Happeningz in my life...

Big S...

2008-10-24T00:16:00.005+08:00

Md Ehsan has now learn to reason. At least by his standard. In our presence, he talks, moves and pretend-plays alot as he imitates us going about the house. Mix his talkativeness with his mispronounciation, it's us adults who are often left laughing in stitches.

Scenario 1:
(At a relative's house during Raya visiting)

Dad: "Ehsan, salam Atok-Cik (great granduncle)
Nephew: "Nanak"
Dad: "Come on, be a good boy"
Nephew: "Tak bleh. Tangan Ehsan minyak" (Cannot. My hands are oily)

*****************************************************************************

Scenario 2:
(In my room)

Nephew: "Ahntie Long, what's this?"
Me: "Aunty's school bag"
Nephew: "School bag? Ahntie Long go school?"
Me: "Uh-huh"
Nephew: "Ahntie Long tak work Bugis?" tak = no
Me: "Oh. Work first. Work ends Aunty goes to school"
Nephew: "Work Bugis, school?"
Me: "Yes"
Nephew: "Ape saje..."
Me: !??

*****************************************************************************

Scenario 3:
(In the house)

Mom: "Come Ehsan, time to bathe"
Nephew: "Ehsan nak play" nak = want
Me: "Let's go bam-bam. Shower first then play"

As he approaches the bathroom, my youngest sister surprises him from the store room.

Sister: "Boo!"
Nephew: (shocked and irritated) "You big ass!"
Sister: "Woi!"
Me: "Muhammad!"
Mom: "Hep!"
Nephew: "You big ass!"
Sister: (roaring in laughter) "He said that to Mom"
Me: "Muhammad, don't follow Aunty Dayah's nonsense"
Mom: "No lah. I think he meant something else. Imitating what Ain usually tells him"

Everyone thinks.

Me: "You behave?"
Mom: "Ah! Right!"
Sister: "You big ass!" (laughs again)
Me: *slaps forehead*

For a period of time, we actually discouraged him from saying it.

*****************************************************************************

Just now...

Nephew: "Ahntie Long buat ape?" = what are you doing
Me: "I want to sleep"
Nephew: "Ok. Ehsan nak wash wason mason"
Me: "Hah?"
Nephew: "Wason mason. Take towel, wash"

He took a small towel and puts it on the table. Then he pretended to scoop and pour something on the towel.

Me: "Ehsan wipe table?"
Nephew: "No no no. Wash Wason mason"
Me: "Wason mason? wason mason, wason mason, wason mason... washing machine?"
Nephew: "Ah! Ehsan take towel put wason mason."
Mom: "What's going on?"
Me: "Wason mason"

Md Ehsan nak jalan...

2008-09-28T23:52:00.003+08:00

Ain's family went Geylang shopping over one weekend. The following week, while I was getting ready for work, Md Ehsan excitedly narrated to me.

Md Ehsan: "Dah beli baju Ehsan, baju Ayah, baju Ibu. Beli ongkok Ehsan, ongkok Ayah, udong Ibu." (Bought Ehsan's clothes, Dad's clothes, Mom's clothes. Bought Ehsan's headwear, Dad's headwear, Mom's headwear)

Me: "Wah, Ehsan pegi shopping kat Geylang eh?" (Wah, Ehsan went shopping at Geylang?)

Md Ehsan: "Ah ah"

Me: "Ahntie nak pakai baju boleh?" (Can I wear your clothes?)

Md Ehsan: "Tak bleh" (Cannot)

Mom: "Ehsan nak pakai baju pegi mane?" (Where are you going with those clothes?)

Md Ehsan: *after much silence* "Ehsan pakai baju, pakai ongkok, nak jalan" (Ehsan wearing clothes, wearing headwear, to go out)

Mom: "Ehsan nak jalan Ra..." (Ehsan wants to go...)

My mom had taught him the day before.

Md Ehsan: "Ehsan nak go work Bugis!"

Me: "?!!! Go work in baju kurung?"

Md Ehsan: *giggles*

A child's logic? More like his back-up script. Hahaha!

To all Muslims, Eid Mubarak. Wishing you all a blessful Ramadhan, a joyous Syawal and a wonderful year ahead. =)

"Ahntie baik-baik tau..."

2008-07-27T11:02:00.000+08:00

My nephew surprised me this morning as I was leaving for work. After the usual salam & kisses...

"Bye darling. See you tomorrow"

"Bye ahntie... aik-aik tau" (take care ok)

My mom stopped reading her newspapers and asked excitedly, "What did he say?"

He smiled impishly and stood up. Accompanied me to the front as I stepped out and wore my shoes. Once I've locked the gate...

"Bye ahntie"

"Bye darling."

Smiling gleefully he said "Ahntie jalan baik-baik tau" (Ahntie walk carefully ok)

"Ok. Ehsan pun baik-baik tau" (Ehsan also be good ok)

"Ok." giggles

It took me a week later before I decided to record the whole act. It's the way he say it that tickles my heart.

Time, Travel and Tired

2008-06-15T18:10:00.000+08:00

Time on my watch (a bling gift from my bling2 galfrens) now is 06.10pm. Logging in from Terminal 3 for a quick update before I fly.

I've only just entered Singapore about 3.5 hours ago. Tired? You betcha. Try clearing your luggage within 15 minutes. No wait, that's not the word. Transfer. From a 2 days' luggage - which was purely fun and pleasure, to a week's luggage - business, fun and pleasure (or whatever is left). On top of a much needed refreshing shower squeezed in that timeframe.

Entire body is screaming for proper rest (read: bed) Heehee... as much as possible however, I do not want to spend my flight time in slumberland. Shall see who wins this struggle between body, mind and soul.

Time Check: 06.20pm.

I had better start walking to my gate now. Toodles ladies.

Tangkal & Ayat-ayat

2008-04-29T18:09:00.002+08:00

Sedikit ulasan dari Kuliah Dhuha bimbingan Ustaz Jalalludin Hassan di Masjid An-Nur.

Seorang jemaah bertanya pada Ustaz tentang tangkal yang mengandungi ayat-ayat suci Al-Quran. Ustaz menerangkan, tangkal dibolehkan untuk bayi atau kanak-kanak yang belum boleh tahu membaca ayat-ayat suci Al-Quran. Orang yang sudah dewasa dan memakai tangkal, tidak ada "effect"nya. Malah syaitan akan tertawa dan tidak akan lari bila orang dewasa memakai tangkal. Ayat-ayat suci Al-Quran harus dibaca melalui suara atau dalam hati, barulah syaitan akan takut.

Syaitan ada di dalam tubuh badan manusia ibarat darah yang mengalir. Dia akan serang kita dari kiri, kanan, depan, belakang, bawah KECUALI atas. Itu kerana doa manusia naik ke atas langit. Sebab itu manusia harus rajin berdoa.

Sama juga seperti rumah-rumah yang penuh dengan frame ayat-ayat suci Al-Quran. Lawa-lawa belaka dan tak kurang pula ada yang diimport dari luar negara. Tetapi jika penghuni rumah itu tidak membaca atau mengamalkan surah-surah tersebut, tiada makna frame-frame itu. Syaitan lagi tertawakan pada manusia golongan ini. Syaitan tidak takut dengan melihat kalimat-kalimat Allah. Tetapi dia akan lari bila manusia membaca ayat-ayat tersebut (berbeza dari memainkan CD atau cassette).

Bila kita sedang duduk dan terpandang frame ayat-ayat di dinding itu, bacalah supaya "ruh" ayat-ayat tersebut akan hidup di rumah dan hati kita.

Wallahu'alam.....

~ thank you, MrsBeki ~

The Quran is for oneself to read (Iqra). Someone ever told me this: "Our prayer deeds are never done by anyone else, why use frames and CDs to guard our homes? The words as weapons? Or the wood itself?"

Spon, bol and soes.

2008-03-15T23:45:00.001+08:00

The family celebrated my Mom's birthday hours back. The usual dinner affair. Followed by us ladies checking out the nearby shops. Md Ehsan followed as we entered a shoe shop.

I wasn't looking for any. But my hands did reached out for a pair here and there. Designs were simple and prices were affordable. I tried them on to see if they were comfortable enough for dailywear. The little boy stood beside me observing everything. The sizes I tried were too small. But from what I felt, the cushioning was good. I placed the pairs of shoes back on the display and changed my attention back to him.

He looked at me, pointed at the shoes and went "Ahntie, soes." I nodded. Then he picked one up and placed it down on the floor near my feet. Oh no.

"No more darling. Come, let's put it back." He diligently picked and placed it back. A few steps forward, he pointed at another pair and went "Ahntie, soes?"

I shook my head and started walking out, "Let's go". He tagged along, "Et's go babey". =)

We walked around the area. The men were standing at a corner waiting & talking. Mom, Dayah & Ain were browsing at another shop. Together with Md Ehsan, I entered another shop selling Muslim & Muslimah headwears and praying items.

"Ahntie, ongkok." Huh?

"Mane?" (Where?)

"Tu atas" (Up there). I looked up and true enough, rows and rows of black and white songkoks.

"Oh ah ah. Ehsan pun ade songkok kat rumah kan?" (Oh ya. Ehsan also has a songkok at home right?) He smiled.

"Ahntie, allahwakbar." Walking with him is always that entertaining. There I was browsing at the numerous anak tudung while he was happily discovering and pointing at the piles of colourful thick sejadah (praying mats).

By this time his antics have caught the attention of the 2 shopowners.

"Cutenya. Nama siapa ni, nak?" (So cute. What's your name, child?)
Right away, he clammed up and grabbed hold of my hand. I became his spokesperson.

"Nama die Md Ehsan." (His name is...)

"Mukanya banyak iras ibunya. Hensem." (His features are mostly from his mother. Handsome.)

