whm6840

Bruce Lee’s The Big Boss Flying Kick

2012-02-03T16:42:00.000+08:00

Have you watch The Big Boss movie starred by the legendary Late Bruce Lee? I am not quite sure if I had watched or otherwise. I should have watched many donkey years ago when I was small for I think I have vague images of the movie scenes here and there.

Anyway, National Geography channel has been repeating in airing the documentary about Bruce Lee during the couple of weeks as we entered new Lunar Year of water dragon. So happened, Bruce Lee was also born the in year of dragon.

The Big Boss movie was one of his successful movies and of cause I am attracted to his flying kicks. I wish I could the same, but my overweight BMI would need thousands hours of work-out for me to be able to do so, which seems definitely an impossible.

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Harris and I are now in the process of procuring a property in Bukit Indah, Ampang. Securing a property is a total head ache and heart ache!

In my experience, I have never experience a smooth sailing process. It had always been a total mess.

Hence, would I known how to Bruce Lee’s The Big Boss Flying Kick :

In 2003, when procuring our first property I would Bruce Lee’s The Big Boss Flying Kick THE DEVELOPER for they are the biggest ASS-HOLE-STINKING-LIAR.

In 2007, when procuring our second property I would Bruce Lee’s The Big Boss Flying Kick THE CONTRACTOR for being SUCH-INFURIATING-NO-BRAIN-CREATURE.

In 2010, when procuring our third property (an auction) I would Bruce Lee’s The Big Boss Flying Kick THE VENDOR for causing all the delayed in documentation security and spread stories around the apartment I’m living that I am the one who have problem with Credit Facility. *swearing* #%&^#@(^^^%$##$@&^ *stop* @#$!&^%#()$$%^^#$%?????@#$%^<%%& *continue swearing non-stop*

NOW in the midst of procuring our fourth property I would like to Bruce Lee’s The Big Boss Flying Kick THE SOLICITORS !!!!! for being SLOWER-THAN-THE-SLOWEST-WALKING-SLOW LORIS.

Ah….. Lega sikit dah merapu macam ni.

30th January

2012-01-30T05:02:00.000+08:00

Dearest Nada,

Four years ago, you were bornat this exact moment. 30^th January 2008, 5.02am.Dawn was just about to break, we believe the name Nada in Arabic which meansdew suits you well.

The four years learning youhave been ups and downs for us, as much as we try to take it in the mostgraceful manner, there are also times we are shame to admit that we’ve beendisgrace, especially Mommy.

Above all, having you and timestogether has never fails to make us grateful and proud parents.

Yesterday, we had a smallcelebration to mark your four year old. It’s just You, Mommy, Daddy and ofcourse Rupert the Celcom Bear.

You were given the privilegeto choose your own cake and you were contemplating between a Transformer,Barbie, Princess or Ben 10 decoration. Somehow, the Barbie decorated cake wasthe ‘lucky’ one.

As we headed to celebrate,you constantly ‘annoyed’ us : “Today, Nada’s birthday, no Daddy’s birthday.Later!”

You asked Mommy if BukitNanas is Penang. Mommy knew exactly what you had in mind. BukitNanas looks or feels similar to you with Bukit Jambul in Penang.It reminds you of our trip and stayed in Equatorial.

Once we reached Atmosphere360 and you had your quick survey around, you wanted to check the wash room. Wash rooms somehow catch your interest, Mommy wonder why. Itbecame a subject of your curiosity.Indeed, washroom at Atmosphere 360 prompted many questions from you for Mommyto answer.

You were not afraid to standclose to the perimeter glass panels or even leaned against them which Mommy can’tever do.

Putting candles on the cake,blowing them off, cutting the cake were pure joy to you, and we were delightedlooking at you.

Last night we had a chatbefore your bedtime. You answered perfectly all Mommy’s questions to you.

Where did we go? – KL Tower

Where is KL Tower? – BukitNanas

How did we go up? – Press liftbutton

What did you eat most? –Prawn

How did the water at sinkcome out? – Wave hand at sensor

Do you like the toilet? –Yes, one button wash poo-poo, one button wash shi-shi *****

What did you see? – KLCC,Mommy’s office.

Happy 4^th birthday,Nada Firas. May Allah s.w.t bestow upon you good health and wealth. Be good. Welove you.

The Birthday Dress

2012-01-29T08:47:00.001+08:00

I first learnt smocking whenI was still a kid at eleven years old during after school co-curiculum. I thankmy primary school teacher Puan Zainab whom was an English teacher for thebeautiful craft she introduced to me long ago. She showed us the basics ofsmocking. Doing the markings, tacking, hand pleating and basics embroiderystitches.

The first smock I did wasconceived to a tiny dress for my cousin Shasha. Mami sew. It was yellow incolor, I wish I could find the photo of it.

Since then, I have alwayshave the love for smocking. I made few more smock dresses for girls around meand the mega project was smocking bedding set for my own wedding. It took memonths! For god sake, why hadn’t I knew about the pleat machine back then. Itwas ALL done manually.

Though I have made few smockdresses, I actually haven’t really learn the art or science for that matter inturning a completed smock into a dress. All the while, I just hantam-kromo(recklessly), because I didn’t make the effort to find the right source for suchknowledge. *Puan Zainab would be disappointed, eh?*

Only until recently, I foundthis magazine at Cottage Patch – Australian Smocking & Embroidery (ASE).

ASE composed four to sixpatterns with complete step by step guide four each project in every releasedissue.

I thought… craft lovers in

Australia

are lucky to have the magazine. For less than AUD 20,they are spoilt with so much information and fun. What we have here in

Malaysia

for less than RM 20?... We can have many magazinestoo.. Jelita, Wanita, Rias, Keluarga. I didn’t say they aren’t good for I dobuy for my reads as well but they are of the similar approach. Similar sort of contents.

We don’t havegood craft magazines or I would say, we don’t have craft magazines. May be alsowe don’t have the market for such magazine so it wouldn’t be profitable to produce.

Whatever it is.... with conversion and logistics, once A&E reach our shore theycost nothing less than RM 100 per issue.

Having the magazine, for the very first time, Itrimmed a dress for Nada using professional pattern, not my own self-figuredand it is a smocking dress!

Something sick about me, Ijust have to choose the complicated project though it’s my first!!!

It is Sandpiper from Issue88 (above magazine pix)

The smocks seems simple butthe dress construction drives me nuts. The front apron with curveedge, back ruffles, elastic casings and securing elastics are just demanding stuffs. Not tomention turning to right sides of sandwiched sachs and shoulder casing fromthick linen is rather taxing.

The smocks

Full front dress

Back of the dress

The sachs

Back ruffles

I made three trips to nearbyshop for overlock stitch service alone. (One day, I would get myself a serger!)

The pattern suggested natural linen covered button shown in the pix.However, I've changed that to little flower button. For a random person I am, I thought of splashing some red color to the top casing... but I did not! I refrained myself to do so.

Now that the dress is done, I know there are parts that I could have done better. I made mistakes here and there and of course the obvious one, IT'S THE SHOULDER STRAP AND BUTTON!! (I just realized while I'm typing this...haish!)

Wonder if I could get that fixed. umph..umph..umph.. I'll leave that for now.

Last night, we had it tried on Ms Dew. She was delighted when I told her that the dress is for her 4th birthday upcoming tomorrow. I've been making special birthday dresses since she's two.

She acted princess, with all the twirl and turn. And when Daddy asked her : "Nada, what should you tell Mommy for making you the dress?"

She bowed and said "Thank You, Mommy......"

Talking to about to be a 4 year old and the sequel

2012-01-27T18:35:00.000+08:00

Nada : Mommy, open the light.
Mommy : Nada, you must speak correct English, proper English. Say switch on the light.
Nada : Ok. Mommy, switch on the light.

Different occasion.
Nada : Mommy, You like Ultraman?
Mommy : Yeea.
Nada : Mommy, you must speak proper English. Not yeea. Say YES!

Mommy : (tercengang) Let's talk Malay today, ok?

B E I J I N G I N G R E Y 3

We visited the Olympic Village

The Bird Nest, Nada still not so fond of the wind

The Dragon Office, Hotel Building in Business District. Well, you should know where's the head and tail...ya.

The Ice Cube in left corner.

Harris checking out inside of The Bird Nest.

Nada was nervous, scared, terrified that Daddy could had left her and Mommy in the cold. She didn't quite believe Mommy said "It will just minutes, Daddy will come back...."

She's not at all a crying baby once we escaped the cold wind. Happy in the bus.

Mosque in Beijing, I don't remember the name

It's The GREAT WALL!!!!!!!!, my dream came true. I always have it as one of the places I should visit before I die. InsyaAllah.
No wonder it's one of the seven wonders man made. Breathtaking.

Harris only made it 1/3 of the first check point. The little miss not in the walking mode at all.

After climbing up The Great Wall (even though it's only the first check point), feet massage was a bliss!

Like day time was not enough, we embraced for night stroll.

Had supper at a local Muslim restaurant near the hotel

We had satay. The restaurant operators speak no other language besides Chinese and all of us speak NO Chinese, at all.

Good thing, we are bunch of people whom draw to make a living.

That means "Satay kambing bukan itik dan mesti pedas"

A Play Room (in memory.. and hoping to have..)

2012-01-17T01:45:00.000+08:00

When I was small, my brotherand I at times went to our neighbor’s house living across ours to enjoy their abundanceof toys. Back then, their house was one of the nice houses which were not evena handful, one can see in Kg Lundang. There was a room designated as a toyroom. Pretty sophisticated considering that was back in the early 80’s and topof it, something really rare in Kelantan.

These childhood friends ofours, Azu and Cici were grandsons to a Tok Wakil or so it was.

Our own Pale-green home lawnwas always used by the village kids to play Bola Kaki Tiga (three-legged ball),Guruh (Human Fence), Police and Thief or pure running, their fenced lawnhowever were always keep tidy and neat. I don’t recall village kids entering.

Azu and Cici weren’t like thenormal village kids. As one myself, I couldn’t resist the daily outdoor playingtill dawn or until my mami shouted “BALIKKKKKKK!!!!!”, from the tiny windowwhere she sew. They were more of the staying home and study type. Hardly gotout of the compound. That was why I think they had lots of toys at home andbeing invited to their toy room was an honor. We love it!

Azu further his studies inthe STATES. Sadly, I heard from Mami, Azu lost his life many years ago due toan accident while riding his newly bought super bike upon returning.

I remember him as goodlooking boy, well mannered and slightly protective over his younger brotherCici.

Al-Fatihah

Gone the 80’s… Every home nowif possible needs a toy room ……

Pink kitchen stove still standing

Punggah Abang Aqil.. Punggah…

Stove gone

Playing alone….. No fun!

Beijing in Grey 2

2012-01-15T17:30:00.000+08:00

Day 2, we headed to the Summer Palace.

Though named as such, the place resides no palace as it is actually a garden consist of manmade lake and hill. Lake known as Kunming Lake and hill as Longevity Hill. The fact that the lake was manmade hundreds years ago awed me. It is a huge lake ok…. Goodness!

China

Apparently, the English couldn’t find a mean to translate the way Chinese named it, that the vocabulary in describing the lake with peace, good health and the hill with longevity. So, they call it Summer Palace since the garden was always visited by Emperor during summer, something like that.

There is a tale lies beneath The Longevity Hill. It is a hill which was formed from the dirt that was excavated for the lake. Rumor has it that, it was not meant to be when the Emperor wanted the lake. However, during the excavation works, concubine tombs from Ming Dynasty were found. There was a signage shown at the tombs area which read…

“Do not disturb us.. or we will disturb you till you die” *
hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii hi hi hih....* background sound.

Huaaaaa!!!!!…. So, the project architect cum project manager of the garden development reported to the Emperor of the situation.

-_________-

The Emperor was terrified himself ! “Aiyak!.. this cannot be..”, he said.

So, he ordered his Project Architect never to disturb the tombs, instead got the force labor to dump more dirt over the tombs and make it as high as possible.

He also ordered for a temple to be built on top of the hill so was to ensure the concubines souls rest in peace even more.

…. And they live happily ever after…. The End.

Heheheheh.

The Longevity Hill in the background

With or without the tale, I like this place. It is so beautiful. We went there during Winter and it is a picture perfect scene. I could imagine how it would be during Spring, Summer and Autumn. It would be just as beautiful in it’s own way.

All in the shades of Grey in Winter

Specks of Red, Pink, Purple .. would be color full Spring

Blue, Green, Yellow and shining in Summer

Golden, Brownish in Autumn

Summer Palace is also secluded with perimeter wall, I guess about 10~15 ft in height. In winter, it obviously act as the wind breaker which came gushing from the open wide lake. We didn’t realize how bad the wind was when we arrived at outside of SP. But the moment we went inside the cordoned area, it was totally out of control.

The 17 Arches Bridge

If it’s not because of my overweight Body Mass Index, I must have been flown off by the wind. Nada was almost in shock, Harris got to pick her up from the stroller and carried her all the way crossing the 17arch bridge.

It was just so cold, like living in a huge freezer and top up with high speed wind from a giant fan.

Hot Buah berangan dry fried in beans were very much of a joy after being punished by the cold strong wind of Summer Palace.

Mek trying to make the layers of quilt with silk balls

We then visited Silk Factory which is operated by the government and I couldn’t resist myself but to buy the silk quilts. First I thought, one set for us would do since the price is rather steep. It’s about RM700 per set. Then again, Nada should also have one for herself right… So, I bought two sets and there goes 2800yuan. Much of the reason I picture the price here is because it almost gave me a mild heart attack.

My beau accidentally left the quilts in the bus body when we were sent to the airport on last day to depart home. I was busy attending to Nada and he was supposed to take care of the luggage and stuffs. As we enter the airport, I didn’t see my quilts on the trolley so I asked him – “Where’re my quilts?”

He asked me back “Where do you put it?” (It was actually him who did the loading and unloading)

I panicked, because I knew then he must have totally forgot about the quilts, which is so unlikely of him.

I kept on saying : “My quilts! My quilts! My quilts!”

Only then it snapped to him and he went running back to the bus. He ran so fast I believe Usain Bolt has finally has a par rival.
I do not know if he was afraid more to loosing the quilts or afraid of me loosing my temper. J

It was lucky enough that the bus was still there and my quilts were saved! Pheeeeewh.

Those are my quilts.. safe and sound

After the silk market, we went to watch Chinese acrobatic show. It was no difference than of what we watch on TV. Skillful acrobats.

One thing I realized the way Chinese do, they don't treat the performers like a star.... Just after the show ended and they made their last bow, all of the performers gallop off the stage to the hall entrance and start selling the performance DVD! May be they also get their commission from the sales.

Just Stuffs

2012-01-09T01:00:00.000+08:00

Child (in stern tone) : Daddy, put your T-shirt in the laundry bag!
Daddy : What if I don't?
Child : You go to Aunty Jeanne('s) office. * Aunty Jeanne is a pre-school principal *
Daddy : What would Daddy do in Aunty Jeanne's office?
Child : You have to drink Hot Soup!

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How's 2012 so far? It's been a week.

We started the year with treating ourselves watching "We bought a Zoo" movie at TGV, KLCC during the Public Holiday. Today, we made an impromptu visit again to TGV, 1 Shamelin for MI : Ghost Protocol. What is it about Hollywood, ya? They could make even the simplest movie plot like "We bought a Zoo" so interesting. Full of humor, emotions and values at the same time. They could also make the 'nonsense' plot of Ghost Protocol so real and believable beyond doubts.

Tomorrow, Nada's pre-school will re-open. It's just so cliche to say again and again, but it is so true. Time flies. In 3 weeks time she'll be four. When we celebrated Harris's birthday last end December, she was not happy that it was not hers.
She said the cake was not nice. It should be in triangle with princess and Ben 10. I don't exactly get the idea of combining princess and Ben 10.. and a triangle cake?

Anyway, since Year 2007, Harris would thought I would forget his Birth day because yes, I did forget on that year. I was heavily pregnant and I had nothing else on my mind besides the then delivery and believe it or not... I was so drown in thinking of how would I leave my office works in peace. (My boss is lucky)

So for his 40th birthday last year, a surprise would be interesting eh. I booked a place for dinner to celebrate. He was supposed to drive to the unknown location under my direction. When I said drive to Jalan Ampang, he guessed : Papa Rich, Hadramawt..
He drove until Flamingo Hotel and I said : take up AKLEH. Earlier guesses ruled out.

Then took Jalan Ampang towards KLCC, he guessed : PELITA NASI KANDAR! beep! wrong.
Took Jalan Stonor, he guessed : PNB Darby Park. beep! wrong again.
Once we reached the Oval traffic light, he made another guess - The Royale Chulan!.. and he was right this time.
My husband : he has maps in his brain.

Hopefully, we would figure out a memorable birthday treat for Nada too. Earlier, I asked her "Nada sayang Mommy banyak ke? sayang Daddy banyak?" She hugged us both and said "Sayang banyak Mommy, Daddy.." diplomatic answer.

I do wonder who would she loves more.. "Daddy carries her all the time while Mommy pushes the stroller."

Beijing in Grey

2012-01-05T16:11:00.000+08:00

We arrived at Beijing International Airport as early as 6.30 am and were notified by the flight captain of the local temperature being 1 degree Centigrade.
Having our luggage claimed, we got ourselves prepared with the winter outfit to embrace the out of airport coldness.
As we exit the airport, cold wind came gushing to greet us.
The moment we opened our mouth to say “Wah....sejuk”, fog was formed by our face.

