Nura J

Many of you would be familiar with the above mentioned name. You probably have watched her on TV - Krayon or seen her in the New Paper Face Finalist back then or even read her blog. (see my blog lists)

I have never watched Krayon coz i m too old for that and I was least interested in the New Paper Face contest because I have this "personal" opinion for ALL beauty contest that unless you are a mix, they will never want to to let a native Singaporean to be the winner (Pure Chinese, Malay or Indian). (yeah i m shallow - whatever)

But the darling sister was a follower of this Lady - Nura J and she always over breakfast, tells me to read her blog. Well occasionally I did and I took part in a contest and won but I never claim the prize...(Nura..funny lei..can't find the winning post :P)

I liked how she manage to open up Bottoms Up Club, produced a book with Nyla and eventually, becoming a real estate property agent. Let's all doa that she will be a Real Estate Magnate someday!

Last year November, the boss turn 35 and decide there and then that it is time for him to get a HDB flat. Like all typical Singaporeans - who is single - they will want to have a place of their own.

The problem is, the boss is a frequent traveller and has no time at all to even engage an agent. Hence one day the boss pass the whole job to me.

Of course I dilly dally as it is non of my business. At that time, I was aware that Nura is already in the industry and was still green in the industry and I didn't thought much of her. I wanted to contact friends in the contact list or maybe go back to DTZ which handled my parent's HDB purchase 10 years back - coincidentally, I was the one who manage all the appointments, decided which loan to get and the approval which house to buy - Dad was the Financial Controller. :P

Then when the boss finally "bang" table, I had to get my act together. I remember it was nearing Chinese New Year when I contacted her and we arrange to meet up at Jurong East Cafe Library.

Now, as I mentioned earlier, my last experience was my parent's current unit and that was years ago. Hence before I met her, I went online to HDB website and read up more on the resale requirements/criteria. Then I went up to my boss to confirm / get the following:

1. Unit Type - 4 / 5 room Jurong or 4 Room Clementi
2. Budget - $380K to $450K
3. Loan - Bank / HDB (to compare)
4. Photocopy of I/C, 15 months CPF statement, 3 months payslip, letter of employment
5. Low COV - HAPRAK PUN TAKPE (Boss wanna do a full renovation so a non-furnished is to his advantage)

I remembered sitting quietly when the trio entered - Nura J, followed by a couple.
I was introduced to Saat and Alina.

After sharing of information, clarifying etc, meeting wrapped up and off we go.

I remembered the first thing she did was to get a Home Loan Eligibility for my boss and that came in sometime on the 7th March 2013. That's the most important - regardless how much CASH you have, always find out how much HDB can offer a loan to you.

My boss find that HDB interest rate too high but i pointed out to him, that it is better than a bank loan and since he is a first time buyer, should take this opportunity. He was initially skeptical about my view and I think he went around asking and came back to tell me to proceed with the whole arrangement. (boss, i told you so!)

Nura tried to set up a few appointments for house viewing but for some reasons, it didn't materialise. I was beginning to get frustrated - since boss is chasing me. Hence end up, I realise that if I want to close this, I need to do something. I log on to property guru.

I will short list a few houses around the area that boss specify, pass it to boss for vetting and then get Nura to call their agents up. It's easier and faster because:

1. We know the location
2. We know the type of unit and the price and the floor size

Finally in March, we started house viewing. We went to quite a number of houses and finally sometime in 23rd May 2013, we were narrowing down to some units that my boss really like.

On the 26th May 2013, my boss finally decided on the unit at Yung An Road and I am glad that on the 6th September 2013, he got his keys and on 9th September 2013, renovation started.

In between there were LOTS of paperwork and I value and appreciate very much to both Nura and of course Abang Saat input.

What paperwork? Since boss decided on 26th May 2013 and he sign off the papers, I have to rush off to find interior designer and hasten the 2nd appointment (6 weeks between the 1st and 2nd lei!). Boss got pretty good taste and went to 4 Interior Designers before settling for the winner. You can imagine my frustration. Once that was done, all necessary permits have to be applied and since unit is still under the previous owner's name, we had to do a lot of paperwork in between.

