Hikmah - Wisdom

Bismillahirrahmannirrahim,

Since this afternoon, I was cracking my head on what to write. I don't want to write on meaningless topic like I used to - daily routine or who I was frustrated with etc.

I want to write something that may inspire or give a bit of thought to the reader. At about 1030, saw a friend online and chat and the above mentioned word - "HIKMAH" was her response to my current situation.

I left my job at CB due to certain issues I face. To make it clear, I have no issues with my colleagues and direct reporting manager. So last Friday 5th June, after a 2 months stint, I left.

As compared to the first one, I did not panic neither I feel sad. I don't know why as I feel that i was destined to quit and to fulfill or complete a certain tasks this week. With me employed, it is almost impossible to do it - getting a NPL will definitely raise eyebrows.

True enough, the moment I spend my weekend alone, I was bombarded by 2 matters:

1. Grandma & Aunt Moving In 

I thought it was just going to be a simple moving in. However, I was highlighted to some administrative matters.

i. changing of address
we all know that we have to go down to ICA or NPP to notify them on the change of address. However, to bring my 85 year old beloved isn't just the way to do it. The carpark to NPP is too far and I don't want to strain myself carrying / pushing the wheelchair.

Mak, offered to come along to which I gave an incredulous stare and ask her, with your current eyesight, I have to manage 3 person movements. I rather have 2 - grandma and aunty.

I dwell about this for a few days. I was contemplating to hire one of those uber drivers, pay him his rates and be my dedicated driver and PA until i texted someone who used to be in the police force.

He advise me to just get a utilities bill or any bill related to my grandma's name with the moving in address. That's impossible. Grandma don't have bills for the past few decades now.

Then it occur to me I should be calling the police station and ask for advise.

So i made the call and find out that I need to do 3 simple things to which grandma or aunt do not need to appear to police station JUST to change their address:

1. Go online to ICA website and fill up an online form - Pre Notification for change of address.
2. ICA will mail that letter to you
3. With that letter, I can then go to NPP to do the necessary updates.

So 1 done, now wait for 2 and then i can complete 3.

ii. Maid Levy
With the recent changes to maid levy, I recall that the FDW levy was reduced further from $120 to $60. I didn't thought much about it until I met my uncle and we had a meeting. I was advise by his wife to get the new rates. However, this can only be done once I have update the change of address.

I have printed the documents and once the change of address is completed, will address this portion as well.

2. Fund raising 

Recently, a good friend of mine came into a very very bad situation. She told me about it in bits and pieces however, I can already figure the impact of the whole situation.

I took time to mull over the options and the easiest way is fund raising.

I announced a fund raising on Monday through my facebook and today I have managed to secure the following:

i.   A vehicle / lorry to transport all her items from existing place to new place - at no cost.
ii.  Raised SGD 400 to meet her current needs
iii. Got SGD 150 NTUC Vouchers
iv.  Commitment from 4 donors to buy groceries

I am truly thankful to my friends in Facebook who bothered to ask and check and donate. Most importantly those who donated are strangers to her.

Do not worry, the money will be put in to a good cause.

I will continue to keep update and account for it.

This is where my friend's comment came about. On Monday, she gave me a ring and asked if I am available for an interview to which I agreed with. It was an urgent position and they need to get it filled sometime next week. The interview went well and based on my assessment, it is good except that the only tipping point was the package.

In summary, I conclude that, all these events - from the day i resign was to assist in managing affairs at home, things that is happening within family and friends who matter.

I am really thankful and that was the word she use in her phrase to me earlier...  "probably there is Hikmah as to why all this happen"

Yes, I take it as a Hikmah for me and most importantly I enjoyed doing it. And that's what matters most.

Alhamdulillah :)

Nindaku - Hajjah Mariam

Bismillahirrahmannirrahim

*Ninda - the royal equivalent of Nenek (Grandmother)*

An Nisa' Verse 36
Worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and to parents do good, and to relatives, orphans, the needy, the near neighbor, the neighbor farther away, the companion at your side, the traveler, and those whom your right hands possess. Indeed, Allah does not like those who are self-deluding and boastful.

Al An'Am Verse 151
Say, "Come, I will recite what your Lord has prohibited to you. [He commands] that you not associate anything with Him, and to parents, good treatment, and do not kill your children out of poverty; We will provide for you and them. And do not approach immoralities - what is apparent of them and what is concealed. And do not kill the soul which Allah has forbidden [to be killed] except by [legal] right. This has He instructed you that you may use reason."

