American Idol Syndrome
(Written on 15 April 2004)
So, what’s the most talked about TV show now? Some might say CSI. Some others might suggest Friends. Or maybe it’s Gerak Khas? Well, I am not sure anymore but I guessed the show that everybody seemed to be watching now is American Idol. Even my 4-year old is willing to sacrifice his Cartoon Network for this and Explorace, too.
When we mention American Idol, I couldn’t help but to fall back on Akademi Fantasia the first season. I remembered when my cousins were all into the show starting from week one and I was left in awe, what is it with the show that they liked it so much? It must be quite interesting then especially when they gave up Coffee Bean, Starbucks or even the movies on each Saturday night just to be home to watch the weekly concert. Then, my turn came. I started becoming addicted to the show. I was truly mesmerised by Burn before he was voted out. Afterwards, it shifted to Vince and I could recall the fact that I used up RM198 on the final concert night simply because I desperately wanted Vince to get the Champion title. Something to laugh about? Yeah, I should think so.
Now, it’s American Idol. Almost everyone at work talks about William Hung. Hung this, Hung that, here Hung, there Hung. Again, I was left to marvel alone. Who the heck is this William Hung guy? Is he a new singer? They were associating him with the song “She Bangs” and so I said to myself that maybe he’s just as sexy, hot and good looking as Ricky Martin.
One night, while I was browsing through the TV channels from RTM 1 to RTM 2 to TV3 and to NTV7, there was nothing interesting to settle with. Next, I pressed number 6 on my remote control, and there it was – an ad where clips of contestants were shown on this singing contest. There was this plain looking Chinese guy who was shaking his way through a song that sounded like “She Bangs.” After that the TV said, don’t forget every Friday at 9.45 pm on 8TV and the results at 3 pm every Saturday – American Idol. Ah ha! This is it! Yes! I found it. The TV show that Malaysians are watching now.
Honestly speaking, in my truest opinion, the best part of the show is the segment on the judges’ comments. I really love Simon Cowell. I think he is truthful. He is honest. He doesn’t lie. He says what he thinks is right for the sake of a singing career. And I believe that is the
best practise and exposure a star could ever get because once they become a star, there are more than just Simon Cowell they have to face out there. So many challenges. So many obstacles. Infinite barriers.
And yesterday, I saw the ad on Malaysian Idol coming to town. You might think it’s great but I beg to differ. There are already a few in the market – Akademi Fantasia, Bintang RTM, Who Will Win and etc. What happened to the winners anyway? As it is, only Siti became popular and rich. She is the only one worth mentioning. Next, is Vince. He just released his debut album. Do you think he’ll sell like Siti did? Even Enrique Iglesias couldn’t sell his concert tickets in Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong and also Manila. What would make Vince different, then? What about the others? Where have they gone to?
Many of our young, new singers became recording artistes not because they’re rightly talented but most of them are chasing the glitters and glimmers of show business. Which I think is not permanent. Neither does it warrant a better living. A huge number of them didn’t even complete high school with commendable results or maybe didn’t finish high school at all! Some of them just disappeared after one album. Is this the kind of future generation we’re creating for our beloved country?
Don’t compare us with the US. It’s undoubtedly beyond comparison. In the states, one can definitely make a living with singing. Not just that. One can make a living with dancing, acting, playing musical instruments, sports – in short, one can make money by doing just about anything! And mind you, some even get filthy rich because of that. But is that possible here in Malaysia? Maybe not now. Maybe in 30 years time. Or maybe not ever. Do you dream of your child becoming the next Malaysian Idol? Will you allow him to be in showbiz one day? Does it make you proud if he is on every magazine cover in Malaysia? Tell me about it.
The more I watch American Idol, the more I couldn’t imagine how it is going to be like in Malaysia. It is so much fun running through the audition tapes over and over again. It is funny when we see how people in the states would do whatever it takes just to get to the audition stage. Now, the show is almost reaching its finale. There were 12 finalists at the beginning, all of whom, none of the 12 finalists of AF was anywhere near their standards. As it goes by, one will be voted out each week. It’s only left with 8 finalists now, excluding the pretty Leah La Belle, the macho Matthew Rogers, the funky Amy Adams and the sexy Camile Velasco. Who will be going home next? We’ll wait and see.
