my dear diary

Apa itu Vanishing Twin Syndrome?

2010-06-04T12:16:00.007+08:00

I was a bit terrified and confused when I found that I am expecting again. My twin daugthers baru aja nak masuk 3 tahun dan saya sebenarnya masih belum ready untuk menambah ahli keluarga. Walau apapun, saya tetap bersyukur kerana telah dikurniakan rezeki ini sekali lagi. Saya cuma takut saya tak mampu untuk membahagikan masa antara kerja dan keluarga serta perhatian dan kasih sayang kepada semua anak-anak saya. Looking after the twins aja dah buat kepala saya ni sesak!

We went back to see my old gynae, Prof Siti Zawiyah in UMSC for my prenatal check up sebab dia lebih arif tentang keadaan saya selepas mengalami pengalaman yang sukar ketika kelahiran pertama. I believe she should know what are the risks that I'll be facing for this second pregnancy.

We were shocked and in denial when we were told that I'm expecting twins again. Memang tak percaya langsung. Double Strikes..haha..From the ultrasound scan, we can see two amniotic sacs tapi sayangnya hanya satu sahaja yg dapat lihat heartbeatnya dengan jelas. Doc told us not to put high hope on this twins sebab the other fetus memang tak clear.

I googled about this as I need more info and I found out that this situation is actually called Vanishing Twin Syndrome. According to Wikipedia, Vanishing Twin Sydrome is a fetus in a multi-gestation pregnancy which dies in utero and is then partially or completely reabsorbed by the mother or twin.

At that point of time I still hope that the twin will survive and we were actually planning to do another ultrasound scan in another hospital to get confirmation and second opionion but after that we decided to wait for the next check up in UMSC. Kalau ada rezeki adalah, kalau tak ada pun tak apala..

A few days after that, I had mild bleeding and the doc said that was how the fetus was removed from my womb..Memang sedih..Ada kawan-kawan yang bertanya adakah saya berasa lega bila tahu fetus dah tinggal satu..saya jawab..tidak..saya terkilan sebab saya tau die twins dan sampai bila-bila pun saya akan ingat. Saya pasti akan rasa sedih bila melihat anak saya ini lahir nanti kerana dia sepatutnya dilahirkan berdua. Saya juga pasti tertanya-tanya adakah mereka sepatutnya sama jantina atau tidak, adakah mereka seiras atau tidak..

For those yang nak tahu lebih lanjut about Vanishing Twin Syndrome, you can read it here or here . Or bole aje google..

Sekarang ni, saya tak nak fikir banyak-banyak. I just hope that my baby is healthy dan berdoa semoga tak ada complication yang serius..Sama-samala kita berdoa ya..

Twin Pregnancy FAQ

2010-03-30T17:15:00.003+08:00

I am so excited to know that lunch buddy is expecting twins..Macam tak percaya sebab si Sahidah ni kurus dan comel..Takut tak larat pulak nak carry her twins at later stage nanti..Whatever it is, congrates Sahidah..I am so happy for you..

Sejak dah confirm with her twin pregnancy, she always refer to me on twin pregnancy and tips which I decided to share this info in this entry so that orang lain pun boleh dapat manfaat juga..

1. Bila dah confirm with twin pregnancy, apa perlu buat?
Firstly, you kena buat research on twins and decide which hospital to deliver. Saya suggest anda pergi to government hospital because the equipments are complete and the cost is also cheaper compared to private hospital. Hospital kerajaan bukan sahaja dilengkapi dengan kemudahan yang lengkap tetapi keperluan darah yang mencukupi.

2. Macamana nak tau sama ada twins ni identical or fraternal?
Susah nak jawab sebab if nak confirmkan 100%, kena buat DNA test. Tak semestinya same gender or muka seiras tu identical. In my case, I assumed my twins are identical because they shared same placenta and diagnosed with Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome. I guess I have to do a DNA test to confirm this..For more info, read here

3. Perlu ke bed rest?
Depending on your health condition. As mentioned in earlier post, twin pregnancy is considered as high risk pregnancy. Selalunya doktor akan minta anda untuk bercuti awal untuk berehat di rumah (sekiranya anda bekerja) kerana apabila dah memasuki bulan ke lapan, perut anda dah semakin besar dan pergerakan pun terbatas. Doktor akan keluarkan satu surat kepada majikan menyatakan anda perlu bercuti lebih awal.

4. Normal procedure or C-Section?
Juga bergantung pada tahap kesihatan anda dan kedudukan bayi di dalam kandungan. Jika salah seorang bayi didapati songsang atau melintang, doktor akan cadangkan anda melakukan C-Section.

5. Epidural?
It is very subjective. It’s good to discuss this with your gynae. Understand the pro and cons on epidural. You can make a search in Internet or by asking your friends and relatives. From my own experience, I opt for epidural during my C-Sec because I want to be half conscious during the procedure.

6. What is Braxton Hicks?
I was in my 7months of pregnancy when I suddenly felt pain in my tummy. I was told that the tightening I was feeling in my tummy is called Braxton Hicks. It is also known as false labour. While I was admitted, doktor telah memberi saya satu suntikan untuk menguatkan paru-paru anak-anak dalam kandungan supaya paru-paru mereka menjadi kuat sekiranya saya terpaksa melahirkan belum cukup waktunya.

7. Regular Check Up
Bila kandungan sudah memasuki bulan ke 6 atau 7, doktor akan menasihatkan anda untuk membuat pemeriksaan setiap 2 minggu untuk melihat perkembangan bayi.

8. Sexual Intercourse
It is not advisable to have a sexual intercourse if you are carrying twins sebab ia akan mempercepatkan kontraksi. Apa-apa pun, sila dapatkan nasihat daripada doktor anda.

9. Berat bertambah?
Ya, bersedialah untuk menambah berat badan yang banyak. Ini juga bergantung kepada tahap pemakanan anda. Jika anda jenis yang berselera untuk makan, mungkin berat anda akan bertambah dalam 15-20kg. Bagi yang terlebih berselera, berat badan anda akan bertambah hampir 30kg seperti saya!

10.Tumpah darah
Tumpah darah berlaku kerana uterus anda yang besar tidak mahu kecut semula. Ia selalu berlaku kepada ibu-ibu yang mengandung anak kembar. Saya sendiri mengalami tumpah darah yang teruk sehingga doktor terpaksa menebuk lubang kecil di bahagian kanan perut saya untuk mengeluarkan darah kotor melalui tiub dan memasukkan pula 10 pine darah. It was really painful! Tapi, jangan takut, bukan semua orang akan mengalami tumpah darah. Apa-apa pun, bersedia dan berdoa agar proses kelahiran anak anda nanti dipermudahkan. Insyallah..

Sibling Rivalry

2010-03-25T16:18:00.007+08:00

What would you do if you encounter to problem as this?

And this?

Sibling rivalry ni very common tak semestinya happens to twins saja..Ramai orang tanya saya, "your twins ada gaduh-gaduh tak?" Mereka terperanjat bila saya kata ada..Sebab bagi mereka, bila dah kembar tu mesti selalu baik dan mesra aja..

Persepsi tu memang salah..Tak kirala identical twins or not mereka tetap akan bergaduh..Benda kecil2 pun boleh jadi hal..My twins ni bila bab bergaduh selalunya si Arissa la champion sebab dia akan gigit si Adrianna..Adrianna pulak tak melawan tapi menangis berbakul-bakul..

Banyak punca yang menyebabkan mereka berdua ni selalu bergaduh..Antaranya, ialah rebutkan barang..Kadang2 barang tu memang dah ada dua, yang sama jenis tapi bila si kakak pegang, si adik berebut nak jugak benda yang kakak pegang…Walaupun dah bagi yang satu lagi, tapi dia tetap nak apa yang kakak dia pegang..

Bila dah bergaduh macam tu mulalah suruh saya jadi jugde..Nanti si Adrianna cakap, "Ami..nengok Caca"…Arissa pulak kata, "Ami..nengok Nana".Usually, apa yang saya akan buat ialah try to negotiate sapa yang boleh mengalah tapi if dua2 tak nak mengalah, saya akan ambil benda yang direbutkan tu dan sembunyikan..Biar dua-dua pun tak dapat..haha..

Of course, after that dua2 akan meraung sakan dan mulalah buat saya naik hantu macam mak tiri..Final solution, saya kurungkan mereka dalam ‘Bilik Gelap’..haha..ganas gila..

Ini gaduh2 manja..

My Dream Car

2010-03-18T17:23:00.003+08:00

Bilalah agaknya dapat merasa beli kereta ni? Rasa2nya 10 tahun lagi pun tak afford nak beli..Arghh..Sedih betul..Dapat bergambar pun jadi la..Sebenarnya, pic ni pic lama..One year ago if tak salah..Captured in front of my cousin's house..In other words, ini kereta dia..haha..

Sesiapa yang teringin nak beli kereta ini atau kereta-kereta mewah lain, boleh contact no di bawah..

MKN Motorsports Sdn Bhd

No.23, Jalan PJU 10/1A,

Damansara Damai

Petaling Jaya 47830

Selangor

Tel:03-6156 0011

Jalan-Jalan Cari Makan at Aunty Aini’s Garden Cafe

2010-03-05T16:00:00.007+08:00

I’ve been here twice. Not bad. I really like the ambience..Hubby yang beriya-iya nak tunjukkan tempat sebab dekat dengan opis dia..If dia tak keje area Sepang, for sure kami semua tak tahu kewujudan café ni..

Terletak di Kampung Chelet, berdekatan Nilai dan Sepang, tak ramai yang tahu kewujudan café Aunty Aini’s ni. If you are fans of Kampung food, then this is the place that you shouldn’t miss. Antara dishes yang ada kat sini ialah Daging Salai Masak Lemak, Ikan Jenahak Masak Lemak Tempoyak, Sambal Tumis Udang Galah, Sup Ayam Kampung and macam-macam lagi.

Walaupun terletak kat area kampung, harga makanan kat sini boleh tahan jugak! Dah macam harga kat KL..The second time I went, I actually had the chance to talk to the owner, Aunty Aini..Peramah sangat..She was involved in entertainment industry before she decided to open this café..Dia kata dah tak larat nak buat shooting yang selalunya memakan masa yang lama lagipun her youngest daughter is still schoolling..

Aunty Aini memang talented sebab semua makanan dan juga lanskap yang ada di sekililing café ni dilakukan sendiri oleh Aunty Aini walaupun dia ada beberapa orang pekerja.. Her husband pulak in charge of marketing and management..

Selain masakan kampung, Western food juga ada disediakan..Kalau nak desserts, boleh order di ice-cream corner..Jika ada niat nak bawa rombongan yang ramai, lebih baik buat reservation sebab tempat ni selalu full..Jangan tak percaya Travel Channel 707 di Astro tu pun pernah buat coverage di sini bersama pengacaranya Anthony Bourdain, 2-3 tahun lepas..

Captured a few photos..but tak clear sangat sebab guna camera phone..haha

Belakang tu ialah kitchen

Deco kat sini simple aje..rase macam kat tepi pantai pun ada sebab adanya atap rumbia tu..

Boleh pilih sama ada nak makan di meja biasa atau bersila di gazebo..lebih selesa duduk di sini jika anda ada bawa kids..

Menu yang kami order: Daging Salai Masak Lemak, Sup Ayam Kampung, Sambal Tumis Udang Galah dan Ulam-ulaman...

Sebelum balik, lepak2 dan posing2 dulu kat entrance Aunty Aini's..

Entrance to Aunty Aini's..

Aunty Aini's Garden Cafe, Batu 16, Jalan Sepang, Kampung Chelet, 71800 Nilai, N.Sembilan

Tel: 06-7991276

Closed: Every Sundays

My Nite Marathon

2010-02-11T15:50:00.005+08:00

Yes..I finally completed my 5km nite marathon last Saturday..It was really fun..that was my first marathon (merentas desa masa sekolah tak dikira eh) haha..macam2 perkara berlaku before, during and after the marathon which was so kelakar..and will be remembered...

Honestly, I did not really prepare myself for the marathon. Saya cuma pergi jogging sekali aja, itu pun kat area rumah..lari tak sampai 1km, tiba-tiba dah rasa nak pitam..haha.. lepas tu continue berjalan aja sambil ambil angin di waktu pagi dan sempat pula beli roti canai tiga keping dan suratkhabar masa on the way balik rumah..

Sehari sebelum hari marathon, perut saya tiba-tiba sakit, terlalu banyak angin..Ya, sampai hari ini pun saya masih sakit perut lagi, pening-pening dan sedikit loya..Mungkin gastric aja kot..

Hari yang ditunggu-tungu pun tiba..Walaupun sakit perut, saya gagahi juga..tak nak backout..sebab saya tau mesti hubby akan condemn saya gila-gila..haha..saya ambil bas yang disediakan organiser berdekatan PJ Hilton. Kami tiba awal dan nampak ada sebuah bas Rapid KL tapi tak ada sebarang poster atau sticker yang mengatakan bas ni akan ke Putrajaya..Masa tu, ramai juga peserta lain yang tercangak-cangak macam saya sebab tak pasti adakah itu bas yang akan kami naiki..Nasib baik la, ada seorang mat salih ni pergi tanye bas driver and confirmkan memang itu bas kami..

Bas bertolak tepat pukul 7pm. Memang punctual driver tu..Dalam sibuk saya berborak-borak dengan my sis in law yang juga partner lari saya malam itu, tiba-tiba bas berhenti di tepi jalan dan bas driver tu berjalan ke arah penumpang dan tanya “Siapa tahu macamana nak pergi Putrajaya?” haha..biar betul driver ni..kami dah tersesat kat area Puchong..Luckily ada seorang participant ni familiar dengan that area..

Suasana malam di Putrajaya memang cantik betul..that was my first time pergi Putrajaya waktu malam and it was really amazing..berapa banyakla our government spend on the electricity eh?Ramai sangat orang yang datang that night..Disebabkan kategori yang saya pilih ni Fun Run dan cuma 5km aja, kami start larian yang paling akhir sekali iaitu pukul 9:15pm. Macam tak percaya, we all dapat habiskan larian dalam masa sejam..

Masa tengah berlari, sempat pulak saya nampak couple yang lepas akad nikah (agaknya la sebab pakai baju pengantin..maybe lepas akad nikah di Masjid Putrajaya) bergambar posing-posing dengan berlatar belakangkan kami yang sedang berlari..hahaha..lawak betul..boleh pulak buat wedding photography malam tu..

Overall, saya memang enjoy that night dan teruja nak masuk marathon lagi...One of my friend told me about Energizer Night Marathon which will be held next month but sadly registration dah pun tutup..Takpela, lain kali aja..

Ini pic sebelum lari..nampak tak plaster yg bertempek kat hidung saya tu?Ramai gila participant yg pakai..pelik juga mula-mula bila tengok orang pakai sebab saya pernah beli benda ni untuk hubby sebab tak tahan dengan snoring dia! rupa-rupanya Breathe Right tengah buat promotion..konon-kononya bila pakai benda ni boleh breathe dengan baik bila berlari..Hmm..boleh percaya ke?

My sis in law sungguh energetic malam tu..mana taknya dia tiap2 hari gi training kat gym..penat jugak saya nak kejar budak ni..

Lepas abis lari..terus dapat certificate..akan dimasukkan cert ini dalam resume..haha

Merafak Takziah

2010-01-26T17:18:00.004+08:00

Saya sesungguhnya memang dukacita di atas kemangkatan Almarhum Ke Bawah Duli Sultan Johor, Sultan Iskandar Ibni Almarhum Sultan Ismail pada hari Jumaat lepas. Walaupun saya bukan anak jati Johor tetapi saya pernah bersekolah dan tinggal beberapa tahun di sana. Apabila saya terdengar pengumuman di radio mengenai kesihatan Almarhum yang ketika itu sedang gering, saya lantas mengambil handphone saya dah terus sms anakanda bongsu Almarhum Sultan, iaitu YAM Tunku Masera yang merupakan salah seorang sahabat karib saya.

Saya mula mengenali YAM Tunku Masera ketika di bangku sekolah menengah. Walaupun kami dilahirkan pada tahun yang sama tetapi disebabkan Tunku Masera telah dimasukkan sekolah rendah pada umur 6 tahun, maka Tunku adalah merupakan senior setahun dari saya. Persahabatan saya dan Tunku bertambah erat ketika kami belajar di universiti yang sama. Ketika itu, saya pula yang jadi senior Tunku sebab selepas tamat sekolah menengah, Tunku mengambil STPM terlebih dahulu dan seterusnya memasuki salah sebuah universiti ternama di Singapore.

Pada waktu itulah, Tunku bersama kaum kerabat lain telah berangkat menunaikan umrah dan telah terbuka hati untuk mendalami ilmu agama lebih-lebih lagi Bahasa Arab. Sekembali Tunku dari menunaikan umrah, Tunku telah memohon untuk memasuki International Islamic University dan mengambil course Political Science. Saya pula pada waktu itu, sudah memasuki tahun kedua pengajian.

Saya banyak mempunyai kenangan manis bersama kerabat Johor yang tidak mungkin dapat saya lupakan. Tunku telah melayan saya dengan baik sekali dan turut membawa saya mengadap Almarhum Ayahanda dan Tuanku Sultanah beberapa kali. Saya juga berpeluang untuk makan semeja dengan mereka..(masa tu terpaksa maintain cool aja). Almarhum Sultan Johor walaupun nampak tegas tetapi merupakan ayahanda yang penyayang.

Banyak acara keraian sama ada di Johor atau di tempat lain yang dapat saya sertai. Dari situlah, saya telah belajar bahasa-bahasa istana dan serba sedikit tentang protokol ketika mengadap kerabat-kerabat di raja.

DYMM Tuanku Sultanah juga melayan saya dengan baik. Saya pernah mengikut rombongan Tuanku ke Singapore dan Tuanku Sultanah tidak lupa untuk memberi saya cenderahati. Saya juga pernah menerima pemberian istimewa oleh Tuanku Sultanah..Oh..it's personal..tak boleh nak share..hehe..

This picture was taken in 2002 or 2003 di Istana Bukit Serene..sedang bersiap untuk dinner sempena Ulangtahun Kelahiran Almarhum Ke Bawah Duli Sultan Johor..

Di kesempatan ini, saya ingin merafak sembah takziah kepada Duli Yang Maha Mulia Sultanah Zanariah Binti Almarhum Tunku Ahmad serta Kerabat Di Raja, Kerajaan Negeri dan Seluruh Rakyat Negeri Johor Darul Ta'zim di atas Kemangkatan Almarhum Duli Yang Maha Mulia Baginda Allmutawakil 'Alallah Sultan Iskandar Ibni Almarhum Sultan Ismail.

