My Baby Shower

I am now well into my 35th week. Of course am anxiously counting the days and weeks for when the baby wants to come out. Only because am getting rather heavy. I guess being at this stage of pregnancy is the best time for a baby shower.

I have never experienced a baby shower before. Have only read about it in books and magazines, as well as seen it on Hollywood movies. My friends and I had organised one for the first time last year for our good friend Elona who lives in Jakarta.

This time it was my turn for a baby shower and what a wonderful surprise it was indeed. First of all, you can probably guess the sex of the baby from all the pictures so there is no hiding that anymore! I was only told to keep the day free and roughly the time I was required to be available.

Shake, the mastermind, had planned all the details with her committee (whoever you are, good job!!) and with Aishah as she was designated driver for me. Aishah said before going to Hazleen's house (I was informed the event would be held there) she had to go see her agent in KL first.

The best part is when we got there to the Hotel, I told Aishah I would wait in the car. She insisted I come down and we went up to the poolside. Just as I was about to ask her what is your agent doing at the pool side, I was greeted by SURPRISE from my friends!!! As I hugged and kised my friends, of course lah tears popped from my eyes. Such an emo I am!


They dressed me up in a banner that said "Mom To Be" and pinned a corsage on me made up of a cute baby shoe and pacifier. Really Shake .... the details you go into. I officically appoint you EVENT MANAGER for all occasions!

Everyone was just as excited as me I think! We had a good laugh at how surprised I was and quickly got into the groove of things.

Beautiful pink and purple cupcakes. It looked so pretty nobody really wanted to touch them but when we finally did, it was delicious.

This is me with all my hostess'. Apparently not all invited could come. Sorry I missed all my other good friends including my two BFF's who could not make it. It was a really memorable occasion and I want to take this opportunity to say thank you from the very bottom of my heart. I really appreciate it.

This is the main table. Love the details taken. Even the pink and white fork and spooons did not go unnoticed. Like a little girl's dream come true.

The theme was pink and white so everyone was dressed to it too. This is Sherie and Elo ...

Jami and Hazleen ....

Sophie and Suzana ...

Zaidah and Rafiza ....

Oh ya! We had champagne too .... it was HALAL ok! And tasted fuzzy. A cross between apple and grape juice.

We had games. This was fun. They were blindfolded and had to guess where my tummy was.

There were more games it seems but we got tired faster than expected so we cut out the last 2 games.

This is them guessing where my tummy was. Some even pointed at my face and shoulders. What a laugh!

The main table ... pretty isn't it!

The winners of the first game.

Another one for the album! Love the theme colour. Guess it is also no secret my favourite colour is pink.

They showered me and the baby with presents. Thank you for all the lovely gifts!

This is a nice shot. The poolside is an open area and when we took this shot the sun decided to come out. The ceiling had bamboo sticks lined up thus the reflection.

They made me give a speech which I did not want to cause I knew I would end up in tears. I managed to say thank you, wipe my eyes and try bestest to go on. I don't know what I said now, can't remember. But I hope you all know how much I appreciate the surprise and efforts you all took. It will be an occasion I will remember fondly always.

Can you imagine, there were even doorgifts! It was coin banks with pacifiers stuck to it!

And we went home with a photo frame on a giraffe stuff toy!

Pretty in Pink!

All in all, I had a great and wonderful time. Thank you to everyone of you for such a memorable occasion. I hope to one day do something as nice, if not nicer, for anyone of you in future. Love you all ...

Historical City of Melaka

I had a good day today. I had organised a trip for reporters to take a trip to Melaka to look and understand some of the conservation and restoration works undertaken by my new client, The Department of Heritage. I took Najihah with me to expose her a little to Melaka and its history. She enjoyed it too although some parts were a little boring for her.

All in all it was a good trip and I learnt a little myself about how tedious it can be to actually undertake such a task as restoring something that not many people really give much thought. It is quite sad actually that when you talk about it, restoring and preserving I mean, people will look at you blankly. When the historical items are gone they begin to question. When they are preserved and made brand new for our rakyat to enjoy and remember the history they ask why. Whatever it is, what the department is doing is a commendable job. I am not saying that just because they are my clients but because I too want to share with my children and possibly with their children how our country came about. Wouldn't you?!?

