When She Blogs

Sepagi di Setia Alam

2012-01-26T14:27:00.001+08:00

This is what we do on a typical Saturday morning, if it rains last night and its so breezy and windy in the morning.

Awesomeness.

Let's get a whiff of oxygen
from our little garden...

Faheem practicing Jujitsu - cewah!

Hiyaa!

Things they do when Faheem and

his cousin Umar Hakim are not bickering.

Jihan Azzahra, Umar's sister can only watch them.

Poor little Jihan. or JayZ. Aunty Fiza try to get
you a girl cousin okay? Eh.Pulak.

Four Days Leave Is like A Four Leaf Clover

2012-01-25T12:12:00.001+08:00

What a lovely long weekend. Its so relaxing, was able to clean up our rooms, iron all my work clothes, sleep in with Faheem and Papa, sit down on my favourite teal wing chair and read my work properly instead of answering phone calls and attending endless meetings. Now I can concetrate!

I even had time to establish a beauty routine. I think this is high time that I take care of self, when the looming three o's coming. I eat chicken feet and lotus seed soup quite regularly now, for its collagen. But I must admit I kind of loya when eating it, because its all gooey and tasteless. And I usually ignore the fact that I am nibbling on a chicken feet. And I eat at the middle of the feet, the part I believe that look less like a feet. Hubby would then finish the rest of my dismantled chicken feet. He said I'm wasting the good collagen. I am working hard on my tastebud to accept healthy food as tasty like KFC. My MIL always said, eating is for health and not for taste purpose only.

Honestly, I am still working on it. It's so difficult to have a dreamy satisfied look when munching on a celery. I usually have that dreamy satisfied look when eating nasi lemak Cik Lela in my home town.

Currently I am trying the Eight Hour Cream by Elizabeth Arden. So far I feel my face is kind of sticky and the smell is so medicinal. I don't usually use moisturiser for fear of my skin breaks out like the surface of the moon but despite controlling zits from popping out, my skin is rather dry and uneven in tone. And about my panda eyes, could it be that Allah made me with smokey eyes look, for extra attractiveness for my Hubby?

*finding a barf bag immediately*

Went to National Science Centre (NSC) at Bukit Kiara on Saturday (At Hubby's insistence, that total science geek) and had a pleasant time. Entrace is free now, folks! At least until 7th February 2012. We spent 3 hours and still we didnt manage to cover the whole lot. There's a lot of foreigner (of the golden hair people) milling around. They do like their museum and educational centres, ya?

Oh okay, when I travelled there, I didnt go to the Tate Museum too. I went to Oxford Street and Selfridge. LV Museum.

One thing I had to say, the NSC has so many things for children. So for a good fun, go ahead to NSC! I think we should be a regular here after this. The ticket is not that expensive, RM6 for adults!

So here's some of the pics, since I am not a big time blogger I dont know how to take the photos like a real blogger. With photos of entrance ticket and all.

This is an important pic. Faheem looks at

the camera, and I didnt. Its usually the other way round.

Faheem listening to my nutritional advice

while I'm feeding him. No, that didnt happen.

I was just choosing not burnt groundnuts for him.

Among the nice play things they have:

Faheem's ultimate favourite: A crane

I like it too!

He didnt want to go off that thing!

The R2D2 was so nervous when meeting Faheem.

Takut kena pulas kepala.

This panda is so cute, Faheem likes this one...

....but he liked it too much it

was nearly abused!

More pics?

Naah....

battery kong already!

Such a spoiler.

LUCKY

2012-01-19T10:16:00.000+08:00

Alhamdulillah, for the men in my little family.

Thank you Allah for making me one happy lady.

May Allah gives me the wisdom and strength

to be at my best for both of you.

*KSN Town Hall Session with the Ministry*

*Balik Kampung Session in Kuching*

I chose these pics because they're so alike, kan?

Except Faheem got my hair.

Mana boleh kalah haha.

O is For Organization!

2012-01-18T17:26:00.001+08:00

For me, year 2012 is the year of organization in every aspect.

A bit rich coming from me, someone who keeps forgetting things nowadays. *sigh* However, we are still in January, and its time for all resolutions and promises and fresh hopes and dreams.

After nearly 3 years of being a wife and mother, I discovered some must have traits for a smooth(er) transition from a single woman to a wife minding herself and a mommy minding her hubby and baby.

Machines that automate house work (washing machine, electric steamer for dinner, baby bottles steamer), a good time management and self organization. The closest thing I am thinking that I should start right now is my purse. Actually the thing that inspired this post was this, an article by Business Week - Your Hand Bag, Your Self.

Bye bye empty Fisherman's Friends packet and dried raisins bits and used tissues. Hello lighter load purse!

Work Bag

Wristlet as a wallet (and my Blackberry inside)
Card case (membership cards, Tesco, JCard, Bonuslink, ToysRus)
keys (and link a thumb drive too, a handy tip from my colleague)
Netbook (and a small charger)
IT supplies pouch (hard disk, earphone, dongle, notebook,pen)
Make up pouch compact, lipstick, tissue, contact lenses case, pillbox)
Shades

Leisure

Wristlet as a wallet (and my Blackberry inside)
Card case - membership cards, Tesco, JCard, Bonuslink, Toysrus
Make up pouch - compact powder, lipstick, tissue,contact lenses case, pillbox, pads)
Diaper pouch - diaper, Vicks, wet wipes, bib - a must when eating out
Milk bottle!

Wow. Still a lot of things. I thought I have narrowed down my must have items. Looks like I should be carrying this instead....

Ha! O is also for Over!

Pink is my new obsession.

