Good bye 2010, Welcoming 2011

Salam & good day to all,

As we draw to the end of 2010, I find myself reflecting over the past year.
This year alone I have experienced many great things, that later will change the course of my life.
Either, personally or professionally.

1. Away from home yet feel close to them;
Pretty interesting to know that, actually distance will make things even stronger. The bond, things to cherish, and prayers. Although, physically apart, those three things always make me feel close to them. To my parents, thanks for your endless prayers throughout my thick and thin! i appreciate that, always (May Allah bless you all the way! - l love you mum and dad!). To my sisters - thanks for your continuous updates, + gossips! ha ha ha .... and promise that i will see both of you here, next year. To my brothers, thanks for your support. Well, the FB, YM and internet saves the day.

2. Work, and work and work. :-)
One of the reasons I am here, to fulfil the quest of knowledge. Alhamdulillah, the progress is still there, although somehow it is not up to my expectation (as usual!). At the same time, I have to be wary of trying to reinvent the wheel and wasting time I could spend doing other things in my work. It's the law of diminishing returns :-). I wanted to post this to encourage those who are weary and tired to take some time to relax, reflect and rethink. Remember "sometimes, we need to step back in order to move forward". Don't overdo perfection. But, learn from your mistakes, and draw the lines. Well, with several publications in my grip, i think it is not that bad at all. But, I have to stay focus and produce more great ideas, results for the benefit of knowledge and my thesis :-). More to come next year, Insha' Allah.

3. Travelling and travelling ...
Alahamdulillah, i have been to several places this year, (presented my technical papers, summer schools, and holidays). I never thought that doing a doctoral research requires me to travel across continents throughout the world. Well, having this thing in my mind has broaden up my spectrum of thought, especially the ways people are making certain decisions, and up to the cultural issues. Insha'Allah i will share these great experiences with my fellow friends, colleagues and students later. *I find the Niagra Falls are truly awesome! I was amazed with her beauty.

The Niagra falls (from Canada)

4. Social works.
This year, I have limited myself to get involved with only two associations. One is the local social works to collect donation for the needy in Africa, and one with the Malaysian Association of The Netherlands (MA-NL). Under MA-NL, i was involved in a social-welfare task, and with some others ad-hoc committee functions. We had fun, and laugh + nerve freaking moments together, especially with the CNY, Family day, Tadau Kaamataan, Deepavali, and Gala nite. Yes, it was fun. :-)

5. Find myself in unfamiliar surroundings, and yet have so many friends.
To all my colleagues, my flatmates (both in Uilenstede and Gershwin), my Facebook + blog friends, my extended family in Leiden, Den Haag, and Rotterdam, you have made this year entirely awesome to me. With all great parties, dinners, movies, and vacations - i have more than i need. Many thanks.

Sometimes, when you are in a totally strange new world, it is better to stop whining and phining, and remember that the point of life is for you to contribute towards something good. Time to explore the new horizon of your life. Be happy, and life will reward you. Insha' Allah.

Pakcik said: So, I would like to wish you all a safe and happy holidays, wherever you are in the world. See you next year! Happy New Year 2011. "Gelukkig nieuwjaar allemaal". May Allah bless you.