DIAMONDS ARE SHSUYA'S BEST FRIENDS

My Delusions of Granduer -Ice breaker speech

2011-01-07T14:12:00.004+08:00

I probably haven't mentioned this before in the blog but I very recently joined the Toastmasters Club in my office. One of the directors used to be a member of Toastmasters in the HQ office in Danbury and wanted to set up one in the Singapore office too. He called for interested members and I did one up. I didn't just join as a member but I am an office-bearing member. *cue for claps for the VP of Membership*

In case you are wondering what Toastmasters Club is, it is definitely a bunch of us sitting around toasting our breads and discussing what is the best way to do it. Go google or read more here

Anyway we are having our very first club meeting next Tuesday and as a club officer, along with 2 others, we voluntered to be the very first to give our speeches. The first project is the Ice Breaker and it is meant to be a speech about yourself.

I spent 2 days thinking of an angle to approach this topic. It should be easy but I wanted my first speech to be a bang and not just another documentary about my where I was born, where I schooled etc.

Its in the final touch-up stage to tighten the language but here goes ....

Tell me what you think, won't you ?

125 + 207 = eeerr ???!!!

2010-12-07T16:53:00.002+08:00

I have been medically certified to be allergic to Ampicillin and all antibiotics in that family since 1986. However there is a greater allergy I have. An allergy to mathematics.

It has gotten so bad that my mind goes into freeze mode whenever a situation arise that requires me to add, subtract, multiply or divide. It is not so much that I am bad at mathematics (I was a below average student in Maths but have never flunk any papers) It is just that my mental ability to process numbers is somehow not developed.

My husband calls me plain lazy to think and although deep inside I agree with him, it has become almost a physical thing. My brain goes into freeze mode and I get into a frantic state where I either whip out my mobile to use the calculator when I am alone or look helplessly to my husband to provide the answer (cue “I’m a Barbie girl” song)

Part of the reason is perhaps I have never had a good foundation in Maths. When I first started learning Math in school, I always hear everyone around me say “I’ve never been good at Maths” and “Eee I hate Maths. Good luck to you” “So far no one is our family is good at Maths”. It was almost inherent that I kind of self prophesize that I will also be horrid at Maths. I’ve heard of stories where a person hated Maths but because she/he had an exceptionally inspirational teacher who made the subject interesting he/she develop an interest in the subject. Unfortunately I never had such a teacher or role model.

More than anything else, I have never had the interest and repeated wrong answers kind of broke my self confidence in the subject and wilted any motivation I had to do well.

I once met an ex-classmate who said he was majoring in Mathematics at the Uni. I remember looking at him like he was an alien from outer space and thought to myself, “Why would anyone want to major in Mathematics ? “

I realize now that Mathematics is very essential and it is very disadvantageous if we do not have the necessary skills for it. Now that I am a parent, I would very much like to ensure I do not prejudice my child against any set of knowledge. I want them to be the very best they can be and will do anything within my power to provide the necessary environment for them to excel. Which is how I come across Kumon.

I have done quite a bit of research into this. I like the methodology for the following reasons

a) It starts off the child at a manageable level and allows the child to build their self confidence.
b) It is one to one & customised according to the child’s ability, very much similar to the Montessori method which I strongly adhere to.
c) It is a daily thing (this has its cons too)
d) It instills independent learning and will allow the child to learn to solve problems on their own
e) it develops the child’s mental capability and gives them the advantage to master arithmetic, the very basic of a lot of mathematics concepts.
f) It is independent of the school syllabus and allows the child to learn concepts beyond those taught at his age in school

I have reservations on this methodology because of the following
a) It is very tedious, requires lots of repetition in order to achieve mastery and can be very boring for a child with an inquisitive mind.
b) It gives the child a inflated sense of confidence when they progress beyond their school level and can bring rise to arrogance and over-confidence & in its worst case scenario, confuses the child when he is taught the same lesson in school
c) It kills creativity and can rebound & cause said child to HATE Math (unlikely though, it seems)
d) It is expensive and will take a sizable chunk of my disposable income (something I hope the hubby will subsidise) It will be worse when my Muzaffar comes of age to join Kumon classes
e) It involves very detailed parent involvement to monitor that the child does his worksheet every day w/o fail and I may drop the ball when work and family commitments comes to the fore. (thinking of family vacation )
f) I know that Kumon will be beneficial for Maths but I have my doubts over the English syllabus (more on that later)
I have gone for the Parent orientation and like what I see for now. Tonight I will be sending my 4 year old boy for the diagnostic session to see which level he should join.

If I may make an unbiased assessment of my son, I would say he is above average but he has a very short attention span. He also thrives on praises and positive encouragement in order to motivate him to do well and take the next step. He is discouraged very easily when he meets a roadblock. I hope that Kumon will give him a head start and his bolstered self confidence will spur him to want to explore and reach his full potential.

I have been told that the first 3-6 months is the most difficult as the child needs to get into the routine of doing kumon worksheets daily and resistance is to be expected.

I will provide more periodic updates on whether I actually go through with enrolling my Mubarak into Kumon and how he (and I) fare with time.

The journey to Phone Hell and back

2010-12-07T09:51:00.002+08:00

Ok let me put this straight. I LUURRVEE my phone. As in Love Love Love. I waited forever to get it and once I got it (Thanks to hubby for the birthday gift) the phone and I are inseparable. I take it with me everywhere I go, even to the loo. Yes I am not kidding. I do everything on the phone. - Read my e-books, play angry birds and other useless games, download recipes, check for currency xchange rate online, plan my finances, read the news online, update my twitter and facebook statuses. I use the phone to keep my kids quiet on public transport and long car rides. I even have an anti-mosquito app that I turn on whenever we are back in Malaysia to make sure my kids are not bitten.

So imagine my despair and utter despondence when upon my return from celebrating my son’s birthday on 1st Dec, I realized the phone wasn’t on my physical self and was not in any of the bags I was carrying. I turned the car upside down in the hope it had dropped into the crevices and searched all the family members' bag in case it somehow went into theirs.

Lucky for me, my husband is not the kind who berates. He could see how dejected I was and consoled me by telling me not to think too much and accept the fact it was gone. He called the operator to suspend my line and arranged for me to collect the replacement SIM card. I did my due diligence and called up the places we went, to see if any kind souls found the phone and reported it to the management. It was a very long shot as I honestly did not expect anyone to do anything else but pocket the phone. After all it was a brand new HTC Desire and was less than 6 months old.
Out of the blue on Sunday evening, I received a call from a Miss Asmunah of the Snow City asking if I had visited the premises recently. My heart was beating out of my chest as I waited for what she had to say. It seems she found a phone on the snow slope (no less) and held on to it, hoping the owner will call up the phone or if the owner would come back to claim it. When a few days has passed and the phone was still in the lost and found box, she actually went through my contact list and called up the number listed as “Home”.

To say I was over the moon would be a gross understatement. Needless to say within the hour I was over at the Snow City to collect my phone.
What impressed me most was that
- She could have pocketed the phone but didn’t
- She is sure to come across a hundred lost items in a day but she took the effort to follow up to look for the owner of the phone she has found.
- She could have left it in the lost and found box to rot or until the grace period is up and then give it to her colleague/kid/ whoever.
- My phone has a PIN lock. She actually took out the Sim card, put it in her phone and searched for my Home number. That takes effort. I am not sure I would have gone through all that effort if I was in her place.

I thanked her profusely when I met her and took down her details. I was determined to highlight this gesture she has done for me and show my appreciation to her. The very next day I googled all the email addresses of the management of Snow City and sent them an email to highlight what she has done for me.

I will be sending a bouquet of flowers and some chocolates to her as well.

I reproduce the email below as well as the reply from the management.

Dear Sharifah, thanks for taking the time to write and letting us know the incident. We will convey our thanks to Asmunah for what she had done.
Regards
Michael Chay
Executive Director
Snow Venture Pte Ltd.

To: hr@snowcity.com.sg; contact@snowcity.com.sg; gohcc@tsparchitects.net; wee_heng_tin@moe.gov.sg; qgimpew@dso.org.sg
Cc: asmunah@snowcity.com.sg
Subject: A Bouquet of Thanks to Asmunah Selamat

Dear All,
I wish to express my heartfelt appreciation and thanks to one of your employee, Ms Asmunah Selamat. I am sending this to you to highlight what a gem of an employee she is to your organization and hopefully you will express to her my thanks and recognize the value she has brought to your organization.
My family and I visited the Snow City on 1st Dec 2010 for my son’s birthday celebration. We had a marvelous time there and it was only when I reached home that evening that I realized my mobile phone was missing. I had no recollection where I had misplaced it or if it had dropped out from my pocket.
I called the Snow City to enquire on 2nd and 3rd Dec 2010 if there was a phone reported as found. It was a longshot enquiry and I was not surprised when the person I spoke to said no phone was found. I had given up all hope and was deeply saddened as the phone was very recently purchased and contained various confidential and personal financial information.

Imagine my surprise when on Sunday evening 5th Dec 2010, a lady, Ms Asmunah, called from the Snow City to enquire if I had visited the premise recently and lost something. She said she had been waiting for someone to call the mobile or come to collect the phone but when no one did, she took her own initiative to look through my contacts and called the phone number listed as “HOME”.

That was not all that she did. She stayed behind to meet me well after her working hours on the same evening when I came by about 9pm to collect the phone.
I acknowledge the effort and initiative she has showed. She could have just as easily pocketed the phone, or dumped it in the lost and found box until someone came looking for it. Her honesty, conscientiousness and great initiative is something I truly appreciate. I hope you as her employer will do the same.

Please send my regards to her and I hope you highlight this incident to her. She is not just a model employee but a model human being.

I will not hesitate to recommend Snow City to my clients and family members not just because it is an interesting tourist attraction but because of the value of the employees found there.

Should you need to reach me, you can call my mobile at XXXXXXX or my number below.

Thank you very much.
With my best regards,

My firstborn turns 4

2010-11-29T17:12:00.000+08:00

On Wednesday 1st Dec 2010, my firstborn, Muhamad Mubarak will be turning 4.
We will be taking leave on this day and spending the day with him, to celebrate the day he was born, along with all the people he loves. Although it seems that the celebration is for him, in truth a small part of it is for us, the parents. We want to celebrate the day he was gifted to us by Allah s.w.t, two souls who had nothing – no money (well, not much) , no knowledge on how to raise a child other than the little we had read, no clue as to what to except and yeah basically Nothing except lots and lots of love for each other and the firm belief that we are truly blessed to have been awarded this perfect child by Allah s.w.t and that we will do our best to raise him right.

I know this is going to sound cliché but honestly it does feel like it was just last year that we had him and we brought him home from the hospital. Of all the things that happened in both my deliveries, the most poignant moment were the trips home from the hospital.

I remember vividly every single detail about the journey from getting dressed in the hospital room, saying goodbyes to my Gynae and the wonderful nurses at Glen E, being escorted out of the ward on a wheelchair (hospital procedures) by the hospital staff and waiting at the lobby while the valet brought us the car. I remember carrying the small, precious bundle in my arms, dressed in his best. Most of all, I remember my thoughts lucid and crystal clearly. All the time on the wheelchair and all the way home in the car, I was thinking to myself “OMG, OMG, OMG, Is this real ? Are we going home ? Am I really ready to be a mother? Can the both of us take care of a baby?”

Ahh....Memories….

Now as I look at my son, I realized so much has happened since then. He is now a bright young man who is full of sunshine. He is very expressive, articulate and a cheerful child. He is well liked by his teachers and friends and my uncles and aunts as well as the hubby’s uncles and aunts continuously sing praises on how well behaved he is.

He is well-rounded, loves Lady Gaga as much as he loves his Asma’ul Husna (and he can recite it well too) He is great at taking care of his brother and relishes any duty given to him to carry out. The best thing about him, he has a sense of humour and is able to see the funny side of things! (something not many people can do)

He has a looong way to go and I hope the hubby and I will be around to hold his hand as he makes his way through the meandering roads of his life.

Happy 4th birthday my darling Mubarak. May you succeed in life and make all your dreams and aspirations a reality. Insya’ Allah. Amin.

Things your Momma should've told you !

2010-11-25T15:21:00.002+08:00

I got this off this blog http://my2centstoo.blogspot.com Its a list of advise the author is gicing to her two daughters. The kinds of things nobody else will tell you except your mom. And exactly the kinds of things you will need to arm yourself with to face life's curveballs.

I am inspired to write my own list for my boys. More on that later....

Meanwhile enjoy !

1. You DON'T have to please everyone all the time. You DON'T have to please ANYONE at all, if you don't feel like it. Sure, nice people sometimes do some things for others that make them (others) feel good. I am all for such niceties. But remember - NEVER be forced into doing something, anything for someone if your heart, gut or mind says no. Listen to your "self". I am not condoning selfishness. I am just saying that do not give in to someone's "Good girls make sure their parents/husbands/boyfriends/friends/God/whoever are happy". Remember, a happy and contented self is much better than a happy anyone-else. But diplomacy sure does make life easier - remember that!

2. Stand up for yourself. Because no one else will, if you don't. Don't be bullied into doing something you don't want to. If you think what you are offering someone is reasonable and fair, it probably is. If they don't agree, negotiate. But DO. NOT. BE. BULLIED. INTO. SUBMISSION!! It is possible to be pleasant and yet stand your ground. At the same time, never be hesitant in unsheathing your claws when you have to. Sometimes you HAVE to show people what you are really made of in order for them to take you seriously.

3. Remember good men don't hit women. They don't terrorize women, humiliate them or coerce them into doing something they don't want to do. There are plenty of good men around. You DON'T have to settle for anyone less than "good". Not even for "good enough". It is better to spend life alone than to put up with an abuser just because "Good" didn't come along. Have the confidence to go on your way alone and I am sure you will find someone who is just right for you. Even if you don't, remember YOU are perfect for you! Remember how your dad loves and respects me. Always remember - you deserve such a partner too. Never settle for anything less.

4. Be financially independent. No matter how loving a husband/partner you have and even if you are well taken care of, make sure you have at least one UPDATED skill that can get you gainful employment whenever you need. You never know what curveball life will throw at you next year, next month or next moment. Be prepared. If you WANT to work, never let anyone tell you that good wives or mothers don't. Never let another person dictate whether or not you should work, or where for that matter. There is no blessing greater in this world than to be able to do what you want to do in life. And don't let any idealist tell you that working to "earn money" is inferior to any other goal. Don't let money be your be all, end all. But do make some money. You will realize a healthy bank balance brings along mental peace and allows you to focus on the more important things in life - like family. Don't undervalue money, but don't overvalue it either.

5. Take good care of yourselves. Take time out for yourself, no matter how crazy life is and no matter how many responsibilities you have. Even if you are with someone, make sure you take out time for YOU. Alone. Very important for your "self" AND for any relationship. Eat healthy, exercise, be active. Have some hobbies that take you outdoors and allow you to be physically active. Mental agility is good too. Try and strike the balance between the two.

6. Be cautious. In unknown locations, uncertain situations and around unknown people. ALWAYS be on your guard! Safety should be a habit, not a "hobby". I cannot stress this enough.

7. Learn everything there is to learn to survive AND to live comfortably. Learn what it takes to progress in your professional fields, learn to cook, to sew, to change a flat tire, change a light bulb, repair a fuse, fix a toilet. In short - anything that you might need to do one day. Or earn enough to be able to pay others to do all this for you. But I'd still say knowing how to do all these things is a good idea - then you will know if someone is trying to rip you off by charging, say, 50 bucks to fix a fuse.

8. Don't hold regrets and grudges. They poison minds, hearts and relationships. It is a difficult thing to learn. I am still learning it. But I hope you will do a better job of it than me. Talk things out. Don't let a little disagreement fester into a big one. Learn to apologize when it is your fault, but don't be apologetic all the time. Learn when to say "I understand you feel this way, but I think I am right".

9. Take a long time to make friends and even longer to end friendships. Remember it is hard to undo the hurt of a mean word or gesture. But also know when to let a relationship go. If it is preying on your mind and being, but going nowhere, you are probably best OUT of it than in.

10. Be competitive. Healthy competition builds character. Don't let the pacifists tell you that participation is good enough. Participation is good but winning, or trying to win, is better. I don't mean to tell you that your efforts are worthless if you don't win. What I mean to tell you is put in your 100% efforts and then some more. If you win, good, if not at least you know you tried your best.

11. Love each other unconditionally. A sister (sibling) is our first and ever lasting best friend. Sure you will have differences. Who doesn't? But learn to resolve those differences amicably. In the end, when your dad and I are gone, you will only have each other to lean on.

Sibling love

2010-11-25T14:57:00.001+08:00

It has been long since I put down thought to paper and really there has been too many things going on in my life that I have hardly had the time to blog. Ok that’s an excuse. Truth is, any chance I get away from the kids I have been playing games on my HTC . Angry birds, WordUp you name I have it.

Anyway I wanted to share a little about siblings love. I am the only one from my mother and I have not truly felt any feeling of sibling love or rivalry, Which is why I am adamant about my Mubarak not being an only, lonely child, like I was.
As a child, I was always aware that I am an only child. Sure I had siblings from my dad’s earlier marriage but they were so old and distant they were as good as aunts and uncles.

I am always in awe of this great love between siblings. I feel a twinge of jealousy when my mother meets up with her sister and they huddle close together in a room and whisper. I feel lonely when I see my cousin and her brother share an inside joke on their parents. Of course, there are times I feel sorry for them when they have to share their toys /books (FYI, I hate sharing! That word shld never have been invented) and I secretly gloat about being an only child when my cousin or friend has to give in to a younger sibling just because and they scream “IT’S NOT FAIR! THAT’S MINE!!”

Still, I thought being an only child was no fun and I am glad that I am now the proud mother of 2 boys !

My husband and I try to inculcate sibling love right from the beginning. We tell the elder that his first best friend should be his brother and that no matter what he should always priorities his brother. We will tell the younger one the same when he understands the concept.

At 4 and 18 months. It is really too early to see if they have developed a lifelong sibling bond but we are happy with what we see so far. Whenever the younger one is being disciplined, the elder one will rush in with a hug and will try to soothe n placate him with a toy or food. Out of the blue while they are playing, the younger one will suddenly stop, turn to his elder brother and give him a loving hug which is reciprocated eagerly.
I also like how, despite having playmates his age, my elder will ask his younger brother to join in the fun. Whenever I ask the younger one to join me for a short bout of reading or when I call him to have his dinner, he will pull his elder bro along.

Of course this has its embarrassing moments too. Once while my mother and sister –in-law brought the elder out for some shopping, a lady shopper commented on how smart (mouth) my boy was and gave him a toy and a $2 note. (I don’t know why ppl give money to strangers’ kids but that is another post altogether) Instantaneously, he asked the lady, “what about my brother ? Where is his ? “ Ooops !

I have a distant relative who has 5 kids and the siblings are super close. They do everything together and now , even though they are each married and with their own families, they are still very close and always make it a point to meet up at least once a week. I would very much for my kids to be like that and I have on numerous occasions asked the mother what does she do to instill this great bond between them. She says she does not have any particular formula other than making the elder one personally responsible for the next one and that participating in family event is a must and is non-negotiable. Simple? Sounds very simple but actually implementing it will not be so easy, I think.

Its My Birthday Party!!!

2008-06-18T07:16:00.000+08:00

Ok I have always loved my birthday coz the Don always makes me feel like a queen... what with the flowers, cake, dinner and the bday gift but I certainly did not expect my new colleagues to give me a "surprise" birthday party !!

I knew they ordered in food because I saw the delivery guy arrived and I knew there was a cake coz I met the cake-buyer in the lift in the morning with her huge bag. She had this "Pleze let there be a hole so I can disappear look" and I really felt so sorry for her and guilty that I didn't mention anything about the cake. But I certainly didn't expect such a big spread!! They ordered enough for an army !! And the way they celebrated my birthday was sooo very extravagant !!!

I was on the phone when I received an Instant Message that the Country Manager (CM)wanted to see me in the conference room. I peeked from outside and the room was dark so I knew something was up. I entered the room cautiously and inside was my CM in the dark holding a birthday cake with lighted candles and my other colleagues all came in after me to sing me a birthday song. Now THAT was a big surprise !! *flashback to my last birthday party when I was 7 years old*

And when I got home, I received another surprise. My birthday bouquet of a dozen pink roses plus that one essential red rose !!!

Now that for that bday gift I've been waiting for....... hehe

Ain't birthdays the best !!!!

Don't Wake Me Up Sweetheart Sleep Tight !

2008-02-11T07:50:00.000+08:00

Mubarak has not woke up for a night feeding ever since he was barely a month old. I have been enjoying uninterrupted sleep almost since forever.. that is ..until last week. Mubarak is not eating as much as he used to and as a result, is drinking a lot more milk than normal. Unfortunately this also means that he now wakes up at 3 in the morning and screams for milk. I have never had to wake up in the middle of the night and considering I was breastfeeding until recently, we do not have any milk making facilities in the bedroom. So, it's a real nightmare having to wake up in the middle of the night, make the trip to the kitchen and having to do it real fast since he is crying for milk at the top of his voice.

Most nights, it is his Abah who has to make the trip to the kitchen so last night, we decided to bring in a small flask, tepid water and milk filled bottles into the bedroom so that we did not have to make the dreaded trip to the kitchen. When he woke up promptly at 3am, I trudged to the milk station and made Mubarak's nightly cap. Strangely he took one sip, took the bottle out of his mouth and shook his head (all the while still sleeping) I kept insisting and he kept shaking his head. Thinking he has changed his mind, I left him in his cot and continued sleeping. Barely a few mins later he screamed bloody murder again and this time despite many attempts by his Abah to give him milk, he also refused. Out of desperation for sleep, I offered him breast milk instead. At 6am he woke up again asking for milk. Clearly the breast milk was not filling enough. Again he refused the milk when his Abah gave it to him. Suddenly his Abah realised why. Instead of filling the hot water and tepid water into the bottle with the pre-measured milk, I had poured the water into a nearly empty bottle - the bottle Mubarak had finished before he fell asleep. No wonder he refused the milk. It was 99.9% water and 0.1% milk residue. In my sleepiness stupor, I must have mistakenly poured it into the wrong bottle.

Umi is so so so sorry Darling. I promise not to do it again. From now on I will make sure ONLY ABAH WAKES UP TO MAKE YOUR MILK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT!!

Breakthrough link between asthma and breast milk

2008-01-28T17:14:00.000+08:00

"In a paper published online on Sunday by the journal Nature Medicine, a National Institute for Health and Medical Research (Inserm) team exposed lactating mice to airborne dust containing ovalbumin, a well-known asthma allergen that is found in egg whites.The mother mice transmitted the allergen to their newborn through the milk, helping the offspring to develop an immunological tolerance to the irritant.The tolerance was induced thanks to the presence of TGF beta, an important signalling protein, in the breast milk.Breastfed mice whose mother had been exposed to ovalbumin were far less likely to develop wheezing, airway mucus and other asthma symptoms than non-breastfed counterparts." more...

