The Legendary Sword

The Perfect Gift.

2011-07-30T00:19:00.017+08:00

MJ's in my soul. Everything seems to be together to strengthen the bond, her thoughts, her mind, her likes and dislikes , aspirations, her concerns and love. Infact I think I also have some of her rashes or is it Dad's? Now it was about the perfect gift for two of my lovely angels. My daughter Liyana and my daughter in law Syieda. It so happens their birthdays falls one day apart from each other and so everyone seems to want to have some sort of celebration, and a surprise. This was also due to that Syieda being her first birthday to be celebrating with us after her marriage to Fakhri. Liyana always loves birthdays and presents since she was a child and everyone knows that.

You know how Daddy is always the one the least interested to think about having to choose the perfect birthday gift. This time around, Daddy is determined to change. All because of MJ, the iron lady herself. MJ use to say " its not like everyday the occasions of birthdays, and that it is not expensive gifts that are important during birthdays or other special occasions but the thoughts of it. She is right Daddy thought and it may not be an expensive one, but there must always be a present during those special occasions like birthdays. What would it be if MJ were to choose for a perfect birthday gift?

I remembered asking MJ for my wedding lets go to the goldsmith and get a gold ring for the dowry. I wanted to make the ring to be given for the wedding dowry (emas kahwin) including some other presents, however MJ had a different idea. She slip a pendant into my hands and says, "This is my present to you for this joyous occasion" you buy a necklace to make it the gift". Perfect I thought and so for my wedding, the dowry it was the pendant and the gold necklace. I was so touched by MJ's gestures of love through the gift of the gold pendant, I told MJ, this is just too much for me. and she says "it is not mine it is all Allah's, just take it" and so to make a gift the perfect gift MJ's Pendant it was with the necklace.I shed some tears because I find true sincerity in her.

So what would be the perfect gift for the birtday girls? You guess right, a pendant it was for two of my lovely angels. Syieda and Liyana. Thank you MJ, and like I always say you are my inspiration and you never fail to ease my mind and provide me with the comfort and confidence to go forward in my life and to make things happen for me with my own life and my family. I love you again and again MJ. Thank you and thank you again. You will always be in my heart. Though you did not mention it I know that you are happy too, had you been here with me to celebrate this special occasion.

To Liyana and Syieda, I want both of you to know how much we all love you and so does MJ had she been here, she would have loved to hand it herself to you a special gift like the pendant. MJ lives in isolation and she obviously cant be here and you know it too. Just give prayers and may Allah give her strength to go forward with her life in confidence and to smile always in the journey within the oceans of heaven towards the unknown destiny.

For both of you, I wish you happiness always and may you both receive Rahmah from Allahsubhanahuwataalaa always.... Like I always say, occasion like this is a lovely memory that we shared and the happiness that comes with it is temporary and will become history until we reach our destiny. Love and Think of Allah always and you will be there. Insyallah.

Love you always

Never by : Joe Ismyl

Between Your Hands

2011-07-18T08:06:00.005+08:00

I travel in the oceans of your eyes without knowing my destination. You held our hearts in between your hands and I asked you Ya Allah, do not leave this heart, What would it be without you. This heart will not reach the inevitable the impossible, the envision destiny. If you leave it empty without you in it.

At the moment of my lowest and you at the highest, take my heart, hold it close to yours, take it a little more and more closer for this heart will not withstand the might and the shower of your gifts. Bring this heart to a safe destination and soothe it from harm.

You that have created the miracle in me and all the miracles in our hearts please create just this one more miracle so that this heart shall stay a safe space in within you always so we would walk the isles of your love towards heaven.

Never by : Joe Ismyl

Here I am

2011-07-02T09:48:00.009+08:00

Dear MJ

Here I am sitting infront of the house in Putrajaya, a rest area besides the car porch. The sitting area over looks the view of the area where I live, and you could see the blue sky, the neighbors house and ofcourse what ever comes with it. While running my thoughts and emailing everywhere as usual, the thoughts of you taunted my mind again. You know I love you MJ, and you used to tell me that you have never forgotten to 'doa' for all your children everyday. You want all of them to be successful people. Now you can rest assured that they are all on their own and successful in their own rights. Son or daughter it does not matter for you, you love them the same. even your inlaws. Good to have both. Your daughter can also help you with the cooking, or to cut your hair. You need them too...... Always remembered your advice, to work hard and that I must be strong. You said you always pray for the best for me, everyday. You gave me the prayer Mat and tasbih. Sorry that I did not bring the tasbih everywhere I go, but I still have you in my mind all the time. Your advice to make sure to Solat everyday, and do the Dhuha prayers, all of which advices, I am also giving those advices now to my children. I followed all your advices MJ, recite the Yassin and read the Quran every eve of Friday, and do the "Solat Hadjat"and recite all those beautiful verses. Now that my children almost all of them having their own life to follow on, I felt the same you did when you expressed your love through your advices and reminders. I do the same. The advices and thoughts about going for pilgrimage in Mecca for the Umrah or better still the Haj. Just save and spend you said, as it is worth the money. The returns from Allah is tremendous, double, or quadruple you said . How I wished I could go again to Mecca, with you if only you could. Insyallah with Allahs blessing you would see me going to Mecca.

I was following you everywhere before this from the others but since I know you were safe and back to normal, I started bringing you in my thoughts everywhere, in everything that I do always. This is how pure love is from person to person, the feelings right now, sincere and honest. I know MJ, though I have never realised I had these feelings, as I was complacent with things and selfish with my own life, I did not care until I realised how fragile you had become and hurt with everything that had happened with your family, losing your husband and afterwards on your own with all your energy, bringing love to all your children so that they are together.

I was hurt too MJ, only Allah knows. I have done everything that I could, just like you, giving all that I hve got, but maybe I was not as good as you. I cant bring my big family together and to foster good relations amongst my brother and sisters. I have given time and energy to ensure that what you had wanted becomes a reality and sacrifice my focus on my own carrier and family for your idealistic aspiration. My only wish and hope is that I have done everything possible as now I am on my own doing my own things without having to think too much about them anymore as they do not need them anymore from me. Ofcourse I think about you all the time.

I know MJ, like you said, Allah Subhanahuwaataalaa spared this feelings about love to you and always teaching me how to love him. It is his gesture that I felt this love as a gift from Allah The love we felt is a gesture from Allahsubhanahuwataala in teaching us how to bring Allah closer to us. Just remember Allah is closer than the beat of our hearts!! Syukur Alhamdulillah..... Allah spared us more knowledge with the experience of love so we could experience and visualize the ultimate!

Never by: Joe Ismyl

A Tic More Love

2011-06-28T15:49:00.025+08:00

My Dearest MJ

It has been so long since last I had made a posting. The reason is simple, I have lost the inspiration and idea. I have kept my thoughts hybernated. Of course I was also very much involved with my business venture that I do not find much time to pen my thoughts. I needed something, a figure that I thought could give me the life or the power to keep on writing.

Who is the person that really inspire me to write and I have sort of let it passed on without realizing that the true inspiration to write actually comes from a true Iron Lady, the true person that I could give credit to all my writings. The person virtually was the closest with me all my life, however this lost soul does not seem to come close to inspire as I did not find her in my soul only until now. Shame on Joe.

Mama Joe, yes she is that person, the person that has always given me everything with full of commitment and sincerity without asking back in return. Exactly the person that I should think of every time I need to write. Why have I not found her before? Boggling about the need to spiritually portray a figure whom I could write to, a person who inspires, who motivates, honest and provide the true love that I needed to energise my life, my mind , my thoughts and my soul. I had thought of so many other figure person, when infact she was right infront of me and all through my growing life. She is the person that really was there and gave me the sincere support, the understanding and true love, I would address her as 'Mama Joe' or................. even better MJ. MJ comes to life in my soul so suddenly. Love you MJ.

MJ comes in my deepest thoughts and spiritually on listening to the song "Sedetik Lebih" the song by Annuar Zain. What lovely lyrics and melody. The song brought to life MJ the person that I have always had in my vision the person that have given everything all her life and have not taken anything back. My Iron Lady, MJ strong full of energy, soul and spirits. I would give tribute all my writings to MJ. Not Michael Jackson ya, Mama Joe, MJ.

She had gone through lots of experiences in her life and now needing love back from me, though she never ask. My appology to all my other sibblings, as I am taking MJ all for myself here so I will not talk about you guys coz she is mine and not yours. I think I love her more than you all. Sorry again. If I told you that she cried after so long that we were apart, you would not have believed me after all. She did too. What a lovely smile she has and always giving me that smile every time she saw me. I would hold her hands and tell her that I love you MJ. I would rub her hands and hold her fingers wrap it in between mine. Asked her what she wanted from me, and she would just say, she did not want anything, only my loving touches. "Sedetik Lebih", or just a "Tic More" of My love. I would rub her back and she would surely pull down my hands to rub her face so that I could shower her more with my loving touches. She felt hopeless before that and her spirits were seen alive and fully charged and motivated, immediately on seeing me. She does not lie a smile like lots others. Some people might give her lots of money or a fortune, or buy her things, or presents and anything that you could think of to please her, but that was not what she wants, she only wanted my love and attention. Some others want it all from her, diamond rings, gold neck-less to her house, her bank account and everything while I don't want anything from her, just her true love honestly and sincerely, her health, her life, her soul. She does not care about all those my dear, she only wants the end to be beautiful and shared with the one she loves most. Just remembered, I have always treasured the prayer Mat that she had given me and it was a message that even though it was a present, it meant to say that how much love we shared with people even MJ or your other love ones, the ultimate love is always Allah Subhanahu Watalla. YaAllahu Ya Rahman, YaAllahu Ya Rahim, YaAllahu Ya Razak, YAllahu Ya Karim.

Remember growing up as a kid and in my schooling days, you know how kids are they went to school then, always naughty and playing, and I was one of them, never thinking of MJ. Though MJ was busy with all her other stuff, as she is a driver herself with lots of energy and going through her life building her family and giving all she has got for her husband and children, giving the world what she has. I had forgotten to realize that I should have given all my life and love to her when she was younger and not at her age now. Its never too late. I am determined as my love has no bearing, but true and honest, My love is sincere and I do not give to take. After all she only wants to be at peace do not want anything but a shower of love until she return back to AllahSubhanahu Waataalla......

Virtual dream with regards the mecca trip that I had done with MJ, just the two of us, and we together in prayers to seek refuge from Allah...... You take care now MJ, just a Tic more... that was the best memory of my life. Anyone can create virtual dreams that becomes reality. It was and is real.

Never by : Joe Ismyl

Ketulusan Hati

2011-06-22T02:45:00.006+08:00

Cintaku tak berdusta
Tak mengenal ingkar
Tak kenal nestapa
Cintaku hanya indah
Hanya bahagia untuk selamanya

Apa yg kurasakan ini
Persembahan untuk dirimu
Kau dengarkan kasihku
*
Mencintaimu tak mengenal waktu
Tak mengenal puitis
Hanya tulusnya hati
Mencintaimu tak mengenal ragu
Keyakinan hatiku hanya untuk dirimu
Selalu

Cintaku tak berdusta
Tak mengenal ingkar
Tak kenal nestapa
Tak ada seribu janji
Hanya bahagia untuk selamanya

Apa yg kurasakan ini
Persembahan untuk dirimu
Kau dengarkan kasihku

Mencintaimu tak mengenal waktu
Tak mengenal puitis
Hanya tulusnya hati
Mencintaimu tak mengenal ragu
Keyakinan hatiku hanya untuk dirimu
Selalu

Apa yang kurasakan ini
Persembahan untuk dirimu
Kau dengarkan kasihku
Oooo

Miss You Mom

2011-06-21T00:09:00.000+08:00

Dear Mom

I know you must wonder, why it has been so long since last I had visited you. Though we don't see much of each other, I want you to know that my thoughts runs deep always thinking about you. I love you Mom and will always will.

It has been tough, my life bringing up my family of six. I am proud to have a lovely wife to share my ups and downs going through life destined for us. I am also proud to have been bestowed with lovely children now grown ups, though we still have to fend for their needs right through their Degrees and also the youngest almost 16 years old. However difficult our life is, we have learned to strive with patience and always going forward for whatever comes. I envied you my dear Mom, for however tough my life is, I know you must have gone through worst bringing up your own, including me to be what we all are right now, all the 10 of us. You kept your cool always coz you are one tough lady.

I am going through another change in my life right this very moment. I have quit being dependent on people so long ago. and I have learned a lot through my experiences as an officer in a small to a huge company. I was on my own without a Job, for a year. I have also learned on my own making a living out of new avenues, new environment and changes that you can't imagine.

I have now taken another bold step and again, by taking up new challenges, though I am sharing with others, all professionals in their own field and experiences. Each of us playing our own roles and together we are hoping to strike good fortune in the next three years. So you will actually see me working extra hard with my other partners to make our plan work Insyaallah with the blessings of Allah, we will all make it good.

I get news about you Mom, almost every other day, from my brother and sisters, those close by to you. I know with them you are in good hands and well taken cared. How can I ever repay all your sacrifices bringing me up. I remembered those times when I was a kid, you were always there for me. I still remembered how you had cared for me and especially when I got sick, making sure I get the most attention, feeding me, and made me go to sleep. I remembered you carrying me walking very far to the bus stand to catch the bus to the hospital. You cared for me till I get to sleep and watched me while I sleep, to check on my fever. How you help me to the toilet in the middle of the night. I guess you must have lost lots of your own sleep too, just for me, just to make sure that I was always alright. Still you were up early, to make sure that breakfast was ready for all the others, for Dad, and my other brothers and sisters.

The time when we were together in Mecca for the Umrah was the best time of my life. We did everything together. How lovely it was to push you on the the wheel chair to complete the rituals. It was all worth the trip. I had you all for my self and it was such a wonderful feeling. We were together right in front of the Kaaba seeking Allah's blessings, praying together. I love you Mom.

How I wish to always be there with you, but I have to do what I have to do, I have to go forward and get going. This is my time to make sure I give the best for my own family, my wife and my children. they also need me right? You still have the others close to you, the trusted ones to shower you with true love that you deserve for all your sacrifices for all of us and I am sure they are giving as much love and attention as they possibly can.

Sure I will be back to see you Mom, and hopefully soon....... Miss you...

Never by : Joe Ismyl

Happy Birthday from the Universe!

2010-10-22T19:52:00.012+08:00

It has been so long since last that I have written anything in my blog. I have been keeping really busy with schedules of my own business venture.

Its my birthday today and I have broken the 53 years. The record last year made was 52. Haha. Another year and another look into what I have achieved the past year. What and how much have I given for the good of my family, my friends, my country and the world. Nothing... still nothing....much. What happen the past year. Hard work and keeping my dreams and reaching forward.

Well, I have made my way into the Green technology world, and why not, it is the talk of the century. I think Green Technology is the best thing right now, be a part of it rather than letting the world disappear with the gas emission into the atmosphere, including carbon dioxide. You cant get away from headlines about global warming. It really is happening and where I am, Malaysia, the temperature keeps rising as I remembered throughout my life and now into my 53rd birthday. The Tsunami devastation and floods in Asia and volcanoes erupting elsewhere. Global warming is triggered mostly by greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

To tackle the impending disaster, the UK Government signed the Kyoto Treaty 1997, which came into force in February 2005. Under this agreement, 164 countries have committed to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, with the UK pledging a reduction of 12.5% from 2008 to 2012.

The Copenhagen climate summit was undone by arrogance of the rich and powerful nations. Having failed to agree a treaty to supplement the Kyoto Protocol, and having failed to set a timetable for agreeing such a treaty, opinions are inevitably split on how countries seeking stronger curbs on greenhouse gas emissions should move forward. The economist told BBC News that the US and EU nations had not understood well enough the concerns of poorer nations.

What better investment would be other than those that relates to the reduction of the gas and carbon dioxide in the Green Technology sector. Well this is real and a Japanese scientist have indicated that if nothing was done now, there will be a huge catastrophe much bigger that the Tsunami..

I hope by going into the mainstream of Carbon Capture technology and reducing of whatever we can of the carbon gas. we will be able to play our part in contributing to a green nation, a green world. We do have a way to solve the problem.

My Hybrid, Hydrogen on Demand, Cleanhydro and Carbon Capture anyone?

2010-08-21T16:36:00.004+08:00

Need to go Forward

2010-06-19T11:59:00.019+08:00

Have been idle for quite some time. Lots of changes have taken place in my life the last 2 years. First and foremost our shift from Johor Bahru to Selangor. What is it that really brought us to migrate to Selangor?

Till December 2008, It had been about six years for me earning a living through consultancy and services for the labor market in Johor Bahru. After a while, things had became too routine and the challenges weren't there. Its just my nature to be needing stimulation in my life and when things became idle I will start to think of changes and routes to take. The consultancy work that I had been doing are simple task which brings income but my ability was not tested. I had learned manpower trade from scratch and soon enough I have a steady pool of clients and know everything that I need to know about the business. The constant changes of the procedures made by the authorities has hampered the service industry for this sector.

My stint in a local Cranes company as the Head of Corporate Finance have come to a naught after about one and a half year since my skills and abilities were not tested to give a free hand in the process. Empowerment was not there to provide the right platform for positive changes to be made. Operational task is not my cup of tea and since the systems implementation and management engineering were not forthcoming, I had felt alienated within the system itself and it was time to move forward. When you can't lead to make changes, you follow,. When you follow without principals and improvements, you will become spiritually idle. Since you are spiritually idle and when you can't follow, you leave. So I left.

Some of my skills in the financial and business management had brought many involvements into analytical evaluation of business investments and through some financial consultancy work that I had secured, I had joined a new group to get myself involved in the execution of a fresh new project. This is stimulating and challenging and just fits me well enough. The positive evaluation and optimism with the business, I have made the sacrifice as a percentage stake holder in the business. The next three years will be proven the right business venture. Wish me luck.

Never by : Joe Ismyl

Just a small Celebration.

2010-05-22T13:50:00.004+08:00

Thank you Fakhri for organizing the occasion. Dinner at Delicious", Jalan Tun Razak. Some music to enlighten all of us while we had our choice of Western food. Lovely Iqeen, Imran's daughter was lsuch a chatter box like her Mom. We had a lovely Dinner and the presence of Imran, Intan, Iqeen and Shieda makes all the difference, from the expected lonely birthday celebration for Zaida. Ofcourse we would have been thrilled to have all our children with us for the Dinner. Nuha was in Poland for a month. Liyana in Miri attending her lectures and Hani is in JB.

Anyway, Imran is like our own family too and it did gave us the joy to have everyone with us for that special occasion. Happy birthday Zai.................... and Thank you Imran, Intan, Shieda and Fakhri and also little sweetie Iqeen.

Resolution 2010

2009-12-24T15:28:00.008+08:00

Just blank, can't think of anything to write. A little forgetful too nowadays, but I know age is catching up on me. I am always forgetting whether I had taken my pills every morning. Its going to be Christmas holiday tomorrow and so a long week end for me. Zaida was thinking of driving back to JB on Saturday, and will be on leave for the whole of next week. I will be staying in our Putra Heights home, will be working for another 2 days next week, before I go off to join her back in JB till the New Year. I do miss our home in JB, now that we are both working in Selangor. So it's going to be the end of 2009, What are my resolution for next year. Wow going into 2010..... The date 01.01.2010 will fall on Friday and it will be Fakhri's engagement. Fakhri is my only son and ofcourse we always pray for his well being. I really hope everything will turn out well, for both of them, Fakhri and Shida. Zaida will be busy preparing for the occasion and we have invited our brothers and sisters and some friends those we have considered like families.

Resolution 2010, first and foremost, I would like to give more attention to my youngest daughter. She will be taking her SPM examination next year. Secondly, I want to start to do some exercises begining 2010, maybe take up Tai Chi or just do some breeze walking every morning or something, and slowly quit smoking. My third resolution might go together with number two,as I want to shed off some couple of pounds. I do not understand it, Iv got a few pants that I can't wear since we shifted to Selangor, and it has not even been a year. Can't do too much can you. Lets keep the rest a secret.

Next year my 2 daughters Nuha and Liyana would have completed their University Degrees and perhaps will go into the next phase of their lives, working life and forward by 2011. I am hoping for the best for my youngest Daughter, Hani too. Once Hani completed her SPM, we would be focusing on our planning for Haj. Do not want to be too late as I could already feel the aches in my body, the sign of aging. Wonder when Apar is going to do his. Just remembered, Yahya only just got his first Grandson from Mokhtar, I did one write up on Mokhtar's wedding. which I thought was a couple of months back. How time flies it's already going to be a year past. I heard too, that Yahya's daughter. Marsela is 6 months pregnant and soon there will be more. So far, three of my buddies is already a "Dato", Salleh, Man Burn and now Yahya.

Can't imagine what it would be like when all our children leave us.

Lets take the Ferry to Penang.

