Reunion

Most of the times, we try to plan on something. But sometimes, unplanned things happen which make it more interesting and memorable. When RY and I decided to organise a small wedding reception for our son, it ended as a blissful wedding dinner. From a mere planning to just invite several relatives and closed friends, it turns out as a reunion of lovely people closed to our hearts and also the blossoming of new friendships.

First, a reunion with old classmates whom I have not met since I left school. Then, we were in our teens. Now, we are  in our fifties. Before we were Miss so and so, but now we are Moms and some already the Grand Dames. Also, we have the honour to meet their spouses, children and some of their grandchildren :) Indeed, a nostalgic feeling for all of us.

It is also a reunion with my colleagues and former staff whom I have not met them since I took a no pay leave as a trailing spouse. Before, they were Puan and Encik, now they're with titles Dr and Professors. Oh ... How time flies, but when we 'gather-gather' it seems like the time stopped for us while we chatted and  laughed. When we hugged before parting again the feelings were mutual - that we all missed each other!!! 

A reunion among expats also brings not just nostalgic feeling, but also a silent code  - that, insyallah we will cross path again, someday and somewhere. The things that we did and share together for purposes of promoting our beloved nation at the various postings be it in the tropics, barren desserts or cold wintery snow became a lively topic while savoring the delicious dinner!

All in all, a Big TQ to all my friends for the reunion. Although it was just a short time, but it brought great euphorio feelings to all of us. I pray good health to all of you and insyallah, we will cross path again!

Precious Angel

I read from the FB Wall - "a daughter is a little girl that grows up to become a friend" ... 

Indeed I like the statement and I have seen one little girl who resembles the person in the statement since the day she was born until her graduation day at the university grand hall! And, I'm still seeing her who grows and glows as a young lady. 

The bond between us is strong. Most of the time, we chatted and shared  stories about life. And we pray to the AlMighty together. Her angelic smiles show that she's happy and her happiness brings smiles to my heart. Sometimes when she pours her heart out to me, the feeling of spears through my heart is truly felt. 

To her my prayers never dwindle. All sayings of good health, wonderful life and great future always in my prayers for her - the little girl who is my one and only lovely daughter - a true blue friend aka precious angel. I love you, Kin. 

Forever Friends ...

Friends come and go, but forever friends will be with us wherever we are. It is not necessarily we have to be together at all times. Friendship knows no distance. Sometimes when we are staying far apart, yet whenever we call them they are always there for us.

Since I am a trailing spouse, I only went home sweet home (homeland) during holidays or when I visited my children. However, during these visits I always make sure and spare some times visiting my friends and colleagues at the old office. They were always eager to welcome me and invite for a reunion lunches or dinner. Indeed, I am very pleased to meet them again and most of all I'm blessed with the ever blooming friendship which we share and cherish. 

So, today is of no exception when they called me in the morning - to remind me of the lunch date! I was delighted when they treated me with a lovely sumptuous lunch @Sakura, but most importantly I cherished their longing to see me and their forever friendship :)

Thank You my  friends, and I wish all of you the very best in your career and life. You'll always be on my mind and may Allah SWT grants His love and bestow upon you His rezeki in return to all the good deeds you gave me. Amin. 

Mavericks

I like watching Top Gun which was directed by Tony Scot starring Tom Cruise who plays the playful / playboy yet brilliant character Lt Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell. This movie indeed inspires my son Riza who sets up his own auto vinyls and decals business @Mavericks. 

As a teenager and student at the varsity, I noticed that Riza has been a mavericks. He never likes to follow others. He is a bright guy and has a creative mind, although he seldom reads. Anyway, he graduated with flying colours in his field - Industrial Design (Automotive) which formed as his basis for the business. It has been a year since he started this small business based on his passion in auto design and color blocks! I truly like his works where he puts lots of ideas, passions and details in them. All his works or products are exclusive and custom made. I wish Riza 'Mavericks' the very best in his work and may he enjoy fruitful life with his love ones :)

Dad's Advice

RY, Lisa and I were having dinner @Gani Rojak in Klang. While savoring our favorite foods, in passing Lisa asked her Dad about marriage and all it's baggage relating to it! 

