Haji: Apabila Namamu Terpillih

A year ago, around this time, I was busy preparing myself for Hajj. Here in Oman was not like back in Malaysia which we have Tabung Haji to administer and entirely manage Malaysians to go for Hajj. In Oman, they have a few appointed agencies who do the same thing.

If you were to perform Hajj from Malaysia, you would be informed a few months earlier from the departure date. Kira dah bole siap2 barang semua dan kasi tau orang kampung buat kenduri bagai. Unlike here,  the system is totally different.

Two weeks before the depart date of Hajj, we will be asked to do our medical check-up, then only our passport will be collected. Masa ni memang saspen lah.. dapat ke tak visa ni... After a few days later, which would probably be 10 days before Hajj, only then will we get our passport returned, with the Hajj Visa in it. At this time, some people from other countries have already started their Hajj journey in Mecca or Madinah.

 

I had a tremendous experience during my Hajj last year. Betul lah cakap Prof Kamil Ibrahim dalam bukunya - "Travelog Haji: Mengubah Sempadan Iman". Sesungguhnya sebelum dan selepas mengerjakan Haji ini banyak akan mencorak iman kita. There were six couples of Malaysians last year  who went to perform Hajj from Oman. There was one person that had already gone through Tabung Haji before and there were also some that never ever been to Umrah. This mixture of jemaah allow us to share and pour knowledge experience to each other.

I was so blessed, bersyukur sangat to have a few friends (Zaim-Ju, Sharmila, Linda Sulaiman, Dr Intan and more) that were willing to spend their time to give us a Hajj course. The agent here doesn't give a thorough details course like Tabung Haji. We have to learn by ourselves and take the initiatives to organise classes. The experience and knowledge that had been given and shared by them was such a valuable lesson. Hanya Allah sahaja yang dapat membalas budi baik mereka.

We started our journey on the 30th Zulkaedah arriving in Madinah. Four days spent in Madinah, then travelled to Mecca to perform our Umrah. We stayed in Mecca till 8th Zulhijjah then to Mina. From Mina we went to Arafah - Mudzalifah and Mina again to do our first throwing stones in Jamarat. Then we were back to Mecca to perform our Umrah Hajj and back to Mina again for two days. After we were done with our Hajj ritual, we were back to Mecca for a day then back to Oman.

Many asked me "How do you feel after dah bergelar 'Hajjah' ? "

Alhamdullillah.. syukur kerana dipilih oleh Allah untuk menjadi tetamuNYA. Ramai yang mahu mengerjakan Haji tapi tidak mendapat peluang dan ramai juga yang boleh mampu mengerjakan Haji tetapi tidak mahu merebut peluang. Peluang yang saya dapat ini adalah sangat berharga dan bermakna.

Dan buat pertama kalinya in my life, I've seen millions of people around me with different skin colours, races, nationalities and Masyallah they are all Muslim. It really shows how big and strong Islam is all around the world. Berjuta2 manusia dari pelusuk dunia berebut2 untuk mengerjakan ibadah rukun islam ke lima ini.

Tempat penginapan kami maupun di Madina atau Mekah adalah sungguh dekat dgn Masjidil Haram. Bayangkan orang2 lain yang tinggal sejauh 1km dari Haram. Mereka kena berjalan kaki pada setiap waktu solat untuk ke Masjid. Sungguh insaf bila melihat orang2 tua yang terpaksa berdengkot berjalan sejauh itu. Itu belum lagi yang terpaksa berkongsi makanan dan menginap di sepanjang dataran dan jalan nak ke Masjid.

Hari2 kami menjadi lebih mencabar apabila bermulanya ritual Haji. Dari Mudzalifah kami harus berjalan ke Mina dan kemudian ke Mekah. I think total of our walk probably around 12km (I refer from this). Dari kasut yang berhari2 pakai selesa tetiba menjadi melecet kaki akibat berjalan jauh. Nak nangis tak guna.. nak lari tak bole.. mau tak mau kena teruskan perjalanan. Ada juga ah mamat arab buat servis angkut jemaah naik motor ke Mekah dari Mina. Ini motor ala2 RXZ tau.. takkan ah nak naik tiga orang kepit encik suami kat tengah. Mau tercicir akak kat tengah jalan.. hahahhaa.. Akhirnya berpimpin tangan dan main lumba jalan laju dgn encik suami siapa sampai dulu untuk kurangkan kepenatan dan tekanan.

