Fascination with animals

Dancing with the deer at Deer Farm at Kuala Gandah, Lancang, Pahang. 041110










May friend, Bob, commented that I have an expression of fascination with animals as I watched the great Richie, the male orang utan eating his food at Semenggoh orang utan rehabilitation centre in Kuching a few years back. It didn't hit me then but now I realised that animals, especially wild ones are creatures of mystery and I am always fascinated by them. I felt sad, angry and disgust when I saw woods, secondary forest or jungles being cut to make way for human greed. I wonder where do the animals, the little insects etc go when their homes are being destroyed. National Geography and Animal Planet programs have a great effect on my outlook on animals and I am grateful for that.
So when My sister-in-law, Kak Nor, came down from Adelaide to attend Izrin's wedding on 24 Oct 2010, I took the opportunity to take her to Kuala Gandah Elephant Rehabilitation Centre and the Deer Farm. I have not been to see Bong and Siput for almost 2 years and I am sure the 3 year olds have grown to be bigger, and they are. I couldn't recognise them until the mahout pointed them out to me. There are new young members in the centre and my eyes teared when I saw Selendang walked on 3 legs as one foot was missing caught in a cruel trap set by heartless humans.
I fell in love again as I have fallen in love with Bong and Siput. This time with Tapis, a one year old baby elephant abandoned by her mother. She is still being bottle-fed. Unfortunately the battery of my camera gave way at this point and was not able to record her orientation to human beings that day. She was so adorable and good for Rania to get to know her. As a baby she still has thick wiry hair on her head and body. Hugging Tapis was exhilarating.



I had a good time and so was Kak Nor. We laughed so much seeing the antics of the elephants being bathed in the river. Kak nor refused to bathe with them in the river as she saw some of them relieved themselves dropping huge body waste in the flowing river. No matter how much I encouraged and persuaded her, she declined but got in the river to play with the 2 young ones. I just watched. Riding bareback on the elephant was another amusing experience for her as for me 2 years ago.


The day ended with much joy and satisfaction. I was glad to see Bong and Siput though I had no opportunity to get close to them. Maybe on my next visit. The centre is undergoing face lift. New landscape, car park and office are under construction. It would look more attractive once it is ready but I still wonder why the government doesn't charge entry when maintaining the centre is an expensive affair. I was disappointed when my request to volunteer at the centre was rejected. I don't ask for payment but just allow me to do whatever is needed to help the animals and the centre.
In the morning, we stopped at the Deer Farm nearby. I met En. Abdullah again, the owner. This is another delightful place where we can play and feed the deer. Kak Nor and I had a good laugh and scream when the deer rushed to get their feed. But on that day the deer had enough food and many were too lazy to move from under the cool shade of the trees to us. I love to see these wild animals roam free in the vast enclosure with plenty of shaded trees.



Kak nor took courage to hold the python. This python was small when Najidah and I first visited the farm but now it has grown. I refused to touch it. I am not attracted to snakes and crocodiles, no thank you. I can do without them.















We drove back to my house in PJ before dark. I can't see well once it is dark which makes me nervous. I am glad Kak Nor enjoyed the visit and I hope when my nephews, Shah and Raz came back to Malaysia one day, they too could visit this place.

My son's wedding

After the akad, Izrin signing marriage document. 24 Oct 2010.





















Mom is behind Izrin, to lend support before the akad.












Loving hug to my son after he became a husband.












Maz arranging the hantaran. I can rely on her to play my role.








