Diplomat's Spouse turns Law Teacher!

I have been home for almost two months. Also, I'm currently commuting to my workplace. This means, I'm no longer a diplomat's spouse in my home country, instead I'm now back as a law teacher @My alma mater. Indeed, I truly love these alternating jobs. Alhamdulilah, all my gratitude to Allah SWT The Al Mighty for all the opportunities which You've granted upon me.

I reported duty at my faculty and soon did courtesy call to my Dean and later  met with my colleagues and other administrative staff. The feelings to be @LawFac again were awesome! Since it was examination time, most of my colleagues were busy invigilating as well as did their markings! I had my share as invigilators too and during break time, it was an opportunity for 'catching-up' moments with lovely friends. Seven years stories to be consolidated within a few hours! But, we did with full of 'wow!'; 'huh'; 'ye ke?'; 'really?' and ended up with string of laughters!

As time passed by, I received my work loads to teach the postgraduate students. I was told that classes are to be in the evenings which I readily accepted. I was fortunate to have a truly understanding PD. Since I need more teaching hours to accommodate the weekly workload, my C'nato approached me if I wish to teach my old subject PiL, which I readily accepted too. But, I truly need to brush up and get ready before term starts in two weeks time. Seven years away from work! Well, I have to start slowly with gear one before eventually zooming to gear five! Alhamdulilah, I'm blessed with wonderful friends who are always there to render their helping hands. Thank You my friends for your endless support and most importantly for the materials which you shared with me. 

When I arrived home this evening with a set of books which I borrowed from PTAR, and later neatly arranged them side by side  with my own books in my 'office' I silently said to myself, "Mus, I gonna write another blog LawTeacher, to be shared with my students!" Indeed, I was lucky. My intention or wish was fulfilled when my dear DIL came and set a blog for me. Thank You my Dear FM! 

In no time, I shall be able to write about something which is  closed to my heart i.e. about my life learning and teaching law as well as anything that relates to this field, bearing in mind only or limited to the area which I know and had some knowledge. Insyallah, with His Grace. Amin.

Some of the materials to be read, absorbed and shared with my students :D

Memorable Weekends @Duqm - 2

The wonderful journey and moments of enjoyment at Duqm continued much more after Mr Right and I reached the 5* Crowne Plaza Hotel. Upon arrival at the lounge, we were warmly welcomed by the hotel staff who soon served us with truly cool drinks to quench our thirst though in the coach we were already served with bottled drinks. Thank You to our great host MOFA and the Duqm Crowne Plaza management team for their ever warm welcoming hospitality! 

Some of our colleagues took the opportunity to scout the hotel green grounds while the others relaxed on the various seats available for guests while waiting for the room keys and handling of our luggage by the porters. At the same time most of us still could not stop from sharing and comparing notes about our experience of flying 1hr 20mins in the Charlie! It was also once in a life time experience for many of us especially the DS like me. Hence, I am truly Thankful and Blessed for the opportunity. And, most of all my gratitude goes to my Mr Right who insisted that I should join the trip. 

After we received our individual room keys, we parted and headed to our rooms for a short rest. But we told to come down for lunch at 1noon, and later to be ready by 3pm for an evening visit to Duqm Port. Well, once I reached the assigned room, I felt blissful with its beautiful deco and lay out. I admired its grand bed and comfy beddings. Also, a basket full of fresh crunchy fruits were waiting to be consumed. 

A pleasant surprise of Omani sovenir was also neatly laid on the table for us to take home in a form of picture frame comprised of the ever symbolic dagger the Kanjar along with a beautiful card "Welcome to Duqm." And, overlooking the balcony I saw a scenic scenery which was facing the spread green palm garden and the wide blue ocean! Oh! Life there was exceptionally tranquil and blissful on that beautiful afternoon. The scenic view becomes more spectacular in particular at night with the full moon above our heads during Dinner Time, and for that I Thank Al Mighty Allah SWT for the happy hours and minutes spent with Mr Right in this blessed land. Amin.

But before the night came where we were invited to a formal dinner hosted by the Deputy COP of MOFA, we were invited to a guided tour to Duqm Port which was not far from the hotel which we stay. For that occasion, I decided to wear a much more comfortable attire a maroon top with a blue pants and a matching comfortable shoes since we were told that we might be taken for a walk to view the dry dock and later the port. 