Setelah sampai ke Mekah dan selesai tawaf, saie dan tahalul Haji kami.. Ya Allah.. teramatnya lega dan bersyukur. Hilang segala sakit penat lelah berjalan tadi. Dah tak rasa itu semua lagi.. yang kami rasa adalah kebesaran Allah. Betapa Allah sayangkan umatnya dengan memberi kami kesabaran untuk jihad ini. Untuk kembali ke Mina dah pandai ah sikit.. tak mau jalan tapi naik teksi. Harga teksi memang ah melampau tapi mengenangkan kudrat yang dah melepek semua tu dah tak kira. Setelah selesai lontaran terakhir kami pada 12Zulhijjah, maka selesailah Haji kami.

Menangis berpelukan saya dengan suami dan rakan2. Satu nikmat yang susah untuk saya gambarkan di sini. Kami kembali ke kota Mekah dengan hati yang berbunga2 dan syukur. Teruja dengan apa yang telah kami kecapi. Bangga dan syukur kerana segala yang kami usahakan selama beberapa hari itu berakhir dengan nikmat dan ganjaran yang tak terkata. Walaupun ia sudah setahun berlalu, pengalaman ini masih segar di ingatan saya.

Saya kembali dari mengerjakan Haji dengan membawa seribu kenangan. Saya belajar menjadi lebih insaf dengan melihat orang lain yang lebih susah dan mengalami kesukaran dan musibah. Saya belajar menjadi lebih bersyukur dengan apa yang Allah beri pada saya. Saya belajar erti pengorbanan dan ikatan kasih sayang antara suami dan saya. Saya belajar erti nilai persahabatan antara rakan jemaah lain. Saya juga belajar bahawasanya dengan berkat kesabaran yang cukup tinggi akan pasti membuah ganjaran yang tak ternilai. 

Cabaran yang lebih hebat menunggu saya adalah diri saya sendiri selepas mengerjakan Haji. Setelah Allah memillih saya untuk menjadi tetamuNYA dan mengharungi segalanya dari segi mental, fizikal dan wang ringgit.. saya mau menjadi diri saya yang lebih baik dari semalam. Insyaallah.

Untuk rakan2 saya - Amy, Rozi, Joanna dan Epi yang akan mengerjakan Haji dari Oman serta umat Islam yang lain, saya doakan semoga Allah mempermudahkan perjalanan dan ibadah di sana. Semoga diberi kesihatan yang baik, selamat pergi dan kembali serta mendapat Haji yang mabrur.

Mangkuk Sia Service

The 'mangkuk sia' (pronounced with that distinctive nasal see-'ah) also known as 'mangkuk tingkat' or maybe the more glamorous sounding way 'tiffin carrier' was so famous during those days. The original one known to be made from rattan and it has improved slowly to aluminium and plastic.

This reliable and very practical food container is vertically stacked up in several levels and held together by a bracket; it was the most convenient meal transporter during Ramadhan, picnics or even Eid cake/food-exchange frenzy.

Here in Oman, this aluminium mangkuk tingkat are so famous here as mostly Indian general workers carry them to work. In India the tiffin carrier business are well known and widely used to deliver hot lunches packed to office-workers. It is also famous back in my country Malaysia as I see currently delivery food service to the office or home are in the business.

I have two sets of this tiffin carrier that I always use for our picnic sessions. Recently a friend of mine has asked for a favour to prepare lunch for her 5 children as she is currently not feeling well. I have to prepare two types of dishes daily and send them to her house at noon.

This 'assignment' that I received thrilled me as I was excited every day cooking and putting the food in this 'mangkuk sia' then delivering to her house. I also sometimes put cakes, bread or any dessert that I have cooked at home to fill up the entire container.

The difficult part is that sometimes I found was 'what to cook for today?' I do sometimes have this problem to cook for my family and what else for people who rely on me! Pening.. pening.. furthermore if it is for the children. Well.. it might sound easy but I would not want to prepare a simple cincai meal.

