Beautiful Life

Friends

2012-02-02T13:00:00.003+08:00

Geng Masjid. Love u and Miss u all.... Hjh Noor (Liza), Hjh Ani, Hjh Aziah, Me of course, and Hjh Mas

(update) one happy moment with Hjh Mas at Jamrah (cant remember which Jamrah !- was it Qubra, Sugra?)

Butterfly

2012-01-19T11:08:00.000+08:00

Thanks to Saudara Anuar Kamaruddin for reminding us that .....

"There is nothing in a caterpillar that tells you it's going to be a butterfly"-Richard Buckminster Fuller

Interpretation ? Endless, its all up to the individual how to relate it to his/her life. Just don't kill those harmless living creatures (just because they ravished your calamansi/limau kasturi leaves) because they too 'tasbih' to ALLAH.

Musibah

2012-01-17T21:23:00.000+08:00

Dikongsi daripada blog http://arabmykrk.com

Daripada Ummu Salamah r.ha, isteri Rasulullah saw. berkata, “Aku mendengar Rasulullah saw. bersabda, ‘Tiadalah seorang hamba yang mengalami musibah, lalu ia mengucapkan:

إ ِنـّـَا لـِلّـَـهِ وَ إ ِنـّـَـآ إ ِلـَيـْهِ رَاجـِعـُونَ
اللّـَهـُـمّ َأ ْجـُرْنـِى فـِى مـُصـِيـْبـَتـِى وَأ َخـْلـِفْ لـِى خـَيـْرًا مِّنـْهـَــا

(Sesungguhnya kita adalah kepunyaan Allah dan sesungguhnya kepada-Nya kita kembali. Ya Allah, berilah aku pahala atas musibahku, dan gantilah untukku dengan yang lebih baik darinya),
melainkan Allah Swt. pasti memberinya pahala dalam musibahnya dan menggantikan untuknya dengan yang lebih baik darinya.”
Dia (Ummu Salamah r.ha) berkata, “Ketika Abu Salamah r.a. meninggal, maka saya berdoa dengan doa yang diperintahkan oleh Nabi saw. kepadaku, sehingga Allah Swt. memberikan pengganti untukku suami yang lebih baik daripadanya, iaitu Rasulullah saw.”

Sweeter than Sweet Memories

2012-01-14T18:29:00.001+08:00

The beautiful and soothing voice that I miss- Imam Saleh Al Taleb
(sekadar berkongsi keindahannya)

Download this mp3 from Beemp3.com

update: Bahasa Malaysia translation

Dengan nama ALLAH Yang Maha Pengasih, Maha Penyanyang
1) Demi langit yang mempunyai gugusan bintang.
2)dan demi hari yang dijanjikan
3) Demi yang menyaksikan dan yang disaksikan
4) Binasalah orang-orang yang membuat parit(para pembesar Najran di Yaman)
5) yang berapi (yg mempunyai kayu bakar)
7)sedang mereka menyaksikan apa yang mereka perbuat kepada orang mukmin
8) dan mereka menyiksa orang-orang mukmin itu hanya kerana mereka beriman kepada ALLAH yang Maha Perkasa, Maha Terpuji
9) yang memiliki kerajaan langit dan bumi. Dan ALLAH Maha menyaksikan segala sesuatu
10) sungguh, orang-orang yang mendatangkan cubaan (bencana, membunuh, menyiksa) kepada mukmin lelaki dan perempuan lalu mereka tidak bertaubat, maka mereka akan mendapat azab jahanam dan mereka akan mendapat azan neraka yang membakar
11) sungguh orang-orang yang beriman dan mengerjakan kebajikan, mereka mendapat syurga yang mengalir di bawahnya sungai-sungai, itulah kemenangan yang agung.
12) sungguh, azab Tuhanmu sangat keras
13) sungguh, Dialah yang memulai penciptaan (makhluk) dan yang menghidupkan nya (kembali)
14) Dan Dialah Yang Maha Pengampun, Maha Pengasih
15) Yang memiliki Arasy, lagi Maha Mulia.
16) Mahakuasa berbuat apa yang Dia kehendaki
17) Sudahkah sampai kepadamu berita tentang bala tentera (penentang)
18) (iaitu )Firaun dan Samud
19)Memang orang-orang kafir (selalu) mendustakan
20)padahal ALLAH mengepung dari belakang mereka (sehingga mereka tidak dapat lari) 21) Bahkan (yang didustakan itu) ialah Al-Quran yang mulia
22)yang (tersimpan) dalam tempat yang terjaga (Lauh Mahfuz)

Abu Hurairah meriwayatkan bahawa Rasulullah SAW membaca surah Al-Buruj dan At-Tariq pada solat isyak.

RAINBOW

2011-12-19T11:20:00.002+08:00

When a ray of light got obstructed by water droplets, the ray didn’t just fade away. Instead it will disperse and transform into something spectacular and incredibly beautiful- the RAINBOW. Violet, Indigo,, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange and , Red colours so vibrant and fresh and inspiring that can automatically paint beautiful smiles even on the most gloomiest faces.

I have faced so many “water droplets “ in life, yet I am still learning how to wiggle myself out of the obstruction and transform myself into glaring new colours. I hope to have enough colours to inspire others too.

Appreciate the science of rainbow and we will appreciate the art of living

Cough

2011-12-09T13:26:00.000+08:00

I arrived in Mekah on 22 Oct 2011. The weather was hot and dusty, temperatures in the high 30's and of course there many many people. At the end of the first week 50 % of the pilgrims in my group already started coughing and by the 3rd week (after wukuf ) 90 % have had it. They said those who didn't contract the cough by then were abnormal people. So I was wondering am I abnormal or what?