2012-01-15T23:38:00.002+08:00

Ever since starting this year of 2012 of my resolution of cutting down unnecessary shopping, I never realized that going to KLCC is a hazard to my noble intention.

We went to wedding in Jalan Jelatek via LRT and dropped by KLCC for Zohor prayer. We were there for only three hours (Hubby is not a big fan of shopping malls) and I have already spotted about a million things I sudenly need.

First, that iPad2. This is still an ongoing debate in my household. We will see if it goes to Parliament. And who would be the Minister of Finance. (Ehemm, need any bigger hint, Mr Hubby, Android Man?)

Secondly, Sony Vaio netbook in pink that matches my pink Sony voice recorder. Oh, love! Totally perfect for my frequent on the go projects and for any Legally Blonde moment.

Pink, is my new obsession.

Thirdly, Gucci Sukey medium in diamante fabric with blush pink leather trimming. On sale. Now I am asking myself, why oh why did I walked into that dangerous place? Do not play with fire. Do not pull your credit card from your Furla wallet, also pink. Do not even look.

But looked, I did. I was instantly smitten. Love at first sight shalala.

So cute and rosy! It even matched my blogskin. I dont like the usual GG

monogram and much prefer this discreet diamate pattern fabric.

I am so loving it, and if I ever purchase it, it will be my last expensive bag for a longgg time considering I am planning to buy a house and planning for second child, Insya Allah. But at this moment, I am actually feeding my brain with images of this bag, sagging with blackened handles from daily wear. Hahaha.

Fourth, I might come up with a fourth one if we spent 4 hours there.

KLCC, everything ~~hazardous~~ under the sun.

Mommy, know your language!

2012-01-13T14:38:00.002+08:00

It's Friday again, wehuu!

I tried the new cafe near the office and had fried spinach and fish sambal and green chillies. Not bad. At least we have another option to eat other than the other cafe. Then after a period of abstinence from white bread,flour and sugar, I bought a peanut and chocolate waffle and ate it while its still hot.Wow. Delicious.

*finger licking*

Friday is also another time for musing in this blog.While at the office, I am always missing Faheem so much. I love kissing the soft skin at the back of his neck and savour his baby smell (still there!)

He's getting cheeky. He, at 22 months old has the cheek to correct his Embah's English. Not that his grandfather's English need correcting, but for a not yet 2 years old doing that?

It goes like this:

Embah:Faheem, see *Pororo uses specs!
Faheem: No, Pororo wears specs!

Embah:See, lizard makes sound!
Faheem:No, Mosquito! (Faheem calls every insect, mosquito)

We can have proper conversation with Faheem now. His main language is English and he understands and sometimes converse back in Mandarin with Popo, Embah and Papa. He knows Mommy can only say, **Yau? Puk Yau?Sui?Na li?Ta Pien?Sou Pien?Me Yo?Yo?Sek?Sek Fan?Chi Tan? Fung shui...haha.

I know some more words and I can sort of understand Mandarin when those around me speaking the languange tapi I as I try to recall when trying to use the word, I forgot about it. Like now, I know the word for sidai baju in Mandarin tapi aku lupa!!

I know I have been married for 2.5 years and yet to speak the language but pardon me, I got to learn Mandarin AND Javanese!

Pengsan, kan?

In Kuching, hubby's relative mainly ngomong jowo and I should inter ngomong sitik-sitik at least. Faheem wes turu. Tangi de'e. Faheem wes mangan? Itu tak masuk ***kelakar dalam Bahasa Melayu Sarawak.

Pengsan 2 kali.

*Any self respecting mommy should know Pororo. I insist, hehe!
**Nak? Tak Nak?Mana?Tidur?Air besar?Air Kecil?Ada?Tak Ada?Makan?
Makan Nasi? Chi Tan?
***kelakar - cakap

Kamus Jawa-BM

ngomong jowo- cakap Jawa.
inter ngomong sitik-sitik - tahu cakap sikit sikit.
Faheem wes turu - Faheem dah tidur.
Tangi de'e - Dah bangun dia.

Thinking of Thirty

2012-01-06T14:27:00.000+08:00

My first proper post for year 2012. The year I will turn 30.

I guess its true when they say once you reach 25, the years will pass by as fast as you running towards the punch card system machine when its 8.29 am (Ah, that depends on your metabolism and the shoes you are wearing, If its Aldo stiletto, I suggest you sashay your way instead and redha jelah.)

Being me, the eternal extrovert introvert wannabe sometimes, I did spend some timt thinking about this year's resolution. Previously I didnt have any resolution last year, but this year I do feel the need for some last minute items to do this decade ( Im still technically in my twenties for another 6 months). I know there's still a lot I have done and things I havent done. So lets do a check, shall we?

Writing in a blog is like talking to yourself, ALOUD. Everyone can read it and there will be all sort of judgements but developing a thick skin is also a skill, boleh gitu?

Let's see.

In my twenties I have graduated, worked in a MNC and now my government job, lucky enough to get additional source of income from my part time translation diploma, lucrative enough for me. Alhamdulillah.

I have also fallen in love, experience the broken heart, finally able to trust someone again and married my husband. Celebrated my birthday in Paris, (that does sound grandiouse) and gave birth to my son, Imtiyaz Faheem. Yang Terpilih, Yang Bijaksana.

After delivery, we moved to a house in Setia Alam which Hubby bought when courting me. Semata-mata membuktikan diriku akan tidak dieksport ke Pulau Borneo haha. Hubby is the only son, so we live together with his parents. Alhamdulillah, I do have a good relationship with my PIL. Its like living with my own parents. Currently they are taking care of Faheem, so I am indeed lucky. That is why, Faheem speaks Mandarin better than me. Or Mae. Hehehe jangan marah!!

