I smile, not to other people but myself, other people begin to secretly smile with me.
I am relaxed, I take my time, people too are kinder, gentler and more helpful.
I am generous, the returns comes back to me two fold, sometimes when I least expect it, from people I didn't expect from.
The things I was looking for suddenly show up, without me having to look for them too hard.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Saturday, May 17, 2008
My child, I promise to listen to you more
We were having lunch, just the two of us, DH was off to Dubai on business trip. I was missing him terribly.
Out of nowhere, she said,"Abah is happy."
Really? I wondered.
"What about you?"
"Not happy." she said a matter of factly.
"And umi?"
"Not happy," she declared.
(We were both missing him that Friday where we would normally have lunch as a family.)
I was curious, so I texted my DH.
"Your child says that you are happy. Hope you are having a great time."
And his replied was, "My daughter is psychic."
Apparently he was happy because the meetings were over.
The beauty of the uncluttered mind. How instincts have priority over knowledge and logic.
Its just amazing how she would just know when I would leave her or when my mind is preoccupied with something else. Just this afternoon, as she was having her afternoon nap, I decided that I would take the afternoon bus out. Just as I grabbed my bag, she woke up and cried for me.
I will remember that you have strong instincts my child.
And I hope your instincts will bring wealth and abundance to your life my love, not just material things but wisdom, love,golden opportunities and friendship too.
*****************************
Guess what I found when my back was turned?
Her first attempt at wearing lipstick. Perhaps you'll get better as you grow older?
Out of nowhere, she said,"Abah is happy."
Really? I wondered.
"What about you?"
"Not happy." she said a matter of factly.
"And umi?"
"Not happy," she declared.
(We were both missing him that Friday where we would normally have lunch as a family.)
I was curious, so I texted my DH.
"Your child says that you are happy. Hope you are having a great time."
And his replied was, "My daughter is psychic."
Apparently he was happy because the meetings were over.
The beauty of the uncluttered mind. How instincts have priority over knowledge and logic.
Its just amazing how she would just know when I would leave her or when my mind is preoccupied with something else. Just this afternoon, as she was having her afternoon nap, I decided that I would take the afternoon bus out. Just as I grabbed my bag, she woke up and cried for me.
I will remember that you have strong instincts my child.
And I hope your instincts will bring wealth and abundance to your life my love, not just material things but wisdom, love,golden opportunities and friendship too.
*****************************
Guess what I found when my back was turned?
Her first attempt at wearing lipstick. Perhaps you'll get better as you grow older?
Friday, May 16, 2008
G@rda and her art of positive thinking
I firmly believe that sometimes my path crosses with certain people for the sole purpose of me either to learn a lesson from or with them. And my 30 minutes chance meeting with G@rd@ became a light bulb moment for me.
I had gone to visit my friend Ev@ to touch base. Apparently she and some ladies had sewn a quilt for G@rda as soon as they heard that she was diagnosed with breast cancer and had opted for mastectomy. Apparently G@rda had made the decisions to ask for both breasts to me removed within 2 weeks of finding out that she had breast cancer.
I didn't know G@rda before but tagged along for moral support. Only to find out that it was I who was about to receive a life lesson from her.
She greeted us at the door with a smiley and cheerful voice. I didn't believe that this was a lady who had just been discharged from the hospital for 2 days after getting both her breasts removed. She welcomed all of us into the house and asked us to make ourselves comfortable. Ev@ and the ladies gave her the water-colour heart quilt and I could see that she was very touched.
Cheerfully she said, "I'm sure you all are curios and want to know all the gory details and I shall share them all with you."
When we asked her how she was doing, she answered very cheerfully, "Very well."
"You know, I was thinking that of all the parts of my body that I could lose, my breasts are the parts I don't mind losing. I don't need them. I'm glad its not my legs or my hands or my eyes. I didn't need my breasts. And I felt really glad about that."
"When i felt pain and was getting depressed then I told myself to imagine the other people in the hospital like me. I'm lucky that I only lost my breast, the poor man in the next room lost his leg."
"When I felt the pain was unbearable, I thought about the poor babies in the NICU in the hospital with all the tubes and everything. Then I felt much better. My pain is nothing compared to the pain they must be experiencing."
I just sat there in awe, at this woman who has nothing but positive things to say about her situation and her pain. There was no twinge of regret, or the why me, but rather of gratitude. Gratitude that she found the lump early. Gratitude that her operation went OK. Gratitude that she had good Doctors.
She told us that the lump was found on only one breast but she insisted that the Doctors removed both breasts and made decision within 2 weeks. She even insisted on going to the toilet herself after being roused from the operation rather than using the catheter. Within a few days she insisted on walking rather than being pushed in the wheel chair like an invalid.
Never have I met someone so strong both mentally and physically.
G@rda, thank you for the life lesson. I will keep myself positive and will always be grateful with what I have or even don't have. Whatever I think my problems may be, there are others whose problems are much bigger and more serious than mine.
Watching her, a tower of cheerfulness and strength, I am convinced, more than ever now, its always the mind over body. What the mind thinks, the body agrees.
Once again, I am humbled by the beautiful life lessons given to me.
I had gone to visit my friend Ev@ to touch base. Apparently she and some ladies had sewn a quilt for G@rda as soon as they heard that she was diagnosed with breast cancer and had opted for mastectomy. Apparently G@rda had made the decisions to ask for both breasts to me removed within 2 weeks of finding out that she had breast cancer.
I didn't know G@rda before but tagged along for moral support. Only to find out that it was I who was about to receive a life lesson from her.
She greeted us at the door with a smiley and cheerful voice. I didn't believe that this was a lady who had just been discharged from the hospital for 2 days after getting both her breasts removed. She welcomed all of us into the house and asked us to make ourselves comfortable. Ev@ and the ladies gave her the water-colour heart quilt and I could see that she was very touched.
Cheerfully she said, "I'm sure you all are curios and want to know all the gory details and I shall share them all with you."
When we asked her how she was doing, she answered very cheerfully, "Very well."
"You know, I was thinking that of all the parts of my body that I could lose, my breasts are the parts I don't mind losing. I don't need them. I'm glad its not my legs or my hands or my eyes. I didn't need my breasts. And I felt really glad about that."
