Time flies lightning speed

I am actually quite surprised at how time could really be so speedy. I am now nearing the end of my third PhD semester. So now i am left with another three. Phew...that is really fast. It was only last year that i graduated as a degree architect. 

So now, it is really time to struggle for my thesis. I am glad that my data had been collected and on going analysis is on its way, Syukur Alhamdulillah. Hopefully i can complete this task and start serving my family soon, perhaps in another 11/2 years, insyaAllah. Hoping hoping hoping... Hoping that i would get my doctorate by the time i am 27.

Is it too soon for me to start thinking of what to do next? So what will i do next? Work of course.. Can't wait for work..or perhaps, a second degree? I can never stop learning, can I? I want to learn something new and fresh.. BUT what  would it be? 

Wondering***

I think this is a wonderful quote. Taken from marketingartfully.com

Stop Wondering and Get Back to Work.

-.-

It really worked

Waking up for your morning prayers could be challenging to some. I believe with some extra practice that is with constant effort to try, one day waking up will not be a problem anymore, insyaAllah. I have copied an article from a friend's facebook post for me to share with other people who might want to know the tips on how to wake up for morning prayer. I usually experience difficulties waking up when i sleep in late the previous night. I have tried number (2) and it really worked. Alhamdulillah, hopefully i will not miss my Subuh again even if i slept late. 


~!!~ 14 TIPS ON HOW TO WAKE UP FOR FAJR ~!!~

1) Make sincere dua to Allah swt to give you the ability to wake up -MAKE BIG INTENTIONS

2) Read tasbih before sleeping (33 Alhamdulilah,33 SubhanAllah,33 Allahu Akbar)

3) Go to sleep straight after Isha Salaah

4) Avoid the shaitan button (snooze button).The only thing this does is make you miss the time of Fajr

5) keep the alarm clock away from easy reach. By doing this you will have to get out of the bed and ward off the sleep.

6) Don’t eat late! Try to eat at least two hours before you sleep. If you eat n go straight to bed you’ll feel tired while waking up and will feel sleepier.

7) Ask someone to wake u up.

8) Recite verse number 127 of Surah Baqarah and last four verses of surah Kahf before going to sleep. By reciting these verses if a person makes an intention to wake up at a particular time, InshaAllah one will wake up on that time.

9) If it is convenient take a nap in afternoon which is also Sunnah and also aids in waking up for Fajr

10) Fight the nafs and stand up .The nafs would say “a few mins more,” those few minutes will lead you to miss your Salaah completely.

11) READ the benefits of praying Fajr

**Aisha (RA) relates that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said about the two rakaats before Fajr ‘they are dearer to me than the whole world.”
(Muslim)

12) Spare a moment to think about yourself and how you will fare tomorrow in the presence of Allah (SWT), the Almighty, the Supreme. Do we want to depart in such a wretched state, without performing such a momentous obligation? Allah, Subhaanahu wata aala, says:

**“And Hell will be brought near that Day. On that Day will man remember, but how will that remembrance then avail him?” [Al-Fajr: 23]

13) Know that Shaytaan is good at making the Salaah seem like a chore or a waste of energy. But the true believer will know that Salaah is the greatest opportunity for every Muslim to have their sins forgiven, to earn Allaah’s huge rewards and to get to the Jannah that He has promised for all those who bow down and prostrate to their Lord. These are the ones who love to obey the commands of their Lord, and who are constant in Praying their Salaah.

14) When a Muslim goes to sleep, shaitaan ties 3 knots!

--To undo these knots in a Sunnah style:

~When you wake up do any form of Dhikr of Allah.. I.e:”Alhumdulillah”
** The first knot has been unlocked **

~Make Wudhu! Wash away the sleep & try and sleep with wudhu!
** The second knot has been unlocked **

~Pray 2 rakats!
** Knot 3 is unlocked! **

These 3 knots are what prevent you from getting up!

~REMEMBER! The punishment and then the rewards... Missing a few minutes of you sleep will bring you no harm, but having the few minutes of sleep, may just get u thrown into the hell fire.