Definitely, a ‘jakun’ like me whom is living in a tropical country got all excited about it and told my daughter – “Come Nada, let’s play dragon”.

We blew at each others face and I explained to her.
“It happens because our body temperature is hotter than the outside. So, when warm, moist air that we breathe out from our lungs meets the cold, dry environment, a fog forms”
My three about to be four year old (sobs) daughter looked at me in full fascination, but I know deep inside her she was saying “What on earth is Mommy talking about?”

It’s ok girl, you’ll ‘get there’ one day… all Mommy hope is for you to remember the moment that ‘we play dragon’.

Not 5 minutes loading luggage into the bus body, all of us just can’t wait to get into the bus and hid from the wind. I guess, the temperature is not that bad to bear.. but the wind is too ‘cruel’.

We had Chinese Fried Rice, Toast Bread with Butter & Sugar and hot Chinese Tea at a local Muslim restaurant for breakfast. Bliss.

Itinerary for Day 1 was to visit Summer Palace and shopping stop, however it was changed to visit Tian An Men Square and the Forbidden City also followed by a shopping stop.
We made way on foot to Tian An Men Square approximately 200m from the location that our bus stopped. I could smell the stinky smell of urine along our walk. Errgh!

By then, Nada was already not happy with almost everything on the planet.
She hates for her neck to be surrounded with the muffler.
She hates to wear the gloves.
She hates for her head to be covered with jacket hood, that the furs and feathers of the hood annoyed her.
She blames the jacket makes her fat and she no longer fit into stroller.
She blames Mommy that the stroller is too small for her now.
She blames her high cut boots that when she sits, they cut into back of her knee.
She was angry to the wind blowing fiercely to her face.

The person I am, I came to a point of “Ok, let’s take off whatever you don’t like.. and see how you could survive..”

With no hesitation I took off her jacket, muffler and gloves, let her sit on the stroller and Harris pushed her. She was shivering, her hands turned pink subsequently red and icy cold but still one stubborn baby, not wanting to give in.

Of all the things, why la you get this stubbornness gene from Mommy, Nada! Haishh.

However, she’s lucky that she has her dad to save her… save the day… or it almost-almost-almost became the next day news headline “Malaysian architect tourist let baby frozen in the middle of Tian An Men Square, and 2000 passers by did nothing..”

Harris told me : “Put them back, pity her…..”
Harris is such a soft spoken person, I dare not argue. Could he had shouted to me, may be I got Nada naked there and then.

Look at her face.. saying "I love Daddy"

Tian An Men Square is what we have here as Dataran Merdeka. Of course it has it’s own history and all the important historical events that had taken place which you could just google to know more about it. In my eyes, it is just a super-huge open space, cordoned by Beijing landmarks such as Forbidden City and The Great Hall of People.

We then proceeded to the Forbidden City (FC).

She complaint that her gloves is inappropriate, Daddy had to sacrifice his and let her had them.

Now, FC is a real something of an eye opening. It is a complex almost in square if I’m not mistaken of about 900+m in length x 750+m in width that is fenced with high brick wall. Don’t trust my figures here, ok… I am not a North Korean. Exact numbers, please google.

We may have the idea of FC here and there from the many Chinese soaps or movies we watch on TV. Where it has own spaces for everything. Space for the Emperor, Queen, Prince, Princess, Relatives, Concubine, Ministers, Sida-sida (what is sida-sida in English?), armies, servants, slaves.. and so much more. Those living inside the FC were forbid to go out and those living outside were forbid to go in unless the Emperor said so. Hence, the name Forbidden City.

I remembered watching documentary about Forbidden City on National Geography, and having the opportunity to visit the place, all is so cleared.

This place is an Emperor’s place.

Thousands of years ago, who could actually make the place happened if he’s not someone with extreme power. He must be an Emperor! Money or gold is one thing but power is more important in this case because FC is of slaves’ sweat. *Sedih, ek… Mek is just emo, like that*

We walked and past the many gates, halls, rooms, inside FC, until I lost count. It was also because we had to tend to Nada whom needed so much encouragement and coaxing during our this trip. Like I said, she was not happy with everything.

She doesn't want to walk.. unlike usual.

In National Geography documentary, it mentioned how the slaves mobilized the pieces of marble from the quarry to FC. Sure it was a tough job... it's huge, a piece!

The only downside of FC is the public toilet! I shall not elaborate further, I’d just shout “Aaaaaarrrgghhh…. Do better ones!!!!!!!” and blabber … “Dah kutip duit juta-juta… buat toilet baik sikit tak boleh ke??????”

Last activity for the day was shopping stop at Wang Fu Jing Street, We knew it would just be see-look on that very first day, however of what had happened earlier, an objective was set. BUY NADA ANOTHER PAIR OF GLOVES.

127 Hours

2011-12-20T21:54:00.001+08:00

I watched 127 Hours movie in our flight back home from Beijing (I hope I’ll be able to document my opinion about the trip later…) and I love it so much!. It was my kind of movie.

I always have a bias towards actual events movies and epics. Those fictions the like, Lord of The Rings, Pirates of the Caribbean, Harry Potter and such could make me sleep in the cinema.
I knowwwww… I am boring! But what to do, I just can’t take it I’d rather watch “the makings of them” or just pure cartoons.

So, may be many of you know about this movie, but I really don’t.
It is about Aron Ralston, a mountaineer whom got his right hand pinned by a boulder against canyon wall due to an accident drop. After being trapped for 127 hours, he got himself freed by the only way he got, that was to amputate his own hand.
He did so by breaking the bones and cutting the flesh and nerves using a blunt kit knife. Isn’t that really something extra ordinary? To top it up, he had to descend a 65ft canyon wall with one useable hand all by himself using whatever tools he had and further walked until he could reach for help.
I thought this man is amazing I couldn’t resist myself but to google more about him once I reached home. There were so many articles about him since the incident happened back in 2003, that he is now a motivational speaker, still an avid mountaineer, appeared in many life talk shows, cast in survival reality shows and even being a host to tv programs...

Where have I been for these 8 years that I know nothing about this man?

Aron describes whatever he did in the canyon as “Not losing his hand, but gaining his life back”. I salute him for being so positive towards LIFE.

I believe the strong will he has to live makes him sees things differently. And I also believe, the exposures, the opportunities his parents given him nurtured him in a way. There was a scene in the movie while Aron was trapped, he had a hallucination of him as a boy sleeping at the back of a car. His father then woke him up, carried him while he was still blurry, walked towards an edge of a Grand Canyon wall to watch the sun rises. The father’s line was something like “Hey buddy, wake up.. watch this…..”
When there were many of my favorite and heart pounding scenes in the movie, this one made me shed tears and the most significant to me. (Yeah.. I watch movies that I like with all my heart…)

Parents guidance is so important in shaping a person, I’ve long realized. Most people that are successful or outstanding in whatever field sure thanked their parents the most.
Richard Branson of Virgin always associates his parents in daring him to do the impossible.
The late Prof. Randy Pausch remembered his parents in always giving him opportunities, the simplest thing of letting him to paint his room wall.If you haven't listen to 'The Last Lecture', I strongly recommend for you to google and do so. It's worth it.
The late Steve Jobs of APPLE, though never acknowledge his biological father, sees his adopted parents as creating a path for him.

I so hope I am giving my best to always open up opportunities to my own girl either with my direct or indirect actions. The ways things should be seen in a broad picture. Knowledge is not just pen and papers. World and universe are to be own and shared.

My aunt, Cik Jah is lucky to have 8 children. She wishes all of her children to be around her, live near to her. Do things around her. Some people that I know, have the idea of their children to be schooling near home all the time.

But me, I don’t mind my girl to fly. To fly free as high as she wants, while it is my duty to once a while remind her that ground is still the place she stands.

And so Mommy asked her : “Nada, do you like Beijing?”
She answered : “No, don’t like Beijing, I like hotel..”
Mommy : “Why ?”
Nada : “Beijing (she meant outdoor) got whiuh-whiuh-whiuh (both hands showing wind blowing vigorously to her face). Beijing so cold, Mommy.”

Mommy likes that she has her own opinion.

Brrrrr........

2011-12-17T21:42:00.002+08:00

o.. so cold!

We have..

2011-12-07T20:19:00.004+08:00

In the yard... some old ones, some new ones...

In the box... new Boots!.. extreme cuteness

.. in packing for hols trip mood

Diaper bag and Make-up kit

2011-12-01T22:56:00.014+08:00

Dinosour vs mankind on Mount Fuji

I meant to blog about this for many weeks, however only now it happen. Better late than never, eh?

My friend from school, Sabine who is now raising her family somewhere in Oz requested me to make her daughter a make-up kit and a diaper bag for herself on commission.

Gosh! It was a big request. I’d never make a make up kit or a diaper bag before.

So, with basic of my own on-the-go sewing kit organizer, I whip up the make-up kit. I'm so cincai.. i don't even have proper full make up set to compliment the kit for photo sake !... It has three slots zippered pockets at lower part for small items.

wrap around ribbon tie.

As for the diaper bag, I made reference to this tutorial, this blog and my self figured comforter bag that I made sometime back.

Results turned out to be like this :

FRONT Rear zippered pocket

Side pockets......one with elastic grip, one with velcro closure. I told Sabine she may want to replace the measuring tape with a stethoscope since she is a doctor.

tiny pocket on the strap for small items.. thumb drive, mp3, earphone... stuffs like that.

inside bag..

This diaper bag was the second item in my handmade list that I made following step by step tutorial after the booties. Oh! Frankly, I'm not comfortable to follow tutorials. It kinda make me nervous if I miss a step or do not understand the steps.

I didn’t exactly follow the measurement given in the tutorial because my friend has two babies of about to be 1yo and 2yo, hence I figured she needed bigger bag than the given measurement to put diapers and stuffs of use by double!

I also added the stroller hang referring to Aida’s blog and changed one outer side pocket to elastic grip rather than Velcro closure provided in the tutorial.

It took me one weekend to finish up the bag, with all the interval breaks… the like entertaining the princess cum ultraman, house chores, eating out and brought-home office works (blerggh)!

All in all, I gave myself 3 marks out of 10 with reasons :

5 marks out of 10 is given to the person who came out with the tutorial and the blog that I made reference to for I was be able to sew this bag. So I was only left with 5 marks.
2 marks out of 5 due to me was minus upon my mistake in putting the magnetic snap, that I had to re-do.

Simple arithmetic, 10-5-2 equals 3 marks which were valued for me.

On another note, I gave myself full 10 marks for making Sabine happy. She was very satisfied with her bag and asked me to make two more make-up kit because her daughter’s grooming stuff couldn’t fit into one. (booo to me... a 9 year old has more make-up than me !)

Both make up kit and diaper bag were sent to Sabine through a school friend, Aida whom is also living Oz that came back for Aidilfitri holidays.

Aida and me. I almost terjun longkang looking at this mother of two still slim figure!

Sabine paid me some RM 400 (about.. can't remember the exact figure already la) for both… Good? That covers our two weekend visits to The Butcher Steak House. Okay what…..

I have another request from school friend for the bag which I had been procrastinating. She wants to use it for her frequent travels. So I’ve figured it would be something to have :

1. Zippered pocket in the inside for passport, wallet & hand phone

2. Padded slot for I-pad or compact laptop

3. Elastic grip pocket at side for water bottle

4. Small pockets at outside with Velcro closure for card tickets like Octopus card, whatever necessary according to that particular country.

5. Slots for pens

6. The strap should be long enough that she could have it cross her shoulder.

How I want to make for her, but my time is so limited.

Arghhhhh… I love to create things………

Jalan-jalan

2011-11-27T07:21:00.005+08:00

I am sure most of us watched the CCTV record of a two year old girl in Beijing being ramped down by vehicles driven by two stupid-crazy-human-at-it’s-lowest-sense-being-a-homosapien. And those 15 who did nothing are equally bad.

We were angry and saddened by end of the episode.

It left shivers in my spine and I was speechless. My perception towards Chinese-China is even more grounded. K.I.A.S.U.

Ya, this ‘langgar-lari’ happens anywhere including here in my own country! Indeed, it is a sad thing. But I am sure it doesn’t need the 18^th person to have courtesy to help here. I really hope so!

I read a thread comment on Youtube if I can remember it’s something saying that people in China are also outraged towards the incident.

But then, come on! 1 out of 18 only did care of a laying blooded child body in a busy market! Kalau difikir.. macam tak masuk akal….. It is a large pool of heartless people if we take consideration of 1.4 billion China's population, isn't it?

True enough, Made in China. My boss always says "You can find, have, make anything in China..."

Invent eggs. Feed people poison = get rich! Yuan..yuan..yuan…
Baby formula + poison. Feed babies = get rich! Yuan..yuan.. yuan..
Knock a child down. Better knock twice so she’ll die = save some Yuan! Richer by few thousands.

Sigh....

Despite terrified with the incident, I do look forward of our upcoming winter trip to Beijing soon. I believe the city itself has a lot to offer, or it could be just me who is always.. gatal kaki.

Hence, in preparation for the trip.. getting my family warm and cozy is the priority. I’d checked our coats, jackets, gloves, hats, muffler and wool socks. All are still in good condition, Harris and I don’t need any new ones. Errr... may be a couple of new socks will be good.

Ms Dew however, sure needs whole set for she hasn’t has any winter clothing as yet. This will be her first trip into the 'cold'. Well, she visited Bandung some 3 years back.. but Bandung is just cool not chill.

'We’re 85% done in getting her attire inclusive of new pairs of long john for us.

I’m still in the quest of getting her gloves, muffler, boots if possible (o! that Clarks children boots really caught my eyes - still thinking...) annnndddd adding to my list is a child harness! We are so gonna tie her with maximum distance of half a foot from us during our walks. Ok! I might be too much. May be ONE foot.

..wooot - wooot..

Oh Allah, instill in me, my family and friends good values so we would do good to ourselves and all around us. Amin.

football

2011-11-21T21:02:00.009+08:00

* O god.. i'm so nervous watching this SEA Games final football match!................... i'm just going to rumble stuffs.

* ooooohh.. we just had a score! SERI now.. I'm having adrenalin rush as much as the players, I guess.

* Half time!.. how slow I am putting lines in this space. Nada gets upset with my shout. It annoys her and keeps comparing with Daddy whom has no sound at all. Hey! Daddy is as cool as cucumber and Mummy is as hot as lada cengek. Don't compare.

* Anyway, the Indonesians supporters behavior reminds me of Kelantan's supporters. Fanatics and to certain level, downgrade the means of sports.

* It's already 90+3 mins full time. So scared!

Each day

2011-11-10T23:08:00.006+08:00

Earlier today at around 4pm, Nada called me from Rafi's hand phone. In her exact words :

"Mommy, I going Nona house (with) Uncle Pi. Later I befriend Mommy, ye. Mama Ika oso (read : also) going. Selamat Hari Raya..!"

Isk... She sure is growing up so quickly. Daily life I have to face.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Checklist for upcoming trip.

1. update Nada's passport photo. CHECKED.

Nada - 1yr 1month old.

Nada -3yrs 9months old

- Smile always like Daddy

-Big head with jendul forehead still

- Same eyes and eyebrows

- Less cheeks

- More significant chin and nose

- More hair, definitely

- More teeth

- Same pretty (and ganas too) brown girl

She makes Mommy happy

2011-10-18T23:22:00.016+08:00

Cik Byie hosted a birthday party for her Ibu and Cik Ra on Saturday a couple of weeks ago. Oh! how I love family gathering and good food. Good food for me is not necessarily exquisite French clear soup. Even the simplest snack of rojak buah is splendid when enjoyed in the cozy ambience with people whom you love.

We had :

- BBQ of Lamb (my favorite meat), chicken and prawns

- Spaghetti Bolognese

- Sandwiches

- Vegetables of Brocholi, Egg plant, Capsicum, Potato and Chicken Salad with my signature dressing. (Mek take pride in tis one)

- Rojak Buah

- Cheese cake

- Trifle Puding

- Hot coffee and Cold Sarsi

Kata party kan… My girl arrived in style. Her first TUTU, none other than Mommy’s handmade.

Of course, sharing stories, gossiping and catching up is a must during gatherings! That's everybody listening to my layar lara.

It reminds me of Nada’s antique that I shared during last Raya with my family which had created a big laugh among us.

It happened during Ramadhan.

Hmmmm..... let me elaborate a bit of our Ramadhan. I would say this year Ramadhan… we had the most days seated Iftar at our home dining table compared to the years before. The first 3 years of our marriage, my Iftar was basically kurma and kuih in SKS bus commuting KL-Seremban. T.H.R.E.E years! ok.. Not bad for someone who is not very patient like me. Once reached Seremban, Harris would be waiting to fetch me and I got to rush home for Maghrib prayer because it’s almost to Isyak. Done with prayers, only we went out to eat.

After 3 years, Harris then changed job to Subang. So both of us were commuting Seremban-KL. We prepared kurma, drinks, kuih & snacks in the car for Iftar which usually took place anywhere along KL-Seremban Highway. Full meal and Maghrib prayer were usually at the Seremban R&R. Simple it is.

The fifth Ramadhan together we had moved to KL, along came Nada. She was a still a tiny 7months ol baby. UH.. I can remember she’s 7mths? Ya because her first raya she was 8mths and for the first time had a high temperature ever since she was born. She had measles.

Aidilfitri 2008 – 8months : Fever

Aidilfitri 2009 – in Kebaya Nyonya

Aidilfitri 2010 – Mommy made her 10 dresses

Aidilfitri 2011 – wear make-up !

and skinny jeans..