Unknowing to the shopowners, little boy has already started tugging my hand to move from that place.

I smiled, salam and left.

I was wondering when did Ain entered that shop. Before I realised that the lady had meant me. Haiyo...

Mais Feliz

2008-02-04T19:47:00.000+08:00

Our love is never going to stop
Running away and flow like a river
Like a stone dividing the river
Tell me beautiful things

Our love won't look back
Disenchant or be the theme of a book
My whole life I searched for a simple verse
To transform what I am saying

.....

Chocolatey Christmas & CNY

2008-01-15T14:17:00.000+08:00

First there was the very rich chocolate logcake given by the building management. Took us about a week to finish. A very generous piece for tea, everyday.

After that Joyah alerted me that the seasonal Cadbury's Milk Tray are already in stock. We bought a box for the office pantry. It was the despatch guy who had the most fill.

Subsequently I received more chocolates from my assistant, my colleagues in Hong Kong and friends.

I thought my ration could last me well till next month. Alas, a box was wasted today. Ants.

Tamat 2007

2007-12-31T23:52:00.000+08:00

Memories of my December 2006 are still fresh on my mind. It was a crazy busy month as I struggled to absorb and soak in as much information possible. How do you cram in 10 years' worth of stuffs?

Now looking back, they are bittersweet memories...

This year's memories:
~ An empty corner workstation
~ Start of the weekend outings
~ Officially Blogger & Google
~ Md Ehsan's 1st birthday & Mini cupcakes
~ 1st Company Audit
~ Hong Kong 1st Business trip
~ Setting my mind on 45
~ Md Ehsan's step-by-step
~ 1st major highlight: Blessings in disguise pt 1
~ 1st Budget
~ Iwan's Wedding
~ 2nd major highlight: For richer & poorer
~ Cik Haris' Wedding
~ Sufian's Wedding
~ 3rd major highlight: Blessings in disguise pt 2
~ New phone. Another Sony Ericsson.
~ 2nd Budget
~ Demise of Queen D (Al-Fatihah)
~ Guide @ T-junction
~ 1st Motocross race
~ Md Ehsan recognises Ahn-tie
~ KL family trip
~ Corner workstation occupied
~ New mp4 player. Good offer for 8GB Ipod Nano.
~ 1st annual system backup

* puts organiser in cupboard, keeps desktop calendar in drawer. opens organiser 2008 from Sayang, looks at new desktop calendar*

Upcoming 2008:
~ Classes & Seminars!
~ Anniversaries
~ Md Ehsan's 2nd birthday
~ Arrival of babies
~ Ding Dong Wedding bells
~ etc.

Interim audit

2007-12-28T16:55:00.000+08:00

Our annual stocktake ended earlier than expected. The warehouse in Hong Kong completed and submitted their report within a day while ours took 2 days. To think that during planning, we had even mentally prepare ourselves to come back on Saturday.

At the start of our stocktake, an auditor came to conduct the interim audit. Based on the timetable that was set and agreed by both sides, she was to observe our processes first before conducting a random sampling on the last day. In actual, she did both on the same day and never came back. Even better.

So just now, we had our X'mas cum Annual lunch in Carousel @ Royal Plaza on Scotts. The place was buzzing with diners and most tables were occupied. I like their new facelift. The new layout concept reminds me of Straits Kitchen @ Grand Hyatt. But I prefer Carousel's varieties to Straits' Asian fare. Especially the Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce! Hmmm... Our talks at the table steered clear from all job-related topics. Instead we talked about the younger generations *slaps forehead*. All thanks to my assistant who said, "As long as not married, got boyfriend also still can consider others".

Now back in the office and at my table, I feel like my 4 months' pregnant colleague. She, on the other hand, feels like a wobbling penguin. Very very full tummies.

*Looks at clock. Looks at tummy. Looks at clock. Looks at tummy again*

I've got to attend my cousin's housewarming event tonight. That, plus a potential meet-up with Makcik and M after their shopping spree.

I definitely can't stomach meals as much as I used to now.

Splashy Fleshy MM

2007-11-16T22:29:00.000+08:00

Psst, handsome boy. Please inform Umi and Abah that...

1. Insya'allah we will meet up,

2. We will be slightly late, camp curfew *ehem*

3. Thank you many many,

4. Eeny mini miny moe, what present do you want?

The Terrific 2

2007-11-14T23:41:00.000+08:00

It's been a long while since I put up pictures of Md Ehsan. It used to be a period of many firsts and a mad dash for the digicam to record his antics. Since then, I have let him watched his baby pictures and videos. He has no recollection of them at all. A typical dialogue would be:

Me: "Who's that, darling?"
Md Ehsan: "Baybee"

The digicam sits quietly in my room nowadays. Partly because he has become very camera-cautious. I have to show him the picture each time I shot. The last thing I need is for him to grab the digicam from my hand and dropped my heart to pieces. Other than that, I'm very much enjoying his current linguistic development. There's the occasional gibberish "Uh uh". But the house is never quiet with him around. Each place is like a new classroom. The one thing that puzzles me though... at times he calls me Ahn-tie, other times it's Ma. *scratches head*

Happy 21st... month, Md Ehsan! Countdown to Year 2!

I had wanted to actually put up a video of his breakdancing skills. The file unfortunately is corrupted.

LUP you Not

2007-11-01T23:40:00.000+08:00

I thought new items are supposed to be better than old ones? No?

There was once when I had to take 14 flight of stairs down to go to work. I thought it was a temporary cut-off of power supply. The weather was hot and someone had strategically placed his bin of burning incense paper by the stairs. I reached the bus stop feeling like I've sprayed the exhaust fumes instead of perfume.

I was lucky.

The others - housewives, elderly and school children, have been gambling their luck and exercising everyday.

A while ago, I went out with Md Ehsan for a stroll. It was working fine. Within ten minutes, my youngest sister came running to us.

"Our neighbours have arrived for Raya visiting. Hurry, we have to climb up the stairs."

She carried Md Ehsan ten flights up before putting him down to walk. We held his hands and slowly climbed the remaining steps according to his pace. Felt slightly lightheaded from going round and round. For Md Ehsan and my youngest sister, it was their 2nd climb-a-thon.

Gasp, sputter, choke... hike

2007-10-25T23:07:00.000+08:00

I was going to be late for Raya visitng. 7.30pm and I was still in bus stuck in a traffic along Newton. Made a quick call to update my parents. I estimated to be home by 8pm.

Whatever time was lost in the traffic, the long bus soon made up for it on the expressway. Just as it exited PIE to BKE, the bus started grumbling up the sloping bend. "That's odd," I thought. The engine lacks power.

I looked out to the cars zooming on the right lane. One car in particular caught my attention. Not because of the make or model. Simply because the driver was honking and the front passenger turned to look at the back of the bus before looking into the bus I was in. Minutes later I realised the air-con has stopped functioning. Seconds later, I caught whiff of smoke. Within moments, the bus moved to the road shoulder. The engine stopped. Right beside the ERP gantry of BKE.

Sleeping commuters woke up. The long bus was 3/4 packed with sitting and standing passengers. Without airconditioning, there was poor ventilation. All 5 passengers from the back suddenly stood up at attention. Apparently the heat from the smoke had travelled its way to their seats. I pressed for the doorbell. Nothing happened. I couldn't even see the driver.

In a flash, one lady requested for the man nearest to the back doors to press the emergency button. The end of the bus was beginning to heat up. The moment the doors opened, we alighted. I made my way to the front of the bus. There I saw the driver standing in his seat looking on as a passenger tapped her EZlink to cancel her ride. There was a white van parked in front of the bus. Another staff got down from the van and went to investigate.

The driver may have been prepared and trained to handle such situations... but nothing. Not even a "All passengers, please remain calm" or "All passengers, please tap your EZlink to cancel your ride". I boarded, tapped my EZlink and alighted. Approached the others who were standing by the roadside and relayed the information. Only then I turned to take a look at the bus.

I don't know whether to laugh or cry. In such a long bus with passengers occupying 2 compartments, it seemed like the 1st half were totally unaware. Most remained seated or standing turning left and right patiently waiting to alight. Had the bus been on fire, the site would have turned to a BBQ area. I knocked at the window and signalled to a man nearest to the middle doors. Pointed to him the emergency button. He had trouble opening the case from the wrong end but the doors were soon released.

I stood there waiting and observing from a distance. Everyone's safe, no injuries. Traffic has slowed down near our area. Bus driver was still standing rooted to his seat. Bus was nearly empty.

Another bus service soon turned up - 190. Unfortunately it was sardine packed right to the front door. It moved on. Right behind was another bus - 960, 3/4 full. I managed to board it.

I had no problem tapping my EZlink. But the bus driver got slightly irritated when several other passengers asked him "Will there be double deductions?"

His answer: "Your bus driver never tell you to cancel just now? No token?*"

* Based on experiences, bus driver will usually 1) inform his passengers to tap their EZlink to cancel their ride's fee. Upon boarding the next available bus, the affected passenger pays a discounted rate. or 2) issue a paper ticket token. Upon boarding the next bus, the affected passenger passes the token and taps his EZlink to get a free ride.

Go straight?!

2007-10-06T23:19:00.000+08:00

Lady: "Where are you now?"

Us: "We can't find your street. We are at a T-junction now. Should we turn left or right?"

Lady: "Ok, let me guide you... First, you go straight. Then..."

Us: "We can only turn left or right."

Lady: "No, no you must go straight first. After that, you turn right."

Us: "If we go straight, we will drive right into the building."

Lady: "Err... let me pass the phone to my husband."

Me to Hero: *chuckling* "She reminds me so much of Makcik."

No fault of mine

2007-08-18T18:25:00.000+08:00

Way back in July, I asked my youngest sister what she wanted as her birthday gift. My guesses were along the lines of new pair of pants or tops. She has since outgrew most of her clothes eversince putting on weight. I gave her a month to decide and get back to me.