**May Allah SWT grant us all the strength and motivation to wake up for Fajr everyday… AMEEN SUM AMEEN YA RABBAL ALAMEEN.**

So let us all try this tips together.. All the best :)

Stucked..

"Should I give up or should i just keep chasing pavements. Even if it leads nowhere?"

 Adele in Chasing Pavements

This song just got stuck in my head..

I've been listening to Adele playlist in my car these few days. That explains why i got this song stuck in my head. But, a big but there.. But this is not just a song to me, it is a song that carried a different meaning. Most songs would be talking about how sweet love is, or if they are not meant for each other or if you want to break up and so on. To me, as to how i interpret it ( maybe other people sees it differently) it is a song that tries to tell that a girl is in love with a guy that has not come clean with his feelings for her in return. Maybe because she has not confessed to him yet because she is afraid that he would reject her and she is positive that he would not return her love even if she does come clean. Anyways, this is purely my thought, it could mean differently though. 

This is the full lyric of this song:

I've made up my mind,

Don't need to think it over,

If I'm wrong I am right,

Don't need to look no further,

This ain't lust,

I know this is love but,

If I tell the world,

I'll never say enough,

Cause it was not said to you,

And that's exactly what I need to do,

If I'm in love with you,

Should I give up,

Or should I just keep chasing pavements?

Even if it leads nowhere,

Or would it be a waste?

Even If I knew my place should I leave it there?

Should I give up,

Or should I just keep chasing pavements?

Even if it leads nowhere

I'd build myself up,

And fly around in circles,

Waiting as my heart drops,

And my back begins to tingle

Finally could this be it

Should I give up,

Or should I just keep chasing pavements?

Even if it leads nowhere,

Or would it be a waste?

Even if I knew my place should I leave it there?

Should I give up,

Or should I just keep chasing pavements?

Even if it leads nowhere yeah

Should I give up,

Or should I just keep chasing pavements?

Even if, it leads nowhere,

Or would it be a waste?

Even if I knew my place should I leave it there?

Should I give up,

Or should I just keep on chasing pavements?

Should I just keep on chasing pavements? Or

Should I give up,

Or should I just keep chasing pavements?

Even if it leads nowhere,

Or would it be a waste?

Even if I knew my place should I leave it there?

Should I give up,

Or should I just keep chasing pavements?

Even if it leads nowhere

Its a unique song that i just got to like. Thanks Adele. Keep singing, please.

Look Who's Coming

Good Morning Wonderful People


Today is a very exciting day because it is baby Haziq Irfan's first time boarding the plane to meet grandpa and the rest of the family. I wouldn't say grandma because he met grandma a thousand times already.. Everyone in Kuching is so excited today waiting for the 3 months-old baby. He is the first child, the first grandchild and first great grand child of both side's macro family. Both parents are also first child of respective families. Now, you can imagine he is going to get lots of kisses when he arrive at the airport later..haha. 

So i wish baby Haziq Irfan a safe journey and may Allah protect you and your parents throughout your destination. I can't wait to join you there tomorrow. 

Hugs and Kisses <3

100% handmade

Flower Kerongsang 

A few new ones

Since i learnt how to sew in June 2012, i have developed deep interest in making dresses, hijab and crafts. Comparing the things that i have made, i love making my own flower kerongsang the most which i first learnt from a dear friend in uni. I have thought about starting a small online business for this particular handmade item but then again, probably later. I think I wont be able to cater customizations through online requests. Perhaps later when i finished my studies, i would sell it in my mom's hijab shops in Kuching, InsyaAllah.


All you need in making these are ribbon, lace, buttons, needle and thread. The only thing that is a little costly is the lace i suppose. These are some of the examples of what i have done. There were lots more but i didnt get the chance to snap pictures of them as i have already sold some to friends and family.

Materials

My Personal Favorite

One of the ways to wear it
(Kuala Lumpur, November 2012)

If you have any suggestion or comments on how to improve or add anything else to the design, please dont hesitate to drop your comments. Thanks ~

Applauding Sarawak Damai Central

When i was in architecture school doing my degree, the lecturers always reminded us to design for the people. Designing is easy but to design an effective social interface is not as easy as it seems. Throughout my years as an architecture student, i realized it is not just about designing something out of the box, but, it is how you plan and order things. How you connect things is rather important be it a tangible link, a visual link or any kinds of linkages.