Ever since, Iftar were like anything, anywhere that suit our schedule or more of it, Nada’s schedule. It could be, Harris rushed to fetch Nada, fetch me and we had Nasi Briyani near my office. Or Harris rushed to Pasar Ramadhan, I rushed to fetch Nada, we went back home… Nada not wanting to settle so I ate like sprinting a 100m run or Harris ate with a baby in his lap.

This year for our 8^th Ramadhan together, things were a lot more smoother. My cousin Rafi whom has been staying with us for few months would head out to Pasar Ramadhan for Iftar menu. I gave him such allowance and the prerogative to make choices the way he wishes. Harris and I basically have no objection. Ya, we’re simple! At the same time, Rafi is kind enough to ensure rice is cooked and menus were properly served on the dining table, like this :

He has a bit of time to doing it because he usually reaches home at around 5.30~6.00am whereas I could only step foot at the doorstep around 7.15am no matter how rush I was. Even though I left office the earliest possible.

So, things were very smooth flowing until one day Rafi had a Buka Puasa function outside and Harris went to JB for an outstation, hence I was left with Harris’s daily task of fetching Nada from her Nanny’s… also the Iftar menu.

I fetched Nada and not bothered to go to Pasar Ramadhan because I knew there’s not much left at that time. It was so close to Iftar I decided I would just cook something simple and eat later once Harris reached home, in my calculation would be in next half hour to 40 minutes.

As I was unloading the bags and stuffs from the car, Nada told me – “Mommy, nak berak..”

Alahai, I quickly had them all on my shoulder and hand… My handbag, office bag, lap top bag, Nada’s school bag, Nada’s school library book folder, Nada’s water bottle.. all that I could. (When one is staying in an apartment… leaving something in the car and got to go and get it later vice versa, is something you hated most..)

With my shoulders and hands full, we hurried up home and straight to the toilet for Nada’s No.2. Can you imagine me trying to unlock all those house grill & door with only one free hand and a toddler pressing me to be fast. Stress!

Nada would never want to sit on the water closet though I bought her a seat extension for toddler. She would climb up the water closet and squats on it. Once squats, she has the habit to pull the water closet cover and lean the cover on her backside as if covering it. One hand then covers her nose and mouth. She’s very sensitive over her No.2 not wanting anyone to look.

She asked me to close the door and never peeped!

Usually I would just wait for her outside by the door, but that day I decided I needed to take out some stuff from the freezer to be thawed since I wanted to cook and I was running out of time prior Harris reached home.

I made the needed few steps to the kitchen while I kept asking Nada “Are you finished? Are you finished? Are you finished? Over and over again.

I felt the comfort of doing so. It’s something to keep my awareness level awake. Like if she slipped the water closet there would be instant communication between us both. I don’t know.. can’t really explain.

I took out the necessary from the freezer quickly possible and walked back to the toilet quickly possible while keep on asking “Are you finished? Are you finished?”

It surprised me to bumped into Nada at the room door. I asked her why did she come out of the toilet when it was yet washed !

Her face looked so fierce and a funny site too, one hand on her waist whilst the other one pointing at me, all naked with round belly of a toddler.. “You…you NOT listen, Mommy. I NOT finish…! ”

She walked back to the toilet and repeated the whole process : PULL STEP STOOL, CLIMB WATER CLOSET, GET HER POSITION, PULL SEAT COVER, ONE HAND COVER NOSE AND MOUTH.

She looked at me : “See what happen already.. Me (My) poo-poo cannot come out !”

HAHAHAHAHAH.. I tell you…. I may not be good in putting it into words but it was SO funny. Her bowel system must be upset because of me keep on asking “Are you finished ? ”

All that combination of squatting on the water closet, fierce + frustrated face and her broken English….. Gheez..

“Nada – do sad”

“Nada – do happy”

“Nada – do gold fish”

“Nada – do shock, Oh my God!”

My favorite chocolate brownie.

Want to try

2011-10-08T13:13:00.004+08:00

One stranger asked me where do I learn up sewing. By the way, I met him at a shop that I frequent for tailoring supplies or to finish up my tailored garment frail edges since I don't own a serger. He's the shop owner's brother.

I told him I don't take any classes, it's just try an error kind of thing and my mami is a seamstress, so may be I got a streak or two from her.

He didn't quite believe me and insisted I sure took up classes. Don't know la how to talk to people like this. He shouldn't had asked me if he had decided he has an answer or something..

Anyway, besides referring to the internet, this is how i do :

See dresses that I like, tebalkan muka... brave myself.. and start taking photos...

belek sana, belek sini..

check out the joints and what not.

After that, i dream of it... try to figure out how to make.. during my baths, during unfruitful meetings that I have to attend and I'm not the chair person.... anytime I can find.

So, some people just knew the ingredients of a dish by just tasting it.. I want to believe Allah s.w.t lend me a priceless gift to be able to sew.

I want to make something like this for Nada. Harap-harap menjadi.

Everyday marks a history

2011-10-07T00:51:00.008+08:00

Mommy likes that she's not all the 'princessy' type. Girls do climb, jump and kick too.

Today, for the first time..... my 3yrs 8months and 6days girl let go our hands by herself and followed my cousin Rafi for an outing.

I was surprised that she finally accepted Rafi's offer after so long and weird me, I felt melancholic about it.

Mommy hopes you wouldn't do it so often.

Kids and EQ

2011-10-06T08:36:00.007+08:00

Many times I have this feeling that I want something that much but I feel people just don’t get it or not align with me in getting things done. It could happen at work, at home anywhere. Recently, it got to me and I really could not hold it any longer. I broke down to tears out of frustration and agitation.

Nada was puzzled looking at me crying, she came to me and asked few times.. “Kenapa Mommy nangis?”

I didn’t answer her but I didn’t want her to feel bad or thought that she’s got anything to do with it. So, I picked her up, put on my lap and just hugged her. Somehow, she too had watery eyes and eventually rolled down her cheeks with no sound.

Kids! They all start with good EQ within their own self.. Nada wanted to show me her compassion towards my grievances.

I didn’t want it to prolong, so I companied her for noon nap.

Lucky me that I now have a good hobby to distract me from stress, agitation, angriness and whatever negative ‘nouns’ to focus on something worth it. Yup! It’s sewing. While Nada took her noon nap, I spent the time in my tiny corner with Lady Gaga. All that makes me sick at that point in time just vanished for all I wanted was to finish the pretty dress.

... Mom of owner of the dress had chosed for Basket with fruits button. Cute stuff!

I was still stuck with Lady Gaga when Nada woke up from her about an hour noon nap. She came straight to me and again asked…. “Mommy, why you crying?.. why you crying?” (now in English.. maybe she thought I didn’t understand her the first round. J.)

Mommy - “It’s nothing..”

Nada – “Mommy, you scare? Tak pe.. Nada cry…!”

Again, Kids! They all start with good EQ within their own self … Nada wanted to tell me “It’s okay to cry when you need to because other people cry too.”

In Mommy's handmade : Aidilfitri 2011 lines ~ The Chest Pleat Dress

with random helicopter button for the sash, match up with her helicopter sandals

Baby A

2011-09-28T22:35:00.006+08:00

The next time I want to bring home a baby whom is not ours, I swear I must explain to my baby girl clearly as it is.

Oh dear! I hope that doesn’t sound so bad.

My cousin, Cik Byie was admitted to Pantai Hospital last Friday for lung infection. Thinking of the chaotic to be faced by her hubby with four kids, I told myself I had to help out to take care of at least one. Not questioning of Mr Brad Pitt’s (of what Nada calls him) capability, but an honest offer wouldn’t be a harm.

So upon approval of the proposal by Mr Pitt, we fetched the youngest – Baby Amsterdam at their house and off to the hospital for a visit.

Baby A spent the whole weekend with us - shared our bed, made us laugh, also making us scratch our head in figuring out how to clean baby’s poo-poo again. Nada had been acting the BIG sister. Fairly a good one.

I told her –

“You got to pack your toys properly for you do not want Baby A to put them into his mouth and get chocked”. She obediently packed her toys the way I regularly do – The a-b-c’s properly arranged in the supposed case, the books where they were supposed to be, the small free Mc-D toys in one bag, etc-etc.

I asked her –

“Nada, can Mommy trust you to look after Baby A while he’s asleep that Mommy need to take a bath. If he cries, come knock on the door ok?” She nod at me with the look “Yes I can” and sit next to Baby A like a “watch dog”. I was about to enter the room when I heard Baby A giving tiny little sound in his sleep and Nada came running to me “ADIK NANGIS – ADIK NANGIS – ADIK NANGIS!”. Serious face that actually made Baby A awaken from his good sleep!.. Sigh. Mommy postponed shower.

Nada supervising Mommy giving Baby A warm bath while having a towel in her arm.

Nada helping Mommy to dress up Baby A while she herself was barely dressed.

Nada counting sheep prior noon nap with a hand touching Baby A to ensure he's by her side.

Nada doing "gold fish" imitating Baby A chubby cheeks.

Nada keep convincing Daddy that she could hold Baby A though Mommy quite not accepting the idea fear for Baby A would roll out her tiny lap.

Nada sharing Daddy's lap with Baby A - THIS IS A REAL SOMETHING!.. Not easy, o!

Came Sunday evening, we brought Baby A to hospital after attending a Raya Open House with arrangement for my aunt, Cik Ra to bring him home while Cik Byie was still being admitted. Mommy got to work the next day.

So when the time to depart, Nada was all sour with the idea of Baby A would not be returning home with us. She wasn’t being briefed earlier on, hence was not aware of it.

She refused to salam anyone, I had to give in by letting her sit with me at the front instead of her car seat. Not five minutes we left the hospital compound, she cried her lungs out as if the world is going to tear apart. Again, we had to give in by bringing her to McDonalds for a treat so she would cool down.

We succeeded with our quest that Nada was a happy ding-dong girl once entered the red-yellow-white eatery. ONE DRAMA QUEEN!!!

So to speak, we went home. I was cleaning in the kitchen when I heard Nada lamenting so badly not knowing the cause.

Harris told me, he saw Nada sitting on the chair with tears rolling down her cheeks. No sound. Only when he asked what happened that she burst out crying – “Arik Adam.. Arik Adam… Arik Adam…” Poor girl, she must had missed him that much.

I undressed and bathed her. Still crying that her face turned red and kept saying “Nanti Arik Adam nangis, dia nak Mommy”.

She came out of the bath room and saw Baby A’s pants. Again, with loud cry - “Arik Adam pajamas” while pointing.

I tried to soothe her. Only after some time she settled down. My cousin Rafi then asked her “Kenapa Nada nangis?”. She again had watery eyes…. Tears rolled down her cheeks. No sound. I shooshed Rafi away and carried her into the room for sleep. She saw the empty space that we placed Baby A for night sleep. Again, with loud cry – “Arik Adam sleep here…..”

So sad, okay…… The emptiness that Baby A left had taken it’s toll on her.

I couldn’t find any other words to ease her sadness that I just hugged and kissed her a million times until she fell asleep.

I was wrong, my girl was not acting big sister after all. She thought she WAS the big sister.

Aidilfitri wish and ramblings

2011-09-26T22:50:00.007+08:00

The saying goes : Better late than never!

Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri to muslim visitor(s). :)....... Syawal is yet to end anyway..

Also, I sincerely seek apologies from all for my wrongdoings, be it my physical actions or if there's any part of my writings here that hurts anyone, anywhere.

When I meant all that write in this space, it however never meant to hurt anyone.

I'm feeling a little bit 'down' at the moment and it's bad that I'll be having a presentation to Datuk Raja Nong Chik tomorrow. Hmmm..

For some reason, I couldn't attach the photos to an e-mail that I want to send. Mafusio!

Still, it's not the real reason to my gloom. I'm questioning my decisions and wonder "When are we going to make a move and stay in our house?" "Why are we so slow and there're always setbacks?"

God, please make this one a smooth ride. Please, please , please.

No, not my house. Am responsible for the house renovation design. How can this not make me wonder. We're of the same age from the same school. She has a beautiful house, gorgeous slim figure and FIVE kids!!!

Being an architect sucks!

the commission sewing continues

2011-08-17T01:05:00.003+08:00

... and another order, I'm creating a series for this which I shall name "My first Louboutin (almost!)" for the chili red sole. hehehe..

the first commissioned order(s)

2011-08-15T22:12:00.006+08:00

I uploaded the two pairs of booties photos I earlier made in my fb page. Exactly 6 minutes after, a friend of mine sent messages requesting for a custom made booties as well.

Honestly, I do not sew with the thought I can make money out of it.

It is more of something that I find it fun, challenging, therapeutic and happiness. Fun because I am able to explore the creative side of me in inventing and finally create a name for the product, challenging in figuring out how to put things together, therapeutic because I just need something else more than the stressful office work load to slow me down and enjoy, happiness to see my baby girl posing in anything I made for her, happiness when people appreciate my handmade gifted to them. That is sewing to me.

However, I can't resist those messages that I mentioned earlier. Till now, I still can't believe that I actually took order for the booties. Here's what I made for her :

I name them Chasing Butterflies

With the help of office secretary, these cuties were couriered to my friend. On the same day, she (the secretary) nagged me that she needed the booties too for her niece.

I said "Dey! i'm busy la.... cannot sew for you!"

She went on and on and on "Aka, please la.. aka.. i make for you coffee every day right after fasting month finish"

Me then had to say "I will try".. to get her not to disturb me anymore so that I could get on with my heap of office work.

After I arrived home, I kept hearing the girl's name : EVE. Such a lovely name, hence these booties.

~ eve ~

My daughter at 3.5 yrs old

2011-07-16T15:05:00.002+08:00

Well shown.

She issss Mek Robey

Lipsticks and Pinking Shears

2011-07-14T23:14:00.010+08:00

At 21, I was gifted an Estee Lauder lipstick by my aunt, Cik Ra. It was my first lipstick and I thanked her so much. (Ya, I’m just that type of person whom remembers minute details……. Especially the every kindness bestow to me)

By average I guess it’s pretty late that I started with lipstick, huh? At that time, my uni friends were definitely having their lips in multicolors. As always, I am not easily influenced, I do things at my own want.

Oprah says something like - “Everybody likes fashion and beauty, but some like it more than other or less than other….”

Hmmm… me, yup – I love beauty but I’m too much of a cincai person when it comes to make-up and such. I wash my face if I feel like washing, I apply toner if I remember, I don’t regularize make-up as compulsory either at home or even if I’m outside (and that’s when make up for me is just powder and lipstick).

Once, an office client asked me if I had gone for facial treatment that my face looked glowing. I told her, so far in my life, I’d only been for facial treatment once. It was more than 10 years ago and I didn’t even have it for my wedding day. If I look slightly better when she praises me, it could be I was thinking of having steak at Me'nate Steak House or D’Butcher for dinner! She didn’t believe me. Whatever.

We very much frequent the steak house, Nada receives special x-ra attention. She calls the towkey - Atok.

Another time, I declared it was my birthday during a site meeting that I attended. Y’know, when you’re an only female in a pool of more than 20 males, the Y kromosom will listen to X kromosom on aside issues like this for pleasure. They were asking me my age. I have nothing to hide, so I just said – “I’m 36” . Many were in disbelief, which apparently they thought I am much younger. (They should see my mami). One said – She looks young because she doesn’t apply much make-up. ???????? I don’t understand the relation : make-up – looks young – looks old. Anyway, that was one man’s opinion.

On another occasion, at another site……..I was chit-chatting with few people about our child(ren). Our hopes. Our prayers. I was telling if my daughter turned out to be like me in term of consideration towards mother, it would be far than enough for me. Because I know myself, though I appear to be a stubborn as my mami always says.... I have huge soft spot for her in my heart.

One Chinese man asked : “Melayu anak perempuan ada bagi makapak uwang ka?” (Does Malay daughters give their parents money?)

I said – “It doesn’t matter for us, whatever the gender is one can give money to their parents. I myself have never slip a month of not giving since my first tiny RM 800 pay. I had a fixed percentage for my mami ever then.”

Then, the man went : “Ya loooorrr… lu tarak pakai make-up, ada uwang lebey….” (Ya, you don’t wear make-up, so have extra cash) – DUH! Really ah like that ?

I don’t think so but I just layan the man : “Ya looooorrr… saya cincai la” (Ya.. I am very lousy)

He goes : “Tak paaaaaa…. Itu manyak pakai make-up punya ah… kalau tarak pakai, dia takot mau kluar lumah oooooo” (It’s okaaayyy…. Those women whom put on lots of make-up, if they don’t, they would be afraid even to get out of the house)

I told him : “Lu ah… cakap ini macam depan 5 perempuan… mesti lu mati kena bunuh ooooooo” (You speak like this in front of 5 women, you’ll get killed!) GULP!

Indeed, I wasn’t “supporting” what the man said. But then again, I do feel women shouldn’t depend on make-up for self-confidence. Make-up should ONLY help to elevate women’s self-confidence. Right? No?

As much as I am very cincai with make-up, I do carry lipstick… and believe it or not, I carry and have only ONE stick. I told Harris, how lucky he is that I never pester him to buy make-up and still I am a damn gorgeous person. (Talk about self-confidence, huh?).

To further make him feel guilty, I said he may check any other women’s purse… mostly will carry at least 2 sticks. Even those in a lower pay bracket than me would do so.

Look at my only stick.

Patahhhh ko!That is the result of having a 3 and half year old daughter who thinks she has right to try every mommy doing.

