Food For Thought!

I am grateful that I can always round up a group of girlfriends for our brainstorming session. Today we discussed Hezi's upcoming novel. But as always, we tend to melencong (sidetracked), 2 hours food + +, 2 hours of talking and 1 hour of actual discussion.

Swingout Sisters

I am grateful for our expanding family members and friends we have known for so long,they have become family. In this photo from L-R; my sister Lind, close family friend Kak Ida and kak Lind's sister in-law Kak Ina. This was right after watching the Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1.Who else do I take to watch Edward Cullen and Jacob...er what's his name?  Well, I guess you know which team I am rooting. It is always nice to have sisters, family or not, only they can understand the madness over the vampire, mortal and wolf love triangle.

"Friends are the family we choose for ourselves" ~ Edna Buchanan

Life Is Short

...Wear Stilettos!

Movies, Anyone?

I love old classic movies and watching reruns on DVDs. I wish they would bring back Ted Turner's Classic Channel on Astro pay TV like they did when they first started operations. Give me a good classic movie and I would gladly stay home, curl up on the couch. It can be any P.Ramlee's comedy. Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho and other whodunits, Sound of Music, My Fair Lady, Mary Poppins, Charade, Wizard of Oz and How to Marry A Millionaire to name a few.

I am grateful for old classic movies.Watching the movies' transition from black and white to colour evokes a kind of feeling and emotion, some are just great movies that has stood the test of time. It gives me a glimpse of life back then, a blast from the past from fashions to buildings, life in the 60sand 70s,takes you to locations such as Paris and Manhattan, the yellow cabs of New York, men in those nice suits, those rotary dial house phones, the lives of the von Trapp family set in Salzburg, Austria. And who doesn't love I Dream of Jeannie or Samantha Stephens of the Bewitched sitcom chronicling what happens when a witch and a mortal fall in love and get married in 1960s - '70s suburban America.

Here is another thing about the past ~ classic movie postesr! I could have picked one of the most iconic images of Audrey Hepburn in the little black Givenchy dress, her Oliver Goldsmith sunglasses and carrying an oversized cigarette holder, but opted for a classic movie poster of Breakfast at Tiffany's because they just don't make these kind of posters anymore when advertising the coming of a movie. And this is one of my favourite classics, and perhaps the film that catapulted Miss Hepburn to stardom in the early 60s and lead to an Oscar nomination of  Best Actress in a Leading Role.

I especially love the beginning of the movie, it starts in the early morning in New York City, a yellow taxi pulls up at Tiffany & Co. on Fifth Avenue and Holly Golightly (Hepburn) emerges. She eats a danish pastry and drinks coffee while standing outside the shop window, then strolls home. It is about a socialite who wants to marry rich and ends up falling for the struggling writer who moved into her building. The movie is loosely based on the same novel by Truman Capote.

Holly Golightly: I'll tell you one thing, Fred, darling... I'd marry you for your money in a minute. Would you marry me for my money?

Paul Varjak: In a minute.

Holly Golightly: I guess it's pretty lucky neither of us is rich, huh?

Paul Varjak: Yeah.

Always make me smile!

A Family Gathering

Always grateful for family gatherings. We had a gathering last Sunday at my mum's place to celebrate my niece Sueraya's 18th birthday (by the way Sueraya is the one wearing the polka dots top). I am grateful that at least for the day my mum's house is lively and noisy, my 75 year old mum is not alone, she is surrounded by children and grandchildren. There is always a birthday do at my mum's house every month, it could be one of my siblings or nephews or nieces. It is the only time we can get everybody over to her house for "makan-makan" and catching up with each others lives.

It is always nice to see my siblings and their children around. There were nine of us, now there are seven. With each having their work and family, it is never easy to get everyone in the same room. There is always somebody missing. My eldest brother is currently away as the Malaysian ambassador in Bahrain.  Last year, when he was around for Eid Al-Fitri, I was away in Saudi Arabia. Eid means celebration. Eid Al-Fitri is a Muslim holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting, also marks the 1st of Syawal in the Islamic calender.

