This Is Home, Truly

We have just celebrated Singapore's 51st National Day yesterday. For us at home, it was a day of complete bliss, Alhamdhulilah. A day to just chill and enjoy one another's company, on a weekday. Mum made some simple, yet comforting food for breakfast and lunch that always soothes our souls. Dad slept in till much later than on usual weekends (we all did actually).

AZ and I wanted to catch up on some movies from the Internet, but we ended up with other activities - we both felt it wasn't just a movie day. AZ with his computer games, and I with my books. 

And Brother had a good break after his shift at work too.

Sitting back in the afternoon after lunch, and while waiting for the National Day Parade to come on 'live' on the television, I had some inspiration to bake. Especially since Mum had decided to make some lovely vadai for dinner. And so I made some cranberry muffins with a newly-bought muffin pan that (finally) fits our oven.

And as we munched into our very early dinner and immersed ourselves in the spectacular performances, a first for a parade held at the new National Stadium, humming along to the classic songs related to this place we call,Home - it sure was a time for reflection for me.

Thinking of my dear Mum's cute antics on insisting I take pics of her 'work of art' as well while I was snapping shots of my muffins, brings such a huge smile right here, right now. Bless all our Mothers always, Ya Rabb. Ameen.

Watching the parade live at the Padang, Marina Bay or from home always brings on some beautiful emotions. As with recent years, it's hard not to drop a tear or two - either when reciting the pledge, mouthing the lyrics of the National Anthem or when watching with absolute awe when the Apache Helicopters salute the State Flag with such style and splendour it so deserves.

(I am sharing this link for fellow Singaporeans who may be reading this space - not that you have to agree with the author though. I did, every bit, and was beaming with pride as I was reading it. Seriously lah! ;))

Probably at this juncture, also because, I have had far too many things on mind (to complain about, and sometimes, compare with others about, Astagfirullah!) that I probably have forgotten to be thanking Allah for all that abundance I already have been blessed with. Instead, I have spent time on some weeks with some negative energy. 

AZ (May Allah bless him, Ameen) has been keeping me level-headed and reminds me to have sabr (patience), and even more than that, shukr (gratitude) every time we are tested.


Privileges are aplenty in this tiny dot that we live in and I should keep thanking Allah for everything that we have here - good homes, great neighbours, a good job, considerate and tolerant colleagues, and Bosses who appreciate flexi-work hours, and above all, a supportive family. Alhamdhulilah.

Everybody has struggles, only that they are all different.

May Allah keep us all in good Iman always, and may we all remember that in end, everything belongs to Allah. And this dunya (world is only temporary).

Moments From Our Jubilee Weekend...

It has been almost a month since we, Singaporeans, celebrated our 50th National Day on 9 August. So, this is a really late post.

But I think this is a good time to share these photos - a lil portrait of how far we've come, and how much Allah (S.W.T) has blessed this tiny little red dot.

I am aptly reflecting on this - as the country is at its half-time campaign period - for General Elections.

We had an extended Jubilee weekend, and AZ and I decided to spend the National Day at some of the places where special activities were lined up for celebrations.

They bring thoughts of peace, progress and prosperity - so cliché you may think - yet that's the truth.

Every new day, we thank our Rabb for the Singaporean identity.

Here are some of our moments in photos.

Sentosa's Siloso Beach had sand sculptures on display that depicted our history. There was also audio references playing in conjuction to that episodic era.

But all the chatty, curious visitors - locals and tourists included - around the sculptors kinda really hampered the sensory experience.

But then again, I am not complaining, as there have been sufficient sources to listen to these conversations on national radio and TV.

At 9 am that morning, we also heard, for the first time, the country's Proclamation of Independence read by our late former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew. You can read more here.

The late Mr and Mrs Lee amidst the Singapore landscape and landmarks.

Merchants selling spices and all the trades we read in our textbooks that our pioneers carried out along the shores of the Singapore River.

A scene of Mr Lee announcing Singapore's separation from Malaysia, and him tearing on the uncertainties ahead screened on TV; people watching this at a coffeeshop exhibiting similar emotions.

AZ and I also made a trip down to the old Tanjong Pagar Railway station. Now a national monument of sorts, the place came alive with a carnival. Here are some photos too. There were more of course, that we posed with people dressed as 'Samsui Women' and 'Coolies' of yesteryears. Unable to share these hear though, as I realised we didn't take separate shots of them on their own.

Me in a posed shot. Items used in the early years... some of which Mum still safekeeps at home! The round flowered tray. Masha-Allah.

AZ and I in a photo moment. Of course, we were also decked in red wear themed with Singapore's national colour.  AZ wore a red jersery and I wore a maroon hijab. I, in full display of national pride and AZ was just soaking in the atmosphere with me!

In the morning, our first stop was actually to watch the air show put up by the Black Knights of the Republic of the Singapore Air Force. We had planned to be at Marina Barrage's South Pier by 12 that day. Allah (S.W.T) had better plans for us, as always. Traffic was expectedly heavy and we got down at this spot, alongside with others heading there too, and caught the show from where we stood.

Two planes that have just turned back after their aerial performance. Stunning in every moment.

AZ and I had some Eid guests later in the day and decided to head back from Sentosa when I thought it would be nice to hop into a Cable Car. It's AZ first time on that ride too, and we had a tranquil scenic half-hour to ourselves high up in the skies.

The view from the cable car.

AZ and I decided to spend the day with the activities for the Jubilee weekend, not because it was an extended weekend, but we just felt it was special and we thought I should take pride in these celebrations. I, for one, am really thankful for our leaders in this country. 

These are just my personal reflections. Singaporeans are going to the polls on 11 September. It is my wish that all voters make wise and sound decisions. In-Shaa-Allah.