Al-Fatihah

Salam & Greetings to all.

081110 - I lost my most precious gem and my forever better-half. My husband had to leave for a long break from all the pain that he has endured for approximately 11 years, suffering from end-stage renal failure, infection of the spine as well as heart valve.He has taken God's challenge with elegance and composure, never complained about the ordeal and always treasuring every moment with us with so much love, hugs and kisses, and family vacations. We almost always forgot that he was ill and life was pretty normal much like the rest.

Allah knows best, and we all accept this destiny. Still,this separation hurts because i have loved him for 20 solid years...and have raised our three wonderful kids together. Now that i am a single parent, i only have Allah to help me pull through during tough times. Nevertheless, i have overwhelming and wonderful memories with him that i hang on to so tightly in order to stay strong. As a husband, he has been very loving, caring, supportive of my career, and absolutely adorable. He's my forever 'prince charming', 'knight in a shining armour' and 'high school sweetheart'. I love him very much.

To all my readers, friends, colleagues and students who may only learn about this piece of truth at this very moment, please join me in praying for his most blessed and cozy heavenly slumber. As you read the posts in my blog, please also remember that it is my beloved husband who CREATED this academic blog and generated the concept. Hence, if you have found this blog educational, beneficial, and knowledgeable in any possible way, i owe it all to him.

Everytime i wrote an article for my students and readers, he would be the faithful husband-editor, muse and conscience. I would read aloud my posts and he always completely smiled, nodded in approval, and gave constructive comments...and of course, he was also excited whenever i wrote about family trips and vacations...well..he simply loves holidays...

Lastly, my heartiest gratitude to all of you who have visited us at our humble abode, UNITEN mosque as well as the cemetery. Thanks also for your kind prayers during tahlil and yassin recitals. On his behalf, i pray may Allah bless you always.

sincerely,
~zue~

Weekend Getaway at Cyberview Lodge Resort

It's so near our humble abode, yet we only got the chance to enjoy a holiday at Cyberview Lodge Resort recently while celebrating our 14th wedding anniversary. Gorgeous tropical beauty with lush greenery!





So, what's great about it? hmm...almost everything in the package...the pool view chalet...the food...and best of all is the swimming pool!!!

It's not like any ordinary swimming pool! With two beautiful man-made waterfalls cascading into it, complete with exotic plants and garden palms around, swimming becomes a total experience.It reminds me of those unforgettable trips to village waterfalls and rivers...fantabulous! Special thanks to my beloved husband for a wonderful holiday inspiration. In fact, he has been thinking about a holiday there all this while, especially everytime he passed by the place on his way to work...

Cyberview lodge shall remain our favourite family destination for a long, long time.
Hmmm..on this note, you should tell us about your favourite hotel, motel, resort, lodge, hostel,homestay. This may be a good opportunity to practice your persuasive skills... so, get your findings and share it with us on this blogosphere!

2nd October 2010 is my Birthday

Awesome! The most simple yet splendid birthday celebration ever!

Remind me again..yeah..I am 40 years old..quite matured and successful..most precious achievement is indeed...a cozy and loving family with a beloved husband and three wonderful children. they mean the world to me!

So, we put up two nights at Carlton Holiday hotel and suite, had swimming splendour at the Pusat Akuatik swimming pool, lepak and makan at warung, and best of all...my husband took us all to see...the miraculous city of lights, I-CITY. ohhh..who invented this idea? Amazing and absolutely gorgeous. my most favourite is 'my birthday wish' and the light-trees...i took lots of snapshots and i shall share with my readers in a while, until my daughter uploads the photos in this laptop..which is really not my forte...

Thanks to all thoughtful friends and students who have wished me happiness ++. Thanks a zillion. Life is a gift of precious and tenderly moments with tots and love...

...n wat's dat?radiator leak?so not me to handle this!

Here's a nightmare, and this is really happening for the FIRST time in my life! Pheeeuh...was i nervous? agitated? well...it's more like the earth was all falling on me...!!! But I'm glad I didn't panic or give up or do anything ridiculous. You see...I know almost nothing about cars, except for the mundane routine visits to the car-wash pit-stops and petrol station.

Last Thursday, I was driving my husband to hospital, at 120km/h. Well, this is pretty normal on SKVE, the new motorway. If you have taken the SKVE, you'd know that driving becomes peaceful and enjoyable with the awesome 3-4 lakes and some panoramic view along the way. So, i didn't bother to check my metre or whatsoever..untill..yupp..untill my husband alerted me about the temperature. My car was running HOT..and I actually didn't understand a thing what he was talking about.

