So late into 2011

It has been simply ages since I even touched my blog. Not so much as I lost interest but time was not so kind to me. There were just so many things to do and see to.

The first month of the year was dedicated to moving house and settling in. In fact, we are still moving furniture about and rearranging carpets and what not. Trying to find the most suitable place and thing for every room. My living room is still not complete and I guess we will get to that room eventually.

As far as events go, my maid of 2 years also just left over the weekend. It was a rather sad and tearful week the last week. The two younger kids are taking it the hardest of course. Khadijah takes such a long time to warm up to people which means I dont get much rest, She just clings to me. I am sure over time it will be much better with the new maid.

I have also started Ali at school. he seems to be enjoying it although he has not named any friends yet. Will see how this first week at school goes, he has gone 3 days in total. No tantrums in the morning and goes willingly but to get him dressed and ready does take some time lah.

The weather is just so extremely hot these days. Humid and sticky. Feel like having a shower the whole day. Makes you extremely lazy too.

Next post will try to put up some pixs of the new house!

Today's Thots

It has been a rather busy few months with me -- expected with the little baby and with toddler Ali. There are not many free moments for myself especially when I want to sit down and put my thoughts down. This is a rare moment for me (to be able to sit down and pen a few words here) and most likely this post would only be complete hours later!

It is funny how being a mum has changed me. Not only me personally but also my outlook in life and views on relevant issues. I don't think I am entirely a different person but as your priorities change it is hard for everything else not to follow suit.

Khadijah is 2 and half months and such a beautiful baby. She definitely has a mind of her own and it is funny that at such a young age she can dictate what you should be doing! She has refused to taking the bottle. We have been tryin for almost a month now but it is still a no-no for her. She just refuses to suckle the teat and the maid has resorted to spoon feeding her the milk lest she goes hungry.

You know what that means rite? Yup! We have to take her to Europe with us come September. In a way this makes me feel much better too as I can't really bear the thought of leaving her behind. I know I would probably not enjoy the holiday as much worrying about how she is doing at home and how the maid is coping. So best to bring my little baby along and put all my worries at bay.

Am sure there will be a time when Bob and I can enjoy a holiday just the two of us. See what I mean about priorities and outlook in life? Hahahaha .... InsyaAllah, we will have a long life together and will be able to live out our fantasies of travelling every inch of this great earth together.

I Am 38

Another year has come and I just celebrated my 38th birthday. My ... time sure does fly by and before I know it I will be telling you about my 39th birthday. Wish I could say I don't feel a day over 16!



It was a relatively quiet birthday. Bob and the two girls are away. Bob took them to Thailand, this time to Sikao/Pak Meng though, not Krabi. It was just Ali, Khadijah, me and two maids. It was also a rather solemn celebration as I am still in confinement and not able to go out. Aishah came over of course and so did my girlfriends. Guess that was the highlight of the birthday for me!

We had a little tea party upstairs (being in confinement I have not ventured going up and down the stairs) The picture is a little dark, taken from my phone. But the objective is to show you the spread of food. Nikki was a little late and she brought rojak buah. I couldn't eat any but everyone claimed it was delicious. Guess I must try it next time lah.


This was my only birthday wish, chocolate mud cake, from my favourite cake lady. It was YUMMY!

Ali was the centre of attraction that day, and Syahnaz too (Shake's daughter). He seemed to have the most fun seeing all the aunties around, the food and the cake of course! I got beautiful presents from my girlfriends but really, their company was present enough.
I suppose as we get older a birthday loses its novelty like when we were young(er). I have always treated a birthday as a special day. It is your day afterall, something special to you and so should be enjoyed to the max. When I was working, I would make it a point to take the day off and do all the things I liked. Be it watch a movie, most of the time go shopping, and eat what your heart desires. When the girls were past toddler stage I would take them along with me and we would do some fun things.

Last year's birthday was rather sad though for my family as we lost my aunty (my mom's sister ) to cancer. She died on my birthday in the early morning. I was in Krabi at the time and didn't make it back for the funeral. It was in JB by the way. Her name was Khadijah, and I named our 4th bundle of joy after her.

