Nenek Lin, this is how you punch in your name!!! Pay attention! Don't pull that face!!! 

What a tiring day!!! I needed that MILO!!! (She slept in the car on the way home!) 

Life: an adventure...

I was about to write about my experiences at the workshop regarding my car last night, but I was too tired to even write anything useful or intelligible. I have these ideas I want to jot down and share but something better came along… TOMORROW… TODAY!!!

I was online with my dearest Burt, chatting away and doing silly quizzes together and getting to compare our results… I have not done such silly things for a long while, and it feels good to feel like a kid again :) Anyways, after completing about 5 (I think) quizzes, I decided to call it a night as I had to sleep to wake up early for the drive to Kuala Belait. I was working out of district again :P That was 10 o’clock PM!

I was in bed, trying to sleep, convincing my brain and eyes to comply by reading a book. The next thing you know, my aunt jumped into my room. (Info: I live with my aunt AND I do not lock my bedroom door when I sleep. WHY? I don’t see the reason behind it. People can always knock first before entering, but do all? I have faith that people will eventually learn that POLITENESS Rule.) She was asking and wanting to find out if I was asleep. (The room was fairly dark except for my night light and my back was against the door, so she can’t actually tell.) I responded by lifting my head from the bed and look away from the mesmerizing book…

“Forest fire in Berakas!!! Want to accompany me?” that’s what she said… I can’t just let my aunt who happens to be my house lady and house mate go to the forest reserve all alone in the middle of the night!!! I checked my watch. It was only about 30 minutes past since the last time I checked my watch. “YES!” I said without thinking much, jumped out of bed and dressed… THANK GOD it was dark as I have forgotten to done my headgear… no one can see my ugly, rebellious hair… for that I was thankful!

Before leaving the house, I remembered to grab my camera. Maybe I can take some shots I thought. Hmmm… I wasn’t positive I would be able to get anything as the camera is NOT equipped to take night shots in the forest…. But it was worth a try… (NB: Could not capture the beauty…. The resolution was poor, even with night mode!) As soon as we arrived at the forest, there were LOTS of firemen! I have never noticed… but most of them are very TALL! I feel like a pigmy!!! I felt they could easily trample over me!!! I was intimidated by their size!!! It was interesting as I usually couldn’t care less about someone else’s size in relation to mine!!!

To cut the interesting story short, we stayed on until my aunt was happy with the condition of the forest fire and how it was being handled by her staff with the collaboration of the fire department services (Whom were dedicated and efficient!) While she went into the forest to inspect the damage, I was walking along the slopes, taking in the cool breeze and the natural beauty of the place at night… I just love the sound of water hitting the shore… I love the smell… and I love the calm, serenity and peace of being there… When we left, it was almost 1 AM. Washed my face and hurried back to bed… just a few hours of sleep before I have to wake up… I abandoned the book… and focus onto sleeping… and before you know it… this annoying buzzing sound was IN my ear! I could have screamed as I felt I did not SLEEP/REST enough… slammed the alarm and went back to bed… THANK GOD for snooze button or I would not have gotten out of bed! I realized it was 6:30 am and JUMPED out of bed… hurry in the shower and quickly dressed…. I am going to Kuala Belait and I am picking Wati up at her place. We are going together…

I was out of the house at 7 plus am… driving safely but on the faster side to get to Wati’s place. I was on the highway and I was thinking of getting to work while listening to the radio… I was temporarily confused to get to there the fastest… and in that bummer moment, I took a risk and took the first route… via the fly over at the highway to go Jangsak! BIG BIG mistake I soon realized as I was on the bridge!!! And I was right…. Traffic PLUS PLUS PLUS… I texted Wait to apologized about being late and stuck in traffic!!!