I also have to credit Abang Saat. He appears very unfriendly. However first impression is never right (YES I HAD AN IMPRESSION OF NURA J TOO BUT THATS BETWEEN ME AND HER ALRIGHT???). I have to admit that WITHOUT his input, it was tough convincing my boss too.

He brought with him his YEARS of experience. His knowledge of the industry is very deep and HE can answer ANY questions I have. This is necessary so that both parties do not have any misunderstandings. His opinion carried some weight and whenever I need to pass an information to boss and if I tell boss that it was Saat who mentioned it, there will be no further questions on it.

Some of you may wonder if I have a stupid boss or something. No, my boss is smart. He just wants someone to go thru the details for him and keep him out of trouble and ensure that all is done in a smooth manner.

My boss surprised me - he said why did you pick Malay Property Agents? Is it because you are Malay?

I said no. I myself don't know why I pick them but i guess, it is takdir. Maybe because I believe that since this is boss first purchase, it is crucial to go slowly and with patience. Some agents don't like to dilly dally and hence I think I made the right choice - by choosing the units I want to view and pass it to the agent to facilitate the viewing and the follow up. In that particular area, you all have to admit, being Muslims, we are told to have patience at all times.

So yes, here is my entry and it is only right I conclude this "HUGE" episode of my life (You all think la since about CNY until almost 3rd quarter of 2013 then can conclude) and today I met Nura J for coffee and to pass her the cheque which boss prepared for quite a while. He left the date blank until he reached home after collecting the keys...wakakkaka (sorry cant help it).

In summary, during my contact with them, I do observed some unprofessional engagement going on NOT from them but from prospective clients.

1. Property Agents are doing a job. You think they are just being the middle person - when in fact they do much more. They do have their reputation to uphold
2. You think 1% or 2% agent fees is a lot of money for some pieces of paper but that isnt paper my dear...that's your property which is in their hands.
3. Please don't do referral and after that hope to get some sorts of comms out of them. It doesn't work that way.
4. Always, do your homework first before engaging them, when in doubt clarify. Both parties must work together
5. Don't expect them to find a house for you - always FIND your preference first. You are not their only client on the list. Once you find already, pass it to them to engage the list of homes you are interested in. If there's a match, good..if there isn't continue finding.
6. Do not think ill of others at first impression. Give them a chance - they also want to earn a living right? Do you really want God to judge you before your time comes?

I am truly in awe of this energetic mom who make time for family, friends, clients etc and I am truly and honestly deeply humbled by her dedication to help my boss and also her sincerity in building a friendship... - Mr E - you are a lucky husband and Nyla is a lucky girl! :) My sincere doa for you and hopefully you will be as successful as Saidatina Khadijah. Amin.

Thank you.














 

Angah

Today, I am going to write on a friend who is now considered a sibling.  We address her as Angah.  There's 5 of us - we have  Along, Angah, Alang, Achik (me) Usu (youngest). Angah is a daughter, a wife, a daughter in law, a mother of 3, a friend and a colleague.

This is my personal observation of Angah. Our first encounter was when we were joined ITE Cemta - Music, Drama & Dance group. During the entire period that we were involved in the rehearsals, I observed that she commanded a high amount of respect from everyone around her. Her sense of logic, leadership and righteousness is part of her. Fast forward a decade later, these qualities did not diminished. In fact it was more dominant. It was displayed in her daily life and of course passed on her to children.

And today, I was further impressed by the note that she wrote for her son. Her only son. Please check out screen shot of the note at the end of this blog. What she wrote encompass the demands of Allah SWT, the ways and behaviour of a man that's fitting to society.

First and foremost, a Muslim have to acknowledge that he has to believe in Allah SWT and Muhammad is His Messenger. A man is the head of the household, the Imam during a prayer.

Angah never fails to drill this into her son. As the only son, his duty is far much more complex than his elder sister or his younger sister. He is the 2nd in Command after Angah's husband, the main key to Faraid and the Wali to the 2 sisters.