Semoga Almarhum Sultan di cucuri rahmat. Amin.

Note: Saya berkabung 7 hari..

Jom Join Night Marathon

2010-01-15T16:35:00.005+08:00

Update 19/1/10: Registration for Putrajaya Night Marathon is officially closed. Hubby tak sempat register..huhuhu..sedih giler..

Jom..jom..jom..join night marathon at Putrajaya on 6 February 2010...Saya dah pun meregisterkan diri..cuma hubby je yang belum lagi..mari la sesama meriahkan keadaan..tak payah lari jauh-jauh..amik yang 5km je..(itu pun belum tentu larat)..haha..

For more info on this marathon, click hooha

Expecting twins

2010-01-13T17:42:00.007+08:00

Having twins’ memang best, double the joy + double the work. You have to be mentally and physically prepared. Masa saya mula-mula tau saya mengandungkan twins, my pregnancy was only about 15 weeks. Sungguh terkejut sebab terang-terang boleh nampak dua heartbeats dalam tummy saya. Masa tu, doc tak cakap apa-apa lagi. Saya sendiri yang nampak kat monitor..Doc pun macam terkejut and terus tanya adakah saya ada twins history dalam family. Saya dengan blur-blurnya jawab tak ada.

Saya yang masih terkejut, terus call hubby..Dia yang sepatutnya menemankan saya, tersangkut dalam jem..Arghh..dia memang selalu lambat! Bila saya cakap “eh I’m expecting twins la”..(dengan nada yang gembira) Dia dengan selamba menjawab “Biar betul..Anak I ke ?” Sungguh kejam betul dia..

Saya tak pernah berangan nak dapat anak twins, tapi saya pernah berangan saya sendiri ada twin..haha..mesti best kan..Masa saya di universiti dulu, saya dan kawan baik saya Farah Wahida, selalu kutuk-kutuk satu pasangan twins yang same batch with us sebab everyday pergi kelas dari atas sampai bawah semua sama, pastu jalan-jalan pegang tangan..Mak aii..menyampah betul tengok..(hehe..padahal jeles sebenarnya)..Ditakdirkan Tuhan, saya dan kawan baik saya tu sama-sama dapat anak kembar. Her twins boys are one year older than mine..kami sudah boleh berbesan..

Some tips yang boleh saya share bersama..

1.Dapatkan banyak informasi tentang twins sama ada melalui internet, buku, rakan, saudara-mara atau sesiapa saja yang berpengalaman. Wajib tahu bagaimana bayi kembar boleh terjadi dan perbezaan antara kembar seiras dan bukan seiras..supaya senang nak jawab if orang tanya nanti..

2.Buat budget..Jangan jadi macam saya..Terlalu ghairah sangat berbelanja..Mesti ada proper planning kalau tak budget boleh lari. Apa yang boleh share, tak perlu beli dua. Bila dah ada list barang yang nak dibeli, lebih mudah untuk beritahu saudara-mara apabila diaorang tanya “Nak apa for present?”

2.Mesti makan makanan yang seimbang dan makan secara kerap tetapi dalam small quantity. Oh ya, jangan lupa makan vitamin..Folic Acid paling penting..

4.If dah decide for breastfeeding, haruslah tanya orang yang berpengalaman dan rujuk buku-buku bergambar..Ini saya memang failed..

5.Dapatkan pembantu, tak kirala orang Indon ke, ibubapa, suami atau adik beradik sebab tak cukup kaki tangan dan akan rasa letih lebih-lebih apabila baru discharge from hospital

6.Dapatkan informasi tentang berapa cost untuk kelahiran kembar. Lebih baik pergi ke hospital kerajaan atau separa kerajaan kerana harga yang lebih murah dan fasiliti yang lengkap

Oopss..jangan seronok sangat sebab twins pregnancy ni banyak dugaannya..Bukan semuanya best aja tau.. Antaranya:

1.Di klasifikasikan sebagai high risk pregnancy..Risiko untuk mendapat darah tinggi, kencing manis, morning sickness yang teruk adalah lebih tinggi berbanding kandungan biasa..Alhamdullilah, my pregnancy was ok..

2.Bila dah diconsider high risk tu, maknanya mesti lebih kerap buat prenatal visits. Masa saya dulu, bila kandungan dah 6-7 bulan agaknya, kena jumpa doctor every two weeks..memang kopak la duit..

3.Bila dah mengandung twins, you need additional calories and weight gains..Bila makan memang tak ingat dunia..my weight was 78kg masa last week of pregnancy..Nasib baik skarang dah kurus balik..

4.Chances of having C-section is higher sebab akan ada banyak complications macam yang saya alami..My womb was nearly removed tau..huhuhu..

5.Bersiap sedia untuk bersalin lebih awal. Kebanyakan twins lahir pre mature. Alhamdulillah, kandungan saya genap 36 weeks. Doctor suruh saya tunggu lagi tapi saya yang tak nak sebab dah tak larat nak bawa perut ke hulu ke hilir..

Fresh from oven..haha..this is Adrianna..kulit merah macam udang kena bakar sebab terlebih darah..

This is Arissa. She was so paled because kurang darah dan terpaksa dimasukkan dalam inkubator for 5 days. Saya hanya dapat melihat dia selepas dua hari melahirkan sebab keadaan saya yang sangat lemah dan Arissa pula ditempatkan di blok berlainan dengan saya dan Adrianna..Ini antara gambar yg hubby ambil untuk tunjuk pada saya setiap kali dia pergi menjenguk Arissa tanpa saya..sungguh sedih..

Hari kedua di rumah..Satu besar, satu kecik..Satu merah, satu putih..

Puteh Cantik Berseri

2010-01-12T16:17:00.011+08:00

As planned, my sis in law and myself went to pelancaran butik Puteh at Damansara Perdana last Saturday. Pening kepala tak tau nak pakai baju apa..Sekejap nak pakai baju kurung, kejap nak pakai dress labuh..tu lah masalahnya, tak tahu dresscode…If pakai beria-ia, nanti overdress pulak..Kelam kabut pagi tu selongkar almari cari baju yang sesuai..

Last-last pakai je la baju labuh and jeans..sebab I was told on that morning, launching starts at 9:30am and invitation yang we all dapat pulak from 11am-6pm.. So,tak payah berformal-formal sangat sebab bila we all sampai launching dah pun selesai..

Ini die rupa butik Puteh from outside..Senang aja nak cari..If you are coming from Damansara Perdana punya entrance, it's on your left hand side, opposite traffic light pertama entering Damansara Perdana. But if you are coming from The Curve, butik ni kat sebelah kanan (new building)

Curi-curi amik gambar sebab malu nak keluarkan my DSLR camera yang besar bagak tu..haha

Inside one of the room, barang-barang dalam bilik ni more exclusive..yang beg-beg kat dalam pic tu bukan handbag tau..tapi telekung..cantik kan? harga paling mahal if xsalah RM5k..uishh..orang zaman sekarang ni pegi semayang jemaah pun ada yang suka show off tau..haha..telekung ni memang sesuai untuk golongan-golongan seperti mereka..

Salah satu jubah yang di displaykan..material nampak biasa aja tapi beads tu yang buat price jadi mahal..Harga jubah kat sini starts from RM2k..very exclusive..biasala..hasil creativy Rizalman..worth it dengan harga yang dibayar..

My sis in law pun nak tumpang bergambar..Dia tengah berholiday skarang ni sebab baru quit from Ernst&Young and akan start keje baru next month..jeles la..

Selepas berjam-jam dalam butik dan membelek-belek mana barang yang paling murah untuk dibeli..hahaha..kiteorang pun amikla travelling telekung yang sangat compact dan cantik..

Ini telekung yang saya pilih..comel kan?telekung ni warna purple tau and ada corak-corak batik kat tepi kain..memang bergaya..haha..yang bestnya, we all dapat 20% discount..

p/s: hari ni dalam sejarah. post 2 entries..chow

Mood baru..

2010-01-12T11:11:00.002+08:00

Mulai tahun ni, saya nak buat beberapa changes dalam blog ni..Firstly, nak tukar gaya penulisan..If you all perasan, ada entry yang tulis dalam English ada yang Malay and ada yang mix pun..Sungguh tak konsisten..Banyak entry tertangguh sebab saya kena habiskan banyak masa nak pikir ayat, check grammar (ini yang lemah ni), editing and proofread..Wah..sungguh letih..dari macam-macam cerita yang ada, alih-alih satu cerita je yang dipostkan kat blog ni..sebab nak perfect sangat..(padahal takla perfect mana..)So, skarang ni, tak nak buang masa..saya nak tulis ikut bahasa saya sendiri..tak nak pikir pasal grammar betul atau salah.. dalam erti kata lain..tulis macam saya sendiri sedang bercakap..haha..baru la feel sikit..casual writing..

Lagi satu perubahan ialah, saya akan tulis lebih banyak pasal twins saya..sebab tak larat nak cerita kat semua orang one by one bile dieorang tanya, “camna bole dapat twins?”, “ada family history ke?”, “susah tak jaga twins?”, “berapa ko spend sebulan?”..aduii..kalau sorang dua yang tanye takpela..ini tak, setiap kali jumpa orang yang baru tau saya ada twins, soalan-soalan seperti diatas akan diujakan..terpaksala rewind segala dialog-dialog yang memang dah lama hafal…hahaha..Well, bab ni memang tak nak escape..Sesiapa yang ada anak twins or triplet ke apa, have to deal with this situation..Berbalik kepada tujuan kenapa saya tulis pasal twins dalam blog, ialah supaya senang saya kata pada orang yang menanya “refer blog aku if nak tau pasal twins”..hahaha..

Susah nak cari blog yang cerita pengalaman seorang ibu membesarkan anak twins..Oleh itu, saya harap blog ni akan dapat memberi serba sedikit panduan kepada ibu-ibu twins di luar sana..(Promote blog sendiri)..haha..Okla..sebelum melalut..lebih baik stop skarang..bye..

Thank God It's Friday..

2010-01-08T16:46:00.003+08:00

Hari ini sungguh lambat masa berlalu..Dah tak sabar rasenya nak keluar from opis ni..Hari ini juga saya rasa sedih sebab semalam my parents dah kidnapped my twins coz nak bawa them to Singapore to visit my grandmother. I was actually contemplating to give my parents permission to take my twins but then petang semalam, mak saya call and kata.."hello..mama dah on the way ke kl, ambil nana n caca"...tiba-tiba jantung saya terhenti..what else should I say..Kesian pulak kalau tak bagi..terpaksala merelakan dalam terpaksa...I'll be missing them desperately..Saya tak sanggup balik rumah awal semalam sebab nanti terbayang-bayang muka diaorang..jadi saya pun pegi la bershopping kat the curve untuk menghiburkan hati..haha..excuse je sebenarnya sebab if twins ade tak dapat take my own sweet time untuk bershopping..

Hari ini pun saya plan nak balik lambat..hubby dah ajak tengok Avatar malam ni..I was supposed to watch Avatar last week but cinema penuh, last-last tengok Sherlock Holmes..The movie was not bad..especially sebab ada Jude Law..haha..

Esok pula, saya akan ke pegi ke pelancaran Puteh-Busana Muslimah owned by my cousin n Rizalman Ibrahim at Damansara Perdana. You can take a sneak preview on some of the clothes at fabulousity by rizalman..Waaa..Kopakla duit saya bulan ni..Mesti banyak yang berkenan di hati..Takkan nak balik tangan kosong kan?

Happy New Year..

2010-01-05T16:27:00.003+08:00

I know it’s a bit late to wish everyone and sorry for not writing although dah promise nak start tulis blog.. asyik malas je..too many things to blog about sampai tak tau macamane nak start..

Alhamdulillah, I had a great start this year.. dapat bonus walaupun xbanyak mane tapi tetap bersyukur sebab dapat..I’ve been planning to do a lot of things but asyik tertangguh aje..Hopefully dapat continue this year. One of it is to enroll into sewing class. Yg ini, dah pun start last month. baru attend 4 kelas kat Pusat Latihan Smart Skill in Wangsa Maju..so far so good..Disebabkan saya ni tak pernah pegang mesin langsung, skirt A line yg senang tu amik masa 3 kelas untuk disiapkan..haha..punyela blur masa first class sebab tak tahu nama2 tools yang guna masa menjahit..ramai my friends tanye, you ni memang minat jahit ke? Sebab diaorang terkejut bila saya cakap saya pegi kelas menjahit..Jawapannya memang tak minat langsung..ingat lagi masa buat kerja khusus for Kemahiran Hidup, saya hantar kedai aja bukannya jahit sendiri..

Mood untuk menjahit ni tetiba aja datang lebih2 lagi bila dah ada 2 orang anak dara ni..tak sabar nak jahit baju kurung or dress for them..yang jual kat luar very limited..if buat sendiri bole buat macam2 design..

This pic was taken on the day this machine was delivered to my house a month ago..tak payah susah2 pegi kedai, order aje online kat LSN-The leading sewing machine company

Okla, if baju dah siap nanti saya upload ok..

Sexy Johnny

2009-11-19T16:45:00.002+08:00

The People magazine has once again endorsed Johnny Depp as “Sexiest Man Alive” set aside Hugh Jackman that was chosen last year. After winning the same award in 2003, Depp has surprisingly made a comeback. He joined Brad Pitt and George Clooney as the only two-time winners for this award.

No doubt he is sexy but I don’t really fancy him. I still prefer Hugh Jackman…huhuhu

Craving for Indian food?

2009-11-18T17:38:00.004+08:00

I don't know why lately I always crave for Indian/Mamak food. Semuanya start after I got back from Penang early this month. I had Nasi Kandar at Subaidah Nasi Kandar and was hooked since then. Seminggu lepas itu, I asked hubby to bring me to Kayu Nasi Kandar at SS2 but was really disappointed with the selection. Tak banyak lauk but mahal aja lebih..I don’t know why so many people suka sangat with Kayu Nasi Kandar..Tak ada la sedap mana pun..

Last Sunday, my bro in law ajak pergi lunch to discuss about his merisik ceremony that has been scheduled next month. Mula-mula nak pergi ke Hard Rock Café, but my father in law pulak tak setuju sebab dia tak nak makan western for lunch. At last, my sis in law suggested makan at Kanna Curry House. I pernah dengar this restaurant before tapi tak pernah try.

Pukul 11:30am, my family dah terpacak depan kedai. Tapi orang yang nak belanja, my sis in law and my father in law semua belum sampai..Biasalah..problem with time management..hehe..Me and husband sengaja tak nak keluar from kereta dulu sebab susah nak control my twinnies nanti if kena tunggu lama. So, we decided to stay inside the car until the rest sampai..

Masa tengah asyik menunggu and melayan the twins, tetiba nampak Raja Nazrin and his wife berjalan in front of our car..Selamba aja keluar from Kanna Curry House and siap ada tapau lagi..Tak ada bodyguard pun. They are so friendly and smile kat semua orang yang terkejut bila nampak mereka. Myself pun apalagi kaypochi nak tengok diaorang drive kereta ape..hahaha..Macam tak percaya bila tengok Tuanku Zara drive Rav4 aja…Humble betul this couple..

Bila dah masuk dalam restoran, nampak pulak Umie Aida baru sampai with kawan dia. Dia choose makan kat luar restoran, bawah pokok..Makan berdua aja..Tunang dia tak ada la pulak..

Bagi sesiapa yang nak makan Indian food, I totally recommend this restaurant. Banyak selection, reasonable price and service pun bagus..plus dapat jumpa celebrities..haha..

Kalau nak tau restoran ni kat mana, please click here and if nak tengok some pictures and review, click here. Saya tak bawa kamera that day..

Our merisik meeting over the lunch adjourned at 1:30pm..and akan bersambung lagi..date belum confirm..me and my sis in law were given task untuk siapkan barang-barang hantaran..Ohh..saya memang suka jadi wedding planner…

Annual Report 2009 finally signed off!

2009-11-13T16:40:00.008+08:00

After struggling more than 2 months to produce our latest annual report, finally it has gone for printing yesterday evening..Lega betul..Mana taknya, buat Annual Report ni bukannya senang, firstly kena tau ape directionnya so senang nak brief agencies yang datang for pitching. After that, baru agencies come back with cover design, rationale, concept and etc. Bab yang paling pening sekali ialah nak gather all information and pictures…Dahla kena liaise with a few parties such as Legal & Co Sec, Internal Audit, QSHE, Investor Relations, Finance..Lain department, lain ragamnya..

This year memang mencabar sikit for me sebab I was responsible to translate the English copy to Malay for almost all pages in the book which includes Chairman’s Perspective, Operation Reviews, Corporate Social Responsibility, Statement of Internal Control, Audit Committee Report etc..Pening kepala memerah otak nak translate sebab banyak sangat technical terms and financial terms yang amat jarang sekali saya guna..Nasib baik la, ada kengkawan dan hubby yang sudi menolong menjadi dictionary bergerak saya..hehe..

Yang paling mencabar sekali ialah sendiri translate sendiri proofread..hahaha..Memang kelakar coz of coursela rasa all the sentences macam semua betul aja..Actually all this while, for malay version we have sent it to agency to translate dan saya hanya proofread aja. Tapi, melalui experience tahun-tahun sebelumnya, agency ni selalu lambat bagi revise copy and their translation pun teruk. Banyak bagi direct translation which tak boleh pakai and end up saya sendiri kena translate semula..Sebab tu, tahun ni boss kate for Malay version buat in-house…

This year our Annual Report concept is focused on our achievement in giving breakthrough solution contohnya untuk mengurangkan banjir di pusat bandar KL, kami telah membina SMART Tunnel yang telahpun terbukti dapat mengurangkan masalah banjir dan kesesakan lalulintas di KL. Contoh lain ialah, pembinaan Lebuh Raya Damansara-Puchong yang menggantikan jalan-jalan lama dan telah menjadikan Puchong sebagai sebuah tempat yang membangun..Tentang demostrasi harga tol tu, saya no komen ok..eventhough saya pun terbeban sebab guna LDP setiap hari..hahaha..

Ini cover AR for last year, sorry tak dapat upload this year punye sebab at this point of writing, this year's AR belum submit to Bursa Malaysia. Hence, tak bole expose to public..Tak pasal2 boleh kena fine tau..

Cantikkan rumput and awan tu..selepas kena touch up..hehe

Inila rumputnya yang sebenar and tengok ah background tu..tak sesuai betul..

Panas betul masa ni..shooting tengahari buta..

Hello…I’m Back!

