Salaam. You know what, as I sit and type here alone in my house, I only have praises for Allah Almighty in my heart. Although the weather outside is raining, with dark clouds and thunder clapping, but it is only joy and gratitude within. And you know why? Coz things are looking good for me. My last medical checkup shows my kidney to be functioning well, my liver cirrhosis is still in controlled state, despite the polyps that the doctors discovered recently. And I asked my favorite student@v.good doctor about the polyps, he said that as long as my liver functions are okay, it will probably be best to just leave the polyps alone...o I will leave those polyps well alone...hehehe...
And then of course, there is my first novel, finally born....I am thrilled to bits..and friends in school have something designed to celebrate the publication of this first novel. I am very very very embarrassed by it all....don't really know how to react. I just hope my novel wont disappoint them...
And most recently, we have been told that my new house is about to get the CF shortly. O please God, I am very hopeful and so looking forward to celebrate Raya over there. Water and electricity are available now. So you know what, hubby and I have decided to go ahead with our plan to celebrate raya there, even though we wont be moving in just yet, with or without CF. So we have met up again with our dear landscape artist, Mr. Loo, and confirmed our decision to have the garden and pond built, and he has immediately mobilised the work. And once again, I am so excited and thrilled to bits...coz you know why...more than the interior renovation of this new house of mine, I want a garden and a pond with running fountain for me to soothe my tired eyes after a hard day's work...while I sit on the chair on my wooden deck overlooking the pond and sip my hot cup of tea or vico...Aaah....that is the life for me now...And perhaps during the holidays, I might wake up early in the morning, and do my writing outdoors, the quiet sound of the running fountain a source of inspiration to me. O dear, I can't wait for the garden and pond to be completed. To my dearest hubby, thank you very much for understanding my wish, I highly appreciate your understanding, and thank you Mr. Loo for realising this wish of mine.
But above all, thank you Allah..for all YOUR blessings. With all my shortcomings and handicap, YOU never fail to make my dreams come true, one by one, and I know that YOU are always watching me, despite the moments when I have forgotten YOU. Just give me the strength o Allah, to be a grateful servant to YOU. O Allah, I can only hope and pray that YOU never ever abandon me, despite all my weaknesses and shortcomings.
And please Allah, bless all those who are dear to me too...my family and friends alike...and uncle and auntie...
p/s: And finally all praise be to Allah for the recent election in Permatang Pauh... God is the Best of all planners....and He knows Best!
Wednesday 27 August 2008
Friday 22 August 2008
Reflections
On 3rd of September 2007, I wrote a post called In Honor of Friendship. In that post I pay tribute to my friends who have passed away, namely Rose, Azland and Maulud. And I said that if my effort is realised, it is Inshaallah in memory of them.
Well you know what? The effort is realised. My first novel is finally out! And I dedicate that book to you guys. May Allah bless your souls and may He place you guys amongst the pious and the succesful. Ameen.
Well you know what? The effort is realised. My first novel is finally out! And I dedicate that book to you guys. May Allah bless your souls and may He place you guys amongst the pious and the succesful. Ameen.
Thursday 21 August 2008
Its Out - Finally!!
Salam. You know what????MY BOOK IS FINALLY OUT!!! Yes and I am so excited..my first baby...how can I even begin to describe my feelings of elation right now...what has always been in my computer now has a beautiful front and back cover, synopsis all in one.
So please...please...please... you guys out there, friends, family, students...support my effort okay. I come by the pen name Alma Zakiya (publisher's choice), and the title of my very first novel here is AFTER THE RAIN. Very affordable - only RM10.00..please get a copy for your children, your spouse, yourselves...:-)
For your support and encouragement. all this while. ..I THANK YOU ALL MOST SINCERELY...and HUMBLY.
To BLOOM, an imprint of ALAF21 - THANK YOU FOR ACCEPTING MY MANUSCRIPT...and start me off...
front cover
the back cover
the pen name
So please...please...please... you guys out there, friends, family, students...support my effort okay. I come by the pen name Alma Zakiya (publisher's choice), and the title of my very first novel here is AFTER THE RAIN. Very affordable - only RM10.00..please get a copy for your children, your spouse, yourselves...:-)
For your support and encouragement. all this while. ..I THANK YOU ALL MOST SINCERELY...and HUMBLY.