RY gave her his honest view especially the importance of the woman (wife) to be an educated person and as far as possible to be financially independent. Wives must not dependent of their husbands. Instead, they should work hand-in-hand and share their income for the benefit of their marriage and family. In our Malay saying: ringan sama di jinjing, berat sama di pikul.

RY also advised Lisa on the importance of parenting. Every parents have a duty to their child or children. They must give their best to them based on their means and ability - especially the basic necessities which include education. If she is married and has children of her own, do forgive them if they make mistakes for we are just human. His advice reminds me of a statement I read written by Muslim Kids Genius, which stated: "Forgive your children if they make mistakes in life. You are wiser than them two to three decades. You were once like them, too and Allah SWT has guided you. Now, use your God guided wisdom to guide them, too." 

Alhamdulilah, all praise to Allah SWT for giving me a chance to hear and witness the fruitful Dad-Daughter talk!  I'm very pleased that RY could share his view with his daughter. Amin.

Seating Plan

In just a few days time, my son will get married. The solemnization (akad nikah) will take place at the bride's house. To welcome the bride and her family, we will have a wedding dinner @De Palma Hotel.  We invited about 500 people to cherish the event - mostly family members, our dear friends and also closed friends of the bride and groom.

Indeed, we look forward to the event, but the seating plan did give me a little 'headache' and at times 'heartache' hi hi hi. It is a sensitive issue which needs to be tackled tactfully. It also involves lots of thoughts relating to seniority, elders, siblings and many more. Sometimes, protocol too! Anyway, with the assistance of the to be bride and the groom, we manage to come out with the tentative seating plan. Insyallah, all will be fine. We did our best and I believe most of the time we can't please everyone. So, whatever the outcome, I leave it to Allah SWT for he knows best!

Birthdays

Yesterday I attended my grand nephew (Zikry) birthday celebration @SIL house. He is now 13th :) Indeed, birthdays are events which children and their parents look forward to. Each year passes by with the big day celebrations. Sometimes the parents go all out in organizing the event just to please their children ;)

To me, birthday bash is to show my appreciation to Allah SWT who grants me more rezeki and this is to be shared with families and my children's friends. I love to see the happy faces of my kids when they celebrate their birthdays. Indeed, they not only look forward to their birthday dates but eagerly count down the days, too! When the days finally arrived they are all dressed in their best clothes and waited for the guests and friends to come. Their faces bloom with smiles especially when the guests and friends handed birthday presents on to their hands :)

Alas, when I saw Zikry's smiling face yesterday while cutting his birthday cake which we brought, while the other kiddos sang the birthday  song, my mind soared and gave flash back of yesteryears - the memories of all my children's happy faces while cutting their birthday cake and blowing the candles ... Alhamdulilah.

Mom n Doter

It is always a nice feeling when we have a very good and understanding relationship with someone we love especially our very own blood! In my case, between me and my daughter. 

Although we did not stay under one roof and also separated by the oceans because of me trailing my better half and my girl is already grown up and joined the workforce, but the bond between us is very  sturdy and strong :) At any time of the day, she never hesitates to send messages to me, be it just to say hello or to ask some opinions if she needs one! Indeed, I'm truly blessed and fortunate to conceive her, going through great experience of giving birth to her while her Dad was with me to welcome her to the world, breast feed her for three years, witnessing her growing from baby to toddler to KG to varsity days and later witnessing her went for an interview and this afternoon, I assisted her in selecting her wardrobe for work!!! Alhamdulilah she has grown up well and My Gratitude to Allah SWT who blessed her with good health :)

She is also very kin to learn about personal matters from me, be it health, relationship or education and indeed I'm very pleased and proud to be approached by her. To me, it is an honour when our very own daughter wants to learn new and good things from us. Alhamdulilah.