In the meantime, let’s ponder over the coming Malaysian Idol and see whether another Siti Nurhaliza will be created. Or maybe another Kelly Clarkson or Gareth Gates or even Guy Sebastian. Hopefully, one day, Malaysians will be able to make a great living out of a singing career, who knows?
Monday, April 28, 2008
LEARN A WORD A DAY 4
cock-a-hoop (kok-uh-HOOP) adjective
1. Being elated or exulting, especially in a boastful manner.
2. Askew.
[Of uncertain origin. Perhaps from the phrase to set cock on a hoop (to be festive).]
"Randy Atkinson and Shawn Ewing, the Vancouver Pride Society's co-chairs, were all cock-a-hoop when the 25-year-old organization's ninth annual gala dinner sold out at the Coast Plaza hotel Sunday." Malcolm Parry; Pride Society Dinner Humbles Debt; Vancouver Sun (Canada); Jun 17, 2003. "The Blues come to Newlands this week cock-a-hoop while the Stormers dressing-room had a funereal look ..." Stormers' Monday Blues; Cape Argus (Cape Town, South Africa); Apr 14, 2003.
1. Being elated or exulting, especially in a boastful manner.
2. Askew.
[Of uncertain origin. Perhaps from the phrase to set cock on a hoop (to be festive).]
"Randy Atkinson and Shawn Ewing, the Vancouver Pride Society's co-chairs, were all cock-a-hoop when the 25-year-old organization's ninth annual gala dinner sold out at the Coast Plaza hotel Sunday." Malcolm Parry; Pride Society Dinner Humbles Debt; Vancouver Sun (Canada); Jun 17, 2003. "The Blues come to Newlands this week cock-a-hoop while the Stormers dressing-room had a funereal look ..." Stormers' Monday Blues; Cape Argus (Cape Town, South Africa); Apr 14, 2003.
TIPS FOR US-NESS 5
Places to Make Love
We have to be creative to ensure that our sexual relationship with our husband or wife will always be lively. So, use these places as your next place to get sexy and intimate.
1. In a public restroom
2. In a movie theatre
3. On a soft rug on the floor
4. In your backyard under the stars
5. In the woods right after the rain stops
6. On a train at night
7. On a motorcycle
8. In bed with silk or satin sheets
9. On the beach under the moonlight
10. In the backseat of your car
11. On the bed full of rose petals
12. Under the waterfall
13. In your car parked at the garage
14. On your house’s balcony
15. In your car parked at a shopping complex’s car park
16. On your office table
17. In the elevator
18. In your bath tub
19. At the swimming pool
20. At the park on a bench
Don’t forget to try some out and tell me how it goes…
p.s. I totally forgot where I got this from in 2004. Sorry Mr/Ms Author.
We have to be creative to ensure that our sexual relationship with our husband or wife will always be lively. So, use these places as your next place to get sexy and intimate.
1. In a public restroom
2. In a movie theatre
3. On a soft rug on the floor
4. In your backyard under the stars
5. In the woods right after the rain stops
6. On a train at night
7. On a motorcycle
8. In bed with silk or satin sheets
9. On the beach under the moonlight
10. In the backseat of your car
11. On the bed full of rose petals
12. Under the waterfall
13. In your car parked at the garage
14. On your house’s balcony
15. In your car parked at a shopping complex’s car park
16. On your office table
17. In the elevator
18. In your bath tub
19. At the swimming pool
20. At the park on a bench
Don’t forget to try some out and tell me how it goes…
p.s. I totally forgot where I got this from in 2004. Sorry Mr/Ms Author.
LEARN A WORD A DAY 3
epigram (EP-i-gram) noun
A short witty saying, often in verse.
[From Middle English, from Latin epigramma, from Greek epigramma, from epigraphein (to write, inscribe), from epi- (upon, after) + graphein (to write). Other words originating from the same root are graphite, paragraph, program, and topography.]
According to poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge,
What is an epigram? A dwarfish whole; Its body brevity, and wit its soul.
Here is one from Benjamin Franklin that truly demonstrates the power of a pithy epigram: Little strokes Fell great oaks
A short witty saying, often in verse.
[From Middle English, from Latin epigramma, from Greek epigramma, from epigraphein (to write, inscribe), from epi- (upon, after) + graphein (to write). Other words originating from the same root are graphite, paragraph, program, and topography.]