Selamat pengantin baru to my young man, Izrin and his lovely wife Haidi. I heaved a sigh of relief to see my rebellious son is happily wedded to his long-time girl-friend, Haidi. To me even though he is a husband and all grown up, is still my baby whom I dote. With my two daughters, they are the light of my world and I will die for them. I have difficulty convincing Izrin that I love him - it has been so since young. His sisters sometimes don't understand my devotion to this son of mine as they often enough saw him treat me so unkindly. They suggest that I should just forget about him. I suppose it's hard to understand mother's unconditional love unless you are a mother yourself. Ika will understand this having Rania in her life and I hope Maz and Izrin will, once they have children of their own one day. I am really proud of my two daughters and my son.
Since Izrin's got engaged last year, I have been looking forward to the wedding. Unfortunately, just a few days before the wedding, we had a fight and I almost gave up, not wanting to have anything to do with him or the wedding. Maz was so upset with the incident, she drove to PD almost at midnight to console me. I do appreciate that and know that she loves me. Ika was upset too and kept on calling to make sure I was OK. But that had passed and forgotten and everything was OK. Izrin apologized profusely and I hope he will learn to be grateful and really appreciate and love me as his mother by showing respect.
With my sister-in-law, Joriah's help, she prepared his simple and elegant hantaran which I liked very much. I am also very happy to see almost everybody in my family turned up, including nieces and nephews and their children.











Part of the hantaran prepatred by sister-in-law, Joriah Johan. Visit her blog joriahjohan.blogspot.com



















Befotre the akad.









On 24 October at 8.00 am most of my family members gathered at my house to go with Izrin for his akad nikah ceremony. Many went first to wait near the bride's house. We left the house at 8.45 am and the bride's side called to say that the Imam was already there. With a convoy of cars we couldn't drive fast in case some cars get lost. On the way, Rudi, Izrin's best friend and best man, called to say that he has to stop at a petrol station to go to toilet. My poor son, weak stomach and nervousness made his stomach go haywire. We laughed and teased him after that.
The akad ceremony was a boring event. The Imam was so long-winded with negative stories about behaviour of some couples he did akad nikah. I was disgusted. What happened to other couples have nothing to do with my son's marriage. The blabbering was interrupted when Izrin said he has to go to toilet again. Some sighed with relief with the break, some giggled. I know that my brother, Mahir, who led the entourage on my side, has tuned off. The Imam questioned about rukun Islam. Why was he turning the akad nikah ceremony into an examination slot for religious knowledge? Both the bride and groom have attended the marriage course and there is no need to waste time, trying to make the groom looked ignorant with such questions? I wonder why the Jabatan Agama Islam does not train their Imams to akad the couples graciously. Many such religious persons (including other religions) suffer from 'I am holier than thou' attitude.
Anyway, the reception at Bukit Jelutong went on well. It was a small do for me but so glad to see many of my invited guests came, including long time friends whom I have not seen for years. I invited just a handful of ex-students, not because I am selective but by accident I managed to hand over the invitation by hand. My apology to them - it's not because I have favourites but it was just convenience.

Izrin and Haidi after bersanding with Rania.







Family photo. Left: Maz, me, Izrin holding Rania, Haidi, Ika and husband Justin.










Left: Maz, sister-in-law, Katleen (Nor Ariffah), me, the groom and the bride, Rania, her mom Ika and dad, Justin. Extreme right is Rudi, Izrin's best friend and best man at the wedding.







Thank you very much to all my guests who made time to come . I do appreciate it.


Photo with the bride and groom, Anis (my ex-student) and husband, Omar.







To Izrin and Haidi, my doa that both of you are happy and successful in your life. You have a long way to go. Good luck and may Allah bless you both.

