During last weekend, Saturday 2nd May 2009, we organised a small gathering to celebrate the birthdays of our daughters. Adlyn Daniea was bornt on o5/05/05 and Afryn Dayinie was bornt on 21/04/08. We invited our close friends in Qatar to our house in Beverly Hills Garden 6, Al Waab (approx 25 adults, 29 children). We are kind of anxious and excited as well as this is one of the rare occasion we invite people to our house and cooking for so many people.
We spent the whole of Friday (the day before) shopping for raw materias and cleaning the house. My lovely wife did a marvellous job in managing the kitchen whilst i took care of the cleaning of the house...
On the day itself, i realised that we had not bought the birthday cake yet so i rushed out to grab a cake and some ice. When I returned, there are already some guests who have arrived. As the day developed, more guest came and we had a lot of children playing in the house... My youngest daughter is the centre of attraction as she is at that 'cheeky' stage; crawling-to-walking; smiling and her baby talk... We had the candle blowing ceremony and lots of food... Main dish is Chicken Rice prepared by wife... It's so marvelously delicious that all the rice that we cooked, around 22 cups, and 10whole chickens are all finished up. It's my wife secret recipe, i believe...
At the end of the day, i have to do the cleaning again while my wife cleared the food and the kitchen and our daughters busy unwrapping the presents/ gifts that they received.
All in all, it's a great day and an achievement for our family in organising this gathering...My utmost gratitude and kudos go to my beautiful and talented wife, Zulaiha, in making all these happen and without whom, i would not have my 2 lovely daughters. I love you all, my angels...
Monday, 4 May 2009
Saturday, 18 April 2009
Healthier me...
'You need exercise!'. 'You need to lose weight!' 'You can't eat that, too much cholestrol.'
Those are the nagging words said by nearly all the people around me in different situations and stages of my life. The last time i really do a work-out is during my secondary school days (17 yrs old) when i can still run 100m in 12 seconds and do 1500m in under 5 mins. I must admit that i have done a terrible mistake in not maintaining my routine which now resulted in a bulging tummy and 3XL size. Well, i may not be diagnosed with any serious major illnesses yet but i presume that i will one day get them in a string if i don't do anything to change my lifestyle/habits.
Last month, was the first month i did a serious work-out. It actually starts off with my wife wanting a baby boy. From her internet research, she has to keep her body pH alkaline/neutral to conceive a baby boy. It was said that the XY kromosome in the sperms die faster in acidic body. So we start practising this diet to increase alkali-food intake and reducing the acid ones..
Generally, alkali is found in fruits and vegetables. And acids are found in meat, chicken, fish and all other junk food which uses all sort of chemicals. I also found out thru my online research that in order to prevent contracting diseases such as cancer, we have to keep our body pH neutral/alkaline. This is actually quite difficult to achieve because of the modern day food which mostly are acidic in nature. So we start having steamed/saute' vegetables for dinner. An we have a schedule of Acid vs Alkaline Food pasted on our refrigerator as a quick reference.
Then we move one step further into other ways we can stay healthy. The place where we stay has a cubhouse complete with a small gymnasium. After much persuasion from my ever-caring wife, i made my first step to the gym. I lasted only for 5 mins on the bicycle and 5 mins on the weight training. I didn't give up and i keep coming again and again to improve my performance. Now, after 6 weeks, i can last for 30 mins non-stop on the elliptical cycle and 30 mins doing weight training and crunches. I do miss some days due to office workload but i make it a point to at least keep it to once every 2 days.
Now i feel much healthier and livelier. This is apparently noticed by my colleagues in office. I paid more attention to the things we eat. We definitely eliminate McDonalds and other similar fast foods. Now i'm enjoying more good home-cooked meals. On the other hand, my wife is getting better at cooking now with more varieties.
Well, i may not have my dream figure yet, but i believe that with consistency i will succeed. As for now, i will just have to make do with my smaller love-handle.
To my wife: Thank you for your everlasting patience, encouragement and caring for me, without which i would not have start on this initiative. I'm doing this because i want to grow old with you...
Those are the nagging words said by nearly all the people around me in different situations and stages of my life. The last time i really do a work-out is during my secondary school days (17 yrs old) when i can still run 100m in 12 seconds and do 1500m in under 5 mins. I must admit that i have done a terrible mistake in not maintaining my routine which now resulted in a bulging tummy and 3XL size. Well, i may not be diagnosed with any serious major illnesses yet but i presume that i will one day get them in a string if i don't do anything to change my lifestyle/habits.
Last month, was the first month i did a serious work-out. It actually starts off with my wife wanting a baby boy. From her internet research, she has to keep her body pH alkaline/neutral to conceive a baby boy. It was said that the XY kromosome in the sperms die faster in acidic body. So we start practising this diet to increase alkali-food intake and reducing the acid ones..
