The new look of my pond

My son Ali will be 14 months next week. He started walking about 1 half months ago and we all have a hard time catching him all the time. Of course our biggest worry is the fish pond so we decided to fence it up to prevent mishaps!

What do you think of the new look? Looks different but the sound of water is still there to welcome you....

Ramadhan is here

The Ramadhan is just around the corner. Something many of us look forward to. This year I have to try to get my girls to fast a few more extra days. My eldest is very petite and many always say she will disappear if she doesn't eat enough! Last year I made them fast a least for half a day and they would eat before they go to school. Being in afternoon school the hours and heat may get a bit strenuous on them. During the weekends they would try a bit harder to fast the whole day.


My second daughter likes to eat and she is always hungry so asking her to fast is a big feat indeed. I have been mentally preparing them and this year they seemed a bit more prepared. What they like best about Ramadhan is having to wake up for sahur. Something I don't like! But now I have to set a good example so I have to get up for Sahur and have more than my usual glass of water. There is something about waking up to eat when you are so comfortable under the covers.

Then if we were fasting in London or Australia wouldn't it be fun as we have shorter hours too. But then the cold might make us feel otherwise.

The other part many people like about Ramadhan is the Ramadhan bazaars in abundance. Many people I know don't bother to cook at all and just buy everything. Even we know which stalls to get the nice stuff from. But we are not always spoilt for choice as some people tend to sell the same things. Among the infamous stalls we must visit is the popiah man in Seksyen 14 where the queue starts at like 2pm or something. To be able to buy his popiah is an achievement indeed. Many people buy it by the dozens and sometimes all I want is 4 pieces. Maybe he should have an express lane where 5 or more have different lines. Ya, maybe I should suggest that to him.

After that one month then comes Raya and another headache starts. At least Bob and I don't have to argue about where we spend Raya. It will be at his mom's place in Bukit Mertajam first then only do we make our way down to Taiping to see my mom. Raya at his place is a big thing and he has many relatives. There is always so much to do which is why we always need to go back early. His mom will always have a whole long list of things to do.

What I would really like though is to experience Raya elsewhere. I mean I did when I was studying in the U.S.A but that was different, we were students then. Now that we have families maybe it would be different. But I doubt our mothers would welcome that idea very much.

Well, no harm in dreaming! Happy Ramadhan ....

Rain

It has been awhile since it has rained this long and hard in Kuala Lumpur. It feels good and cooler. The trees and grass seemed to have received a breath of fresh air. The air feels much cleaner too, doesn't it? It is also good the rain came when it did to wash away any of that left over haze brought over from Sumatera.

It would be nice if rain could wash away not only the dirty polluted air but also all that stench from our rivers brought about by pollution and waste that irresponsible people indiscriminately throw. My house is right behind or infront of Sungai Kayu Ara. When it rains you see all this rubbish swimming down the currents. And the smell leaves much to be desired.

In Europe, or anywhere else I think, maybe except less advanced countries from Malaysia, they solve the problem of rubbish floating down the rivers quite simply. Yes, you guessed it. Don't throw rubbish in the rivers!

I think it was Holland or somewhere I can't remember where now, they have like these nets at the side of the river that will trap all the filth you do not want in your rivers. Isn't that a good idea? Why doesn't the local Government do one of their famous lawatan sambil belajar trips and try to adopt that here?

Then maybe our rivers wouldn't be the same colour as our famous teh tarik!

Monday Blues

We have heard this term Monday Blues so many times sometimes I think it gets abused! What does it really mean have you ever wondered? From my understanding, it simply means having a hard time getting over the weekend and getting into gear for work and the week ahead.

But they always say once you get through Monday and Tuesday, Wednesday will be a there in no time and before you know it you will breeze through Thursday and Friday!

Today it is back to school for my kids after a week-long holiday. A week is not long enough they say. I think it is! Lucky we took them on a holiday even though short ( we went to Perth and also to Bukit Mertajam) if not I would have been going out of my mind wondering how to keep them occupied.

My two girls are one and a half years apart therefore they have become quite good friends and manage to find ways to keep themselves occupied. Thank god! Infact they are always in their room figuring out new games to play and new ways to transform their room into a restaurant, a classroom or a little shop! Such fun being kids and having all the imagination in the world, isnt't it?

Well, their school bags are packed and uniforms ready. Just a few hours more to go before I send them off. So far, it is a good start to a good week!

Have a good Monday y'all...

The Latest Brew

Have you all heard of daun ketom? Not sure what it is in English but it is from a tree which is used as herbal medicine in the days of our forefathers. In Thailand, the fishermen use it to keep themselves warm when they are out at sea.

Here, in good ole Malaysia, it is being abused as a drug! In gets you high you see ... and you know how that can be for Malaysians, especially for our beloved Malay race. So much so that they make it into a drink and serve it like you would tea or coffee.