Couple of weeks ago, on a weekend morning, nature does it’s justice. My beau talked to her daughter : “Nada, wake-up. Get ready. We are going out to buy Mommy lipstick ! ”

Yipppeeee. So we went to Sogo which initially was opposed by Harris, saying I’d end up in Bunga Riben store. He was right, anyway.. I wanted to go to Bunga Riben that’s why I chose Sogo store at Jalan TAR. To my surprised, I found the long searched pinking shears (gunting gerigi-gerigi) at Bunga Riben and being the pathetic me, I told Harris : It’s ok if he doesn’t buy me lipstick, just pay for my tailoring needs. What could be worse!

Two types of additional scissors for me.

However, my beau is kind.. isn’t he? I still was gifted with new lipstick that day. Not one but two. Fuh.. so much to say about make-up.

The pinking shears had already been in good used. Two pairs of baby booties were conceived with it’s help.Cute!.. This is the first time that I used free downloaded pattern from internet.

Another cute stuff, one shoulder top for Ms Dew. This one, I tenang2 the dress design by Baby Gap at KLCC store and re-invent my own top version.

And.... this is tonite's dinner. Homemade beef Olio - Mario's version :-)

Not bad laaaaaa...

Coin can

2011-07-05T22:13:00.009+08:00

Glenelg, Adelaide

Ms Dew has own way of about Osreylia thing. Really this girl? When I was 3, I don't even know if there's any better place to go than Pantai Cinta Berahi or now known as Pantai Cahaya Bulan.

She's been imagining : going to school - Osreylia... When I say, I am going to work, she says she's also working - Osreylia. Seriously, I don't know how she gets the ideas.

I told her, Mommy had been to Australia before and you don't. She got so angry, she took my Australia album and started scolding me. Didn't I tell yal she's one drama queen!

Travelling alone...

For being obsess with Australia, her dad advised her to start saving money to buy aeroplane ticket so that she could fly to Australia. Using crayon colored paper, they both decorated an empty formula can and turned it into a coin box.

Since then, Ms Dew has been trying to fill the can.........
Well, it looks like she still has a lllloooooooong way to go.....

Antiques

2011-06-28T22:16:00.004+08:00

Many-many months ago, our little books closet shelf collapsed being not able to hold the load it has to bear. After almost 2 months, my beloved handyman got it fixed and he willingly arranged back the books into the supposed shelves. Of course, it was not the same way of how I did it.

I am contemplating to re-shuffle the whole cabinet with noblest idea to create more space for more new coming books, especially for those colorful, full of pictures, less words books! This means some have to make way. I saw a section of my part ‘collection’ during uni time which by priority of usage, should not be accommodating the shelves anymore.

However, I so treasure my school books, notes and stuffs that some of them I still have today making me very difficult to put them away. Offer me to trade them with Zirkon jewelry, I would chose over my notes a thousand times. Offer to trade with Platinum.. I might consider only. J After every semester during uni, I would compile my notes according to subjects, bind and labeled them. Every single compiled notes has a story of it’s own.

For example this one. It was an elective subject under Engineering course that I took because of the lecturer. He was a handsome! Hehehehehe. Where got architecture student go and learn up about designing highway... So not cool ok.

See above assignment which I was supposed to get 7 out of 10 marks but being down graded to 5 marks because it was submitted later than the dateline. 7 is already not a big number... got cut some more! What can I say… I loaned the completed assignment to a class mate for reference which she promised to submit for me timely but she didn’t make it. My fault to trust. It was heart breaking right, to see that crossed. Lesson learnt!

There's one that has such an interesting story. Building Engineering subject and it is a compulsory subject that most students hated. Many hardly understand the lousy lectures and being architecture students whom always live in drawings and dreams, calculations and structures are so raw, boring and blergh!

We had our finals done, but results yet to obtain. A friend informed me that the lecturer wanted to see her, one other friend and me at his room. So we went. Lecturer’s name A***n Ch**bi.

When we met him, he went telling us about MLM, CNI products, he’s an agent… so on so forth. Then about our exam marks that we were in the A- range very close of getting A (border-border gitu as he said). The magic conclusion of the meeting was something like – join MLM under him/buy products = got A! Hah! Tu dia… I remember my two friends went out of the room with packets of CNI coffee, CNI soya drinks… Meanwhile I told him – “Just give me a ‘B’ or Fail me – I don’t really care”

That night I went to my class studio – Goodness…. There were packets and packets and packets of CNI products on many drafting tables, we had CNI feast.

I came to know almost everybody were called to his room with offer of B to A-, B- to B, C to B (if you buy more).. or even Fail to B-. I thought : I was so screwed up for not going with the flow and imagined the RED color mark on my results transcript. How were I gonna tell my mami about the to be Fail ? Not that she’d have a clue about it, scold me or be worried.

Results came out : I got ‘A’. Best part, I know I deserved it. Mek keras hati ok…..

Besides the stories behind each, I love my notes because they’re orderly and soothing to look at. So happened.. my handwriting is neat. I mean it. If I write, I make it a point to write properly. You should see my Geography notes during secondary school. I still remember how it was done very neatly. Too bad it’s no longer in my possession, lost somewhere along the line due to moving from one house to another. If it hadn’t for that, surely I’d still have it… even my primary school books! I sayang them all.

During uni, I hardly skip lectures. Ya-ya-ya.. Call me nerd if you want but I have reasons for it. I felt tensed up if I miss classes because I only trust my own notes! He he.

I was one who can’t stay late to study which is SO NOT an architecture student. Stay late to watch tv – can. Again unlike other architecture students the least my own batch, I was an active one. I like co-curricular, I got to hit something in the late afternoon. Usually by 5pm I was on turf with my hockey stick. I don’t spend much time studying. (The bad habit from school continues, I guess)

I did other things – panjat bukit – gunung, campings, sports - … And asal ada cuti, Mek balik kampong or down to kl to my cik ra’s house.

That’s why classes were so important for me. My studying time was mostly during classes.

For always attending classes, it made my notes were among the comprehensive ones and always being used by my piers as reference.

That’s the reason which makes me not very keen in joining study group because many times in a supposed to be group study, we’re referring to the same notes, and it’s my notes. I didn’t even know when they photocopied. Well, situation was… you owe it to one or two or may be three persons, then for all you know it’s already well circulated. Frankly, I don’t mind.

So, see.. I can go on and on and on blabbering whatever related to my school stuffs. These are my treasures money can’t buy. It may not be valuable to others but it cost so much for me. I’d rather carry all of them in a big-big bag rather than hanging big-big gold necklace to my neck, although I’m pretty sure no pawn shop would want to receive them in lieu of money! Tak laku….

But hey, I need not have to worry for burglars wanting to steal my precious belongings. Contradicting if I have a box of gold that every time I want to leave the house, the box has to follow me. Like the usual people do fear being stolen.

I don’t know what would be the end for the stuffs. May be again, I could pass them to Nada!

Ayat Drama : “Nada, Mommy tak punya emas-permata berkotak-kotak nak dibagi buat kesenangan Nada. Tapi Nada ambillah buku-buku dan nota-nota Mommy ini untuk dibuat panduan. Walaupun mungkin ia tiada lagi kaitan dengan keadaan semasa, lihatlah dalam perspektif berbeza. Akan kesungguhan Mommy dalam sesuatu hal."

Yup, when I always pray that she would inherit most of her dad’s values rather than mine… patient, polite, good temperament, soft spoken, stable, smiley, .. I hope she’ll get this one from me. The determination.

I do not need much external force to get things done on things that I want.

Relating studies – I never need my mami to breathe down my neck ever since I started learning A,B,C. Looking at these antiques, I am so unsure if there’s any significant for me to still keep them. Very much of me, I want to keep.. but I don’t want to be a hoarder ! Nanti Oprah datang interview Mek pulak!

Oh tough decision for me.

Clear the shelf. Clear the shelf NOT. Clear the shelf. Clear the shelf NOT. Clear the shelf. Clear the shelf NOT. Clear the shelf. Clear the shelf NOT.

I don’t know…

Name Quiz Session

2011-06-28T03:10:00.003+08:00

Nada, what is daddy's name? * Abdul Harris * - perfect

Mommy ? *Safariiiiiyanti Maiyo*

Nek? *Rojan* (read : Norjan)

Tok Wan ? *Abdul Aziz* - perfect

Tok? *eeeeeemmmmm *.... Mommy has to start : KA.... She continues *Mayah* (read : Kamariah)

Pak Tam? *Hazidi* - perfect

Uncle Pi? *Rafiyuddin* - perfect

Abang Nya? *Danial* - perfect

Tok Ngoh? *Machine!* (read - Hashim) .... GOD! Mommy better not do name quiz in front of Tok Ngoh for he can be a real machine.....

Cottage Patch

2011-06-26T16:23:00.009+08:00

I was supposed to have a working appointment yesterday morning, but was postponed to late afternoon, then evening which only materialized today morning. It's not about the appointment that I want to blog, but since I had free time yesterday, I decided to go for applique class! He he he..

The low back cut dress. I got this multi color organic print in Bangkok the other day... Baru jadi baju...

I came to know about this shop near to Ampang Point as a result of blog hopping. It is called Cottage Patch. Actually, I already noticed the shop for quite sometime as we've been using the road fronting the shop all this while. Anyhow, it never attracted me to hop in because it's located so near the main road with no place to park the car. Further more the shop front is old and just slightly better looking than 30 year old the shops that I find in my hometown - KB. This is a true record of what the quote says "Never judge a book by it's cover". Thanx to internet and the blogger whom I can't recall her URL, I made way to the shop.

The first time I went, I knew I will be going back and the shop owner has no choice but to see my face over and over again, which I think she'll be happy for that. Besides having craft and tailoring supplies, they take orders for patch works, appliques, smocking.. whatever. God! the patch works - No cheap-cheap ones, ok. Expect minimum, 4 figures.. 5 figures is pretty normal. But then again... it's handmade done so exquisitely. Enough said, you got to see for yourself, if u like all these stuffs.

Wai teaching me to attach the applique.Dew disturbing me with her own applique

So, i spent few hours yesterday, learning applique while my loves spent time at book store in Ampang Point. I know!... my husband is so kind, kan...

Frankly, I could actually figure out how to do applique if I just sit quietly and observe one completed work without going to class and spend RM200. But then again, it's always good to learn it the right way.. and...... "Menuntut ilmu biar sampai ke China"

After yesterday's class.. of course my applique is far from completion. All there, is a stem of a supposed to be tulip bunch. The good thing is I could go again anytime I want until the project is finished. Payment once only - ya I like the idea, no time constraint.

The hours spent is therapeutic for me.. similar to massage in a spa.

Those of you who are interested... Cottage Patch has good choices of cotton fabrics too.. not necessarily cheap, though.

Here's sharing what I crafted for the newest great-grandchildren of Mok's, Arik Adam.. but we call him Amsterdam :

I didn't take any photo before had them tied with the red ribbon, so I had no choice but to download the two pix from my cousin's fb. TQ Cik Byie.

On Father's Day morning this year,

2011-06-19T22:59:00.006+08:00

... they had their own quiet time together, swimming.

Today I decided we should have our breakfast at Carefour for I also planned for some groceries shopping. Well... Mek felt like cooking and the first item in my groceries list was RICE ! It had been months.. I really mean MONTHS... since we last had home cook rice in our home. See, I told ya.. I don't cook.

I handed the groceries list to Harris while I made way to the bazaar section. Something interesting and worth to share happened as I was looking for a deodorant for myself.

A beautiful well-dressed tweenage girl, I guess her age is 13 or 14 and her daddy was also looking for a deodorant. I didn't mean to eavesdrop but from conversation of them both, I knew : The dad was helping the girl deodorant shopping.

I could see that the Dad is a real patient man, very helpful and so focused in getting his task done, i.e - "I must buy my daughter a deodorant today"

He was not ashamed of me, in-fact he didn't even bother that I was just nearby. Never he sounds annoyed with the girl whom was so confused in choosing her first deodorant. He read the labels on deodorant bottles, coaxing her child.

"This is for whitening... this one for freshness, this one supposed to be not sticky........ You don't want to try Dove?"

I heard the girl.. "Ayah, Nadira use this.. I think I want the same with hers"

I guess - Nadira is her friend, could be from school. We know how tweenage is so influence by friends.. right?

I left the deodorant racks once I was satisfied with mine, the two were yet done. I look high to that man for not many would want or have the capability of what he was doing and I thought he'd done a good job.

Wonder why was the girl not doing that kind of shopping with her mom. Truly, it's not for me to judge. How ironic - Shopping deodorant with dad on father's day. For whatever reason, I prayed that the girl would always remember and treasure such occurrence, how her dad loves her so much.

I sure hope my own girl wouldn't need to go to her dad in choosing a deodorant one day. She should come to me. But should for instance I wasn't able to be there for her, I would be very grateful if her dad could help her on that, which I know he would give his best.

I never have the chance............. or maybe I should put it, I never make the effort to wish my own father Happy Father's Day to appreciate him. It's my own lost, I do not blame others or even myself.

But, I would only have myself to be blamed if my girl does not realize how a great dad she has that she should never forget to wish him Happy Father's Day and love her old man every single day.

Happy Father's Day to my beau, that man that helps her daughter to buy deodorant and all fathers.

penang and australia

2011-06-10T13:19:00.009+08:00

Last week Friday, Aunty Jeanne of Kindicare called me :

"Hi Yanti.. This is Aunty Jeanne. I want to let you know, Nada is adopting well in her new class. She participates in the activities with no difficulties. Aunty Sheila said at times when she passed by Baby-Buttercup class, she would take a peep and says hi to Aunty Liza and friends. But then she would still go back to Daffodils."

Mommy : "O ya?... She's been telling me new names : Ashley, Nicholas, Adlia, Mikel.... I guess these these are children from Daffodils"

Aunty Jeanne : "Yes..ooo she already has their names? Hmm, that's fast..., her full days in Daffodills were only last two days..."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Last night, one and half week in the new class : She came home telling me - "Mommy, I want GO Osreylia"

I asked "You want to go to Australia?"

Full of confident she replied "YES"

When I thought she is clueless about Australia, I asked : "How do you want to go to Australia?"

Again, full confident she replied "Aeroplane"

OMG. Mommy almost fainted!

I swear, we have no plans for Australia vacation, at least for now... Mommy pokai.

Overstrait to Penang, ok.

photo by Nada

My top : OWN HANDMADE!

All she is

2011-06-01T17:17:00.023+08:00

Her name appeared on the birth certificate is Nada Firas bt Abdul Harris
In Arabic ;

Nada is Dew

Firas is Witty

It meant for Witty Dew

Somehow, we came to know... Nadafiras means mud and when Mommy says Nada Firas!... that's when Mommy is angry with her.

Nek calls her Cik Embun

Sometimes, when Mommy writes, Dew seems lovely as a nick name.

Mommy also likes to "tease" her with love and calls her : Mek Robey... because she always acts dive - this and that. Varies colorful character she is. Macam-macam ada. And that she would know... She's pure Kelantanese - orang kampung habis... just like Dad!... heheheheeh

One day. while we were calling her, names.. she seems to understand she has many. She told us : Uncle Said (handyman at school) sings to her : Nada dan irama tidak dapat dipisahkan. It's like, that's another long name she has.

Mommy thinks she really thinks - she's a rock star or could be the next Justin Beiber. Mommy doubted anyhow, her dad is gonna give her full support on that. Dad would prefer her to be professional golfer.

Mommy's already tired fighting with her for sunnies and had no choice but to get one just for the little miss in pink - the now favorite color.

She asked me if she could have a Ben 10 watch in pink? Split personality, my lady. She has a bit of everything : the trying to be macho and the girlish needs deep inside. Mommy is right about her being Mek Robey....

Many say she has beautiful thick black hair. Mommy definitely agrees but couldn't bear the sweating and mess at this age.

There goes....

....... though she totally refused for she likes to wear it long

Long or short hair : Nada : Firas : Nada Firas! : Dew : Embun : Mek Robey : Nada dan irama tidak dapat dipisahkan .. She is always Mommy's favorite rock star.

About school

2011-05-31T18:15:00.008+08:00

Every time I received a telephone call from Kindicare, my mind starts to wonder the "bad" things. It happened again this morning.
It is because, they are particular and very hands-on of each child well being. The few calls I had before :

1. "Hi Yanti... this is Aunty Jeanne. I have to inform you that Nada fell off the swing during outdoor time that is about a foot high from the ground. She hit back of her head onto the soft turf ground. The aunties weren't able to catch in-time before she fell. She cried out of shock for about two minutes and we are now monitoring her. She's having lunch now and looking fine with no signs of swollen, bleeding or vomiting. Please let the Nanny knows about the fall for she could monitor her as well once we send her home after "school".
I am really sorry that this happened on our ground."
AFTERMATH : Nada was fine.

2. "Hi Yanti... this is Aunty Jeanne. Nada's left eye is a little bit red and watery. She said - it's itchy. We're putting her in a separate room with Aunty Cat to look after her."
AFTERMATH : Nada contracted conjunctivitis from Mommy that lasted for a day.

3. "Hi Yanti.. this is Aunty Shanty calling on behalf of Aunty Jeanne. Nada had fever at about 10 this morning, so we didn't allow her to the pool. She's a bit sad because of that, we ensure her there will be more swimming after today. Just before we sent her home, her temperature was 38.6 degree Celsius."
AFTERMATH : Indeed she had fever lasted for two days.

TODAY'S call/message on my voice mail was :
"Hi Yanti.. this is Aunty Jeanne, please call me back when you are free....."

