We had a family picnic on sunday 24th Jan at Serasa Beach. It was a nice hot and sunny day and we had fun although without one of our family members.
Wednesday 27 January 2010
Monday 18 January 2010
Anticipations
I anticipate this is going to be a long and busy 2010. On Sunday my girl and I were busy sorting out her tuition class which will start in February. This is all for the preparation for her taking her big exam in October. We both want her to be prepared. There are a lot to revise and in addition to that, new things to learn for the course of this year. She needs a helping hands with the revision since I know its not easy to study and revise 2 years of school work.We chose to go R&R Tuition School again. She used to go to this tuition class when she was in Primary 6 way back in 2005. The school has given her a fairly good result for her PSR so we decided to give it a try again. I trusted this school, the owner is a very nice English lady who became a Muslim when she married a local prominent Bruneian man. She is quiet friendly, very accommodating and very kind. I remember when my daughter went to her school, there were times when my daughter couldn’t come on her scheduled classes due to my work commitments that she was willing to cut down the tuition fee. That’s very considerate of her. A good reason for me consider her again.
I am hoping the school will be a great help for my daughter and she will get all the help she needed so she can learn systematically and smartly. I don’t really care how much it will cost me although at the moment I am a bit worried about finances (a lot is going on at the moments on that deparment so it does worry me a bit). But my girl is my first priority and it is imperative that I take care of her, make things easier for her as much as possible. That’s my duty as her mother.
I know she is struggling and overwhelmed with the whole exam thing. There are so much to do. On top of everything else, she has extra classes and homework every day. Very stressful and she is only a child. She looks distracted and confused sometimes. And when she looks worry, I will worry too. So I try my best to tone down her worry, soothe her with a lot of encouragements. Tell her all her effort will pay off in the end. Try my best to make her feel better every time she feels down or upset.
So its going to be so much stuff. Its time to get serious this year. My daughter with her study and me for keeping an eye on her and makes her life more bearable. Will also try my best not to distract her attention from books and revisions, meaning no talk of holidays from February onwards, yikess!!!! Thats not exactly the preference but we will try to stick by it. But not after a short holiday with her grandparents in February that is. And that would be it, I hope.
Sunday 17 January 2010
Cold weekend
Another thing I missed to report is how cold this weekend is. We had our usual saturday morning breakfast yesterday when I first noticed the weather. Never felt anything like it, there was no wind but it was really cold I had goosebumps lol. But I liked it, even better we had snow in Brunei. That would be cool (NOT!). It might be the end of the world, mind ya!
Saturday 16 January 2010
Quiet weekend
This wet weather reminds me vividly on what happened exactly a year ago. At exactly the same time in 2009 we really was befallened by a undisputed flooding conditions, all over Brunei. Heavy rain every day which lasted sometimes for 4 hrs non-stop. The drainage were in bad shape and in the end we suffered very serious flooding at our housing area. Not only here but for the rest of Brunei too. It was really terrible, we were worried every time it rained and the water started to rise. There is no words to describe the feeling. Its horrendous.
But this year the drainage has been greatly improved. We just had rain for 3 days straight. Non-stop day in and day out, although not as heavy but the rain didnt seem to bulge. Fortunately the govt has taken drastic (and quick) action by constructing the new and big drains. So far the drains has done a great job. No more flood and its great. Hope we will be spared this year.
I have a quiet weekend. My daughter was at school until 3pm today. She has to be in school until late these days since she has to attend extra classes for her O level exam. Its really an unwinding time for me to stay at home, relax and watch the telly. Oh.. I watched a good movie today called The Changeling in HBO. Its about this lady who lost her son, when she left him to fend for himself at home while she went to work. He was no longer there when she returned. She frantically looked for him to no avail and reported her son missing to the police. After a few weeks the police told her they found him but when she came to pick him up, that boy was not actually her son. This was where the story began. The police made the mistake but they didnt admit it, she fought to ask them to carry on looking for her son but the police was adamant that they got the right boy. Imagine the frustration! The story was really amazing, very heart touching since it depict a mother's love for her kid. Strong character by Angelina Jolie. My heart was touched by it since I know no mother could bear to lose a child and didnt even know what happened to him. Its based on a true story which made it more dramatic. And she never found him again which made the film really sad.
Made me think of my own role as a mother. I would do anything to protect my child and I would never rest until I know the truth, if anything happened. I couldnt imagine if I ever lost a child, It must be the most horrible experience and I never want to experience it.
