Ngah & Kayah's Drinking Well...

All praises be to Allah....

Am so grateful that my dream and intention has been fruitful…

Last Ramadhan , I received an invitation from an activist, who also happens to be my husband’s junior during their school days (Sekolah Tuanku Abdul Rahman (STAR) old boy, Ipoh, Perak). This gentlemen has forwarded a chance to contribute towards a very noble effort.

In his flyer, it was stated:

Hadhrat Sa'd
(Radhiallaahu Anhu) said, 'Umm Sa'd (mother of Sa'd) passed away. What should I do?'

Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, 'Dig a well (in order to provide water).'

Hadhrat Sa'd dug a well and said, 'This (the water of the well) is for the reward of Umm Sa'd.' (Mishkaat - Chapter of Sadaqah).. (Hadith Riwayat Tirmidzi)

And something suddenly fluttered in my heart…Instantly, I remembered both my parents. They – who had toiled and faced such hardship bringing up my siblings and I. We would not have been like we are today if not for their hard work and sacrifices (my father passed away in 1997 and my mum in 2003).

And so, I immediately offered my hand in this gesture, so noble…

I wanted so much to ‘enshrine’ both my parent’s names in something that would give rewards for them in the hereafter until the end of time or as long as it is of service for the betterment of others…Alhamdulillah….Praises be to Allah for fulfilling my dreams and making this possible…(The proof is here).

For those of you out there who would also like to contribute towards this good deeds, please contact:

Dato' Haji Mustafa Kamal bin Zaini (hp: 019-2149345)
President, ACT Malaysia
www.actmalaysia.org.my ( Please click here)

May Allah accept all our righteousness…Amin, Ya Rabbul Alamin…

Feeling really good inside…

All Praises be to Allah (3X)...Alhamdulillah..Alhamdulillah…Alhamdulillah…

For the 4th consecutive week, I have made myself available and to be able to follow Mdm. Ainon Mohd’s free lectures (the big boss of PTS Publications - an aggressive publishing company, she was and still is my mentor in writing) at Taman Permata, Kuala Lumpur. Always updating us with new projects, forever inspiring us with new ideas too…maybe I will share all that I have gathered – the notes that I have made while attending all these lectures – in other entries…For this entry – I just want to share this happy feeling...

This morning, I was feeling really swell… when I heard these words come tumbling out of Mdm Ainon’s lips:

“Ladies and gentlemen..who have never been tired writing and giving us your book manuscripts…your efforts have made it possible for us to venture into this Watershed Project – the translation of Al Quran for new reverts – and also for ‘dummies’(in the context of the yellow series of Books for Dummies).

We have made studies on how to make the Quran more simplified in its translation in order that a person who obtained just a grade ‘C’ for his/her Bahasa Melayu would also be able to understand the meanings of the verses…For that too, we have embarked on translations of the Quran in multi languages, in the hope that these translated versions will assist as tools for our brothers and sisters who are involved in dakwah work and to speed up their efforts.

We have produced the Surah Yasin in Iban language. The Quran in the same language is in the process of editing . The Khmer version is under print at Kampuchea. Others in line are in Kadazan, Tagalog and a string of others. These translated versions will be given away for free.

To print these, we need special ‘Bible paper’ – very thin but tough enough to be flicked back and forth. If not, the editions will be too thick and that will defeat the purpose of it being easily carried here and there, everywhere. This type of paper is very expensive. And that is where your efforts have helped us. The profits from the sales of your books as writers all these while – a portion of it has gone into this. We have really helped each other.

I am very passionate about this project and I am working really hard to make it all become possible. Pray that Allah give me strength and good health to continue and complete them all in these efforts. I want this to be my part of my good deeds (sadaqah jariah) when I die…"

Imagine how happy I was to hear all of these…All the hours spent in writing the books – have paid off in a way – I have contributed a little, if not much (as my books are not bestsellers although quite a number have been reprinted, their numbers are not very many…) However, I still feel very good inside.

You as readers are also contributing . For, in buying and reading the books by us PTS writers, you also have made yourselves shareholders in this very noble effort. Let us pray to Allah Almighty that all these good deeds of ours…are accepted by Him The Almighty….Amin…

For Malay readers, to learn more about these projects, please feel free to click the following:

1.
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4.

BeeeeZeeeee.....