Al Isra' Verse 23 - 24
And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [so much as], "uff," and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word.

And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say, "My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small."

Al Ankabut Verse 8
And We have enjoined upon man goodness to parents. But if they endeavor to make you associate with Me that of which you have no knowledge, do not obey them. To Me is your return, and I will inform you about what you used to do.

Luqman Verse 14 - 15
And We have enjoined upon man [care] for his parents. His mother carried him, [increasing her] in weakness upon weakness, and his weaning is in two years. Be grateful to Me and to your parents; to Me is the [final] destination.

But if they endeavor to make you associate with Me that of which you have no knowledge, do not obey them but accompany them in [this] world with appropriate kindness and follow the way of those who turn back to Me [in repentance]. Then to Me will be your return, and I will inform you about what you used to do.

Al Ahqaf Verse 15-16
And We have enjoined upon man, to his parents, good treatment. His mother carried him with hardship and gave birth to him with hardship, and his gestation and weaning [period] is thirty months. [He grows] until, when he reaches maturity and reaches [the age of] forty years, he says, "My Lord, enable me to be grateful for Your favor which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents and to work righteousness of which You will approve and make righteous for me my offspring. Indeed, I have repented to You, and indeed, I am of the Muslims."

Those are the ones from whom We will accept the best of what they did and overlook their misdeeds, [their being] among the companions of Paradise. [That is] the promise of truth which they had been promised.

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Read the verses above? See those red words?
That's how much Allah SWT loves us. He gave us parents who care for us - who EARNED rewards for caring for us and in turn He freely REWARDS us when we have to care our parents.

In my FB posting today, I mentioned that in June 2015, providence will be on their way to us. Allah SWT had answered my prayers.

After 7 years, my grandmother, Hajjah Mariam & aunt,  will be staying with us.
We last care for them in 2007/2008 period. My uncle, approached my parents about a few months back to initiate the discussion. However as they will be using my room, my mom suggested to my uncle to ask me directly. Of course I said yes. How can I say no?

Alhamdulillah, the whole family agree and excited to receive them. The idea was to get them in by end of May 2015. However, parents have a wedding to attend in Melaka in June and Mak is not comfortable with the idea of leaving them alone with the maid and us. She personally wants to oversee the caring of both Ninda & aunty.

There is so much to prepare. I have to start packing my clothes and place them in my brother's room and keep my wardrobe and some drawers free for them.

We have to start ensuring the house is spick and span and non slippery. The maid has been given instructions on the additional duties that she will have to do, however, her sleeping schedule remains the same. We have to enlist the help of my aunt if Ninda has to wake up at night to go toilet. I will also be spending more time here to ensure Ninda is well and fine.

It is going to be a busy raya as well. The last time when we had Ninda, our raya expenditure was about double. We have to host many extended families and that particular  year, I remember my parents were unable to visit others as they were busy receiving guests.

Ninda is 85 years old this year. A bit forgetful but still sweet in nature. Always thinking of a lot of things, talking about the past often and repeatedly that we all can only nod in polite acceptance.

Patience is the KEY in handling the elderly.

The ultimate reward however, is limitless.

I look forward to caring for Ninda again.

Inshaa Allah.

Edz

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

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.

Delhi Gang Rape Victim Passed Away.

I was awake at 6 am to be greeted by this tragic news. A young Indian student was raped not by 1 BUT by 6 guys and whacked with an iron rod. When they are done with her, threw her off the bus and left to die.

This incident sparked massive riot in India.

The poor girl underwent many operations to her damaged intestines, had cardiac arrests and other multiple organ issues.

As tensions mounted, Indian Govt proceeded after consulting with doctors there in both public & private hospitals to send the girl to Mount Elizabeth hospital in Singapore.

She arrived and was immediately treated by a group of multi disciplinary doctors who went ahead to stabilize her condition.

She died this morning at 0445hrs.

The men who raped her should be given the most barbaric punishment that they can think of equal to the pain that the girl went thru.

That stupid dumb scientist who SAID that the girl should have submit herself to the rape should be raped as well. She should be sued by the parents and publish a FULL PAGE apology to the parents.

Why would a woman want to be raped? Which woman wanna get raped?