2009-12-06T21:29:00.027+08:00

Lets take the Ferry to Penang. We started early Sunday Morning in between the wedding function of Azam and Intan Ardina. The "Nikah ceremony" was over on Saturday and the morning of Sunday was free as the wedding reception will only start at about 1.00pm. We didn't want to waste that beautiful morning as Penang Island was just about 15 minutes drive from "Jawi Inn", the place where we had lodge. Had breakfast in Georgetown and wasted no time to get into the ferry to cross over to Penang Island. The smooth ferry ride took us out from the car to witness the enchanting view of Penang water front. The cool morning breeze gave us that soothing feeling that brought us to capture the scenic view with great pleasure. On landing, in the midts of curiosity to find the way out and which way to go, left or right or left, and right we go, there was "Ford Conrwallis"., right next to the Ferry Terminal. Didn't want to stop, as there was so much to see but little time to spare. We decided to just drive around and enjoy the view and snap some pictures to treasure the trip.

Wondering where to go, Bukit Merah or just drive around the town but ended up driving right to the beach front at the famous tourist destination of Batu Feringgi. The beauty of Penang Island with a mixture of old and modern buildings, clean and well placed. Sunday must have been an advantage for us as there were not much traffic unlike the weekdays.

Stop over right infront of the "Spice Garden" and sat at the stalls by the beach, while the children walk along to enjoy the beautiful sand beach of Batu Feringgi. Slabs of stones by the beachfront, I guess were reasons how Batu Feringgi gets it's name as "Batu" means Rock in Malay.

As a geologist final year student in Curtin University, I guess Liyana would find her observation of the stones meaningful as she was heard explaining some terminologies of geology. It is not that very often Zaida and me managed to bring our three daughters together at the same time, as other than Liyana, Nuha is also in her Final year Architectural student in UiTM, and they seldom were together. Hani as always , is happiest when her other two sisters were around. So apart from the beautiful Penang Island, just being together makes it a more meaningful trip.

Had drinks and some food, before it was time to go, as the wedding function starts at about 1.00pm and we needed some time to get ready to pack as well as dressed up for the occassion. We had planned to drive back home right after the wedding reception.

We crossed the Penang bridge to get back to the hotel just like what the children had wanted. The afternoon drive was brisk and smooth since there were not much traffic, unlike the jams during rush hours on most week days.

All in all , we had a lovely outing and spared not a second to make our trip to Penang more enjoying and meaningfull.

What The Future Was to be, a Reunion.

2009-11-29T20:43:00.019+08:00

Some had made it 30 years before meeting again. It was to be the x-SIGS batch 71-75/77 Mini Alumni and I was present for Zaida's sake. I had organized the same Mini Alumni X-SABeans only about 2 weeks ago and had told Zaida, why not you try to bring your old school mates to meet again. From my own experience it was really great to be meeting old pals. You would see for your own, what the future you had imagined to be. So it was, Zaidah had made some contacts with her old school mates and Sunday for tea at "The Cawan" Bangsar. Oh Dear, "What would I do when you all spend time chatting away with your old time buddies?" I asked Zaida. Well, she said "What did I do when you meet your old buddies the last time my dear?" That question answered it all, she had stand by me through it all, and I will have to do the same. Bee, Bo, Anna Rani, Syariah, Azi, Rozi had promised to come. Zaidah was all excited the day before and had made sure to remind me about the gathering. Well, I know all of them. Bee and Bo were also close to me back than during the school days. Tea Dance, Teh tarik or Roti Canai it was, or birthday celebrations. We use to meet and also some other dance parties too Well, we were teenages and we had shared some lovely memories, but I fail to remember, how exactly we got to know . I remember Anna Rani and the sisters. Remember the times we will sure to stumble upon each other while walking to school, going the opposite direction to our own school. We lived around the same area. I would most likely be with the same batch of guys like Daeng Mansur, Daeng Idris, Daeng Zulkifli, Syed Syaffik, Syed Rahman. Anna Rani will surely be walking along with her sisters, Aini and Alina. A smile, and some cheeky remarks were shared, boys will always be boys.

Azi is Mustaffa Ahmad's cousins and I attended her birthday party. Mustaffa is ofcourse my kampung Buddy and school mate. Syariah, I've known her through aquantances with Bo, Bee and Cee back than and she married My good friend Kamal whom had sinced passed on due to acute sickness. Ruziah is someone whom I got to know after I married Zaida.

That was what the future was to be and the photographs tells the story of how close the gang was back during school days. I thought "The Chatterbox cafe" across the street might be more befitting the atmosphere, rather than "The Cawan". I had behaved the way that I should, and had stayed on to make it memorable even for me, just like what Zaida had wanted. A little bit dismayed with my school buddies, all of them had made other arrangments before hand. and couldn't make it. Should have planned this outing next time, so that my school buddies would meet at the same time when Zaida's school buddies meet. It would be a happening more than the laughters and giggles from the ladies. At least more happening for me then smoking away ciggarettes after ciggarettes, god knows when I will quit.

Once in awhile, I do had a chance to get some attention when the topic needed my remembrance of events and people,. Other than that, these ladies are so glued up with their own thoughts, past memories and latest updates that I don't get a chance to stay on course. It was fun though earsdropping some of the things that was mentioned. Be with the men, I thought, but this is to be for Zaida, so keep smiling and be a good boy.

My three angels Nuha, Liyana and Hani came along had a drink and left to do window shopping at the shops and the Mall right next door to the cafe. Bo's children were there too and came back again twice after going round all the blocks of shophouses around the area. The grand children of Anna Rani (Puan Sri) were also there. Oh my gosh, Grand Children. Azi also has 2 Grand Children. How time really fly.

Giggle, after giggle , laughter after laughter and when the notebook was passed around for telephone contacks and email addresses from everybody, I knew it was going to be time to go, and the wait was all worth it coz seeing how happy the ladies were, makes me happy too. I would be joining again the next time but surely with my old buddies too, to make my day. What is more important is the lovely memories that everyone had shared, meeting again after so many years brings back lovely memories of the past and at the same time foster good relations amongs close buddies.

What the future was, now? Some callories, wrinkles, white strands, fortune and misfortune for others, but friends will stay friends forever, and the memories will linger on for the rest of our lives.

Tired

2009-11-11T11:21:00.002+08:00

My name is Zool Far Car Bean Is Smile

2009-10-24T00:32:00.008+08:00

My name is .... I hope you will listen carefully .... "Zool Far Car Bean Is Smile." You might want to call me far or Car or which ever one you like, just don't. I repeat, Please do not call me Car fakkarl or Zooo.... as people might misconstrued my name to other things. If I let you call me by your own pronunciation than I might be called a zoo, a car or a fxxk or fxxkxar, You might as well call me a Truck or something else. Fxxkxar My market value might just drop down below zero and all the ladies or even some men might just get away. I do also have a bin Ismail after my first name, but I am not a cousin, a brother or anything to do with Bin Laden. You might want to call me Bin, but thats not a name at all, Bin signifies "a son of" and so, Bin Ismail means the son of Ismail. Rather confusing isn't it? So what should you call me then?

Met an american one time and we exchanged business cards. He read my business card and started grinning and gave me a sharp synical look, Paused and started to try pronuncing my name. He says "I hope I do this right" hmmm " Zoool fair currr" and again "fairrr.....(paused) curr?? I returned a sharp grin, smiled and said, you can just call me Joe.......... and so Joe Ismyl it was, a name thats more glamourous I think, might get commercial and easy to pronounce. Just call me Joe...... Well, everything is Joe, Joe this Joe that and Joe, you know Joer, Joe. Well, at least Joe is better than Partam meaning very dark or whatever? Or Ling, The Hindus might get upset if you add Ke infront of Ling. You bring it together and call me Keling, how would you feel? Call me Joe Ok and please never ask for my identification card or even my business card. After all it's easy to remember Joe right? and you can take my handphone number instead if you are worried to miss my contact. maybe I should just print Joe in my business card, that should do the trick. What do you think?

I know a lady who never gets to get a credit card or a loan and her name is "Chin Won Pay". So she just won't pay why should anyone gives her a loan or credit card. "Tan Ku Ching" is not too bad, at least Kuching in malay only meant a Cat. Or another friend "Cool Deep Sing" . A better name don't you think so, very cool indeed going deep? imagine fark currr? I have another friend, his name is Camel. Friends started to call him Unta in Malay.

Two former collegues one was Lan and the other Chow. They finally quit sitting together as when we call both of them their name combine became Lanchow, which is your private part in Chinese. Oh my... Why am I writing all this. Just call me Joe ok. It's a lovely name Joe. Very simple.

My real name is Zulfakar a name in Arabic is the Sword of the Prophet of Muhammad. It's really a lovely name isn't it, until some Americans try to make fun of it. So call me Joe. And Joe Ismyl it is, a name that will make everyone smile. My blog name finally became "The Legendary Sword" which signify my name as the Sword of the Legendary Prophet, ... Muhammad. S.A.W.

What has 52 got to offer....

2009-10-22T10:59:00.020+08:00

It's the 22nd of October 2009 and it is my birthday. Turn 52 today. Birthday is a teririble thing as you have to add up another year to your age. Think young and you will always be young, that's what everybody says. That's easier said than done, and especially when your body start to feel the ache and your muscles start to strain on you and you have to catch your breath now and then.

The wishes that comes in makes your day. Naturally changes were there, approaching the 50 bracket and it is not just about your body. My children started to leave to further their studies. Nuha completing her degree in Architecture , Liyana also in Curtin Univesity in Miri taking up Geology. Fakhri looks quite well attached with Petronas in the safety division. So I will not try to look younger or be younger though I do colour my hair just to look better. If you do not change than the circumstances and the people around you will make sure you will fit your age. Now I have 2 or 3 strands of white hair within my left eyebrows.

I've basically migrated to Selangor from Johor and looks like settled to be permanent here till I retire. Zaida was transferred to the Ministry of Education only last week and working in Putrajaya. I know how sad she must have been leaving SIGS. I knew how she had loved that school. She sacrificed all that just to be with me in Selangor. It would be a good change. I know how hardworking and committed Zaida was all the years working as a teacher. I know the work load teachers had to shoulder. I have always encouraged Zaida to do her best in everything that she does and especially the teaching profession a very noble job. She did very well and when she left she was a Senior teacher to head the co-curriculum, any newcomer would find it extremely difficult to keep up with the standards she had set. I shed a tear watching the video clips she brought back after her farewell. Oh my my, and lots and lots of presents. We were definitely made for each other and we should be together. So now we are putting our things slowly together to make Selangor our home. And going forward.

Hani will complete her Form 4 exams and join us in Putra Heights soon. Hani also changed a lot this year and appears more reliable and serious with her schooling. She appears to have found what she wants and I am so pleased. She is a Taekwondo 2nd Dan Black belter, she swims and now taking up guitar lessons too. We can't measure up to the warming up exercies that she teaches us. Knowing how aggresive she was I was making sure that her time was all filled up with activities.

I feel sad too at 52, not because I am aging but because I had left Johor Bahru, where our real home is in Taman Perling. Since most of my siblings reside in Johor and also having to have to see less of Mom. Mom is turning 90 this coming November 09. She appears to be down this year, quickly tired and less energetic. She is well taken cared by my eldest sister.

And yes, we are leaving our home in Johor Bahru as it was and contemplating to go back once in a month. I hope that will be often enough. Oh my, there goes my usual teh tarik aktiviti with Mail my dear brother in Law, and not forgetting Said his neighbour who would normally tag along, how about the barber, and the Mamak and my neighbours. I am starting to miss all those, but I have to get on and go forward. It's not that we are seeing each other often when we were in Johor Bahru, Kak Ngah, Kak Ros Mastura, Munira, Bang Zais, Kamal, and all the rest Mail and so on. Bang Omar, Kak G. It's more like just being apart and away unable to meet or see each other when we want to. hmm...I miss the straits of Johor and Danga Bay too... there's lots more that I would miss I am pretty sure.

Well, now, what do I have in Selangor. First and foremost I have a reasonable Job. Fakhri is nearby in Ampang, and not that we will see him often with is busy schedule and work commitment. Fakhri is almost always outstation. At the moment in Bintulu, than Kerteh, than Kuantan and everywhere else. Reminded me of how I used to be when I was his age, always outstation on assignments. It's Ok when you are younger. Nuha lives with us in Putra Heights and again, she will most of the time be in the studio doing all those building designs and projects for her Arch Degree. Once a week end maybe we will all be home in Putra Heights, minus Liyana in Miri or Fakhri. Fakhri has his own place in Ampang. I've got Big brother Hj Kamil living nearby in PJ, a sister Kak Uda down in Sepang and also nieces and nephews, Es, Ayu, Yus , Radzeen also nearby. If you take the highway that is. How about uncles, mother's side a plenty., Ayah Usop, Ayah Atan, Uncle Loy, Mak Anjang, and more. A brother in Law, Mok also closeby. Not forgetting lots of cousins every where in Selangor and Wilayah Persekutuan., that I can remember, Khir, Rozi, Aizan, Harry, Rina , Noreen, Norli, and many more Wow, thats a lot man. Hm, maybe I should organise a house warming party or Barbecure. hehe.

So that's how it is, when you leave, something else comes by when you loose you gain something else and this will go on and on till you finally leave for good. What comes next nobody knows, just go forward one step at a time, you won't feel it, if you don't think about it. What I want to do is to go on creating lovely memories that we can all treasure in our hearts.

How did I spend my birthday? Well, so far I've got wishes from all my children, wife , sister, nieces and nephews and some friends in FB. I woke up alone, Had breakfast with Apar and Salleh, Had Lunch alone and I am waiting for tea to see what happens. Next. I am expecting nothing though including dinner tonight alone I guess and also sleeping alone. Hehe. the reason is Fakhri is away in Bintulu, Nuha is struggling with her Projects, Hani is in JB, Liyana in Miri and Zaidah had to attend a seminar in Port Dickson till tomorrow. Ughhhhh.......... Happy Birthday Joe. I love you.

2009-10-16T08:34:00.004+08:00

A walking Affirmation: maaf itu sebenarnya lebih menyakitkan.

Jejak Kasih

2009-10-02T21:32:00.003+08:00

What a small world this is. My dear friend Mat Sehat, Ive not seen or heard for many years suddenly reappear into my life again. What a huge surprise this is as he is actually married to Badar a real good friend while I was working back then in Johore Tenggara Oil Palm Berhad. God knows where and how they met. This is something I would love to hear, the story behind the marriage. hehe.

Well, anyway Mat Sehat was then a customs enforcement officer in Johor Bahru and we were crazy about our FIAT 124 car series which was very popular amongs the Customs officers, which also caught my attention. We became close while I was operating a workshop with Man Keling in RAt Auto and there were others like Baha, the late To'el and some others too.

Badar was A Corporate Executive and we were working under the same bosses and very close indeed. Remember those times in JTOP Badar, when we use to quarrel and those happier times when we know how to fit in some enjoyment into our lives. Having to go through writing notes and assignment after assignments with the lead of our dear CEO the late Idham Kayat. Also not to forget meetings, after meetings and brainstorming. Just the slightest mention of his name reminds me of the tears we all shed when he had to leave us for good and the shock still crepts up now and then eventhough after years and years past. How I loved that man, who has nurtured all of us to look beyond our time and to be able to stand now on our own to face the challenges that we face.

Badar, nice to have met you here and wish you lasting happines with your love ones and ofcourse Mat Sehat. Do send my regards, and yes do keep intouch. What ever happen to all the rest. I wonder?

Indeed true Badar, Jejak Kasih... hahahah

True Companion

2009-09-29T16:32:00.003+08:00

A Beautiful Hadith

Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihe wasallam) said: 'When a man dies and his

relatives are busy in funeral, there stands an extremely handsome man by

his head. When the dead body is shrouded, that man gets in between the

shroud and the chest of the deceased.

When after the burial, the people return home, 2 angels, Munkar and

Nakeer(names of two special Angels), come in the grave and try to separate

this handsome man so that they may be able to interrogate the dead man in

privacy about his faith. But the handsome man says, 'He is my companion, he

is my friend. I will not leave him alone in any case. If you are appointed

for interrogation, do your job. I cannot leave him until I get him admitted

into Paradise '.

Thereafter he turns to his dead companion and says, 'I am the Qur'an, which

you used to read, sometimes in a loud voice and sometimes in a low voice.

Do not worry. After the interrogation of Munkar and Naker, you will have no

grief.'

When the interrogation is over, the handsome man arranges for him from

Al-Mala'ul A'laa (the angels in Heaven) silk bedding filled with musk.

Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihe wasallam) said: 'On the Day of Judgement,

before Allah, no other Intercessor will have a greater status than the

Qur'an, neither a Prophet nor an angel.'

Please keep forwarding this 'Hadith' to all ....because

Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihe wasallam) said:

'Pass on knowledge from me even if it is only one verse'.

May Allah bestow this favour on all of us.

AMEEN

Islamic News: I Was Taught to Hate Islam

2009-09-16T15:57:00.002+08:00

Islami News: I Was Taught to Hate Islam

Shared via AddThis

Life is but Memories

2009-08-18T06:26:00.002+08:00

Life is but only memories that pass by without you realizing. Appreciate the world and the universe and everyone in it and all time you have for it does not wait to come again. Good times are only those that you could turn it into good memories for you and others to treasure.

Tea Gathering at Istana Garden Johor Bahru.

2009-08-16T20:51:00.013+08:00

Had been months of trying to get everyone to come to terms with the date of the first meeting of the Operations Committee. Looks like everyone was either busy, unavailable or unable to make it because of geographical reasons. Azam is in KL, and now with his new Job in MMU, he seems to be even busier. Tessa has always been unable to meet with her personal obligation due to work commitments. Ezwan, works more than 7 days a week. All this are valid reasons for the members to be excused for not able to attend meetings. I am supposed to lead the committee to move the operations of WTCC and it really is hard to get everyone together at one time.

I have tried to make everyone to start discussing in the Google grouping website to no avail. It is either, the member was unable to sign in, due to technical problems, or the computer breakdown or not functioning well and in the end I was the only one still active. Well, I will try harder next time.

Anyway we had our first meeting more than a week ago and how time flies . We had some wonderful discussions and made some decisions. One of the items dicussed was the family yearly gathering which was only the updates as the seniors have decided to appoint one of the senior members of the main committee to undertake the "Malam Warisan TCC 2009" earlier . This we had acknowledge and given our blessings. That is Kak Ngah or Mama Nor, my eldest sister and this was discussed by either discussions through handphones and or email.

Anyway the event is coming the 3rd Hari Raya. It is normally the case we shall appoint sub-Committees from all the members whom would normally arrive one or 2 days before Hari Raya. What does the operations committee does is to agree on matters and to start orgnising the people who will take over from Mama Nor on the day or a day before the function. By that time most of the salient matters would have been decided and the committee will take action from what was planned.

Another event that we managed to kick off, is the Tea Gathering at Istana Garden Johor Bahru, Saturday 8th of August 2009. As expected the participants arrived at just about 5.15pm and first to arrive my family and me, and Mama Nor and family along with Mom being the early birds. Messages arrived from those who can't make it either through the invitation blog, short messages or phone calls. Others were Munira and children, Faisal and daughter, Hadi, Art and family, Insyirah and son, Kak Ros and family.

It was cloudy surrounding the Istana garden and rain would be unavoided driving into Istana Garden. We left it to nature to take it's cause and will try to find alternatives if it happen to rain, but it really didn't rain. nature had wanted the event to go on eventhough there was lots of setbacks. Received a short messages from Ezwan to opologise as he was already on the way to KL. Soon enough, Mastura called to say that she was feeling under the weather. Kak Ros called to ask about the weather, and that she would try to be there eventhough she has not been up to it for the past 2 days due to bad health. Lee had a bad ellergics affecting his legs and ofcourse all those overseas and living away will not make it to the event. We didn't expect all those outstation to attend ofcourse, and Bangwa with his ways always with commitment to oppologize for not able to be attending for obvious reasons, eventhough there was no need for one. Abang Omar and family and all the rest was also not within the vicinity.

What was most important, Mom had the opportunity to be away from home, to be outdoors and to be with some of her love ones. She was smiling upon arriving on a wheelchair. She mentioned that it was such a long time since she was at the istana Gardens. The kids were enjoying the outdoors and was running about playing. Checkout the group photos to see those who made it. Thanks to everyone that has made the event worth.

Communication

2009-08-14T13:04:00.006+08:00

Just had lunch and waiting for my coach for the trip to get back to JB. Real busy place Pudu station. Often wondered why the station that was almost throughout my life, has not changed much. Obviously crowded and noisy. Not really the kind of place I would like to be. But does it matter? Well if it can be better why not. Do we have a choice? Well, yes you could get the Flight or Train or you could drive your own. Each has it's pros and cons. I'm not driving today.

Well, anyway what I am getting at is not about the station, but about communication. We could get informed of just about anything anywhere in the world. As for instance here at the Pudu station, I just needed to plug into my laptop and here I am writing now. I could check my emails I could chat with anyone in the world. I could finish up on my assignments, write letters, do invitation, you name it. I could be at the beach you know doing the same thing, wishful thinking. I could even play chess, scrabble or whatever games we used to play back than all in here, this computer. I could even make calls and talk and could also see the person I am talking to through the camera. Amazing piece of equipment. For now, I am about to leave to get into the bus. I might just continue with this thing during my trip back. another 4 hours of travelling. till than bye.......

How good to be back home in Jay Bee. Can't do much in the bus as I felt suddenly drowsy, must be due to lunch, smooth ride, not much traffic this time. Stop over in Air Keroh for about half an hour and back to the highway. Reached Jay Bee at about 6.20pm and my wife was already there to pick me up. Saved time through short messages over the hand phones. Pick me up at Pekan Rabu nearer to our home in Perling.