I did my own analysis and came out with a conclusion- those who coughed were those who gobbled ice cream (oh, ice cream seems to be in every corner) or had ice drinks in the middle of the day (after zuhur) or those who immediately run for ice cream and ice water to quench their thirst after tawaf or saie. I was lucky that I didnt fall for the goodies but stick to 'NOT COLD' zam zam all the time. But ALLAH does not like 'riak' people....by the end of the 3rd week I was hit by a bad sore throat. Went to TH clinic and guess what..they ran out of antibiotics and I was only given solution to gargle. By the time I reached Madinah on 24th nov 2011 I was back to almost normal and the cough didnt give me much trouble(or is it because Madinah was a lot cooler, temperatures in the low 20's). My constant companian- VICKS bought from United Pharmacy in Mekah and fishermen's friend I brought from home (lesson learned never bring any medication from home to Mekah- its like you doa for the illness to happen!).

As always, did another analysis and came up with another conclusion- I ate a lot of UNWASHED dates the day before I was hit with sore throat and I think that's the reason for my illness. Why didnt I think of it earlier ? I washed every single fruit before I ate because its sold without packaging, but why didnt I wash dates ???? They harbour tons of dirt (and bacteria ?). Why didnt I think of food safety? Another lesson learned- never never RIAK, or you may lose some (if not all) of important information from your memory bank. Wallahualam.

THE STOPWATCH

2011-10-10T14:41:00.001+08:00

I was watching a rerun of Masterchef US season 2 on Astro Channel 711 one Sunday. Its amazing to see how creative the chefs were, cooking out dishes beyond my culinary imagination (since when do I have culinary imagination ?. No one to blame, guess I have always preferred needlework to cooking since my high school Home Science days- Sorry Ms Wong ). Maybe the chefs were naturally creative people, or maybe because they were under great pressure that their dishes turned out to be super awesome (oh yes, with the pressure cooker beside them too ! )

I must have watched hundreds of such cooking competitions on TV and have seen how competitors sweated out to come out with the best dish trying to outdo each other within a limited time limit. But on that particular Sunday it wasn’t just the chef’s creativity or the speed that I saw (I also saw how brutal the judges can be !) I realised that in all aspects of life we have to live and work within a preset time limit and our time is all in the anti-clockwise direction. IMAGINE HAVING A STOPWATCH THAT WORKS IN ANTI-CLOCKWISE DIRECTION. ALLAH has preset our time since the day we were born and is actually ticking in the anti-clockwise direction until it reaches the final second. The chefs on the cooking show were lucky because they know they have exactly 60 minutes to work on their dishes, but only ALLAH knows how much time we were given and how much time we have left on our stopwatch. HE is our timekeeper.

And now I understand why the tawaf (circling around the holy Kaabah) is in an anti clockwise direction. Why the planets are orbiting the Sun in an anti-clockwise direction. Why the atoms in the life cell, and the DNA band are rotating in an anti clockwise direction. Because everything is in this universe has its own TIME and its ticking away in the anti-clockwise direction until it reaches its final destination .

From a tender age of 6 or 7, we were taught how to tell the time – in clockwise direction and that means always moving forward into the unknown. Thats why we never worry about our final destination because we do not know its whereabout. But if we start thinking about time in an anti-clockwise direction we will always be alert that the alarm will just go off at any minute. SUBHANALLOH

SUJUD

2011-10-03T13:04:00.000+08:00

SUJUDKU
Di malam hari dan waktu siangnya,
Kerana tunduk merendah diri dan mengakui keagunganMU,
Dan takut akan siksaan dan azabMU

SUJUDKU
Kerana syukur dilahirkan dalam keluarga ISLAM

SUJUDKU
Sebagai janji bahawa aku akan terus mengabdikan diriku kepadaMU.
ENGKAU lah yang Maha Besar dan Maha Berkuasa atas segala sesuatu
Tiada Tuhan yang ku sembah melainkan ENGKAU ya ALLAH

SUJUDKU,
Kerana memohon pertolonganMU,
Kerana sedar diri terlalu lemah dan tidak mampu mengurus diri dan keluarga tanpa pertolongan dan bimbinganMU
Hanya ENGKAU sebaik-baik penolong kami

SUJUDKU
Kerana menyesali dosa-dosa yang lampau,
yang tidak terhitung banyaknya umpama butir-butir pasir di tepian pantai
Kami bertaubat dan memohon keampunanMU
Kerana hanya ENGKAUlah Maha Pengampun, Maha Pengasih dan Maha Penyanyang
Yang sentiasa akan mengampuni dosa-dosa kami

SUJUDKU
Kerana mensyukuri rezeki yang ENGKAU berikan
walaupun dalam keadaan kami sentiasa menzalimi diri kami

SUJUDKU
Kerana ENGKAU sentiasa melindungi kami dari bala bencana
dan menjadikan negara kami aman damai

SUJUDKU
Kerana ENGKAU telah mengurniakan kami dengan kesihatan yang baik
Yang membolehkan kami meneruskan ibadat dan pengabdian kami kepadaMU

SUJUDKU
Kerana mensyukuri kurniaan umur untuk kami terus bertaubat memohon keampunan dan keredaanMU

SUJUDKU
Kerana kurniaan zuriat yang baik yang menggembirakan hati kami,
Yang akan tetap di dalam solat dan berada di jalan yang lurus yang ENGKAU redhai

SUJUDKU
Kerana mensyukuri segala nikmatMU
Yang tiada tandingannya,
Yang telah memberikan ketenangan
Dan mengajar diri supaya sentiasa redha dengan ketentuanMU.