Glaucoma update 2

It's has been quite a while since I logged in about my glaucoma. Sad news, I don't have anything exciting to share here. I just have my eyes checked again by Dr. Tajun after Raya. My next appointment with UH is in mid October, oo long to wait to find out my eye presure. Unfortunately, the result of the eye examination is not so encouraging.
So if anyone of you meet me and look me in the eyes, don't be surprised to see both of my eyes are red. They're red all the time. Don't worry, it's not conjunctivitis and it's not contagious. The new eye drop that helps to lower my eye pressure is the culprit but I'd rather have red eyes than having my eye pressure sky rocketed. I told the doctor I would continue with the drop but there are quite frequent explanations to be done when people comment on my red eyes. My eyelids are drooping as well that make my eyes which are already small, smaller but it's not due totally to glaucoma but also due to aging. In the morning, my vision is not so clear and my eyelids open just a fraction. Dr. Tajun recommended me to do some minor plastic surgery to open up the eyelids. Ah..... that's the hassle if you suffer from glaucoma and aging but I am eternally grateful to Allah for giving me time till now to enjoy the world.
I am quite a delinquent in exercising since I have Rania and spent most of my time in PJ. I know, my doctor has repeatedly reminded me to exercise regularly as the exercise will help to regulate the blood flow to the eyes. Like many others, I have tons of excuses why I don't do it but they're just excuses. My daughter Maz paid and persuaded me to go to the gym with a personal trainer to attend to me. I did for a while but when fasting month came it was a convenient excuse to stop going. Not long ago, it was me who made noise when my children didn't do what they were supposed to do but now my children played the part of parent. To have peace, I went again last Friday and I promised my dayghters and myself that I would go regularly. God, help me to keep my words please!!!
Now I avoid driving at night or if it is hazy because of heavy rain, unless the road is familiar to me. My eyesight is not good enough to keep me safe on the road in that condition. But I hope I have many more years to write my blog and do things independently, insyaallah.
Sight is a precious gift from God. So please take care before it's too late.


Early in the morning with red eyes and Rania is sleeping peacefully in my arms 260910

Quiet time?

After a hectic 3 days Raya in PJ, I decided to go back to PD to have quiet time to myself. As usual before leaving the house I would make sure Mok's food was filled, gave his medicine, swept and mop the floor, watered the plants and swept the garden. It's my habit to leave the house clean as I know Ika would not have time to do all that as Rania would take most of her time. It's a cool, windy day and I took Rania out to the garden while I watered the plants and swept the garden and at the same time talking to her and she responded with shrieks and babbles. It was lovely to see her so happy but Rania is always a happy baby.
My desire to have a quiet time in my apartment was shattered by loud music which could be heard for miles. I just don't understand why some people like to turn on their radios so loud without regards of other people around them. This is another Malaysian attitude that I abhor - selfishness and self-interest. It's pointless to complain, nobody listens, the security guard couldn't do anything. Right now my ear drums almost burst listening to extremely loud Indian and English music played by a group of people who seemed to have a good time, disregarding the comfort of others. I guess I made a wrong decision to buy this place which was promised to be a heaven, about 20 years ago.
In spite the irritatingly stupid noise down there at the lagoon, I went on checking and updating my book 'Boleh Saya Tolong Anda' which was first published in 1989. I think this updating version is better in keeping with the development and progress of Pembimbing Rakan Sebaya program. This is the first book in Malay ever published on the subject and I am pleased to see that the program has progressed to a higher level. Thank you to all my readers and supporters and hope you won't photocopy my book anymore. Please buy the published version once it's in the market next year.
I think I am going out now, just can't take the noise anymore. Will be back tonight hoping it's going to be quiet again.

Second day Aidilfitri 2010

Rania, with your Nek Utih, my younger sister at her house in Melaka.