According to poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge,
What is an epigram? A dwarfish whole; Its body brevity, and wit its soul.
Here is one from Benjamin Franklin that truly demonstrates the power of a pithy epigram: Little strokes Fell great oaks
ABOUT OUR KIDS 4
Why is Hand washing So Important?
Your children may not always listen when you tell them to wash their hands before dinner, but it's a message worth repeating. Hand washing is by far the best way to prevent germs from spreading and to keep your kids from getting sick.
The First Line of Defense against GermsGerms - such as bacteria and viruses - can be transmitted in several different ways:
through contaminated water and food
through droplets released during a cough or a sneeze
through dirty hands
through contaminated surfaces
through a sick person's body fluids
If your child picks up germs from one of these sources, he can unknowingly become infected simply by touching his eyes, nose, or mouth. And once he's infected, it's usually just a matter of time before the whole family comes down with the same illness.
Good hand washing is your first line of defense against the spread of many illnesses - and not just the common cold. More serious illnesses such as meningitis, bronchiolitis, influenza, hepatitis A, and most types of infectious diarrhea can be stopped with the simple act of washing your hands.
How to Wash Your Hands CorrectlyHere are some simple steps for scrubbing those germs away. Demonstrate this routine to your child - or better yet, wash your hands together with your child several times a day so he learns how important this good habit is.
Wash your hands in warm water, which kills germs better than cold water. Make sure the water isn't too hot for little hands.
Use soap and lather up for about 10 to 15 seconds (antibacterial soap isn't necessary - any soap will do). Make sure you get "in-between" places like between the fingers and under the nails (where uninvited germs like to hang out). Don't forget the wrists!
Rinse and dry well with a clean towel.
To minimize the germs passed around your family, make frequent hand washing a rule for everyone, especially:
before eating and cooking
after using the bathroom
after cleaning around the house
after touching animals, including house pets
after visiting or taking care of any sick friends or relatives
after blowing one's nose, coughing, or sneezing
after being outside (playing, gardening, walking the dog, etc.)
Don't underestimate the power of hand washing! The few seconds you spend at the sink with your child could very well save you trips to the doctor's office.
Adapted from the article written by Dr. Kim Rutherford
Your children may not always listen when you tell them to wash their hands before dinner, but it's a message worth repeating. Hand washing is by far the best way to prevent germs from spreading and to keep your kids from getting sick.
The First Line of Defense against GermsGerms - such as bacteria and viruses - can be transmitted in several different ways:
through contaminated water and food
through droplets released during a cough or a sneeze
through dirty hands
through contaminated surfaces
through a sick person's body fluids
If your child picks up germs from one of these sources, he can unknowingly become infected simply by touching his eyes, nose, or mouth. And once he's infected, it's usually just a matter of time before the whole family comes down with the same illness.
Good hand washing is your first line of defense against the spread of many illnesses - and not just the common cold. More serious illnesses such as meningitis, bronchiolitis, influenza, hepatitis A, and most types of infectious diarrhea can be stopped with the simple act of washing your hands.
How to Wash Your Hands CorrectlyHere are some simple steps for scrubbing those germs away. Demonstrate this routine to your child - or better yet, wash your hands together with your child several times a day so he learns how important this good habit is.
Wash your hands in warm water, which kills germs better than cold water. Make sure the water isn't too hot for little hands.
Use soap and lather up for about 10 to 15 seconds (antibacterial soap isn't necessary - any soap will do). Make sure you get "in-between" places like between the fingers and under the nails (where uninvited germs like to hang out). Don't forget the wrists!
Rinse and dry well with a clean towel.
To minimize the germs passed around your family, make frequent hand washing a rule for everyone, especially:
before eating and cooking
after using the bathroom
after cleaning around the house
after touching animals, including house pets
after visiting or taking care of any sick friends or relatives
after blowing one's nose, coughing, or sneezing
after being outside (playing, gardening, walking the dog, etc.)
Don't underestimate the power of hand washing! The few seconds you spend at the sink with your child could very well save you trips to the doctor's office.
Adapted from the article written by Dr. Kim Rutherford
WHAT SAYS THE TABIB? 4
The Top 10 Foods to Beware – they can cause cancer, heart diseases, diabetes and high cholesterol level.
