The Rights of Allah and Etiquette with Allah
10 years ago
Monday, August 28, 2006
Word Sunday : Condescending
Someone who condescends is someone who thinks that her own shit does not smell.
OK OK so I am now 5Xkg. The lightest ever after giving birth. OK OK I know those who knew me like 10 years ago think I am fat. But so what. I gave birth ok...and my metabolic rate is slow. And I admit I am lazy and I cannot eat leafy things. Or steamed chicken.
So being 5Xkilos is good ok for me. I am elated. I feel good. So come on share my joy please.
This lady came to my house. Somehow she went up the scale and told me. Oh I am 5Xkg you know. And because I am a nice person who likes to hear people feel good about themselves, I said wow good for you. You know what. I am 5Xkg too and thought a high five is deserving here.
Then she said, you cannot be 5Xkg. You are shorter than me.
And there you go. Poof! Gone are my feel good feeling.
Bencinya aku. Kerek nak mampus.
Friday, August 25, 2006
PASSED
Guess who has two driving licenses now? No prize for guessing though.Yay I passed.
Hmm so now what eh? Hmmm life resumes back as normal.
Oh wait! Let me tell you with this driving license I can also drive in most Gulf countries. Well except Saudi, since woman cannot drive in Saudi. I am not sure about Iran though or Iraq or Oman or Yemen. Hmm..well.
Did I tell you that we all (all females) were packed into a van for the road test. The van then followed the said car where the testee is being tested. We girls were all encouraging each other despite language barrier. Saying yay when they did well, wishing them good luck and laughing at the van's driver whose engine went dead on us. Wrong gear. And he is supposed to be an instructor. Muahahaha. My lover said he didn't talk to anyone and no one talk either.
Woman are like that kan? We just have to talk to console each other despite not knowing anyone.
I even exchanged number with one of the ladies. Don't be too surprise. I love strangers, and strangers love me too.
The fun thing was also observing those who did not make it. Not to belittle. But it is so common that they would blame outside factors. One red-hair lady advised me not to take parking lot no. 4. The box is too small. One called her friend crying, saying that the car had a head rest, she can't see behind. One said the car was too new, she hated the clutch. Personally I think they were too lenient on the ladies. The men would have it harder. One advantage being woman here.
When they announced the results, it was like getting my SPM results (O-Levels). Some were shouting NAJAHA (pass), some cried (fail), one getik lady was jumping around patting any man in sight (pass but so getik). I have not seen so much emotion in one room for so long since I do not know when.
Well, I passed. That counts most. Happy happy.
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Camel Trip
Last weekend we went out aimlessly again. And we chance upon a camel farm at the side of the road. Lover decided to get off the highway on to the bumpy road so we all could go take a look at the camels. Camel farm man! Them camels! How many have you seen a flock of camels in a big cage? Wooo hoooo.
We got there, went out but I didn't because Zachary was sleeping on my lap. The kids went out excited. The moment we came out, the camels were all then staring at us. They really like to look and they came nearer. It was almost intimidating. But such photo pleaser.
There were different colours. The young ones have nice cream coloured skins. The older ones are darker. But some are black camels. Some are hairy. I didn't know they have hair on their hump, and they do.
The camels are really huge. The one in the pictures are actually the smaller ones. An adult camel can reach up to 7 feet high.
Then we saw some men who were tending the camels. My lover waved at him. We were not sure whether it is okay to go to people's camel's farm and take pictures. The man came, smiling. Good sign I think. Then my lover greeted salam to him and said, "Ana min Malizia. Malizia lak jamal." (Wrong grammar of course. I am from Malaysia. Malaysia has no camel. ) Then he showed camera and sort of asked whether we can take photos. The man said ok ok and laughed at the kids.
He was probably thinking, God why would anyone wants to take photo of camels. But we are foreigners. And like all foreigners, we gawk with mouth wide open at anything different.
Then the man came back apparently with a bowl in his hand. He then gave the bowl to lover. It was a bowl of milk. Camel's milk!
I thought that was kind of him to give us the milk. Really we were surprise. But it was a BIIGGGGGG bowl. And lover doesn't drink milk. So guess who had to drink it? At normal times, I really do not mind drinking it. I think I am quite adventurous. But do allow me to take a sip. It was a BIG bowl ok. And we were also at a camel's farm. And camels shit where they live. So it stinks. There were dunk aura in the air. But the nice man was looking at us smiling thinking what a good deed he has done. The last we want to do is offend anyone.