But this year the drainage has been greatly improved. We just had rain for 3 days straight. Non-stop day in and day out, although not as heavy but the rain didnt seem to bulge. Fortunately the govt has taken drastic (and quick) action by constructing the new and big drains. So far the drains has done a great job. No more flood and its great. Hope we will be spared this year.
I have a quiet weekend. My daughter was at school until 3pm today. She has to be in school until late these days since she has to attend extra classes for her O level exam. Its really an unwinding time for me to stay at home, relax and watch the telly. Oh.. I watched a good movie today called The Changeling in HBO. Its about this lady who lost her son, when she left him to fend for himself at home while she went to work. He was no longer there when she returned. She frantically looked for him to no avail and reported her son missing to the police. After a few weeks the police told her they found him but when she came to pick him up, that boy was not actually her son. This was where the story began. The police made the mistake but they didnt admit it, she fought to ask them to carry on looking for her son but the police was adamant that they got the right boy. Imagine the frustration! The story was really amazing, very heart touching since it depict a mother's love for her kid. Strong character by Angelina Jolie. My heart was touched by it since I know no mother could bear to lose a child and didnt even know what happened to him. Its based on a true story which made it more dramatic. And she never found him again which made the film really sad.
Made me think of my own role as a mother. I would do anything to protect my child and I would never rest until I know the truth, if anything happened. I couldnt imagine if I ever lost a child, It must be the most horrible experience and I never want to experience it.
Tuesday 12 January 2010
Thankful
Alhamdulilah for all the blessing and good things in my life. I am craving for chocolate this afternoon. Lunch was a simple affair today, hubby and I went to have a sushi lunch at Excapade, we ordered a few of our favourite dishes. Didn’t want to be over indulged and I ended up still feeling hungry. Ignored the pangs although I was still hungry when we got back to the office. I rummaged our office food cabinet, nothing to my liking since I am looking for a good chocolate bar to munch. I really had a sweet tooth today!
Back to my desk and continued my job when lo and behold, someone, a member of the Accenture group went round the office and offered one box of chocolate wafer bar for everyone! And my jaw just dropped down the floor. How was that for a good timing? I was so ecstatic, so out of this world! This is not the first time this ever happen. Hubby experience it too. It was really nice.
Tuesday 5 January 2010
The 2009 Chronicles
January – kicked off the new year with strange weather where it rained heavily most days. Experienced first ever flood at home. Very scary since this was the first time we ever encountered how fast the water was raising from the rain. We were lucky our home was spared from the flood but the neighbours home were all soaked up. The water rose just below our front porch steps and didn’t go into the house, we were so thankful for that, otherwise we would have to spend a lot to clean all the mess up and not to mention the damage to our precious furniture and carpets.
February – my birthday. Uneventful and the day passed like normal. My daughter took part in Brunei National Day celebrations. She had to go through vigorous rehersals every day leading up to the day. She was tired and hot most of the days since they had to rehersed outside under the sun. But she had a great time (and memories) when the actual days came since this is the first time she ever joined the march. They were borrowed nice jacket to wear, but they needed to return it which sucked a lot. She loved the jacket!
March – We were in the midst of changing our Amah. The current one left, end of her contract, although she wanted to stay but I am not in favor. Would prefer to take someone new. Pissed off with the first agent, what a crap. That woman was a crude, such a low life. And liar. The Amah we ordered didn’t come so we were really angry and upset with her. Luckily we found another agent which took care of everything and he promised the new Amah will arrive soon. While waiting for this Amah to arrive, we took temporary one for a week. Not worth to take her longer since she was too expensive. We ended up on our own for a few weeks. Our daughter was on her own and look after the house herself. Earth hour is this month too so on the actual day/night we participated by switching off all the light for an hour. Our small contribution to the earth we live in!
April – Our new Amah arrived the month. A girl of 18. Very inexperienced and had to be taught of everything. Before she arrived, I was really busy with house chores. Did most of it although hubby and my girl tried to help. Hubby bought a new camera this month and this is when the obsession started! We took lots and lots of good photos. He was really good at it, knew how to handle the camera. But me? Nahh… I have no idea whatsoever with things like ISO, Apurture, Shutters, blah blah..
May – Our daughter’s 15th birthday. We just had an intimate birthday lunch for her. She didn’t want any parties whatsoever, told us she was all grown up so just want to have the peace and quiet. I bought a new handbag which costs me more than BN300. The construction of our road, the new drains and rails have started. So hoping the flood will go away. Chris Allen won the American Idol.
