Just My Two Cents Worth

Hello to my dear blog....missed you! Haha! 

The urge came and so my itchy fingers starts to move....

Yup...SG just had its general elections....a big win for PAP! Yippee! (Guess you can tell which party got my vote?)

Well...what I am putting up here is solely my personal views & actually nothing against nobody ok? 

Ok...basically all the other parties in SG have something against PAP (the ruling party)....not happy with this la....not happy with that la....but tell me please...can anyone be able to make everyone happy? 

Education

People complain at the education in SG. If it's one of the best education system in the world....pls tell me what exactly is wrong with it? It's the people's perceptions...the way they see & perceive things. Kiasuism makes SGeans strive for the best but at the same time they are feeling the pressure....and when that happens...they blame the system. 

'Normal Stream'....'Express Stream'...the terms used are apt. But that's not how people perceive them. To the people generally...'express' is the normality & 'normal' is for slower learners....and so there are more express classes than normal classes. 

Because of kiasuism....parents send their kids to sch as early as 2 years old? Poor kids....

And with that...the children are very much prepared once they reach P1...and thus introducing ABC no longer is suitable for P1...thus increasing the gap amongst the children. So...is the system to be blamed or the parents? 

And look at the ITE colleges....they are comparable to polytechnics if not grander....the govt don't diversify education....it's the people & their perceptions. 

Oh yes...education is expensive? Well, that depends on your choice of sch...isn't it? 

Yes...I am one of them who attended PAP kindergartens then...in fact, all my siblings too. Our dad was the sole breadwinner....but none of us was shortchanged especially when it's abt education. Thanks to PAP kindergartens...which was the only affordable one my parents could send us to....and who ever said the kindergartens are not as good as the private ones? 

I agree that all schools are good schools....the only difference is that there are the elite schools. And elite schools does not mean the schools are better. Well, yes....the kids from elite schools are performing better generally....you know why? Because they come from elite families or rather rich families? They have all the tuition & enrichment classes in the world! And so...the middle-income wants the same for their kids....coz express is normal...and then they start complaining...education is expensive....tell me what? 

Oh...and they are those...who worked themselves real hard....to get places in elite schools for their children....they are willing to move from HDB to condos....and then what? Complain that education is expensive....that living is expensive? What???

Housing.

Please...please...please....tell me if you see anyone living at void decks or any open areas....tell me. Practically...everyone has a home in SG even if it's rented. Now...life is never fair....never. We can never fight for equal rights for everyone coz then there will be no value to effort & hard work. If you are doing well...you can afford private housing...if not HDB flats are affordable....thanks to CPF. What? Not affordable? Tell me first what type of house you are living in....then tell me what is not affordable. And to think...complains come from the middle-income earners. 

Yes, housing is expensive here....but there are other countries where the housing is much more expensive. Look at the space....look at the demand....economics you see. 

Hijab.

I am a Muslimah wearing hijab myself...and thus far, have never felt prejudiced against by anyone here. SG is a multi racial country...alhamdulillah...every race or religion is able to practise their respective faith freely here in SG. 

The current topic seem to be the hijab...in uniform groups. First...there are countless jobs out there that allows hijab....why be so adamant abt being in uniform groups? Next....in Islam...women are not encouraged to be like men much more to take over the jobs of men....so why be so adamant to be in uniform groups? 

And please...do not put all blame on that one man in charge of Muslim welfare....tell me how is he to fight for hijab when there are Muslimahs not wearing hijabs? Put yourself in his shoes. 

There is this group of Muslims who are faithfully following the dos and donts while there exist another group who are just doing the opposite....if Muslims wanna blame anyone....blame our own community. 

Oh...and can you please don't be so adamant abt working in uniform groups dear ladies.....before the Govt changes mind and start calling women in for NS! Spare me! Oh....I might be over the age already? Then...spare my daughter please! 

I'd say we have one of the best & cleanest Govt in the world. A govt that moves us from having nothing to having almost everything...even surpluses. While we are the people...we need to also see from the govt's view. How a child is not able to accept rules set by the parents....how students are rebelling against teachers....isn't it similar to people complaining against its govt? 

These are just some of the topics brought up during the GE. Viability dear Singaporeans....viability. 

Much as a govt shld think of its people....it also have to think of the country....it must be able to work both ways. If parents give in to their children, it's labelled as pampering....how abt a govt giving in to its people's demands....what is that supposed to be labelled as? 

If the country prospers....if the people are doing well....tell me what is wrong with the govt then? 

Teachers' Day 2014

Today is a school holiday to commemorate Teachers' Day. This year's Teachers' Day celebration at my sch is spread over 2 weeks. Hehe! Well, actually we had our Teachers' Day dinner last week & this week was just celebration in school.