My goal for this 2012 are helping my Mama along with my siblings to purchase a landed house of her dreams. I think once this is done, I would feel relieved since I have fulfilled my gifts to my parents, sending to Holy Land and help provide a good house for them during retirement. Ayah has also been confirmed by doctor as cancer free. Alhamdullilah for that.

Apart from that, is to curb my shopping spree (as of today, managed to resist the lure of an authentic vintage LV monceau epi leather purse in brown priced at RM375! But still that Apple iPad promotion (less RM121) only for today disturbs my peace!) and to inculcate contesting as my new hobby.

I also want to be a better wife for my hubby and a better Mommy for Faheem. A better friend. A better officer. There's no need to elaborate, its what I want be with every fibre of my being.

Every fibre of my being?

That's another resolution. To add more fibre to my diet intake.

I have bought Mutamucil to add to my drink.

Happy 2012!

Posting in 2011

2012-01-01T00:00:00.001+08:00

Bye 2011, its been great!

Welcome 2012, I'm eagerly waiting!

*adding extra chicken feet in my plate*

The Fast Speeding 2011

2011-12-14T15:25:00.000+08:00

This year is going is fast. Its new year already in Hijrah calendar and few weeks more to 2012 in the Gregorian calendar.

Feels like yesterday I felt like dragging my feet to office.

Feels like it was just yesterday that I breathed a heavy sigh at the Sports Barn futsal court, and later the Uptown resident busker sang Insya Allah song for me. *remisniscent smile*

So many to be grateful about in 2011. Although there's hiccup here and there, overall I am so grateful to His Almighty for all that I received this year. Thank you Allah.

On Family

Alhamdulillah, our little family is turning 3 next year.

On Work

Alhamdulillah. We in the batch are indeed lucky!
Alhamdulillah, for the thing I do with a dongle.

On Self

So much to improve, so much to contribute back.

On Finance

Settling credit cards outstanding for good in January 2013. I am not going to cut it or freeze in ice like Becky Bloomwood due to our good relationship (I think credit card is not bad, i got so many discounts and free gifts. You know as long as you are spending what you can afford to pay. I do get tempted at times and it was much worse when we were preparing for our house, but I am now much recovered, thank you. No more pillow and curtains buying frenzy of the yesteryears. I still havent buy a new pillowcase, in fact.

I see that most of our basic needs as a middle income family are met, so Alhamdulillah for that. You know, basic being having a house, food, car, clothes, savings, vacations, toys for faheem, occasional warehouse sales...:P )

On Shallow Obssessions

Year 2010 and 2011 are Year Of The Bags, in my calendar. I am satisfied with my bag collection bought at retail price. Should I want more, I shall go for preloved and vintage now. So far I have missed two amazing bargain, Dior Gaucho and Lady Dior in canvas. Cheis! And maybe I should add more color to my humble bag collection. But no worries, my bag collection doesnt need to reach double digit number.

Happy Weekend!

2011-12-09T17:46:00.001+08:00

It's been a while since a truly free weekend! The last one was before the busiest wekeend ever. We spent a leisure day at home. Hubby slaughered our chicken, yes those reared at the back of our house and we had...

....boiled kampung chicken, Chinese style!

(of course, yours truly secretly deep fried her chicken portion, hehe)

We're going to Pahang tomorrow for a wedding. Pahang on Saturday, spa on Sunday. Fuhh.

And for the next weekend, bowling with much missed Sidang F mates and Kuching on Sunday.

So our coming weekends are rather full, its like building momentum for the New Year.

Should I be somewhat worried that I'll be 30 next year?

I am sooooo going to eat extra chicken feet tonight.

The Busiest Week Ever

2011-12-04T23:17:00.000+08:00

The last week was a busy one. Me and hubby are literally all over the place.

First, my hubby had to attend a conference in Jakarta for nearly a week.

Which forced me to drive to office myself (alahai manje!) and I woke up before subuh everyday to prepare for work because I must leave home at 630 am the latest. All because I want to avoid traffic and get the best parking spot (read: side parking is my specialty) at the office. Coincidentally I was also appointed as a liaison officer for the spouse of a top Bruneian official for their visit. That means meeting, lots of late meetings and site visits! Not to mention the ones in my job scope. That's neverending.

My hubby returned on Friday and we managed to see each other for only 3 hours then I went off for my task during the visit from our neighbouring country. I really like my VVIP lady because she's nice and humble. She's so real and down to earth, and its so refreshing to see that not all people at these top posts are fussy, nitpicky, critical, haughty and arrogant. May Allah bless them, amin. I am so touched. And why do I have so many descriptions about you know what, hehe.

While I work at JW Marriott (Hello, expensive hotel! I painted my bedroom wall just like your feature wall!) for the whole weekend, my hubby is conducting futsal coaching cum birthday party at Sports Barn, PJ for expat boys. They are so cute, my hubby said. Maybe one day we can organize Faheem's birthday at Sports Barn. He is certainly following Papa, right from his lined cheeks to his love of sports. Faheem is learning basic karate moves from Papa. He's funny to look at, hiyah there and hiyahhh here. Kids have such flexible limbs. If its me, I'll end up terkehel agaknya. He can also sing something he called Negaraku, but it ends with oo la la.

Faheem, that is French. We say Yeay here not Oo la la.

We also say Alamak and Opocot.

Oh, he know Opocot. He heard me saying it.

You know how he pronouced it?

Apacut.

Cute, darling. Mommy loves you the whole wide world.

Only When I Sleep - The Corrs

2011-12-01T12:08:00.001+08:00

I think I walk backwards, sometimes. Suka lagu lama.

