Its that time of year again!

Tomorrow is my hubby birthday. And looking how busy life is I might not be able to post anything tomorrow. So here are my wishes. Wish you a very happy birthday. May Allah bless you always. May all your dreams come true, and may Allah bless you with abundance of good health and wealth. Amin...
Happy birthday love!

Livingroom Decoration Ideas

We are thinking of painting our living room. At the moment its pink and I feel that its so out of date. And its about time now we change the colour and get a new fresh air into our home. We have been through and forth with a few colours and in the end we both agreed with one colour. Well, hubby really has not choice, its all up to me so I hope my choice of colour will look good and will blend with the rest of the furniture. I chose a colour which I think its not very common. He called its a "lady colour". That sounds nice and I hope its the right choice. I dont see this colour used in many homes in Brunei. I dont know why, maybe it doesnt look good or people are not adventerous enough to try this colour out. I dont know. I know its so bold and this is kind of like a gamble for me. If we have chosen it and the contractor has applied it onto our wall, there is really no turning back, is there?

Just feel like I want to be adventerous. Dangerously adventerous. Even the contractor told us the room will look dark. But I love the colour so we determined to go ahead.

I am excited and dreading it at the same time. Excited about the new paint of our living room. We've been here for the past 10 years already so its really about time. And I dread it when I think of all the mess we gonna have to bear. I need to pack and put away all the crystals and other ornaments from our glass cabinets. Put away the picture frames, my flower vases, the carpets and so on. The contractor will help to remove or rearrange the furniture for them to do the painting. So its going to be busy for a few days.

The inspiration came from nowhere but today I googled some home design websites and found the same colour scheme that I have in mind. And It doesnt look too bad. Its unique, refreshed, modern and chic. And the concept of English country style is so appealling to me.

Ramadhan is almost here!

Alhamdulilah... the time is almost here again for us to embrace the blessful and special month of Ramadhan. Another year so full of hurdles and tribulations as any normal human being should encounter. Life is full of that, I know and I am not the only person who has been challenged with what life has thrown at me.

But the time has come again for us to increase our amalan and make full use of this holy month. This is the month of all forgiveness, Allah opens the gate of all blessfulness, closes the gate of hells and imprison all devils and satans. I should make full use of this month, Insya Allah.

Of late I have been looking at life in a totally different angle. I always been so critical of life, sometimes l feel life has not been treating me well. I always feel I miss so much in life and feel that others are more fortunate than I am. Now I know I am so disrespectful. And I am so ashamed of myself. These days I come to realise how fortunate my life is. Although there are things that I regret, there are others "things" I havent got. But looking at other aspects of my life, I should feel fortunate to be granted with so many blessings and good fortune. This is all coming from a few blogs that I read continuously for the past couple of months. One blog in particular is about this lady from Malaysia who suffers from cancer. She had breast cancer and had mastectomy a few years back. After a few years, there is a reccurance. She was diagnosed recently that her cancer came back and attacked her liver. The doctor predicted she only has 8 to 18 months to live. I feel sorry for her. She is so upset and sad but that doesnt mean she gives up on life. She is still fighting and continues her chemotherapy. She is a strong woman who stands out and fights until the end of her breath. Thats what she said. From her blog I came to know her and feel like I was her friend. She still here, fighting for her life although at the same time she suffers the unthinkable. Life is so hard on her. From her blog I learned the suffering of cancer sufferers. How painful the surgery is, how debilitating the chemo is until she loses her hair, feel weak and nauseous. How hard life is overall, and to think of her family, husband and children. And here I am whining and complaining of minor ailments and misfortune.

I even told hubby about her. I feel for her. And I promised hubby that I am not going to complain again. My suffering is nothing compares to what she has to go through and others that I may not know about, Inna Lillah... I should embrace life to the fullest.

In a way, this coming Ramadhan for me is a time of reflection. And time for me to ask for forgiveness for my hubby, family, friends and fellow human. And most important, ask forgiveness from the All Mighty, for all my sins and my ignorance. I feel so small in your world, Masha Allah.

I am looking forward to fasting. And I am glad to know my girl feels the same. She is excited and cant wait to start. Alhamdulilah.. May Allah bless us all with His Hidayah, Rahmah and Barkah, Amin.......

Sigh!