This is the 2nd Teachers' Day with my current school. Both last year's & this year's celebrations were rather simple compared to previous years. Being a new school with only 2 levels & thus not as many staffs...the celebrations were perfect! In fact, costs saving too! Lol! 

Simple bonding time with colleagues over a wonderful buffet spread is just too precious. To be able to have everyone at the table, enjoying food together...sharing stories...laughing off silly jokes...priceless!

And the celebration in school with the kiddos...simply makes one forget that they were the ones who'd often drive teachers up the wall! Haha! 

Truth is...they are just who they are...children! Sometimes, how I wish I'd be able to turn back time...be the child that I used to be. No worries about anything...no need to plan anything...no need to do as much as what I have to do now. 

And when it comes to having fun with them...they are just wonderful kids! ❤️

To be a teacher was my childhood dream...and alhamdullilah...I am one now. Thank you Ya Rabb! 

Have always looked up to my teachers...my primary school teachers...secondary school teachers...JC teachers...even the lecturers in tertiary institutions. 

The knowledge that they passed on to the students...to make sure that what is taught is understood...is mastered...is a job too noble...I thought. 

I remembered writing a composition about my ambition...and I wrote why I want to be a teacher. 

'Teaching is a noble job. Without teachers, there will be no doctors, no lawyers, no bankers, no ministers & not even teachers...' And even until today...I still believe as such. 

Happy Teachers' Day to all educators out there! ❤️

Gardens by The Bay

Went to Gardens by The Bay yesterday for staff learning journey. It wasn'ty first visit there but it was my first visit to the domes. Skipped the domes with the kiddoz coz they won't be able to appreciate the flora...if only entrance was free...ggrrrr!

Nevertheless, the domes were amazingly beautiful. It's be worth to have a feel of it at least once. 

But what made the visit enriching was the information shared by the guide. And the visit was made all the more fun with people whom I spend my everyday with...my colleagues. To have awesome & crazy lot as colleagues is always a blessing! 

And a plus was the monopod that I purchased recently. I used it to the max yesterday...haha! Even the colleagues were having a blast with the monopod...serious! Check out the vidz and pics below yourself! 😘

Girl Power! Or rather Girls' Power?

Been a challenging week. Not sure why but somehow felt that time is moving slower this year...
Anyway, what's up with the post title? Well, this week began with a bad note. Mum had a bad fall a few days back. Had to be brought to hospital and we, sistaz, gathered there to be with her. For hours, mum was at A&E for treatments & examinations...and we were basically just waiting. To just see that she is well taken care of.
Then mum was hospitalised and the singles among us took turns to take leave to accompany mum at the hospital...thank you so much darlings!
And when mum was discharged...the others took turns to take care of mum at home coz dad ain't that strong either.
I am just so blessed to have such beatiful & loving sisters. Thus far, I am the only one who hadn't taken leave to attend to mum except for the day that she fell...and luckily, that was a Sunday.
Myself has been away from work for a couple of times...mostly for Aqil....his appts, his circumcision, his P1 entrance to special sch. Its never nice to be away from work too often...especially with my kinda work.
Alhamdulillah for my lovely sisters...it was never a problem or a burden to begin with. Each of them volunteered to take leave from work to help care for mum. Thank you so much again ladies! ❤
And tmrw, dad is scheduled for a cataract. InsyaAllah, it will be a smooth one. Our 3 youngest sistaz...they have been taking care of both our parents the longest thus far...and indeed this is a very challenging time for them.
And thus...the post title Girl Power! When we sistaz stay strong together...

Tendefresh Classic

Another food review...well, I might have to rename my blog if more food reviews are gonna come up...haha!
But since the food reviews are gonna be about halal food...so I guess its quite apt to blog about them here...don't you think so? Nyehehehe!
And so...was heading towards Al Azhar (a common & famous place for late night dining in SG) with the husbern after my class earlier when we chanced upon this chic looking outlet.
Tenderfresh...a well-known halal eatery with many outlets but this one is the trendiest I believed. Welcomed by a Malay/Muslim lady, we entered the place.
Very nicely done up eatery...chic & cool...those kinda youngsters love to hangout at. Then we noticed there's no halal sign...and so we enquired about it. And we were assured that they are just waiting for the approval...and that we are not to worry coz Tenderfresh is halal certified wholely.
Simply love the concept of the restaurant/cafe...and with plants, bottle of olive oil & a lamp-looking ornament on the tables, I can say the place is very nicely done up.
The menus are placed above the ordering counter...big & clear for all to see. However, the place only accept cash for now coz its newly opened.
Apart from the chic concept of the restaurant, the menus are defintitely more than a typical Tenderfresh outlet. The names are sophisticated too & the food presentation was quite impressive.
We managed to try only 2 of the menu items since it was our first time there...the Aglio Olio with Succulent Chicken & the Handmade Burger. And with utmost affirmation...the burger deserves a 6-star recommendation.
The beef patty was handmade from minced meat...which was then grilled. And served atop melting cheese with vegetables & their signature sauce tucked between a sliced-up grilled bun. The cheesy & smoky taste of the burger was simply beyond words! Yummeh!
Definitely a nice place to hang out with family & friends...go check it out ya! ;))