I am telling you, I really had to psyche my mind to drink. Focus! Focus! It was almost becoming a fear factor series. So I drank. It tastes like milk. Hey! It is milk. Except it was creamier I think. And the milk was warm. Oh yes! I saw the man milking the camels earlier. Don't lecture me about pasteurise ok. I had warm fresh camel milk.
Did you know that camel milk is believed to have health properties? The Bedouin tribes also believe that it has great curative powers if the camels eat certain plant. But wait there are more,they are also aphrodisiac! Ehem! Ehem! Look at me slurp the milk from a bowl and let the milk trickle to my chin is aphrodisiac itself. Except that my lover was staring at me in horror.
Anyway I didn't finish the milk. We had some mineral water bottles and pour it there instead. I boiled it later at home. Sya drank it and she likes it. Haziq sipped it but that's it. Lover had to finish the rest as well.
I think those camels are breed for racing. We saw them harnessed as such. Some of the male camels had their balls wrapped up. I really do not know why. My theory was they wrap it so it doesn't get in the way when they race. It is kind of big. Or could it be to restrain any humping with the female before the race day? Don't know lah.
So that was one surprise trip.
Tara for now.
Lollies, the new host of Lonely Planet or whatever they call it now.
Anyway. The arabian camel has one hump. They are referred as dromedary. Also found in North Africa. Generally in hot climates.
There are also the two humps camel found in mostly cold Asia climates called Bactrian.
Their humps are a reservoir of fatty tissue, while water is stored in their blood. Through some metabolic process, this convert into energy source. This allows them to survive without water for about two weeks, and without food for up to a month.
We got there, went out but I didn't because Zachary was sleeping on my lap. The kids went out excited. The moment we came out, the camels were all then staring at us. They really like to look and they came nearer. It was almost intimidating. But such photo pleaser. There were different colours. The young ones have nice cream coloured skins. The older ones are darker. But some are black camels. Some are hairy. I didn't know they have hair on their hump, and they do.
The camels are really huge. The one in the pictures are actually the smaller ones. An adult camel can reach up to 7 feet high.
Then we saw some men who were tending the camels. My lover waved at him. We were not sure whether it is okay to go to people's camel's farm and take pictures. The man came, smiling. Good sign I think. Then my lover greeted salam to him and said, "Ana min Malizia. Malizia lak jamal." (Wrong grammar of course. I am from Malaysia. Malaysia has no camel. ) Then he showed camera and sort of asked whether we can take photos. The man said ok ok and laughed at the kids.
He was probably thinking, God why would anyone wants to take photo of camels. But we are foreigners. And like all foreigners, we gawk with mouth wide open at anything different.
Then the man came back apparently with a bowl in his hand. He then gave the bowl to lover. It was a bowl of milk. Camel's milk!
I thought that was kind of him to give us the milk. Really we were surprise. But it was a BIIGGGGGG bowl. And lover doesn't drink milk. So guess who had to drink it? At normal times, I really do not mind drinking it. I think I am quite adventurous. But do allow me to take a sip. It was a BIG bowl ok. And we were also at a camel's farm. And camels shit where they live. So it stinks. There were dunk aura in the air. But the nice man was looking at us smiling thinking what a good deed he has done. The last we want to do is offend anyone.
I am telling you, I really had to psyche my mind to drink. Focus! Focus! It was almost becoming a fear factor series. So I drank. It tastes like milk. Hey! It is milk. Except it was creamier I think. And the milk was warm. Oh yes! I saw the man milking the camels earlier. Don't lecture me about pasteurise ok. I had warm fresh camel milk.Did you know that camel milk is believed to have health properties? The Bedouin tribes also believe that it has great curative powers if the camels eat certain plant. But wait there are more,they are also aphrodisiac! Ehem! Ehem! Look at me slurp the milk from a bowl and let the milk trickle to my chin is aphrodisiac itself. Except that my lover was staring at me in horror.
Anyway I didn't finish the milk. We had some mineral water bottles and pour it there instead. I boiled it later at home. Sya drank it and she likes it. Haziq sipped it but that's it. Lover had to finish the rest as well.
I think those camels are breed for racing. We saw them harnessed as such. Some of the male camels had their balls wrapped up. I really do not know why. My theory was they wrap it so it doesn't get in the way when they race. It is kind of big. Or could it be to restrain any humping with the female before the race day? Don't know lah.