When i finally understood the consequences, i slowed down and ...believe me..I was then travelling at 60 km/h and praying so hard for my car to sustain and 'persevere'. We stopped at the SKVE plaza and the SKVE patrol helped us. Thanks to Mr Shahir and Mr Muzaffar, the mechanic. Earlier, they had given me some instructions over the phone, which was 'scary' and almost impossible... so, for the first time ever, i discovered what the engine looks like, also,the radiator, the water hose...bla..bla..bla...i was like an apprentice learning so much about 'my car' in less than an hour!!!

My CITRA was in a critical state, so we decided not to 'push' her beyond her threshold. So, we drove back to UNITEN, at an unbearable 60km/h without air-cond nor music..alhamdulillah, we reached home safe and sound. So, what actually went wrong? According to SKVE mechanic Muzaffar, the readiator water hose leaked so much, so we had it replaced by mechanic Harry the moment we reached home.

This experience teaches me a very important lesson. Well, my beloved husband has always reminded me to trust PLUS, SKVE, etc. So, should i encounter any kind of problem with my car, I only have to pull 'into' the PLUS or SKVE motorways. Call the helpline number on the ticket, and the patrol will come to my rescue.

Alhamdulillah, this is a very precious tip indeed, and i hope that other lady drivers who may be as naive and blurrrr as i am will remember this note, forever. So ladies...now we know that we can never be alone on SKVE...

Curious? Here are some shots of the incident..take care.

Aidilfitri Comes Early at Seri Malaysia

Like last year, we spend our Raya holidays at Hotel Seri Malaysia. It's a simple and comfortable hotel, offering sumptuous Malay dishes for 'berbuka puasa'. Today, i enjoyed a plate of traditional Malay kuih...delicious!!! Dah lama tak jumpe...kuih tepung kelomak, abuk-abuk, kuih ku..and of course, other local favourites i.e. dodol and buah Melaka...my elder sister is coming to visit us tonite. She will bring us 'nasi impit' and 'sambal udang'...hmmm.sedapnya...tomorrow, we shall visit Pak Lang, Pak Ibik and Busu at the village. Not forgetting, we shall break fast at my younger sister's house..so,i shall continue this journablog only after that.

It's lots of fireworks for children and Raya packets (RM2, RM5, RM10, RM50..wow...don't we envy them...) As for everybody else, Raya is a get-together, an opportunity to catch up on exciting events in each other's lives. Raya is always a long holiday for us as this seems to be the best time to take a break from work and urban life, returning to the village and meet as a big happy family. As the saying goes, 'a picture paints a thousand words'. So, here are some photos during Raya celebration 2010.

The Legend International Water Homes (IWH)

I admit. I have been too occupied with my career untill I have found it almost difficult to make room for a break - a family vacation. Indeed, the weekend holiday is a compulsive and desperate getaway. It's to celebrate my children's success at school, an approximate time-out from my busy schedule, and most importantly, a hope for my dearie husband's speedy recovery.Have you checked-out The Legend's IWH? I fell in love with the local 'beauty' immediately. The IWH offers a different holiday experience, tranquility and family quality time. It's home+++.

Like other families, we also love swimming so much, and we usually spend much of our vacation time at the gorgeous pools.

But that takes away a lot of our time...really... the changing, packing, walking to the common pool...not at IWH!!!The pool is indoor and absolutely yours...my children jumped into the pool every other minute, sometimes in home t-shirts and shorts...ha..ha..who cares about the proper swimming attire anymore.

i've been told that the IWH has won Best Architecture award..i couldn't agree more. For a romantic soul like me, the design, layout and exquisite arcitecture is fabulous..they've made it like home and dream vacation. Simply irresistable!! It's total relaxation and serendipity

Another subject that's close to my heart is food.so..what about food? food? food? Frankly, we had a 'feast' at Duyung Restaurant.. thanks to the chefs..the Ramadhan buffet was simply awesome, delicious and most importantly, generous. Of course I shall visit IWH again, even before the next Ramadhan...but they will only have dinner buffets on Saturdays for other times of the year...

Finally, I guess, the 'water-home' concept is simply brilliant. I can't afford to go to the Netherlands, or Maldives, or any other places like it...being Malaysian, i feel thankful and proud that we have The Legend International Water Homes at Lukut...so, wait no further...make a date with the IWH, and you shall know what i mean. It's awesome.

Would you like to share your most unique family vacation? most memorable and most rejuvenating, perhaps? Come on, this can become our travel log, yeah...

Friendship is Bliss

It has been long that i have not recorded my thoughts and appreciation on this blogpage. Now, i'd like to share a simple poem on friendship for us to ponder. This inspiration came around when i saw the smile and happiness on my beloved husband's face upon receiving his friends, some whom he has not met for 22 years.i'd like to take this opportunity to thank all his school friends who visited him at the hospital, also friends whom we meet elsewhere. My special thanks to Cikgu Azanuddin for his humble presence together with the bubbly and vibrant crowd of ex-MRSMJ ... May Allah bless all of you always. Yupp:) Happiness is everywhere, within our reach...and friendship is indeed the magical capsule that supersedes much of the rest.