To BLOOM, an imprint of ALAF21 - THANK YOU FOR ACCEPTING MY MANUSCRIPT...and start me off...
front cover
the back cover
the pen nameTuesday 19 August 2008
20 years
Salaam. today marks the 20th year of my renal transplant. The first renal transplant in Malaysia was performed 16 years before my renal transplant! I hope the man is still doing okay. Whatever it is, God has been kind to all of us.
I had forgotten about today, until, this morning, when, during my extra Biology class with 13/27 students came for the extra class (not bad, just below 50% attendance), by the name of Yuthisthran, was given a happy 17th birthday wish. When told of the date today, it came rushing back to me about the importance of this day.
And so, after lunch, I went to Secret Recipe and bought a delicious Banana Chocolate cake to celebrate with most beloved sister, donor, ONI who happened to be at her daughter's house, Emma, together with her 2 grandsons, Imran and Adam.
And so we had what turned out to be a little cosy yet merry party to celebrate the 20th year of my renal transplant.
But you know what, I think I am going to make a little bit more elaborate "makan" for this occasion for the rest of my siblings, seeing that Ramadhan is now just round the corner...if Allah so Wills.
a special thank you cake for a very special donor!
Sis Oni cutting the "transplant cake!"
Donor sis and recipient me together...after 20 years...
I had forgotten about today, until, this morning, when, during my extra Biology class with 13/27 students came for the extra class (not bad, just below 50% attendance), by the name of Yuthisthran, was given a happy 17th birthday wish. When told of the date today, it came rushing back to me about the importance of this day.
And so, after lunch, I went to Secret Recipe and bought a delicious Banana Chocolate cake to celebrate with most beloved sister, donor, ONI who happened to be at her daughter's house, Emma, together with her 2 grandsons, Imran and Adam.
And so we had what turned out to be a little cosy yet merry party to celebrate the 20th year of my renal transplant.
But you know what, I think I am going to make a little bit more elaborate "makan" for this occasion for the rest of my siblings, seeing that Ramadhan is now just round the corner...if Allah so Wills.
a special thank you cake for a very special donor!
Sis Oni cutting the "transplant cake!"
Donor sis and recipient me together...after 20 years...ALL PRAISE TO ALLAH - 20 YEARS ALREADY!
Salaam. It is now 2130 hours - and I am stuck at chapter 5. Its not for the lack of plots and ideas, but more on how to connect one episode to another. So, whilst I wait for inspiration, I might as well write something on this blog...not simply write, but because 20 years ago, today, holds a very significant event in my life.
I cannot even begin to thank Allah that it has been 20 years already that I have gone through my renal transplant. Gosh...the wonders of modern medicine and modern science never cease to amaze me...and the miracle of God...yes, for every little thing that passes through our lives, that we take for granted, they all are miracles to me after my new lease in life ...from 20 years back. While many females shudder at the thought of sweat, I am grateful for being able to sweat again for these past 20 years.. a sign that my system is on the go, and that it is removing excess heat, and excess urea and nitrogenous waste products from my body. Trust me, it is no small deal when your body fails to remove excess heat from you - it makes you feel like being in a state of perpetual low grade fever - a very depressing feeling, I assure you.
Today I am taken back to that fateful Tuesday (wow ..and it was a Tuesday too), when my most beloved sis, ONI, and I were wheeled to the operation theatre for the transplant. I was a horribly thin (38kg) individual, dark, with dry skin and pale lips and childless...and now 20 years later, today, I am this chubby woman, still dark, but no longer pale and my skin is no longer dry. And above all, I am so grateful to Allah that I feel as good as any other healthy person out there. And you know what...many people are taken aback when I tell them that I am a renal transplant patient. My appearance today, all praise be to Allah, does not, in any way, give away any telltale sign of being a transplant patient. Even the moon faced syndrome due to steroid intake has reduced quite considerably.
But above all, above all, the greatest miracle following my transplant are my two handsome, intelligent, obedient young sons, Ashraf (who now prefers to be called Ilman, excuse me) and Zakiy. I am forever thankful to God for them both; I mean even some healthier women are childless today, but I am so blessed to be given this second chance in life.