And just like my daughter and me, my relationship with my own Mom is also good. At 83, she stills cooks my favorite foods each time I visit her @Happy Village! Big TQ Mom. I'm very fortunate to have you as my loving Mom and I pray that  my daughter is experiencing the same feeling. Insyallah :)

Tempe & Cili Kicap

After a month long of free from cooking, my better half brought home a plastic bag containing tempe, soya bean curd (tofu), black soya sauce, bird's eye chilies, garlic and some limau kasturi. 

When he handed to me the ingredients, I knew that he missed my 'tempe goreng, and 'cili kicap' - two recipes which were handed down three generations from my late grandma, to my mom and now to me. These foods are also my kiddos favourite especially my daughter, Lisa!

After Isya' prayer, I went to the kitchen and prepared the cili kicap. Then RY came and helped me frying the tofu and tempe. When it was ready, I served them with the cili kicap. Indeed, I knew they were delicious and yummy because when they were placed on the table, within seconds all of them were gone! Alhamdulilah, I am very happy that the supper (tempe & cili kicap) was good :) I also hope that these recipes will be handed down to my daughter ...

Ibu Mertuaku aka MIL

While I was eating my delicious putu piring, at the other end of our home lounge I saw my RY was smiling and at other times he was laughing while holding his stomach!!! When I went near to him, he told me that he was watching an old Malay movie titled Ibu Mertuaku aka MIL ;) No wonder he was laughing heartily and at other time he was smiling sheepishly ...

To those who wish to know the synopsis, I recommend all of you to go to YouTube. I'm very sure you'll enjoy the movie and also the smiles and laughter will make you younger and healthier just like someone I know ...

Still on the topic of MIL.

I am very fortunate to have a MIL who not only loves me but also a very understanding woman where all her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren love her, too!

Her name is Eve and she is almost 80 years old. Since I got married to his son, she never fails to visit us in our homes - both in our ever beautiful and evergreen homeland but also when were posted in foreign lands aka Yangon, London and Muscat. In other words, just like us - she has been to the desert, snow and woods! 

Indeed, I thank Allah SWT for giving me the chance to meet Eve and making her my MIL. I also pray for her long life and may she be able to see my grandchildren too, if Allah SWT permits as she has seen our son and daughter. Insyallah. 

Putu Piring

When we're away for home, we tend to crave lots and lots of home foods and desserts. In particular the foods that we ate and relished when we were young and cooked by our moms or grannies. So do I - I'm of no exception when I crave for some 'putu piring' on this Saturday morning @SA Town. My dear better half then took me to one Pasar Tani at Section 17. Alhamdulilah, at one corner, we saw a middle aged woman was preparing the putu piring for sale. He was delighted and bought 5 sets of the delicacies which I gave 3 sets to my MIL and brought home the remaining 2 sets. And, I finished the first set in less than five minutes :)))

My praise and gratitude to Allah SWT who grants me not only the rezeki but also the good taste buds for foods. I really enjoyed the favorite desserts and now I could take a good rest on my soft sofa with a wide smile on my face :) TQ to my RY for the putu piring and I love you very much for your thought!

Mood Swing

As a woman, one cannot run away from mood swings - be it due to the infamous PMS or the scary M aka menopause :( Anyway, since I'm a woman in the category of 5Series these symptoms do effect me and my biology. When these happen I admit that my character changes a little bit from bubbly to a quiet person, which is not me! But truth be told, I don't like the mood swings yet I could not help it. It comes naturally each time I'm having the PMS and now I'm experiencing the early stage of scary but surely M - hu hu hu :(

To all women, please do not feel sorry for the mood swings. It is just hormonal changes in our bodies and they are all natural. Indeed, Allah SWT made us women, so accept the fact and be proud of our gender. Mood Swings are part of women, thus the male species must accept  the divine fact that Allah SWT creates us as what we are ;) Amin.

Cool ...

Today, the air-con men came to replace the old air-con. It has been two weeks that I slept in a twist and turn condition :(

With a warm weather and high humidity, I felt like I'm bathing sweat. In this tropical country, I love the green surrounding yet, I can't stand the whole summer season. 

