Eid Photos

I'm back in Edinburgh and finally managed to download the pictures I took for Eid onto my laptop. Here are some:


My first night back and my first introduction to my youngest nephew, Ilex.

Eidul-Fitr - my whole family is finally together.

My siblings - Zikri & War Wat match while Isniati matches the curtains...hehehe, just joking.

Linda's daughter teaching Ian about fishes - he is clearly fascinated.

First cousins, once removed, but both around the same age.

The oldies, relaxing and enjoying themselves.

My dad with Kieran, my cousin's son.

Ilex is clearly not afraid of people - he has just met Shariffa for the first time and yet he's letting her carry him.

My late mother's family visiting us during the open house.

My godchildren, Umar and Fatima, are enjoying stacking up the big "cups" as they dubbed the stools.

A bit over-exposed but the only shot of all four kids.

War War's family enjoying my mom's cooking.

I love his eyes!!

He looks as if he's much older than 3 months old.

What are you doing, Auntie Sid? ...at least, that's what I think he's thinking. I'm going to miss him and his brother.

Back home & Eid Mubarak

Eid Mubarak to all my Muslim friends! It is lovely to spend Eid at home with my family and friends. But I also miss my friends from Edinburgh, though most of them are back home too, and hope that they have a lovely Eid as well.

Will write more soon but for now, I can smell the spices from my mom's cooking as she's preparing all the traditional dishes for tomorrow's Eid. I'll have to follow my nose...

Looking forward to ...

going home. By this time Tuesday, I will be back in Singapore, to spend Eid with the family. I'll be meeting Ilex for the first time too. I've to thank my dad for this wonderful gift.

Second Ramadhan in Edinburgh

Today is the middle of Ramadhan and this is my second Ramadhan here. The difference between this Ramadhan and last year's is stark. Perhaps, last Ramadhan, the excitement of starting a new course and making new friends made it seemed less lonely. On the other hand, because of the course and adjustment period, I couldn't really concentrate on the worship aspects of Ramadhan.

This Ramadhan, it feels different. First, I have the time to sit and read the Qur'an as well as do my night prayers without worrying what time I have to get up the next day. However, it is a sad time too. I miss my family and friends, including those who had just gone home. This Ramadhan is turning out to be a lonely one. I guess that makes it easier to concentrate on the spiritual aspect of Ramadhan.

Whatever it is, I pray that this Ramadhan brings blessings to all Muslims.

Finally over

Thanks be to Him, I've managed to finish my dissertation last Friday and am now officially jobless. To counter this, I am taking a two pronged approach - firstly, work on finding a job and second, build up my publication record. From my dissertation, God willing, I think (and my supervisor agrees) that I can produce a paper with slightly different emphasis.

Even though intellectually I know He will provide, there is a part of me that is worried that I will not be able to find one. Especially when my first salvo comes up negative. Hopefully the coming Ramadhan will cheer me up and boost my morale again. Still I miss my family, especially not being able to be there for the first few months of my new nephew.

I pray that everything will go well. Ameen.