This year's birthday was also special as we celebrated it together with Aida's (June 17). Aida will be celebrating her special day in Maldives, the lucky girl! Hope she has fun diving!
All in all, it was a good 38th and the year looks good so far. My birthday wish? Allah will continue to grant us his blessings, give us good health and a long happy life and always keep us in his light. Amin.

Confinement Days

Many friends and women I know hate going through confinement. It is probably the thought of not being able to go out and being well, confined to the house, that gets to you. A bad streak of cabin fever you can say. For those who do not practice confinement, they may retort and say than why do it!


There are many reasons that women who have just given birth, and even those who had miscarriages, go through a confinement period that generally lasts between 40 to 44 days. Mainly practiced in the Malay society but I think some Chinese and Indian ladies practice it too.


After being pregnant for 9 months and delivering a baby, your body has gone through many hormonal and physical changes. For one, you have expanded to sizes beyond your control. That is what you can see. What you can't see are the changes to your internal especially your womb. It is during the confinement period that your body and womb will recover from the "trauma" and get back into shape.


That is why it is very important for you to take extra good care of your health and your body during these 40 odd days. There are certain restrictions to what you can eat, drink and what you can do to your self and body. Many modern women may poo-pooh all these old wives tales but I for one believe in it. My mom always told me it is something that you won't feel now but in your old age, how you took care of yourself after childbrith will take its toll during your old age. Like effects on your knees, womb is weak, back and spine.


Take for example the rule of not having cold drinks and ice cream during confinement. Why? Cause it is cold and not good for your nerves and veins. You need warmth to ensure all the nerves and veins shrink back to size. Cold will cause them to be swollen. Also if you are breastfeeding, it is not good for the baby as it may cause colic. Cold stuff is also not advisable if wanting to lose weight.


Eating cold food, meaning food or vegies that cause wind, is also not advisable. Such as cabbage, pumpkin, some people carrots etc. Always best to stick to green leafs. Even lamb is not good as it is cold. Despite people thinking lamb is heaty but during confinement apparently it is the opposite.


Your confinement is also the time for you and baby to adjust to each other. If there are other family members it is for them to adjust too. The baby is still young and "new" and sometimes bringing them outside too early is not advisable cause of germs and "other disturbances".


As much as I hate it, I listen to these old wives tales cause I am sure they know what they are talking about and some of the tales do make sense. I even confine myself upstairs as they say going up and down the stairs not good for your womb. It is still recovering.


Today is my 30th day of confinement. How do I feel? Gets a bit boring of course especially not being able to go out (shopping!) but there are certain joys to it. Always best to make the best of it lah, look on the bright side. This month has gone by pretty fast too. It also helps I have a great confinement lady who takes good care of me when she comes with the massages, hot stone, scrubs and steam baths!


Once my 44 days are up, world! Here I come ... !

A Prayer

There is something so magical and awesome about holding your baby. Especially when they are just a few months old. I guess it is always overwhelming to hold your child but when they are babies like this the feeling is different.

For one it is hard to imagine that this baby, this tiny person, was inside you for nine whole months, feeding from you and breathing with you. Such a miracle God has created that the baby can breathe in your womb while swimming in all that water. The miracle of life!

Holding my little Khadijah now, I can't help but have tears in my eyes. Seeing her look at you with those big brown eyes, so helpless and completely at your mercy. Then I think of the pain I went through to bring her into this world. Owwww, words alone can't describe that feeling. Only another mother would understand what it is like to go through labour, the pain mothers have to endure, the agony mothers go through. In fact, even now, when I think about what it was like giving birth to the 2 girls and Ali, I can't help but have tears in my eyes.

Writing this makes me think about all those mothers, wives or not, who abandon their babies and throw them like they were a piece of used tissue. Where is the heart in them! Did they not carry that baby in them for 9 months, did they not go through the same pain as I did to bring that baby into the world. And yet, they can dispose the baby just like that, some with umbilical cord intact and all. I just don't understand what kind of humans these are. Monsters and devils in a human body. Either that or they are really SICK in the head and heart.

The worst thing is, the problem seems to persist and the number of cases seems to be increasing everyday. At least that is the official number we know, how about cases that are not reported or babies that are not found. Like everything else, we need not find the cure for it but instead we need to eliminate the problem entirely. Malaysians always find ways to tackle the problem by finding remedies. In reality we should prevent it from happening entirely. After all, prevention is better than cure. The rising number of abandoned and dead babies goes to show the mindset of the society we live in now. Which makes me very sad. This is the world that we are raising our children in. Isn't this a scary thought.

