BBQ at Shasha’s house

Hello everyone         

How’s ur weekend so far?  Mine was not too bad.  The weather was not that good neither.  But I like rain, so rain is not a problem for me. 

Anyway, last night, I went to Shasha’s house for a bbq party.  It was good to meet everyone.  ‘Catch-up’ with all my little cousis. lol.   

I wore a punjabi dress.  Samy  and his wife gave me a pair when I was in London. Thank you Samy & Su!  xoxox : )   My family loved the dress!   I love it too! 

All right then, a short story from me.   I am planning to start writing again.   To confront of my fear of writing or in scientific, this kind of phobia is graphophobia. I got this term from WikiAnswers. com. hehehe… Please correct me if I am wrong  

It’s time, Princess Emma!  

Ok, time to publish this column.

Cikgu’s favorite poem ;) Let’s read together (ahak..)

Good morning Malaysia, Good evening UK and America

How are you guys doing today?  I am still working on my phobia paper work. Hope I can finish it by today.  This morning, I haven’t started my writing yet as I needed to do some tasks before sit down and focus.  Having a huge cup of coffee and a red bean bun.  Mom just called and asked how was I.  I am truly a princess – Princess Emma.  :D 

Checked my email and recieved an email from Cikgu in Florida.  She’s my truly friend who understands me and one of my friends who always advise and give me support.  I prefer a friend who can speak to me straight forward.   My brain hardly process information that has double meaning.  hahahah.. I am quite systematic. That’s why I need to learn how to be ‘cheecky’. hahahha  Anyway, Cikgu has given me her favorite poem.  I’d love to share with you all. 

Robert Frost (1874–1963). Mountain Interval. 1920. 1.

The Road Not Taken

TWO roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveler, long I stood And looked down one as far as I could To where it bent in the undergrowth; 5

Then took the other, as just as fair, And having perhaps the better claim, Because it was grassy and wanted wear; Though as for that the passing there Had worn them really about the same, 10

And both that morning equally lay In leaves no step had trodden black. Oh, I kept the first for another day! Yet knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted if I should ever come back. 15

I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference. 20

So, what do you think?  I read many times because I need to understand the message for each line   

To cikgu, thank you for this poem.  Take care and I always miss you.  Hope to see you again one day.  This is my little poem for you, Cikgu: -

Though we apart by sea and time zone,

 and yet, we still have a piece of love to each other. 

Emma, Kota Samarahan.

XOXOXOOXOXOX

I am back & so many stories to tell.. ;)

Hello my dearest bloggers

How are you guys doing?  Thank you for being patient and do apologise for not updating my blog recently. I was away for a counseling conference which was held in the Palace of Golden Horses, KL.  I was quite disappointed because I couldn’t get online there.  The reason was if I wanted to access internet, I had to pay.  I didnt want to pay extra after I paid RM500 for 2 nights!  Long story about my hotel room reservation.  Anyway, don’t want to think about it. 

Remember I told you about the hotel at Batu Feringgi, Penang?  That one was better. Even I didn’t pay any single cent for the internet connection.  lol. *OK Emma, stop it!* lol.  

I came back this evening and got home around 6.30.  My flight was delayed.  Do you want to know why? lol.  They changed the plane’s tyres. lol.  So was delayed for about 30 min or so.  Touched down Kuching at 5.30.  I was too exhausted and fell asleep (as usual). Those who know me, I am the person who loves to sleep on the plane!  lol. 

Before landed, I ordered a cup of  Ipoh Town White Coffee. Interesting coffee!  Since I came back from London, I saw many Ipoh Town White Coffee shops in Kuching.   I was curious.  Even at the airport, the shop is there.  So I tried the coffee.  It was just normal coffee with milk!  lol.  Not too bad. One day, I want to go to the coffee shop and try. The taxi driver told me that they serve good coffee with reasonable price. I think I became so hyperactive as I drank too much coffee.  I needed to stay up and stayed warm. So I drank many cups of coffee!  Now, I feel unwell- headache because too much caffeine. hehehe… I need to drink water. Well, I drank many bottles of water as well.  I think because of the weather as well. 

