Road Trip!!

So I remember saying that I’ll be persistent and consistent with my bloggings starting 2 days ago. Unfortunately, for the next ten days or so, I’ll be on a road trip with my family, going to Cherating, Pahang - Batu Rakit, Terengganu - Pasir Mas, Kelantan - Cherating, Pahang – KL. I don’t know whether to feel excited or sad about it since I won’t be able to send off Syahid this Saturday night or my sweetheart Chai to Switzerland next week.. Sigh.. But the prospects of spending time with my family, going on a road trip holiday and visiting families for Eid al-Adha gives me a sense of delight and anticipation of how the trip is going to turn out. Mak and I went for snack shopping in the morning and I’m supposed to make sandwiches now. We’re leaving a little after 1530 I guess. Well, more after the trip I guess…

When There’s So Much To Say

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Have you ever wanted to say so many things to someone close to you when you suddenly realize how near the time is for them to leave or start a new life? Or sometimes, they’re not leaving but they just forgot or don’t realize how much they mean to you and think you take them lightly. It’s like all of a sudden a million words form and jumble in your mind and you just want to pour it all out to your loved ones. I’ve had this experience happening to me more than once and on all accounts, I’ve never manage to tell them everything I feel in my heart. I suppose I never will. Because when it comes to those people that we are so close to you, words can never be enough. After you’ve told them something and left, you’d realize that you forgot to tell them something else or what you told them was not enough.

Today was such a day. I have a special close friend leaving to pursue his studies in Dublin, Ireland. My Best Guy Friend. Syahid Mohd. Zain. That’s one dude who’ll always have a special place in my heart. I’ve always wanted him to know all the things I’ve felt for him (both good and bad :p haha! Mostly good of course). He’s such a good friend. Someone you could rely on to stick with you through your highest and lowest point of your life, supporting and believing in you, giving you hopes and strength to do what you will. You know he’d be there with his smiles, jokes and laughter that will keep you happy all day long. A thought of him brings a warm smile that is felt all the way to your heart. I’ve always loved him for his kindness and care. I mean damn he could just annoy the hell outta me when he teases me, but all is good when I’m in my wittiest moods. :) Plus you can never get upset or annoyed with that softhearted guy. The moment you pull a long face, he’ll start sucking up to make you smile. More than words though, his actions depict his inner feelings and love. That’s Syahid for you.

As I was thinking of him this morning, I contemplated upon writing a whole letter to place along with the card I bought him, so that I could share what little experience and advice I have for him. Words after words were forming in my mind to remind him of our faith in Islam, the dangers of compromising bad deeds, the memories and times shared together, how he should be prepared for the erratic weather and owh just everything came to my head. But when it came down to actually writing on the card, I went totally blank. Geez, so much for ideas I thought. In the end, I settled with the idea of writing the more important issues in the shortest and nicest way in that card and not the long letter I initially planned for. :) Though it was concise, it covered pretty much everything. I figured, it’s always nicer to tell you loved ones of your feelings for them over a period of time rather than everything at once.

It was really nice to have a proper lunch with my friends for once. On hindsight, I knew it was my last day to actually be with Syahid in a long time. However, I hadn’t felt sad over it for the thought of him starting something so exciting and new overpowered that sadness. I’m happy for my dear friend who’s embarking on his new chapter of life. And because of that, all the usual sms, online chats, joking, laughing and the rarely attempt of hanging out and dining we had today remains as a happy and cherished memory.

Love you lots Syahid. All the best in your quest of life! Allah ma’aka (May Allah be with You)…..

A year, Two Months & Three days After....Wow

Wow indeed. I can't believe it's that long since I've blogged. :) Time sure has flown. I guess I've finally agreed to myself that I'm very much settled here in Malaysia. Settled and ready to blog once more! (wonder if this is gonna last!--> bet u thought the same huh Jaffri? :p) Truthfully, I too am not so confident as too how long I'm going to be persistent on this thing again, but I truely hope it'll be awhile till I give in too my laziness...