Paul

And so I decided to blog about Paul Boulangerie & Patteserie here instead of my other blog...well, since the content will be more abt food & feedback on the cafe instead of my family, I thought it's more apt to blog about it here as the other blog is more about my family! ;))
Nevertheless, both blogs are mine! So who cares huh? Hehe!
So then...on Sunday, I had a date with my man of coz! Must still continue with the dates eventhough we've been married for more than a decade ya! ;))
We finally decided to pop in at Paul...a French Boulangerie & Patteserie located at the centre of the city in the air-condition comfort of a mall, Ngee Ann City.
Have heard about it, have googled about it...and so we decided to check it out. Well, we can still have some coffee if it turns out we can't consume anything there.
Paul is said to be Muslim owned...but here it has yet to be certified halal. We were happy to see some Malay/Muslim staffs upon reaching the cafe...we could do some spying you see! Hehe!
We were thus seated and given the menu by a middle-aged Malay/Muslim lady who was donning the hijab. We enquired about the status of the cafe & were told that it has yet to be certified halal however, it is Muslim owned & all ingredients used are from halal sources. And totally no alcohol in the cafe & kitchen.
As we were browsing the menu...our eyes were browsing around too. We noticed there were a few Malay/Muslim staffs who were well deployed in the kitchen, in the bakery & in the cafe.
We interviewed another lady who works in the bakery next...she too gave the same response. And so without hesitation we placed our orders. We were indeed amazed by the food there...they were really good. The staffs were friendly too.
All their bakes are handmade...which even include their butter that we requested for a second helping of their baguette & butter! Thumbs up!
Now many would say that it'd be better to eat at outlets that are halal certified. Well, it is of coz but personally, I am one of them who are not so particular. Of coz I'd check out the outlet prior to trying out their food. There are a some eateries which do not have halal certifications too...these includes names like Fluffbakery, Penny University, Le Parisian to name some in SG. Even in Msia, places like Tony Roma's, Chilli's and TGIF too do not have halal certification but Muslims are flocking in...and these places even serve alcohol....so what's your take?
For me...as long as I consciously know what I am consuming without any suspicion...insyaAllah, all is good for me.
Paul definitely serves gourmet food which are awesome! We even grabbed some pastries at the bakery...thumbs up too! Thus we fell in love with Paul...will be back for it!
Oh yes! My man & I love food and we can't deny that! ;))

It's International Women's Day - 8 March

It's International Women's Day today! A tribute to all women all over the world! Alhamdulillah...am blessed to be born as a woman.
Was kinda busy settling work-related stuffs and also some personal stuffs since morning. And it was this morning too that I read abt 2 happenings which robbed people of their happiness.
Don't ask me why...but I just personally feel that the 2 incidents might be related...in some way. Now...I hereby emphasise that this is but just my personal opinion...what I personally think. Period.
First major incident was the missing report of MAS airline plane MH370. On board were some 200+ passengers heading to Beijing. The craft was reported undetectable...even after more than 12hrs, it is still reported as missing. Nothing was found as this is being typed.
This hit Msia hard. Twitter, Instagram & Facebook were filled with posts abt the missing plane. On Instagram itself, Msians were posting & re-posting black screen...to symbolise the sadness that engulfs them.
On the other hand, news of Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim being sentenced to imprisonment today can only be found in Twitter...that too because I was following DSAI's tweets. Now...again, this is my personal views...you may agree or disagree. All these years, ever since the case started...I don't believe that DSAI is guilty of his charges. Years and years...in & out of prison...swollen eyes...punched up face...but still, he didn't admit guilty. As a Malay saying goes...'berani kerana benar' which translates 'staying strong coz its the truth'.
And among the tweets, there were some that saluted DSAI's wife Dr Wan Azizah...
And as I reflected, today is indeed such a coincidence...International Women's Day, DSAI's sentencing & MH370 tragedy...just too coincidental that it was playing in my mind the whole day...until my husbern went "Aik...still on this topic?" coz I was sharing my thoughts with him abt it.
I personally feel the tribute tweets for Dr Wan Azizah were kinda appropriate. She has been standing strong by her husband since the day everything started. She didn't waver...even till today. Such a strong woman...a strong wife she is. Today being IWD...today being the day her husband being sentenced.
And so...I was thinking what I would have done if I were in her shoes. Would I be able to be as strong as she is?
And then...it just sort of dawned on me. Coz news of MH370 came as a shock for most of us...coz Msia is so near. MAS which can be said to be one of the safest airlines...Boeing777 which is said to be one of the best craft...met with a mishap. Innalilahi wa innalillahi rajiuun..
And the plane is yet to be found...it disappeared frm radar...and no traces yet to be discovered.
Again...putting myself in Dr Wan Azizah's shoes, as a wife, as a woman...the strongest weapon that I have will be doa. After fighting strong side by side with her husband, when her husband was sentenced...her heart must have hurt so much. If I were her...after all the fight and still faced with the imprisonment of beloved husband, the only way a woman has left is to turn to Him.
And subhanaAllah...such power does a woman has when it comes to the doa she makes...
If it was me...my doa would be "Ya Allah...if my husband has really been wronged...pls show to them..." As a woman...as a wife...I am sure Dr Wan Azizah is almost dried up of her tears. Msia has made a woman cry...and now Msia is 'crying'.
SubhanaAllah...SubhanaAllah...SubhanaAllah...Sesungguhnya Allah Maha Agung...
My heart goes out to all the passengers & crew of MH370...may their family stay strong overcoming this tragedy.