One of the major reasons I insisted on breastfeeding Mubarak and Insya'allah all my children is because I would like to try my best to ensure my children do not suffer asthma like I do. While the other benefits of breastfeeding like increased immunity etc are more widely known, the theory that breastfed babies were unlikely to inherit asthma has never been really proven. In fact there are some research that suggest the contrary. Still, I am convinced that breastfeeding has benefits far beyond what has been discovered. If it says so in the Quran and Hadis, no amount of studies and research with whatever results can convince me otherwise.

I'm glad to say that I have reached my initial goal of fully breastfeeding for the first 6 months. I thought my downfall was sure to happen when I started work and had to pump at work but despite the difficulties, I survived. My next goal was to continue fully breastfeeding for the next 6 months and while I fell short by one month when I started partial formula at 11 months, I must say I am very proud of what I have achieved. At the present moment, I am still partially breastfeeding Mubarak and insya'allah I will continue until he reach 24 months, the recommended breastfeeding duration in Islam. He no longer breastfeeds for hunger and nutrition but more for comfort. Nothing is more blissfull to me when I walk in the door from work than to find him running to greet me at the door and asking for his milk. Even if he just finished his 180ml bottle a few minutes earlier. He may not be able to express himself in words yet but his actions is enough to tell me he misses me and want to be close to me.

The additional benefits that come with breastfeeding is also truly remarkable. I thought it was just my good luck that Mubarak is an easy to care for child. He very rarely falls ill, has great self-confidence and sleeps through the night. Until my aunt (who breastfed all her 6 children to 2 years) told me that breastfed children are usually easier to care for. Well, let's hope its true for all of my children as well. Insya'allah.

HELP!!! I'm losing it!!!

2007-03-25T21:19:00.000+08:00

I was warned both by the books and by my mother that there will be major hair falling post partum but I paid no heed to it. I mistakenly thought since my hair keeps falling anyway prior to pregnancy it won't make much of a diff. Besides, during pregnancy my hair was almost shampoo commercial quality and when I combed my hair not a single one ends up on the floor or the comb. I guess I was lulled into believing that the situation will remain permanent especially when even 2 months after delivery my hair was still in prime condition.

But now, 3 and a half month after baby it has started happening. Its horrendous!!! When I comb my hair, it falls out in clumps, when I wake up in the morning, my whole pillow is full of hair!!! And the floor.... I have to sweep twice a day just so that I can remain sane and not get on my hands and knees to pick up every hair I see. And lets not even mention the shower drain. That's a major chore to clear every single time I take a bath.

Despite all the books I have read that discusses this phenomenon and all the old wives tale I hear from all the makciks, the first day it happened to me, I had visions of myself balding and in need of chemotheraphy (Ok I know its the chemo that causes hair fall but I can't help but associate hair falling with chemo and cancer) Nauzubillah min zalik.

Apparently its called postpartum telogen effluvium and it happens to most women about 3 months after delivery. It seems that its normal to shed about 100 hair a day and during pregnancy since you don't shed much hair due to hormones, at some point those hair will have to be shed anyway to make room for new hair. But must it all fall at the same time??? Uurrgghh !!!

It totally doesn't help either that my boy is at a stage where he is super curious and super active and every so often I find him holding fistfuls of my hair and I frantically try to clear it before he plunges his fingers into his mouth.

I have been told that the situation should clear up within 3 to six months. It is almost guaranteed that by the time my lil' hero is a year I will stop shedding hair like a shaggy dog but that's way to long to suffer, if you ask me. Till then, if I greet you at the door with a shower cap please don't be alarmed. You have been warned!

The Post-Baby World

2007-02-26T16:47:00.000+08:00

It's been a loong while huh? Lotsa things happened and so many pics were taken but I guess I lost the urge to blog. I'd rather watch the steady rhythm of my son's breathing while he is sleeping than to blog about what has transpired in my life. But today with The Don away on reservist and MM sleeping the day away I guess I'll drop a line or two.

Oh yeah his reservist sucks!!! 2 days in camp n 2 days off for two weeks is quite hard for someone like me who has spend very few nights away from him. Especially since MM's arrival. When he's home I'm like Helen Mirren (The Queen, for those of you who don't watch the Oscars) He bathes MM in the mornings and evenings, change all his pampers, puts him to sleep and even does his fair share of the housework. All I do is provide the milk supply when it is needed and cook, of course. He even wakes up in the middle of the night to burp his son when I'm done feeding him. So you bet I miss him like crazy when he's on reservist! he he

The Don is as considerate as husbands could ever be. He knows that being at home, all I do all day is entertain that lil' munchkin so when he's home he takes over and lets me take a break and do my thing. He even insisted I go out with my gal frens and have some "single time" while he takes care of MM.

Its amazing how having the little one totally changes our perspective. The Don and I used to hit the movies whenever a good movie hits our shores and we're never home on weekends and public holidays, always with a plan up our sleeves, usually involving a road trip. But recently, we're more than contented staying home, playing with our son and watching DVD marathons. At most, we'd hit the parks in the late afternoons to let MM get some sun and make a pitstop at the malls to get some baby supplies. And if I never gave a glance at supermarket adverts in the papers then, now I go through them diligently looking for any promotion for MM's pampers. (We recently bought about 3 mths supply of Pampers since they were going for 2 packs @$35 instead of $24 each)

We do try to make sure we have our couple time. It certainly helps that my mom is staying with us (and thank God for the invention of breast pumps) because almost nightly, The Don and I will sneak out for some late night shopping or supper. But almost always, we both want to rush home although neither of us will ever admit it. The power this tiny chap has on us is unbelievable!!!

But I'm thankful that MM is fuss free (so far n Insya'allah will always be) He started sleeping through the night even before he was 1 mth old and when I started introducing the bottle when he turned 2 mths, he took to it like fish to water. (Mcm da biasa plak die minum botol) He hardly cries and I can leave him to play on his own while I cook / eat / whatever. Even when he was down with flu last month, he wasn't cranky and was his usual chirpy self. And when we went back to Pahang last month (7 hrs car ride to and another 7hrs car ride back) he slept the whole way!!!! Alhamdulillah.

MM will turn 3 mths tomorrow but you'd never guess his real age if u were to meet him. He acknowledges people he recognizes around him by smiling at them, has loud and noisy "conversations" with whoever willing to engage him and absolutely refuses to lie down or be carried horizontally if he were not nursing, prefering to sit up straight instead. I could leave him on his own for hours with his mobile as he just loves those dangling noisy toys. ok ok I could go on forever.......

Its just amazing how the world has seemed to change for The Don and me with the arrival of our munchkin. Suddenly nothing matters more than this gem we have been awarded with.

BTW have you heard the age-old question of Who would you save first in a ship wreckage - your spouse or your child? Suddenly the question seems so stupid. I'd save my son in a heartbeat and I certainly don't expect anything less from The Don.

Grab, Snatch & RUN!!!!!!

2007-01-05T22:19:00.000+08:00

Today I felt a feeling I have never felt before. I have always read the description of feeling "your stomach turn inside out" but since I can't imagine what that felt like, I dismiss it as an author's fanciful way with words. Today I knew exactly what it felt like to have my stomach turn inside out.

Today I watch my precious boy being given his 1st month vaccination the hepaptitis 2nd jab at Baby Bear clinic. I was chatting animatedly with the doctor about Double M's input and output levels and was feeling just fine but as soon as the doc retrieved his syringe and placed it on his table in front of me, I swear my stomach and intestines did a backflip. He asked me to hold Double M on my lap while he administered the jab on his thigh. Somewhere inside my heart and head, I seriously considered getting up and leaving the clinic. I felt I was surrendering my child to be slaughtered (mentang mentang musim Aidiladha) For the record, Double M let out a loud squeal as the doc inserted the needle in his thigh but as soon as I carried him, he promptly fell asleep as if nothing happened.

I know it sounds silly (as I know my single friends will be rolling their eyes and sighing in disbelief that this friend of theirs have lost her mind and is a bucketful of emotions now) and even I didn't know I will feel this way. I am usually a hardy person and is not easily intimidated by any bloody show. (and to think there was hardly any blood just now. What if there were?) Perhaps it's a mother's protective instincts or am I just being a paranoid mom? I wonder how I'll make it through seeing my son being circumsized next month. Let's just hope I don't grab, snatch and run.

Moo Moo Here... Moo Moo There.....

2006-12-21T12:09:00.000+08:00

Have you any idea how frustrating it is to wake up every day, look through the papers, see all the advertisements of the year-end sales, Christmas sales, warehouse sales, member sales, scrutinise till my eyes glaze over then realise I'm still in confinement and I'm stuck at home for at least 2 more weeks?????? (In case you are wondering yes I am pantang-ing very strictly. No leaving the house except for doctor's appointments only) That does not include the multitude of sale brochures and invites I get in the mail!!! AAAARRRGGHHHH !!!! Why did I ever wanted a December baby???? My next child I will plan for an October baby so that by Dec, I'd be past confinement but still be on maternity leave. By then I'd have a accumulation of my pay and plus my bonus I'd be in prime position for shopping. I guess I'd be the first woman planning my family according to the shopping calendar. WAIT!!!!!! Did I say NEXT CHILD????? OOooppps that was totally not the opening para I wanted to write but well.......

Today marks a month since we have been blessed with the arrival of Double M. And also a month since I have been breastfeeding him exclusively. I have always been determined to breastfeed my children, probably as soon as I found out I wasn't breastfed as a child. I always wondered if I would have been so sickly with asthma as a child if I had been breastfed.

My breastfeeding "adventure" started relatively fuss-free. My gynae is pro total bf and totally encouraged our decision. We had the baby room in with us all the time and The Don joked that we were robbing Double M's chances of getting to know the girls in the nursery. The nurses were all bf-trained so they helped with the latching on when I had intial problems.

Things were prety smooth from there. There were moments of tears definitely, especially in the middle of the night when the baby refuses to latch (I called in an LC for a house visit to check on my latching technique just to be sure) and when his drop in birth weight was so apparent I feared he was malnourished. (he has since gained his birth weight and more) The lowest point of my breasfeeding adventure was last week when a blocked duct had me shivvery and feverish for two whole days and my breast was like a red, hot throbbing brick. My mother panicked looking at me in that state but alhamdulillah with lots of feedings, the situation resolved on its own without the need to stop or suspend breastfeeding. It certainly helped that we have a very co-operative baby and that I have an abundant milk supply Alhamdulillah. He hardly cries and is an efficient drinker. As early as the end of the first week, he was already sleeping through the night with his last feeding at 1am and the next one at 6.30am or so.

I must say reading on breastfeeding during my pregnancy has helped me a lot in anticipating and resolving problems when they arised. (the best of which is this one) But no amount of reading beats having a supportive husband who shares your determination with as much grit and committment. There were times when I feared my son wasn't getting enough milk, and suggested we supplement him with formula but The Don resisted and encouraged me not to give up. It was also a huge help when my two aunts (one has 5 kids the other has 6 and ALL their kids were exclusively breastfed till the age of 2)came to visit from Malaysia and stayed almost a week each. Their tips and pointers could have filled a book. (P.S Did you know that you could be watching tv in one room and your child could be sleeping in another but you would know when your child will be awake even before he cries out as your breasts would start to tingle. Amazing huh?)

Ok enough of my cow story. Now here's another cow story. The Don is arranging for the aqiqah of his son in Pahang at my uncle's. And while usually people slaughter goats (2 for boys 1 for girl) The Don wants to slaughter a cow instead. So together with a few other cousin's children aqiqah, a cow will be downed on 20th January 2007. My uncle is handling all the details of the kenduri that will be held. So far, we heard there will be another cukur rambut for Double M and 500 people have been invited and tents will be erected all along the road leading to my uncle's house. *rolls eyes* Trust my uncle to hold to hold the ceremony with such grandosity.

So till my next update .Mooooooooooooo

How Baby Muhamad Came To This World....

2006-12-11T20:13:00.000+08:00

I felt a sharp stabbing pain on my lower abdomen that radiated to my back that jolted me out of my sleep. Immediately I wondered "Is this it?" I laid awake staring at the ceiling trying to recall if there is anything I haven't put in my e-bag. 10 mins later, the same pain appeared again. I woke The Don up and told him excitedly .. "we're gonna see Baby Muhamad soon"

THAT was how I envision how my labour will start but it didn't happen that way at all......

I was due for my weekly checkup on Friday 1st Dec. We did the routine checks the VE (yikes!!) and the scanning. Everything seemed as per normal at first then suddenly Dr Yang said that my amniotic fluid was low - dangerously low. She said there could be two possibilities - one, my water bag had leaked without me realising it or two, the baby had consumed the water. Either way, hardly any water could be seen in the scan and the doc brought rise the possibility that the baby had passed out meconium into the womb and this could be potentionally hazardous to him. She said I will have to be induced to deliver that very same day.

It took a few mins for her words to register. I was shell-shocked and very very afraid. No I wasn't afraid of the pain (well ok, a little) but I was afraid of being induced. I have heard and read of numerous birth experiences of women being induced to deliver but since the medication couldn't cause dilation the women had to be go through a c-sect eventually. That was my greatest fear! I was so hell-bent on delivering naturally without any medical intervention but apparently this was not to be.

I was very reluctant to be induced and kept asking what are the alternatives for me. I suggested we came back the next day to check the amniotic fluid level again. Dr Yang, being the cautious doctor she is, repeatedly cautioned me against waiting too long to make a decision since the baby could already be in danger. I was still reluctant and asked for a CTG first to see if the baby was in distress. The doc made it very obvious I was being very unwise. She asked me pointedly if I thought it was worth it to wait another day and suffer the risks after carrying the baby for 9 months. I couldn't answer her. While her nurses got the CTG machine ready, she asked me to seriously reconsider and cautioned that if I still refused her recommendation, she will make me sign a AMA (against medical advice) notice.

By then I was crying buckets. I seriously didn't want to jeorpadise the baby's health. But I also didn't want to go through an operation. The Don hugged me tight and asked me to think things through carefully. He asked me to have faith and realise that things have been pre-ordained. If the baby was meant to be delivered via a c-sect, there is nothing we can do to prevent it anyway. So its best to just listen to the expert and leave the rest to Allah S.W.T. Realising the futileness of my resistance, I agreed to go ahead and arrangements were made to admit me into the labour ward immediately. Meanwhile I called Umi, my MIL and sms-ed my legion of girl friends to update them.

I was quite surprised by the opulence of the labour ward in Gleneagles Hospital. There was an Osim massage chair in the room, (for the husbands. how unfair!!!) vending machines, various magazines, cable tv etc. But nothing surprised me more than the level of service we were shown. As soon as I was shown to the Delivery Suite No 3, one by one the nurses came to introduce themselves and explain in detail the procedures. Even the Assistant Director of Nursing came and extended a warm welcome. I was strapped to the CTG machine and the nurse explained what the graph meant. Then Dr Yang came to break my water bag and to put in the drip of syntocin to induce the contractions. Time Check: 1.30pm. She said she would expect me to deliver earliest by 6am the next day. I was a bag of nerves but since I didn't feel any pain (yet)I busied myself reading the magazines and sms-ing non-stop to Joyah, Nyonya, M and Esah. Truly I am lucky to have them as friends. Their constant company and encouragement during those difficult moments will be something I hold close to my heart forever. I was forbidded to consume anything other than water but I was starving like mad since all I had since morning was a lousy slice of bread. The Don smuggled in butter croissants from Delifrance downstairs and I had snatches of his seafood sandwich downed with air zam zam and air selusoh prepared by my grandmother. By 4pm, my mother was already waiting anxiously outside the labour ward despite both The Don and me telling her that it will be a long wait. She was joined later by The Don's parents and sister.

The pain didn't kick in until much later. By 5pm, the pain was akin to a low level menstrual cramps. Dr Yang came to check on me. I was already dilated to 5cm. She said my fears were totally unfounded. My body seemed to react very well to the syntocin and we can expect to see our son by 2-3 am. She offered pethidine to me and cautioned me to ask for the epi (if I needed it) before I reach 7cm dilation. I refused both. I had acquainted myself with all the side effects of the available pain relief and was grittily determined not to take any of them. By 7 pm, the pain was quite horrendous but still manageable and I was @ 7cm.

Just when I thought "hey labour's not as painful as I thought" the pain came on full throttle. I had this great urge to start pushing and told the nurse. The nurse explained that I should not push yet since the baby has not engaged and pushing will just exhaust the little energy I have left. My mouth recited the doa from Surah Al-Anbiya ayat 87 non-stop as my grandmother thought me. There were moments when the pain clouded my mind completely and I mouthed everything from doa makan to doa tidur to doa buka puasa. The Don then held my hand and recited the doa so that I just followed. That was much needed comic relief in the midst of all that gut-wrenching pain. Till this day The Don sometimes teases me about reciting the doa buka puasa.
7pm onwards was the worst part of the labour. The nurses repeatedly suggested I take the ethonox gas to help me relax and conserve some of my energy. I declined but they set it up anyway. I took one puff and found it completely useless although the nurses said I didn't breathe in properly. The Don took over and took a few puffs and he said he was on cloud nine!!! Despite the excrutiating pain, I couldn't help but laugh.

Anyway by 10, I was @ 10cm, Dr Yang came promptly and with 4 pushes, out came Muhamad Mubarak at 10.53pm weighing 3.475kg, the Don's and I first born and our pride and joy, Insya'Allah. Despite the doctor's fears, Muhamad Mubarak was 100% healthy and had not passed meconium as suspected. He just wanted a headstart of 14 days into this world.

His Abah recited the Azan and Qamat into his ears so that the sweet words of Allah are the first words he will hear and also did the tahnik with the kurma we had prepared. As I still needed to be kept for observation, he was wheeled out onto the delivery suite lobby into the anxious hands of his maternal grandmother, both his paternal grandfather and grandmother and his paternal aunt who had been waiting for hours outside for his arrival.

With no pain relief whatsoever, I went through labour au naturel the way I think it was meant to be felt. It was a hell of an experience but when my son was placed on my chest as soon as he was born, I felt like I was in heaven.

Psst! He's here...

2006-12-05T12:26:00.000+08:00

*Sweeps cobwebs and wipes dust away* Cough! Cough! Gasp! *chokes*

Just to let you all know that the owner of this blog has recently gone thru a major life experience.

On behalf of Mr & Mrs Don, I take this opportunity to announce the arrival of their little bundle of joy - Muhamad Mubarak aka Don Jr.

**Photo taken barely an hour after his arrival into the world**

**Photo taken by Ummi Lis on 4th Dec 2006**

Mode: Normal delivery
Date & ATA: 1st Dec 2006, 2253hrs
Weight: 3.475kg
Length: 51cm

Ummi & Abah are currently very busy and fully occupied with their new duties that come along with their newly acquired (management) positions. =)

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Signing off,
~Aunty Lisa~

Pre Baby Romantic Rendezvous

2006-11-20T13:56:00.000+08:00

I think I mentioned 3-4 weeks back to the Don casually that maybe we should take some time to spend alone, just the two of us since after the baby's arrival, we'd surely have less time for each other. It was just that. A casual remark but I should have known the Don better. He immediately made plans. 19th Nov was his birthday but instead of me coming up with the surprise he surprised me instead. The night before his birthday, he suddenly brought me to our favourite hotel and checked us both in. Apparently he made reservations weeks in advance already. And to think I had no plans at all for his birthday. No cake! no surprise nothing! (I was broke from too much online shopping for baby stuff) I did however volunteer to pay for his new PDA but that will have to wait till I get my paycheck!!!! hehe

Anyway the hotel stay was splendid. One whole night of romance with not a care in the world. The room wasn't as big as ours at home and the bed was only a fraction of the comfort of our own bed but what a big difference a change of setting can bring. No more thoughts of "What else haven't I put in my e-bag?" and no more getting up in the middle of the night thinking what else we haven't bought for baby? (ok so now you know I'm a paranoid!)

And what a tremendous way to spend these few days of couplehood left before we become a family of three.

Raya Wishes Fulfilled!!!

2006-10-31T09:10:00.000+08:00

I approach raya this year with somewhat apprehension. My first worry was finding clothes that will fit me for Raya, then I started worrying about getting raya-worthy (read: bling-bling) shoes and ditching the boring totally flat totally black Bonia pumps I have been wearing the whole of my pregnancy. And then came the anxiety that this raya won't be much of a raya since I won't have enough energy to bake any cookies and won't make it through the normally 6 hour car ride to Pahang, Malaysia to meet my relatives there. (it normally takes 6 hours to get there but could possibly stretch to 10 hours due to massive jam)

I'm happy to say that with the exeption of the last wish, everything else was fulfilled! *grin* Rummaging through my cupboard I realised I have a black beaded abaya (arab robe) Umi bought for me when she went for Haj two years back. It's long and flowy and way too big for me when she bought it so it has remained stashed away literally untouched in my cupboard. But with my now egg-shaped tummy, it looks just nice for me. All I needed to do was get a matching black baju melayu for the Don and we're ready for Hari Raya!!! One problem solved! I fell in love with another similiar abaya in red with very intricate sequin detailing at the most unlikeliest of places - the Geylang bazaar (and very cheap too!!) and voila! My baju raya problem was solved.

Despite being like ayam-kena-sembelih for most of the Ramadhan, I found Herculean strength in the last two weeks to make my usual die-die-must-do raya favourites of cornflakes honey and pineapple tarts and even baked biskut suji & pistachio butter cookies. (although I was under strict instructions from the Don to only make for personal consumption and stop being Mrs Santa Clause!) And my dear friend M baked for me my favourite Choc Chip Walnut Cookies !!!!

This year's raya was special in its own way, I guess. One especially touching gesture was when my father-in-law went to the midnight lelong at the Geylang Bazaar and bought for me a whole stash of "kuih tunjuk" (ready made cookies) as he thought I was too pregnant to make my own cookies. Among the ones he bought were the much talked about kuih tembikai and mama carries.

So from the worry of no kuih, I think I ended up with more kuih than last year raya. Hehe.

I was quite dissapointed though that we didn't manage to travel to Pahang. This year's raya was less special since I didn't get to feel the "kampung atmosphere" and eat my favourite lemang and rendang but with my heartburns, inability to sit for long due to the vigorous movements of Baby Muhammad, and hearing the horror stories from my cousins being in 20 hour drive to get from Kota Bahru to KL (normally 8hrs) and my uncle in 6 hour drives from Kuantan to KL (it's normally 2hrs), I guess we made the right decision. After all, we have a whole lifetime of rayas to go back to Pahang for. Insya'allah.

Ramadhan With A Difference!!!!

2006-10-11T15:55:00.000+08:00

I felt very different this time last year. I looked forward like an eager beaver last year to the fasting month not just because it was the first time I would be breaking fast with The Don as his wife but also because it was the chance for me to hone my culinary skills with new recipes come weekends. And Ramadhan was bliss what with the times we went for Terawih prayers at Ba'alwie and the many many times we went around Geylang and Town looking for new household stuff & clothes for Hari Raya.

This year Ramadhan & Raya is much much more subdued. Apart from the obvious ie: the inability to splurge since the baby is on the way (bye bye new curtains and the new dining table!), I have also very very limited energy. (Did I mention I feel like I swallowed a watermelon?) Looks like there will be minimal baking this year (just the usual pineapple tarts and cornflakes cookies which The Don loves to bits) and very minimal shopping (hur! hur!)