It has been an eventful looooong month. More than a month actually…

The OCEANS 2010 conference in Sydney, ‘holiday’ in Shanghai. ‘Holiday’ means accompanying my husband who was on a business trip. New intake of students and ‘new’ subject to teach this session and in this new semester. Speaking of ‘new’ means handling a subject which I thought that I would not be teaching anymore. The last time I laid my eyes on the subject was about 6 years ago and so I was frantically trying to find my notes (maybe in my old laptop which has since been ‘condemned’).

As a consequence, I have been living on a day to day basis – lectures tomorrow and preparations? Today and till late at nights….

But in between, there was little Ameer Ihsan’s one year birthday. Yes! Already a year since the little darling – new addition to the family, was born. Our first little jewel i.e. his sister - Nuha Insyirah, is already 5 now...

Amongst other things which I was extremely happy about was the success of my good ole student in undergoing her Masters (M.Sc.) viva session just recently. Very tough, but she pulled through with gusto... Some corrections and she will be on her way..convocation in March next year, God Willing (Congrats L!)

I owe a lot to her – for without her assistance in collecting all the data, I would not have progressed in my own Doctorate studies years ago…As soon as I hired her, she had to spend at least 2 months each time at HUSM, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan. Never been there, problems in understanding the language – adjusting to the food – sometimes unpalatable to her taste but she put up with all these willingly, faithfully, diligently..…anyway, those were the days.

The recent convocation (early August 2010) brought me back to this little gift, presented by 4 students who have graduated on the occasion. I was their supervisor for their final year projects (here, we call it FYP). Reading their messages inscribed in the accompanying card, makes me happy inside. A sense of satisfaction and you feel good about a job done well with full sincerity….

Very beeeezeeee indeed...

Talking about being busy. I saw this line written on one of the walls of the hangar at Kepala Batas, Alor Setar, while on our way back to Jitra – my husband’s kampung, so many, many years ago..

“It is ok to be busy but please do not be busy bodies….”

My children were bent with laughter in the rear seat of the car when they read it. I totally agree with the phrase. Do you?

PS. To all friends and readers – May the blessings of Allah be with you throughout Ramadhan and forever…Amin…

My up and coming book...

My newest book will be around soon...Actually, it was supposed to be out during the recent school holidays. I was too busy with my work at the university hence the delay in the proofreading process. Took longer than it should have...sorry, editor!

Madam Ainon Mohd. (PTS Publications) had generously introduced it at her blog here...

I do hope my Malay readers would enjoy the book....(back cover blurb in Bahasa Melayu is here).

Reader Review - Seungu Lavendar

Nothing pleases a writer more than having his or her book reviewed by readers. Whether the review is good or bad – it does not matter.

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of bumping into a piece of review at www.goodreads.com written by one named Aina Dayana Hilmi from Melaka. Not only has she bought my book and then read it. She also graciously went an extra mile to produce some feedback after feasting her eyes on it. (For Malay Language readers, the review can be found here).

The book Seungu Lavendar is a true story based on my childhood days, written straight from my heart; growing up in an ordinary family (father being a police constable), coping with everyday dealings in the era of 1960’s and the 1970’s. The little girl Ummu Hanis (or Hanis) is my character in the book, her experiences and her innocent outlook towards life written from the eyes of a child of her age. I wrote this book under the direct guidance and constant online correspondence with Madam Ainon Mohd (Sifu PTS) and it was completed in a span of 3 months. Writers for her publishing company at that time were encouraged to write their own life experiences or Jibunsyi (‘lifes of ordinary people’ in Japanese). In tandem with her request, all the names of characters needed to be changed (but in this book, I had to maintain my father’s name, for reasons stated in the book storyline).

I would like to reproduce some points from my book "Jadi, Anda Mahu Menulis?"

According to Mdm Ainon, "Actually every person's life is a unique tale that may be made into a book; it is a storyline."

The reason why jibunshis are written is because so that ordinary people may relate to the stories and then be inspired and motivated. It may be that reader is facing some form of situations, similar to the writer. Then, he or she will say, "I am facing the same difficult situation. And I am not alone. So, this is how I can weave my way out of the same predicament. And the attitudes that I should churn in myself."

One of the Jibunsyi' that was successfully adapted into an effective film was Oshin (a well loved TV series by women all over the world)- the story of the iron willed lady who did not give up hope even though the tides turned against her.