The journey from the hotel to Duqm Port only took us less than half an hour, but along the road we witnessed the development of Duqm as an industrial city with many buildings being built. In fact, I was made to understand that the Oman Tourism Development Company is striving to increase tourism into the 'oil town' which I truly feel was a wonderful move.

When we finally arrived at the port, we were once again given a VVIP treatment by the Organisers. Refreshments were served with lots of canapés, savoury desserts and delicious cookies as well as many different types of mouth-watering cakes apart from coffee and tea just after a short but informative, educational and useful presentation about Duqm Port by its Dutchman Commercial Director, Reggy Vemeulen. 

More information about Duqm Port, we were informed that it has "undergone development" and a ship building facility to facilitate the port had already been built. In fact, Jan De Nul Group was entrusted to develop the area in particular to improve the breakwaters and quay wells. Referring to the performance of the port in handling cargos, Mr Vermeulen narrated that the port has handled almost a hundred cargo ships since it commenced early operations, which was truly impressive. 

While touring the Duqm Port, I was fascinated by the views of it which was ultra modern.  It was equipped with a Ship Repair Yard and Dry Dock Facility, which is first of its kind in Oman. From the short presentation by its Director, the Dry Dock was operated and managed by the Port of Duqm Company, S.O.A.C. And, it's main aim is to be a strategic commercial port on the Arabian Sea. 

Throughout my tour to the Port area, not only the buildings and a number of VLCC caught my eyes, but most of all as the sun goes down, the sights of crimson intertwined with mandarin coloured sunsets was feastful to my Chinese eyes which in one sentence connotes 'spectacular'! This part of my first day stay in Duqm was enchanting and truly memorable. Pictures which I snapped on that day spoke a thousand words :D

Briefing session by the Port Authority and Management

Walkabout along the Duqm Port with Mr Reggy Vermeulen and a snap with Mr Right for remembrance!

A VLCC in one of the dry docks waited to be repaired ...

When the sun goes down, my heart beats faster yet tranquil ...

After more than two hours exploring the Duqm Port and visiting its dry dock, I looked forward to an eventful dinner back at Crowne Plaza Hotel. Since the weather was cool at night, the dinner was held outside under a bright moonlight and with lots of brightly decorated lamp posts and sea of candle lights that made the dinner area truly a spectacular scene for the eyes! Oh! The spread of foods both western and middle eastern cuisines prepared by the Chef were exceptionally delicious and definitely fulfilled my hungry belly. The cool breeze from the sea also added to the good appetite. Indeed, I ate more than the usual days for an evening meal yet, I never regretted! I walked back to my room with full stomach and heavy eyes after greeting good night to my colleagues who were in the same situation as me! Indeed, we all had a great day together, though hectic but full of fun and laughter. 

Till today, I could still picture the fantastic and spectacular sights of both Duqm Port and the welcoming Crown Plaza garden which were feast to my  eyes and kept lingering on my mind. Yeah! I was mesmerized and amazed by Duqm's natural beauty. 

A feeling of 'paradise' surrounded by enchanting lights :D

Memorable Weekends @Duqm - 1

In a month's time, both Mr Right and I will be heading home-sweet-home after seven years abroad. We truly looking forward to set foot again in MotherLand. We also shall take home with us memorable memories of our lives staying in Muscat for the past three years since our arrival in May 2011. And, one of the beautiful memories was a 'paradise feeling' of a weekend stay in Duqm! It was once a small fishing settlement of Janubah tribe in Oman, but now has turned into an industrial oil town with a notable port. 

It all started in early April this year when I was visiting my children and attending my niece Wedding in Shah Alam, when my better half called me late one night and said, "We (all Head of Missions) received an invitation by MOFA to visit Duqm!" And, my spontaneous reply was "When? And How?" Immediately Mr Right responded, "Darling, in two days time and via Charlie! Do you want to join?" At first, I was skeptical to change my ticket and wasn't really interested to join the all-paid-for familiarization tour. Yet, on second thought, I quickly replied to him that I'll try my best to get my flight ticket from KL to Muscat changed. If Oman Air allowed it without any extra charges, I will definitely join him. Just give me till morning time for me to sort the matter out and I will give him the thumb's up! Alhamdulilah, when I contacted Oman Air, they have no problem at all to change the ticket and without much hassle they quickly emailed me with the new ticket! Thanks to the virtual world where most things could be done online :D