So about communication, I told somebody the other day, a lot of problems could be solved through communication. People seems to take communication lightly and as such does not make a point to clear matters through communication. As for example if a person wants to confirm about something he had heard, it's typical of them asking others the story. Well, I said you don't get the real picture by doing that. Go and ask the person himself, ask the right question to the right people and get right answers. That's what happens with rumours, and normally the subject person would never be asked to get the right answer. I had one bad experience one day, when one of my nephew asked the sister why, I didn't respond when he spoke to me, is Uncle angry with him? Well, the sister told me what happen and to explain it, at the particular time I was so tired and sometimes your thoughts were somewhere else and did not really realise it. So ask the person himself whether he is angry with you, than you will get the right answer.

So communication is very important, coz through communication we get knowledge and through knowledge we will make right decisions. So how does all that got to do with internet? With internet you could connect with one another from anywhere in the world, and communication becomes easier unless you are willing to utilize all those amazing stuff, like computers, handphones, I-phones ane whatever. Imagine how much you would be left behind if you do not utilize all those stuff for communication. You will not get knowledge, and knowledge is the single most important thing for you to be in tendem with development and things. So go forward, you have a computer, use it, fixed an internet and get connected with the world. Get connected first with your family than you will know what I mean.

Peace, Happiness and divined Blessings

2009-08-14T08:17:00.006+08:00

Come another Ramadan and all our Muslim brothers and sisters, will be doing a month of Fasting the coming of Shawal. I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone and especially my Mom, brothers and sisters, my wife, Zaida, my son Fakhri, my daughters Nuha, Liyana and Hani, all my uncles, aunties and cousins, my nieces and nephews, my grand children and all my friends a peaceful Ramadan.

May you all be showered with happiness, divined blessings and all the joy of life from allah Subhanahuwataalla... Amin.

Never Loose a Key

2009-08-07T12:02:00.013+08:00

“Sure I have it with me. I have the keys”. Says Liyana. It’s my habit to ask her every time we were getting in or going out of the house. You know how it is when you get yourself locked out without the keys. Had a few experiences and was determined to make sure that the keys will not leave my sight.It was time to go, the flight was scheduled for 6.45pm. Liyana will need to check in at about an hour before the scheduled flight. Liyana was going back to Miri. She had made sure the house was cleaned and also everything packed before time and was counting on me to drive her to the airport. She must have worked hard to impress me as she had fixed up the curtain that I had brought back from the laundry and the house was glittering. Thank you Liyana, I love you. While we were leaving asked her again, “Liyana, where is the key?"“I’ve got it” Ive got it” she says. Please lock the door and grill” I said and waited for sometime, but she was still in the house. “What is happening Liyana?” and she say’s“I had it with me just now” meaning she was searching for the keys.. “Well, go and find it, it can’t be missing”I said. “Go and trace back what you did since last you came home. I’m sure you will find it” “It can’t be missing” I said again.

And so it was, half an hour later, no keys. Arkhhhh. Had to leave anyway, “ I have the spare so do not bother” I told her. In the car I was babbling about the missing keys. and told her “how could you be so absent minded”. I kept silent when I noticed Liyana had shed a tear. Anyway, we changed subjects and after a while we were already kissing goodbye and a few weeks had passed.

I was always thinking about the missing keys and especially every time I was getting in or going out of the house. I would be wondering how on earth could the keys be missing . She didn't even leave the house. I was determined to find the keys. Liyana did mention, that she had tried to trace everywhere but still failed to find it. Anyway, 2 days ago after a tiring day at work, I reached home and straight away lazed down on the sofa and almost immediately thought about the keys again. “It can’t be here in between the cushions of the sofa. “Liyana said she had tried to find the keys here too” I thought. Out of curiosity flipped up the cushion and Wallaaa……. the key was there. Hahahahahahaha!! I knew it can’t be missing. Took some pictures to show where exactly I had found it.For all you guys, make sure to be logical and double check everything, So Liyana, I have solved the case of the missing keys.

Charge : Losing the keys while sleeping on the sofa.
Verdict : Guilty.

Unplanned Trip back

2009-07-28T18:04:00.004+08:00

In one of my trips back to Johor Bahru, we did a stop over at Sri Malaysia for lunch. It was a lovely drive, travelling with Nuha as it was the week end, and I wanted to spend some value time with her. Even though it was not planned going home together was a fine way, and what a big surprise it was for Zaida and Hani.

I felt that we had been distance since she entered University. Bright child Nuha is, sharp and a fast thinker. She has a science degree in Architecture and now doing another 2 years for a full degree. It's the work of god that has brought us together, in Putra Heights. I am working in USJ and lives adjacent to Shah Alam, and I guess, she will have to adjust herself to stay in with me since she didn't get registered for the Hostel. Since most of her time she would be working on projects in the Studio, we would meet at home once in a week, during week ends, or whenever she does not have any classes.

Nuha, unlike Liyana and Hani is much more reserve in her thoughts and expressions, and especially towards me. I can't blame her though, since I was more strict with her and Fakhri when they were kids. Some adjustments would do the trick. It is not that far fetched till we can't communicate at all. It is more like, she was a little more respecting, a little, more shy and a little more afraid. I've known the problem for sometime and had wanted to break this gap. It only need a little more time before everything comes together. Nothing really serious. How wonderful it is to have her around the house, at least she could keep check on the loneliness factor. I am so fortunate as she keeps the house clean.

The stop over at Sri Malaysia, Melaka met us with brother Habib, who is a musician and was playing during Lunch hour. The lunch made all the difference with the sweet and entertaining live performance by my very own brother Habib. We talk and exchange updates during his break and it was always lovely to meet.

A little more than an hour and a half later we had to leave and the stop over was memorable, since I had that chance to meet a brother and my dear daughter Nuha with me.

Zaida and Hani didn't know that we were coming home. Continuing the journey we exchange short messages, Zaida and me, just to find out where she was and what she was doing. I had made sure that she least expected that we were close by. Arriving Johore Bahru, Zaida and Hani was already at the Noodle house, a favorite restraunt in Danga Bay. Indeed it was a big surprise for them as they least expected us turning up right infront of their noses. Hahahahahahahaha............................ What a lovely reunion, I must add.

Another Week End in Putra Heights

2009-07-26T19:47:00.010+08:00

Hani was always excited about coming to Putra Heights. Since she lives with Zaida back in Johor Bahru, any chance or excuse to travel up to Putra Heights to be with Nuha and me is something she would always look forward to. So it was a Friday she took a coach by herself as Saturday will be the day her Taekwando mates would be at the stadium in Ceras for the International Taekwondo friendly competition. So there I was, pick her up at the USJ rest area as it is more convenient and nearer to pick her there instead of the Shah Alam Bus terminal which is another about 15 kilometres. It was about 9.30pm, I was about 15 minutes earlier before the bus arrived. I thought Hani had grown a little more since last I saw her. Nuha and me were also excited about having her here with us for the week end. Felt pity and a little upset for Zaida as she had school matters to attend to, As a senior teacher theres much of responsibilities that she has to attend to.

Saturday we were at Bangi Golf Resort to attend a wedding reception and later right away to the Ceras Stadium for Hani's Taekwando activity. It was suppose to be good obesrvation for Hani to capture her experience of an international Taekwando competition as she might later have to compete herself. who knows.

I did enjoy the shows by the Korean's Team and also by our own Arm Forces team. How I had wished Zaida was with us. It was a pleasant surprise, at about 3.30pm, received an sms from Zaida, that she took a lift from her collegue who was going to Shah Alam and they were on the way. So Zaida would be with us for the weekend after all. Zaida reached Denkil R&R at just about 7.00pm, just about the time we were leaving the stadium for home.

So it was, we were at Dengkil Rest Area and there she was already about half an hour waiting. I was excited but kept my composure as both of us no doubt missed each other very much but was a little cold after some arguments some days back. After awhile things were back to normal. I was so thankful that she came.

On the way back to our home in Putra Heights, bought some Durians and we had a feast. Zaida loves Durians. Spent the night playing scrabble through the internet. Imagine this, we have 3 internet lines on laptops.

Nothing much this morning (Sunday) but we enjoyed each others company. Imran, Intan and little Iqleel came over at about 1.00pm. Brought us 'home cooked lunch' enough for everybody. Always lovely to have visitors. We enjoyed the food and also their company. Kind loving family friends. Imran married Intan who was Fakhri's collegue and they have a beautiful daughter Iqleel. Iqleel is always fun to have around, very inquisitive and talkative. Reminded me of Liyana when she was her age. They stayed over the whole afternoon till about 5 as it was time for Zaidah and Hani to take the bus back to Johor Bahru.

Sent Zaida and Hani to the Bus terminal in Shah Alam with a mixed feeling of wanting more , but to have to let go. We waited at the Putra Heights bridge crossing the highway on the way back, just to wait as the bus was passing by. Told Zaidah and Hani to watch out for us as we were waiting at the bridge standing at the side of the huge billboard right across the bridge. It was obvious by the expressions we gave that we were so happy to be waving to each other as the bus passed by the bridge. By all and all it was worth it for the memories. Thank you Allah. Just got a message from Zaida that they are now in Yong Peng, and it will take another hour before reaching Johor Bahru. Thank you sayang, for taking all the trouble to get here. Thank You Hani for always being a good girl and keeping Ibu company. Also to Imran and Intan for visiting us and providing us lunch. Those time well spent together was invaluable for all of us. Love you all.

Time is golden

2009-07-25T10:52:00.009+08:00

Used to tell my children that time is golden. Do not waste time with unimportant matters. Go read your school books and do something. Don't just watch TV. Managed your time. Well, those were the days bringing up my children all are now grown ups. Those days have gone, and how really fast time flies. It was just like only yesterday that I had told my children about time, How time won't stop to wait and that we must keep going and strive to better ourselves each running day. Moments become memories as soon as time flies. Remember the day I had told my wife that when the kids grow up, they will have to leave us. The days are coming nearer and nearer each day. After all the years, I do feel that I have not done enough for the children. What else are there to do? other than doing things for your children, Who else are there other than your friends, or your colleague or relatives. For the living what is left are memories that time had left us behind. We won't stay but the memories lives forever. The more we appreciate those moments with our children, family or friends the more fond memories that we had gather.

When we meet old friends we shall talk about fond memories that we used to have, those good old days we say. Only while we still have some of our friends to meet and to cherish those memories. When everyone is gone, the memories will stay only within you till it is time for you to go too. What is more important is making the best of the time that we still have. There is no time to talk about bad times or bad things. There is no time to get angry or to be moody. There is no time to quarrel or to argue. There is also no time to take, but only time to give. There is only time to live this moment, to make it beautiful while we can.

Cherish all your friends, all your relatives, your brothers and your sisters, or your Mom and Dad, Your Wife or Husbands. Just love them, love everyone and everything, while you can. If you love your friends, even more your wife or your husband........ whats left is love to love. For my wife... a night without you seems like a lost dream.....

Had a leaking hose.

2009-07-24T17:54:00.009+08:00

Serious looks, this man, A Galak. Met him during one of my assignments in Kuala Lumpur. Had to stop over at the workshop in Ulu Kelang, as I had a punctured hose and the car which was leaking needed immediate attention. A. Galak was repairing his radio aerial which was broken. Real nice guy, unlike his serious looks. We had a lovely chat while waiting for our car repaired. As we are both weekend husbands, me, home in Johor Bahru while, A. Galak, Kajang, we both work in Kuala Lumpur. It was a lovely moment to be talking live to this famous guy, a face which everyone would be familiar, an actor in the TV series, Gerak Khas. We were admiring the BMW M3 Sportscar parked in the workshop, which we felt a glimps of envy. Well, looks like my E34 was far than least noticeable as compared to the BMW M3. Nothing realy serious about the hose leak, only needed a change and take a second look to my BMW E34, doesn't it still look gorgeous. I love my car.

For my friend A Galak, it was nice meeting you and let me wish you success in whatever you do, Please make sure you keep your wardrobe in your car boot tidy.... hehe.

How I Wish

2009-07-20T01:07:00.013+08:00

How I wish to reverse the words I've said to you, but it is hard, coz I will love you again. Now I am seem to not love you, for my anger have made the words to be true. Soothe me with your loving touch, not the words of a misguided heart. Cool me down with your softness, that will give me strength to giving us more, to make me me again. The only anger that I have is my sincerity to you, that you have to punter again and again. How enthralled I am with your emotions all through our lives. again and again Thats all I've got. I can't give you all. I can't change what I am just for you, coz I only have what I need for me. Take me as I am, you have done it before. Come here to be by my side, to walk together, the path that is laid upon our lives, the little time that we still have, for the moment to treasure. Its not coming again that love, not anymore, coz it had been there and it had stayed and it is not going anywhere, Just keep it safe.

It is a Girl

2009-07-15T18:43:00.008+08:00

Nur Hani, is a name in Arabic meaning "The Light of Joy". As the name may seem to carry. It's meaning in bringing up this one, not anywhere near. Lots of attention was needed to attend to her. When Liyana was 4, I thought it was time for us to have another baby. Asked Fakhri whether he wants another brother or sister, he said no as always. Nuha was always ok and never minded, Liyana said yes. Frankly, I had wanted a boy and we did prayers together. We prayed for a baby. Taught the kids to pray like us, to ask for a new baby boy, but when I asked Liyana what she prayed for, she was playfully saying a girl, girl, Told her no no, boy and she says, girl, girl, boy, boy and giggle. Liyana was almost 4 years old and was naughty.

We were set for another boy. Zaida's pregnancy was planned the natural way, but don't ask me how. All through the pregnancy stages we were positively preparing for a boy. Zaida would choose colors of blue signifying a baby boy for anything that she buys for the coming baby. "So what else do we need?", I asked Zaida, a day almost near her due date. "Get a blue baby bathing tub", she says. Guess what?, I couldn't get a blue tub. All there was were pink tubs. I remembered, during one of the checkups, the Doctor said, "this must be a boy, he's so active". And just before she was whisked into the operating theater, the nurse also commented, this must be a boy. We did not actually bother but we really thought that the new baby was going to be a boy.

"We need to operate" the doctor says, "The baby was already a week late. We opt for a Cesarean for safety reason as the baby had not turned in and it was 28th December. a natural birth was not safe for the situation. Never did have the courage to watch all the other 3 deliveries what more that operation, never want to, big sized small heart, I might just faint half the way. Waited at the lobby.

Right after the operation, the nurse said (while pushing Zaida out of the operating room) "What man youuuu Daddddd, perempuan lah" meaning it was a girl. Another girl ooo... a girl that is. hmmm. What? oooooo. ok. girl ha... yes till I finally got back my senses... hehe. Alhamdulillah.

Very sensitive this baby. I had immediately noticed. When releasing the ledge to the window for fresh air saw her reaction when she hears the noise of a motorbike passing. It took her some years to get the hang of the sound of motorbikes. When there was a Motorbike passing by, she will run straight to Mom or Dad scared out off her wits. The same goes with the sound of the grass cutter's cutting machine.

As a baby, Hani was overactive, she only slept once everyday unlike my other children. Her cries always at the top of her voice. The neighbors must have also been affected by her cries in the middle of the night. She has curly hair and real cute, I thought. Her cute looks were charming in contrast to her robust running, jumping or climbing, like boys. No dolls for her no. Cars, pistols and all the boys stuff. was what she wants. She needed that full attention to make us sure that she was always safe. Imagine playing the whole day and never gets tired. She would only sleep when she was really pooped. She would just say "Hani want to sleep" and the next thing you know, total silence. So you can imagine how peaceful it was when she sleeps.

Her first word was "Ayah, meaning Dad. When she cries she will shout "Ayah, Ayah Ayah, ayah, Ayah" at the top of her voice., highest pitch she could go could you imagine when she awoke in the middle of the night crying . "Some Dad huh.... smacking away like nobody's business" the neighbors must be thinking. Apologetic always to our next door neighbors, meaning to explain that it was not Dad losing his cool at night. hehe.

She climbs everything, from cabinets to the door grills right to the top. Watch the wrestling match on TV and the next thing you know she would be pumping anybody who was lying down. She jumps , do the head roll, somersault and back swings.

Running about in the house is nothing. Never gets tired. Try to get her to sleep, you will end up sleeping yourselves. The kitchen utensils becomes her toys. The sofa is her gymnasium. She was fast learning to ride the bike and after a short time, she started doing the no hand stunt. She got hold of the scissors and had her own hair cut. She climbed up the hand washing basin to look into the mirror, broke the ceramics into pieces and cut her bottom. How about the running spree around the shopping complexes, going round in between everything that stands. Stop in front of a total stranger makes direct remarks like. "Ooooh gemuk nyer" meaning , "ooh you are so fat" or "eee besar nyer orang ni" meaning "eee so huge this man". Another remark she made to a stranger " E e hitam nyer" meaning e e so black" It was embarassing for us when we have friends getting the kind of direct and straight remarks from our cute little daughter.

She follows and does whatever I did around the house, like gardening, pulling out the grass, or washing the car, sweeping, wiping, vacuming. Even working on my spanners repairing things.

She will be waiting outside the door when I take my bath, and made sure she didn't loose sight of either me or Zaida. Hani gave us the task of bringing up a child to a different level, more challenging and always on our toes............ for want of a boy.... more coming.

Business Gloom - What to do.....

2009-07-14T11:56:00.007+08:00

1. Aggressive Marketing.

2. Selective & Prioritized Sectors and Clients

3. Critical Cash flow Management

a. Aggressive collection procedures.

b. Prudent payments and spending.

4. Restructuring and Management Strengthening.

a. Corporate Finance Divisional Support.

b. Empowerment.

c. Ensure Clear Directives and Vision.

d. Utilize Strength & Correct Weaknesses.

5. Management information system and standards upgrading.

6. Strategic Planning towards NPL solving & Trade Finance Recovery.

7. Partnership with Banks, activate & regulate Bank Financing and Support.

8. When On the road, drive carefully.

Just Imagine How it is Being 88..

2009-06-21T20:40:00.004+08:00

Just received a message from Kak Ngah that reads :

"Assalamualikum. Mak nampak semakin lemah. You all cari masa ziarah Mak ya. Please don't stand on ceremony. I now have to bathe her most times, suap dia makan"

I shed a tear just to think about her life. When you reach that age, you will have to be looked after and be spoon fed. How I wish I could turn the clock back and make her young again. Only just 2 weeks ago she was visiting her brothers and sisters in Selangor and Wilayah with the help of Kak Uda. Pick her up at Kak Uda's and she was with me for two nights in Putra Heights. We later went for Liza's daughter's wedding in Muar. At my house she still managed to do things by herself. I did notice though, she was always feeling tired and lack of energy, but she keeps on reading the Quran and asked whether she had done her prayers. She has became forgetful the past months. Turn her over to Abang Omar in Muar as he was going to Abid's. The last house for her (2 weeks) round of visits. Abid did as supposedly, to sent her back to JB the next day.

Mom, at Abid's House, the last house visited during her 2 weeks visiting round.

Still fresh in my mind the time when she carried me, walking to get to the hospital when I was sick. I feel so hopeless now as I am not able to do much, but just look...... to see her aging away while I edge away too.................Ya.Allah.....hanya kepada kau aku beserah.... Can't stop crying..... should I be ashamed?

Sunway Saturday

2009-05-25T09:36:00.021+08:00

The fourth month into my KL stint with MST Group, last Saturday must have been the best time I had. Thursday was like Superman flying every where to solve overdue matters. Start early, not to miss my schedule in the morning. Was at SME bank before the front gate was unlocked. That document must be in hand to be included with all the others for that tender. Made the required payment but that was not over. No authorizing officer to sign the letter. Rushed to Central KL to get the Head office to issue the letter. Traffic Jams Urghhh... well. Managed to manouvre through and was there in time. Got what was required and immediately rushed for a meeting with CIMB. Right after a fast track meeting, straight to PJ for another meeting with Maybank and to get another important document out. I consider the traffic jam as downtime and by 5.20pm it was back in the office, already a hectic day. Had to complete some important letters first coz I will be rushing back that night to JB with Apar who took a lift to keep an appointment tomorrow morning. Completed everything by about 8.00 pm, rushed back to Putra Heigths to fetch Nuha for Dinner, had a simple Mee Hoon before I was back to rest before I start my drive to JB at about 10.30pm. What rest? no rest, just enough time to shower and a cup of coffee and was on the road. Was home at about 2am after sending the Apar, to his house in JB.

Half the morning of Friday was resting at home, too tired the past days of rushing...hurm.... By the time I was ready it was already 11.00 pm just about time to fetch Zaida and Hani at school. They had done their packing to follow me up to KL for the weekend. After a glass of "Tongkat Ali" and "Mee Goreng" it was already about 12.15pm, Zaidah and Hani was already waiting at 12.30pm when I reached the school. Off to Damansara Aliff to fetch Apar. I will pay any "summons" he says, so there I was pumping the accelerator right down the floorboard. A sudden vibration halfway the highway nearing Pagoh, had me slowing down and finally stop at the "R&R" Pagoh. One of my tyres balooned and needed a change, I guess the tyres can't take the gruelling and the heat. I was doing 160km per hour with the spare later and it was fine. We reached Mid Valley at about 4.00 pm, just in time for the appointment there. 2 hours and it was back to Putra Heights. Had Dinner and back home. Rest, woke up "Subuh' and the next thing was rushing to Apar's house for Kenduri. He will be going for "Umrah" for 2 weeks on Sunday. Just about 9.00 and the Kenduri was over, had a good breakfast of Nasi Lemak. Rushed to Klang to change my tyres and back to Shah Alam to get the tickets back for Nuha, Hani and Zaida for Sunday. By this time it was already 11.00am. Rushed back to Putra Heights to change and to get to Sunway Lagoon for the MST Family day.