SUJUDKU
Kerana gembira mengingatiMu,
Kerana terasa dekat denganMU,
Ampunilah aku dan kasihanilah aku
YA ALLAH Tuhan sekelian alam.

Great Advice

2011-07-05T15:55:00.000+08:00

Bitterness in life

2011-05-26T17:20:00.000+08:00

We learn a lot from the bitterness in life

Bitter food and bitter medicine,
brutal as they might be but they heal and make the body stronger

Bittersweet food,
something that cant be trusted. They promise bitterness (and disaster) after a sweet treat

Bitter piggy - they remind us that what was given by ALLAH was not 'entirely' ours, and life is a roller coaster ride.

Bitter friendship - ever come across one? yeah, a sly that slithers his way out in brutal and vicious manner is everywhere ('bagai enau dalam belukar melepaskan pucuk masing-masing")

All About Love -Part 2

2011-04-29T23:08:00.000+08:00

The Modern Bride-Redefining Sophistication and Elegance (a western version of baju kebaya?)

The Newlywed-Picture Perfect Prince and Princess

And they live happily ever after......

All About Love

2011-04-28T15:40:00.004+08:00

And the prince married the young, beautiful, sweet, and innocent "English Rose", but they did not live happily ever after...... he probably had someone else in mind

And after all trials and tribulations, they live happily ever after......

And they are so much in love......

Listen to your heart, Follow your intuition, but always Think with your head.

Renungan

2011-04-19T20:37:00.000+08:00

Hanya mereka yang pandai merasakan dirinya bodoh. Hanya yang bertaqwa merasakan dirinya lalai. Hanya yang berilmu mengatakan dirinya kekurangan. Hanya yang waras mengatakan dirinya tidak siuman. Janganlah kita menjadi yang sebaliknya.

Growing Younger

2011-03-31T15:15:00.009+08:00

“50 is the new 40, 70 is the new 60, but 80 remains at 80” Borrowed this line from TV sitcom “Hot In Cleveland”. I tend to agree with the pact because everyday I’m meeting people who look years younger than their actual age. It looks like every old person is growing younger each day (but not the Benjamin Button way ), and living longer too. My father is 97 and my mother is 82 and they are perfectly healthy. Amy, a woman I saw on you-tube is 97 and looks healthy and focused (something to do with olive oil !) On the contrary, more and more younger people I know are down with health problems. Some friends in late 30’s and early 40’s died of heart attack, stroke, and cancers. Some in their early 50’s are battling diseases that I’ve never known existed (shame on me, thumbs down on general knowledge) while some youngsters in their early 20’s already suffering from gastro-related problems. So what is it about older people that keep them going, and what seem to matter with the younger ones?

The answer could be LIFESTYLE and STRESS. 30-50 years old is the age where stress level is at its peak. The 30’s are just beginning to feel the heat of the rat race, while the 50’s are struggling to maintain their positions and proving that they are still worth it. They worked all day and never shut down their minds all night without giving their bodies the much deserved break. Some are adopting life in a suit case and eat on-the-go meals, food laden with nothing but high calories. Some became addicted to snacking ‘roti canai’ in the middle of the night while chilling out with friends.

The older generations on the other hand have passed the stressful years. They have mellowed and began to enjoy and appreciate life and what ALLAH has blessed them with. They seem to be more cautious in their choice of food, opting for healthy and natural food as far as possible leaving their gastronomic fancies behind.

The question now is how to get through the stressful years
gracefully and lives to become a healthy 60,70,80,90 or 100 something years old? Eat well, sleep well, take up a hobby, unplug from stressful workplace to spend time with family or something that interest you, accept life as it is and remain close to ALLAH.

"The Morning Sun"
(Update: The morning sun (waktu dhuha) - its the most beautiful time of the day but seldom realised by busy workaholics at work. Its a great time to 'destress' the mind)

Woman of the Century Award

2011-03-08T14:27:00.003+08:00

March 8, 2011 its International Women’s Day and The Star listed 100 most memorable women in Malaysia this century. Among them are entertainers, politicians, philanthropist, civil servants, sportswomen, businesswomen, lawyers, educators, lawyers, social workers, beauty queens, first ladies, and many others who have made the most unforgettable impact over the years and people remember them with gratitude, admiration, pride, joy, affection , fear or even sorrow.

There is one woman in the list whom I admired and had been my source of inspiration since I was 8 or 9 years old. Today at 63, she is well poised and graceful and her professionalism still remains top notch. Here’s my story- When I was about 8 or 9 years old in late 1960’s, my teacher asked me to list my ambition over and over . The answer had always been 1) a doctor, 2) a teacher 3) an air stewardess ( better known as air hostess at that time). Of all the three, I like the last one most because everywhere in the pages of my sister’s Her World magazine , air hostesses looked so beautiful and glamorous and they got to travel on air planes, something that I never had the chance back then!. I often dreamt that one day I’d be the one in an air hostess uniform gracing the pages of Her World magazine. My mind was set and I started to read english books because I thought an air hostess must be fluent in english language. But after I saw the young Zeti Akhtar Aziz on the front cover of Wanita magazine looking resplendent, radiant, beautiful, confident and brilliant in her robes after graduation ceremony in Universiti Malaya, I changed my mind. She inspired me. Forget the glam of being an air hostess, all I wanted was to have a university degree just like Tan Sri Dr. Zeti. I got one some years later but nothing matched my earlier ambition. I didn’t get to be a doctor because I was not as brilliant as my doctor friends. I didn’t want to be a teacher because I thought I was a strict person and I didn’t have the patience to teach (very selfish and very brutal of me indeed). Instead I took up an 8-5 job, stayed for several years only to realise that it was not right for me. Although I didn’t get as far as Tan Sri Dr.Zeti, the goal that I set earlier as a child motivated me throughout the schooling years and helped me during my working life. Tertiary education has taught me how to think in a more rounded form and far from being squarish. Tan Sri Dr. Zeti Akhtar Aziz, Malaysia's Central Bank governor remains as my idol.