"When i felt pain and was getting depressed then I told myself to imagine the other people in the hospital like me. I'm lucky that I only lost my breast, the poor man in the next room lost his leg."
"When I felt the pain was unbearable, I thought about the poor babies in the NICU in the hospital with all the tubes and everything. Then I felt much better. My pain is nothing compared to the pain they must be experiencing."
I just sat there in awe, at this woman who has nothing but positive things to say about her situation and her pain. There was no twinge of regret, or the why me, but rather of gratitude. Gratitude that she found the lump early. Gratitude that her operation went OK. Gratitude that she had good Doctors.
She told us that the lump was found on only one breast but she insisted that the Doctors removed both breasts and made decision within 2 weeks. She even insisted on going to the toilet herself after being roused from the operation rather than using the catheter. Within a few days she insisted on walking rather than being pushed in the wheel chair like an invalid.
Never have I met someone so strong both mentally and physically.
G@rda, thank you for the life lesson. I will keep myself positive and will always be grateful with what I have or even don't have. Whatever I think my problems may be, there are others whose problems are much bigger and more serious than mine.
Watching her, a tower of cheerfulness and strength, I am convinced, more than ever now, its always the mind over body. What the mind thinks, the body agrees.
Once again, I am humbled by the beautiful life lessons given to me.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Another roadtrip, R/yadh, M@kkah & Jedd@h II
Jedd@h, in one word, is just so relaxed. I was constantly amazed how relaxed the families were sitting in different clumps by the beach. I have expected the religious police coming to round them up, telling them that they mustn't look too happy in public or that no family should sit together, must be separated, the men from the women.
The restaurants had no partitions, no curtains and there were quite a few women without their face covered.
Just shows how different the city I live in is compared to Jeddah.
I had a naughty notion of staying at the Movenpick Hotel on the second night. Very inviting the idea of a chalet facing the sea. We went to the reception asking about prices. We did decide a budget before hand. Alas the room was slightly above our budget but the nice guy at the reception obliged us with a peek at the rooms. A good sized bathroom, a decent shower bathroom cum laundry room, a kitchenette cum spacious living room, and outside, a private pool facing the sea! Imagine sleeping with the sound of the waves! Its obvious that we've been landlocked for too long.
We decided that we would stay there the next time we come to town. It would be a wonderful treat!
To make us feel better, we treated ourselves with a decent dinner buffet at the Al-Wadaa restaurant, a waterfront dining experience. It was refreshing eating mussels and fish with the fresh sea breeze flowing. They even had music there! I was just so amazed!
All through dinner all I could think about was Alhamdullilah! Praise to Allah for the joys he has given us in our lives. It is a wonderful treat when we don't have to worry about paying dinner when not too long ago I was debating if I should buy a sandwich or save that money for groceries! Alhamdullilah indeed! We have it good.
The next day we were ready for our long drive home. For some reason my DH who normally has an impeccable sense of direction had a difficult time getting us to the right track. Due to the heavy traffic on the highway to M@kkah (this being a Friday before Friday prayers) we decided to take the scenic "obligatory for non-muslim" road to Taif. The view was amazingly spectacular. Kept kicking ourselves for not bringing our camera for this trip. The mountain range against the beautiful blue sky was just spectacular.
The sky so blue, the road was mainly empty and there was even a beautiful glimpse of a shepherd with his donkey as we drove past a Wadi.
We were very surprised that the road to Taif was so quiet. We assumed that it was because it was Friday. We were hoping that it wasn't the winding road. but alas, it was the winding road, very quiet though and even the checkpoint was unmanned.
The view however was spectacular. The previous times we took the road was from Taif to Makkah, with impatient traffic, sometimes in the dark. It was difficult to concentrate on the views then. But on this amazing Friday we could enjoy the glorious beauty of Allah's creation.
Until we discovered that the rest of the road was closed that is!
Determined to push on, we drove back towards Makkah. Perhaps our impatience, our desire to avoid the Friday traffic got the better of us. Or perhaps we were just given the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Eventually we made back into the boundaries of Haram and I said a quick prayer. All I asked for is a speedy drive home so that we will arrive home quickly, safely.
That detour into the boundaries of Haram did wonders! We arrived home just short before isya', enjoyed the wonderful dinner the bought on the way home and had a restful night's sleep.
Roadtrips like this one reminded me of the many drives we used to make. A bit different now with the addition of The Little One who has brought nothing short of joy and happiness to our lives.
I came back with a new peace. Peace with myself with the small niggling voices banished. Alhamdullilah life is good and InsyAllah the future will fall in place.
The restaurants had no partitions, no curtains and there were quite a few women without their face covered.
Just shows how different the city I live in is compared to Jeddah.
I had a naughty notion of staying at the Movenpick Hotel on the second night. Very inviting the idea of a chalet facing the sea. We went to the reception asking about prices. We did decide a budget before hand. Alas the room was slightly above our budget but the nice guy at the reception obliged us with a peek at the rooms. A good sized bathroom, a decent shower bathroom cum laundry room, a kitchenette cum spacious living room, and outside, a private pool facing the sea! Imagine sleeping with the sound of the waves! Its obvious that we've been landlocked for too long.
We decided that we would stay there the next time we come to town. It would be a wonderful treat!
To make us feel better, we treated ourselves with a decent dinner buffet at the Al-Wadaa restaurant, a waterfront dining experience. It was refreshing eating mussels and fish with the fresh sea breeze flowing. They even had music there! I was just so amazed!
All through dinner all I could think about was Alhamdullilah! Praise to Allah for the joys he has given us in our lives. It is a wonderful treat when we don't have to worry about paying dinner when not too long ago I was debating if I should buy a sandwich or save that money for groceries! Alhamdullilah indeed! We have it good.
The next day we were ready for our long drive home. For some reason my DH who normally has an impeccable sense of direction had a difficult time getting us to the right track. Due to the heavy traffic on the highway to M@kkah (this being a Friday before Friday prayers) we decided to take the scenic "obligatory for non-muslim" road to Taif. The view was amazingly spectacular. Kept kicking ourselves for not bringing our camera for this trip. The mountain range against the beautiful blue sky was just spectacular.
The sky so blue, the road was mainly empty and there was even a beautiful glimpse of a shepherd with his donkey as we drove past a Wadi.