So far we've been to the Kg Glam Bazaar once (and trust me there is no need to go there again!) and once to Geylang. I might need to go to Geylang one more time since both The Don and I didn't find any clothes we fancy the first time. But I guess that will be it. Usually 4 trips is the absolute minimum for me. OOhh I'm such a goody girl this year!

Usually I reach home from work less than an hour before breaking fast and after a whole day in the office, all I have the energy for is a short 15 min nap before I start preparing for breaking fast. (Thank god for Umi cooking if not we'd probably eat take-out or fried rice/noodle every single day! hehe!) After Maghrib, The Don usually leaves for the mosque alone. Before you know it, its the end of the day and then its bedtime before we have to wake up for sahur.

I do make an effort to cook on weekends however but instead of my zest to try out new recipes, I usually stick to the tried and tested. One reason is that since I have been pregnant, my tastebuds have somewhat changed. Everything tastes tasteless to me and when I cook, I tend to overdo the salt bit. There have been many times when The Don takes one bite then spit it out again hehehe. As a result this fasting month, I become overly cautious when I cook and refrain from trying out anything new in case it turns out disastrous.

Still, I managed to cook some of the Don's and mine favourites.

Roasted Chicken

Mee Soto

What shall I cook this weekend? Let's see... Roti Jala ?? hhhmmmm......I wonder what Ramadhan and Raya will mean for us next year when we have a kid in tow. More grande than last year maybe ? I guess we'll have to wait and see.....

ALL HAIL THE QUEEN!!!

2006-09-28T12:09:00.000+08:00

I mentioned in passing yesterday on our way home last night that it's been some time since I had a good bowl of hot piping laksa and immediately The Don suggested we get some after he comes back from his Terawih prayers in Ba'alwie. To say I was delighted would be a gross understatement. Such is the advantage of being pregnant. My every wish is a command. hehe.

I haven't had much cravings other than the usual choc bar and/or Haagen Daaz's ice cream and even then it has never been the way some pregger mom describe their cravings to me. It seems when they crave for something, they can almost taste the food in their mouths already and could scream bloody murder if they don't get it instantly. So far I haven't had one of those. For me, I just suddenly think of something and wished it was available but just in case I don't get it I doubt I would mind for long.

So we made our way to West Coast food centre, the nearest place I could think of that had a decent bowl of laksa at that time of the night. When we reached the car park, we realised that almost all of the stalls were closed. Probably it was cleaning day or something. I didn't say a word but my face must have given myself away. I think my face turned a shade of grey when I realised I wasn't gonna get my laksa.

The Don turned the car around and sped to Haig Rd. With the Hari Raya Bazaar there, he figured the stalls must still be open even though it was already 10.30pm. I was quite hesitant honestly. I didn't want to go all the way there only to be dissapointed again. I'd rather go home and go another day or even eat something else. Lucky for me, the stall was open and I finally had my big bowl of piping hot laksa.

It was a big portion and truly sumptious! The laksa tasted alright although it was quite oily. The lady was generous with her ingredients though (we were possibly her last customers anyway!) and I gorged myself silly with them. When I was done, the Don smiled at me. I must have been a sight! Never have I been so satisfied with a bowl of laksa than I was last night.

Two nights before it was Haagen Daaz ice cream. I called The Don as he was leaving the mosque and begged him to drop by a petrol kiosk or 7-11 to get my big tub of ice cream. I wanted anything chocolate but all they had were other stuff so I settled for Macadamia Brittle. I ended up eating half the tub alone. hehe

Such are the idiosyncracies of the pregnant lady. Thank God for indulging husbands!

One Down!!

2006-09-25T14:05:00.000+08:00

Phew! Managed to make it through the first day of fasting without a glitch. I was quite worried since I can't seem to go by 4 hours without eating something. My usual intake of food was usually in the morning before I leave for office at 7.30am, lunch at 12noon, somthing to munch at 5pm and then dinner latest by 8pm. If I'm late or miss a meal I will feel quesy and puke. Undoubtedly I was quite worried and wondered if I could make it through this fasting month. A quick check with some of my friends who went through the holy month of Ramadhan in the state of pregnancy showed they were relatively unscathed and I was determined to make it through somehow too. Besides, just thinking about the sheer no of days of fasting I will have to repay is enough to steel my resolve even more. Hehe

I kept myself very busy the whole day in an effort to keep my mind away from food and hunger pangs. Baby Muhammad's first piece of furniture, a dresser, arrived in the morning and I busied myself lining the drawers with scented baby blue lining, folding and re-folding and re-folding his cute cute teeny weeny baby clothes then decided that I wanted to hang them instead. Fickle huh?

I have amassed quite a selection of clothes. I started buying as soon as I knew it was gonna be a boy and I haven't stopped since. I re-discovered online shopping and went CRAZY!! Those I couldn't get them to ship here to Singapore (like Baby Gap), I managed to find someone who knew someone in the States who would get it and send it to me. And I found this small inconspicuous shop near my office (thanks to fellow forummers) that sell lothes imported in bulk at nearly wholesale prices. And my dearest sister-in-law went to HK last month and bought for her soon-to-arrive nephew over a dozen Baby Gap, Carters and Osh Kosh b'Gosh clothes from new born right up till 12 months. Baby Muhammad is sure a lucky boy to have such a generous aunt ain't he? So I spent quite an afternoon tucking away his clothes in the new walnut dresser to while away my time. And before I knew it, it was already nearly evening and I didn't once think of food. (why do I feel like a 5 year old trying to fast a full day for the first time?)

So one down and Insyallah 29 more to go.

AHMAD ALBAB CAN?

2006-09-19T17:25:00.000+08:00

The Abah (as the Don shall henceforth be called) and I have been having this tug-of-war regarding the naming of our bebe. He wants it as simple as they come (one word name like his) while I insist there must be either Ahmad or Muhammad in the name (as is the tradition in my family), followed by another name of our choice. As a compromise (his idea of a compromise that is) he suggests just having the name Muhammad. While the name itself has the best meaning one could ask for, there is a high possibility that the name will be shortened to Mamat or worst Mat(Urrggh!!) Besides, my nephew whose full name is Syed Muhammad Abdul Hamid is already called by the name Muhammad. So I guess thats OUT! OUT! OUT! (phew!)

So after numerous books of names and countless websites of baby names, we are still at the drawing board, clueless, exasperated and running out of steam. Obviously we haven't been addressing our bebe with any name yet and I think its so sad. A name will make our conversations so much more intimate. And besides, I heard from a recent mother that her child already recognized her name at birth and turned her head as they said out her name. If only we could speed up with this naming process.

To be honest I have a few choice names that I have always thought was nice. But the one who says he should have more say since after all the bebe's name will be linked to his has not given me a final answer. He keeps saying he is still thinking about it and will get back to me soon. Maybe I should give him a due date huh? No names by a certain date then its my choice!!!! *evil laugh*

Whenever I get exasperated and I pile on the pressure on him to choose a name he will make light of the issue and say "Alah susah susah kalau da keluar nanti takde nama kita kasi lah nama Ahmad Albab!" Boleh gitu!!!!!

Anyway since at least his first name is confirmed, we have decided to call him Baby Muhammad for the time being. At least until his choosy daddy can decide on a name for him. Now our conversations (is one person talking and the other kicking constitutes a conversation?) are so much more interesting. And judging from his kicks, I think he likes his name. (ok ok my imagination!)

And talking about kicking, Baby Muhammad sure loves to kick! And he sure finds very "interesting" times to practise his kicks. Without fail every morning I will be jolted out of bed by 6.30am by his kicks and very very late at night when we are getting to bed. My mother tries endlessly to rub my tummy and speak to her grandson hoping to feel his kick but not once has he given his granny any leeway. But when his father puts his hand on my belly, no matter how lightly, he will immediately respond. What a daddy's boy!

Now if only his Abah will give his boy a proper name! *sigh*

The Start Of The Baby Boom......

2006-09-13T12:20:00.000+08:00

By some magical stroke of luck, all the married reservist guys of Don's KINS unit are all expecting their first bundle of joys. It felt like just months ago when we girls were discussing which caterer to take for our weddings and which mak andam is no good and then we're all pregnant!! hehehe

Anyway the first to go POP was Jariah aka Mrs Din at 12.53am last night. She had quite a difficult pregnancy throughout her 9 months but Alhamdulillah her ordeal is now over and Jariah & Din are the proud parents of their lil' princess Nur Ratna Juita. I bet she's a cutie. Will post her pics as soon as I go down to see her. CONGRATULATIONS JA & DIN!!!!

Next probably will be Yanz & Farhana next month and then Insya'allah ours in Dec, followed by Rahman & Dayana sometime next year. Berderet deret anak anak Troopers ni nampaknye.

You Little Pain In The .......LEFT!!!!

2006-09-05T14:56:00.000+08:00

Looking at myself in the mirror recently, I am reminded of the days in my childhood candor when I would blow up a balloon and put it under my t-shirt, pretending I was pregnant. I would walk like a duck animatedly, feet apart and body bent backwards, hand holding my back. I used to wonder what it will be like for me to be pregnant. Well now I know. Hehe. But I do not walk like a duck ok! Just a small teeny weeny little waddle...maybe like a cute penguin (as my 2 "dear" friends so love to call me)

Our lil' bundle of joy has started making his presence felt. If he started with little whizzies and nudges the last 2 months, now he gives me the full on kick at various times of the day and night! He has a tendency to lodge himself into a corner on my left causing me discomfort and sometimes even pain. Numerous attempts on my part to soothe him away into another position with gentle rubbing always end up with even more movement and more pain. So much so that occasionally I have problems getting to sleep and can even be awaken in the middle of the night by his vigorous movements. But when the Don puts his hand on the spot and speaks gently to his son, our baby immmediately moves away, giving me much needed relief and sleep! Initially I put it down to coincidence but after a while, it seems only his father could make him do anything I wanted him to. Looks like he's gonna a daddy's boy huh?

Its real amazing to see every time The Don puts his hand on my tummy, I will feel a movement at that exact spot, every time! Needless to say the Don is thrilled beyond words that his son is so responsive to him. He has yet to feel the full on kick, the kind that makes the skin moves like it has a life on its own but he sure is getting excited. Now he addresses all his sms-es to both of us instead of just to me. And has started speaking in the plural form when he talks to me. Hhhmm looks like soon he will just start talking to his son instead of to me. hehehe

2006-08-28T14:49:00.000+08:00

This pregnancy is really going weird. I didn't get any of the usual symptoms every other pregnant lady seems to complain about - the nausea, the headaches, the backaches, the joint pains - but I have this instead --> Pregnancy Gingivitis!!! Of all the things and of all the times!!!! *sigh* Well I guess you've got to be tested one way or the other huh?

Starting about the second month of and continuing for the rest of the pregnancy, hormone changes affect the gums or gingiva. The gingiva is much more susceptible to irritation from plaque (soft) or calculus (hard) deposits on the teeth. An exaggerated inflammatory response can result in mild redness or gingivitis, to swelling of the gingiva between the teeth. These swellings are painless, but do bleed easily. Most pregnant women experience some form of inflamed gums even with good dental hygiene. Additionally, looseness of the teeth may be noticed, especially in the third trimester. These gingival changes usually reverse after the baby is born. - Source American Pregnancy Association

The gums on my upper left wisdom tooth seem to be bleeding and swollen and everytime I try to chew food on that side I feel pain. The gums have transcended downwards over my teeth and it hurts!! But I guess the pain is nothing compared to some of the other pregnancy ailments. So I guess I'll grin and bear it and maybe visit a dentist this weekend. No X-rays and no drugs for me so I guess there is very little a dentist could do anyway.

Oh on another note, there is a fruit fair of sorts just in front of my office. There are 2 huge stalls selling all kinds of fruits from durians to those gigantic mangoes to huge dragon fruits. But somehow the mangosteens they sell are puny and look half rotten. I keep passing by the stalls hoping fresh new stock will come but I haven had such luck. Then last night as we were watching that shameless girl Ina bare her soul on RTM1, my parents in law came with my absolute absolute favourite fruit - Mangosteens!!! They must have read my mind!!!!!

Needless to say I gorge on them till my throat is sore. Hehe. There are about 10 more left but I better keep them away before I fall sick.

The Unveiling

2006-08-24T12:32:00.000+08:00

Since the beginning of my pregnancy, everyone has been taking potshots at whether its gonna be a girl or a boy. My sister guessed it was a girl simply because she wanted her daughter to have a friend. My Umi, my mother-in-law as well as as The Don's sister said I looked cheerful and "berseri-seri' (although I certainly felt like a dishrag in the early days) so they said it's gonna be a girl. My father-in-law, whom I never expected to participate in such guessing games, confidently announced it was gonna be a grandson for him. The Don and I reserved our opinions to ourselves although way before I knew I was pregnant, The Don had a dream he was carrying our baby boy. (needless to say his dream freaked me out BAD!!) I was ok with either gender actually although when I went shopping I couldn't help wishing it was a girl when I saw all the beautiful dresses and accessories I could buy if I had a daughter. hehe.

Mathematically speaking (cheh wah! like real aje aku ni!) the probability of our child being a boy was pretty high considering that the Don came from a family of three brothers and one sister and most of his uncles and aunts all had similiar family models. (out of 5 children 4 would be boys!) I am an only child of my mom so no stats there although my dad's side tended to produce quite an even number of girls and boys (I have 8 nieces and 9 nephews!) (confused? never mind!)

Our doc tried to see the gender as early as in our 4th month of pregnancy but our baby was sitting cross legged (sungguh sopan anak aku!) so we left none the wiser. At the next checkup when we did the 3D scan (oh if u are pregnant (or your spouse) do go for the 3D scan!! Its expensive but oh so worth every single cent! The wonders of technology!!!!!) The doctor picked up upon a tiny weeny bit of flesh between his legs and she immediately announced it was a boy. You should have seen the smug on The Don's face!! As we walked out of the Doc's room, he gloated about how his paternal instincts were already up and running. Yada..yada..yada...hehe. Oh and gloat too was what our child's grandfather did, telling my MIL and SIL that they were so so so wrong!! (let's just hope the gloating gene is NOT hereditary!)

Umi however chose not to believe the doc until after the detailed scan we just did last week. Up till then, she still harboured hopes that it was gonna be a girl because she had set her sights on some pretty dresses at Mothercare and so wanted to buy them. Well it was doubly confirmed that it's gonna be a boy so Umi said "never mind..Next one!" (eerrmm...I'm still not sure how I'll get through this one so let's leave talk about 2nd granddchildren til perhaps many many years down the road!)

The unveiling of the sex was marked by great euphoria by everyone around us. Especially ME!!! As soon as we knew the gender (the first time) I went on a shopping spree. At last after many many weeks of going round and round the baby dept not knowing what & which to buy (pink or blue?) Finally I had a whole new purpose to my shopping life. Ok when you think about it, it doesn't quite make sense to buy all things blue since these things are gonna be used by our subsequent children who might be girls but whatever! .. let's worry about subsequent children later. hehe. (Besides, who says boys have to wear blue right? Metrosexual pink anyone? The Don will scream bloody murder if I dress his son in pink and lets him play with Barbie dolls, that I'm 100%sure!)

I have great wonder about people who chose not to know the sex of their child. I mean I respect their personal decision but why not make use of technology when you can? Well.. to each their own I guess. Perhaps The Don and I are just not the kind who likes suprises.

PS: The doctor better not be wrong or else I'll ask her for a refund of all the blue stuff I have bought! hehee

Dusting the cobwebs.....

2006-08-22T14:31:00.000+08:00

*Ahhh Choo!!* Ok ok I know dust have been collecting here of late. My sincere apologies.

Much has happened lately although I didn't have either drive nor energy to update my blog. My pregnancy has been smooth so far, Alhamdulillah. I haven't had any morning sickness, no nausea (although I can't seem to tolerate milk), no cravings, no aversions (although I don't fancy the smell of mutton now) and apart from a general sense of tiredness I feel just GREAT!!! I'm in a constant cheerful mood and I look foward to every day in a way I have never felt before.

Our baby's growing fine too. Everything is up to schedule, on the schedule and hopefully will remain this way throughout the remaining weeks till I reach full term. I have past my halfway mark in my pregnancy and have roughly 17 weeks to go before I go POP! hehe. Oh and in case you're wondering it's gonna be a BOY! Which isn't much of a surprise, really, looking at the very obvious gender imbalance on Don's side of the family.

Despite not being down with anything, I have been forbidden to do any housewok and all household chores (with the xception of cooking) is now the Don's forte. Even then, when my mom's not in town and I'm supposed to cook, The Don usually takes me out for dinner. I wonder if I would still know how to do housework after my pregnancy. hehe.

My tummy ain't showing much. I guess I take after my mom. She said she didn't look pregnant till she was well into her 7th mth of pregnancy. I haven't had too much weight gain too. Thank God! Most of my colleagues didn't guess I was pregnant till I was well into my 5th month. Even then it was because I had to start wearing loose fitting clothes coz none of my current clothes fit no more!!

My only complain, if at all, is that I can't seem to sit very long in one position. Just last weekend, we went to see the movie "CLICK" and despite it being an enjoyable show, I couldn't wait for it to end so that I could get out of my seat and that was a love seat !! (with me taking up 70% of the seat and leaving the Don squashed) The baby is starting to really move! He must be practicing to join in the Cirque du Soleil !! hehe but better the baby moving then not so no complains there.

Besides, I really do not have much to complain about. All in all, pregnancy has been blissful for me so far, Alhamdulillah. I pray to Allah S.W.T that I have a delivery as smooth as my pregnancy has been so far. Amin.

Guests......

2006-07-28T11:19:00.000+08:00

My cousins are coming today from KL. Yay! Just last weekend my uncle and his entourage came from Kuantan as he was invited to make a ceramah at Sultan Mosque and now my cousins are here. My friends seem to think that The Don and I have an endless barrage of visitors but we love it! Its part of the Arab culture, I guess. We don't think its an inconvenience at all.

It's a far cry from the attitude of the young today. I hear many stories of newly married couples who have their own house but do not welcome visitors because they "want their privacy". Its almost like they live in fear if anybody should say they wanna come over. As if people have nothing else better to do.

I come from a family where guests are welcome anytime and no effort is spared when entertaining guests. If you had seen the way my Umi cooked for my Uncle and his 2 companions last week, you'd think we were preparing for a buffet. And we Arabs love family gatherings. Thats why the Don and I dun mind travelling 6-7 hours to Pahang /KL /Kuantan just to attend any function our relatives have or merely just to catch up and spend a night or two. I'm thankful that despite not marrying an Arab, the Don has assimilated himself into my culture and he enjoys receiving guests just as much as I do. In fact, if I may say so, he is more atuned to my guests and take greater effort to make them comfortable than I do. Alhamdulillah.

It's been some time since my cousins came to Singapore so today I'm gonna scoot off early from work and bring them SHOPPING!!!!! hehehe

The Countdown Tag....

2006-07-11T09:49:00.000+08:00

This must be a conspiracy. Everybody seems to be tagging me so that I will update my blog. Ok ok since I dun actually have much to write about anyway, I'll amuse you with my answers to this very long tag.

10 Favourites : -
Favourite colour : Blue, Black, Maroon all 3 can?
Favourite food : Chicken Rice, Laksa
Favourite song : Power of Love - Celine Dion
Favourite movie : The Godfather trilogy definitely!!
Favourite sport : Does shopping count?
Favourite day of the week : Saturdays!!!!!
Favourite ice cream flavour : Anything chocolaty is very goody!!
Favourite car model : Pagani Zonda F
Favourite subject in school : Literature
Favourite snacks : Twistees

9 Current : -
Current mood : Upbeat & Great
Current taste : All I wanna eat right now is Roti Jala & Kari Ayam. Yumm...!!!
Current clothes : Blue pantsuit with light blue tudung.
Current desktop : P4 2.4Ghz 80GB 512MB CD-RW 15" LCD
Current toenail colour : Au naturel
Current time : 2.29pm
Current surroundings : My file-infested table. Urrgghh!!!
Current annoyance(s) : This tag, obviously!
Current thoughts : Is my baby a boy or a girl? Quick I wanna know so I can go shopping!!!!

8 First(s) : -
First best friend : Jessica, in primary 1.
First crush : In Primary 6.
First movie : Bigfoot at Cathay cinema with my mom and dad.
First piercing : At a jewellery shop somewhere. And I didn't make a peep.
First lie : Let's see... Faked a stomachache to escape ngaji. hehehe
First music : Gurindam Jiwa - the song my mother used to sing me to sleep as a child.
First car : What his is mine right? A 1991 red Mitsubishi Lancer that I picked out.
First real date venue : Bintang Timur restaurant at Far East Plaza

7 Last(s) : -
Last drink : Plain water. I have to drink 7 cups of water daily!!!!!
Last car ride : My much-loved Lancerlot
Last "movie crush" : Let's see..."Said" in "Paradise Now"
Last phone call : Darling Don
Last song played : Il Divo "Unbreak my heart"
Last food ate : Crunchy chocolate Bar
Last thing I do before I go to sleep : Snuggle snuggle kiss kiss censored censored!!

6 Have You Ever(s) : -
Have you ever dated one of your best friends : Nahhh
Have you ever broken the law : Jaywalking counts?
Have you ever been arrested : Not yet...
Have you ever skinned dipped : hhhmmm......
Have you ever been on TV : When I was 8, being interviewed by Mr Wong Kan Seng.
Have you ever kissed someone you didn't know : HHmmm....

5 Things You Are Wearing : -
top, bottom, shoe, tudung & my sanity.

4 Things You've Done Today : -

Chatted online

Send a myriad of sms-es

Read

This stupid tag

3 Things You Can Hear Right Now : -

The irritating humming of the office server

The vibration of my hp - somebody's calling

Voices in my head asking me whay I bother asnwering this tag.

2 Things You Can't Live Without : -
hhmmm I think despite the materialistic girl I am, I can live w/o things but I can't live w/o my 2 pillars of strength

My Umi

My Don

1 Thing You Do When You Are Bored : -
Bug the Don!!!

5 Beautiful Peeps To Carry On The Game : -
Naz (Payback Time!!!)
Maya
Musang
LizaNoor
Lynn

Do You Really Wanna Know?

2006-07-05T09:51:00.000+08:00

I have been tagged by Naz (I think she has seen the dearth of activity in here and purposely tagged me.) And so today finally I'm gonna get my butt off the lazy chair and do it.

24 Useless Facts About Me

1) I hate the colour purple. Dun know why. I just do.

2) I had a HUGE crush on Fandi Ahmad when I was 12. When I say huge, I mean
HUMONGOUSLY HUGE!!! I would cut out every picture of him and attend every event he was at.

3) I was super gullible as a child and was always bullied by my male cousins. Once they tricked me we were going to the beach and asked me to sit quietly at the back of my uncle's parked station wagon. I sat there for a full 20 mins sweating like a pig while my 2 cousins were sitting in the cool comfort of the house watching tv.

4) I am a "Climacophobia" - I have a phobia of steep stairs, the overhead bridge kind and stairs with crevices underneath. And I have a recurring dream of tumbling down the stairs.

5) I loathe folding clothes. Give me the ironing, mopping, cooking n any other household task anytime but no folding please!!!! That's why I have a 12-foot cupboard so I can hang everything on hangers.