Our first stop was in Kota Melaka itself where we were taken to the old HSBC building on Jalan Bandar Hilir. It is a very old building which has not been torn down and the department has taken over. They plan to restore it to its original look and feel. Once thart is done, they will use the building as a gallery for all to enjoy. The good thing about this is I learnt they will use the original paint colour of way back then. That is so good to hear because honestly, our municipal and some Government offices just do not know how to use colour wisely. They do not seem to understand warm and hot and cool colours. They also do not seem to understand how colour can set the mood and tone. Can you imagine how ugly the fire department looks like all bathed in pink. I mean really ...come on lah! Go for a course for god's sake. Learn some colour and aesthetics.

Okay ... back to the story. After a few sights around Kota Melaka, we went up to Merlimau. This is bordering Johore. There is an old house there dating to 1894. It was owned by a Penghulu or village leader. Very nice house! Typical kampung Melaka house. He was also very rich which is why his house used paint. It was a very colourful house, looked almost like Lego if I may add...

This is Najihah and me at a pelamin or dais found in the main part of the house. I wonder what he did with it!

This is the house. It looks very quaint and is really a pleasant sight when you drive by it. It is taken care by one of the family members. He is the 8th generation.

The house had all these old tiles. Some are replicas because the original ones were broken. But I love these old tiles. At one time I wanted to look for them and place them all over my kitchen but they would cost too much and I didn't want replicas.

This is one of the department's offices explaining how they found the original paint of the old HSBC bank. I was quite impressed that they actually had the inkling to use the original colour hence the picture.

The old bank actually had the safe room still intact. The department also plans to keep the room and the door there. How nice!

This is Najihah at the water wheel. It overlooks the Straits of Malacca and is situated just next to the Bastion Middleburgh, which is the old fort used by the Dutch. Oh ya ... you can see the Eye of Malaysia from here. It is standing on reclaimed land by the way and the ride is cheaper now that it has been moved to Melaka. RM10 only. I wanted to take Najihah up initially but it rained in the afternoon.

Najihah standing on the fort of Bastion Middleburgh....very clean and well landscaped place. Across the water is Jonkers Street.

This is just outside the HSBC building and is Bastion Frederick Hendrick. It is considered an archaelogical sight and they had discovered 4 skeletons there over the years.

I didn't get the time to look around the rest of the city. But I did catch glimpse of the many colourful beca's or trishaws driving around with locals and tourists. The trishaws were a little too made up for my liking and they had radios blaring too. Not a bad idea but now when reggae or techno music was blasting from the speakers.

I wouldn't mind going to Melaka again. Maybe just a day trip lah!

First Week of School and Going Strong

It has been four days since school started and I fall asleep way before 10pm except for last night when I decided to watch some TV. This morning I am quite regretting it cause I am really sleepy now.

How has the first week of school been treating you? My BFF told me yesterday we can't do lunch this month at all cause she is busy being the SUPER WORKING MOM. Yup! We all know how that feels!

On top of running around getting them ready and on time for school, for KAFA, for tuition and mengaji classes, I have to deal with tantrums too. I can well understand they are just as tired from the shock of going back to school as well as the rigid timetable but what to do ...

Najihah has to be asleep by 9 and no later than 9.30pm if I have my way so she can get enough rest for her early start which is at 6am. I give Nadiah a little more time to sleep but she has to be up by 7am to be at KAFA classes at 7.45am. Nadiah is in the afternoon session and school starts at 12.50pm which is also when Najihah gets out. Then its rush home and let her rest and have lunch before going for KAFA at 2.30pm. The girls have tuition at night twice a week. Mengaji is also at night twice a week. Piano classes are on Saturday.

And now some of my friends want to propose swimming classes. I like the idea very much but the thought of putting another activity on their already tight schedule. Oh well ... I think even their father is not as busy. "LOL"

Tonight after school we are going up to Bukit Mertajam as my in-laws are returning from the Hajj. Know what that means right? Yup! The girls get to skip school for a day.

First Day of School

Today is eventful for many of us, what more for parents who have kids going into Std One today. Even more so for parents who have been enjoying the school holidays to the max. Me included! After one and a half months of blissful rest, the chaos has begun again!

My eldest Najihah is in Std 3 this year in the morning session while Nadiah is in Std 2 in the afternon session. YUP! Looks like I am without a doubt a full time bus driver. The morning started early for me at 6am getting her up and ready for school. Thank god Najihah is a morning person so there was not much problem getting her out of bed.

