Ramadhan, Syawal & Me

Me & my brother Apan posed for Hari Raya 1980. Apan with his new traditional Malay costume. 

For Muslims, the month of Ramadhan is the month of spiritual reflection, improvement and increased devotion and worship. We are obligated to fast from dawn until sunset and to refrain from consuming food and drinks, smoking and sexual relations; and in some interpretations from swearing for 30 days. It sounded difficult but not at all when we devoted & sincerely to fulfill the obligation. I started fasting as early as 4 years old & by 6 years old I was able to complete my 30 days of fasting. It was a big victory for me. Yes, it was not easy for a child to carry out her obligation while others at her same age were still enjoying their ice-cream session & full of energy having fun at the playground. But it all paid out when Syawal month emerged after Ramadhan's ended. Eid Mubarak or in Malaysia we call it Hari Raya celebration. It's the month of family gathering, forgiveness, good food and children's favorite session ~ gift from the elderly in the form of money in the packet. Children will visit their relative's houses and neighborhood to collect packets of money throughout the Syawal month. It was a memorable & exciting month for the children...and me too!!! 

Mya Elisha & Arif Aamil Hamka posed for Hari Raya 2012...Apan's children

As time flies, my brother Apan got married with 2 beautiful children, Mya Elisha & Arif Aamil Hamka. They will now taking over the joyfulness of Syawal month by collecting that little packets during Hari Raya. Though they are too small to understand the importance of fasting but the spirit of celebrating Hari Raya has already in their heart as early as one year old. New clothes to wear in the morning of Syawal, good food like chicken rendang, packed rice, glutinous rice (lemang), peanut sauce & packets of money are the common for Hari Raya celebration. Though Syawal month is almost over, we appreciate it by visiting family & friends no matter near or far to build up the bonding closer each year....Happy Eid Mubarak to all dear Muslim  friends from all over the world!!!

Sleeping Beauty

My darling niece, Mya Elisha in October 2011

Apart from eat & shop, my favorite past time is sleep. Can't deny it but sleep is the best medicine to cure your restless day at work. I will definitely be in bed by 10pm on weekdays because for me, a good night sleep will make me an active person at work.

My darling nephew in May 2011

I will share with you on how to have a good night sleep for at least 6-8 hours per night:-

1) You must keep a regular sleep schedule by sleeping & waking up at the same time everyday. Like me, my regular sleeping time is 10pm and always up awake by 6am. Thus, I have a good 8 hours sleep daily. Also avoid taking your nap unless you you need to make up of few lost hours of your sleep

I am easily doze asleep even when travelling - March 2010

2) Increase light exposure during the day and set a dim ambiance by night time as melatonin in your body helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin production is controlled by light exposure, so brain will actively stimulate your mind to stay awake & alert. 

Mya is too tired to find a good spot to rest - October 2010

3) I believe in creating a relaxing bedtime routine by keeping noise down, on the air condition for cooling temperature and a comfortable bed and pillow. A consistent effort to relax & unwind before bed will give you a deep & fruitful sleep.

My cutie pie fell asleep on Aunty's shoulder - June 2012

4) We should eat right & get regular exercise in the day time. Avoid heavy meal before bedtime. Also to avoid too much liquid & caffeine before we go to bed. If you were too hungry, then take sandwich, cereal or a banana as you bedtime snack.

Both fell asleep after a long day with Aunty - February 2012

If you've tried the tips above and still struggling with sleep problems, you may have  a sleep disorder that requires professional treatment. Avoid using pills as they will bring side effects in the future. For me, a good sleep reflects a person with less stress, less problems & a happy mind!!!!!

Abah, You Are The King of My Heart

In loving memories ~ Othman Mansor (1943-1982)

Abah (dad) has left us for 30 years already. It was a tragic one to my family. He fell in the bathroom at about 2am then within  less than an hour, he was pronounced gone forever by the paramedic due to heart problem. He was 39 years old. I was 9 years old at that time. I couldn't accept the news & broke into tears in my cousin's arms, Kak Sham. It was the most unforgettable moment in my entire life. Lost the most closest person I have ever had. I was like his shadow. Being the first child in the family, I was very attached to abah & mak (mom) admitted it because daughter will always be dad's favorite. 

Although I had abah for 9 years, but the feelings of loving & respecting him are always in my heart. He was the best abah in the entire world. He was very strict in education as he was a lecturer by profession but he knew how to make his children having fun & laughter. Every weekend, after dinner, I will have to perform for abah & mak to watch while having cekodok (banana balls) and tea. I love to sing & dance. So that session was my favorite part. Sometimes I would perform with my cousins whom we invited over for the night. It was the best memories ever.

Abah, you are still my number one hero in my life. No one can replace you in my heart. I love you so much abah. All the memories are still fresh in my mind & I will treasure them till the end of my life. Happy Father's Day abah & to all the abahs in the world. My prayers are always be with you.....Al-Fatihah.....