I hope the poor girl soul should not rest yet but to come back & haunt those 6 rapist plus the stupid scientist bitch.

Syukur Alhamdulillah Part II

Alhamdulillah.

That's all i can say.

Today, after 10 years, I sat for my Basic Theory Test again.

This time round with a resolution that i must eventually get my driving license not for myself but for my parents.

Reason being, they are getting old and i note that i move around a lot nowadays and getting a license is a logical step.

Besides, if friends from overseas - Miri & family comes over, at least i can drive them around - Insya Allah :)

So it was very different from how I went thru it 10 years ago. You get the result on the spot. Last time, i had to wait 2 weeks for the results to arrive.

and guess what's my result?

Scroll down!

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YAY! First hurdle clear! 

My ex-colleague - Sarini, recommended her PDI to me. Called him up and he is ok to take me but asked me to apply for my PDL first...

Alrighto...i will apply next week and start lessons after Raya! That would fantabulous... :) and i m gonna book my FTT soon as well. Get it done and over with!

Syukur Alhamdulillah to Allah SWT :) It makes my Ramadan more memorable.. i m thankful, grateful and happiness :) 

Outing

It has been such a quiet month. Basically i been busy. New Year, rush for reports etc. Falling sick.

I am now typing this at my parent's place on the first day of the Chinese New Year.

I spent my evening with Abang Sufian & Fazlee - a last minute plan that I decided on since it has been a while since i meet them. The last one was when i was hosting a Hari raya open house when i cook lots of dishes for them :)

Abg Sufian brought along his korean friend who was bunking in so there were four. Halfway, his long childhood friend sms him and he joined us too and we were 5.

It was a fun evening. Getting to know Korean guy and his childhood friend. Exchanging ideas and opinions.

Where we dine ? - Abg Sufian suggested this Vintage Delicafe at Bussorah Street - i went off and find it.  I didnt know he actually had place a reservation and i blur sotong go and walk in...it was when i called him that he told me that he have reserved a table.

Nice cosy place and not too cold. Food is served piping hot which i like.  I had fussilini chicken soup It is definitely nice. Me and Suf had the same thing, Fazy had the carbonara..Jae the korean guy had spaghetti and Imran had fish & chips.

I enjoyed the evening. It was nice to catch up and chat over dinner. It is something facebook can ever give. :)

Hope all of you enjoy it too. Hugs ^^

Piccies at Fuchsia Spa

  

Fuchsia Spa

There was a reunion for the alumni of NSS on 31st July 2010 and the vain me simply had to do something.

I didnt waste my time. I called up or rather sms and fb-chat with Sha Lolarayz and told her what i wanted to do. 

She coloured my hair - dark brown. I would have gone for lighter but i remember i have reservist to go on the 24th.

She straighten my fringe to cover my pimple.

And I had my nails buffed and manicured for the first time after 5 to 6 years.

and ladies, they have this promo for 2 hours in the salon i paid only $88 for hair cut and colouring. additional $20 for the manicure. I think for the ambience, it is worth it. The place was quiet, clean and relaxing. 

They have other services too - massage, foot reflexology and they provide free entertainment while doing both ur mani/pedi! now how many spas actually do that for you? i am SOOOOOO Coming back there again. 

Enjoy the piccies in the next post :) 

Alhamdulillah

Every year during this time we will receive a letter together with our payslip. Alhamdulillah all blessings is from Him. After a year without pay raise, i received mine today. I also receive a very fair performance bonus.

I will not declare in writing on how much i actually got but i guess the sweat and tears was worth it.

More responsibilities awaits me and i pray that Allah SWT grants me patience to go thru this so that i can stay and contribute to the company. If He has other plans for me, all i ask for is that i will be getting the same as what i am getting - enough to sustain me and family.

Alhamdulillah...i am very thankful. very very thankful..

TERENGGANU! HERE I COME!

Today i am on leave. I took leave to clean my place up. Wash the clothes, wash the cushion covers, towels, floor mat.

Why? Because tomorrow i have to meet Encik Nazmi Dalhar ye...he is coming to Singapore. I will spent a day with him.

It was to be today but change to tomorrow.

Looks like i will spent a day with him and a day with family (sunday).

It rained the whole day today. The only dried clothes are the socks and underwears. I hope everything else would dry by tomorrow morning so i can iron clothes as well.