6) I loooorve prawns. I'll eat anything** with prawns in it!!!! (**anything here excludes no 8)

7) The Don and I call each other 10 times a day and that's the absolute minimum. Our smses are uncountable. My girlfriends can't stand it and they always sigh and roll their eyes whenever I'm with them and my phone rings!!!

8) Mushrooms and beansprouts are two things I will never, never eat, not even at gunpoint.

9) Words tend to bypass my brain and leave my mouth. And leave a stinging wound to the people who are hit.

10) I had asthma as a child and will do anything within my power never to see another being suffer the way I did.

11) I have never been hospitalised and when I was young I used to fantasize what it felt like. I don't tink I wanna know now!!

12) I hate watching horror movies. I feel so cheated at the end of every movie I see. Like I paid someone ten bucks to gimme a slap.

13) I'm stupid with my hands. Creativity is something that is just not in my genes.

14) Water is to plants as shopping is to me. I'd wither and die without it.

15) I have only ever had one boyfriend in my life and he is now my husband. And no, I do not wish I had more. (boyfriends, that is, not husbands! hehehe)

16) I have very few people in my life I consider friends and these few are very precious to me. And no, I do not wish I had more too.

17) I can't drive and I really, really don't think I was wired to, despite The Don's attempts to sign me up for driving classes.

18) I am a worrier but I realised it is exactly this trait that has made me the well-prepared person that I am.

19) I have a bithmark the shape of a paw on my right upper arm.

20) I have a mole in my left ear, on my lips and 8 others on my face. Its not so obvious as to be immediately visible. But it's definitly there.

21) My third finger on both hands are a bit curved in. I never knew why.

22) I finally figured my heritage. I'm 50% Arab, 25% Indian & 25% Malay. Rough estimation. Exact percentage still unknown.

23) Patience is a virtue I have yet to acquire. I hope I will acquire it someday. Soon.

24) I'm PREGNANT! and we will be expecting our first-born sometime in Dec.

The Dodo's Way It Went

2006-06-26T11:00:00.000+08:00

My mobile just went the way of the Dodo. For no rhyme or reason (none that I could tell, anyway) the phone just went beserk. The buttons on the top part of the slider suddenly refused to work. At first it was just the scrolling buttons of up, down left and right, thereby making reading and sending sms-es a living hell for me. (but at least I could use the side scroller)

Then, similiarly out of the blue, all the buttons stopped working and the phone was as good as kaput. My phone had always had the "any button answer" turned off in case I was sms-ing and then a call came through so now I couldn't even answer the phone when it rang. I couldn't read my smses either and worst this morning when my alarm rang, I couldn't turn it off. *sigh* I so wanted to throw it against the wall in frustration but my level-headed Don urged me to send it for repair instead since it was still under warranty.

I'm sending it in today to the mobile hospital. Let's hope they give me a replacement Samsung phone as the only ones I have at home are Nokia ones and well.. Nokia and I are not really on friendly terms .....hee hee

So meanwhile I am mobile-less and incommunicado. Thank god for web-smses.

A Day To Remember...

2006-06-16T14:35:00.000+08:00

Tomorrow 17th June 2006 is the day I turn 16 oops! I mean 26. I usually celebrate my birthday with much pomp and fanfare with cakes, huge bouquets of flowers, presents and usually a little special something from my Darling Don. Since we've been married, we either get the poshest hotel room we can afford (without robbing the bank) to stay the weekend or thats the day he gives me free reign to pick out anything I want. (thats the only day he will accompany me shopping and not groan)

But as the years go by, I have begun to realise that your birthday is not so much a day for you to celebrate. After all what did you do on that day except make your way into this world, got a smack on the butt and wailed your lungs out? Our mothers, on the other hand, went through hell and highwater to expunge us out of her systems. Assisted or not, it was a near life-or-death moment for her and if anybody should be celebrating, shouldn't it be her? Or better still, we should celebrate the day with our mom to show her our appreciation at having borne us, suffering for the 40 weeks (or more), our constant kicking in the middle of the night and God knows whatever else we did while inside her womb.

So I think this year, I will make a change. Instead of the day being about me, it shall be about my Umi... and what she went through to bring me into this world.

But I think I'll allow myself this one bit ....

Can You See The Similiarity?

2006-06-02T09:49:00.000+08:00

But I must say out of the 7 this week, he has the nicest voice. But can somebody pls sponsor him a haircut pls????????

The Movie Worth Waiting For

2006-05-31T09:47:00.000+08:00

Have you ever wondered what goes in the mind of a suicide bomber? Have you wondered if they had 2nd thoughts before they pulled that cord in their bomb? Are they even really volunteers? Or coerced to do it? If you have ever wondered, "Paradise Now" is a movie you would really enjoy watching.

It tells the story of two Palestinian childhood friends who are called to volunteer themselves for the Intifada cause. Laced with humour at the most unexpected times the story is a heart-wrenching one. You'd never expect to sypathise with suicide bombers but the story gives a human face to them and as we see their struggles and doubts we understand why they do what they do although we do not necessarily support them. And to top it all off, the two lead actors are so handsome they make your heart fly. Kak Liza & I left the cinema with this guy's face and eyes forever etched in our memory.

Girls' Night Out

2006-05-30T11:00:00.000+08:00

We had a wonderful time on Friday at Swensen's PS. Anyone looking at us would think we have been friends for years but truth be told it was the first time some of us were meeting. To say we "clicked" would be a gross understatement. We gelled, rather.
We brought the whole Swensen's down with our racuous laughter. We even managed to "terrorize" a few waiters. Hehe Can't wait for the next girls' night out.

To Lisa .....

2006-05-22T10:03:00.000+08:00

Hope you enjoyed the bithday dinner and like the gift we got you.

Many more years of friendship ahead, Insyallah.

10 Life's Simple Pleasure

2006-05-16T10:25:00.000+08:00

I kena tagged lah by my neighbour & good fren LizaNoor So here goes....

Being in a shopping centre with my husband and he says "Buy anything you want today."

When my mother kisses me in the mornings before I go to work and tells me Thank you for being a wonderful daughter.

Waking up early on a Saturday morning and realising I can sleep in coz it's SATURDAY!!!!

Looking at my childhood photos and realising how lucky I am to have such great childhood memories

Opening my eyes in the morning to find Him looking at me sleep.

Checking my mail to find my best friend has sent me an e-card.

Looking through my treasure box and re-reading love letters & cards of yesteryears.

Lying on my king sized bed with crispy sheets after a long trip away from home.

Sitting in a cafe giggling away with my best friend as we reminisce our school days, oblivious to stares from nearby patrons.

Watching tv with my husband while he rests on my lap.

Ps: I forgot to tag lah...
ok here are the 5 ppl who have been tagged

LISA

KYNNE

LYNN

MAYA

NAZ

Mother's Day Celebration

2006-05-15T15:19:00.000+08:00

This year, we celebrated Mother's day with a difference. Usually we will choose a fancy smancy restaurant, bring both our moms and then bring on the cake and presents. This year, since we had guests over at our place (my newly wed cousin & hubby), we decided to hold the celebrations at our house instead. We bought a portable grill from Carrefour, 250 raw satay from the owner of our fav stall at Lau Pa Sat (stall No 3 & 4) 4kg of chicken wings & 2kg of drumlets which I marinated with honey & other seasonings, cooked fried bihun, invited my in-laws and had a helluva time.

The Don and my cousin's hubby, Hakim, took turns bbq-ing while the womenfolk yakked and yakked the day away. (what else right?) After Maghrib, we brought out the cake and the gifts and the smiles on our moms' faces were to die for!!! They especially liked the gifts The Don and I picked out for them, small tokens of our appreciation for being the absolute best mothers we could ask for and our gratitude for their sacrifices all our lives.

Here are some pics we snapped. More coming up soon....

Three Girls & A Guy

2006-05-05T16:36:00.000+08:00

We left for an inpromptu trip last Saturday to Malacca & Kl. The Don wanted to bring me shopping in KL. (Am I lucky or what??) Then I suggested we stopped mid way at Umbai, Malacca for some seafood. I roped in my two girl friends, Lisa & M and they were both game to join us for a short holiday. So off we went....

The food in Umbai was as delicious as always. Anybody who has been to Malacca and hasn't been here, you really don't know what you have been missing! We choose our own fresh seafood, tell the guy how you want it cooked and VOILA!!! Since it was only the 4 of us, the Don and I chose one large seabass, 1/2 a kilo of prawns, quarter kilo of squids and some veg. The seafood is to be eaten with small packets of Nasi Lemak and Otak Otak which is provided on the tables and topped up when neccesary. Try not to drool on your keyboard ok....(photos courtesy of Lisa)

Lelong!!! Lelong!!! There were shellfish too but we were not fans so we skipped them.

This pic is a bit blur. I think Lisa is holding her digicam with one hand while the other hand she is busy trying to kopek the Otak-otak. hehe

I think she forgot to take the pic before we devoured the fish so here you only see the skin left. Oooh no evidence of our buruk-makan-ness!!

Krak Kruk Krak Kruk!!! Very crispy indeed!!

See the sambal cicah? Power gedemak!!!!

Immediately after the meal, we continued our journey to Kl to spent the night and start shopping the next day. We didn't actually get much shopping done. We only went to Midvalley & One Utama. But I think we all got what we came to Kl to get. One thing for sure, we had lots and lots to eat.

I actually wanted to eat crabs but in Umbai the stall we went to ran out of them. So when we were in KL the next night, The Don brought us to Good Evening Bangkok restaurant at One Utama.

The ambience was great, the service was tip top and the Tom Yum seafood was the kind you'd only get in Bangkok. A small sip sent your nostrils flaring, bells ringing deep in your ears and a tingle in your throat that you could remedy only by having more!!! I asked for black pepper crabs but the waiter said they didn't have crabs that night. But when he came to send the tom yum, I spotted a small crab leg in my bowl. He must have heard me exclaim because he explained that usually they use big crabs for the black pepper dish but if I didn't mind, they could make an exception for me and use these tiny crabs instead. A crab is a crab is a crab. Of course I said YES!!!!!! Such great service is definitely a rarity. I'd definitely recommend the place to anyone who is in need of authentic Thai food with great service.

For more pics, go check out Lisa's blog.

Birth Order

2006-04-25T09:37:00.000+08:00

The Don and I spent almost the entire evening at Borders yesterday. And one of the books I found totally captivating was this one --->

The author really goes deep into the psyche of a person's personality and how it relates to his/her birth order. Needless to say most of what was said about me as an only child is totally true and it gave me insights into the things I would do in certain given conditions. There is even a section on partners and what would happen if I were to marry a First-born, middle child, youngest child or another only child (lucky I didn't It's potential disaster!) Another section was on what kind of parent I'd be, given my birth order. It was such a great book. I finished reading all the relevant sections to me right there.

I wrote about this birth order thing before but this book is much more detailed than that website I quoted.

Best Birth Order Marriages
Only child and youngest; first-born and youngest; middle child and youngest: Gender plays a role here as well. If you want the absolute best match, it's female only or first-born marrying a male youngest child who has older sisters. The last born with older sisters is going to be the sort of person who brings out the maternal instinct in women, and the oldest sister is likely to have great maternal urges. He would have grown up with girls who have doted on him. This is similar to the treatment he seeks in a wife, and the best place he'll find it is with an oldest sister. The match works both ways. The first-born needs someone to show her pleasures of sunsets, rainbows, and to remind her that it can be fun to let her mind wander and do something mad or different. The last-born needs someone to show him that while having fun is a wonderful thing, it takes hard work and perseverance to make those daydreams into reality.

First-born married to the last-born: This relationship is an excellent combination. First-born can teach last-born how to be better organised and that there are times when life must be taken seriously. The last-born teaches the first-born that it's okay to have fun once in a while.

Worst birth order mix
Only-child female and an only-child male: Not only will the two butt heads, but neither will have much of a clue about the other gender.

First-born married to a first-born: This relationship is likely to be high friction - either butting heads from day one, or falling into a controller-pleaser pattern. It can be difficult to make this pairing work.

First-born married to a middle child: The danger here is that the middle-born may alter his or her own behaviour to please the first-born. While the middle one makes a good match for anyone (except, perhaps, for another middle), she may find the first-born to be somewhat intimidating and thus will need drawing out. If you marry a hard-driving first-born, you may be inclined to give up your own desires and dreams to please your more dominant, first-born spouse. However, if you have last-born tendencies, this can be a very good match for you.

Then I found this birth order test and realised I have both only child and first born tendencies. Wat's yours ?

You Are Likely an Only Child

At your darkest moments, you feel frustrated.
At work and school, you do best when you're organizing.
When you love someone, you tend to worry about them.

In friendship, you are emotional and sympathetic.
Your ideal careers are: radio announcer, finance, teaching, ministry, and management.
You will leave your mark on the world with organizational leadership, maybe as the author of self-help books.

The Birth Order Predictor

Excuse Me I Have A Problem....

2006-04-20T15:29:00.000+08:00

Tech Support: "How can I help you?"
Customer: "Well, everything is working fine, but there is one program that is not."
Tech Support: "What program is it?"
Customer: "It's called 'MSDOS Prompt'."
Tech Support: "What's wrong with it?"
Customer: "Well, I click on it, a black screen shows up with NOTHING but a sign that reads: 'C:\WINDOWS>', and it just sits there and doesn't do anything. I have to turn off the system to go back to Windows."

*DANG!!!!*

I'm sure you all have heard funny tech jokes like this one and laughed your head off at them. I had a personal experience with one techno-illiterate just yesterday.

Colleague: Hey I think something's wrong with my email.
Shsuya: Why? What error message do you get?
Colleague: There is no error message but I haven't been receiving any emails for a few days already.
Shsuya: Ok Lemme test. I will send you an email now. Tell me if you receive it.
Colleague: Yes I received.
Shsuya: Ok now You send me an email and I'll see if I can receive it.
Colleague: Ok I sent you already. You received?
Shsuya: I also received your email. So whats the problem? (starting to get irritated and realising this girl is wasting my time)
Colleague: But how come I never get emails ah ?
Shsuya: Thats because nobody wants to send any emails to you!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(walks off)

And its a big TEN!!!!!

2006-04-19T10:57:00.000+08:00

10 years ago today, at 2:15pm, two school kids in school uniform met at a certain McDonalds. Little did we know then that fateful day was actually the beginning of the rest of our lives. For history click here and here

Happy Tenth!

A milestone that seems
As natural as stones upon a hill,
Placed by wind and rain and swollen streams
Plunging down to work their wayward will.
Yet our will alone has placed this stele
That stands amid the wilderness of time,
Each choosing each each day that we might feel
Nearer to a grace we can't define.
The loves that last are cultivated flowers:
Half pure mystery, half purely ours.

Happy Anniversary Darling!!!!

Wedded Bliss...

2006-04-18T12:38:00.000+08:00

Last weekend was my cousin Safiah's wedding in Bera, Pahang. The nikah and sanding ceremony was held over at her place on Saturday and on Sunday the groom's reception was in Gombak, Selangor. Since Friday was a public holiday in Singapore, The Don, myself and my mom made our way to my aunt's place as early as 5am to avoid the jam at the causeway. Apparently all the cars going into Malaysia had the same thought coz even at that hour, there was already heavy jam at the immigration.

My cousin look splendid in her wedding garb. Her groom Hakim was given a taste of our family's humour when he was stopped outside the house by The Don and other male cousins who demanded a "toll" before they let him in to see his bride. Lucky the groom came prepared.

Here are a few pics fro your viewing pleasure....

Everything went well at the wedding - everything was a-perfect. The food was good, the kendarat service was efficient and the weather too was agreeable. Except for the blasted deejay. Instead of playing songs like any decent DJ, this old coot went on talking non-stop. He was like on a high and kept repeating himself ad nauseum. Every two minutes, he gave an introduction of my uncle who is the host of the wedding, even going as far as describing my uncle's appearance "yang tinggi lampai, pakai cermin mata dan ade janggut sikit" and gave introduction of the caterer, the wedding photographer and (surprise, surprise) all about himself. When he spotted somebody in the crowd he grew all excited and kept telling everybody on the mike "Saya kenal die. Masa tu saya kecik lagi die tinggal lorong blakang rumah saya... " And the occasional times he actually played a cd, he talked all throughout the song too. I honestly felt like stapling his mouth and telling him to get lost. Anybody could have done a better job than him. I wonder how much my cousin paid for him. I hope she didn't waste too much money on that lousy guy.

My cousin and hubby will have to live separately for the time being even after their marriage. She is teaching in a polytechnic in Tanjung Malim, Perak while he is working in downtown KL. Looks like they will only be a weekend couple. What misery!! I hope and pray that they will find some other arrangements so that they can be together. There is nothing that makes wedded life more bliss than sleeping at night knowing that you will be waking up next to each other in the morning.

2006-04-11T10:24:00.000+08:00

YAY!!! i finally did it. I finished my 1000 pieces jigsaw. It took me 3 days and some cheating but I finally did it. I went to buy the frame but when I got home I realised the plastic to cover the jigsaw was missing. And for the life of me I can't find the receipt to ask for a refund. So now it sits quietly on the floor, against the wall of my study room, waiting for me to find an alternative to the plastic cover so that I can hang it up.

Its supposed to be glow-in-the dark but I haven't actually seen the effect yet. Maybe I should start a collection of glow-in-the dark jigsaw to fill up my study.

HOW SMART ARE YOU?

2006-04-06T11:12:00.000+08:00

You know you're not smart enough to join Mensa. Or be a rocket scientist. But you *KNOW* that you have above average intelligence. After all your kindergarten teacher Mrs Raju said so. So did your Aunt (while pinching your cheeks and telling you that you are her favourite niece/nephew)

But how smart really are you?

Take this test to find out ---> THE TA3 TEST by the International High IQ Society. CLICK TA3 ON THE BOTTOM LEFT.

My score was a measly 121. Good Luck to you !!!!

Grade Range Percent
Genius 144 0.13%
Gifted 130-144 2.14%
Above average 115-129 13.59%
Higher average 100-114 34.13%
Lower average 85-99 34.13%
Below average 70-84 13.59%
Borderline low 55-69 2.14%
Low <55 0.13%

2006-04-03T14:43:00.000+08:00

A man prone to suspect evil is mostly looking in his neighbor for what he sees in himself. As to the pure all things are pure, even so to the impure all things are impure. -Augustus Hare

Some people just baffle me. There is one particular man who lives in our vicinity whom LizaNoor and I have resorted to calling "The Diamond guy". No he is not adorned with diamonds. Neither does he trade in diamonds ala Ari Taibel, director of First State Auctions. Instead, he seems to have diamonds in his mouth cause he rarely speaks and turns away when he is being talked to. We think he might have diamonds in his mouth so he refuses to talk in case the diamonds fall out and we make away with them.

At first, our encounters with him were mere brushes. Eg, he will rush to the multi-storey carpark lift from his car once he spotted us parking our car. (so that he doesn't have to share the same lift with us) Or he will walk down the stairs instead of taking the lift when the door opens on his floor and he sees us inside. (weirdo!) We put it down to plain anti-socialness. Then we heard horror stories about this guy's rudeness to LizaNoor's hubby and we vowed to stay as far away from this guy as possible. His wife, though is apparently quite chatty, or so we heard. This guy is an exception rather then the norm in our vicinity. Almost all other neighbours are very friendly and lift rides are never the quiet, arkward, eyes staring at the changing numbers display episodes you experience in almost every other HDB block in Singapore.

Last night, we had a first hand experience of Mr "tinggal-dalam-hutan-lebih-bagus" 's attitude. When we parked our car at our usual spot, we glimpse Diamond guy and family milling about their Suzuki, obviously having just parked too. Despite us slowing down our steps coz we knew they'd rather not be in the same lift with other homo sapiens, we unfortunately arrived just in time with them entering the lift. The wife was kind enough to enquire if we would like her to hold the lift open. We politely declined as The Don had to go back to our parked car to take something he left behind. Whe we reached the foot of our block, there they were, still waiting for the lift up.
(In case u r getting confused by all the lifts, we have to take the lift down from the multi-storey carpark then walk to our block where we take another lift up to our unit)

As we approach the lift (at the void deck), Diamond guy was shuffling his feet restlesly. The Don signaled to me to wait for the next lift. My thoughts exactly. But when they entered the lift, the wife, once again, held open the lift doors for us with a smile and asked us to come in. I felt there was no reason for us to return his rudeness with equal rudeness on our part so we entered.

In the few minutes of the travelling time in the lift, the Diamond guy shuffled his feet restlessly a few more times. His wife tried to make small conversation but it seems everytime the wife opened her mouth to speak the husband mumbles something to his children. I glance at the back of the lift and he was actually facing the wall!! When they finally exited the lift one floor below ours, we burst out laughing at the weirdo. He must have had a pretty traumatic childhood to have such great issues with other human beings. My mind instantly flew to the character in the Tarzan movie. Well, at least Tarzan finally did learn how to talk and eliminate his suspicion on humankind. Hopefully someday Diamond Guy will too.

I can't help equating Diamond Guy with this figure on the left eh I mean right. *grins*

WICKED WICKED GAME

2006-03-28T09:34:00.000+08:00

I'm so hooked onto this game I can do nothing else. But it's so hard to solve that I feel my brain fragmenting into a few million pieces, never to be joined up again. If you, like me, ~~feel that your job is a dead-end job and~~ need some brain stimulation, click here and best of luck to you.

Rules of the game

I'm currently stuck at Level 30 34. I have 10 6 more levels to go. I do not know if I will ever make it there.

The game tests your knowledge of html and other computer jargons, some are damn tricky while others are a breeze. Holler if u need help in any of the levels I have passed and if the Forum 1 and Forum 2 is of no help.

GOOD LUCK

What Were We Thinking???

2006-03-24T10:16:00.000+08:00

The Don and I, for lack of something better to watch, ended up watching Knight Rider on Star World last Saturday. I remember back in my primary school days, I used to watch it religiously on Thursday nights. I was so fascinated by the series that I wouldn't miss the show for anything. To me, that was the coolest show on Earth and I imagined having my own car named Kit. Apparently The Don was also a big fan. He has never bought a book in his life but he saved up to buy a Knight Rider book just because. And he too wouldn't miss the show for the world. But somehow, all we ended up doing on Saturday was laughing while we watched.

Suddenly the show seemed so cheesy and ultra-lame. The stunts (if it can be called that) were laugh-worthy and the explosions happened a good 2 sec after the hero finished jumping to safety. Yet he was writhing in pain. We have never laughed so hard at an action-packed show. Even Kit the car was not impressive anymore in our eyes. We wondered how come we were so transfixed and amazed in the past. We must have been so gullible. And looking at Hasselholf post Baywatch, he is suddenly so bleagh!!!

Just as we recovered from all that laughing and kutuk-ing, came another show we will never tell our kids we loved. The A-Team.

I remember that show best for Mr T. My mom said that whenever we went to a wedding invitation and I spotted a makcik adorned with gold jewellery I will point at her and call her Mr T. Hehehe.

The plot seems paper-thin to us now and the stunts unconvincing to say the least. We bet the actors themselves would be embarassed if they saw themselves on screen now. With the advancement of technology and our exposure to more and more sophisticated shows, series of yesteryears seem dull and have lost their gleam in our eyes.

We wonder what will kids in the future have to say about the shows we love today like CSI. They'll probably laugh at our faces for being fascinated by such lame shows.