And although taking steroid is not without its adverse side effects, I have been living this good life for 20 years now. Of course I pray that I live for many more years, in time to see some of grandchildren at least, but these 20 years of life, on most part have been very good to me, with both my boys beside me. My fate is in God's hands, and He is the Best to decide when my time is due... I surrender my fate to His Will. Allah has been kind to this servant of His, and today I stand humbled, and repentant over my sins and wrong doings. Yet, I believe that Allah, His Most Merciful accepts me as I am, weakness and all...I believe that of my Creator...
And it is for this love of God, you know what, that I am so thankful to all - my sister Oni, my husband, my parents, my brothers and sisters who all love me very much, and I can feel their love every moment, all the doctors, especially Dr. Zaki Murad, and my uncle, Dr. Prohoeman (who retired and returned to Sumatera just after my transplant), the nurses and all those who have crossed my path, relatives, friends and students who have prayed for me...THANK YOU all and may God reward you....
And as for my 2 gem - one of you guys, if not both...please be a doctor, and do service to mankind...at least I can comfort myself knowing that I have contributed to the good of mankind, through the both of you.
Whatever that comes now, and after this, I shall learn to take things in my stride. I was in my mid twenties when I had my transplant, and now I am in my mid forties...times have changed, many things have changed, some loved ones have come and gone, I have had my shares of ups and downs, my share of tears and laughter, my fill of joy and heartache. And you know what? All of this is possible...because of this day, 20 years ago, when I was given a new lease of life...and because of it, I embrace life now... and all it has to offer. And God knows best.
with a nephew, Emir just before transplant
with another nephew, Jimmy, just after transplant...fighting for the "most chubby" trophy!
still able to celebrate yet another birthday, all praise be to Allah!
and to fool around on other people's birthday - Mak's recent birthday.
I cannot even begin to thank Allah that it has been 20 years already that I have gone through my renal transplant. Gosh...the wonders of modern medicine and modern science never cease to amaze me...and the miracle of God...yes, for every little thing that passes through our lives, that we take for granted, they all are miracles to me after my new lease in life ...from 20 years back. While many females shudder at the thought of sweat, I am grateful for being able to sweat again for these past 20 years.. a sign that my system is on the go, and that it is removing excess heat, and excess urea and nitrogenous waste products from my body. Trust me, it is no small deal when your body fails to remove excess heat from you - it makes you feel like being in a state of perpetual low grade fever - a very depressing feeling, I assure you.
Today I am taken back to that fateful Tuesday (wow ..and it was a Tuesday too), when my most beloved sis, ONI, and I were wheeled to the operation theatre for the transplant. I was a horribly thin (38kg) individual, dark, with dry skin and pale lips and childless...and now 20 years later, today, I am this chubby woman, still dark, but no longer pale and my skin is no longer dry. And above all, I am so grateful to Allah that I feel as good as any other healthy person out there. And you know what...many people are taken aback when I tell them that I am a renal transplant patient. My appearance today, all praise be to Allah, does not, in any way, give away any telltale sign of being a transplant patient. Even the moon faced syndrome due to steroid intake has reduced quite considerably.
But above all, above all, the greatest miracle following my transplant are my two handsome, intelligent, obedient young sons, Ashraf (who now prefers to be called Ilman, excuse me) and Zakiy. I am forever thankful to God for them both; I mean even some healthier women are childless today, but I am so blessed to be given this second chance in life.
And although taking steroid is not without its adverse side effects, I have been living this good life for 20 years now. Of course I pray that I live for many more years, in time to see some of grandchildren at least, but these 20 years of life, on most part have been very good to me, with both my boys beside me. My fate is in God's hands, and He is the Best to decide when my time is due... I surrender my fate to His Will. Allah has been kind to this servant of His, and today I stand humbled, and repentant over my sins and wrong doings. Yet, I believe that Allah, His Most Merciful accepts me as I am, weakness and all...I believe that of my Creator...
And it is for this love of God, you know what, that I am so thankful to all - my sister Oni, my husband, my parents, my brothers and sisters who all love me very much, and I can feel their love every moment, all the doctors, especially Dr. Zaki Murad, and my uncle, Dr. Prohoeman (who retired and returned to Sumatera just after my transplant), the nurses and all those who have crossed my path, relatives, friends and students who have prayed for me...THANK YOU all and may God reward you....