We were very surprised that the road to Taif was so quiet. We assumed that it was because it was Friday. We were hoping that it wasn't the winding road. but alas, it was the winding road, very quiet though and even the checkpoint was unmanned.
The view however was spectacular. The previous times we took the road was from Taif to Makkah, with impatient traffic, sometimes in the dark. It was difficult to concentrate on the views then. But on this amazing Friday we could enjoy the glorious beauty of Allah's creation.
Until we discovered that the rest of the road was closed that is!
Determined to push on, we drove back towards Makkah. Perhaps our impatience, our desire to avoid the Friday traffic got the better of us. Or perhaps we were just given the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Eventually we made back into the boundaries of Haram and I said a quick prayer. All I asked for is a speedy drive home so that we will arrive home quickly, safely.
That detour into the boundaries of Haram did wonders! We arrived home just short before isya', enjoyed the wonderful dinner the bought on the way home and had a restful night's sleep.
Roadtrips like this one reminded me of the many drives we used to make. A bit different now with the addition of The Little One who has brought nothing short of joy and happiness to our lives.
I came back with a new peace. Peace with myself with the small niggling voices banished. Alhamdullilah life is good and InsyAllah the future will fall in place.
Another roadtrip, R/yadh, M@kkah & Jedd@h I
My in laws came and stayed for three weeks. The trip was a bitter sweet one for them because upon arrival here, MIL found out that her 97 year old mum passed away. To say that her death was not expected, she had postponed the trip a few times, partly because she thought the end was near. Just as she felt that the old lady was better, she went.
She went with the knowledge that her daughter would be playing with her granddaughter, the much awaited great-grand-daughter.
Since they were playing with MH via Jedda@h, we planned it such that they would get to perform umrah first before flying off home. The 10 hour drive was very bearable. My Little One behaved very well. Between 2 naps, singing, Dora and Elmo, we made through the trip. I am very proud of her.
We got a little lost finding the Miqat. Partly because I would normally have preferred the Miqat in Taif, less crowded. This time round the miqat was not busy at all, partly because it was midweek and partly because it was only after Asr.
When we arrived in M@kkah once again the roads confused us a little bit but Alhamdullilah we managed to find our hotel. Hotels in Makkah now are at premium price, especially those closest to Masjidil Haram. Alhamdullilah Le Meredien was just as nice and an easy walk to the Masjidil Haram.
Although it was not my first time, in fact, everytime I went into Masjidil Haram, I went in with a little bit of trepidation. There is something about the place that creates fear before you go in but awe and enlightenment when you are in there in person.
And to see the throngs of worshippers and the majestic structure of the Ka'abah, so near and within reach yet so monumental with people hanging at each and every space.
I did my tawaf with gladness, sadness, humbleness, hope and acceptance all in one. Very difficult to describe the feeling really and each person would have to take this journey his or herself to experience it. I felt at peace and there is a certain feeling of rejuvenation at the end of it.
The energy in that place is just amazing that even the little one obliged. We carried her in the Ergo during the tawaf and not a peep was heard from her. It was as if she understood. In fact, the following evening she expressed her desire to be near the Ka'abah.
Perhaps due to the warmer weather, the tawaf area is very crowded at night compared to the day. There was a mad rush for space during prayer hence we decided to go to the second floor whenever we could. There was even a place where you can borrow free wheel chairs. Yes borrow not rent.
Of course when one has finish the Sa'i and didn't bring scissors, be weary with whom you borrowed the scissors from. Some "well meaning" child may fleece you for the rental of their scissors. Some ask as much as 10 r/yals. If you are patient enough you could buy scissors for the same amount at nearby pharmacies or the Bin Dawood supermarket in the Hilton building.
The new face of M@kkah can be seen with the shiny new Al Bait shopping center just opposite Gate 1 . Wheelchair friendly (no steps to get into the Mall) with 3 elevators to bring you up to the foodcourt. And trendy shops. Not just shops selling Ouds, attar or dates. But Mothercare, Bodyshop, Sephora, Debenhams, Claires, Next and lots more. I didn't pop in the shops myself but was just so amazed with the new state of the art building.
We left M@kkah with high hopes that we will return soon. And was excited to go to Jedd@h.
She went with the knowledge that her daughter would be playing with her granddaughter, the much awaited great-grand-daughter.
Since they were playing with MH via Jedda@h, we planned it such that they would get to perform umrah first before flying off home. The 10 hour drive was very bearable. My Little One behaved very well. Between 2 naps, singing, Dora and Elmo, we made through the trip. I am very proud of her.
We got a little lost finding the Miqat. Partly because I would normally have preferred the Miqat in Taif, less crowded. This time round the miqat was not busy at all, partly because it was midweek and partly because it was only after Asr.
When we arrived in M@kkah once again the roads confused us a little bit but Alhamdullilah we managed to find our hotel. Hotels in Makkah now are at premium price, especially those closest to Masjidil Haram. Alhamdullilah Le Meredien was just as nice and an easy walk to the Masjidil Haram.
Although it was not my first time, in fact, everytime I went into Masjidil Haram, I went in with a little bit of trepidation. There is something about the place that creates fear before you go in but awe and enlightenment when you are in there in person.
And to see the throngs of worshippers and the majestic structure of the Ka'abah, so near and within reach yet so monumental with people hanging at each and every space.
I did my tawaf with gladness, sadness, humbleness, hope and acceptance all in one. Very difficult to describe the feeling really and each person would have to take this journey his or herself to experience it. I felt at peace and there is a certain feeling of rejuvenation at the end of it.
The energy in that place is just amazing that even the little one obliged. We carried her in the Ergo during the tawaf and not a peep was heard from her. It was as if she understood. In fact, the following evening she expressed her desire to be near the Ka'abah.
Perhaps due to the warmer weather, the tawaf area is very crowded at night compared to the day. There was a mad rush for space during prayer hence we decided to go to the second floor whenever we could. There was even a place where you can borrow free wheel chairs. Yes borrow not rent.
Of course when one has finish the Sa'i and didn't bring scissors, be weary with whom you borrowed the scissors from. Some "well meaning" child may fleece you for the rental of their scissors. Some ask as much as 10 r/yals. If you are patient enough you could buy scissors for the same amount at nearby pharmacies or the Bin Dawood supermarket in the Hilton building.