Meanwhile I found this CSI trivia quiz. Try your hand at it but if you ace it you might not wanna let your kids know.

Are you a CSI know-it-all?

WHOOOO ARE YOUUUU! You're as crazy about CSI as I am. Go us, we're losers! We know more about the show than the writers do.
Take this quiz!

Quizilla |
Join

| Make A Quiz | More Quizzes | Grab Code

Its The Little Things....

2006-03-22T10:13:00.000+08:00

I was so busy at work yesterday that I hardly had time to breathe. Lucky for the short lunch I had with my best friends Lisa & M at Long John Silver Bugis to restore my sanity. I was so looking forward for the clock to touch 6 when I could pack up and leave but as luck would have it, The Don was held up so I had to wait. By the time, he came I was ready to pull out my hair in frustration and urged him to speed up and get out of the vicinity. Even seeing my office building could push me over the edge. Seeing me in that state, he brought me here

We sat here

and watched

I felt soo much better.

Its little things like this that make me grateful I have so much in my life. Whenever I feel down or stressed or just feel like screaming, I know there is always someone to hear me out, and always on my side. Its not just the expensive dinners, exotic holidays and luxurious gifts but also the putting toothpaste on my toothbrush in the morning, the washing of the dishes when I cook and the making sure I am well covered by the comforter in the middle of the night that makes it complete.

Life, is truly bliss.

Childhood Revisited Part Two

2006-03-20T11:42:00.000+08:00

con't....

6. I was 4, I think. The world's greatest hero and most handsome (to me then lah ok) was Amitabh Bachan. Whenever he appeared on screen, I was glued. My fav movie was John, Johnny Johanathan. (anybody remember?) I cut out a love shape from cardboard paper and wrote a letter to Amitabh, the contents of which I think I have erased from my memory out of sheer embarassment. I gave the letter to my mom and asked her to mail it for me. I think my mother still keeps that letter somewhere.

7. I had asthma quite regularly when I was a kid. So I was banned from having cold drinks and ice-creams although these are the two things I lived for during recess. One rainy day, my mother took additional precaution warning me early in the morning not to take any ice-cream. Tempting fate, I ate anyway during recess. When I got home she asked me again if I ate ice cream that day. With innocent eyes and vigorous shakes of the head, I said NO. Then my mother pointed to my white shoe with a drop of lime green on it and I was found out. I never trusted myself to lie to my mom again.

8. I was back in my kampung in Pahang. In those days the toilet was a good 300m away from the house at a perigi. (well) The water was outta-this world cold & shiok but the journey to and fro were lined with small bushes and broken twigs and branches. I never did dare go to the well alone and when I walk I tended to skip a little to prevent anything from crawling up my legs. But there was this one time as we walk back from a bath, I felt pain on both my shins. I thought it must have been a mosquito bite so I endured it all the way home. While I was changing at home, I realised two leeches had stuck themselves to my legs and were sucking me dry. I screamed bloody murder and my grandmother came to my rescue. Pulled those things off my legs and squashed them with the butt-end of a parang. I sobbed so hard not so much from the pain but from pure disgust of having those things on me and the sheer amount of blood I saw.

9. I was an over-confident kid. I was never afraid of strangers and I was a bit of a show-off. (Some people tell me that hasn't changed much, well...) Anyway I took great pride in being able to speak snatches of hindi I caught from my dad and from hindi films. So everywhere I went, whenever I had a willing audience, I'd stand in a pose and start reciting "Kya Khabar hai?" "Acha hai" and start reciting no 1-10 in hindi. Most of the time, they would laugh, pat me on the head and call me a clever girl. One Bhai with thick white beard at Arab Street liked me so much he asked if I wanted to be his daughter. From that day onwards I never showed off my Hindi language skills again.

Lastly...

10. I was a scared kid. I was never really adventurous and I hated climbing/running of any kind. But I hated not being able to do something while all the rest of my peers could. There was this playground near my home that I frequented whenever my cousins came to visit. There was this climbing contraption, (the name of which I have no idea) which requires you to do both vertical and horizontal climbing. The vertical part I passed with no problem but the second I stepped onto the flat part, I'd paralyse with fear, not daring to take a step forward yet too determined to not take a step back. I always make sure I was the last to go up cause I know I'd create a standstill. Once I went with my cousins and their parents and I stayed up there for 45 mins, sweat running through my hands and dripping off my face yet I refuse to budge. In the end, since it was getting dark, my uncle scooped me up and bundled me home. Somehow nobody ever mentioned that incident from that day.

Childhood Revisited Part One

2006-03-19T21:30:00.000+08:00

Enuff of rants for a while. Its time to get confessional. Inspired by the blog marathon master's post here are the 10 most poignant childhood moments of mine.

1. I was 5 and we were in KL for the usual school hols, staying at a hotel and visiting my uncle and aunt at their rented place at Kampung Melayu when it started to rain non-stop. Before we knew it, the water level rose before our eyes and slowly crept into the living room. That was my first ever experience with flood. I saw unmentionable things float by and for the first time, I felt insecure. I was upset and my parents and uncle and aunt were all not able to set things right for me. They were all upset too. That was my first ever experience with fear.

2. I was 7 and I accopmpanied my mother to her fortnightly salon appointment. While she was busy having her hair fashioned, I played outside the salon with a classmate who happen to lived just above the salon. When my classmate's grandmother came to fetch her, she invited me over to their place to look at her pet terrapins. Without batting an eyelid I said ok. When my mom finished her session, she looked high and low for me. The managress of the salon said she might have seen me leave with my classmate. She was about to take the lift up when I came strolling down oblivious of the hell I've created for myself. Needless to say I was dragged home and was given my very first introduction to the rotan. Lucky we never did became good friends.

3. I was 5 and my fav radio programme was Victor & Charlie Show on Radio One. You send a letter to them with your phone number. If you were selected, they would call you on the show and ask you a riddle. If you got it right, you'd get a prize. I so wanted to be on the show and finally got my chance. I still remember the riddle they asked me "What room has no windows?" I think I answered store room. Hahaha. Still I got the complimentary prize of 6 F& N glasses.

4. My dad, being a political journo, always got invitations to every govt-initiated event. One such event was the launch of the One People One Nation One Singapore theme in 1988 (if I'm not wrong) For the benefit of the news crew, I was asked to be camera-ed being interviewed by Mr Wong Kan Seng, the then Minister of Foreign Affairs. I think he asked me what was my national day wish for Singapore. I can't, for the life of me, remember what I answered. But I remember liking the way I look on tv. hehe

5. If you think I'ma shopaholic, you obviously haven't met my mom. Whn my mom shops, she seems in her own world. I used to get so frustrated keeping up with her that I used to wonder if she would notice if I were to go missing. I used to hide in the racks of clothes and leave her looking for me in circles. But once, when she was out shopping with my aunt and uncle from Malaysia and I did the same, she didn't come looking for me. When I finally came out of my hiding place, they were absolutely nowhere to be found. I went crying to the cashier who brought me to the security booth asking for an announcement to be made. When my mother heard, she came running and seeing me all teary and red-eyed, she laughed and asked if I ever wanted to hide again. No prizes for guessing my answer.

to be con't ......

2006-03-19T18:32:00.000+08:00

Your Birthdate: June 17

You tend to find yourself lucky - both in business and in life.
And while being wealthy is nice, you enjoy sharing your abundance with others.
You put your luck to good use: you are very ambitious and goal oriented.
Often times, you get over excited and take on more than you can manage.

Your strength: Your ability to make your own luck

Your weakness: Thinking you can do it all

Your power color: Bronze

Your power symbol: Half Moon

Your power month: August

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

To My Dearest Anonymous

2006-03-19T17:11:00.000+08:00

When Push Came to Shove, Literally!!

2006-03-17T10:12:00.000+08:00

I was on the train this morning on the way to work when the trains stopped for a long time at Bradell MRT. The doors kept closing and opening and after the 6th time, the driver announced to the passengers "Please do not stand in the way of the closing doors. You are delaying the train service." Despite the announcement, the doors kept opening and closing. The rest of the commuters were starting to get restless and hissing sounds were heard, obviously showing their displeasure at the unidentified culprit. Then just as suddenly another announcement came on. "One of the train doors is faulty. This train will terminate here. All passengers please alight and board the next train. ...."

So, like a herd of anak kambing, all of us got up and left the train. Just as I reached the door, there was a standstill. Some passengers, out of sheer frustration, started to push their way out. The people behind me started to do the same. I was about to scream at the idiot who was jabbing her bag against my back when I realised "Hey I'm floating!!!" The people behind me were pushing and the people in front of me were moving so I was moving forward involuntarily.

Apparently the people who had alighted earlier have positioned themselves right at the door, so that they will be the first to board the next train. They refuse to budge and the people still inside the train were stuck. Seriously, you'd think people have more brains than that. If they do not make way for the people to alight, the train can't move and no next train can come. It's crazy the way selfishness and kiasu-ism rears its ugly head in moments like this.

And that was not the end of it. When the next train came, push really came to a shove when everybody rushed to get onto the train. As I was being "floated" into the train, I can't forget the look of bewilderment of the guy who was trying to alight from the train. He had this look of fear and disbelief in his eyes. Considering how deserted Braddel station is, he must have had a rude shock seeing so many people at the station. Despite the circmstances I almost chuckled.

2 particular ladies at the back of the herd, started shoving really hard when the usual warning sounds of the door closing sounded. By then thankfully, I was already inside the train, squeezed between a lady with a briefcase and another kakak. The people who were near the door started screaming in Mandarin to the two ladies but
they put on this muka sardin look and kept shoving. One lady wearing a T-shirt with Lego emblem started cursing in Hokkien at those two. The sardin faced people were emotion-less. To be fair they were not the only two at fault. Every other person was shoving too. As I looked around me, I realised there was a lady with a todller probably on the way to a child care. Had the lady not carried her son, I'm sure the toddler would have been trampled. No one gave priority for the lady with the young child to alight or board. It was strictly FOR EACH HIS OWN.

For a minute, I began to think what would Singaporeans do in the event of a real life evacuation. Like the terrorism situation at London. Those not killed by the gas/bomb/bullet would inevitably die from being trampled or not being able to leave in time due some people's selfishness. Is this where civillisation was suposed to bring us? I ponder.....

Oh and on another note. No more trains for me!!!!!

Why Is The Sky So High?

2006-03-15T17:28:00.000+08:00

In case u are wondering what is that sign on the left hand of all my posts... I'm in a blog marathon started by Ridj. Since the prospect of me ever joining a marathon is like ... NEVER so I guess joining this marathon makes me eligible to say for once that I was ever in a marathon. I think its a splendid idea coz the chances of me gettin found out is negligible. When u say u were in a marathon, ppl won't ask you "The running kind?" They normally assume that marathons are of the running kind. But of course they will be some who just likes asking supid questions, don't they?

Don't you just hate silly questions? When I was in school in my pre-hijab days, I get riled up when I turn up in school with obviously shorter hair and my friends actually stop and ask me "hey did u cut ur hair?" My usual retort is "No it's a wig I found on the bus on the way to school" Or when we are in a restaurant and somebody actually asks the waiter "Is this (pointing to the menu) nice?" DUH!!! Is the guy gonna answer "No its tasteless but please order it anyway or else I won't get my pay and my kids will starve". Or when you get a call in the middle of the night and you answer the phone only on the 3rd time the phone rings and the first thing you hear from the dumbo on the other end is "Sorry ..did I wake you?" All I feel like doing is throwing the phone against the wall.

But my biggest pet peeve is at family gatherings when the old folks meet a kid they haven't seen for a while and actually display their stupidity in its full glory when they ask "You're getting bigger aren't you?" I wish to God I found my acidic tongue earlier such that in my childhood days I could answer innocently (complete with big, round eyes and a tilt of the head) to the old folk "So are you! but at least I'm growing taller"

You may think I have a very low threshold and find me petty for being irritated at such little questions. I agree. They rile me up to no end. My eyes go on auto roll and I get this intense to answer an equally stupid reply.

Why do people ask stupid questions? Is it to make up for the otherwise silence? Or a way of being polite ? Or perhaps they are just plain stupid!! Uuurrgghh!!!!

Eye Trauma RATED R(A)

2006-03-15T10:06:00.000+08:00

Occasionally I take the train to work in the mornings esp when The Don's appointments are all in the West. Me being the kind considerate wife that I am (sic!), I volunteer to take the train since otherwise he would have to make the journey to town, pay ERP then make his way all the way back.

So anyway, one of the mornings I was on the escalator, I looked ahead at the person standing a few steps away from me and this is what I saw.

UURRGGHH!!!!!!

My eyes!! My eyes!!!! They are traumatized!!!

What the whole idea man? I know hipster jeans are all the rage nowadays but I think this girl took it a little too far down (hehe pun intended) I looked around me and everybody was sniggering at her but this young lady was busy listening to her mp3 player and oblivious to the freak show she just caused.

I was as traumatised by the flesh showcase as well as the bright yellow socks & red heels. What was she thinking?

The things people will do in the name of fashion!!!!

The Fever Is Here

2006-03-14T14:33:00.000+08:00

World Cup is not till June but somehow the fever has arrived 2 months early at our house. My dearest Don who hasn't played soccer since his NS days has suddenly picked it up again. Now he plays quite regularly with his mosque buddies. Apparently they practise every weekend but The Don only joins them for matches every fortnight. (step terror hubby aku ni!)

His soccer boots haven't seen the light of day since he brought it from his parent's place into our home. When he first dug them out from the store room, I took one look at it and told him to keep it as away as humanly possible from me. They looked quite worn out and dirty to me but he insisted that they were in perfect condition. Two matches later, he asked me to accompany him to Queensway to get a new pair.

Queensway was as dinghy as I remember it being back in my schooldays. Ok perhaps a little bit brighter but the shops were all just as I remembered them. We went shop by shop by shop but he still didn't find a pair that struck a chord in his heart.

At the 6th shop on the 1st floor (we started from the topmost floor) my Don finally got his heart's desire....

ADIDAS PREDATOR PULSE

He narrowed his choices to two boots actually. One was a white with yellow studs Nike and the other is the one you see above. I never liked yellow anyway (yellow yellow dirty fellow) so I chose this one for him. And he got it at quite a steal it seems. (I wouldn't know anyhow) If anything, I wondered why something you use to kick in mud and grassy swamp costs hundreds of dollars. I took photos of the way it looked now coz I shudder to think what the boots will look like after a match.

So now that he's happy that he has got his boots, my turn to drag him to Nine West for a couple of pairs for me. *grins*

Potatos Potatoes

2006-03-13T12:35:00.000+08:00

There is an absolute valid and sound reason why I haven't been updating my blog. When The Don went to get a tv + entertainment system for my mother as her birthday present (and automatically entrenching himself as the favourite son-in-law title holder), he also brought home an LCD tv for our bedroom. It was a totally spur-of-the-moment decision as we never intended to put a tv in our room. With the recent slashing of prices of LVD tvs I guess the price was just too good to say no. While I initially didn't like the idea of a tv in the room, I must say I was swooped off my feet and was instantly converted when my eyes chanced upon the cystal clear image emitting from the google box and the sleek lines of the flat tv set.

So now the tv is the first thing we on when we wake up from our slumber and the last thing we see before we doze off to dreamland. (actually thank god for timers otherwise the tv would still be on in the morning. )We know what relationship experts say about having tvs in the room. But we bet they said that coz they dun have tvs in their room hehe. Besides the extra tv really comes in useful on Fri nights when he wants to watch WRC Rally on AXN and I wanna watch Midsommer Murders on Hallmark. So to say that having a tv in the bedroom is bad for the relationship, au contraire I'd say.

In fact the tv is so delicious that I've begun a campaign prodding The Don to change our living room 21 inch box tv set into an LCD set as well.(or wait!! perhaps a Plasma ??) Despite the probability of having my plan met is almost equal to that of SDP winning the 2006 Singapore election and forming a new government, I will keep on trying.

Ever since we got the LCD tv, suddenly all the programmes on tv seemed interesting. And our twice weekly night walks have been shelved to god-knows-when. Suddenly we have become .......

Idris' Day out

2006-02-27T11:06:00.000+08:00

Ever since his sister came into being, his life has changed tremendously. Hardly any more outings (on account of his mother still in confinement) and at home he is no longer the centre and only attraction. He has been showing his displeasure at being taken down from his throne by always disturbing his baby sister. Lately he has even started to get physical with his sister. No amount of scolding, rotan and threats have been effective. If anything, he enjoys the attention he's getting albeit a negative one.

So the favourite uncle and aunty has taken it upon themselves to perhaps make him less bored so hopefully he will be less naughty. We brought him out yesterday after breakfast. Brought him to Bishan Park for some football action. An open field and a ball was enough to put smiles on his face. He played football with his uncle while his aunt became the self-appointed ball picker. Its evident Idris has been watching too much soccer on ESPN as he tried, with much poise and seriousness to execute scissors kicks and slides repeatedly, much to our amusement.

And we think he is intrigued by goalkeepers coz he keeps throwing the ball and kicking it despite us telling him many times not to touch the ball and just kick it. (the aunt tried to do the same as Idris but ended up kicking the air hehe) At such a tender age, and only the occassional playing on a field, we were very surprised to note that this little 3-year old fella could actually dribble and could dribble across the field before passing the ball to his uncle. Perhaps in a few years time, his uncle will bring him along to his fortnightly soccer sessions with the rest of the Ba'alwie mosque guys.

We had a fun time at the playground too. He had fun at the swings (how come newer playgrounds do not have swings anymore) and so did the uncle and aunty. And after that, he asked to go see the monkeys at Pierce Reservoir, so off we went. We had a fun time watching the monkeys frolick and scratch themselves silly. Idris started giving names to them and horror of horrors the cheeky boy named one after his sister and then laughed out loud. We so wanted to tell him "No you can't do that" but by the time we both lauighed our heads off at his ingenuity the moment to correct him was gone - long gone.

We brought him back to our place for his afternoon nap but he was just sooo excited by the activities of the day that he coulnd't fall asleep. We though he was very tired and were preparing to send him home after maghrib when he suggested we go Causeway Point instead. As much as we would like to indulge him, that was too much in a day. So we told him that if he wanted more outings with us, he'd have to stop disturbing his sister. He promised readily but we weren't 100% convinced.

Patrizio Buanne Rules Il Mondo

2006-02-24T13:54:00.000+08:00

On Wed night, M and I had our hearts melted by this tall, dark, handsome, Italian man who was in town for a one-night concert. I've always liked songs from the Dean Martin, Paul Anka era and this guy's voice is soooo so sweet, I think honey comes a distant second. We had great seats (thanks to M) 5 rows from the stage and we got to see his face up close and boy! he looks like he came out of GQ magazine. We were surprised to note the Gold 95 deejays were in the row behind ours. There was Mr and Mrs Brian Richmond, Yasmin, Hubert, Audrey & even Hamish Brown. And so was the Minister of Health who was there with his wife and all the Mediacorp bigwigs.

The orchestra was a bit of a let-down and un-deserving of the Italian names Patrizio coined out for them. But the concert was definitely one of the very best I have ever attended. The venue was way smaller which made the whole experience warm and intimate and unlike the Indoor Stadium, the sound system was crystal clear, the way it is supposed to be. Patrizio came armed with red roses and all the ladies (and one man) who came forward to give him gifts, got one each. M and I contemplated finding something to give him but all we had were half-eaten muffins and a bottle of peach tea. Didn't think we'd get red roses for that!!

Patrizio sang all the songs from his album plus a few from the upcoming one. Despite being quite new in the limelight, he is very adept at speaking to his audience. He joked and bantered with the audience throughout his concert, and even the conductor, Patrizio's music director, Michael Stevens joined in at times. One guy in the frontmost seat, stood up to sing the chorus of Il Mondo and Patrizio quickly took off his jacket and joked that he just lost his job. He even mocked the Esplanade officials for not allowing him to mingle with the audience for security reasons. "Security? Why do you need security? I am no criminal!" he asked to roars of laughter from the audience. He jumped from the staircase-less stage, not before asking the audience to promise "Don't Attack Me Ok?" and further mocked the no-camera policy by asking us all to take out our cameras and take his photo. The Esplanade officials stood helplessly at the corners seething with fury. Needless to say, the crowd loved him to bits.

To be honest, before I went for the concert, I only liked "Il Mondo" and "Man Without Love" But I left the Esplanade that night so mesmerized, I am now a Lifelong Fan. When he started singing "L'Italiano", for a few seconds I even forgot I was married, hehe. When the Don came to fetch us after the concert and take us out to dinner, I told him to forgive me in advance if I say out Patrizio's name in my sleep that night.

My Perfect Lover

2006-02-21T15:41:00.000+08:00

Ok I have been tagged. Actually I was tagged like many many days ago but I buat dunno. Then the tagger started hounding me to do the tag. I gave her lip service, a cute smile and she left me alone for 3 days. Then she started hounding me again. I told her I am married and I have found my perfect lover but she insisted I do the tag. This time she hovered a threat over my head. So because I value my life and there are so many things I have yet to discover in life lest she does anything untoward to me, I have decided to comply. hehe. So here goes.....

8 Perfect Characteristics of The Perfect Lover
(In order of importance)

He Must Have A Strong Personality
- I am an aggressive person and I tend to be the dominant person in any relationship. In my friendship with guys, I always end up dictating what to do, where to go, etc etc. And I always get my way with them, through persuasion, coaxing or outright demands. While I enjoyed playing the upper hand with such friends and getting my way, I didn't want a lover I can wrap around my little finger while I flutter my eyelashes. He must have the guts to say NO to me when he knows I'm wrong and not follow blindly.

He Must Be Spiritually Enlightened
- In matters of religion and the way of life, I look to my perfect lover to provide the straight course. He must himself be knowledgeble in matters of religion. (More knowledgeable than me at least) and even more importantly he must practise what he knows. I look to my perfect lover to lead me in matters of religion and I want him to be someone my (future) children can emulate.

He Wants Me, He Accepts My Mom (Non-Negotiable)
- Since my father passed away in 1997. Its has been just me and my mom.
Although I have a whole army of consanguine brothers and sisters (same father), at the end of the day I am fully responsible for the welfare & comfort of my mother. And my perfect lover has to understand that and all its implications, ie: I will bring my mother along and she will stay with me whomever I marry and whichever part of the world I stay in. And should I not be earning my own keep in the future, my perfect lover will continue to support my mother.

He Must Be Financially Sound
- I was a pampered kid, being my dad's youngest child and my mom's only one. I have hardly ever been denied my heart's desire. While I do not expect my perfect lover to satisfy my every whim and fancy (although that would be quite perfect too) I don't quite relish a life inferior to the one I have had before I met him.

He Must Be An Intellectual
- My perfect lover would be someone who can discuss with me to a significant depth matters of politics, religion and current events. Being born to a political commentator father, I always have an opinion about everything that goes on in the world. It would be sad if I begin to start a discussion about a current event only to know my partner has no idea what I am talking about and then I will have to give a repeat news telecast.