I called :
"Hi Yanti... Ya.. I want to let you know, we now have vacancy in Daffodil class. As follow-up of last Saturday, parents-teacher meeting.. Nada's physical co-ordination, social interactions is fit for the class. She's also 3 yrs plus, we think we are able to move her from Baby-Buttercup class. Is it okay with you? If you permit, she'll be moved with Caleb, her best friend. In that way, she wouldn't feel alone. We'll start by gradually leading her to Daffodil, may be one hour of playing time the first few days until she's comfortable."

Mommy scratched her head and trying to sound smart : "Öh well Aunty Jeanne, if you think it's appropriate with her, I wouldn't mind... I'm just worried if she couldn't adapt...."

Aunty Jeanne : "We'll monitor on that.. we'll explain to her.. y'know may be telling her, she's a big girl that she now got to do more adventurous stuff. You could also talk to her that she'll be in a new class..."

Mommy goes to work today thinking : "My girl already has a best friend? Oh! How she grew up!"*sob*

Her first concert

2011-05-15T02:51:00.012+08:00

14.05.11.

Dew had her first concert for the play school annual get together. She's been 'practicing' - swaying her hands from side to side and singing "splish-splash". While she could tell me what characters her friends were acting, she couldn't really tell hers. This person is the bee, this person is the bird, this person is tiger, this person is Dalmation and what not. I reckon anyhow, she would be something got to do with water.

Though the children may had practice sessions, I don't think Dew has any idea of what performance is all about. Even when I wanted to dress her up in supposed costume, she insisted of wearing pink-tuk-tuk-t-shirt to go to school. Not after all the pujuk-memujuk, she agreed to put it on.

It was a big day for Dew and so it was for me. Harris on the other hand had to attend for his exam workshop, so I was left alone to handle the little miss and preparing food for pot-luck. Ayo-cam lipas kudung Mek.

We arrived at Kindicare 5 mins after 9am (when supposed to be there before 9am!) and had to park very far down the hill. Sigh, she then not so keen to walk citing she'll be tired and sweating. This is actually daddy's task for Mommy got all cranky carrying a 14kg toddler up the hill. Looking at the arrived crowd, Dew was looking confused. She proceeded anyway to be gotten ready.

I then searched for a seat and surprisingly got to sit next to my ex-school mate. What a small world. So happy ! Many parents were excited to watch the show, some even had grandparents to attend as well. I felt awkward as I was alone, makes me wonder and huge respect for single moms when one had to brace situation like this. Sure feel, something is missing.

The whole concert is of "Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs".

Dew's class being youngest or baby class was the first to perform. And guess what, my baby had stage fright! she was just standing still sucking her finger looking at the crowd. Sucking finger is not actually in her diary. With red face almost crying........... I hold myself from not jumping on the stage and hug her. I should trust the guardians and glad I did.

I didn't manage to capture photo any better than this. She was not moving!.. and I was frozen too. I really hope the school photographer will have better ones.

Still shocked at the finale

After show, she's back to herself. All children were gifted with a watch. My girl prefers the Ben 10 rather Barbie. She's trying to persuade Caleb the Dalmation for a change.

God creates mothers as weird creature. Dew was only standing for her first concert and still I am very-very proud of her, words can't tell.

The rock-star Cloud whom froze!

Blue-green, Red, Green and Blue

2011-04-13T23:32:00.008+08:00

Why on earth la I start this entry with above photo? No.. not trying to say I have a lot of them. Those actually belongs to Dew. We've been keeping the money since the first note she received from relatives and friends after she was born. Duit raya for three years, Ang pow for Chinese New Year and such.

While I'd open up an insurance account the first month she was born and has been contributing top ups in addition to regular monthly premium, I have never intended to put in the money she receives in the same account. I thought, the insurance account would be what I want to give to her be it little or as much. Those she receives from others is another thing all together.

But, so bad we are. We have been procrastinating to decide where they were supposed to go. Kejap-kejap unit trust, kejap-kejap asb, kejap-kejap just bank account, kejap-kejap itu, kejap-kejap ini. And for all we know three years gone, the notes still lie underneath our pillows. Pun boleh ?

Despite the bad, I also want to praise both of us. We were never tempted to use the money either for Dew's use or our own. If ever by chance I used because it was kept in my wallet or so, i'd have that voice at the back of my head - "Replace Nada's money, replace Nada's money... " Until I do so, the voice wouldn't leave me.

I really hope, whatever we are doing is the best for Dew.

Tonight, while I was putting her to sleep... we cuddled. As usual, she would play with my eye lashes with her tiny fingers.

And out sudden she uttered... "Like Mommy, like Daddy...." in a soft voice.

I asked her back... "Nada like Mommy, Nada like Daddy?... "

She nod and I know she meant what she said...to be translated as -love-. I wanted to cry.

This girl so deserves the best from us.

Her first face painting - had on 09.04.11 during friend from play school birthday party. She was the butterfly girl.

p.s - I think I will make a quiet sneak and sleep next to her tonite.

My day today

2011-04-07T23:38:00.009+08:00

Not a happy day for me today when all days along the week had been sweet ones. I have what I can say a very regular menstrual cycle. 28 days. That's it. Not a month missed since the first, of course exclusion to pregnancy. It's so timely almost like bullet train in Japan during normal days. Rarely, early or late is just one day.

However, I was already late for 3 days so was very sure that I gotten pregnant. I never bothered to buy pregnancy testing kit because I know I don't need it.

I started making survey which hospital to attend for an O&G. In my mind.. I shouldn't go to Seremban again to deliver. I was hoping too for a Muslim female and kinda decided which hospital will be my choice.

Sure, appointment was already made Tuesday next week. By then I could inform the O&G, I'm close to 4 weeks 'so' pregnant.

I hampered my beau that I want a book "Handmade Beginnings" by Anna Maria Horner. The book featured 24 sewing projects that could be done to welcome the little one. I used to be wanting to buy branded baby bedding set and more and more baby stuffs, but now.. I just want to do as many possible myself. Because... I very much realized handmade are special no matter how 'shoddy' the works could be as long as bunch of love is put into.

Allah is the All-Mighty. Whatever I thought of the whole week came to an end today. No I'm not pregnant. How my heart break. I seems not able to believe... 7 days late and not pregnant? Allah has been kind to me. He bestows most of what I ask for.. I shall continue to pray to Him for this one wish..............

I made these for my niece on Harris's side, Mia.

The 2011 Earth Hour Pinafore with sun hat

and undies too.

Why such a name? It was completed exactly in time for 2011 Earth Hour after 3 hours doing.

p.s ... the book surely can enlighten me up a bit for now.

A piece of paper

2011-03-16T21:47:00.006+08:00

There are few doa (prayers) that I usually recite before studying. I’ve made myself familiarize and memorize with the same prayers since schooling time, continued to during uni days and even now I still do.

Back then.. should be when I was in Form 3, I had the prayers written on a piece of paper and pulled it out every time to refer for reciting.

Do you believe me if I say I still have that same piece of paper? It’s been freaking 21 years !

Should it be a human born in Malaysia – she’s already entitled to vote!

This is how it turned out to be.

One piece of paper has become two, but I still have both! The pencil written prayer is so blur and at certain phrases it’s totally erased.

Though I already have the prayers closed at heart, I don’t want to loose the written one. So, just recently I took the initiative to rewrite with a ball point pen on both sides of two pieces of small hard cards. Then I kept them in my wallet.

I wonder how long will I keep those, may be I could pass to Nada when the time comes!

Ayat drama – “Nada, Mommy tak punya wang ringgit berkepuk-kepuk, geran tanah setebal buku telefon yang nak diturunkan bagi kesenangan Nada. Yang Mommy ada…. Nada ambillah dua keeping kad ni. Mommy tuliskan dengan bacaan-bacaan doa untuk menuntut ilmu. Walau pun tulisan jawi Mommy tak cantik.. Mommy rasa masih jelas untuk dibaca. Belajar rajin-rajin Nak…” hehehehehe.

Now, what do I do with that old piece of paper? I sort of decided that I just have to discard it in certain appropriate manner since it contained good words.

But then again, came another person who is always sentimental about oldies… and that’s my beau! He said.. "Just keep it"

I’ve been wanting to let the paper go, now I just can’t!

So, I made a conclusion…. I placed it in between pages of a book.

Safe and Sound. Someday, somewhere, for sure somebody will take a flip of the book and find the paper. Stories then could be unfurl again.

Appealing piece of paper it is. Very old, full of memories for it also contain a tiny secret… On the other page of the paper, it’s actually a letter written by my cousin to my school friend. I am not sure how the letter later was in my possession. I don’t think I stole it!

Let’s take a sneak peak of the letter :

Nama pengirim surat tidak ditunjukkan sepenuhnya atas sebab-sebab teknikal dan prinsip-prinsip kewartawanan.

A-hah! Looks like somebody own somebody kfc! If I still remember clearly, that somebody lost a chess game to somebody, hence the deal.

Hmmmmm….. Just a piece of paper, so many yarns folded. J That was when snail mail is the mode of communication. How time flies.

Priceless life experience

2011-03-10T01:32:00.004+08:00

Mr Tan Hock Ann is one of Biology teachers in TKC. He taught me and still is currently. So special he is, he always carries his DSLR and takes photographs. Recently, it is a hit in FB among my school friends that he takes the effort to scan and upload photos of many of us during our alma matter.

I just browsed the album and ghee.. i so feel to wanna jump into time machine and return to the past. We had so much fun in school ! Definitely one of best phase of my life.

Back then in TKC, there were series of performance days, sports, competitions, parties ... I wonder when we actually spent time studying.

We have.. if I can name few.. 'Freshie' Concert for Form 1, English Drama Competition, Malay Drama Competition, Dancing Competition, Annual Dinner Performance, Teacher's Day Performance, House Party, Class Party, OGA Get-together, Band Competition, Mini Orchestra Competition, Inter-house of all kind of sports (of cause), Cadet competition, Debate competition,... ahhh so many more.

We learnt Music until Form 3. It was just blowing recorder and singing for 40 minutes. Songs like The Sounds of Music, Bear Necessities, Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Old Oak Tree, The Autumn Leaves, Supercalifragalistic Expialidocious (not sure about the spelling), Flipper..

oh! happy stuff.

Prep class for us was only at night, not until I was in Form 4 that afternoon prep class was introduced. We dragged our feet to go for afternoon prep because we were so used to having our own lay back time. However, 5.30pm onwards.. we were jumping around on the field, courts, cycling, roller blading or simply watching TV.

Again,... it's true, we don't spend much time studying unlike the thought of many people has about TKCians.

God's gift

2011-03-08T23:37:00.004+08:00

Alhamdulillah.. Allah s.w.t meminjamkan saya sedikit kepandaian dalam hal-hal kraf tangan. Saya seronok dengan kelebihan ini.

Setiap daripada kita sudah tentu dikurniakanNya kelebihan dalam kita sedar atau tidak.

Suami saya sangat arif menzahirkan pemetaan.

Look at how he drew out a map to Bagan Lalang from more than six corners of Selangor state for his office get-together seafood dinner.

He ain't need GPS !.. I tell you

Mok, My Hometown

2011-02-14T23:57:00.014+08:00

Happy Val's Day! hehehehehe... jangan marah... No, i do not celebrate Val's Day. It's not a significant day in my calender year.

This year February however, started great. We went back to Kelantan for the whole stretch of CNY holidays.

I was delighted to be able to buy and eat the famous Nasi Berlauk Mok Wok.. yummy!

Tour the area that I grew up...

..... once ground of our Pale Green Home

This is the grocery shop I used to frequent in my childhood years. The Chinese owner - Along had a superstitious belief that he's not supposed to sell salt and anything sharp after dawn. He was very strict with his belief, somehow or rather... he surrendered to me! Well, What he could do when there was a pin size girl never gave up knocking on his door begging that she need to buy the needle so her mami could finish customer's order!

Kelantan is unique in my eyes... I love..

like - where else can you find a signboard that still display 5 digits phone number ?

this fantastic CPT - cendol pulut tapai.

and not forgetting a pull over by the airport fencing to watch aircraft lands and takes off !... he he..

she's cool, huh?

I told Harris I do not know why I am so happy everytime we went back, where as above all listed, all i got is my mami and my mok 'bickering' with each other.

Well, one talk chicken while the other talk duck, but they can't live with out each other. Hmmmm, isn't that just the normal mother-daughter complicated relationship?

May be the bickering is the thing I miss to hear that makes me keep wanting to go back home.

I did sleep a-lot during the break. Nada has her favorite partners in crime - my nephew, Danial and my cousin - Zarif to keep her entertained. Strange... they are quite in the age gap - 15, 9 & 3 but compliment one another well. So, I was not much 'bothered' by her. Harris never dares to disturb my sleep. The one that does is Mok! She woke me up to ask me to EAT.

That made my activities were SLEEP-EAT-SLEEP-EAT!... Heaven!

Mami makes the world's best bake macaroni, trust me.

I like listening to Mok also.. but this time around I realize, her tales circles about her children that had passed away.

The most was arwah Ayah Long. She recalled Ayah Long as most loveliest baby boy, she carried him all the time. Apparently, the eldest son of her's.. never crawl because by the time she put him down.. he's about 2 and started walking. How 'true' the story is.. I do not know.

Mok told me Ayah Long went to school at age 5. He was the cleanest boy in school. He wore spanking white shoes to school in the morning and came back with the same condition. Ayah Long once almost drowned in Kelantan River near Kampung Sireh where he grew up. It was in his teenage. Mok said that was one day she can't never forget unless she'll go senile.

When pop-yeh-yeh evaded, Ayah Long never wanted to follow the trend though everybody else couldn't get enough of Joe Jambul hairstyle. He insisted in keeping his own style, Mok described he combed his hair almost Roger Moore.

I sensed Mok is missing her children that had left her...

I pray for Mok's health that she'll live many more years in this humble home I long dream to have for those I love. She's not one grandmother that would hug and kiss but she's one that is so willing not to eat her favorite dish just to make way for others. It's the way she is.

Mami's beautiful Japanese roses ...............

SHE’LL BE THREE

2011-01-29T07:13:00.020+08:00

Did these two Mommy made dresses ever make their appearance in the blog? no.. don't think so

The Shirring Dress

The Butterfly Wings Dress.. inspired by Made by Maya. (She learnt to pose by watching America's Next Top Model)

Nada’s pre-birthday present.

The Ruffle Shoulder Dress

and

The Green Rose Dress. (Anywhere u can find a green rose? My daughter has it !)

A lady will never have too many dresses. I have the feeling, ,she’ll have more of Mommy’s handmade…

I was telling my friend whom has one son age nine and currently trying for second that if she would be pregnant, it would be like having it for the first time again.

I myself is gradually loosing the precious memorable experience of carrying a human being inside me though it was only approximately four years ago that I gotten pregnant. Of cause I do remember.. but if you ask me to detail it… I would need to pull out my pregnant diary notes and recall real hard. It also sadden me.. at times I almost forgot of how it actually felt holding Nada when she was 12 months and below. Did I carry my daughter too little that this is happening to me ? I have to admit I was not a baby wearer and Nada’s daddy is one kindhearted hubby that he always pity me if I would need to carry Nada around. He would want to do the carrying job. Even now when his daughter is almost 14kg in weight … he still carries her as much as he wants and I think this will prolong for a much longer period. Nada is lucky.

Photos of our recent trip to Bangkok

Not only about carrying.. I am missing too the things people do when their baby is an infant. The simplest thing of putting mittens and booties on.

My baby girl will be three tomorrow and as usual I am melancholic about it. Way too fast for me.

She now attends playgroup at Kindicare till noon and back to her Nanny’s house after. I just want her to have fun, enjoying her childhood in a more conducive environment, hopefully she will.

Second day at Kindicare

.Celebrating the coming birthday with friends.

In the midst of me failing trying to be pregnant again… I am grateful to Allah s.w.t that I have Nada. If He plans for only this one beautiful child for me.. I am glad it was none other than her....

in Mommy's ferragamo and Mommy made The Lotsa Love Dress. (yeah.. I made her 10 dresses for Raya the other day and buy another 8 pairs... :)...

p.s – oh dear hubby.. if you are reading, I have a short wish list in regards to my crafting works.

NAK :

1. Measurement tape in imperial… tak feel ukur-ukur dalam metric ni.

2. Gunting kain yang mata dia gerigi-gerigi / zig-zag

Please buy for me...

ANTICS OF A TWO-ABOUT-TO-BE-THREE YEAR OLD

2010-12-18T22:12:00.023+08:00

Meet my latest craftwork :

My handmade sewing kit - the hanger yet altered.

Better looking with altered hanger, help from greatest hubby.

Close-up of elastic pockets for small items

complete with wrap band and button

for on-the-go sewing. KELASSSS gitu.... :)

Now the story :

1. She was playing wrestling with me and by purpose smacked her face onto mine. Ya, I play wrestle with my girl, so she would become strong enough to fight bullies (if any) at the Nanny’s, hopefully she is not the one.. hehehehe.

I told her – " Nada, avoid Mommy’s face.. Mommy kan baru cabut gigi. Gusi Mommy sakit."

Nada – "Gigi toilet?" ( I brought back my last molar which was extracted and placed it at the wash basin in the toilet)

Mommy – "Yes, the tooth is in toilet.. you saw, right. Sebab tu gusi Mommy sakit."

Nada – "Sapa buat?"

Mommy – "The doctor (read : Dentist)"

Nada – "Doctor !!! Issshhh... No-ne-no-ne-no-ne (start blabbering with fierce face as if cursing) . buatMommy! Rotan doctor.."