This year Insyallah I get to spend Ramadan and Eid in Malaysia. While other Malaysian Muslims are eager to leave to be in the Holy Land of Mecca during this time, after seven Eid Al-Fitris in Arab Saudi, I must insist to be in Malaysia. You see, in Saudi Arabia, although I am surrounded by my husband's family members....their Eid celebration is nothing like us in Malaysia.

It is not so much the celebration that I missed. It is the get together that comes with it. No open house!Nobody visits! No food feast! Nobody slaving away making must-have food.  In fact, there is no must-have food in the morning of Eid like we do here in Malaysia.

Eid is just like any other day. The only thing we do different on Eid, at least for the women folk is get all dressed up and get "eidiya" (duit raya). Unlike in Malaysia where only kids get duit raya, in Saudi Arabia, I get duit raya too! In the morning, they will prepare the Arabic coffee known as qahwah made from unroasted coffee beans and cardamon. It is a traditional beverage in Arabian culture, often served with dates and some Syrian baklava and sweets.

My father in-law is the eldest among relatives, so all his younger brothers, nephews and close male family friends would come to visit him right after the Eid prayer. Only close family members would stay to have a small breakfast spread consisting of the Syrian Kishek (a sort of soup the Syrians eat in winter with Arabian bread) with my father in-law and his sons (my husband's two brothers who also lives in the same house). The guests would go back and that's how I usually celebrate Eid. While food is being served, women folks do not sit down with the men. We are like those stage hands you don't see, working behind the scene. The closest I get to feel like Eid in Malaysia is when I make the morning call to mum to wish her Eid Mubarak and the rest of the words are muffled by my uncontrollable sobbing.

Don't expect female relatives to visit us on this day. They would probably call to wish us "Eid Mubarak" and arrange to have an all women get together in the next few days. We have our women only get together, once in three months, usually at our house because ours is the biggest house amongst relatives living in Mecca.

In Malaysia, my mother would be busy the eve of Eid making rendang (chicken or beef cooked in coconut milk and paste), nasi impit (rice cubes) while I would be busy baking (read buying) cookies and desserts. At least that is my must-have for the next three days of Eid. In the morning of Eid, after making amends with my mum and the rest of my siblings and family, I would be waiting impatiently for my guests to arrive. I love seeing the children's faces all light up upon getting duit raya or the sound  of the occasional fire crackers. Girls parading their new baju kurung. People wishing Eid and shaking hands,some crying as both trying to ask for forgiveness and to start fresh,and my non-Muslim friends coming over to visit and celebrate with us. This is a lively and lovely time. That is Eid. That is a gathering. So while I know different places and people celebrate differently, I am thankful that while I am here there will always be gatherings.

Living With Books

I am grateful for the wealth of knowledge in books or any published materials. Give me a good book and latte, I am in heaven. I love the smell of a brand new book. And even those in the attic with the musty smell, those which haven't seen the daylights in ages and those covered in cobwebs. Remember the time when there were only hard copies of books, storybooks, comics, newspapers and magazines...well I cherish those times. Everyday since secondary school, it is a must for me to sit down and spend at least an hour just going through my morning papers. Although now you can google or download almost anything and read from the iPad or Tab but for me nothing feels as good as holding a hardcover or a paperback...I love the feel of a real book and hearing the rustle of my morning papers. If I want to reread or look up a particular paragraph I like, I love the feeling of flipping the pages of the printed book just to look for it.

My first two books were given as a present from my much older cousin. I was five. Both were Enid Blyton's, I can't recall which ones, but I love the magical places and stories they hold inside. I was a recluse when I was younger but I was happy because I had my storybooks to keep me company. At night, I would even read under the covers holding a book in one hand and a torch light in the other.

When they announced in March this year that after 244 years, the Encyclopedia Britannica will cease production of its iconic multi-volume book sets, I got misty - eyed. Seriously! (it's deja vu...just like when news of Michael Jackson's death was announced, he was a great entertainer). Although digital copies will be available, I will missed the fun of just randomly selecting a volume from the book shelves for exploration.