I arrived at Wati’s place about 20 minutes later and is LATE than what I had planned in my dream… I thought of buying time by driving a bit faster on the highway.. NO HOPE!!! There was traffic on our way out of Wait’s place to the highway…. There was school traffic… sigh… talk about BAD LUCK!!! Late as we were… I tried to be optimistic…. I drove safely but fast… and as my car was not feeling herself… she consumed MORE petrol than she EVER did!!! Sigh… I am getting depressed just thinking about it…

I was finally feeling confident that we would arrive in Kuala Belait on time, if not before patients come to grab a bite as I was starving!!!! We were on the highway when we arrived at the Lumut highway… I was speeding as FINALLY there were 2 lanes… but cars were slowing down… and all were signaling to the right. I did not figured it out until I could see what was down the road… At first, I thought it was an unusual place for the police to conduct a road block… but then… why were all the cars making a U-turn in front of the policemen??? It wasn’t a police roadblock… it was a roadblock to enter the highway… The forest along the highway was on fire as it did last night and visibility was low not to mention dangerous!!!

So… we had to take a detour… U-turn and go through Lumut…. I have not been driving along that road for a VERY long time… not since last Hari Raya or since the Lumut highway was opened several years ago!!! As I was driving along I was thinking if I could take the short cut to the end of the highway that was closed as the old road was longer and winding and it would take time off my precious timer… I took another chance and drove all the way… As I arrived at the junction, I realized only too late that the road AGAIN was closed… no excess…. I was beginning to hate the day… I was LATE!!!! And I do hate being SOOOO late!

Another U-turn… back to Anduki to take the OLD ANCIENT road, once the ONLY road to Kuala Belait!!! I have not taken this route for ages!!!! Oh my god… nostalgia!!! Memories… both Wati and I were reminiscing old times… old road trips… happy childhood times… Needless to say… the old road was a single lane… and there were lots of cars and traffic… trying to overtake was not only dangerous but impossible!!! I WAS LATE!!!

I arrived at the hospital almost 30 minutes behind schedule… and patients were waiting… ARGH!!!! It’s going to be tight I remembered thinking… They were impatient to be seen… sigh… groan… we had to keep them waiting for a few more minutes as we both needed the loo and had to prepare the room… (MY stomach was grumbling as it was hungry! And I suspect, so was Wati’s!!!)

EVERYONE that morning had to wait… and I can tell you this… it was not fun to tell parents/patients they have to wait as you were late coming to work, even if it was out of your control…. Felt I have betrayed them…. :( It was a full morning… Everyone came, except one boy… that did not changed the schedule much as the late language morning group had to be split up…

The afternoon session was equally badly BOOKED!!! We were soooo tight with patients that I felt my voice was giving way!!! I was SOOO glad the day was over and was looking forward to the drive home…

I was wondering if everything had been resolved at the highway… I soon found out as I drove to the Lumut highway and seeing it closed again…. Sigh… this time I did not mind so much that I was taking the old road… this time… I wasn’t catching time… I wasn’t rushing… I had time to absorbed the scenery… and did you all know that LUMUT actually has a beach?!!! I mean, I know a friend’s house has a beach at the back... but it never dawned on me that it’s a real beach were we all go as a family and have a picnic kind of beach… thought it was more of a fishing beach… anyways… it was the first and I was kind of excited… maybe I should drive and go there one day… of course with my brats.. That would be interesting *wink*

Anyways… What I wanted to relay with this story was that even if misfortune befalls you, there would always be a silver lining in every grey cloud… ONLY If you take the time to look properly :) and accept conditions you are in… things always looks bright if you are positive… AND just when you think life cannot get anymore exciting and is no longer an adventure… an adventure is just waiting for you beyond the horizon…

A close up of the bride and groom. My friend is the bride; we work together... Again, the attire for the day is your own choosinng! She obviously love green :) and a nice colour it is :) Many happy wishes for the bride and her groom! 

As opposed to the wedding i have attended today, we were in a rush during this wedding... a presentation in just 15 minutes... and we have to hurry there! So... we were only OUTSIDE!!! This is what the couples do.. they show their face to people so people know who thier partners are.... to reduce gossips when you see them roaming the streets holding hands or having eyes only for each other!!! 