Within 2 weeks, she told me to pay for new strings of her badminton racket. Come to think of it, yeah it's been a while since I last saw her playing badminton. I had my doubts about the cost. I genuinely had no idea of the price range. But she confidently told me that it would cost about $70. I said ok. Deep in my head & heart I told myself, "If it's gonna cost that much, buy a new racket for her".

Together with Dad, we went to Queensway this afternoon (the gift has since turned into a belated one). Dad requested for the replacement, she left the racket with the shop and off we went to fetch my Mom.

Took her 5 minutes before she blurted out the cost of fixing new strings - $16. I bet she's regretting now.

p.s Giving you till end of this month to decide on another gift. Deal?

3 weeks away...

2007-08-08T22:00:00.000+08:00

3 months back, I met them at my cousin's wedding. A month after that, I got to know from her about their upcoming wedding. Few days ago, I received an invitation sms from him. This evening, I received their invitation card.

Congrats to Sufian (Ian) & Alawiyah on your marriage. =)

Gang, so what's the plan? Where & when to meet?

Just that?

2007-08-07T13:39:00.000+08:00

This morning I took 1/2 day leave to accompany him for a check-up. Sat down on the sofa with a cup of hot Milo and managed to even read today's Straits Times. Finally 1 1/2 hour later, $60 poorer, we left the clinic.

I was chuckling and shaking my head as I read the invoice. Are you supposed to be ultra bionic super flying mean machine after consuming all that?

Heehee...

Numerology Name

2007-07-31T14:41:00.000+08:00

You entered: N___________________
There are 16 letters in your name.
Those 16 letters total to 70
There are 8 vowels and 8 consonants in your name.

What your first name means:Arabic Male Light.

Your number is: 7

The characteristics of #7 are: Analysis, understanding, knowledge, awareness, studious, meditating.

The expression or destiny for #7:
Thought, analysis, introspection, and seclusiveness are all characteristics of the expression number 7. The hallmark of the number 7 is a good mind, and especially good at searching out and finding the truth. You are so very capable of analyzing, judging and discriminating, that very little ever escapes your observation and deep understanding. You are the type of person that can really get involved in a search for wisdom or hidden truths, often becoming an authority on whatever it is your are focusing on. This can easily be of a technical or scientific nature, or it may be religious or occult, it matters very little, you pursue knowledge with the same sort of vigor. You can make a very fine teacher, or because of a natural inclination toward the spiritual, you may become deeply emerged in religious affairs or even psychic explorations. You tend to operate on a rather different wavelength, and many of your friends may not really know you very well. The positive aspects of the 7 expression are that you can be a true perfectionist in a very positive sense of the word. You are very logical, and usually employ a quite rational approach to most things you do. You can be so rational at times that you almost seem to lack emotion, and when you are faced with an emotional situation, you may have a bit of a problem coping with it. You have excellent capabilities to study and learn really deep and difficult subjects, and to search for hidden fundamentals. At full maturity you are likely to be a very peaceful and poised individual.

If there is an over supply of the number 7 in your makeup, the negative aspects of the number may be apparent. The chief negative of 7 relates to the limited degree of trust that you may have in people. A tendency to be highly introverted can make you a bit on the self-centered side, certainly very much self-contained . Because of this, you are not very adaptable, and you may tend to be overly critical and intolerant. You really like to work alone, at your own pace and in your own way. You neither show or understand emotions very well.

Your Soul Urge number is: 11

A Soul Urge number of 11 means:
With the 11 Soul Urge, much of your thinking and interests relate to the abstract, the spiritual, and utopian dreams. You are motivated toward idealistic concepts, and the sharing of your ideas and concepts with humanity. This number is not one that is giving in a material or a practical sense, but rather one who desires to help mankind with a more abstract commodity such as religion, spiritualism, occult studies, or even psychic abilities.

If you possess the positive 11 Soul Urge traits, you have a dream of the perfect world; you are highly idealistic and inspirational. Your inner strength and devotion to your beliefs are extremely strong. You have a very good mind that is especially well equipped to handle the higher, more abstract forms of thought.

If there is an excess of 11 energy in your makeup, you may possess some the negative 11 traits. There is a tendency for the 11 to produce considerable amounts of nervous tension which is bought on by a very high level of awareness. You may be too sensitive and overly emotional. In some cases, these sensitivities and emotions are quite repressed, and this tends to add even more to the sense of nervousness in the makeup.

The strong 11 is not a very practical person because of the extreme idealism; often, there is a degree of self-deception present. There is usually a rather fixed idea of right and wrong held by those showing strong 11 traits, and with this very often is a resulting attitude of inflexibility.

Your Inner Dream number is: 5

An Inner Dream number of 5 means:
You dream of being totally free and unrestrained by responsibility. You see yourself conversing and mingling with the natives in many nations, living for adventure and life experiences. You imagine what you might accomplished.

Hahaha! Is that really me? For fun purposes only, click here. For reality checks, look in the mirror.

I've got the blues...

2007-07-25T16:58:00.000+08:00

2 of my colleagues from Hong Kong touched down here this afternoon. They came to office after having checked in to their respective hotel rooms.

After lunch, the entire office entered the warehouse. We went through the layout plan for tomorrow's internal stocktake. We've got 2 days to cover all inventories. Once briefing was over, all of us headed back to our respective tables in preparation for the next agenda in the meeting room.

Out of the blue...

K: "Hey, who's that young man?"
Me: "Where?" peers out of my workstation looking at the main entrance.

K: "This tall handsome young man." points at the desktop of my PC.
Me: "Ohh..." smiles.

To think that it is barely 2 months that I've changed my desktop background.

That could have been it.

2007-07-14T11:15:00.000+08:00

Towards end of last month, I received a sms from my cousin during lunch hour. News about organising a dinner gathering amongst the "senior" cousins. I was surprised. Considering the fact that the only time we do meet is either during some family functions like kenduri or of late, the engagements and weddings of cousins... that idea is unheard of. Nevertheless, subjected to availability, I was game.

I proceeded to reply asking for the venue, time and day. Smsed my younger sister to check if she had received news about it, then I went about doing my errands. Some time later, I was updated via sms that the initiators were another 2 cousins. She was just relaying the message to those not in their loop. Basically the idea was still being sketched out. Nothing confirmed as yet. Right away, I wondered. Not even a day?

Back from lunch, I chatted with my younger sister. She had assumed I knew details about it. Since there were none, we didn't discuss much. What's there to begin with? The following morning, we informed our parents about the upcoming dinner gathering. Naturally they asked the usual questions - where & when. We shrugged and told them to keep it in view.

Weeks have since passed.

On the other hand, out of the blue I received another sms from my cousin last Wednesday. It was on a very short notice - an invitation to her housewarming gathering. But added on to it were the time, the date and even address of the venue. I thanked her, blocked out the slot of my schedule and made the necessary arrangements.

See the difference?

Friday came. I hurried home after work, got stuck in the peak hour traffic with a full bladder and was practically running when I alighted at the bus stop. My family arrived in the midst of the doa recitation and we ladies quickly scurried to the back with Md Ehsan in tow. I took a good look and noticed that while most of my uncles & aunts were there, majority of the "senior" cousins were nowhere to be seen. Work commitments I guess.

I'm not saying everyone is available at a moment's notice. More on the contrary actually. But if you begin with nothing in plan, then... you can go figure.

p.s: Happy 17th month, little boy. Grandma is jealous of your morning kisses to me. Don't stop ah. Not until you get a galfren. You start kissing other gals after that, I will hammer you!

Aummm!

2007-07-11T12:14:00.000+08:00

This morning while getting ready for work, my mom told me that she taught Md Ehsan how a lion roar. Mom told me that the roar was more like a cat's purr. I had to see it for myself. So I asked him...

Me: "Md Ehsan, how does a dog sound?"
Nephew: "Wroof wroof!" (saliva sprays all over)
Me: "Clever boy. How does a mouse sound?"
Nephew: "Cit cit!" (clear high-pitch tone)
Me: "Yay." claps hands "Ok how does... a lion sound?"
Nephew: "Aummm!" (soft & gentle)
Me: "Alamak."
Nephew: (imitates) "Ahmamak."

Wakakaka! His roar sounds like a kitten's purr.

Post-O

2007-07-09T23:11:00.000+08:00

I left the office late just now. Plugged the earphones in, switched on my mp3 and walked to the bus stop. It's my habit to walk from the office, enter through the BHG mall and exit at the National Library. A good solid 15 minutes stroll to the bus stop. Why? Just so I can get a seat in the bus. =)

Anyway, once at the traffic light I had to wait for the green man to lit. There were some short posts nearby. I leaned back and sat on one. Pretty harmless.

A while later, a Caucasian man stopped beside me. He was in office attire, with the sleeves rolled up and a black briefcase in hand. He turned and looked at me. I nodded and smiled. He smiled back and nodded. Traffic was slowly coming to a halt. The man said something but I didn't quite catch it.

Me: "I'm sorry?"
Man: "Are you holding up the post?"

I knew he was just kidding in good nature. But tell me, how often does a stranger do that to you? On a normal day, I face a busload of weary half-dead passengers. The invisible words on their foreheads read "I'm tired. Scram."

Me: "No, just resting a bit."

By then traffic has stopped and the green man lit. We crossed the road together, made some small talk and parted at the junction.

Man: "Nice talking to you, Miss. Goodnight."
Me: "Same here. G'night."

And that was it. Totally harmless. For that 5 minutes' worth of talk, I got to know a stranger.

My Visual (?) Profile...

2007-06-28T14:30:00.000+08:00

A colleague passed me this link a while ago.

The results I got are these:

Moods - Sofisticat

Fun - Worker Bee

Habits - New Wave Puritan

Love - Home Soul

For details, click here.