Heard this song while buying a few precious buns from The Loaf, Pavillion yesterday.

Its precious because I rarely go to Pavilion (unlike Yantie, the unofficial Pavilion Ambassador :p) and rarely eat bread nowadays kecuali yang betul-betul deserving to be eaten like anything from The Loaf, Gardenia Breakthrough and that Italian bread something yang introductory price RM2.50 tu. Eh. Deserving to be eaten, which is wajar dimakan and worth it. Bukan roti tak best (white and very dry texture) dengan inti yang sangat artificial yucks.

Hasil tak makan roti sangat, a better skin for me! Oh suka.

Hasil tak tidur sangat, panda eyes for me! Oh, tak suka.

By the way, back to the song. Its been haunting me since, siap sebelum tidur, Google lirik dia. Amboi. Dahlah balik lambat from office semalam, hubby pulak outstation, anak pulak tidur awal, bukan main Mommy time ye. Cam zaman anak dara, dengar lagu siap Google lirik!

"Only When I Sleep"

You're only just a dreamboat
Sailing in my head
You swim my secret oceans
Of coral blue and red
Your smell is incense burning
Your touch is silken yet
It reaches through my skin
And moving from within
It clutches at my breast

But it's only when I sleep
See you in my dreams
You got me spinning round and round
Turning upside-down

But I only hear you breathe
Somewhere in my sleep
Got me spinning round and round
Turning upside-down
But its only when I sleep

And when I wake from slumber
Your shadow's disappear
Your breath is just a sea mist
Surrounding my body

I'm workin' through the daytime
But when it's time to rest
I'm lying in my bed
Listening to my breath
Falling from the edge

But it's only when I sleep
See you in my dreams, (dreams)
You got me spinning round and round
Turning upside-down

But I only hear you breathe
Somewhere in my sleep, (in my sleep)
Got me spinning round and round
Turning upside-down
But its only when I sleep
It's only when I sleep

[Sharon & Andrea solo]

Up to the sky
Where angels fly
I'll never die
Hawaiian High
In bed I lie
No need to cry
My sleeping cry
Hawaiian High

It's reaching through my skin
Movin' from within
And clutches at my breasts...

But it's only when I sleep...
See you in my dreams, (dreams)
You got me spinning round and round
Turning upside-down

But I only hear you breathe
In bed I lie
No need to cry
My sleeping cry
Hawaiian High

But it's only when I sleep... aaaaaaa....
Got me spinning round and round
(Turning upside-down)
Up to the sky
Where angels fly
I'll never die
Hawaiian High
But it's only when I sleep...

From A Quiz

2011-11-23T14:16:00.001+08:00

Your view on yourself:
You are down-to-earth and people like you because you are so straightforward. You are an efficient problem solver because you will listen to both sides of an argument before making a decision that usually appeals to both parties.

The type of girlfriend/boyfriend you are looking for:

You like serious, smart and determined people. You don't judge a book by its cover, so good-looking people aren't necessarily your style. This makes you an attractive person in many people's eyes.

Your readiness to commit to a relationship:

You prefer to get to know a person very well before deciding whether you will commit to the relationship.

The seriousness of your love:

You are very serious about relationships and aren't interested in wasting time with people you don't really like. If you meet the right person, you will fall deeply and beautifully in love.

Your views on education:

Education is very important in life. You want to study hard and learn as much as you can.

The right job for you:

You have plenty of dream jobs but have little chance of doing any of them if you don't focus on something in particular. You need to choose something and go for it to be happy and achieve success. Note: but what if my career requires us to be Jack (Jane!) of all trade, masters of (insert my masters qualification later, Insya Allah)

How do you view success:

You are confident that you will be successful in your chosen career and nothing will stop you from trying.

What are you most afraid of:

You are afraid of things that you cannot control. Sometimes you show your anger to cover up how you feel.

Who is your true self:

You are mature, reasonable, honest and give good advice. People ask for your comments on all sorts of different issues. Sometimes you might find yourself in a dilemma when trapped with a problem, which your heart rather than your head needs to solve Note: I've been solving things with my head, but I can hearm my heart telling me off in the background.

BabyBjorn Baby Sitter

2011-11-16T17:09:00.000+08:00

Don't get me wrong. Just a thought to my expecting (Anna) or suspecting loved ones (Ahem).

No, I am not expecting nor I am suspecting yet but I just found out about this bouncer, the BabyBjorn Baby Sitter Balance while surfing (the Internet that is, not waves :P)

With Faheem, we tried not to use any swing or buaian so we opted for the typical bouncer. He likes it so much that the bouncer is now no more. It is "happily broken", lying away somewhere after being a baby most constant companion for more than a year. Consider it money well spent, right? It was only RM90 something, but it is one of our best purchase. However, it is not very long lasting.

I have always like BabyBjorn products and I love the BabyBjorn carrier. So upon discovering this boucer, I am in love already with its sleek look and ergonomic feel. At RM700 or less (there's one on discount on BBSTORE) it should be as long lasting as a bouncer should be, ewah. It is quite pricey though but while the best things in life are free, the next best one are usually expensive.

The best bouncer in this context should be Mommy's loving arms which should be totally free.

P/S: I am so putting this into my lust list.

P/S: When the time come, that is.

P/S: I dont know when.

Faheem is best...

2011-11-15T18:07:00.000+08:00

...photographed while he's asleep.

Why?

Mommy dia senyum.

Faheem?

Mommy dia senyum lagi.

Faheem? Nose picking!

Masyammm

Mommy senyum lagi.

Faheem?? Buat muka berkerut.

Melainkan kalau ada prop yang best atau aksi menarik, baru Faheem nak pandang kamera. Like this.

