AlFatihah Apak

MrM's uncle's wife lost her father to colon cancer yesterday at 7:00pm. Fondly called Apak, lost his battle after sessions of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. He was 74.
We were there in Kepis to ziarah and pay our last respects. His wife, Omak, suffering from asthma, was seen by his side all the time.
It just didn't seem too long ago that we had gathered at Pak Cek's house to bid him farewell as he and Mak Cek was going to perform Haj. Apak was still strong then, Omak was always the frail one.
Such is life. A reminder to me, especially, that we all will go there one day, not a minute sooner, not a minute later.

MrM trying to capture Harith wearing his bicycle helmet

Missing Emak

On the Saturday before the beginning of fasting, a small doa tahlil was held at my house with siblings, nephews, nieces and grand-nephews and nieces meant for our late parents, mainly, and of course, my late brother and brother-in-law.
Not all my siblings came. Kak Cik as usual says that she extends her prayers to both our late parents every time after prayers, therefore a congregation of doas is not necessary, so she opines. Hakim for whatever his reasons did not come, either. That left Kak Mong, who mooted the tahlil, Kak Yang and Abg Ghazie.
Lately, as I extend the Al-Fatihah after prayers to Mak and Abah's souls, flash images of Mak and Abah appeared, particularly the ones of Abah visiting me in MRSM, Abah converting Ringgit into USD at the airport as I was about to leave for US of A, Mak at the dining table in the Paroi house, Mak on her last night complaining of pain before her passing, Mak smiling, just like a flashback of them from yesteryears.
That made me very sad. Especially at this time during fasting month. As I go from stall to stall weighing the variety of food choices for berbuka, I kept thinking of berbuka puasa with Emak. Then I realize that Mak has been gone for a little more than 6 months now. No more berbuka with Emak. No more converging at Mak's house for Hari Raya.
I thank God that for all my pregnancies Mak was still around. Despite my independence after all these years, just knowing that Mak is there gives you that assurance. As Harith's delivery date was approaching, Mak told me that she prays that All will be well for me and baby since I, after all, was pregnant then at 42. That must have carried a lot of weight up there because Harith's delivery, recuperation was so much easier.
Mak, Abah....Rindunya Dila kat Mak, Abah.

Now this is the life:D

Don't we need this sometimes?

Afifah, this blogsy really works wonders!!!

Harith Danish

Life Goes On

Since Mak's passing, I haven't had time to write about anything, although I did think about a lot of things to write on.  Work has never been any easier, in fact, the workload seems so overwhelming with this year being a short calendar year for us.  This company's financial year end has always been 31 March, but FY2012 onwards, our financial year will begin January and end December.  Which means a short calendar year for us i.e. only 9 months to bring ourselves i.e. this company aligned come January 2012.

If only work targets are also on a short calendar year basis.  It was, until you get into the thick and thin of things and you realise that your workload is the same as a full year, but only 9 months to achieve targets.

As I write, I am having a very bad cough and wheezing at that.  I am in no mood to do anything but many papers to review.  Today is the first day of fasting and I thought I could fast today, turns out I can't. 

Just as an update of my goings on :

• We finally sold our much loved truck the Nissan Navara last Friday.  Sold to a Chinese chap who happened to be in the same industry as MrM.  The truck was as good as new and somehow we never got around to using the truck to carry bicycles and stuff.  Maximum utility?  Grocery shopping at TESCO.  For that we can use the people carrier.  Therefore time to let go.
• In replacement, I am getting my own car.  The Navara was MrM's choice.  I never had problems driving the truck but still he was the one who wanted the truck.  Would I have chosen that?  Nope.  So with the equity in the Navara and additional pumping in of funds, God willing, my replacement will be a VW Passat CC. 
• Since I had a good salary raise this year, brought the kids out to Barbecue Dinner at Cyberview Lodge.  Twas a good one.  The place is not crowded, the food is good, the kids enjoyed themselves.  Harith was free to run about and comes back running to me when the cashier sternly told him he cannot go out. 
• MrM resigned from his job of 15 years, last day being July 19.  I supported the resignation because I knew he couldn't tolerate the nonsense that came with it anymore.  However, I did advise him to get a job first before resigning.  Nope.  He resigned.  And now is in search of a job.  Suze Orman says that you need to have 8 months worth of salary as savings just in case you get sacked.  All the years of savings have paid off.  I am concerned about funding the kids' educational needs though.  Hopefully MrM would have found a job by then.
• Harith turned 2 on 6 July 2011.  This year we did not have any birthday parties although we did take leave on account that traffic in KL was a standstill due to roadblocks (Bersih rally).  Whatever good intentions to go to office became good intention of taking Harith out for a jalan2.  Brought him to the toy section at Parkson's and he was not interested in anything at all.  My little bambino.  What does he know at that age about selecting toys he wants? 
• MrM and I decided to go on the HcG diet.  Went for the 18 day program, MrM lost 9kg and I lost 6 kg.  It is the worst diet since both of us are hungry all the time and took the snacks whenever we can! Just made me realize how unhealthy our eating has been all these years.  Resolve to eat better for the sake of myself and God willing, to be with my kids longer.  After all, at 60, if life does get there, Harith will only be 17!
• My eldest nephew got married on 5th June to a lovely girl.  We did the green theme on the bride's side and the purple theme on the groom's side.  There you go, my Hari Raya outfits done all in one shot.  As of last Saturday, I am happy to announce that Fieza is expecting!  Have a lot of catching up to do with Adek now already having 3 kids!!!
• I went to Brisbane on work related and managed to inflict enough damage buying Corelle!  For a 16 piece set costing AUD45.00 who can resist.  Bought two sets.  And determined to ask the HR lady there that when she comes back for good, part of her container will be my Corelle.  MrM thinks I am mad. 
• And how can I not mention my MRSM Batch 79-83 2 July reunion at our alma mater, MRSM Seremban, now knowned as KMS or Kolej MARA Seremban.  The prep work, the reunions, the mini reunions here and there was something I looked forward to in the months leading to 2 July 2011.  That when the event was over, I felt a sense of emptiness.   Tired but enjoyed every minute of the sessions.  Thanks to all of you for being there.  And making my life happy.

That pretty much sums it all, I think.  Writing about work would be too boring.  Bad as it is, I am bored.  I am thinking of asking for a transfer.  Wonder what DGR will say.  And that is another blog entry.