Anyway, with the cool air from the newly installed air con system, it is not only blissful but it gives strength to endure another two weeks of sweaty life :) Alhamdulilah to Allah SWT who gives us extra rezeki to have a comfortable life. Amin. 

Happiness ...

I am now in my home sweet home in my beautiful homeland away from Qurum29. Alhamdulilah, I have a privilege to spend my summer holidays with my children here for only three weeks. So, I must make full use of my precious time and to be happy spending time with them :))

So, today is of no exception ...

Well, it is now almost 12midnight and yet I still could not sleep. I'm feeling very happy, full of gratitude to Allah SWT who bless me and  to my better half who makes me smile. Indeed, I'm in cloud nine and my life is gay - full of happiness. 

So, what is happiness to me as a wife and a mother of three precious children, in just one day:D

Happiness is -

My husband loves me with all his heart

My son & wife invited us for a sea food dinner @Danau

My son & future bride fetch their Dad @KLIA

My children and I had brunch in McDonald

My kiddos watched Mr Bean and joked about tea @Airport Delifrance

My habibi bought a new set of air conditioner for our 'warm' room

My daughter prays with me and recites Surah Yassin together

My former student sent a message saying she's getting married :)

My daughter arrived home safely after watching late night movie 

Overall, I have had a very good day ... TQ  Thursday, you bring me happiness!!!

Lappi4Marisa

When I told my better half that I wished to start blogging, he gave his thumb's up and his comment was very encouraging, and also constructive! 

As his DS, he knew that apart from my usual duty and responsibility to him and our beloved nation, I have some time for myself while waiting for him to come back from work. He also knew that I like to scribble works on to my desk top. I have started some write ups in my Gratitude Journal and hope to share the thoughts with fellow friends in the cyber world :) In fact, I wanted to share with my friends virtually about my life as a DS. I always feel, sharing is caring and we can always learn many things through interacting. In fact, it is also due to a caring friend that I begin to learn blogging.

And indeed, to my delight RY bought for me a grey lap top and I named it 'Lappi' - something which is very useful and made easier for me to key in the words ... Insyallah.

Thank You RY for your lovely thought! I'll make full use of Lappi :)

New & Fresh

It is always a nice feeling to have a fresh start ...

As a DS, my life is sometimes away from home and at other times we are in home sweet home. When we are away from home, most of the times our things and especially our bed and its beddings will not be as fresh as we wish them to be :((

So, just a day before RY arrives, LR & I went to AEON and scouted for a new bed spread. We chose a spring colour - a combination of pink and lavender. Indeed, it gives a punch to our old beddings like a booster or a new bulb to an antique lamp :) 

I always believe that it is truly important to revive an old relationship. The more often the better! It is also more meaningful to the couple. It brings smiles to their faces :)

As for me and RY, whenever we have new things, not nevessarily expensive but of good quality and eye catching - they always brings happiness to us and our marriage life <3 as new as the budding roses and as fresh as the butter bread from the oven. Like it!!!

Agony of Waiting

It has been two weeks waiting for RY arrival ... But it seems like two decades :( Now, I'm at KLIA together with my kiddos anxiously waiting for him. (This is part of my life as a DS. If I'm away from my homeland, I'll be anxiously waiting for my kiddos to arrive at the airports be in London or in Muscat. But, now when I'm with them, I'll be anxiously waiting for the arrival of their Dad at the airport, too hu hu hu)

Anyway, after having our breakfast @McD, we checked the arrival time. Unfortunately the arrival time stated is after noon, while if I'm not mistaken RY's 737 should touch down @11.30 hrs. Anyway, since we are early, we decide to 'lepaking' @Delifrance. But in order to seat down & 'lepaking' we have to buy goodies from the cafe. So, my son bought a 'tumbler of ice lemon tea' which cost him RM9.90 hu hu hu. While he sips the expensive thirst quencher, we all joke - perhaps we have to pay for the seats and the green marble table instead of the tea :)

At the same time, my son watch Mr Bean from the telly and he laughs at all the jokes! But, it is one of the ways to pass our time because the agony of waiting is unbearable ...