So what is so lovely about all those rushing? Well, the family day at Sunway Lagoon. The photos tells you the story.............................. relax........ just 4 hours there and a Sunway Saturday with my family minus 2, Fakhri and Lyana. Wish they were there too. And ofcourse with most of the staff members around was a fine Saturday...hehe

Only for thinkers

2009-05-20T22:55:00.006+08:00

Knowledge are miracles that are in abundance everywhere, every moment, every place, every pace every space of the universe. Only the thinkers will realize the countless revelation of the truth through his creation. For the thinkers Allah gives them knowledge, the humble ones will surely get more, for the more they learn the more humble they became as they learn their existence are sheer moments to remember, to treasure in mind the thoughts of love to flourish the world, a temporary pasture to make good, for the world hereafter. The children who became thinkers, they are those that was left to proof the success of their forefathers that has showered them with love and pain to be sure they made it to the right path than to stray. Treasure all those moments that we have had amongst all the dreams that we crave, for everything will surely become a dream of the past.

Never by : Joe Ismyl

Naturally Steady!

2009-05-20T00:00:00.001+08:00

She was in form 4 SIGS, I was in SAB. I knew that my good friend R was wooing after this pretty girl. You know young boys excited about little responses from girls! trying to get to know them, sending hellos and writing love letters! Since my English was a little better than R, he wanted me to help him write his love letter in English. So there I was drafting away the message to this girl, whom later I got to know her name as Zaida! Images of those many different face expressions of Zaida are still stored in my memory.

I have unintentionally kept track of her relationship with R all through. Not so coz, I had wished to be with her instead of him, but due to the fact that he was also my good friend,. We met. R & me either for our outings, or when he visited me at my house or visa versa. I knew the quarrels, the frustrations between them, where they go and what they do! Never meant to get busy body with peoples affair. ah ah no no no!!!

By the passing of time, we were in our Form Five secondary, I've already got to know lots more friends, girls from SIGS, and boys, boys do not care from which schools you are, as long as we could have fun, we were friends! R and Zaida were always together, going inseparably steady!

BMW Riders, our gang members, Mus, Man Burn, Yahya, Apar, Halim, Omar, Salleh, Riza, Kamal, Hassan, Hosni, Wan Hamid, Mahmood, Man Tikus. There were also other close encounters like Kotai, Ali and Akbar.

Tea Dance at "The Scene" was a must during weekends and this was the place where we use to hang out .By the way, MB was going with C, Mus with K and one time with AA. hmmm...well. M use to tag along with S. Hosni was like many, over inquisitive about girls and later like a playboy with many, many girlfriends from nowhere. Had a crush with Tinot knowing Y was wooing her! Mahmood the good boy, always reserved. I remember the girls from SIGS, Bee, Bo, Cee, Tim, Lily, Comel, Rin, Min, Aishah Jalil, Kobat and of course Zaidah.

Time cathes up, the MCE examination results were out. Everybody was going further studies, Man Burn went to UPM with Mahmood. and some others went to Form Six. As for me, due to circumstances unavoided, unable to further to MARA institute but secured a job in a firm of professional accountants as an audit assistant, I did well. Zaidah went for her form Six in SIGS with some others. Mus, Kamal and Salleh entered the army cadets. We all went up to KL, to celebrate our farewell before they left for the cadets. Remembered Salleh with tears in his eyes, hugging me! and told me "Zul, I love you Zul" Farewells were meant to be sad, and I did shed a tear. We were all real close buddies and those memories of us will forever be treasured.

So all the the buddies left JB, and most of the girls were doing their form Six in JB, Apar works as a dispatch, Halim did some odd jobs and later join TNB. We would all meet up during holidays.

Went out with T a couple of times, but things didn't really click between us. She later went to Mara Institute and we were writing, but there was no serious relationship. Use to hangout with Cee, Bo and Bee and , Comel a couple of times in town. We were all good friends.

2 years over. the relationship between R and Zaida went sour! Things were not happening between them. I didn't think they were made for each other anyway. Zaida finally gets her form six results and works temporarily in a law firm near to my office. Since her bus goes the same street, we frequently met while going to work. Next thing you know Zaida and me were always together, same bus to work, lunch together, phone calls off and on, then some outings and dinners. Zaida wanted to be a Teacher, but I encouraged her to go for Secretarial Science in Mara first as the call up for the Teachers Training was not forthcoming and unsure. She left for Mara and to make things a little uneasy for me was that she was in the same dorm as T huh. So I was writing to both of them. About R, well, I didn't know what happen to him then, as we lost touch when Zaida got close to me. Yeah, yeah, it wasn't my fault, I do still treasure our friendship and the fond memories we had.

Met Yahya in KL one time, and had arranged a night out with T and, Zaidah Had some entertainment in a club called "Jump In". My gestures to Yahya, made him a little more comfortable to couple up with T and Zaidah with me. We had fun, all of us. Yahya & me left KL together by bus back to JB. He was restless until finally he confessed and asked me whether there is any harm for him to steady with T! I was a little uneasy too but told him to follow his inyuition as nothing really serious was happening between T and me. We continued to keep in touch Zaida and me. After about 6 months in Mara, Zaida secured a place in a Teachers College in KL. T quit her Secretarial Science and she finally married Yahya. We are still buddies. Others were trying to patch things up between Zaida & R or rather split Zaida & me, but it didn't work, it was natural, and we were all natural. There's no maybe, to a relationship for everything is in Allah's hand. I do wonder why during a gathering at Muss one day, Mus late mother came to me, pointed out Zaida who was sitting besides R and gestured to me "That girl (Zaida) has the looks of me"? Does she read the future or what? I love Mus's mother, she's such a caring and loving mom.

On the eve of Zaida's 21st birthday, 19th of May 1979, met Zaida at her home and confessed that I want to try and make our relationship work. No words of love but mere gestures and small gifts of thoughts and frequent visits that kept us Naturally Steady ........ till the big wedding.... and today as of the eve of her birthday, it has been exactly 30 years we have been together. Congrats to you my dear, for those succesful years and may Allah bless you and our beautiful children. Thank you for everything that you have given me and for the beautiful 30 years of life that we shared. Happy Birthday to you........... 20th of May 2009.

Week End in JB

2009-05-03T13:43:00.007+08:00

Went over to Mom's as usual, I will try not to miss visiting her every time I am back in JB. Mom was away to stay over at Kak Ros's. Stayed on to catch up on things with Kak Ngah and played with Azri, Sharhah's son, naughty and must be a smart one too. Spoke to Abang Tahir too, as usual our conversation will take us to spiritual matters. Frankly I've learned lots of things from this guy. I will get detailed answers for any subject matter about Islam from him. He should have been an Uztaz or a professor in Islamic Studies or something of that sort. I learnt the "Ayatul Nur" from him and many more. Back then when I was much younger, in a state of curiosity about religion and also the verses from the quran. More than often, I will get a detailed view from him of the stories behind most "ayat's" that I hand pondered. By the way Sharhah was also there, and we wondered when we were going to have our first TCC Ops Meeting.

Left Mom's house to get to Kak Ros's where Mom was and Mom was happy and gave me a hug too. Normally she would just let me give her a peck on the cheek, this time the gesture was more than a show of missing. Well, yes I don't come more often than I use too, now that I am residing in Selangor. Mom complain about my sisters forbidding her to go out to make collection of subscriptions for the Association which she has always been active. Well, they meant well, as Mom at her age should not be walking alone, she is not strong enough for all those. My sisters advice her against it for her own safety, she had became weak, though able to walk, but slow. Life is taking it's course on her and so to all of us. All her children have gone or going into the 50s age bracket and may be considered senior citizens, but most of us are still active, including the eldest Bangwa and Kak Ngah. We never give up.

We had lunch at Kak Ros,. Abg Zais was busy, out to give some lectures in a school, I'm not sure where. His Mom also came visiting and we all enjoyed the rice with "Ikan Asam Pedas". Left after lunch, we went straight to City Square, lots of people. Even shopping is a haven here in JB, though I think KL is better in pricing and choices. Too many people and I get restless. There was no good movie too.

Mom in her own way was teaching us to be resilient and to carry the strength to keep going. To go forward and never look back. Thats what Mom really is. in nature, like an "Iron Lady". She has never look back, she has always been active from when she was younger to this age of 88. I guess her nature has made her also to be healthy. There's much for us to learn from her still, and may Allah bestow her with his "Rohmah" and she be able to stay on for many more years to come.

We did some shopping at Danga Bay, bought some Jeans and called it a day. Home cooked Dinner was and is always the best. Zaidah cooked Dinner. Early night for us.

How I had missed the view at the beach front of the Straigts of Johore, or the Golden Mile, overlooking Singapore. Really breathtaking. Spent time off in the morning on my own ind met Rosli and later Annuar.

Did'nt miss to have my favourite Tom Yam at Danga Bay, "Hadyai Sea Food" for Dinner today. One thing about JB is, you could get anyting you love from Nasi Lemak to Thai Food, Western or Eastern, North or South. during the day Sunday we went out to send Hani for her Taekwando at 2.00 pm, while I went over to meet Shaun at his home. Jus tChit chat and some jamming session. It was totally a different atmosphere meeting Shaun. Our conversation was mostly about music or musical instruments and catching up on missing pieces since last I left JB.

Soon enough after leaving JB, you will start to miss all those things that are dear to you, not just your family, your friends, and also everything about Johor Bahru, but mostly the cozy small home that we share our value time together. The house in Taman Perling. And what do you know it will be time to leave again, another week of work, and work in USJ, Subang Jaya and alone in that house in Putra Heights......... Must remember to take pictures next time....

Week End Husband

2009-04-30T11:31:00.004+08:00

Well, well, what do you know. It has already been 3 months I have been working away from home. Getting my 3rd paycheck today. Since tomorrow will be a public holiday (Labor Day) I am taking the opportunity of the long weekend to drive back to JB. Spend value time with my love ones back home.

Where would be home than? I set up house in Putra Heights, lovely place actually, convenient too, at least for me. 15 minutes to Office, 15 minutes to Shah Alam and 15 minutes to Putra Jaya. Its a lovely terrace intermediate with 4 rooms and plus one extra room beside the wet kitchen right to the end. No more land.

King sized bed, aircon, shower, wardrobe, kitchen cabinet. The housee is OK, only needed a little touching up with curtains and some extra sofa and so on. I am happy with the house. Still I prefer home to be the house back in Taman Perling , Johor Bahru. Why? Because thats where my wife and daughter is. That would make that house the small cozy one. Not in Putra heights, it will never be cozy as I am living alone. Lovely though some weekends or during the school holidays, when all my children will merge in Putra Heights where I am residing. My happiest moments are those value times I have with my family.

It has been like every week travelling..... a little hectic but loving it...... once I reached home. So for as long as my wife and daughter with me, home would be Taman Perling, Johor Bahru and not Putra Heights, Selangor.
I am a weekend husband

More In Control By Letting Go.

2009-04-29T18:08:00.016+08:00

Progressive change in management is an ongoing

requirement in a growing an expanding company. Circumstances change with time and needs. While the company grows and expand, the employer will require management assistance through employed personnel and management devices, tools and systems that are effective and fits the changing times. The extra personnel intake and systems implementation will be able to cater for the magnitude of the work involve for the employer to go further with confidence.

Often enough employers will have to let go of certain management responsibilities and authority in order for him to be able to go higher and give concentration on growth or expansion, direction or business ventures. This must be carefully planned. A positive step must be taken to be able to stay effective and to every ones comfort. The question often in the mind of the employers is how to let go, but stay more controlled. Giving away authority and responsibilities to key personnel to help the employer to run divisions in his business and make successful decisions that are critical to the advances. Plus upgrading of the internal control system, by way of standard reporting and systematic approach through the Management information system (M.I.S.)

When your business expand, and when you are reluctant to let go, your control will be lost as you have limited capacity against unlimited expansion. The way to go is to empower, which means to di-sect your authority and responsibility and digest to trusted people in your organization, monitor through a learning curve period to ensure the empowerment and control exercise implemented by your trusted personnel goes in accordance with your plan. A timely ongoing review is required to ensure the process cycle are progressing in accordance with your desire and standards.

To sum up the matter, empowerment does not mean losing control, but taking more control...

I think I need a Job.

2009-01-01T13:16:00.007+08:00

It has been like 6 years now, I have been doing Human Resources Consultancy. The first 3 years was great years but business has been on the downward trend for the past 3 years now.

It was a little better when Nuha after getting her Science Degree in Architecture and immediately secure a job with a reputable Architectural firm and Fakhri is now working with an Oil and Gas Company. As for Liyana she is under sponsorship by the same company Fakhri is working and so it didn't really burn our pockets much. Now Nuha had just resigned to complete another 2 years for her full Achitecture Degree. We knew all the years that she really wanted to complete her full degree and we are suppose to help her financially. Looks like we will need to get more income to support her studies, coupled with all the rise in cost and more needs for Hani our youngest who is only going into Form 4 and many years to go.

Now, even the construction contracts business I went into the past year is not doing enough for me and it looks gloomy this coming years if I do not make a move. The national economy doesn't look like it is going to pick up soon. I know this problem will persist. I will need to find other alternatives.

Maybe I should get a JOB? Hurm...................

Over at Danga Bay on New Years Eve

2009-01-01T11:22:00.008+08:00

It was 31st December 2008, End of another year. The children, Hani & Liyana wants to watch a movie, so we decided to watch rhe movie "Histeria" at City Square. I wasn't really taking the movie so seriously. What I really enjoy about the movie is having to be together with my loved ones and doing a common thing. Just making use of the situation to get value time out. The movie was soon over. I didn't think it gave me the punch, I thought it was a lousy one.

It was 11.30pm and I knew the kids have not got enough enjoyment for the day, so we decided to get to Danga Bay to watch the Fireworks which is a normal routine every year end. I knew there would be a huge traffic jam if I had used the beach road from town. We diverted to Jalan Tun Abdul Razak to use the back lane through RAT Auto Centre and it works. We were parked right at the beach and there were so many others too and lots more seen coming in just before midnight. Soon the place was suddenly crowded with cars. Everybody just wants some fun to watch the fireworks to celebrate the end of 2008 and the begining of a brand new Year...2009.

It was over as soon as it get started, about 5 minutes of fireworks, shouting and celebrating, blurting car horns, and shouts of Happy New Year everywhere. The mad rush out from that place took us more than half an hour and we were the front runners! I was still thinking whether it was worth the effort? I think so YES. So what's new year resolution? Well, I want to make it a better year for my family and upgrade my life. Wishing you all a Happy New Year.

The Surprise Birthday Party

2008-12-29T12:45:00.027+08:00

Apar was turning 50, Kathy organized a birthday bash for him at poolside Holiday Inn Glenmarie. Kathy had made sure that everyone invited kept a secret about the party. Even the invitation card includes a note to keep it a secret.

Well anyway, as usual I take the opportunity to be at the party. We made a trip to Bukit Tinggi that morning and later went to get proper dress for the occasion, the invitation indicates "dresscode "casual island chic". Whatever that is? I was told it was Hawaiian so I guess Hawaiian means casually dressed like Batik. The blue Batik cost me RM90.00. By the time we got back to the house, it was about 6.00p.m and you know Kuala Lumpur, we have to get ready or we will not reach on time. Anyway, we had a good time, I mean the family and me up in Bukit Tinggi that day. Very cold indeed as it was around the monsoon season. The weather was fine when we were up there though. Quite tiring walking up and down the slop.

Driving from Oakleaf Park, Bukit Antarabangsa to the city and then had to take the "Smart Tunnel" as we were already late, watch out for "Petaling Jaya" and through the "Federal Highway, a U-turn and there thee left turn to Holiday Inn , my thoughts were and it was suppose to be. However, there was some flyover construction just at that familiar turning that I remember and it was dark and there was no signboard. Which way to go now, left or rigt, ok right and that ended up some new route, I do not know. Had to make a uturn a couple of miles ahead turn back to the Federal Highway in the direction of the city, get the next available u-turn, go back to the direction of Shah Alam and make another U-turn at Subang Jaya and back to the Federal Highway again towards the city and look for the left turn to Glenmarie, this time we took the left and Walla... "Holiday Glenmarie". That made us about half an hour late, but just in time as Apar had just arrived.

It was a real surprise and Happy moment as all his close relatives and close friends were invited and was there. The good old gang were together with their spouses, Mus, Riza, Halim, Salleh and me. The acoustics band belted out oldies and lovely songs and everybody was enjoying themsleves dressed up the way we were suppose to. Everyone gets a Haiwan style Garland to ware. I was told later it was bought in New Zealand.

Kathy gave a lovely speech and the message was clear. Spend more time at home. Apar had been working very hard for so long and it was time to spend more time at home and stop smoking. hehe. Between the lines it was clear how much love there was for Apar from Kathy and their children. The children gave each a good speech and the same message repeated, "I love you Pa, and please stop smoking".

When Apar had to give his speech, he had thank everybody, and said that he was really caught by surprise and says that he will think about quitting cigarettes and made sure to mention to all his gang, that if he quits, all his gang must follow. haha.

Well anyway, it was a Barbecue dinner and the food was intriguing and delicious. enough choice for everyone.

Salleh, Lily and me performed that night. We really didn't plan to.Kathy asked whether we want to and managed to get 2 acoustic guitars from the musicians. Salleh and me started strumming. Lily was caught by surprise when we called her upstage to sing but she did very well with the famous "Whats UP" song and "Loving YOu", she sang like a pro. The performance was good despite the poor P.A sound system.

The last set of the band performance, it was "Pocho-pocho" and Apar's sister started dancing away with her hubby and the children followed. When Apar and Kathy started dancing, typical of Apar, managed to usher everybody to dance, and it was a long "Rongging" a Malay cultural dance. Riza and wife, Salleh and Wife and of course my wife and me. Well now most of the crowd had left and it was like between the closest of friends and family members on the floor. I thought everyone must have had a good time...... it was not only about the birthday, but also getting the chance to meet old friends. Thank You Kathy for organizing the surprise birthday for Apar and getting the gang back together after so many years.

Happy Birthday Apar, Wish you good health and fortune............... and more happiness in the future...

A Whole Days' Thoughts

2008-11-05T18:47:00.010+08:00

"Allahuakbar, Allahuakbarrrrrrrrrrr Allahuakbar, Allahuakbarrrrrrrrrrr. The Azan for the beginning of a new day. Time to wake up for our subuh prayers. Oooh, how lazy it gets when you have a late night and had to start early. But it's a natural practice for Muslim's and thus, would be awake early for the prayers, only take 5 minutes the most. It would be a life time for the local Malaysian to hear the Azan, or even anywhere in a Muslim country. For the local non-Muslims too, is a normal lifetime occurrence to be hearing that same Azan repeating everyday and it comes on 5 times in a day. So now, why after 51 years of independence, we have certain quarters who are complaining about the Azan, too loud they say, and it's disturbing the peace and so on and so forth. Well ah, be it, just need to do my routine, a must for us, just 5 minutes. Irritating as it is, not of hearing the Azan, but thinking about the remarks or complain about the Azan by others. I did over hear a Singaporean who was trying to find a house to live in Johore, decided to try other places where there are no Azan. Well, well, what do they know? I'm sure those other locals of other races or religion will understand I am sure, if not their late fathers should have understood. What do they know? After a good bath, and prayer's you'd feel fresh and lively, ready to get on with your life and your routine for the day.

Get to the Mamak to enjoy "Teh Tarik" and "Roti Canai". and read the papers. What is it about these Mamak's restaurant, they are everywhere now. How I hate it, reading all those political stuff. But it is my routine, and I have been doing that for ages as all my life it was reading the English papers in the morning, if not, my day won't be complete. I cry foul during Deepavali when there was nothing to read. Well, that was yesterday. Today's headlines "Asian tailspin" European share markets spooked by sharp falls in Asia. Hong Kong's benchmark Han Seng Index dived 12.7% and Japan's Nikkei closed at 26 year low. Fears about the inability of governments' concerted measures to stabilise global financial markets also spread to Europe sending stock markets reeling in early trade. Well, well, now, I thought Najib says that Malaysian economy won't be much affected. Is that true? Our economy is like a pinch of sugar as compared to the whole sack of the world economy. I am sure a little shake of the giants of the world that is sharing that economy, will affect us tremendously. We must be real good and smart to be able to overcome such critical analysis of the future. U.S currency will be like zero level another 30 to 40 years. That's the saying by an Islamic Scholar. Well, well, what am I to do, an ordinary man like me, just look after myself and hope for the best. I used to pay a dollar for a Nescafe and Roti Canai and enough to keep me going till lunch. Now, it cost you RM1.20 just for Nescafe, and 80 sen for a roti canai, that's RM2.00 ringgit. The roti canai is very much smaller mind you.