In order to fulfil those duties,he has to fulfil his duties to Allah SWT the Sovereign - to whom we owe our life. His duty as a son, a brother and a grandchild at this age is simple - learn all that you can learn in life. Angah and husband did their part - secular education, religious education, family bonding etc. These actions now is for his benefit. It sets a routine to him and it prepares for this boy, his ultimate 3 roles later on - a husband, a father and eventually a grandfather.

If Angah did not insist on teaching things the right way for him now, it will probably cause a mistake later on his life. Obviously Angah and Husband has thought of how things should be done and how their kids should be raised. To this I recall the following verses:

Quran Chapter 40 Verse 60
"And your Lord says, "Call upon Me; I will respond to you." Indeed, those who disdain My worship will enter Hell [rendered] contemptible"

I would like to add that try to remember this verse and teach them to your kids too:

Quran 46 Verse 15
"and We have enjoined on man to be dutiful and kind to his parents. His mother bears him with hardship and she brings him forth with hardship, and the bearing of him, and the weaning of him is thirty (30) months, till when he attains full strength and reaches forty years, he says: "My Lord! Grand me the power and ability that I may be grateful for Your Favour which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents, and that I may do righteous good deeds, such as please You, and make my off-spring good. Truly, I have turned to You in repentance, and truly, I am one of the Muslims (submitting to Your Will)"

The same verse is also mentioned in Chapter 31 Verse 14.

 

In 1 single note she manage to write on the following:
1. A parent's love and responsibility to him
2. His responsibility and duties to Allah SWT and his family.
3. His expected role in future when he has his own family.
4. His work ethics
5. His spending habits
6. His continuous life journey - life's a lesson.

In a bid to ensure their kids gets the best, some parents focus more on other aspect - maybe more secular than religion.

Angah is right when she said Allah SWT first and family second followed by the rest of things in life. Set your priorities right.

Religion keeps moral character in check, while family shapes responsibility and value. The combine actions of these will help the child to be an upright highly moral individual and Insya Allah a value to society, Amin.

Here's a snapshot of what Angah wrote:

Say No to physical abuse

Over the weekend, a video went viral.  Even though it was only 17 seconds it was evident enough to be hauled to court. An employee was physically abuse by his supervisor.

There are many cases of abuse that happens at work or within the office hours for eg.
Verbal abuses, sexual abuses, abuse among colleagues or even client vendor relationship.

There are many reasons why sometimes an abused employee rather keep quiet. Herewith are my personal view:

1. Weak human resource
I have always viewed Human Resource to be the disciplinary body of any organization. Payroll aside, they are the backbone where right is right and wrong is wrong. They even have to step on the CEO's toes even of the CEO is wrong. But how many strong Human Resource are there nowadays? Look around you, some HR are FT.

2. Family / Financial issues
Some of us suck it up for the sake of family. That's the only reason. Those who do, believe in karma.

3. New employee, completing the 1 year mark.
Some of us wishes to have good records on our CV. That's why we prefect to suck it up.

Regardless of any reason, no employee should go thru what that guy did. No one has the right to hit anyone over any work related issues.

We should not get personal over work related matters.

Any issues or disagreements, it should be settle amicably. First - mediation among colleagues followed by HR then higher authorities. If it gets out of hand, report to MOM or police if threatened.

The above if it happens when there's anyone around.

If it happens to you and no one is around, Slap that Asshole back, kick his balls and deny EVERYTHING that's being accused of you :p

Ok I m bad.

But yes, just strike back. Why subject yourself to such abuse anyway. FIGHT BACK!!!

Nitezzzzz :)

Edz

Results

Among my friends and followers on Facebook, you would probably remember one of my photos that I took - a cup of warm water with a stick of cinnamon in it.

I mention that it was for my back pain remember?

Even though I m a firm believer of traditional medicine, thorough check up is important so there are no underlying issues besides the pain that we are currently having.

And so, I went for my first clinical consultation for my back in early April, an MRI was scheduled on the 29th April.