Slowly but surely, my RY will arrive ;) Indeed, he finally reaches the arrival lounge @1.50pm.

And now, I can :)

Raining Heart

There is a saying, "all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy" but in my case I think if life is entirely a bed of roses, it makes me feel non human - so once in a while I do experience disappointments. My heart cries heavily and I dub it as Raining Heart. Yet, imperfection also makes me feel that I'm just a normal person :)

Anyway, what was the disappointment that I'm experiencing today which made me feel so edgy, crying silently and feeling so uncomfortable? Well, I like a tidy and clean house with sweet scented fragrance. Not necessarily that the furniture must be new or elegance, but I always want something tidy with fresh and lovely aroma. 

Well, as a DS whenever we are abroad, we always tag a helper with us who could assist us in looking after our home. And, I only have one feline Gary :) But, the home @SA Town which I'm staying during my holidays now is shared with my kiddos and their cats - Leo, U Turn, Slipper and Lucky. All are potty trained except Lucky. Hence, on many occasions there were 'accidents' where his litter could be found under the side table or in the porch! This really made me stressful :((

Although I detest cleaning Lucky's poo, yet on many occasions I cleaned them and wiped the floor. I also poured lots of Clean Floor detergent Ajax with lavender aroma to freshen the room and the porch. After all the cleaning, I still feel not satisfactory. Perhaps it was the house and my heart bled for I truly missed the away home sweet home @Qurum29.

Diplomat's Spouse

Never crossed my mind that one day I'll be a trailing spouse to one diplomat. All along while I was studying, my aim was to be a journalist or to work in a government sector as a teacher or an accountant, but I end up as a lecturer :)

When I met my husband, he told me that he has no specific ambition except he wants to wear a tie to work! Indeed, he joined the MCS or PTD and become a diplomat. On my part, I imparted legal knowledge to my students and shared my experience with my colleagues. But, when he started to be posted to several countries, from desert to desert via snow and woods, I became his trailing companion.

Truly, I like the job as a diplomat's spouse - because I'm always near to him :) TQ RY for tagging me to all the beautiful places and always wanting me to be with you. Alhamdulilah. Amin.

Siblings

Last week I went to my hometown called Happy Village. There live my sister, brother in law and their son together with my mother in our parents' home. 

Actually, my sister has her own homes. They are about 15 minutes drive from my parents' house. But my aged Mom prefers she stays with her in a house which was built by my late Dad. In front of our home is a mosque which my late Dad was once its Imam, hence Mom always looks forward to its call for prayers or Azan. In fact, Mom also feels comfortable in her own home and to be surrounded by her neighbors.

Each time I visited my Mom, she never fails to talk about her children aka my siblings. I have three brothers and three sisters. They are all my elders because I'm the youngest :) All of us now are considered golden girls and Six Series BMWs. 

Anyway, when we talk about siblings, the topic does not confine only to them but extended to their spouses, children and in-laws. Thus, lots of stories I heard about my siblings from my Mom and my sister - the sweet, the sour and sometimes the bitter tales!

To all my siblings, I wish you happy life :)

You & I ...

In our little home in SA Town, I was lying on my bed alone. Suddenly, I remembered an old song which I loved to sing when I was a teenager; but I could not remember its title or even the singer? Yet, I could hum the tune and remember part of its lyric:

You and I ...

We had a dream 

To fly ...

Wonderful dream

Beautiful dream

Don't let it die ...

Aaah aaah ....

While singing and reminiscing the olde moments, I heard a buzzer from my BB. It was a message from my better half, "another 2 days  (I'll be with you)"

Yeah, I could not wait any longer for his arrival. He will fly to me, my one and only <3. Indeed, I miss him very much. We are apart for only two weeks, yet I felt like it's already two years hu hu hu :( Indeed, You and I are inseparable. We long for each other and we have dreams ... Beautiful Dream and we don't want to let it die!!!!