Ya, Allah, the yellow indicator lights up again, I thought I had filled up RM50.00 only just yesterday. Well, well didn't you know the petrol prices has gone up. It used to be RM1.00 per litre. It's now what? RM2.65? better to ride a bike, hurm, can't afford the Super bikes that will fit my huge body. I will look pretty funny in a scooter. haha. Well a scooter will not be suitable for me going up a hill, might as well take the bus then. What's the fare from my Jalan Rawa to town RM1.20. ooh ooh. I never use to pay more than 30 sen when I was using the bus to work. Well anyway, lets get to the next petrol station and fill up. Need to cross the intersection to get out from the Mamak restaurant. Do you know how dangerous it is, this junction. It;s like crossing the freeway. and that's where everybody merge to take their U-turn or to cross to the other side. This means there are times when 4 cars from all direction merge in the middle to wait for the next chance to move. Woo now, can't see what's coming since the view are all blocked by the four vehicle merging together in the middle. Feel like a dare devil every time getting into this situation. Can't they plan up something really safe and practical for the right-turns, u-turns and junctions and provide bigger space for vehicles to menouver safely. .It has been years, me cursing about those turns. When you are in the fast lane then suddenly coming in that same lane is where the vehicle in the front would need to stop to take the right turn. They should have separate lanes so it would be safe. Those plants outgrew itself are also hazardous and what more unscrupulous businessman who simply put up signs at junctions like nobody business.They even block the view and it can be very dangerous for drivers coming out from those junctions as their view is blocked. I would better take the longer route which is safer, hoping to have enough fuel. Urgghh... Why can't they just widen the space for those intersection, and separate the lanes and also build special u-turns so it won't be hazardous. Petrol stations are many so, it never was a problem. Ok now RM100 for Petrol, the petrol tank meter goes up slightly over the half mark. oh oh my my. if only I could use the tap water, mineral water won't work as it would cost you RM1.20 for half a litre. Arghhhhh.

Ok anyway I will get paid today. A client had promised payment. How much was the bill, Oh yes RM1,200.00. Ok that would suffice to cover my expenses, like petrol, printing, and parking fees etc and all the sufferings to get to the client's office. The road coming out after the overhead u-turn from Perling area is 4 lanes or more coz it will split to another u-turn if you go to town, straight on to Pasir Gudang, and one to your left to Senai and another left to go down to make a uturn back to Perling or Second Link to Singapore. There won't be enough time to figure that out by reading the signboards if it's your first time, you will bound to miss the turn and go straight on to the route to Pasir Gudang. If not you will need to make another u turn a mile away and come back the way you came. Well anyway, on my way to Jalan Tebrau, turn to the right, smooth going till about a 500 metres, the traffic will be crawling. from the "Giant Complex, After years of sufferings crawling in the traffic jam to and from work and when that project was completed, we still had to endure this traffic jam. How many billions had we spent for that highway project that has smoothen the traffic there. How about if you go straight on to Pasir Gudang? The same thing, you would be crawling too, after a few miles down at the R.I.M.V. intersection. Can't this jams be altogether solved? It appears like the long term planning are still short planning after all. Simple to understand why. It's not the planners that are wrong. It's the implementation that falters. Often enough, the plans were rescheduled and delayed and when finally it became a reality, time has taken it's cause and the projects had became outdated. By that time of course the cost have escalated, doubled or trippled.

Anyway, just suffer a little bit more till you pass Taman UDA where the traffic will smoothen again, provided there are no accidents or a broken down vehicle upfront, if not the jam would be worst. Still very much narrower this road after Taman UDA and just by driving through it, you would realize that it needs widening right through to the town centre. Maybe The Dato' Bandar should take this road during the rush hour to really have a graphs of what I mean. Alamak this will take the whole day, just to write all these................ as it is it's only the first hour of the morning............................... come back again.

Mokhtar's Wedding -Yahya's eldest son.

2008-10-12T16:08:00.021+08:00

Finally, it was time for Yahya's eldest son, Mokhtar to get married. Yahya had planned the wedding the month before "Ramadhan" and it finally happen on the 11th of October 2008. Fall short of a few days before Yahya's birthday. I could remember the date of 24th of October, being Yahya's 51st birthday as mine was 2 days earlier. It felt like only months before we were meeting each other at each other's home, for a round of scrabbles or just to hang around like real true friends visiting each other when we were young married couples and Mokhtar was just a toddler. Time flies, and while busy with our own daily lives lots of things had happen, and age suddenly catches up on us. Yahya, the guy I knew from being an active youngster, playing "Sepak Takraw" in our kampong back then in , Jalan Wadi Hasan and Jalan Temenggong Ahmad, an adjoining street connecting Jalan Abdul Rahman Andak, where the present "MB of Johor's official residence".

Mokhtar was a quiet and obedient boy, and very timid, always with a big smile on his face. Such a lovely boy. Can't believe that timid young toddler of Yahya and Tim is finally married.

Looking back to the past, it was really sad for us to see Yahya and Tim to finally go their own way, I guess circumstances were not in favour and they had to divorce. Yahya finally married Zainah and Tim married Mustaffa. Well, that is life, full of uncertainties and we never know our destiny. Like Yahya & me, Tim was also Zaidah's school mate and they were close since school. Good memories are meant to be treasures that bonds each other's friendship. Oh yes, Mustaffa is also our good friend.
Anyway, about the wedding, well, we were early, Zaidah and me. We didn't want to miss anything. We were there at about a quarter past 12.00pm and Rahman Burn another of my buddy, buddy friend had just left, he was the first to be there I guess, but apparently he was having other important engagement and can't wait too long. We first met Yahya, and was quick to notice Roslan and Hasnah(Yahya's sister) and sat to chat. We weren't really hungry, and as such had only wanted to mingle with people whom we had lost touch all these years. Roslan and Hasnah, had been years resided in Kuala Lumpur and we were thrilled to have met them. We had a good chat and joked about how limited our time could be to overturn or balanced all our sins back then. Hehe. Well, good for them to having brought Hasnah's Mom to live with them in KL. She needed that attention and all the love her childrens could give. Met Yahya's Uncle "Pak Hitam" too, sitting in the same table, he was alone. appears age is taking it's tol as we saw him slowly walking away to leave later.

Anyway, it was quite a grand wedding, the decorations were excellent and the food tasty. not forgetting the lovely Music from the "Bandaraya Band" belting away oldies and other popular songs.

Well, anyway, there were others we met too, like Ali and wife. Dr. Nawi. Hosni, Oh yes my sister Mastura and Kamal with their 2 boys were there too. We finally sat together for lunch. "Nasi Briayani" as always for weddings. The food was good. We left at the same time Mastura and the clan left, but decided to get to Tim's place, whom we heard was preparing the food for the main table. It was drizzling while we were at Tim's, and the food for the main table was just about ready for final decorating. Prawns, and fried fish.
The wedding costume was lovely, the colour beach, suits the newly weds. The couple looks very happy and was smiling all the way. Roslan and Hasnah ferried the newly weds in their Merc to the reception, a community Hall in Jalan Abdul Samad, but they didn't wait for the entourage to arrive as the ceremony had got started before the entourage arrives. Can't blame them though as it was raining heavily and the only resonable spot to park was the porch to the entrance where the "kompang boys" was waiting. They too didn't wait for the entourage as the ceremony was suddenly at it's peak once the newly weds step out of the car! Well, anyway certain rules were overlooked, but it does not hamper everyone's spirits for the joyous occasion as everything went well after Yahya had to pick up certain loose pieces about the ceremony rules and some opologies.
We managed to capture some pictures which I took from my sony ericssons camera phone. I really look huge amongst all the rest, don't I? Well, well. Apar should have been at this wedding. hehe. as he would look even more tiny. Still not talking huh?
Tim and Zaidah, together looks like close resemblance, like sisters, hurm don't they? That's what Kak Non commented when they met. Kak Non came with Abang Ngah, Mus's big brother. Well, I guess mus could't make it to the wedding. How I wish all the gang could have taken the opportunity to be at the wedding. My congratulations to Mokhtar and wife. May you two live happilly ever after.

My School Buddies Came to Town

2008-10-06T22:59:00.018+08:00

It has been over 30 years since last we left school. Such a long time. Man Black or Rahman Hitam, Sallahudin Abdul Rahman and Aminuddin with their family visited us during this years Hari Raya Festivities. How I remembered being a timid young boy between 12 to 17, when we were buddies in secondary school. They will admit that they were such bullies then. Being timid like me, used to get bullied around. But they were such fun loving boys actually and loves to get attention and very playfull indeed, I would always hang out with them though, more often at Amin's house. He looks more and more like Eric Clapton, don't you think so? Mind you this guy has got lots of experiences that he can share. Since Amin is in Johor Bahru, I could meet him more often, unlike Man Black and Salahuddin, whom is residing in Kuala Lumpur. Do you know that you would most likely to get those old song albums, Like "Ken Hensley" or "Black Sabbath" from Amin?. Well, that's why it was wonderful to have met them after such a long time. Man Black still looks the same though without his "John Lennon" specks. I believe, you would look better with that old, "John Lennon" look. It is your identity, why not try getting back to that. Mind you, Sallahudin looks much handsomer clean shaven, not like during school when he used to be a little bearded and darker.

Man Black married Sherry, I remembered him wooing her during our bus trip back from school. Remembered we took the trouble to get on the bus that Sherry used to take getting home from her school, just so Rahman could get a glimps or a smile or just to say hello. hehe. Well, we were all such naughty young boys and always up to something mischief. Of course Amin would always be the chief and most notorious one, and we were fast to elect him as our school monitor. hehe.
Later on, we were all going out together in a group with some other friends of Sherry. So you two got married after all, man Black and Sherry. Good for you. And now you know who I married ya? hehe. Yes, I married our friend's girlfriend whom I had help to write his love letter to. Well life works in many ways, and you will never know what or where your destiny is and who the chosen one to be yours.

It was good to meet you all brothers, and wish that we could meet more often after this. I take this opportunity to wish all of you a good life ahead. And maybe next time we could get all the other gang to meet up, people like Shukor, Mad Ehsan, Siva, Tan Hong La, and the rest, while we have the time. There is so much more to catch up.

Warisan TCC, It's potential

2008-09-07T23:02:00.010+08:00

Warisan TCC is my big family grouping which was formed in February 1984. Headed first by my late father Almarhum HJ Ismail Md. Yassin and my mother Puan Hajah Kalthom Ali and all the children's and spouses as the members. The present Chairman is my big brother, Bangwe. This grouping has now grown by the inclusion of the third generation and will keep on increasing in number of members when the great-grand children of my parents whom shall automatically become members when they reach the age and started to be employed. The WarisanTCC's motto of "Togetherness, Knowledgeable, Piousness, Discipline, Loyal, Excellence" self explains the aspirations that were wished to be inculcated amongst it's members.

The objective of the grouping is fund raising amongst it's members for the purpose of it's members well being and good relations. All members are entitled to participate in any activities and programs of Warisan TCC or to seek aids through allocated funds for defined purposes. Every member is responsible to keep the good name of Warisan TCC and to promote them amongst it's members and it's future generations.

I have been elected as the Chairman of the organizing committee for this years Family gathering which normally falls on the 3rd or 4th of the Hari Raya Festivities. Shall give my best and ensure everything goes as planned. please do visit http://warisantcc.blogspot.com to find out more.

Through my working experiences in various departments and sectors and levels and also the numerous management, business and financial courses that I have attended during the development of my working career, have thought me much that had developed my way of thinking, the way and frame of mind of doing my work and the management ideologies that I carry. Through the course of my auditing experiences as for example, I have seen various failures by co-operatives and such organizations, and able to identify the reasons for it's failures and those that had succeeded and for what reason.

All these I have learned to see successes in different styles of management, that I had experiences while working alongside various CEO's and company chairman. From all these knowledge, I have developed, interpersonal skills and critical abilities and able to sense and react to situations in business and management. Warisan TCC is one which is dear to me, and ex-amplified an organization, though still small, but has the potential to be boosted to create many wonders. I believe, the objectives as stated in it's statement of policies is limited as compared to it's resources and potential to be developed.

This I am not referring to financial resources alone, but human resources, knowledge banks and brains! With the right aspirations, application of certain formula and systems of controls, system of management and development, added with some vision, objectives and direction, Warisan TCC will be on it's way to become an organization to be reckon with. I am not saying this for the sake of saying, but it is my believe! The million dollar question is when are we going to start. Well one thing which I did learn through my own experience is, if we don't take that one big step, we will never start, and we will loose along with many other malay organizations that fail to see how the other minority associations are being financed heavily by their own members whom have encountered successes, through the help of it's own associations!!

Time To Give

2008-08-24T09:08:00.007+08:00

Working on each passing day, I have found new things and passion in keeping with life. Found new love, and things. I write from my heart, every time I have the time and thoughts that I want to share. For some of the time, I will be idle, for I will be keeping with other things and learning new things and new thoughts each day. My passion for music has brought me a little more, as now I have started to write my own songs. It is like a sudden surge of interest that suddenly came knocking into my life. This is something that I have always wished I could do in my life, but due to other commitments and responsibilities, was not able to start.

For my friends, I shall keep you in my heart, whatever we managed to share, the thoughts, the good wishes, the advice and the remembrance. The time has come to come together to unite, to make good our friendship and companionship. For Apar and Yahya, how I had wished that you two could end your quarrels. How really happy I was when Salleh and Apar had came to terms and was reunited when Salleh fell, critically sick. I know all my friends will never understand how highly I gave regards to friendship, but deep inside me I love you all. Though there were times when I was put in awkward situations when I have to make sure you all stick together. I want to be as sincere as possible to all of you. I say, I will try to be as sincere as possible, why? because if you mentioned sincerity, it's not from the words but from the heart and once the words are mentioned, there is an effort and tendency to influence others to believe in you or a tendency to express sincerity to convinced others to changed their thoughts about your sincerity. True sincerity is not for you to think that you are, but for others to value them. True sincerity does not need to be said eventhough others questioned your sincerity. If you are sincere, it does not matter what you get in return, or what others think. Sincerity, if once mentioned, sincerity stops.

Had dinner with Apar and family yesterday with Salleh. How glad I was to have met Apar's family as it has been so long since. The kids have grown up so much. My two closest buddies finally able to sit together after so long. Oh yes did I mentioned, Apar financed me for my Umrah Trip and Salleh provided me with the pocket money which I shared with mom. How about the trip to London that Apar brought me along during one of his business trips. Our friendship had really brought us much to our lives. Felt much sincerity in Apar and was happy to accept his proposals for Salleh and me to sit as Director in one of his companies.

I shall move on with my life, for what there is to come. I shall do what I think is right, I shall continue to do the things I like to do if I have the passion and ablility to do it, for I know this is the only time that I have, I will never be able to do them again. Life is too short to let time passes by to let things pass you on. Life is too short to let bad times and bad memories affect you. Life is too short to wait till next, to give your love to others and to share your knowledge, your experiences, your abilities, your talent. Give it all you've got, that's what I always tell myself. It's time for giving and not taking. If you give, just give, for if you give to get, it's a test for your sincerity.

Never by : Joe Ismyl

Your Wall

2008-06-29T19:11:00.022+08:00

Just a moment to hold

2008-06-13T20:32:00.014+08:00

Two souls they met, and went to pair

Felt their love a bond, wanting to share,

their feelings had made the world a fare

Does not care much what comes to stare

Like the clouds that drift

keeps changing high above the cliff

the pairs that drift so much to give

from the wonder comes the gift

Such a charm the gift of life

Still a wonder till the end of day

a miracle had came to let survive

the game of love they had in play

the smile she had, just like dad

the colours , the eyes, is mom's to catch

Such a miracle the life that they had

For a minute of time, felt love no match

True love we felt so close to be

True love he held not the oceans can fill

Up the steps she take, she wants to get free

For she has to go further up the hill

The love you had for a moment to hold

The life he gave like a story untold

For those true ones who gives his soul

When the story's unfold, forever he will hold.

Never by : Joe Ismyl

My Journey

2008-06-10T11:15:00.005+08:00

Taking the steps one at a time, through life's journey, striving while seeking his blessings, hoping his showering his love n compassion that will provide a peace of mind. Need to choose when reaching a crossroad, thereby seeking his blessings, to show the right path. Take d chosen path that leads to destiny.
Through my life, I've met people who have swayed me away, n friends who had saved my day. I've observed how people had changed their ways, some get rich but friends went away, some use to be freaks later went to preach. Others got rich but lost all in a day, Some had prayed but later strayed, the steady ones that always stays, people who cheat and betrays, those who lied but stride.
Through all those experiences I have learn to do it my way, and not to be deceived in anyway. Those experiences, have created me to be what I am. I live life the way that I want, to be careful, to respect, to love , to be compassionate, to be sincere, to listen, to give, to share with all living things and to flourish the world.

Never by : Joe Ismyl

The Isle of Love

2008-06-10T09:41:00.003+08:00

If you think of love , be thankful for the little feelings that he had bestowed unto you, so that you can share those feelings with those destined to you..It is true that he held true love in his hands and gave us a little for us to use, so that we could love one another and that our lives would be more meaningful. He gave you a little of life and held the rest in his hands so you can flourish this world until he calls you back to give you the rest He is the keepers of the keepers coz he knows every drop of rain that touches the earth, every piece of leaves that fall, every breath you take and every beat of your heart..He does not only create, he administors every step you make so that you won't fall but if you fall, he is teaching you along the way , to be cautious and to think about your mistakes and clear your minds. He teaches you to slowly and sincerely submit to him as you were the chosen one. He wants you to finally realize along the path of your journey, that you should give that little love that he gave to others and to all his creation. He wants you to make love grow and to flourish the world. If you give love back to him, than he will love you more, If you give your soul than he will hold you in his arms, cuddle you like a baby and take care of you for every step you make, for every beat of your heart. He will watch your step when you walk the isle of love to the doors of heaven. If you think of love you think of him

Never by ; Joe Ismyl

We Felt Love in Our Heart

2008-06-03T11:42:00.004+08:00

Through the journey in life, we were destined to face circumstances which becomes a test for us to overcome hurdles and problems that we might face. While we have a plan for our lives, it sometimes doesn't turn out as we had wished for, even though we felt our sincerity in making sure what we had wanted for the benefit of our close ones or others. We give love and compassion we give trust and honesty just to make others happy and our life meaningful. We met people around us that influence us in one way or the other, and circumstances that would directly affect us and create our own characters. We started with trusting everyone, and everybody and goes through life honestly in our dealings or relationship but all this people we trusted thought us a lesson to be careful in everything we do. While we thought that was how we were suppose to run our lives, the almighty knows best for us. He wants us to learn from all those mistakes we had made in only just t rusting others, but to first be composed and to do our homework of making an assessment of the situation before we jump into conclusion and making sure what we had plan are being carried out the way it should be. People are not made the same, as they have other circumstances and encounters that create their characters and thus, self assessment goes beyond just only the working environment but also through our personal lives. Looking beyond that, we should realize the beauty of the creation as we were all created unique so that mankind is able to differentiate one another not just through their faces but deep through their characters and what they have become. For those who goes astray are those who have deviated from the teachings and revelation of the truth. For these unique being will somehow meet their own unique partners that makes them pairs of lovebirds for the reason of closest commonness in each other in, feelings, thinking and needs. They were also destined for each other to bare children and family and to flourish life till doom.

As your heart yearns to find that unique person in your life, people who are truely honest, sincere and compassionate, without realizing it, you have been guided towards the right path of your journey in iife. What you have all the time been seeking in your prayers had came true as you had met all kinds of personalities that does not suit you so that you learn. Because he loves you and only through your submission to him you will find true love. The closest you could get in finding true love is with those who share your unique thoughts and feelings, For it is only he who knows what true love really means because he held true love in his hands and only gave us a little to use that we felt in our heart. We felt love in our heart!

Never by: Joe Ismyl

Keep On Writing

2008-05-28T17:15:00.002+08:00

If I stop writing you will tell me, keep on writing. You will tell me it's good for you, it will keep your mind working, it will bring your stress level down. You would say, it's like a therapy, it exercises your brain, it flows the blood in your brain into all the tiny nerves and it will make you healthy. Writing will be good for you, it will improve your knowledge, it will make you smart improves your Language. Your communication and interaction with people will improve. Writing is good, you say, you can say what you like, what you think, how you think. Writing is good , you say, people will learn from you. Give it all you got, give everything you've got, write. But the world will read and they will know what I am, how I think, what I think, how smart or stupid I am. They will learn all my failures, all my feelings, everything about me. You would say, you don't write for them, you write for you, for yourself. Write to god, to who ever. Just write. You would tell me, but you like writing, so just write, do what you like to do. But I want to do other things too. You say, yea, do other things too, but don;t stop writing its you..