The new face of M@kkah can be seen with the shiny new Al Bait shopping center just opposite Gate 1 . Wheelchair friendly (no steps to get into the Mall) with 3 elevators to bring you up to the foodcourt. And trendy shops. Not just shops selling Ouds, attar or dates. But Mothercare, Bodyshop, Sephora, Debenhams, Claires, Next and lots more. I didn't pop in the shops myself but was just so amazed with the new state of the art building.
We left M@kkah with high hopes that we will return soon. And was excited to go to Jedd@h.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
My lesson for the day
Not to accept the responsibility of organizing something until I fully understand what it entails. If it gets too much, learn to say no.
Not to listen to niggling voices. Some people just love to complain. Its THEIR issues, not mine. DO NOT accept the responsibility of helping them. They would need to help themselves, not me.
If they commit to something and offer to pay me first. ACCEPT IT! They may forget to pay me later. Especially since they might change their mind later and I have already paid for them first. I keep on losing money this way. Its time for me to learn this lesson well.
Stay away from toxic people. They wear me down.
I will concentrate on people who can make me into a better person. Life is too short to dwell on the small stuff.
I will learn my lessons well so I don't have to keep on repeating them.
Thank you Allah for the oppurtunities for me to learn.
Not to listen to niggling voices. Some people just love to complain. Its THEIR issues, not mine. DO NOT accept the responsibility of helping them. They would need to help themselves, not me.
If they commit to something and offer to pay me first. ACCEPT IT! They may forget to pay me later. Especially since they might change their mind later and I have already paid for them first. I keep on losing money this way. Its time for me to learn this lesson well.
Stay away from toxic people. They wear me down.
I will concentrate on people who can make me into a better person. Life is too short to dwell on the small stuff.
I will learn my lessons well so I don't have to keep on repeating them.
Thank you Allah for the oppurtunities for me to learn.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Chocolate delight
I attended a "chocolate" class with Chef MM For me, these classes are not just about the knowledge about food that I obtained but also the friends I meet and the different cultures I get to learn.
D & B are preparing the chocolate truffles. The three of us took cooking classes at Four seasons about 2 years ago. It was great to catch up with them again.
Peach salad
Chocolate parfait with peach salad
Chocolate Mousse with chilli sauce
Chef MM showed us how to roll the chocolate truffles in our palms before dunking them in cocao powder.
I had so much fun and had a huge chocolate rush that I forgot to take more pictures of the truffles! Since it was a toss up between sampling the food and taking photographs, guess which one I chose to do?
Since then I have made some chocolate mousse and its a hit!
D & B are preparing the chocolate truffles. The three of us took cooking classes at Four seasons about 2 years ago. It was great to catch up with them again.
Peach salad
Chocolate parfait with peach salad
Chocolate Mousse with chilli sauce
Chef MM showed us how to roll the chocolate truffles in our palms before dunking them in cocao powder.
I had so much fun and had a huge chocolate rush that I forgot to take more pictures of the truffles! Since it was a toss up between sampling the food and taking photographs, guess which one I chose to do?
Since then I have made some chocolate mousse and its a hit!
Monday, April 28, 2008
Just for today
I am glad that I have someone to clean and polish the house new again, after it looked like a whirlwind swept through it.
I am thankful that I have a husband who is supportive of my dreams, ideas and hobbies. I cannot thank Allah enough for the love he has given me.
I am grateful that we are in the financial position to afford more than just what we need. A good education for our child is within our means. That its not a toss up between a meal or the child going to school.
I am honoured that we have friends who enjoy our company. Who seek us out even when we don't feel like going out to socialize. Its a gift really to have friends who love you and enjoy your company.
I am happy that I have the freedom to choose. Whether it is the best for my child, the convenience for me or the joy for us.
I will concentrate on the wonderful things I have in my life. And my health will be better in no time at all.
When a door of opportunity closes, another one will open.
Let it be so.
I am thankful that I have a husband who is supportive of my dreams, ideas and hobbies. I cannot thank Allah enough for the love he has given me.
I am grateful that we are in the financial position to afford more than just what we need. A good education for our child is within our means. That its not a toss up between a meal or the child going to school.
I am honoured that we have friends who enjoy our company. Who seek us out even when we don't feel like going out to socialize. Its a gift really to have friends who love you and enjoy your company.
I am happy that I have the freedom to choose. Whether it is the best for my child, the convenience for me or the joy for us.
I will concentrate on the wonderful things I have in my life. And my health will be better in no time at all.
When a door of opportunity closes, another one will open.
Let it be so.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
The Best part of my day...
Was when the Little One could express "I love you" to me unsolicited. She even said it with a smile in her sleepy face.
Was when my DH appreciated the simple dishes I cook for dinner today.
I am lucky that I am loved.
Was when my DH appreciated the simple dishes I cook for dinner today.
I am lucky that I am loved.
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Cooking class with Chef Marianne Mussi
Starter
Potato creme soup
Served with spiced sausage, crispy coutons
And Sherry fillet
Served with spiced sausage, crispy coutons
And Sherry fillet
Main course
Oregano/lemon stuffed chicken
Potato rosti and parsley Fume
Potato rosti and parsley Fume
Dessert
Vanilla parfait with caramel sauce
And strawberry salad
And strawberry salad
Chef MM made everything looked so easy and everything we, yes we all had a hand in preparing the food we got to eat, made was amazingly delicious from simple ingredients that can be bought locally.
The potato creme soup was smooth and delicious. the sausage added an extra zing and the fish added another texture for the soup.
The chicken and rosti was amazingly simple to make and she even showed us how to serve the dish gourmet style.
And the parfait is to die for!!! I was so inspired and excited after the class that I made some immediately the same afternoon!
Out of respect to Chef MM I will not be posting the recipes for her dishes here but please email me privately if you are interested. In the meantime I will ask her views about this.
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Present for Umi
I know my blog seems a lot more like a mommy blog now rather than the travel blog that it started itself to be. But such is my life now.
My 27 month old daughter is trying it on now. She is testing her limits and her boundaries as far as she can get away with. It does tire me out sometimes. I have to constantly remind myself that she means well.