Saturday 11 Sept 2010 is the second day of Hari Raya Puasa. We went to Melaka to introduce you, Rania, to my older brother, Pak Anjang and wife and younger sister, Nek Utih. We started late leaving our house, taking time to prepare, bathe and feed you before we could move on. It was after 11 am when we left and to our disappointment, the highway to Melaka was jammed with traffic and that slowed us down. But along the way you were such a good traveler - you slept and played and talked to yourself when you were awake. The delay was made worse when I didn't remember exactly the way to Nek Utih's and Tok Anjang's houses and I had to call them many times to direct the way, especially to Tok Anjang's house.
You see, your parents seem to forget that I am getting on with my age and I do forget things especially when I seldom go back to Melaka and the place changed so much. So phone calls were made several times and we lost our way which delayed us. Finally, after exchanging some impatient words, we found Tok Anjang's house. Nek Utih's house was easier to find. There are times when I felt I'd rather go back alone to see my siblings, rather than going with my children but I know if I don't insist going back with your parents, you might not meet your uncles and aunties and thus they become strangers to you.
Every year is a struggle to get your Pak Su, Mak Yang and your mom to visit their relatives and nearby neighbours. I think I have done something not right by raising them to be such antisocial which definitely doesn't come from my side of the family. Please my little 'jantung pisang' do not adopt such attitude. Keep in touch always and pay a visit sometimes to your cousins, uncles and aunties as your are not living alone in this world. They are the ones whom you may fall back to when you face trouble, who knows?
Everybody wanted to hold you. We were lucky that Nek Busu Rai and family arrived at Tok Anjang's house and they were able to meet you. I am really proud of you, my angel. You were such a sociable and happy creature, smiling most time. The long hot journey bothered you a bit but you didn't complain nor cried except when you were hungry, of course. It was really a pleasure to be with you. I hope next time your dad will remember to fill up the gas tank full, that finding a place in a kampung is not in GPS and traveling with Nenek needs patience as she forgets things. For your information, my love, I will try to avoid traveling with your parents unless it's absolutely necessary.
The drive back to PJ was quite a nightmare. It took hours to arrive back in PJ and I felt sorry for you as I knew you were tired. But the day was quite an adventure for you, wasn't it?

Aidilfitri 2010 for Rania

Friday 10 September 2010, Selamat Hari Raya Puasa, my 'jantung pisang' Rania. This is your first Raya in this real world but you are not aware of it yet, being just almost 5 months old. Your mom dressed you in sweet pink, then our family, including Mak Uda, Angah and Su Kamalia went to visit my third oldest brother, Fuad, at his daughter's condo in Mont Kiara. This is the first time we had the opportunity to beraya with Tok Lang after so many years. Usually he spent his raya with his in-laws.







Your Tok Lang is diabetic and his right leg has been amputated. I know he felt restless and frustrated, not being able to do things on his own, especially driving his car to anywhere he fancies. Now he has to depend on his wife and daughters to take him to wherever he wants to go, if they agree to do so. Above all, they control his food intake - no more sugar. He hates it but I know it is for his own good.
As your Tok Lang grows older he looks more and more like your Tok Moyang, my father. Your Tok Moyang would love to see you and would dote on you as I am. Your Nek Moyang also would feel the same, would spoil you rotten. They would be so proud of you as they had with all their other grandchildren. I went to visit your Nek Moyang's grave yesterday morning at Bukit Kiara, before Raya day. I did this almost every year to avoid the congested crowd at the grave site when relatives would come to pay respect to their loved ones who have passed on. Surprise! So many other people have the same idea and the place was just as crowded. I hope when I am gone, you will be able to visit my grave and read me yassin and al fatihah. Perhaps you could persuade your mom to do the same. You would also try to keep my grave attractive with pretty flowering plants as you know I love plants - green and flowering ones. You can see at your garden now, I have planted pots of colourful flowering plants and make the garden more cheerful. That's where I take you to almost every morning to listen to the birds. And I love to see you smile when I sing 'Lompat si katak lompat' to you. Your smiles, your babbles and your shrieks really make my day.
You have a 3 months old second cousin there, Adli or Gibon as he was nicknamed. With a mohiccan hair style he looks so cute but to me you are the cutest of all. Ok, I know I am biased!!