Anyway, the conference was beneficial to me. Really!  The themes, the keynote speakers, the research papers and the workshops were awesome!  Congratulations to the organizer- Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) esp to Dr Ahmad Jazimin Jusoh.  He’s a good friend and peer counselor to me.  He gives me advises continuously.  When I had problem in London, he was one of my friends who supported me, even till now.  He was the one who invited me to attend the conference. At that time, I was still in London and wasn’t sure where was I at that time.  He invited me to present my paper.  Praise to God, though it was last minute. I told Dr Jazimin that I’d like to come and present a paper.   He really helped me a lot.  I invited him personally to my presentation. I knew he was busy but he came to support me. I felt so honored of his presence.  Even he came with his colleagues and for me, they are one of the counselling experts in Malaysia.  So, now you would understand why I was so honored of their presence. Thank you Drs.

By the way, Dr Ahmad Jazimin is an expert of reality therapy (RT) in Malaysia.  So, I really recommend you if you are interested in studying RT or believe that RT can help you in solving your problem, I highly recommend you  

Met counselling experts in Malaysia and was with them in this week really motivated me to not give up.  I want to be like them. I want to be specialised and expert in my own field.  I hope this time my phd sailing will be smooth.  I know I will face different set of obstacles, but I hope I can and have good and responsible supervisor(s) to supervise me.  I want to learn God’s knowledge from ‘the right’ teacher.  I don’t want a teacher who will impose bad attitudes to me. Because sooner or later, I will be a bad person to others.  No, I don’t want to be like that. 

Right, this is a long blog, isn’t it? Boring? Please..don’t…  stay with me. I have so many stories to tell. 

Ok ok..one ‘bedtime’ story before I sign out.  lol.   

One person whom I really wanted to see is Ah Hock.    He’s a counselor at hospital (mmm…don’t want to tell you which hospital). hehehe.. I met him when I did my students’ supervision.  Till now, we still keep in touch.  For me, he’s really positive and energetic.  We ‘catch-up’ last night over the dinner.  He was shocked with my ‘life story’ in England. I told him I needed his help to ‘erase’ my irrational and negative thoughts in my head!  He advised me to take a break. I told him I cannot take a break. I told him my reasons.  He nodded. I told Ah Hock that I still have this phobia in writing, public speaking in English. hua hua hua…  He said he will try to help me.    Oh..it was really good to meet other counselors and yet my friends around Malaysia.   :) xoxo.  Oh by the way, Ah Hock is an expert in art therapy and clinical counselling. So guys, if you need his expertise, go to him. I really recommend you too! 

Oh, I have to tell this story – I MET MY FORMER STUDENTS. THEY ARE NOW SO SUCCESSFUL IN THEIR CAREER! Praise to God!  I asked them to call me by my name because we are peers in counseling field.   I am so proud of them and really grateful.  We (Lecturers) really did a very outstanding job.  I hope all of our former students will be successful in their own expertise and be responsible in what they are doing.  The reason I said we did an outstanding job because I got recognition from other universities, counsellors and agencies and they told me that “YOUR FORMER STUDENTS ARE REALLY GOOD IN THEIR JOB.”  Most of our graduates work in counseling-related field.  So guys, keep it up! 

Another story…ok ok ..the last one lol.  I met my old friend at the conference!!!  Old friend means from my friend from primary school!!!! When Remy came to me, oh my gosh..I hugged her and I was so happy.  She’s a counsellor at the Education Department and the head of department in Samarahan.   *Remy, correct me if I am wrong?* 

MasyaAllah- I was so happy.  I think this is one of the hikmahs from my London decision. 