She’s imitating Mommy scolding the doctor just like Mommy does to console her when she complaint that the floor makes her fell down.

2. She was in her car seat at the rear passenger when Harris stopped for a red traffic light next to a BMW-Z4.

Nada – "Waaaaa.. Daddy, car banyak! Hahaha, car kecik! Daddy car besar." (Sambil-sambil buat muka berlagak, laughing to the ‘small’ Z4)

Mommy was relieved that the Z4 driver couldn’t hear her!

3. She recognizes Jalur Gemilang and it’s components as Tatu-leyse (Satu Malaysia). The first time I heard her saying was during Aidilfitri this year.

Whenever, wherever she sees the such, she’ll shout Tatu-leyse, Tatu-leyse. Be it the Giant logo, on coins or actual flag.

One day, she wore the t-shirt that I bought for her in Saigon… and she shouted “Tatu-leyse, Tatu-leyse. Nada, Tatu-leyse.. Daddy, Tatu-leyse..”

She met a kwailo sitting in Hotel Lobby in HK wearing the same t-shirt in blue color and went straight to the guy pointing to his t-shirt saying “Tatu-Leyse, same Nada” while showing hers. I think the kwailo also blur-blur..

I hope Najib Razak would not be ‘sour’ with my daughter for including Vietnam flag into the community of Satu Malaysia.

4. She sees or hears ambulance siren, she'll say.. MATIIIIIII.. She plays with McD toy of a girl riding scooter and acts as if accident occurred. She said... MATIIIII. I wonder if she really understand the concept of death. I don't remember ever teach her about death!

5. She says HUJAN as BUJAN. I tried to teach her - "HUUUUUUU - JAN". She repeats after me - "HUUUUUU-Bujan". I give up!

6. She likes soup… any kind and she calls it SOS. She likes soup with rice or mee or rice vermicelli. Upon having ……….., she will bring the soup bowl close to her mouth and slurp till finish. As parents to the toddler, we think it is still cute to do that for the age. So, we always try to capture photos.

Nada enjoying vegetable soup.

One night for a dinner, she did the same. Only thing, even before we picked up the camera… she told us… “ok, boleh ambik gambar”.. and brought the soup bowl to her mouth.

7. She’s excited watching advertisements on TV. It was LG Optimus that show a pair of parents shouting in bathroom if you could figure. She watched with big interest and shouted – HAH! SPANDER!...

O… Dear! I corrected her, “It’s spider…”

8. She is one baby with high awareness with surroundings. When she was about 13 months old or so, she made big noise when we were about one km away from our cousin's house Cik Byie. I couldn't figure out why in the first place.. but later understood that she was excited going to her second cousin's place, and she managed to figure out even a km away.

We tried to 'cheat' her by purposely walking towards our neighbor's house to see if she would be fooled and confused.. She was never able to be cheated even tho... you know... apartment houses, all doors look the same. She'll just stand still and that was when she's about 15 months.

The Kota Damansara tol house reminds her of Uncle Afiq, she'll shout "Ankeng Afiq- Ankeng Afiq" Whenever we are approaching it to go to our Cik Ra's house. What amazed me is.. she never mistaken with any other tol house.

Today, I was browsing the photos in my hard drive with her. Looking at this photo.. she said "Main dengan Ankeng Afiq". I asked her "Mana Uncle Afiq?" She showed me the carpet at the background of the photo and said "Nona" (what she calls Cik Ra).

As a mom.. I know exactly what she has in her mind. - The carpet reminds her of Cik Ra's house which brings her to Uncle Afiq.

I'm impressed.. that is so little carpet there, ok.

For the info : Uncle Afiq is her favorite uncle from Cik Ra's clan.

9. She’s always uneasy if Daddy’s not around. One morning she woke up looking for Daddy and asked me : "Mana Daddy". I told her – "Daddy went to JB, working."

With a complaint facial impression she uttered : "Ha… Pergi Cik Byie ? Nak ikut.. Main Abang Aqil."

Now.. when has Jay Bee turned to Cik Byie ?

little bit of that, little bit of this

2010-12-01T22:05:00.009+08:00

the latest dress I made for my best friend's daughter I called it Zahra - the flow-ey dress

............. time sure flies.. December! it's Harris's birthday month. Soon will be January and it's Dew's birthday month. Oh.. oh.. oh.. she'll be three.. I mean THREE????

Update of my baby girl - she's now diaper-less.

We actually don't really toilet trained her. For one - Mek is lazy to make the trips for her to the loo. Top of it, Dew is still a baby with not much words. So, I kinda give reasons to myself because it rings in my ear that old timers always say - Cakap dah pandai macam-macam tapi kencing-berak tak nak cakap. I felt that we could escape ourselves from such impression and it's 'ok' if her butt is still covered with diaper since she doesn't speak much of 'understandable' language.

He he...

Her loo some four months ago.

Not wanting to be disturbed while doing no 2 but Mommy curik2 ambik gambar nie.

I was wrong though, when a baby is ready for toilets.. it will happen despite not much of coaching neither baby being so eloquent. As for Nada, it started with her.. herself, telling us she wanted to poop. Then I tried not to put diaper on and told her that if she wants to pee, she got to go to the toilet. It was Sunday afternoon that day when I dozed off on the couch while she was playing with her toys next to me. I was awaken by the too quietness of the room. (well, didn't it happen to you that you can still hear sounds even if you're sleeping?). The first thing I did was shouting - "Nada!!! where are you ?" She answered me.. Kensheng toilet mommy.

Awww.. all by herself.

She never had any wet encounter. Last nite, she slept through out with no diaper and woke me up at around 430am to go to the toilet. :)

Now, we have three packs of unopen Huggies diapers which looks like they will not to be used in near time.

Nada in Mommy's handmade Tartan Pleated Dress

Nada in Mommy's handmade The Sachs Dress.

That little shopping – HK Day 4

2010-11-05T20:32:00.021+08:00

Having to stay and experienced Disneyland Hotel, I have to write a review about it. There are two hotels in HK Disneyland namely, Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel and Disney's Hollywood Hotel.

We are family...

We stayed in Disney's Hollywood Hotel for the reason of its’ cheaper rate compared to other one. There are several types of rooms of same hotel which were also rated differently. I chose a Sea View room hoping for uninterrupted view and not fronting to other rooms. Good instinct I had, we had a great view from our window!

However, the building is spread wide enough that even the fronting rooms has more than 150’ distance. So not so bad.

Braille equipped hotel plan

The architectural layout is straight forward with clean space formation that you’ll hardly get lost in it. Interior works is nice, neat and cheerful.

Exchanging cards?

Only downside I would say is the placement of reception counter. Bad design – with two huge column blocking. Apara… itu arkitek….

What a total blunder...having that two column

Their service is superb, which can easily be judged by the time taken for registration and other wise. Check-in only takes you 10 minutes or so and check-out merely 5 minutes!

The cream of Disneyland Hotel to me however is their detail attention to the needs of little ones. What else can I say.. It's DISNEYLAND ! Really makes me happy. During the check-in we were informed that the room is equipped with two compact queen size beds which are positioned detached from the side walls and being asked if we would want a bed fence to be fixed. I agreed. As a baby product junkie myself, I checked the brand of the bed fence. They use LINDAM….. Not bad, eh.

All toiletries and towels are provided in three for our room, and of course one is in a smaller size fit for our love, Dew.

The mickey mouse gargle glass are also in two sizes...

May be I have not stayed in many hotels enough to say, it was the only hotel thus far that I encountered such provision.

Bravo Disney's Hollywood Hotel.

We procured the Disneyland Stay 2 Days tickets, i.e promotion price to enter the park for two consecutive days by staying in the Hotel. Thus, Day 4 was still planned for Disneyland, but I didn’t intend to be in the park for the whole day long. What I had in mind was half day in the park and to head to Tung Chung which is just two stop away by MTR from Disneyland Resort MTR station for a cable car ride to Hon Ming 360 and a little shopping at the Citygate Outlet (CO)

So after check-out, we left our luggage at the hotel storage service and entered the park. The weather for second day in the park was so much pleasant compared to the first day. It was scorching hot earlier but second day was shadowed. Nice! By noon we had completed all the rides and some of Dew’s liking were ridden twice.

Fire extinguisher in Tarzan's tree house.

We were left with much recommended live show called the Golden Mickey which is the next schedule time was at 4.00pm. Harris and I were contemplating if we were to wait or not since we planned for the cable car ride. Errrrr, actually it was me whom contemplated… Harris abide my decision.

Giving a deepest thought, I decided to watch the show. We went all the way to HK for Disneyland, might as well get ourselves satisfied. Golden Mickey show is a live 30 minutes theatre performance casting characters from Disney productions such as Snow White, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Tarzan dan macam-macam ada. It was a splendid show.

However, since I have watched Disney on Ice live performance and other theatre shows like Sounds of Music, Cats, Saturday Night Fever, Stomp.... I would say Golden Mickey show is a friction of those.

Oooo… ya, my Ayah Ngah used to furnish me with two free VIP tickets for many of international live performances at Istana Budaya. (There is a myth told in my family that said I am my Ayah Ngah’s favorite niece…..) During that period Harris and I were ‘Bujang Senang’, so we never missed to make ourselves available for the shows.

We went to Tung Chung anyway after watching the show, though it was rather late. I thought never mind if we couldn’t make it for the cable car ride, let’s just roam around the CO.

Harris said.. I didn't jump high enough earlier. So, this one should be ok.. No? Give me a break! I'm an old 35...

Citygate Outlet is a shopping complex built across a highway linking HK city and airport with branded items factory outlets boutiques being it’s retailers. Some are Bally, Clarks, Armani, Kookai, Mango… bla bla bla… I can say they ARE factory outlets, unlike in Bandung which I couldn’t tell if a product is an imitation or factory outlets.

O.. come on! When two pairs of trousers are exactly of a same design, same material but with different brand label, can you say they are factory outlets. To me.. it looks more like a belasah-punya-immitation. Mek don’t like. I’d rather buy unknown brand.

I meant for myself a handbag, so purchased one. Among the many-many brands, we know Coach is always relevantly cheaper compared to other brands. And since it is factory outlets, the goods are offered at 10-15% lesser than the normal retail price. Mek kedekut… and chose between the ones that were offered at 50% discount. So, I just spent HKD1900. He he. Even so, I was going back and forth weather to buy or not. Punyala susah. Mek ni kampong skett..

Strange, when my cousin was going to further his tertiary study doing Medicine in Egypt recently, I dedicate him a bigger sum of money... double than what I spent for the handbag with no second thought. Not at all.. in fact I was so contend with my act. Nothing to brag about it, but that is to show spending money in different ways contend different people differently. There is no right or wrong.

Anyway, I can say the handbag was a worth buy and I always savor anything worth it. Mek berkira-berkira…. To buy one for my MIL or my Mok and my Mami. My MIL has three DILs, but whenever she needs a handbag she always ask from me. So it would be nice if this time around I get her a new handbag without she has to ask.. hmmm? And Mok… it will be so glamorous for her to carry a Bally, isn’t it? And if buy for Mok… Mami has to have too… right? though she just had one for Raya….

I also thought I should get a pair of Clarks for my one and only nephew.

Sadly, I do not have much time at CO. Trust me… I am not giving myself an excuse. I didn’t even get anything for Nada.

Harris was pressing me citing we had our bags at Disneyland Hotel storage to be claimed, though they never gave us any time limit. He kept reminding me that we still have to figure our way to next hotel we were to spend our next two nights in HK. My husband always like that one….

We left CO at around 8.30pm back to Disneyland to get our luggage. After 6 times of exchanging MTR, walk trough the long Mong Kok East station, a shopping mall (which I do not know what name it is) .. we arrived at Royal Plaza Hotel in Kowloon close to 10.30pm. Mek dah tak dapat rasa tapak kaki… perasaan nak terjun atas katil jek…

So, if I could have one more day in HK.. I want to spend that day at Citygate Outlet, Tung Chung.

Gambar pun sekeping ni je sempat ambik... This is the part where it crosses the highway...

Fun and Family reunite - HK Day 3

2010-10-21T08:52:00.033+08:00

Plan for the day was to have fun in Hong Kong Disneyland.

Our tickets... check out Mickey Mouse brass print on the sewer line manhole cover.. so detailed.

There is no time difference between HK and Malaysia in terms of the ticking clock, however the daily atmosphere appeared to be approximately 1 hour earlier than what we are used to. It’s like West Malaysia and East Malaysia, if you know what I mean. For example if Syuruk in West Malaysia is at 6.30am, in East Malaysia is approximately 5.30am because the sun rises earlier to lands on the East of the globe.

6.45am in Hong Kong

So it is the same thing with HK. At 6.30am, daylight starts to show…. we no longer able to continue our sleep. Still it is only 6.30am, the locals so is the city is yet to awake, we turned out to be the early birds.

Just like the 2nd day in HK, our 3rd day started early due to mentioned factor.

After getting ourselves ready by 7.30am, we headed to Masjid Ammar and Osman Ramju Saddick Islamic Centre, located near to the hotel we were staying planning for breakfast and to return for check-out. Sadly, the Canteen (of MAORSIC) operation hour starts at 10am for weekdays. We were too early. I had planned for dinner at the same place upon our returned from Macau in the earlier but miss the boat too because operation hour ends at 9.00pm. Sigh…

We walked back to the hotel and had no choice but shoved ourselves with biscuits and energy bars for breakfast….. Again!

Mek… pantang sikit sebenarnya kalau tak sarapan betul2. Kalau nasi berlauk mok wok ada kat HK kan best.

Nada having breakfast by the window. One daddy's gal, eh.

I believe most if not all hotels in HK have shuttle bus service for their guests. We opted for it to send us to MTR Hong Kong station of which we would be opting the orange line to bring us cross the straits towards Kowloon side (i.e HK in mainland) subsequently to Lantau Island. The hotel shuttle bus service is very efficient and convenient. It’s punctual according to the time schedule provided by the hotel and bell attendant attends to our baggage all the while. What’s more rewarding.. it’s free! Bagus servis dia.. and tak pilih bulu. Mek tak bawak handbag LV pun.. And it is so very different from what I always hear about Hong Kees. I thought they are ‘commercially kiasu’ and lack of courtesy.
Again another reason to travel… to get to know people.

On our way to HK MTR Station

Once we were at the HK MTR station, we straight away looked for signage to ensure our way. Both Harris and I were dragging one baggage each on top of knapsack and carrier, we don’t want to make another small mistake that has the potential to ruin our day. Yup I didn’t tell you that on Day 2, we wrongly took an exit from an MTR stop just because we did not pay attention to the signage. It resulted to an extra 20 minutes walk to Shun Tak Mall where ferries depart and arrive for Macau-HK. Luckily, Harris figured our way out pretty well.
So, never take HK MTR system lightly for first timers. If I rate LRT in KL as 2, MTR in HK is 20. That much of a difference, hence it is a liiiiiiittle lacking if you go HK and do not experience the MTR. More or less going London with out the Underground.

Only by size, if you are standing in the middle of a train… you can’t really see any end of the long train. Harris calculated… there were 8 coaches at length of approximately 40 feet each being attached per each train run. That gives 320 feet or about 98m long. Hey, that’s his naked eyes judgement…. Don’t use it to answer any quiz about HK. Google for the facts if you really want to know.. but I don’t think he would run far.

Can you see the far end?

As for entrances and exits, each station has multiple and labeled with alphabets which is from and lead to many areas and direction. Therefore, paying attention to signage is crucial. You HAVE to know where you are heading to. Jangan nak try an error.. Penat jer nanti.

Knowing we were on the right track and having our Octopus cards ready (equivalent to Touch and Go card that we procured at the airport the night we arrived – tips given by a dear friend), we board the MTR orange line towards Tung Chung and to stop at Sunny Bay for transit to the pink line, i.e Disneyland Resort Line. Transit is peanut. It is at the same platform.

The moment we board Disneyland Resort Line train, it already gives us that magical-happy feeling of what Disneyland is all about.

From Disneyland Resort MTR station, we took the free shuttle bus to Disneyland Hollywood Hotel in search for my cousin Safrul whom had arrived at the hotel a day earlier than us so that we can put our luggage in their rooms since check-in time is at 3.00pm and we were still early. However, to our surprise… we need not have to do that, the hotel itself provides luggage storing service. All of the luggage were systematically sorted for whom were to check-in and also check-out. Very convenient.

We asked assistance from the front desk to look for Safrul. I wrote his full name MOHD SAFRUL ALAM on a paper and handed to the pretty lady.
She checked in the system and asked me : “Is there anyone by the name of MASARI?”
Hmmmm… Hati Mek teruuuus jadi sayu… Itu arwah ayah long Mek…., the much loved and it has been quite sometime that I last remember him.
I gulped and answered her – “Yes, that is his surname”

It crossed my mind that at times we are known by our fathers’ name.

She tried contacting Safrul’s room but to no avail. We decided to just go ahead to the park. Not after a while, only Harris realized Safrul had already text him much earlier but he didn’t notice. They had waited for us…. And of course we reconciled with them in the park.

I do not have to say much about the rides, the show, the parade, the landscape, the fireworks or the ‘castle’ of Disneyland, I guess. It’s just simply magical and so much fun. Anyone who has that little kid at heart would be happy. Everyone! I am sure about that. And me… I am in-fact a big kid ! I am a roller-coaster lover.

Picture tells a thousand words...........

Nada was on Daddy's shoulder all throughout the Parade. She has the best dad in world. Lucky girl she is.