God bless this women, or girls, who have the heart to dump their babies. Let us give them the benefit of the doubt that they are not in the right state of mind. Crazy loonies perhaps.

God bless me as a mother and please help me raise my children as best I can to become good and sane people in future. God bless my children and always keep our faith in you dear God, always bless us with your love and guidance. Amin.

What's New

It has been awhile since my last posting. Yup! Have been qite busy with the new baby and adjusting to the changes. What kind of changes you say? Changes in temperament of all the three kids, especially little Ali.

He is very loving with Khadijah no doubt and he even says I love you to her. He hugs her and loves kissing her. But never ever leave her alone cause you never know when he is going to "attack"!

I also have a new project on the way. A very exciting project too. Bob and I will be going to Europe after Raya in September and am so looking forward to it. Why? Cause we are doing an "Ebi and Shu". Huh? What is that? That is where Ebi and Shu take holidays all the time, at least twice a year, just the two of them. Without the kids! So yes, finally Bob and I are going on a holiday together. Just the two of us. Can't wait.

Where we going? We are going to Paris and Italy. It is so exciting cause we are driving from Paris to Rome. We leave back for KL from Rome. I have been busy planning our route and stops as well as looking at other details.

Of course I have been wanting to go to Paris with Bob for the longest time and am really looking forward to it. It has been my dream/wish for it since we got married. And finally 12 years later, InsyaAllah, it will become a reality.

And the drive to Italy will be a real experience too. We have planned several stops along the way including must stops like Bologna (Bob wants to make a beeline for Ducati) and we plan to watch the SBK bike race in Imola), Florence (Prada factory outlet) and Rome (have to get some historical sights in this trip too lah).

Aahhhh .....

Hehehehe ....

Oh yes ... do I hear you ask what about Khadijah? Well, hate it as I must, I will have to leave her. Let's just hope I don't chicken out or cry everynight whilst I am away.

Will update you more. Khadijah is doing great by the way. We are 26 days old today.

My Aishah

This is a story about my younger sister Aishah. She is 10 years younger than me, yes a very wide age gap indeed but she is my best friend and very, very dear to me. We don't live in the same house anymore since I got married but we are still as close as ever.

She is a sound engineer with Hot FM and works very hard I must say. I don't get to see her everyday like when she was studying but knowing that she is just a phone call or an SMS away is always a comfort.

Aishah is a very independent person and very strong headed too. After she returned from her studies in Melbourne she got an idea in her head that wants to live there. With this idea she saved money (she is quite good at that I must add), and has been working towards that goal.

About a month ago, she got news that she finally got her PR which she applied for some few years back. She did not get it for Melbourne but for Adelaide which suits her just fine.

Of course I am happy for her as this is what she wants for herself and what she has been working for since she started work. But honestly, I hate to see her go. I feel like I will lose a very very big part of me. I know, it is not like I will never see her again or we can't go visit or she won't come back for a holiday. I also know there is such sophisticated technology these days -- the internet, Skype, YM and what not.

But it is not the same. It is knowing that she is far away and it is not as easy as saying Please come over and she will be at my doorstep. Sigh! I wonder how my mother feels. Sad too I guess. Of course we will worry, that is what people who love each other do right? Worry ....

These photos were from my recent Baby Shower. Aishah brought me to the secret location and as you can see I was overwhelmed with feelings. She has been here with me through many moments in my life, and I know she will be here for many more to come. But when you are far away how much can you actually physically share. I am sorry if I am being too emotional here (my friends say it's the hormones) but this is my little sister we are talking about. My shoulder to cry on and my shoulder for laughter too. Not only that, she is my little miss fix it round the house too (hehehehe).

I wish you well Aishah, in all your future undertakings. And you know that I will be here for you no matter what. I will miss you terribly and only you know how I feel without having you near me. You are my friend, my confidante, my all and of course my little sister...

BEEN AGES

My goodness! I just realised that my last post was written in January. What have I been doing since then? Getting sucked into the routine of everyday life I guess. Once school started I just became plain lazy to do much.