1. Spreads. Margarine is a twisted sister -- it's loaded with trans fats and saturated fats, both of which can lead to heart disease. Other non-butter spreads and shortening also contain large amounts of trans fat and saturated fat.
2. Packaged foods. Cake mixes, Bisquick, and other mixes all have several grams of trans fat per serving.
3. Soups. Ramen noodles and soup cups contain very high levels of trans fat.
4. Fast Food. Bad news here: Fries, chicken, and other foods are deep-fried in partially hydrogenated oil. Even if the chains use liquid oil, fries are sometimes partially fried in trans fat before they're shipped to the restaurant. Pancakes and grilled sandwiches also have some trans fat, from margarine slathered on the grill.
5. Frozen Food. Those yummy frozen pies, pot pies, waffles, pizzas, even breaded fish sticks contain trans fat. Even if the label says it's low-fat, it still has trans fat.
6. Baked Goods. Even worse news -- more trans fats are used in commercially baked products than any other foods. Doughnuts contain shortening in the dough and are cooked in trans fat.
7. Chips and Crackers. Shortening provides crispy texture. Even "reduced fat" brands can still have trans fat. Anything fried (like potato chips and corn chips) or buttery crackers have trans fat.
8. Breakfast food. Breakfast cereal and energy bars are quick-fix, highly processed products that contain trans fats, even those that claim to be "healthy."
9. Cookies and Candy. Look at the labels; some have higher fat content than others. A chocolate bar with nuts -- or a cookie -- is likely to have more trans fat than gummy bears.
10. Toppings and Dips. Nondairy creamers and flavored coffees, whipped toppings, bean dips, gravy mixes, and salad dressings contain lots of trans fat.
Can you eliminate trans fats entirely from your diet? Probably not. The goal is to have as little trans fat in your diet as possible.
(Adapted from one health website in 2004)
1. Spreads. Margarine is a twisted sister -- it's loaded with trans fats and saturated fats, both of which can lead to heart disease. Other non-butter spreads and shortening also contain large amounts of trans fat and saturated fat.
2. Packaged foods. Cake mixes, Bisquick, and other mixes all have several grams of trans fat per serving.
3. Soups. Ramen noodles and soup cups contain very high levels of trans fat.
4. Fast Food. Bad news here: Fries, chicken, and other foods are deep-fried in partially hydrogenated oil. Even if the chains use liquid oil, fries are sometimes partially fried in trans fat before they're shipped to the restaurant. Pancakes and grilled sandwiches also have some trans fat, from margarine slathered on the grill.
5. Frozen Food. Those yummy frozen pies, pot pies, waffles, pizzas, even breaded fish sticks contain trans fat. Even if the label says it's low-fat, it still has trans fat.
6. Baked Goods. Even worse news -- more trans fats are used in commercially baked products than any other foods. Doughnuts contain shortening in the dough and are cooked in trans fat.
7. Chips and Crackers. Shortening provides crispy texture. Even "reduced fat" brands can still have trans fat. Anything fried (like potato chips and corn chips) or buttery crackers have trans fat.
8. Breakfast food. Breakfast cereal and energy bars are quick-fix, highly processed products that contain trans fats, even those that claim to be "healthy."
9. Cookies and Candy. Look at the labels; some have higher fat content than others. A chocolate bar with nuts -- or a cookie -- is likely to have more trans fat than gummy bears.
10. Toppings and Dips. Nondairy creamers and flavored coffees, whipped toppings, bean dips, gravy mixes, and salad dressings contain lots of trans fat.
Can you eliminate trans fats entirely from your diet? Probably not. The goal is to have as little trans fat in your diet as possible.
(Adapted from one health website in 2004)
TIPS FOR US-NESS 4
How to Improve Your Love Life with the Power of Feng Shui...Without Spending a Dime
FENG shui is the art of creating a home environment that supports the life you wish to live. A key element of feng shui is creating a smooth flow of chi (positive energy) through your space. Chi likes to move through your home as though it were a gentle breeze or a meandering stream. Where it is blocked, the energy becomes stagnant--like a pond choked with algae and fallen leaves. You are likely to feel blocked in life, and your energy and enthusiasm for matters of the heart will be low. Balancing and correcting the chi of your bedroom helps encourage and invigorate romance. Here are some quick and easy ways to improve your love life by improving the energy of your home:
Clean up your bedroom
When your bedroom is cluttered and untidy, the energy in there will be low and slow. Clutter is a sure sign that chi is stuck, so roll up your sleeves and clean the place up if you want to jump-start your love life. Ring a bell, shake a rattle, or clap your hands loudly around the room to clear out old, stale energy.