So that was one surprise trip.
Tara for now.
Lollies, the new host of Lonely Planet or whatever they call it now.
Anyway. The arabian camel has one hump. They are referred as dromedary. Also found in North Africa. Generally in hot climates.
There are also the two humps camel found in mostly cold Asia climates called Bactrian.
Their humps are a reservoir of fatty tissue, while water is stored in their blood. Through some metabolic process, this convert into energy source. This allows them to survive without water for about two weeks, and without food for up to a month.
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Word Sunday : Prohibited
I am taking driving license at the moment. If you know me that well, I would tell you that this is really an insult to my driving abilities. But take I must. And why is that? Because I need to get the Q@tari driving license. And this is because they do not recognise M@laysia driving license here. Our international license only last for six months here and my time is up.
And ok ok, rub it in. I have been driving illegally here. Eh no wait. I was using my international license ok. And well it just expired. Like this month.
But the need to take class is because apparently it is easier to pass if you go through the class. My lover had to take four tests. He passed after taking the class. Behhhhhh. But why he failed, even he was baffled. No poles fell. We learned later that when you do side parking, do not straighten your car. Once in the box, you are fine. And also you have only one chance to get it right. And the box is quite small I think.
But I have been observing that the ladies have an easer time to pass. Still, I took the class anyway.
The difficult thing was to undo your habit after years of driving. Like when I reverse and before I come to a stop, I like to turn my steering to where I want to go next, which they prohibit me from doing so. Or they want me to physically turn my back when I reverse. I am too used to using the mirror. Aiyaya
Then there is an oral test, which my rusty brain is trying to adapt. I must be able to answer the exact word and not be creative in any way. EXACT WORD ok.
I must remember which picture goes to "follow this direction" or "direction to be followed" or here comes another one "direction to follow".
And I must not confuse with "Parking prohibited" or "No overtaking". Or is it "No parking" and "Overtaking prohibited"? Oh dear oh dear.
I prefer "No U-turn" please. "Turning backward prohibited" is too mouthful. No Left turn sounds so much easier than "Turning to the left prohibited".
The word prohibit does make it sound authoritive though.
The Answers dot com says the definition of the word is to forbid by authority.
Wish me luck you luvelies.
And ok ok, rub it in. I have been driving illegally here. Eh no wait. I was using my international license ok. And well it just expired. Like this month.
But the need to take class is because apparently it is easier to pass if you go through the class. My lover had to take four tests. He passed after taking the class. Behhhhhh. But why he failed, even he was baffled. No poles fell. We learned later that when you do side parking, do not straighten your car. Once in the box, you are fine. And also you have only one chance to get it right. And the box is quite small I think.
But I have been observing that the ladies have an easer time to pass. Still, I took the class anyway.
The difficult thing was to undo your habit after years of driving. Like when I reverse and before I come to a stop, I like to turn my steering to where I want to go next, which they prohibit me from doing so. Or they want me to physically turn my back when I reverse. I am too used to using the mirror. Aiyaya
Then there is an oral test, which my rusty brain is trying to adapt. I must be able to answer the exact word and not be creative in any way. EXACT WORD ok.
I must remember which picture goes to "follow this direction" or "direction to be followed" or here comes another one "direction to follow".
And I must not confuse with "Parking prohibited" or "No overtaking". Or is it "No parking" and "Overtaking prohibited"? Oh dear oh dear. I prefer "No U-turn" please. "Turning backward prohibited" is too mouthful. No Left turn sounds so much easier than "Turning to the left prohibited".
The word prohibit does make it sound authoritive though.
The Answers dot com says the definition of the word is to forbid by authority.
Wish me luck you luvelies.
Monday, August 14, 2006
Ahli Jawatankuasa Tingkap
Last Saturday I chatted with my good friend, Dory, early in the morning. Morning here, Doha time, midday there in Malaysia. There I was in my baju tidur. There she was in her day to day low neck to flaunt it all shirt.
We were on the webcam. Girly, giggly talks. Catching up on all the gossips. Exchanging tips demi kebahagiaan rumahtangga.
I was peeling off the tapioca. Duduk bersila kat lantai sambil menyusu anak. Keyboard pun atas lantai.