He Must Like Family
- My family, - as almost all Arabs are - is a close knit family. We may be miles away physically but we keep in touch constantly and have family gatherings once a month (minimum) And because there are so many of us, there is bound to be a wedding or cukur jambul or birthday or death every other month. My perfect lover has to be someone who is not conscious of crowds and sociable enough to get along with my uncles and aunts. And treat them with respect. And not afraid of playing host when they decide to come visit. Unlike so many young people nowadays who prefer to "live on their own" and not like visitors to their house because of supposed "lack of privacy", my perfect lover must be above all that and love having and being around extended family.

He Must Not Smoke
- I have asthma and for a long time when I was younger, I suffered attacks every month. Sleep was difficult as I could not lie down flat and coughs, phlegm and vomit were all my playtime friends. Although its probably genetics, (my sister has asthma too) I suppose a major contributory factor is that my late father was a heavy smoker. I remember endless nights when I would be propped up on my parent's bed with my mother hovering over me and midnight bedsheets changes when I vomitted. Anti-phlegm medication has a tendency to make you vomit the phlegm out. And among the complications my late father suffered was infection of the lungs, most possibly due to his heavy smoking. So I do not want my children to suffer the same fate as I did and I don't want the family to suffer the way my family did when my father was hospitalised. Yes death comes in many forms and at any time and smoke or not you could still be hospitalised and you will still die. But let's make sure we can rule out smoking as one of the causes.

He Should Understand Me
- I think I mentioned this before. I was pretty much brought up as an only child. I never had to share, always had 100% complete attention and am very used to getting things done my way. While life has given me a few knocks, I think I am mostly protected by life's harsher deals. A perfect lover, for me, is one who understands the background I come from and while encouraging me to come out of my protected shell and showing me how to, do not penalise me for acting and behaving in the peculiar ways that I do. And occasionally, pampers me the way I have been so used to.

Alhamdulillah I have found in My Don someone who fulfils all 8 requirements and more. He is everything I could ever ask for in a life partner. (minus 10 points for that sheesha he bought recently) And I hope I am the same for him. Maybe must make him do this tag then see what he says.

8 Perfect People To Do This tag

hhmm.....
LYNN
LIZANOOR
NANIZ
MAYA
AYONG
MISS JAYZ

KICK BUTT

2006-02-20T13:51:00.000+08:00

19th February 2006 marks a significant milestone in my relationship with The Don. This day nine years ago, we made a solemn vow to each other to spend the rest of our lives together. And instead of the usual big bouquet of roses and luxurious dinners, we decided to celebrate it low-key this time. A reminder of the times in our past, when we were still in school uniform and splurging was not an option.

Every other weekend, I would wake up like really early, make tuna & cheese sandwiches, stop by NTUC to get a few bottles of drinks and we'd take a cab to East Coast. We spend most of the time sitting by the beach talking, eating and just planning our future and the rest of the time cycling from one end of the East Coast beach to the other and back again. We went for picnics so often that we even bought this picnic set from Watsons (costs $5.90 back then I remember) and we still have it to this day.

So anyway yesterday we re-lived the moments. This time I cooked Fried Bee Hoon and chicken wings and this time we brought out own bikes. It's been eons since we went cycling and frankly I wasn't convinced we still had it in us to cycle the entire stretch of the beach and back. But we did. (well almost!!) but we also left with something we didn't have before. SORE BUTTS !!!!!!!

I could hardly sit on my butt the whole day. Despite the hot piercing sun, I think the seat must have shrunk to at least half its previous size. Or perhaps something else expanded hehe.

As we cycled along the bicycle track, just before the food centre, was a new attraction. A ski cable park called ski360. It looks fairly new, couldn't have been there for more than 6 mths I think. It's a man-made lake of sorts where a cable will run counter-clockwise around the lake and is powered by electric motor and participants hang on for dear life as it brings you a complete 360 degree around the lake. Of course, 90% of the people we saw lost hold as soon as they got on the water and we had great fun laughing at them falling into the water ala America's Funniest Home Videos.

The day was fantastic. It was every bit like what we used to do all those years ago. With one difference, this time, we didn't have to drag ourselves down the underpass throught the block of flats and spent an hour on the bus, trying our darndest not to make an embarassment of ourselves as we both slept like logs on the bus. And we didn't have to go our separate ways at night. This time it was a smooth ride home and we got to sleep on our big comfy bed, together.

I'll Drive You ..... UP THE WALL!!!

2006-02-16T12:47:00.000+08:00

Even more often than the question of "Are you pregnant yet?" the question I have had to face most is "Why u don't want to learn driving?" Everytime I hear that question the alarm bells in my head start ringing. If I happen to be in a good mood I'd answer with a congenial "Oh I prefer to be driven instead of driving. After all, everywhere I go my husband sends and fetches me. :)" Or if I'm in a foul mood I'd go, "Why? You planning to buy me a car is it?" (with the accompanying slight edge to my voice and a menacing glare tsk..tsk..tsk)

Usually that does the trick and shuts people up but there are some who has not had a taste of my venomous spit or who thinks they are immune to it. These category of people will go on and say things like "So wasted. If not, when your hubby is not around you can drive his car. Then what about emergencies?" UUURRGGH!!! SPIT!! SPIT!!! Dun u think that if I wanted to drive I'd have taken the test a long time ago. Perhaps when I turned 18??? Or did the person think I was ignorant of the fact and that I needed him/her to remind me that I should drive and then zoom the next day I will go register??? What the !@#$??? (I'd normally swear here but I dun want to spoil the demure and dainty image you have of me!!! HAHA)

I don't think I was designed to drive. Apart from always wanting to step Datin ie: having somebody send and fetch anywhere I go. I personally think driving would be stressful. What with having to know the route of where you are going, constantly being on the lookout for cars around you, which roads are having ERP at what time and how much. etc. etc. And parking is a major headache. Everywhere here parking is exorbitantly overpriced. And the price of petrol looks set to increase and keep on increasing. And since I work in town, season parking + ERP + Petrol + Jam = OH SO NOT WORTH IT!!! (Yes I'm aware that The Don sending and fetching me from work also entails all the above except parking but thats from his pocket so it doesn't count!)

And in cases of emergencies, for God's sake, did they think we live in the middle of the Amazon Jungle? Is it so inconceivable that there are those things on the roads that looks like cars but slightly more colourful with the toncit on top. They have different names but all respond obediently to the sight of a outstretched female arm. Especially one laden with shopping bags. They will drive across 3 lanes and cause a slew of horns and middle-finger gestures from other drivers to come to a screeching heel. Other arms have said to have had varying fates. And pray do tell me, if I were really in an emergency why would I wanna drive anyway? Since even in the right frame of mind I feel driving can be a chore. What less when I'm panicky and in a hurry ?

Sure driving has its perks. But having a husband who drives and willing to play ferry covers all the perks for me minus all the hassle. It'd be a different story if my husband travels for work a lot and leaves the car sitting collecting dust a lot. But we always travel together. So unless he decides to switch jobs and begin travelling, I dun think I need to learn driving soon.

Besides, if u didn't already know it. I'm a klutz. Multi-tasking is something that doesn't exist in my vocabulary. I can be a bimbo at times, (hence my nickname given by The Don) the way I confuse my lefts and my rights and points to PIE (Jurong) to my uncle who wants to go to Eunos. I have completely no sense of direction and I have a 2-second concentration span. If I were driving my girlfriends, for eg, I won't be surprised if I momentarily forget I was driving and actually turn my head around to join in a gossip on the back seat. Friends who know me well know that asking me to drive is like asking me to go commit kamikaze. Either I will end up seriously injured or I'd be eaten alive by The Don for crashing his car. So I think its best to stick to the things I do well and leave the driving to the people who actually can.

In any case if I were to drive, this would probably happen to The Don's car.

Michaelengelo built me a statue???? - I wish

2006-02-14T23:10:00.000+08:00

Ten Top Trivia Tips about Shsuya!

The eye of an ostrich is bigger than shsuya!
Research indicates that shsuya will be attracted to people who have recently eaten bananas.
During the reign of Peter the Great, any Russian nobleman who chose to wear shsuya had to pay a special shsuya tax.
Michelangelo finished his great statue of shsuya in 1504, after eighteen months work.
Shsuya invented the wheel in the fourth millennium BC.
Bees visit over three million flowers to make a single kilogram of shsuya.
Without shsuya, we would have to pollinate apple trees by hand.
The patron saint of shsuya is Saint Eugenie.
Duelling is legal in Paraguay as long as both parties are shsuya.
California is the biggest exporter of shsuya in the world!

Going Dutch??

2006-02-14T10:39:00.000+08:00

I was very amused reading Life's article on Sat "Are Singapore Women Cheapskates?" Apparently one expat complained in an online forum that Sg women always expect the men to pay on dates and do not even offer to go Dutch, much less offer to pay.

One lady interviewed said - 'Its an Asian concept. The idea of the men being the sole breadwinner. Besides if he can't even pay for this meal, how do you know he is capable of supporting you the rest of your life?' - I think it made a lot of sense. But of course you shouldn't take advantage either.

The whole episode got me thinking about my courting days with The Don. On the first few dates, I remember us constantly bickering whenever it was time to pay the bill. He, being the gentleman he has always been, insisted on paying but I, too, wanted to show that I was independent and capable of paying. When we were at fast food retaurants, we would inadvertently confuse the helpless counter staff who didn't know from whose outstretched hand to take money from. (my observations: they would usually take from him even though my hand could be nearer) The Don wouldn't hear of going Dutch. I remember him looking slightly offended when I suggested.

Such that by the 10th date, I think, I stopped offering to pay. From henceforth, up to today I always let him pick up the tab. If and when I wanna get something for him, I will do it on my own time and give to him as a present or specifically tell him eg. "today is my treat"

I have been spoilt, I know. But that doesn't mean that I totally disagree with the idea of the lady paying. Once you are in a comfortable relationship, and the need to impress is not so urgent, perhaps the guy should take the backseat and allow the lady to pay if she offers. Or better yet, go by the principle of the person who asks the other out should rightly foot the bill, regardless of gender. But I draw the line and I mean absolutely, when the guy takes advantage of the lady and actually ASKS the lady to foot the bill not once or twice but habitually. (you'll be surprised such things do happen) I think it's ungentlemanly, ungracious and downright uncouth. After all it can't be that the guy is always broke right? Well if he were then he needs to start spending within his limit and or else send him for financial management classes. Not sponge off the girlfriend. Besides, according to the lady interviewed, the lady will most probably end up supporting him their whole life, if they were to stay together. I think it's equally silly of the lady to allow such things to happen. If I were the lady in question, I'd certainly give the guy a kick in the ass and say SAYONARA.

So back to the question of Singaporean women being cheapskates. Well... I'd say u can't generalise. Perhaps the expat had a bad experience or the girls he met were out to suck him dry. And I'm sure there are girls who are cheapkates and looking for a free meal but while there may be a handful of such women, my guess is there are a lot more men who are the same.

The Chameleon

2006-02-11T20:10:00.000+08:00

Did u catch the Grammy's? And did u catch the opening act by Madonna? Oh my gawd!!! My jaws literally dropped looking at her gyrating and jumping around like that. She's 47 for god's sake!!! I didn't see a single saggy skin on her. Of course you could argue that she has been under the knife and I dun deny that but the energy she has is like a 17 year old!!!

Madonna has always been my favourite artist. I dun always fancy everything she does eg the "Sex" book but I've always been amazed at the way she re-invents herself every single time. And she knows how to wiggle her way into the limelight, whenever interest in her seems to be waning, whether good publicity or otherwise. Apparently, most of the news we read about her is engineered. Yes, even the rumoured spat between she and Mariah Carey about who should perfom the opening act during this year's Grammy's. Brilliant dun u think?

Anyhow, for the benefit of my Malaysian friends who dod not get to catch Madonna's Grammy opening act, click below to see what you missed.

2006-02-09T14:49:00.000+08:00

It is just me or are the days really moving slower now. Its a big dread waiting for Monday to become Friday. The day just moves very very slowly. I saw a chance to escape when I realised there was a property completion on Friday afternoon and lazy me instantly volunteered my services. hehe Even half an hour headstart into the weekend is a great relief.

The Don and I came home at the stroke of midnight yesterday just in time to catch the repeat repeat of American Idol audition on StarWorld (for me, he hates it) For the very first time, a contestant actually stood up to Simon's insults and insulted him right back. In his face. Way to go man!!!! Usually the contestants just stand there meekly and accept whatever he throws at them and then choose to create a ruckus outside. But this guy (who sang a horrendous version of Cher's "Believe") stood up to him when Simon said he sounded like a woman and that he might as well wear a dress. He told Simon in no uncertain terms that he refuses to accept his insults and wishes to walk out of the room with his dignity intact regardless of making it to Hollywood or not. (obviously I can't remember his exact words. somebody help me recall!!) I have never felt like giving a standing ovation to somebody on TV before but last night, I almost did. Yeah!!!

PS: Ok ok a quick search gave me the exact words said courtesy of SmarmyCarny.com
Kenneth Maccarone #12709 - Kenneth's song was "Believe" by Cher. Not only did he sing "Believe," but he basically did a Cher impersonation. As soon as named his song and started singing, Simon dropped his head, Paula started giggling, and Randy started chuckling. After singing, he also mentioned that he could do Judy Garland as well. Simon, as with any men singing in a woman's voice, suggested the female impersonation profession, to which Kenneth said, "Absolutely not." Kenneth doesn't mind singing like Cher in front of millions of people, but refuses to cross-dress. Simon told him that he had two choices: "Sound like a female, look like a man or sound like a female and dress like a female." Kenneth argued that Cher didn't have a female voice. "Well, Simon, if we're going based on what people do and what people say, then why aren't you on the backside of a pair of jeans?" Paula, hiding behind her hands, gave a subtle thumbs-up, and Randy clapped and said "Woah! Very good!" Finally, they voted and Simon declared, "Cher, you are not going to Hollywood."

Freedom of Speech?? here's Freedom of Choice!!!"

2006-02-07T10:48:00.000+08:00

A LIST OF DANISH PRODUCTS
Food:
Brands
Rosenborg
Lurpak
Dofino
Denmark's Finest
Mediterra

Danish Crown (meat)
Lurmaerket Butter
Danish Bacon
Thor Fish
Danisco Food

Candy:
Toms (chocolate)
LAgermann
Galle & Jessen
Ingeborgs Chocolate

Beverages:
Tuborg Beer
Carlsberg Beer
Aalborg Aquavit (snaps)
Gevalia (Coffees, Teas)

Medicine:
Novo

Audio Equipment/Home Theater
(Theatre for those across the Pond):
B&O (Bang & Olufsen)
Cilo
Eltax
Tangent

Cigarettes:
Prince (Do not start smoking because of this fire!)

Clothings:
H2O
Hummel
Per Reumert

Shoes:
Ecco (USA Site)
Jaco

Toys:
Brio (toys)
Lego (toys)
Danish Design:
B & G Porcelain
Georg Jensen
HTH- kitchen
Morsoe (Fireplaces)
PH-lamps
Pipes
Raadvad (knives etc.)
Royal Copenhagen
Royal Danish Porcelain
Skagen (Watches)
Stelton
Trip Trap
Vesta (Windmills)

Other:
Watco Danish Furniture Oil
Danish Yarn

If you have no idea what in the world this entry is about, pls click the links below:

Danes Face Boycott Over Cartoons Row

Wikipedia's article about the Cartoon Fury,

Why are Muslims so angry over a cartoon?

PS: Danish products have barcodes that begin with 57 so LOOK OUT for them.

Her Day

2006-02-06T13:15:00.000+08:00

She means the world to me, if you didn't already know. So this year when she said she needed a bag, I brought her to Takashimaya and asked her to choose. And she chose this shiny Bonia.

And since she didn't own any wearable brown shoes to go with her new bag, I asked her to choose one too

The dutiful son-in-law has agreed to buy his mommy-in-law an entertaimnet system so that she can relax in the privacy of her own room. He has yet to get it. Meanwhile, he surprised her with a delicious mouth-watering fruit flan

HAPPY BIRTHDAY UMI

Zonked Out

2006-02-03T10:01:00.000+08:00

The recent CNY holidays, we played host to my uncle & family + my cousins and family. Its been a while since they came to SG and since my sister was also having the cukur jambul ceremony for Nur on the Monday of the long hols, it made perfect sense. And just like all the other ocassions when my family congregate, sleep is the last thing on our minds. We stay up through the nights yakking like there's no tomorrow. Through constant supply of Nescafe and sheesha for the guys, almost every night, we all stumble into bed in sleep stupor earliest at 4.30am - every single night. Oh except this one night when we brought them to Mustafa Ctr at midnight and my aunt, my cousin and I marathon-shopped the night away till 5am. Needless to say, the sun was up and shining by the time we fell into bed.

By the time they left on Wednesday, you could say The Don and I were completely zonked out. Our eye-bags were the size of luggage bound for Hajj and we both had such bloodshot eyes, the veins in our eyes probably popped out. We were so zombified that on Wednesday night as we prepared for bed, I brushed my teeth with my facial cleanser and didn't even realise it untill I finished and realised the cap I was holding in my hand didn't fit the toothpaste tube. Dang!!

But we were also deliriously happy. It was great to have them at our place and we had a helleva good time. If they were to call to say they were coming again this weekend, we'd say YES in a heartbeat. No doubt about that.

Presenting The Princess.........

2006-02-02T09:29:00.000+08:00

Nur Sakinah Binte Affendi

This was taken a few minutes after she was born as soon as she was brought to my sister.

She looks discomfited probably by the constant flash.

Look at that big wail. I think she wants to sleep and is asking the photographer to get lost.

Shopping Frenzy

2006-01-25T16:26:00.000+08:00

Remember the day when I went shopping at Osh Kosh B'Gosh and had to restrain myself ? While that was that day. Yesterday I went crazy shopping for my new sweet-as-a-honeycomb niece. A new shop just opened in my office building, selling branded kid's clothes. And I think I spent enough to cover her rent for February.

They were selling branded items that were actually excess stock from department stores and were selling at close to 30% discount off the retail price. Clothes were for children from newborn up to 10 years old and u can find Guess Kids, Baby Gap, Osh Kosh B'Gosh, Polo Ralph Lauren and Abercombie & Fitch & others. Stock was limited and sometimes a particular item came in only one colour AND one size. So sometimes its all a matter of luck... or expertise digging. hehe

And just because, I bought a Polo Ralph shirt for my darling nephew, Idris as well. I so wanted to buy the jeans but I wasn't sure of the size so thats K.I.V. (The Don says its guilty conscience at buying stuff for the sister and so I feel I must buy for the first born as well) How could I resist when he will look like this ?

These things are still with me but I'm meeting my mom for a girls' Night out today so I'm gonna pass it to her to pass to my sis. I dun wanna face the wrath of my sister face-to-face. On the telephone, I can hold it away from my ears. hehe.

I went absolutely crazy in the shop like a mad lady on steroids. Oh my god... I'm gonna be so broke when I have my own kids!!! Lucky it won't be so soon. So still have time to start saving. Ok no more shopping for Nur's or Idris's clothes for a while now.

Happy Birthday to You ... U r Born In the Zoo.....

2006-01-23T10:57:00.000+08:00

9:00pm Hyatt Hotel
From

eating

and more.....

to

Our place 12:00am

then finally,
4:00am Simpang Bedok
eating

again....

Go here for the full report

2006-01-20T11:12:00.000+08:00

This is for you, my best friend,
the one person I can tell my soul too
Who can relate to me like no other
Who I can laugh with to no extents,
Who I can cry too when times are tough,

And I hope you know that I am always here
To listen to you laugh and cry and help
In all the ways that I can
And I will try to be at least half the friend you are to me.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!

I've been friends with M since we were in Pri 5, when we ended up sitting next to each other in the front row (since we were both vertically challenged) in Mrs Muthiah's class. We were both super giggly and chatter-boxes, so short of a glare from Ms Muthiah, the-anak-dara-kerepot teacher, (thats what we call her, remember Maya ?) we'd be giggling and gossipping the whole day long. Even after the glare we'd still scribble notes to each other on the foolscap on the table, a habit that we brought with us right into Sec School, where we ended up in the same school and again in the front row seats (we were still vertically challenged!!)

Needless to say, by the time we got to Sec school, we were very close. It got to a point where we needn't use words to communicate. A nudge, a raised eyebrow, or even a smile was enough to send the other roaring with laughter. I remember we used to irk some friends who tried very hard to decipher what the both of us were saying but ended up feeling more confused. We kept each other's secrets as best friends do and spied on each other's crushes. I used to collect adverts of timepieces for her and she would keep cutouts of luxury vehicles for the decoration of our respective files. We were sweet junkies and the 7-11 across the road from school was a favourite hangout. And every new movie that came to town, we were the first to go watch it. (that hasn't changed much has it?) Thanks to her, my secondary school days are days I will cherish and remember forever as the best years of my life.

We maintained our friendship all thru the years post-school. And unlike some people who has found the "love of their life" and ditch all their girlfriends (some only to look for them again during heartbreak), I maintain my friendship with M throughout my relationship with The Don and she was a pillar of strength for me during my wedding. Spending 4 nights at my house before, during and after the wedding and all the while suffering from high fever and a horrendous flu.

She is more than just a best friend to me. We are closer than I know most sisters are. She is the equivalent of a soul-mate, If I dare say so. I cannot boast of having a few truckloads of friends. But of the handful that I've got, the one I hold closest to my heart is more precious than all the riches in this world.

I must certainly be the luckiest girl in the world to have a best friend such as M. May our frienship last till the end of our time, Insyallah. Amin.

What Are Little Girls Made Of?

2006-01-19T14:06:00.000+08:00

On Monday 16th January 2006, my sis gave birth to a bouncing baby girl. She looks exactly like her brother, Idris except she has this super feminine lips. Her cheeks are just as chubby as Idris' although everybody seemed to think they both got it from me. Oh and her name is Nur Sakinah (Cahaya yang menenangkan)

Unlike her super agile brother (yes even at birth!) Nur (as I prefer to call her) is contend to open her eyes for a few mins then return to her peaceful slumber. The only time we actually heard her cry (and boy! can she cry!) is when my mom was changing her and the cold draft on her exposed nether regions gave her the shivers.

I can't seem to stop kissing her chubby, bouncy cheeks and plant a peck on her oh-so-feminine lips. Her hair is non existant as of now but I won't be surprised if she ends up with thick luscious hair as the girls in my family do.

While waiting for The Don to fetch me from the office to go to the hospital, I dropped by the dept store near my office and drooled at the soo chanteq girl's dresses. From Guess Kids to Levi's to Osh kosh B'Gosh and even Barbie. I was so tempted to buy this cute dress + shoes from Osh Kosh B'Gosh but I knew I'd get a lot of shelling from my sister. So maybe I'll wait till she grows up a lil' bit then I'll start buying all those delicious dresses and shoes, and hair ribbons and etc etc etc....

There isn't much you can do with a boy's clothes but a girl's....is limited only by your imagination. I can't wait to bring her shopping with me.

The Cow Jumped Over The Moon And Ended Up Dead

2006-01-12T16:50:00.000+08:00

After my cousin's engagagement (of which I do not have any photos since I gave everything to my cousin) we all went back to my uncle's place in Temerloh to celebrate Hari Raya Haji.

