The aftermath

The recent flood had distrupted so many lives in Brunei, as we all heard from the news and read from the papers. There were even casualties, a rare occurance in our peaceful Brunei. I didnt realise the magnitude of the flood is so great until the next day when news flashed every where on how the whole big chunk of Brunei was under water and electricity was cut off for 4 days. The famous shopping mall was closed for a few days even the hotels because of the power failure and Gadong became a ghost town. Thats what I heard.

It was a heavy downpour again last night at our area. Although it was not so bad as on the 21st Jan but I was a nervous wreck nevertheless. Couldnt sleep until the rain stopped around 2am and the water rose for a few inches in our front porch. I wonder why the weather will improve.

We are the lucky ones who had maids because every time the water rises, the mud and debris were brought in. And we need to clean up afterwards. Not a nice job to do but its your front porch you had to do it whether you like it or not. I took this pictures of our neighbours from my bedroom where they had to do the deed after the flood. Sorry guys for taking this picture but I have to say I pity you all for having to do this every time!

Be careful when you eat oranges...

Got these images from a friend. You know this is the time of year when these chinese oranges are sold every where. At one time or another we might end up buying some since these oranges are so yummy and juicy. Then I got these pictures. Not that it happened here but its good to be aware and be careful. Check properly before you pop it into your mouth. You never know whats lurking inside...

Sigh....

Big big problem.

Last night it rained like never before. Really really heavy. I didnt sleep and keep on looking outside since I know if this rain went on it will be flooded very soon. And it turned out it did. Right up to our door step. I was a nervous wreck and worried that the water will go into the house and our cars will be submerged. I woke up hubby at 12.30am and we went down and had a look outside. The water was raising dangerously high. I also watched most of the neighbours were awake and kept vigil outside. Some moved their cars to a safer place.

So hubby changed from his PJ to t-shirt & short, went outside and moved our 3 cars out of the garage. The water already reached inside our Echo and reached the exhaust pipe of our BMW. Rexton was ok since it was outside the gate and higher.

We didnt sleep until about 3.30am and while waiting for the rain to stop we watch President Barrack Hussin Obama Inauguration. Such a big ocassion and witnessed by around 2 million American in Washing DC.

We went to bed after that and woke up around 5.00am since its a working day and my girl had to go to school. We were very tired and sleepy so decided to skip work and called office that we had to be at home and cant go out because of the flood. My girl also ended up taking school off. Infact I saw most children in my neighbourhood didnt go to school today and Ayang later found out the school was off too.

Below some pictures of the flood. We were stranded along Jalan Sungai Liang too yesterday because of the rain. The road was still flooded this morning and the neighbours told us the flood was all over Brunei. Its very bad.

Selamat Pengantin Baru!

We went to my niece wedding today at Bomba Hall in Berakas. In weddings the thing I dreaded the most is the heat, being in hot weather and under the camp and all. But today it was a bliss. The wedding was held in a hall, with full blast aircon. And i didnt even need my hand fan! So it was good. Lots of family members were there, and the hall was not big enough to accomodate all guests, I think everybody who were invited turned up! So many people and the caterer had to go back and get more food, tables and chairs. And you should see what we got for our token. A table clock and a perfume. And thats what I called a blast.

The couple looked so lovely. K is all grown up. I used to see her so cute and small. And now she is a wife. Congratulations sweetie, may happiness be with you and your hubby always.

**Congratulations to Firmasdiana & Nizam**

And us at the wedding.

Its been a while.

This intermittent problem with our wireless is simply a headache. The new year has not started very well. Some issues are still pending on the home front and also at work. Our new Amah who should have arrived a month ago is not here yet! The e-speed connection is very fragile. One minute its ok and down the next. Very shaky so we are not a happy bunch at the moment. My promotion at work also have problems, all HR fault of course. But I am not going to touch on that here. No point.

On a happier note, we have decide to cycle again. Very soon. At least we have that to look forward to. Holiday is also in the works. We are excited and look forward to it of course.

At least today the wireless is working fine, been on the computer for the last 2 hours and I am still not cut off so thats good. The problem is usually in the morning and evening so we still need telbru to look into it. Afterall this is not for free.

A busy weekend again, lots of plan for today and tomorrow. We gonna take Robbie to the vet this afternoon for her check up. And to cut her nails. I know what a trivial things to do but we dont want to do it ourselves, we might hurt her in the process.

Tomorrow another wedding. A cousin's daughter so we will be there.

01.01.2009

Another new year, its now here - 2009 / 1430. Hope this year will be a better year for every one. I have so much hope for this year and i am hoping this is the year where our dreams will come true.

Should I talk about new year resolutions? I dont think so because it usually didnt materialise. The only thing I can think of for now is to lose some more weight, try to eat right and exercise more. And I know thats not so easy to achieve. Well.. at least I am hoping I would be happier this year, embrance life to the fullest, not to dwell on "what if" and "what not". Life is to short to have a pity party. I will count my blessings more and try to menambah amal ibadat since we all dont live forever.

Anyway, spent the day quitely at home today. Then we went to the Empire to watch a movie - Bedtime stories. Not as good as i expected, too much nonsense and the story just rambled on without any meaning. Its very light and just average, except for a few funny dialogues from Adam Sandler and thats about all.

Last night we had a family bbq at my parents'. Its nice to be with family, and the bbq was not meant to celebrate the new year but more as a gathering. We are not into that although most establishments are doing just that like the Empire with their new year countdown. We try to avoid all the crowds and we are not supposed to celebrate the new year anyway. Ate alot as usual, afterall it is a family gathering and as usual lots of conversations and topics.

Nothing special on the start of the new year, except I am looking forward to my girl first day

of school next week. See what she has to say about her new class since she was chosen to be in a pure science stream class. It must be an exciting time for her with new subjects and new classmates. I advised her to be friendly with her new friends, try to be more open and approachable. I know its not easy to make friends on her first day of class so I hope she will try her best.

Another off day from work tomorrow and I need to do some shopping for our planned bbq on saturday.

Two pictures from our trip to the movie today.