MANAGING MIGRAINES

2011-03-01T14:53:00.004+08:00

I used to see how my colleagues vomitted and and swallowed tons of painkillers everytime migraines hit them. I thought I was lucky for not having to go through such ordeal but looks like my happiness is shortlived. I’m living with it now about 2 years after I was forced into menopause (well, there are a myriad of other health complications once you reach menopause, either gracefully or 'forced'). I still think that I’m lucky because the pain is not as excruciating as what my colleagues are suffering, but its affecting my nerves and sometimes I wake up at night feeling pain in my legs and arms. Doctor prescribed Sibelium but it sure made me sleepy and tired. I guess the only way to manage the pain is by watching closely the type of food that my body can tolerate and taking some vitamin B supplements. I am a manager now, managing my very own migraine. Thus far I have my own list of no-no’s that perhaps might interest some of the readers who are finding cure for their headaches. My list is far from exhaustive because I’m still experimenting with other types of food.

Beverage no-no’s : Chocolate, black tea (green is tolerable), and coffee (there goes my wake-up agent !)
Fruit no-no’s: Banana (thought this is one good cheering agent !), kiwi, oranges, raisins
Vege no-no’s: Brocolli, cauliflower , cabbage and some species of lettuce.
Other no-no’s: Cheese, processed meats
Spices no-no’s: Mustard

Other than vitamin supplements, many people suggested taking Magnesium supplements as well. There are others who suggested chiropractic treatment. But I have found one great miraculous cure – Al-Fatihah and Al-Hasyr. Maybe that’s why I never experienced severe pain. Thank you ALLAH for opening up my mind and showing me the way.

KEEP SMILING !

2011-03-01T13:45:00.009+08:00

A piece of news in Sunday Star 27 Feb 2011, A smile that hide an ailing mind interest me more than the newspaper’s headlines and the upcoming by elections. Dr Lai Fung Hwa, Penang hospital consultant psychiatrist was reported saying that “sufferers of mental illness did not necessarily look upset or depressed all the time. The fact that they are smiling does not mean that they are not having problems” . Dr Lai was speaking at an awareness program in Penang to reduce stigma
associated with mental illness. Apparently a series of similar program have been lined up to include other cities nationwide. I think the awareness program was initiated in view of the increasing number of suicidal cases recently. Perhaps the suicidal victims were smiling and that was why parents and friends failed to sense the depression that they were going through.

My view is that if they were smiling all the time, they would still be alive today because when we smile half of the pain is actually gone ! I’m saying that perhaps ‘smile’ was not in their dictionaries. Smile, even when life threw you down. Smile even when you found out that the angels around you were actually pure devils plotting for your downfall. Keep smiling because a smile can heal an ailing mind. Smile, because you don’t have to tell the world that you are nursing a broken heart or a charred soul. Smile, it will free you, recharge your body and let you see a new horizon. Remember ALLAH all the time and have faith in HIM especially in your good times, and he will take good care of you during your bad times. Accept the fact that everything happened for a cause and that its preordained. Redha, and you will, not live happily ever after, but certainly live to be a new and happier you (yes, I know what I’m talking about. Good to see them smiling. Thank you ALLAH)

PYRAMID

2011-02-12T11:06:00.004+08:00

No, I’m not much of a historian to think about Pyramids and Pharoahs. Neither am I a shopaholic who ‘lepak’ at Sunway Pyramid. But sometimes I like to listen to Charice’s powerful voice in “Pyramid…we built this on a solid rock……” It’s the FOOD PYRAMID that I’m more interested in. Eating used to be a passion (ouch, is that why the inches grow around the tummy?), but as the years add on it is now seriously “eat to live” . The list of No-No’s grow and I’m now left with the boring but supposedly healthy food. (help!,) A big change in eating habit. Well, as what motivational speakers always say, CHANGE is the only thing CONSTANT. So lets look seriously into the FOOD PYRAMID.

In the the revised Malaysian Food pyramid, the carbs are making up the pyramid base. The fruit and vege on the next tier, followed by meat and dairy products, and on the topmost being salt, fats and sugar. And we are supposed to plan our meals accordingly- eating more food on the lowest tier and go easy on the one on the tip.

But the pyramid is just a guideline. I think we know our body best (with the help of doctors and the lab people of course). Therefore I think its OK to switch the orders around a little (I hope my statement is Ok with the authorities). For office workers or people who don’t move much during the day (am I in ?) perhaps the fruits and vege should make up the pyramid base because excess carbs will only be stored and adds to the blood sugar and blood lipids. In fact this category of people do not need desserts at all. Think of the huge amounts of fats and sugars in pastries, pies, cakes, fancy looking cupcakes, muffins, cookies, puddings, etc etc that would only upset the triglycerides reading. If you have sugar rush problems take fruits instead (but I would think twice about durian though).

A dietitian on Astro’s Channel 706 suggested that we divide the plate into 4 quadrants- 2 quadrants to be filled with vegetables or fruits(raw,steamed, boiled or sauted), 1 quadrant with carbs (rice, potato, pasta, bread), and the other quadrant with protein. Its an American show so naturally the suggestion is for people living in colder climate. Asians probably don’t need as much meat because we live in the tropics (yeah we are HOT !). So should we squeeze the meat quadrant to make more room for other categories? Which category should we expand ? The carbs or the Vege? Or should we leave the quadrants as they are ? Your body metabolism and your lifestyle decide. (Sorry desserts, you have no place because all 4 quadrants are taken ! )

Charging....