So, I boarded the plane back to Muscat and was happily received by Mr Right at MIA arrival lounge. The welcoming smile and quick kiss showed that he was very pleased that I was finally home to accompany him on the Duqm trip! It was on late Wednesday evening. And, the flight to Duqm in a military Charlie was to take off on the very next morning at 10.10am, but we had to assemble in the airport by 9am. Hence, I had no time to think of jet lagged! Instead, I was truly excited 'dreaming' to go on board the military plane. A First to me! And, there went my sleepless night with a definitely bright grin ...

The next morning, without much sleep or just 'tidor-tidor ayam' style, I woke up at dawn and was ready for the exciting trip. Soon both of us were ferried in the official car to the Military Airport and was warmly welcomed by the Deputy COP of MOFA and other officials. Also, I was truly delighted to once again see the happy faces of my husband's colleagues and their ever sporting and welcoming spouses who had missed my presence in Muscat although I only went home for just two weeks! But, it seemed like I had been home for ages. After all the friendly greetings and huggings, we were ushered into the huge beautiful hall by ever welcoming Omani lady officers where we were soon served with the Omani coffee and halwa. It was a warm welcoming showered upon us the usual Omani hospitality, which I truly admired and respected! 

Just before we boarded the Charlie at 10.10am sharp, the lady officers came to us and informed that there's no 'toilet facilities' inside the plane. Since the flight shall take approximately 1hr 20mins, hence it was advisable to ease ourselves before we boarded the plane. Also, the journey from Duqm Airport to Crowne Plaza where we gonna stay for the weekend will take another 45mins ride by bus, I told myself that I should not take any chance of 'self-accident' or any untoward incidence inside the plane. So do my other friends and their spouses. 

Soon it was time for us to board the huge 'cheloreng' Charlie which has four fans with a black spot dolphin nose and two big engines that could accommodate about hundred passengers - we, the diplomats and spouses plus our host, the Organiser, the Security Personnels and Officers from MOFA. When I first saw the 'Charlie' on the Tarmac I was truly excited and feeling  'Jakun'! But, Mr Right was exceptionally cool for he had been inside Charlie and had good ride in it several times. Anyway, he felt excited for me and could not stop from snapping my pictures using both the iPhone and iPad! Indeed, I thank you, my Mr Right. You always know how to make me happy and put grins on my face :)

Mr Right & I on our way to 5* Memorable Trip in Duqm <(•^•)>

Inside the flight, all of us who were mostly first timers could not help ourselves from feeling excited. We kept snapping pictures of ourselves using digital gadgets and mobile phones the ever popular iPhones, iPads and other Tablets. Some were feeling afraid since the seating set up wasn't like normal plane and had to cling on their spouses arms although I believed we were all fully strapped with strong metal seat belts! After all the excitements intertwined with anxieties, coupled with high humidity inside the Charlie, most of us fell into deep sleep before we finally arrived our intended destination - the Duqm Airport! When the plane landed, we found ourselves - Oh! Wow! We were in the middle of the desert with no sign of other buildings except the hangar for the planes! 

But, the ever ready Organisers had made available two comfortable 5* Coaches for all of us to be ferried to our ever beautiful 5* Crowne Plaza Hotel which was about 56km from the airport. And, just after I boarded the cozy coach, I was feeling a little uneasy because I badly needed the 'washroom' yet I had to patiently wait for another 45minutes journey by road till I finally reached the final destination! Oh! Boy :D. What a long wait where I have to savour the emptiness of both sides of the well tarred road. Yet, I felt truly elated when I saw the bold print 'Crowne Plaza Hotel' and quickly took the opportunity to click a picture of it from inside the moving cozy coach! 

Aghh ... Feeling 'lega' and blessed surrounded by fresh air from the palm garden and truly cool swimming pool facing the true blue Indian Ocean!

Art of Saying Thank You!

I have not posted or updated my blog for sometime. Perhaps three months or so since the last posting. Actually, I had scribbled some words here and there, yet I wasn't sure to share or not to share, hence they remained as drafts! Also, I was thinking of what suitable material to post and share '(•^•)'

Until today, when I was invited to give a talk and share parts of Malay Culture to ISC Ladies Wing in Muscat. And, I chose to share the Art of Saying Thank You - the MusWay!