An update for those who are interested: I am 32 weeks into my pregnancy. Yea ... not long more to go some would say but it still seems so far off somehow. When you see the figure 32 weeks, you know its only 8 weeks aways but when you say that's 2 more months, oh no! Now that sounds like so far off.

The girls are having their first exam for the term this week. It actually started last week and continues this week. Of course we are waiting for the end of the week cause it will be a week's off from school, Kafa, tuition and what not.

Where are we going for the school holidays? Afraid to say, we are planning to go to Krabi. AGAIN? Did I hear you say that. Oh well. It is a nice place to do nothing and just chill. Besides, Bob has had a very hectic 5 months and I know he wants to do absolutely nothing. Which I hope he can considering he can't even enjoy his Sunday cause he is so used to being busy and on the go.

I don't think I can withstand a longer journey and I know I can still get on board an airplane but there will be too much to pack and prepare for 5 of us. Getting in a car is so much easier as you can dump in it as much as you can. Milk bottles and thermos and pull up pants and what not for Ali. And at least going to Krabi I am allowed to stop as much as I want.

Am very much looking forward to the glorious food. Delicious tom yam and superlicious manggo with sticky rice. Awesome!! I will definitely bring back some upon request just hope it will withstand the journey.

Hope all of you are doing well!

Shenzhen and Hong Kong in Dec 2009

I had the opportunity to go to Hong Kong last December with my sis in law, Ayu. She had some work to do and I was invited to tag along. It was just me of course no kiddies. We were in Shenzhen, China first for 3 nights and spent a night in Hong Kong. I don't have any pictures of Hong Kong because I only managed to get a memory card for my pocket camera later. All the pixs are with Ayu and I will downloand them once, if, I get them from her.

Shenzhen is about a 45 min drive from Hong Kong. It was definitely not what I expected. It reminds me of New York and also Singapore. There are nothing but high rise buildings there. It is just building after building and busy streets. Just like New York. Despite the cold winter wind, people were everywhere rushing here and there.

We managed to get some shopping done there ( I would probably only go back for the material, bought all the Chinese silk I could) and the food. They took us to this Muslim restaurant and the lamb was fantastic! Cooked several ways Mongolian style but all tasty as ever. In fact, that was all I seemed to want to eat anyways. With the lamb dishes on the table I didn't even look at the oher dishes.

We also managed some sightseeing and saw Windows of the World and some cultural shows. Very interesting ... it was like the whole of China in an hour. Windows of the World was really awesome, they had a replica of every possible world landmark in a huge theme park like area. Takes about 3 hours for you to walk the whole park. You have the Eiffel Tower, Leaning Tower of Pisa, even Jesus Christ on top of that hill in Brazil, Mount Rushmore, pyramids, windmills in Holland, Taj Mahal and even the entire Borrobodur, in greatest detail too. I have some great pixs from there and will share them with you soonest!

What was Hong Kong like? Dirtier compared to Shenzhen for one and congested. It's like being in Bukit Bintang on a larger scale. We were taken to Harbour City, the largest and longest mall, it is like 4 malls in one entire stretch. Of course I didn't and couldn't walk the entire stretch but managed to get some retail therapy done. We were also taken to the Ladies Market which is Petaling Street for us. An experience no doubt.

This is me with Bruce Lee on the Avenue of Stars. We stayed at the Royal Garden Hotel in Kowloon Hong Kong which is right opposite this walk. So lucky we caugh the Star Cruise ship at the back too!

That is the skyline of Hong Kong and that tower, forgot its name, is the tallest in Hong Kong. It was extremely foggy when we were there. In fact so was Shenzhen. Must be because it is winter. Reminded me of the gloomy days in winterland Kalamazoo when I was studying.

That is me at the Ladies Market. We got a whole load of souvenirs here. The fake handbags and shoes were in abundance here, you actually have catalogues to choose from!

For dinner in Hong Kong they took us to this Kebab place. I had this really fantastic Lamb Pizza, it was extremely delicious!

When we arrived in Hong Kong we took some time to walk the streets and it was very much like Singapore. This picture was taken from the mosque where we stopped for Zohor. Can't remember the street but it was comforting to see a fairly big sized mosque on such a busy street. Traffic of cars, buses and people did not seem to stop at all. We passed by the same way at about 10pm and it was the same scene.

