Three Decades - 6th March 1978

Time passed by so fast that I didn't realize that I am already reaching the figure '3' in my life. Life has always been changing from the beginning. I have gone through the hurdles - the ups and downs of life. If only I could refresh my memories - I would love to trace every bit of my life. But it would be too long to put in the entry; I guess a summary of my life for the past 30 years would be enough!

1st decade (1978-1988)

I was born in the hills of Cameron Highlands in the morning of 6th March. Being the youngest in the family I have always been pampered by my parents and siblings. And since I am the only one who had the 'kemek' nose, I always teased by the rest. Since I was born in a place full of fresh vegetables, they always said that my parents found me in a cabbage patch! or that I was actually a Chinese girl adopted by my parents. Being so naive I believed them and continue life as it was.

When I turned 3, my parents moved to Sungai Petani, Kedah and we lived there for 7 years. I attended kindergarten and primary school there. I didn't remember a lot of this period except that I spent most of my time with my brother, Aman, whilst my eldest brother had already moved to KL and my sister was at UTM Skudai. Aman also eventually left to continue his secondary school education in MRSM, Jasin. So I ended up alone, with nobody - but life was good as I had a lot of neighbours (mostly Chinese).

Daddy realized that he also missed my brother and sister , so much so that he requested for a transfer to IKM, which was also in Jasin (hence nearer to everyone down south). So my 2nd decade started in a new place with new people and new environment.

2nd decade (1988 - 1999)

I finished the 2 years of my primary school in Jasin plus my first year in secondary school. We only stayed there for 3 years, but until now I still cherish the moments there! Mebe it was because I was growing up and making new friends. I got my first admier when I was 12 years old - baligh pun belum lagi! I still laugh when I think back. I remember saying to myself that I wanted to marry a man from Malacca, who has a 'kampung' for me to go back for the holidays. Little did I know Allah would be granting me that wish...

When I was 14, and in form 2, daddy had to be transferred to another IKM, this time in Manjung. So there I was placed at SMKA Azlan Shah in Seri Iskandar - hehe, a Sekolah Agama! But I just stayed until after the PMR and since my Arabic wasn't good, daddy decided to take me out from the school and let me finish my form 4 & 5 in Convent, Sitiawan (yes...another sekolah Agama...).

Life back then was really a 'torture' for me as my dad was really strict and I don't have that freedom like teenagers have nowadays. Neither did I have the chance to go to my friends house during the weekends nor going to the shopping mall by myself. Daddy was really strict to the level that he filtered all incoming calls! Letter writing for sure is a big NO!!! That is why I guess I became so rebellious...

I had a good result in SPM and continued to do my Advanced Diploma in KL. Finally being away from my parents allowed me to start showing my 'taring': I was suspended from college for a semester for fighting with my classmate (lelaki ye..) in the middle of a lecture. Ni bergaduh yg siap nak bertumbuk ni.....But lucky for me, that my appeal to continue in the next semester was approved. I still remember how mad daddy became, after being called by the principal due to my actions. Brutal gila anak Pak Saleh ni....

But after that 'episode', I really worked hard and earned my Advanced Diploma in 1999. Kira dah bertaubat la....

3rd decade (1999 - 2008)

I was really lucky to be accepted to continue my degree in PPP-ITM (now UiTM section 18) even before my final results came out. Alhamdulillah, my wish to earn a degree like my brothers and sister was starting to come true.

Love : this is a totally new experience for me. Being loved, in love and hurt. Am not bragging but I did have 'tons' of admirers and boyfriends - back then. Well, I guess it was a normal thing to happen in someone life when we were young. The longest relationship I ever had lasted for 3 years and it was always a distance relationship. I guess the saying that long distance relationship won't work, was true enough - at least for me that is. Those experiences have made me wiser to continue life each and every day.

I started my career in Malaysia Airports the same week I graduated. It was really a happy moment in my entire life (apart from my wedding) and I can see the happiness in my parents' eyes. I didn't just bring joy to them, but also proving that I could be successful despite my disobedience. I always had happy memories while I was working - Having a good career and opportunities in young age made me proud of myself.

And it also happend to be the year that I found love again. Little that I knew that the man I knew only for 2 months would be sharing my life with me. Mummy and Daddy was really happy to know about the news as they thought I won't be getting married, considering all of the past break-ups. On the night of 5th September, 2003 I was officially declared as Mrs. EZALMAN REEZAL. The tears streamed - it was really mixed feelings: Sad for the fact that daddy had 'released' his responsibility to another man; Excited for the fact the ceremony went on smoothly. Nervous for the fact that I would be holding a new responsibility as a wife... But mostly I am happy for the fact that I am my parents biological daughter (hehehehe haunting sampai ke tua!)

After almost 5 years of marriage to the man I love and being gifted with 2 beautiful and smart children, I now appreciate my parents more for all the sacrifices and never ending love they have provided to us until we became somebody in the world. There is nothing more that I can wish for, except for the hope that I remain in good health and be able to spend the coming decades seeing my children grow up. Hoping also that this new 'figure' would make me become more wiser and always bersyukur...

p/s
Got surprises from hubby and my best friends in Malaysia. Will upload the pics in the next entry