As a DS abroad, I always feel it is my duty to share with others and international colleagues who wish to know more about Malaysia and its diversified traditional cultures based on its multi ethnic groups. So, I began my talk with a very simple introduction of where Malaysia is located and its multi racial population that live peacefully and harmony despite its different race, different religion and different skin colour.

Then, I narrowed down the scope to just the culture of the Malay Community which form the majority or half of the Malaysian population. It centered on MalayWeddings  and 'Majlis Cukur Jambul & Berendoi' for newborns. I touched on the processes of the common Malay weddings from Merisik to Bertunang and followed by Majlis Akad Nikah, Majlis Berinai, and the Majlis Bersanding Ceremony. I also took with me some samples of Bunga Rampai and Bunga Telor and distributed to the audience as well as demonstrating the talk with the assistance of pictorial slides for easy visualization and understanding of the subject matter which I wished to share with them.

I shared with my audience the art of Merisik where poetry words or Bahasa Kiasan were normally used instead of direct asking for the Bride's hand! For example, the representives from the groom's side would start with a phrase such as "We come from afar. Another district and another town. And, in here we saw there is a beautiful blooming flower in your garden! If it is not being booked or taken, we would like to seek for permission from the rightful owner to pluck it on behalf of a waiting gentleman (the to-be groom)."

Then, the representative of the bride-to-be will answer such as "We have many blooming flowers in this garden. There is a red rosé, a jasmine and even a budding water lily. Which of these flowers your gentleman is interested in?" This question may then be answered with a sentence like "Oh! Our young gentleman prefers the young budding water lily." These phrases of poetic questions and answers will go on and on until both sides settled to an agreement. 

Indeed, this new knowledge of poetic like 'merisik' event was something new to my audience staying in Muscat, and I truly felt good sharing with them. In actual fact, I learnt this art of 'merisik' indirectly from my late Nyai who was once a 'Mak Andam' in Happy Village. She used to tag me along with her when she represented many grooms-to-be families as a spokesperson in asking hands for the brides-to-be from their families. In fact, this art is still practiced among the Malay families in Malaysia, which was later followed by Majlis Bertunang or Getting Engaged when the Merisik event has been accepted, especially through the show of acceptance of the Tepak Sirih, which comprised of betel leaves, betel nuts and edible limestone. 

During my presentation, I also shared the processes of Majlis Menyarung Cincin both during Merisik and Bertunang time. In most cases, it is usually done by the mother or paternal grandmother of the to-be-groom. Once the ring has been successfully placed on the to-be-brinde's finger, she will show her acceptance, gratitude and respect to her future in laws by kissing their right hand. Hence, she is then officially known as the fiancé of so and so! 

Normally the engagement period varies from three to six months and sometimes one year before the Majils Akad Nikah or Solemnization actually take placed. This depends on the arrangement made by both sides of the families. They usually prefer the time for Solemnisation and Wedding Ceremonies during school holiday seasons where they truly need ample time to make invitation to guests and tedious preparation for the grand event. 

Indeed, wedding ceremonies within the Malay community are very important event to the brides and grooms since it is always hoped to be just once a life time experience. They are called the Raja Sehari or The King and Queen for a Day! More offen then not they are treated as 'true King and Queen' during their wedding day where all things are done to them by other people. It is indeed a life time experienced by all newly-wed couples who were beautifully dressed in their wedding attires and adorned with glittering Jewellery and also sat shyly on the well decorated dias and surrounded by families from both sides!

It is also here, the art of saying thank you to our guests who came to the wedding ceremonies applied. When the invitees were invited to give their blessings to the newly-wed couples on the dias, in return they will receive a bunga telor to be taken home. It is a gesture that symbolizes the heartfelt Thank You from the couple's families to their guests who took precious time off from their daily works just to attend the gathering and give their blessings at the wedding ceremonies. The bunga telor is actually a handmade flower usually made of gold or silver papers which then turned into a beautiful flower. On it will be a neatly covered hard boiled egg in a lace sack and carefully hang onto the flower! I was told by my late Nyai that a hard boiled egg symbolizes fertility, hence by giving our guests who attended the wedding ceremony as 'buah tangan'  it is hoped the newly-wed couple will be blessed and cherished with children. 