Oh oh oh…. this is the last one ….  I met Auntie Zuraidah and Najidah!!!!  I really wanted to see auntie and Najidah.  My goodness…Najidah picked me up at the airport on Monday night and straight to Port Dickson (PD), Negeri Sembilan.  We didn’t expect that we would overnight at auntie’s apartment in PD.   We celebrated auntie’s birthday.  We bought 3 slices of different cake  and pizza.  Auntie loves pizza so much.  Oh, I was so grateful.  Thank you Najidah. Without you, I won’t be able to see auntie.  Auntie, love you   xoxox..

mmm…I think you don’t want to hear my presentation story, do you? lol.  I think I’ll tell tomorrow, if I remember.  But a hint..I was so clumsy. lol.  Time was limited- just 10 min but I was exceeded the time. hehehe..Well, not my fault  Before the parallel session, there was a workshop.  They took longer.  So, that was why.  Then I asked around and apologised. But they said they understood.  Praise to God, they liked my presentation. Alhamdullilah   Oh well..I just told you about my presentation story. hahaha….    Got you!!!

Ok then…I’ll let you go this time. hahahhaha….   Ehem..ehem… (in whispering) – If nothing happen, I will go to Padang, Indonesia at the end of this month.  To be a volunteer to help the earthquake victims for a week.  Thanks Ah Hock for recommended me to Insaf Malaysia.  I am so excited about this.    I hope everything goes fine.   Amin

Of course, I am still waiting anxiously about my phd application.  I hope the graduate school will call me for an interview next week and hope I can enrol to UPM next month.  Remember I told you I need to ‘erase’ my phobias, may be this volunteering work will motivate me to be more confident and boost my self-esteem back to ME!  Amin. 

OK OK…I am tired already. hahahah…. I am sure you don’t want more stories  

Thank you for your time and sleep dreams.  hahahha….  Sorry for keeping you to read on and on and on like this.  lol.  You must asking yourself – “When the hell Emma is going to stop?” I am stopping…lol..almost there

Good night.  Love always ~ Emma xx.

p.s: Please pray for me and support me xoxoxo.

Kaunseling daripada perspektif Islam: Apa, Mengapa dan Bagaimana oleh Rizal Abu Bakar

Hi all,

How are you doing?  Hope you are all right. I am doing OK- not too bad.

Finally I finished reading above book.  Please allow me to translate the title in English so that my other bloggers whom non-Malay know the title, ‘Counselling from Islamic perspective: What, Why & How?’  Please don’t get me wrong here. It took me for weeks to finish the book, not because the book is boring and hard to understand. Just that, I was quite busy with my life and needed to be here and there.  Though I was busy, I told myself, I needed to read at least one page of this book.  Just this afternoon, I told myself – “OK Emma, you need to finish the book and know the ending.” hahahha I know the book is not a story-book like P.S. I love you, but still I need to know the ending of this book! 

Rizal Abu Bakar is my colleague and he’s doing his Ph.D in Australia.  Not sure which part of Australia though.  He’s a funny guy and he’s a reliable person. In term of work, we could work together. To be honest, it’s hard to find someone who can understand and does work at our standard.   I hope in the near future, Rizal and I can contribute more papers on counselling.    I need to learn more from him.  His knowledge about Islam and counselling blend very well. I really admire him.  Those who are interested to know him, you can google him on the net. He has his own blog as well.  

Anyway, my testimony about this book:

It’s good to know the history of counselling from Islamic perspective as I am not knowledgeable on this subject. Yes, I am in counselling field. My first exposure in counselling was based on Christianity and counselling. I used Bible to study and refer.  Please don’t assume that I am good in Islam knowledge and dared to learn another God’s book. This is my dream to learn about Christianity since I was in secondary school.  Well, I went to a missionary school too. So, the curiosity about this religion was higher.  Not to say I didn’t practice my own religion. I do.  Just that, at that age, I kept questioning myself “Why do I have to be a Muslim?”  “Is it because my parents are Muslim?”  Sorry, I astrayed a little bit. Let me go back to my testimonial about the book.  mmm..Yes, about the history. 

Then, I found it was hard to understand the content of the history. I think the author needs to elaborate more on each subtopic.  Too surface and not in-depth. As reader, I’d like to know more though it’s only an introduction.  The feeling is “What’s next? Oh bugger, I need to dig out my information about this.”  hehehhe (Sorry Rizal). 