I know its kind of blurish.... but its the only one i have in my collection... Anyways.. its only to show you what i have said earlier... You can shoose your throne to be anything your heart desire.... this one has trimings and details... look at the butterflies at the back...  

Close up: This is "bunga telur" (the flower arrangement on a pedestal.. Its actually egg on a stick of flower). Traditionally, or when i was younger, this is what people give away to guests... I LOVE it... I only eat the white stuff!!! Now... some do... MOST don't... In this friend's wedding... more of decoration stuff.... 

I took this picture.... ha ha ha :P (L to R); Haiza (thinking..."who's that lovely person there!?"), Wati (thinking.."Get on with it!") and Agnes (thinking... SIGH! another wedding! I'm hot!!!) 

Snap shot: (L to R) Haiza (who was clever enough to have brought and remembered her camera!), Wati (Senior SLT) and me :) i don't know what's with the weird smile :P 

Like that lady in the tent said.... IT IS HOT!!!! and is fanning herself away from natural 'glow" :P I have millions of those fans... but never seem to find them when i need it :P I was glowing that day :) 

This is typical of Malay wedding... tents are where people sit, eat and wait.... seating are segregated!!! Reason: so we all don't see how the other sex are gulfing food down their throat!!! *kidding* I don't know why.... you have any reasonable reason than that is how it is? :P 

I liked this wedding because of this.... They had swings for the children to play and get out of my hair!!!! Less screaming!!!! 

A different wedding: This is a picture of the throne chosen by the bride and groom. Again, your throne can be of any shape, size as well as colour. It all depends on how you want it to look like... I like this one... its simple :)

This is a group of locals playing music on this blessed occasion. I only know of the Guling tangan (the golden bells on the floor), the Gong (played by the man in blue) and most probably the drums (I dunno what's its called!) and the tamborine played by the ladies (friends of the bride!) Others may use live bands, GAMBUS (traditional guitar), berpantun, stereo or the blessed silence :P 

A close up of the talented local man playing the guling tangan. I always loved the sound of our traditional instruments... I wonder if i am TOO old to learn??? 

The bride and groom has to make an appearance outside... to more guests waiting for them in the tents that was empty on my first visit on Friday!!! Its more of like telling others, "Hey look! This is my HUSBAND/WIFE!!! We're legal now... STOP wagging that vicious tongue of yours!" he he he... that is just, ladies and gentleman, my interpretation of this move :P 

A close up of the bride and groom... Wishing them all the best wishes... May they be laden with MORE happy memories of their own in the future! 

As there were a lot of people in the living room, wanting to capture the couple's happy moment, I was squeezed to the side of the room. As an amature shooter, i say, THIS is a great shot!!! I made best with what i had *wink* The newly weds on their throne :) and pay attention to the yellow candles... I'll be talking about them soon... and its important roles in Brunei Malay Weddings :) 

The mak andams (look for what it means in one of the weddings entry in February 2005) are busy collecting some food from the gangsa (the high copper tray covered with the intrisic golden yellow cloth, trimed with lace!) for the newly weds to feed each other in a ceremony i think i heard them called, "bersuap-suap". That means, feeding each other... I have yet to learn about this... Maybe not all MALAYS do this??? Hmmm.... I'll investigate more :P 

This is where the bride and groom get to feed each other... It is where 2 newly married couple be lovely-dovey, with everyone oogggggling their moves with acceptance :P he he he he... Talk about this being one of the Malay wedding TRADITIONS ;) IF they do this after, later... in PUBLIC... everyone will frown! Talk about double standards!!! :P BUT, the bride and groom looks comfortable, smiling with awkard shyness and all... Question: Do i see a hint of blush on the groom's cheeks??? *wink* 

The bride and some of her friends... Do you realise something we all have in common??? Similar sizes as well as similar heights!!! LOL... I never realised it before... :P That is probably because they are the bride's friends (and i just met today and they are a FUNNY bunch!) :P 

Its common to take pictures with your parents and in-laws on your wedding day... Hence... learn and observe... The bride's parents are next to the groom, and the groom's mum is next to the bride. A show of acceptance of "new" addition to thier respective family!!! 

