HAPPY NEW YEAR

In the New Year 

I wish you the best year you’ve ever had

And that each New Year

Will be better than the last

May you realize your fondest dreams

And take time to recognize and enjoy

Each and every blessing.

Happy New Year 2014 and many more!!

It was a last minute decision actually.. . was decided little more than a couple of days ago. I was thinking, hey this is madness. How can we possibly do it in 3 days. The Chairlady just said.. 'ok let's do it on the 30th December.'.... I was thinking geezz.. easier said than done.. But  she said, "come on.. 'Let's Just Do It! ".

Yes, a Christmas and New Year Party to be hosted by the Unduk Ngadau Organising Committee and to invite all the  'State Level Unduks  Particpants of 2013'. Well we did not really expect the 41 ladies' attendance especially when invitation was at the eleventh hour and so the attendance of some 16 ladies was actually great!

singing Christmas Carols

  2 lovely ladies ( 2nd and 3rd from left) from Japan who are on a visit to Sabah.. 

Ms Jo presenting prizes (non-alchohol sparkling juice) to beautiful Shaney and Terry who won a game.

..doing the 'Jamilah Dance'

All pics above are courtesy of Leslie  Isaac Kok

Nera (left), a well-known AF9 artist and singer,

also a distant relative and Yours Truly with that famous silly smirk...:)

And we did it, yes, with cooperation and teamwork by some of our committee members, we managed to find a lovely venue at the KDCA Cultural Village, caterer, arranged games and entertainment, decoration, got confirmation from more than 50 guests consisting of crew members, members of MICC of KDCA, Unduk Ngadau Committee and viola, we were set to go!

Guests were informed of the theme colour which was red and came 7.00 pm, the lovely guests strode in mostly decked in red...

Weather was superb, not a drop of rain, the food and drinks great, the music lovely and we sang and dance into the night till we almost dropped...hahaha.. I got a leg cramp from dancing the "Jamilah Dance', absolutely delightful..

Cheers everyone,  and Happy New Year!!

Angie

MEMORIES OF CHRISTMAS PAST....my Christmas dress

Christmas day is around the corner but I don't feel it yet. It is always the case nowadays - sighh, must be the age,  unlike those days when the kids were small - the shopping for presents, clothes and the flurry of activities, spring cleaning and stuff.  Not that we would be having a big celebration. As usual, it would be just the family, a Christmas Eve dinner and a midnight Christmas Mass at the nearby church if not on Christmas Day. 



One of my happiest memories during my childhood must be Christmastime. We didn’t get any presents then but even the word Christmas conjures visions of happy occasions with joy and laughter. December was usually the harvesting season as well as the school holidays. My siblings and I would spend our holidays in the field helping our parents. 

It was at this time that the paddy would be ripe and at its peak and one must finish harvesting them fast or else the stalks would just wilt, become dry and brittle making it quite impossible to harvest. My mom would tell us that we have to finish the harvest or else there won’t be any Christmas for us, meaning we would be spending it in the field. Of course she never let that happen! And we always finish harvesting way before Christmas.

 Paddy ready to be harvested

Mom and Dad on their wedding day..a looong time ago. 

Rest in peace..

A few days or weeks before Christmas, being family of little means, my mom would go downtown and buy those cheap floral materials by the yards. There were 5 of us girls then, me being the eldest. Mom would cut and sew the materials to make into 4 identical dresses whilst mine would always be a little different from the rest like an addition of a little bow. I guess she did that because I was the oldest and I must have begun to show them curves..haha.. 

My mom would sew and the faithful Singer sewing machine would whirr into the night till dawn. She would not stop until she complete at least a dress. I would watch my mom cutting and sewing and I guess that was how I learned how to sew a little, though I know now that her cut were crude, unconventional and definitely not by the book. To us though, the dresses were most beautiful and we would wake up in the morning happy and excited when we find our completed dresses hanging on the clothesline.  We would try them on with our half grin admiring each other.

 simple dresses, quite similar to the dresses my mom used to make 
(pics courtesy of zalora.com)

A day before Christmas Eve, mom would pack our dresses and other necessities and on the morning of Christmas Eve, we would start the about an hour or so journey on foot through hills and vales to my grandmother’s house. There, other family members - aunts, uncles and cousins would have already arrived. The buzz of activities begin, the adults with the food preparation and cooking, whilst the older ones spend their time talking, gossiping and catching up with old times. 

I remember the young ladies would make the Hinompuka or Linompuka which is a cake made from glutinous rice flour and wrapped in leaves then boiled or steamed. I remember helping in the wrapping and couldn’t wait for it to be cooked.  The younger kids would be the happiest as they get to run wild in the compound, playing, laughing, screaming even fighting as what children do and no one would really be reprimanded.

The evening of Christmas Eve would also see us going for the Christmas Eve Midnight Mass and on Christmas Day at the nearby Church. Singing Christmas carol at the top of our voice and yes, with our finest dresses! Then back to the house for the big meal, more laughter and not a little noise. 

A sketch of a typical Kadazan village house -

 drawn by my son, Lionel.