Most people in Singapore have at one time or another surely experienced seeing a goat being slaughtered in the mosques here but back in Malaysia, they prefer to slaughter cows. And it is nothing like the slaughtering of goats. Imagine the size of a typical cow and then imagine the huge man-strength needed to make it stay still for the slaughter. Even watching it can be nerve-wrecking. It takes highly skillfull men to "capture" and slaughter the cows and there have been incidents where the cows managed to escape and disappear completely. (My family should know. For two years running, the cows that were set aside for my family escaped and we had to make do with two puny goats instead.)

As usual, there was an array of food for hari raya. And as usual too, all we did was gorge ourselves silly with food.
Lemang Rendang
Ketupat Sambal Satay
Kuah Lodeh Nasi Impit

Unfortunately since Wed was a working day, we all had to leave for home on the afternoon of Raya itself.

Oh and on another note, on the way to Temerloh, The Don stopped by a shop in JB to get more moassel for sheesha sessions with my cousins and uncles. He ended up buying a sheesha for himself too. It's very nice, with a blue glass vial and a woven Nargile pipe. Now he has joined the club and need not ask my uncles or cousins to bring theirs whenever we have a gathering. And he bought enough moassel to last the whole of 2006.

I just hope he won't get addicted to it.

ITS A HOLI...HOLIDAY (PART TWO)

2006-01-06T10:24:00.000+08:00

......con't

the first sight of Penang already got me excited. I simply love Penang. Everything about it. The great food, the friendly people, the picturesque beaches, the scenic sights and the endless shopping. I always tell The Don, if we were to relocate to Malaysia, apart from KL, the only other state I'd stay in is Penang.

A view of the Penang bridge as we crossed it.

We drove straight to our hotel on the Ferringhi beach. Our room had a balcony overlooking the sea and the view was fantastique. Since we were too tired to leave the room, our first taste of Penang food was right in our rooms, with a view to boot.

In our three days there, it seemed all we did was SHOP, EAT, SHOP THEN EAT again. For some reason, The Don this time did not complain as I dragged him from mall to mall from Island Plaza to Gurney Plaza, Prangin Mall and even Komtar. I chalked up a great deal of shopping in Penang. Let's hope when the bill comes next month The Don won't freak out. But of all the shopping frenzies, the only shopping that he truly enjoyed was at the Ferringhi Night Market.

As my mother would say, "the only thing they didn't sell there was mommies and daddies." Everything else under the sun was available. I bought a few table runners for our new glass top dining table and many many t-shirts and jerseys. (They were already selling the 2006 World Cup jerseys) Needless to say we bought all the latest movies (and not-so-latest ones)and x-box games too.

we even managed to catch a movie there. (My first time watching a Malay movie in a cinema all because of my Idol Awie)

But the best thing of all in Penang was the food. Its insurmountable!! Before we actually went there, I did some research on the internet as to the best places to eat in Penang and coupled with tips from friends and families, we managed to taste many die-die-must try places in Penang.
Nasi KandarPrawn MeeChar Kway Teow

The prawn mee at Teluk Kumbar is simply delectable. We chose our own tiger prawns then this lady will cook. Did u see how big the prawns are?? Each plate costs RM10 but that must have been the tastiest 10 bucks The Don has ever spent on me.

The last time I was in Penang with my girlfriend, M, we visited all the major sights like the snake temple and all so we decided to skip all of them this time. But we could hardly miss going up Bukit Bendera (Penang Hill) The journey up itself is an experience I hardly got enough of the last time.

It was almost sad when we had to leave but we'll definitely come back. For the food at least. Besides with just 3 hrs from KL we might start making it a weekend destination.

We drove our way to KL on new year's eve with a few hours before the new year. We marked the turn of the clock into 2006 at KLCC with other revellers enjoying the wondrous sights of the fireworks above the twin towers. What a sight! Cars were a standstill on all roads around KLCC as people stopped mid road to enjoy the display.

The next day The Don and my cousin's hubby became instant addicts when they started smoking the shisha and simply can't seem to stop. We went to Bangsar to get the
moassel in strawberry and apple flavour. While I detest smoke and cigarettes the disguising sweet smell makes it quite bearable, I guess. I won't be surprised if a sheesha end up in our home one day. Let's hope its not too soon.

The anniversary hols was a blast. We had such a great time, the week flew by in a breeze. Before we knew it we had to get back to reality. I had the time of my life. Thanks to The Don who made all my requests and shopping lists come true. Can't wait to start planning the next anniversary trip.

And while we are still recovering from the travel lag of the one-week vacation, we're off again tomorrow. This time to Pahang to attend my cousin's engagement on Sunday and celebrate Hari Raya Aidiladha at my uncle's. So till I'm back....

SELAMAT HARI RAYA AIDILADHA TO EVERYONE

ITS A HOLI... HOLIDAY Part One

2006-01-05T13:40:00.000+08:00

We were supposed to leave on Thursday for our trip to Penang/Langkawi/KL but a phone call from a prolific man in KL to see the Don for potential business saw us leaving on Tuesday instead. (Ps: Sorry Fiona for missing your wedding. All the best to u and hubby!)

After the morning business meeting, we were in KL with no reservations for the night. Our Penang hotel was only booked for Thursday onwards. We decided to drive up all the same, after all hotels were a dime a dozen in Penang and one day more there would be a great treat. As we were on the North-South highway, I saw this sign and pestered (and begged and pleaded hehe) The Don to detour since we had one extra day.

I've never been to Cameron. Genting, yes. More times than I'd care to remember but never to Cameron. I was sooo excited when he agreed. The road up was super steep and winding. But the scenery was simply breathtaking. We could even see clouds suspended in the air.

Equatorial, the highly recommended hotel at Cameron was almost fully booked and were left with only the non-choice rooms so we decided to put up at Century Pines Resort instead at Brinchang. Its a lovely hotel with impeccable service and huge rooms. When I entered the room it was quite cool and started searching for the air-con thermostat to check the temperature when I realised there isn't any air-con in the room and the windows were all closed. We were very amused to see lotsa families there clad in two, three layers of clothing as if it were snowing.

Strawberries were plentiful and everywhere in Cameron. Apart from the strawberry farms, every single shop were selling something or other made from strawberry. We found dried strawberries, strawberry cordial, strawberry cakes, t-shirts and ornaments with strawberry motifs. If we had stayed there longer, we'd die of strawberry overdosage!! The dried straberries were simply marvellous tasting. And the fresh strawberries was nothing short of divine. We bought a few basketfulls to distribute back home.
STRAWBERRY PRESERVESFRESH STRAWBERRIES

We went to Boh Tea's Sungai Palas Plantation too. Its a loong way from the main road and the road leading to the plantation was super super narrow such that only one vehicle can pass at one time. And it was even more snaky than the road which led us up to Cameron. When there was another car, we had to stop by the side of the road to let it pass first. Lucky all the cars we encountered were normal cars. If it were a lorry..... I dun even want to imagine.

The tea shrubs turned the hilly area into a great magical maze. The view was magnificent. As far as the eyes could see, there were stretches after stretches of tea shrubs. All green and so serene looking. After about half an hour on the narrow road, we came to the Boh factory. We toured the factory, watched the video on the rigorous techniques of producing tea as we know it and saw first hand the machinery used in withering, sorting and packing the leaves.

Since we were there for only one day, that was all we managed to visit. We'll definitely come again, perhaps this time with the whole extended family.

So off we were to Penang.....

First Year Post-Mortem

2005-12-22T15:35:00.000+08:00

My mom was right all along. Despite having known The Don for 8 years, I learnt more about him this past year than all the 8 years combined. But we are lucky I guess, we have had less fights this past year of marriage than 3 months of our pre-marriage days. The Don is very helpful at home. He often helps with the dishes & laundry and is a great host whenever my family comes for the weekend. And believe it or not, since we have been married, not once have I operated the vacumn cleaner coz that's his dept. I have a warm relationship with my in-laws so no grouses there. My Don's only weakness is food so as long as I keep the dapur berasap, he is one happy man.

Thats not to say everything has been picture perfect. There has been major annoyances and minor skirmishes but above and beyond, I love being married. It has given me a kind of serenity I have never known before and I look forward to every day like the flowers wait for the sunshine.

Still to benefit those waiting the throes of marriagehood and those in their early days yet, I list here the top 10 things I learnt in the first year of my marriage....

1) It seems there's an invisible sign on the ice-tray that says "Your wife will fill it"
2) Forget about any hope of holding the remote control when the husband is at home
3) Avert your eyes away from the television when its commercials time coz the constant channel buzzing can make you go blind.
4) The seat of the toilet is never down. Forget it and your butt will get stuck in the bowl.
5) Its ok to spend all your pay check. Every morning, the husband fairy will put in money in your empty wallet.
6) There is no such thing as "read till you fall asleep". The husband will make sure of that. :)
7) Apologies have to be extracted, sometimes with a plier and a chainsaw.
8) Its fine to stay out late till the MRT ends on a girls' night out. The husband is just a phone call away. And he sends my friends home too :)
9) Whenever you bring up an issue, make sure he cannot find a way to blame it on your PMS.
10) Hint at something you see on a sale long enough and eventually he will buy it for you :)

Happy Anniversary to my friends who are celebrating their anniversaries in Dec too.

Never Too Late

2005-12-22T14:47:00.000+08:00

I finally got The Don an anniversary present. Extremely belated, being one whole week late (as his presents from me always are) but he's not complaining. Its extremely difficult to steal away to find his present. My lunch time is never enough for shopping and come 5.30pm, he will already be waiting at my office carpark. I usuallu get my chance at surprising him during my girl's nights out but I haven't had one yet this week.

Anyway, I took an extended lunch just now and after much scouring, found the perfect gift.

Just what he needs. Now let's hope he doesn't read this before I give him his present.

A Girl's Best Friend

2005-12-21T14:30:00.000+08:00

My anniversary gift from my darling Don.

My colleague made me a Hello Kitty charm to hang on my new mobile

Then my best fren, M bought me 2 very very lovely charms that are symbols of what we love most. Shoes and handbags.

So the hello kitty has been relegated to my old phone and the new blings-blings on the new one. And I'm hanging them both!!!!

Oooh I so love my phone....

2005-12-20T14:35:00.000+08:00

Thank you guys for all those wonderful anniversary wishes and e-cards. Time sure flies huh? Suddenly, Its already one whole year since I officially became Mrs Don. It seems like it was only last month that we had our wedding. I can still recall every single minute of that weekend, the images imprinted vividly in my mind's eye. When other people talk about weddings, I practically hold my tongue for fear of going on & on about my wedding ad nauseum. HeHeHe. Short of Idris, who still loyally asks for our wedding dvd to be played again and again every 3 days or so, our wedding is as ancient as ~~yesterday's~~ last year's news. But as my Don so loves to remind me, "The wedding is but one day, the marriage, Insyallah, is a lifetime."

Our plan to whisk oursleves away for a short anniversary holiday went up in smokes. Literally. We planned a quick getaway to Colmar Tropicale on the anniversary week, to celebrate our special day and also to re-live the French atmosphere of our Paris honeymoon. But things just didn't materialised. We planned this anniversary hols months back but never really got down to do the booking. When we finally tried the week before, we were told it's full house. Numerous attempts at various travel agents also failed to get us a room. The Don tried to placate me by offering to go even further than we planned. We scoured the net for Bangkok deals but our trusty travel agent said they needed more than 3 days to make the necessary bookings. The Don contemplated going up cold and pray for a cancellation at the last minute. But I declined coz it was too risky. Needless to say I was sullen and certainly didn't look forward to the weekend.

But apparently our disappointment was short lived. That same day, my cousin called to say they were planning to come down to Singapore for the weekend. We, of course welcomed them with open arms and a failed anniversary trip became one whole weekend shopping trip. hehehehe My cousin, like me, simply loves shopping. So the two of us painted the town red, pink and green while our dearest hubbies sat waiting and chatting, each silently hoping we dun burn holes in their pockets hehehhee. But burn we sure did... hehehe.

And just when I though justice had been served, as a make-up for that botched weekend getaway, The Don has agreed to book a week-long holiday in Penang + Langkawi + KL for the coming year-end hols. Looks like for the 2nd year running, we will be celebrating New Year away from home. A good deal if u ask me.... one weekend of doing nothing in Bukit Tinggi is now a week long holiday of endless shopping, good food & wonderous sights.

Happy Anniversary Darling!!!! And a big thank you !!!!
Now who says a delayed holiday is a bad thing???

HOLLYWOOD ON ICE

2005-12-12T15:01:00.000+08:00

The Don received 5 free tickets for Hollywood on Ice show at Singapore expo, courtesy of his client, the company that brought them to Singapore. Since he was busy at Ba'alwie for a special function last Friday night, I took the opportunity to have a girl's night out with my 2 best gal pals. Lisa fell ill at the last minute but my MIL and the Don's sister joined us so it was a Girl's Night Out nevertheless.

We had prime seats, as always, and practically sat at the edge of the ice floor. Having been to various Disney on Ice shows in the past on account of bringing my nieces and nephews, I was quite sure of what to expect, but clearly I was wrong.

This was sooo much better. They put up a showcase of all the major hollywood films and icons. From the time of the silent movies all the way to the most recent epic of Titanic. Perhaps the skaters are not as world class as the Disney ones (we caught a few falling) but the shows they put up were great. The props, the costumes, the acrobatics were captivating, to say the least.

M and I had a fun time picking out the movies we know. Being such movie buffs and lover of classic movies, between us we picked out Charlie Chaplain, Top Hat (Fred Astire & Ginger Roberts) when they played the song "Dancing cheek to cheek" Casablanca (Ingrid Bergman & Humphrey Bogart), Elvis Presley in "Jailhouse Rock", the massive props and costumes in Dr Zhivago, the theme song & sexy girls were a dead giveaway for James Bond not mentioning the Aston Martin car they brought in as a prop, Moulin Rouge, ET, Starwars, Titanic, the great songs from Dirty Dancing, Footloose and Flashdance. There was only one movie that left us stumped. One with two groups of people and lotsa bats/flies lookalikes, which we later found out was Lord of the Flies.

It was a great night and the audience clearly enjoyed the show although perhaps not many would want to come and see it. The expo hall was only half filled on the Friday that we went. But I'm sure if you were to go, you'd have enjoyed it as throughly as M, I and my in-laws felt.

EGG-LICIOUSLY PERFECT

2005-12-07T15:56:00.000+08:00

What do think this is ?

a) a table lamp ?

b) Idris's spinning toy ?

c) a dinosaur egg ?

Neither...

Its a life-saver, a virtual time conserver, and recently my most recent best friend.

The Don loves half-boiled eggs for breakfast and he eats it like twice/thrice a week. And he is very fussy about it. It has to be perfect. Not too watery, not too hard. And eaten with a dash of kicap.

During the early days of marriage, I used to fret about not getting it right. I either leave it too long in the pot and it ends up like this

or I take it out too early and it looks like this

Honestly, pre-marriage I had no idea how to make half-boiled eggs. No one in my family eats it (with the exception of my brother) and I never had to cook it for anyone before. Besides, looking at the slimy whitish concoction I can't help but think of it as some oozy, yucky slimy insides of some poor chick who was terminated before it got a chance to live. UUUrrrghhh!!!

It is only with much practice that I got it right. Now with a glance I know when to fish out the eggs from the pot and it will be perfect. Just as The Don likes it. With the yolk undisturbed and with his dash of kicap.

And now that I have mastered the skill of making the half-boiled perfectly, I come across a life-saver. The microwable egg boiler. Its an absolte time saver. 2 mins on high in the heat box and Voila! Perfect! If only I knew of its existence when I was struggling to getthe eggs right.

Still, its a great thing to have. At least now I dun have to keep popping into the kitchen in various states of half dressed to check on the eggs every few mins. And even better, I dun have to spend 15 mins preparing breakfast every other morning. I can do it in 5 mins flat! And its EGG-PERFECT every single time !!!!

Hari Raya Open House

2005-11-30T14:31:00.000+08:00

During the last week of raya, The Don and I held our Hari Raya open house especially for our elder relatives. We didn't initially plan to have it but at almost every house we went during raya visiting, especially The Don's side, our uncles and aunts said they have plans to come to our house during the Raya season. Perhaps its due to our "ringan mulut" attitude at always inviting people to our house (as opposed to "berat mulut" and feigning ignorance and keeping their mouths shut when somebody so much as give any indication or hint at coming to their house) However, everytime any of uncles / aunts / cousins called to say they were in the vicinity, we were either at the other side of the island visiting or indisposed (and by that I mean our little weekend at Royal Plaza Hotel)

So we discussed and decided to have an "Open House' on the last weekend. We didn't send out any invitations, merely a personal call to relatives and friends. We honestly were unsure if people would turn up, since

we heard every other cousin/family/friend was also having an "open house"

we are quite far down the line in the family hierachy of both sides and thought the aunts/uncles/granduncles/grandaunts might not exactly prioritise our invitation especially in the time-constraint month of Syawal.

This was the third time this year we are holding a function at our place (after the wedding & the housewarming) and seriously even I wouldn't have attended a 3rd invitation in one year hehehe.

So I guess we were either lucky or perhaps The Don and I are really, really in their good books. Relatives started flowing in trickle by trickle from 11am. By 2pm it was full force. As far as we can recall, 90% of the people we invited turned up and that includes The Don's bro and wife, all his paternal uncles and aunts, most of his maternal uncles and aunts, both his grandmothers, all of my siblings, my aunts, his reservist friends and our close neighbours and my colleagues. At one point, all 13 of his paternal aunts and uncles were present at the same time and there was absolutely no space to sit. Such that some of The Don's cousins had to eat in the study.

By 3pm, the food levels were dangerously low. The briyani rice was fast depleting, the choice chicken parts were gone and only traces of the cucumber acar was left I began to panic. We inited about 100+ people but as I said earlier we hardly expected a good turnout. Lucky my mother-in-law came to the rescue with her claypot rice. Alhamdulillah.

But the biggest surprise of all was when some people brought gifts along with them. Its been almost a year since we got married and moved into our matrimonial home but The Don and I have simply not stopped getting presents for the house. The presents came from people whom did not make it for our house warming. But that was a long-long time ago. Among the gifts we received were 2 warmer sets, a corningware set and a wine bottle holder (???) (the last one from our chinese neighbour)

I guess what they say is true. Setiap tetamu yang datang itu membawa rezeki.

ROYAL BIRTHDAY WEEKEND

2005-11-28T11:49:00.000+08:00

It has always been difficult springing a surprise for The Don. His instincts are super sharp and he always second guesses my surprise way before I bring it on. This year I was determined to succeed. I had everything planned way in advance. Booked the suite at Royal Plaza on Scotts, ordered the cake and bought him a new Nokia plus bluetooth headset. He kept hinting and trying to extract from me what I had in store for him but everytime he asked I put on an apologetic look and told him I was super broke this year so no present for him. hehehe

On the actual day, seeing how I seemed to have not made any plans, The Don went for an appointment early in the morning. I told him to call me when he was on the way back so that I can get ready. Meanwhile, I rushed to pack our clothes for the weekend stay at Royal Plaza and took a cab down to the hotel. I checked in (using his name) and waited very very patiently for his call. I conspired with the reception staff to give him a surprise.

When he finally called, I told him to meet me at Cafe Vienna for lunch. That wasn't much of a surprise for him coz we often go there for lunch. When he reached the lobby, he called me again, asking where I was. I told him to look for Ms Suet at the reception and he was given a room key. Hahahhahahaha Finally managed to surprise him. (although if I had made the reservation in my name, I'd have failed again since apparently he called up to check if I had made anyreservations in my name) The suite was super big and the service was top class. If it weren't so expensive, I'd love to stay a whole week there!!!

Later that night, we went to my in-laws for the kenduri do'a selamat held for The Don's birthday. We thought it'd only be family but apparently my in-laws invited a whole bunch of people. Macam kid's birthday party plak. Nasib baik takde belon. The Don was surprised to see a huge cake waiting for him. But best of all was the surprised look on his face when he opened up my gift to him. satisfaction!!!!!!!

Now for our anniversary next month.. I wonder what he has in store for me........

A Birthday Surprise One Day Early

2005-11-25T11:06:00.000+08:00

The Don's birthday was on Saturday 19th Nov. I had everything planned, present bought and everything one week in advance. The Friday 18th Nov was a normal day, well it was supposed to be, anyhow. We were in the car that morning, the Don sending me to work as he does evey morning. The traffic was heavy, not unusual in the early morning. At the slip road leading to Stevens Rd exit, traffic was start-stop so we were driving at dead-slow speed with frequent stops. On one such stop, The Don noticed thru the rear-view mirror that the lady behind us was holding up a piece of paper at her steering wheel. We then moved on and picked up speed. At the next stop a few seconds later, he noticed again from the mirror that the car behind us did not seem to slow down despite the fact that all the cars in front of us were at a complete stop and so were we. The Don pulled up his handbrake, just in case and true enough, she banged into the back of our Lancerlot for 3 consecutive times.

When we got out of the car we realised the back of lancerlot was wrecked beyond words. The Don was busy checking the damage to the car while I did the neceesary exchange of particulars. The lady was in a panic state but after talking to her husband ont he phone, she offered to settle the matter privately but seeing how there could be a possibility of an injury to both of us, we declined. I called our firm's workshop and within minutes, they took our car and gave us a replacement car to use in the meantime.

Anyhow, @ Alexandra hospital after the necesary x-rays and examination, we were given a few days MC with a appointment to see a specialist. I am used to handling road traffic accidents and acident-related injuries, it sure will be funny handling my own and the Don's. But you can be sure I won't let that lady off easy.

My Hari Raya Celebrations

2005-11-08T10:31:00.000+08:00

Sorry this comes a lil' belated. As you know, my office was closed for the whole week prior to hari raya. My plans to actually extend my Raya wishes on the PC @ home was mere wishful thinking considering I hardly had any free time. So even though this wish is very belated, it comes straight from the bottom of my heart......

In the spirit of Aidil Fitri, to all my blogger friends & visitors, I extend my sincere apologies to one and all for any misdeeds, mistakes & if any feelings were hurt or inadvertently angered by the words on this blog or by my comments in any of your tag/shout boxes. May this Aidilfitri bring with it the best for you and your family and may Allah s.w.t bestow his blessings to us all. Amin.

I had a blast of a Raya this year. I was super-excited, considering this was the first time The Don and I will be celebrating Hari Raya as husband & wife. Add to that the excitement of celebrating in our own home. My mom offered to cook for me for Hari Raya seeing she was gonna cook the same dishes at my sister's place but I declined. So on the night before raya, I cooked lodeh, sambal tumis udang and my mom brought back some satay gravy she cooked at my sister's. We bought some ketupat and lontong & serunding. Now it really feels like raya.

We have all seen it before whether on tv or between our own parents etc etc, the wife on her knees, crying, asking for pardon for all her wrongdoings while the husband takes on a superior tone and bestows his forgiveness while superficially asks for same. I have to admit that was what I kinda expected although perhaps a toned-down version.