Together with the bunga telor, in most wedding ceremonies and at the Majlis Cukur Jambul occasions, a bag of Bunga Rampai is also handed to the guests before they left for home as a show of deepest and hearffelt appreciation for their presence.  Bunga Rampai is liken to aromatic potpourri which has beautiful fragrance. It comprises of sweet smelling finely sliced green pandan leaves and colourful mixtures of fragrance flowers such as red roses, white jasmines, yellow kenanga, dahlia and sprinkled with sweet scented perfumes or agar wood essence! 

On this wonderful and examplary gesture of Saying Thank You to the guests, I personally believe it is part of the beautiful Malay Culture to show respect and appreciation by giving someone who came to rejoice the happy occasions. What better way to show our gratitude to our guests who came to our functions than giving them a simple yet truly 'Ikhlas' from the heart as cute as Bunga Telor and as sweet fragrance as Bunga Rampai as the Buah Tangan. They made everyone happy - both the giver and the recipient! 

Hence, I did the same. Just before I end my short presentation, as a show of Thank You to be invited to share some Malay Culture and Experience to the fun loving and attentive audience, I too distributed some Bunga Telor and Bags of Bunga Rampai as remembrance. I truly thankful to the Organisers for the opportunity to share with the ISC Ladies Wing :D

A snap taken with ISC Ladies Wing and the wonderful Organisers Madam Bridget Ganguly and Madam Aditi Nadgauda.

Sawadee Kap: ALC Ladies in ThaiLand!

If the first ALC Get-2-Gather for 2014 was held in a formal manner liken to an AGM@Brunei House, the second was more casual with just white tops with long pants or simply jeans and sarongs! We were enjoying the cool breezy morning in ThaiLand and was greeted warmly with Sawadee Kap  or Hello in Thai language. It was the brainchild of all members who came out with many ideas and themes for our events. 

Indeed, in today's get-2-gather as in our previous meetings, the strong bond of ASEAN solidarity and togetherness were truly felt by all. Since the day of its establishment almost a year and half ago, the registered members have worked as a team and all decisions were based on consensus which was exceptionally awesome and delightful! 

Today's event saw all ladies from the six ASEAN nations came not empty handed, instead with potluck foodies both savory and desserts while our ever smiling hostess and her ladies prepared the venue and other refreshments at her green back garden full of fresh flowers, pandan leaves and tall banana trees, facing the sandy beaches in Shatti Qurum. Mrs Capt, Ms Y and I contributed our most popular Malaysian cuisine the nasi lemak bungkus together with dadeh as the dessert. Our hostess the ever hospitable ThaiLand prepared refreshing fish ball soup as starters for all to savour. They also prepared beautifully decorated chocolate cakes as desserts! Indeed, I fell in love with the intricate and beautify designed sweet course that surely conclude a wonderful meal :D

Brunei came with her most sought after fried vermicelli and nicely rolled kuih ketayap which were scrumptious and mouthwatering, followed by Singapore with their delicious kuih bakar Kemboja. Then came our friends from the Philippines who brought along a truly succulent  grilled chicken which complement well with the nasi lemak. They also made lovely Filipino noodles which we adored! 

And, of course not forgetting the Indonesian ladies surprised us with tasty macaroni and lip smacking kuih pau! But it seems that all those hearty and superb dishes still weren't enough for the ladies because on the Buffett tables were healthy natural coloured fruits as 'pencuci mulut' or finale although some preferred to have them as starters. 

All in all, the supposed breakfast turned brunch was delightful to all the ALC ladies! And, while we were having our brunch we shared stories, jokes and more often than not we shared recipes from each other. In fact, I was fascinated with one of our friends who among us was the 'Best Chef!' So, we probed her on how she started to like cooking? She revealed that she comes from a family who did catering business but when she was young, she was the pampered one and like other teenagers at that time who were busy with studies and what nought, so cooking wasn't her forte or perhaps the least in her mind. 