Just the other day, she insisted in opening the roll of wrapping paper we just bought in IKEA. Gone were the days when wrapping paper just used to cost 20 cents, wrapping paper seem to cost a premium here. I was reluctant to waste the wrapping paper.
When I was not looking she quickly grabbed the roll and started to unroll the cutesy paper. So I obliged, I cut her a piece that she could play with to save the rest of the roll.
And guess what she did? She came to me with a “parcel” of the wrapping paper I gave to her.
“Look Umi! Present!” She handed it to me with great excitement.
[ In my heart I was going.. ohh nooo what a waste!]
“Whats this Am?” I obliged her.
“It’s a present.” She answered.
“Who is it for?” I asked.
“For Umi.” She said with a smile.
So I began to unwrap the present.
“What’s inside?” I asked her.
“Bread,” she said gingerly.
Yes my daughter had wrapped a slice of garlic bread as a present for me.
I had to smile. I gave her a kiss and said thank you for the present. And hugged her.
My darling, I will always remember the first ever present you gave to me. May your life will always be enriched by wonderful gifts that you will receive throughout your life.
My 27 month old daughter is trying it on now. She is testing her limits and her boundaries as far as she can get away with. It does tire me out sometimes. I have to constantly remind myself that she means well.
Just the other day, she insisted in opening the roll of wrapping paper we just bought in IKEA. Gone were the days when wrapping paper just used to cost 20 cents, wrapping paper seem to cost a premium here. I was reluctant to waste the wrapping paper.
When I was not looking she quickly grabbed the roll and started to unroll the cutesy paper. So I obliged, I cut her a piece that she could play with to save the rest of the roll.
And guess what she did? She came to me with a “parcel” of the wrapping paper I gave to her.
“Look Umi! Present!” She handed it to me with great excitement.
[ In my heart I was going.. ohh nooo what a waste!]
“Whats this Am?” I obliged her.
“It’s a present.” She answered.
“Who is it for?” I asked.
“For Umi.” She said with a smile.
So I began to unwrap the present.
“What’s inside?” I asked her.
“Bread,” she said gingerly.
Yes my daughter had wrapped a slice of garlic bread as a present for me.
I had to smile. I gave her a kiss and said thank you for the present. And hugged her.
My darling, I will always remember the first ever present you gave to me. May your life will always be enriched by wonderful gifts that you will receive throughout your life.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
I am at quandary
I am at quandary between changing the school for my daughter and keeping her where she is.
Why do I want to change?
The owner of the school and her sister who is one of the teachers in the school is showing too clearly how untrained and unexperienced they are. Most recent example, my daughter's finger was burnt with glue from a glue gun. Why do they have to use gun guns for a craft for 2 year olds is beyond me. They claimed that the glue gun is the only glue strong enough to put the button on the tin cans wrapped with crepe paper. She even went on to say that my little one was , I quote, their "guinea pig," the first child to do the craft and thus her finger because they didn't realize that the glue was hot.
How incredibly stupid!
Why I keep sending her there?
1)Convenience. The school is within the compound, thus 5 mins walk away.
2)Familiarity. The other children in the compound goes there too including my little one's best friend. She plays with them in school as well as in the afternoons at the skate park and play ground.
3)Cost factor. Sending her to a school outside the compound means more money on transport. That or we would have to get a driver.
In general she is doing well in school. Partly because she is used to it and partly because she is excited to see her best friend Mariam in school. She enjoys her singing sessions and I even caught her singing to herself. I often hear her chant "Eeee ya eee yaa yooo."
I am not the only one unhappy with the school. I guess us mothers tolerate it because its convenient. But I am not sure if I can live with myself with the excuse of convenience.
I have only just begun to enjoy my free time. Not that my time is free mind you, I have a planned schedule for everyday of the 3 days in school. If I didn't send her to school, I wouldn't have the time for my own self development with sewing, Reiki and Yoga. And I believe that I will be a better mother with all that.
And what do we do on the two days she isn't in school you asked? On Saturdays is our bonding time, either spent on the bus or whatever strikes us, be it painting, collecting flowers/leaves or even climbing trees.
And look what she was up to last Saturday:
We were examining the trunks of trees and she wanted to feel whats its like being on one.
And on Wednesdays, we have Kindermusik with Hanna,
Kindermusik is coming to an end though. We no longer will be doing Our Time but will switch to ABC and Me programme if we have 12 people together. I'm hoping that we can round out 12 people!
Are you interested?
Why do I want to change?
The owner of the school and her sister who is one of the teachers in the school is showing too clearly how untrained and unexperienced they are. Most recent example, my daughter's finger was burnt with glue from a glue gun. Why do they have to use gun guns for a craft for 2 year olds is beyond me. They claimed that the glue gun is the only glue strong enough to put the button on the tin cans wrapped with crepe paper. She even went on to say that my little one was , I quote, their "guinea pig," the first child to do the craft and thus her finger because they didn't realize that the glue was hot.
How incredibly stupid!
Why I keep sending her there?
1)Convenience. The school is within the compound, thus 5 mins walk away.
2)Familiarity. The other children in the compound goes there too including my little one's best friend. She plays with them in school as well as in the afternoons at the skate park and play ground.
3)Cost factor. Sending her to a school outside the compound means more money on transport. That or we would have to get a driver.
In general she is doing well in school. Partly because she is used to it and partly because she is excited to see her best friend Mariam in school. She enjoys her singing sessions and I even caught her singing to herself. I often hear her chant "Eeee ya eee yaa yooo."
I am not the only one unhappy with the school. I guess us mothers tolerate it because its convenient. But I am not sure if I can live with myself with the excuse of convenience.
I have only just begun to enjoy my free time. Not that my time is free mind you, I have a planned schedule for everyday of the 3 days in school. If I didn't send her to school, I wouldn't have the time for my own self development with sewing, Reiki and Yoga. And I believe that I will be a better mother with all that.
And what do we do on the two days she isn't in school you asked? On Saturdays is our bonding time, either spent on the bus or whatever strikes us, be it painting, collecting flowers/leaves or even climbing trees.
And look what she was up to last Saturday:
We were examining the trunks of trees and she wanted to feel whats its like being on one.
And on Wednesdays, we have Kindermusik with Hanna,
Kindermusik is coming to an end though. We no longer will be doing Our Time but will switch to ABC and Me programme if we have 12 people together. I'm hoping that we can round out 12 people!