One of the views from the restaurant. It was filled with people, as well as newly wedded couples if you can spot them capturing their wedding photo ( Dressed in turquoise) ( Kuching, October 2012) 

The lovely cousin at the lovely restaurant. Spotted a few family having gatherings and dinner parties here as well. (Kuching, October 2012)

A few weeks ago, i was given the chance to go to a special spot at the tip of borneo island. That is in Damai. There is a newly built social hub which i think is rather exotic and effective in providing not just a space, but a place. It is a scenic spot framing the beach and a place for social interaction. The place gives you an ambience of culture, picturesque setting as well as humble luxury suitable for all walks of life. A mix of regional and modern elements contributing to a wonderfully designed social hub. In a way, I give this place an A :)

More pictures once i get them all transferred later.

Plans and Schedules

Reminder..reminder..reminder...

I guess being a student has some advantages apart from unending deadlines. You can plan your study and holiday to suit your schedule.

There are a few trips i am excited about. Some are necessary but most are essential. The good thing is, i am the eligible family tour guide*. Dates to look forward to :)

1st December 2012 - Dad's birthday and nephew aqiqah in Kuching
7th and 15th December 2012 - Friends' wedding both in KL
22nd December 2012 - Friend wedding in Kuching
9th January 2013 - Jakarta family trip*
29th January 2013 - Cameron family trip*
4th February 2013 - Back to Kuching on semester break
17th February 2013 - Another Friend's wedding in Kuching

Wishing to go to the beach again. Now with new addition of family members makes it more exciting.
Self taken picture portfolio ( Kuching, August 2011)

There are also other important dates to look out for 

24th December 2012 - Progress Report Presentation (JB)
31st December 2012 - Submission of Journal Write up
31st March 2013 - Thesis Chapter Submission

So let's finish up our work before we leave ok? Work must come first........

“It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.” 

― J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Juggling Life

In the everyday life, I wish to balance up all my responsibilities. I really hope that in the creation of this new  (renewed) blog will enlighten me up and giving me a chance to log my experiences, be it about my study and research, spiritual, family, friends, hobbies, social life and all. 

So, as Jenny Hoople stated in her blog, the color purple and green give a great combination of balance life. Although both are not exactly my favorite colors, but  these colors symbolizes what i want in life. According to her, green embodies worldly balance and purple embodies spiritual balance. Green for the physical world, the natural world, a balance of life, of the life force. Purple for enlightenment, for balance of the immaterial, of emotional well-being.

Lets make it an aim in life to live life to the max. Never take life for granted and fulfill your dreams while you can.

“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” ― Mae West

So today, i wish to start out by merchandising the readers of this blog to a picture i found in my personal portfolio of self taken picture. i hope that this picture can uplift your spirits high as it did to me. 

Green and Purple are the two contrasting colors but they always look great together.
( Melaka, 2012 ) 

Have a nice day everyone. 

Marriage

Novermber-December

This is the time of the year when everybody plans to get married. And, me being the most eligible bridesmaid will be busy nonetheless. 

Speaking about weddings, it made me think of marriage life. I had a friend who got married quite early and she told me that marriage isn't just about planning for a grand reception or anything, it is about a phase of being ready, where you are required to qualify yourself while entering a bigger realm of life full of responsibilities. 

This has made me realized that we need to strengthen our aqidah, straighten our akhlak, and be true to our niat before stepping into the married life. Because it is not just about loving someone for the rest of your lives, but it is also about carrying responsibilities on your shoulders, and by responsibilities, i meant; Family(s). 

I know i need a lot to learn, prepare and nurture before i get into a relationship. Therefore, i take this thankfully generous given time, to get myself ready mentally and spiritually because, someday, i will be married for a lifetime, not just a day. 

To those out there planning your wedding in the near future, i wish you all the best in entering a new phase of life. May Allah bless you always. 

Here are some pictures of my role model:

When they were young
( Singapore, 1981)

Alhamdulillah, blissfully married for 30 years
( Labuan, 2005)

* My Inspiration , My Parents *