June – We were on our holiday of a life time. In New Zealand for 3 weeks. The experience was out of this world. This was the best vacation ever. Never seen any place as beautiful as New Zealand and we sure will be back to this place. Spent the holidays with lots of visits, cinemas and skiing. The first time we ever saw snow on the ski slope. It was historical!!! Got home end of June and heard the news MJ passed away. Sad sad news and the world has lost someone so talented. My mom birthday for this month too. They were not at home as well but was in Mecca for Umrah.
July – H1N1 virus was in full swing. We were nervous and worried. The increase of cases in Brunei was overwhelmingly high. The highest in the world. Wondered why that happened. We tried our best to look after ourselves. We never left home without the sanitizers. This product was a hit in the stores. Every where it was out of stock. HM the Sultan 63rd birthday celebrations were also postponed because of this. This month also saw the wedding anniversary of my parents, their 43rd. Amazing that they have been married that long.
August – Hubby’s 45th birthday was on this month. Had a quiet birthday dinner at the Empire since it was the fasting month. This month also we encountered heavy haze in Brunei. But went away after a few weeks. We were thinking of painting our living room this month and contemplating on what colours to choose.
September – Painting of our living room was done. We choose orange! A feast for the eyes. Next new curtains. My dad’s birthday this month and we celebrated his birthday at Asma Hotel with sungkai buffet, my treats to all my 13 family members. Went to a few sungkai buffet all over the place for Ramadan. Raya celebrations with family. As usual went to visit relatives, and the most prominent was we went to visit my dad’s long lost half brother in KB. Met them for the first time ever including his children. We also celebrated BSP’s 80th anniversary at work. A big celebration attended by His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei.
October – Bought our latest new car! Very excited and this machine is such a beauty. I love it! At work, I attended BSP Health Day, breast cancer saves life. An eye opener and a good 2 days seminar. Watched MJ This is It the movie this month and it was awesome.
November – Our daughter received her SSSRU certificate. Was very proud of her of her accomplishment. Tendered a new number for our new car. Tedious process. Held open house for family on Aidil Adha and it was a success.
December – Looking forward to a new year. Our daughter started her guitar lesson. She was excited and so was I. First year anniversary for our pet rabbit, Robbie. Went to KL for a short trip and celebrated the new year over there. This month we also celebrated Muslim New Year, Hijrah 1431 with prayers and Do’a. Alhamdulilah.
February – my birthday. Uneventful and the day passed like normal. My daughter took part in Brunei National Day celebrations. She had to go through vigorous rehersals every day leading up to the day. She was tired and hot most of the days since they had to rehersed outside under the sun. But she had a great time (and memories) when the actual days came since this is the first time she ever joined the march. They were borrowed nice jacket to wear, but they needed to return it which sucked a lot. She loved the jacket!
March – We were in the midst of changing our Amah. The current one left, end of her contract, although she wanted to stay but I am not in favor. Would prefer to take someone new. Pissed off with the first agent, what a crap. That woman was a crude, such a low life. And liar. The Amah we ordered didn’t come so we were really angry and upset with her. Luckily we found another agent which took care of everything and he promised the new Amah will arrive soon. While waiting for this Amah to arrive, we took temporary one for a week. Not worth to take her longer since she was too expensive. We ended up on our own for a few weeks. Our daughter was on her own and look after the house herself. Earth hour is this month too so on the actual day/night we participated by switching off all the light for an hour. Our small contribution to the earth we live in!
April – Our new Amah arrived the month. A girl of 18. Very inexperienced and had to be taught of everything. Before she arrived, I was really busy with house chores. Did most of it although hubby and my girl tried to help. Hubby bought a new camera this month and this is when the obsession started! We took lots and lots of good photos. He was really good at it, knew how to handle the camera. But me? Nahh… I have no idea whatsoever with things like ISO, Apurture, Shutters, blah blah..
May – Our daughter’s 15th birthday. We just had an intimate birthday lunch for her. She didn’t want any parties whatsoever, told us she was all grown up so just want to have the peace and quiet. I bought a new handbag which costs me more than BN300. The construction of our road, the new drains and rails have started. So hoping the flood will go away. Chris Allen won the American Idol.
June – We were on our holiday of a life time. In New Zealand for 3 weeks. The experience was out of this world. This was the best vacation ever. Never seen any place as beautiful as New Zealand and we sure will be back to this place. Spent the holidays with lots of visits, cinemas and skiing. The first time we ever saw snow on the ski slope. It was historical!!! Got home end of June and heard the news MJ passed away. Sad sad news and the world has lost someone so talented. My mom birthday for this month too. They were not at home as well but was in Mecca for Umrah.