I think I am going to send Oprah Winfrey an e-mail and propose for her to bring 100 African kids to Disneyland. Can you imagine the smile and laugh of African kids going to Disneyland ? Those are the sweetest smile and 'hearthiest' laugh, I tell ya.

At the end of the fun filling tiring day, as we turned off the hotel room lights…….. I can feel there is something melancholic about Disneyland albeit it’s delight. I wonder why.. what… and the answer laid just next to me, My Baby.

I went schooling of where Disneyland is not an unfamiliar vacation place for many of my school friends. Many had visited Disneyland even very long time ago. Their fun stories became much of a telling tale and I always envy them.

At that tender age, it is easier if you are to befriend with whom that their life experience doesn’t differ much from you, but if unexpectedly you have to cope with the vigorous ones, you just got to find ways to fit into the flock. Not wanting to be left out and at the same time you have to hold your grounds.

Now that I was able to enjoy Disneyland with my baby…, I am so grateful to Allah s.w.t for His rezeki, for the health and wealth bestow to me. Of course, also thanking current airlines system for the opportunity and making traveling affordable to larger group of people.

If I could.. I would want to bring my baby to all Disneyland in the world for she would have her own telling tale.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

That night too as I close my eyes, upon what had happened at the reception counter… I reminded myself… weather I like it or not, I will always carry my father’s name next to mine for as long as I live. And I should always offer my prayer to Allah s.w.t for him as appreciation for someone whom had brought me into this world. For the person I am right now, I know I inherited a lot of things from him too. Al-Fatihah…………...

It feels good to travel - HK Day 1 & 2

2010-10-18T21:44:00.016+08:00

Home Sweet Home. Indeed… but if I am granted for another day of holiday, I would want that another ONE day. We reached home from Hong Kong yesterday afternoon and not until this morning before going to work that I only switched on my hand phone. How I dragged myself!

While it is still juicy to talk about, I’d rather blog about the trip or it will never appear in here.
Hmmm… This trip was actually a follow-the-step kind of thing. My dear cousin, Safrul called me one day telling me he’ll be going to HK and being itchy me, I wanted to ‘tag’ along. Hence, the request for dear hub to make it happen as our anniversary present. :)

Unlike the usual, I didn’t make much ‘study’ about our intended trip. Simply because of my office works clutters. I didn’t feel so good to leave the work actually........
Harris is kind enough to do all the surveying.. be it our accommodation, transportation, travel routes, places to visit, proposed itinerary what-so-ever. However, the decision making was all left to me especially when it comes to spending money. Yeah, that’s how it goes in our household. We have the Prime Minister… but he is not holding finance portfolio, the First Lady does. Yes, I am the Minister of Finance. Mek kan kedekut sikit… it makes a good Minister, you see!
No…. Mek was brought up to savor every single cent that she has, so it must be spent diligently.

Since I anticipated, we’ll do a lot of walking and hopping on and off the public transport, I knew I must get something appropriate for Harris to be able to carry Dew every now and then. She already outgrown her Baby Bjorn carrier, so we bought this.

With the buy, we vowed, there will be a lot more adventurous outdoor activities for the family. Next in line – jungle trailing : the nearest – Bukit Indah kat sebelah rumah ni ha!!!! Dah bertahun dok sini… tak pernah2 pun ada inisiatip nak panjat bukit tu!

There goes RM600 for another carrier. It’s the third. I am a self proclaimed baby products junkie laaaa…. While we were at BSC-Mothercare, I was eyeing for the Phil&Teds 2 in 1 or double stroller.

TC, you are right.. that stroller is so smart, I dream of that if I am blessed with another baby. :) Berkenan yang kaler kuning.
(Harris is shouting – Habis.. yang dah ada dua kat rumah ni tak longgar kat mana-mana nak buat tukun ke?)

Ok, Enough! Have some photos …..

KL Sentral

KLIA Aerotrain

First time entering KLIA jungle walk..

Dew checking Going Places

HK Airport

Waiting for Airport Coach

We arrived HK at 1030pm and upon all the customs procedure, baggage claim… it was already too late for other kind of transportation to hotel besides the Airport Coach. Our first day ended so tired due to the journey proofed by this photo.

The second day was planned for a day in Macau. We had our simple breakfast in the hotel room and make our way to the MTR station on foot. I must give big credit to my husband. He walked HK streets like it is his own Kampung To’ La, Pasir Mas. He had a map in his hand and straight away could figure out the city grids. Mek ikut jek. I knew he needs no GPS to figure out roads in Malaysia that he could draw directions, people will never get lost… but HK? It is totally a new city to him, ok!
Some people are gifted with mapping mind weather he realized or not.

Causeway Bay MTR Station

We took the popular-most-used transportation to Macau, by high speed ferry. Well, if you are rich enough you can charter a helicopter!

Ferry operated by Turbojet company

Mek chatting with local.....

Sorry with the lacking of my world history knowledge… I never knew Macau is in lease by China to Portugal until 2046. Bad, huh! That’s why I need to travel more! It gives a reason…

Macau used to be a fisherman village and now.... As we all know, Macau is built by casinos but I tell you… until you visit for yourself… words are not easy to describe what casinos mean to Macau. Our English speaking tour guide William (we opted for a 4 hours tour assistance package that cost HKD750, since none of us speaks Mandarin or Hokkien or Cantonese and thought it would be easier to move around) told us.. Macau’s population is about 300,000 and 250,000 of them work in casinos. Remaining would be in public sectors and business. Hah kau… sampai tak cukup orang nak kerja kat kasino tu.

An interesting fact, pawn shop is the second biggest business after casino in Macau. So ideal, don’t you see? Tak cukup duit, pergi gadai Rolex buat main judi….. Habis jugak… terjun jambatan!

This landmark double M (Macau-Money) bridge claims 3-4 life of broke gamblers a year.

William briefed us there are 6 companies dominated the casinos, let me see if I still remember them all : Sands, The Venetian, Lisboa, City of Dreams, Whynn, hmmmmm…… oh! I miss one. Can’t remember. If you want to know of the yields or anything factual about casinos, might as well just google.

Ride a rolls roys if you're staying at Presidential Suite in Whynn

What I can tell you through my own eyes, I think casinos are designed to make people feel filthy rich. Every single detail is made luxurious. Luxurious building design, finishes, facilities provided and even the services rendered. Each casino would want to have their own unique features.. musical water fountain, golden ball show, etc.

All these are to make the gamblers feel happy and money is on their side when it is not necessarily. With thousands and thousands of slot machine and barracuda tables, gamblers sink in the cruise for having big money. Harris and I take turns to experience the casinos as children are not allowed to enter. It was so entertaining to just watch and observe the gamblers behavior. Ada yang hisap rokok berkepul2, baca doa terkumat-kamit… and the way they turn the card… every one has their own style.

We also visited the old Portuguese town, ruin of St John’s church. The only left was Macau Tower. It was a full circle of Macau and we headed back to HK island at 730pm.

Old Town

Ruin of St John's church

Macau is clean, even the back lanes... Mek like!

The only mosque in Macau was one of the stop for solat.

Mommy's handmade dress looks good in Macau too... hee hee..

Ok.. till then... See Ya!

updates

2010-09-25T06:47:00.008+08:00

………FUH! **Tiup habuk kat blog ni. :)

Almost everyday as I brace my daily life I always feel there’s something I want to blog about. Sadly, only the very few ‘lucky’ stories made it’s way to the world-wide-web.

For now, what’re inside me in no particular order :

1. If I have the chance, I would like to congratulate Nicol Ann David personally for procuring the 5th World Champ title. She’s smart and so committed with the game she loves, I salute her.

2. News on a baby girl who deceased at a nursery during day care scares me lot. It seems to me that the guardians are so lacking of basic education on baby care, letting baby having formula in a flat position. Please – have a pillow or something underneath the head which is supposed to be held at 45 degree position.
Anyhow, the other day… I encountered the same situation when a mom lets her older daughter aged 10y.o to attend to the younger one age 6m.o having milk in a real flat position on a sofa. I so want to voice my concern.. but I just shut my mouth. That was bad on my side….

3. I share the grief with many other Malaysians on the devastating death of Datuk Sosilawati Lawiya and others… including the Indian nation millionaire. It is even more painful to the family members of victims as at the time the news hit most relevant medias, Muslims are about to celebrate Eidulfitri. Make a pause,.... just see what evil money could bring to us. Nauzubillah.
Associated to this episode, many other issues and speculation were raised.. such as :
- Police’s action in investigating report cases
- Racism
- Politicians hearsay ………
But one attracted me most. Somebody told me : There’s surely something real ‘bad’ done by the victims that they died in a horrific way. Astaghfirullahaladzim. True enough, every one is entitled to their own opinion, but I am so glad that this sort of opinion hardly reach my senses.
I was saying to myself – I hope the children of Datuk Sosilawati is able to continue their mom’s business legacy and even bring it to higher level with this death when first known about the news. The same thought also came to me when Tan Sri S.M Nasimuddin passed away some time ago, despite the ‘hu-ha’ of A.Ps. Rather think positive things about others.. I guess.

4. I support Nurul Izzah Anwar in her decision to be one of the candidates for PKR's Vice President election and I read with much interest the interview of Datuk Zaid Ibrahim in Mingguan Malaysia. I thought – “hmmpphh… politik ni… sama je PR ke BN ke….2x5 lah……..”

5. I am excited with our upcoming trip to Hong Kong, but my leave application is yet approved. A note by my boss on the application form – “See me”…. Aduhai…
I am thinking of getting a designer handbag in HK for myself as a reward of my hardwork of whatever. …………. What say you?

6. Nada drags herself to the nursery every morning ever since she knew her Aunty Ani returned from Medan. She screamed – “Nak tido-nak tido-nak-tido” when we try to wake her up or to bathe her. When it’s time to leave the house she’ll bawl and cry… “Wait-wait-wait.. Nak TV”. Her tears accompanies her cheek all the way to the Nursery. Boleh hilang sabar but when she sincerely looks into my eyes and softly said.. “Mommy, no school nak aunty…….”.. I know I just have to send her back to the Indon nanny rather than to the nursery despite the chaos created by BENDERA !

7. What do I do with these shoes.....?

20.08.2010

2010-08-20T19:06:00.004+08:00

On one weekend, I went out for an appointment pertaining to an aside job that I am currently working on. Nada was left home with her Daddy. (Barangsiapa yang membaca dan memandang serong terhadap suamiku kerana manjaga anak di rumah dan membenarkan isteri keluar bekerja… Mind your own business)

Right after finishing with the fruitful meeting, I rushed home as I was already late for Maghrib prayers.

I reached home to find out :

What a lovely site. My heart melt. I took the camera and snapped this photo. You know, I want my girl to treat me as her best friend, but …. I believe being a daddy’s girl is so cool too.
Nothing compares to being lifted and carried by strong arms, ain’t it?

Out of my mind, I uttered “Bestnya Nada ada Daddy”………………………..

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Last night, Harris was sitting on the sofa the same way. Looking at him, I straight away jumped onto the sofa and laid on his big fat tummy. Wahhhh! Heaven.

Annnnd… the tiny lil Dew never likes to see this kind of scene because she feels being left out. So she tried as much as she could to squeeze for a space on Daddy’s tummy.

My husband said : “It’s ok, Nada baring sini… (pointing to the available space on his tummy)”..
What I appreciate is… He didn’t ask me to make way for Nada, he offered warmth to us both, instead.

How I love this man. Not only he knows how to handle the stubborn-ugly-women me…. He also treats me like a small child with so much love.
I pray to Allah s.w.t for HIS blessing upon my husband.

Happy 6th Anniversary, Abang. May it brings us more joy in years ahead.

This is what I got for our 1st anniversary in 2005.

I love the artist and the album title says it all... I was very happy with this gift. :) Am not a difficult women to be pleased, aren't I? Never ask for rantai emas sebesar tali kapal.....

p.s :

Dear Abang, Here is my wish list for this year’s anniversary :
1. Trip to Hong Kong become a reality
2. A sewing machine foot press. *wink*

The wishlist... :(

2010-08-20T15:15:00.002+08:00

Early this year, I have three items in my wish list for 2010 in no particular order. To renovate our Puncak Jalil house, to get an MPV and to berlibur in London and Paris if not part Europe. They all require thick packs in my pocket or rather said my bank account need to show many zeros in front of the decimal points.. not after!
Though, I already work like a horse… it seems still not enough, we may only choose one.

Our Puncak Jalil house is as it was when we received Vacant Possession in August last year. The only different would be, it is without TNB meter now! Dah kena curik. I am not so sure what is holding us back from proceeding with the renovation. Harris is comfortable with our current address. Near to his work place and easy access to mine.

Getting an MPV is a dream preparation should we are blessed with a new addition to the family. However, the trials aren’t showing any success thus far. I’ve been shoving 400mg Folic Acid every day my eyes are turning yellow. (Errrr…. Itu Mek bikin gempak je) I guess, we’ll be reducing our account figure and contributing to Dr Ishak’s account soon for the ‘see-doctor-to-get-baby’ regime.
Sigh – this is so depressing and reading news on baby dumping makes me real sick, you know what I mean…

London and Paris is far reach. It is August now, soon would not be so good seasons for visiting.

Ahhhh… punah ranah segala harapanku.

The patchwork and bag and stuff

2010-08-11T14:23:00.030+08:00

I aimed for a self made patchwork blanket for my girl before her age is seven when Harris gifted me with a set of rotary cutter and self-heal cutting board for my 35th birthday last March.
Never I expected that it was achieved so much earlier and I did it in three weekends, I consider quite fast as it is my first time :

TADAAAAA : My first patchwork project!
Ya Allah, Yang Maha Pemurah, give me the strength to work hard for your halal rezeki and get rich, that one day I can afford to buy one of these kind of bungalow.... Selingan

The urge to doing (can I use ‘ing after to here ? How come it sounds right ? Kerabu Jantung, betul ke grammar ni?) this quilt is related to our decision in sending Nada to daycare nursery. Nada’s nanny returned to Medan is prolonged due to a road accident occurred to her sons. One deceased and another is in critical condition. Only her husband came back while she stays.

So after being a nomad for more than a week at my Aunty’s place in Kota Damansara in seeking her help to look after Nada, we decided to go for nursery.

It was Friday that Harris fetched Nada on the first day at nursery. He was told by the babysitter that we have to provide with a sleeping mat for daytime nap. Huh! Why wouldn’t I think about it earlier? I felt bad that I didn’t make available the necessary for my girl…. I told Nada – Mommy’s gonna make her a beautiful quilt. The most beautiful one would be at the nursery.

On Saturday afternoon of first weekend, I took out a craft book Harris bought for me some five years ago to learn about patchwork.

I firmed up to try the Log Cabin pattern due to it’s simplicity. At night before going to bed, I found myself cutting whatever fabric I have. That explains the non co-ordinated colors of the quilt. Even my koyak rabak caftan was sacrified too. :-)
Next day Sunday, I started with sewing after Subuh prayers and completed all 6 Log Cabins by the time my two loves woke up from sleep.

In the late afternoon then, we headed to Jalan TAR in search for quilt wadding and bought it at Bunga & Riben for 3m ready cut cost RM 45.

The second weekend, I proceeded with attaching all 6 Log Cabins with the polka-dot pattern fabric and the border. I also made back part of the quilt which was so much simpler. Once done with the front and back part of the quilt, it’s time for me to get it laid on the floor and assembling.
You see, the moment things were on the floor.. my speed was reduced tremendously. Big thanks to the tiny helper.

She did her catwalk on the quilt... she decided to play the shape sorter when it was long left out

She wanted to play elephant while I was basting (jelujor)

But, I would have to go with the flow. Because the more I say “NO NADA”… the more she would act against me by … “YES MOMMY!”
I just let her be.. that’s one tips for those of you whom are with a busy body toddler but insist on doing craft works. Let them ‘help’ you.

As you can see here, even though I am not on craft works she would also want to attract my attention, ain’t she? You really think she’s sleeping? That was pretending… siap buat bunyi berdengkur. So why bother to scold… bior je.

In making this quilt, I would say quilting is the most difficult part. I was cursing myself while quilting for not following the suggestion in the book that beginners should start with a simple project. Mine is simple too but the size is way to big for a beginner like me. The fact that I am using an old inherited SINGER sewing machine, I named her Lady Gaga from my mami without the machine foot press gives you the idea of how I had to struggle. My right hand rolling the machine roller start and left hand trying to push and control the thick quilt while both my feet peddling the machine. Not an easy task at all.

Anyway, I wouldn’t want to stop what I have started… it is just not me. I finished quilting on Saturday of the second week and got stuck. I didn’t have a suitable material to proceed for the edging and at the same time I was thinking of additional accessory I should include for the ease of storing the quilt, but I did not know what to do. To make some kind of a rope with velcro attach to the quilt? It is an idea that came across.

I asked Harris of what he thinks about the quilt thus far. Harris, though not having soft fingers for craft works, has very sharp eyes and mind. He hardly gives me good praises of what I do instead provide superb comments or suggestions – I like that it triggers my anxiety. He suggested for me to make a bag to put the quilt in for easy storage. I didn’t even tell him that I was thinking for an accessory for that purpose.

Bag ? .. That made us off to IKEA on Sunday of the second week for suitable fabrics. I bought these. and used the green stripes fabric for the quilt edging. The edging required hand stitch all around and I did it during weekdays night after I came back from work… bit by bit. The part took so long and only completed by Friday night. Again, ‘thanks’ to my baby.

When she could lay down anywhere within our tiny apartment, she insisted to opt for my lap the moment I picked up the quilt. Hmmmmm :-) Saja je dia nak kacau.