Ah Cik Kiah..macam ni ke ko selalu kopek ubi? Oh kat Kelantan orang suka makan ubi masa musim banjir? Eh aku suka betullah kopek layer pink kat ubi ni. Macam kopek sticker. Gian pulak jadinya.
She showed me all her embroided kebayas that she bought during her shopping spree in Jakarta.
Waahh cantiknya kain ko yang tu. Aku kenan yang pink and blue tu. Ko nak pakai corset ke? Mak mertua aku mesti terbeliak mata tengok aku pakai tu. Pasti kena lining.
Alaa ko tengoklah aku ni Cik Kiah. Pagi-pagi dah bangun nak rebus ubi ni. Kejap lagi aku nak masak mee hoon pulak. Si Jack ni pulak dah tak boleh lekang ni ha. Asik nak menetek aje. Ko tengok dia dok main rantai aku ni ha? Sakit leher aku di tarik-tariknya. Mahal ko tau emas aku ni. Dahlah memang berat.
Dah memang sahlah walaupun zaman beredar, makcik tetap makcik. Cuma ada vogue ajele. Cinta IT gitu. Kan Cik Kiah? Cik bedah? Cik Esah? Mak Mon?
Eh bila kita nak tubuhkan persatuan sexpat ni? Macam-macam aktiviti dah dalam kepala ini.
And Nazrah, I think convo berangan kita pasal our future tu besar kemungkinan akan menjadi realiti. I can see the two of us (kalau panjang umur) dah tua ganyut masih lagi berchatting sakan. Muahahaha. Alaaa sakit dada aku ketawa banyak-banyak ni ko tau. Anak aku tu tak boleh harap langsung. Asik meeting-meeting aje. Aku suruh urut pun malas.
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Word Sunday : Gait
A domestic goddess not only is a goddess to her husband, in the kitchen but must be able to entertain her products of love. She must have the ability to be a clown yet remain sound and intelligent to make research, so the children will remain sane and not banter in the name of broodiness.
In the attempt to entertain my children, I read these poems to clown around with them. And for a moment they forgot about TV and trot around the house like horses themselves. Zachary remained the funniest because he looked like a small pony and was clueless but decided to do the same.
For your information also, within these four walls of blogging eh, I am a very animated person. So there I went around the horse doing all the actions with them. Kanak-kanak ribena aku ni.
THIS IS THE WAY THE LADIES RIDE
This is the way the ladies ride: clipclop, clipclop, clipclop
This is the way the gentlemen ride: trotalong, trotalong, trotalong
This is the way the old man rides: bumpalump, bumpalump, bumpalump
... and down into a ditch!
When you read the bumpalump, bumpalump , you should go out like a careless person and dropped yourself with them. Hilarious!
Clip Clop
Slowly, slowly
Walks my horse.
Clip... clop, clip... clop
Walking walking
Round the course
Clip clop, clip clop.
Frisky, frisky
Trots my horse
Clip clop, clip clop.
Trotting, trotting
Round the course
Clip clop, clip clop.
Crazy, crazy
Gallops my horse
Clip-clop, clip-clop
Clip-clop, clip-clop
Galloping, galloping
Round the course
Clip-clop, clip-clop
Clip-clop, clip-clop
Bravely, bravely
Jumps my horse
Clip-clop, clip-clop
Clip-clop - Jump!
Float through the air
And land with a bump!
Jumping jumping
Round the course
Clip-clop, clip-clop
Clip-clop - Jump!
Float through the air
And land with a bump!
Clip-clop, clip-clop
Clip-clop - Stop!
This one I like, because you can start off lowering down your voice and escalate it with excitement until the end where you land with a bump.
Then I went on to google the basic horses' gaits. Haziq loves this googling thing.
Walk. Trot Canter and Gallop.
Found many interesting sites. These one (HERE), shows the gaits in motion which I think helps a lot. And typically Wikipedia has a long description of the horses gaits. I used my copy of Britannica as well.
Then end the whole thing with drawing and colouring to wind them down. Haziq coloured his horse, silver. Sya had pastel colours on her horse. Jack wrecked the horse totally. I can't do crafts, so drawing will do.
Then for the rest of the holidays, I let them watch TV or play games.
So I can blog.
Err I find that one is easier to do.
P/S : If I have to quit my job (the one I still have in Malaysia), can I open up my own playhouse?