As a DS, it is also my constraint. Sometimes, we can be together but at other times, we have no choice but to be apart for a little while because of our jobs and responsibilities. But, Thank You to Allah SWT, that most of the time 'You & I' are always together like the Malay saying 'Laksana Cincin Dengan Permata' always intertwined.

Prayers

In Islam, Solat or to perform 5 times prayers a day is fundamental. It is also one of the five pillars (Rukun Islam). Every  Muslim person after he / she reaches age of puberty must perform Solat.

Today, I am very pleased to note that my daughter Lisa has approached me and requested that we perform Solat together  (Jamaah). Alhamdulilah we did the Maghrib and Isya' prayers together :)  After that, we recited the Surah Yassin. Alhamdulillah, all praise to Allah SWT for the beautiful bonding between two souls - Mom & Daughter.

It was an opportunity but a rare occasion for us because we did not stay together. Lisa stays in my homeland whereas as a trailing spouse, I reside in a foreign land. So an opportunity like this is always a welcome and something which I truly look forward to do and spend with her :))

Sometimes, she also asked me on certain matters pertaining to Islam such as Rukun Iman and several doa. Indeed, I'm blessed and grateful to Allah SWT that I could share some knowledge on Islamic matters which I acquired and learnt from my late father who was a former Iman with her. TQ Abah for instilling upon me the foundation of Islam :) Alhamdulilah, now I could do the same as you and impart the knowledge to my daughter.

Clean House

As a DS in one foreign land, I used to watch the UK TV Clean House Reality Show when I stayed @Golders Green. The team led by a Celebrity Host who cleaned the filthy chosen homes really impressed me. They also showed and provided tips on how to clean our homes by using homemade cleaners such as baking soda, lemons and vinegar :)

Now, I am on holiday visiting my children and also in preparation for my son's wedding. After some sumptuous and heavy lunch I went to my room and had a nap. When I woke up from my short nap, I saw my son and his fiancé cleaned our family home and especially their to be bridal room. 

Wow! I was really impressed by their commitment to start a new life. It is always good to start our journey with 'clean slate' effort and new things such as new bed spread and clean floor! 

To both the to be bride and groom, I wish them well and happy cruising the marriage life. Amin.

Note: A picture of Malaysian pot poori aka bunga rampai which is made of pandan leaves and other fragrant flowers. When place in a bedroom, it gives lovely, fresh and sweet aroma. 

Friendship

I met her when she came for an interview 15 years ago. Being a bright and full of potential candidate, she impressed the panel and immediately was offered the job! Indeed, throughout her career at the faculty, I found that she was an asset who not only performed her duties and responsibilities well, but full of integrity. 

She walks her talk :) which without any doubt I recommended her to pursue her doctoral study under my former PhD Supervisor Professor Ilona Cheyne. This beautiful mind lady is Dr Tunku Intan Mainura - a friend and a colleague of mine at FUU, UiTM. Indeed, our friendship has blossomed since the day we met until today. Together we produced a little book called Law Glossary. But, at today's meeting over lunch @Sakura and later Chatime @PapaRoti, we decided to co-write an academic book An Introduction to Public International Law. 

I pray with Allah SWT grace and blessing, our good intention will materialize, Insyallah. Also, I thank her for the friendship and hope it continues to flourish and bloom as bright and beautiful as our national flower - the hibiscus!

Circle of Love

It seems like it was just yesterday that I gave birth to RDR. But in actual fact, it was more than 24 years ago ... Ho Ho Ho how time flies! Now, we are preparing for his wedding ceremony to his fiancé NFH ;) 

Well, we are happy for them and also very pleased with their choice! They met and they fell in love. When I first set my eyes upon his choice, I instantly liked  her. Also, on their engagement day, I had  the honour to place the beautiful ocean blue sapphire on her fourth finger. They are officially engaged and indeed, the circle of love is now binding his fiancé's finger. 

As a DS and a mother to a son who is living far away from me, I am very pleased that my son has found his life partner. To RDR and NFH, my prayer goes to both of you. May Al Mighty Allah SWT Bless you both - today, tomorrow and in the future! 

