We Have Moved!

Actually, its been slightly over 3 months since we moved into the SJ house.  Officially, we moved in 1st July 2011.

Best betul!  Its so near my office, Khadijah's nursery, close to so many convenience, not too mention nearer to Atuk's house.  So, if I accidentally forgot to bring something to TTDI, I can just zoom off for about 15 mins, and get what I need.  Toll Free if need be! ehheheheh

Alhamdullilah, All Thanks to Allah for giving us the strength and ability to make the move.  And to Him for making things seemed easy.  The environment around the house is conducive to living the family life.  The home is facing a playground, no traffic noises, although a minute a way is a heavily used trunk road. Sunday at home is bliss!

When I get the hang of taking more pictures and uploading them up, I will, so that I can capture the eternal moments of our living space.

Its Time to Make That Move!

I am very excited because in approximately a month, we shall be moving to Subang Jaya. The house belongs to Atuk and Nenek, and they have given it to Pak Long. And since Pak Long looks after Atuk, and lives in Taman Tun, Mama and Baba have requested permission to look after the Subang Jaya home.

Many positive outcomes from the move:
1. It is 5 minutes away from my office and your nursery.
2. It is 15 minutes away from Taman Tun (albeit no bad traffic via the LDP and NKVE.
3. There are more amenities here compared to Kajang. Good schools nearby, shopping, hospitals etc.
4. Less money spent on petrol and toll (pheeeewwwhhh!)
5. There's a playground right smack infront of the house for you to jump around.
6. No more climbing 4 flight of stairs to get home (serious pheeeeeeeeeeeewhhhh!)

and many others, which I shall update later. Teehee.

Currently, our family contractor, Uncle Weng Onn, is doing some renovation to the house. So, hopefully, in a month's time, we can settle in.

Can't wait.

Mama

When Living is Not The Only Purpose in Life...

Life is indeed precious.

Within the past weeks, I have had the opportunity to know so many great life changing things happening to the people around me. Some quite profound, and a definite eye opener, while some, though may not be eye opening, it still quite a reminder to me how life can change, just the way it did. All as planned, happening, not a second later or sooner.

One example I will write about here.

A person I have known for more than 10 years, has decided to make a great leap of faith. Take this literally. This special person has decided to leave the faith she is borned and raised with, and take the ultimate life changing decision to be with Islam. Praise Allah AlMighty for giving this person the hidayah that only He can. No one had known this was coming, at least to those who thought they were close enough. All of us were pleasantly surprised, and together we know we'll take care of our new "family member".

This has made me to realize, living is done with a purpose. We wake up every morning, to play a certain role in our life and the lives of others. So, the question is, how do we choose to fill in the time given to us? The answer, choose to live life in such a way that not only helps you fulfill what you can do for yourself, but also for those who are within your circle of communication. Help them become better people by making yourself better day by day.

As the servants of Allah, our ultimate prize is Jannah, never forget this, my dearest. So, live your life to the fullest. Choose your path well, and make living worth every second...to achieve eternal happiness.

Wo Ai Ni,

Mama

Nothing Much...

One per month? That's the rate this blog is being updated currently. Well, in between, office work and house work, that is considered good enough. I guess?

The Rabbit will be hopping in along in less than 2 days. Its going to be a looooooooonggg weekend. Yeay! The family has nothing planned, but I am hoping we can do something different for the weekend. Thinking of having a barbecue...

Tengoklah nanti, kalau mama rajin..teeheehee...

Funny Streak

I feel funny today. Not like funny in my tummy, but more like feeling like I have to crack jokes with everyone I meet.

I like making people laugh. Sometimes I even crack jokes about myself to make others laugh. Occasionally, I tell stories about you to make them laugh. The truth is, laughing makes me forget I am living in a stressful world.

A grin or two pushes blood pressure levels a few notches down, eh Khadijah?

The Watkins, Part Deux

Where were we? Ahhhh...yes, Susan and Bruce.

I met Dr Bruce in PPP, UiTM. He came as a Physchology Professor into the MUCIA/AAD Twinning Program. Susan came about a year later into the program, as a Program Advisor (if I recalled correctly).

Two years later, I got news that I was to extend my studies at the University of Michigan (Umich) in Ann Arbor, Michigan. And guess what? That's Dr Bruce's working university, and he was going to go back to the States a few months before I was to arrive.

During the PPP/UiTM graduation ceremony, your grandparents met Dr Bruce, and got to know that he's from Umich, and that he's heading home soon. So, what do you think happened? Well, Atuk and Nenek basically "handed" the parental responsibility to Dr Bruce and Susan, with dialogs such as the ones below:

"Please keep an eye on Rosma and make sure she studies well, and not go gallavanting around".

"We give you full rights to drag her back home if she doesn't listen to your advice"

Sigh. Well that was then.

October 15th 1994, my housemates and I landed in Chicago O'Hare. Five days later, in Ann Arbor Michigan.

As instructed, I made a phone call to Susan. (or was it your Aunt Tasneem?). And from there on, we were treated as family. They were never too parental on us, but we always felt assured that they were there to make sure we were okay.

I house-sat (and cat-sat, Bob, their cat,) when the Watkins went away for vacation and Christmas holidays. They actually let me use Dr Bruce's Nissan Sunny station wagon, "10SMAN" during the time I had to house-sit. The fridge was always well-stocked. Overall, made sure the house-sitter was well taken care off.

On my graduation, they came. They gave me a Umich gold ring, with their names engraved at the back. I still wear it with a chain around my neck.

After my return to Malaysia in 1996, Dr Bruce came back to Malaysia on a Fullbright fellowship program. He stayed on for another tow years I think. Susan came too for a short while.

Its been almost 16 years, and I will never forget the kindness, warmth and trust they have shared with me.

To Bruce and Susan... THANK YOU.

The Watkins

[Susan Pollay and Dr Bruce Watkin in Paris]

The Watkins are more than just friends. They are my family while I was studying in Ann Arbor, Michigan. More stories on them soon. Have to move my car from the parking now....