I didn’t really know how to make a bag and do not own a book that teach of such. There are a lot of bag making tutorials from the internet but I didn’t find any that teach to make a bag for quilt storing. So, I improvised the making and tried with a miniature which turned out to be a gadget for Dew’s pretend play.

As for the actual bag for the quilt, it looks like this.

Nothing so outstanding, I gave myself a pass onlylah. My mami would did it with one eye closed.

I really wanted to finish up the bag the fastest I could but daytime of the 3rd weekend was really meant to be full of events.

* We had to bring Nada for Hepatitis A jab in Seremban (yeah, yeah, yeah… I still visit the same Pediatrician for the last 2 and half years… walaupun alasan sebenarnya Mek nak pergi makan mee bandung kat Seremban),

Had her bath at LEKAS R&R on the way back...

Also stopped by at Nilai 3 for more fabrics... I bought Japanese cotton this time.

* I promised my boss to present a draft project report on Monday that I had to complete over the weekend, (ini memang kena buat siang hari… malam kalu… muka Mek tersembam atas lap top! zzzzzzzzzzz)

* attending to the part time job that I indulged myself in and hoping for the return soon,

* house errands, biasala….
* keeping promise to bring my girl to the park
* the first time visit to spa for a body massage (yelah…. Mek orang kampong… tak biasa spa-spa, facial-facial ni..)
* get a gift and attending friend’s wedding,

the bride is Harris's batch mate in uni.

the bride's sister is my batch mate in uni,.. they both are pretty ladies

* bringing my girl for swimming and bla-bla-bla

So, I had no choice. I stayed up on Saturday night from 12night till 5am… and the bag was finished just in time for Subuh prayers.

I love the effort that I have put in. I am very proud when the babysitter at nursery told me how Nada drag her quilt bag and asked the babysitter to spread it out when she sensed a baby crying wanting to sleep. I guess my baby is so proud of her quilt, she doesn’t mind to share with other babies.

P/s –
whoot-whhooott – though I love sewing, I am still an architect by profession ya!

Please

2010-07-31T22:33:00.003+08:00

It is customary for us to greet “Assalamualaikum” whenever we are entering houses. We also do it upon entering our own home though nobody is in. Well, it is a well wish and surely there’ll be the Al-Mighty’s creation ‘living’ in the house other than us, the human being. We hope good ones! Our girl had also picked up the habit and whenever we open our house door, she’ll greet “AAAeeekooooMMM……..”

Different Note:

I’ve been trying to teach Nada to include the word “Please” in her gibberish talking. Sometimes she uses, mostly… she won’t. Today while I was in the kitchen cooking for lunch, she came in asking for her yogurt drink from the fridge.

Nada while pointing to the fridge door – “Mommy, nak ashiyum… ipen” means – Mommy, I want Calsiyum…open (the fridge)”

Mommy – “Nada, how should you say if you want Mommy to open the fridge door for you?”

Nada replied – “AAAeeekooooMMM……..”

Mommy – Ketawa tertonggeng-tonggeng!

We love her so much.

Long silence and activities

2010-06-30T00:35:00.021+08:00

OOOOhhh, dah lama betul tak update blog ni. Luckily I do not forget my password! Life has been pretty hectic, with endless load of office works and also trying to slot in a couple of aside jobs. What to do..... Mek tidak dilahirkan dengan sudu perak, got to work extra hard for few extra grant.

Nada's Nanny is away for her balik kampung in Medan. She told us, she might go back for 10 to 14 days. I guess that is sensible as she has not gone back for about two years to see her family. It has been 12 days and I really hope she would return.

The first day she was not around, I brought Nada to office and my boss 'loan' his maid to me to look after my girl.

.... like a tuition class, after my boss's children came to office too at 3pm till 6 accompanying Nada!

Then after until tomorrow, I am lucky to have my cousin Shasha who is in her uni semester break to help babysitting. Though Nada cries like a 'mad' girl every morning as we leave home for office, she settles down few minutes after as per reported by Shasha.

However, until tomorrow I am still clueless of where? whom? how? would I arrange Nada to be taken care since Shasha is going back tomorrow night and starting her semester soon. Berdenyut kepala Mek!

Okeh-okeh... Aside of all these busy and clutter life I am going through right now, lets talk about something joyfull - at least to me.

All said with below photos... I've been tailoring dressess to keep me sane.

Dress 1 - I call it Tartan Pleat Dress

Dress 2 - Tie a Green Ribbon Dress

Dress 3 - Bareback Shirring Dress

Dress 4 - Reversible Tier Twirl Dress

Dress 5 - Beachcomber Dress (from Daddy's undershirt)... uh! Dew is super cute in this, I've yet to transfer photos of her.

There goes, few more 'under construction' and more fabric waiting!

Having these dressess, I have a special note for my dear friend, Toughcookie.

Dear Juan,

I meant one of the dressess numbered 1, 2 & 3 for Jada as a gift for her coming 2nd birthday soon. They may not be as gorgeous as the lines that she's having but rest assured... each one is unique. Well, it's handmade.....

I couldn't make up my mind which one to be gifted to her, I thought there would be no one better than you to choose. Furthermore, I came to understand that you seems to prefer choosing a gift so it will be to your liking (harap ada yang disuka!)... and hopefully will still be pleasantly surprised once received.

The Tartan Pleat Dress could be tat bit too long for petite Jada now. Tie a Green Ribbon Dress and Bareback Shirring Dress were 'test drive' to Nada like these :

She's picking Mommy's balcony pot flowers....

Nada viewing Jada's on phone video.

Promise : Only 'test drive' ............. never worn. So TC, leave me your mailing address in my FB inbox should you sudi to accept this gift on behalf of Jada.

with Love : Mario

Kota Bharu and I

2010-05-31T05:23:00.010+08:00

It is not my working Monday morning at 2.16am and we are in M.S Garden Hotel, Kuantan. Both Harris and Dew are asleep while I am still wide awake. Must be the hot shower or could be the jumping jacks on hotel bed with Dew earlier that made my eyes wouldn’t want to rest as yet.
We are on our way back to KL after a short trip to beloved home town. I persuaded Harris for a night stay over here with me giving reason that he has to attend for a site inspection. Co-incidentally, he has an ongoing project in Kuantan. Yea..yea…yea… I am always his unofficial boss what !
Well in a more serious mode, he really needs a follow-up inspection after last Thursday’s inspection anyway. I just made it more assured.

I had been postponing for my balik kampong trip since 2 months back. There were always matter(s) that came up which didn’t allow me to do so. Not until last week and after long fought with my boss.
Dew and I took a flight on Wednesday night which later was followed by Harris the next day after his site visit, yes,, here in Kuantan.

My mami’s house is merely 10minutes away from Kota Bharu Airport and I was supposed to contact any of my family members to fetch us once we arrived. I didn’t and instead, decided to opt for a cab to ferry us home from airport. No..no..no, of course I didn’t tell Harris until I did so. Kalau tak.. sure tak boleh punya. Kalau dah buat, then he has nothing to say… except to accept that he has a stubborn wife. Whee hee hee.

It has been long since the last event that I hop on a cab in KB. I always have this uneasy feeling of KB cab drivers. Please don’t get me wrong especially those whom are associated with cab drivers, be it you are the cab driver, or your father or mother or brother or anyone you know, I do not mean bad.

Those days, when I was small and at the time I accompanied my mami to town, we would take a cab or we call it kegheto sewo. The drivers that I encountered always wanting to know and had a gelenya way of asking my mami whom is a single parent if she had a husband like :

“Bakpo la che’ abe tok maghi ambik” means : Why is your husband not fetching you?

“Come-come ni che’ abe bui ko naik kegheto sewo” means : You are beautiful… does your husband allows you to hitch a cab?

I may be was a young kid but I did understand and was able to read between the lines. I detested the gelenyaness for ever! Like, for your own sake… Do you have to ask the questions?... I don’t remember my mami answering any of those.

Here now, Nada and I experiencing the cab ride the way my mami and I did years ago. Two females with no male guardian. I swear if I ever being asked the question, I’m gonna switch on my hand phone recorder, record the ‘conversation’ and make a police report for sexual harassment case!

Allahamdulillah, my ‘fear’ was groundless may be at least to KB Airport cab drivers. May be also I am not as beautiful as my mami.

The man was polite to me. I gave him the ticket indicating my destination and he requested me if I could help to fold Dew’s pushchair for he’s not familiar with it. Yeah, I don’t mind. He asked me if we were on a ‘balik kampong’ trip and I answered with a short one. He seemed to understand and respected that I didn’t want for any long conversation. The cab is clean and smell fresh. Better than our own sedan. It was a safe ride home……, only then I realized why was I really wanting to hitch a cab.

I want to face my ‘fear’ and hoping for my daughter not to have to go through the bad experience I had.

oh... how i love this cutie pie.

That’s a little sour experience of mine, I carried for so long……… I just want to share.

On the other hand, I also want to share this wonderful activity for many Kelantanese, especially whom reside in KB, I witnessed ever since I was a small child. I want to believe whoever that had gone trough the cupid love phase of their life in KB, surely had experienced this activity for a date. I did !

…. Lepak tepi pagar airport tengok kapal terbang turun dan naik. Muakakakakakakaaka. It is so festive, isn’t it?

You can judge by the numbers of cars being parked by the roadside. :) LOL.

I was awarded!

2010-05-16T03:59:00.013+08:00

My dear friend, TC whom was an alma mater 'rival' (uh!... what was i doing back then!) awarded my page with this beautiful award and I am so flattered.

It is such an honor and being a blogger dummy, I am now trying best to find out how would I show off the award at my side bar!

Since, it is kind of once in a blue moon occasion for me that i am gifted with an award or i'd rather put it that this might be the ONLY award i would receive, i decided for a speech ...

Here goes :

Syukur… Mek dapat berada di atas pentas gemilang ini, sambil merangkul anugerah yang hebat. Terima Kasih yang tak terhingga dari hati ikhlas Mek buat...
- TC kerana memilih Mek
- Suami Mek, Dato' H kerana sentiasa menyokong Mek walaupun dia jarang sekali melayari blog ini
- SMP (Safariyanti Mario Production) yang telah berjasa mengatur perjalanan karier Mek sebagai blogger (yang suam-suam kuku sahaja)
- SM ’Fan Club’ (walau pun hanya beberapa individu sahaja) yang sudi untuk mengikuti kisah WHM 6840.
1 BLOGGER ! I LOVE YOU ALL !!!!

~~~~ Mek now walking towards the stairs to leave the stage very carefully (she’s wearing red color 6” Jimmy Choo’s stiletto) with one hand holding award while the other gracefully placed at side of her bare back long dress… ohhhh! HOT!

As a receiver of the award, I am now given the privilege to select 12 others to be honored with the same. I now proudly nominate the award to the following in no particular order with reasons … I love them, I read them, I will continue to read them. Sure, they shine my life...

1. Feby the Mentibang, my lifetime cousin

2. Aunty Fatimah the Kerabu Jantung

3. Gee the ubisetela, my flat mate during my much younger days

4. Disney, the lovely preacher's wife

5. Aida, proud Mommy of Adam & Mia (she didn't even know me...)

6. Dian, my junior school house-mate

7. Nurul, mummy of Damia(s)

8.Sue Kecik si Jawa Johor yang Gila Jepun.

My.. I only have 8? Is this ok, TC?

Anyway, to the receivers.... you now may want to :
1. Display the award at your side bar & select 12 others for the award
2. Leave a link to the receiver’s page within your post
3. Leave a comment in the receiver’s post to let them know they received the award or being tagged.

But hey,…. No obligation. ;)

Addiction ?

2010-04-23T23:08:00.010+08:00

I think I have a sad addiction here or….. may be not. Why do I say so? Let me tell ya the dilemma.

At times when we are needed to, Harris and I drive separate cars to work. I always hated to drive.. and it is a bad thing for me to drive to work also. I tend to stay longer in the office trying to finish up my work because at the back of my mind, I know Harris is not waiting to fetch me downstairs. (I usually unintentionally made him waiting… sometimes up to two hours or more… kalau laki orang lain sure bini dah kena fire!!!…)

So, if I were late… Harris will help to fetch Nada from her Nanny’s. The issue here is, we do not have a car seat in the other car… our old-trustworthy-most loved 1.3L Wira which we will never sell… with plate number WHM 6840, (Now you know where I get my blog page title?). Harris calls her “FELARI”. Harris says… all of the others could come and go but this one will stay with us for as long as she could move. Well, I dreamt a HUMVEE one day ~~so I could just langgar any morons on the road~~

I don’t really like the idea of placing Nada at the passenger seat unattended though it is just a short 5 minutes drive from the Nanny’s place to our home. Ya…ya…ya… of course Harris fasten the seat belt. I noticed that Harris didn’t go home straight after fetching Nada lately. He sometimes makes way to the Night Market if it is Friday or to the neighborhood convenience store for Nada’s formula or such. This would take longer routes to home, isn’t it?

Say what you like, but this Madam always prefer that cheeky little monster to be ‘tied’ to a car seat. More to her safety… but also to my good. I don’t reckon inculcating a habit for Dew not sitting in a car seat. Once she thought she is free by not sitting in one with her dad, she would want to do the same thing with Mommy.

I know myself, that I am not a very patience person and easily agitated by the simplest reason. So, I can’t be having a toddler wanting to walk about in the car while I am driving. Further more, like I always say… I hate to drive… not shame to admit, I am not a good driver either. Meaning to say, I have to stay focus with my driving with out having to shout my lungs out : “NADA! DON’T STAND!” or “NADA! SIT DOWN!” or “NADA! STAY PUT!”

I believe with the above long winded telling, I have justified myself… that Dew need another car seat!…. or errrrrr…… is this just my addiction?

Anyway, I am thinking of getting her a booster type. Light and easy installation. Pink or raspberry or red or orange color. Of course the not so expensive one. Budget around RM 350 ~ 400.

Maybe from GRACO or Safe N Sound.

However, I haven’t really started with my new surveying and goggling. Oh! I am so afraid I would end up with a big hole in my pocket again.

I guess the saving up by means of me tailoring Dew’s dresses thus far allows me to spend on a new car seat, eh? (Kes nak menyedapkan hati………)

And I have just added a new one to my portfolio… I named it The Royal Velvet Sachs dress.

Royal is because the velvet ribbon is in royal blue color.

How do you handle your stress?

2010-04-17T03:28:00.014+08:00

It’s 30 minutes past 1 am now. I am in front of the tv watching 703 channel while having my McD Fillet-o-fish (how unhealthy) and of course blogging. It had been a very tiring day, I just reached home about 45 minutes ago. Dew forced herself not to sleep at her usual hour for she waited for me to tuck her to bed and read her bedtime story. Poor baby!

I’ve got thousands of things to do before I eventually hit the bed but I am so lazy to start. Somehow, I have to get it done…. Not to wait until morning comes because list of events had been planned for daylight. Ghee… I give myself another 20 minutes.

Office works is so stressful lately with very tight deadlines for presentations, submissions, issuance of drawings and what not. People say you can’t really manage the cause of stress but you can always try to manage your own stress. Hik! How ah? Any difference?

I have been procrastinating to open up a saving account with Public Bank. Well… I have few pieces of bank checks for my bonus received in February and the payments for my part time jobs which are yet being cashed. The intention is to dump them all in my PB Unit Trust account, which justify the need for me to open up an account. One for auto debit and two for ease of cash transfer.

So, earlier today despite the tight working schedule, I managed to squeeze into my lunchtime and make do to Public Bank which is less than 100metres from my office.

What I really wanted to blog is about the Customer Service in Public Bank, hmmmm.... may be just the one attended to me. I was required to provide her with my ID so that she could scan the ID and my finger prints. Mek jakun sikit… dah lama tak bukak2 akaun ni. The necessary information then appeared at her P.C screen with out me needed to fill in any forms. Thumbs up.. I like that.

She then handed me few sheets of papers full of write-ups and told me. “Sign sini (pointing to the below right corner of the paper), Sign kat semua page.”

I looked at her and asked “Ini apa, dik?” She answered me “Sign lah, kertas…..” treating me as if I am a stupid moron!

I inhaled deeply the thin Oxygen around me and asked again (could be my question was not clear or it could be misinterpreted) “Akak tahu kertas, apa kandungan dia?…”

She half heartedly answered “Tak ada apa ni, signlah…………” in a very annoying tone to me.

ENOUGH!

If water boil at 100degree Celcius, me on the other hand boiled at only a friction over 25 degree Celcius upon the above conversation. Thanks to all the stress!!! ... further more, I skipped my breafast today.

Sarcastically, with the deepest tone of my voice I uttered to the lady “Miss, I know these are papers. You don't have to tell me. What I want to know is the content of it. Don’t you need to explain?

If you think you need not have to… you should have told me …. Ms, please read through these documents. If you have understand and agree with the stated terms, please put down your signature at this corner. Not just Sign sini ! What? you think I am a cow?” (errrrr... last sentence tu kat dalam hati je. :)

I didn’t finish just as that … I asked her… “What is your name anyway? And…. Why are you not wearing you name tag?”

Her fair skin turned paled. She then tried to be nice to me, but hell I care no more. I just want to get my task done.

Pathetic! Mentang-mentangla mek tak bawak beg LV or pakai kasut Gucci… ko eksen! Bila Mek dah cakap omputih baru nak terhegeh2 layan.

Cut story short. In my act to handle my stress... I find tailoring dresses for Dew is so useful. It is one thing that could still keep me sane and in one piece to face the daily office work load.

Here is my latest edition.... I named it The Navy Collar dress.