2011-02-09T15:07:00.003+08:00

People are keeping their diaries alive through blogs. Interesting to see the happenings in their lives with pictures worth few thousand words but sometimes a little ‘syok sendiri’. As a person who keeps a blog (sorry I don’t like to use the word blogger because it sounds a little rebellious) I think I’m lucky if the reader says, “that’s some news !”, or “wow” , but I have to be prepared for some bad days when the reader might just say ‘who cares ?’ . The good thing is I have no way of knowing whether I am “lucky” or “unlucky” unless the reader leaves a comment. That’s the beauty of being seen yet remained unseen (confused as always huh). So tak apalah “syok sendiri” I’m neither a journalist nor an educator so it really doesn’t matter whether my writing has substance or otherwise. Writing is therapeutic and it’s a great way to destress myself – just like gardening. Glad that I don’t need expensive holiday gateways to keep me recharged ( shh, it’s actually the other way of saying I cant afford expensive holiday retreats !) I will keep on writing whenever I feel like it.

Every Cloud has a Silver Lining

2011-01-14T10:51:00.007+08:00

We’re already in the 14th day of January 2011 and I’m still working on my new year resolution. I guess my resolution is, NO NEW RESOLUTION FOR THE YEAR, because there are some remaining resolutions from previous years that still need attention . Cool huh, always taking One Day at A Time ! But the most important resolution year in and year out is TO STAY FIT AND HEALTHY , INSYAALLAH and always TAUBAT for all the wrong doings.

2010, I guess it had not been a very good year. A few friends were hospitalized. Some recuperated from illness (ALHAMDULILAH ) while some never made it through. A few friends from ex-work place passed away. DZ’s wife succumbed to cancer. Azam’s wife passed away after weeks of hospitalization due to unknown autoimmune disease . Noran is still battling with another autoimmune disease GBS but she is always the positive cheerful human being and her spirit is always high. INSYAALLAH she will be back on her feet in no time. My husband's ITP case, also another autoimmune disease remains unresolved. Went to a another specialist and was advised not to go through splenectomy. Even doctors have conflicting opinions ! Just thanked ALLAH for rewarding me with good health (small bouts of flu and fever biasalah) .

2010- There were Ups and Downs, (well, who doesn’t have ups and downs? ) Hopefully the lessons learned from the year’s test would make me a better person today, and the future INSYAALLAH. 'Redha' with everything I believe there's always a blessing in disguise, and "Every Cloud has a silver lining" although its kind of difficult to figure out the silver lining in today’s cloud and erratic weather. TAWAKKAL , INSYAALLAH I’ll find my way……

INSYAALLAH, we'll find the way

2011-01-07T08:47:00.001+08:00

INSYAALLAH - Maher Zain

Everytime you feel like you cannot go on
You feel so lost
That you’re so alone
All you is see is night
And darkness all around
You feel so helpless
You can’t see which way to go

Don’t despair and never loose hope
Cause Allah is always by your side
Insya Allah x3
Insya Allah you’ll find your way

Everytime you commit one more mistake
You feel you can’t repent
And that its way too late
Your’re so confused, wrong decisions you have made
Haunt your mind and your heart is full of shame
Don’t despair and never loose hope
Cause Allah is always by your side

Insya Allah x3
Insya Allah you’ll find your way

Turn to Allah
He’s never far away
Put your trust in Him
Raise your hands and pray

Oh Ya Allah
Guide my steps don’t let me go astray
You’re the only one that showed me the way
Showed me the way 2X

When I look at You

2010-12-24T11:10:00.002+08:00

Listening to Miley Cyrus's When I look at You - I know ALLAH is always there for me. I'm not alone, no matter how complicated life is I can always find my way. INSYAALLAH. Thank You ALLAH.

Young at Heart

2010-12-18T23:38:00.005+08:00

Hari ni ke rumah Yogee -kenduri kawin puteri kesayangannya, Aamal. Many old friends attended the happy occasion and it was like a mini reunion for us. Looking at each other we know that all of us have hit the XX th birthday, ( maybe only a few who haven't celebrated xx th birthday since we still have 13 days of 2010 -hey you latecomers are still young !) but its funny that we still called each other by our teenage nicknames. And we laughed and giggled just like the way we were in the 70's. I guess we are still young at heart (although our hearts are not exactly young anymore). Childhood friends keep us happy because they remind us of the good old times polishing our living skills in a boarding school from a tender age of 13. Not exactly problem-free years but they were awesome. We grew up together. We went through the hard times and good times together. There was no phone then to call mom when hit with a problem, but there were always good hearts to listen to our call. Thank you dear friends.

Yogee and husband in red with Ajit BBakar & wife.

Suriati, Ajit's wife, zahar, JB's daughter, JB's wife, JB (at the back trying to hide from the camera), Wan Mat's wife, Me of course, Az and TS (the romantic couple who came all the way from KB)

There were others too but could not upload all the pictures- T.Razak, Pak Da, Zainal A, Megat, Ya Pitt, Juniors SMZ, Salwani and Noraini, and Yusri (one minute saw her, next minute she was gone before I could even say hi to her !)