And as for my 2 gem - one of you guys, if not both...please be a doctor, and do service to mankind...at least I can comfort myself knowing that I have contributed to the good of mankind, through the both of you.
Whatever that comes now, and after this, I shall learn to take things in my stride. I was in my mid twenties when I had my transplant, and now I am in my mid forties...times have changed, many things have changed, some loved ones have come and gone, I have had my shares of ups and downs, my share of tears and laughter, my fill of joy and heartache. And you know what? All of this is possible...because of this day, 20 years ago, when I was given a new lease of life...and because of it, I embrace life now... and all it has to offer. And God knows best.
with a nephew, Emir just before transplant
with another nephew, Jimmy, just after transplant...fighting for the "most chubby" trophy!
still able to celebrate yet another birthday, all praise be to Allah!
and to fool around on other people's birthday - Mak's recent birthday.Saturday 16 August 2008
mid term school break!
Salaam, usually I would be elated whenever school break comes. But this time, I am just relieved it is finally here. Too much work in school, plus the impending tension of my baby's upcoming UPSR exams. He got 4As and a B for his trial - which is a bit upsetting for me...hopefully he will perform better for his real exams. And then as soon as school reopens, big boy will be facing his trial SMA exams. I hope he will perform better than little brother. So, there wont be any distant traveling throughout this holiday. Not even for my niece Ana's engagement event in Kuala Terengganu tomorrow. Sorry Ana...but anyway, congrats!
And you know what? It is as if the system is envious of us teachers enjoying a holiday. As usual, I am bogged down with exam papers to mark..the PMR trials. And on top of that I am going to do extra Biology classes for the 5th formers in school, beginning Tuesday right up to Friday. I don't really mind that actually because that would help me catch up with the syllabus with those boys. The only worrying thing is the turn up on Tuesday. I just hope they will all turn up and remain steadfast for the rest of the 3 days. But before that, on Monday I have yet to go for my routine medical check up. Pray God that all will be well.
But one thing is for sure, I am going to utilise this holiday maximally with writing as much as I can with my second novel, Inshaallah. Because you know what???? Yea...I have just received my first advanced royalty for my first novel. And you know what that means? It means that inshaallah, my book is that close to being in the book stores. O God ..I am soooo excited. To all friends and family who happen to read this post...please please please support me and get a copy for yourselves okay. ;-)
O and one more thing, Mak, will be released from hospital today, after 1 week in hospital because of atrial fibrillation. She is now put on Warfarin, which renders her blood thin, so we must all make sure that she doesn't injure herself. All praise be to Allah, hope she will feel better now. Is there anybody out there who knows about warfarin and advise me on it? Its pros and cons... or direct me to a good website to enlighten me on the matter?
Okay..gotta get back to my second novel, while I am still in the mood. Somebody asked me how far I am with the second novel...its progressing ... its progressing...
And you know what? It is as if the system is envious of us teachers enjoying a holiday. As usual, I am bogged down with exam papers to mark..the PMR trials. And on top of that I am going to do extra Biology classes for the 5th formers in school, beginning Tuesday right up to Friday. I don't really mind that actually because that would help me catch up with the syllabus with those boys. The only worrying thing is the turn up on Tuesday. I just hope they will all turn up and remain steadfast for the rest of the 3 days. But before that, on Monday I have yet to go for my routine medical check up. Pray God that all will be well.
But one thing is for sure, I am going to utilise this holiday maximally with writing as much as I can with my second novel, Inshaallah. Because you know what???? Yea...I have just received my first advanced royalty for my first novel. And you know what that means? It means that inshaallah, my book is that close to being in the book stores. O God ..I am soooo excited. To all friends and family who happen to read this post...please please please support me and get a copy for yourselves okay. ;-)
O and one more thing, Mak, will be released from hospital today, after 1 week in hospital because of atrial fibrillation. She is now put on Warfarin, which renders her blood thin, so we must all make sure that she doesn't injure herself. All praise be to Allah, hope she will feel better now. Is there anybody out there who knows about warfarin and advise me on it? Its pros and cons... or direct me to a good website to enlighten me on the matter?
Okay..gotta get back to my second novel, while I am still in the mood. Somebody asked me how far I am with the second novel...its progressing ... its progressing...
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