Are you interested?
Monday, March 17, 2008
Life lessons
Hoooraaay! I just need to sew a little bit more and will be done with my challange quilt and I don't have to sort out my demo till later.
1) I must remember to be here and now and not rushed off my feet going 200km/hr and then feeling lost after. Yesterday was one of those days I was rushing through things. Didn't have proper conversation with people, looking half stressed. Came home feeling relieved but at the same time a little bit regretful. Perhaps I didn't take enough people. Perhaps I didn't make the effort to make proper conversation. Perhaps I forgot to thank a few people.
I must remember to be present in the here and now, to enjoy each moment as it unfold.
2) Keeping in touch, even if its a one line email is very important. [Re: I have a few emails and even smses I have yet to reply.] It may seem like it can wait or unimportant to me but may be important to the other person.
3)Learning to let go
Whatever grievances I may have, I must learn to deal with it, put it past me and move on. Because if I don't. I'd just be bitter and catty. Especially if the issue is long past and everyone else has moved on.
Its amazing how the short interaction I had yesterday yield 3 more new life lessons for me.
1) I must remember to be here and now and not rushed off my feet going 200km/hr and then feeling lost after. Yesterday was one of those days I was rushing through things. Didn't have proper conversation with people, looking half stressed. Came home feeling relieved but at the same time a little bit regretful. Perhaps I didn't take enough people. Perhaps I didn't make the effort to make proper conversation. Perhaps I forgot to thank a few people.
I must remember to be present in the here and now, to enjoy each moment as it unfold.
2) Keeping in touch, even if its a one line email is very important. [Re: I have a few emails and even smses I have yet to reply.] It may seem like it can wait or unimportant to me but may be important to the other person.
3)Learning to let go
Whatever grievances I may have, I must learn to deal with it, put it past me and move on. Because if I don't. I'd just be bitter and catty. Especially if the issue is long past and everyone else has moved on.
Its amazing how the short interaction I had yesterday yield 3 more new life lessons for me.
Friday, March 07, 2008
A peek into their lives
One of the most interesting aspects of life on the road, is the opportunity to meet new people, of different professions and backgrounds. They provided insights into some life lessons and experiences, some of which I would not have the opportunity to peek otherwise.
The two gentlemen were ex-armed forces, here on business. One recounted to us his experiences in wartime Bosnia. The other was his trainer.
The third is a heart surgeon, born of a military family that grew up in hardship. Listening to his stories about his childhood made me realize how lucky I was to have a good childhood. My childhood seemed luxurious compared to his.
Between him and his two siblings and their mum, they shared a can of sardines and rice for lunch and dinner. They had occasional keropok for snacks. How his mum sold keropok and batiks to earn extra money for her children.
His father physically abused his mother, who continued to stay with him despite the children asking her to leave her husband.
He took his ticket out as soon as he could. He went to boarding school and later earned a scholarship to study medicine in England. Through sheer hard work and a strong will, he became a specialist.
More than anything else I learned that we are all only human; The Majors, the heart surgeons, the doctors, the politicians, the songstress, the ambassadors. It may be obvious to others perhaps, but it all drove home for me this time after my conversations with them.
We are all in search of the same thing. Happiness, family and means to pay off our bills and mortgages. We all have the same struggles in life. We all have our own life lessons to learn, and we can all attain everything that we dream for, as long as we believe in ourselves and we work hard to achieve our dreams and goals.
The roads may be different, but the journeys are similar.
Thank you for giving me this insight.
The two gentlemen were ex-armed forces, here on business. One recounted to us his experiences in wartime Bosnia. The other was his trainer.
The third is a heart surgeon, born of a military family that grew up in hardship. Listening to his stories about his childhood made me realize how lucky I was to have a good childhood. My childhood seemed luxurious compared to his.
Between him and his two siblings and their mum, they shared a can of sardines and rice for lunch and dinner. They had occasional keropok for snacks. How his mum sold keropok and batiks to earn extra money for her children.
His father physically abused his mother, who continued to stay with him despite the children asking her to leave her husband.
He took his ticket out as soon as he could. He went to boarding school and later earned a scholarship to study medicine in England. Through sheer hard work and a strong will, he became a specialist.
More than anything else I learned that we are all only human; The Majors, the heart surgeons, the doctors, the politicians, the songstress, the ambassadors. It may be obvious to others perhaps, but it all drove home for me this time after my conversations with them.
We are all in search of the same thing. Happiness, family and means to pay off our bills and mortgages. We all have the same struggles in life. We all have our own life lessons to learn, and we can all attain everything that we dream for, as long as we believe in ourselves and we work hard to achieve our dreams and goals.
The roads may be different, but the journeys are similar.
Thank you for giving me this insight.
Saturday, March 01, 2008
Putting first things first
My Reiki Teacher Ang@ shared with me an excerpt from Stephen Covey's First things first. He describes a story that one of his associates experienced on a seminar.
In the middle of the lecture the presenter pulled out a wide-mouth jar and placed it on the table, aside to some fist-sized rocks.
"How many of these rocks do you think we can get in the jar?" he asked the audience.
After the students made their guesses, the seminar leader said,
"Okay, let's find out." He put one rock in the jar, then another, then another--until no more rocks would fit. Then he asked, "Is the jar full?"
Everybody could see that not one more of the rocks would fit, so they said, "Yes."
"Not so fast," he cautioned. From under the table he lifted out a bucket of gravel, dumped it in the jar, and shook it. The gravel slid into all the little spaces left by the big rocks. Grinning, the seminar leader asked once more, "Is the jar full?"
A little wiser by now, the students responded, "Probably not."
"Good," the teacher said. Then he reached under the table to bring up a bucket of sand. He started dumping the sand in the jar. While the students watched, the sand filled in the little spaces left by the rocks and gravel. Once more he looked at the class and said, "Now,
is the jar full?"
"No," everyone shouted back.
"Good!" said the seminar leader, who then grabbed a pitcher of water and began to pour it into the jar. He got a quart of water into that jar before he said, "Ladies and gentlemen, the jar is now full. Can anybody tell me the lesson you can learn from this?"
An eager participant spoke up: "Well, there are gaps in your schedule. And if you really work at it, you can always fit more into your life."