Dairy Products and Cancer

2010-12-18T22:56:00.004+08:00

Been googling on the subject for many weeks and all the articles found confirmed that consuming too much dairy products like milk, eggs, cheese, yogurt and ice cream (all the yummies) could increase the risk for cancer. Scary indeed. No wonder cancer incidences are reportedly high in countries like US and Europe where consumption of dairy products is high compared to countries in Asia. But more and more asians are now changing their diet to 'western' diet and its a little wonder that cancer cases are on the rise in this part of the world ! So lets be more cautious. Girls, reduce the intake of dairy products before its too late. You can always substitute them with healthier choices of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts. Besides, the so called yummies contain too much fat that would only stay on your butt and abs !

read more on
http://www.bupa.co.uk/health_information/html/health_news/071204milkovariancancer.html

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was quoted as saying that cooking milk products with meat, fish or fruits are bad for your health. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was NEVER wrong. Think hard- how is the pizza made? Simply by cooking cheese and meat and vege together ! Could this be one of the many causes of cancer ? Maybe YES and maybe NO but how about avoiding pizza as a start for a healthier lifestyle......

ITP and SPLENECTOMY

2010-07-08T23:21:00.014+08:00

I'm writing again on ITP - looks like we have finaly reached a dead end, and SPLENECTOMY is the only choice left. Is it the right thing to do? Would it solve the issue? Lets hope the answer to all the questions is a big YES.

Some history ....My husband discovered his condition after going through a full physical examination. He was perfectly healthy but instincts told him that he needed a full check up. He was diagnosed with ITP after numerous blood test and bone marrow examination. Soon after he was given loads of PREDNISOLONE and blood platelet count escalated from 13 to 220 within a week. However, the count fluctuated the following weeks and when it hit 9, heavy bleeding occurred from the mouth. He was given TRANEXAMIC ACID and IV GLOBULIN followed by a first dose of RITUXIMAB. PREDNISOLONE and NEORAL were also prescribed. Three more doses of rituximab were given after that but nothing seemed to work. Blood platelet plunged to 7 after a short stint at 170 and the whole body was covered with purpura. Now he is on REVOLADE & CONTROLOC while the doctor waits for our decision - SPLENECTOMY OR NO SPLENECTOMY. Help! we have to think fast before the antibodies eat up all the platelets.

If we were to keep the spleen intact, he would have to continue the drugs to stabilise the condition and the side effects would be scary. His blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar have already increased to an alarming level during the last 3 months and it could deteriorate further.

If we opt for splenectomy- he would have to depend on antibiotics for the rest of his life. 'spleenless' patients are said to be more succeptible to pneumonia and other respiratory related illness.

Decide and TAWAKKAL - IN ALLAH WE TRUST

Cheer Up, Have a BANANA

2010-06-21T16:53:00.013+08:00

This creamy textured humble fruit can actually make you happy. Apart from all the goodness of fiber,carbohydrate, potassium, vitamins and minerals, banana contains an amino acid, tryptophan that will be converted to seratonin in your body. Seratonin is a
neurotransmitter that can make one feeling happy and cheerful. Now you know why a monkey is always happy, jumping up and down. He’s crazy about bananas and eats them all the time! So grab a banana whenever you are feeling down, it will definitely cheer you up(no, you wont be like that monkey) , or savour it just at any time of the day. Its a great breakfast food, snack food (forget the junkies), or dessert.

My favourite way of eating the fruit- as it is, PLAIN and NATURAL. But I like it with oatmeal too. It adds life to an otherwise boring-but-must-eat-to-tame-my-cholesterol-level oatmeal. An apple and banana blend makes a fabulous breakfast drink, kind of east meets west thing. Try this western version of ‘pisang sira’ dessert by lightly cooking the fruit with butter, a little sugar, a few cloves, a dash of cinnamon and a little lemon juice. 'Pisang goreng'(banana fritters) is a very popular snack and can be rather addictive but go easy on it. Its delicious, crispy and fragrant, but the batter just absorbs too much oil! (ouch, pity the heart and complexion).

Save the peel to pamper your face with (recycle !). Rub the inside of the peel on your face, leave juice on for 10 minutes before you wash it off for a soft glowing look. It is also good for calming down the effects of sunburns, boils, pimples and acne (home remedy 101)

The next time a friend needs cheering up, present her with BANANAS. Happy bananaing.

Mysterious Thrombocytopenic Discovery

2010-05-28T21:17:00.010+08:00

When my husband was diagnosed with Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a condition where the platelet count is lower than the usual count of 150,000-450,000 I was stunned. ITP is a very rare disease, but it never occurred to me that my husband would be that unfortunate "one in a million" patient. No wonder the doctor was busy taking photographs, a rare commodity indeed. His number has been fluctuating like a yo-yo in 4 weeks and when it hit the lowest 9,000 the mouth bled and was rushed to the hospital. Now we have to accept the fact that my husband has to live on steroids for an indefinite period of time, the effect of which has been obvious- bloating, unbelievable weight gain and many sleepless nights.

As the cause of the illness is UNKNOWN, many assumptions were put forward by many people. But I'd like to rule out hereditary as the factor or else he would have been diagnosed at a much younger age (by the way he is just as young as I am, only with a small standard deviation of course!). Also his bone marrow is in superb condition and therefore there is no platelet production problem. However I tend to believe that his antibodies are hyperactive and taking up a full time job as platelet destroyer. Imagine a trusted 'friend' silently turning his back on you and become a "foe". Or could TOXIN be the culprit, invading the systems and damaging the precious platelets? Sigh... just too many possibilities. Praying very hard that his spleen could be saved....Come on Doc, surely there is an alternative way than cutting out the spleen. After all many literatures cited that spleen is not the only organ causing the antibodies to be voracious...??

Plant Therapy

2010-05-04T14:58:00.010+08:00

Plants and flowers do have magical power. They brightened up a room, soothe a tired soul and uplift one's spirit. The sight of the pretty blooms could also cheer up a sick patient at the hospital and make him forget that he's actually stuck to the cumbersome drip.