Uncle Ajib dukung camni. Geramnye tengok

pipi bergaris si Faheem tu. Warisan Papa haha.

Ada prop naik buaian yang thrill sikit,

baru ada mood nak posing. Amboi.

That is why the best time to take his photo is when he's asleep!

My 20 months toddler. Time flies oh so fast.

I literally melt looking at this!

*lagu my sleeping child by MLTR as background song*

MMmm...

2011-11-15T14:23:00.000+08:00

Nothing new.

I got caught up with work again.

Not complaining, doing my best juggling acts.

Discover the best answer for Mommy On The Move is lycra fabric, lycra baju kurung or blouse, black skirt, lycra scarf.

And the best batik for Thursdays are crepe silk. My current addiction.

Best office bag is 3L. Leather, Large, Logoless. Deciding to retire my workhorse bag for a stint in the closet. I am eyeing MNG again.

A pair of nude flats is kind of nice.

And black wedges sandal Clark.

And oi, sudahlah ye. Put that on next year's list wishlist for Clarks Warehouse sale.

I am mostly attracted to the word...yes, CLEARANCE.

I buy shoes only once a year,at the Clarks Warehouse Sale.

Problem is Clarks Warehouse Sale is next Friday, and this year shoe shopping

allocation is already met at their warehouse sale in May 2011.

Discover that after making wudhu as part of my bath ritual, I find my skin behaving.

I would like a Gucci top handle bag. The small one, in beige or black. There I said it. Actually, I am quite done with logo bags.

But might have to smuggle it home with plastik Giant. Pretend like I am buying fish or something.

That quilted leather delight in my wardrobe needs more use. Bring it outside. Maybe to the zoo because there's no one to impress! Haha.

I accidentally left my crepe silk batik soaking overnight. Luckily the color didnt run.Oh, the panic!

I am in love with colourful crepe silk.The more Pucciesque, the better!

Faheem is my bestest yummiest baby!

This is my first day of all natural food, high protein diet.I am still behaving.So far.

I just bought Special K for breakfast and then I go high protein diet.

My current favourite perfume are Lovely by SJP, Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet, Ralph by Ralph Lauren.

Bought a packet of 100g Famous Amos at the airport last 3 weeks. I still have half of the package.

I am sympathising with Thailand current condition.

I should stop now.

How Could You? HOW COULD YOU?

2011-10-20T11:43:00.000+08:00

That's my reaction when seeing the news on TV about a tiny Chinese girl hit by a van in China, a mother who killed her own baby and overall cruelty largely reported in the media recently.

I saw the footage and barely a minute into the video, my tears flowed. I saw that the girl wandered at the street, hit twice and how the passerby ignored her until a garbage picker scooped her up. Shame on you, I hope your conscience will haunt you forever when you saw a helpless little girl lying on the road and did NOTHING about it.

I ranted on to my hubby who actually defended that the people in China has this unwritten rule about being a Good Samaritan during accidents - whoever helps might end up being blamed and paying compensation to the victim - and this is why they ignore the girl. In fact there was a case in 2006 related to this. I would have googled it and link it here but no, I am too upset now. (Such a drama queen, me.)

BTW, I just got back from JB for an away-from-the-office-work and in-the-office-work is piling up. Great. I will finish this by today, Insya Allah.

Oh yeah, we have Unifi at home now, specifically set up for the TV in our master bedroom since the TV in the living room is for Astro. Ada orang itu sneakily woke up at night to watch MUTV. Hik Hik. Clue: Faheem is a certified true copy of this person. I wonder who??

I have yet to test its download rate but I know it is better than Streamsick Boredband.

Note: Mulling over a certain sling bag called Sologne in vintage condition at a good price. Hmmm.

The Chosen Blender, I mean, Idea.

2011-10-16T00:34:00.003+08:00

Aahh, finally I have the time to scribble in this little space of mine. Now that I have chucked my diary, this blog has become my space for beautiful memories.

Now, I do my best not to blog about work, work politics (mild diplomatical b*tch*ng is allowed, however ) but this one, I just have to record. You know, untuk tatapan anak cucu ku nanti.

Have you ever heard of PEMUDAH? It is actually called Special Taskforce to Facilitate Business or PEMUDAH (taken from the taskforce’s Malay name ‘Pasukan Petugas Khas Pemudahcara Perniagaan’) which is a task force between the government and private sector co chaired by the KSN and Tan Sri Yong Poh Kon and its main objective is to improve the public sector delivery system. AND THAT WAS A MOUTHFUL.

To cut the story short, PEMUDAH issued a challenge for government staff and public alike to suggest ideas for improvement. So there I was, a dutiful officer doing her level best to fulfil her Aku Janji (I think dutifulness is a learned behaviour. I wasnt always this obedient in my life time. Hmm...) so I submitted a few ideas for the Cabaran PEMUDAH First Season Challenge. None was selected, but anyway, what I suggested was in line with PROSPEK, so its not exactly new. Hehe.

Second Season Challenge came in April 2011 and I submitted a single idea. And that idea, was selected. Alhamdulillah. The gift is RM1K cash prize. Its kind of compensate us me not really having 5 months bonus or so like Bank Rimau, for example.

My idea is "to allow non family members to open a SSPN account" and "to issue cash certicate (like Sijil Simpanan Premium) that can be used as cash gifts (like ang pow) during festive season."

For example, now I can open a SSPN account for my orphaned nephew or anyone in an orphanage whereas before, only parents and foster parents are allowed to do so. And as for the second idea, I might be remembered by my future generations as...