Thanks a million, Ms. Aina Dayana Hilmi! Appreciate your efforts. Really do!

Apr 01, 2010
Aina Dayana Hilmi rated it: 3/5

bookshelves: family, read-2010

Read in April, 2010

(Malay readers may read the review here.)

'Beautiful Daffodils'...amongst other books...

Thank you, Allah...Most Gracious, Most Merciful for allowing my fourth book "Beautiful Daffodils" (Seindah Dafodil) to be chosen amongst the list of books purchased by the Ministry of Education for the year 2009.

I chanced upon this surprising and happy news here...
Thank you to all readers for the support. Parents may present this book to their teenagers as a way of indirectly giving advise to their teenagers; especially the importance of inculcating the importance of adhering to our faith and iman. More so, for those young adults who find themselves away from home in a far away land, and foreign environment...

To all youngsters, feel proud of our faith and iman i.e. Islam for only this can ward us from the impending dangers of undesirable influences that may destroy our identity as Muslims.

Puteri Salsabila....2nd. Reprint..

All Praises be to God (Alhamdulillah...) for making it possible for my book, Puteri Salsabila to be in its 2nd. reprint (September - just last month). I received the news when it was listed here (but for non-Malay readerss, maybe the source would not be understood). Anyway, just sharing my happiness...


I have also found a review of the book Puteri Salsabila. A very hilarious one indeed! For Malay Language readers, please click here... (Thank you to blogger Adi Jeff).

As it is, 2 more of my other books have also been reprinted last year i.e. Sentuhan Muttaqeen and Seungu Lavendar.

For this, I just want to say:

Thank you to readers for buying my books and most important of all - for reading them. I do hope my Malay Language readers will continue to enjoy reading my books...

Still so happy together…

September. Brings back all the memories at the back of my mind. Happy days and sad moments. 30 years….is a long time. That is how long we have been together. My other half and I.

The day before our anniversary, we sat next to each other, shoulder to shoulder, in a train. Enjoying each other’s company, watching the scenery. All the way from KL Sentral to Parit Buntar.

Along the way, there were so many things to see, to laugh at, to reminisce. At Ipoh, I recalled the train would be full of white clad boys (from STAR - where else?). The residential school where my husband hailed from. Some of the experiences on the train rides during school holidays decades ago, I have shared in my book Seungu Lavendar.

We passed by Bukit Berapit where the station is in ruins now. All dilipidated and in a sad state. But I could recollect the time when back then, the station was still intact and functioning; N, a hostel mate of mine (when all of us Tunku Kurshiah College, Seremban girls were on our way home up north, sleeping in chartered coaches in the year 1974), winked from her deep sleep in the middle of the night. Thinking that it was nearing her stop, N threw her luggage out the door of the train which was slowing down momentarily. Before we could stop her, she had hopped down from the train. If not for the shouts from the KTM man on duty, asking her what was she thinking, which of course startled her and caused her to wake up from her state of delirium and scrambled frantically back up the coach, I think she would have been stranded all alone in the pitch darkness and jungle, in the middle of nowhere. From then on, we took the liberty to take on the incident as a subject for N to be teased about. Naughty us!

At a certain stop called Pondok Tanjung, what a sight to behold! It was as if time stood still. As though we were caught in a time tunnel of the 1950’s. Especially the rustic quarters, children waving, smiles from wrinkled faces holding onto their motorbikes, patiently waiting for the train carrying us to go by, at the tiny railway crossing. Must remember to get hold of a few pictures, next time…

And then, another delightful sight - Tasek Merah. Looking out through the window, one has the impression that one is flying across the lake, as the track cuts right across the serene waters….my heart involuntarily sang to the melodious tune of the 1967 song, “So Happy Together”.

It was just wonderful! All praises be to God. What a great way to spend one’s 30th wedding anniversary….Thank you, Allah. I pray that God would allow us to grow old gracefully, the same like as this kindly soul, a friendly visitor of my blog who happened to hop by (admire his sincere efforts, good work and having spent a fruitful life) just celebrated…(for theirs is 45 years…Subhanallah….)

Interesting site about Malaysian trains and its history, click here..

In the top 30 list....

Incoming short message, “Congrats! Read in the internet that your name is amongst top 30 writers, recipients of highest royalty from PTS Publications for the year 2008!”