Those yellowed pages smell more knowledgeable than an iPad. The black-and-white photographs, drawings and sentences are well worth their total weight. Although my Britannica set was published years ago, I am holding on to them. Someday, Insyallah (God willing) I hope to own a modest but sizable home library. I believe that everyone who loves books has one dream library, pictured in his or her mind and realize just how admirable such rooms can be. My dream home library comes with a really cool secret - door, dark wood bookcases run all the way up to the ceilings at least 12 feet high, a ladder to reach books on the high level, detailed panellings, ornate ceilings, a large fireplace, leather sofas and wing chairs, and antique oriental carpets over wooden floors as well a desk fitted with a laptop computer. Nice.

For a book lover like me, this is a peaceful spot to relax surrounded by my most treasured books and some favourite pieces of art including those I painted. This is where I go to think, write, study or travel to other worlds in a comfortable chair or window seat and some time away from the children.

Sausages Wrapped In Puff Pastry a.k.a Happy Meals Mum Can Make In A Jiffy

I love those ready made store bought puff pastry! It is so versatile, you an use it to make really simple bites for kids to nibble or you can make a big pie, strudels and other sweet savoury.It is particularly useful when faced with tantrums throwing kids chanting FooD! Food! FOOD!

Little Men

My little men are growing too fast
Soon these happy days will be in the past
At ages eight, five and three, they wrestle and fight, but always
make sure to say I love you at the end of the night.

I am grateful they have each other.

The Air We Breathe

Hm! Since I can't take a picture of air, this is enough to leave to your imagination!So I am grateful for the air we breathe.

Home Sweet Home

A roof over my head.That is something I am grateful for today. Times are difficult at the moment. People loose their jobs. Can't pay rent. Get evicted. Can't pay mortgage. Foreclosure. Get evicted.

 

 

I see homeless people on the streets, only the clothes on their back, some sleep in places of worships, some on pavements, walkways and bus stops...so I am grateful that at least I have a place (for now) to call home.

 

 

We sometimes cave in to daily pressures that we forget the small stuff that is still going right. Lets appreciate what we have, say Alhamdulillah!say Thank You All Mighty!

Look Me Up, I Am On Facebook

I never thought I would say this but I am grateful for Facebook.When everybody was busy with Facebook,I was sceptical and didn't bother to even take a look at it. Yes, I was in my own little world.

Now, I am glad I opened my account..I've reconnected with old friends and some whom are better friends now than ever before.

It provides me with a glimpse of my friends lives no matter where they are now, even if we don't live in the same city. I feel like I was in Malaysia and was in all those get-together (that you girls usually do when I am not around!). I see pictures (and I mean loads and loads of them) of my friends meeting up, friends with their loved ones and their colleagues. Their pets. Birthdays and Anniversaries.Places they travelled to. I felt like I was a part of them all.

When I was away and did not have access to Malaysia TV, I could almost feel the excitement of Malaysian Football, Malaysia vs Indonesia, Malaysia vs Singapore...a good friend and her husband's streams of updates brought a smile on my face and sometimes uncontrollable laughter from their antics. It was like listening to the radio, only I had to read them. So, thanks Facebook for such a great social tool!Now, I wish I had some shares too. In the mean time, look me up, I am on Facebook.

My Other Half

"So kiss me and smile for me

Tell me that you'll wait for me

Hold me like you'll never let me go

Cause I'm leavin' on a jet plane

Don't know when I'll be back again

Oh babe, I hate to go"

 - John Denver's "I am Leaving on A Jet Plane"

My husband Mohammad left this afternoon for Mecca, Saudi Arabia without me and the children. Two days ago, when he confirmed his flight back,  that familiar feeling, a sudden depression hit the two of us. Whilst I can't imagine life with the children without him for a week (actually I can, been there, done that but can never get used to the idea being far away from each other), he too can't imagine being without me and the three boys.

So with a heavy heart, he kissed the boys and waved goodbye. As he walked away, not turning his head once because he says  it is more painful to see the three boys crying telling him to come back soon.

