Farewell 2009, Hello 2010...

A decade ago, on this very day, I was at Universal Studios' Island of Adventure Orlando Florida with a bunch of great friends and hubby to be. We drove in two separate Ford Tauruses, clocking in close to 3000 miles from Purdue to Orlando.

Boy! Did we have a blast!! The new Island of Adventure was newly opened and the rides were awesome with a capital A. Waiting time averaged at 30 minutes but we didn't mind at all. We waited and rode and the vicious cycle continued. Oh... did I mention it was in the month of Ramadan? Yes... it was. I am rather ashamed to admit that I didn't fast on that day and so did the others except for two; Mr Chartered Engineer and Mr Motivator. We were musafir back then hehehe...

Come night time, the atmosphere heated up. The crowd went wild ringing in Y2K. Fireworks display was totally mind-blowing. Till this very day, I have not seen any fireworks to the likes that I saw ten years ago. Yupp, even the fireworks competition held annually in Putrajaya pales in comparison. Then, it was non-stop partying till the wee hours of the morning.

At about 5 am, we decided to call it quits and drove to the nearest Dennis for an early breakfast. After a hearty meal, we drove for about 3 hours to Tampa Bay for the Outback Bowl. Yes, for the first time ever, Purdue made it and played Georgia. We were there bright and early.

Again, the atmosphere was euphoric! We wore Purdue t-shirts, caps, wavy hands and face tattoo proudly. Purdue played like they've never played before in the first part of the game and was leading by a big margin. Everything went downhill from there. Georgia suddenly played like a possessed demon and started leading. They won the Outback Bowl and we went home frustrated like there's no tomorrow. The guys that is. Miss Auditor and I, we were fine by it because as we saw it, we got a life-altering fun experience and it was well worth it.

A decade has past and I am now happily married with a loving husband who was my traveling buddy back then and with two wonderful children. Life couldn't be any better and I am very thankful to Allah for all the good things in life that He has generously bestowed upon us. Syukur Alhamdulillah...

Reflecting on 2009, I am thankful and overwhelmed for all the good things that has happened. There are a few downs but I'm taking it all with a pinch of salt and moving on. Things happen for a reason and who am I to question it? I take it all as tests from Allah. Quoting B's boss, "Allah tidak akan menguji seseorang melainkan Dia tahu orang itu sudah bersedia untuk diuji". So, saya redha. Itu semua Qada' dan Qadar. Que Sera Sera.

For 2010, I pray and hope to be a better Muslim, a loving and patient mom and less of a momzilla, a doting wife to my husband, an attentive daughter to my parents and family, a lovable friend and a skillful baker.

Happy New Year everyone! May 2010 brings you lots of joy, love, an abundance of livelihood and renewed hope and dreams. God bless!! :D