Jolted, my fingers promptly replied, “Really? Wasn’t aware. Thank you for the info.”

“Of course I know! I am one of your number one fans,” was the subsequent reponse.

“Thank you again for your support and words,” said I.

I received another text message of the same nature from TM Lim, Chief Editor of Malaysia Harmoni.

Congratulatory messages also came from old hostel mates of mine while at Tunku Kurshiah College, Seremban decades ago. One of them is now a diplomat in Tokyo, Japan. Also from writer friend, Mr. Hamdy and another fellow organization, Mr. Khairul Fadly.The same greetings were received as responses in my blog entry from Nurazzah8 and also Madam Siti Rafidah Hassan Basri, both I have never met face to face but we have become blogger friends. Thank you all, for your kind words.

Dr. Danial Zainal Abidin (former Head of JIM in the state of Penang during the initial years of the formation of JIM) is the topmost recipient in the list of 30 top writers. It was his efforts in writing which inspired and motivated me to make a start on this venture. 2 of my first writings were then published in the book, “Bagaimana Akhirnya Saya Bertudung” (How I First Put On The Hijab) in the year 2003.

How about my placement in the ranking? Frankly speaking, something that is not really very big to rave about…Yes! Right at the bottom-most. Actually, I have never dreamt of this and it has never crossed my mind that I could get in any rankings at all for that matter. I write simply for pleasure and for the fun of it. Mostly because, I thought that I could do something in the dissipation of the message of Islam through writings. That is all.

Alhamdulillah, praises be to the Almighty. May this motivate me to continue in these efforts.

What is interesting is that, 2 religious figures are also in the rankings.

May there be more who would be inspired to come in and join hands in this venture….Amin.

With Writer Friends…Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair 2009

“I am Hamdy!” said someone as soon as I arrived at the stall.

“So, you are Hamdy! We have been emailing and motivating each other through mailing lists and text messages,” said I, looking at Pak Utih, another writer friend and a qualified trainer, sitting in front of a pile of his book, "Suami Memimpin, Isteri Mengurus" (The Husband Leads, the Wife Manages). He was seated at the other end of the table.

“Yes! He may sound very gruff and brutal in his emails but actually he has a very kind heart!” said Pak Utih, casting a broad smile. Hamdy roared with laughter.

We were at the JIMedia stall, or to be more exact, Readnetworks. A publishing company owned by Bro. Wan Mohd. Zukri or better known as Abu Syamil, who is also in charge of publishing quality reading materials for JIMedia.

“Where is Roha?” I asked.

Roha is our Sis who was given the responsibility to compile our latest book project – the third one, entitled, “Ibu Madrasah Pertamaku” (Mother – My First Lesson Provider) under Women’s Wing for JIM. I have contributed one chapter in this third endeavour. The first project which was entitled, “Bagaimana Akhirnya Saya Bertudung” (How I Finally Wore the Hijab), 2 chapters of my writings were included there and while I have given one chapter for the second effort, “Mengapa Saya Bekerja” (Why I Work), both of which were compiled by Madam Ir. Hajjah Endok Sempo M. Tahir.

“I think, she cannot make it today,” said Hamdy or his real name is Haron Mohd.Yusof, writer of Rancang Hidup Rancang Wang (Plan your Life and Your Money) and many more.

Just then, there was the sound of greetings from another writer friend of ours, Dr. Harlina Haliza Siraj, leader of Women’s Wing, JIM Central Committee, whose face has graced Malaysian TV and newspapers.

We had our pictures taken with our editor, Mr. Wan Muhammad Wan Ibrahim, a youthful father of three, who works full time with JIM and another with Dr. Har.

“I want to stay low in profile,” said Hamdy with a chuckle, disappearing behind a pillar.

I shook my head.

And there we were that Saturday, the 25th. of April 2009. Sitting and promoting each and every one of our books at the stall. Our books i.e. mine "Jadi, Anda Mahu Menulis"(So, You Want to Write?), Dr. Har "Citra Wanita Kontemporari"(Aspirations of Contemporary Women), Pak Utih "Suami Memimpin Isteri Mengurus"(Husband Leads Wife Manages), Hamdy "Rancang Hidup Rancang Wang Remaja"(Plan Your Life, Plan Your Money for Young Adults) was published just the night before. Very fresh from the oven! We sat, signing our books with readers and getting know them for about a few hours.