He has to leave because he has to renew his permanent resident permit. Of Syrian origin, my husband was born and raised in Mecca and knows nothing much about Syria. So if he doesn't go back now he might not have a place to return to...Syria being out of the question at the moment and living in Malaysia, only on a yearly visa.

He promised it will only be for a week, but knowing him a week translates into a month or two. You see when he is with us in Malaysia, he loves Malaysia he doesn't want to leave but when he goes back to his family;that is, his father and siblings (his unmarried sister, his two brothers and their family are also living in the same house...as per typical of an Arab family), he doesn't want to leave them either.

We have lived for a whole year apart. Because of nationality issue I had to come back to Malaysia to give birth to my third child. Since my husband doesn't have work in Malaysia, I returned with my two older boys. Imagine, my eldest, 8 year old Tofe (then five) asked me "Mama, if you have to go to the hospital, who is going to drive you...Baba is not around and I can't drive..(his voice breaking, fighting back tears).

I am grateful that my husband is a devoted father and is too attached to the children, and they too, to him.Looking at them adoring their father, I 'll admit there's a slight hint of jealousy. I am a full time mum and he's hardly home, so when he's around it's like I don't exist. Mohammad is a very hands on father.When I  gave birth to Tofe, I knew next to nothing about babies, the maternal instinct had not kicked in. I didn't want to see,carry or feed him. But Mohammad had him in his arms from the moment he was born.He did the Azan and Iqama (for a new born baby in a Muslim family), bathe, clothe, milked and burped Tofe.For two whole weeks. And anytime I am occupied, he would willingly step in and care for his children.

I am grateful for a loving husband who accepts me and my flaws.  He knows when to duck or avoid irritating me when PMS is around the corner. He gives me ideas on what to write or what to focus on. Even when we were living in Saudi Arabia, he would encouraged me to write about my life in Mecca, a Malay living in a household of Arabs. Now when he sees me writing, he listens to me as I read out loud what ever I have written and gives me immediate feedback.

Mohammad is also a doting son. He tries to please his father as much as possible. When in Mecca, he would dutifully wake up an hour earlier to drive his father to the mosque, even if he barely gets two hours of sleep. And after Subuh prayers, it is another hour of breakfast  with his dad.  Every prayer time, he would accompany his father if he happens to be around.He would put everything on hold for the man who also gave in to his every whim when he was growing up. In fact, this is how he is with his three boys.

Mohammad is not without his faults but his good characters outshines them. He reminds me,  that how well you treat your parents, that is how well your children will be to you when they are older. Also he says to always be generous with others, be generous with your love and  be generous with your life.  Indeed, I am grateful!

These Are My Must Haves...What Are Yours?

I am thankful for my 11 must - haves in my tote bag.. The tab,hand phone,bag organiser, mascara, eye pencil,miniature lip balm,miniature perfume, miniature foundation, hand cream,wipes and a bottle of water.

The hand bag organiser is so handy because  it provides a quick, hassle free way to change handbags. I don't have to rummage around for the other 10 things I need. There is a place for everything and everything in its place. It comes in two sizes, and when I want to lug around the Tab, I  take the bigger organiser instead of the smaller one in the picture. Girlfriends who have the tendency to change handbags according to the colour of clothes they are wearing will find this a real Must Have.

I won't go out of my house until I get my eyebrows done...never! You see my natural brows are next to non-existing, barely there brows. You have to come up close and really invade my personal space to see them.A friend once said I looked like a plucked chicken when she saw me for the first time (and last time) au naturel.  So the eyebrow pencil is my number one Must Have.

The mascara and the rest of my miniature stuff is a Must Have because I usually make impromptu decisions to go anywhere while I am out somewhere, which requires more than the touch of eye pencil. So I want all the things that I might need should I be getting ready from home, in my bag!

The wipes, of course to wipe and clean the small hands of my 3 year old who always has his hands into something...chocolate, sand and something slimy to name a few. A bottle of water is the first thing he would ask for as soon as we get in the car. These are a few of my Must Haves.