Generally, alkali is found in fruits and vegetables. And acids are found in meat, chicken, fish and all other junk food which uses all sort of chemicals. I also found out thru my online research that in order to prevent contracting diseases such as cancer, we have to keep our body pH neutral/alkaline. This is actually quite difficult to achieve because of the modern day food which mostly are acidic in nature. So we start having steamed/saute' vegetables for dinner. An we have a schedule of Acid vs Alkaline Food pasted on our refrigerator as a quick reference.
Then we move one step further into other ways we can stay healthy. The place where we stay has a cubhouse complete with a small gymnasium. After much persuasion from my ever-caring wife, i made my first step to the gym. I lasted only for 5 mins on the bicycle and 5 mins on the weight training. I didn't give up and i keep coming again and again to improve my performance. Now, after 6 weeks, i can last for 30 mins non-stop on the elliptical cycle and 30 mins doing weight training and crunches. I do miss some days due to office workload but i make it a point to at least keep it to once every 2 days.
Now i feel much healthier and livelier. This is apparently noticed by my colleagues in office. I paid more attention to the things we eat. We definitely eliminate McDonalds and other similar fast foods. Now i'm enjoying more good home-cooked meals. On the other hand, my wife is getting better at cooking now with more varieties.
Well, i may not have my dream figure yet, but i believe that with consistency i will succeed. As for now, i will just have to make do with my smaller love-handle.
To my wife: Thank you for your everlasting patience, encouragement and caring for me, without which i would not have start on this initiative. I'm doing this because i want to grow old with you...
What is love?
It's been some time since i last wrote here... My family which consist of my beautiful wife and 2 lovely daughters, finally came to join me in August last year. It's such a relief that the family is now complete in a foreign land. Prior to that, i was like living in a lala-land, imagining doing activities with my family. And long distance relationship is actually not doing any good for a young family like us, emotionally and spiritually. Well, some people believe that 'Distance makes your heart grows fonder'. In some sense, it's actually true for a short period of time like less than a year, but being too long away from each other can also just make your heart disappear into thin air. It will make you think all sorts of silly questions that may not have been thought like, 'Can you define love?', 'Is there any love left in the relationship or is it just responsibility?'.
For me, love is indefinite. It can be a lot of things to a lot of different people such as 'Love=Money' or 'Love=Sex' or 'Love=Responsibility' or 'Love=Security' or 'Love=Children'. You can't really explain the meaning in any single words. It's just a feeling that is embedded in your heart that justify your actions. Maybe until one day, when you can really define true love, then you can start living your true life.
For me, love is indefinite. It can be a lot of things to a lot of different people such as 'Love=Money' or 'Love=Sex' or 'Love=Responsibility' or 'Love=Security' or 'Love=Children'. You can't really explain the meaning in any single words. It's just a feeling that is embedded in your heart that justify your actions. Maybe until one day, when you can really define true love, then you can start living your true life.
Thursday, 6 March 2008
Driving Test in Qatar
Today is my Driving Test day. I woke up early at 4am, and had an early breakfast since it's going to be a long day out there.
I reached the United Driving School at 4.45am, performed my Subuh prayers and then went straight to the Test Office. There's quite a commotion as people trying to do last minute revision of the road signs on the notice board outside the office. I've done my memorising for the past week. The weather is cold and windy. Thru out the whole morning, i went to the toilet around 10 times in total...
Around 5.15am, the 2 personnels from the Traffic Police Dept arrived and went straight to the Test Office where we will be tested the road signs. Around 5:25am, the Road Sign Test commences. The police officer pointed to me around 6 signs and i managed to answer them all correctly. One hurdle over.
Around 6am, after all have taken the Road Sign Test (they were 50 of us there), the Test Officer announced the names who've passed. Around 5 people failed so they have to repeat the test (only after 1 month later). Those who passed including me get into the cars parked in a queue for the L-Parking. I managed to get thru the L-Parking with ease and straight went for the Pocket Parking. This is the hardest one but with concentration and tips from my instructor, i managed to pass both the parking tests.
By around 7:30am all have taken their turns and we waited for the results. After getting the results, 20 of us make it thru for the Road Test. 9 of us get into a van while 1 will be in the test car in front with the police officer. During my turn i was told 2 go into 3 round abouts...and alhamdulillahi think i manage to take each turn calmly. Around 8:30 we all finished taking our turns and we're back at the Test Office waiting for the final results...i was waiting anxiously with my instructor calming me down...The results were announced at 9am...I passed. 10 of us passed that day. So u can see that the success rate is kind of 20% each day.
Finally the anxiety is overcome by excitement. I thanked my instructor for all the tips and tricks...I called my wife, my mum, my friends and colleagues to announce my victorious pass...After that i went home walking as a symbol of sacrifice and self-fulfilling...The 3km walk does not seems long as i was smiling thru out the walk....