I took this as a challenge.. hahahha... I just needed to be a little bit creative to come out with a different kind of food and flavour. My 'service' just ended last Thursday. Though it was only 11 days, it was an experience to me.

My husband, relatives or friends always encourage me to venture into a restaurant, bakery or caterer business. I always hesitate and decline as I know that it takes a huge responsibility and time. I wouldn't want to have a restaurant to be run by somebody else which that means I have to be there all the time. Will I be able to do that? The answer is NO..

Let me just swallow what is just enough for my tummy. I cannot be greedy and think that I can do everything all by myself. I like the way I am doing now. I cook, bake and deliver food as when people want. I am doing it from my home at my own leisure. In this way I could deliver and provide more quality service.

No pressure and service with love and smile!

p/s: by the way the pic above is just the scenario of food delivery during those days. I deliver my 'mangkuk sia' in a style which is by car. Ting tong the bell at the big villa and taraaa.. the food is delivered! hehehhee..

Sharing Is Caring

It was not just me but those who were close to me were worried and concerned  whether I could cope with my new life on the day when I became a full time home maker. AGAIN I would say, I am blessed and have no regrets as I am be able to take care of my children and my home, but most importantly do what my heart desires.

I have 'ventured' my life into being a 'chef', 'interior designer', 'fashion designer', 'bag, quilt designer', 'mountain biker' and more that I wouldn't have ever done in my life.

When I was in Miri Sarawak, I joined the PETRONITA (The wives and women staffs of association PETRONAS). I was chosen to handle the Education Biro. My function is to organise training, courses and activities for the PETRONITA members and children. It was something that I used to do during my career time and I found out that I enjoyed it. I gave myself all out to all Biro projects to be able to contribute something that may benefit to others.

Here in Oman, I am also the member of the Perwakilan Muscat (An association of Malaysian ladies living in Oman). I am in charge of the Media & Information Biro. My function is to compile all the activities that related to any event by Perwakilan Muscat or Malaysia Embassy. We are using FB and blog as the medium of information.

A couple of days ago, The Ambassador of Malaysia to Sultanate of Oman, His Excellency Dato' Rustam Yahya has officially launched the blog of Perwakilan Muscat. Well.. ehem.. by the way the blog was created by me. I and my friend Amy, who is the expert in writing, runs this 'show' to materialise it. 

Basically, we just have to update the blog with the latest news in town and also act like a 'paparazzi' hunting for a juicy piece of story to spice up the blog! Hahahha.. I could see us like someone from CNN, BERNAMA or maybe could be from MELODI! 

The event was successful to the Perwakilan Muscat as this is claimed to be the first one to have and to be officially launched within Wisma Putra, Malaysia.

I am so proud of myself. Proud in a way that I can contribute something beneficial to everybody. I don't call myself an expert or IT savvy as I have left quite number of years in this skills but I too, don't let myself drown by continuously learning and updating myself with the latest updates. 

With the little knowledge and experience that I have, there is no harm to share it with others. After all I like and enjoy doing it and that is all what matters.

There is a quote saying "Whatever we posses becomes of double value when we have the oppurtunity of sharing it with others"

The "New" Hakeem

My dearest Hakeem is a few months away before he reach 11 years old. A month ago, I noticed that he has changed a lot. It is just not me but some of our friends and relatives notice it too.

There was at time when I brought Hakeem to visit the optometrist and the Optician said that Hakeem was not the quiet and timid boy that he met six months ago. I noticed that too as he always answered and asked lots of challenging questions to the Optician. I thought it was probably because he was so hyper and excited as we had his friends there too.

Hakeem is also more confident and sure in whatever he wants to do and say. Recently when he started his school, it is more obvious the 'new' Hakeem that I see.

Every time as usual when I fetch he and Nabila from school, they were rushing with each other to tell me about what's going on at school. Hakeem always got the first one to tell as he would loudly cut off Nabila's conversation if he feels that Nabila wanted to tell first.

He proudly told me that he didn't just volunteer but also got selected by the teacher to represent his sports team to record the house point. Everybody in the class claps their hands when he got selected. I could feel and see Hakeem proud excitement thru his face when he told me that.