This are just some of the wedding presents Nasda recieved today. There were more in her room, and in her dining area :P IF only to recieve all these goodies,... its not a bad idea to get married!!! :P 

Klutz!!!

I am normally not so much of a klutz! But sometimes I can be and MORE!!! A friend of mine, we met online (friends since childhood, but went separate ways during Uni!). She informed me back in January 2005 that she is getting married. I wrote down the dates onto my wall calender and left it... Occasionally looking at it... I remembered.. i wrote it in my February: Overview (the plans for March!!!)

After work on Thursday, during one of those weird spontaneous things, I went out with a friend to meet up another friend at this joint. We were happilly chatting and then, the topic of friends getting married propped up!!! I was just sitting and listening when suddenly i yelled "SHIT!" I suddenly remembered my friend's wedding!!! Its on friday!!! i remembered!!!

I realised i didn't know anything... What is the ceremony? What time? Where does she live? Who amongst my other friends are going? Who are invited??? PRESENTS!!!!! I haven't gotten ONE!!!

GROAN.... I called her up immediately... asked her to text me the address.... and asked if she was really gonna get married (LIKE... stupid question Meela!!!) he he he... of course the answer was YES! so i asked the time... 10-10:30am she said... so i said ok.. I'll be there tomorrow....

I was dressed and ready to go... and i arrived at her place at 10:30 on the DOT.... but it was strange.... i was looking around and i realised... there were FEW cars... and Not a lot of people around... even more strange... NO kids running about!!!! strange, strange, strange... i looked at my watch.... it was 10:31 am.... i called my friend... NO answer... i started to panic.... then, i decided to get down and ask if i was at the right place... (THAT'S IT! i thought.... read on...)

As i opened my door and stepped out of the car... I hear people talking in the house... its unclear, but i think they are talking about me!!! sigh.... Wrong house i thought... i move closer... Then... my friend, inappropriately dressed as a bride, in her everyday attired jumped out of the back door!!!

"Why are you not dressed?"... "You are 4 hours early!!!" she said almost simultaneously... i was dumb-struck!!! I retaliated by saying..."You are getting married today right!?" I get really dumb sometimes...

Obviously... I came to the right place... and a wedding was going to take place... just not at that precise moment!!! It was friday and traditionally... people get married 'nikah' after the friday prayers!!! (I completelt forgotten what day it was!!!) What she meant on the phone the other day was, her reception would be on sunday, OBVIOUSLY, at the times mentioned before!!! Right... i said... red in the face.... (People were peering out!!!) I promised to come in the afternoon and left...

As i was driving towards my grandmother's place., it suddenly dawned on me!!! SIGH!!! I did not ask her the time of the nikah ceremony!!! ( I tell you... I rarely go to weddings... and who ever weddings i go to... you are the rare ones!!! I am soooo clueless!!!) I had to call her... laugh... apologised... and ASKED for the times.... she said... 2:30 to 3:30pm Because i was soooo MALU *blush* i didn't press on... "RIGHT! I'll be there! See you later!"

I was more confident in the afternoon... I drove slowly... taking my time... I went alone... didn't know anyone else who was going... (I hate going to weddings alone... Its awkard!!! I only did it once before... for Ali... ARGH... i don't want to do that AGAIN!!! I can CRY!!!) Anyways... I arrived at the same place... looked around... NOT many cars... but i see tents...

I parked.. and get out of the car... started walking towards the house.... Nearing the house... I gave a 'salam'... and people got out to greet me... Friend of the bride i said.... i was shown the way to her room... I honestly thought the wedding ceremony was from 2:30 tp 3:30 pm... Sigh... it actually meant they were recieving guests from 2:30 to 3:30pm....

