Auld Lang Syne for 2011

"Should old acquaintance be forgot,and never brought to mind ?Should old acquaintance be forgot,and old lang syne ?" is sung by millions each year as we usher in the New Year. This haunting old Scottish classic always bring a tear or two, everytime I sing it. It is such a meloncholy song.

As 2011 comes to a closure and we say hello to 2012, I can't help but reflect back on this rather tumultous year.

When I ushered in 2011, I was still reeling from a failed marriage. I looked to 2011 full of optimism that I will push on in my career. By then, I had pushed myself to submit the corrected version of my syarahan perdana to Penerbit UKM. I celebrated the New Year Eve full of gusto with a night out in Cyberview Lodge with the rest of the Jhoras. I even had a party dress.

Yes I was optimistic with my life and wanted to get on. However, I was holding back on the love aspect as I just did not want to get into any serious relationship yet. I was telling everyone that I'm married to 5 men ie my research, ALIR, IKM, MESA and PCORE. I just don't have time for anyone apart from my work.

Certainly, I did my Syarahan Perdana on the 31st of March. It went well and I was elated. I was estactic that my family came out in full force to support me.

Yes I was moving along well in my life. No hassles no troubles. Just work and more work to occupy my life. I went to Kota Marudu to participate in the Karnival Kimia Malaysia and delivered a talk to the school children.

I was delighted when my son Muhammad Haziman made it into Medical School. I was the proud mother when I accompanied him for his registration. Good luck Haziman, your Mama will alwyas doa for you.

I also had to deal with loss of loved ones especially my aunt Mak Kak Bee. Miss you Mak and I promise to make prayers for you. I also lost a dear trusted friend Dr. Hamizer. Al-Fatihah.

I appeared on numerous TV shows on Awani. I gave my views on scientific and higher education matters. Yes life as an academician was fulfilled.

I was made a fellow of Institut Kimia Malaysia. Another feather to my cap. I must say that I was doing good. But I was perhaps a bit lonely.

So the year 2011 marked a big shift in my life after I met my soulmate, Wan Azarudin. Sometimes you just got to make a decision and move on. We decided to get married!

So 2011 will be the year marked as the year I remarried.

On the 9th of December I was so humbled that my husband, Wan Azarudin, my son, Muhammad Haziman and my close friends came to honour me as I received my fellowship from Institut Kimia Malaysia.

However, the biggest shift in my life was my change of lifestyle. I realised that it was time for me to get real and make peace with Allah SWT. During Ramadhan I prayed hard and syukur alhadullilah I saw what I needed to do with my life.

I finally made peace with Allah SWT.

Thank you Ya Allah for a blessed 2011. Don't let me stray from Your path ever again.

Amin.