July – H1N1 virus was in full swing. We were nervous and worried. The increase of cases in Brunei was overwhelmingly high. The highest in the world. Wondered why that happened. We tried our best to look after ourselves. We never left home without the sanitizers. This product was a hit in the stores. Every where it was out of stock. HM the Sultan 63rd birthday celebrations were also postponed because of this. This month also saw the wedding anniversary of my parents, their 43rd. Amazing that they have been married that long.
August – Hubby’s 45th birthday was on this month. Had a quiet birthday dinner at the Empire since it was the fasting month. This month also we encountered heavy haze in Brunei. But went away after a few weeks. We were thinking of painting our living room this month and contemplating on what colours to choose.
September – Painting of our living room was done. We choose orange! A feast for the eyes. Next new curtains. My dad’s birthday this month and we celebrated his birthday at Asma Hotel with sungkai buffet, my treats to all my 13 family members. Went to a few sungkai buffet all over the place for Ramadan. Raya celebrations with family. As usual went to visit relatives, and the most prominent was we went to visit my dad’s long lost half brother in KB. Met them for the first time ever including his children. We also celebrated BSP’s 80th anniversary at work. A big celebration attended by His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei.
October – Bought our latest new car! Very excited and this machine is such a beauty. I love it! At work, I attended BSP Health Day, breast cancer saves life. An eye opener and a good 2 days seminar. Watched MJ This is It the movie this month and it was awesome.
November – Our daughter received her SSSRU certificate. Was very proud of her of her accomplishment. Tendered a new number for our new car. Tedious process. Held open house for family on Aidil Adha and it was a success.
December – Looking forward to a new year. Our daughter started her guitar lesson. She was excited and so was I. First year anniversary for our pet rabbit, Robbie. Went to KL for a short trip and celebrated the new year over there. This month we also celebrated Muslim New Year, Hijrah 1431 with prayers and Do’a. Alhamdulilah.
Now we are looking forward to another fun and exciting year.
Monday 4 January 2010
In the midst of 2010
Feeling a little bit under the weather with bouts of cough and sore throat. Have been feeling like that since we got back from the hols. Maybe the weather was too hot over in KL and we did a lot of walking anyway. And to make matters worst I drank lots of cold drinks which is not the norm when I am at home. So not a good holiday outcome I am afraid. But it was fun as always. If I have my husband and daughter with me, there wont be any dull moment. As always there is always laughters and jokes around us which makes life so meaningful. Although the holiday was tiring but it was awesome with these 2 people around me. They are the best company anyone could ask for. Seriously.
We love to travel so much and already thinking of where to go next. So its now in the agenda for 2010. We at least have 2 vacations in year and I am sure it will be the same this year. We are so looking forward to being away again.
But for now life is back to normal. Back to work today and our girl is back at school. She is now on her final year in secondary school and will have to face the ultimate important exam this year. I am hoping she will do well and make her parents proud. We are counting on you girl! I am also glad that we finally found a driver for my our girl. Just the neighbour next door which is not too bad really. I hope things will be ok from now on. And I am grateful with my next door neighbour who introduced us to this driver and we don’t have to worry about transportation again.
New years day has came and gone. And as usual, I am wishing for the best of 2010 for me, my husband, my daughter and the rest of the families. And I am thankful everyday for my blissful life with my husband and daughter.
We love to travel so much and already thinking of where to go next. So its now in the agenda for 2010. We at least have 2 vacations in year and I am sure it will be the same this year. We are so looking forward to being away again.
But for now life is back to normal. Back to work today and our girl is back at school. She is now on her final year in secondary school and will have to face the ultimate important exam this year. I am hoping she will do well and make her parents proud. We are counting on you girl! I am also glad that we finally found a driver for my our girl. Just the neighbour next door which is not too bad really. I hope things will be ok from now on. And I am grateful with my next door neighbour who introduced us to this driver and we don’t have to worry about transportation again.
New years day has came and gone. And as usual, I am wishing for the best of 2010 for me, my husband, my daughter and the rest of the families. And I am thankful everyday for my blissful life with my husband and daughter.
Saturday 2 January 2010
Back Home.
We are back at home after the trip. Safely arrived home last night touched down at Brunei International Airport at 8pm. It was an exhausting trip although fun and enjoyed the time in KL. But KL was simply crowded, busy and tiring. Too much crowds, cars, noise and pollution. We prefer New Zealand better.
Pictures of KL, click below!
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