Make room for love
If you want to attract a new romantic partner--or move a casual relationship closer to commitment--make sure there is space for that person in your home. Look at your closets, shelves, and dressers, especially in the bedroom; if they are all filled to capacity with your own stuff, make clearing some room for your current or future partner a priority. Aim to free up 25% of the space in your bedroom for someone else's things. When you are done, take a moment to visualize your loved one's belongings finding a home there.
Don't work out in the bedroom
When you exercise in the bedroom, or store your sports equipment there, you bring the energy of hard work and exertion into your romance space. Do you want your relationship to feel like a tough workout? If not, move your workout stuff somewhere else; your relationship is likely to move along more smoothly.
Remove inappropriate imagery
The images with which you surround yourself can have a powerful effect on your love life. Feng shui clients who complain of difficulty finding romance often have surrounded themselves with images of a person alone. Inappropriate imagery includes anything that represents solitude, loneliness, aggression, hard work, conflict, or disagreement in any way.
Open the door to love
Make sure both the front door of your home and the door to your bedroom open easily and completely. Doors that stick, squeak, or that only opens partway because of all the stuff stored behind them are blocking the flow of romantic energy and opportunity into your home. A loose doorknob on your bedroom door could mean you're having a hard time "getting a handle on" romance; get out your screwdriver and tighten it up.
Create a path for chi
Walk slowly from your front door to your bedroom, pretending that you are a gentle river of chi. Look for any areas where furniture or other belongings are stopping or slowing the flow of chi, or where chi is diverted away from the bedroom to other areas of the house. Clear a path so fresh chi can find its way to your bedroom and nourish your love life. Make sure all the lights along this route are working, replace any burned-out bulbs, and be alert for dark or dingy corners where you can increase the energy by adding more light.
Move your bed
If one side of your bed is against the wall, the person who sleeps on that side may feel confined or disempowered in the relationship. If possible, place the bed so there is equal space on either side, so you and your partner can find equal enjoyment in the relationship. The ideal position of the bed will be on the opposite side of the room from the door, but not directly in line with it. If you can't see the bedroom door from the bed, hang a mirror where it will provide a reflected view of the entry.
Bring romance chi into the bedroom
Be sure to place romantic imagery in these two key places in the bedroom: the wall opposite the foot of the bed (where you naturally look when lying in bed), and whatever area of the room you first see when you enter. Beautiful, romantic artwork is always good, as are fresh or silk flowers and anything in pairs (such as birds, cherubs, candles, or decorative pillows). A round mirror is also good for the bedroom, as the shape signifies completion and unity. Look around your home for whatever says "romance" to you, and find a good spot for it in your bedroom.
Clarify your intention
Make a collage of images that symbolize your perfect relationship, and place it where you will see it every day. If you are already in a relationship, invite your partner to make a collage with you, to represent your intention to build a joyful and loving future together.
(Adapted from an article written by Stephanie Roberts in 2004)
FENG shui is the art of creating a home environment that supports the life you wish to live. A key element of feng shui is creating a smooth flow of chi (positive energy) through your space. Chi likes to move through your home as though it were a gentle breeze or a meandering stream. Where it is blocked, the energy becomes stagnant--like a pond choked with algae and fallen leaves. You are likely to feel blocked in life, and your energy and enthusiasm for matters of the heart will be low. Balancing and correcting the chi of your bedroom helps encourage and invigorate romance. Here are some quick and easy ways to improve your love life by improving the energy of your home:
Clean up your bedroom
When your bedroom is cluttered and untidy, the energy in there will be low and slow. Clutter is a sure sign that chi is stuck, so roll up your sleeves and clean the place up if you want to jump-start your love life. Ring a bell, shake a rattle, or clap your hands loudly around the room to clear out old, stale energy.
