  I was so busy reading the entry requirements that I forgot all about it.  Well, there is always next time.

On the way home, we dropped by the Head Village's home to get his signature for the form as well.  All complete now.  What a day!  I was totally drained out.  I tried to rest and sleep but decided not to since it would be asar prayer soon.  I went to Aqeel's room, both Aqeel and Elma slept but not Izzat.

See pics below of the day.

At JIS

AT JIS carpark

Masjid UBD

Masjid UBD - background (ladies' prayer area)

Wednesday 9 February 2011 - In the morning, I sent the completed forms to SAMSA.  In the evening, I went to JIS with Aqeel for the Sixth Form Options Evening.  We went to talk to a few teachers and the Head of Sixth Form.

Ka, Mr Hobday still remembers you.  He sent his regards.  We had our dinner at Jolibee Tutong by 9pm.  Reached home by 10pm.  Aqeel, decision time for the subjects you wishes to take.  We support you all the way.  Good luck!

Mama doakan semua nya di permudahkan.  Amin


 

Aqeela and Khairee's Ugama Graduation

Below are the pics from my kids Ugama graduation.  Will update yours kak as it is still in non digital form.  Will scan soon and update.  We love you.  To all my kids, jangan lupa apa yang di ajar oleh guru guru di practikan dan jadi pegangan sepanjang hayat.  Well done!

5 April 2008 - Graduation day with her friends

with guru Hjh Masnah

on the balcony before going into the hall

Aqeel receiving her certificate from Pengetua

Group pic

with Amar (anak Norleha)

19 Oct 2009 - receiving his certificate

group pic

with his friends

with Jie Jie

Sekolah Ugama Sungai Taring

Aqeel O Level Results

Today Aqeel O level results came out.  Panic day.  For me as a mom.  I think all moms feel the same I do.  Alhamdulillah she passed.  Just like her elder sister she got 8 O's.  Congrats to Aqeel.  Congrats to  Izzat and Elma too.  Well done kids!

Pic below was taken at school today.  She was so excited she wanted to see the results herself.  She didn't believe the sms results.  Mr Som and other teachers were there at school even though today was a holiday for the chinese new year.  Though the statement of results was there, she couldn't get it yet.  She was told to get it on Monday 7 Feb 2011.  But she did wrote down the results for herself.  Heard this year results is better than last year. All science class 100% pass.  Well done!

05 Feb 2011 - Mr Som's office - excited about the results

6.50pm at ccms - she couldn't wait to see her O lvl results

Congratulations to Aqeel and all her classmates and others out there.  A level is next!!  LOL!  May you all succeed in your future studies.

Well done!   

Camelia

Camelia looked out of the window from her bed room and recalled back her younger days at her village in Bumi Kenyalang.  It hold many memories which she doesn't want to remind herself of - the pains and heartaches.  She has gone through so much in life but thankful how far she has accomplished. 

She turned to look at her two sons who are still very young ( Alif 5 and Aiman 2 years of age) sleeping on the bed.  Her only daughter Alysa is in University.  She has more than 12 siblings of her own but she has only three children.  Still she is thankful that she has enough.  In her childhood days, they were poor and just had enough to eat on a daily basis.  But they were happy.  She was the 6th in her family.  They lived quite close with her cousins and she was very closed to one of her cousin Nadia who was the same age as her.  They were even closer as they studied together at the same school and university.  Basically, they are like sisters.

When Camelia was 7 or 8 years old, she moved with her siblings and parents to the Abode of Peace due to visiting their cousin who was getting married.  Eventually they ended up staying there until some of the sisters and brothers were married and become resident there.  Camelia actually went back home to continue her study in Bumi Kenyalang.  That was when she met Arif (who was from Bumi di  Bawah Bayu) through her cousin Nadia as they were in the same University at Bumi Kenyalang.  Through their friendship somehow she felt in love with Arif.  Nadia was also in love with Arif and as her boyfriend at that time.  Through the events, as it turned out, Arif decided to marry Camelia.  And this also was the end of Camelia and Nadia's friendships.  Arif parents approved of the marriage as they got married at Camelia's village in Bumi Kenyalang.

When Camelia was pregnant with her daughter Alysa, the parents asked him to come home and worked in the country di bawah Bayu after he completed his degree.  As it turned out, this was actually the beginning of the parents' scheme to get back their son.  So many excuses were given so that Arif does not have to go back to Bumi Kenyalang to visit Camelia.

