REDESIGNING MY BLOG

I've thought about getting a new template for my blog and giving it a new face-lift quite a number of times. To tell the truth, the look of a kiddie blog (my blog that is) was not what I really had in mind in the first place but I am not that savvy when it comes to anything ICT. I don't know how to use a lot of softwares that can enhance the look and appearance of my blog. My knowledge regarding applications and gadgets that can be used is also very limited. Hence, the reason why my blog still looks the way I started it more than three years ago. Any guest to my blog will most probably assume it as belonging to a newbie and to tell the truth, I don't mind that perception one bit. They are absolutely right. No doubts whatsoever. My blog looks like a kiddie blog. I am a newbie. I am quite ICT-challenged. I am ..................... (fill in the blank yourself). I am not embarrassed to admit all that (but I am not proud either). I've received a few (more than just a few actually) comments from guests and readers who visited my blog, and I thank all of you for the suggestions and advice. One of the visitors mentioned about it being too green and lacking that personal touch. A few suggested that I get rid of the fish swimming at the top right-hand corner of this blog since it would tamper with downloading time. I know the fish can be quite distracting but I sort of like them there. I guess it's just one of my idiosyncrasies; liking something for no apparent reason. Some advised utilising the 'read more' button so that my entries will be shorter in appearance and not occupy a lot of space. Others queried about not being able to post any comment. Many felt strange not seeing any Nuffnang or adsense ads on my blog. I never answered any of these questions (I don't think I ever will) simply because I didn't know how to answer them or I didn't know what they were referring to (I'm a newbie, remember?). I've also learned a few things but I am still in the dark on how to make this blog user-friendly, appealing, interesting, impressive and blah, blah, blah blah, blah. Changing the way this blog looks means trial and error, and I don't like using this method since I might not be able to undo anything that I don't like. As a conclusion, I'm going to leave it the way it is for the meantime. If you see any changes here from time to time, it will only mean one thing : I have learned something new that I really like.

p/s I've replaced my profile pic with a new one but I don't think anybody will notice that teeny weeny change. I've also removed a few links that I think I no longer need on my blog.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

I can't really expressed how truly blessed I am to have the opportunity to live with my mother. I am almost middle-age and yet living with her is something that I will not trade with anything else. There are only two of us in the house and it has been that way since my father passed away seven years ago. My mother loves good company and enjoys talking with my friends who sometimes drop by without any notice at all. She likes to read and usually will tell me what she has read if she thinks it is something that I should know. My second youngest brother comes back every two or three days to check on her and my eldest brother will call her at least once every day. I also have very nice neighbours and I have regarded some of them as my own family. We keep five cats at home and one of them sleeps with her every single night. My mother goes for her dialysis three times a week and when I am at work, there is a neighbourhood lady who accompanies her and does some light house chores. My mother doesn't cook or sew anymore. Though I miss her cooking very much, I believe it is for the best. At her age, I want her to enjoy her time doing what she wants without putting any stress at all on her health and emotions. She can't even travel far anymore and for that reason, I always welcome anyone who comes over to our house with open arms. For the same reason too, both of us won't be able to attend my nephew's wedding which will take place next month. I have already explained the situation to my sister and I do hope that she truly understands. I wish I could still do a lot of things together with my mother but at the moment, her health is my number one priority. Because of that, I rarely go out anymore and even if I have to, I will make sure that she won't be left alone at home for too long. There are also so many things I wish for my mother but first and foremost, I wish for Allah's blessings to be bestowed upon her. Happy Mother's Day, mak!

p/s Honouring mothers is something that is greatly emphasised in Islam and despite the different 'fatwas' regarding Mother's Day celebration, I believe many people only have good intentions when it comes to showing their love, appreciation and respect to their mothers.