2009-11-06T14:47:00.009+08:00

Thousand apologies to all my dear friends yang follow my blog..I know I’ve neglected this blog for quite some time..My passion for updating this blog has dropped since hubby dah balik M’sia. The main reason this blog was set up pun because I want him to get update on our activities in Malaysia. Bila dia balik, blog ni terbiar kejap..haha..

Alhamdulillah, everything goes well. Hubby is working in Sepang and the twins are now staying with us. Ramai yang cakap I’m getting slimmer..hehehe..Mane taknya..kena jaga anak, masak, kemas rumah..24 hours exercise..Tak payah makan ubat or pegi gym pun..I hope my weight ni akan terus maintain..

Okla, tak nak cerita banyak..Nak post gambar2 latest my twins..To Ina, Rien, Raiehan and Fazila, this entry is dedicated to all of you..coz if korang tak sound aku suruh update, memangla aku malas nak tulis..hehehe..

Baru bangun tido..terus aje pegi pool..

Tak tau swim lagi..kena la naik float ni..

Arissa..

Adrianna rest kejap..

Dah boring main air, main panjat2 pulak..

Float ni present from my atuk..Moyang dieorangla..

Agak2 bole jadi model Victoria Secret tak?hehe..

Cuti-Cuti Malaysia-Langkawi

2009-06-26T16:21:00.014+08:00

I took a few days off from work and spent the days at Langkawi with my family last 2 weeks. I was thrilled as this is the first time that my mother in law and my youngest sister in law joined our vacation. All this while, my father in law is always reluctant to let them go anywhere without him.

Since my hubby was the only gentleman in the group, he has been designated as our permanent driver through out the holiday..haha..It was a last minute plan, actually. Therefore, we didn’t make the booking earlier but at least the flight tickets were still affordable. We could have paid lesser if we do the booking during the Air Asia’s promotion. Anyway, thanks to Mr Hubby who belanja our flight tickets..hehe..

We spent 5 days / 4 nights in Langkawi. Thanks to my husband’s cousin Kak Juin & Kak Ina who gave us the permission to use their rooms in Langkawi Lagoon and their MPV with no charge. Alhamdulillah, jimat duit..

We departed from LCCT on Thursday's night at 9:30pm and reached Langkawi 45 minutes later. This is the first time the twins travel on board. Arissa looked calm but Adrianna a bit restless and cried throught out the journey!

It only took us 5 minutes to reached the resort from the Airport. We skipped the room registration (the resort belongs to my husband's uncle, therefore no registration required..hehe) and were directed to our rooms. The rooms were very spacious. I think the room size that we were given was equally same size as my small condo! or maybe bigger!

We spent the first day lepaking at our resort. After spent about one hour at the swimming pool, we later proceeded to the beach. I purposely captured the water challet as it is the trademark of Langkawi Lagoon. Unfortunately, we did not stayed there..

We were a bit frustrated when we saw this signage. No wonder there was no other people at the beach besides us..

Since we can't swim at the beach, we brought the kids to the nearby playground..

I cannot stop myself from laughing when I took their photos at the playground in this swimwear. It reminds me of Sofea Jane riding a horse in swimwear in one of the Malay film few years ago..haha..The outfit so tak kena..

The underwaterworld did impressed me. Although the entry fees was quite high but I think I enjoyed it more compared to Aquaria in KLCC. There was a large entourage at the entrance as our Deputy Prime Minister and family was also there to pay a visit.

I truly enjoyed this Tsunami Laksa, located along the Chenang Beach. The taste was so yummy until we tapau a few packets for our dinner. There was another Laksa seller called Laksa Power located near the airport but the taste was not really nice as compared to this one.

This picture was taken before we started the Island Hoping. It costs only RM35 for each adult and they will bring you to three places, the Dayang Bunting Lake, The Eagle Island and Beras Basah Island. We were given 1 hour to spent at each places. The was one lady on our boat that wore pink baju kebaya and pink sandal..Me and my husband cannot stop laughing everytime our eyes met her eyes....how can you wear kebaya and ride a boat? Anyway, an attire is not a barrier!

Free fish spa at the Dayang Bunting Lake. Don't be surprised when you see a lot of cat fishes in the lake water. Try put on your feet inside the lake and enjoy a quick reflexology...

I'm confused here...I wonder whether my husband wanted to capture my picture or the Hongkie girl in bikini behind me?hehehe

Again, an attire is not barrier. This Arab lady who was also in my boat seems comfortable doing her activities in her black abaya..

My mum enjoying her swimming + berendam activities at 7 Wells Waterfall. For those who plan to visit this waterfall, please be advised that you have to walk 15-20mins from the parking area to reach the waterfall. It tooks another 20mins to reach to the actual 7 wells area.

Homeschool?

2009-06-09T16:35:00.004+08:00

I was reading the Berita Harian this morning and I found this amazing story about one Malaysian Homeschool family. I totally respect the courage, dedication and passion that this mother of 4 kids has. She is a truly Supermummy!

Please read the article and visit LittleKittle.com for more info.

Permata Hati: Sekolah di rumah

Oleh Halina Mohd Noor

MAMPUKAH ibu bapa menjadi guru kepada anak-anak dan menggarap kurikulum tersendiri bagi mencerna minda mereka? Bagi kebanyakan orang ia adalah mustahil, malah dianggap 'tidak normal' bagi seorang kanak-kanak jika tidak bersekolah. Namun, bukan kepada Hafiza Abd Rahman, 25, yang cukup berani dan yakin untuk mendidik sendiri empat anaknya di rumah. Ikuti pengalamannya seperti diceritakan kepada RATU, baru-baru ini. Sedia konsep pendidikan formal: Alasan tidak mahu anak diukur dengan gred seperti berlaku kepada kebanyakan kanak-kanak BERPEGANG kepada falsafah, ibu bapa adalah guru terbaik anak, Hafiza Abd Rahman yang lebih mesra dengan panggilan, Mamafiza memutuskan untuk tidak menghantar anaknya ke pusat asuhan kanak-kanak, tadika mahupun sekolah pada masa depan. Alasannya, dia tidak mahu anaknya diukur dengan gred seperti berlaku kepada kebanyakan kanak-kanak hari ini termasuk pengalamannya sendiri.

"Cukuplah semasa saya kecil dulu, diadili dengan gred. Kalau dapat A dalam peperiksaan, mereka dianggap bijak. Sebaliknya yang kurang pandai, kurang mendapat perhatian. Kenapa perlu A dan menerima layanan berbeza? Wajarkah ukuran ini diberikan kepada kanak-kanak yang hanya ditekankan dengan didikan akademik semata-mata sedangkan dari segi tingkah laku pula teruk?" katanya. Tidak menafikan ramai yang ragu dengan tindakannya untuk tidak menghantar anak ke sekolah, malah ada yang mengutuknya, Mamafiza berkata, ia bukan sesuatu yang pelik kerana konsep itu sudah lama dilakukan di negara Barat. Antaranya seperti Amerika Syarikat yang menunjukkan, lebih 1.1 juta kanak-kanak bersekolah di rumah pada 2007. Selain akademik, kanak-kanak ini diajar ibu bapa masing-masing dengan pelbagai perkara lain termasuk kokurikulum dan kebajikan. "Ibu bapa tidak perlu risau jika tiada kemahiran kerana setiap ibu bapa adalah guru kepada anak. Apa yang diperlukan adalah kasih sayang dan mempercayai kebolehan anak masing-masing. Saya memberikan anugerah kepada anak melalui pujian, pelukan dan riben yang digantungkan di dinding yang membuatkan hati mereka berbunga," katanya.

Idea menyekolahkan anak di rumah tercetus hasil pengalamannya sendiri. Oleh kerana ibu bapanya sibuk bekerja, masanya banyak dihabiskan di rumah nenek. Mereka mengajarnya pelbagai perkara dan cuba mencari jawapan kepada pelbagai soalan diutarakan. Di rumah, bapanya sering membelikan dan membacakan buku untuknya. Baginya bersekolah di rumah adalah bidang yang menyeronokkan dan sering diinginkan untuk anaknya. Mamafiza percaya kaedah itu menyediakan suasana pembelajaran terbaik dan ibu bapa berkeupayaan menyediakan pendidikan terhebat untuk anaknya. "Sebelum mengajar anak, ajar diri sendiri atau muhasabah diri. Satu hari, satu pesan dan dengan izin Allah, ia jadi kekal sampai bila-bila. Saya sering berdoa agar diberikan kesabaran untuk mendidik mereka. Pada mulanya suami agak keberatan dengan idea ini tetapi selepas diterangkan, suami memberi restu untuk bekerja di rumah sebagai pereka laman web dan penulis. Ia membolehkan saya bersama anak sepanjang masa, pada waktu senang atau susah. Kegembiraan saya dalam berkongsi ilmu bersama anak tidak dapat diganti dengan wang ringgit walaupun pernah ditawarkan pekerjaan di luar rumah melebihi RM5,000 pada usia 20 tahun," katanya. Katanya, menyekolahkan anak di rumah memerlukan dua orang tenaga kerja. Justeru, ibu dan bapa memainkan peranan berbeza iaitu, ibu bertindak positif iaitu menanamkan nilai mulia, manakala ayah pula berperanan memberi tindak balas ke atas perbuatan negatif anak. Misalnya jika anak membuat salah, ayah berperanan memberikan hukuman tertentu.

Menimba pengetahuan mengenai sekolah di rumah, Mamafiza banyak membaca buku dan belajar melalui internet. Dia gemarkan penulis Jepun, Tetsuko Kuroyanagi yang menulis pengalamannya mengenai sekolah di rumah. Menyedari kepentingan muzik dalam merangsang minda kanak-kanak, Mamafiza sanggup membeli keyboard terpakai dan belajar bermain piano secara dalam talian selama seminggu dengan tunjuk ajar pemain piano Kanada, Andrew Furmazyek secara percuma. Menyentuh mengenai perkembangan sosial anaknya, Mamafiza berkata, ia tidak semestinya boleh didapati di sekolah semata-mata. Sejak kecil mereka digalakkan bercampur dengan masyarakat sekeliling dan bergaul dengan kanak-kanak kurang bernasib baik seperti anak yatim tanpa mengira bangsa dan agama.

"Sejak usia mereka satu setengah tahun, kami bawa mereka ke masjid berhampiran rumah untuk membaca yassin dan membantu jemaah lain menyiapkan persiapan untuk majlis berkenaan. Setiap Jumaat, anak lelaki kena ikut ayah ke masjid untuk sembahyang Jumaat. Sekurang-kurangnya dua kali sebulan, kami bawa semua anak ke rumah anak yatim agar mereka tahu bahawa ada anak yang tidak mempunyai ayah dan ibu. Aktiviti lain seperti membaca dan melukis bersama anak-anak ini.

Anak saya bakal melancarkan satu laman web perniagaan tidak lama lagi yang akan menjual lukisan yang mereka lukis dan 20 peratus daripada hasil jualan disumbangkan kepada rumah anak yatim. Setakat ini, mereka berjaya menjual beberapa lukisan batik canting dengan harga RM150," katanya. Aktiviti bermula dengan solat Subuh MAMAFIZA mula menyekolahkan anak sulungnya, Muhammad Kirua Hakimy di rumah sejak 2004, malah sejak anaknya itu dalam kandungan sehingga kini. Semasa hamil, siswazah Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) ini memastikan setiap hari membaca surah Yassin untuk diperdengarkan kepada bayi dalam kandungan dan sentiasa memikirkan perkara positif. Sebaik Kirua dilahirkan, ibu muda itu mula memberikan susu badan sehinggalah anaknya berusia dua setengah tahun.

Amalan membaca surah al-Quran masih diteruskan di samping membaca pelbagai buku dan mendengar alunan muzik seperti Mozart dan sebagainya. "Amalan ini berterusan sehingga anak seterusnya dan keempat yang kini masih berusia sembilan tahun. Sejak mereka bayi, saya terapkan mereka unsur positif melalui pelbagai aktiviti. Saya menyediakan jadual untuk aktiviti seawal jam enam pagi hingga 11 malam. Semua aktiviti mempunyai matlamat walaupun sesetengahnya kelihatan agak remeh. Aktiviti bermula dengan sembahyang Subuh dan membaca al-Quran bersama ibu bapa, sekurang-kurangnya dua muka surat. Selepas bersarapan, mereka mengemas meja dan membantu ibu memasukkan kain baju ke dalam mesin basuh. Kemudian kami bersenam bersama-sama diiringi muzik dan berehat sambil melakukan meditasi atau menari dengan irama Mozart, Beethoven dan sebagainya. Sebelah petang pula mereka belajar melalui komputer mengenai seni, permainan, matematik, bahasa, sains, teknologi maklumat dan sebagainya," katanya. Suaminya, Mohd Azhar Mohd Zahir turut berperanan dengan membawa anak melakukan aktiviti luar rumah seperti ke taman, menari, menonton wayang gambar dan sebagainya.

Pada waktu malam, mereka membaca buku bersama dan setiap anak boleh memilih buku yang mereka suka sehingga tertidur. Sementara anak tidur, Mamafiza akan menulis di blognya, Littlekittle.com/blog dan menyemak kalendar untuk aktiviti keesokan harinya. Pasangan itu memilih untuk memberi peluang kepada anak mengambil peperiksaan SAT ( SAT Reasoning Test) apabila mereka berusia 17 tahun kelak.

Biodata:
Jawatan: CEO Metsuki Studio (syarikat ditubuhkan sejak usianya 17 tahun lagi sehingga kini)
Akademik: Pereka Laman Web (MSC)

Anugerah:
Best Website Award 2002-2003 - International Webmaster Association
Finalist in Best Student Project - MSC-APICTA 2002 Award (Multimedia Super Corridor - Asia Pacific ICT Award)
Salah seorang daripada lapan finalis dalam Digi Fu-Yoh Street Blast Fashion Designer Competittion, Taman Tasik Titiwangsa.

Suami: Mohd Azhar Mohd Zahir
Anak (empat orang):
Muhammad Kirua Hakimy,5.
Nurul Ashyekin Rei Hikaru,3.
Nuryn Afiqah Yunaru,2.
Nur Adany Aourora Hideaki, 9 bulan.

INFO: Apa itu sekolah di rumah?
Pembelajaran yang bermula dari rumah di bawah naungan ibu bapa yang menerapkan nilai positif anak sejak usia 0 hari hingga ke akhir hayat (pembelajaran seumur hidup).
Namun, ibu bapa boleh menjalankan sekolah di rumah secara sambilan walaupun anak-anak dihantar ke sekolah kerajaan/swasta. Anak juga boleh mengambil kelas tambahan dan mengikuti peperiksaan awam mahupun peperiksaan antarabangsa di luar. Contohnya: ballet, hiphop, piano, aikido, seni.

Adakah ia salah di sisi undang-undang?
Tidak sama sekali. Menurut Akta "Compulsory Education Act 2002", secara sah, setiap kanak-kanak bawah 12 tahun mesti menerima pendidikan. Kewajipan ini bermula 2002. Ia bermakna pergi ke sekolah bukan wajib di Malaysia - bermakna sama ada anda bersekolah di rumah atau tidak ke sekolah, tiada undang-undang boleh menghalang.

Bagaimana untuk memulakan sekolah di rumah?
Pertama : Perlu niat. Niat yang baik memberikan yang terbaik untuk anak.
Kedua : Sokongan mental dan fizikal daripada suami penting.
Ketiga : Wasatiah. Sentiasa memilih untuk bersederhana dalam semua perkara dan sentiasa memperbaiki kelemahan diri dengan membuat penyelidikan, membaca, mencuba menimba ilmu dari buku dan internet. Ibu bapa perlu memperbaiki diri sendiri sebelum mengajar anak.
Keempat : Sediakan ruang belajar. Bina sudut kecil untuk melukis, membaca, membuat eksperimen, senaman.
Kelima : Mempunyai jadual harian. Jadual kebersihan, pemakanan dan aktiviti luar (lawatan ke rumah anak yatim, masjid, taman permainan, kelas tambahan) amat penting kerana akan menyebabkan ibu bapa sentiasa "keep on track". Anak akan sentiasa berdisiplin dan bersedia serta kemas.

Ibubapa yang pelukan idea, boleh layari laman web kami: LittleKittle.com

Minggu yang amat memenatkan

2009-06-08T15:54:00.005+08:00

Nasib baik Arissa dah sihat, dapat jugak la saya meneruskan aktiviti mingguan seperti dirancang. Hari Jumaat malam, saya, mama dan anak-anak pergi ke Bday Party Tunku Masera. Tak ramai sangat yang dijemput. Adalah dalam 30 orang kot. Happy jugak dapat jumpa kawan-kawan lama di sekolah dan universiti dulu. Bukan hanya kawan-kawan, lecturer masa universiti dulu pun ada..haha..Saya aja yang kenal dia, tapi dia tak kenal saya pun..

Nasib baik anak-anak saya betul-betul behave malam tu. Yelah, takut jugak kalau terpecah barang or tertumpah air..hehe..Buat naya aja..Tak ada specific aktiviti malam tu tapi saya enjoy tengok Tunku Muna menyanyi karaoke. Dah lama tak dengar dia nyanyi. Last sekali masa her wedding 7 years ago. She sang on her wedding day! Romantik sangat..

Dalam entry sebelum ni, saya ada bagitau saya ada 4 wedding invitations untuk hari Sabtu dan tak tahu mana nak pergi. At last, saya pilih untuk menghadiri wedding Nelly, junior saya ketika di UIA dulu. Kami bertolak dari KL pukul 12 tengahari dan tiba di Janda Baik dekat-dekat pukul 2petang. Jem yang sangat-sangat teruk di Karak Highway. Disebabkan kesuntukan masa, saya tidak menunggu pengantin makan beradab, tapi sempat la juga mengambil gambar pengantin di atas pelamin.

Saya sepatutnya pergi ke Sunway Lagoon pada hari Ahad menemani keluarga Uncle saya yang datang dari JB. Tapi, last minute kami dapat berita kematian mak mertua kepada cousin husband saya. Saya terkejut sebab dia kelihatan begitu muda dan sihat ketika menghadiri birthday party cucu-cucunya iaitu Syed Ariff dan Sharifah Alana beberapa bulan lepas. Kami pun bergegas ke Masjid Bangsar untuk menziarahi jenazah yang dikebumikan selepas solat Zohor.

Disebabkan terlalu penat, saya dan husband memutuskan untuk tidak menghantar Adrianna & Arissa balik ke Seremban seperti biasa. Mula-mula saya cadangkan agar suami menjaga mereka di rumah hari ni tapi, dia tak confident la..hehe..So, kami hantar diaorang ke Taska i-play yang terletak di Damansara Perdana for trial session. Last week, saya dan husband dah recce nursery ni dan besar kemungkinan akan enroll mereka dalam masa terdekat.