We arrived in school on time and unlike the first day of school in Std 1, I didn't cry when sending her off at the gate. In fact, I was relieved. Yes! A few hours of rest without her at home. Hahahaha...makes me sound like a bad mother but honestly, you who have kids would understand completely. It is just too bad that Nadiah is in a different session. Because when the two were in the same session last year, it was really dead quiet at home. Ali and had a fine time together .. in some hours of peace.

This year also I would have to send them for KAFA classes in different sessions. One in the morning and one in the evening. Between all this juggling of time tables, where do I fit in my quick lunch or tea with my friends?!? I say man ... Let us see how we settle in during this first week and then I can judge my schedule. But I know for a fact that I will have less time for ME. Oh well ...

I also have to ask their tuition teacher to come in at night now. I initially wanted to give thm seperate classes in the morning and evening but the cost would be double for us. In this bad economic times, so bad that the Government can't replace the aging Nuri with Eurocopter's EC 725 now, we really have to be careful with our spending. I myself have splurged enough for 2008 and this year I really, really, really have to watch my spending. I am trying my best to "fast" from all unnecessary spending. God help me!

I have to be quick about writing this post because I have to pick Nadiah up from school. Although she finishes at 6.30pm, I have to leave the house a little early to beat the jam as well as get a parking space. Picking Najihah up just now was quite a hassle. I sent Nadiah then had to look for a place to park the car. That was not easy but maybe it will be easier tomorrow as the Std 1 parents will not be hanging out outside the school gates.

All in all ... it is nice to have them back in school. At least I don't have to worry with how will I entertain them today!

Hope the rest of you are having a good first day back at school. Aren't you so looking forward to that one week break in March. AHAKS!!

More from Jakarta

Guess who was on the same flight as us to Jakarta? Ashraf Sinclair. We took this shot of him when waiting in line to clear immigration checks. He was there for his wedding to Indonesian starlet Bunga Cinta Lestari. Cool name huh! maybe we can name our kids like that without getting raised eyebrows!

We travelled confortably in Elona's black Alphard. People in Jakarta like to buy black cars cause their second hand value is better

This was the first night we arrived. We went to a club near by to listen to some live music. The music and performers were really good. The place was not so happening as it was pick-up joint. Infact some of those mat sallehs were trying to catch the eye of Hazleen, Suzana and Shariah!

See! I actually got on that plane. I left Ali for 4 nights! I still can't believe that...sigh...

We were waiting for the plane at the satellite building. I like going to that building cause I don't go there often. They even have a Thomas Sabo counter there

What is a holiday without food right! My friends brought me to the best restaurants and we were treated to meals by wonderful hostesses who gave us a good spreas. This was at Elona's good friend's house, Neena. She gave us an authentic Indonesian meal. This fish (here it is called Kaloi) is fried really crispy

The rest of the buffet spread at Neena's house. Gado-gado I didn'y eat, only because I was so full already. The tempe she fried was fantastic, forgot to ask for recipe lah

The Sista's taking a lunch break. This is a Chinese restaurant and the food is excellent. The mango juice was the best tasting ever!

The restaurant had this basket which they cover with a cloth for you to put your handbags in instead of putting it all over the chairs minimising space. Good idea ya..

Shariah and me at Senayan City. Very nice mall...this was the night we went to watch the latest Bond flick. Which I must add was really lousy!

Jakarta Nov 2008

I went to Jakarta in 2005 with Bob and a few other friends but during that trip I didn't have much chance to see much of the city except for that street where they sold antique items and a mall that was near the hotel. Reason being, it was a business trip for Bob and since I wanted to tag along, I had to go with the programme lah (which meant a lot of hotel room sightseeing!)

So this time around, my trip to Jakarta with the Sista's was really an eye opener and fun to the max. From the day we landed till the day we departed it was non stop movements for us. There was hardly any free time except the last day where we treated ourselves to a nice massage and lulur session. Ahhh... that was really good. You could actually feel all the tired muscles soften.

But I did miss home very much, infact after the 3rd night (I was there for 4 nights) I was dying to come home already. I missed the kids so much, especially Ali. I have also more or less decided that there will not be a next time so soon and if there is, 4 nights is way too long. Ali has been very clingy since I came home. Expected isn't it!