*this is but just my personal thoughts...*

Commemorating World Hijab Day 1st February

Thought that its kinda appropriate to post a blog today in commemoration of World Hijab Day - 1st February. Something which fits this personal (and a bit narcisstic) blog of mine! Hehe!

Hijab...mandatory for all Muslim women. Hijab is not an option. But 'hijab' does not mean "a good woman". Well, to me personally. We can't just place a judgement on any woman just by the hijab. Everything is from within...the heart matters.

While browsing all the online posts with regards to World Hijab Day...it just dawned on me when I started wearing the hijab...

Its was June 1999. I had accompanied my grandma for a small pilgramage trip aka umrah. It was a 2 weeks trip and I was able to step my feet on the holy land of Mecca & Medina....which I hv yet to visit again ever since. I was 18...prime of my teenage years.
I had just finished my 'A's the year before that. My best friend then got a place in NUS...and I didn't. It was a setback. So I volunteered to accompany my grandma then...to grab the chance to see the holy Kaabah...to make duas in front of it....coz they will be fulfilled...insyaAllah.

So I made my duas...abt my future...my studies...my career...my partner ( I had known the husbern then )
And alhamdullilah...I received an offer for teaching soon after & my family (especially my fierce like tiger Abah) accepted my boyfriend then well. And that might explain why I got hitched at an early age! Haha!

The 2 weeks of umrah and ziarah was simply beyond words. Every single day...I was donning the hijab. Never missed a single solat...masyaAllah. Alhamdullilah...
Hence, upon return...the hijab stayed till today. The fortnight has made me so used to donning the hijab that it felt kinda 'naked' not having it on.

And again, I'd like to emphasise that the hijab does not mirror a person fully. I, myself, is not anywhere good yet.
Let's work to be the best Muslim / Muslimah we can be...insyaAllah! ;))

C

Hijab...why an issue?

Ohhh myyyy!!! Chk out my last post date! Lol!
And today...just browsing my FB newsfeed, one of an acquaintance's post got me thinking. An interesting post indeed...to me at least...as a Muslimah donning the hijab.

Issue of hijab was brought up...why was it not allowed in some government uniformed organisations...why? No...I was actually asking WHY WAS IT BROUGHT UP?
SG was never & is not a Muslim country...what right do citizens have to make it a right to allow hijab in such government bodies? Hijab was never ban in SG...never! Only in some government bodies, while donning the uniforms, the hijab is not allowed.
Well, Muslimahs...there are other jobs? If we were to go back to the holy book Quran...women are in fact not encouraged to be working...mingling with the opposite sex...so why work?
And...a sad but true fact...how are we, Muslimahs who don the hijab, as taught & requested by our religion, to even make wearing hijab an issue when other non-donning hijab fellow 'Muslimahs' are actually making it 'a point' for the government to debate on?
Seriously...if the hijab issue is gonna cause unsettlement...resentment...it is a wrong move. Islam do not encourage this.

Dear fellow Muslimahs, be happy...be satisfied...bersyukur ;))

Neither black nor white...

Went to KL last weekend for a food spree! Wasn't really targeting on shopping coz did the shopping the week before with my sistaz when we did a crazy 40hrs rendezvous!
But they had this sale in the court of the Putra Mall which is part of the hotel we were staying in Sunway Putra Hotel.
Saw lots of palazzos on sale! Hence I went craaaazzzyyy! Hahaha! Nah!
Coz I hv a few palazzos currently...thus I wouldn't wanna get more. Just got 2 in blue & grey...those baggy kinda. Wore the grey one to work today...masyaAllah, so comfortable!
Matched it with the jelly shoes which I got when we did the rendezvous...and absolutely no regrets! CHEAP & COMFORTABLE! ;))