Think Pink, Live Green

My day was full of sunshine until my casual conversation with my colleague in the afternoon turned out gloomy. She declared that she underwent diagnostic test after she felt pain & realized there is a lump on one of her breast. The doctor suspected it was breast cancer but the actual result will be out this Saturday. The sad part was when she received the news on her birthday yesterday, 13 June. Though I got to know her for less than a year but my heart breaks into thousand pieces. I felt so sorry for her. Her tear drops like the rain in the summer & I can see it through her eyes the sorrowfulness whenever she mentioned about her family.

When the news break within the circle of my friends, then I realized that this silent killer can attack to any of us no matter how well you take good care of your health. It is a lesson for me to be alerted on any minor changes. I started to browse for more info on breast cancer. Most of the sites advised to do regular screening. For those above 40 years old, an annual mammogram is advisable followed by MRI after 6 months. Regular check-ups will lessen your risk apart from your regular exercise, avoid smoking & alcohol & sufficient vitamin D. 

Diving at Perhentian Island, Malaysia in July 2012

So dear ladies, a gentle reminder to love yourself more than anything in the world. Try your very best to live life healthier. Eat healthy  fresh food & avoid grilled, barbecued & smoked meat. Don't be too long under the sun & use sunscreen. Use less cosmetics & avoid too much light exposure during night time. That very little action can turn into life savior.....think pink, live green.....

The Happiest Place On Earth

My darling niece, Mya Elisha & nephew Arif Aamil Hamka

It is the happiest place on earth. Children from all around the world dream to be there. Even adults too!! Happy faces are everywhere. Laughing, giggling, smiling....are seen at all faces. Once you got in, you wish that you will stay there forever. Yesss.....it is a happy land. Young o& old, boys & girls, mommy & daddy, brothers & sisters....all are having so much fun.

Disneyland Paris in October 2007

Thank you Mr Walt Disney for creating  such an extra ordinary amusement park that gives happiness to all visitors. I remember my first exposure on Disneyland was through a television show called The Mickey Mouse Club. Love watching a group of children singing M...I...C...see you real soon K...E...Y... why because we love you M...O...U...S...E... From that moment, I have always dream to visit Disneyland & meet up with Mickey Mouse :)

With Mickey Mouse at Disneyland Resort
Anaheim in July 2011

I think being a child makes you extra special because most of your wishes will come true. Yes, true enough. My wish came true in 1981 when my late Abah (dad) brought me & family to Disney World Florida for vacation (and I am still trying to dig out the photos for sharing :p). It was the happiest moment I have ever had. I felt that I was really dreaming when I met Mickey Mouse in person. No words can describe my feelings at that time.

Disneyland Hong Kong in March 2010

Well, now grown up and still I will not missed out any opportunity to visit Disneyland any where in the world. In Asia, there 2 countries with Disney signature which are Hong Kong Disneyland, Tokyo Disney Resort. Soon another Disney Resort will be opened in Shanghai by 2016. So far, I've been 4 times to Hong Kong Disneyland. Personally, the overall ambiance are similar but a bit smaller so 1-day is enough to walk around hehe

With Goofy at Disneyland Resort Aneheim in July 2011

So many activities you can do there like fun rides, photos with Disney's characters, shopping merchandising, watching parade & fireworks, band performances and many more. Of course it's a must for me to snap photos with all my favorite characters despite having to queue for hours. Also collecting my photo at the counter after my Space Mountain ride hehehe

Disneyland Resort Anaheim in October 2009

After each visit, I will definitely mesmerize all the things and fun  activities  that I have done in my little secret Mickey Mouse diary. I am blessed that I have that many golden opportunities to visit Disneyland. I will make another wish that to bring my whole family especially my sweet adorable little niece Mya Elisha & Nephew Arif Aamil Hamka to visit their favorite friends Mickey & Minnie Mouse in Anaheim LA soon :)

Cześć! Jak się masz?

The boys are counting hours to the 1st game of EURO 2012. Frankly speaking, I am not a big fan of football game but the ambiance & atmosphere during the tournament are tremendously colorful & cheerful even in Malaysia. It is a tradition for Malaysian to watch football with family & friends at Mamak (Indian Muslim) stall which is the most popular outdoor spot to hang out, eat, drink & laugh at top of our lungs without worrying about other people sit next to us. Furthermore these stalls operate round the clock, offer cheap food & drinks & big screen for football games.

