Many of us in Brunei followed the recently concluded proceedings of the Legislative Council through the quickest way – Twitter.

Issues, comments and suggestions were tweeted by media representatives within minutes and with only 125 characters-limit, we get only the supposed-gist of the issue/replies made. Which was why when a certain point was raised and a bombshell-of-a-response was given, all those who were affected was in an uproar.

The reporters on duty could not have finished their daily reportings on the meetings fast enough for us that day.

In fact, I texted my husband immediately, despite the fact that he was offshore and would not be getting the message for a few more hours AND despite the fact that I had just half the news then. I could not resist from joining what I thought would be the mood of a lot of people in the country that day – confused, worried or perhaps even, panicked?

That particular controversial point is still a big question-mark right now but one thing is for sure, the dreams of many ordinary people for their “own” house of dreams with white picket fences, wood blinds, garden all around AND not having to pay rent all their lives may remain just that – a DREAM.

Recently I saw a toddler swinging her arms just as if she was playing golf – which was what she was actually doing!

It looks very cute and at the same time a little out of place – at least here where we live.

Unlike in Sabah where so many are into golf – even those living in the kampung and those you would never imagine ever held a club let alone play a round – it is not a sport that is common among the middle-income earner.

In fact, those people that play golf here are those who are in senior positions, have higher income or in business – and NOT your regular government school teachers like what is common in Sabah.

In any case, I missed the opportunity to pick up this game when I was living in a place where it was easy to find playing partners because there were so many friends who play – and the closest I get to golf now is when Christmas comes and I would consider to shop them now.

Yes, we are definitely not living in a golfing-mad country.

A few days ago we were supposed to board the ferries from Menumbok – Labuan – Muara for our trip back to Brunei.

But several days before that, my husband suggested that we take the overland drive home instead. Bad weather was expected and this would mean rough ferry rides or worse, being stranded in Labuan.

It was not a welcome change of plan because having driven back on many Decembers, we know what it would be like.

So instead of enjoying sceneries of Menumbok, Labuan and Muara port activities with huge ships, boats on curt trailer hitches – we spent a lot of time not-enjoying the sight of a long line of cars stuck back to back as we waited for our turn for the ferry across the Pandaruan River from Puni to Limbang for 3 whole hours.

The worst part about this river crossing that always means hours of traffic jam in December is that, it barely takes 5 mins.