Some people were saying that it is even being processed in people's home and packaged nicely for retail ot shops. What's up with that? And to make quick bucks, they have started mixing it with other chemicals or substances that you know for a fact will kill you over time. Imagine eating insect repellent? Yup ... that's what their mixing it with.

What is it about drugs and our locals? Why can't they go through life without it. Why is reality so harsh that they can't accept what their loves has become. How can being high on drugs all the time improve your financial situation. The sad part is that it is taken by the rural folk, those who can't afford to feed all their 10 children or give them a decent education. Why do their parents need to run away from the world all the time.

Then comes that part about religion, They prey on others and their mistakes about not doing things or living their life the Islamic way. And taking drugs, no matter in what form, is acceptable? DUH!

These are the issued those leaders should be addressing other than who is shagging whose butt! I mean honestly ...

Oh ya ... so daun ketom drinks are in and glue sniffing is out now ok! Just thought you would like to know ...

Perth in August

There is something about setting foot on foreign ground that always appeals to me. Immediately you can feel the difference in the air. We went to Perth during the school holidays last week and the family had a fantastic time. The weather was great! It is late winter going into spring.

We arrived in the afternoon and were greeted by a strong sun and slight breeze. It gets nippy when the sun goes down which is about 5.30 or so. Then only the kids started to complain so of course we bundled them up with warm clothing. I think they found that amusing!!

I personally don't really like the cold. I remember studying in Michigan where it is cold like 8 monthsin a year! But the weather in Perth was a welcome change. Through out our short stay of 4 nights and 5 days we were blessed with sun and cool breeze!

We had wonderful hosts, Safar and Nita, friends of Bob, and their 9-year-old son Mikhail. Thanks for having us. We truly enjoyed the visit albeit short and look forward to coming again.


This was taken at the Caversham Wildlife Park which we went to the first day. The kids were so excited about being able to feed and pet the kangaroo and stroke the koala bears. Eventhough they were sleeping most of the time!

This was at the E-Shed Markets in Freemantle. We didn't spend much time there, just got the usualy souvenirs for family and friends.

Check out the scenery (if you can lah) of the yachts in Freemantle. This was taken after we enjoyed a delicious seafood meal. The oysters were extremely fresh!

This was in downtown Perth. For shopaholics be warned, the shops close at 5pm and only some at 6pm accept on late-night shopping day. What a bummer eh! I didn't shop at all ... so sad. Or is that a reason to go back again?!?

Safar and Nita have a farm in Gingin. Its 1,700 acres of land and there is a this gorgeous lemon tree. The girls loved lemon picking! And Nita gave me some to take home so I have been enjoying lemonade everyday!

We had to refrain Ali from going berserk with the kangaroos! He kept on wanting to kick them and pull at it! We were worried it might hit him back. Found out from my uncle recently that it can slice you in half when it attacks!!!

Checking out the birds at the Caversham Wildlife Park.... AHHH.....the famous Australian tree. Had to take one picture with it, wouldn't be complete without it.

After the wildlife park, we had a picnic lunch at the park adjacent to it and the kids enjoyed the outdoor meal. Ali seemed to know where to enjoy his milk bottle too!

This is the skyline of Northern Perth. Cool huh....

Nita and her neighbours who fed us very well on our first night there. She gave us laksa Johor! What a surprise eh! We didn't miss any local food at all.

Me and the kiddies in Nita's kitchen

This was our first night out. The girls are actually wearing my old jackets, can you believe my mother kept them all these years.

One for the album. At this time Ali was still strapped in his stroller and trying very hard to get himself out!

Come on Ayah...let me at it!!! Hahahaha....

Hope you enjoyed the pictures. During the last day, we kinda forgot to take the camera out. Fancy that! It was a great holiday and I would recommend Perth to many. It is the perfect family holiday destination especially if you are one who loves nature and the outdoors.

Block

Sometimes you get writer's block and sometimes you just don't feel like writing. Other times you are just plain busy. It has been a little of each for me this past week. Been busy, trying to organise our little short holiday to Perth. It is cold still it seems so you worry you have not packed enough to keep the kids warm.

Kids are excited about the trip cause they get to wear all this warm clothing. Najihah wants to see snow but I told her there is no snow in Perth. Her reasoning was simple: its cold, we have to wear sweaters and jackets, so wht isn't there snow. So I had to give this explanation about positioning of the country etc. Not sure if I did a good job explaining though. Geography was a long time ago you know.

We are omly going for 4 days. Seems simple enough but it is a feat to pack anyway! The last time I was in Perth I was six years old so of course I don't remember much of it at all. I only remember seeing kangaroos. Hmmmmmm...

Another test for me during this trip is my son Ali who will have to endure the 5 half hour plane ride. Going to the doctor later to get something to make him drowsy on the flight. Don't think I want to tire myself walking up and down the plane! And I want him to get there fresh, not tired out!