Actually they are not the only things I carry with me, I usually have my purse, my BlackBerry charger, my keys, breath freshener and an extra slippers (which I would wear first until I get to my destination either by car or on foot, and then you will see me in my sky high stilettos).

So these are my Must Haves that I bring with me when I step out of the house. Some are necessary (the hand phone has become a necessity and no longer a luxury as I need to call home when I am away. Do you remember the last time you used a payphone? No? Neither can I), while the rest of the things are just things which will save me the trip back or trip to the convenient store when the need arises .What are Your Must Haves?

What Are Little Boys Made Of?

What are little boys made of?

Frogs and snails,

And puppy dog tails,

That's what little boys are made of.

What are little girls made of ?

Sugar and spice,

And all things nice,

That's what little girls are made of.

They fight hard all the time but their love for each other is even more fierce!

Thanks For The Wings, Girlfriends!

I am grateful for friends who came and never left!

There are people who come in and out of my life, some though briefly but leave very lasting impression in my heart and on my mind. Some I have known since first year of school and there are friendship born in  my senior year in high school. There are a few though not in this picture,  but you will see throughout when this 365 project ends next year.

But I guess, friendship isn't about who came first or who I have have known the longest. It is about those who have been with me throughout my ups and downs and  vice versa. They are beautiful not in looks or what they say. They are beautiful just in what they are.

To Grandma With Love

Alhamdulillah! My son has a great relationship with Grandma a.k.a My Mum.

Almost everyday, we go to my mum's house. Tofe, the eldest of three boys, makes it a point to look for his grandma. If she is not in the kitchen, he would run upstairs, knock on the door and tell her..."Grandma, I'm here!"

I love that he loves going back to "kampung" in Kuala Lumpur and for both mum and Tofe, they have someone to talk to. My mum who lives alone with the maid loves company and everyday waits for the occasional visitors. Tofe loves to talk, he will happily chat with the cleaners at the hotel or greet people in the elevators or anyone who will lend him their ears. Gee, I wonder where he got the gift of the garb.

Anyway, Tofe usually has something new to tell her which she would later relate. Mum told me of the recent conversation that took place. She was spraying on a perfume the boys bought for her, when he entered and sat on the bed. He looked at my mum from head to toe, all dressed up and said "You know Grandma, Malaysia is so expensive, "(in a matter of fact tone) all the while nodding his head to emphasise that statement, he continued "Everything here is expensive.That perfume you put on, it is expensive." That statement alone was enough to bring laughter from my mum, especially coming from her 8 year old grandson. "You know in Saudi, I buy toys at 2 riyal, here it is 10 riyal (he still doesn't know to say the word ringgit, the Malaysia currency) And then comes the hint "Not even enough to buy ice cream."

And so like any other day, they would come down and sit in front of the TV. Tofe would say "From this time to this time it's my turn ok, Grandma"...and they'll watch cartoon together. And Grandma would make french toast or banana fritters and juice and yes, buy ice cream from the ice cream man on the bike. Tofe would brief her on who is who, which alien Ben 10 is fighting and they would both laugh at Courage the Cowardly Dog (I am not sure of the name of the cartoon character). And come 6.30pm, he would give mum the remote, "Now it's your turn to watch TV, Grandma." That is how he spends time with my mum when we stay in. 

Today, I had to pack my stuff  because we will be moving soon to another place. Over dinner, Tofe tells his dad what he did the whole day. And when we were discussing moving, Tofe said to his father, "Baba, when we move to a new house, can we bring Grandma to live with us?"

"Sure, of course"

"....eerr, can we buy two TVs?"

 "Why?"

"Because I don't want to fight with Grandma everyday for the TV!"

I am thankful that my son Tofe gets to  bond with my mum. He can always go to her, just like I did when I was younger, to ask her for anything and talk to her about everything. When it is time to say goodbye, Tofe would give mum that Big Hug that says I Love You, Grandma and I will see you tomorrow. Even I, his mum don't get hugs from him like that everyday.

Barefoot In The Park

The park just outside my doorstep where I go to...breathe fresh air, enjoy the lovely weather and love my husband who takes long walks with me. The feeling of grass underneath my feet, the wind blowing on my face and small birds singing until they all fly away. Grateful!