"No," the leader said. "That's not the point. The point is this: if I hadn't put those big rocks in first, I would never have gotten them in."
+++++++++++++++++++++++
The story made me think about my big rocks. What are they? And what should I put in first?
My beloved, my little one and my family of course. Then comes my quilting, my reading, my travelling and maybe even my writing. Self improvement also comes in first. I want to be the best person I can be, who is happy, contented and connected. Intellectual development and personal growth. And achieving my dreams and goals.
To have financial independence, to have the house of my dream, to travel all the time to different places, new and old, and to love and be loved. To be an inspiration to my child and at the same time have the capability to inspire her to be the best person she can be in her life. To support her to achieve her full potential.
And my darling, we didn't name you our hope for nothing. We hope that you will achieve better things than we can and go to places we haven't been, even if it is the moon.
I always want you to know that we love you and will always believe in you.
++++++++++++++++++++
I brought some wonderful books back from Dubai. Will have to blog about my Dubai trip at a later time. Although the trip was very short, I am very grateful that I have a wonderful and understanding DH who supports me in my interest.
I do digress. I am reading Weekend Life Coach by Lynda Field and oh boy, she is opening some doors for me.
In the middle of the lecture the presenter pulled out a wide-mouth jar and placed it on the table, aside to some fist-sized rocks.
"How many of these rocks do you think we can get in the jar?" he asked the audience.
After the students made their guesses, the seminar leader said,
"Okay, let's find out." He put one rock in the jar, then another, then another--until no more rocks would fit. Then he asked, "Is the jar full?"
Everybody could see that not one more of the rocks would fit, so they said, "Yes."
"Not so fast," he cautioned. From under the table he lifted out a bucket of gravel, dumped it in the jar, and shook it. The gravel slid into all the little spaces left by the big rocks. Grinning, the seminar leader asked once more, "Is the jar full?"
A little wiser by now, the students responded, "Probably not."
"Good," the teacher said. Then he reached under the table to bring up a bucket of sand. He started dumping the sand in the jar. While the students watched, the sand filled in the little spaces left by the rocks and gravel. Once more he looked at the class and said, "Now,
is the jar full?"
"No," everyone shouted back.
"Good!" said the seminar leader, who then grabbed a pitcher of water and began to pour it into the jar. He got a quart of water into that jar before he said, "Ladies and gentlemen, the jar is now full. Can anybody tell me the lesson you can learn from this?"
An eager participant spoke up: "Well, there are gaps in your schedule. And if you really work at it, you can always fit more into your life."
"No," the leader said. "That's not the point. The point is this: if I hadn't put those big rocks in first, I would never have gotten them in."
+++++++++++++++++++++++
The story made me think about my big rocks. What are they? And what should I put in first?
My beloved, my little one and my family of course. Then comes my quilting, my reading, my travelling and maybe even my writing. Self improvement also comes in first. I want to be the best person I can be, who is happy, contented and connected. Intellectual development and personal growth. And achieving my dreams and goals.
To have financial independence, to have the house of my dream, to travel all the time to different places, new and old, and to love and be loved. To be an inspiration to my child and at the same time have the capability to inspire her to be the best person she can be in her life. To support her to achieve her full potential.
And my darling, we didn't name you our hope for nothing. We hope that you will achieve better things than we can and go to places we haven't been, even if it is the moon.
I always want you to know that we love you and will always believe in you.
++++++++++++++++++++
I brought some wonderful books back from Dubai. Will have to blog about my Dubai trip at a later time. Although the trip was very short, I am very grateful that I have a wonderful and understanding DH who supports me in my interest.
I do digress. I am reading Weekend Life Coach by Lynda Field and oh boy, she is opening some doors for me.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Affirmation
I give myself permission to speak my truth. I allow myself to prosper so that I manifest everything I need, financially, spiritually, physically and emotionally.
And so it is.
******************
Back from Dubai. Recharges, rejuvenated and inspired. Have been sewing furiously for my Challenge Quilt and my demo.
And so it is.
******************
Back from Dubai. Recharges, rejuvenated and inspired. Have been sewing furiously for my Challenge Quilt and my demo.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Freedom
Some keynotes from today's class that I would like to remember:
Forgiveness is the key to freedom, "Would you rather be right or would you rather be happy?"
Perhaps it may be obvious to other people but the coin just dropped on me when I read those words today. Sometimes I feel compelled to correct people or I carry some sort of nagging resentment about some one (or two) about an (unkind) remark being made about me which I thought was not true.
Now I just have to remind myself to forgive them for their ignorance. It is not as important for me to set them right as it is to make myself happy.
With that I am freeing myself from any sort of imagined eyes on my backs. I will no longer care what people think or say of me. What is important is that I am true to myself and that god knows I am being truthful to myself.
I want to be happy. Happy with myself, happy with my life and contented with all that Allah has given me. I will not allow those words come creeping to get me. If the words do come, I will acknowledge them and then set them free again.
I will not criticize others and in turn, I will not criticize me.
+++++++++++++++++++++
I reaaally need to pack and plan my trip for Dubai! I am determined to have a very good time there! And I hope I will give The Little One some wonderful and new experiences! I am excited!
Forgiveness is the key to freedom, "Would you rather be right or would you rather be happy?"
Perhaps it may be obvious to other people but the coin just dropped on me when I read those words today. Sometimes I feel compelled to correct people or I carry some sort of nagging resentment about some one (or two) about an (unkind) remark being made about me which I thought was not true.
Now I just have to remind myself to forgive them for their ignorance. It is not as important for me to set them right as it is to make myself happy.
With that I am freeing myself from any sort of imagined eyes on my backs. I will no longer care what people think or say of me. What is important is that I am true to myself and that god knows I am being truthful to myself.
I want to be happy. Happy with myself, happy with my life and contented with all that Allah has given me. I will not allow those words come creeping to get me. If the words do come, I will acknowledge them and then set them free again.
I will not criticize others and in turn, I will not criticize me.
+++++++++++++++++++++
I reaaally need to pack and plan my trip for Dubai! I am determined to have a very good time there! And I hope I will give The Little One some wonderful and new experiences! I am excited!