"Nenek yang tak nak kasi duit raya cash tapi bagi kita voucher tu. Dahla dia paksa kita simpan duit raya kita untuk kita masuk universiti katanya. Dia tak tahu ke kita tengah kumpul duit nak beli iPad56 ni. Tapi...universiti tu apa eh?Macam Universal Studio ke?"

Whoops, pardon my overactive imagination.

However, the idea came to me when I was mulling over Faheem's educational saving plan. I know we needed to plan ahead for our children future, especially in this uncertain future where even houses cost half a million at least. As parents, it is partly our responsiblity to shape our children future, the rest lays upon themselves . I looked at SSPN website, weighed the options and noticed in the T&C that accounts can only be opened by parents and foster parents. So what about the homeless kids, orphans or children of unenligthened parents? Surely they deserved the opportunity to study too, now that one of prerequisite for PTPTN loan is a SSPN account? I know for a fact that not every parents can afford to send their kids to university.

The rest is, well, history.

Well, I knew that I wont regret buying that kurung batik.

Now, if the second idea is realized, it is hoped that duit raya now might not end up used to buy sweets that rots the teeth or in the pockets of parents to buy cigarettes.

Amin.

Note:

What did I do with the money? Well I really wish that I could answer I keep it all in a high interest account but...apart from belanja makan my family, I also kind of lost my hantaran Tissot watch and kind of have to replace it before Hubby knows. Oh, darn, he already knew it that one time when I had a shifty look when he asked whats the time now. Oh well. I also purchased a Philips blender/smoothies maker with a real glass jar and ice crushing function from UK which is more reasonably priced. I guess I will remember this sweet winning whenever I make smoothies in the morning. Cewah.

Buying blender is so mommyish, ya? Well, that's what emak orang usually do.

Malacca: An Economical, Historical and Gastronomical Trip

2011-10-04T06:00:00.002+08:00

For Raya last year, we went to Cameron Highlands after getting a really good deal with RRP (its something like Tune Hotel for Government service, boleh?) Apparently this is our family new tradition, squeezing a mini vacation with Raya leave.

For this Raya, I purchased a Groupon for a one night stay at A Famosa Resort. The hotel is quite okaylah, for the price I paid which was RM178 per night (after additional RM30 for Saturday check in) for a condotel. Cheapskate nih! We stayed at Condo D Savoy at level 19. The view is Subhanallah, so beautiful but the lift is very lousy, it nearly squeezed me twice. Cis.

We didnt buy any tickets for any of the A Famosa attractions because this trip is totally about food and sightseeing in Malacca itself. So without wasting any time, we headed to...

Prawn with oat is really a food with the best of intentions,

its high cholesterol seafood covered with low cholesterol oat.

How now brown cow?

Ikan bakar Parameswara at Jeti Pulau Besar, Umbai (its entrance is in front of Esso). It is located at the end of the shop row, next to the jetty. Our other favourite spot, D Muara is on the other end. We had udang fried with oat, sotong goreng tepung, chili crab, kerapu sweet sour, grilled kembong fish, nasi lemak, sup ayam and air kelapa that costed me a reasonable RM150. This is my treat because I just won something! It was a windy and rainy day so naturally there were big waves rolling. The feeling of eating hot crunchy seafood while watching rolling waves with wind caressing my face was simply awesome! I have no complain at all. The waiter and waitresses were very organized. Oh, one small comment though, the dipping sauce can be still be improved. I like the dipping sauce (kicap cili) in D Muara better. And just for the record, in my opinion seafood here is 100 times better than the one we had in Jinbaran, Bali. And we had to pay RM270 for that! Ughhh neverrrr again!

Yum!

Then we proceed to sightseeing Malacca town at night. Its been years since I last visited Malacca town at night. I'm impressed. Ada MNG dah rupanya kat Dataran Pahlawan. Jakun ni hehe.

The next day we went to Tanjung Bidara for Faheem's official first bath in the sea. Ironic that he has been to the world famous Kuta beach in Bali but in the end, he frolicked in the homeland, Tanjung Bidara beach.

While Hubby gave Faheem his first swimming lesson, I headed to the nearby food court and had something I havent eaten in years...

Apollo cakes.

In this age of Laduree macaroons and Red Velvet cake, it is Apollo cake that tugged at my heartstrings. It brought back all the memories of yesteryears!

After that we checked out from A Famosa Resort and tried searching the best Asam Pedas in town since my hubby is a great fan of this Malacca specialty dish. We found the much recomended Restoran Asam Pedas Mak Mah and seriously it didnt dissapoint! Its located at a row of shoplot near the Dataran Pahlawan. At first we wanted to try Asam Pedas Pokok Besar or Asam Besar Claypot in Taman Kota Laksamana (Jalan Kota Laksamana 1) in Banda Hilir, but its closed on Sunday. Next time we might try it, Insya Allah.

We had masak asam pedas daging tetel, ikan tenggiri and terubuk plus some gulai lemak siput sedut. Total 4 adults and 2 children was RM70. Okaylah since the food is wonderful my hubby ate sampai berpeluh-peluh. Ini adalah kejadian yang jarang sekali berlaku ye.

Next, to burn all the calories from Asam Pedas indulgence, we went to the A Famosa fort. I think the fort is now being outshoned by other buildings in that area. It saddened me a bit to see the area getting too commercialized. As far that I remember, there use to be some stalls at a small field in front of the fort where we can get some souvenirs like belacan and cencaluk. But we didnt manage to buy any cencaluk or belacan this time.

Mommy, let's walk walk!

Note: I just love the 100% handmade reversible hat from Okinokiyo.

Faheem and his cousin Umar Hakim

During DPA, I could run while climbing the stairs!

*nose up*

But now, not anymore.