MRI - Magnetic Resonance Imaging

It was my first time going through it.
It was small quite enclose. Initially, I feel ok and then I feel warm and then I feel suffocated.
However I dare not move as it will affect the quality of the image. So stay still and do it once.

Once done I was allowed to go home and told to come back on the 14th May 2013.

Results
After waiting for more than an hour to see the doctor, he finally confirm that I have slip disc.
Good news, it's a small slip but bad news, it's too near the spinal cord.

Meaning - operation is a risk, condition is for life, medication is for relief, physio is an option and strenuous activity is not encouraged.

He gave me  an option -  physio or medication.

I opt for medication for a 3 months period and a review is set for the next course of action.

In meantime I am doing the following:

1. To lose weight
2. To gain body strength and leg strength to support my back.

Thank you to company's medical insurance and also my own if I can't claim from company:

1. First consultation - Senior Consultant - $78.00 paid $7.80 only (10%)
2. MRI - $799.00 (exclude GST) full upfront payment to be claim later together with medical report.
3. Results consultation - clinical doctor - $48.00 paid $4.80
4. Medical Report - $80.00 to be claim later

I hope I can claim everything by end May as the report would take about 3 weeks.

I pray that all will turn out well - Insya Allah.

Majlis Cukur Rambut

My nephew turned 1 month old on the 13th May 2013.

As customs dictate, a ceremony is to be held for celebration. While the origin is pretty obscure and with the situation lately in following Islamic Traditions and Sunnah, we decide to see the event as a gathering of sorts for all family members.

The ceremony usually involves a marhaban, a group of men, reciting prayers for the parents and the baby well being, a sweet melody of singing in Arabic, praising God and His Messenger.

The highlight was when the men will have to stand and they will snip off bits of the baby's hair.

It was first lead by the paternal grandparents, maternal grandparents, paternal uncles/aunts older than my BIL and lastly maternal uncles/aunts older than my sis. And that's yours truly.

No expenses was spared for this celebration. We drew up a list of 300 guests:

100 from my parents siblings and their kids alone.
100 of My sister & BiL friends / colleagues
50 family members from my BiL side alone and
The rest is from other family members friends.

Number of dishes: 09 exclude rice.
Desserts: officially 5 but we receive additional 4 from guests

Event coordinator - Me.

Unlike sister's wedding, we don't have helpers but decide to rope in my cousin and friends for help.

I was definitely slogging in the food prep area and checking on the buffet, ensure guests are well fed, food is fully stock up and guests don't leave empty handed.

I am not a stranger to all these but even though it's nice to do it, it's also tiring and taxing to manage it.

Luckily I took OIL and Leave on Monday and Tuesday. True enough my back hurts like crap.

Overall, food is nice and it was a successful event.

I hope that we could do such events more to gather relatives and friends for catch up.

Amin.

Mother's Day

And it's here again. I do not understand why such a day exist because, first I don't celebrate it nor I will ever.

Really, do we need a day to show our appreciation to our mothers?

I refuse to pay for those overpriced so called promos they have and to be a sucker at it.

Therefore, here is a list of my excuses that I would probably say to mother why I didn't get her a gift:

1. Mother, everyday is Mother's Day. Our whole life revolves around you too.

2. I thought you told me to save money?

3. My monthly allowance to you exceed any Mother's Day Gift from any of Lee Hwa Jewellery Promo.

4. Sister gave you a grandson. That's the present you been waiting for.

5. Unlike sis, Chanel will never look good on you. Probably a Hermes Birkin.

6. But mother, that PM's wife from the neighboring country has an entire collection and colours. So we shouldn't be getting that for you and copy her. Dad probably has to sell the flat or deplete his savings just to get that for you.

7. Diamond rings Mother? Dad should get that for you..consider it as your 2nd proposal.

8. Oh Yah mother you prefer gold. Let us wait till the gold price to really hit rock bottom.

9. Coz u know we got 2 mothers now in the family. I can't possibly spend gifts for my sister too right? The budget for her exhausted when she got married. I m raising new budget for children's day.