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Generosity of neighbours
I walked as fast as I could to the store. The mission, to get 12 cubes of chicken stock. Of course they had absolutely no chicken stock cubes at the store. Passed by 2 neighbours, said brief hellos.
"She looks like a woman on a mission to me," remarked D.
"Yes well I went to get some chicken cube stocks but of course the store had none. I'm just having some company over and needed to make chicken rice."
"Tell you what, why don't you drop by and see if I have some."
Errrr, surely its embarrassing to be usurping your neighbors supply of chicken stock?
But I really want this chicken rice so why not.
We walked briskly to D's house. Pop into her larder and Wallah! I wiped out 8 of her chicken cube stocks!
I was just so touched by her generosity! I couldn't even thank her enough!
"Enjoy them" was all she said.
Note to self: I must get her something nice!
++++++++++++++++
The following day, on our way home back from school, we dropped by M's house to say hello. M is The Little One's best friend in school.
M has been suffering from some fever.
Her mum answered the door and told us that M was much better, thanks very much for asking. She was sleeping at that very moment and we would be seeing her for Kindermusik class the next day.
Just as we were about to leave, M's mum asked me if I would like a box of truffles. She knew I liked the truffles because she had offered them to me previously and I had confessed my weakness for truffles. These are Belgian Cocoa dusted chocolate truffles from Marks and Spencers no less! And apparently M's mum and dad didn't want them anymore!
Sheepishly I agreed to accept them. I didn't know what else to say except thank you!
Note to self: Need to get something nice either for M or M's parents.
What did I do to deserve such generosities? I am just so touched by other people's kindness to me.
Dear Allah, thank you so much for the generosity of my kind neighbors. Thank you for putting me in an environment surrounded by kind and generous people. I hope that I can be a kind and generous neighbor to my neighbors too.
"She looks like a woman on a mission to me," remarked D.
"Yes well I went to get some chicken cube stocks but of course the store had none. I'm just having some company over and needed to make chicken rice."
"Tell you what, why don't you drop by and see if I have some."
Errrr, surely its embarrassing to be usurping your neighbors supply of chicken stock?
But I really want this chicken rice so why not.
We walked briskly to D's house. Pop into her larder and Wallah! I wiped out 8 of her chicken cube stocks!
I was just so touched by her generosity! I couldn't even thank her enough!
"Enjoy them" was all she said.
Note to self: I must get her something nice!
++++++++++++++++
The following day, on our way home back from school, we dropped by M's house to say hello. M is The Little One's best friend in school.
M has been suffering from some fever.
Her mum answered the door and told us that M was much better, thanks very much for asking. She was sleeping at that very moment and we would be seeing her for Kindermusik class the next day.
Just as we were about to leave, M's mum asked me if I would like a box of truffles. She knew I liked the truffles because she had offered them to me previously and I had confessed my weakness for truffles. These are Belgian Cocoa dusted chocolate truffles from Marks and Spencers no less! And apparently M's mum and dad didn't want them anymore!
Sheepishly I agreed to accept them. I didn't know what else to say except thank you!
Note to self: Need to get something nice either for M or M's parents.
What did I do to deserve such generosities? I am just so touched by other people's kindness to me.
Dear Allah, thank you so much for the generosity of my kind neighbors. Thank you for putting me in an environment surrounded by kind and generous people. I hope that I can be a kind and generous neighbor to my neighbors too.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Gong Xi Fa Cai
Being far away from home, I am always so grateful that I have friends who consider me family. We were invited to a Chinese New Year lunch. Although I am genetically 50% Chinese, I do not know the Chinese customs or culture as much as my genetic make up. What I know are bits and pieces here and there offered by various friends, neighbours and colleagues.
To my pleasant surprise my Little One received many handsome red packets. I am ashamed to say that I didn't prepare any red packets for the other little ones. Note to self, please prepare some for next year if I do get invited again.
I even received a New Year present, a set of four soup bowls with a red packet inside.
I don't know what I did to deserve the wonderful people I have around me who are always generous towards me and my family. I hope they will always stay with me and enrich me.
If I am doing something right that endear me to them, I hope I will be able to continue to do so.
Thank you Allah, for the wonderful people you put around me. And for the enriching environment you allow me to experience. I hope I will be able to grow to be a better person all the time.
To my pleasant surprise my Little One received many handsome red packets. I am ashamed to say that I didn't prepare any red packets for the other little ones. Note to self, please prepare some for next year if I do get invited again.
I even received a New Year present, a set of four soup bowls with a red packet inside.
I don't know what I did to deserve the wonderful people I have around me who are always generous towards me and my family. I hope they will always stay with me and enrich me.
If I am doing something right that endear me to them, I hope I will be able to continue to do so.
Thank you Allah, for the wonderful people you put around me. And for the enriching environment you allow me to experience. I hope I will be able to grow to be a better person all the time.
Monday, February 04, 2008
Taking responsibility for yourself
When the words were uttered, I had the greatest urge to write them down. To write them down quickly and clearly because I didn't want to lose them.
"Taking responsibility for yourself."
Some people believe that things happen to them. Others believe, things happen because they made it happen through their thoughts and behaviour.
I have always believed in free will. Don't get me wrong, I believe in predestination as well. Somethings are predestined but how you react to them, what you do are all up to your free will.
I will now watch my words because where words go, energy flow and that goes the same to my thoughts, where my thoughts flow, that is where the energy is directed to flow.
I will remember to be gentle and nurtuting to myself and to others around me.
Because I am solid gold inside, I will be able to do what I put my mind to do.
From today onwards, I have to start cleaning out my clutter inside. It will be tough and I have many issues to deal with. I know I can and I will. So here starts my journey of self discovery.
"Taking responsibility for yourself."
Some people believe that things happen to them. Others believe, things happen because they made it happen through their thoughts and behaviour.
I have always believed in free will. Don't get me wrong, I believe in predestination as well. Somethings are predestined but how you react to them, what you do are all up to your free will.
I will now watch my words because where words go, energy flow and that goes the same to my thoughts, where my thoughts flow, that is where the energy is directed to flow.
I will remember to be gentle and nurtuting to myself and to others around me.
Because I am solid gold inside, I will be able to do what I put my mind to do.
From today onwards, I have to start cleaning out my clutter inside. It will be tough and I have many issues to deal with. I know I can and I will. So here starts my journey of self discovery.
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