Two days ago Hakeem told me that he got appointed as a student counsellor for his class. Wow.. this is really a major achievement for Hakeem and I am really proud of him. He would represent his class to bring and voice out any issues in the Primary Counsellor meeting. This is where my 'new' Hakeem will show his skill in his brilliant ideas and conversations.

It is not just the Hakeem's achievements in school but he is also quite bit challenging for me to talk to nowadays. If I were to comment something that he feels like I was downgrading him, he would say "Mommy.. I am not a small boy anymore. I am in Year 5 now and I know what I am doing" He would also sometimes challenge me with his arguments and ideas.

Oh dear Hakeem.. this grown up version of you that I have been longing to see is finally happening. You are now so matured and confident in whatever you want to do and say. You have your own opinions and principles. As a mother I am so proud to see you.

BUT on the other hand... I am actually scared!! I want my baby Hakeem back. Now he still allows me to cuddle and kiss him anytime I want except in public. I hope he won't change his mind and tell me to stop doing that! Mommy loves you Hakeem and so proud of you.

Errrr.... What To Wear Today??

You are in front of your closet, standing there for so long looking at the rows of your hanging clothes and yet you are still thinking that you have no clothes to wear! Have you ever encountered this before? I bet you have.. This is the MAJOR issue for all the women around the world!!

As for myself.. this has always been my problem. I don't know why but it always happen every time when I want to choose a cloth to wear, I always feel that I don't have anything to wear. Could this be one of the SPD Symptoms? Hahahha.. help me!!

I was a 'tomboy' at my young age. My kind of outfit was only jeans and T-shirt. I wear baju kurung (forced by my mom) only during Raya. I feel more comfortable with pants and shirts. I started wearing dress or skirt and had long hair when I was 18years old. It felt so awkward at first but after a while I tend to like it as it made me look more feminine.

When I finished my college and started working, I learned to dress up and started buying clothes to fill up my wardrobe. Having money on your own, buying clothes has never been a problem. The problem was only "What to wear for today?"

It is an endless problem till now. I sometimes also purposely burst my purse just to get a new cloth on certain occasion. It is like I don't have any cloth to wear right?? !! But seriously... it always feels like I don't have clothes to wear.

I buy clothes whenever I feel I want to or on certain special occasion. There are still few clothes hanging in my closet that still not worn yet. I know this not good but trust me.. I am trying my best to stop this kind of craziness.

I do sometimes feel guilty when cleaning up my wardrobe, I have to get rid some of the clothes that I feel not suitable to me anymore, out of fashion or maybe because I just don't like it. Well.. the 'guiltiness' would only last till I buy another new cloth!

Once if I stop thinking of "What to wear today?" and feel that I have lots of cloth to wear... my problem solved!!

Bila Tanganku Tiada Kesenian

Bagi je lah akak resepi kek apa sekali pun... akak confident akak bole buat.. setakat ni lah.. dah macam2 kek akak eksperimen..semua kira jadi lah...

TAPI jangan suruh akak menghias atas kek tu.. memang FAIL. I've attended two classes on how to design a cake - from butter cream to fondant. Masa dalam kelas.. pergh... rasa macam tak percaya akak bole hasilkan bunga, kelopak,  rumput rampai, daun yang sungguh perfect from buttercream dan juga fondant. Tu belum lagi yg ropol2.. ala2 ombak rindu keliling kek. Bangga je bawa balik kek ke rumah tunjuk pada encik suami dan anak2.

Seperti biasa akak ni.. confident level kekadang tinggi tak bertempat.. terus semangat keesokkan harinya memborong segala macam jenis nak design kek tu. Jenama nak yang bagus2 je - WILTON. 

Tak cukup dengan memborong barang2.. siap promo kat adik beradik and sedara mara kut sesiapa nak order cuppies or cake. Ye ah.. dah gi belajar.. barang semua dah beli, memang confident habis.. hehehhe..

Akak masih ingat lagi.. first order dari officemate sepupu akak. Dia suruh buat cuppies pastel color dan ada flower atas tu. Teruja sungguh bila dapat order ni. Bila kek suma dah siap dibakar, akak dah buat topping pastel color.. perfect tapi bila sampai bab nak bunga2 ni.. Ya Allah.. menangis akak. Menangis dan tertekan pasal kenapa tak bole buat bunga cantik sama macam dalam kelas hari tu. Dah habis setengah mangkuk butter cream duk test tapi bunga yang keluar sungguh hodoh dan comot!