We would stay at my grandmother’s house for a couple of days after Christmas Day and all too soon, it would be goodbyes and would again begin our journey back to our respective homes, a little sad. My grandmother’s house, I imagine would be sadder, as it would be back to the quiet moments, until another occasion.  Ahh.. those were the days..

My Christmas dress this year? A recycled one..a nice hardly used dress.

Wishing everyone a Blessed and a Merry Christmas….and BE SAFE!!

Cheers.

HITAM PUTIH KEHIDUPAN..

One of my favourite songs from one of my favourite singers, Dato' Sheila Majid. I haven't heard this song for a long time now.  When I watsapped my sister about our suggested songs for the Grand Finale for our 2nd Soluoi Clan Reunion this December 21st, (the 1st Soluoi Clan Reunion, 31st July 2010)  she suggested this song too and I was like gosh yes, I remember this song, very meaningful words and would be appropriate for that occasion. Here's Sheila Majid in one of her best number. Many thanks to the person who uploaded this on youtube.





I have earlier suggested the following song by Ms Diana Ross.. 

If We Hold On Together..




The 2nd song is favoured more by my cousins.  Or perhaps we could sing both..
Meanwhile, come lets enjoy the songs..


I would like to dedicate the next song to my late mom and to all her siblings who have passed on. My aunt, the Grand Matriach (my mom's eldest sister) one of Soluoi's grandaughters just passed away at age 85 about a month ago... Rest in Peace to all.. Miss them dearly, but they are probably so busy having their own reunion whereever they may be to even think of us ..Have fun ya'll, till we meet again someday, we will hold on to memories.






  

The Way I Am (uke Cover) by mandynikko

My little gurl (wThe Way I Am (uke Cover) by mandynikkoho is not so little anymore) and her ukulele.

10 YEARS AGO, TODAY

In loving memory....of 

Mother

Mother, just a few months before she went home to the Lord..

Mother at around 19 or 20..

What a lovely dress..

..the yellow exora.. Mother's fav flower.  

 If  the Yellow Exora grow in Heaven Lord

Then pick a bunch for us

 Then place them in our mother’s arms

And tell her they’re from us

Tell her that we love and miss her

And when she turns to smile,

Place a kiss upon her cheek and

Hold her for awhile..

Till we meet again someday

We will hold on to the memories..

''purr miaw... I want that fish'  Kitty seems to say. Nobody  is listening ..lol


This sight reminds me of my Mom.. She simply loved the weekly market or we call it 'Tamu'.  Here she gets to meet friends and share gossips while chewing the sireh leaves with the necessary 'ingredients'.

KADAZANDUSUN BEAUTIES WHO SMILED FOR ME.....

These photos have been lying in my vault for months now... sigh... my bad...

suddenly I have the urge to post them here.. I would usually post them in FB ..where I get to choose who sees them and get the occasional 'Like' ....lol... 

 from left: Ledesma, wearing the traditional costume of Dusun Lotud, Tuaran,

 Dedie with the traditional costume of Lundayeh from the District of Sipitang,

 Ritchell, with the Ranau district costume

 Dianna, with the Murut costume usually from Keningau,

 Imma (reigning queen), traditional costume from Penampang,

 Sarah with the traditional costume from Tambunan

and Debbie with the traditional costume called the 'Sinipak' from the district of Kota Belud.

Miss Immaculate Lojuki, the reigningUnduk Ngadau 2013

(Kadazandusun Princess)

Ritchell

Debbie

Dianna

 Dedie

Ledesma

 Sarah

One day at a time...

Feels like, I am sailing in the middle of the wide open sea.. I am sailing alone into the wind and the dark. I am doing my best to keep my boat steady and my sails full......but for how long more.... I don't know....

Grant me oh Lord, the serenity 

to accept the things I cannot change; 

courage to change the things I can;

and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time; 

Enjoying one moment at a time; 

Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; 

Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, 
not as I would have it.... 

I ASK .. BUT WHY?........

"Angie, can you come and see me?"  I was like..huh?... "Oh of course"  I said quickly, my heart beating so fast and so hard.. Gosh, he has never called me before.  ..I walked out to the road.. a short distance to his office.  How many times have I walked this way before... and I have never failed to admire the beautiful landscape...  Gosh, even the dragon fruits that the boys planted .. I noticed... I saw some have ripened..lovely colours too...hmmm.... dare I ask for some?  But this time, I saw none of them..my vision blurred by my nervousness.

I remembered the first time I walked that little road.. I was visiting.. a brother who was ill and he had been quarantined, secluded in the staff quarters .. I heard it was the doctor's order.. But I went to visit anyway, just to see how he was.  When I arrived, he greeted me. I offered my hand, but he just smiled... and gave me a mask instead. I smiled and say no need for that and so he sat far away from me. We chit chatted for a while .. I asked about his illness.. I liked his positive attitude. I guess, some people are that strong. He said he was waiting for the final results but if the doctors find something, he said he was ok with it, he was ready for any eventualities. But then again, it is treatable after all.. if found at early stage. "There are many out there who are worst off than me, so I am fine."  I left feeling happy that he was positive about it.  "Pray for me" he said.. I smiled, nodded and waved as I walked away. 