Ridj's 101 to A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E

2007-06-13T23:45:00.000+08:00

Tonight I learnt these:

1. Accountability -

"I believe it is the great divider among people."

Mmm... distinguishing a manager from a clerk, an adult from a child?

2. Mastering the On/Off switch -

"Time becomes a double-edged sword, either it gives you the life you’ve been dreaming about or it can take your whole life away."

By (the Token of) Time, Verily Man is in loss, Except those who have faith and do righteous deeds, And join in the mutual teaching Of Truth, and of patience and constancy - Surah Al Asr.

3. The Phoenix -

“Be what you are, Say what you feel, Because those who mind don’t matter, And those who matter won’t mind”

Exactly. I especially like this quote best.

For more details on what I'm blabbering, please read this entry. I'm just viewing them beyond the business context.

Post Budget

2007-06-06T23:40:00.000+08:00

1. While going through the mails at work this morning, I came across the DHL envelope received a couple days back. I had received call from their representative that they were giving us complimentary rides. I was just not sure if it meant discount or free.

The office have since discovered that each of us got 3 FREE adult tickets.

2. After all the headaches, stress and time spent, the company's budget is due. Made some final adjustments, liased with my immediate superior, and submitted. This time round I needed plenty of guidance. At least I got a feel of what it is like.

I was stunned to see the sun when I left the office just now. Wonderful day after countless nights.

3. I'm very particular about my workstation. Normally I will clear up the area before I leave for the day. It's a personal preference to start the next day with a clean table. Heard of that association: an uncluttered desk and an uncluttered mind?

Today I left office with the messiest workstation - unopened mails stashed a corner, documents and reports everywhere, files flanking the sides. A break from usual routine.

You finally came into my life...

2007-06-01T23:47:00.000+08:00

This morning everyone in the office looked like they've got the Monday blues. Post-holiday blues I would say. It can be such a bummer to work on a day like this. The month of May has just ended and as usual, I have the whole monthly routine to handle. Even my usual morning chatters were quiet.

Towards noon, a colleague asked out loud "Do you feel like it's Monday today?"

"Are you kidding me? It's the first of June. Each new month spells DEADLINE for me."

"Oh ya. No wonder..."

Noon came, had lunch. Back from lunch, tackled the strings of emails, the bundles of normal mails and reports for submission.

Pace slackened and office became quiet. No more of the buzzing bees. The after-effect of lunch perhaps. A lot more friends started coming online.

Then it dawned on me - thanks to M who smsed me. Thanks to Makcik who congratule while we were talking about some "legal" issues. Also thanks to Joyah & Nyah who congratulated and joked. Work literally flew out the window after that. I lose focus with whatever I had in hand.

I managed to stay cool when I left the office today. Of course when the moment arrived, it became another highlight of my life.

"Is that savvy for you?" *

2007-05-25T20:04:00.000+08:00

M: "So when is our next...?"

S: "Mmm, confirm next Tuesday."

M: "Oh?"

S: "After that, on Friday."

M: "What?"

S: "Yep, Friday shouldn't be a problem. Happy?"

M: "I feel a headache coming..."

S: "Beginning of next month???"

*Quote from Pirates of the Caribbean*

Most Valuable Thing

2007-05-11T10:30:00.000+08:00

I received this email a long time back from a friend. The arrival was very appropriate then.

Once in a while, such email deserves some attention...

A young man learns what's most important in life from the guy next door. It had been some time since Jack had seen the old man. College, girls, career, and life itself got in the way. In fact, Jack moved clear across the country in pursuit of his dreams. There, in the rush of his busy life, Jack had little time to think about the past and often no time to spend with his wife and son. He was working on his future, and nothing could stop him.

Over the phone, his mother told him, "Mr. Belser died last night. The funeral is Wednesday."

Memories flashed through his mind like an old newsreel as he sat quietly remembering his childhood days. "Jack, did you hear me?"

"Oh sorry, Mom. Yes, I heard you. It's been so long since I thought of him. I'm sorry, but I honestly thought he died years ago," Jack said.

"Well, he didn't forget you. Every time I saw him he'd ask how you were doing. He'd reminisce about the many days you spent over 'his side of the fence' as he puts it," Mom told him.

"I loved that old house he lived in," Jack said.

"You know, Jack, after your father died, Mr. Belser stepped in to make sure you had a man's influence in your life," she said.

"He's the one who taught me carpentry," he said. "I wouldn't be in this business if it weren't for him. He spent a lot of time teaching me things he thought were important...Mom, I'll be there for the funeral," Jack said.

As busy as he was, he kept his word. Jack caught the next flight to his hometown. Mr. Belser's funeral was small and uneventful. He had no children of his own, and most of his relatives had passed away.

The night before he had to return home, Jack and his Mom stopped by to see the old house next door one more time. Standing in the doorway, Jack paused for a moment. It was like crossing over into another dimension, a leap through space and time. The house was exactly as he remembered. Every step held memories. Every picture, every piece of furniture.... Jack stopped suddenly.

"What's wrong, Jack?" his Mom asked.

"The box is gone," he said.

"What box?" Mom asked.

"There was a small gold box that he kept locked on top of his desk. I must have asked him a thousand times what was inside. All he'd ever tell me was the thing I value most," Jack said. It was gone. Everything about the house was exactly how Jack remembered it, except for the box. He figured someone from the Belser family had taken it.

"Now I'll never know what was so valuable to him," Jack said. "I better get some sleep. I have an early flight home, Mom."

It had been about two weeks since Mr. Belser died. Returning home from work one day, Jack discovered a note in his mailbox. "Signature required on a package. No one at home. Please stop by the main post office within the next three days," the note read. Early the next day Jack retrieved the package. The small box was old and looked like it had been mailed a hundred years ago. The handwriting was difficult to read, but the return address caught his attention. "Mr. Harold Belser" it read.

Jack took the box out to his car and ripped open the package. There inside was the gold box and an envelope. Jack's hands shook as he read the note inside. "Upon my death, please forward this box and its contents to Jack Bennett. It's the thing I valued most in my life." A small key was taped to the letter. His heart racing, as tears filling his eyes, Jack carefully unlocked the box.

There inside he found a beautiful gold pocket watch. Running his fingers slowly over the finely etched casing, he unlatched the cover. Inside he found these words engraved: "Jack, Thanks for your time! - Harold Belser."

"The thing he valued most... was... my time." Jack held the watch for a few minutes then called his office and cleared his appointments for the next two days.

"Why?" Janet, his assistant asked. "I need some time to spend with my son," he said. "Oh, by the way, Janet... thanks for your time!"

Riconoscente per tutto

2007-04-26T17:56:00.000+08:00

Given a chance to rewind time, I would do the same all over again. It was not easy and smooth. Half the time I was even uncertain and questionable.

But time and again, when my mind starts wandering and I start wondering too much, an angel continues to support and encourage.

To you I wish success and to You, I thank thee.

Step by step, ooh baby...

2007-04-09T11:10:00.000+08:00

My nephew's latest trick:

Md Ehsan in his "dhoti"

Day by day he stood up and balanced himself. Between us, it has turned into a game. I will count as he stand unaided. First attempt was 10 seconds. His parents bought for him a new pair of nice sandals and over the weekend, I got him to use them and walked outside the house.

My morning routine nowadays are also accompanied with Md Ehsan tailing after me everywhere I go. He will crawl and follow me from the living hall to my room past the dining area to the kitchen, like a shadow. My mom calls it "his morning exercise" because by the time she carries him, he will be perspiring all over. Last Thursday while I was getting ready for work, I noticed that the little boy was attempting to stand and balance every few minutes. Just before I got out of the house, he stood and walked from the coffee table to the piano! Of course I was excited!

I dashed to my room to get hold of my digicam. Md Ehsan quickly crawled and followed me. I looked at him and said "Ehsan, come and follow me" before dashing out of the room.

I stood near the kitchen with my digicam in hand. He crawled out of my room. He supported himself up using the dining chair. Bit by bit, he cruised from one chair to the other chair. With a grin on his face, he took his steps...

Well I was in a hurry. So that was all I could afford.

~~Back from class last night, he was inches away from the door when I opened it. I "bullied" him into walking several times.~~ My previous attempt to videotape him turned out wrong. This morning I recorded again. I got this:

After all that effort, I showed Md Ehsan the recording. His response: a cheeky grin =)

For now I choose...

2007-03-21T23:22:00.000+08:00

Late one night I went to sleep,
After staying in bed for some light read,
Body was tired but mind was wandering,
Transported myself to a different realm

Ocean was vast and calm as could be,
Yet I know it was unreal,
Saw myself beside a lady,
Like a third person's view making it so surreal

We stood in silence looking out to sea,
Watching the waves roll and sweeping up ashore,
I breathed in slowly and slightly shuddered,
Not so from the cold but more from trepidation

I know the lady and so does she me,
We used to speak and understood aplenty,
Now she's distant and her mind is made up,
I have been through this and it's on replay

She turned to me with glistening eyes,
I gulped in fear my stomach churned,
I had felt grateful that she taught me to swim,
But now the moment has come to end

I saw myself sinking as she stepped away,
The strong solid casting has begun to fray,
"I look forward and yet I fear."
"Perhaps inexperience; keep cool and you will not falter"

And so she moved out of my sight,
Like a loose knot not properly tied,
I floated and wobbled in the cold dark waters,
Inching my way and grappling about

My instincts are putting me on guard,
I know I will be tested and not just once,
God, grant me the wisdom & perseverance,
Batterings can heal but not when battened.

From the time I know till I finally realized,
Remains one question that stayed on my mind,
It's off my chest now and still uncertain,
Until further notice, it's 45.

P.S Ignorance is bliss. =)

13 months and cute than ever...