*mengah*

Look at my new ~~handbag~~, diaper bag from ~~Longchamp~~ Pureen. I love it because tahan lenjan.

Papa and Faheem studying the walls.

Kan bagus duk dendiam camni kat rumah.

The busker man sang a song especially for Umar. But the boy suddenly

became shy and hid somewhere.

I love this candid photo the most!

My PIL looked so cute together hehe!

After the A Famosa fort, we took a peek at the Muzium Kesultanan Melayu Melaka. the fee is RM2 per person. There was a silat festival so there were a lot of people miling around the palace. Faheem doesnt really fancy the many mannequins inside the museum.

Since it was so hot, we only managed to stay for a while before going for a short beca ride. The fee is RM15 for a 500 m trip to the nearby Stadhuys.

Umar with his new style of smile.

Bye bye for now, Malacca!

See you again!

Cat In The Hat. In The Engine. Eh?

2011-09-30T08:30:00.003+08:00

The reason we were late last Monday.

There's a kitten in the car engine!

We were driving my car to office on that Monday morning and as usual, Hubby tuned to IKIM FM. Barely 500 meter from Setia Impian entrance, we heard a meowing sound from the radio. Or rather, behind the actual radio! Lucky we were listening to a ceramah rather than pungpang music, otherwise we wouldnt be able to hear its pathetic meowing!

We slowly drove back home (painstakingly slow when it comes to bump peaks) and once arrived, opened the car engine and found...

...a blue eyed kitten with gray fur staring back at us, still okay and in one piece!

Alhamdulillah!

P/S: Mana tau my boss baca this entry, he will know I really was not kidding!

Syawal Snapshots

2011-09-29T12:55:00.181+08:00

Embah dan Popo, Faheem minta maaf sebab selalu sepahkan mainan, gigit Popo masa Faheem teething, minum susu tak habis lepas tu campak botol jauh-jauh, cakap yau mamam lepas tu dah ambil nasi Faheem tak makan, tak mau tido walaupun Embah dah nyanyi macam-macam lagu siap boleh buat album...Maaf ye Embah dan Popo!

- Above is interpretation of Faheem's babble on Raya morning.

Before going anywhere, first thing to do

is feed this boy! He is wearing baju melayu sewn by Aunty Dila!

After bermaaf-maafan di keheningan pagi Raya pertama, off to my kampung we go!!! Untunglah Faheem, kampung kat Semenanjung dekat je, kampung kat Pulau Borneo mesti naik belon.

We drove to Kuala Pilah, a small but charming town that is my mother's home town and it took us about 3 hours due to traffic jam. We were not complaining since it was lovely watching Raya sceneries from the car as we ride through the kampungs along the way. All of us were in a good mood and a good will after sesi bermaaf-maafan and our tummies full from a typical Raya breakfast - a meal of rendang, ayam engkong, nasi himpit and kuah kacang. Ayam engkong is soo delicious, its tastes like chicken satay but instead of small cutlets, you get a big piece of chicken! Sweet and savoury...yum!

Once arrived, we checked in at a motel called Desa Inn (there's not much room in our kampung house for our growing family, I am afraid) and proceeded to the kampung house. Its a really old kampung house with my uncle as its single occupant.

Faheem, try not to step on taik ayam okay!-Mommy

Faheem tengah dengar nasihat daripada Papa and Uncle T

iaitu SOKONGLAH MANCHESTER UNITED.

You know what is something pink on two wheels?

My hubby and his new BIL.

They're havung fun with my uncle's basikal tua!

My uncle could only watch helplessly.

Since they are riding my ride, its only

fair I ride this one!

Apa-apahal pun, yang penting jangan

langgar rumah ni, paham!

Its time for a family picture! So this is my little family...err, hang on, Papa and Faheem is not ready!

And another photo with my hubby opening his eyes a tad bigger than the previous photo above. As for Faheem, camera or not makes no difference for him. Obviously in this family, Mommy is the only one who likes posing in pictures. Vainnnn...haha.

A comical pose of a very happy Faheem

on a swing!

A typical pose of mommies very concern

if her child rolls off the swing!

In a nutshell ( or kelonsong ketupat, or anything festive), it was a fabulous Raya and I am really looking forward to celebrate next Raya with ...

...little T baby in Anna's tummy!

Congrats sister on your pregnancy. That's the best Raya gift for all of us!

Alhamdulillah!

Ramadhan Highlights

2011-09-29T11:53:00.000+08:00

For the sake of memory down the lane, here are some random photos I took with BB (which sadly does not come with superb camera like telefon epal itu) during Ramadhan.

Iftar with my family at Restoran Sambal Hijau,
Sungai Penchala. Finger licking awesomeness!

You know, anyone can have a double chin with a pose like this.
Especially after a superb meal at Sambal Hijau.

*a very shaky self defense*

Since its Ramadhan and I dont have to allocate some budget for lunch, the money goes to Payless Books Warehouse Sale at Woman Institute Of Management, TTDI where Faheem is the happy recipient. Found some Dr Seuss books for less than RM10 each. I love the rhymings! However, nothing can beat the Big Bad Wolf Warehouse Sale next week...

(my pink Furla purse shivers in fright)

This particular book is very interesting.

Apart from being almost brand new...

It has an autograph from the writer himself!

Loovee!

Is This A Bird Nest or...

2011-09-26T17:13:00.001+08:00

...Faheem's hair?

Raya Tribute 2011

2011-09-24T14:24:00.000+08:00

So typical, Raya is ending and now you are just updating, dear blog owner!

I guess its okay though, its not like I have like a million readers. I am just writing here for my own enjoyment and polishing writing skills (haha justifying the academic benefits of blogging which does include an eye for detail and discipline, editing and more...)