But what of now? No, this call was different... sounded urgent and from someone whom I've hardly communicated more than just a good morning.  He, the boss of my boss.. His office was near the quarters.  He was outside saw me walking from a distance and called out.."It is raining and windy, I thought you'd drive, also your umbrella is too big."  I laughed.. because my umbrella was actually very small.  "It's ok Brother.. it is not that far and the rain is not that hard.. only a little windy." I responded still walking.... but only God knows how many deep breaths I have taken....to calm my nerves. "Never mind, I have a bigger umbrella for you should it rain harder" he said.   He invited me to his office. His assistant was there.. a lovely matured lady.  

Then they dropped the bomb....."Please sit down. We just want to talk  to you about what you think about the whole situation."  I was thinking... gosh I must be soo stupid, what could he be talking about.  I blinked and gave them a blank look...he continued "it has been a week now since he submitted his resignation"... Who? My boss? My boss resigning??   My face must have looked  so drained...."What??... Oh my goodness, really!!!???"  "Oh I thought you knew", they both said. I said no, he did not say anything to me...."Why? But why?"  I whispered.... yes, why indeed.... I guess he has his reasons for taking that drastic step and also for not telling me. Gosh, we were just discussing about the Budget for next year just this morning.

I walked back to my office and noticed he wasn't in his office. I wanted to call him to tell him I knew then decided to text him instead....and told him  xxxxx just dropped a bomb on me.. I am sorry you are making this decision.. I guess you have your reasons....still... "    I could feel his sigh in his text reply which simply said   "That's life.."

..CRUISING UNDER THE HOT TROPICAL SUN, BALMY NITES AND GLORIOUS SUNRISE....

..missing you..

yours truly, under the hot merciless tropical sun at Ao Nang beach, Krabi, Thailand..

(..will post more pics later.. :)

 .took this from our hotel window in Penang..

the SuperStar Libra.. ..she's gorgeous

beauties on board

the 'moms' and our wards

 Phuket:  pic courtesy of Nick Toidis

pics above and below: courtesy of Nick T

Group photo at Phuket before we 'attacked' the shopping mall..

beautiful Debbie, my roomie, my 'girl'..

..at the lounge with Imma and Dedie, our girls with the singer/pianist, a handsome Filipino, who had an amazing  voice..I could listen to him forever..

above: no, these dancers were not part of us..

the beauties....

the beauties and the beast..LOL

.. still feeling the effects of the sea..not all the time but at some odd times.  Gosh, I need a holiday after the holiday. Luckily it is weekend now so am reveling in this free time. 

Arrived home almost midnite on 4th September.  After sleepless nites on board the SuperStar Libra, I literally slept in the plane all the way from Penang to KL and then to KK.

On 31st August as Malaysia celebrated 56 years of Independence,  we 35 of us from KK boarded the plane bound for Penang where we were to board the Star Cruise Libra the following day. We stayed a night in Penang and we took the opportunity to sample some the delicious food.  

The following day, a bus transported us to the jetty and there were ohhss and ahhs at our first close encounter with the beautiful ship. After all the formalities of immigration and all, we finally stepped into the ship and to our respective cabin, a twin bed with a lovely view. We did some survey on the ship and was also informed of the program for the next 3 days. The first day, we were entertained with shows and later all were invited to party at the Sailing-Away Party with music and dances and then there's the various arrays of food! Later during the night, a sumptuous supper was also available. 

The following day, the ship docked in Phuket where we disembarked and did some exploring and shopping of course, of the amazing place.  It was hard to imagine that this place was hit by a tragedy of the tsunami on December 26, in 2004 that incurred a great deal of destruction to the waterfront of  the beach and killed many people. Patong was one of the worst affected areas of Phuket. Amazingly, it looked like Patong has recovered from the tragedy as no trace of the effects, at least physically,  was evident.  We headed back to the ship at around 6 pm though some opted to stay until 10 pm. 

Patong Beach

taken from a moving bus

At 1.00 am, the ship sailed for Krabi. We disembarked the following morning but as the ship could not dock near the shore, passengers had to be transported by a large ferry.  We spied many beautiful islands along the way such as the famed The Phi Phi Islands which are the best known of the Andaman Islands.  Which reminded me that the movie "The Beach"  was filmed there.  No wonder that it gained so much exposure and opened up as one of the world's most desired holiday destinations!   Option to follow a tour of the islands was available too at a price of course. But we say, naahh, we wanna explore the inland instead, the beautiful Ao Nang beach and the shops that stretched for miles. 

The beautiful day was spent just exploring,  shopping and I heard one of the ladies wanted a massage to ease her tired shoulders and feet. I echoed her intention and before we knew it, we were ushered into a lovely spa... ahh an aromatheraphy massage for me and I slumbered into the expert hands of an able lady masseuse with some lovely music in the background, I was quite sure in made me snore into dreamland for a while hahaha.. I had never felt so relaxed before and it made me forget all my cares for a while..pure bliss!  All too soon, it was time to go back to the ship but before that we managed to sample some of the delicious food.. what else if not their tom yam.

Anyway, all those are memories now.. and now am back to reality.. 
Cheers!