10. Coz mother, what I do now in life is for you. I appear emotionless to you but deep inside only Allah SWT know how deep my love for you is. Like any other child, I only want the best for you.
To you, we are gifts from Him but to us you are His divine choice for us and we are eternally in debt to Him.

You are my mother, and only mother, and we hope as your children, we have not disappoint you too much either.

Happy Mother's Day mak. We love you.
Abah
Aidil Edzwan
Yunizar & Hussien
Khairul
Azhany
Luth Arish

Luth Arish

13/4/2013.

Luth Arish was born to lovely couple - Yunizar & Hussien. I was probably excited and but kept my calm.

When I came over to KKH the next day, I still kept my cool as I tell myself the fun starts when he is home.

Thankfully the sister gave birth naturally and she's home 2 days after.

There were variations to his name and I gave my fair share as well - Arish Sulaiman and sister / BIL prefer Luth Arish, taking the name after prophet Luth (Lot / Lut)

I been loving that boy since then, kissing, carrying, cooing, talking crap to a baby who don't understand and fussing. Instantly I realize I love babies.

Anyway Luth Arish sayang, OM loves you. OM btw is a term used by Indonesians for uncle. Malays use Pakcik, Javanese use Paman, Boyanese use Rama. My sister - as ridiculous as ever, insisted to address me as OM hence that got stuck.

I prefer to use Uncle Daddy. Hahahahahaha.

Look forward the day the boy can walk and talk and I'm gonna spoil him rotten. Welcome to the family dear.

"Friend"

So I m writing this at 0218 am in the morning because:

1. I happen to be awake and can't go back to sleep
2. I am puzzled over an action of a "friend"

Here's the story goes:

As you all know I did change my Facebook account and I had to selectively add some of you again.

The very reason I did this because:

1. Suddenly I realize that I m exposing those Muslim ladies who tak tutup aurat and I don't wanna be burden by extra dosa for nothing. Hence all pictures of my sister's wedding etc no longer in facebook.

2. I think it's about time not to include people who don't really matter to u anymore.

So anyway, I add a few and some really took their own sweet time to add me back - not offended but I make sure I alway include in a message to let them know who I really am.

As usual, I don't really pay attention until I came across a friend who has this particular friend picture tagged on his Facebook.

Lets name this friend A and our mutual friend B.

So I realize I did send a whatsapp text message to A a few months back, asking how he is etc and it ended there. Busy with work, I lapse contact with him and of course there was no add notification by A.

Prior to that, A was fine with me - joined A to club etc and we laugh sing gossip. The usual crap. The last club session I learnt he got promoted as part of a management team - in the F&B industry. Of course being a true friend I congratulated him as he work hard and believe what he did is right,
Fast forward today, A didn't bother replying to my whatsapp message when I text him today and this was not the first time.

Anyway i try not to make irrelevant speculation as I believe in giving time to others. Anyway during those days that i did went out with him, A was having issues with B ok...and I knew all about it coz A told me. As usual I keep my mouth shut.

Now B tagged his pictures. B is a diva and he has all the characteristic of one and he deserves to be one.

What I cannot understand is, the double face that A is portraying here. It does make me look like a fool isn't it?

Being friends we shared a lot of our personal information and salary is one of them. Of course your salary should go up each year and mine kinda of double since I left finance and joined sales. And my aim is to do double of last year.

This however was not the last topic we discuss after the last meet up. Therefore I don't understand his lack of communication to me or what was that about me that pissed him off.

So I guess, I won't bother to play the guessing game and let it be from now onwards. If he thinks I won't survive I guess he is wrong. Life is cruel but I m not desperate and the reason I wrote this because eventually this will be seen by B and probably A and the world is really such a small place and I just want to be a bitch about it.

Cest La Vie.

The Past

It's amazing that I am writing / typing this from bus service 168 which I board from Tampines.
I was from an appointment earlier at ALPS and then went to White Sands.

While I was on my way to ALPS, I received a text message from someone who use to have the hots  for me. we were both young - I was 23, K was 19. Ask me out for coffee. I waited at Old Town White Coffee for K.

