Saying Goodbye *

Death at any time and by any means is an occasion of ultimate sadness. But death that comes so suddenly with a reason so unnecessary makes it all the more melancholy with perhaps no closure in sight.

It was with a truly broken heart that I attended the funeral service for my good friend Shyam’s Dad, who unfortunately passed away last week. The reason for his untimely demise was as vile as it was shocking and it shook me to the very core when I initially found out. My shock settled into disbelief followed by anger and finally utter sadness. I was truly lost for words for what could one possibly say to make the situation any better if not bearable?

The funeral service was beautiful and the eulogy and video presentation depicted a religious man, husband and father of good standing; much loved and well-respected by his family, friends and community. There was so much I wanted to say to my dear friend Shyam but my thoughts and words were choked by tears of despair and sadness for her unspeakable loss.

Now that I am more composed, I do want her to know just how sorry I am for her loss and I do believe that good things come to those who wait. With that, I hope she finds the will; patience and strength to keep her head up in this time of darkness and let justice and peace take their course. Take comfort in the beautiful memories shared over the years with your beloved Dad and be proud knowing that he did an amazing job in raising a wonderful loving daughter and friend in you.

Farewell Uncle Duncan and may your soul rest in eternal peace …

 

MARIUCA LOVES

Miracle in March *

 

When B woke me up last Saturday on the afternoon of 8th March, I was still caught up in a deliciously lazy dream. I couldn’t remember what it was about but any thought of spending some time to recollect my thoughts on the dream immediately vanished when B said that a Malaysian Airlines plane was missing and Jun was on board!

The only Jun I know is B’s friend and schoolmate, a long-time steward with Malaysian Airlines so could it be him B was referring to? In the midst of my drowsiness, I initially took it all as part of a bad dream. It was only ten minutes later, while sipping my first coffee of the day that the full intensity and urgency of the situation dawned upon me. Malaysian Airlines MH370 flying from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing with 239 passengers and crew members (including Junaidi Mohd Kassim) on board had mysteriously vanished!

Thoughts and prayers for Junaidi and family

We are now into the 5th day of searching for the missing MH370 and the poor passengers and crew aboard the plane. I have been glued to the television since Saturday and all I’m seeing is sheer sadness. The mystery of the missing plane remains just as murky, if not even more and try as we may, we too can’t refrain from coming up with our own theories on what could have possibly happened to MH370.

Where is MH370? Is she hiding somewhere on a LOST island waiting to be discovered? Are the passengers and crew members surviving the best they can just like the courageous survivors of ALIVE (based on true story) did? Times like this, you tend to come up with whatever scenario you can conjure in your head in order to make the pain of seeing the sadness of reality unfold, just a tad more bearable.

Friends tweet to MAS crew of MH370

Heartbreaking tweet

Today, it is reported that India and Japan have added to the force (currently 12 countries providing assistance) of the current SAR mission of flight MH370, which adds to the comfort of knowing that so many people from all over the world are coming together to provide us with the assistance that we truly appreciate. The mightier the search, the bigger our hope for a thankful miracle. 

Truly a devastating time for the entire world particularly the countries affected in this tragedy, tears are a constant companion in my household at the moment. Even my fur-kids are depressed. How can one not well up in tears at witnessing the severity of this tragedy and the added mystery surrounding the bizarre disappearance of MH370?

Countries in unity for MH370

Keeping the Faith

I am choked with tears every time I see a heartfelt video or read a touching sob story about the 239 people on board and the agony each family is feeling at this no-closure loss. To date, there is still no trace of the missing plane or conclusive evidence suggesting wreckage has been discovered. The entire nation remains in gloom albeit hopeful as we continue to pray, trust and will MH370 to emerge from her hiding place.

B and friends/schoolmates of Junaidi praying and hoping for a safe return

Keeping the faith; our thoughts, prayers and well-wishes go out to all the families of passengers and crew on MH370, especially to B’s friend Junaidi Mohd Kassim and his family. Please come back MH370. Miracles do happen and right now, the entire nation and the world is waiting with bated breath for you to make that difficult but courageous journey home with that longed for miracle.

)

I cry ... every time ...

 

MARIUCA LOVES

Mamma Mia! Happy Birthday Me!

This year, my BFF Shyam whom I’ve known since we were 12 years old was adamant to take me out on my birthday!

Birthday Bouquet, thanks Love!

There will be no sitting around at home moping at the thought of turning a year older and a scrumptious birthday lunch at Tony Roma’s would definitely be a great distraction for me. Plus, she also got me a scent-sational birthday present from her recent London-Paris vacation!

Shyam & Mariuca

LUSH from Paris, thanks Shyam!

Bread & Garlic Butter

Pineapple n' Grape Blast & Cranberry Mojito

Roma's Sampler

Kickin' Shrimp

Iced Coffee

Giant Cookie for dessert

Of course I was dying to hear all about Shyam's Europe trip. I had sent her a list of recommendations on things to do and sights to see prior to her trip and apparently they did come in handy. I was happy to hear that her London vacation included a touristy visit to Tower of London and shopping in Oxford St. but I was especially pleased to hear that she and hubby made it all the way to Bicester shopping centre as well!

Bicester Shopping

Tower of London

Oxford St.

Sadly, Madame Tussauds did not make it into their tight schedule but they did manage to catch a musical, which was playing in the city. I can’t remember which one exactly but I do know that Mamma Mia is currently playing so perhaps that was the one.

One of the world’s largest musical hits, Mamma Mia is now performing in theatres across the globe and tickets are being snapped up like hot potatoes by musical fans. Based on hit songs by the popular Swedish pop group ABBA, the musical unfolds a fictional story set on a Greek island.

Reviews online sound pretty interesting so musical fans, get ready for some Theater and Tickets fun and make sure you already have your Mamma Mia tickets in hand. I however, am not a huge fan of musicals and the only one I’ve seen was Cats, which I did enjoy although I secretly believe it was mostly due to my being a cat Master to four fluffy cats!

Melting birthday cake!

Reminiscing London and planning future trips with a good friend was indeed the perfect distraction I needed that afternoon to forget about turning a year older. Thanks to friends and family too for your beautiful birthday wishes and gifts!

 

MARIUCA LOVES

LADY JAVA

Sunday at T.G.I. FrIDAY'S *

Lunching with good friends at one of my favourite hangouts on a rainy afternoon, that was how I spent my Sunday. I’m glad the lunch happened as planned and though there were some minor glitches in terms of location and timing, everything was sorted out by the time Sunday came around.

TGIF Sunday with friends

It’s nice to spend time with people you like but it always seems extra special when it’s with those who truly mean a great deal to you. Aside from LJ and Emila who visited B in the hospital a few months back, I’ve not seen my blog buddies like Nessa and Soulie in quite a while. So when Emila invited us all out for lunch @ T.G.I. FRiDAY'S, I was delighted to say yes!

Me and my Blog Buddies

Mushroom Soup for Emila

Buffalo Wings

Stuffed Mushroom

Chicken Nachos for Nessa

Spicy Snapper for LJ

The food was great, the company even better and I have to say I went home feeling grateful and much loved by real friends who love me for who I am.So thank you ladies; thanks for bringing loads of sunshine my way that rainy Sunday afternoon!

Cafe Latte for me

Cappuccino

Shopping with the girls

Me with LJ and Nessa

Fun @ Timberland!

Till our next meet, thanks for a wonderful Sunday!

   

MARIUCA LOVES