Of course its not the highlight of the trip. I would be performing the umrah (a 'minor' haj, pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca). I would get to circle the Kaaba (below) seven times (tawaf) and most probably shave my head bald (halq).

Yes, I am nervous.

Am I ready? I have a lot of friends asking me that.

Well, it is a big deal. Visiting the holy city, the cradle of the Islam civilisation. Going back to my roots. To the roots of Islam.

"Are you sure you are ready?"

"I don't think you are ready..."

Well, SHUT it.

I'm not sure. And who are you to doubt me?

I'm leaving it all to God's grace. And maybe, you should too.

So instead of doubting me, congratulate me.

Labels: holidays, Islam

Labels: ugly Singaporean

Just to prove a point to my Mum that I can be as much of a green thumb as she is (or if not better... haha...). Bought the seeds a few days ago and man, do they grow fast.

Day 1; after planting the 'kuacis' (seeds) the day before.

Day 2; they were beginning to look like 'tauges' (beansprouts).

Day 4; they are beginning to look like weeds growing all over the place...

This entry is lame so far, no?

Well, its not the real surprise. I'm sure some of you could have guessed what the big surprise actually is. Been dropping hints in the last few entries.

And some of you have even said it my taggy.

Yes, I am going to be an uncle. My sister and bro-in-law are going to have a baby.

An uncle... Can you believe it? Though it won't be the first time if you include all my cousins' kids (heck, I'm even a grand-uncle; see story here) but it would be my first immediate nephew or niece (the gender is not determined yet).

Here 'she' or 'he' is. At 9 weeks old.

I don't have to tell you where is what. Kinda obvious. And the little arms were moving when they were looking at the sonogram. Aiyoh... So cute.

And they have already picked out names for the baby. If its a girl, she would be named after my bro-in-law's favourite character in this particular Malaysian movie (and its two sequels). And I'm kinda proud to have 'played a part' in naming the baby cause it was me who first introduced him to the movie. And if its a boy, they are going to name him something I was already thinking of naming my son... Argh... They 'stole' my son's name!!! Kidding lah.

My sister is now 2 months pregnant and you still can't tell yet (from the way she looks). I could have guessed it at the beginning, more than a month ago. Even before the results were positive. My sister's vomiting and the food craving. It was so obvious. So its true. The cravings are real. Late night suppers plus loads and loads of snacks.

Haiz... I am suddenly feeling like my 'biological clock' is also ticking away (muahaha...). I look at babies now and I will go so goo-goo-gaa-gaa (if there is such a word). Babies are sooooo cute... I want one too. (Gosh... I think I must have scared away some potential girlfriends... muahaha...)

Baby steps, Shazi. Girlfriend first.

Haiz... Plus, a friend's engagement recently didn't help to keep my 'biological clock' under check. Haha.. Speaking of which, Happy Engagement Dianah.

All the best moving on to the next step in your life (while I'm still crawling like a baby... far far behind...).

PS: I was actually stooping low in the last picture. Get that right, I am not shorter than Erman. Hehe...

Labels: personal

Of course its not the highlight of the trip. I would be performing the umrah (a 'minor' haj, pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca). I would get to circle the Kaaba (below) seven times (tawaf) and most probably shave my head bald (halq).

Yes, I am nervous.

Am I ready? I have a lot of friends asking me that.

Well, it is a big deal. Visiting the holy city, the cradle of the Islam civilisation. Going back to my roots. To the roots of Islam.

"Are you sure you are ready?"

"I don't think you are ready..."

Well, SHUT it.

I'm not sure. And who are you to doubt me?

I'm leaving it all to God's grace. And maybe, you should too.

So instead of doubting me, congratulate me.

Labels: holidays, Islam

Labels: ugly Singaporean

Just to prove a point to my Mum that I can be as much of a green thumb as she is (or if not better... haha...). Bought the seeds a few days ago and man, do they grow fast.

Day 1; after planting the 'kuacis' (seeds) the day before.

Day 2; they were beginning to look like 'tauges' (beansprouts).

Day 4; they are beginning to look like weeds growing all over the place...

This entry is lame so far, no?

Well, its not the real surprise. I'm sure some of you could have guessed what the big surprise actually is. Been dropping hints in the last few entries.

And some of you have even said it my taggy.

Yes, I am going to be an uncle. My sister and bro-in-law are going to have a baby.

An uncle... Can you believe it? Though it won't be the first time if you include all my cousins' kids (heck, I'm even a grand-uncle; see story here) but it would be my first immediate nephew or niece (the gender is not determined yet).

Here 'she' or 'he' is. At 9 weeks old.

I don't have to tell you where is what. Kinda obvious. And the little arms were moving when they were looking at the sonogram. Aiyoh... So cute.

And they have already picked out names for the baby. If its a girl, she would be named after my bro-in-law's favourite character in this particular Malaysian movie (and its two sequels). And I'm kinda proud to have 'played a part' in naming the baby cause it was me who first introduced him to the movie. And if its a boy, they are going to name him something I was already thinking of naming my son... Argh... They 'stole' my son's name!!! Kidding lah.

My sister is now 2 months pregnant and you still can't tell yet (from the way she looks). I could have guessed it at the beginning, more than a month ago. Even before the results were positive. My sister's vomiting and the food craving. It was so obvious. So its true. The cravings are real. Late night suppers plus loads and loads of snacks.

Haiz... I am suddenly feeling like my 'biological clock' is also ticking away (muahaha...). I look at babies now and I will go so goo-goo-gaa-gaa (if there is such a word). Babies are sooooo cute... I want one too. (Gosh... I think I must have scared away some potential girlfriends... muahaha...)

Baby steps, Shazi. Girlfriend first.

Haiz... Plus, a friend's engagement recently didn't help to keep my 'biological clock' under check. Haha.. Speaking of which, Happy Engagement Dianah.

All the best moving on to the next step in your life (while I'm still crawling like a baby... far far behind...).

PS: I was actually stooping low in the last picture. Get that right, I am not shorter than Erman. Hehe...

Labels: personal

1. Hebitch in the Middle East
2. Arabian Nights
3. Excuse me!!!
4. The surprise is... I am going to be...