Geburtstag

Today marks 23rd year since I went through the birth canal.

My birthday is like the picture above ~ warm and colourful. with the people i love.
There is a yummy cake on the table, accompanied by my favourite food.
My dad is pouting with twinkle in his eyes, my mom is smiling and my brothers are teasing me with "you are old!"
I make my prayer, blow the candles, cut up the cake and ask my loved ones for their prayers as well.
My mom is the first to shower me with kisses and envelopes me in a warm embrace. and I say my thanks for  bringing me into the world.
Then I go and hug my dad and receives his stubby pecks.
My brothers bought me presents.
And we feast on my mom's delicious homecooked meal.

Except that all the above is just a mirage. I am actually spending my birthday alone, on my bed and haven't been speaking to a soul except my mom who called me when I was sleeping to wish me happy birthday. Obviously there's no cake because I am too lazy to go out and I ate the food from yesterday and had coco crunch for dinner. Whatever. Happy birthday to me. May Allah makes me an incredible Muslimah, bless my life, shower me with wisdom and integrity and let me die as a faithful servant. ameen.

It reminds me of Chris birthday.
On his birthday, I went for a day trip to Konstanz.
Konstanz is not that far away actually, but since there's Black Forest in between Konstanz and Freiburg, the journey is quite long.
I shall write about Konstanz sometime after.
Anyway, I got home (Chris and Iva's) past midnight and was rather hungry.
Turns out the lovebirds haven't gone to sleep.
They came and accompanied me for dinner.
Iva baked 2 types of cakes for Chris (lucky boy I know) ~ apple crumble and marble cake
When I was about to spoon the apple crumble, Iva suddenly remember that she put some alcohol in it but assures me that the alcohol has dissipated, so it is safe to eat it. (But now, after some research, I make a stand to not eat anything mixed with alcohol)
So I ate it. and I can detect the taste and smell of alcohol in my mouth.
So I went after the marble cake, which is really delish.
Must say Iva's is rather good at baking.

Oh no. I just miss them and their place. =)

In Their Shoes

I think I've been way too comfortable after high school. I need to be out of the box. I need to be challenged.
This exchange seems to be offering just what I need and how true it is.

I found out the terrible feeling of being there but not knowing what people in front of you are talking about. Because they talk in a language alien to me. I have been on the other side of the table eversince I came to Czech. I casually switch into Malay in the conversation where my non Malay speaking friend is also there, involved in the conversation. Now that I have been to both sides of the table, I try to speak the language that everyone understand.

I've been to almost all of the morning meetings, which are conducted in German. I was asked to be there.
So I know the feeling of that poor thing that's invited to the event where everyone is speaking the language alien to the poor thing, eventhough they have the ability to speak in English, which everybody knows.

When I went to the suturing class, which is of course conducted in German, I joined a class where everyone has been together eversince few years back. I am just someone coming with the surgeon, and sit with the students. I said my greetings. and sit back feeling out of place. So when an exchange student was standing there alone and others were happy chatting away, I remembered what I felt and went to greet her. The thing that I learnt is that it is nice if people are being welcoming especially when you are alone coming into a pack of people that already know each other.

And one of the many things that I learnt from Chris and Iva is that to offer the guest help and explaining directions. They both went miles to help me. giving a real map. finding where the worship place is. recommending where to shop and many many more.


I'm glad that I went out of my comfort zone. I learnt a lot, both professional skill and interpersonal skill. But I gotta admit that this is not for everyone. You gotta pull yourself together and be open to challenges. In conclusion, be a tough cookie.