Alright...so let's make the shortest summary of my life since the last day I blogged:

Started working in Nov 2005 in the Pastry Kitchen of Shangri-La, Kuala Lumpur under the supervision of Chef Artist Leslie for 2 months, then in the Cold Kitchen of Shangri-La's Gourmet Kitchen for one month under the supervision of my colleague and friend Annie and my last 3 months in the Pastry Kitchen, moving from buffet section, to bread-making for a months perhaps and finally the very-much-loved chocolate room for my last two months under the supervision of my colleague and my beloved friend Loh Cheng Kit. Industry training ended in April 2006. My special Thanks to Leslie, Danny, Ah Kit and Annie for the wonderful and priceless experience and fun they've shared with me. I loved my training with a passion if that makes sense. :D

A week after I left my training, I retreated to my lovely and serene kampung in Batu Rakit, Terengganu with one of my closest friend, Fatiha. Although we stayed at our respective family's home, we managed to spend time together for most of the trip. Ha and I had the best 3 days of our lives (well one of anyways), spending one of the days on an Island called Pulau Kapas for a whole day from morning till around 5. I had attended her aunts engagement post-ceremony and we had spend time walking on the beach of Batu Rakits during one of the late afternoons. We took a lot of beautiful pictures during the trip, enough to remember almost everything that we did during the 3 days. I, on the other hand had discovered a "hidden" talent in photography. :D well, at least I think so. ^_^ hehe!

A week later, I found myself on the plane and on my way to Yemen for a short intensive course in Arabic Language. At first, I was devastated about the prospects of me being there. Hated the fact that I was forced to do it, but weeks after weeks, I found myself liking, even loving what I had there - my foster families, especially my two moms, Aunty Wan and Aunty Maizan, the friends that I've made and come to love deeply, especially my teacher and best friend Ustazah Khawlah, and shockingly Sana'a, the ancient city. Although I'm pretty sure that my last 10 days there were the best, what with the short road trip I had and the few lil adventures I took, my days in Yemen were really special in my heart. After a wonderful 3.5 months experience in that 3000 year old city, I left for Malaysia with a new eyes and understanding in life as a whole.

The next month or so was spent in preparations of my beloved sister, Zara's, wedding. It was the month of Ramadhan and so, apart from the wedding preparations, it was a time of Ibadah and reflections. And being the last time of us, as a whole family to celebrate this years Ramadhan and Eid al-Fitr, we cherished every moment of it. Zara and I spent most afternoons cooking for the family and at night, my family and I would frequent the mosque, reviving the spirit of Ramadhan with hopes of pleasing the Almighty and "meeting" Layla al-Qadr. Alhamdulillah, Ramadhan came and left teaching me more of my religion and faith. Eid was celebrated with mixed feelings of sadness and joy.

On the 4th of November, Siti Zara was wedded to Ahmad Nizam, in the sweetest wedding. For many who were skeptical of arranged marriages, the newly weds proved how such a strictly followed traditions led to a happy ending. It was indeed a beginning of a wonderful life for my beloved sister and husband. A new chapter, a new beginning, a new life, a new love, and boy oh boy do I see a lot of love :) Alhamdulillah. Both husband and wife left for England at the end of the month and are now busy moving into their new home in Luton.

So for the past month since my Beloved sister and brother left, I've been busy college-hunting, taking orders from people (well mostly my aunts) to do cakes and pastries, and teaching Ha to cook all my tasty and easy recipes which I'm so proud of :D owh! And did I mention a lot of going out and catching up with family and friends. Teeheeeeeeeeee!! ^^, The latest was my family day in PD, family dinner at Aunty Nina's house, and going out with Sakinah, best friend from morning till a little after noon. :D

So technically, my life has been a fruitful one for this pass year, two months and three days. Of course, some days are plain boring or rather unproductive, but for the most of it, it has been a blast! ^_^ woops! I suppose my summary isn't so short after all...^_^; Its 1225am and I still can't connect to blog. But technically I blogged in time for the said title. O well, I'll try posting this tomorrow then...till then, that's all from me.