Morning At The Beach

I aroused early in the morning today hoping to catch sunrise. Unfortunately, the sky at the horizon was too cloudy to enable me to witness the grandiose event of beginning of day. By the moment the sun showed itself rising above the clouds in the horizon, it was already rather high. Nevertheless, it was still a sight to behold.

The sea is such an amazing and overwhelming sight to behold. Standing there at the beach, the cold wind blowing in my face and the sound of waves incessant in the air, there's such a sense of tranquility. The thought of Debussy's La Mer easily came to my mind. It is amazing how beautiful the sight is, and how such experience could have escaped me for so long.

Gong Xi Fa Cai!

This year, Chinese New Year brought a greater significance to my family than the usual customs of oranges and the blaring sounds of lion dance performances. For the first time, we got an insider's view of how the Chinese celebrates it.

My brother's wife, Farah is half Chinese and since her Chinese roots are in Kuala Terengganu, we decided to coincide our annual trip to the East Coast this year with Chinese New Year so that we could kill 2 birds with one stone: It is a good time to get to know the rest of Farah's family better. And what better way and time to do so than the time when all the family get together for their new year's gathering?

I must say the experience has been most enlightening. I've realised there are quite a number of good things that can be learnt from the Chinese community as far as family relations are concerned, and how they value and cherish such relations. Additionally, it also amazes me how easy it is for our families to blend together, across the divide of race and religion. We sat and chatted together, and when we later posed for a picture together, we weren't a picture of 2 different races, but of one big family. All I can say is that I have been richer by the experience. Heck, I even got a number of ang pows yesterday from my new Chinese relatives - so literally speaking it is also true.. ;)

Here's to a prosperous future and beautiful relationships that crosses the divide of race and religion.

Gong Xi Fa Cai!

The Lady In Craving

Wifey has been cravings for long sandwiches of late. Hence, we've been having dinner at Subway over the last 3 days. I guess I can't complain. Just over a month ago I was having cravings for char kuey teow and instant noodles almost every other night. In my case it was stress-induced. At least wifey can claim that her cravings are healthier, and of course offers much more class.

I read somewhere (I think it's in Singapore) this guy lost over 50kg eating Subway sandwiches 3 square meals a day over a couple of months. Talk about consistency! With my Weight Loss Challenge in danger of becoming another white elephant project, it might as well be worth a try. It is interesting to note that the Subway branch we went tonight is located within the vicinity of a fitness centre and all the fitness buffs come to have their dinner there in flocks.

Hmmm... I wonder where I'll have dinner tomorrow. I guess it'll be no doubt where, if wifey has it her way again... ;)

A Picture For The Memories

A picture of wifey and Insyirah while we were in Cameron Highlands a couple of weeks ago. Insyirah looks a little rapper with her standing pose. The climate up there was cool and refreshing. An ideal getaway from the usual hustle and bustle routine of the city!

A Test Of Something New

This post is a test. It's a beginning of a new blogging era if it works. :)

Happy New Year 2009

Although 2009 is already 19 days old as of today, I hope it is still not too late for me to wish everyone out there a Happy New Year!

The year 2008 has been most eventful and wonderful, for me and those who are close to me at least. Nothing really extraordinary happened, but when you've got your loved ones, your health, a job to ensure the paycheck keeps coming in and a shelter to live in, you can't really say it hasn't been good. Not extraordinary as I've said, but more than enough to make me feel grateful to the Almighty for the other blessings he's given me that could prove elusive to some others. Just read the news at what's happening in Gaza at the moment, and you'll understand what I'm saying. Imagine the price the Palestinians are willing to pay for a quiet night's sleep without the deafening sounds of bombings and the eternal fear. My prayers are with them always.

As far as the resolutions of last year went, there have been modest achievements. If there's anything I've learnt over the last year, is to set ambitious yet realistic targets, and build upon them. Get to know myself better, and work on my strength. I enlisted the things I intended to achieve last year specifically, although looking back while still in 2008 it made me think why I set some of them. Maybe I need to consistently relook and rethink my plans. I guess the theme for 2009 is flexibility, and to be more agile. Only recently has it dawned on me how straight I am as a person. I need to be flexible in learning new things while maintaining what's good in the name of my religion and family.

Here's to a hopefully beautiful year, for everyone, in everything that we do, in every dreams that we aspire to achieve.

May the Almighty keeps us in His blessings and protection always.

Amiin.