From there I know, I memang takda kesenian langsung. Idea ada tapi nak mengolahkannya memang tak boleh. Last2 akak buat juga bunga2 dan corak2 seperti yang customer akak order tu.. nasib baik ah dia tak cerewet. Dia puji sedap, cantik tapi akak rasa macam dia saja nak jaga hati akak.. hehehhe.. Akak tak putus asa lagi masih ambil order kerana berpegang pada prinsip "gagal sekali bukan bermakna gagal selamanya". Tragisnya akak masih rasa akak gagal walau dah banyak kali mencuba. 

Yang herannya, ada pulak regular customer yang suka duk ulang order. Akak masih ambil order tapi yang mana dah biasa dan rapat je. Takut tak elok orang marah. Setakat nak buat untuk makan anak2 dan suka2 boleh ah. Kalau nak jual rasa macam bersalah je. Orang lain buat lagi perfect dan cantik.

Lama kelamaan akak pun dah stop buat design2 atas kek ni suma. Kalau takat orang nak order kek yang takde hiasan atas tu, akak tak kisah nak buat. Kat Oman ni pulak.. akak ada ah buat beberapa kek yang memerlukan hiasan di atas.. tertekan jugak lah. First kerana lama tak buat.. kedua memang tau kalau buat sure comot.

Nasib baik ah encik suami dan anak2 volunteer nak tolong. So deorang ni lah yang merodek atas kek2 ni suma.. It was not bad actually hasil kerja tangan deorang tapi akak masih rasa malu pasal tak secantik dan perfect mana pun.

Kalau suruh akak ambil kelas lagi atau brush up my skill in this area - tak sanggup rasanya.. Tak sanggup nak stresskan diri dan masa untuk rodek benda ni semua. Hehehhe.. Biarlah orang lain yang lebih pandai buat.

Kita tak boleh tamak nak buat semua. I always believe in that. Do what you can do not what you think you can do especially if it involves other people.

Now.. sila jamu mata hasil2 kerja tangan akak yang tak seberapa masa zaman dolu2.. hehehhe

Walaubagaimana pun.. akak tetap berbangga dengan hasil kerja tangan akak yang tak seberapa ni.. (sorry ye.. sapa nak puji diri sendiri lagi kan... :p)

44

Number 4 is considered an unlucky number in Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese and Japanese cultures because it is a homonym with the word "death". Due to that many numbered product lines skip the "4" e.g: house & building no, cell phones like Nokia with no series with a 4 and more. Manyak suwei oh.. cina cakap..

Pergh..... scary right? What about the number 44? Could it be double unlucky number?

I turn 44 years old today. Syukur Alhamdullilah sangat2.. I woke up in the morning feeling blessed as I could still see my husband lying beside me and children who were still sound asleep.

At the age of 44, some consider I still look young (perasan sikit), even younger than my age.. and some say that I am consider old - ni budak2 ah cakap.. hehehhee.. Nevertheless I am happy with who I am today and what I have in my life now.

I am a happy woman with a cheerful husband and proud mother of six children. At this age, I've achieved mostly parts of my dreams and wishes. If you ask me - what else do I want in my life? Of course as a normal human being, there are still 'unfinished' matters and never ending wishes and lusts. Hahahaha..

Things that most matter to me now is my children's welfare. As for now I know that they are well taken care of, but what worries me is when I am not around anymore. I always pray and pray that I will still be alive healthy to see all my children finish their studies from University and be able to secure a job.

I also want to always be in a good health to be able to continue doing what I like to do and also treasure my life with hubby till our golden age.

Besides that.. I also want to go and visit more places all around the world and collect more handbags and handbags!!

So if you say number ''44" is an unlucky number - you got it wrong! It is a lucky number to me as I am still able to breath and live my life happily.

Thank you to all my family and friends who have sent their birthday wishes to me. It is so thoughtful and means a lot to me.

"One year older doesn't mean that you are getting old but you are actually a year beautifully matured"