Dari malam semalam lagi, saya dah teruja nak tengok keletah mereka di nursery. Kami yang terawal tiba di Taska i-play pagi tadi. Lepas terangkan serba sedikit tentang Adrianna & Arissa kepada staff di sana especially camna nak differentiate mereka, saya pun terus ke tempat kerja. So far, diaorang tak menangis pun. Pukul 2 petang tadi, saya call Taska i-play dan diberitahu Adrianna baru bangun tido manakala Arissa pula langsung tak tido. Sibuk main aja. Sebelum tu, Fara, owner Taska i-play yang merupakan cousin husband saya sms dan beritahu Adrianna & Arissa tengah main doh and is getting along well.

Inilah, Nelly dan pasangannya Ahmad. Nelly, awak sungguh cantik hari tu..

Selepas aja saya snap gambar ini, Adrianna telah menumpah segelas air sirap di atas meja..hehe..

Wedding Season

2009-06-05T14:51:00.003+08:00

I have 4 wedding invitations for tomorrow. First is my ex-boss which also one of my dad’s friend. This is his third marriage actually. Haha..He divorced with the first wife, and then he remarried with Aunty Zita which had died two years ago due to breast cancer and tomorrow he will marry to a lady from Kuala Kangsar, Perak. He is such a jovial and funny guy and was featured in a Maggie TV ad couple of years ago. My dad knows him when he was in a Mercy mission to Afghanistan where my dad was then the Defence Attaché’ in Pakistan. ‘Uncle Azhar’ had problem with his visa and dad helped him out. During his stayed at our house in Islamabad, my dad found out that my grandfather knows Uncle Azhar’s parent. Macam Jejak Kasih..

The second invitation is my ex-schoolmate, Farida when I was studying in PD. We were quite close during the school times. She is now a teacher. I have never seen her for more than 5 years kot..haha..I’m so happy for her. She is the last two of my friends in PD to tie the knot. The other one is Mimie Aishah who just got engaged last weekend.

Third invitation is my ex-unimate, Nelly. She had her nikah two weeks ago and tomorrow is the reception which will be held at Pondok Pak Habib in Janda Baik. She is the granddaughter of Pak Habib or his real name is Syed Hussein Al-Attas, the famous academician, politician and author. I’ve been to the place once. It is a nice place to relax especially when you had a chance to jump into the small river behind the house. Very cooling!

My fourth invitation is my dad’s cousin wedding in Gombak. My family and my uncle’s family from Johor are coming to stay at my house tonight. Last night, me and hubby pulun kemas rumah and replenish our food stuffs in the fridge..hehe..

I am still not sure to which wedding that I would attend. It’s all depends on Arissa’s condition. She has been having a fever since last week. If she is still weak tomorrow then I’ll just stay at home.

Oh forgot to mention, I have birthday invitation tonight. It’s Tunku Masera’s Big 30 Bash party at Istana Johor, Jalan Kia Peng. Then again, it’s all depending on Arissa. I’ll bring her, Adrianna and my mother to the party tonight if she is well since my husband is not keen to go.

To all brides and grooms to be, CONGRATULATIONS!

Sightseeing at Desa Park City

2009-06-04T15:30:00.002+08:00

Few weeks back, my family and I went to Desa Park City near Kepong. I have never been there although I passed by that area everyday coming back from work. Our friend, Pacha and Adrian suggested for us to meet there because there is a nice lake and park for our twins and their daughter, Bali Meranti to play.

I didn’t bring my camera as it was unplanned. Too bad, kalau tak boleh snap pictures of them playing together..

We were surprised when we reached the Waterfront. We didn’t expect it to be that canggih..hehehe..We felt that the ambience similar to Perth..The shops there are not bad. On the ground floor, there are BBQ Chicken, Secret Recipe, Coffee Bean, Kluang Station, Natural New Zealand Ice Cream, MaxValue supermarket and others. Very convenient!

It was drizzling when we reached there, so we decided to walk around and have a drink while waiting for the rain to subside. We went to the first floor where there are mostly children related shops such as The Baby Loft, Chubby Chubby and Kindermusik. Now I know where to get kids stuff near my place rather than going all the way to One Utama or The Curve.

I wish I can afford a house there. I was told that the minimum price is RM700k. Punye la mahal gile...Anyway, I will put this into my wish list..hehehe..

Shoe Addict

2009-05-28T17:08:00.002+08:00

I’m not sure whether other kids are the doing the same thing, but it’s kind of weird and funny when Arissa has now become a shoe addict at such a young age! hehe..

Actually, dah lama dah perasan habit dia ni. Since age dia 6-7months lagi, dia memang suka pakai kasut walaupun dalam rumah dan kekadang sampai tido pun nak pakai kasut..Yang kelakarnya, kekadang dia pakai sebelah aje..Adrianna pun addicted jugak but not as chronic as Arissa.

Masa mula-mula dulu memang rasa pelik sebab dia kemaruk sangat dengan kasut. Tapi sekarang lagi pelik, sebab dia suka try kasut orang pulak. Tak kira kasut lelaki ke perempuan ke, semua dia bedal..The most embarrassing moment, bila bawa dia pergi rumah orang or pergi play area yang kena buka kasut. Sampai-sampai aja tempat tu, dia bukan excited nak main kat situ tapi pergi attack kasut budak-budak lain..Tak tentu arah nak try semua kasut..Kelakar gila..

Ada one time, I brought her to playground near Giant. Dia berkenan betul sandal colour pink and berbunga-bunga yang ada kat situ. Owner sandal tu, I think about 5-6 years old sampai 3 kali tukar tempat letak sandal dia. Takut sangat kena curi!

I have a feeling that her shoe's addiction is actually inherited from me and my mom..haha..When I was young, I always amazed at how many different shoes styles that my mom have. Maklum la,dulu-dulu dia selalu kena attend official function with my dad. Although my shoes collections are nothing compared to hers, but I have to admit that I can't resist myself whenever I passed by any shoes boutique..

Aiyo..how to handle this kind of situation? Help..I hope Arissa will not be the next Imelda Marcos when she grows up...

Food Tale

2009-05-13T11:23:00.013+08:00

I was asked to search for foodies among our colleagues and write about our food experience for our upcoming newsletter. Nasi lemak was chosen because almost everyone loves it. It is universally loved by all races ie Malay, Chinese & Indian in Malaysia.

I brought them to CT Garden Nasi Lemak which located in Kg Baru. Not many people know this place compared to the infamous Nasi Lemak Antarabangsa. I was introduced to this place through a friend about 6-7 years ago.

Located near the Club Sultan Sulaiman, it opens from 6pm to 5am daily. The nasi lemak is wrapped in banana leaf and each packet costs only RM0.70! Each packet consists of a scoop of rice, a spoonful of sambal and a quarter of hardboiled egg.

What unique about this place is, it is divided into a few sections. The first section is the nasi lemak counter where you take a tray and takes as many packets as you want. That's Dhiya, of the foodies queuing at the counter..

A must try otak-otak.. You can get it at the same section as the nasi lemak..

The adds on section offers varities of dishes includes fried chicken, quails, tempe, beef and chicken rendang, pucuk paku, squid sambal, prawn sambal, cockles sambal to choose from. Our favourite are the crispy sambal tempe and unpeeled sambal petai..

Crispy Potato Chips, Cow's lung & Chicken Liver on skewers..

You can add lime squeeze to your own liking at the self service drink's counter

One packet is never enough..

List of prices

Each of us had 1 or 2 packets. We are not big eater actually..but we belasah all the side dishes..hehe..We had fried chicken, honey chicken, rendang chicken, prawn sambal, squid sambal, petai sambal, tempe and chicken liver. All in, it only costs us about RM8 per person.

If you are opt to sit outside, you can eat while enjoying the view of the Petronas Twins Towers which is very near to this place. Highly recommended!

3 reasons why I feel excited...

2009-04-30T13:51:00.003+08:00

Hubby is coming back today
We are off to Singapore tomorrow for my nephew’s birthday party
I am too exicted until I forgot what the third reason is...hahaha

p/s: sorry for a very brief post..tengah malas gila..

Change of plan

2009-04-23T16:31:00.015+08:00

I will not be going to Jeddah.

Hubby is coming back for good. I hope this time, it’s real. Since last month lagi dia dah cakap nak balik but until now batang hidung pun tak nampak lagi. Our plans asyik keep on changing. Kejap kata pindah, kejap kata stay. Nasib baik belum buat any major preparations.

With this decision, I hope my family, in law’s and our close friends are happy. To hubby, jangan sedih-sedih ya. Your hard time in Jeddah would end soon. Please be strong ok?

Since this would be my last entry about hubby in Jeddah, I decided to post some of his photos in Jeddah & Mecca. Hubby, i know you will kutuk me..but I don't care..haha

Nice pic..I like it..It was taken at Mecca when hubby performed his umrah

Sebijik macam Pak Arab celup. Pak Sheikh muka cina..haha..Anyway, 'ana uhibbukka'..it means I love you

With anak-anak Nasir. I've met them a few times in KL before they joined their dad in Riyadh

Melepak..Hubby sorang je tengok camera..hehe..Nice carpet..

Hubby with Nasir's family and John. Nasir and my hubby are the first 2 Malaysian selected to join Carrefour in Saudi Arabia. John is also from Malaysia, joined them a few months later. The most interesting part is, hubby and John are related..haha..John saw photos of me n kids during christmas and immediately recognized some of my hubby's relatives. Read here if you want to know how my hubby has Indian relatives. What a small world kan?

Malaysia’s First MPV

2009-04-21T16:22:00.006+08:00

Finally, it comes to the end the long awaiting Malaysia’s First MPV called Exora. I have given some hints to beloved hubby to buy this car..Haha..I hope he’s not going to have a heart attack. I need this car..emm nope..WE need this car..

So hubby, below are some reasons why we should buy Exora:-

Our family is expanding. We have twin daughters and probably a set of twin boys in near future..Hehe..That is our target rite?
It can accommodate my big Singaporean families whose always visit KL occasionally
The price is affordable; it comes with a DVD screen.
The Pyrite Brown colour looks so rich and yummy!
I certainly love you more if you buy us this car…Hahaha..

Proton Exora H-Line price list

Proto Exora M-Line price list

See the comparison. From left: Toyota Avanza, Nissan Grand Livina and Exora

What say you, hubby?

Birthday party at Hilltop

2009-04-08T16:14:00.025+08:00

Me and the twins had a great time at Syed Ariff & Sharifah Alana’s birthday party recently. It was Ariff 6th and Alana 1st birthday. Both of them are my husband’s nephew and niece.

I am always looking forward to attend Juin's (my husband’s cousin) function. I know she will go all out to organize her children’s party. Same as the previous year. I wish I have the money like she is. Hehe..

Me and Adrianna..Muke monyok aje..

See that clown..Over pulak..heh

Caricature of Adrianna's face. Amazingly, the caricature of Arissa looks the same as Adrianna even though that guy did it separately..They are identical but their face not similar la

Arissa didn't noticed the A&W mascot standing beside her..

Still tak notice the mascot

Hah..baru Arissa noticed that A&W mascot..she takut the mascot will take away her balloon sculpture..

That is Rizalman's son, Umar. He volunteered to be the magician's assistant. He was really funny..

I like the concept where they put children's table for them to feed on their own

The hall were almost full. This year they had a colourful theme..Last year, it was a bit of retro and spanish feel..See that camera at the right side corner? Asyik capture gambar my twins aja..heh

Nice birthday cake..

That's Juin in pink scarf, holding Alana and that's Ariff yang ala-ala King of the day..

Rizalman pun nak try jadi magician..

See my shoes..Nice kan? From Charles & Keith..

Pinjam jap magician punye rabbit..his magic is so real..tetibe je kuar rabbit and the twins were so excited..

Fiza is a regular guest at Juin's or other my husband's relatives functions. Her husband is a good friend of them. She is due anytime. Ferra, her eldest daughter is so cute..Baru aja last year i visited her kat hospital. Ini nak deliver lagi..hehe..rezeki..

Punye la happy dapat sepahkan all the sweets and candies

Teething

2009-04-06T16:27:00.002+08:00

I didn’t get a sound sleep since the past few days. Arissa is having teething and diarrhea. Poor Arissa. Tak sanggup rasanya tengok dia melalak and jolokkan her finger inside her mouth. I know how painful and uncomfortable it is. I wish I have some sort of magic to take over her pain. hehe..I wish..

My sleepless night is not going to end soon. It would be Adrianna’s turn after this. The same process is going to happen again. I’m lucky they didn’t fall sick at the same time. It always one after another. By the way, Arissa has more teeth compared to Adrianna..

Here are some infos of teething that I get through google search for sharing.

When does the process of teething begin?
When a baby begins teething, there is no set pattern on when it will begin, how long it will take and how painful it will be. For one baby cutting a tooth might happen overnight without pain, while another child might have to go through a long, drawn out and painful experience. You may sometimes visibly see a rise or lump in the gum for several weeks, while sometimes there may be no visible clue at all until the tooth actually appears.

The process of teething often follows hereditary patterns, so if the mother and father teethed early or late, your baby may follow the same pattern. On average the first tooth comes in during the seventh month, although it can arrive as early as three months, as late as a year, or in rare cases even earlier or later.

Which teeth come in first and how many with there be?
In total there are twenty primary (first) teeth, which is twelve less than the full set of thirty-two permanent teeth adults have. Most children have a full set of primary teeth by the time they are around two or three years old. These teeth usually last until about the age of six, when the teeth that were first to appear become loose and fall out as the second teeth begin to push through the gums. The primary teeth continue falling out until roughly the age of twelve. Again, these ages mentioned above are only averages and your child may follow an earlier or later pattern.

What are the symptoms of teething?
The symptoms of teething vary from child to child. Because of these different experiences, parents and physicians often disagree as to the symptoms of teething and how painful it is. The list below shows symptoms that a teething baby may experience. While most parents usually agree that some or all of the symptoms below happened around the time of teething, it is still recommended that if your baby experiences any of these symptoms you check with your pediatrician to rule out other possible causes for the symptoms.

Irritability: As the sharp little tooth rises closer to the surface your baby’s gums may become increasingly more sore and painful, leading to your baby being very fussy. The pain and discomfort is most often worse during the first teeth coming in and later when the molars come in because of their bigger size. This is most often the case since babies become accustomed to the sensations of teething and learn to live with them. But you may find your baby may be fussy during the whole time that every tooth comes in. Every child reacts differently.

Drooling: From three to four months of age you may see your baby start drooling more often than normal. Teething stimulates drooling, which is often worse with some babies than others.

Coughing: The extra saliva can cause your baby to occasionally cough or gag. This is usually nothing to worry about as long as your baby seems fine and shows no signs of a cold or flu and does not run a high fever.

Chin rash: If your baby is a big drooler, the constant contact with saliva can cause the skin around the chin and mouth to become irritated. To help prevent this, gently wipe your baby’s mouth and chin periodically throughout the day.

Biting & gnawing: A baby that is teething will gnaw and gum down on anything she or he can get their mouth around. The counter pressure from biting on something helps relieve the pressure from under the gums.

Cheek rubbing and ear pulling: Pain in the gums may travel to the ears and cheeks particularly when the back molars begin coming in. This is why you may see your baby rubbing their cheeks or pulling at their ears. However, keep in mind that pulling at an ear can also be a sign of an ear infection.

Diarrhea: While this is a symptom that is disagreed upon by physicians, researchers and parents, most parents usually notice slightly looser bowel movements when a baby is teething. While the recent study done by the Children’s Hospital in Australia found this to be the most common symptom of teething, there are still many people that will agree and disagree with this recent study. It is believed that the most likely cause of this is the extra saliva swallowed, which then loosens the stool. Be sure and report any diarrhea to your doctor that lasts more than two bowel movements.

Low-grade fever: A fever is another symptom that doctors are sometimes hesitant to directly link with teething. But there are many parents who will disagree with this and find their baby gets a slight fever while teething. The best thing to do is be extra safe and notify your doctor if a fever last more than two days.

Not sleeping well: With teething pain happening during the day and night, you may find your child wakes more often at night when the pain gets bad enough. Most parents agree that the night waking happens more often during the first set of teeth and with the molars.

Cold like symptoms (runny nose, etc.): Some parents find that their baby will show signs of having a cold. Runny noses, coughing and general cold symptoms are believed to come from the baby having their hands in their mouth more often. Play it safe and always notify your doctor if symptoms such as this occur.

How can I help my baby with the pain?
There are several things that you can try to help ease the pain of teething; some work and some don’t, but most parents agree they’re always worth a try. Teething rings, water filled and chilled rubber teething toys; mom and dads fingers can all provide counter pressure that can sometimes bring relief. Offering your baby a cold bottle of water can also help. If sucking on the bottle bothers your child, offer a cold cup of water. The water can also help replenish your baby’s fluid if they’re drooling a lot or have loose bowel movements.

Cold food has also been found to be helpful by some parents. Chilled applesauce, yogurt and pureed peaches may be more appealing to your baby and also more nutritious than a chilled teething ring.

When nothing else helps, you can also turn to the Infant Tylenol. Before giving your child Infant Tylenol (acetaminophen) always check with your doctor first. Your doctor will tell you if it’s all right and what the proper amount is to give your baby. Baby Orajel and other teething pain medicines that are applied to the gums can also provide some relief. Some parents say the Baby Orajel type products work great, while other parents will say it doesn’t. Also check with your doctor before giving this type of over the counter pain reliever to your baby.

The teething process will come and go just like so many other things with new babies. Keep trying different things until you find what provides the best relief for your child.
Note: Before trying any of the suggestions listed above or any other type of home remedy it is highly recommended that you contact your pediatrician first.

You should follow your pediatricians advise first before trying anything mentioned on this site or on any other site. Your child's doctor knows what is best for your child.

Mattel Warehouse Sale

2009-03-27T15:25:00.002+08:00

I was sitting quietly at my cubicle yesterday morning when our department’s secretary asked me ‘Eh, nape banyak kereta parking kat atria? Sale ape? I said I don’t know and could not been bother. Maybe it’s another CorningWare sale..I’m not too sure..

Out of curiosity, I went to Atria during lunchtime. It was Mattel Warehouse Sale. I was shocked not because of the products displayed but the people who were queuing at the cashiers. Mak oi..Ramai gile..I can’t even move..It’s crazy to see orang borong all the toys berkotak-kotak..

The items sold are damn cheap. You can get a Barbie doll at just RM10! And the Fisher Price Baby bouncer sells at RM120. If normal price I think it cost about RM200-RM300+. Surprisingly, I didn’t buy anything. Weird eh?