Mamak stalls in KL are the hottest nite spot to hang out

Well, do you remember Paul the clairvoyant octopus that predicted the last European Championship & the World Cup in South Africa? His overall record from the 2 championships was 12 correct from the 14 attempts. Although now Paul is a history, he has a worthy heir, a Polish-based Indian elephant named Citta. I saw her in the news yesterday. She predicted the 1st game of Group A - Poland vs Greece. Human beings are such a craze. They tabled down 3 melons with flags on each melon. Polisg flag, Greek flag & banner proclaiming a draw. Citta confidently chosen the Polish flag as the winner. Let see tonight if Citta is as good as Paul :)

With friends watching Malaysia vs Singapore at National Stadium in July 2011

Since the time zone is a big gap between Europe & Malaysia, the fanatic fans definitely have to give up their sleeping time just to watch the games.  Most will come late to work, take emergency leave or even medical leave. Don't worry boss, this will only last for 3 weeks. Give them a break. It will spark them up after the tournament ends hehehehe So friends, plan your sleeping time watching the games :)

 8 Jun 2012

11:55pm: Poland vs Greece (Group A) - TV3, Astro Arena 801
 

9 Jun 2012 
02:45am: Russia vs Rep Czech (Group A)
11:55pm: Belanda vs Denmark (Group B) - TV3, Astro Arena 801

10 Jun 2012
02:45am: Jerman vs Portugal (Group B)
11:55pm: Sepanyol vs Itali (Group C)

11 Jun 2012
02:45am: Ireland vs Croatia (Group C) - TV3, Astro Arena 801
11:55pm: Perancis vs England (Group D)

12 Jun 2012
02:45am: Ukraine vs Sweden (Group D) - TV3, Astro Arena 801
11:55pm: Greece vs Rep Czech (Group A) - TV3, Astro Arena 801

13 Jun 2012 
02:45am: Poland vs Russia (Group A)
11:55pm: Denmark vs Portugal (Group B)

14 June 2012 
02:45am: Belanda vs Jerman (Group B) - TV3, Astro Arena 801
11:55pm: Itali vs Croatia (Group C)

15 Jun 2012
02:45am: Sepanyol vs Ireland (Group C) - TV3, Astro Arena 801
11:55pm: Ukraine vs Perancis (Group D)

16 Jun 2012
02:45am: Sweden vs England (Group D) - TV3, Astro Arena 801

17 Jun 17 2012 
02:45am: Greece vs Russia (Group A) - TV3, Astro Arena 801
02:45am: Rep Czech vs Poland (Group A) 

18 Jun 2012 
02:45am: Portugal vs Belanda (Group B) - TV3, Astro Arena 801
02:45am: Denmark vs Germany (Group B)

19 Jun 2012 
02:45am: Croatia vs Sepanyol (Group C)
02:45am: Itali vs Ireland (Group C) - TV3, Astro Arena 801

20 Jun 2012
02:45am: Sweden vs Perancis (Group D)
02:45am: England vs Ukraine (Group D)  - TV3, Astro Arena 801

Flower Power

Surprised birthday party by Marketing Dept FINAS in April 2010

Ladies are usually obsessed over flowers. We will expect bouquet of flowers delivered to our doorstep on birthdays or valentine's. They don't really care what type of flowers as long as the bouquet comes in a nice package. But I believe many of us prefer roses as it symbolizes love, beauty & passion. The colors also have different meaning like for example, red rose means love & respect; white rose means innocence & secrecy; yellow rose means joy & friendship. But guys, avoid sending yellow carnation which means rejection or orange lily which means hatred, or else you will be sorry hahahaha

Appreciating hibisus at Cameron Highland, Malaysia in June 2011

In general, flowers have been a symbol of beauty for most cultural in the world. For Malaysia, Bunga Raya merah or red Hibiscus was adopted as the national flower on 28 July 1960 by the 1st Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman. The Hibiscus was chosen because the 5 petals representing the Rukun Negara (National Principles) to unite the people & the red color representing the courage of Malaysians. Though hibiscus has no smell, but the this flower has many healthy benefits like hibiscus tea which is popular as natural diuretic & contains vitamin C and minerals. The petals & leaves are also use as hair treatment that make your hair grows shiny & healthy. In Pacific Islands, the petals are used in salad whereas in India are used as shoe shine. Wow!!! Such a wonder for such a little flower :)

Lovely flower pots at San Remo, Italy in October 2006

Personally, I believe that flowers emit aura & increase the positive energy. In Malaysia, many of us especially the Malays will perform mandi bunga (flowers bathing) regularly or at least once in their life time which is a day before their wedding ceremony. It was believed that flowers hold mystical powers that can enhance ones beauty naturally. For Chinese, they believe that peony is the flower fairies or king of flowers in which will bring luck & prosperity if it is hung in the house or office. Whereas for Indians, they will use flower garlands as part of the wedding ritual in exchanging the garlands between bride & groom. Also never give frangipani or white flowers to Indian community as they are are used at funerals only.

Giant flowers at Disneyland Hong Kong in March 2008

So many occasions in life that involve flowers like weddings, birthdays, funerals, dinners and many more which I feels that flowers play an important in our life. Flowers make us happy, cheerful & calm. Appreciate gardens that blooms with colorful flowers. Smells the flowers whenever you can. Decorate your living hall with fresh flowers. You will see the difference....its the flower power!!!