In midst of the busy chores I checked my emails from office on and off.

Oh..did you see my 3 twits? one after another? hmmmm it is associated to office anyway.

I m not sure what is happening and why must it happen. 

If you talk about give and take...i m not sure if i have given in too much or at least I feel that way.

but one thing that brought about the change was when help was needed...really do we need to ask for an opinion or would you just help your friend? 

So enough is enough. at least i dont fake my feelings. Now i know some people are just fake...no need to wait for declaration...but yes the note was not fake. I had taken enough gratitude and when i wrote it i make sure i harbour no ill thoughts. Up to you to believe. If you think it is not sincere, it is your mind not  your senses.

If you know me, i wont even bother writing in the first place.  i will just put and go.

In fact i am ashamed of myself for being so cheapo. Pakai barang orang tapi tak tegur sapa...because the word when it was pass to me is "pinjam" not kasi...so i remember that.

Well i had taken enough gratitude..and thank you to you too for helping out...like u said the relationship is kept to minimal. Thank you for all the good times 

Kesedihan...Sadness

 Today is a very eventful day but somehow i was very sad towards the end of it.

We went out with my youngest aunt - Fatimah & Her husband (who drove us) together with mom, sis and yours truly.

We went to this contact of my aunt who is able to sew bridal clothes & decorate the bridal room.

I am thankful for the help given by my aunt. My prayers was answered.

By the time we reached home it was 3-ish. Waited for mom to arrive as she went to meet dad after that for some invitation by one of their friends whom they got to get acquainted with when they went for their umrah.

I am not sure what happen to me. I dont even know why i start shedding tears as i walked from clementi central to home.

What i know is i was thinking of the whole family thing. My father look more than his age. My mom seems to get more tired each day.

Someone some people just refuse to care or bother. I hope Allah SWT will not forsake us. I pray that He be merciful to us and reward us with rezeki which is endless so that all that what we need to go thru every single day is being fulfilled.

I pray that there would be a long term solution to all this endless bickering, i pray that i get to have my wish granted.

Life is never the same for me. But i m thankful what i have been receiving and i am thankful that i know who are family and who are not, who are friends and who arent.

I am not the best in character but i will NOT harbour ill intentions towards others. Seething anger is normal i guess.

Bad Mood

No one really like to have your mood swings. really. it affects how you do your work, your communication with friends and colleagues and you deny everyone a good day.

And yes, i have been in a bad mood for the past few days. I snap easily and was very "fake" with my smiles with almost everyone except certain people - i cant be fake towards my mom right?

Well i believe some of you who read this is going to go ..."Right Edzwan...so much for preaching!" Hey i am only human...believe me if you were in my shoes you will explode - sooner or later.

Finally i decided to talk to the boss over it. I m not sure what i achieved out of it. really. nothing. well just count the days i guess. Earn the money, spend it, save it and do nothing.

The one who sat beside me feels the same way. All credit goes to some people while we who toiled the most do not get much. I am so not looking forward when i have to take over my duties. KRAP!

This is the only way i can vent my frustration. It is sad. My prayers is for Him who keeps my heart still. I chose to ignore everyone by my own choice and i want to keep that way.

I m really tired...12 days working non stop...are you blind? after a while we all just go numb..dont be surprised if i m sitting still on my chair one day..doing nothing and all you observe nothing until you see me in that same bloody position the next morning. sad sad life.

I am not whining alright. But perhaps more consideration should be in order. Darn it.

Well seething anger is no good...i decide to stop now... Make me happy somebody?

A picture of mom would be good.

See ya!

Edz

Twitter!

I used to had an account but it was not in use..now that i have a blog and a fb..twit seems to be the next choice that i can have..

Follow me!

Add me!

'AidilEdzwan '

FAMILY OUTING!

Today, we had a family outing. Khai was not with us as he was out for fishing the previous night.

We went to Arab Street and bought like different types of cloth.

1. The sisters - 1 for the elder and 2 for the younger
2. Grandma - 1
3. Aunt - 1

Mom got hers like two weeks before her Umrah Trip.

Total damage including mom's - $1000.00 - this has yet to include tailoring cost.

I was surveying for mine , brother and dad's.

I think our total damage will cost about half.

We intend to get the $25 per meter which means each of us will require 4 meters and that would cost $100.

