Photo courtesy of @razmanrahim

Dear Easa,

This is Uncle Syafique. (Say: UNNN…CCCLE….SHHHAAA….FFFIIIKKK). Ok, perhaps I am expecting too much at this stage. Yes, yes… you’re only a few days old. 

This is syafiqueshuib.com, your Uncle’s blog. You see, there’s this thing called Social Media, and I’m addicted to blogging and Tweeting. One day, your Daddy will explain to you about my addiction and he will reveal to you that a day before the Merdeka celebration, you are featured on this humble blog of mine. 

I visited you yesterday and there you were on the bed, looking all cute and adorable. It took me a few seconds to realize that you’re finally here in this world. Can I say that you have a very sharp nose, just like your Uncle? (Ok, I think you got it from your Daddy!) 

Your Mummy asked me to carry you but I was a little scared (it was more like I didn’t know how!) but since your Mummy insisted, how could I resist from carrying my own nephew right? Your Daddy took a picture of me carrying you. Here’s the proof: 

Photo courtesy of @razmanrahim

Perhaps I didn’t carry you the right way. I’m sorry, my dear nephew. I’m not good with newborn babies, but I did try my best last night. I really did. 

Anyways, my whole point of writing this letter is to welcome you to this world. I know your Daddy and Mummy have been waiting for this moment, they’re very excited for your arrival. I am excited, too!  

As an Uncle, I’m very happy to have a new addition to the family! We will go to Toys ‘R Us together, ok? After that we will eat ice-cream and junk food but don’t tell your parents, promise? It will be OUR secret! 

Anyways, do remember there will always be a place for you in my heart and life. Stay safe, be good and may Allah bless you always, Easa! 

xoxo

Uncle Syaf

All the way from Brunei … With Love…

Image: @johnreydangilan

Yes, my two fabulous Tweeps from Brunei met this afternoon and left me that message! Thanks @snrpablo and @johnreydangilan!!! It wasn’t like what I expected it to be but they are forgiven to have put the sign down there since they both have sexy legs and nice loafers! Oh, I’m starting to love the strikethrough. Similar to Meditation of an Asian Bimbo, noh?

And they spelt SYAFIQUE right!!

***Postscript:***

This just in! A BETTER Picture!!! This is what I WANT!

THE Asian Bimbo (Image: @snrpablo)

Yesterday, I posted several photos taken from my recent visit to the Pusat Latihan Khidmat Negara Kuala Kubu Bharu. Below is the story:

***

Effie creates family history for being the first in our family to undergo the Khidmat Negara (National Service) training. My two cousins and I were not selected to undergo the National Service training for the 2004 (b. 1986) and 2005 (b. 1987) batch. At that point in my life, I considered myself very lucky to officially ‘escape’ National Service.

This is my nephew Effie

I’ve read so much regarding National Service, both the good, the bad, and the ugly. National Service was introduced in our country in 2004 and over this short span of time, of course it is far from perfect.

Another view of the camp area. Was told this is the most beautiful NS camp

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to visit my nephew Effie at the Pusat Latihan Khidmat Negara Kuala Kubu Bharu. It was an opportunity for me to observe and experience what life is like for our Wira and Wirawati negara.

Both my cousin and my mum pointed at Effie, but I couldn’t recognize him from far. He was wearing the NS uniform and he looked different than his usual self (dyed hair, piercings here and there, etc. You know how teenagers are these days.) This time around, he looked smart and disciplined.

Visitors can 'lepak' at this area

Here are some things I learned from Effie:

• Trainees have to wake up at 5am and they sleep around 11.30pm.
• They do many activities all day long; was told there are even classes (but I guess it’s more motivational classes?)
• If there are no activities, the trainees can relax, without messing the bed. Everything must be tidy at all times. Discipline! Discipline!
• Trainees are well fed. When I met Effie, he just ate even though lunch was just around the corner
• Handphones are not allowed, except for weekends
• If one person from the dorm breaks the law, the whole people in that dorm would be punished (e.g. caught smoking, etc.)
• Outside friends are not allowed to visit unless accompanied by the trainee’s parents.
• Parents are allowed to meet on weekends (unless you do not want to be seen as a Momma’s Boy! But then again, what’s wrong with that, especially if you’re feeling a little homesick??)
• Christian trainees will be driven to the nearby Church for Sunday Mass. It just shows that each religion are practised and special arrangements would be made to go to a mosque, church, temple, etc.
• Hantu?? (Ok. NO GHOSTS IN KUALA KUBU BHARU!!)

It was definitely an eye-opener to visit a National Service camp. I can sense that my nephew Effie is a little homesick and I am definitely sure that if I was a trainee, I would feel homesick too! But then again, I do not have to worry much because I wasn’t selected. LOL!

A quick photo op with my nephew

To Effie: Be strong, don’t miss home so much and enjoy the time there. I’m sure by the 3rd month, you don’t even want to go home!! We will come back again to bring some food cooked by your grandmother!!  Hope to see a NEW YOU by the time you end your training!

I went to Pusat Latihan Khidmat Negara (PLKN) Kuala Kubu Bahru this morning to visit my nephew Effie. Below are the photos taken from the camp. I will blog about my visit in my next entry! Enjoy!

When one does something, there must always be a reason behind it. No one does anything without a reason, I believe.

So…

I received this BBM from a fellow blogger this morning:

You may now be dealing with someone who is something of a diva. This person is well-liked and well-regarded. However, this individual also has a reputation for being difficult. Don’t blame yourself today if a conflict or confrontation arises between you and an individual of this description. Keep any disagreements to a minimum, or you will be the one dealing with the thorns.

Look at this innocent face. How can I ever be DIFFICULT?

The first question that came to mind: Why did this person have to BBM me this message? Certainly there must be a reason behind it. So I asked him what this message was all about. I wasn’t so clear myself. (Yeah, right. I think I KNOW what this message was about!!!) He told me that it is HIS horoscope of the day and I wonder who is the DIVA that he has to deal with? Moi?

Should I get the hint that I am a difficult person? Gosh, sometimes horoscopes are just… true?? Amazing!!

Disclaimer: Syafique Shuib admits that he can be a difficult person to deal with SOMETIMES, but not all the time.