I would not mind going to Hong Kong again as I did not get to see all the sights. As for shopping, yes there are more choices there and all you need is money! Lots of it too!!!!

2010 Update

It has been ages since I have "visited" my own blog! Honestly, I have been just lazy. And there also has been a bad bout of "I don't feel like writing anything". However, all of a sudden there was a need to pen a few words down and I will try to keep you up to speed with what has been going on.

It has been a rather "diferent" past few months. I am well into my 6th month of pregnancy and I wish it could say it has been a breeze but hardly. As expected, things should have gotten better after the first trimester but NOT. Many of my friends blame it on the age, it gets harder and there are more uncomfortable moments when you decide to get pregnant late in your 30s.

I admit I have not been as comfortable as I was at this stage of my pregnancy, unlike the other 3. The worst, or is ot good part, is that I don't eat as well as I should be. There are times where I just don't feel like eating and I am quite happy to just go hungry. Not that there is no food in the house, far be it from that. I just don't feel like it! Nothing seems palatable.

My last check up was just after the New Year and thank God, baby is doing well. Doctor did say that the baby is normal sized, not too big and not too small but I myself sense that it will be the smallest of the three. As long as the baby is well and healthy, that is all that matters. In the meantime, I promise myself that I will try my bestest to eat as well as I can.

Other than the pregnancy, other good things that have been happening is school of course. Najihah is in Standard 4 and Nadiah is in Standard 3 this year. The good thing, both are in the morning session and I don't do that crazy running around with two sessions as I did last year. It is definitely not as tiring and actually leaves me time to think about even going out for lunch with my friends.

Initially I worried about Nadiah risi ng early, she is generally a late riser, she just loves to sleep. But she has adjusted very well, and I think she welcomes the sense of having more hours in the day. Both of their tuition classes are in the afternoon and so are their extra agama classes KAFA.

However, I am in a dilemma if I should continue with their piano classes. Advancement seems rather slow and they themselves have said time and again they are not interested and have asked to stopped. I remember how my mom used to force me to take piano classes and I lasted until Grade 5. I always promised myself I would try hardest not to turn out like my mom so should I let them keep at it or let them quit? I just worry that they have no avenue to vent out at and always felt that music is a good way to express one self. If there was an alternative I would not mind but they have not shown any interest to pursue other things.

Ah well ... the dilemma of trying to be a good parent! It has been a few months of not working and I am enjoying this domestic engineer stint! It can get a little taxing and stressful with the kids alone but there are always opportunities for a mom's time out albeit facial, friends or other recreational activities. All in all, I have enjoyed it and will continue to enjoy it. No complaints whatsoever. And when Baby comes, insyaAllah, there will definitely not be any time to spare.

Safe to safe we are looking forward to Baby no 4. The doctor gave me May 8 by the way. God Speed ....

The Coming of the End

Good to know the school holidays are just around the corner. Honestly, I cannot wait. I like waking up in the mornings, it's good gto be up and about early but I don't like having to rush. As in, get breakfast, get your homework, do your hair, get your socks and what not. And having to make sure they get to school on time. Throughout the day having to look at the clock to make sure I am not late to pick them up or to send the second one to school.

With the start of these holidays also means the end of the two session school year for me. Right now I have one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Next year both will be in the morning session. Which would be less strenuous on me but more agonising in the mornings as Nadiah is a late riser.

Whatever it is, I am looking forward to the end of this term. I feel very drained and I guess going through my first trimester was not very easy either. I am going into my fourth month now but don't feel much better than I did last month. When I was expecting Ali, I was like this too, sick most of the time. Maybe its a boy then, is the easy conclusion!

I should actually write a journal about going through a pregnancy. Thought about it a few times but as you can see nothing has materialised out of it. Will keep toying with the idea and see how it goes. Sometimes I just don't feel like doing anything!

In Life and Death

Today is the 8th day of Syawal and many things have happened this week. First and foremost, it has been a very hot week! Ramadhan was much cooler with lotsa rain and cloudy skies.