Your Mak Yang playfully salam and asked for forgiveness from your mom, her older sister. Looking on are your dad and your auntie (Tok Lang's daughter, Ailin)









We did the ritual of salam raya asking for forgiveness with my brother ( being the oldest there) as the head of the clan, then me and Mak Uda. We had such fun time arranging everybody according to age taking turn to salam raya. The little ones collect duit raya - not much but it was fun. Your aunties forgot about you, being so little, but your nenek reminded them of you.
So you were included in the ritual of receiving duit raya and promptly you chew the envelopes. I always like this ritual which your Tok Moyang insisted so that all his grandchildren from 11 children know one another. I tried to keep this practice intact but it wasn't the same. I hope your mom and dad will continue this ritual once I am gone.
You were the star attraction being so marvelously well- behaved - no crying or whimpering. Instead you were wide-eyed curious to see so many people wanting to hold you. You smiled so charmingly and tried to soak in the different faces around you. On the little swing your auntie put you, you promptly lulled yourself to sleep.
When the time came to go home, you were wide awake again. Being a tall guy, your dad carried you so effortlessly to the car and again you felt asleep easily once the car started to go. It was quite an adventure for you today. I am so proud of you.
You will always know my 'jantung pisang' that your grandma loves you to bits.
May you have many, many more happy hari Rayas my love.

Sambal Ikan Bilis

Aidilfitri this year seems to be the same as the previous years. I know a lot of people are busy cleaning and redecorating their houses, we don't. Oh yes I forgot, the house that I live in now is actually belongs to my daughters. I have transferred the deed in their names. So, I am just a visitor there but in actual sense it's still mine. She doesn't seem to realize that she has a valuable asset in her name. Taking care of it and taking responsibility to upkeep the house have not fully sunk in her mind yet. The furniture and the furnishing are about 20 years old and they are bored serving the household. Mom sometimes still has to take responsibility but she is retired and tired. The house I worked so hard for since young, seems to have no soul and looks so drab (sigh.....)
Living in PD gives me peace but Rania pulls me back so strongly. So I am in PJ most time. On top of that Mok is suffering from renal failure and needs to go for dialysis at least twice a week.
So this Raya eve, I cooked sambal tumis ikan bilis which everyone seems to enjoy, including Justin. Some friends asked how I cook it. Believe me, I am no great cook and cooking is not my favourite activity but I am quite successful in cooking one or two dishes! Sambal sardine and ikan bilis seem to receive overwhelming approval. To all those great cooks out there, please don't laugh because cooking sambal is actually a child's play.
To those interested, this is how I cook it.
1/2 kilogram of small ikan bilis.
2 cups of ciling giling - get the ready-made ones
2 bawang besar
10 garlic
1/2 bottle of vegetable oil
A fistful of asam jawa

1. Wash and clean ikan bilis at least 3 times to get rid of the excess salt. Let it dry for a while.
2. Cut bawang besar and garlic and put aside.
3. Make thick asam jawa juice, about 2 cups.
4. Put oil in a pan to deep fry the ikan bilis with medium fire. Fry until medium crisp. Put paper towels in a big bowl and transfer the fried ikan bilis in it, letting the paper towels seep in the excess oil.
5. With the ikan bilis oil, fry onions till cook, then pour in cili giling. Here, you have to be careful. You need to stir the cili and onions repeatedly. Let the cili cooked. You can see this by having the oil float on top of the cili. If it is not properly cooked, then your sambal will be hot (pedas). If it is overcooked, your sambal will taste bitter and dry.
6. When you're happy that the cili giling is cooked properly, put in the fried ikan bilis, mix well. Slowly pour the asam jawa juice, stir. The sambal shouldn't be watery. Taste for salt and asam. Usually the ikan bilis is salty enough.
7. Cook a few minutes and turn off fire. It's good if you drain the excess oil and throw it away. Taste it, add salt or asam juice if you are not happy. Good luck.

The sambal is good with rice, ketupat, nasi impit and any bread and it can keep for some time. It's simple. Even though I make it so often, I fail to achieve satisfaction sometimes - too hot, too oily, taste bitter etc etc. So I don't guarantee the best result if you follow this recipe.

Selamat Hari Raya and maaf zahir batin.