Make room for love
If you want to attract a new romantic partner--or move a casual relationship closer to commitment--make sure there is space for that person in your home. Look at your closets, shelves, and dressers, especially in the bedroom; if they are all filled to capacity with your own stuff, make clearing some room for your current or future partner a priority. Aim to free up 25% of the space in your bedroom for someone else's things. When you are done, take a moment to visualize your loved one's belongings finding a home there.
Don't work out in the bedroom
When you exercise in the bedroom, or store your sports equipment there, you bring the energy of hard work and exertion into your romance space. Do you want your relationship to feel like a tough workout? If not, move your workout stuff somewhere else; your relationship is likely to move along more smoothly.
Remove inappropriate imagery
The images with which you surround yourself can have a powerful effect on your love life. Feng shui clients who complain of difficulty finding romance often have surrounded themselves with images of a person alone. Inappropriate imagery includes anything that represents solitude, loneliness, aggression, hard work, conflict, or disagreement in any way.
Open the door to love
Make sure both the front door of your home and the door to your bedroom open easily and completely. Doors that stick, squeak, or that only opens partway because of all the stuff stored behind them are blocking the flow of romantic energy and opportunity into your home. A loose doorknob on your bedroom door could mean you're having a hard time "getting a handle on" romance; get out your screwdriver and tighten it up.
Create a path for chi
Walk slowly from your front door to your bedroom, pretending that you are a gentle river of chi. Look for any areas where furniture or other belongings are stopping or slowing the flow of chi, or where chi is diverted away from the bedroom to other areas of the house. Clear a path so fresh chi can find its way to your bedroom and nourish your love life. Make sure all the lights along this route are working, replace any burned-out bulbs, and be alert for dark or dingy corners where you can increase the energy by adding more light.
Move your bed
If one side of your bed is against the wall, the person who sleeps on that side may feel confined or disempowered in the relationship. If possible, place the bed so there is equal space on either side, so you and your partner can find equal enjoyment in the relationship. The ideal position of the bed will be on the opposite side of the room from the door, but not directly in line with it. If you can't see the bedroom door from the bed, hang a mirror where it will provide a reflected view of the entry.
Bring romance chi into the bedroom
Be sure to place romantic imagery in these two key places in the bedroom: the wall opposite the foot of the bed (where you naturally look when lying in bed), and whatever area of the room you first see when you enter. Beautiful, romantic artwork is always good, as are fresh or silk flowers and anything in pairs (such as birds, cherubs, candles, or decorative pillows). A round mirror is also good for the bedroom, as the shape signifies completion and unity. Look around your home for whatever says "romance" to you, and find a good spot for it in your bedroom.
Clarify your intention
Make a collage of images that symbolize your perfect relationship, and place it where you will see it every day. If you are already in a relationship, invite your partner to make a collage with you, to represent your intention to build a joyful and loving future together.
(Adapted from an article written by Stephanie Roberts in 2004)
LITERARY APPRECIATION 2
The Wedding Poem
Author: Unknown
When our daughter was a little girl,
we often used to say,
How proud and happy we would be,
on this her wedding day.
Our daughter is not lost to us,
in fact, we have gained a son.
We're happy you can share our joy,
and see them joined as one.
So, may we welcome all of you,
and may this whole day be
a happy and a joyous one,
for friends and family.
Author: Unknown
When our daughter was a little girl,
we often used to say,
How proud and happy we would be,
on this her wedding day.
Our daughter is not lost to us,
in fact, we have gained a son.
We're happy you can share our joy,
and see them joined as one.
So, may we welcome all of you,
and may this whole day be
a happy and a joyous one,
for friends and family.
FEATURE STORY 4
The Wedding Day Fairytale
(Written on 31 March 2004)
It is still very fresh in my mind how it felt like a few days counting down to my wedding day. Now, the feelings come rushing in all over again. Not because I’m getting married again but because my sister-in-law is going to tie the knot this weekend.
It was just like yesterday that I was going through all the hassles and sleepless nights. Imagine this – the decision to be married was made within a month and a half. I never thought it was a reality at the time. All the while I kept pinching and shaking myself ensuring that it was not merely a sweet dream because if it was then I never wanted to wake up!
Who would ever think that a man you met just a few weeks ago would be your lawful wedded husband? Well, I definitely didn’t.