The flower power also works wonders on women. Try giving a bouquet of flowers to your angry sweetheart and see how her heart melts like a choco bar in the double boiler! (aah, too much of Anna Olsen's Sugar !). A perfect gift for any occasion. But most of all the plants and flowers remind us that they too are living creatures that need tender loving care. And they give out the very much needed oxygen too. Therefore whenever you receive a plant as a gift, think of it as a gift of life. Nurture it well. Remember your basic science- RIGHT amount of water, food and sunshine to keep it healthy. And also remember to talk to your plants regularly, or if you are out of conversation, (the plants could not understand the economic downturn or high food prices) try singing instead, although this is not covered in your science textbooks. Your nosy neighbour might think you have lost your mind by babbling to the green creature, but the interaction could bring positive effects on the plants- you will see it grow and bloom at its best, its like Spring time every time even if you're in the hot humid tropics. But believe me, the greatest effect is actually on you. All weariness, worries and sometimes hatred disappear after a session with the plants. Call it PLANT THERAPY

Detox Now- One Man's Weed is another Man's Cure

2010-04-16T15:30:00.009+08:00

Everybody is talking about detoxifying the body these days. People are spending Ringgits on the so called detox products which is actually a good sign that more and more people are into healthy living. But just how effective are these products? I guess no one can give a definite answer, not even the loudest salesman or the most brilliant doctor because every medicine has a different effect on a different body. Just like lipstick – the colour that looks sexy on Angelina Jolie’s lips may not appear the same on Lady Gaga. (just in case you have forgotten – its called biochemistry !) Therefore it is best to listen to your body.

But I like to go back to nature. I believe bitter fruits and vegetables are best as detox’s. Eating bitter food from time to time reduce your cravings for sweet things. I keep a few pots of Hempedu Bumi (Andrographis Paniculata) in my little humble garden, brew 1-2 young leaves in boiling water and drink it whenever I feel my stomach is bloating or just lethargic. Its terribly BITTER, no doubt about it, but the effect is almost immediate, burping (and farting ) in no time . Thanks to my dear friend AHAD for introducing me to this plant ( I still have your pot dear !)

Old folks said the plant cleanse the liver and helps in the metabolism of the body. www.rainforestherbs.com quoted the benefits of this plant in preventing heart attacks by reducing thrombosis potential. And some said it lowers cholesterol too.. Its amazing to see how the plant thrives without much care. It even survives during drought. The seed is easily dispersed and you will find little andrographis creeping out from your rose pot or even from the crevices of your wall ! Sometimes it could be a nuisance- you have to keep weeding it out just to let other plants grow. The little plant is a real ‘survivor’ , therefore it is little wonder that it has much healing properties. But remember to take it in moderation. Once a week is more than enough. Too much of a good thing could be bad for you.

Andrographis Paniculata One man’s Weed is another Man’s Cure.

Running On Empty

2010-03-23T14:18:00.003+08:00

Reminiscing the hit from late 70's- Jackson Browne's Running on Empty (oops sorry, maybe some of you were'nt even born yet !)

Looking out at the road rushing under my wheels
Looking back at the years gone by like so many summer fields
In sixty-five I was seventeen and running up one-o-one
I don't know where I'm running now, I'm just running on

Running on - running on empty
Running on - running blind
Running on - running into the sun
But I'm running behind

Gotta do what you can just to keep your love alive
Trying not to confuse it with what you do to survive
In sixty-nine I was twenty-one and I called the road my own
I don't know when that road turned onto the road I'm on

Running on - running on empty
Running on - running blind
Running on - running into the sun
But I'm running behind

Everyone I know, everywhere I go
People need some reason to believe
I don't know about anyone but me
If it takes all night, that'll be all right
If I can get you to smile before I leave
Looking out at the road rushing under my wheels
I don't know how to tell you all just how crazy this life feels
I look around for the friends that I used to turn to to pull me through
Looking into their eyes I see them running too

Running on - running on empty
Running on - running blind
Running on - running into the sun
But I'm running behind

Honey you really tempt me
You know the way you look so kind
I'd love to stick around but I'm running behind
You know I don't even know what I'm hoping to find
Running into the sun but I'm running behind

Take one day at a time

2010-02-22T13:53:00.002+08:00

Live in the present, Learn from the past and Work hard for the future

Be happy, always !

2010-02-18T13:56:00.005+08:00

Quotes from Andrew Mathews, author of Happiness in Hard Times to inspire us all -
"Happiness is not an accident but a decision"
"When you are happy, you get what you want"

Healthier You

2010-01-07T16:52:00.004+08:00

I've been visiting many friends and relatives in hospitals lately. Seeing them lying helplessly on the hospital bed, with multiples tubes and wires hooked to the forever blinking life support machines made me realised how lucky and blessed I am to be in this pink of health. Thank you ALLAH for the precious GIFT of good health. As the saying goes Health is Wealth. Even money cant buy good health. But people say money can buy the things to help you keep fit and healthy, like tread mill, exercise mat, etc. Does that mean poor souls like you and I would miss the chance to be fit because we do not have that extra Ringgit to pamper ourselves with the state-of-the-art exercise gear?

No worries. We can make the best of everything we have. Try walking around the neighbourhood 2 or 3 times a week and you would feel 'lighter' and less 'crankier'. (Mind you, its brisk walking that I'm referring to, not the 'lenggang lenggok' walk that could attract unnecessary attentions ! ). Walking is cheap. All you need is just a pair of comfortable walking shoes and a pair of good looking socks, it could be in fancy prints if you are re-living your happy childhood years. If you are lucky can even make new friends during your walking sessions, the new health enthusiast just like you. If you hate walking, or hate to be seen walking in your neighbourhood,or just plain shy because you're alone, just practise walking at a faster pace than you used to when going for lunch or to your car. Or race up and down the stairs. You would feel that additional droplets of sweat down your spine in no time.