2007-03-17T23:34:00.000+08:00

Ever since Md Ehsan started growing teeth, his drooling ceased. Recently it started again. Could it be that more teeth are sprouting?
I wonder what grandma is saying...

If he insists on something, he will not be happy till he holds it. Things like handphones, digicams, combs, keys... you can't bluff him with the toy versions.
Aunty won't let me hold her digicam!

Oh, his crawling speed is way way way faster. Imagine this:
1. He turns his head towards the door once he hears the keys rattling against the gate. Mind you I'm outside.
2. The door goes "Ding Dong" as I swung it open. I enter the house and sees this little boy peering over the edge of the sofa. Time freeze...
3. He drops everything in his hands and zooms! I turn my back to close the gate, lock the gate, close and lock the door. By the time I turn to him again, he has cornered me.
I'm gonna get you. Wait, kodak moment.

He enjoys bathing time now. Put him in the tub and he will slap his hands in the water, splashing water all over. He goes "Eeee" to brush his 4 front teeth. But screams when anyone towel-dries his hair.
Head and shouders? Nah, my back is itchy

He doesn't enjoy purees and soft foods anymore. His current diet is porridge, plain bread and slightly mushy foods. The idea of biting into food thrills him, including biting grandma's finger while brushing!
So hard to eat cereal puff with my hand

He has yet to make his own first step. It used to be that he walked only when we held both hands. Nowadays I can hold just one hand to get him to follow me. His standing balance is steadier by the day. But as usual, he will turn and look around for support to cruise. Very curious yet cautious character about him that defies logic at times.

This evening, the entire family was out to celebrate my Mom's birthday. He got restless in the highchair after eating his cereal puff & porridge. I carried him and walked around the Tambuah Mas restaurant, pointing out the various masks and statues displayed. Put him near a painting or fake window and he slaps his hand against them. Yet when I stood near a tall wooden statue, he turned away and clung to me for dear life. 2D vs 3D? Mmm...

Missed Le Grand Voyage?

2007-03-10T23:18:00.000+08:00

Just to spread the word around...

Pix via email

2007-03-03T22:45:00.000+08:00

A stranger approaches...

"Hi, would you like to have your picture taken? I will send it via email."

Book (S) Mooch

2007-03-03T12:57:00.000+08:00

I hopped to Ridj's blog just now. He displayed his book list on BookMooch.

I was clueless. I am a member.

Zaijian

2007-02-17T12:57:00.000+08:00

What I wanted to happen:
My plan was to wake up @ 7am. Enjoy a good heavy breakfast, finish off packing and perhaps window shop before checking out to airport.

What actually happened:
I started & finished packing last night. Stayed up and dozed off watching cable television. I woke up @ 9am, barely missing my breakfast. With 2 hours to kill (late check-out), I went and shopped. I didn't burst my luggage but definitely damaged my wallet.

Thank God I'm going home.

Sightseeing in Hong Kong

2007-02-16T22:15:00.000+08:00

Training ended slightly early today. Headed back for a rest in the hotel. At half-past six, I stepped out to meet Yan in the lobby.

I'm not much of a shopper. Family, friends & colleagues did mentioned about the Stanley market, Ladies market, Victoria Peak, Bossino & Giordano bargains... but they just didn't appeal to me. Not the shopping anyway. I was more interested to look around.

I saw this:

It's a daily affair from morning to night

Even the cinema queue is not that long.

Yan brought me to several places. So yeah, I did entered Bossino, Giordano and Esprit outlets. Came out unharmed. We went to a tea shop, tidbits shop but I declined when she mentioned Mongkok. It was already 9.30pm. Better to call it a night.

Hard work & play...

2007-02-15T22:32:00.000+08:00

makes me full & sleepy!

Zaoshang Hao

2007-02-15T08:54:00.000+08:00

Good Morning, Hong Kong!

Er, not really a good way to start the day with the news. What say I start with a buffet breakfast instead? =P

Or the simple fact that I had an entire room to myself? On a winter morning?

Splendid!

A&J Valentine

2007-02-14T19:55:00.000+08:00

A year ago, a baby boy entered my family's life.

Today the same boy...

I have to dip pieces of bread in his cereal.

accompanied me and my mother in the taxi. He looked puzzled at the taxi driver, at his pram being placed in the trunk, observing quietly as we left home. Just before he fell asleep, he said "Da da". =) My mother said he was saying goodbye in advance just in case he is still asleep when I leave.

He woke up minutes before I checked in.

See ya!

Sat-Ur-Day

2007-02-10T23:50:00.000+08:00

Took us this long to finally meet up for lunch...

Only 1 shot?

Went shopping...

20% discount promo till err...

Before I froze my bum watching this...

"Separated by clashing cultures and sprawling distances, each became profoundly lost"

*checks another item off the list*

With You I'm Born Again

2007-02-09T21:11:00.000+08:00

With You I'm Born Again

Come bring me your softness
Comfort me through all this madness
Woman, don't you know, with you I'm born again

Come give me your sweetness
Now there's you, there is no weakness
Lying safe within your arms, I'm born again

I was half, not whole
In step with none
Reaching through this world
In need of one

Come show me your kindness
In your arms I know I'll find this
Woman, don't you know, with you I'm born again
Lying safe with you I'm born again

Sorry to know...

2007-02-07T12:18:00.000+08:00

Once in a while, we faced hardships and disappointments in our lives. I admit it can be pretty sucky. Yesterday my sister shared some sad news. We both feel sorry.

To you, I pray for your good health and strong spirit. I pray that you do not give up.

15 Muharram 1427H...

2007-02-03T23:14:00.000+08:00

According to the Islamic calendar, Md Ehsan turns 1 year old today. His parents invited both sides of the family for a birthday dinner treat. Poor boy was very sick. Face was flushed and body was with high temperature.

I had ordered mini cupcakes for the occassion from Ayu. They looked so cute and presentable... almost didn't have the heart to eat them. =)

Waitresses could not find a suitable plate

The little Emperor received plenty of big presents, much to the delight of his mother. In fact his parents even test drive his Santa Fe for him. =P

Get well aite, dear boy. Sorry Aunty won't be around on your actual birthday. Will make up for it during CNY week.

Canon in D

2007-02-02T13:13:00.000+08:00

I remember playing this song as a duet with my piano teacher eons ago. It was great pleasure. Took me weeks before I could master the piece and play with its correct tempo and minimal mistakes.

Yesterday, a friend buzzed me on MSN and showed me this video. A guy playing the song on his electric guitar. Excellent!

Blogger & Google

2007-02-01T23:41:00.000+08:00

I resisted when it was in Beta mode. I persisted even after it was out. Didn't feel the need to change (or upgrade as they say) my account.

I had a choice then.

I guess this month itself, it enforced its application. My other option was to leave.

Experience it

2007-01-31T23:59:00.000+08:00

Wow!

Too special...

2007-01-27T23:30:00.000+08:00

Joyah, I finally understand why this song was on your repeat mode. =)

*Unfortunately the Quran translation read by the girl is not quoted from Surah An-am*

Terlalu Istimewa

Ku tatap gambar wajahmu
Sinar mata itu
Lirik senyumanmu
Pesona yang membelai

Wajahmu bercahaya
Memberi bahagia
Tiap yang memandang
Hati jadi salju

Kau terlalu istimewa
Kasih dan sayangmu terpancar
Seikhlas
Tiada batasan terus membara

Terkilan rasa jiwa
Inginku lihatmu dewasa
Apa daya
Tuhan menyayangimu

Ku pasti kau berbahagia
Duduk di sampingNYA
Mendengar cerita
Segala rahsia

Kau terlalu istimewa
Kasih dan sayangmu terpancar
Seikhlas
Tiada batasan terus membara

Terkilan rasa jiwa
Inginku lihatmu dewasa
Apa daya
Tuhan lebih menyayangimu

Tak tertanggung rindu
Mendengar suaramu
Tawa mengusik jiwa

Kau terlalu istimewa
Kasih dan sayangmu terpancar
Seikhlas
Tiada batasan terus membara

Terkilan rasa jiwa
Inginku lihatmu dewasa
Apa daya
Tuhan lebih menyayangimu

Apple is Nice.

2007-01-21T22:51:00.000+08:00

We had wanted to chillout @ Vivo City. Never been there, you see. But we arrived late so had to forgo the movie bit.

By 10pm, we decided to park ourselves in Cafe Samar and got to watch this:

I definitely welcomed the session. After weeks of schedule, this spur moment was a relief. Thanx! =)

Sapu-visor & Sapu-man

2007-01-03T18:20:00.000+08:00

"With great power comes great responsibility. This is my gift, my curse."

Woah, woah. Hold your horses. I'm not Spiderman. Give peanuts and you get monkeys.

Finale 2006

2006-12-31T22:47:00.000+08:00

Wrapping up my 2006...

Jan
: Nur Sakinah born
: Job headstart

Feb
: Nephew Md Ehsan born
: Passed my paper

Mar
: Maternal grandma's demise

Apr
: Stork's news for Makcik & Pakcik
: Md Ehsan learns to smile
: Quick getaway to Umbai & KL
: Probationary over

May
: Polling that needs no vote
: Bloggers' Gathering

June
: New Digicam
: New Mobile phone
: Family Bowling
: R&J's Wedding

July
: Md Ehsan learns to sit up

Aug
: Md Ehsan goes "Da da da da da"

Sept
: Cik Rahmat's Chalet @ Pasir Ris
: Md Ehsan's 1st swim

Oct
: Md Ehsan rolls over & sits
: No more BK buddy
: Md Ehsan's 1st passport trip

Nov
: Md Ehsan starts to crawl
: Grandpa suffered 2nd mild stroke
: Sold my laptop

Dec
: Md Mubarak born
: Siti's & Norlia's Wedding
: Aniq Anaqi born
: Md Ehsan's 1st tooth
: Md Ehsan's 1st overseas trip
: Cik Rahmat's Raya Haji Open House
: Officially over

Coming up in 2007:

~ Cik Senin's Family BBQ

~ 1st Birthdays for the 2006 Babies

~ Iwan's Wedding

~ Cik Haris' Wedding

~ Dubai / Aussie / Japan trip?