Etymology of the word gait
circa 1200 :departure, journey," earlier "way, road, path," spelling was "gata"
Meaning "manner of walking" is from 1509.
Modern spelling developed before 1750, originally in Scottish.
In the attempt to entertain my children, I read these poems to clown around with them. And for a moment they forgot about TV and trot around the house like horses themselves. Zachary remained the funniest because he looked like a small pony and was clueless but decided to do the same.
For your information also, within these four walls of blogging eh, I am a very animated person. So there I went around the horse doing all the actions with them. Kanak-kanak ribena aku ni.
THIS IS THE WAY THE LADIES RIDE
This is the way the ladies ride: clipclop, clipclop, clipclop
This is the way the gentlemen ride: trotalong, trotalong, trotalong
This is the way the old man rides: bumpalump, bumpalump, bumpalump
... and down into a ditch!
When you read the bumpalump, bumpalump , you should go out like a careless person and dropped yourself with them. Hilarious!
Clip Clop
Slowly, slowly
Walks my horse.
Clip... clop, clip... clop
Walking walking
Round the course
Clip clop, clip clop.
Frisky, frisky
Trots my horse
Clip clop, clip clop.
Trotting, trotting
Round the course
Clip clop, clip clop.
Crazy, crazy
Gallops my horse
Clip-clop, clip-clop
Clip-clop, clip-clop
Galloping, galloping
Round the course
Clip-clop, clip-clop
Clip-clop, clip-clop
Bravely, bravely
Jumps my horse
Clip-clop, clip-clop
Clip-clop - Jump!
Float through the air
And land with a bump!
Jumping jumping
Round the course
Clip-clop, clip-clop
Clip-clop - Jump!
Float through the air
And land with a bump!
Clip-clop, clip-clop
Clip-clop - Stop!
This one I like, because you can start off lowering down your voice and escalate it with excitement until the end where you land with a bump.
Then I went on to google the basic horses' gaits. Haziq loves this googling thing.
Walk. Trot Canter and Gallop.
Found many interesting sites. These one (HERE), shows the gaits in motion which I think helps a lot. And typically Wikipedia has a long description of the horses gaits. I used my copy of Britannica as well.
Then end the whole thing with drawing and colouring to wind them down. Haziq coloured his horse, silver. Sya had pastel colours on her horse. Jack wrecked the horse totally. I can't do crafts, so drawing will do.
Then for the rest of the holidays, I let them watch TV or play games.
So I can blog.
Err I find that one is easier to do.
P/S : If I have to quit my job (the one I still have in Malaysia), can I open up my own playhouse?
Etymology of the word gait
circa 1200 :departure, journey," earlier "way, road, path," spelling was "gata"
Meaning "manner of walking" is from 1509.
Modern spelling developed before 1750, originally in Scottish.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
The Milk
I ran out of milk today.
So okay, quick call to lover and reminded him to get the milk before he gets home. Unfortunately the grocery store near the house also runs out of milk. Eh?
So we decided to go out and drag the already bored kids doing the oh-boring thing call grocery-shopping. I only wanted milk. So quickie this one.
Got there. Eyed a fruit muffin. Good for breakfast eh? Also got all those fried processed food. The muffin was an alternative to the fried ones.
Got the fruit juice. Cheese. Hmm they have fresh beansprouts today. Yipeee! Got half a kilo of those. I think I want to make spring rolls. Bought the pastries too.
Ah! Let's get the asparagus. The kids love them. It is such sexy vege, no?
Eh tapioca. Nak buat ubi rebus dengan kelapa parut campur gula lah.Steaming hot, then lembik-lembik cicah kelapa. Lover get the guy to parut the kelapa can?
Mango. Get them mangoes. They are getting less nowadays.
And grapes. Love them.
Eh got banana for frying one lah. Like pisang nipah. Yay! Buy buy.
Fresh coriander. Please please check that they are not parsleys.
Oh there's only a little meat left. And cooking oil.
I think I want to find the glutinous ricelah. Eat with mango and coconut milk. Ahh goodness of fatness.
Eh you know, Batrisyia suddenly has this thing about cupcakes. She found a recipe and has been pestering me to make them. (Actually I don't like the recipe, I think I want too find another). I need to get the icing sugar..and and food colouring. Hmm blue and yellow for now. Where the hell is pink? Sya must have pink! Oh let's go upstairs, I need to find a sifter..and ohh is this how the icing bag looks like. Man I am not creative to make the colourful toppings. Nasiblah.