Forlorn and somber moments fade away as we
Reminisce upon younger schooling days filled with rich tricks and tapestry.
Indeed – this relationship inspires a jovial mood, a glory,
Everlasting and blooming like a patch of yellow allamanda and fuchsia.
Now and forever, we are friends and it shall remain this way
D journey may have its toll; we are still friends and it shall remain this way.
Success, sickness and serendipity, and we shall remain friends forever.
Hitherto, this spirit of mine finds bliss and blessings
In this friendship and relationship that grows and glows in
Pensive ambiance and sincere stratosphere.

Thank you friends, for this special delivery.

~zue & shidee~

Ticket for Success

REFLECT! If you have climbed the tallest mountain, perhaps a breathtaking view of the valley from the peak represents success. If your life has been tormented with deprivation and exclusion, a sense of freedom liberates you almost instantaneously. At school, if you have always dreamed to be a prefect, to join the school basketball team, or even to obtain straight A's for your exams, you'd understand the fulfillment and exhilaration called success.

As success represents its blessings in two and threefold, for school leavers, success can take a student from school to varsity and straight into employability. Nevertheless, is university a valid benchmark for success after school? Can enrolment in university be a personal choice, a turn of fate or even, an alternative to a pathway laden with maturity?

Indeed, success is the sweetest gift of life. It brings bountiful happiness and contentment. Success paves way for a bright and promising future. It opens the threshold of opportunities and offers a glimpse of perfection.

What about you? Why are you here, in UNITEN? Do you believe that university education will make you a successful person? Take time to ponder and you shall find the answer. Tell it to your heart and think aloud – TELL US all on this blogosphere.

Life Begins at 40....?!

Have you ever dreamed to be an ATHLETE? Frankly, it's been my lifetime aspiration, inspiration, and dream-nation, and i'm glad to announce that YEAH!!! I've accomplished it, recently...during UNITEN Track and Field 2010, 7th March 2010.

Of course, I enjoy running and brisk-walking so much, but i've never had the opportunity to really WINNNN. Now, at 40, i represented IKAL for 4X200 veteran, and we became champion... WOW.... fantastic... incredible.. unbelievable.. My children, Farah and EMir, were there at the stadium to witness my triumphant moment, and i guess i have inspired Emir to be a sprinter? runner? sportsman? ha..ha...anything that has to do with sports, will do. Best of all, my COIT students cheered for me as i entered the track...thanks wonderful supporters...LUV u all so much...

thanks to IKAL lovely (shima, Evelyn, Iza, Jiha, Kak Dah, Dr N) and sinewy (Mizi, syafiq, anip,etc) contingent...we made it happen!

Now, is this trivial? Perhaps for some. I always believe that we should NEVER stop dreaming because one fine day, our dream will come true. Of course it takes a little bit of initiative, guts and enthusiasm. I have other dreams and goals to attain, and if they must come around at 50 or 60, so be it. At least, i shall still have lots to cherish at old age..so friends, and the younger generation out there....come on...strive for the best always, and life begins right NOW!

Inspired? Yupppp! Well, ask yourself - what have you accomplished recently? What is your BIG dream? FIND the answers and take some time to share with us in this blogosphere. For now, i shall share some celebrity snapshots, courtesy of Hanif. Later, I shall share more photos taken by my student, Amzar...and friends Evelyn, Jiha, etc.

Rejuvenating Academic Blogging

http://www.speakup-avenue.blogspot.com is indeed an academic blog serving as virtual classroom to students, as well as social network for everybody. To all friends, colleagues, ex-students and my own students who have dropped by and shared comments, ideas and opinion, i'd like to take this opportunity to thank you for your kindness. You have given us knowledge and lots of ideas to cherish, deliberate and ponder. On this blog, we can communicate without age barrier or any prerequisites. It has been tremendously gratifying managing this discussion. Now, i'd like to invite you to share your feelings, opinion and feedback with regard to this academic blogging practice. The fact that you have visited speakup-avenue, and also contributed your writing and thoughts here, please take a moment to ponder, and tell us how this experience has benefitted you in any possible way. Does it develop or enhance your personal qualities? does it develop any of your reading, writing, speaking or thinking skills, particularly in English? If, by any chance, you have felt any other benefits i.e. make friends, become known, feel motivated, etc., please share your feedback here. Thanking you in advance.

Official Autograph Page for 1st National Students' Conference on Women

Thank you everybody for an overwhelming support for the conference. It was a great combination of intellect, social network and insightful experience.The target was 70, and a total of 120 have registered and expressed interest in the event. This response is very appropriate for an intellectual event as such. Undergraduates can learn and gather experience not only in their classrooms and lecture theatres, but also from events like this conference.