Never By : Joe Ismyl

I miss my Father

2008-05-28T16:25:00.003+08:00

I miss my father Edit

May 28, 2008, 9:26 am

I ask you who do you miss? I miss my late father lately. Well, I miss mine too. Why do I miss him? I would miss him if he was rich and famous. I would miss him if he was poor or unknown. Even if I never have met my father, I would miss him. I miss him because I was not able to look at his happy face when we had our first born child, or to let him be the first to hear about my promotion or test my new car. I miss him because I'm not able to go out with him for lunch or Dinner or watch TV, joke and laugh together. I miss playing badminton with him. I miss having to massage his hands and legs when he gets back from work. I miss him having jokes with my friends when they come over. I miss him because he is funny. I miss his kindness to people, I miss his ever willingness for anything. I miss him because he is a good man. Yes my father is a good man. Well, I miss him because he has passed away and I was not able to do much for him when he was alive. I miss him because I could have done more but most of all I miss him because I loved him. Well life goes on and I must not sit, I must stand tall and go forward, I cannot look back. Yes life must go on, I must not sit, I must stand tall, go forward, I cannot look back.

Never by : Joe Ismyl

The Close Encounter

2008-04-22T09:10:00.025+08:00

It has been about ten years, Abah (or Dad) had been sick with 'Parkinson disease'. His health had deteriorated ever since he retired from service as an officer in a government agency. (Marine Shahbandar). The disease attacks the brain  nerves and till today, there is no cure.  Noticed at first his ability to drive  was affected. Had a few dents to the Volvo 122 that he was driving. In one incidence, I had to swerved the wheels away as he was almost about to rammed the cyclist. He had insisted on driving though and we were lucky there were not any serious incident.  Finally, he had to forgo the Volvo and was still moving about by bus to town now and then to have his favorite coffee and toasted bread at the famous "Hwa Mui' coffee shop. We were all worried as he was noticeably unable to maintain a good balance of  himself.  Razin was then his favorite grand child, would always tag along with him. It was usual for him to fall down, even at home, due to his inability to maintain his balance. He was unable to write properly as his hands were unsteady. It got worst as the years went by till finally he had to be bound to a wheelchair. Mom was all patience and was like  full time nursing him. What else was there to do? We have seen the doctor, and countless alternative medicines to no avail.

That morning of August, 12, 1986, Mom called to ask us to come as Dad was very sick. It was all gloomy, he had suffered for far too long and has been bed ridden for such a long time. Bangwe our big brother, was doing his Haj in Mecca. Lee & Abid my other sibblings, makes three of the four boys was at his bedside. I was holding his right hands by his side while reading the Yasin, the verse from the Al Quran, Abid was wiping dad's forehead and Lee was at his feet massaging his legs.

I could feel the warmth disappear slowly from his fingers and up to his elbow. "Pak Bilal" came in and started to do some prayers, cried after awhile and started wispering into his ears the Shahadah. The Bilal says that it will take sometime and reminded us while reading the Yasin, to seek from Allah for his forgiveness, and to  take his soul peacefully and to take care of him or otherwise seek for his recovery and let him live a healthy man. Pak Bilal says he will leave now and taught us what was going to happen to him, and says that he will come back a little while later.

Deep into the end of my Yasin phrases, I had ask from Allah, to please stop the long sufferings of my father, and to take his life peacefully and place him in heaven. It was shockingly true, how close I felt I was with Allah. At the very moment, Abah straightened his feet, lift his head, to catch his last breath and was suddenly still. It's true, that you can't see Allah, but he is there and he answered my prayers just like what the phrases in the AlQuran says........
Surah 36. Ya-Seen

(80) "Is not He Who created the heavens and the earth able to create the like thereof?"― Yea, indeed! for He is the Creator Supreme, of skill and knowledge (infinite)! (81) Verily, when He intends a thing, His command is "Be" and it is! (82) So glory to Him in Whose hands is the dominion of all things; and to Him will ye be all brought back. (83)

For me it was a revelation of the truth about my faith and believe.

I did not realize how much I had loved this man until he left me. I had wish that I could have done more for him when he was still alive. I had wanted more from him, a father figure which I never felt that I have had enough. There were so much more things that I wanted to learn from him, but now he is gone. It was a big loss for me. On the other hand I was pleased that Allah has taken him back, pleased for him to be able now to really rest in peace. How finally the truth really prevailed, what the religion teaches you what life is all about, the temporary pasture for mankind to learn to submit to him, total submission to Allah for after going through your life, in the end you will finally have to submit yourself unto him in total.

Never by : Joe Ismyl

MUSICIAN & SINGER IN PROFILE ; HABIB

2008-04-15T13:22:00.010+08:00

Habib is a Professional Musician & Singer based in

Malaysia

Habib’s work is wide-ranging, the majority of his music attention is focused on live performances and singing, while on other corporate events, he does back-up for performance artists or recording, as well as providing musician, singers and live band entertainments for corporate events, or events management and services. As a music lecturer, complementing his background, are his abilities as a performing musician and Singer, goes over 30 years ranging from various repertoire from oldies, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s to current depending on the event. The ability to blend the right music and the right mood through years of experience gives tremendous impact to the occasion. Public relation is part and parcel of the whole business, and thus Habib’s ability goes beyond responsibilities.

Habib’s life-long interest in music is what first pointed him in the direction of a keyboardist and singer, in his youth alongside talented musicians who struggled to make ends meet but does not put him off pursuing music itself as a career.

Sound Overexposure – a common occurrence in performances

After years of exposure Habib felt his passion in music assists him at work on a daily basis. His experience and passion provide him with additional perspective, allowing him view performance and hearing spaces through musicians’ eyes and ears. He acknowledged the needs from his working environment in order to play well. As for instance, he needs to hear himself and other pieces clearly to enable good timing and sound engineering to provide endless satisfaction and thus sets high standards due to his hearing ability. Overexposed sounds makes noise and thus will not provide the hearing satisfaction.

He is not alone in this perspective, according to Habib, the majority of his colleagues are also musicians but sadly to say, they never had time to set a jam session due to each others commitment and advancement in their own music career as music directors, composers, music trainers or recording artists.

Hearing a personal passion

Adding an extra dimension, Habib felt that his personal interests have formed the direction of his work, as well as the quality of it. From his previous experiences as for example, in Briget Seni Melaka, or during band promotion, he has made endless comments on high level sound exposure from the musician and does firing and other corrective measures.

Finally, with the level of satisfaction required, the words that naturally comes through, Music to the Ears, Lovely Performances, Good Singing, Good Entertainment, Nice Voice, Lovely Band , Good Team Work, and with all that comes all the good customers that brings business.

Getting back what he puts in

Investing so much in his work ensures he also gets a great deal out of it. On a couple of occasions, Habib had the opportunity to get extended from clients, and thus will probably stay in one place for a long time over the normal three months that musicians or bands normally last in one place.

Call : 0163797373 for inquiries.

To Someone Who Needs From Someone Who Cares

2008-02-09T01:45:00.033+08:00

Had always supported and encouraged Zaida to do what ever she pleases ever since we started courting. We had troubles with our relationship in the fifth year of our marriage, and deep inside, we felt the offer for Zaida's degree was very timely, not only for the sake of Zaida's career but also due to our relationship which had turned sour. I was mad, angry, sad, confused, and disillusioned. My heart was broken into pieces. Worst was when my senses kept bugging my head and wanted to solve the jigsaw of my life. The earlier years of marriage was never easy as we were given the biggest test in our relationship. Things went out of hand and I was very mad and was going crazy. Though we managed to overcome the quarrels later like adults, we were cold. It was like that ever since we had Liyana, pass on for months. Zaida taking her degree, full time was like taking a break. The fire stop burning but the ashes stayed on like dirt caught round corners. Lots of my thoughts were turned towards Allah, for his blessings, "Rahmah" and praying that everything will turn out better after the black episode in our lives. Life works in so many different ways, and having Liyana was like a savior in our relationship. This time around the break gave us the time to reinforce our relationship and feelings and to re examine our lives and look at things in a different light.

The start of the quarrels took me out of the house and I was on my own, living out, at first in hotels, later with my brother, and mostly with Mom. We never really officially separated as I had only wanted to get away to analyse what had happened and to cool down. Endless days and nights roughing out my mind towards why things had to happen the way it should. It is confusingly true then, that I hated her because I loved her and the pain was so unbearable. . I hated whatever had happened between us and the frustrations. I would have lost my mind if I had not left sooner and the problems would persist. It was the time that I had to take a crash course, about what life is all about and to think straight and be tough like a true man to face the circumstances. Somehow wrong stories get around when we split and things gotten out of hand. Later when my life was a little more miserable being alone without my wife and children, and about to go crazy, I met this girl who had kept me company and made me feel good. It was a very decent relationship, she had loved me but had always left the affair a choice that I had to make. By the time six months in our relationship, mom fell sick of pneumonia and had to be hospitalized. Warded in the 1st class, the officers ward was high up the hill and if you took the bus you would have to climb up the steep flight of stairs. I would be at the ward besides mom whenever I am free. Looking out the window I saw a heavily pregnant lady, walking up the flight of stairs to the ward and felt pity for her. "Where is her husband?" Why she has to walk herself?". She must have been going to the wrong ward. The maternity ward is the other way. "Take the lift there the other side" I was talking to myself. Though she was pregnant, she dress herself well and had a ribbon neatly decorating her hair. I was like dreaming for a while when suddenly she came in the ward where we were and to my surprise, it was Zaida my wife. I reacted nicely by commenting that the ribbon was nice on her hair. Ya Allah. It was my wife and she was about 8 months pregnant with my own 3rd baby. Remembered asking her months before our quarrel that I wanted another baby. She said it was too early, but I said it was all up to Allah not you. Have always prayed that if ever Allah wants to give me a child to be at the right moment. I was so confident that my 3rd child was coming that I insisted she does another test when the first test turn out negative. "There didn't I tell you so", when the results finally confirmed the doctor wrong. I do not know why but the feelings then were hard to describe as I already new Allah was giving me another baby and I really wanted this baby. Anyway back at the ward, It was almost the festival of the "Aidhil Adha"and muslims makes sacrifices to mark the day. My eldest brother was at my side later in the same ward and it was the first time we talked about my troubles. It took a long time for my big brother to come to my aid. I had waited for him to pour my troubles as I was not willing to share things with just anybody. I took upon him as someone who would give me the support that I needed as my father had passed away the same year. I only need a little coaxing from him to cool me down. At the same time I felt so much pity thinking of the "climbing the stairs episode" of my wife, and like I said I really wanted this baby. Big brother told me, he heard a little of the troubles and advised me to calm down and to bring back my family. So there I was making my sacrifice for "Aidil Adha". I had made my choice and would let whatever past be forgiven. My family went to Zaidah's family to discuss and that was it. We were together again in time to receive our brand new baby girl, we named Liyana. We didn't need anybody else to name this one. We had the choice of Zarina or Liyana.

Saw the eyes swelled and the tears had flowed but nothing was said when the photograph that bonded my affair with the girl I mentioned was returned. Somehow she had known what was coming. I thank god for having sent her into my life, though it was meant only to make me realize what love really meant, I know. But being together after the black episode was never the same. It was like getting to know a new person in your life. It turns out better and better every other day though. Had noticed my 3 year old Nuha was over excited seeing me carrying some clothing back. She ran to her Gandma and said, "Tok Mak, Tok Mak, Ayah dah balik tau, ayah tak nak pergi lagi" which meant to tell her grandma that I was coming back for good. Zaidah was offered to do her degree a little later and again it was all god's plan to keep us together which we never knew. Absence makes love grow fonder, how true it is, and letting it grow slowly makes the foundation even more solid.

Liyana was going 1 year old when Zaida left to do her Degree in University Pertanian Malaysia. Remembered the first time we were sending Zaida to the bus terminal when she had to leave for the university. Zaida kept on coaxing them to be good. We bade farewell and she boarded the bus. Liyana cried when the bus started to move. In the car driving back home, Nuha with tears in her eyes, cuddling Liyana who was crying for her Mom. Nuha look upon Liyana like a pet ever since Liyana was a baby, and till now when she grew up. Nuha was 3 when we had Liyana. Liyana would ask her sister Nuha for anything and they were always together. It was clear that she misses her sister Nuha so much when Nuha had to start school. She kept asking what time Nuha would get home and will always wait for her dear sister in time for her to get home. Tok Wak & Tok Mak, Zaidah's parents, were a tremendous help. they were the best parents in law anyone could ever have. They looked after the children and as such it was never a big hassle for me having to get to work. Liyana spent lots more time with me growing up and was more comfortable to express herself to me than her other siblings. Zaidah felt a little upset one day when she came back for the weekends, and Liyana became a little shy and didn't want her mom but her dad. Since Tok Mak was always caring for Liyana when I am away at work, I had made a point to take care of her the time she gets to sleep. Later when she grew up, she became like a messenger for Nuha and Fakhri anytime they wanted anything from Daddy. He he.. Not having her mom much, it was only natural for me to take over to give the child more attention.

Liyana was very active as a child and likes to ask questions and aspects answers and also loves the attention she gets. She would hold your face to her and makes sure that you look in her eyes when she talks. I have always given her the attention she wanted. Very expressive and always thinks aloud and does not keep anything in her mind. She also learns a lot while playing with Nuha and loves to model herself. She would be the one who would be playing with Zaida's make up and stuff. Talks a lot and makes friend's easily too. She knows all Nuha's school mates and easily gets along with them too. She's always interested with what Nuha does at school and was over excited when Nuha was dancing and singing on stage during a class performance. Reading was never a problem since kindergarten as she likes to read books aloud, I use to ask her to stop for awhile and rest. When it comes to dressing, her preferences were very clear since childhood. Unlike Nuha, Liyana was very fussy choosing her clothes and dressing up, and knows what she wanted. It's funny though whatever she chooses will have the high RM bracket sign, you know real leather stuff, and well known brands. She's always frank if she doesn't like something, even though, gifts from others. Everybody wears the same material for traditional dresses though, Zaidah will decide on that matter. Liyana's seriousness in her activities never gave us any doubt about how well she would do in her studies and extra curricular. She was class monitor, prefect, receives high achievers study awards, climbed the peak of Mount Kinabalu, also a queens guide like Nuha, scored flying colors in her SPM and managed to get a scholarship from a huge multinational Oil & Gas company to take up Geology in Curtin University, Miri, Sarawak. She is now in her first year. More stories about Liyana in ...... "The letter that changed our lives".

Never by : Joe Ismyl

THE LETTER THAT CHANGED OUR LIVES

2008-02-06T13:19:00.001+08:00

Ever wondered why, money is not everything? And what other things are more important than yourself, your career, your Boss and everything else? Well the following letter is a transcript of a letter written by my daughter, Liyana to me, which answers part of the equation.The bigger picture of the story can be found when reading my other postings titled "Thought I had it all" and Rather stay my friend than be my boss" . Liyana was 14 when she wrote me this letter. We were in Labuan and she had just been transfered from SIGS Johor Bahru to a secondary school in Labuan.

After weeks schooling in Labuan, in form 2, she started giving sour faces at home. She didn't talk much and her joyvial self was gone. She wrote this letter and inserted it in a book that I was reading. The letter reads...................

"Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

Ayah, Liyana tulis surat ni sebab Liyana nak cerita kat ayah tentang luahan hati Liyana. Mula mula Liyana ingat nak kasi email, tapi tulisan tangan menunjukkan kata2 yang lahir dari hati. Firstly, Liyana nak mintak ampun dari ayah kalau Liyana ada tersilap kata, terkasar bahasa, dan buat perkara2 yang ayah tak suka. Memang kadang2 Liyana, ayah tanya, Liyana diam, termenung jer, dan selalu marah2. Liyana
bukannya nak tunjuk perangai, nak memberontak,

tapi kadang2 memang Liyana tak boleh kawal perasaan. Kesedihan Liyana boleh mengatasi segalanya. Liyana cuba kawal perasaan, tapi sekarang ni bila2 pun liyana boleh nangis. Lebih2 lagi bila ayah cakap macamana sekolah hari ni? Dapat kawan baru? Liyana nak cakap apa? Tak perlulah Liyana nak carik kawan baru tiap2 hari. Lagipun Liyana memang tak senang dengan diaorang semua. Kadang2 Liyana rasa macam invisible, ermmm. Ayah, kalau ayah nak tahu, Liyana dapat terima yang Liyana sekarang ni Liyana ada dekat Labuan, bukan JB, cuma yang amat Liyana kesalkan ialah Liyana terpaksa lepaskan peluang yang depan mata begitu sahaja. Segala impian Liyana hancur lebur. Liyana tahu kadang2 apa yang kita nak, bukan semuanya kita boleh dapat. Tapi bukan untuk kali ni ayah. Liyana rasa lonely sangat kat sini. Dengan siapa Liyana nak cerita? Dengan siapa Liyana nak luahkan masaalah? Dengan ayah? Ayah takkan faham. Walaupun dekat JB nanti, Liyana tetap lonely, tapi Liyana tak kisah sebab kurang2 pun Liyana ada kawan nak hiburkan hati. Tapi kat sini dengan siapa?. Siapa yang boleh hiburkan hati Liyana? Kawan2 ermmmm memang takde Ayah. Ibu? takkan faham. Ayah, Liyana tau family mestilah selalu di utamakan, tapi cuba ayah fikir, dengan siapa Liyana habiskan waktu, family atau kawan? jadi walau macamana jauh pun sesuatu family tu, walaupun sorang kat timur, sorang selatan, sorang barat, sorang utara, tapi kalau hati kita bersatu, memang walau apa pun terjadi, family kita tetap kukuh. Ayah, Liyana tak mintak yang lain daripada ayah, cuma Liyana nak balik JB dan sekolah balik kat SIGS. Liyana janji ayah, Liyana janji kalau ayah bagi Liyana peluang ni, Liyana takkan sia-siakan walau sedikit pun. Liyana akan hidup berdikari, belajar dengan bersungguh2. Liyana akan berjimat-cermat. Liyana akan masuk aktiviti yang Liyana minat macam Pandu Puteri dan Liyana akan ikut aktiviti yang dibuat. Liyana akan buat yang terbaik untuk banggakan ayah dengan ibu. Ini lah JANJI Liyana yang takkan Liyana lepaskan. kalau Liyana berjaya ayah, baru lah boleh Liyana dipuji dan Liyana berpuas hati dengan apa yang Liyana lakukan. Ayah, tolonglah percayakan Liyana. kalau lepas ayah bagi Liyana peluang ni, Liyana sia-siakan, bawak lah Liyana balik Labuan semula. Janganlah ayah beri peluang sekali lagi masa tu. Tolong lah ayahhhh. Liyana tak berniat nak tinggalkan ayah, kalau boleh memang Liyana nak tinggal dengan Ayah ngan Ibu, Liyana nak kita sekeluarga tinggal semula dekat JB kalau boleh. Tapi Ayah, untuk future yang baik, kalau Ayah nak tengok anak Ayah berjaya dan mempunyai masa depan yang cerah, hantarlah Liyana pulang. Liyana takkan mintak apa2 lagi dengan ayah lepas ni kecuali barang2 sekolah dan untuk kehidupan seharian, tu aje. Biarlah Liyana usahakan sendiri untuk dapatkan barang yang Liyana nak. Sememangnya, kehidupan yang agak mewah atau barang2 yang jadi idaman Liyana memang Liyana nak kalau boleh. Tapi Ayah, benda2 ni semua takkan boleh jadikan Liyana happy seperti keinginan Liyana untuk balik. Ayah suruhlah Liyana buat apa je, asalkan Liyana dapat balik. Liyana akan lakukan. Liyana tak kisah, kalau nanti dekat JB Liyana tak dapat duduk rumah uncle Adin pun, Liyana duduk rumah Tok Wak ataupun duduk hostel pun boleh. Liyana tak kisah.yang penting Liyana nak buat yang terbaik untuk masa depan Liyana. Tolonglah ayah, Liyana hidup cuma sekali. Liyana nak lakukan sesuatu yang terbaik. Liyana akan bersusah payah untuk kejar impian Liyana. Ayah, Liyana nak katakan yang Labuan bukanlah tempat untuk Liyana capai segala impian liyana. Cubalah ayah fikir, takkan ibu nak usahakan Pandu Puteri dekat Labuan ni untuk Liyana seorang aje. Dalam masa nak usahakan pun Liyana dah habis sekolah agaknya. Walau usaha macamanapun, aktiviti kokorikulum Liyana takkan dapat lakukan sebaik macam mana di JB. Harapan untuk dapat Pandu Puteri Raja memang pudar sangat. Tolonglah ayah. Liyana tak nak menyusahkan ibu lagi. Cukuplah segala pengorbanan Ibu terhadap Liyana adik-beradik dan yang paling banyak sekali terhadap ayah... Cukuplah, bagilah ibu capai matlamat dalam hidupnya pulak. Betapa ibu dah menjadi isteri yang sangat baik untuk ayah. Ayah, tolonglah sara Liyana sehingga Liyana boleh mencari punca rezeki sehari. terima kasih terhadap segala jasa dan saraan yang ayah berikan untuk kita sekeluarga. Tapi ayah, Liyana tiada apa2 di dunia ni. Bila Liyana dah besar dan berjaya kelak, jasa dan pengorbanan Ayah, akan Liyana kenang sehinggalah malaikat cabut nyawa Liyana. Insyaallah. Tapi Ayah, kalau Ayah tak berikan peluang ni untuk Liyana. jasa Ayah tetap Liyana kenang juga. Cuma janganlah Ayah salahkan Liyana kalau Liyana tak segembira dulu, dan Liyana tak seaktif dulu di sekolah. Dan janganlah Ayah salahkan Liyana kalau Liyana tak berjaya sekalipun. hubungan kekeluargaan akan jadi lebih erat lagi kalau kita berjauhan, percayalah. Tolonglah Liyana kali ni. Ayah, liyana nak mintak maaf kalau kata2 Liyana diatas ada menyakitkan hati ayah. Ampunkanlah segala dosa Liyana"

Wassalam

Nur liyana Zulfakar.