They all started with my aunt (Mak Andak) and my mom-in-law ended up sharing the same hotel room in Kelantan one fine day. They were on a short three-day trip there under the Women Institution program of their kampong. According to Mak Andak, she was supposed to share a room with another lady but when she entered that room the lady had already found her own room mate and politely requested Mak Andak to look for another.
So, while Mak Andak was browsing for a room on the same floor, my mom-in-law was also doing the same. Then, they saw an empty room, still unoccupied and decided to stay in together. That night, they took the opportunity to catch up on old times. It had been long since they last talked and saw each other. The casual chat brought about the story that my mom-in-law was searching for a suitable girl to match her eldest son with.
Guess what happened next? Mak Andak mentioned that she has a niece who is still single at 25. And my mom-in-law immediately asked if Mak Andak could help match us together. That was where and how it all began…
To cut the story short, a month and a half after that, we were already preparing for our big day. I was all the time nervous. I was afraid if it was not the right thing to do. I was always asking myself whether this man would actually make me happy. Would he love me sincerely? Would he be there for me forever? Would he accept me for better and for worse? In sickness and in health? Till death do us part? Would he be loyal till eternity? And most importantly, would I be able to love him back dearly?
Then, I told myself…never mind, maybe I should just give it a shot and if it didn’t work I’d figure a way to get myself out from the mess. Funny, huh? I made it sound so easy. As if marriage was a playful thing. As if marriage was for a day or two. As if the tie would not mean a thing.
When the same puzzle was projected to my future husband (at the time), he told me to perform the “hajat” and “istikharah” prayers. He, too, did not want to commit into something uncertain. What did you expect? We’ve only known each other in a blink of the eyes. So, the only way was to ask God as He is the only one who knows everything and beyond.
After our wedding on July 31, 1999, things were difficult for the both of us. We were starting too many relationships at one time. We were trying to be friends. We were trying to be lovers. We were trying to be husband and wife. We were also trying to be son-in-law and daughter-in-law. But worst of all, I had two additional tasks – learning to be the “big” sister to his siblings and “mak long” to his nieces and nephews. I found it darn hard because I am an only child.
Three years down the road, new leaves began to take over. I could trust him more, and he too. We went through the first serious huge barrier together, and succeeded. I was slowly feeling that I could fit into the gloves nicely then. There were fewer arguments. Fights were almost none. Happiness was gradually embarking on us. We missed each other if one of us had to be away. I, too, frequently pray that we would be together until the day we die. And I settled myself by saying that the salad days are leaving us little by little.
Now, after 5 fruitful years, I can confidently say that I am so thankful I took the step to marry my husband. I believe this is the best decision I ever committed myself into. Nothing else has ever felt so right before. Each passing day I put my palms up and pray that God will bless this marriage and allow us to stick together through thick and thin and most of all to only let death tear us apart, inshaAllah…
And to our beloved son, Yadiy Furqan, you are the most precious bond that binds us close and tight and we love you with all our hearts.
Added on 28 April 2008 - And to our beautiful daughters, Faqihah Yamna (born: 6 May 2004), Fajriyah Yubdina (born: 8 Feb 2006), and Farisah Yasmyne (born: 26 Feb 2007), you are the jewels in our hearts and you are what that keep us going.
(Written on 31 March 2004)
It is still very fresh in my mind how it felt like a few days counting down to my wedding day. Now, the feelings come rushing in all over again. Not because I’m getting married again but because my sister-in-law is going to tie the knot this weekend.
It was just like yesterday that I was going through all the hassles and sleepless nights. Imagine this – the decision to be married was made within a month and a half. I never thought it was a reality at the time. All the while I kept pinching and shaking myself ensuring that it was not merely a sweet dream because if it was then I never wanted to wake up!
Who would ever think that a man you met just a few weeks ago would be your lawful wedded husband? Well, I definitely didn’t.
They all started with my aunt (Mak Andak) and my mom-in-law ended up sharing the same hotel room in Kelantan one fine day. They were on a short three-day trip there under the Women Institution program of their kampong. According to Mak Andak, she was supposed to share a room with another lady but when she entered that room the lady had already found her own room mate and politely requested Mak Andak to look for another.
