Zane is 16

It's a great joy watching this young man grow up.
He has fastidious habits like being the earliest waking up. He's up most mornings at half past seven.
He masters what he has a passion for.
He's an extremely fit and skillful badminton exponent who has beaten almost everybody there is to beat in his circle of friends.
A photography master in the making
He's a jazz afficianado
A romantic
Good conversationalist, very knowledgable but shy.
He plays a responsible big brother in pandering to his sister's needs and whims, sometimes begrudgingly but always lovingly.
He's a saavy video gamer who plays whenever time permits.
He's good in Maths and Science but not history and geography.
He likes anime, manga, sushi and metal gear.
Loves his sister and mother and......
the Canon 30D, his first digital SLR camera we got him for his birthday.
Happy Birthday Son!

Zane's composition

Happy Diwali

Just like Raya, when I was in school, I used to visit my Hindu friend's during Diwali, the festival of light. Meaning that good has triumped over evil.

The sweetmeats were the most memorable as they signify a culture so rich (sweet) and unique. Jalebi and Ladoo are pictured above.
I wish all Malaysians a Happy Diwali, let's celebrate this beautiful festival with our Hindu friends and make it meaningful for all of us like it used to be.

Home Alone...

...With Summer and Zane. Mum's taken two weeks off for a well deserved retreat in Egypt.
I'm glad really to see Agnes finally take off for a holiday of sorts.
She reassures me she can take it and wants to take it and thinks it's good to be away for a while and I believe her.
She landed in Cairo at noon on Sunday. Then they flew south to Aswan to start their journey down the Nile. What excitement and adventure- Egypt, land of the Sahara Desert, the Pyramids of Giza, Cleopatra, tis indeed the gift of the Nile.

Have fun Mum...

My Raya Message

Ever since I was a young boy, my raya wish for my Muslim friends has never wavered much; I have always wished them well and togetherness with their families. And they have such strong family ties, much more than the Chinese or Indians I believe for they are unafraid of showing their love and emotions. That has always been a trait I have admired about my Muslim brothers and I'm glad for them. This year however, not only do I wish my Muslim brothers and sisters well but the entire nation as we go through an unprecedented political crisis... Hence my post;

Dear Friends, Never has Hari Raya Aidilfitri been celebrated in such times of great change and uncertainty for our nation. As our Muslim brothers and sisters prepare for the Aidilfitri celebrations, the entire nation is embroiled in political change amidst global economic upheaval. May a wise leader prevail from this and may his wisdom be focussed on bigger and more important issues to lead the country to better economic standing. Whatever the outcome, if we stay united as Malaysians and reject the racist policies raised by outdated politicians, we will come out of these uncertain times better and stronger as a nation. Our strength lies in our ability to celebrate our diversity; it is only through embracing each other's cultures and differences that we truly embody what makes Malaysia unique. I wish you a Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri whatever your race, religion or political affliation. Let's all stand united and by God's grace, continue to grow and prosper in this beautiful country of ours as we rightly and truly should.