This is me and my Sista's (from left) me, Suzana, Hazleen and Shariah. This was taken at Pancious where we had our last breakfast. They serve pancakes and waffles which just melts in your mouth

I saw so many parts of Jakarta, from busy to upscale to downtown. It is really a vast city but what I liked best about it, was that it was not humid at all! One night we were out having ice cream at the FX Mall which is a cafe mall. We sat outside and we didn't even sweat at all. If we were here sitting outside like that we would be bathing in sweat already. Even during the day, we were cool as ice!

Hazleen had this dish called Nasi Gurema at the Tanah Abang food court. The food court was really great because they served all these traditional authentic dishes. We were wary to order some of them because we had no idea what they are. The good thing about eating in Jakarta is that all places are halal except for a small selection of shops. Even the Chinese restaurants which is very different from Malaysia

Hawker style vendors selling all kinds of yummy looking stuff. This was in addition to the food stalls at the food court. This dish being sold is called kerak telur and is cooked over charcoal

We stayed with our Sista, Elona, who has lived in Jakarta for 10 years now. They have their own little Malaysian community and we met some of them. When you live so far from home it is important to have close friends who you can turn to easily. They are your family. Thank you for welcoming us

We like taking pictures and this one we took ourselves. Can't remember where it was but you can tell from our faces that we were having a good time!


I didn't bring a camera cause each Sista brought one and these pictures are theirs. I know there are many more pictures to come which I will "borrow" from them later for this blog.

The Biggest Do Ever

Our Raya open house was a great success, thank god. The weather was good to us, the food was excellent and the crowd was great. We have never had one before so we were both pretty anxious and nervous. Bob kept going over his guest list and worrying we didn't have enough food. We really did not know what to expect.

Bob was saying this was not only an open house event for us, but might as well be our house warming, our baby showers and arrivals and all the birthdays put together.

We had a good spread of food .. too much choices I think but everyone was happy, I hope. For those who missed it, well...too bad!!! (just joking lah....)

We had nasi with lauk kampung such as daging curry kawah, curry ikan kering, ikan bakar, sambal belachan and ulam, acar, pulut and ikan kering, bubur kacang, mee rebus, mee goreng, kuey teow, chicken chop and the ABC (all the way from Penang).

Of course the usual kuih raya, the best tasting ones of course, and a spread of cakes, local and western.

We had four lambs...which finished very fast. We had to let them go slowly so it would last till 4pm or so....
This is one of them beeing cooked ....yummy! soft and juicy and so succulent...

We started preparing for the big do a day before. This involved cleaning and sprucing up the house. Here you see the gate being oiled...wood needs this regular TLC to ensure it keeps looking good while some workers put up the tents and fans outside

My good friends from school never fail to "memeriahkan" a party! Here is Nik Sheireen, Aida, Shikin and Jami. Thanks to most of my good friends who turned up. I don't have many friends so my list was pretty short. I did miss my BFF's though...Fara and Nazlin .. you were thought of!

This is me and Ali and my sis-in-law, Ayu and her daughter Arina

Bob invited some orphans and about 30 of them came. They enjoyed the spread and the treats!

More GGG at the GGG table, Adeen, Natasha, Fatin and Nikki, enjoying the food. How many rounds of lamb huh?

The kids entertained themselves with our cat, Komek, while their parents chatted and ate

Bob and me and our little Ali, at least we took a break to take a picture. This was way before Bob changed uniform into his comfy jeans and t-shirt

Chicken chop and kuey teow, fried when ordered. A hit with the kids these dishes. Oh ya! we had spaghetti too

Ahhhhh...this is the ABC that came all the way from Penang. It was delicious!!! Creamy and not too sweet. The vanilla ice cream adds a nice touch

Bob taking a quick bite while entertaining his guests playing the perfect host. Either that or he was worried the lamb would finish fast

The tents set up outside the house. We had to call for one more at the last minute for the mee goreng and kuey teow caterers

Bob teaching Ali how to be a good host

I finally got to serve some VIP guests my best Noritake dishes and Dansk silverware. It has been in the cupboard since we got married!

Me and my sis in law, Ayu, striking a pose before we went back to mingling. Bob invited quite a few of his business associates too

My best friends and cousins found a cool place of the house to hang out and enjoy the sights and sounds. Thank you so much for coming, your presence liven things a lot! I don't have pictures of some of my other guests who I really wanted there though...oh well, you know who you are. Here is (from left) Shuk, Shu, Hizreen, Ebi and Fairul