I went there again just now. To my horror, it was almost empty. Macam tak percaya..In a single day semua barang dah almost sold out..But no worries. To those yang baru berura-ura nak pergi, you can come tomorrow morning because sale staf kat sana told me they will replenish new stock for tomorrow sale. My advice, don’t bring your children because the room is stuffy and not suitable especially for baby.

P/s: I’m still contemplating whether I should go again tomorrow or not. I wanted to buy the Barbie Dolls but my twins’ daughters are still young to appreciate them. Should I buy now and keep for future?

MDG's party @ Mist Bangsar

2009-03-18T16:15:00.014+08:00

I was at the party last Monday. Nothing to shout about... Probably, they can organize it better in the future.

Here are some shots:

I'm with Zueryn, one of liana's friend. She is 7 months pregnant..Nasib baik tak meletop kat situ..

For first catwalk, they had to wear lingerie by Wacoal..There were others who quite daring..but I'll not post the pic here...sorry..

At second appearance, walking while holding HP's products

Liana in Cheongsam

My brother in law, Rizman became on of the 'pole' during the interval. He was forced to go on stage by his friends and me..

Liana's friends..I can't recall their names..

Elaine has done a good job as a host on that night. A lot of people were eyeing for her not the finalist..heh

Happy 3rd Anniversary

2009-03-12T15:26:00.018+08:00

Today marks my third wedding anniversary with my beloved husband. I’m quite sad as I have to celebrate it all by myself. He plans to come back but due to unforeseen circumstances, it has to be postponed. Someone said to me, ‘It’s ok, it’s just a date. You can still celebrate when he comes back”. Yeah, it’s true but…

I just couldn’t believe that my marriage has already been three years! Time flew very fast. I can still remember how kelam kabut I was planning for the wedding. Everybody was so excited because I’m the eldest in the family, the only daughter and the eldest grandchild. .

Believe it or not, I still flip through my wedding albums and watch my wedding video..hehe..

I wish that this relationship will last and Happy anniversary to me and Rizal..Luv ya..

Walking to the mosque. The mosque is just 50metres away from house..Jalan kaki aje la..hehe..Masa ni, I was staying at one army camp in Port Dickson..

Berdebar-debar..Nasib baik sekali lafaz aje..

During Upacara penukaran hantaran..

Berarak sebelum masuk dewan..This dewan is just behind my house..hehe..Almost 4,000 people turned up at my wedding..Gila ramai..

With my little cousins..All the way from Singapore...Tengok muka Umar, masam aje..kena paksa..

With one of my close friend, YAM Tunku Masera..Junjungan kurnia Ku sebab sudi mencemar duli..hehe..All the way from Johor..

With my make up artist, Kak Saidatulnisa..You did a great job..Highly recommended..This was taken during my husband's reception at Dewan Merak Kayangan

I love this picture..A good candid one..

At the dias, my friend Izma as my bridesmaid, Khai as bestman. The other two were my sis in law ida (left) and my husband's cousin Ajlin (right) as tukang bagi bunga telur..

With my parents in law (left) and my parents (right)

Me with two of my best friends, Nurul and Mimie

Sorry, the pic is quite small. We squeezed everybody in. It's was a multi racial wedding..hehe

See my veil..very long kan?

Limited time

2009-03-11T17:24:00.002+08:00

Sorry, for not been updating this blog for quite a while. Well, i've lots of things to do in the office with very limited time. Today, my company is organizing an event in Perak. Although, I was not asked to go but I have to assist them from my office desk here in KL..

I wanted to blog about my recent visit to the Melaka Zoo with the twins but I left my big camera at home. Emm, guess I will post a entry about it soon.

That's all for now. I'm cracking my head looking for ideas/words for my articles in our upcoming newsletter..

p/s: Tomorrow is my 3rd wedding anniversary. Hubby is supposed to come back but tak jadi..Wah...nak nangis..

Unfortunate day

2009-03-04T17:27:00.002+08:00

It was unfortunate day for me today as my car broke down this morning masa nak pergi kerja.. I was queuing to pay the toll, but suddenly the engine stop. Luckily, I was not panicked as I have encountered this ‘car problem’ couple of times. At first I wasn’t so sure who to call as my husband is far away in Jeddah, my dad in Seremban and my brother is already at work. Then, I decided to call my bro in law and glad he is free to assist me..haha..

I’m very satisfied with Plusline as they are very efficient and fast. Oh, I forgot to ask the peronda guy name. He was very helpful..For those who don't have their no, please jot this down 1800880000..

I remember the first time my car tyre punctured about 8 years ago. I was driving from Gombak to Seremban. Halfway through, somewhere near Sg Besi, I heard one loud explosion. I was panicked, don’t know what to do and don’t know who to call. My family was staying in Pakistan as my dad was a diplomat there for four years. Then, I called my bf (at that time) but he was in the meeting and cannot come..aiyo..rase mau nangis ah..

Nasib baik, there was one car stop behind my car. Dia bukan stop sebab nak tolong I but tengah survey jalanraya kat situ. If I’m not mistaken, dia sub kontraktor untuk buat jalanraya kat situ..Dengan muka tak malu, I asked his assistance. Yang kelakarnya, masa dia nak bukak my car boot, dia terkejut tengok barang banyak gila..masa tu nak cuti semester, so I have to bring back all my things..hehehe..He fixed my tyre yang pancit and cakap my tyre yang sebelah lagi pun nampak macam pancit..He offered to bawa me to go to one workshop near Seri Kembangan. I was not so sure whether to follow or not but memikirkan my journey masih jauh..tawakal ajelah..Yelah, baru je kenal..tak tau orang tu baik ke tak..

Sampai aja kat workshop, dia terus mintak that workshop guy to change the tyre. Sambil tu dia ajak pergi minum. Sekejap aja..Yang bestnya, dia dengan bermurah hati telah membayar harga tersebut..bukan satu tayar tapi dua..hehehe..he gave me his calling card but I tak pernah call pun..Teruk kan?

Anyway, that Proton service had just called me..total bill RM750..hmm..tak dapat la nak shopping this month…ARGHHHH

Are you a Shopaholic?

2009-03-03T12:44:00.005+08:00

I’m not ashamed to admit that I am. Haha.. You are a big spender too if you encounter the following like I did..

I can’t sleep well until I purchase the item that I needed.
I have to lie to my husband, when he asked “Baju baru ke?” I normally answered, “Tak la, baju lama. Tak pernah pakai.” Atau pun “Baju lama la. Dah banyak kali pakai. You tak perasan kot.”
I have several pair of shoes that I haven’t use since I bought them about 3-4 years ago. Reason? I bought it because it was cheap but end up I have no baju to match with, or the shoes is too tight or the shoes is too big..haha.. And same goes to my baju…I have this very bad habit which tak suka go to the fitting room. I found it very hassle la..So, whenever I see really nice baju, I’ll just ukur at my body and agak-agak it will fit me..Sometimes it’s ok but sometimes it doesn’t
I have a shopping list but end up buying things that is not included in the list..
I’ll buy new attire if I have function to attend / job interview / clubbing or go holiday. Going holiday is even worst sebab setengah duit dah habis beli baju sebelum pergi holiday..haha..I always plan my fashion concept in advance…
I don’t have a specific shopping budget..
I’ll go crazy when I see the SALE sign..hehe..
I lie when my husband or mum ask “Berapa harga beli ni?” I know they will freak out when they know how much I spend..I normally reduce the price by 30%-40%
I have to sorok-sorok the things that I just bought..
I’ll shop when I feel down or happy..hehe..

p/s: Can’t wait to watch the Confessions of a Shopaholic. I’m a big fan of the Shopaholic series and Sophie Kinsella other novels.

Malaysian Dreamgirl

2009-02-25T16:16:00.006+08:00

I found a link about Malaysian Dreamgirl at MalaysianSupermummy. Honestly, I have little knowledge about this programme and not really into it until my bro in law’s girlfriend told me recently that she was selected as one of the finalist. I was not surprised, as I do agree that Liana has the criteria to be selected. She is very friendly, humble and pretty. Liana, if you are reading this, don’t forget to belanja me ok? I'm promoting you here..haha

For those who don't know, Malaysian Dreamgirl (often abbreviated to MDG, now also known as Malaysia's Next Top Model) is an online reality television show in which a number of young women compete for the title of Malaysian Dreamgirl and a chance to start their career in the modelling industry. The competition will starts with 12 contestants. Basically, the format is quite similar to American Next Top Model.

This is Liana. Please don't forget to vote her.. Watch Malaysian Dreamgirl here or visit the blog here

Liana (front: left) with some other contestants. Picture taken from Malaysia Dreamgirl's blog

Liana with my twins, Adrianna & Arissa. The twins look like the kids from that Shaolin movie kan?Haha..I shaved them bald. It was an old pic anyway..

This picture was taken last year at my place. Me, liana and my sis in law, Ida was busy buat kuih raya and suddenly my bro in law came to surprise Liana with this cake. How sweet..Btw, me , liana and Ida are all Virgo gal..That's why we clique so well..

Ryan Seacrest’s awkward Slumdog interview

2009-02-24T12:25:00.004+08:00

I was watching the interview last night and stunned to see how E’s Ryan Seacrest handled the interview especially to the kids from the cast of Slumdog Millionaire. The Indian names indeed baffled him, so he just held a sign up to the camera to introduce the children. But then, Seacrest was quiet for a little while and let the kids talk, to adorable effect, thus rescuing the moment.

He was so clumsy and asked inappropriate question. I wonder if he was serious when he asked if they would like to thank their wife and husband. Only four out of the six kids speak English.

I’m really proud of the kids. Even though they come from a poor area in Mumbai but they looked so polished. The boys looks so handsome in child size tuxedo and the girls looks so adorable in dress.

Why can’t our local producer produce this kind movie?

'American Idol' selects first three finalists

2009-02-20T11:34:00.002+08:00

From The Malaysian Insider

LOS ANGELES, Feb 19 — Tatiana Del Toro had something else to cry about. The emotional 28-year-old crooner from San Juan, Puerto Rico, was one of nine "American Idol" semifinalists sent packing yesterday.

Del Toro, whom judge Simon Cowell called a "drama queen" after her performance on Tuesday, bawled after she wasn't selected to continue in the "Fox" singing competition.
"It's up to America," she told host Ryan Seacrest before the results. "It's up to the power of love."

No tears were shed by the first three finalists of season eight: Alexis Grace, the soulful 21-year-old single mother from Memphis; Michael Sarver, the beefy 27-year-old oil rig worker from Jasper, Texas; and Danny Gokey, the spikey-haired 28-year-old church music director from Milwaukee. The trio received the most viewer votes.

Recent widower Gokey overwhelmed the judges with Mariah Carey's "Hero" at the conclusion of Tuesday's ho-hum performance episode. They were also impressed with Grace's take on Aretha Franklin's "Never Loved a Man," comparing her to first "Idol" Kelly Clarkson. Sarver, who sang Gavin Degraw's "I Don't Wanna Be," received a mixed reaction from the panel.

"I think if you get through, it's because people like you," Cowell told Sarver on Tuesday.
Next week, 12 more semifinalists will vie for three spots in the competition's top 12, but Del Toro and the other dismissed semifinalists, such as Anoop Desai and Ricky Braddy, may have another chance. After the first nine finalists are selected by viewer votes, the judges will pick the last three finalists following a wild card round March 5. — AP

Breaking up

2009-02-18T17:20:00.002+08:00

Breaking up is never fun. The loss of a relationship can be incredibly hard. It can sometimes feel like the end of the world. Mixed feeling such as devastation, loneliness and bitterness are some emotions that one could feel.

When a friend whom I considered as little sister called and told that she had ended her four years relationship with her bf, I sympathized. I know how she feels. It’s hurt.

I’m not an expert, I’m saying based on my own experienced. I acknowledged my feelings. I feel sad, hurt, angry and betrayed. I live in the moment and allow myself to cry. Thank God, the pains eventually ease.

I’m glad that “A” turns to me for advice. She is now temporary staying with me until she found a new place. I’ll be with her to go through this difficult transition. It is not easy as it may takes weeks, months or years for her to forget.

How I get over a break up?

Pray
Read Mars and Venus Starting Over: A practical Guide for Finding Love Again After a Painful Break Up by John Gray (Very impactful. I love this book!)
Change to new hair style (Cut short and coloured it blonde)
Register myself to a Guitar Lesson (Only last for 2 months)
Register myself to a Mandarin Class (Quit after 2 lessons)
Lepak at Coffee Bean, Dome, Starbucks at KLCC (Hoping for rebound guy..haha)
Go clubbing (I enjoy watching live band)
Eat a lot
Shopping
Travel (Went to Jakarta, Bandung and Bali with some of girlfriends)

What happen if you loss your child?

2009-02-17T12:31:00.002+08:00

Thank God it didn’t happen to me. And I hope it would never happen to me or anyone of us.

Last Sunday I brought my twin to a park near Seremban 2. I put them on the twin stroller and push them along the park. It’s been quite some time I didn’t put them in the stroller. Nasib baik, my twin still nak duduk dalam tu but it’s only for a little while. I purposely put them in the stroller because I know it would be a chaos for me n my mom to jaga them if they are on their own foot. Tak terlarat nak kejar.

Ramai betul manusia kat situ. Maklumlah, tak banyak tempat to leisure di Seremban ni. Macam-macam aktiviti boleh buat kat sini. Ada yang main kite, main kat playground, jogging, bagi ikan makan at the central lake, picnic and macam-macam lagi lah.

I spotted a young girl, I think about 3 years old crying near the field. There’s one lady yang duduk near the girl. I assumed that was her mom. Manalah tau menangis sebab merajuk ke..But, upon reaching them I can clearly hear the conversation. “Mana mak?” The lady asked. The girl didn’t answer but keep on crying.

My mom, being a kay po chi..terus pergi to that girl. Memang kesian. Tersedu-sedu menangis sampai meleleh air hidung..hehe..i ambil tisu and wipe her nose. I asked her dengan siapa dia datang? I sebut Mak, Ayah, Abang and Kakak. Dalam tersedu sedan dia hanya sebut kakak. Poor girl. Maybe her kakak secara tak sedar left her behind while playing. Lama juga we all menunggu. Tak ada sapa yang datang pun. We spotted two guards tengah berehat at one of the gazebo. My mom suggested to hand the girl to the guards but I refused. Tak boleh percaya. Lebih baik tunggu. If memang tak ada orang claim, then I’ll send her to the nearest police station.

Tiba-tiba ada seorang lelaki datang. With him, there are two other girls which I suspect the poor girl older sisters kot. Geram betul tengok bapak budak ni. Muka selamba je. Tak nampak risau pun. Tak takut ke anak kena culik? Sedih betul tengok attitude sesetengah orang Malaysia ni. Very careless. Nasib baik dia sempat cakap terima kasih. If not, teruk dia kena lecture from me.

Sedih dan sayu bila teringat adik Sharlinie yang masih hilang..Harap-harap masih ada harapan untuk ditemui..

Moral of the story, tolong jaga anak anda baik-baik.

I'm in dilemma

2009-02-13T15:35:00.002+08:00

After I sent back my maid permanently some time ago, my twins are fully supervised by my parent at their home in Seremban. Due to that, I have to travel up and down to Seremban every alternate day and most of the weekend I’ll spend my time there. Though my mom said that I don’t have to come back that often but I can’t bear to be apart from them. I feel so alone. Things would be different if hubby is around…

I have already planned on how to raise my child. I want them to follow my way but it’s hard to materialize if they are not here with me. My parent has their own way too but their method does totally contradict from mine. It’s ok to shower them with lots of love but it has to be balance with other areas too such as discipline. I don’t want them to be overly spoiled.

I’m thinking of taking the twins to stay with me here and send them to nursery during the day. It will be quite hectic and hassle especially me alone have to do everything all by myself. It sounds scary to me but I am prepared as along as I get the support from hubby (although he is far and can’t help much physically but I hope he can give me moral support), friends and close family.

How to tell my parent that I intend to take their only grandchildren from them? I don’t want to be label as ungrateful child. They have tremendously helped and supported me all this while. My heart melts when my dad told hubby that his life is meaningless without the twin. The separation is clearly unbearable for either one of us.

Perhaps I shall wait.

Fancy these bags?

2009-02-11T16:21:00.010+08:00

If you are a cat lover and had difficulty to search for this kind of bags, worried no more. These bags are very useful, cute and more importantly they are water proof. I have purchased some of these bags for my twins. They love cats so much!

For ordering, visit Tinytapir (Malaysian) or here (it's a Japanese website). If you fancy any design from the Japanese website but it is not shown in Tinytapir, copy the code no and pass to tinytapir. They will order it for you.

Snippets

2009-02-11T15:03:00.006+08:00

Life back as normal as hubby has gone back to Jeddah last Friday. 10 days was not enough for me and kids to spend with him after missing him for nearly 7 months. We were busy with kids and visiting and had only one day for dating. Dapat jugak tengok Underworld 3. Tengok Gold Class lagi..Haha..

Hubby was hospitalized last Monday after 2 days arrived in Jeddah. He complained of stomachache and were rushed for some tests. He was suspected of having Appendics. I was so worried because this is the second time that he was admitted in Jeddah. Weird, because kat Malaysia tak pernah sakit pun. His previous admission was due to chest pain and doctor suspected that something in his stomach burst. Main suka hati aja doctor sana suspect2. Nak straightaway buat operation pulak tu. Gila betul. Masuk ICU lagi. After buat banyak test, the doctor didn’t find out anything and tulis pneumonia on his medical report. This time pun same, suspect appendics but after some test and spend the whole night in the ward doctor cakap maybe food poisoning! Memang betul-betul gila because it creates panic for us here in Malaysia.

Another news that stumble me is my boss asked me whether I’m interested to be transferred to one of our subsidiary because the Asst Manager for PR Dept of that company is resigning. I’m not sure whether my boss is sincere or saja nak get rid of me from this department. Arrgh..tension gila. Without telling me the perks and what had been offered, she asked me whether I’m interested or not there and then. She said I would enjoy more if I join that company because it will be more challenging. Yeah, I do admit that but the ways she say it to me sound so suspicious. Whatever it is, I’ll consider it.

I’m so frustrated that Rihanna concert is postponed to a new date. I have already planned what to wear this Friday! But my frustration shade off when my best friend Syaheen invited me to watch PGL this Friday. I watched PGL twice during the last season but still eager to see it again this time.