Tailoring cost is $80 per pax

Total = $180 per pax and multiply by 3 = $540.00

Not including kain samping, capal and songkok.

Aiyoh....

what is this for?

Hari Raya lah what else...cant be mine wedding right????

hehehe :)

oh well..been a while since i design an outfit anyway..going to make 2 suits i think..

**QASEH HUZAIFAH**

my dear dear friend - Sufillah Pasarebu gave birth yesterday to a cute baby girl named Qaseh Huzaifah.

Alhamdulillah  Qaseh birthdate is on 1st June whereas my sister is on 2nd June so it is not difficult to remember :)

Congratulations to Sufillah & Husband on the birth of their princess. May Allah bless all of you always. Amin.

Happy Birthday :)

Happy Birthday to my dearest youngest sister...

We love you :) 

Fuchsia Spa

Peopleeee!

i went to this place today. Really cool. Check it out alright?

I went there to do my hair but there are other services and friendly service. Fix an appointment first. My advise. be the first client (1030am) coz it is quieter and relax and you can enjoy the ambience.

http://www.fuchsia-spa.com.sg

A very eventful weekend

It was Vesak Day weekend (another long weekend - Friday to Sunday).

Some colleagues took additional day by taking leave / MC on Thursday.

I didnt.

As usual, i was at home. cooked Macaroni Chicken Soup for breakfast, chicken rice for lunch (bought after  the Friday prayers) and Canadian - Pizza for lunch :)

Fixed an appointment for Jessy to see the dentist at Q&M as i think his wisdom cranks him up. I have yet to reach that wise age (and i hope) it wont come out at all. I m not sure if i m up to it!

Got an appointment on Saturday at 11.30 am which means i will still be at work.

Yeah i have to go office at like 7-ish...to complete some stuff.

Anyway Friday went by un-eventfully.

Saturday morning, didnt prepare breakfast for Jessy..left home and went to office. Halfway doing work, Jessy called that dentist recommend immediate extraction of both upper and lower wisdom tooth.(OUCH!)

He went ahead to do it and that put me in a fix.

1. i need to send Hamidah's materials for Cik Yok's to design 2 beautiful dresses

2. i need to ensure Jessy has the right food to eat

Hence moment i reach home, i was like in a daze...so i dump the clothes to be washed, left home in a cab to mom's home and place the materials there first

Went to CWP - banquet and get all the soup/porridge that is enough to last him the day.

Take a cab back to clementi and saw Jessy on the sofa in pain. (poor guy)

Prepared to cool the food and at 5 pm, went out after he slept, paid bills, bought mee goreng and a cab back to mom's place to meet Hamidah and Cik Yok.

Everything went fine.

As BOtak Jones is now HALAL, brought the siblings and mom to eat. The brother got issues with the tummy hence he didnt follow along. Total damage about - $60

Guess its ok and told the youngest sister it is sort of a birthday gift for her as well :P

Stay over the night at mom's. didnt talk much..prolly all of us are tired.

Woke up on Sunday morning, eat breakfast and left at 10-ish. Meet Sha Lolarayz at the Bukit Timah salon to get my hair done (See pic as per FB) :)

not too bad..gonna go back for more - foot reflex, colour etc...

Went to JP - banquet get porridge and korean soup for me :)

Jessy text asked where am i..poor guy must be hungry..

he seems better (at least he can talk now) but there were swollen cheek..ahaha he looked funny.

then  he complaint hungry again...thnkin of soft foods for him - cook macaroni with cream mushroom..

an hour later..complaint of headache...gave him panadols and fall asleep.

Took the opportunity to fold hte clothes, mop the floor and prepare dinner

Cook simple potato/carrot/chicken soup.

I had mom's sambal goreng for dinner though :)

went to NTUC to stock up since he is well enuff to cook (yes he got MC till 5th June i think) good rightttt!

till then..it's going to be a bz hell of a week for me..pray that i last till next weekend.

Adios! :)

Edz

Parcel

I got a parcel today from Malaysia.

It was 2 DVDs - Muallaf & Talentime.

From someone.

I would like to pay back the cost of these DVDs including the postage. However that someone is not picking up the phone, never reply the sms and as a last resort, i emailed him. I wanted to know his bank account number and which bank.

As of now, there is no reply yet.

I hope he can let me know so that i can pay him back. Otherwise, i dont want to be accused of not paying for something that i had asked during the good times.