The saddest news is that my uncle passed away yesterday morning. He had a cardiac arrest about one half months ago and was recovering in IJN before they moved him to GH. After awhile, the doctors said there was no more hope and he was taken off the life support machine. Yesterday he went away peacefully and I think the pace was good as all family members were prepared. But prepared as you are there is no way to express the loss felt.

When I was carrying Ali, 3 years ago, my youngest uncle died of cancer. My aunty also passed away on my birthday this year with cancer. This time that my uncle passed away I am carrying another child. There is the relation between life and death. God giveth some and he taketh some.

It was a sad occasion at the graveyard yesterday. All the relatives were wishing each other Selamat Hari Raya amidst tears and looks of sorrow. Everyone was gathered to pay their last respects to my uncle and bid his family well but in the end, the man is left all alone in that grave, waiting for the angels to come.

Death is a very sad thing ... but it is inevitable. It comes no matter what, it is just a matter of when. Only God knows that. They say we must celebrate life when we have it and at the same time religion teaches us to work for the hereafter as that is permanent. It is up to each of us to find that balance and make sure that our life here does not forget what comes after, which is the ultimate.

Even in death we celebrate the living, We visit and attend tahlils to extend our prayers to the dead and to extend our hands to the living in hopes that their burden of losing that loved one is eased. I have suffered losses although not of immediate family but of uncles and aunties and of course grandparents.

I cannot imagine what it would be like to lose my mother or father or anyone else closer to me. I cannot imagine how I would take it and accept it. Life deals us the cards and it is up to us to take those cards and play them. To make them work the best for us. God has given us this life and it is up to us to play it the best way we have been taught. I hope and pray we are playing our cards right.

Hari Raya is here ....

The Hari Raya balik kampung exodus began last night for many. Today will be more hectic I assume since they closed schools today to allow parents ample time to bring their families home for the Eid holidays. I expect that Saturday will be even more terrible on the highways with families rushing home at the last minute.

What about me then? Which part of the crazy team am I? Well, I am here in my room in Ara Damansara. I confirmed that I was expecting early this week then a few days later had some light spots. Told my gynae about it and she suggested bed rest. We cancelled our balik kampung plans and will most likely spend Hari Raya here. This will be a first for me as I have never ever spent it here. Before I got married it was always in Taiping and after marriage it was in Bukit Mertajam.

I have always wanted to spend it here, cause I heard that the city is really nice and quiet so I guess this is my chance. Of course my mom and mom-in-law are sad that we can't come back. They want to see their grandkids more than anything of course. Well, some things will just have to wait!

In a way, it would be good to be here. For a change and don't have to go through that stress of making everyone happy by being at so many places at one time. Hahahaa ... know what I mean. This way, no party can get upset with you. Bob was saying that he may take the kids back just for a day to Bukit Mertajam. Oh well ... now that means I will be here all alone. Wonder what that would be like! GULP!

I know some of my friends will be spending Raya here. I even have cousins who spend Raya here if I am up for bed rest how do I get around then. Hmmmm ....

Anyways, Selamat Hari Raya to all my friends. Minta maaf zahir dan batin....

Masks

It has been a good week with the kids being away from school. At least I don't have to worry about H1N1 all the time and making sure they have those surgical masks on their faces all the time.

This evening I saw the Health Minister on TV during the news hour and he was speaking about H1N1 but you know what! I just could not concentrate on what he was saying. He was talking so slowly and his droning on and on was ... well, boring! Which is sad because I am sure he had important points to get across. Not sure if it was him or what but maybe reporters, TV ones especially, should take more effort when they are editing. Instead of showing every word the man is saying, what is wrong with giving key words or shorter excerpts. Like a rap! hahahaha ....*wink*

Am just wondering what is the best way to make it more appealing to listeners thats all. This may also count as ranting. Guess I will just have to read the papers about what he said tomorrow.

This morning's newspapers was even more sad, there was an article on H1N1 and I haven't seen one of importance in awhile. This was quoting our DPM and he was saying it is up to schools if they want to ask kids to wear masks or not. Is that really the news??? DUH! I am sorry if the reporter and the editor who thought that was the news feel offended. But honestly, is that really what parents want to hear!

WHO has called this a world pandemic and they worry about wearing masks or not. I mean I know that is an important deterrent (some doctors say otherwise) but isn't there more earth shattering news to share!