Yet, the secret of cooking and all started when she got married to a wonderful man and indeed she wanted to impress her late MiL. So, she took the big leap and tried to cook foodies for her. But her first soup was too sweet and Oh! She was feeling Helpless and Cried. Luckily, her elder sister was nearby and came to rescue or in other words to  're-cook' for her which she then served to her MiL and Wallah - she received a thumb's up and good praise :D. Similarly, she also tried to impress her MiL again with Black Forest cake as special dessert  but it turned out like 'flowing lava' which made her eyes welled with pearly tears! But, this time she did not lose hope and intelligently  instead convinced her niece to buy a ready made  sweetie Black Forest fit for her MiL which brought wide smiles to her motherly face. 

Although she was happy that her MiL loved her 'cooking' yet she did not feel right nor good inside her heart because the foodies weren't hers. Thus, she finally got the courage and told her MiL the truth and fortunately in returned her MiL taught her the secret of cooking, which to this day she has mastered it. Wow! Bravo my friend and after listening to her inspiring little secret all of us wish and aspire to follow our dear friend's foot step. Insyallah.

While still savoring the luxurious hearty desserts Kuih Pau and Kuih Ketayap with Asian style tea or famously known as teh tarik on this beautiful day with cool breezy air surrounding us, we also thanked His Almighty for not only the fascinating brunch for the 'ravenous' tummies, but most of all for the wonderful time out together which we spent and enjoyed. It was as the Latin says carpe diem for all of us :) 

To 'wrap up' the day, we also had quiz Know Thy Neighbours competition among the members. It was fun and hilarious! They were simply quizzed inter alia, what are the national flowers of their neighboring countries, the capital cities and names of popular dance or well known festivals, etc. It was more of a general knowledge thingy and yet the ladies did 'crack' their minds and brains to remember and memorize the Head of States' names, the full names of the current Ambassadors and their spouses and others! That was exceptionally awesome gals. For I strongly believe, to know our neighbour is to love our neighbour! 

In sum, it was an interesting and stimulating exercise for the minds. As the saying implies, we don't only need Foods for Bodies but we also need Foods for Thoughts! So, we finally killed two birds with just one stone > savoring healthy homemade foods while shaping our heathy minds! Finally, to all ALC Ladies, till our next get-2-gather, I Thank You Dear Friends for I truly enjoyed our day out and brunch this morning. Long Live ALC!

 

ALC Group Photo for remembrance!

Snap shots of the home cooked delicious foodies by ALC members. Bon Appetite!

Malaysian representatives with our lovely hostess. Big Thank You, Madam D!

ACM & ALC in Muscat!

2014 is an important year for us in Oman. Coincidentally, for both of us this auspicious Year of the Horse will be our turn to be Chairpersons for the ASEAN organizations ACM and ALC, an acronym to ASEAN Committee in Muscat and ASEAN Ladies Circle respectively. The handing over of ACM by the Ambassador of Indonesia to Mr Right was done at the Indonesian residence last 30th December 2013, whereas for ALC will be done by the spouse of the Brunei Ambassador at her residence to me on 10th February 2014! 

With the appointments, we happily accepted the trust and thus have to shoulder the duties and responsibilities that are 'bestowed' upon us. Insyallah we will do our very best for the organizations which we are entrusted with and to deliver our best deeds as best as possible to the registered members of the six ASEAN countries which have embassies in the Sultanate of Oman, namely Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. 

This morning Mr Right chaired his first ACM working committee meeting at Rumah Malaysia where among others he had scheduled the events for the first half of 2014 which included formal meetings for Ambassadors and Committee Members to discuss common issues and similar interests on ASEAN, Family Day and Familiarization Tour to some places in the Sultanate of Oman which will be of beneficial interests for all members.

At the same time, today the ALC President came to my residence for a short discussion of the incoming ALC meeting tomorrow, which include among others the handing over of the Presidency and selection of new Committee Heads. We also verbally discussed some social events to be tabled at the ALC Committee Meeting which include visits to places of interests in Muscat and sporting events. We truly looked forward to meeting our colleagues and prayed for the success of the organizations. Amin.

The day finally comes! At 10.30am on Monday the 10 Feb 2014, I accepted the responsibility as Chairperson for ALC in Muscat from the previous leader. It was based on rotational basis for one year duration. The transition was smooth. Soon after we appointed the other Committee Members namely Singapore to take care of ALC Financial Matters, Indonesia to be incharged of Social Affairs, Thailand will be responsible for visits and trips, Brunei will now look after Sports events and the Philippines will take care of publicity and also update of our activities. All in all, the members are happy with the line up and look forward to seeing each other with more get-together events. 