The recent Raya is better than last year, reason being our family has grown (my sister marrying her long lost classmate, hehe) and now my brother Ajib has two brothers. Dia tak boleh complain lagi yang dia seorang je lelaki dalam keluarga ini. Penat tau kakak-kakak dia mendapatkan abang-abang yang berkualiti untuk dijadikan contoh kepada adik-adik. Cewah.

I cooked only three types of food, rendang rabu, chocolate and oat cookies and chocolate brownies this time. Okaylah for a beginner kan. Insya Allah will improve, tambahan pula setelah mendapat tahu betapa mudahnya membuat rendang rabu itu, iaitu satu-satunya rendang yang ada sayur kacang panjang di dalamnya serta dibuat menggunakan santan tanpa kolestrol. Biskut coklat dan oat itu juga maha sedap dimakan panas-panas setelah keluar dari oven. Even my hubby yang memang tak gemar benda-benda manis pun boleh layan juga. :)

Salah satu "Pekeliling Perkhidmatan" daripada my hubby to me (apart from kalau pergi mana-mana mesti bawa payung, hehe) is that I must learn to cook Ayam Ungkep and Ayam Engkong. This is a typical Javanese dish for festivals and it has the texture and consistency of rendang minus the santan. My hubby does not tolerate santan well so he likes santan free food. We are from like totally different universe because my galaxy has masak lomak cili api. Since he rarely gives any directive for me, I take this wish from him very seriously. So Insya Allah, next celebration I will learn this. This raya, ehehe, I still tak pandai lagi! Thank you sayang, for your undemanding ways, l loooove you.

We celebrated Raya morning in our own home, bermaaf-maafan with my PIL. Of course I cried. I am so grateful that I have PIL that loves me as their own daughter (or maybe they have no choice, I am the only daughter in law, haha kidding). I have been living with my PIL for nearly 3 years and I am happy because its like living with my own parents! I accept the fact that my hubby is their only son and I strongly encourage him to take care of them. Now they are the one taking care of Faheem, and my gratitude is like ten fold! I know its due to his grandparents that Faheem is beginning to speak and understand 4 languages now and appreciate their efforts in cooking only the best food for him, you know like when Faheem had his salmon phase. And when he eats blueberry non stop.

If I am still ungrateful, I need to smack myself, really.

That's why me and Hubby tried our best to bring our parents jalan-jalan. Locally and abroad, like to Bali this year and Bangkok next year, Insya Allah. Their happiness is a money well spent. Which reminds me, we need to save up more diligently, :)

To Write Or Not To Write

2011-09-14T14:46:00.003+08:00

So, the lovely long raya leave is over. One week yo! And now its my second week of work and its my second day of Puasa 6. Ya Allah kuatkanlah iman ini.Amin..I aim to finish ganti puasa this year jugak. No more the last minute ganti.

A friend of mine is questioning on why really, she's blogging? I have been wondering the same too. Why am I ever blogging? Getting an oncome from Nuffnang? Nooo...I am not an active nuffnanger, and I dont blog that often or expose to much things about me because I am...shy hehe. To tell others about what I bought? But not really, I havent tell it all (waah shopaholic sangat ke). About Faheem? Yes. Maybe entries after this will be more about my son, the supercalafragalisticexpialidoshus boy of mine. As a memory from his Mommy to him.

Years ago, I used to write ardently in my journals. I love to write before I sleep! I usually wrote of my wishes, like the one I wrote in 2002 about getting scholarship, and my aim to earn at least RM3000 when I start working (that is a huge amount for me that time, its like the entire scholarship for the entire semester and I wish to earn that for a month) I indeed got more than that! Written goals are most effective, indeed.

Right now I have my journals from Standard 5 to 2006. I stopped writing for a very dramatic reason like not wanting ever to remember some things that happened.

As a result, Ive become quite forgetful. Duh. Hubby always accused me of not remembering things during our diploma course in INTAN, but how can I, when I am in forget-everything-mode? Plus, I was a single girl completely oblivious to the fact that this guy is interested in me. Who knows the reason he belanja me nasi lemak and karipap for breakfast one fine day was because he fancied me? I thought he was just being generous. But that was me then, totally unable to read static signals meaning "I like you" from guys unless he spelled it out for me to read in capital letters. Come on lah, siapalah yang ingin jadi perasan(tan)? But then again, santan dah mahal sekarang ni.

Oh ya, after deciding not to write and record things, I think I record my memory in places...you know, like when I see Nasi Ayam Chee Meng Bukit Bintang, I'd smile and remembers that this is the place where Hubby took me for our first sort of date. Such a cheap date, I was! Till now Nasi Ayam Chee Meng is one of our special place. (Tapi kan, sebenarnya I dont really eat Chinese cuisine, tapi nah ambik kau sekarang perempuan masak lomak cili api podeh podeh kawin dengan lelaki yong tow foo tak podeh langsung. T_T Balik Ampang je demand nak makan masak lomak omak. Haha)

But back again, whats the point of me writing and blogging? Maybe I just love to write so thats why this entry has such loooong intro. And yeah, since I no longer keep a journal, this shall serves as a walking down the memory lane for me. And as plus, maybe I can make some friends through this entire thing. So many good things, so many possiblities.

Oh yea, I hope its not too late to wish Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri, and for those who stumbled upon my little humble blog, I serve this cookies for you:

Okay, not really cookies, but something just as sweet, even sweeter maybe:

the supercalafragalisticexpialidoshus Faheem

1.5 y.o.

Till today I still wonder if I have accidentally

swallowed BadGal Mascara during my pregnancy.