~ many more...

Butterflies

2006-12-21T10:31:00.000+08:00

As the days draw nearer, I'm starting to feel queasy.

Eye see you

2006-12-20T18:39:00.000+08:00

When I was young(er), I used to think that wearing glasses is cool. Something about the way bespectacled people look... or is it because of the sheer fact that they own glasses. I didn't see it as an aid. In my eyes it was a gadget like iPod or digicam.

In any case, that fascination soon wore off. During my teens, I watched how my parents and my younger sister had to go thru eye check-ups and optician visits. Cases of losing specs, accidentally sitting on their specs, forgetting to bring their specs, etc. Not forgetting the price of a pair of good & nice glasses. In my family, only my younger sister suffered myopia. So while my parents were contented enough to have specs for their hyperopia, my younger sister resorted to wearing contacts. Short lived moment. She scratched her eye while taking off her contacts one day.

Nowadays it's common to see people with coloured contacts. As often as I see people with coloured braces. It's a fad. Some people with perfect eyesight wear coloured contacts too.

It's something that I will never understand for now. Given the kind of care regime one has to dutifully do to avoid swollen red puffy eyes, the amount spend on those products, don't they find it a hassle? But like what one friend told me... "One of the many things we endure to look good".

Ah... I see.

Our Family Cuckoo Clock

2006-12-19T12:13:00.000+08:00

Cuckoo!

A fear to most young children. Including Md Ehsan. He is very much afraid to touch the clock. But each time the clock goes "Cuckoo!"... he is sure to watch.

Aniq Anaqi (Skywalker)

2006-12-14T22:21:00.000+08:00

Joyah, Joga & Amir came to fetch me after work today. Headed to KKH to visit Mel who has given birth to a baby boy. Looks like this year is a year for the boys.

Newborns sleep a lot!

Amir has got 2 sidekicks now

Congrats Mel!

PS Thanks Joyah for introducing that Goreng Pisang Raja. Love it.

Muhammad Mubarak

2006-12-06T23:18:00.000+08:00

At 9.55am on 1st Dec 2006, Makcik smsed me. She sighed because she still cannot see her baby. Not long after that sms, her doctor warded her into the labour ward. Joyah, Mahanom & I continued smsing and updating each other on her progress throughout the day. Towards evening Mahanom had to attend a wedding dinner, Joyah was out with her family at Vivo City while I headed over to my cousins' house to help out with their wedding preps.

At 11.40pm, I received this sms:

"Baby Muhammad born 2253hrs. Weight 3.475kg, Length 51cm. Normal birth..."

Alhamdullilah!

Past midnight the 5 of us were smsing away. Asking details, wishing congrats, joking, etc so much that Mahanom congratulated me by mistake. Heehee!

I did not get to visit Makcik & baby in the hospital over the weekends. Was attending my cousins' weddings.

Finally last Monday, Joyah and I paid Makcik a visit. =)

Presenting...

See those rosy cheeks?

Camera flash too blinding

December Shoutouts

2006-12-01T23:54:00.000+08:00

For no rhyme or reason, I started humming to this song as I left the office today. I surprised myself actually because 1) I don't have the vcd. Haven't watch it since I last borrowed from Jenab months ago, 2) I wasn't listening to my mp3. In fact the song is not even in my playlist, 3) it came out of the blue but it sure suits my mood at the moment. =)

A quick shoutout to 9 people - you know who you are:

To the 2 couples, Congratulations on your Big Day tomorrow...

To You, Happy Berfday...

To both of You, Congratulations on the arrival of your latest & newest family member... and finally,

To both of You. I hope you were not disappointed. Your piece of news was the most miraculous, unexpected and most Divine. My jaws literally dropped, I gasped and my eyes actually teared when I heard it. Masya'Allah.

SPG

2006-11-29T21:46:00.000+08:00

I watched "Beautiful Mind" last weekend. A story about how Nobel Prize mathematician John Forbes Nash Jr (Russell Crowe) struggled through Princeton University and schizophrenia to be recognized by the world for his work - Nash Equilibrium.

In the movie, John Nash came up with his theory thanks to his group of friends who mentioned Adam Smith's theory. He found the Father of Economics' theory to be faulty.

Today I came across an article that has a new advice: Don't Sit Up Straight

The longstanding advice to "sit up straight" has been turned on its head by a new study that suggests leaning back is a much better posture.

Researchers analyzed different postures and concluded that the strain of sitting upright for long hours is a perpetrator of chronic back problems.

Using a new form of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), researchers studied 22 volunteers with no back pain history. The subjects assumed three different positions: slouching; sitting up straight at 90 degrees; and sitting back with a 135-degree posture—all while their spines were scanned.

"A 135-degree body-thigh sitting posture was demonstrated to be the best biomechanical sitting position, as opposed to a 90-degree posture, which most people consider normal," said study author, Waseem Amir Bashir, a researcher at the University of Alberta Hospital in Canada. "Sitting in a sound anatomic position is essential, since the strain put on the spine and its associated ligaments over time can lead to pain, deformity and chronic illness."

Back pain, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, is the most common cause of work-related disability in the United States. It costs Americans nearly $50 billion annually. Sitting appears to be a major cause of this ailment.

"We were not created to sit down for long hours, but somehow modern life requires the vast majority of the global population to work in a seated position," Bashir said. "This made our search for the optimal sitting position all the more important here."

When strain is placed on the spine, the spinal disks start to move and misalign. At a 90-degree sitting position, this movement was most prominent. The disks were least moved when subjects were sitting back at a 135-degree sitting position.

"We have to do something that is similar to the lying position," Bashir told LiveScience. Lying down in a relaxed position with your knees slightly bent is the best position that a person can be in, because it doesn't cause any stress on the ligaments, the thigh muscles as well as on the back.

Sitting on a chair that provides proper support, such as a slightly tilted back car seat, can mimic the relaxed supine position. Slouching caused a reduction in the spinal height which means that there was high rate of wear and tear in the lowest two spinal levels.

"This may be all that is necessary to prevent back pain, rather than trying to cure pain that has occurred over the long term due to bad postures," Bashir said.

The study was detailed today at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).

In other words, OSIM recliners for our office tables?

*imagines myself sitting on a recliner while grasping the concept of realised & unrealised exchange rate*

5 minutes later...

Zzzzz *snores*

Sheesh.

Up & About

2006-11-16T15:23:00.000+08:00

Who would believe that this boy was sick yesterday?

Aaahh!

9 months old & sick

2006-11-14T23:09:00.000+08:00

This morning when Md Ehsan coughed fakely (yeah he mimics the sound), I thought I heard phlegm in his throat. But he was active as usual and busied himself crawling on the bed, on the floor, exploring and slapping my cupboard door.

Little Boy Blue with his dashing smile.

I went to Alexandra Hospital after work to visit my grandfather. My Dad found him unconscious @ his home last Monday. Doctor is still investigating his case. I finally reached home @ 10.30pm, past Md Ehsan's bedtime.

First thing I heard upon entering the house was the blaring noise from the TV. Dad was watching James Bond on cable. Before I could even lock the door, he said "Go and look at Ehsan. He's been crying non-stop."

I saw him in his red short romper with GAP logo from far, bawling his eyes and heart out. Made a quick check with my Mom. Md Ehsan had fallen asleep while they were out. But he got up and started crying once my Mom put him on the bed.

Checked his forehead - no temperature. Carried him for a while and soothed him a bit. Could it be he's missing his parents? My youngest sister came and carried him to the living room. I hurried to get myself changed.

Dayah successfully rocked him to sleep. But Md Ehsan was still not in homewear. I changed him into his sleeveless top. He continued sleeping. He started fidgeting when my Mom changed his diapers. By the time it was done, he was up and crying again.

I carried him. He squirmed and kicked my stomach. Ouch!

I had to put him back on the bed. Of course that only made him scream out loud. My Mom carried him up again. He chocked, he coughed, then he vomited all over the floor! My Mom didn't even have time to rush to the toilet.

Huge mess but it proved to be good relief for the sick baby. He fell asleep just as soon as I cleaned him up. Looks like we won't be sleeping much tonight...

On the way...

2006-11-10T22:46:00.000+08:00

This is the song video that I had wanted to show a month back. Enjoy.

Pepsi Cola... 1, 2, 3!

2006-11-08T12:21:00.000+08:00

I thought Joyah was pulling a fast one this morning when she mentioned about a new recipe. She was right of course.

Take a look!

Pepsi Cola Chicken Recipe

Raya Foods over 2 weeks

2006-11-08T11:52:00.000+08:00

There was Dad's Sapsuka, which becomes my dinner for most nights during the Raya month.

Nyah's delicious Canelloni

Not forgetting the arrays of Raya pastries.

Fried chicken, rice, noodles...

Joyah's signature Lasagne

... and Sheperd Pie

Self-explainatory enuf? There was the usual Ketupat, Lontong, Lepat, Lemang with Serondeng Daging... but I forgot to snap. Heehee =)

The weight I've lost during the Ramadan will no doubt be filled up in abundance!

The crawling disaster

2006-11-07T12:51:00.000+08:00

Last week Md Ehsan started crawling. Just a mere 2 steps before he stopped and sat back to look around. We encouraged and enticed him with toys and stuffs. But he wouldn't budge at all. He stayed put with his 2-step crawl.

Meow?