In the morning of Aidilfitri, after coming home from Ba'alwie Mosque for Aidilfitri prayers, I was fully prepared, full speech and all, and even before I opened my mouth, my tears were already streaming down my cheeks. After all in nearly one year of marriage I knew there have been numerous times I have been less than a perfect wife. What I totally didn't expect was a totally reciprocal response from The Don. (minus the tears & knees bit) Unlike the scenes of yesteryears between my mom and dad and aunts and uncles and those I see on TV, he actually reciprocated my asking for forgiveness and actually meant every word of it. He recounted the times he had inadvertently hurt my feelings expressed his syukur for having me in his life and even thanked me for being there for him 24/7. For a minute I was quite speechless. But of course, being married entitles you to more than just words to express your feelings so that settles it. At that poignant moment, there was nothing sweeter for me than being married to him. I am grateful to Allah s.w.t for all the blessings that have been showered to me and for bringing him into my life.

After our "wajib" (essential) first day visiting of in-laws, grandmohers and grandmother-in-laws, we fetched my mom and zoomed off to Temerloh, Pahang.
The celebrations in Singapore seems quite sedated compared to the celebration there. The day before Aidilfitri, most houses would already be busy preparing lemang, rendang & dodol. All the houses will be surrounded by pelita that looks simply amazing at night. Probably the origin of lampu lap-lips. In the morning of Aidilfitri, the men will recite marhaban from house to house from the mosque in Kampung Tekal (which is a family wakaf mosque by the way) all the way to my granduncle's house in Bukit Seden.
Lemang Rendang

The morning of 2nd raya is spent at the family burial grounds, where close to 30 families will congregate to recite tahlil and yasin as rememberance to our elders who have passed on before us. And invitations for open house abound everywhere in Temerloh. So basically the whole weekend we were there was spent eating eating and more eating. I won't be surprised if the negligable weight The Don and I lost during Ramadhan has been gained in double dose.

We heaved a sigh of relief that we have completed the visiting on the Pahang side of the family. Now on to more visiting in Singapore..........

YAHOO

2005-10-27T15:39:00.000+08:00

I received a piece of great news today. My office will be closed next week from Tuesday to Friday YAHOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!! Short of Monday we're gonna be closed for the whole week. I am spared from the teasingly cruel calendar of one day public holiday one day work day week. Of all 365 days a year what were the chances that the calendar would play havoc in one week. And an important week at that!! I was thinking even if I had to work I'd probably take leave or something. If I were somehow given a chance to have a say in the Government planner, I'd change the way things are run. You know how a Monday will be declared a public holiday if the actual one falls on Sunday right? I'd make it such Fridays & Mondays will be declared public holidays if the actual day falls on ANY day of the week. Heheheh maybe I should go live in France where they work 35-hour weeks (or less) They have 2-hour lunches ok!!!!

Anyway with the days before Hari raya work-free, I can bake all the Hari Raya goodies to my heart's contents and go have multiple last-minute Hari Raya shopping (1st-last minute shopping, 2nd-last minute shopping etc etc )

My 2nd Best Friend

2005-10-25T13:08:00.001+08:00

I dun think I need to announce that I love diamonds. I guess you all already knew that. But its a long wait from one special occasion to another and one bonus to another to enhance my diamond collection so I have transferred my obsession to the next best thing ---> Swarovski crystals. They're beautiful and with the right choice of crystal colour they look as good as diamonds. Well... almost.

Pretty ain't it?

My colleague is the one rsponsible for this mad frenzy of mine. She joined a CC class learning how to make jewellery using Swarovski crystals and when she brought it to the office, she offered to make me one. To-date I already have 3 such bracelets from her. I have even started designing the pattern I want and get her to string for me. In the works are 3 brooches and a few more bracelets.

They cost quite a bit but my colleague has refused to take any money from me. Now I need to look for a suitable gift for her so that my supply of Swarovski jewellery won't stop. HHmm.. maybe I should get for her more Swarovski loose crystals....... (vested interest at play here)

But this doesn't mean my love affair has ended with diamonds, real diamonds. They remain my one and true love. This is but a short fling. I promise to be faithful soon ok....

PS: to my hubby, The Don, pls ignore this entry. I still want that diamond bracelet I showed you!!!!

Food Fiesta

2005-10-24T11:55:00.000+08:00

Having my mom stay with us is such a godsend especially this Ramadhan. Otherwise, I'd have to rush home from work like a madwoman on weekdays. On the few occassions that I've had to cook on weekdays, all I managed to whip up was one simple dish in the limited time before breaking fast. With my mom cooking, we get a spread daily and my sanity is kept intact.

But I make it a point to cook on weekends. And to make it up to my dearest Don who loves my cooking, I always make it a point to cook something extra special for him on weekends.

Last Saturday it was roasted chicken

and macaroni goreng

Its hard to believe that to-date, we have not eaten out during Ramadhan. In previous years we spent more days eating out than at home. Usually, by the 2nd week, we would have covered all the major Ramadhan buffets promotion, chief of which the one at Royal Plaza. This year despite the Middle Eastern promotion and live performance by Zubir Abdullah there, we haven't made any plans whatsoever.

The record however, will come to an end tomorrow night when we will be having Iftar with our usual gang @ Amirah's Grill. It'll be a refreshing change for me but the Don says he might be having withdrawal symptoms from not eating at home. hehehhe

Wipe that drool off your face

2005-10-19T13:36:00.000+08:00

This Ramadhan I shall assail you with photos after photos of food...finger-licking good food.... heeheehee

Yesterday my sister, bro-in-law & Idris came to break fast over at our place. Umi cooked fish briyani.

with egg salad

and dragon fruit and papaya & Mocha Almond Fudge ice-cream for dessert.

hungry yet?

Tarts & Lap Lip

2005-10-17T14:52:00.000+08:00

We went to Geylang Bazaar on Friday night together with my mom and again on Sunday with my in-laws. As always I find nothing interesting at the bazaar but I managed to get quite a few things at Joo Chiat Complex. I went crazy at RH Fashion, when I saw their huge array of sequinned and kilat kilat tudung. Quite exorbitantly priced @ $60 but they are oooh-so-lovely!!! I bought 2 to match my baju raya. I might go down to get more this week. Remember the shop selling nothing but brooches at the corner 1st floor of Joo Chiat Complex. Well, now the shop has closed but the lady selling the brooches set up a stall just outside her former shop. She has slashed all her prices by close to 50%. Imagine, a $56 dollar brooch selling for $29/-. Ape lagi ? borong lah.

I looked everywhere for a new tablecloth to match my curtains. I was fingering one at one of the stalls when my eye caught another shop across the road. Needless to say, I left the auntie in mid sentence and zoommed over to the other shop. My instincts were right again. They were not selling generic table cloth that every 3 shops in Geylang sells. Theirs is especially designed and sewn in Dubai. Apparently the shopowner's uncle has a shop in Dubai so this lady and her husband brings in the goods just for raya purposes. They cost a bomb but the table cloth is so nice, its imprinted in my mind. If I had not bought it, I'm sure I won't be able to sleep at night. Worse I might wake up drenched in perspiration, engulfed with pangs of regret. hahaha. I may be broke but I am happy. (my mantra for shopping)

The cookie making marathon has started. First up ---> Pineapple tarts.
I made one batch on Saturday. But seeing how I only managed to get a little over 150 pieces (excluding the ones My Don pilfered from the oven), I might have to make one more batch today.

And the lights are up at our house. You can see it from a distance away but I think it's not enough as there is no lights inside the house. I want more!!! Hehehehe. It feels great preparing for Hari Raya in our own place. It costs more definitely but the fulfilment is more too.

Chef Don

2005-10-11T11:09:00.000+08:00

On Sunday I was down with a high fever, horrendous flu and a bad case of sinusitis. My menu for the day was Western food extravaganza. I had plans to cook some steak, fish and chips and some breaded prawns but all came to naught when I could barely open my eyes and all I wanted to do was lie in bed.

My Don came to the rescue. He told me to stay in bed while he whipped up his specialty, Roti John. I had no idea he could cook and at first I was quite skeptical since he has never attempted cooking before. But then again, during our courting times, he ever did cook for me jemput jemput. But that was part of a dare. Still, I was impressed. The roti john my Don cooked was tasty. The meat portion was generous. And it wasn't too oily. I chipped in by making the sauce.

Even my mom agreed it was fantastic. Looks like if I decide not to cook, he won't go hungry right? For such wonderfully tasty roti john and his utmost consideration in not allowing me to cook in my state, I give him 5 stars. hehehehe

The previous day, my mom went to the Bazaar Ramadhan at Woodlands and bought ~~a few~~ many many kuih. Among them was ondeh ondeh. As with most things bought, the ondeh ondeh came short of expectations. And seeing how The Don and I devoured the ondeh ondeh nevertheless, my mom decided to make some.

Yummy yummy yummy. Unlike those commercial ones, the glutinous portion was just right (not too thick) and the gula melaka was generous. (unlike the miserly shops) We'll never be able to buy ondeh ondeh again knowing we have tasted the very best.

2005-10-06T16:07:00.000+08:00

This is exactly how I envision it. Alhamdulillah, my dreams have come true.

For the first time in my life,I did not wake up for sahur in a zombie state. Usually, my mom will wake me up 10 minutes before Subuh and I will eat with half closed eyes. No more chance. Now I wake up at 4.30 and prepare the food. But I do it with a smile on my face. It makes it all the more worth it when my dearest Don wakes up with good humour and we eat Sahur with a joy I have never known could exist after waking up from deep sleep just to push morsels of food into your mouth so that you won't faint during the day.

On the first night of terawih, my Don even decided not to go to Ba'alwie mosque like he does every night of every Ramadhan and for the first time, we performed terawih together. I've always imagined what it will be like but I didn't expect it to feel this wonderful. Subhana'Allah. If I could describe it in words I would but no word does justice.

To more Ramadhans ahead. Insya'allah.

SEVEN HEAVEN

2005-10-03T10:08:00.000+08:00

Se7en things that scares me
1. Losing the 2 most important people to me - Umi & Hubby
2. Steep staircases (overhead bridges are a No-No for me) refer to my earlier entry here
3. the dark outdoors (no overnight camping for me!!!)
4. road accidents (possibly due to the fact that I lost a loved one in a road accident)
5. Creepy crawlies (eeuuww!!)
6. That I will be a grumpy, nyanyok, old woman in my old age.
7. That I should die before I am fully prepared to face my Maker

Se7en things I like most
1. SHOPPING (enough said!)
2. Being treated like a Queen by The Don
3. Staying in bed on a rainy day reading a book (with a mug of Monbana Hot Chocolate)
4. Chocolates
5. Long car rides
6. Being around my Malaysian side of the family
7. Payday!!!!

Se7en most important things in my room
1. my King-sized Sealy bed
2. my satin quilt
3. my alarm clock (w/o which I'd reach the office even later than I usually am)
4. my built-in 12-foot long wardrobe (Which I am already running out of space in)
5. that box of tissue + Vicks Vaporub for my never-ending flu
6. My drawer of treasures - knick knacks from childhood, birthday cards collected over the years and love letters from my Don
7. the books by my bedside that keeps me company before The Don comes to bed

Se7en random facts about me
1. I don't eat taugeh. the smell makes me nauseous.
2. I dun like mushrooms
3. I dun need a pillow to lie my head on to sleep. All I need is The Don's arm to sleep. Suddenly I know the meaning of "berbantal lengan"
4. My hands are itchy. I can't spy on a price tag w/o feelin the itch to remove them. Or a tissue paper w/o tearing it into pieces. My frens have been known to grab away anything I hold for fear of destruction. hehehe
5. Despite being a section leader in BT Band and the one to give marching commands, I have problems defferentiating left and right. When someone tells me "Right" I take 2 seconds to think where is my right. hehehehee
6. If I were a non-believer, I would have thought I was reborn into the body of a Queen from long ago. I can't wear costume jewellery or I'll get rashes. Even my brooches cannot come into contact with my skin. Not even gold plated stuff, only REAL gold/white gold/diamonds. Can't wash dishes using liquid detergent other than GLO or else my hands gets all reddish n itchy. Can't be without aircon/fan for long or else I get inflammation of the skin.
7. I dun ever look at price tags and/or receipts. If I bought 3 things from a shop, dun ever ask me how much each one costs. I won't know. I once queued at the cashier to pay for my Cosmopoloitan magazine at KLIA. I got a shock when the cashier said "RM37.50, please". What to do? Just pay lah.

Se7en things I plan to do before I die
1. Go for Hajj with my Don
2. Be a better Muslim
3. Go to Paris and retrace all our wonderful honeymoon memories this time with kids in tow.
4. Make enough money to shop to my heart's contents
5. Learn to drive (finally??)
6. Write a book
7. Leave a legacy, something my grandchildren and great-grandchildren will know me by.

Se7en things I can do
1. I am a fully functional wife - ie. I cook for my husband daily, clean the house, do the laundry, iron etc etc despite holding down a job. No eating at Mom's or In-law's for my family.
2. I can speed read. I can finish a novel in 2 days max. I once finished Vikram Seth's A Suitable Boy in 10 days, all of its 1500 pages. (I didn't skip pages, really!!)
3. I have great instincts. Proven yet and yet again. In the 9 years together, my Don has learnt the hard way by not listening to my instincts. Now when I tell him I feel something, he listens w/o arguments. (mcm psychic plak)
4. I can stay awake for 48 hours straight. Tried and tested. Actually I dun really need that much sleep.
5. I can tahan not going to the toilet for one whole day. No. not a case of holding it in. I just don't feel the urge but the moment the car enters the MSCP everyday, I will tell The Don "Quick..I need the bathroom" The urge just comes naturally. I guess nothing like ur own potty huh?
6. I can memorise well. Birthdates, phone numbers ... its like I have a special compartment in my brain for these things. I still can remember The Don's first handphone number (and he has had many) and all 18 nieces and nephews birthdates.

Se7en things I can't do
1. I can't do maths. Not even simple ones. My mind just goes blank when I see numbers. I suppose I could if I tried, seeing how I aced my maths at O levels but I ain't gonna do it.
2. I can't say NO nicely. Either I am nice and say YES or I say NO in such a way that the other person backs off instantly. Very useful when dealing with persistent salespeople but tricky when it comes to elders and relatives.
3. I can't pretend. Can't lie even if I will myself to do it with all my heart. Not even for courtesy's or propriety's sake Eg, Say I go to someone's new house and that person shows me around eagerly, showing her best buys and asks expectantly "cantik tak?" ("Nice right?")If i dun think so, I can't make myself say Yes even though I know it will mean so much to him/her. At most I'll smile or give a non-committal nod.
4. I can't hang out the bamboo pole for my laundry outside my kitchen window. I dun noe if its bcoz I'm vertically challenged or just that I have no strength or that I am manja (hehe) But my Don hangs out the laundry for me. If he's not around then I'll just hang them indoors in the kitchen.
5. I cannot sleep early. The earliest I can sleep on a normal night is eleven even if I have to wake up at 4.30am the next day. I envy those people who can sleep at 9 or 10.
6. I can't stand people who are calculative. People who count every single cent and how mny satay sticks one should eat. (u noe what I mean) And I keep far far far away from such people. (Uurrgghh!!!)
7. I have no sense of direction. Totally zero. The Don drives me to work everyday and you would think I know the location by hard but if you ask me to guide someone else I will surely lead them astray. (I once led my Malaysian uncle to Jurong West instead of Eunos Crescent. Dun ask me how!)

Se7en words I say most
1. "Dar..."
2. "I love you"
3. "OK lah"
4. "Umi"
5. "what?" (when somebody interrupts me)
6. "Giller ke aperrrr?"
7. "hello" (manyak calls mah)

Se7en celeb crushes
1. Jason Priestly (of BH90210 fame)
2. Fandi Ahmad (oh how I went crazy for this guy)
3. Tom Cruise (I still have the hots for this guy although I dun like his cradle snatching ways)
4. The voice of Ustadz Asri (lead singer of Rabbani) (I dun think he went into singing so that young girls will have crushes on him or his voice but really he sounds really really good)
5. Aamir Khan (Go watch "Dil")
6. George Michael (ooohhhh)
7. Jon Bon Jovi

Se7en people I'll love to see doing this
alamak... I'm gonna get brickbats for these
Oklah no obligation if u wanna do it, do it ok otherwise 4get it.
1. Lisa
2. Naniz
3. Maya
4. Naz
5. Musang
6. Ridz
7. Adam

And we will rise again........

2005-09-28T12:34:00.000+08:00

The Don and I haven't been very well off late. A result of too much travelling and too many late nights. I have a perpetual flu and today I have an onset of headaches. Taking leave from work is out of the question as we are moving office this week. The Don too is exhausted. Worse, he has reservist for three days this week so there simply won't be time for a break.

Even the Lancerlot has suffered. Yesterday while The Don was on the way to reservist camp, the Lancerlot started having an instantaneous fever, his temperature rising to a dangerous level. The Don who was with two of his friends, stopped by the side of the expressway and found that the water had dried up. That was a rarity as The Don is the type who makes sure his Lancerlot is "well-nourished". In any case, he found out later that there was some problem with the radiator and it has to be replaced.

The Don and I have been through the whole spectrum of emotions these two months. We were at our peak and just as suddenly the tide ebb and flowed and we were at rock bottom, although none of it was any fault of ours. (other than bad judgement, I guess) Still our spirits remain high and will soar even higher in time, just you wait and see.

We are not bitter coz we are not the kind of people who chooses to wallow in sorrow. Instead we choose to look on the bright side and see how lucky we are coz even at times such as these, we have wonderful friends who stayed by our side, their support unwavering. And family members worth their weight in gold who didn't just lent their ears but their physical energy, opened their houses to us and pulled all stops to help us. For that we are eternally grateful.

We realise no team is better than a husband and wife team who trusts each other implicitly and complements each other's strengths and weaknesses. Especially when we have experimented and found a winning formula. All it takes is just some fine-tuning and we'll be on our way up again. Insya'allah. And we will rise again, like a phoenix rising from the ashes.

Just you wait and see.......

Lesson Learnt

2005-09-28T11:50:00.000+08:00

'Tis a lesson you should heed,
Try, try again;
If at first you don't succeed,
Try, try again;

Then your courage should appear,
For, if you will perservere,
You will conquer, never fear;
Try, try again.

Once or twice though you should fail,
Try, try again;
If you would at last prevail,
Try, try again;

If we strive, 'tis no disgrace
Though we do not win the race;
What should you do in the case?
Try, try again.

If you find your task is hard,
Try, try again;
Time will bring you your reward,
Try, try again.

All that other folks can do.
Why, with patience, should not you?
Only keep this rule in view:
Try, try again.

Tagged....I'm IT!!!!...but u're NEXT!!!!

2005-09-15T23:59:00.000+08:00

I was readin the entry on this mommy's blog and silently thanking my stars she had not tagged me. Then suddenly came this nyonya hehe who tagged me anyway. I've had to think really hard for this because as far as I know I am normal and do not have any weird habits, unlike my other blogger frens. (hehe) But after much thought ok.. maybe I do have that one or two idiosynscracies .... here's 3 things I'd never tell you if she had not tagged me.

Its something about me and hair. I just love playing with my hair. When I watch TV or whenever my hands are not occupied, I'd be playing with my hair. No NOT the mentel mentel sort of playing with my hair. I'd feel each strand of my hair and whenever I come across any frizzy hair, or a hair of different texture, I'd pull it out. It's a bad habit I can't seem to shake off since I was 7. My dad and mom would "jentik" my hand in the past whenever my hand is on my head. Despite that, I still havn't kicked the habit. I'd pull out my Mom's uban (white hair) too although she vehemently prevents me from doing it. Now that I'm married I have one extra head full of hair to play with. My Don loves his hair being toussled by me. But he doesn't like me pulling out his abnormal hair so I can only pull them out when he is asleep. (if he grumbles in his sleep I'll just take my hand away and pretend I didn't do it hehe)

When I sleep at night I must have a pillow to cover my face. The room may be pitch dark but I will still need a pillow to cover my face. Dun ask me why. Its just a silly habit I have. There is no specific pillow not like bantal busok (eeuuww!!!)any pillow will do. Now that I have someone's chest to burrow my face into when I sleep, occasionally I will forget the pillow and it ends up on the floor but I must have the pillow on standby before I sleep. There have been times in Pahang esp during Hari Raya when there were too many people and everyone can only have one pillow. I will look around for whoever who has fallen asleep with his/her head off their pillow and I will steal their pillow to cover my face. Hehehe.

I've blogged about this before. I am fiercely protective about my things. Paranoidically so. My best frens both claim I'm the only person they know who has this weird habit. I do not like people entering my room, opening my drawer, using my things without permission, assuming ownership of my things etc etc. As I gather, many people do not like it too but it is merely an annoyance to them. To me it's a cardinal sin.

So there you have it. My 3 quirky habits. I just hope they are not hereditary.
So.... (rubs hands in glee) who shall I finger for this skeleton-in-the-closet meme.

MAYA

ACID RAIN

MUSANG
Let's see the size of the skeletons in their closet. Hehehehe.

ADDENDUM: I've been told I need to finger 5 ppl not 3 so here goes ...

KIMMY

MISS JAYZ

Its ok girls, no need for the thank yous. Its compliment enough for me to know that you are grateful to me for mentioning your names. hehehehheheheheheheeheeheeheehehhehehehehehehe

A Night of Celebration

2005-09-08T12:15:00.000+08:00

To mark the flight of freedom of our best friend, Lisa and I organised a girl's night out for M. We soo wanted to do it last week but as usual my jetsetting schedule made it impossible.

The place was ideal. Quiet, away from the bustling crowd and the ambience perfect. Just what we needed. The food was in very generous proportions. Despite not eating lunch, M and I couldn't finish our plates. And it tasted great too. We were the only ones in the restaurant, it being a weekday night and all, but judging from the laughters and the squeals from our table, you wouldn't have guessed it. I pity the waiter who came to our table three times wanting to take our orders. We couldn't stop talking long enough to even look at the menu and decide what to eat.

As always we completely forgot about taking photos so here are all we managed to take. Seeing there was still time before the shops closed, M and I dragged Lisa to Orhard for some whatever-we-can-grab-before-they-close shopping at Taka. I managed to get some cutesy stuff for my nephew and niece. I'd love to put the pics up here but they are known to have visited my blog. I dun want them finding out too soon. After all I could, of course, change my mind. hehhee KIDDING!!!!

Anywhow, my knight in shining Lancer came n fetched us all from Orchard and as usual send them home. I thought the celebration was over as soon as I reached home but apparently my Don had something else in store for me.
>

Aren't they just lovely ??????? It was totally unexpected. Especially since all I have been doing of late is complain, complain and complain. Now suddenly I am softer than melted cheese. Hehehhee

Herbie Fully Loaded

2005-09-03T00:17:00.000+08:00

When our legs just couldn't take it anymore after a bout of shopping, we looked for something to pass the time before The Don came to fetch us. So my Umi and I hailed a cab and found ourselves at Orchard Cineleisure and bought tickets for the show that was starting next - Herbie Fully Loaded. Apparently it was opening day.

Memories of late night tv watching with my late father came to mind immediately. We just loved such shows. I remember RTM2 used to play the Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo/ The Love Bug and other Herbie instalments on the night of a major festival. Those were the classics. I was mentally prepared to be dissapointed with this new remake. Remakes seldom even match a fraction of the original. But surprisingly this one was quite passable. Quite good actually. And hilarious too. I just love the way the car winks. Sooo cute. And Lindsay Lohan looks sooo good.

If you have ever seen the old Herbie movies, you've just got to see this one. You'll be smitten with Herbie. Just like Umi and I were.