Rizal Abu Bakar wrote well on counselling techniques from Islamic perspective. One subtopic that still playing on my head now is the gender issue.  In Islam, we are not allowed to sit man and woman who are not related in one and closed-room.  mmm.. In my opinion, it depends on the counselor herself/himself.  Like Rizal Abu Bakar mentioned the core factor to ensure the effectiveness of counselling session is the personality of the counselor.  So, it always gets back to the counsellors.  Well, I know there are other factors that may lead counselor-client attract to each other.   I don’t want to be bias here because same gender as well may attract to each other.  So, the next question is how are we going to solve this issue?  This question trigger me, how many lesbian and gay population in the world? 

Many relationship problems occurred. Yes, it’s true that it’s wise to seek for female counsellor.  In this book, Rizal mentions women like to be touched like hugging, hand touching, etc because of our skin structure.  But this may lead to something.  So, back to my opinion, it’s always up to us as counsellor.  Our intention and belief in helping clients. 

Overall, I like the book.  On a scale of 1 to 10 (1 is really bad and 10 is really good), I give a 6.5.   I look forward to read Rizal Abu Bakar’s books.  I love his writing.  Wish I had his writing talent.    InsyaAllah  

All right then, get the book. It’s not that expensive.  I think I just paid RM14.00.   Keep the receipt and you will reduce your income tax. hahaha..Buy the book, you get knowledge and save a lot of money from paying tax!

Girlfriends

Hi all,

How are you?  How was your day?  I had a slow-fast paced day today. 

After office hours, went to the Spring and met my girlfriends.  We met at Starbuck for a drink and then we went to the food court.  I had sushi tonight.  The sushi was all right but I think I prefer Sushi King. 

Had a good time with my girlfriends. 

Oh yeah, last Saturday night, my cousin’s wife and I went to Senso Bar, Hilton Hotel.  I enjoyed myself because there was a live band from the Phillipine called Faces. 

The flower that I planted last Saturday morning is growing.    I was surprised this morning.   Praise to God

All right then, need to go to bed. It’s nearly half past 10. hehehe..I know i know..it’s still early.  But tomorrow I need to get up early. Need to do some official and non-official works in the morning. Will start my official work at 7.30.   Hope everything is ok.    I know, tomorrow in the very early morning, I am going to ’spend’ RM600.   My financial is quite tight now. So, I have to be smart in spending.  I have a good  reason why do I need to spend that much tomorrow morning. 

All right then (for the second time..hehehe…), good night and sweet dreams Malaysia. 

Love~ Emma xx.

I am a little bit OK today:)

Hello all,

How are you doing today?   Did quite a lot of writing here and there. Thank you to my friend who proof-read my paper last night.  Thank you to my former student or I would call her as my ‘counsellor peer’ now for your support and motivation.  May God bless everyone who’s willing to hear me and be there for me. 

I am still not in ‘the mood’ talking to few people. hehehe…  I think I need to make my horizon more wider. lol.  Poor me. 

Time to go home.  Need to be away from this place.  Take care all.  Hope you have some plans for this weekend.  I am going to plant and transplant my flowers.  Going to be under the sun. Hope to wake up early tomorrow morning (I wish).  This morning, I set my alarm clock at 5.30.  I was ‘talking’ to myself-’ Hey, I think I just slept.’ I guess I was too tired and didn’t ‘have time’ to change my sleep positions. hahahha… 

All right then, take care again.  I hope everything goes fine with my new application (Please keep praying for me).  Amin.    Oh yeah, one thing I hope I can do and not too lazy this weekend is to organize my computer room at home.  Boy! I do have a lot of things to do.  Last night, I told my mom – it’s been a long time I didn’t cook. hahhaha…see, I told you before. Once I am at home, all my kitchen skills and wifery attitude gone. LOL. Should I be proud? 

Till then, take care for the third time. lol.  Oh yeah another thing. I sense ’someone is cheating on me’. mmm..I feel like I want to wear my detective head soon. lol.  May we all in God’s protection.  

Ok Ok…this time  I am really going. Have a good day!

Love~ Emma xx.

Not productive -_-

Hello all,

How are you guys doing? I am so not productive today.  Meant to finish my conference paper. I need to give to my friend to proof read. Oh boy! The paper dues tomorrow.  I feel a little bit sleepy.  Went for shopping.  Got some lingeries. hahaha..Luckily I only got RM35.    Very cheap lingeries. hahahah… 

My mind has been distracted since yesterday.  Oh Lord! Please help me. Guide me.  No mood.  What should I do? 