"In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks."
- John Muir

There's Love In My House



shaped like two little boys...

PS/ I can't for the life of me figure out how to rotate the picture, anyone?help!

Coffee, Por Favor?

Without a doubt they serve one of the best coffee in the city!

There is a cafe near my place called Espressament Illy. Every other day, when my husband and I go for our evening stroll at the KLCC park, we would sometimes walk all the way to this cafe. Hubby for his black coffee and Wifey (me), well, coffee latte or something new from the menu, oatmeal and raisin biscuit, salad and a slice of cake (in that order).These outings are usually a Me and You, Just Us Two! time for me and hubby.

While I enjoy our coffee, what makes this place a favourite is the friendly staff and a good place to observe the world. There are so many things going on no matter what time of day you are here.

We can get an espresso machine but it won't be the same.The coffee is always perfect, well at least it is for me. It is the friendly touch of people working here that makes this a comfy place and the comfort food it serves. The waiters would ask about the children, if my in laws are still in town or if I ever finish reading the novel I had the last time I was here.

They go all out and bring a smile to  my face. It makes me feel grateful that there are people here who do not feel that what they do is any less important and I don't get stuck with a grumpy waiter. You know positive vibes, produce positive atmosphere and that is how I feel when I come here.My oatmeal and raisin biscuit is always fresh from the oven. Sometimes, they refuse to take our money, on the house they say. But the relationship is not one sided, we too know about the people who work here, like the tall guy from Simpang Renggam (Yes, I do know his name), he just celebrated his birthday or that he loss his 9 month old baby late last year and still brings me coffee with a genuine smile.

Sometimes you will find; film crew shooting next to our table, people reading newspapers or using their notebooks, the older woman flirting with the young boy at the next table, or the sea of people just walking or watch the fancy billboards across the street, family taking pictures, a tourist asking for directions. Or the Formula One store they erected overnight. There are so many things to see.It is like watching TV without the remote and screen bigger than the 47" at home. Indeed, a good place to hang out.

My husband usually gets the best table, in the open air but covered from the rain or sun, so when it rains strangers would sit with us to gulp down the rest of their drinks and make small talk...and suffice to say we made new friends over the coffee table.

In Memoriam: Forever Missed, Forever Loved

Sweet Memories...an aunt is the next close thing to a mum.

Yesterday, Sunday 11th March, mark the fifth year since Kak Mek passed away. I was in Saudi Arabia when the phone call from Malaysia came, my older brother Jimmy broke the news. I couldn't come back because Saud, our middle child born in Mecca was stateless, we couldn't travel without a passport or a travelling document.

This  was something I wrote, that night, the realization we have lost our eldest sister just hit me and left me numb, speechless.

I am sorry for our loss
I am sorry for not being able to make it home to be with you
Most of all I am sorry for not calling often to tell you I love you my beloved sister
And how much you mean to me
My last memory of Kak Mek was our shopping expedition in KLCC,
Few days before me and Tofe left for Saudi,
A picture of her and Tofe, then three years old, at Gloria Jean's Cafe
Entertaining his every whims and tantrums
I know that short trip was enough to tire you but you put on a brave face, to keep pace
And before I left, I kissed and hug her, told her I love her and I will see her when I return
Sadly, this was to be the last time I see her
Farewell, I wish we could have had more time together
I pray to be home soon
I thank Allah even though our time together was brief, my son Tofe had an aunt as loving as you
A loving Aunt, a loving Wife, a loving Mother
You are Forever Missed, Forever Loved
My beloved sister.
AL-Fatihah

A Picture Paints A Thousand Words

My boys showing some brotherly love...Priceless!

What's The Date Today, Please?

Hello? I am back....yesterday was the first time I followed this blogspot, so I took the basic route.Today I am a little advanced...learned that you can do a lot with the web designing tools and will try to come up with a more interesting layout and fitting to this year long project. And yes I will also learn the jargon of the bloggers...not enough that I can't understand my children sometimes when they go Arabic on me but the important thing is... I am trying.

