Tag Archives: open house raya

Ramah Tamah

Posted in Good Things, Parenting, Family and Relationships by

More than 30 years ago, ramah tamah or open houses during festive seasons were uncommon. They were around but mostly organised by public figures or workplaces. For the rest of us, it is mostly just coming up to the house that we’re planning to go and pay a visit. Rarely there was a formality of giving a call first, announcing the arrival and whatnot. Simply because cell phones were not invented yet and to own landlines is a luxury. Instead, it was a culture where, when a guest shows up at your door, you honour them accordingly and serve them food and drinks with anything you have.

Memuliakan tetamu

That’s the word. The great thing about this is that the visits are personalised. You get to give your full attention to those who make time to see you because they want to. Thus, the house is always at its best. Always polished and clean as you never know when someone is coming to say Hi. The not-so-fun part is that you’d end up receiving guests every single day during a festive occasion. In modern times, it can be a hassle because you’re tied up with other commitments – family and job. Hence, we see more people organizing ‘open Houses’ where they can entertain their friends and family in one session. Convenience trumps it all. You still love the idea of meeting everyone but you need your own peace of mind as well.

Datanglah ke rumah

A phrase that is understated nowadays. People are just not sure anymore if it is a sincere invitation or small talk. I do know I rarely say it to others because I don’t want it to happen. Ha ha. I will be ready to receive unexpected visitors once I clean my porch and fix the bathroom at the end of the aisle. Even then I still look forward to entertaining and hosting – not now, one day. Ironically I’ve got all the props, knicks and knacks to make it happen. It’s the energy that I don’t have.

Attending Ramah Tamah

It is almost compulsory that every organisation holds their own Ramah Tamah. My workplace has one too with a different concept every year. This year we are doing it outdoors and although I was not part of the committee, I was keen to contribute. I bought a huge banner that has a picture of a wooden house to be put up as a decoration. The same banner was recycled by my sister for her Ramah Tamah at school. I thought it looked amazing.

My 32nd Birthday

Posted in Everyday Life, Good Things by

I am 32 years old this year. And I celebrated my birthday as though I was 13. I had the presents, the cake with candles and all. Even a surprise birthday song from friends. I couldn’t wish for more. And as usual, I did some reflection or muhasabah diri as we call it – on my ambitions, success and failures.

I reminded myself that Quitting KKM is not a wise option at the moment. Definitely not to think about for the next 3 years. However with likelihood of consideration for the next 5 years after that of course. Ha ha – thus this keeps me focused to not be lead ashtray by promises of financial freedom and debt free, when in fact I still owe JPA a few hundred thousand ringgit of study loan for my medical school fees.

Birthday morning started with a present wrapped in Mr Husbands very own kain pelikat – which he said was inspired by the extreme cheapskate TV programme. I was honestly hoping to find a recycled bday card as well in the package. I got a bag + purse combo. Like any woman’s life motto, one could not have too many bags hence I welcomed the new addition to my current collection with very open arms. Later that day, I attended the Raya Celebration event organized by my unit.

Venue : Hospital compound

Photos credit to Wan Luffy Kowt

We had the heavy meals like nasi impit, bihun, rendang and spaghetti. Then there was the luxury of satay, hotdog sticks with lots and lots of cakes. The Raya event coincidently fell on my birthday to which I was overjoyed. It felt very syok sendiri to think that ‘we are all gathered here to celebrate the golden years of beloved MInci’ – fofular lah sangat. I was not let down as I had a surprise birthday song and cake to go with it.

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What I liked about the whole surprise thing was that it reaffirmed my role not only as a wife, mother or friend. In fact, it was a subtle recognition that I was a woman of my own. That people recognise and accept me for who I am and not as Mr bla bla ‘s wife or Ee’s mom per se. I was someone who got to where I was at my own terms – or at least so I hope. It’s like when someone mentions your name – people identify you by traits special to yourself instead of first imagining your husband or son before finding that particular face referred to as His Wife or His Mother.

Its worthwhile to review your life in Milestones rather than a yearly review. I’d rather see and measure my self worth at intervals of 30 years old and later at 35. Of course, one should always strive to do their best every year and attain smaller goals to materialize bigger ones. I am no exception. Being 32, I am happy and grateful for what I have today – my family & friends, my career and work colleagues. 

These are my social support. These are the people that I hope could turn to when I am at my most worst or sinking in my own sorrows. Also the people I’d go to when happiness strikes and I want to share and celebrate. That give meaning to what I do everyday. I hope these are the people who would miss me and find me should I go missing one day. And bottom of it all. I hope these 3 major circles of my life would intersect with each other in a harmonious manner so I could perform as the best version of myself in dunya and akhirat. InsyaAllah. Here is to my 33rd birthday next year.

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