Cest La Vie ...

Holiday Again ...

I had a pleasant surprise yesterday when the girls told me there will be no school next week except for Friday because of the UPSR exams. Monday is a public holiday cause of Nuzul Quran and it will continue to Thursday until after the exams. They only go back to school on Friday. And that would only be for a week as the week after that would be the Hari Raya break already.

Which means these past few weeks and the whole of September is filled with holidays. Yeaaahhhh! Just too bad we can't go off for a holiday because it's the fasting month. But at least the girls won't be too tired cause they are fasting and they have no school. The other question is, how do I fill up their time when they have those few days break!

It would be a good time to get started on the cookies for one. The girls can be quite helpful in the kitchen until of course they get bored and start making a mess. Ali will be of help too as he loves messing around in the kitchen. Don't know how much of the cookies I can actually get going with all these extra "help" but it's worth a try. Besides, it's the fun in it all!

So here is to a great weekend and a better week ahead. See if we could actually go off for a holiday we would have 6 whole days. DAMN!

Good luck to my nephew and others sitting for the UPSR. All the best ...!

Doing Well

It has been a rather hectic week since school started but am glad for the busy schedule cause time flies by faster. From the time I get up for sahur till it's time for break fast, time is like a whirlwind.

Am very proud of my two girls cause they have not missed a day yet of the Ramadhan. Of course the first few days were harder but by the 13th day today, they have more or less gotten used to it. I suppose this is made easier by the fact they had the school holidays to start fasting.

I was a bit worried when school started on Tuesday that they would not be able to take it but so far so good. Of course there are desperate cries of I am so hungry and oh so thirsty but they have not broken half day or anything.

The school week these past two months is short too! A week before the school holidays last month, school closed for a week due to cases of H1N1 which means the girls had 2 weeks off. This Monday is a public holiday and it will continue to Thursday because of the UPSR exams.
Than it would be a week of school only before the one week Hari Raya Aidil Fitri break.

The good thing about all these breaks is that the girls can fast easily without too many cries of hunger and thirst as they will not be too tired from school. Must also say that God has blessed us with cool weather so far this Ramadhan, making it easier on his Ummah!

Happy Ramadhan

Happy School Holidays Moms and Happy Fasting to everyone. I started last week and the fasting month in Bukit Mertajam. Just came back last night, or early this morning. Internet access is not very good at my mom-in-laws place so was not able to enter any postings.

We went back there last Wednesday and ushered the Ramadhan with her. My two daughters succesfully got through the first and second days and I look forward to many more days before the school session begins next week.

Najihah and Nadiah surprised me by being ever so RAJIN in the kitchen. Growing up young girls that I hope I can count on in the kitchen when I get older. They helped their grandmother do everything ... from chopping garlic, to tauhu to frying roti arab.

Yesterday we broke fast at my sis-in-laws place also in Bukit Mertajam and they helped out too. Infact I had to go back to mom-in-laws place to pack our stuff and they wanted to stay there to help with the buka spread. What a proud mom I was!

As this week is still the school holidays, I will definitely spur on their interest by being in the kitchen today and making sure they are there to help me. I think by the end of the school holidays fasting would be a breeze for them and insyaallah they can get through the whole month.

I picked up our raya clothes during my stay in BM. Looks like we are all ready for Raya then. hahahaha ....

Plan to make some cookies this year, more for us than for guests as our cookies never look presentable enough for guests. Have too many helpers including little Ali.

Hope everyone has a good week ahead!

No School

I have declared next week a holiday for the girls from school which means they get a two week break only. This is a fluke too cause Nadiah who is in the afternoon session doesn't have school. An annoucement was made last Thursday they would close a week due to a case of H1N1.

Question: Why close only on Saturday onwards and not Friday which was the next day. Why was that Fridau so important for them to be in school.

Question: Why does the morning session still have to go to school. Even if it is a different session, isn't it the same building, same classroom etc.

I am sure many parent will not send their kids who are in the morning session either. As it is last week there were hardly many pupils in class and I suspect this week will be just as bad. Exams are over and there won't be much to miss I assume. I know it being a Chinese school there will be much the girls will miss but I doubt that is more important than their health.