Hey lover lover..look look. Scales! We want to get scales kan? OK we get the medium priced ones. Don't buy that 20 Riyal one. I don't trust too cheap things.
Then the kids found toys. Well..okaylah.
Went back and lover was complaining that I spent too much. Got pouty and decided to iron instead.
Oh mana janji manismu? Katanya nak bayar equivalent my pay dulu? Nasib baik saya sopan santun serta penyabar. Oh and thanks for the new skirt and pants ya..Boleh tak kasi saya 3 jam kat kedai buku pulak? Alone?
Funny, I never did like ironing you know. But now that I have no where to channel my anger, ironing seems to fill that void. Press! Press! Hot steam iron. I am getting pathetic day by day! And becoming more of a domestic goddess while at that.
Alone,it gave me time to do self reflect. And suddenly it hit me! I cursed in between the pressings.
We didn't even get the milk.
So okay, quick call to lover and reminded him to get the milk before he gets home. Unfortunately the grocery store near the house also runs out of milk. Eh?
So we decided to go out and drag the already bored kids doing the oh-boring thing call grocery-shopping. I only wanted milk. So quickie this one.
Got there. Eyed a fruit muffin. Good for breakfast eh? Also got all those fried processed food. The muffin was an alternative to the fried ones.
Got the fruit juice. Cheese. Hmm they have fresh beansprouts today. Yipeee! Got half a kilo of those. I think I want to make spring rolls. Bought the pastries too.
Ah! Let's get the asparagus. The kids love them. It is such sexy vege, no?
Eh tapioca. Nak buat ubi rebus dengan kelapa parut campur gula lah.Steaming hot, then lembik-lembik cicah kelapa. Lover get the guy to parut the kelapa can?
Mango. Get them mangoes. They are getting less nowadays.
And grapes. Love them.
Eh got banana for frying one lah. Like pisang nipah. Yay! Buy buy.
Fresh coriander. Please please check that they are not parsleys.
Oh there's only a little meat left. And cooking oil.
I think I want to find the glutinous ricelah. Eat with mango and coconut milk. Ahh goodness of fatness.
Eh you know, Batrisyia suddenly has this thing about cupcakes. She found a recipe and has been pestering me to make them. (Actually I don't like the recipe, I think I want too find another). I need to get the icing sugar..and and food colouring. Hmm blue and yellow for now. Where the hell is pink? Sya must have pink! Oh let's go upstairs, I need to find a sifter..and ohh is this how the icing bag looks like. Man I am not creative to make the colourful toppings. Nasiblah.
Hey lover lover..look look. Scales! We want to get scales kan? OK we get the medium priced ones. Don't buy that 20 Riyal one. I don't trust too cheap things.
Then the kids found toys. Well..okaylah.
Went back and lover was complaining that I spent too much. Got pouty and decided to iron instead.
Oh mana janji manismu? Katanya nak bayar equivalent my pay dulu? Nasib baik saya sopan santun serta penyabar. Oh and thanks for the new skirt and pants ya..Boleh tak kasi saya 3 jam kat kedai buku pulak? Alone?
Funny, I never did like ironing you know. But now that I have no where to channel my anger, ironing seems to fill that void. Press! Press! Hot steam iron. I am getting pathetic day by day! And becoming more of a domestic goddess while at that.
Alone,it gave me time to do self reflect. And suddenly it hit me! I cursed in between the pressings.
We didn't even get the milk.
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Shuay Shuay
Shuay Shuay is a local slang meaning little bit. It usually refer to the lack of ability to speak the local language (Arabic). It is very useful for people like me, who can speak only basic Arabic sentences. Such that if I ask a question in Arabic and the person gives a lengthy answer, I am sure to gawk. Inserting shuay shuay would be good and do add a humble smile.
Yesterday someone rang the door bell. I peeped through the curtain and saw a presumably Arab lady in her full abaya and her face covered. You can only see her eyes. She had with her a little girl, perhaps in the age of five.
I was excited actually. Is she a neighbour? Perhaps she wants to say hi. Maybe she wants to borrow some salt. I have plenty. Maybe her water pump was out and her daughter seriously needs to take a leak. Ah any excuses is ok if she wants to be my friend. I am desperate for one, I must say.
I went out to her and she said Asslammualaikum, the way an Arab say it. With a twang.