Came back to the office and trying to re-bounce back.  I need my energy and mind. 

Please…help me….

Love~ Emma xx.

The Seasons of Life by Jim Rohn

Hi All,

Autumn, London

Snow, Jan 2009 in London

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s 10 to midnight.  I am so excited to share my reading to you all.  I just got this book at Popular Bookstore, Boulevard this afternoon. I met my friend and she’s a school counsellor this afternoon and had lunch with her.  We exchanged our life and career experiences.  It was a great meeting with her. 

Anyway, about the book, simple reading yet very meaningful.  The author manages motivating me. I reflected to what had had happened to me since I started my life a postgraduate in London.   Been to the four seasons countries really made me appreciate and grateful what God gives us.  I come from a tropical country.    So, the difference of climate gives me many perspectives in life.  MasyaAllah

I really recommend you to find this book and read it.  I started reading a quarer to 11 and I finished within an hour!  Believe it or not! One thing that I can summarize- whatever obstacles, hurdles, and problems in life, we will face the consequences.  We can change the consequences if we have the right attitude to overcome and sort the problems.  We know ourselves better than others.  We have aims and goals in life. Make sure we always determine and ‘target’ the aims.  There are many ways to achieve our aims.  People and environment may stop us from achieving our aims.  I do believe this ‘people’ may from our own family member or even from our best friends!  That’s why we have to make friends with the right ones and learn from the right gurus.  It’s pointless to have many friends or acquantainces if they give us stress and not support.  One thing I always remind myself, never ever ‘create’ or ‘have’ enemy. Like my loved one said once- ‘Life is so short. Enjoy our life.  Don’t fill our heart with hatred’. I agree with him till now.

So my dearest bloggers, like I always remind you all, don’t forget to love, show our care, and be tender to everyone.  Past is past though it’s hard to forgive and forget.  We really need to try.  Tomorrow morning, we shall wake up and another new day will come.  Another wise friend of mine says to me all the time, ‘Past is past. Let it go. Your obstacles are temporary. I have faith on you that you will success in your life as long as you never give up.’

All right then, thank you for reading my blog.   Keep reading and writing to me. Please respond to my blog.  I am sure you all have great idea   Without you, who am I in this Emma1202’s weblog :D  lol.  Please keep praying for me. 

Thank you and love always from me ~ Emma xoxoxo in bed…. zzzzzz… (chuckle)…. pst…pst…pst..Where’s my bedtime story? hehehe (chuckle)

Pondok Zul’s garden

My papaya tree

 Hi again

Let me share you of my gargen’s photos.  

Above is my papaya tree.  I had two actually. However it died. Long story.  That’s fine.  This is my first papaya tree. 

Plants and Flowers

Flowers

Flowers 2

                               So, what do you think?  I ‘created a hobby for my parents as well. My mom keeps buying plants as well.  Dad will do the planting. lol. This is one of therapies. I called this as flower therapy.   Talking to the plants is good because it involves smiling and body movement. 

Enjoy our garden

p/s: I need to get more pots. 

Love~ Emma xx.

Raining heavily..

Good morning everyone

Howdy?  Hope everyone is fine. 

It’s raining heavily in Kuching this morning.  I wanted to go to work, then decided to ‘make a detour’ not going to work as  I can do my work at home. So, will do my work in my computer room today. lol. 

I had a very hectic and tired weekend.  Hence, I felt OK though I became unprofessional driver from morning to night. From south to north back to south and go to east (hahaha..I just made these direction up.   How do I know about this compass thing.heheheh)  

How about you all?  I am sure you had a great weekend.  I believe, wherever we are and as long as we know how to enjoy ourselves every day (at least), we are fine. We are considered know how to fill our life with enjoyment

All right then, may you have a great Monday.  Today is a ‘big day’ for me as I will know what is what for my study.  So, please keep praying for me which is best for my religion, my family, and my career. amen.

Take care. Be happy. Smile always. 

Love ~ Emma xx.