The Aftermath of Syawal.

At last I completed my puasa enam yesterday, together with mum and xnuripilot.  If I remember correctly this is the first time we took so long to complete the 6 days of fasting, mostly to accomodate xnuripilot's hectic schedule of golf and more golf plus a few open house invitations.

Despite the 36 days of fasting, I have put on a bit of weight. I guess this is a common phenomenon among Muslims everytime Syawal makes its appearance. What a waste! After a complete detoxification period of one month during Ramadhan, we gorge on everything within sight. How else do we explain  the immediate weight increase so soon after fasting.

I console myself by telling that everything would be back to normal, weightwise that is, once Syawal is over or the raya cookies exhausted, whichever comes first. But, wouldn't this be a bit too late to get back my pre- Ramadhan weight of 48kg. Through experience it is easier to shed off the unwanted kilos before they turn to muscles, or in my case, flabs of fats. It would be disastrous to allow the excess weight to cling on to you for too long. The longer it's stuck, the longer it takes to take it all off. So, I have to act fast.

But. it is easier said than done.

Call me vain if you want to, but the truth is, I feel good when I'm lighter. Besides, it's not cheap to have a new set of wardrobe for the new shape and size!!!

Something has gone very, very wrong. Usually, I am rather strong-willed but this time I don't seem to be able to remain that way.

Sadly, this is a lone battle. I know I would not get much support from all the people that I know. Most would say that I am overly conscious and that I look much better this way but no amount of praise would sway me on to their side.

Guess you're wondering what my weight is that's causing me so much distress. I choose not to reveal just yet. Suffice to say that it's not an uphill battle. I think I can achieve my goal within a month at the very latest, Insya Allah and then only will I reveal the weight.

Raya 2010

Started my puasa enam  six days after the Raya.  Raya this year is pretty much the same as those celebrated before.

Visited the graves of Dad, grandparents,an uncle and  two cousins at the Tanah Perkuburan Akar Peluru , Alor Setar on the eve of the Raya. That's mum reciting the doa for her loved ones.

Then proceeded to Tanah Perkuburan Al-Bukhary, Alor Setar where an uncle and a cousin were laid to rest .

Also visited The Royal Mausoleum at Langgar where an aunt (Mum's elder sister) was laid to rest last year. She was the consort of the late Tunku Mohd. Jewa Ibni Almarhum Sultan Abdul Hamid. Unfortunately, I was not able to take pictures because cameras are not allowed here.

My first guests on the morning of the Raya were Ayah Teh (Mum's younger brother) and his entourage. Ayah Teh and wife, Tunku Maryam (aka Mak Teh) came with their son Saiful and five grandchildren. Also in Ayah Teh's entourage were  nephew Dazran and his Filipino bride, Michelle.  (L to R, Tunku Maryam, yours truly, Dazran, Mum, Michelle and Ayah Teh. The 5 little ones are Ayah Teh's grandchuldren)

Open House at Abang Tad's on the 3rd Raya. Abang Tad is xnuripilot's golf mate. Abang Tad, Kak Kiah (facing the camera) and me .

That's me tucking into the cold and sweet lychee kang quite oblivious of the crowd !!

Six days after the Raya, Mum's raya cookies which were filled to the brim have receeded noticeably. Mum's cookies may appear plain and simple but they taste heavenly.

Had to put the puasa enam on hold because cousin Baizury insisted that we come over for her open house. Mum and I struck a pose before the  ride to Baizury's.

Posing for the camera from left to right, xnuripilot, me, Mum, mum's sister (Baizury's mother), Baizury's father and Baizury's son.

Baizury standing at the far end with son and husband.

This picture is added specially for "Uncle who was in Yokohama years ago."
That's Saiful at the extreme right.