My sister was telling me that in Australia, the number of cases for H1N1 was so high that they couldn't be bothered anymore about taking precautions so it is business as usual for them. In Mexico, it was just the opposite. Death numbers was rising so the Government closed down everything which resulted in a major decline in the economy. Wonder where we are ...

Scare ...

I should write about this flu bug but I think all has been said about it by other bloggers. My kids school is not yet affected by it and so far there seem to be no cases of H1N1, thank god but of course you worry about it all the time. School is supposed to be a safe place not a place where you have to wear masks and worry about the kid next to you.

Try explaining it to your kids, it is not that simple to tell them why you should be extra careful and chances are they won't remember anyway cause they have been with their friends for the whole school year so how do they differentiate when it is safe and hazardous. I gave them each a mask and told them to put it on which they do for awhile and then they get hot and bothered under it. Of course the mask comes off.

Everyday I tell them to put it on especially if there is someone sick in class but you know what!?! It wouldn't make a difference lah, the mask doesn't really help. You would need to wear an authentic gas mask if you want to prevent disease. The best way is to just make sure your immune system is at its best.

We have had all kinds of disease scares but this is a pandemic which means we need to be real careful. People are dropping like flies ... ebola style. Hmmmmm ....the world is coming to an end they say. A very negative way to say it and seems like an easy way out but all the signs are there. This is God's way of saying look out perhaps.

Shopping in Bandung

I had a great weekend. A weekend that is different from other weekends. I spent it doing what I love ... Shopping! In Bandung too. Went there with 2 girlfriends and my princess Najihah. We left Saturday afternoon and came home Monday night.

From the minute we walked out of the airport, we shopped the afternoon, evening and night away. Sunday we got up really early to be at the Pasar Baru at 8am and we stayed there until about 1pm I think. Even the driver was surprised that we asked him to pick us up from the hotel at 8am, we told him we wanted to be early before the crowd. That was a very wise decision indeed. The shops were just opening when we arrived and we had a the kind attention of all shopkeepers being early and all. Our stomachs told us it was time to leave about 1pm. By that hour we were at the few topmost floors and the crowd was thin there. Making our way down was a real feat, it being Sunday the market was packed like sardines.

Lunch on Sunday was at a nice place, Kedai Nyonya. The ambience was really nice. Where are the pictures you say? I didn't bring my camera, only because I didn't want to. My intention was to SHOP not to take pictures. Hahahaha ... I left it to my girlfriends to do all that touristy stuff so if I get their pictures I will post them here. Anyway, I had this satay kambing. It was delicious. Meat, fat and meat ... cooked terriyaki style. Must have it again next time.

Some of my friends asked me why I like Bandung as they prefer shopping in Jakarta. Jakarta is bigger and the comparison would be Tanah Abang for Pasar Baru. Tanah Abang is HUGE and I think very much for the business people who intend to buy in bulk. There are more clothes at Tanah Abang wherelese I feel there are more textile shops in Bandung's Pasar Baru. That is what I bought most anyway. Other shops are the same like telekung and t shirts. There are textile shops in Tanah Abang too but the variety doesn't seem as much as in Bandung. Besides, Pasar Baru is smaller and you don't need to walk around as much.

There are many facttory outlets scattered all over Bandung and you can get some really sweet deals for kids' clothes. For adults, I haven't really looked cause not really to my taste but I know t shirts are a steal there. I had a chance to visit the Paris Van Java Mall and it's so so lah. I prefer the Bandung Supermall but it is a bit too far out.

We only had 2 nights in Bandung which means that doesn't give you time to sight see. Shopping alone took up most of the time. Which is a blessing in disguise I guess cause than we would need to phone home for money!

Bandung is not as congested as Jakarta, no traffic jams everywhere, at least not the few times I have been there. Jakarta is a city, like Kuala Lumpur so of course the lifestyle is different and the "activities" would be city driven - movies, karoake, clubs and fancy restaurants. Bandung is a small city -- somewhat like Ipoh so the activities are simpler. Althought my sister did say she went clubbing there and it was not that bad. Bandung has a pretty interesting art scene too and you can see artistes putting up their work along the roadside.

The weather is the best in Bandung ... cool and crisp. Not much humidity so you get less tired. It seems to have been any annual event for me the past three years. Which means I must go again next year!