During that week Md Ehsan also discovered a new trick. Much to the amusement of his grandparents, he will crawl 2 steps before dropping himself to the bed. So it became 1 step, 2 step, PLOP. My parents laughed because it was cute. He kept on doing it because it was new. Must have been tiring for him to keep watching out for his butt. That is, until he started to crawl in the living hall.

His grandparents watched as he crawled on the rubber mats. 1 step, 2 step... KLUNK! Md Ehsan slipped a hand and fell sideways, his chin hitting the floor. That incident gave him a phobia after that.

Onward to the present, Md Ehsan can crawl now. Albeit slowly. But he dares only do it on beds and other soft surfaces.

There I was enticing him with those bunny shoes. He was more attracted to my comb. Sigh.

I carried him down to the floor after that. Lay him down and leave him to his antics. Can you believe it? He didn't move. Not even a rollover. Alamak, hero. What happened? He didn't like it one bit and started crying. I helped him to sit up before moving away from him. He looked at me as I got ready to leave my room for work.

Finally, I stood at the room door and called out to him, "Md Ehsan, come. Auntie's going to work."

First he looked at me and clapped his hands on the floor. I didn't move. Next he drew up his arms like a bird spreading wings. Wah, he is definitely exercising his brains there. Then he put his hands forward on the floor. Half-sitting & half-kneeling, Md Ehsan butt-shuffled his way to me.

Hmm, not exactly my desired expectation. But at least I got him to move. Looks like I will have to put him down on the floor more often for him to practice. Any suggestions, frens?

Thank you Auntie Joyah. He squeezed it, crumpled it, tasted and nibbled at it. Finally screamed when his Grandma took it away from his grasp.

New lullaby, Md Ehsan?

2006-11-06T23:44:00.000+08:00

I used to put up this song in my blog, nong nong ago.

Only Hope

There's a song that's inside of my soul.
It's the one that I've tried to write over and over again
I'm awake in the infinite cold.
But you sing to me over and over and over again.

So, I lay my head back down.
And I lift my hands and pray
To be only yours, I pray, to be only yours
I know now you're my only hope.

Sing to me the song of the stars.
Of your galaxy dancing and laughing and laughing again.
When it feels like my dreams... so far
Sing to me of the plans that you have for me over again.

So I lay my head back down.
And I lift my hands and pray
To be only yours, I pray, to be only yours
I know now, you're my only hope.

I give my destiny.
I'm giving all of me.
I want your symphony, singing in all that I am
At the top of my lungs, I'm giving it back.

So I lay my head back down.
And I lift my hands and pray
To be only yours, I pray, to be only yours
I pray, to be only yours
I know now you're my only hope.

Hmmmmm, hmmmmm, oooooh.

P.S Raya songs came on air 2 weeks into Ramadan (fasting month). Now, 2 weeks into Syawal... back to normal.

11 Syawal 1427

2006-11-01T23:58:00.000+08:00

I blocked out my Raya weekends for family visits. I'm not alone. I'm not the only one who has yet to visit relatives even at this stage.

This morning I entered office, switched on my PC and logged in to MSN as per routine. The usual working bloggers cum chatters were online too. Our chats fired away instantenously. Poor me & Mel lagged behind. Scrolling thru the chats gave me a spinning headache, I almost surrended.

So in the midst of tidying up work, clearing piles of documents and preparing month end reports, we squeezed in a last-minute Raya visiting @ Nyah's house. Crazy!

We gathered @ 9pm. Jenab couldn't make it. Nyah specially prepared a new Italian recipe - Canelloni. Joga, Joyah & I became her food testers but hey, it was good!

Smile, Nyah...

My first round of Canelloni

Nyah's Raya pastries

These are Vineyard Tomatoes. Expensive, you.

We did justice to Nyah's cooking.

Little Rayyan played host to Little Amir

3 of us.

Tentatively we are heading to Woodlands next Monday... again after work. =)

05 Syawal 1427

2006-10-28T23:40:00.000+08:00

At 9am this morning the entire family drove up to JB to visit Cik Senin. We expected the rest of our relatives to have arrived earlier than us. It turned out that we were the only ones who came. The rest got held back for some reasons.

This year's Aidilfitri... Md Ehsan stole the limelight. Everyone is eager to carry him around. Some thought he's already a year old, some thought he could walk. Patience, people. Akan datang... next year. =)

30 Ramadan 1427

2006-10-23T22:22:00.000+08:00

Phew! Just back from my sister's house. Entire family break our fast there, including grandfather.

Arrangement made was last minute. Doesn't matter. Rain or shine that didn't stop us from playing with sparkles (mini fireworks).

10 points for guessing the one who bought them.

Md Ehsan - The Tarzan Boy?

2006-10-23T13:17:00.000+08:00

Office is closed today. I woke up early as usual and took care of Md Ehsan.

Till now, his favourite word remains "Da da" or "Ah da da". At times when he struggled to be carried, he will say "Da da" (Done). My usual reply will be "Belum" (Not yet). Heehee =) There is also the occassional fake "Ah cheem" (sneeze) that he does to attract our attention. The real actual sneeze makes him puzzled.

This morning he was slightly cranky and sleepy. Yawning non-stop yet refusing to sleep. He was scratching his head and fidgeting about while I carried him. Then he started patting my arm. Gave him water to quench his thirst. I didn't want to make him too full as he was eating cereal later. I didn't want him to fall asleep midway thru his cereal too. Better let him sleep first.

Warna FM94.2 was on the radio. I think DJs Adi & Abishek were on air. They were mentioning some 1900 number for donation and I got a bit put off. It's one thing to advertise but when they started announcing those numbers in a spontaneous burst of creative jingles, it sounded more like a ridicule.

The minute they started their nonsense, I started mine. Feigning a scream, I went "Aaaarrrgghh!" with my eyes closed and head shaking. Out of the blue Md Ehsan went "Aaaaaaargghh!" too.

Oh my god! He's copying! I did it again and he followed. By this time, I had started laughing at his antics. Gradually his scream softened. I carried him to the living hall and put him to sleep soon after that.

Up from nap, he was back to his usual active self.

Took his bath after his breakfast...

Don his red romper with hood...

And he pooped right after all that! Had him changed and let him wore the GAP romper I had bought.

Another milestone

2006-10-16T11:30:00.000+08:00

I was getting ready for work this morning. Mom was in the showers. Nobody else was home. As usual I carried Md Ehsan to my room and lay him down on the bed. Next thing I knew, he showed off his trick.

I was so stunned that I got speechless. From the middle of the bed, he had moved all the way to the edge. My heart jumped up to my throat.

Little boy blue smiled as Aunty Long gasped. You bet he was proud of his achievement.

I set up my digicam on the tripod. Quickly carried him and lay him down on the bed again. Almost instantly, he rolled over on his stomach...

21 Ramadan 1427

2006-10-14T23:14:00.000+08:00

The 1st iftar organised this year, I gave a miss as my family was breaking fast over @ sister's house. The 2nd iftar was attended by us 5 ladies.

We met up around 6pm @ Bugis Swensens. No reservations were allowed hence we queued and waited for 1/2 hour before making our orders. Glasses of water were soon served after that. Ain almost drank hers... Mas almost drank hers too. Wait! Not yet!

We were too busy tucking into our food at the break of fast. So busy that I forgot to snap pictures. Sheesh.

After that, we left the restaurant and headed to Marina Square for desserts...

Before making our way to Tanjong Rhu.

Thanx for the lovely Ladies' Night Out.

Lisa Who?

2006-10-11T11:26:00.000+08:00

I was reading thru Ain's blog this morning. Decided to give myself a shot with the celebrity-look-a-like.

Where are the similarities? Our names?

Sorry, I only play badminton.

Saigon - No Kick

2006-10-10T14:58:00.000+08:00

This afternoon while listening to Class 95 in the office, I sought help from Jenab & Joyah to search for a music video.

On 2nd thoughts, yeah I know it's the fasting month.

I think this is more appropriate.

13 Ramadan 1427 - Ambrosia Cafe

2006-10-06T23:51:00.000+08:00

The BT gang met up for Iftar @ Ambrosia Cafe.

My order of Catalan Lamb. It's supposed to be the leg of a lamb. What was served looked more like a piece of steak. One portion was well done, the other was medium rare. The scoops of mashed potato that came with it was hardly swallowable.

Thank you M for this cute M&Ms. They tasted way better than our dinner. Even the Dendeng Makcik bought in Bazaar Geylang tasted better.

G A P

2006-10-06T15:30:00.000+08:00

Just before I went to Suntec, my colleague placed this on my table. Ooooh!

2 short rompers, 1 pullover & 4 pair of socks. All from GAP. Total = S$45.00

08 Ramadan 1427

2006-10-01T22:10:00.000+08:00

Today the family break our fast over @ my sister's house. 6 adults sat on the table with 1 little boy on his big majestic highchair. Md Ehsan happily nibbled and sucked on his teether and toys while we all tucked in.

After a while, he got bored. He banged his toys on the table... the toy flung and dropped to the floor. Ought to have let him be. But my brother-in-law bent to pick up. You can imagine what happened next. One toy after the other dropped to the floor. I think Md Ehsan has discovered another cause & effect process.

Once we were done with dinner and Maghrib prayers, all of us sat to watch tv. My youngest sister fiddled with her new Nokia phone to take pictures of Md Ehsan.

One minute he was...

Next minute he was...

He looked so stunned.

02 Ramadan 1427

2006-09-25T11:02:00.000+08:00

This morning Md Ehsan arrived at my house, stoned. It was obvious that he needs sleep but he persisted to look around watching us doing our morning routines.

Come to think of it, he is fast growing up. Today he is juz 3 days shy from turning 7.5 months old. This year marks his first year celebrating Raya Aidilfitri & Aidiladha. It also marks his first fasting month. He's way too young to comprehend the significance of all these celebrations or even practice fasting. I bet he is the least excited in my family.