I answered with a smile.
Since I am female she lifted her veil. Then she asked me something in Arabic.
I said. Arabic shuay shuay
Then she said mama? something something in arabic.
Oh I think she wants the lady of the house. I said Ana ummi baiti(grammar is wrong of course) But what I wanted to say was I am the mother of this house. I hope baiti means my house.
Then she said something in arabic. Really long sentences. I concentrated hard for familiar words and her body language. I think she told me her name which I didn't catch and also she is from Iraq.
Then I caught the word miskin. Miskin means poor. Then she said something in english. No money.
Oh! I get what she is trying to say. She has no money and she wants some from me.
Hmmm..
I asked, Lak fulus? (No money?)
Naam. She replied nonchalantly. No sad look.
Then I asked..Ante akala? I hope it means you want to eat, showing gestures of eating. Little one? Wants drink? Showing gestures of drinking.
Lak. Lak. (no. No) And she showed gestures of baby. Milk. Diapers. No money. Saying something that she would prefer to have money then eat.
I looked at her daughter. She had scratches on her face. I asked why is her face like that? Showing gestures of scratches on my own face.
She said something. I only caught Saghir. (little).
Her daughter was scratched by her other little ones.
Then I looked at her and said again Lak Fulus?. I also pointed out that she has a nice watch, and her abaya looks good. Why is she begging? Which obviously she didn't understand.
I asked her where her husband is. She stared blankly. Hmmm. Then I remembered a verse in the Quran where Allah created a partner for Adam(a.s.) and some other verses about partner. Partner is Zaujah. I remembered only this word in my harfiyah. I am hopeless.
So I asked her Aina zaujah?
She replied something which I didn't know. I think she said her husband is dead.
I don't know. I don't really like the idea of begging. Approaching anyone when you look like you have the capability to work. But then I am a sucker also. I just hope she is not a con. But all given are halal from me. I gave her little one a chocolate drink as well. For she is a kid. Her mother had better be true. Dragging that poor child under the hot sun is just terrible.
She must have her own stories. Everyone does. It has better be a good one for the Yaummideen. Pray for her betterment.
So that was my rusty arabic for you. If I have an arabic friend I can get better.
Yesterday someone rang the door bell. I peeped through the curtain and saw a presumably Arab lady in her full abaya and her face covered. You can only see her eyes. She had with her a little girl, perhaps in the age of five.
I was excited actually. Is she a neighbour? Perhaps she wants to say hi. Maybe she wants to borrow some salt. I have plenty. Maybe her water pump was out and her daughter seriously needs to take a leak. Ah any excuses is ok if she wants to be my friend. I am desperate for one, I must say.
I went out to her and she said Asslammualaikum, the way an Arab say it. With a twang.
I answered with a smile.
Since I am female she lifted her veil. Then she asked me something in Arabic.
I said. Arabic shuay shuay
Then she said mama? something something in arabic.
Oh I think she wants the lady of the house. I said Ana ummi baiti(grammar is wrong of course) But what I wanted to say was I am the mother of this house. I hope baiti means my house.
Then she said something in arabic. Really long sentences. I concentrated hard for familiar words and her body language. I think she told me her name which I didn't catch and also she is from Iraq.
Then I caught the word miskin. Miskin means poor. Then she said something in english. No money.
Oh! I get what she is trying to say. She has no money and she wants some from me.
Hmmm..
I asked, Lak fulus? (No money?)
Naam. She replied nonchalantly. No sad look.
Then I asked..Ante akala? I hope it means you want to eat, showing gestures of eating. Little one? Wants drink? Showing gestures of drinking.
Lak. Lak. (no. No) And she showed gestures of baby. Milk. Diapers. No money. Saying something that she would prefer to have money then eat.
I looked at her daughter. She had scratches on her face. I asked why is her face like that? Showing gestures of scratches on my own face.
She said something. I only caught Saghir. (little).
Her daughter was scratched by her other little ones.
Then I looked at her and said again Lak Fulus?. I also pointed out that she has a nice watch, and her abaya looks good. Why is she begging? Which obviously she didn't understand.
I asked her where her husband is. She stared blankly. Hmmm. Then I remembered a verse in the Quran where Allah created a partner for Adam(a.s.) and some other verses about partner. Partner is Zaujah. I remembered only this word in my harfiyah. I am hopeless.
So I asked her Aina zaujah?