It certainly was fun!

Bahulu, anyone?

The presentation was about to begin. Displayed onto the white screen, from the LCD projector.

“Bahulu? What has this got to do with engineering?” hissed a male student, who walked past from behind me.

I turned my head and gave him an icy stare. He shot his way and disappeared through the door of the prresentation lab.

“Right! Let us get started,” I said.

My two students i.e. one named Ng was fumbling with the keyboard of the PC while the other by the name of Nor, was straightening her clothes. Both were were standing a few feet from the wall.

And the presentation began with Nor saying:

“Bahulu is a traditional delicacy amongst the Malays in Malaysia. It has now been a favourite amongst the other races too i.e. the Chinese and the Indians. Especially during festivities. Apparently, the sweet cake originated from a place called Bangkahulu, Southern Sumatera, Indonesia and was brought into Malaya by the Javanese. Originally, it was pan-shaped, just like the pizza because the dough was baked using the pan-cover. Another version as to why the dish got its name was, it created by the people who stayed high up where the rivers began (‘hulu sungai’). The delicacy was often brought by them whenever they came visiting their kins at the various other places. The people then would often say, gifts from up the river (‘buah tangan dari hulu’). Hence, its name.”

Ng elaborated further saying that although the sweet cakes used to be prepared the traditional way, it is now much more convenient using the modern methods. Using machines and ovens. And there are much more flavours available. Even strawberries and cappuccinos!

“We could not find any resources where the bahulu was prepared traditionally. So we had to settle with a small scale industry in a remote kampung up north. We have videos of how the bahulu is prepared the modern way. Here it is!” said Nor.

Our eyes were transfixed on the wall, enjoying the video.

I asked, “You want to know how it was prepared the traditional way? My late mum used to sell this bahulu and also other traditional kuih nearly every day, to earn some extra income.”

Ng and Nor nodded their heads.

So I began, “I used to help my mum prepare bahulu when we were little. We took turns beating the eggs and sugar in a huge ceramic jar using a big egg beater until our hands were sore. Because, as time passed, the dough became heavier and heavier. But when she started baking, all the sores were gone. That was when the real fun began. Her oven was special. She used a clay pail with fire from charcoal and husks at the bottom. Then an uncovered pot with sand underneath it was put in the pail. Meanwhile, iron casts with different shapes were oiled and the mixture of dough was mixed with fried flour. Yes! Fried beforehand on a big wok for a few hours a few days earlier. That was why mum’s bahulu was so mouth watering, fragrant and long lasting! The dough was then dropped onto the holes. Then in it goes into the pot. The whole thing was then covered using a cut-out side portion of a large, clean biscuit tin. More burning coal and husks were put on top. The fragrance which emanates indicates that the bahulu is cooked. The first few rounds of bahulu would disappear into our tummies i.e. the ‘workers’!”

Nor’s brows were raised. Ng was mesmerized too.

“Well then! What have you learnt while you were doing this project?” I asked.

“A lot!” said Ng.

“Tell me! I want to know” said I.

“First of all, how to get into the kampung to talk to people while trying to find information,” said Nor.

“I learnt the name of the kuih. Before, I only knew how to eat them, without even knowing its name and its origins,” said Ng.

“Good! You two speak from your hearts!”

Ng said, “We made a survey. Most of the participants prefer the modern bahulu. Because of the variety of flavours available.”

“Whom did you ask?” I said, frowing.

“Just us, amongst students from first years to final years,” said Nor.

“You should have included the staff. Like me for example, in the survey. Then you would have came up with a different conclusion. Nothing beats bahulu prepared the traditional way. If only you had the chance to taste them!”

They grinned and then they delivered a surprise! A box of bahulu from them as a gesture of thanks to me as their supervisor for the subject SHE 101.

Last night, after dinner, I brought out the box of bahulu. My other half seemed to enjoy them very much because this morning, when I peeked through at the container, there were only six left!

PS. SHE 101 is a 2 unit course entitled Ethnic Relations. Students would have to complete their projects within 3 weeks.

Happy days...Kelantanese words (2)

“Why are those people staring at us?” said Lin, frowning away.

“Never mind them, Lin. We are not doing anything wrong,” said I, putting a bottle under the spout of the water filter machine.