In Liyana's email to me, she wrote the same stuff again, and further, she says that, "this is my time and not yours, I have lost so much by being here. In SIGS, I have my study group and they have advanced so much in their studies. Here in Labuan there is no study group and I am so left behind. I will do anything to go back to SIGS in JB. I will look after the house for you. I will go and pay the Electricity and water bills, I will cook for myself and I promise to study very very hard to achieve my dreams. Please Ayah. , please let me go back. She ends her letter as follows :............. Ayah , I apologize if ever I have said anything that might hurt your feelings or have used the wrong words but you must understand this is my life and future and I am very confident after telling you all this, Ayah will agree to send me back to Johor Bahru to school in SIGS.

The above letter was the reason for everything that happens after, which inter relates to my other postings, like "Rather stay my Friend than be my Boss" and "thought I had it all" Liyana was sent back to SIGS in JB, and we had all done a review to our lives and decided to go home. Which would you choose to sacrifice? The lost of everything, Or the gain of something? I have made mine.

Liyana scored flying colours in her PMR and SPM examination with extraordinary achievement in her co-curicular activities. She received her "Queens Guides" too, the highest award for a girlguide which must be taken before she reaches the age of 16. She climbed Mount Kinabalu and reached the peak. She also sings with a nice tone and play the guitar like me. Liyana is now on a Petronas Scholarship to complete her degree in Geology. Love you sayang, and wish you success in whatever you do. Keep up your effort.

Growing up

2008-01-28T09:37:00.012+08:00

I was born in 1957 in Johore Bahru. My father was a government officer. We were a big family of ten. I'm the eigth child. The house I grew up was a big 4 rooms bungalow with huge compound, in Jalan Temengong Ahmad, adjacent to the present MB official Residence. The houses then were never fenced like what we have today which clearly divided each others boundary. Not plenty automobiles on the road, and it was quite usual to find kids wandering or playing out in the open, or walking distances to and from school. There was only one bus operator that goes through the main road of the housing area, and people would have to walk a distance to the bus stop to get transport to town. An hour wait for the bus is common.

We used to plant tapioca, corns and vegetables in the back compound of our home and rear chickens. Once in a while the chickens get slaughtered for our meals too. Cats wanders and becomes our own when we start to feed them. Spices like "halia" and "Kunyit were in abundance. Others were like "Daun Sadri" and "Daun Selasih", all these plants becomes part of the spices that made up the dishes that Mom used to cook. I remembered a huge Cactus in the compound of our home. Tapioka leafs may be cooked as our vegetables.

My father rides a scooter to and from work. Later when I started school he bought a "Volks wagon Beatle" It was routine for my brother or me to send packed food to Dad's office for his lunch. My brother or me sometimes have to go to the wet market to get fresh fish and vegetables or other stuff for mom to cook. Meat curry would be considered a luxury, or our own slaughtered chicken. "Jemput-jemput" is a fried floor paste which is common for tea. I loved "lempeng "or pancake. Raw fish crackers were first dried in the sun before frying, I do not know for what reason. Use to love fried or boiled tapiocas eaten with chili paste. There were times when we didn't have vegetables or fish, rice with margarine were also very tasty. Outings then were either to the town for "Wak Radols" satay or "Mee rebus"(noodles) or just picnic at the Lido beach. Pots & pans were brought along with the glass & plates. Swimming in the straits were wonderful times we use to have. There were three main theaters, "Lido", beside it, Rex in Jalan Wong Ah Fook and "Cathay". The bus station is where "City Square stands now, and the wet market is where , Komplexs Tun Abdul Razak is. Sungei Segget, was famous for it's filth, runs alongside Jalan Wong Ah Fook, which is now the "Segget Walk". Much were the development, that changed to the landscape of the old town accept for Jalan Trus, Jalan Ibrahim, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee and Jalan Dobi which connects to each other.

I never attended kindergarten like my two other younger sisters, but there were not many schools then. I was sent to STAR 1, an English medium primary school from standard 1 to 6. All the subjects were taught in English. We started without knowing the language at all. Of course there was English class too, and the Teacher was Mrs Chandran. She taught us ABC and simple words like teeth, Chin, Elbow, Eyes, Nose, Hand, Legs and others. English was immediately spoken in class, but outside we spoke our mother tongue. Broken English were spoken, but we get better and better each coming day, coz the teachers will always correct our broken English. The school was interracial, we were all the same, Malik, Jamal, Siva or Tan Hong La. We play study and go outing together. There was little problem with race integration. Festive season was all fun, be it Chinese New Year, Deepavali or Hari Raya. There were no tuition, it was up to us to put our own effort to study. My mom used to teach me spelling and my elder sister, Kak Uda use to teach me maths, the rest was all on my own. Accept for the first day, elder sisters, Kak Ngah & Kak Uda walk me to school for registration and to confirm my class. If I 'm not mistaken, Kak Uda walk me to school on the second day. After that it was all on my own walking to and from school. Some teachers walked too. Mastura and Munira, being girls never had much of the fun being on their own as Abah was always sending and fetching them by car. Well, that was what was expected of boys, to be more independent. I had to attend Religious school too, and it was normally either, morning session the national school and afternoon religous school or visa versa.

"Kampong mates" were very important for us, and we used to play together in the compound of our homes, and the games we play were always almost seasonal. The windy season would be flying kites for all of us. Other seasons would be, marble season, rubber bands season, "kayu canang" and also when the "Gasing" (Tops) season, everybody would for sure have their own "Gasing" (Tops) to play together with the other Kampong mates. Play time is between 4.00 to 6.00pm.

By 6.00 pm everybody should be home to prepare for "Quran Recitation" and "Magrib Prayers". Mom would make sure we recite the quran out loud so she could hear while doing her cooking in the kitchen. She would repeat for us to recite properly any wrong recitation. Dinner would be served at about 8.00pm and everybody would be at the dining. We must not speak during dinner. Nobody eats until Dad had his first bite. Mom will always sit beside Dad and makes sure to clean the fish meal from any bones for his bite. After dinner is the time for us to complete any homework that was not completed and to do our school revision. The elder sisters would come to coach wherever necessary.

School Term break was devided into three in a year, While the 1st term and 2nd term was about 2 weeks, the 3rd term break would always be long 3 months. Remembered every last day of school during every 3rd term holidays was like a big celebration for all the kids. Those were occasions when Mom and Dad would pack our stuff to head back to the Kampong. For us "balik Kampong" (Back to the village) is Muar, where my Grand Dad and Grandma lives. The house in Muar was a big Bungalow house with huge compound. Rambutan and Durian Seasons were the best time to be there. The bigger family would probably merge and meet each other in Muar during the holidays and almost every wedding of my Uncles and Aunties were celebrated in that house and during the school holidays. More fun more playing and no books. Up the Rambutan Trees, under the house or running in the compound for us kids. I can still visualize that big house with concrete staircase up the front entrace to the house which was of wooden structure built about 6 feet above the ground standing on concrete stith and beams. The more senior amongst the family would get the rooms while the rest would have the living room for sleep. A couple of days stay in Muar were never enough. How I had loved to be there in Grand Dad's house.

I was very close to Asmah, a neighbor who was my age in a different school. We used to study and play together at her home. Remembered us writing to each other when we were on one of the long school holidays and when each of us went visiting our Kampongs. or just to send notes and messages. She was just next door to us. It was like what you call a "Puppy love". Fun days it was, and like others I did go through a wonderful childhood life and remembers the good times and all the funny episodes, the quarrels and misunderstandings, the learning about love and life. Somehow, she had to retain when we were in Form 3, and we sort of went separate ways.

to be continued.................

Tiny Todd

2008-01-26T19:04:00.004+08:00

Tiny Todd she was, as a child, Nuha bites her nails, like her mom. No need for nail clippers, her nails will always be clean. Fragile as a child. Always complains about her aching legs, if she ever does go out running about, or when there's P.E in school. Always obedient as a kid and never complains about anything, never cries if she was left behind while we go out. She pampers her younger sister, 3 years younger than her. She does everything Liyana asked her to do, Liyana always takes advantage of her. Liyana will' "Kakak this" "Kakak that" and she will do it. She never worry about what she wears or what we buy for her. from clothing, right to her toys or dolls. She takes what she's given. She's never choosy. Loves to be hugged and cuddled, even till today and always wants more. .Nuha was late Tok Mak's Favourite,

Remembers too well Nuha's first day at school, Liyana was all excitement. it was as though she was the one going to school. giving instructions to Nuha, "Akak, akak, duduk, duduk. Akak akak, put the tumbler in the drawer" she says. Nuha's blue school bag was a lot oversized, but she didn't care. Nuha loves Liyana and takes good care of her. They were very close and still is, loves playing dolls together. In fact they were always together. Liyana always waits for Nuha, and would be running to her when she gets home from school. Akak., akak, akak, akak she would shout for her dearest Kakak.

As a student, Nuha was well liked by her teachers, very active in extra curricular activities and always does very well in all the subjects that she took. Everyday, when she reaches home from school, she will put on a singlet and shorts and straight to the table, doing her homework. All the rest cross legged sitting on the floor. she does it the opposite way. We did not have to coaxed her to read, she was a self starter. She watches TV too while reading or doing her homework. Every year, we would be invited for price giving for her, best student in Maths, best student in Bahasa, best student in English, also best student in school. She was also top student in her Religious school. Final results, flying colors straight "A's". She made us parents proud.

In her secondary, we discovered, she loves to write. She won some writing competition and lots of high achievers award. "Queens Guide", "Bestari Muda" and many more. She represented Malaysia, in the "Korea-Asean future Oriented Youth Exchange Project 2001" in Korea. We really missed her so much that 2 weeks she was away. Nuha also climbed Mount Kinabalu and reached the Peak.

Always a little unsure of her confidence, she makes it up for her determination and courage. She started to cycle when she sees Liyana's first balancing act on the bike. She was so determined and thus managed to cycle on her own a short while later. She never likes to cycle anyway, and never really into serious sports.

We never took it too seriously when she says she wants to work part time while waiting for her SPM results. She had walked her self to almost all the shops in Taman Perling to find a job. Had a few offers, but finally decided to work in a Photo Shop. A few months working she managed to earn enough to spent it all for whatever.

She turns a deaf ear, all the discouragement from others about pursuing "Architecture" for her degree. "It is a really tough subject" everybody says. "You have to slog and really spend extra time to really succeed". "Those Architectural students, they never had enough sleep" they say. they bathe and sleep and does everything in the workshop. "Struggle, Struggle Struggle". Next thing we knew, we were sending her to UiTM, Bota, Perak to get her Degree in Architecture. True enough she did well and after 4 years, we were again the proud parents for her convocation. All the waiting, travelling and days at the hotel, and waiting in the auditorium for her name to be called was worth every sweat, nothing close to how hard she worked to get her Degree. Nurnuha Zulfakar, it was announced. "There"", there", "there", "Nuha""Nuha", the proud parents showing of excitement. Barely 2 minutes walk pass the stage was worth everything, even though both these parent's eyesight were not that good anymore, it was as if we could see everything so clearly, our dear daughter walking to take her turn for the scroll. We were seated at the last few seats second floor of the auditorium. She did us really proud. "Degree of Science In Architecture" Tiny Todd, walks tall and has also grown in size. No, no, tiny no more, but still is.............. our tiny Todd. She also has one tiny Todd friend, who also has a degree like her.

Determined as she was 2 weeks upon returning for her degree, she secured a job with a consulting firm. Didn't like the job as they were doing pipes design, Fair enough she left to join an architect firm. Still wasn't happy, need more challenge she says, not enough projects. Just yesterday she attended another interview and secured the job in a bigger Architect firm in Kuala Lumpur. Better she says, they have more projects and also doing overseas projects, better pay. Well what can we say, she has options, and choices to make for her own future. Often wished that she was still the tiny Todd she was back than, so that we can always have her by our side. But that's what life is all about, it's about getting into the real world and face the challenges ahead, Strive for excellence and success. We trust and always pray for her success in whatever she does, though the part of our love for her never wants to let go. Never.

Nuha's article in NST

2008-01-26T15:29:00.003+08:00

2008/01/24

Johor Buzz / My Johor: Traffic jams or no, it is still home

Nurnuha Zulfakar

PERHAPS the most notable thing about Taman Perling is its infamous traffic congestion.

Developed by Pelangi Berhad back in the 80s, it is rumoured that the area was once a natural habitat of the 'perling' birds. I still remember, though, back in 1995 when my family and I moved from Kampung Dato Onn (used to be known as Larkin Jaya) to Taman Perling, the atmosphere was different.

The air was fresh and the sounds of birds was above all breath-taking. I used to think those birds were the ones called "perling", but no one ever proved it was true.

I was in Standard 4 when we moved to Jalan Camar here, where my parents had rented a house and my siblings and I went to a new school, Sekolah Rendah Kebangsaan Seri Perling 2.

At the new school, pupils came from the same housing community and everybody knew everybody or rather we were all neighbours.

My daily routine would be walking to school with my younger sister, who is three years younger. The neighbourhood was not busy during those times, considering the fact that our school was also very near to home.

Primary school was fun. I did lot of things, like joining the choir group, choral speaking, being a member in a uniformed association like Tunas Puteri, representing the school in quizzes, competitions and became the head librarian in the school.

I loved to dance, and won second place for zapin in the "Pesta Teater Sekolah-sekolah Johor Baru" held at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (Perempuan) Sultan Ibrahim in 1997.

The triumph was sweet but regardless of the various activities I was involved in, I did not ignore my studies. SRK Seri Perling 2, a relatively unknown school then, had indeed shaped me into the independent person I am today.

It was on Christmas Day in 1997 when we finally moved into the house that our parents bought at Jalan Rawa 21, a new phase of Taman Perling.

I loved the cosy design, the peaceful and quiet location in Taman Perling but it was a a long journey to my secondary school, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (Perempuan) Sultan Ibrahim, which is situated at the city centre. The notorious traffic jams of Taman Perling did not make the journey any easier.

I lived away from Taman Perling for about five years, once when the family moved to Labuan and I had to stay with my aunt to complete my SPM examination, and later for my tertiary education in architecture at Universiti Teknologi MARA in Bandar Sri Iskandar, Tronoh, Perak.

Being away from home, no matter how much squabbling with the siblings and disagreements with dear parents, they were the ones I missed the most when I was alone and needed someone to lean on.

Home? Yes, the one at Jalan Rawa, Taman Perling, was always close to my heart.

Having completed my degree, now I am back in Taman Perling with the honour of designing a tiny hardscape structure in the garden of our house. Proud to say, though in a very minimal role, I am part of Taman Perling's built environment!

Of late, Taman Perling has undergone a huge transformation, without realising 10 years has passed me by. My childhood friends during primary school stay close until today, and the value of having a small sweet home of ours made me cherish it even more.

Regardless of the unending traffic problem at Taman Perling, especially now with the new multi-level interchange connections under construction, my house remains comfortable and cosy in the quiet corner of Jalan Rawa.

Nurnuha Zulfakar is a techincal assistant at KAZ Akitek, in Taman Bukit Alif, Johor Baru. She still braves the same traffic jam to work as she did in 1997.

Small Comfy

2008-01-19T17:59:00.002+08:00

Did some renovation to the front portion of our home. Small Comfy it is for all of us. The smaller it gets the closer the family gets. The formula always goes both ways, you gain something, you lose something. Use one car for all, you gain the time your family spend together. Normally the father will drive the wife to and from work, and the children to and from school. Those travelling times you spent together, are value times which you do not get, if you own 2 or more cars. When you have 2 cars , your wife drive herself and probably will share picking up the children too. thus lost of value time together. Those are the times you will treasure, if and when you are apart. It goes both ways, If you consider a gain having more cars then you must not forget the value time you and your family had lost. Worst off when you own 3 cars, means your son or daughter will drive her own too. Then she or he will help to pick up the other siblings from school, more value time together lost. Theres more and more. simililar things that goes both ways. Think about it.

As for me, like I've said, I've lost the value time I use to have with my wife while driving her to and from work. As she now drives herself to work, We spent less time together. How wonderful it was, having to drive her anywhere. While driving she does nothing else but sits and and when we talk she will listen better. That's why I guess drivers are the ones who would have kept the bosses deepest secrets. At home, we would probably be doing our own things. She would. as a teacher have lots of paper work, writing log books, preparing and marking for exams. all done at home.

Our home, like I've said , a small comfy, 3 rooms terrace. Fakhri takes a room while Nuha & Liyana takes one room to share. When Hani was smaller, she sleeps with us in the masters bedroom. Now Fakhri lives away in KL, and Liyana in Curtin University Miri, Sarawak. So, Nuha takes Fakhri's room, while Hani takes the other room. The house is actually just nice for our family. Everybody wants a big house, and like I've said, it goes both ways. Saved all you can to own a big dream house, sacrifice what other good things in life, like having good value time with the whole family having good dinner out together, shorten or reduce your holidays and don't buy furniture or good cars or whatever else. By the time you get almost to your retirement, you would have owned one, a huge double story bungalow maybe, all paid for. Nice house everybody says, beautiful masterpiece and craftsmanship.

Buy then, your children would have been grown ups and away to start their own career, or build their own family. They would probably come home once in awhile, barely more than 3 days at a time. As time goes by they will all get more and more busy, even less time spent back home. You will probably be left wondering why you had bought such a big house in the first place, when you have become lazy to walk up the stairs as your knees are giving way, and your ankles aches, Once upstairs, stay up. If you are downstairs, stay down. Your wife will prefer to be downstairs near the kitchen, while you prefer to be upstairs near the study or bedroom. Each of you would be shouting for each other for anything as you can't hear well. too far away. Your eardrums might have lost it's senses too and of course your eyesight not so good anymore. Trying to find your glasses.

So leave the terrace house as it is, let it be only three rooms, no need renovation work to change the rooms or structures. Just get some reasonably good furniture, just enough, not too much, change the wardrobes, ok it gets old too you know. Maybe do a little paint job, change the colours. That will do the job.

That's what we did, just added a little more, a wooden structure to cover the front porch, to get water out when it rains and a little bit more smart usage of space, a little more cozy. Nuha did the concept drawing for this renovation. An architect in the making.

My Sister. Kak Ros. The Cool One in the Family. NST

2008-01-19T16:46:00.001+08:00

My Johor: Unearthing the hidden potential Siti Nurbaiyah Nadzmi 2008/01/11

HONING SUCCESS: Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Ulu Tiram was established in 1974, but is not categorised as a premier school.

Rosni Ismail, a principal at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Ulu Tiram believes it is important for teachers and students to have good rapport. The students at this school have won many accolades at the state, national and international levels. EVERY child at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Ulu Tiram is a potential Nur Amalina Che Bakri, the student who stunned the nation when she scored 17 A1s.

SCENIC VIEW: The school not only nurtures greenery but also nurtures the hopes of its many

students.

That’s how I view my students. Contrary to popular belief, scoring As is not the issue. We, the teachers at this school, do not think that this is what formal education is all about. When I said every child is another Amalina, I am referring to their unearthed talents, potential and possibilities which means the sky is the limit for their success. Even the word “success” is determined by our own faction.As I stepped into this school on Jan 1, 2000, the birth of the millenium marked my commitment to prove that this school, despite it being a non-premier suburban school, I strongly believed in its possibilities.The teachers, to whom I am most grateful for their commitment, belief, co-operation and hard work, and I, set out to create a platform for the children to excel in the fields they ventured into, be it sports, co-curricular activities or academic.Two years before Nur Amalina registered to sit for 17 subjects for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examination, Yew Yap Hon approached me and sought permission to sit for 13.It was the first time any student had asked to sit for more than the required nine subjects.After a brief interview, we decided to allow him to do so, and indeed, he became the first student in the school to score 13 A1s for SPM in 2002. It was a significant achievement to inspire others that the impossible dream is achievable, albeit with positive attitude and hard work.Yew Yap Hon was crowned Johor’s Best Student for that year.Amalina believed she could do the same, so she planned her studies and co-curricular activities accordingly before taking up the challenge to sit for 17 subjects.Initially, we were criticised for being too academic-oriented and for pushing the students too hard, but it is my contention that we should not clip their wings.In 2002, we began classes for students with special needs. One of the students was Siti Nor Iasah Mohamad Ariffin who was then a 13-year-old bubbly girl with a short-term memory condition.We learnt that she liked to run and so we placed her under a track coach. However, Siti Nor Iasah was not a normal runner. The coach had to be patient and creative in educating her on the concepts of competing, sprinting on the track without going into somebody else’s track, and most of all, building her confidence and making her believe she could succeed.Siti Nor Iasah had a learning impairment. She could not retain her short-term memory and turn it into long-term memory. The coach, therefore, had to repeat the same techniques and information over and over again until she could retain the knowledge longer and recall it when needed.Despite her shortcomings, Siti Nor Iasah was a fast learner. The following year, she won three gold medals and two bronze at Far East and South Pacific Games for the Disabled (Fespic) in Hong Kong and last year, at Fespic Kuala Lumpur, she bagged five gold medals for track events.An astounding achievement, but that was not all. Siti Nor Iasah was also honoured as Best Special Needs Student 2007 and received RM97,000 cash at the Ministry of Education MSSM-Milo Sports Awards.And all that thanks to her determination to be the best in her chosen field. Now, transferred to another school, I hope and pray for Siti Nor Iasah to succeed further.The new year opens yet another chapter with more success stories waiting to unfold. As educators, wherever we may be, I think it is our duty to unearth these Amalinas and guide them into soaring success stories.