On behalf of Kelompok Murni, i'd like to congratulate my talented and dedicated committee members. You've done a tremendously awesome job, ladies! Thanks a zillion to all conference presenters and participants. We have shared so much in one day, and i hope that we can meet again next year.

As a memento to all, here are some of the best snapshots of the conference in a while. Our photographers, Ereeka and Qila, have put their best photos together... Lastly, thanks to all...please take some time to drop a few words here to share your feedback on the conference...

Pn Zue, Advisor

Conference Updates

Salam & Greetings to all,

Our 1st National Students' Conference on Women is only a few days away. We shall meet on 6th February and share ideas, insights and observation on matters pertaining to the theme: Working Women.

Thanks for your kindest support. We have targeted for a small audience of 70. Until now, 82 have signed up, and we sincerely hope that we can reach more undergraduates and post-graduates out there. They can be any of you, or your friends and colleagues. So, PLEASE pass the word around and we shall all benefit from this intellectual platform, sharing knowledge, expertise and experience. Further, we can get to know each other better.

Here's our current list of presenters in alphabetical order, and their titles accordingly.

Abdul Hadi (Analyst) Gender-does it matter?
Faridah (Lecturer) From Crayons to Perfumes.
Heizil (student) Engineers Love Women
Hemalan(RA/post-grad) Desktops & Diapers:Creating the perfect female 'Adonis'
Joel (student) Unemployment vs Employability
Kala Devi(IT Application Management Analyst)How to 'Sparkle' during Apprenticeship
Khairun Nisa(student) Dress Up for Success!
Nur Fauzia(student) Unemployment vs Employability
Randy Molokwame(student) Working Women in Botswana
Sarah(Corporate Finance Executive) When the going gets tough, the tough gets going.
Saatesh Kumar (student) Unemployment vs Employability
Siti Nurain Ahmad Kamal(student) Involvement of Women in Club and Society.
Sneha (Systems Integration Analyst) -to be confirmed-
Suguna (student) Common Challenges for Working Women
Thabiso Nelson Tinashe(student) Working Women in Botswana
Wan Mohd Fakhrul Syakirin b Wan Mansor(student) Involvement of Women in Club and Society

We are most grateful to both our keynote speakers, Mr Hafiz (Assistant Director, Asia-Pacific Refion, MAERSK) and Dr Irmi (Specialist), who have agreed to share their experience as well as expertise with the crowd.

Come on, it's an event we've all been waiting for. Turn up early for registration and enjoy breakfast! Door-gifts! and lots more...

Pn Zue, Advisor

You Are ALL Invited!

In the spirit of 'speaking up', MURNI High Committee will organize the 1st National Students' Conference on Women. It aims to bring together presenters and participants with and without working experience to deliberate on one theme: Working Women.

Most interestingly, we shall have two keynote speakers. Mr Hafiz, currently an assistant manager with MAERSK, will share his experience working with women and provide the audience with tips on handling everyday challenge at the workplace. Next, Dr Irmi who is a specialist on family health will raise our consciousness on health matters which we tend to neglect in pursuit of career success.

The conference will also present a nice balance of UNITEN ex-students and the undergraduates. The final list of speakers and their topics will be announced shortly. Until then, perhaps you may want to call Siti Sarah, the program director, at 0196147960. Grab a form and register a.s.a.p. You can also leave me your fax no. at 019-2728644 and i shall send you d registration form.

Come and JOIN US in this intellectual discourse. With our line of speakers, we promise an enlightening and rejuvenating conference. Register and claim your rewards! certificates! SCORUN merits! meals! lucky draws! Also, grab this opportunity to mingle with a lively crowd as you maintain the academic climate on campus.

Best of all,the conference is open to ALL- UNITEN students (RM 10) and the rest of the world (RM20). Please accept our invitation, and I hope to really see all of you at the conference. Show your kind support for women, and make things happen.

Zuraidah Ali
Advisor, 1st National Students' Conference on Women
Resident Counselor, MURNI

First Day in School

Today, my son Emir enters school. He's very excited about this new experience in Primary school, and so is everybody at home. Since this blog means so much to me, i wish to reserve this space for Emir and his first day in school.

Emir is in one Hamka at Sek Keb Putrajaya Presint 14 (1), and he will go through three weeks of orientation. wow...that's to ensure smooth transition between pre-school and primary school. I was at school during the morning assembly, and i think I like the school climate and aspiration. The teachers are also approachable and helpful, and they promote fun-learning experience. I know that they live up to the motto coz Emir came home happy and contented. Yuppp:) He's looking forward to another day in school, tomorrow.

you may want to share your 'first day in school' memories...welcome aboard. ....hmmm...we won't be who we are today without the magical kingdom of knowledge called 'school'.