It is note worthy that although ALC in Muscat comprised of only handful persons yet the feelings of togetherness and warm solidarity were truly felt among the members. In fact, a line of activities were already proposed and discussed which among others to hold monthly meeting by each country on rotational basis as well as other social events which include garden party during the month of cool season, a trip to an Omani vegetable farm, living a healthy life style through sports' activities and having brunch at one of the cafes in town! 

We also gave a thought of organizing another  ALC charity bazaar for those in need when the time comes. I personally feel all the activities which are in the pipeline will draw us to each other closer, more knowledge and better understanding of other nation's culture and tradition as well as to assist whenever we could in the name of charity and compassion to those in need within our community or any friends within our ability and capability to assist in this hospitable land.  With the will and power together with strong bond and strength as a group, I believe ALC will do well for its members in Muscat. Amin.

I thanked all ALC members for the strong support they gave me and prayed our 2014 activities could be carried out smoothly and successfully. Insyallah :)

HE the Ambassador of Malaysia hosted first ACM Committee Meeting for 2014 @Rumah Malaysia on 9th February 2014.

Appreciate Life!

Our life is precious. As for me, the older I get, the more I look into my inner self and the more I appreciate life ...

It's weekend again. I was asking myself what to do to pass my time till tomorrow comes? I must do something good that's beneficial to me and to my loved ones. Especially when we do not know how long will we live? I'm not getting any younger. Silvery grey already crowns my then black hair. I could also feel the ache on some parts of my body.  

But Alhamdulillah, to my knowledge I do not have any serious illness, and for that I am exceptionally grateful to Allah SWT. I know that time flies and age is catching up! I am already in my fifties. It's just a matter of time for His calling - now or a little later. Yet, I am truly grateful for the wonderful life the Almighty Allah SWT had granted to me in this worldly world. My prayer that my life in the hereafter will be better than here. Insyallah.

And, I am also feeling closer to meeting Him especially when yesterday I just received news from my friend that my former classmate had just passed away leaving behind a widow and children. He was just two years my senior. My husband knows him too. Although we both are feeling the loss of a friend :( Yet, we know The Almighty Allah SWT loves him more. Al Fatihah to HD. 

Anyway, for us who are still breathing we thank him for the extra time. It means we could do more good deeds, more time for prayers and supplications, not late yet to ask for His Mercy and Forgiveness, to make right what is wrong, to forgive others who have been wrongful to us, spend time with our loved ones, to appreciate our life more and give what we could to the needy. Insyallah, we'll feel good and blissful and more ready to face Him.

Hence being a DS who is trailing her spouse, apart from fulfilling my duties and responsibilities to my nation, the other time spent were with my better half. I truly appreciate my life spending with him. It has been six years consecutively that I took leave from my job to be with  him. Never once that I regretted my decision. Instead I'm truly delighted for the opportunity to be a full time housewife to be tagged along by him to all the places he went. Be it for official or leisure, he always wanted me to be by his side. Alhamdulilah. 

And, the same when we were at home. My place was always within his arms' reach. We spent time together especially on weekends! We loved watching movies while embraced in each others' arms. I loved listening to him whenever I watched war or historical movies for he has vast knowledge on many subjects. For a person who is only a year older than me, I always feel 'inferior' when compared to the knowledge he had, yet I am truly fortunate to have him to share what he knows with me! We talked, we laughed and we teased each other just like old days :D

And today, I want to spend precious time with my significant other who makes me smiles and laughs every now and then even on simplest jokes! We woke up early. We sent off someone important at MIA. We had breakfast together. I prepared coffee with a platter of keropok lekor since he does not want lunch. We watched documentary The Great Moguls, their glory, the war, and the down fall. 

Similarly for dinner, he doesn't want heavy foodies except something simple, so a mug of cardamon tea with belinjau crackers were served. Other than that there's our favourite Malteaser chocolates and mazola cookies for snacks. And together we happily snuggled in front of the 52in TV and watched Red Cliffs! Indeed, my gratitude to Allah SWT for the good health, sound minds and happy life as bright as the blooming hibiscus which we are enjoying :D

A blooming hibiscus which was in our garden. Bright and beautiful :D

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A well said quote by JW that reflected our happy life! TQ :)