Oh! If you noticed the date today and the date of my first entry, you would think that I missed a day...I told you I am committed to do this for  a year..I didn't miss! I blame my computer or whatever it is that is causing me to loose a day.

A friend pointed out that I should change the time and date on my computer as it was set on Saudi Arabia time which is why the entry was dated a day earlier. Aahah!so, my first entry should have read  FRIDAY, 9th MARCH 2012. Unfortunately, it still doesn't fix the problem....time zone setting or something.

I said I am a little advanced right? So is there a way to change that date too??!! instead of a whole new posting dedicated to explaining why I have missed a day?

Whatever Makes You Happy!

On weekends, my husband loves taking us up to Genting Highlands.We would do barbeque and visit my purple orchid nursery. Genting Highlands is a resort city famous for its casino, theme parks and cood weather.

Ok folks I was just exaggerating about the nursery, its not mine.... it is not even a nursery.In fact I was exaggerating about the whole place. They are just wild grown but lovely purple orchids growing all over the slopes and to complete the picture a small waterfall flows nearby. It was just a place we discovered a month ago. We forgot that it was a long weekend and got stuck in traffic up in Genting. Mohammad was turning the car back to Kuala Lumpur.He decided to take a drive on a road less travelled, I am sure this place was left of the grid of google earth. Anyway ever since that day every time we go up to Genting, he would take us on a detour for the fresh air and the breathtaking view.

So, last night I asked him our plans for Saturday.

"We can go to Genting? (raised eyebrow) take the kids to the theme park and (slowly and hesitantly)...eeerr see your beautiful garden?"

"Why do u give me that look? like you don't want to go...?" I asked starting to get defensive.

He looked like he had better watch what he says, I told him I am not the one so gung ho over that little detour...just to see wild orchids. Suddenly, hubby had that You-Should-Have-Told -Me-Earlier look.

"You were so happy that first time we went there "Oh this is so lovely, you have to take us next week"(mimicking me), so I thought you wanted us to come up here.For the orchids"

"What?!....sure they (the orchids) are lovely... from a far, but I don't want to get bitten by bugs and giant ants!" silently asking What were you thinking?...

He answered my silent question "You looked so happy that day so I thought if it makes you happy, I don't mind...."

OH!...That is something I am grateful...

A Year Of Living Gratefully

A few close friends have been bugging me to write a blog....I told them earlier that I had nothing much to write nor the time. And I didn't want anything that would be time consuming and if I was going to start something I want to be committed to it....not your occasional writings but something that I would enjoy doing everyday. As the title says for a year!

So, a few days ago I came across an article about a woman who started the "gratitude project" and it gave me the inspiration, not so much to write but to take a photo a day...of something I am thankful for. Easy enough right? I hope so!

This blogspot is basically a day-to-day photographs of things or people or moments for which I am thankful. It is a daily reminder for me to stop and smell the roses.

I am a full-time mum and raising three boisterous boys is no easy task, especially that is what you do 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. I don't have a 9 to 5 job to go to, so I feel that it is more distressing as opposed to coming back from work and having a limited time to spend with my children. Don't get angry, there are those who says I am lucky to be able to spend ALL my time with my boys.But I don't get some ME time.Well, counting the time I spent daily in my bathroom is not ME time. That sign that I put on the doorknob that says "Privacy Please. Do Not Disturb" doesn't seem to be working when they are up and about.

So I have been complaining about how unhappy I was with my life, my boys and that it only revolves around them and other mundane things.And then I came across an article and it made sense to me...I was measuring myself based on other peoples' accomplishment; a good friend has published four Malay novels, another won the coveted title Best Actress, a bff is working alongside the Governor of the Central Bank of Malaysia, another friend found passion in making organic and back to basic skin care ranges, while another can make a living from her kitchen alone.

I am reminded that happiness can be found in a lot more simple things than I previously thought.So, to start of my grateful project....here is a picture of my children and hubby...I am thankful for my boys and hubby, the most important part of my everyday.