May the love you both nurture blossoms and grows like sweet scented flowers in the Eden Garden. 

Note: My dear DIL, I like the 'red carnations' which you made with your own hands for my son. It was a reflection of your love to him ... :))

Note: The Circle of Love is now binding my son's fiancé NFH :))

Gary aka AB

It has been a week since I left my AB. A day after I left for KL to visit my kiddos, I received a text message from RY that AB was searching for me from room to room hu huh hu :(  In fact, RY also wrote: "He misses you, Mama."

As a DS, most of the times - I have to commute between places. One, a life with my better half in all the posting missions, and then the other life is to visit my children in my homeland whenever I missed them and if it is needed or warranted to attend important matters relating to them.

But, whenever I'm away from Muscat, I'll miss my 'young man' AB. So, I replied to RY's message and said 'I miss you, too AB  and I  pray that you're in good health. I'll see you again in three weeks time. For the time being, please eat, drink and sleep well, okay."

By the way, who is AB? He is our youngest 'son' Gary - a feline who according to our vet is a Persian long hair, but to us he is more of an American Bobtail whom RY refers him as AB. 

Below, is a picture of our 10 month old Gary .... He brings laughter and happiness to us in our home-sweet-home @Qurum29. Our gratitude to Allah SWT for AB's love and presence!

Mother's Day

"You & I won't be here, without our dear and lovely mothers ... To all my wonderful friends, I wish you Happy Mother's Day!"

The above statement was made by me to my PM Ladies @Qurum29 on Mother's Day Celebration 2013. 

The theme we chose was Arabian Morning where we wore Arabian attire to suit with the place we were residing at the moment! Indeed, we decorated the dome shape hall with Arabian setting and frankincense  aroma. It was a beautiful and memorable morning for us remembering ourselves as mothers as well as remembering our lovely mothers in our homeland ;)

And to my surprise my ever thoughtful children also showed that gratitude to me to commemorated that beautiful day when I visited them in my evergreen homeland. They bought a cake for us the Mothers to share for that special celebration (Me - their Mama, Mak - their Aunty and Nenek - their grandmother)

Big TQ Kiddos for the wonderful thought and surprise :) 

Blessed Children

As a DS, my life is always on the move, meaning for the time being I'm not staying in my evergreen homeland, instead in a faraway land which is securely protected by rugged Hajar Mountains and heavenly surrounded with soft bronze desserts.

In this place, although I'm feeling happy and blessed to be with my better half, but part of me is longing for my children who are in my homeland. Although all of them have grown up well, yet to me they are still 'kiddos' through my eyes as a mother.

Last week, I flown to my homeland and attended my daughter's graduation ceremony. My heart melt and I cried silently ~ tears of happiness rolled down my cheeks when I saw her smiled while walking on the stage and later she received her precious and hard earned scroll from the Pro Vice Chancellor :)

The same feeling was felt at about the same time last year, when her brother received his. I smiled silently and wished my other half could witness the beautiful moment. RY could not come and attend the once in a life time occasion because of his work and his responsibility to his nation which must come first before family matters. Indeed, all his children knew and understood his job and situation as well as they were used to it, too. Anyway, RY texted to me - "Wish I'm there" ...

Indeed, I'm blessed with not only beautiful children physically, but they are also beautiful mentally. In short, beautiful children with beautiful minds. TQ Allah SWT for all the blessings you bestowed upon me - Mus Marisa Rustam your humble servant. Amin. 

I Did It!

D'Bloggers ...

Today, I'm blessed that I've finally joined the bloggers to blog :)

I'm pleased and feeling gratitude to Allah SWT who gives me the courage to do it.
Thanks to our teacher, Intan Felisha, who taught us to start blogging. 

Now, I could transfer my write-up on gratitude journal here. Yeah! 

Also, I could start writing some stories about my life as a DS to be shared with friends virtually :)) I always believe with the statement 'sharing is caring' ...

To myself and fellow bloggers, Happy Blogging & Sharing :D