She was in the Papers!

2008-01-19T16:21:00.001+08:00

My Johor: Back in my alma mater and loving it Noorzaidah Mohamed Nor 2007/12/14
SPICK AND SPAN: The Sultan Ibrahim Girls' School as it looks today.

Noorzaidah Mohamed Nor is a senior teacher at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Perempuan Sultan Ibrahim and a dedicated Girl Guide member since 1964.

Noorzaidah Mohamed Nor

I CAN understand why some former students return to their alma mater as

. teachers.I underwent my primary, secondary and sixth form studies at Sultan Ibrahim Girls’ School in Jalan Abdul Rahman Andak from 1964 to 1977 and enjoyed every moment of it. I was a Girl Guide, which inspired me to choose teaching as a profession.Throughout my teaching profession I was posted to several schools in Johor but it was at the end of 2002, after a sabbatical, that the Education Department assigned me to SIGS. I was elated; my first thought was: I’m coming home.Decades after I left its gates as a student, the school remained one of the more prestigious and preferred learning institutions in Johor and I was brimming with pride when I re-entered its compound as a teacher.Alas, times have changed and I have to accept and work on these changes.I realised that the notion of teaching the creme de la creme of brilliant students at a prestigious girls’ school was not smooth sailing as everyone thought (myself included). Intelligent as they come, especially at simplifying mathematical equations, deft at handling physics and chemistry, and fluent at composing lyrical essays, they are just girls, much in need of guidance.Many parents and students dismiss the importance of participating in co-curricular activities, especially uniformed associations. Most would consider it a waste of precious time which could be better spent poring over books and doing revision.But the truth is, and I believe many educationists would agree, academic excellence is just half of the education story.

BUMPY RIDE: SIGS Girl Guides pulling Noorzaidah Mohamed Noor as she sits on a palm frond.

The other half is character development, which is shaped through extra curricular activities and sports.Sadly, many pupils lack the interest, some out of parents’ unsupportive attitude or the heavy academic workload to take part and enjoy out-of-the-classroom activities. Some would label it time-consuming, boring, exhausting and pointless.Joining an association will develop a student’s social skills, which are tremendously important for getting ahead in the modern work environment. Without the soft skills, a student will have eternal fear of speaking in public, forming an opinion and voicing them, leading a group, making decisions, taking reponsibilities and, most importantly, will not have high self-esteem.Scoring straight As is important but having courage and confidence are crucial for survival in the real world.I wish the real world, that beyond the gates of the school, not just the SIGS but any school, is soft, gentle and simple to solve like a linear mathematical equation, but no, modern life can be complicated and harsh if the students are not strong in character.I had fun schooling at SIGS. This aspect, I strongly feel, should not change. It would be most unfortunate if a student feels that their school life is like enduring a concentration camp. They should enjoy their school life. I fear when they are older, they will look back and find a blank spot in their memory when it should be a decade of heartwarming moments shared with friends — something which remains long after leaving the school gates.

King Of The Big Walk, Tok Wak

2008-01-19T16:01:00.001+08:00

My Johor: The sheer joy of walking Interview by Siti Nurbaiyah Nadzmi 2008/01/18

KING OF THE BIG WALK: In over 50 years of competitive walking, Mohamed Noor Ariffin has taken part in numerous tournaments and bagged many medals and trophies.

Mohamed Noor Ariffin is a 78-year-old veteran athlete who has been walking for half a century.THE young do not walk. I mean they do not brisk-walk for at least 30 minutes a day. Personally, I think it is healthy to do so.

Maybe time does not permit them because everyone seems so busy nowadays but I firmly believe that without exercise, they risk their health and compromise their quality of life.I have been walking ever since I began working in 1957 as a clerk in the police force. Somehow, I turned the passion for walking into a serious sports activity.I have been living in Jalan Kedidi, Larkin Jaya, which is now called Kampung Dato Onn, since the 1960s. As such, the streets of Larkin became my training ground. Initially, I did not have a sports coach. Once I entered amateur competitions and won, people began to notice that walking could be quite competitive.As a civilian in the police force, I enjoyed their sporting facilities, including proper sports coaching, and was able to participate in many tournaments and bagged many medals and trophies.When Stadium Larkin was completed in the 1970s, I began to walk and train there daily in the mornings and in the afternoons.Age never stopped me from walking. In fact, as a veteran athlete, walking has taken me to many parts of the world to compete in the Veteran Masters walk tournaments in Jakarta, Okinawa, Seoul, Durban (South Africa), Bandar Seri Begawan and Singapore.As I belong to the Johor Veteran Athlete Association, I usually compete under the association’s banner but expenses to compete at these international tournaments are borne by the athletes. Occasionally, we get sponsors but more often than not it is out of pure interest.My favourite local tournament was the Malay Mail Big Walk, which I have entered annually since 1974 and won six consecutive times from 1982. I won so often that the organisers allowed me to keep the challenge trophy permanently.It is a good thing that my interest in sports is shared by my four children and grandchildren. They have been actively involved in sports since young. They have participated at school, district, state and national levels in badminton, hockey and track events. Both my sons still represent the organisation they are with in various sports. Walking has become a lifetime routine. Some people have criticised me.“Dah tua-tua ni, pergi masjid je lah...” meaning, “You’re getting old, so start preparing for the afterlife.”I am not bothered by such remarks because I believe as Muslims, we have to do riadah (exercise) to keep fit and healthy. Being healthy will allow us to perform our prayers and religious responsibilities better.Alhamdulillah, except for that one-time admission to hospital after a road accident — I was hit by a car when walking — I have not been ill. I have a clean bill of health: no hypertension, diabetes or irregular heartbeat, all which can be attributed to regular exercise.I am not alone in my passion for walking as there used to be many of us but after a while the numbers dwindled.There are hardly any walkathons organised nowadays. Walking is a basic form of sporting, which can be participated in by all at any age. Sadly, sports organisers are losing interest in walking for unknown reasons.In Johor, the only walkathons are the ones organised by our association. I wish the state Sports Council would review the situation and revive the sport.

Rather stay as my friend than be my Boss.

2008-01-08T09:43:00.003+08:00

It was May 2002, I was called for a transfer back to KL to head the Finance Division. It was the best thing to do as I was always at logger head with the then Joint Managing Director, a Scottish. A very blunt good for nothing Engineer, whose only purpose to be in Sabah was to have fun and to waste the company's resources. This guy was a smooth talker, always brag about his company's professionalism and look down on my friend Apar and his company. The joint venture was 50:50 for the job in Sabah & Sarawak and I was on the losing side arguing with him. As things didn't work out as planned with my family back in Labuan, it was actually a relief to be transfered to USJ office. Apar was forever busy when in the office. I had done a detailed handover report and had briefed Amir, the officer who was taking over in Labuan and was expecting the same when I reported for duty in USJ. There was none. I had to grope in the dark over what was going on in the Finance Division. I had interviewed some of the staff in that division. Had conversations with the Contract Division Manager, and also the Executive Director to get more inkling of what was going on. Apar, was so tight up in the office that he didn't have the time to call me for a briefing or whatever.. He has nobody to trust and as such had to handle much stuff himself back then. He was leaving overseas for a business trip.

I shouldn't have sold off my cars, a Volvo 850 GLT and also the Ford Telstar when we transfer to Labuan. I had no choice as we needed the cash also to settle overdue debts and upon shifting to Labuan needed money to set up our new home. I knew Abid needed the Telstar, but that arrangement was supposed to be a temporary solution, until he manage to settle his problem. Had no choice either there. Sold them below market price. We had shifted to Labuan, the family and me, barely six months ago, bought a second hand Honda Prelude for our use and of course had to let that go too and another loss. We had spent so much due to the transfer, even though the freight charges were borne by the company, there were much more spent and loss that was not accounted for. We didn't even finish packing our stuff. We were all miserable, as we had to repacked everything and transfer it back to our home in JB. The packing itself took time, then what more the unpacking and setting up the house back to normal. It will never be like it used to. I had lots of pity for my wife, all her patience helped a lot. The misery we all went through, only god knows. The months after, was like I said never the same, miserable it was. We had to pickup the pieces and was still barely anywhere yet.

Sent everyone back to our home in JB, with the house still in shambles and left everything for my wife to handle all the rest and left for KL. I had no transport, I had no where to stay and I had to work in USJ office. I thought the company would have taken care of certain welfare for me, but Apar was nowhere to be seen and no indication of him calling me for anything, planning or whatever. I had realised by then that I was on my own again and had to pick up all the pieces. The company had not made any arrangement for accommodation for me for the transition period after my shift to KL. I had to find the cheapest accommodation within walking distance to the office and not to forget food. Apar knows better, and I know I could count on him, after all we used to borrow each others pay cheque when we were younger. We pour our problems to each other and both of us, sometimes used each other like a punching bag to let off our steam. I know my friend has his good reasons and intentions for whatever he does or not do. I am not the demanding type and always felt empathy towards others, for their non doing and so always finding the right reasons to make me feel better. Ya Allah!, it wasn't easy.

I was on medication for "Helicobactor Phylori", a bacteria that was attacking my stomach. I was suffering from intense stomach ailments for over 5 years then, and only after a series of blood test and endoscopy did the real diagnose surfaced. Now recovered I have much pity for those who have, had and are suffering from it. Did a lot of reading about this ailment and realised that it does not make you drop dead but only make you suffer. The heart burn, the cramping stomach, the swirling unsteady head and the lost of concentration. I was suffering quietly, the family knows but never really knew what to do about it.

One officer in the company thought that there wasn't really a place for me in USJ office and that my friend only just created the post so that I could be there. Another senior officer told me that I was getting a bigger pay then him. An Engineer in the company, was always bragging about himself and how good he was and was always bad mouthing me. He thinks that I joint the company because I used my friend and went for the high pay. It was maybe true, everything is about money, but I wasn't there about money. I was already earning a high salary when I was with my previous company. The increments and incentives will prove that I wasn't getting a much better deal. I had sacrificed my life to joint Apar and had put my soul to fit in with whatever shortcomings, He was expanding his company. The hurt was unbearable and I was not there to loggerhead with anybody. just needed piece of mind and do my job. After all I'm not a 30 year old, lots of energy and I'm not a fighter. Fighting doesn't mean you win. Sometimes it's best to get away. What kind of people was I dealing with. Why all the jealousy? Was it the style of management? Weren't they not properly paid? or what? I had analysed the situation and the working culture, and the changes that I would like to make, or rather, whether Apar had wanted to change all that. The Executive Director was also new to the company, but I do not see much role that fits to whatever plan he has. Backtracking my experience and all that, I was sure there was a lot that could be done, and there was a lot that I could teach whoever wanted to learn. I realised that if I had stayed on, it will be another mistake and due to my health condition, I didn't think I could take the stress and the "high flying" human interaction that was needed. My thoughts were that, If I had stayed any longer, I will get more sick and will be dead by the time anything could be done. I wasn't there to be of any thread to anybody. I knew it was going to be very difficult, and as such having thought it all over, and considering my integrity at stake, I had decided by the end of that week that it was not going to be my place. Emailed a resignation to the Managing Director ( Apar ) who was overseas, I left without a word to the others as I knew from my conversations with them, and the circumstances there arises, the need for me there was not enough to make me stay. Tawakkal...... without a job. Like the saying goes "If you cannot lead, you follow, if you cannot follow, you get out.

I love Apar like my brother, and treated his family like my own. I will never betray him. I remember the time when Apar had problems with the security . His family and mine wanted to have a good time at the resort in Sunway, I had defended him, afraid anything could happen to him. One security personnel was rude to his wife, and he was angry and made a report in the security office. Things went out of hand. I was outside observing what was happening until suddenly, I shouted at the top of my voice, "I want my friend out of there!" I saw the security personnel locking the door to the office and that was it, I was afraid for his safety. I have to save him. "I saw what you did, and if anything happen to my friend, you all will had it" I shouted. Things calmed down after that and we all shook hands and apologized. Apar married my good friend's (Omar) younger sister, Kathy. Kathy is also like my own sister.

Anyway back home in JB, after months of living on my savings, only did I realise that I needed to do something, find a job or an alternative to make ends meet. My children was growing and schooling and they needed me. Instalments to the car was overdue, and finally had to let it go. Started calling my friends and borrowed money from my brother and sisters, before I was able to get on my feet again. Borhan offered his Wira, "just continue with it's instalments" he says. Thank You Bob. Razak my another buddy, gave me RM1k, which was very timely. Later, Bangwe gave me RM2k. Mail offered 3k without any hesitation. Lim Edin Nom sent 1k and later another 1k during Hari Raya, and told me "not to inform my wife and children" thanks to him and Tan Sri Mokhtar. Lim borrowed me another 3k later when I was down with my manpower business. Lucky me there were good friends who are more than willing to help out and gave the support that was needed. For all these people, I would like to thank them for their kind support and for others all their moral support and may god bless you all. I hope I have returned every sen. If not please do not hesitate to call me. Only Allah will be able to repay whatever good that you all have done to my family and me.

Went to Tanjung Pinang, met some manpower suppliers there, started supplying maids to Yayasan Albukhary and steadily develop markets of my own. Alias, my former office mate, thought me all I needed to know about the manpower business, I was following him on the job for a couple of weeks. Later managed to supply workers to plantations, construction companies, and maintenance services company and restaurants. Business was not bad.

Well now, am doing HR Consultancy concentrating on foreign manpower permits and it's services. Managed to make ends meet, not enough to make you rich, but enough to survive. Now going after small maintenance job, though, the income isn't very lucrative, what is more important is that my family is happy together and well taken care.

Hope I will do better this year. Happy new year!

Isn't He Lovely Isn't He Wonderful

2008-01-02T21:41:00.004+08:00

Isn't he lovely, isn't he wonderful, Isn't he pretty, Only just one minute old, I never thought what god would give, ----.... goes the Stevie Wonder's song. God gave us our first baby, a beautiful baby boy! It was 11.15pm the 4th of February 1984. He weighs 3.5kilo. Lots of hair and fair for a Malay. So fragile and very chubby and oh so charming. Love felt instantly. How wonderful, my own flesh and blood, it was so amazing. My wife had prepared everything months before, for the baby. A blue baby court, diapers, milk bottles and all other necessities. "Tok Wak", and the late "Tok Mak" was with us waiting since daylight. The waiting was long overdue. Tok Wak, did some prayers once he got hold of the baby in his arms. Still , I couldn't believe that we had a son. We didn't name him till a few days later when our dear late "Tok Chik" gave us his chosen name. So Muhammad Fakhri he is. Nice name Fakhri. We stayed on to live with Zaidah's parents bringing up Fakhri.

It was "Tok Wak" & "Tok Mak's" first grandchild, coming from their eldest child, "Tatat", Zaidah's pet name. Fakhri was given their full attention. Business was closed for months after this baby came, until finally they gave up the shop entirely. "Tok Wak" & "Tok Mak" lost all interest in business since they have our Fakhri. . Zaidah' s parents shop lot was in Larkin, doing food business. They were famous for their, Mee Hoon soup, Mee bandung, and many other Javanese styled cooking. Zaidah used to help them when she was still schooling. I remember back then, I love to buy curry puffs from her. I was very quiet and shy, didn't even try to start any conversation. Never imagined we were to be married. Zaidah used to love pony tails, and wears a John Lennon styled spectacles. I did find her attractive. Well. I wasn't really paying much attention to her anyway. he he.

Fakhri was a little timid as a child and was usual for him to be playing alone. He was good with puzzles and fixing stuff like Lego's'. Loves toy cars and also used to dress himself up like superman, with all his toy guns and sword, running about the house. He was very skillful when riding his red toy horse and never sleeps without his doll monkey. Quite an obedient boy, Fakhri, never does give us much problems other than the time when he had high fever and diarrhea. Tok Mak was crying. That incident took us all by surprise. Mak Peah our neighbour came over to offer prayers and holy water. We realised later that high fever is a no, no for a child. Fit;s can be very dangerous if left too long as it can damage the brain. Fakhri recovered soon and was back with all his antics. We were so thankful that our baby was safe.

When he was in primary two, he was knocked down by a motorcycle, while crossing the street. His arm was dislocated. We had wanted to bring him along to Muar as my mother in law's cousin had passed away. As the exams were over, we asked him to skip school. Fakhri insisted on staying back as he says he didn't want to skip class. So, I made arrangement for my brother to pick him up from school. I have always made sure to pick him up from school every time I was not outstation. Otherwise he will take the school bus and we would make sure that we received him safely at home. That time around, the routine was different and my brother was late to receive him when the bus arrives. Fakhri waited till there was no cars passing before he crosses but failed to notice the motorbike behind the bus and was knocked down. My brother sent Fakhri to my moms house and he stayed there until we got home. When we reached mom's, house , Fakhri was still in his uniform, he appears relief upon seeing me. like pleading for help. He was still in pain. I felt as if I was the one who was hurt. We took him to the famous "Sinseh" specialises in fractures and broken bones. It only took maybe 3 seconds to relocate Fakhri's joints, but judging from his face expressions and groaning, he must have felt intense pain. His arms were wrapped with some paste and it was over. On the way back, I apologetically told Fakhri that I had to bring him to relocate his arm. Fakhri reacted angrily and said "Yes, but that man did it too hard!" Finally some real character was showing from my son and I felt pleased. Not timid at all my son, yeah. He recovered fast, in a few days he was already back to his usual self.

Fakhri, loves to be neatly dressed and will most probably maintain his tidiness when he gets home from any outing. Nicely dressed he is until today. He keeps his toys safe and especially his toy cars. All his clothing nicely laid and arranged. As he grew up, he prefers branded stuff. Last longer he says.

Waiting for our second baby. We asked Fakhri whether he would want a younger brother or sister, he would say no! Waiting for 3rd Child, we asked him again. He said no! Asked him why? He says, if he were to have another, we would have to care for them, and he does not want that. I thought, maybe Fakhri wanted more attention from us. 4th child, also no, no , no.

Fakhri was above average in class as he did better than most in his school. He managed to get a couple of achievements in the subjects that he took. going into his secondary, he was a little more playful and was less interested in his books. We were worried. We forbid him from going with certain friends and today, we are pleased that we had given preference. Fakhri makes friends easily. He has lots of friends and is still in contact with his kindergarten friend, Saiful. It bothered us so much when he was in his former school, as we find that the kids were less disciplined. We finally managed to transfer him out to English College. His results were average, and as such, there were not too many choices to further his studies. We sent him to Yayasan Melaka for a business course but ended pulling him out when he received an offer to take Engineering in INSTEP, a Petronas colledge for technicians. Upon completion, he received an offer to work in Sarawak with a Petronas contractor. He didn't forget us and used to send money home. 3 months over and the contract expires. He later joint Petronas Gas, as a safety technician and studying part time to improve his academic qualifications.

I had disciplined Fakhri as a child, and he was always obeying me, or was he scared of me? Maybe I'm doing it all wrong. I do felt that I had disciplined him a little too much and was sort of afraid to lose the communication, between us to have a gap, to lose the affection and the love. I had realised the outcome, but it took me very long to readjust this situation. I began to try to make him more comfortable when he was with me. so he can express himself better and to develop his own opinion, about things. I felt pleased every time he was able to show a little anger so that I know what and how he felt, and slowly developed communication to be able to give advice and direction that he can listen and understand. I think I have succeeded in doing that.

Now, I consider Fakhri also like a friend. We could go out together, joke and laugh and do common things together, like jamming. But maybe I did it a little too much because, not only did I make him comfortable, all his friends became very comfortable with me too. he. he. They invited me for jamming together or teh tarik. or say hello at our home for a chit chat. or play music together. I am being treated like any other gang members. Syafiq, Abu, Acap are amongst the closest to me. I hope I have not over done it. Syafiq, completed his Diploma in Modern guitars and now pursuing a Degree. I thing of Fakhri's friends like my own children's, and would be worried if they have not contacted me from time to time. Abu also has a Diploma in performing arts and Acap has a P1 Accounting and working in a Bank. Abu is a good singer while Acap is a bass player. Oh yes, not forgetting Fakhri, plays the guitar too. I remember Syafiq as a school boy. They were very close, Fakhri & Shafiq. They did almost everything together. Syafiq cried for Fakhri when we all had to leave JB to Labuan. I was amazed, all the girls, that came to send Fakhri off, crowded around Syafiq at the airport consoling him.

As we go forward in our life, we always pray for the prosperity, good fortune and good health for our children. If we had the choice we would want them to always be within our sight, but some how, we must let them go on their own to pasture, and let Allah takes care of the rest of what best for their future.