One of my best friend Ziahlicious gave birth to a adorable baby girl on 1st February 2009. Congratulation also to another best friend, Farah Hamimy with her gorgeous baby Sofia that was born on 26 December 2008 and Syaheen for her newborn baby girl khalisya.

Outing at Jungle Gym

2009-02-03T15:28:00.014+08:00

Last Friday, all of us went to Jungle Gym in Bangsar Shopping Centre. Situated at the 4th floor, it is indeed a good place for parents to bond and have fun with their kids. My friend, Pacha who’d been there with her lovely daughter Bali Meranti was so enthusiastic when telling me about this place. True enough, all of us were so happy and had a great time there.

Beside Jungle Gym, there are also other activities such as Indoor skating, Art class, Computer class and others. The Stuff Your Face Cafe has a range of meals and drinks that tailor made for kids.

We arrived at 3.30pm and left Jungle Gym about 6pm..Phew, penat but enjoy..Dah lama tak buat obstacle course, slides and climbing..

Masuk aja entrance, terus grab this horses..

Naik horse sampai tak nak lepas..

Takut-takut nak masuk..

This lady accidentally dropped her handphone..nasib baik dapat jumpa..

Me having fun lying in a pit full of balls..

Excited betul..

Arissa tengah collect balls..macam pandai je..

Tak tentu arah lompat-lompat..

Gambar kenang-kenangan sebelum balik..

Cuti-Cuti Malaysia

2009-02-02T16:26:00.011+08:00

Since hubby and I have limited time, PD is the most convenient place for our vacation because it’s situated in between of my family’s house in Seremban and our house in KL.

We checked in at Avillion late in the evening. This place reminds me of our first honeymoon, almost three years back..Haha..I just couldn’t believe that I already have two kids..Rasa macam baru aja kahwin..

Baru lepas check in..Almost all rooms are fully booked. We were given room no 614 but later we changed to room no714 sebab our door has problem pastu 2-3 kali bergelap..menjerit-jerit my twins..nasib baik dapat upgrade..hehe

Excited tengok air laut.. Macam tak pernah tengok..padahal baru aja mandi laut last month but tak sempat nak blog..

Lepak sambil minum susu..Penat after mandi pool and laut..Sorry, tak ada gambar masa mandi coz hubby cakap tak payahla bawa camera..tak ada orang nak jaga..Al maklumla my DSLR camera ni besar and berat..

Esoknya, bawa pergi kid's cabin. Belum mandi lagi ni..Sebab tu baju semua sama aja..haha.. Tak banyak toys, but the twins really enjoyed themselves sampai duduk atas meja..haha

Eagerly waited to feed the animals. .

Arissa tengah bagi rabbit makan..Yang kelakarnya,lepas dia hulur kat rabbit tu, dia masukkan kacang panjang tu dalam mulut dia pulak..eeee..

Cutenya..

He’s back

2009-02-02T15:11:00.000+08:00

It was supposed to be a surprise but the news burst one day before he arrived. My sis in law knew about it from my facebook. Unfortunately, she read my status where I said I’m happy and eager to see my husband. Haha…Then, the news break again when my grandpa datang rumah..He asked, how’s your husband and bila dia nak balik? Hmm..tak sampai hati pulak nak menipu dia..So, terpaksa la beritahu infront of the other family members..My mom yang paling terkejut..

Disebabkan my family dah tahu, my husband asked me to tell his family too. Dah tak jadi la my plan to surprise them..Yang kelakarnya, my husband pulak yang kena surprise because in initial plan it was supposed me, my brother and my twins fetch him at the airport. In the end, semua orang from his and my family waited for him.. Haha..

It was a sad moment for me to see my twin didn’t recognize their daddy. My husband tried to hug them but they refused. But Alhamdulillah, after about one and a half day, my twins have become comfortable with him.

Some shots at the airport:

Adrianna and Arissa a bit malu-malu

Adrianna a bit blur agaknya..

Arissa pun sama..

Me and Twins in Kosmo

2009-01-23T11:50:00.000+08:00

It's all started about two weeks ago. I was stressed up with my upcoming newsletter. My draft was somehow rejected by my boss. Not enough facts, she said. While struggling rewriting the article, I took a short break. Terus ambil paper kosmo on my table yang kebetulan baru sampai..and ternampak this Ibumoden column..Macam best pulak tengok story kat column ni..without further delay, I pun start to write about my story..tiba-tiba aja mood writing datang balik..Last week, the editor called me and asked for high resolution picture of us..At that time dah rasa happy tapi tak inform anyone pun..Saja tunggu until article keluar baru bagitau..Yelah, mana tau if dah blog about this, tapi tak keluar..hah malu la..

Pagi-pagi my colleagues from other subsidiary dah email me this article..tiba-tiba rasa glamour kejap..haha

For full article, read here

Hubby is coming back

2009-01-22T17:39:00.000+08:00

My husband is tentatively coming back for holiday next Monday, 26 Jan 09. Why tentatively you asked? Well, he needs to get approvals from three respective people namely the HR, Store Manager and also District Finance Manager. Once they granted him the approval, he needs to apply for the exit visa and buy the flight ticket. The best part is he told me his intention to come back only last Sunday… Knowing how the Arabs work ie: no sense of urgency and in favour to the Asians, I hope it can be settled as fast as possible. As of today, the leave form is still stuck with the HR.

In the meantime, I have planned what I need to do before he comes back and what we suppose to do during the break.

Things to do before Hubby comes back:-

Clean up the house
To do filing of all his billings. My part time job. Every month pi bayar his credit cards bukan satu bank tau but 4 banks! (Yang, I will pass you my mileage claim when you come back..)
Get my hair trim? If ada masa..
Send car to carwash and kemas-kemas apa yang patut dalam kereta tu…mesti mengamuk dia bila tengok my shoes bersepah dalam kereta
Change my bed sheet. Should I buy a new one?Mmm..
Buy nice and sexy lingerie? 6 months tak jumpa beb..Haha
What else? Aiyoo..cannot think la..

Things to do during the break

Go makan at SS2. I miss the Chee Cheong Fun n Fried Oyster with Egg
Go eat Monterey Chicken at Chillis..dah 6 months tak makan
Watch movie..The last time I watched was 6 months ago..before he left
Bercuti..Only the four of us..Me, him and our little twins..Tak pernah buat lagi because before this my mom n maid akan follow..
Visit some relatives
Family reunion (at this point of time, none of my family and his family yang tau his coming back..it will be totally a surprise..hehe
Take a lot of family pictures
Emm..cukupla..macam-macam nak buat..dia balik 1 week aja..

What’s wrong with Rihanna?

2009-01-22T12:04:00.000+08:00

I refer to the article “PAS plans to stop Rihanna concert” (The Star,Jan 21)

According to the article, its Federal Territory Youth Chief said inviting the Barbados-born singing sensation to Malaysia was ‘akin to insulting eastern culture, belittling local artistes, internationally causing losses to the country’s economy and supporting Israel’s war policy, which is supported by America”

I don’t understand why PAS make a big fuss of this. Their bluntly remarks pissed me off. Rihanna has agreed to follow our regulation and the Culture, Arts and Heritage are well informed of her performance. Can you please give her a chance?

I agree we should show displeasure against the US because of the Gaza issue but boycotting everything associates with America is tough. Imagine if we boycott Microsoft. Tak kerja la semua orang..

This is merely my two cents opinion. I really hope the concert will be on. I’m not a big fan of her but I have bought 5 tickets already..Haha

Tips for the Parents of Twins

2009-01-20T17:34:00.000+08:00

What should we do?

Talking with others who have had twins is invaluable. You can get many helpful ideas and advice from the parents about how to get through those early years.

Read some of the books written about caring for twins. These books can give you more helpful tips and tell you what to expect. You may also want to subscribe to a magazine for parents of twins

If you consider breastfeeding, get some advice from mothers of twins or a support group for mother's who breastfeed. It might be less difficult than you think.

Expect to be tired. It will be a long time before you get a full night's sleep, so take every chance to rest during the day.

Expect to have some negative feelings from time to time. With the intensity of the experience of having twins, it is natural to have these feelings. Try not to feel guilty about having them. Most parents of twins have moments when they feel they aren't up to the job of caring for the twins. These feelings won't last and you will soon get the hang of life with twins.

Give each twin time alone with you. They need to know they are important as individuals and not just as twins.

Make a special effort to speak and read frequently to each child. This may help with the delay in language development that some twins have.

What we shouldn't do?

Don't pick names for the twins that rhyme or sound alike. One of the most difficult jobs for all children is to learn who they are as people and how they are different from others around them. This job is harder for twins, especially identical ones, who are always being compared with one another.

Don't always refer to them as "the twins." Use their names just as you would two children of different ages. It helps them learn who they are.

Don't make comparisons between the twins and don't create competition between them. It is natural for all siblings to compare themselves and be competitive with each other. Being a twin and being constantly compared with your twin can make these feelings worse. You may want to think about putting them in different classrooms at school.

Don't forget about yourself or your partner. Talk to each other about your feelings and problems. Try to find some way to take a break regularly. You need it and you deserve it!

Kena tagged lagi by Ziahlicious

2009-01-20T15:15:00.000+08:00

1. Do you think you are hot? Yeah..haha (perasan)

2. Upload your favourite picture of you.

3. Why do you like that picture? Because i look like a model for bridal wear.

4. When was the last time you ate pizza? I think about 3-4 months ago

5. The last song you listened to? I think its Selamat Ulangtahun Sayang by Imran Ajmain during my ride to work this morning. Yeah i listen to HOT fm

6. What are you doing right now besides this? Reading blogs

7. What name would you prefer besides this? Sofea and Mia Sara

8. Now, I would like to tag new victims to do it…hehehe

Ayu
Eita
Junida
Siti
No one

8. Who is no. 1? My ex colleague and also my gossip friend

9. No. 3 is having relationship with? Her husband la

10. Say something about no. 5? Nothing to say

11. How about no. 4? I know her from expatinsaudiarabia group. She gave me a lot of infos on Saudi

12. Who is no. 2? I don’t know her. Accidentally found her blog from google search. I was searching some info on Jeddah and saw her link. And I was also shocked to see my husband pic in her blog. (A pic of some Malaysian having a picnic near Corniche, Jeddah)

Xmas Updates

2008-12-31T14:31:00.001+08:00

Some pictures taken during Christmas Day

At Patsy's house

Christmas Tree

Wan Arissa, Wan Nur Syarina & Wan Adrianna

Say cheese!

From left: Bala, Is, Mama, Adrianna, Arissa, Iwan (behind), Daddy, Ida, Me

Front: Kak Nia, Lourdes, Rina

Ho! Ho! Ho! It’s Xmas

2008-12-24T12:50:00.000+08:00

I have never celebrated any Christmas Day before this. Yeah, that was before I got married.. But since 3 years go, Christmas would be a day that I’m eagerly waiting for sama macam Hari Raya..Why? Because some of my husband’s relatives are Christian. Mmm..confused? It’s a long story..but to make is short, let me give a short brief. My late mother in law is a Chinese but was raised up by an Indian family. Her real name was Mary Juliana Peeris and later changed to Hajah Marinna Abdullah after she converted to Islam.

Her adopted family ni agak pious jugak. One of my husband cousin siap pergi to Vatican lagi untuk study jadi priest. Sometimes we were also invited to makan-makan such as Thanksgiving and Good Friday. Masa mula-mula tu, a bit awkward because tak biasa but after a few occasions, dah ok.

They are humble and kind. Although our religion and race are different, but we can get along very well. Majority of them attended to my wedding. Ramai guests at our function were confused because the bride looks like Malay, the groom looks like Chinese but the attendees are predominantly Malays and Indians. Hehe..This is what we call a multiracial society..

My husband used to tell me, when he was younger, he and his siblings also a bit confused about their race. They have Chinese look but their relatives are Indian and Malays. No Chinese relatives. My father in law also came from a mix parentage. His father is Malay while his mother is a Chinese. Sebab tulah, muka my husband memang 100% macam Chinese tapi suka makan Indian food..hahaha..

Back to my Christmas story..hehe..I had bought some Christmas gift for them..Sebelum ni, every year pergi tangan kosong je tapi bila balik dapat gift..Malu betul..Maklumla tak biasa celebrate Christmas..So, this year kena la bawa something..

I would like to take this opportunity to wish Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to Bala, Lourdes, Becky, Bernie, Xavier, Dorothy, Lionel, Rosalind, Patsy, Chandran and all..Sorry, I can’t recall all the names..There are too many..Anyway, looking forward for the roast turkey and beryani..hehehe

Twin Database

2008-12-23T10:49:00.000+08:00

Excerpt from today’s The Star, Nation pg 22

Tuesday December 23, 2008

Drive to build twin database
By CHRISTINA KOH

IPOH: Studying the mysterious nature of twins, their physical similarities, attitudes and behaviour could play an important role in fighting diseases, said Dr Shayesteh Jahanfar.
The director of Malaysia’s newly formed National Malaysian Twin Registry (NMTR), said studying twins could also help solve many of life’s mysteries, such as how far genes influence a person’s traits and behaviour.

And she is now on a mission to get more Malaysian twins to register with the non-profit organisation.

“I once had a pair of identical female twins in my class and I couldn’t tell them apart,” said Dr Shayesteh, a Perak Royal College of Medicine-Universiti Kuala Lumpur lecturer, who became the NMTR director after the organisation was approved in June.

She is no stranger to the topic as she has worked with twins since 1991 and even submitted her PhD thesis on “Twins and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome” when she graduated in Australia.
Dr Shayesteh, an Iranian, first established the Iran National Twin Registry at the Avecina Research Centre using a World Health Organisation grant in 2002. It now has 20,000 registered twins.

Dr Shayesteh said that besides the twins, family members could greatly benefit from the registry by having access to health information, parenting advice and be part of a national community of twins and triplets.

To encourage twins to sign up, the NMTR is organising a lucky draw for the first 100 adult pairs to register, as well as fun activities like photography competitions for the little ones.
So far, only 34 pairs of adults and 53 pairs of children have signed up with the NMTR.

For details and registration, check out their official website (www.nmtr.org.my) or contact Dr Shayesteh through 05-546 9715 or SMS to 012-550 1305.

Little Miss Twins

2008-12-22T17:30:00.000+08:00

Actually I wanted to snap a photo of them together, standing side by side. But, biasala, very difficult to get them standing still. Ini pun kira bernasib baik lah dapat capture these photos. Sekarang ni, diorang memang tak boleh duduk diam. Very active! Tak larat nak kejar. It’s a good exercise, anyway..

My brother bought this baby-t for them. I don’t know where he gets it but I like it so much. I saw in one of the newspaper, twins’ celebrity, May Wan & Choy Wan wore this t-shirt at one of the charity event recently. Masa tengok article tu, memang terdetik nak cari t-shirt ni for my twins. Tiba-tiba, my brother dah belikan. Thanks ya..

Adrianna

Arissa

For those who wanted to buy adorable items for twins,visit http://www.scrappintwins.com/index.phpThey have huge selection of items for twins, triplets and their families.

Black & White

2008-12-17T17:01:00.000+08:00

I brought Arissa to Giant, near my parent’s house on one of the weekend recently. When we passed by this machine, (ala yang masuk duit lepas tu ada lagu-lagu)…Arissa pointed her finger to it. Dia memang dah pandai point2 bila nak apa-apa. There were 4 machines, 2 bentuk kereta and the other two bentuk motor. I put her on the motorcycle because that’s the only available. I can see she’s not really enjoying it, nampak macam takut2 mungkin sebab tak biasa duduk on thing between her legs. After the music stopped, I lifted her up and continued for my groceries shopping.

Once again I passed by to the machines when I was on my way back to the car. Since I have another 50cent coin, I decided to let her get another ride. I saw one machine occupied by one small boy with his parent standing at the side. The other three was occupied by three Indian boys but diaorang tak ada masuk coin. Saje duduk2 aja. Kali ni, I nak Arissa naik kereta tapi tak sampai hati pulak nak suruh budak tu bangun. Umur budak tu lebih kurang Arissa kot. His older brother nampak that I wanted to use that machine so dia pun angkat la that little boy. Tiba-tiba aja die nangis. Lagi la I rasa tak sampai hati. Kereta tu boleh masuk 2 orang so I suruh ajala budak tu sit with Arissa. Me and my brother tak tahan gelak because Arissa nampak confused so does the little Indian boy. Hehe..

Here are some shots

What a hectic day...

2008-12-16T18:07:00.000+08:00

My busy day started from yesterday evening, preparing for my company Annual General meeting which was held this morning at Kota Permai Golf & Country Club.

More shareholders expected to turn up this year as compared to last year because our no of shareholders has increased tremendously since our share price has drop, make it affordable to anybody to buy it from the open market.

This year would be my third year handling this event, at the same venue. The AGM starts at 10am. Luckily I reached early because when I was there this morning, there were already early birds waiting to register. By 9am, the crowd becomes larger. The share registrar came late, hence the shareholders cannot register and they started complaining. Too bad, they fired at me since I was standing near the registration table with my company tag around my neck. Obviously, they know I’m part of the company. There’s nothing much I can do merely because I was not in charge for that. As a courtesy reaction, I just nod, listen to their grumbles and gave a fake smile. Haha

If you have attended any AGM, you’ll know what the situation is. Most of the shareholders who turns up are senior citizen. Some invest a lot of money but some only have one lot but they think they own the company and demand a lot of things. Three years back, when I first organize the event, I was shocked to see the characters of these shareholders. It was totally beyond my imagination. But now, i'm immuned.

From my observation, they are two types of shareholders. One, who is purely interested to the meeting so that they can know what the company direction is, prospect and financial status. The other type is people who enjoy collecting freebies and free food. Sadly to say, the second type are mostly the one who turns up at ours. Halfway through the meeting, this second type of people has already gone out from the meeting and starts queuing for food. I remembered last year, the ‘genuine’ shareholders who came out from the meeting after it ended was frustrated because all food were gone.

After making so many rounds of eating, this second type with muka tak malu tapau all the food. You’ll be surprised to see the uncles and the aunties starts to take out their plastic bags and Tupperware from their bags. It’s hard to imagine but it best to see it yourself. You’ll never expect it. Worst part is, some also bring their Filipino and Indonesian maid! Not to mention the cutlery also can go missing...

I don’t know what to label them, it would sound harsh but it is a fact. I think they are kiasu, greedy, jakun, kelaparan …and whatever la.. I can understand if this happen in Indonesia or African countries where food is the concern but hey, this is Malaysia.

I didn’t mean to offend them but somehow thinks that it is important to highlight about this disgusting behaviour. Luckily, the Mat Salleh journalist from Bloomberg was not around at the F&B area to witness this.