I remember when Najihah was two we took her to London. The syrup the doctor gave didn't really work for her so she didn't really sleep on the plane. She was tired and jet lagged when we arrived. She wailed so loud that the immigration lady called us forward from the back of the line (thank god) and she wailed even louder when the immigration chap was asking us his 20 questions. So trick is for speedier immigration checks, make your kids holler as loud they can. Hahahahaha!!!!

Anyways, happy school holidays! See ya when I get back.....

One more shot.....

Forgot to mentioned that Ali wore his first samping during Raof's wedding. What do you think???

My cousin's wedding

The bride, Natun, and my niece, Murnira, at the mosque while waiting for the akad nikah

Do you like weddings? I like weddings...because it is the beginning of the end! No lah, but seriously ... weddings are heart warming and I like the look on the faces of the bride and groom. They look so happy and contented with life, full of hope of their future together. The beginning of their new lives together.

Raof and Natun on the dias at the bride's house.

My cousins-in-law, Kak Rosnijah and Amyza.This was the night of the reception on 9.9.08

My cousin's and aunties at the bride's house after the akad nikah at the mosque

My cousin, Raof, just got married. He chose the date 8.8.2008. Nice huh? A bit of a cliche if I say so considering that the Tok Imam didn't want to come to their house for the nikah ceremony so they had to go the mosque. They and some hundred other people! Because there were 5 other couples getting married that day. In a way, it took out the specialness of the moment. One of my auntie's said it was like waiting your turn at the ticketing counter. The Tok Imam just lined all the groom's up and went next, next and next. Oh well ... but it went smoothly and we only had to wait an hour and a half.

The brides (seated front row) waiting for their turn at the mosque.

My cousin, Kak Lina, was rather busy on the phone. Earlier, her car was broken into and she lost her notebook. She only realised what happened when we were on the way to the akad nikah as she was in shock still when I picked her up!


My uncle and cousin digging into the spread at the bride's house. The ayam dish was very tasty

The next day, 9.8.2008, was the wedding reception at my other cousin's house (Raof's sis). We cousins were given duties months ahead so as to make sure the reception went smoothly. I was to help with the pelamin and other duties. When they say other duties, it really means a lot.

My cousin, Kak Hanizah, making sure the hantaran trays were lined up in order at the bride's house

I like it when my cousins get married. We all get together and put our heads (and hearts) together to make the event a success. It brings us closer together and we share a lot of laughs. It makes the "job" more fun! We have done a few weddings together and it has come to a point where we all know each other's strengths and weaknesses.

My cousin Kamal busy on the phone while the bride and groom were taking pictures after the nikah at the bride's house

The wedding cake at the bride's house. See Kamal! At least I have it on record now...HAH!

We have a a designated emcee, a designated buffet line head, designated chief usherer and security personnel too!

My cousin, Kak Hanizah, she is Raof's sister. This was during one of the planning meetings ... she was giving us our duties!

These are some of the pictures, hope you enjoy them as much as I did!

The pelamin which I helped my cousin's with at the groom's

Raof and Natun smiling from ear to ear and also tired of smiling Me and my babies!
(From left) My daugther Najihah, my niece Fara, my daughter Nadiah and niece Maryam Raof and Natun during the procession at the groom's reception

Birthday Parties

I love birthday parties, be it for me (hehehehe) or my loved ones or my friends or even going to friend's kiddies one. They are well, fun and quite a thrill. Tiring too. It is a good way to celebrate life and also a good way of catching up with friends.

If it's a birthday for your child you are bound to invite your friends who have kids rite? Well, that is how you get together out of the box kinda situation. There is a different ambience and feel in the air.

These days parties are mostly held out of the home for many reasons. Maybe one requires more space or maybe its just easier so you don't have to clean up. I think McDonald's started the trend of organising these kinda parties and before long everyone else was offering the same deal. Trust those Jews to be trend setters.

Even restaurants are offering locations for parties. And event planners are making money too organising these parties. You can hire a planner not only for your birthday parties but for any do whatsoever.

Yesterday I went to a friend's son's birthday. It was great. The food was simple yet sufficient and the party pack was a hit with my kids!

Know what? I want to be a party planner. I promise I will b affordable. Anybody want to hire me?

Islamic Tourism

Today I read the papers about how the Government wants to promote Islamic tourism. I wonder what that is exactly and I wonder if the Government knows what that is too. I wonder if they know anything at all about tourism.

To make sure their vision works, they will send troops to other Islamic countries to study how the other countries do it. Malaysia has this habit of being copy cats, and this is very sad. We don't have hundreds of buildings that oooze with Islamic history you know. Whatever historical buildings we do have left they are probably thinking of tearing it down and erecting multi-billion ones.

It is a tireless issue when you rant on and on about tourism. I don't really feel like going on it today lah. Changed my mind.

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On another note, my friend Ebi is in the papers today. He is in the papers a lot since he joined Rapid KL but today is different cause he has his picture in. I think Ebi you should give them some better mug shots of you lah!

Cheers!