Also, watch your diet. Sometimes we have the urge to spoil ourselves with all the sweet creamy indulgence, something we feel we deserve so much after a long day at work (housework is also considered as 'work') but only to regret later. Its Ok to spoil ourselves with something that we like, but its better if we do not spoil our body with it. Try something healthier for a change- something with less sugar, less salt, less fat, more green and dark coloured fruits and vegetables. I know, you have heard this advice a zillion times. So why not after this one zillion and one time, DO IT. CHANGE YOUR DIET. But if you're into greens, beware of the pesticide residues, make sure you wash them off using safe vege cleaner. Linda, my biotechnologist friend makes her own fruit and vege cleaner using enzymes she got by fermenting fruit peel and vegetables. She said the compound stinks a bit (she keeps a jar in her kitchen) but it works wonders to get rid of the pesticide. A real scientist she is ( and a vegetarian too)

Sleep is also important. Dr Oz on Oprah suggested taking calcium and magnesium daily to help you get better sleep at night.
Avoid coffee or tea at night, or else you would need a calculator or computer to help count the sheeps. (The famous teh tarik, I just dont understand why people like it so much. Its soooooo 'pekat' that they have to add in tonnes of condensed milk to camouflage the bitterness, and imagine what it would do to your body! ) Although its classy to be seen in coffee joints, you dont have to drink coffee. There's always a healthier choice.

Keep healthy. Eat well, sleep well, and exercise. Trim all those unwanted fat naturally (no liposuction please). Healthier body, happier soul

Happy New Year

2010-01-01T17:45:00.006+08:00

Happy New Year to all. We are definitely one year wiser. Strive hard to make all our dreams come true this year. Review and improve our weaknesses, capitalise on our strengths, and always respect and forgive others. 2009 has been a good year for me, spiritually, mentally and physically. ALL THE PRAISES AND THANKS TO ALLAH, THE LORD OF THE AL-AMIN

The Little Things

2009-10-07T15:29:00.001+08:00

Got this one in my e-mail, its great, thought its good to share with all. Thank You dear friend who sent me this e-mail.

after New York 9/11...this message was circulated...good reminder...

~The ' L I T T L E ' Things~

As you might remember, the head of a company survived 9/11
Because his son started kindergarten.

Another fellow was alive because it was
His turn to bring donuts.

One woman was late because her
Alarm clock didn't go off in time.

One was late because of being stuck on the NJ Turnpike
Because of an auto accident.

One of them
Missed his bus.

One spilled food on her clothes and had to take
Time to change.

One's
Car wouldn't start.

One couldn't
Get a taxi.

The one that struck me was the man
Who put on a new pair of shoes that morning,
Took the various means to get to work
But before he got there, he developed
A blister on his foot.
He stopped at a drugstore to buy a Band-Aid.
That is why he is alive today..

Now when I am
Stuck in traffic,
Miss an elevator,
Turn back to answer a ringing telephone...

All the little things that annoy me.
I think to myself,
This is exactly where
God wants me to be
At this very moment..

Next time your morning seems to be
Going wrong,
The children are slow getting dressed,
You can't seem to find the car keys,
You hit every traffic light,
Don't get mad or frustrated;
It’s just that
ALLAH is at work watching over you.

May God continue to bless you
With all those annoying little things
And may you remember their possible purpose.

ALLAH Bless All

A HAPPIER YOU

2009-07-24T13:28:00.001+08:00

I am happy to be me, and I know you are happy to be your own self too. We are happy because we have learned to love ourselves, live to be ourselves without pretence or prejudice, respect humankind and other living forms on this planet, and paused to count our blessings. I am happy after a long search for the real person within. The poem that I posted earlier sums them all.

Many people spent countless moments seeking happiness only to realise that it has long existed within the space of their very own homes. But like Cecilia Ahern's fictional imaginary friends, happiness remained invisible until one is in a ready state of mind to discover it. It is regarded as a gift from ALLAH, hence only a deserving soul would be able to relish it. One knows that he has found happiness when he is aplomb and ever forgiving and made no qualms over adversities however absurd, horrific or devastating they may be. One contented soul is easily distinguishable from the tattered ones as the face would be brimming with warm, genuine, welcoming and infectious smile, while the body transmits a magical aura that captivates and mesmerise the audience likened to a glowing lamp lighting up the dark (Look at an 'ustaz' face and you know what I mean)

So how can one discover happiness? Look hard around you, and you will notice things that others dont. And that is what happiness is all about- to be able to relate to things around you with an open heart and mind.

Happiness

2009-06-19T18:01:00.001+08:00

Happiness unbeknown until discovered,

Knocks hard but subtleties too loud,

Only the sharp heard like a shout,

Happiness sparkles, More than meets the eye,

Timeless, never beyond style,

Like a diamond, radiant, ever so pure,

Tattered souls cry for no other cure,

Colour, mass, age, nothing the matter,

Resides in souls willing to shoulder,

Happiness just a thought away,

When there’s a will, there is a way.

Look no further but deep within us,

Look in the mirror, never the glass

Love yourself, love your life,

Make time for life after five,

Appreciate nature, a school of life,

Self pity, thrash out for life.

Remember laughter, the wonderful pain killer,

Submit to Allah, HE’s the healer

Yesterday’s agony down in history,

Today’s smile the real glory

Tomorrow’s uncertainties nothing to fear

Submit to Allah, all well and clear