Twinnies Club

2008-12-12T15:32:00.000+08:00

There is very little information on twins published by local magazines and book. I have to rely on internet and international books (which is costly) to get the information. Someone told me that there is twin’s club for twins who born in Selangor. I tried to goggled but found nothing. Anyone knows or heard about this, please let me know. Yeah, I’m a bit enthusiastic when it comes to this kind of social networking/bonding. Me, myself also has registered as one of the members of Persatuan Anak Merdeka..hahahaha

Or perhaps I should start my own twinnies club. So friends, if you have twins, know someone with twins or if you are twin yourself, please contact me…Yeah, this gonna be awesome..

I was tagged by Ziahlicious

2008-12-10T16:18:00.000+08:00

What were you doing 5 years ago?
Just graduated from IIUM

What were the 5 things on your list to do today?
* To do press monitoring (I have to read 10 newspapers every day!)
* To eat my chicken rendang and ketupat (leftover from raye) for my lunch
* To recharge my handphone.
* To pay maxis bill after work
* To eat my daging masak lemak with rebung (also leftover) for my dinner..yum..yum..

What are the snacks that you enjoy?
Nothing specific..depends on my mood

What are 5 things that you do if you were bilionaire?
^ Open up a boarding school for orphans (same as ziah)
^ Tour around the world
^ Buat masjid (same as ziah)
^ Buy over Gamuda (company that I’m currently working with) and make it privatized
^ Built a mansion for my family and family in law

What 5 jobs you’ve had?
- Part time waiter at Regency Hotel, PD and Mc Donald in Taman Permata- Event Exec
- PR Exec
- Marketing & Corporate Event Exec
- Communication Exec (current)

Who are 5 person you want to tag?
No idea, no one knows about my blog except for ziah & junida..hahahaha

Recent Photos

2008-12-05T16:37:00.000+08:00

Adrianna (left) and Arissa (right)

Me with Adrianna (left) and Arissa (right) during my sis in law nikah ceremony

Adrianna vs Arissa

2008-12-05T16:07:00.000+08:00

Their differences

1. Adrianna or better known as Nana was born a minute earlier, that was at 4.27pm while Arissa was born at 4.28pm (C-Section)

2. Adrianna weighed at 2.4kg at born while Arissa was 1.9kg

3. Adrianna has a round face while Arissa has oval face shape

4. Adrianna so much follow my husband's face while Arissa follow mine. (They are supposed to be indentical!)

5. Adrianna was really red like udang bakar when she was born while Arissa was pale. We used to called them Bawang Merah and Bawang Putih. They were affected by Twin to Twin Transfussion Syndrome (TTTS) which mean the blood flow through the placenta begins to favor one twin over the other. One is called 'donor' twin and the other called 'recipient' twin. For more info, read this http://www.tttsfoundation.org/

6. Adrianna is more mature compared to Arissa. She understands simple instruction while Arissa is a bit playful.

7. Adrianna is more manja, cannot be left alone. She will follow you even to the loo. Arissa is more independent.

8. Adrianna is attached mostly to men. She is close to my husband, my father and father in law while Arissa is close to me and my mother.

9. Adrianna wear one size bigger than Arissa, be it dress or shoes

10. Adrianna is a little bit chubby while Arissa is skinny.

additional-edited on 10 November 2008

11. Adrianna likes to sniff,bite and 'gentel' her bunny whenever she wants to sleep or drink her milk while Arissa likes to 'gentel' her navel

Their similarities

1. Both drink Friso Gold stage 3

2. Both has very little hair

3. Both looks really like amoi

4. Both likes to wear shoes inside the house (Pakai sebelah pun takpe)

5. Both suka melaram

6. Both likes to eat grape

7. Both likes to climb

8. Both likes to be in the driver seat even when the car is moving

9. Both always fell sick at the same time

10.Both share the same placenta

Pregnant Again

2008-11-28T16:17:00.000+08:00

No, not me. How can I be pregnant when my husband is not here by my side? It’s one of my best friends. She had just given birth about 6-7 months ago and recently found that she got pregnant again. And guess what? She is so not prepared. With her first daughter, age 2yrs+ and baby less than a year old, she is so depressed with the news.

Hmm.. ‘ accident’ can happen to anybody. Another friend of mine also had an ‘accident’ early this year. Her first baby was 6 months old when she found out she was expecting. It was a really shock because a week before that she called me and asked my opinion on family planning..tup tup.. after that conversation, dia pregnant pulak..So, tak sempat la buat apa-apa plan.

Another friend of mine also got pregnant when her baby was just 3 months old. Yeah, that is so soon. Baru aja abis confinement dah pregnant lagi. There’s nothing to be ashamed about, redha dan bersyukur ajala. Sekurang-nya kita boleh mengandung. Ada juga my friends yang telah bertahun kahwin tapi masih belum dikurniakan rezeki walaupun telah pelbagai usaha dilakukan.

Masa I dulu pun, after 9months kahwin baru pregnant. Cuak juga sebab agak lambat, kawan-kawan yang kahwin a few months after me dah tunjuk tanda-tanda mengandung. Lagila rasa stress. Nasib baikla a friend of mine suggested makan folic acid. If not mistaken, after 2-3 months terus aja pregnant. Bila ingat balik masa tu, memang rasa kelakar sebab bila period lewat sikit terus buat pregnancy test. Memang eager sangat, dan telah beberapa kali kecewa sebab result negative. Folic acid is good bagi sesiapa yang sedang cuba untuk pregnant, its good for the bone especially for early stage of pregnancy.

Anyway, pregnancy is an interesting experience and I really enjoy the moment through out the 9 months. At that time, tak da fikir diet langsung, main bedal aja and guess what? I’ve gained 28kg!Yelah, bukan makan untuk 2 orang but 3 orang..What a lame excuse..But alhamdulillah, now my weight dah almost back to normal. Dah boleh pakai baju-baju lama semula. Thank God! I work really hard you know…Ramai orang impressed because I lost so much weight in a short time. Secret? Well, in other entry k..

To all my friends who are mummy to be, congratulation and take care! I’m so envy. I wish I am pregnant now..hehehe..

The Sexiest Man Alive

2008-11-24T16:48:00.000+08:00

Hugh Jackman was voted by People magazine as the Sexiest Man Alive 2008. I somehow agreed that he is very charming. But I still prefer JUDE LAW. Yeah, I think he is very very sexy, especially in Alfie, ahaks…

My list, not in sequence

1. Jude Law

2. Justin Timberlake

3. Ashton Kutcher
4. Daniel Craig
5. Freddie Prince Jr

Long Silence

2008-11-18T12:33:00.000+08:00

OMG! It has been nearly 5 months I didn’t update this blog. Well, so many things happen along the way. My other half now resides in Jeddah since last July, leaving behind me and our twins and I had terminated my maid and sent her back to Indonesia a week before Ramadhan. Don’t ask why, but I am so relief. I am happier when she is not around. If ada pun, bukan buat keje banyak pun.

My twins are 15 months now. We had their birthday celebration twice, before my other half went to Jeddah which is a month earlier than their actual birthday and on the actual day itself, 3rd August.

We celebrated our last Raya at Singapore with my dad’s family. Sadly, my other half tak dapat balik and tak dapat tengok our little twins pakai baju kurung. So, I MMS aje photos of us to him and chat through skype. Itu ajela yang dapat buat..

Speaking of skype, me and husband sometimes had tough time guna skype. Kadang-kadang gambar ok tapi suara takde pulak. Selalunya, my side la yang ade problem. I can see and hear him clearly but he can only see me with no voice. Puas dah jerit and godek2 mic and computer but my voice selalu tak keluar. Dah 2-3 kali, I tukar mic but the same problem still occur. I’m not sure whether myself aje yang face this problem or other skype users pun.

Perhaps, I have to find other alternative solutions. A friend of mine suggested using ym. Die kate boleh cakap macam guna skype. Belum cuba lagi, Later, I will explore and ask around. Long distance relationship is really a big challenge!

Living abroad

2008-06-25T16:45:00.000+08:00

A few times i try to finish up this post, but it keep on delaying. Whatever written below, was supposed to be post last week.

Last month, my hubby received a job offer based in Saudi. Riyadh to be exact. I dunno how to react when he told me about it. Of course I knew he went for the interview, and I even prayed for his success but, deep down my heart, I feel horrified.

A lot of things came up to my mind. I can’t sleep well that night. Should I stay or should I follow? And the biggest headache is I have to quit my job! Oh no, I love my job. Though I’ve been complaining my jobs sometimes, but I feel so sayang to quit la.

The past 2-3 weeks, I started to compile information on Riyadh, ie: the culture, education, lifestyle, shopping, house etc.

I posted out one question in a forum called expatinsaudi, nasib baik ada yang sudi me- reply. Since then, I and ‘Siti’ selalu la ber emel-emel. Siti dah stay sana for 4 years. Banyak info I dapat from her. Thanks a lot, Siti.

Kat sana, women are not allowed to drive. Most of the places, including Mc Donald pun men and women have to be separated. But, if I’m not mistaken, ada area yang disediakan untuk family.

Since my husband dapat housing allowance, we thinking of getting a stay in a compound. Compound ni just for expats sahaja. Orang Arab tak boleh masuk. Price of compounds, range between SAR 60,000 to SAR 220,000 per year. Mahal, with just a 2 bedroom apartment, kena bayar lebih kurang RM 5,000 sebulan. Dalam compound ni, ada banyak facilities such as laundry, mini mart, nursery, playground, swimming pool and etc. The price depends on the facilities yang ada dalam compound. Ada juga yang sediakan shopping bus. Dalam compound juga, attire kita bebas. You can wear your normal clothes whereas bila keluar from compound, it is a must to wear abaya (jubah hitam).

Attire is not an issue to me. I wouldn’t mind to wear abaya and headscarf. I pernah study kat International Islamic University, so I’m sure the environment are pretty same. I think I can easily adapt to the culture there compared to my husband. With his chinese looking look, sure kena stare aje nanti. Dahla mamat ni jenis yang suka pakai short aja, macam apek. Very the selekeh ! He would have tougher time to adjust himself.

To be continue..

More info on Taiwan

2008-06-20T18:05:00.000+08:00

I would like to continue my entry on Taiwan coz susah nak dapat info pasal this country. Berjam-jam jugak la di habiskan kat depan PC surf pasal Taiwan especially on halal food. So, here are some of the info.

Halal Food
Try this http://www.zabihah.com/ . I only got the chance to try Thai Food House while I was there. They have varieties of Thai Food. The tastes are somewhat like Thai restaurant in Malaysia. Very nice, especially the Tom Yam soup. Memang Kow!

Note: Most of these restaurant are located in Taipei, no halal restaurant in Kaohsiung while only one halal restaurant in Taichung.

Electrical plug
Below is the sample. You can rent it from the hotel and need to pay deposit NT20 (about RM22). You will get back the deposit once you return it.

International Call
First, your handphone mesti ada roaming…Press * 120 6012 xxxxxxx #

Malaysian Representative in Taiwan
Malaysian Friendship and Trade Centre, Taipei

Address :
8th Floor, San Ho Plastic Bldg. 102, Tun Hwa North Road Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
Telephone : 886-2-2713 2626
Fax : 886-2-2514 9864
Email : mwtaipei@ms34.hinet.net, maltaipei@kln.gov.my
GMT :+8.00

Work day :
Monday - Friday 9.00 a.m - 5.00 p.m
Holiday :
Saturday & Sunday

Life is about beautiful days

2008-06-13T12:17:00.000+08:00

Mother’s Day has gone, come Father’s Day. I am one person who appreciates these special days. To me, Father’s Day is a day of commemoration and celebration of the man in the house. It is a day to honour the fathers, be it father in law, stepfathers, uncles, grandfathers and even HUSBANDS. I have three special men in my life, my own father, my father in law and of course my other half.

This year, I have additional reasons to celebrate Father’s Day. Why? Because my husband is a first time father, our twins Adrianna & Arissa are 10months old now. When we celebrated Father’s Day last year, I was still expecting them.

I like Father’s Day because it is a day to reflect on how I treat these special fathers in my life. They don’t expect to be given expensive gifts, a simple sms and a nice lunch or dinner will do. To them, the thought that really counts.

Try asking yourself, “Are you grateful for what they have done for you?”

Happy Father’s Day to Ayah, Daddy and my dearest husband, Rizal.

Taiwan Trip - Part 2

2008-06-11T15:17:00.000+08:00

Day 3- Taichung
4 April 2008

After breakfast, we packed our bags and checked out of the hotel. Before we started our journey to Taichung, we stopped at National Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall. This memorial hall is a monument erected in memory of Chiang Kai Shek, former president of the ROC in Taipei. It was later change to National Taiwan Democracy Hall.

Our journey to Taichung was a long one. It takes us about nearly 4 hours to reach Formosa Aboriginal Cultural Village. Tempat ni kira kawasan pendalaman sikit. Before sampai sana, ada satu area ni famous dengan perempuan jual buah pinang. Yang kelakarnya, perempuan yang pinang ni, pakai ala-ala bikini aje! So, bila Cindy inform us yang we all akan lalu di area tu, all my male colleagues dah standby kat tepi tingkap, siap dengan camera and videocam.

Tiba di Formosa Aboriginal Cultural Village lebih kurang pukul 2.30pm. Terus ke restaurant yang terdapat kat situ. From today, tak ada lagi halal food yang di provide oleh tour agent. We were given seafood and vegetables only. But of course, ramai yang ragu-ragu termasuk saya sendiri untuk makan. Walaupun tak ada pork, but the they still use the same utensils to cook that pork kan? Frust betul.

It was a nice place to visit. Throughout my tour to Taiwan, I think this is the most ok place to visit. We took a train ride and pusing-pusing the park.

Lepas tu, we went to the other side. Kat sini ada themepark, indoor and outdoor. Lebih kurang macam kat Genting Highland. We took cable car to uphill and turun jalan kaki. Sambil turun tu, we all ambil gambar dengan Orang Asli di sana. Kat sini, we all dapat lihat mock up rumah orang asli yang represent 13 tribes yang ada kat Taiwan. Tempat ni, lebih kurang macam Mini Malaysia di Melaka. Cuma yang bestnya, di setiap kawasan rumah tu ada real orang asli mingles or buat kerja. So, bolehla ambil gambar with them.

Kat sini we all spent about 2 hours aje. Memang tak cukup. Tak berkesempatan pun nak try roller coaster kat situ.

Then, we moved on Sun Moon Lake. Nothing much here. Cuma ada lake yang besar aje and adalah beberapa tent yang picnic kat tepi lake. Tapi lake ni tak boleh mandi. According to Cindy, Sun Moon Lake is the largest lake in Taiwan.

Later, we proceed to Mao WangYe Memorial Resident. Ini rumah ketua salah satu tribe kat sana. Kat sini ada jual Royal Jelly. Diorang siap bagi demo lagi pasal kegunaan royal jelly. Kat rumah ini juga, ada banyak tergantung gambar-gambar kenangan ketua tribe dengan pembesar negara and famous people including Tun Mahathir.

Disebabkan hari dah gelap dan takut tiba lewat di Taichung, Cindy terus booking dinner kat salah satu restaurant di Sun Moon Lake. Tidak ada apa yang boleh kami makan. So, we all keluarkan lah Maggie dan instant food masing-masing. Ramai juga malays yang lain tak masuk restaurant ni. Bau pork kat sini kuat sangat.

At last, semua orang melayu keluar and we had a discussion with Cindy kat luar. Cindy tak puas hati sebab dia dah banyak seafood and vegetables untuk kami, tapi kenapa kami tak sentuh langsung. Dia kata membazir. Dia masih tak paham yang no pork tak semestinya halal. After much discussion, we told Cindy, “Ok, from tomorrow onwards, you don’t have to order seafood and vegetables for us. Just give us plain rice and boiled egg.” Tercengang Cindy bila mendengarnya. Yelah, takkan makan telur rebus aje. We told her yang we all semua ada bawa instant food. No big deal.

It’s time to shopping again. We went to Fong Jia Night Market in Taichung. We were given only 1 hour. Damn, that’s not enough! Although the things that sell here are same as in Taipei, but the price here are much cheaper. I bought a few tops and shoes.

Later that night, we checked in at DeBao Hotel. I got a corner room and it was really huge. Memang best.

Day 4- Kaohsiung
5 April 2008

Surprisingly, unlike Taipei, Taichung and Kaohsiung were very hot and humid. Day 4 was to be our final day for sightseeing. Upon entering Kaohsiung, we stopped by at the Spring and Autumn pavilion. There’s nothing here, the lake were dried because of lake cleaning and construction works, a little unpleasant to the eyes and nose. I bought some souvenirs like key chain and fridge magnets. It was quite difficult to find those items. Tak banyak souvenirs shop yang jual Taiwan premiums.

After lunch, Cindy asked the malays whether we want to follow them to visit Fo Kuang Shan Buddhist Monastery or go shopping. All of us opted for shopping of course. So, the bus driver dropped us at Sogo. We were given 2 hours but dalam ½ hour dah abis ronda satu mall. So, me and Kak Faudzillah pergi la merayau-rayau kat luar mall cari Pet Shop. Kak Faudzillah ni gila kucing. Ada funny incident happened mase we all jalan-jalan tu. Until now, we cannot forget.

Communication is the barrier here. Most of the salesperson I met, cannot speak English. Susah nak beli barang. Guna sign language je la. Dah penat berjalan, we singgah jap at Starbucks. This was what happens, which I cannot forget until now.

Me: Is there any Pet Shop around here?

Cashier: Pek? Pek?

Me: No, Pet Shop. Whof..whof..whof ..(Siap buat bunyi dog lagi)

Cashier: Meyo, meyo sambil menggeleng kepala. (Meyo maksudnya tak ada)

Susah betul. Kena buat sounds baru la faham. So, I terus la bayar what we ordered. Dah puas lepak minum kat situ, we all jalan. Ada another shopping mall. Besar juga. Tak ingat namanya. Kak Faudzillah pula pergi tanya kat Information counter whether ada tak Pet Shop kat area ni.

Dengan confidentnya, perempuan tu kata, “I’ll draw up the map”. Fuh, lega. At least yang ini faham English. Tempat tu tak jauh sangat. Tak sampai 5 minit dah sampai. Alangkah terkejutnya kiteorang, bile tengok itu bukan Pet Shop, but Pet Clinic. There were a few cats inside tengah check up. Tak boleh tahan, kiteorang ketawa terbahak-bahak.

The bus picked us up, and later we went to check in at Holiday Garden Hotel at 4:30pm. Today, baru ada time nak rest sekejap. If not, everyday, keluar awal pagi and balik hotel tengah malam.