Life is not always beds of roses. I have my moments of sadness and despair. I am trying not to complain since everything happen for a reason. But it still hurts too much, and still haunt me, until now. No matter how much I tried to be of perfection, but it never reaches "there". Nothing much I can do except to accept the fact that it will haunt me until the end of life.

Our outing during HM birthday celebrations

Some random pictures we took during our family outing in BSB for HM Birthday for my own rememberance and memory.

After the trip to see the lights we dropped by at Fratini's to have our dinner. As usual the dinner was awesome, love the food.

A must nowadays in my handbag. The hand sanitiser.

Me and hubby with our matching outfits.
My favourite chicken
Hubby introduced to me this delicious stuffed mushroom, it tasted so good.

Hubby and Ayang opted for this pasta carbonara.
And our favourite mushroom soup, couldnt eat without it!
Ayang favourite carrot juice.

Brunei is snowing!

With smog.

Its been a week Brunei is covered in haze. Its getting worst by the day, looks very unhealthy to be in this condition. Reminded me of the haze period in the 90's, its almost similar. For today, the PSI reading for BSB is 82, which is considered moderate. And for KB it is >100, which is unhealthy.

So during this condition, I have to make sure to stay indoor as much as possible. And have to remind my girl too to take good care of herself, to remain indoors while in school. And make sure she closes her room windows when she is at home.

Sigh.. so many bad things happen these days. Whatever it is, its all comes from Allah, as part of his cubaan to His subjects.

Its nisfu syaaban today too. Very blessful day for muslims. And I am so thankful to be able to observe this special day. Trying my best to do good deeds for my own happiness in the afterlife. Afterall thats all there is to it while living in this world.

Girls Night Out

Watched the Proposals today at the Empire cinema with my girl. As usual, I always enjoy a movie with Sandra Bullock in it. She was brilliant and I love her! It was really a good movie too, my girl and I enjoyed it very much. Very touching, and it went to show how valuable a family life is.

Its about this lady boss who was so fierce and strict in the office. She had a a young male assistant who she treated like a slave. One day her boss informed her that she had to be laid off since her visa has expired, (She is a Canadian in the movie). She was shocked and speechless until the assistant came on the door and she had this idea of marrying the assistant so she could stay in her job and in the country. Thats when the whole story began. She followed her assistant home to his family in Alaska for the weekend pretending to be lovers, engaged and to be married. They were both in a very awkward situation and this was when all the fun began. You know they had to share the same room whilst they were not really lovers. How they pretend to be in loved whilst they actually were not. Its hilarous! Then here she realised how important family life could be. The assistant family treated her well and she just realised how much she missed family life. Her parents died when she was 16. The family even insisted they got married there and then which they reluctantly agreed. On their wedding day, her conscience took over. She couldnt go through with it and lied to the whole family on her true intention. She broke down and told the truth at the altar and left. And of course, all along, they were actually falling in love and her assistant track her down to NY and declared his love. And in the end they did get married and live happily ever after.

Sounds cliche'? Of course it does. We already knew the story line but hey.. its what entertainment is all about. It was indeed a movie not be missed and I dont mind watching it again. Sandra Bullock rocks!!! And she still looks fantastic at, how old is she? 45?

Went home tonight with a warm feeling all over. The movie really made my day.

Work! Work!

I am so overwhelmed right now. Its work and work. So many things need to get settled in a short period of time. My head is spinning, I need to think, fast! On top of everything else, I am dreading thursday. I will be, for the first time ever, to become an MC during our HP cascade. Who would have thought? That I would stand there and be master of ceremony. (Not sure if its going to be a good or funny image in my mind ;-)) Well, I actually had a few near misses in the past. I actually been involved in alot of staff activities and been asked to stand on the stage numerous time, but I was able to resist. But apparently, not on thursday! I am nervous even to think about it now. But as always I will try my best and do what I have to do.

What a challenge on thursday! I definitely blog about it soon after. Just to gather my thoughts and how I felt about it. Who knows, I might be good at it or I will screw up bit time!

Work is busy, other aspects of my life is ok. Hubby and I are thinking of going on a short holiday again. Maybe end of the year? We are looking into options, and sort of made up our mind of where to go at the moment.

So thats something to look forward to. Although I dont know how my girl will react since she can be difficult sometimes when we want to take her places. Sigh....

Cupcakes!

Since I have some free time today I decided to bake some cupcakes. Very easy recipe and it taste good and sweet. My girl helped me with the icing and topping and we had fun together.