She replied something which I didn't know. I think she said her husband is dead.
I don't know. I don't really like the idea of begging. Approaching anyone when you look like you have the capability to work. But then I am a sucker also. I just hope she is not a con. But all given are halal from me. I gave her little one a chocolate drink as well. For she is a kid. Her mother had better be true. Dragging that poor child under the hot sun is just terrible.
She must have her own stories. Everyone does. It has better be a good one for the Yaummideen. Pray for her betterment.
So that was my rusty arabic for you. If I have an arabic friend I can get better.
Saturday, August 05, 2006
Word Sunday : Pristine
I have just finished reading "the five people you meet in heaven - Mitch Albom". I know I know its' an old story already. And nearly everyone has read it. Dah ada movie pulak tu.
It is more than natural that I thought of my mum all the way reading the book. Unlike many other good daughters in the world, I only learnt that my mum has dreams and likes after her death. I also got to know she has fears and hopes. That she was not just a mother. She was a person.
Sometime before her death, as narrated by my Mak Tam, she often dreamt of her mum, my late nenek. My nenek gestured my mum to come and follow her. Go to her world that she is in now. My mum woke up probably scared. She'd probably cried. I don't know. But she told my Mak Tam, she didn't want to go. Not yet. There are things she has not done yet. Unfinished business. (Actually when it comes to death, I don't think any thing is ever finished. There are always reason that we would ask given a choice to delay it unless under torture)
I find it chilling when I hear this story. Partly because of my late nenek kept coming in her dreams like a bad premonition. But also, I do wonder whether I am one of the unfinished business. I settled my hard feeling sometime last year which I have said often enough, I count my lucky stars for it.
You know I never did call her. When I want to tell my parents something, I called my dad instead. Or I ask Haziq to make the call for me. I regret that. Ever so often the wound throbs back in my heart and squeeze it tight as I sobbed to myself. However, I will always remember the last call I actually made to her. On purpose. I was already here in Qatar. My kids were still sleeping. I had her all for myself. No passing on the phone when we run out of subject.
I talked to her about the things that I wanted her to post over. All sterile subjects. Finally I made myself ask how she was. Not just because it is a standard thing to ask someone. But really how are you Ibu. She said sakit sikit-sikit je. Then I told her about my plans for my parents to come visit me for the next raya. That we bought an 8-seater car so we could bring them everywhere comfortably. That Mecca is near. That she should stay longer here. It was probably not as mother-daughter conversation that one should have, but I thought it was already beautiful as it was. I didn't ask whether she missed me and the kids though. Because it is just not the way we do things.
However, I have lifted the heavy veil , finally. It should be easier after that.
Only there were no other calls after. She was always in the bed each time I call or YM.
I have always wondered where did my pristine glass of youth go to? How did it got lost? Smeared by finger prints of adulthood? Cracked and jagged.
Well what are you waiting for? Go go call your mum. Make your day for your old life.
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Chocolat
I never did like chocolates you know. Especially those with the sticky caramel that will get in between your teeth. And the one with nuts that will get into your teeth. I thought it was such a pain to eat them. Oh the sweetness itself is a pain. Probably the only chocolate I ate was the bitter ones. More like nibbling I would say.Infact I am no sweet tooth at all. I didn't like anything sweet. So much so I even hated eating dates. Especially the soft ones. Oh the soft inner fillings were such pain to me. I dreaded going through fasting month because of them dates.
Pain! Pain! All these sweet things.
But but but I am now a convert. Evil has now possess me. I have changed. Something happened to me. I find myself enjoying chocolates now. Ahhh help!
Crunching the Snickers bar my lover brought home the other day. Ahh the caramel..ahh the crunchy nut. They are really good. Roll eyes. Roll eyes. And those Arab pastries. Such small sizes. Mini bites. Pop it in your mouth. And the taste of ghee, honey, pistachio all rush on your toungue. Swirl them in your mouth and let the sweetness linger a moment. Somehow when you finally swallow it, you forgot that it was too sweet the first time you tasted it. And on and on I pop it in my mouth.
Blame it on the 3 years stint of suffering the teeth braces. Not only that I wore those painful braces, but my dentist made sure that all my cavities are filled up. That my gums are in a good state. No more pain in the tooth! No more sensitive gums!
And hello sweetness. Come to mama!
This is a bad sign actually.
All those sweetneess goes straight to the derriere!
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