It's only if you've taken the driving test here in Doha, then only you'll understand the meaning of this truly sweet success and how much pain we've to go thru trying to get a driving license. So now planning to rent a car...emm
I reached the United Driving School at 4.45am, performed my Subuh prayers and then went straight to the Test Office. There's quite a commotion as people trying to do last minute revision of the road signs on the notice board outside the office. I've done my memorising for the past week. The weather is cold and windy. Thru out the whole morning, i went to the toilet around 10 times in total...
Around 5.15am, the 2 personnels from the Traffic Police Dept arrived and went straight to the Test Office where we will be tested the road signs. Around 5:25am, the Road Sign Test commences. The police officer pointed to me around 6 signs and i managed to answer them all correctly. One hurdle over.
Around 6am, after all have taken the Road Sign Test (they were 50 of us there), the Test Officer announced the names who've passed. Around 5 people failed so they have to repeat the test (only after 1 month later). Those who passed including me get into the cars parked in a queue for the L-Parking. I managed to get thru the L-Parking with ease and straight went for the Pocket Parking. This is the hardest one but with concentration and tips from my instructor, i managed to pass both the parking tests.
By around 7:30am all have taken their turns and we waited for the results. After getting the results, 20 of us make it thru for the Road Test. 9 of us get into a van while 1 will be in the test car in front with the police officer. During my turn i was told 2 go into 3 round abouts...and alhamdulillahi think i manage to take each turn calmly. Around 8:30 we all finished taking our turns and we're back at the Test Office waiting for the final results...i was waiting anxiously with my instructor calming me down...The results were announced at 9am...I passed. 10 of us passed that day. So u can see that the success rate is kind of 20% each day.
Finally the anxiety is overcome by excitement. I thanked my instructor for all the tips and tricks...I called my wife, my mum, my friends and colleagues to announce my victorious pass...After that i went home walking as a symbol of sacrifice and self-fulfilling...The 3km walk does not seems long as i was smiling thru out the walk....
It's only if you've taken the driving test here in Doha, then only you'll understand the meaning of this truly sweet success and how much pain we've to go thru trying to get a driving license. So now planning to rent a car...emm
Saturday, 1 March 2008
Three months now in Doha...
As at today, it's exactly 3 months since i landed my feet in Doha...What i have accomplished so far??
Emm..work wise, i have gone thru 1 year-end audit, 2 month-end closings, 2 periodic balance sheet reconciliations...
Life wise, i finally settled down in the permanent housing provided by my Company after 1 month in transit accommodation. Watched the Qatar Tennis Open, play some bowling at Qatar Bowling Centre, and food tasting at the various asean restaurants, and met many malaysians from the events organised by Malaysian Association of Qatar (MAQ).
Last week i started my driving lessons at United Driving School. My instructor is Mr Sekara, a Sri Lankan...quite a nice guy teaching me the tips and tricks to prepare for the test. I took a short course consisting of 12 lessons...so today just finished my 6th day...another 6 more days to go...I just pray and hope that i'll pass the driving test in 1 seating...can't wait to have my own car so that i can explore Qatar more...
Emm..work wise, i have gone thru 1 year-end audit, 2 month-end closings, 2 periodic balance sheet reconciliations...
Life wise, i finally settled down in the permanent housing provided by my Company after 1 month in transit accommodation. Watched the Qatar Tennis Open, play some bowling at Qatar Bowling Centre, and food tasting at the various asean restaurants, and met many malaysians from the events organised by Malaysian Association of Qatar (MAQ).
Last week i started my driving lessons at United Driving School. My instructor is Mr Sekara, a Sri Lankan...quite a nice guy teaching me the tips and tricks to prepare for the test. I took a short course consisting of 12 lessons...so today just finished my 6th day...another 6 more days to go...I just pray and hope that i'll pass the driving test in 1 seating...can't wait to have my own car so that i can explore Qatar more...
Sunday, 17 February 2008
General Accounting Dept Dinner at Movenpick Hotel
Last nite, i attended a dinner at Movenpick Hotel, Doha.
The dinner was organised for the General Accounting Team for 2 main reasons: 1) Closing of the Year-End Accounts by 24 January 2008 by the GL Team. Previous years the accounts could only be closed the earliest by March. 2) Completion of End of Year Bonus 2007 and Salaries adjustment for 2008 in January 2008 by the Payroll team.
The team comprises of multicultural and multinational individuals from India (3), Pakistan (1), Canada (1), Phillipines (1), Indonesia (1), Egypt (2) and me, Malaysian. It's headed by our Accounting Manager, an American.
The dinner was buffet styled...That's not that much choices so i spend walking round-and-round to find what to eat. Maybe next time, a better place...
Friday, 1 February 2008
Sandstorm in Qatar
I just came back from my friday (juma') prayers. The roads are all covered with sand and i can't even see the whole building of the mosque due to this sandstorm. Well, actually it started last night. It's kind of drastic as the day time is quite sunny and bright. Welcome to Doha i guess...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)