Weeks and months went by, a letter came in the mail to ask Camelia to sign and approve the divorce paper.  Her world came crumbling down and she was pregnant at that time, but she agreed to the divorce.  Apparently, Arif's mother has set her eyes on someone to be their daughter in law - Arif's cousin.  They got married after the divorce paper's were signed.  Arif's parents actually didn't approve of Camelia as she came from a poor family.

With the divorce, Camelia decided to take her baby and leave Bumi Kenyalang.  She came to stay with her sister in the Abode of Peace.  She managed to work in Bumi Kenyalang's oil town which was not far if she decided to visit her sister.  With her deep love for her daughter Alysa, she put aside the divorce behind her and concentrate on Alysa.  Alysa is such a beutiful kid.  Alysa grew up without her father's and grand parents love or presence.  But through Camelia's guidance she succeed in her studies.

Camelia and Alysa came back to Bumi Kenyalang where her mom still lives.  Some of her siblings are still there.  She came back so that Alysa can go to the University there.

Ariff and the grand parents didn't want to know about Alysa.  No financial support was given to them.  They didn't bother to ask how Alysa was.  But, though already divorced, Camelia and Ariff was in contact (still in good terms) especially when it comes to signing papers for identity card, school etc.  Camelia normally sent these documents for Arif to sign via telegram.  But through out her childhood, Alysa never visiter her father or grandparents. The grand parents never acknowledge Alysa as their grand daugher. 

After many many years had gone by, when Alysa was about to enrol to a University, the documents required the father's details and signature.  Apparently, Arif didn't have children with his wife after many years of trying.  By this time, Arif's mother (now a mellowed/soften old lady) wanted to take Alysa in as she is the only grand daughter they have and the heir (The grand parents are very well off - they own businesses, lands etc).  The grandmother wanted Alysa to live with them and study at the University near their home.  They even offered to pay for the course fees.  But Alysa rejected the offer nicely and told them she wanted to study at the university close to where her mom lives.  Alsya understood what her mom had went through.  The grand parents agreed and they still insist to pay for Alysa's course fees.  Alysa also finally get to meet the father and visited the grand parents a couple of times.

When Alysa was at her final year in the university, Camelia met Adam.  Camelia worked in the same ministry but different department.  They courted for a while.  Camelia told Alysa about Adam.  Alysa saw Adam as someone who was kind and gentle with her mom.  So when Adam proposed to Camelia, Alysa gave her approval.  They married and eventually had two sons (Alif & Aiman).  Camelia is happy as her life is complete with her loving husband and children around her.  They even had a house of their own next to her mom in Bumi Kenyalang.  when Aiman was about two years old, Camelia had another blow.  This time Adam passed away.  He was in his late fourties.

Wiping the tears from her face, she looked at the bedside table where their wedding picture frame stood. She then looked at her two sons, still very young and without a father.  She told herself that she had gone through the phase of being alone raising her daughter Alysa, this is no different.  She needs to guide them properly.  She prayed that she be given the will to stay strong.  She, Alysa, Alif and Aiman can get through this.

And their lives continue.......   
  

Wind go away

During our gathering some time ago, someone shared her experience while driving.  Please read carefully as safety is at stake  here.  This happened some 5 years ago to someone close to me.

She stood up and began telling her story (showing her action holding the steering wheel as if driving). She was driving alone to KB and opened the windows as the airconditioner of her car was out of order to let the cool breeze in.  She didn't drive too fast nor too slow - just complying to the speed limit.

Along the highway to KB, somehow a gust of strong wind was blowing into her car and at the same time the scarf she was wearing covered her whole face.  With her action she showed us how the scarf covered her face, how stiff she was holding to the steering wheel.  She can't see in front of her or any cars for that matter.  She then showed how she braked by pressing her right foot on the brake - she looked so stiff!  All she thought about was what if there were cars in front of her?  What if she hit the cars in front when she brake?  What about the cars behind her?  Her instinct told her to just pressed the brake while the scarf was still on her face.  She couldn't even think of using her other hand to take off her scarf!!  When she braked suddenly, the car screeched and stopped in the middle of the highway.  Luckily for her, there was no other cars during that time.  She was shaken up and waited till her trembling stopped.  Seeing her aciton of course all of us laugh, but seriously if there were cars at that time, it will be a disaster.  This is no laughing matter.   

moral of the story:  stay calm and don't panic.