Malam, shopping pulak at XinJue Jiang Night Market. We were given ample time to shop. Disebabkan ini our last nite in Taiwan, everyone semua shopping sakan because nak habiskan our Taiwan dollar.

The trip was very good indeed. Although we have communications and food problem, but I enjoyed shopping . Besides clothing, electrical and IT stuff pun not bad. The price are also cheaper.

Taiwan Trip - Part 1

2008-06-11T15:15:00.000+08:00

The recent company trip to Taiwan was an opportunity I couldn’t miss. Even though I feel a bit sad to be away with my little twins for 5 days, I know they will be in a good hand with their Atuk and Opah. (Atuk= grandfather, Opah= grandmother)

Day 1- Taipei
2 April 2008

Arrived at KLIA at 7:30pm. First group ini ada lebih kurang 40 orang. Next week, another group, yang akan berlepas pula. Nasib baik tak ramai orang yang beratur di kaunter check in. Inilah baiknya kalau pergi trip pagi-pagi. My husband sends me off that morning. Last nite, we all over night at my parent’s house in Seremban. My daughters ada kat sana.

I was the last person to check in. Nasib baik rep from the tour agent ni ada sama. Dia lah yang uruskan semua. Dia pun akan ikut sama trip ni nanti. After check in my luggage, i and Kak Faudzillah (my roomate kat sana nanti) pergi breakfast dulu.

We reached Taiyoun International Airport, Taipei, at around 2pm. After collected our luggage, terus pergi passport counter. Bila tiba my turn, tetiba officer tu tanya I, how long I would stay in Taiwan. I replied, 5 days. Suddenly, dia asked for my IC. Tak percaya I Malaysian kot. Yang pelik, my other colleagues tak pula kena show IC.

Bila dah keluar from airport, our local tour guide, Cindy dah tunggu. She briefed us on our itinerary for that day. Our first stop for that day was 101 Shopping Mall. It took about 45mins to reach there from the airport.

101 Mall, was not like I expected. Being the tallest tower in the world, I thought the shopping mall would be something similar to our KLCC Twin Tower. 101 Shopping Mall, tak besar sangat compared to KLCC. Lebih kurang macam StarHill aje. Untuk naik ke atas tower, bayaran RM45 dikenakan. According to my friends yang naik, nothing much to see but the lift was incredible. It took only a few seconds untuk sampai atas.

After mingled four an hour, we all terus pergi dinner at one of local restaurant, can’t recalled the name. This is not a halal restaurant, cuma no pork. But nasib baik before I go to this trip, I ada email to Malaysia Trade Centre di Taipei for their advice on halal food. Di sebabkan restaurant halal tu jauh sikit from the places we went for that day, the tour agent dah order awal-awal pack halal food and bawa ke restaurant ni. To tell you the truth, I tak lalu makan langsung. Dalam each pack, dia bagi nasi pulut (macam nasi dagang), ayam goreng, fruits, pau and pudding. When we arrived, the food was already there, dah sejuk.

Habis dinner, we all terus pergi night market. Shopping kat Xi Men Ding. We were given 1 ½ hour to spent. Environment kat sini lebih kurang macam Petaling Street. Macam-macam kedai yang ada, but mostly women clothing and shoes. Rambang biji mata! I didn’t buy much because I don’t know whether the price is competitive or not. Lagipun ada 3 malam lagi boleh shopping. Some of my colleague yang pegi the same trip last year said, kat Taipei ni harga mahal sikit. Kalau nak shopping, better kat Taichung or Kaohsiung. I ended bought some baju for myself and sis in-law.

Lebih kurang pukul 10 lebih, barula we all check in to the hotel. We stayed at Fortune Hotel. Boleh tahan la hotel ni. Eventhough 3 star but plasma TV lagi tu…Sampai bilik, terus mandi and tido.

Day 2 – Taipei
3 April 2008

Woke up at 6am. Breakfast ready at 7am. Tak banyak yang boleh makan masa breakfast. Apa-pun Cindy, our tour guide dah inform whatever yang ada red label, are not halal. Makan roti la jawabnya. Terkebil-kebil mata tengok budak-budak cina lain makan. Dalam trip ni, ada 20 malay staff and 20 non malay yang join. But yang malays la kena banyak sacrifice. Almaklum la, visit pun non muslim country. Tak bolehla nak demand.

The weather was so cold. Hujan. I was not prepared because masa briefing kat office dulu, Admin kata bawa light clothing. It’s spring time. Bila sampai sini, hujan pula. Nasib baik la ada bawa raincoat and umbrella. Itupun pun saya dapat tahu from blogs and websites yang bagi tips to visitor yang nak melancong ke Taiwan. Mesti bawa raincoat atau umbrella!

Our first visit for the day was Yehliu Park. We saw the amazing rock formations that were naturally crafted by the sea. Masa ni, hujan turun renyai-renyai. So, terus pakai raincoat, lagi senang compared to umbrella sebab angin di sini kuat.

Tak ada apa yang best sangat. Tengok batu-batu aja. Kena guna banyak imagination bila tengok batu-batu ni sebab ada macam-macam rupa. Rupa kapal selam, badak air, Queen’s head and macam-macam lagi. Bagi yang otak lembab tu, slow lah sikit nak catch up.

From there, we moved to Chiu Fen. Tempat ni atas bukit, famous dengan local delicacies and souvenir. Lorong kedai kat sini sempit. Susah nak berjalan. Bukan hanya penuh dengan orang yang leka menjamu mata, motor dan van kecik pun sibuk nak lalu. Terpaksa la berhimpit-himpit ke tepi bila ada kenderaan nak lalu.

Tak ada barang yang saya berkenan di sini. Almost all of my chinese friends sibuk borong asam, tart nenas and tit bits lain. As for us yang malays ni, tengok aje la. Tapi I sempat juga try home made ice cream kat sini. Kulit popiah yang putih (macam popiah basah) di sapu dengan kacang tumbuk, lepas tu letak ice cream perisa lemon and gulung macam popiah. Boleh tahan juga rasanya.

After Chiu Fen, we proceed for lunch at Thai Food House. Only malay staff saja yang makan di sini. The rest makan at Mongolian Barbeque Restaurant. Makan di Thai restaurant ni memang puas hati and tak payah nak ragu-ragu because it’s halal. Masa ni we all semua makan tak ingat dunia. The tom yam was superb. Ada yang tapau lagi.

Lepas makan, we went to National Palace Museum. Kat sini, tersimpan bahan sejarah awal Taiwan. Selepas membayar harga tiket, each one of us diberi headphone. Kami hanya akan dengar suara Cindy yang beri history explanation, jadi tak menggangu group tourist yang lain.

We continued our trip to Martyr’s Shrine, to view an elaborate ceremony of changing guards. Mase ni pun hujan juga, so ceremony tu buat simpler than usual.

After that, we all pergi visit Yang Ming Shan National Park. All the tourist spots kat sini jauh-jauh belaka. So, we all banyak waste time on the bus. Sampai kat sini, hujan lagi. So, tak boleh nak walk around. At last, ramai-ramai pergi beli jagung rebus kat stall yang di recommend oleh Cindy. Tapi hampeh, tawar gila. Dah la mahal lak tu. As far as I know, kat Taiwan ni famous dengan jagungnya. Pelik. Rasanya jagung Malaysia lagi sedap.

We all sempat juga ambil group photo kat sini. Lepas tu, we all proceed to Fisherman Wharf. Kata Cindy, kat sini famous untuk view sunset. Nasib tak baik, we all sampai hari dah gelap gelita coz perjalanan lama sangat. Lebih kurang 2 jam. Kedai pun dah tutup. So, turun pergi toilet aja la. Semua orang tak puas hati and merungut sebab dah 2 jam dalam bas, sampai sini hanya pergi toilet dan patah balik ke Taipei.

Sampai di Taipei, we all terus pergi dinner at another non-halal restaurant and we all makan pack food again. Nasib baik la we all yang melayu ni ada bawa Maggie, roti, rendang and lain-lain. Boleh la survive. Geram juga bila tengok my chinese friends dapat makan sedap-sedap.

After dinner, we went for shopping again. Can’t recaledl the name of the place. We were given an option, spent for one hour and take the bus to return to the hotel or spent how long do we wish but balik tanggung sendiri, either you take taxi or MRT. Terleka semasa belek barang, kelam kabut lari ke arah bas. Sampai kat tempat bas, tengok bas dah takda. Sah, kena tinggal. So, we decided to take a taxi. Middle of the way to the taxi stand, we met Hadi, Mawi and Amin. Rupa-rupanya diaorang pun tertinggal juga. So, we all pun squeeze la naik same taxi. Nasib baik driver tu ok coz dah terlebih orang. Kak Faudzillah duduk depan, I and mamat lagi 3 orang ni berhimpit-himpit kat belakang.

Sampai hotel, mandi and start packing barang. The next morning, we have to check out and pergi Taichung pula.

Kring...Kring...

2008-06-04T16:38:00.000+08:00

Pagi-pagi lagi telefon di pejabat saya dah berbunyi. Siapa lagi kalau bukan kawan baik saya yang bekerja dengan syarikat penerbangan yang sedang sibuk perang harga dengan syarikat penerbangan murah tu.

Saya tahu dia yang telefon kerana nombor telefon ofisnya keluar di skrin telefon saya. Mungkin dia nak membalas panggilan saya yang tidak berjawap malam tadi. Dengan suara yang kontrol, saya mengangkat gagang telefon.

Saya: Hello

M: Wei, aku ni. Busy ke?

Saya: Tak da lah. Tengah baca paper. Apa hal? Rutin kerja saya setiap hari ialah membaca lebih kurang 10 jenis suratkhabar

M: Aku ada cerita baru ni. Pasal artis ni. Saya namakan artis ni sebagai artis A

Saya : Apsal dengan dia ?

M : Memang betul la dia keluar dengan husband pelakon B. Cerita sensasi tentang perkelahian kedua-dua pelakon wanita ini pernah banyak kali disiarkan dalam kolum-kolum gossip sebelum ini.

Saya : Mana kau tau ? Tiba-tiba saya rasa macam jadi wartawan hiburan pula.Best juga kalau dalam kolum sendiri dalam akhbar atau jadi macam Michelle kat Melodi tu, suka terjah artis dengan soalan-soalan maut dia..

M: Macam ni, last night kawan aku telefon. Tengah-tengah malam pasal nak bagitau aku pasal cerita ini. Kawan aku punya husband berkawan dengan husband pelakon B tu. Ada satu malam, baru-baru ni juga, husband kawan aku tu keluar clubbing dengan husband pelakon B kat club baru. Aku pun lupa nama tempat tu.

Saya: Pastu?

M: Masa kat sana, husband pelakon B open dua table. Satu untuk dia dan kengkawan, satu lagi untuk pelakon A. Semuanya kaki minum. Husband pelakon B tu belanja sampai RM2,000 untuk pelakon A. Yang paling aku tak percaya sekali, pelakon A ni angkut mak dia sekali.

Saya: Huh? Mak dia pun minum ke?

M: Ya. Tak sangka kan. Ada lagi, kawan aku yang lain pula kata nampak pelakon A check in flight pagi pergi Bangkok, naik first class baru-baru ni.

Saya: Pergi holiday kot.

M: Yelah, tapi takkan pergi sorang. Pukul 3petang hari yang sama, kawan aku nampak husband pelakon B pula check in pergi Bangkok.

Saya: Lah..Boleh tahan juga eh pelakon A ni. Nampak macam baik.

M: Ntahla. Agaknya hobi dia kacau suami orang kot.

Saya tidak faham kenapa ramai pengarah filem/drama masih suka ambil Pelakon A pegang watak utama. Saya dah meluat baca cerita-serita liar dia di surat khabar. Cepat-cepatla berinsaf…

P.Ramlee The Musical

2008-06-03T16:44:00.000+08:00

Back by popular demand, P.Ramlee The Musical will presented again at the Istana Budaya starting from 28May til 14 June 2008.

I had the chance to watch it last year. Definitely, it was a great performance. For me, i give two thumbs up! I really enjoyed the singing, dancing and the spectacular props also amazed me. Believe me, it's worth your money spend.

This time, Musly Ramlee will takes on the central role as P.Ramlee replacing Sean Ghazi while Emelda takes Azizah role replacing Dato' Siti Nurhaliza. Apparently, many newspapers and blogs i read give good reviews on the play.

For those who wish to watch, you can call 03-2091 1666. Tickets range from RM30 til RM200.

Sypnosis:
Follow in the footsteps of the late, great P.Ramlee, in a musical that traces his early days in Pulau Pinang, right up to his heydays in Jalan Ampas. Spanning some four decades, the musical recounts the highs and lows of P.Ramlee's life and his sacrifices for his art.

Musly Ramlee takes on the central role of P.Ramlee, with Liza Hanim playing Saloma. Also starring Emelda, Melissa Saila, Atilia, amongst others.

Written by Adlin Aman Ramlie, who also co-direct with Zahim Albakri.

Presented by Enfiniti Productions Sdn Bhd.

Durian Lovers

2008-06-03T14:12:00.000+08:00

My husband and I are durian lovers. I remembered during our courting times, we used to buy packets of durians from Jusco. Yang bestnya, we all tunggu after 9pm baru beli sebab masa ini lah diskaun 50% akan diberikan. Memang worth it! Rugi kalau terlepas.

I prefers Malaysian durian especially from Perak because of its bitter and sweet taste. However, my other half preferred the Thai durians because of its thicker flesh.

Kalau nak tahu, durian lah antara sebab kami boleh jadi rapat dan akhirnya menjadi husband and wife. Tapi, tak boleh cerita lebih-lebih. Malu lah.

Our durian scouting sekarang ini bukan lagi setiap minggu macam dulu tapi dah jadi sebulan sekali tak pun dua bulan sekali . Sebabnya? Dr Normah yang consult my husband on his diet programme pesan tak boleh makan durian banyak sangat. Cholesterol level dah tinggi.

Anywhere, I enclosed here some tips on picking a good durian which was published in The Star, Metro section. Check it out.

Durian lovers take note! Before you fork out some hard earned cash for the King of Fruits (which incidentally,is costlier this season due to the lean harvest), there are some general tips on choosing a good durian.

According to Bao Sheng Durian Farm co-owner T.S Chang, several factors including the size, colour, texture and appearance are good indicators of whether you are getting your money's worth.

"When it comes to durians, bigger is not necessarily better. Smaller ones will have fewer fruits but they are often tastier and more fragrant.

"In the old days, people preferred Thai durians because the flesh is thicker. But in recent years, the vote is for Malaysian (or more precisely Balik Pulau) durians because they are more fragrant, thanks to Penang island's optimal soil and weather conditions.

'True durian connoisseurs look for quality rather than quantity," he told StarMetro during a visit to his estate in Sungai Pinang recently.

He also advised customers to always "inhale".

"Pick up the fruit and hold it close to your nose. Look for the fruit that omits the strongest and most overwhelming (which non durians will describes as pungent ) scent.

"If the scent is strong, it means that the fruit is ripe. Once you are happy with the strong scent, shake the fruit-a good fruit will have an echo because the flesh inside is not stuck to the husk," he smiled, adding that fruits with a yellowish hue were not fresh.

"Brownish and greenish durians would be your best bet. But to be sure, take a closer look at the stem- if it is green and damp, it means that it has just dropped off the tree. Within a few hours, durian stems dry up," he explained.

Chang also revealed that fruits drom older trees were better than those from younger ones.

"Durian trees can bear fruit until they are about a century old. Unfortunately, unless you are an expert, you will have to ask the seller whether the fruit is from an old or young tree," he said.

"Finally, once you have made your selection, tell the seller to make an incision to allow you to have a peek at the flesh inside.

"What we are looking for is a wrinkly texture. Also, use your finger and poke the flesh lighly- the thin layer of 'skin' should not break," he added.

Why blogging?

2008-05-31T12:53:00.000+08:00

I’ve been reading a lot of blogs lately. It’s all started during the general election last March. Bosan dengan news yang keluar dalam our daily papers yang selalunya biased, I turned to search for independence news. Surprisingly, I found more hot and transparent news.

Ever since then, I became addicted. Being in PR line, I have an advantage to read newspapers every morning for news monitoring (that is part of my job!) and surf the online news. So, curi2 la bace blog sekali..(I hope my boss did not read this)

To start this blog, is not an easy job for me. Being a perfectionist, I put every detail into accounts. And hence, it’s delayed a few times. Hmm, macam banyak sangat yang nak difikirkan. Dari tittle for the blog, nak pilih template hinggalah ke topic yang akan dibincangkan. Perhaps I’m just being procrastinated. So today, I don’t want to think much, let it just be.

My Dear Diary was chosen because it’s reminds me of my school days. I remember I had my first diary when I was about 12 years old. It was brown in colour and siap ada lock lagi. Not much was written then, cuma senarai belanjawan seharian saya ketika itu.

I was more serious writing the diary when I was 14. Being away with my family, (I was in boarding school in JB while my family was in PD) that diary keeps me a company. And of course it’s not the same diary. This time, it was yellow with flowers design. Yang lagi bestnya ketika itu, saya ada ‘kaki’ yang sama-sama minat tulis diary. Menulis diary menjadi rutin kami setiap malam, sebelum tidur. Sehari tak menulis rasa amat janggal sekali.

Berbalik kepada title My Dear Diary tadi, (saya masih belum beritahu kenapa saya pilih tittle ini) ia dipilih kerana, setiap kali saya ingin memulakan penulisan saya dalam diary kesayangan saya, saya akan memulakannya dengan My Dear Diary. I felt some sort of connection to the diary whenever I wrote that line. My diary is really precious to me. It is not only a book which just mere of papers, but this diary keeps a lot of my secrets! My best friend forever. No one knows me that deep as my diary.

I keep on writing diary even in the university days. This time my diary was blue in colour. Another best friend of mine, whom I met in the university, also owned a diary. So, the activity keeps on continuing

I stop writing a diary when I first started work. I guess the time constraint and few other reasons just make me no mood to write. Until now, I still keep all my diaries and secretly hiding in inside the timbunan baju-baju dalam my cupboard.Hehehe..takut ada orang baca especially my other half because banyak cerita-cerita cinta monyet saya didalamnya.

Dan hari ini, saya ingin menulis semula. Tetapi bukan lagi cerita-cerita budak seperti di zaman persekolahan atau universiti dulu, tapi penulisan yang lebih matang yang boleh menjadi bahan informasi dan bermanfaat kepada orang lain. Tidak ada topik yang spesifik. Saya akan menulis mengikut gerak hati daripada apa yang saya alami, lihat dan baca.

So, enjoy!