I never really give into my feelings for K and K is aware of that. Fast forward today, K looks so much better than the skinny person I know.

My heart skipped a beat when K greeted me. I was instantly reminded of the past. Those mushy declarations from K.

Definitely promises of a young adolescent not to be taken seriously. Somehow I felt funny when I left K at Pasir Ris MRT.

I somehow feel that K is laughing at me. The expanded me.

At 23 with a waist of 25", sharp features, I was a head turner. Now with bigger thighs and rounder face, proof of a changing lifestyle, the strings of suitors suddenly shrink and there's no one Q-ing anymore.

It's a sad truth but life goes on.

Emotionally I feel sad but hey, I'm happy.

I will get over this - eventually.

Love

Edz

Who are we?

Yes, that's my post is all about today.

Who are we? Who am I? What am I?

Have you faced these series of questions before? If yes, you aren't alone. Such questions arises usually when we face a situation that is beyond our understanding, a confusion that sometimes breaks our hearts, rendering us incapable of coherent thoughts much less common sense. In some cases, it can be suicidal.

We love to follow trends, mimic them or even recreate them. We will proudly declare that it's our brand and see if we can have our own followers. Everyone wants to be popular right?

It's evident in time today - the changing landscape of how we view fashion, religion, lifestyle, etc etc.

We then want to be fit into today's society so we can't wait to grow up - we study and work. We graduate and start work. We earned and we spend and we spend. The smart ones will earn, saved then spent while the berani mati will earn, spend, get a card, roll over credit and spent.

We wear the glamorous clothes, the stylish hijab amassing praises from friends and likes on Instagram and Facebook. We carry the Furla (I carry it) or the LV or the Birkin yet we are never fulfilled by our endless collection. The bling bling is the ultimate proof of our wealth or is it the postal code of our address?

We dine richly and want to be seen in clubs. We swipe the cards while sparing the cash. We pretend to have a life, yet our dirty secrets is never seen.

Yet how has all these define us? For the love of God, are we really becoming so bothered that we forgot the final clothes that wrap us isn't the fabric by Christian Dior nor we be accompanied by wealth and richness but by the simple white cloth.

And it's never been about the outside. It has always been inside.

Think about it.

Love

Edzy

Jodoh.

This morning, I was on my way to work when I received a call from a good friend - let's call her Tina.

Tina is your typical, studious girl, who is forever in jeans and tshirt, with pony tail hair, black frame specs and the nice personality to go along with.

She is working in the F&B industry as part of the corporate office managers. She was hurt by her parents accusations that she is probably a lesbian since she has more girlfriends than boyfriends and since she is reaching 30, not even 1 guy has ever made it in her life.

You see, the poor girl was bawling her eyes out when she called me. I had to calm her down and tell her to continue crying softly to let out the negative feelings.

I don't understand parents or relatives or friends or anyone who thinks they know more about others, to the extent that their so called "truth" about someone.

You see, I been thru that and with my laser sharp tongue, no one dares to repeat it to my face.

When you are drop dead gorgeous or handsome but not attached, you are assume to be gay or lesbian.
When you display characters that is not what you should be as per others expectations, you will be assumed to be a drag, sissy or butch.
When you are young and naive but you chose to get married, wagging tongues will assume you are having a shotgun marriage.
When you are old and people think you intend to live it out as a bachelor or spinster, they assume no one wants you as you are probably ugly, mindless bimbo or himbo, too fussy or career minded BUT if you give them a card to your wedding - they will say - wanna die get married for what??

When you just got married and start to plan your life, the natural questions will come by - when's the baby coming. It's pretty alright for the 1st year. Anticipate frowns in the 2nd year.

If its too long after marriage, they will say you are planning it too long,
If its too fast after marriage, they will say you conceive it before marriage,
If nothing comes out after 2 years, they probably say that the wife took the pick or the husband not enough ammunition,

You see, what we do we are judge everyday, so fuck them all.

Live and let live and let YOUR own choice dictate your life.

Not others.

Keep yourself happy and no one if fit to tell you what you have to do except yourself.