“But I am feeling kind of queasy,” said Lin, grabbing another bottle to replace the one that I was holding which was already nearly full.

“Surely you would understand why they are giving us those kind of looks! Have you realized that ever since our first day here, we are the only people making use of this water machine,” said I to the Masters student of mine teasingly, with the intention of easing away her uneasiness.

We were on our way back after another long day at the Radiology Department of USM Hospital, Health Campus, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan. I needed to get some daily supplies, so we diverted to the town centre (Kota Bahru). Mydin Supermarket was one of our favourite haunts.

“Do you have another one of these? In a bigger size?” I asked.

“I will check whether there is any in stock,” said the girl at the counter.

A few minuters later, she came back and said, “I am afraid we have run out of stock but we can always check with another one of our branches, especially the one nearby. Would you like me to hello to them first?” said the girl.

“Hello?’ said I, confused.

“Yes! I will hello to them if you really want me to!”

I nodded my head while my eyes gazed at Lin’s crooked face. She was listening all the while.

“Ma’am! There is stock at the other branch, I have asked them to bring them over. If you would like to come again tomorrow, I will keep them aside for you, “ said the girl, smiling ever so sweetly.

“I certainly will! Thank you for all the trouble,” said I.

We left the place but not without Lin asking me, “Why are you smiling endlessly?”

“Oh! Nothing!” I said, igniting the car engine.

The next day, as always, we were back at the campus. I realized I needed something. And very urgently too. So, off I went to my colleague’s office.

“Could you please get them for me. I would be so grateful!” I said.

“Sure! I will hello right away to that friend of mine who borrowed them from me some time ago. Why don’t you have a seat while I do just that?” said my colleague, a lecturer at the Medical School, Health Campus.

“Hello?” I said, frowning.

“Yes! Hello!” said she, nonchalantly.

This time around, I could not withhold my wide smile from breaking into a laugh. I thought that the term ‘hello’ was just a layman’s way of saying ‘making a call’. Little did I expect that the same term is rampant amongst intellects at the medical campus.

Happy days…Kelantanese words.

“How much altogether, please?” I asked.

Lin (my Masters student) and I had just finished with our dinner at a Tom Yam restaurant at a corner. The small eatery was situated at the crossroads leading to my lodging i.e. Rose Palace, Kota Bahru, Kelantan.
“Twelve ghiya samah!” said the cheerful owner.

“What is that again?” I asked turning my head to Lin, my eyebrows raised. She too seemed a bit muddled up.

“Sorry! I mean, twelve ghiya and fifty cents,” he said, nodding his head.

“Is that so? We are so sorry! We are not from here, that is why we have problem understanding what you have said,” said I.

“It is alright!” he said, returning our smiles.

“We have learnt a new word tonight!” I said to Lin, turning on the engines. I drove Lin back to the trainee students’ hostel at the Health Campus of USM, Kubang Kerian, before retiring to my humble temporary abode at the Rose Palace.

Early next morning, we were back at the campus, in particular, the Radiology Department. That was our routine for weeks on end, holed up at the Medical Campus, trying our best to finish our research work. The corridor leading to the small space given to us for putting our things and doing our work was dimly lit, its atmosphere was a little ghostly. Every day, while walking past the corridors, we could hear noises.

The first few days when we were there,I would often ask, “What is that sound? Like a small kitten whining for its mother.”

Finally, the matter was resolved when one day, I asked the security officer stationed at the entrance to the corridor.

“That is the sound of the MRI machine. That machine cannot be switched off, even for a second,” said the officer, beaming a friendly smile.

Everyday, while on our way back from lunch at the cafeteria, we would stop to pamper ourselves with the sweet taste of freshly cut fruits.

“They are simply marvellous and so sweet, aren’t they?” said Lin, a pair of tongs in between her fingers, picking up the slices of pineapples, papayas and mangoes.

“You want the awaih-awaih?” said the young man manning the stall.

“The what?” said I, trying to make sense of his words.

“This!” he said, holding up a clear container, filled with a certain brown and white powder with a spoon in it.

“Oh! That! We call that asam boi!” I said, bursting into a laugh.

“Really? Do you want it?” laughed the young man too.

I nodded my head, my lips curving into a little smile while my eyes were looking at Lin’s face, as if smiling and telling her, “Another new word to be added into our collection, indeed!”