I was with my friend/bride... looking at her getting her make-up done! and trying to make light of the situation... made friends with her make-up artist as well as her 'mak andam'.... TALKED NON-STOP..... sigh.... i was sooo sad... i was the only friend with her for an hour before some more of her friends turned up!!! (NONE i RECOGNISED!!!)

The ceremony went smoothly... it was really cool :) I met the groom... he was nervous as was my friend... his family members were PLENTY!!! it was an experience... and educational :P

After the 'nikah' was done.. they went to their room to take pictures... I couldn't go with her to her room and stay with her... I could... but I can't!!! OH MY GOD!!!! What am i to do???

I sat silently... looking at what the others we doing... people were going out of the house.... and walking.... i can do that i thought.... BUT... they were going OUT from the FRONT door... i CAME THROUGH THE BACK DOOR!!!!! GROAN!!!!! Will the day never END!!!!!!!!!!

I waited and waited for any of her family members to recognise or realise that i was LOST!!! They didn't.... they thought i was their family member!!! SHIT SHIT SHIT!!!! I sat for about 10-15 minutes what felt like a life-time!!! THEN... someone said... lets go out... and i took the opportunity to let them know my shoes are at the back and didn't know my way... *blush* he he he....

I finally got out... I really wanted to just drive home... but i can't of course.... I had to sit thorough the whole 'meal' alone... ALONE!!!! Its no big deal... but i am uncomfortable in such setting to be alone!!!

As soon as the prayers were said... I LEFT!!!! I went up to the bride's mum... said hi and BYE!!! and ran as fast as i can to my car!!! I never thought the time would come... I told everyone of this tale... and now you... are you entertained from my own klutziness???

I promised my sister this picture... STARE at it... that is how i look like with my contacts!!! Its very "natural" said the salesgirl!!! 

This was one of the pictures i had not included the last time, but from comments, people said i should include... so... this is it... fairy lights all the way from the Sultan's palace, to BSB!!! 

Excuese the "muka berkilat"... but concentrate on the man in the poster... Don't you think that man looks like ZUL??? Project how he is going to look like when he is older... THAT is IT!!!! PAY ATTENTION!!! 

February: Overview

Another month has passed us by... Time travel too fast sometimes... where did it go? What have i done? Have i achieved anything??? *sigh* sometimes... i dont even know the answer or how to answer that!!!

It started with a BANG!!! Things were smooth from January... moving at a pace i LOVED! Work was good... family was good... We had several family dinners... I went out for movies with my sisters and aunts.... I had dinner with friends... CATCHING UP!!! things could not have been better... WRONG!!!! (Generally speaking i think!)

Shall i elaborate??? nah.... It will just work me up/out! I had been ILL this month.... so had my cats but we all are doing great now... We celebrated Chinese new year and Tahun Baru Hijrah... Then... we also had the national day!!! 3 days of public holiday!!!

I think i am more pissed off at work... but everyone said it normal to be unhappy at work.... sigh... its little things a collegue/friend pointed out to me... but if it happen tooo often... little things can be the beginnings of BIG things!!! it all rolls down to FAIRNESS... where is it?

I promised to write about Bruneian Malay weddings... and i have succeded in writing a few entry... I'll try and finish them soon...

A wedding in February is OVER.... now another friend's wedding in MARCH!!! sigh... do people not stop getting hitched!!! :P

What's the plan for march? What's the forecast??? *sigh* i don't know... but interesting it would be :P

1. To try and continue writing about the weddings and get pictures from my cousin.
2. To try and control my temper or it'll be the death of me!
3. To attend another friend's wedding and think of another PRESENT!!! *groan* what to get?
4. My dad's birthday... what to get???
5. Continue working on the sign language as promised to another friend!
6. To not do anything pro-active... and for once be STUPID at work and not figure things out... see what would happen!!! THAT would be exciting!!! (NB: I have to go to KB at the same time i have to do an audit when 2 out of 4 therapist are on leave!!!)
   

I am FED up! FED UP!!!