Married for 43 years

So its my parents 43rd wedding anniversary today. They were married on 17/07/1966. 43 years is such a long time and I wonder how it feels like to live with someone that long. Maybe you feel like you are part of each other, you know each other like a book, nothing to hide and nothing to worry about. They have been together that long and they are on their 60s now, getting old together. As far as I know, they NEVER live even stay apart even for a day. My father never leave my mother on her own for more than a few hours. Thats how close they are. I remember one time when I was younger, my dad was to be sent to a course in Singapore by his department, but since my mom was working at that time, she couldnt go. And my dad cancelled the trip and refuse to go. Wow.. thats what I called committment.

They never knew anybody else since they were young. All they have is each other and us the children. They are my living prove that everlasting love does exist although I know they fight and bicker with each other at times. But thats what I called a marriage, they are still two different people and have their own differences but the fact that they stay together that long under one roof, is really amazing. I know they are not the only one, there are alot more people like them so I am glad this world is still full of happy marriages.

I hope they will last forever and ever. My role models, I am not even come close. I wish their love will stay forever and sealed for the rest of their lives. I hope nothing but happiness and abundance of good health for them. Since I know, we, the children, are now having our own lives now and cant be with them all the time, all they have is each other.

May Allah bless you, my mom and dad. Sincerely from your only daughter, her husband and daughter.

Happy Birthday HM

And thank you for being a caring monarch.

Interesting!

I am confused why after he died, that people start potraying how normal MJ was? While he was alive, the only thing that was prominently mentioned about MJ was how weird he was. Now all these photos surfaced from all over the place. Here are pictures of him shopping.

I've also read how normal he was as a father. How he taught his children on how to behave and be polite and respectful to others. Everyone says how well-behaved and smart the children are. And thats what he enjoys in death now, recognition of him as a good father to his children.

http://www.yahoo.com/s/1097946

So Sad

Why do I feel sad for these kids? I know they have previleged lives and continue to be, much better than other children around the world, but for now, its so sad to see these kids lost a father. I am bracing for more bad news and more custody fights for these children.

MJ kids

Arent they adorable? A kid is a kid. They are innocent souls, no matter how bizzare their lives can be. Now these children are without a father (I am not going to argue if MJ even the real father, it doesnt matter to me, a parent to me is someone who raise, love, care and look after the children, doesnt matter where the children come from). The only family known to them, except maybe the grandma who may occasionally appear in their lives, and all the nannies and hired staff. Wonder how they cope since MJ's death. As a mother, my heart goes out to them, and I hope they are spared from all the headache and heart break this world can offer.

Do I have to be worried? (Influenza A H1N1)

Its 124 cases as we speak today. Thats overwhelmingly high. For a small country as Brunei and what with the small population, that number is gigantic. Whats more worrying is everyday there are new cases, in the 20s which is I think the disease is spreading quickly.

We all start to panic now, I am sure.

What is wrong here? Why do we have so many cases in a short period of time? Are we that ignorant? Are we not not taking good care of ourselves? Do we not wash our hands frequently? Do we still go out to the Mall and all these crowded places? Yes I think we still do. And I dont know how we are getting out of this rut. But I do know that we need to do something to contain the disease. Everyone must act now. Dont go to these crowded places anymore. Dont go to all the Expos, and gathering. Wash your hands frequently. And make sure you cover your mouth if you sneeze or cough. Be informed.

My family are taking precaution as much as possible. We never leave our house without the hand sanitisers and wet tissues these days, and since yesterday we started buying masks and wearing them. We make sure we wash our hands before every meals. We have bought the hand sanitisers even before our trip to New Zealand since they also have a few cases, it was easy to get them before, but now the hand sanitisers are no where to be found, its off the shelves. And the people in Guardian dont know when the new stock will come. I have also started to look around for new ones since our supply is also depleting. So its so worrying.

Another news today, His Majesty has ordered to postpone all his birthday celebrations today. This is just to show how concern his Majesty is for his citizen and how serious the disease is in Brunei. I hope we all could be spared from getting the disease. I know its just a mild flu, but of course its even better if we dont get it.

What happen next?

Will the school holiday be extended again? For another week maybe? Do we get to be quarantined in our own homes when the time come? Do we have to stock food and other essentials when the government order everyone not to leave the house to contain the disease? Only time will tell.

I think I am gonna buy some food, beverages and other necessity tomorrow just in case.