So, while Mak Andak was browsing for a room on the same floor, my mom-in-law was also doing the same. Then, they saw an empty room, still unoccupied and decided to stay in together. That night, they took the opportunity to catch up on old times. It had been long since they last talked and saw each other. The casual chat brought about the story that my mom-in-law was searching for a suitable girl to match her eldest son with.
Guess what happened next? Mak Andak mentioned that she has a niece who is still single at 25. And my mom-in-law immediately asked if Mak Andak could help match us together. That was where and how it all began…
To cut the story short, a month and a half after that, we were already preparing for our big day. I was all the time nervous. I was afraid if it was not the right thing to do. I was always asking myself whether this man would actually make me happy. Would he love me sincerely? Would he be there for me forever? Would he accept me for better and for worse? In sickness and in health? Till death do us part? Would he be loyal till eternity? And most importantly, would I be able to love him back dearly?
Then, I told myself…never mind, maybe I should just give it a shot and if it didn’t work I’d figure a way to get myself out from the mess. Funny, huh? I made it sound so easy. As if marriage was a playful thing. As if marriage was for a day or two. As if the tie would not mean a thing.
When the same puzzle was projected to my future husband (at the time), he told me to perform the “hajat” and “istikharah” prayers. He, too, did not want to commit into something uncertain. What did you expect? We’ve only known each other in a blink of the eyes. So, the only way was to ask God as He is the only one who knows everything and beyond.
After our wedding on July 31, 1999, things were difficult for the both of us. We were starting too many relationships at one time. We were trying to be friends. We were trying to be lovers. We were trying to be husband and wife. We were also trying to be son-in-law and daughter-in-law. But worst of all, I had two additional tasks – learning to be the “big” sister to his siblings and “mak long” to his nieces and nephews. I found it darn hard because I am an only child.
Three years down the road, new leaves began to take over. I could trust him more, and he too. We went through the first serious huge barrier together, and succeeded. I was slowly feeling that I could fit into the gloves nicely then. There were fewer arguments. Fights were almost none. Happiness was gradually embarking on us. We missed each other if one of us had to be away. I, too, frequently pray that we would be together until the day we die. And I settled myself by saying that the salad days are leaving us little by little.
Now, after 5 fruitful years, I can confidently say that I am so thankful I took the step to marry my husband. I believe this is the best decision I ever committed myself into. Nothing else has ever felt so right before. Each passing day I put my palms up and pray that God will bless this marriage and allow us to stick together through thick and thin and most of all to only let death tear us apart, inshaAllah…
And to our beloved son, Yadiy Furqan, you are the most precious bond that binds us close and tight and we love you with all our hearts.
Added on 28 April 2008 - And to our beautiful daughters, Faqihah Yamna (born: 6 May 2004), Fajriyah Yubdina (born: 8 Feb 2006), and Farisah Yasmyne (born: 26 Feb 2007), you are the jewels in our hearts and you are what that keep us going.
FUN TIME!
Riddles
1) At dusk I come without being fetched. At dawn I disappear without being stolen. I am a poet’s tears and a sailor’s guide. What am I?
Water
Night
Darkness
Stars
Pens and papers
2) I am a token of one’s love. I have no beginning and no end. I am…
A ring
A heart
A rose
Time
3) What has 4 legs in the morning, 2 legs at noon and 3 legs at night?
A human
A frog
A sphinx
4) I am greater than God and more evil than the Devil. The rich need me. The poor have me. What am I?
Time
Humility
Divinity
Hatred
5) Who ever makes me, sells me. Who ever buys me, doesn’t need me. Who ever needs me, doesn’t buy me. What am I?
Respect
Friendship
Money
A coffinRags
1) At dusk I come without being fetched. At dawn I disappear without being stolen. I am a poet’s tears and a sailor’s guide. What am I?
Water
Night
Darkness
Stars
Pens and papers
2) I am a token of one’s love. I have no beginning and no end. I am…
A ring
A heart
A rose
Time
3) What has 4 legs in the morning, 2 legs at noon and 3 legs at night?
A human
A frog
A sphinx
4) I am greater than God and more evil than the Devil. The rich need me. The poor have me. What am I?
Time
Humility
Divinity
Hatred
5) Who ever makes me, sells me. Who ever buys me, doesn’t need me. Who ever needs me, doesn’t buy me. What am I?
Respect
Friendship
Money
A coffinRags
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