My parents have gone to the extent of buying a high chair for this little boy. Supposedly for him to sit in while the family is breaking fast.

I will try to capture him in action while we are breaking fast. It is as if we are 'torturing' him with all those food while he juz looked at us miserably.

Until then, let nature take its course. Atta boy! =)

01 Ramadan 1427

2006-09-24T22:38:00.000+08:00

1. Selamat menjalankan ibadah puasa di bulan Ramadan yang mulia ini. Moga amalan kita semua diterimaNya.

2. I received an email from Sayang with these words:

"Often, a person need to lose everything before he/she know how to cherish."

For some odd reasons, my mind started wandering...

3. Mr Bombastic... feeling fantastic...

Enuf of my ramblings. Enuf said.

Raya Splendour

2006-09-22T23:51:00.000+08:00

With the fasting month of Ramadan juz around the corner, there has been a lot of work going on at the empty field across my office.

For the first time this year the Bazaar is set up in Kg Glam instead of its usual Geylang Serai premise. Lucky me!

In any case, I took the opportunity to watch the Raya Splendour LIVE on the field itself. But before that, I grabbed a way belated birthday treat with Dearie in City Hall. I had extended my invitation to Dearie and we had settled to return to Bugis after dinner. But I ended up alone there. Heehee =)

Midway thru the show while Ashmir & Fuad were singing (i think), the fireworks display kicked off.

Scorpions - Bite Me.

2006-09-22T11:54:00.000+08:00

A very languid cool Friday spent working in the office. I've got the radio blasting with Class 95FM on air. I wasn't paying much attention to the DJ. But the next tune brought back some memories. Heehee...

Send Me An Angel

Wise man said just walk this way
To the dawn of the light
Wind will blow into your face
As the years pass you by
Hear this voice from deep inside
Its the call of your heart
Close your eyes and you will find
Passage out of the dark

Here I am
Will you send me an angel
Here I am
In the land of the morning star

Wise man said just find your place
In the eye of the storm
Seek the roses along the way
Just beware of the thorns

Here I am
Will you send me an angel
Here I am
In the land of the morning star

Wise man said just raise your hand
And reach out for the spell
Find the door to the promised land
Just believe in yourself
Hear this voice from deep inside
It's the call of your heart
Close your eyes and you will find
The way out of the dark

Here I am
Will you send me an angel
Here I am
In the land of the morning star
Here I am
Will you send me an angel
Here I am
In the land of the morning star

2D Fresh

2006-09-11T13:13:00.000+08:00

Every Sundays on Suria Channel, there's Suria Segar. I'm hardly up to watch that show in the mornings. Usually I catch their retelecast at nights.

Last night, there was a feature of an old boyband - 2D.

Don't ask me for their names, I know none. Don't even ask me what they do, I know none too. All I know... that I like 2 of their songs. =)

Cenderawasih

Cenderawasih burung kayangan
Tuanku putih kilau keemasan
Pandanglah hamba si gagak hutan
Sebelah mata pun hamba tak terkilan

Cenderawasih burung kayangan
Tuanku putih kilau keemasan
Adumu bercadarkan pintalan gemawan
Tidur hamba beralas reranting hutan

Tak hamba terkelindan sayap dipatahkan
Tak hamba terkilan telur hamba dipecahkan
Hamba akur dengan suratan
Hamba akur dengan kehendak Tuhan
Hamba akur berketurunan bermandi hinaan

Cenderawasih burung kayangan
Tuanku putih kilau keemasan
Kau pinta didodoikan rintikan hujan
Ku mampu rintih senandung kedukaan

Penat hamba menanam ubi
Ramai berladang nenas di seberang
Penat hamba menabur budi
Emas jua dipandang orang

Orang cina menghisap madat
Duduk di bangku berkain chukin
Hina besi kerana berkarat
Hina manusia kerana miskin

Cenderawasih burung kayangan
Tuanku putih kilau keemasan
Kau pinta didodoikan rintikan hujan
Ku mampu rintih senandung kedukaan

Aduhai cenderawasih pintamu keterlaluan
Kau inginkan hamba kalungkan bulan
Kau kepinginkan kerabu dari bintang berkerdipan
Kau dambakan rantai untaian buih lautan

Seindah Syurgawi

Tiada bidadari
Tiada pari pari
Tiada seranum buah menghurai kebumi

Hanya dengan anyaman kasi sejati
Dibina mahligai seindah syurgawi
Tiada bidadari

Percikan cinta dan curahan kasih
Menjadi tiang seri mahligai sejati
Dan kasih sayang
Yang tiada terperi
Cahaya yg menyala sepanjang hari
Tiada bidadari

Biarlah bersinar mahligai cemerlang
Seindah kerdipan bintang
Gilang gemilang
Dan semoga kilaunya terang benderang
Menyinari alam penuh kasih dan sayang
Tiada bidadari

Tissue paper lady

2006-09-05T16:26:00.000+08:00

I had lunch with my colleague @ BK just now. Fries were crisp but salty, burgers were piping hot but not fantastic and the iced Milo... I finished it without savouring its taste. So much for keeping a healthy lifestyle. Hah!

Anyway my purpose of writing this entry is not about my lunch. More of what happened during lunch.

The crowd in BK was more than usual just now. Must be the school holidays. Both of us were lucky enough to get a table once we entered. I sat and waited while Rebecca bought our foods.

While digging in, we saw 3 tudong-clad gals entered. Attired in baju kurungs, carrying big bags and files, they went around BK looking for an empty table. Their search was almost futile. Almost... because there was an empty table behind me. Almost... because there was a packet of tissue paper on that table.

Right away Rebecca told me about it. What is it with idiots & packets of tissue paper? Years ago when I had lunch with someone, I came across an empty table with a tissue packet. You know what I did? I took it and stashed it into my bag. Nope it wasn't done on purpose. I had thought that someone accidentally left it (for ppl like me who hardly uses tissue papers to pick up). It took me several more incidences before I was told that those tissue packets were reservation signs. Doh!!!

Anyway back to our BK scene. The 3 gals stood at that table for a while before they decided to sit down. The minute they did, a woman approached them from the ordering queue and said "Excuse me, I've put down my tissue packet on the table. Can't you see?" Embarrased, the 3 gals apologised and searched for another empty table.

Both of us were disgusted by the woman's attitude. I had half a mind to actually swipe that tissue packet from the empty table. Rebecca supported me all the way.

We left BK finally full.

Md Ehsan's 1st Swim

2006-09-02T12:36:00.000+08:00

We were over at Aloha Loyang chalet today. None of us swam except Md Ehsan. It was his first dip in a swimming pool and we didn't actually know how he would react. Will he cry? Will he be awkward?

Once dipped in the pool, he automatically started flipping his feet! It was so cute and unexpected! My mom got so excited that she hurried back to the chalet to call my Dad.

My cousin loaned a float. Slightly big for him. He did gulped the pool water several times. Since he has not fully recovered from fever & flu, his parents carried him out after 10 minutes.

Kena tagged

2006-09-02T08:30:00.000+08:00

10 Favourites : -
Favourite colour : Blue, Black & Cream
Favourite food : Lots
Favourite song : Fallen from Pretty Woman
Favourite movie : Pretty Woman
Favourite sport : Netball / Captain's Ball
Favourite day of the week : Friday
Favourite ice cream flavour : Cookies & Cream
Favourite car model : None
Favourite subject in school : Accounting
Favourite snacks : Many

9 Current : -
Current mood : Relaxed
Current taste : Oreos
Current clothes : Black trousers and Blue sweatshirt
Current desktop : Dell
Current toenail colour : Natural
Current time : 8.15am
Current surroundings : Study room
Current annoyance(s) : Nose feeling slightly blocked
Current thoughts : Bring digicam to chalet

8 First(s) : -
First best friend : Rita
First crush : Pri 4
First movie : "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles"
First piercing : Ears
First lie : .....
First music : My own wail
First car : Yet to own one
First real date venue : Orchard

7 Last(s) : -
Last drink : Water
Last car ride : Comfort Taxi
Last "movie crush" : None
Last phone call : Renu
Last song played : Gangster - Ya Ali
Last food ate : Delifrance's Strawberry Tart
Last thing I do before I go to sleep : Read

6 Have You Ever(s) : -
Have you ever dated one of your best friends : Gals' Date? Sure!
Have you ever broken the law : Jaywalking?
Have you ever been arrested : Nope
Have you ever skinned dipped : Nope
Have you ever been on TV : Yes. I've forgotten the name of the show though
Have you ever kissed someone you didn't know : Kissing hands counted?

5 Things You Are Wearing : -
Long sleeve sweatshirt
Trousers
Undergarments
Watch

4 Things You've Done Today : -
Shower
Change clothes
Pack my bag
Hang my towel

3 Things You Can Hear Right Now : -
Rustling newspapers that Dad is reading
Mom's Flip-Flops walking to room
Clicking keyboard as I type

2 Things You Can't Live Without : -
Soul
Air

1 Thing You Do When You Are Bored : -
Read

5 Beautiful Peeps To Carry On The Game : -
Anyone who wishes to volunteer

Twinkle twinkle little DA DA

2006-08-21T23:37:00.000+08:00

Back home from work, I carried and talked to my nephew. The usual "How was your day" questions. Usually he would juz listened, smiled and gurgled.

Tonight... just as I ended my sentence, Md Ehsan responded with strings of "Da da da".

Oooo... candid moment! Quickly I grabbed my mobile and recorded his monosyllabic dialogue. Even while recording, I began to wonder if he would do it again for a recording with my digicam.

I tried my luck. He was fully aware of the attention that I'm giving him especially with my digicam set up on the tripod. Complete silence.

After much teasing, this is what I've got: (please bear with singing voice)

Zareena

2006-08-05T21:01:00.000+08:00

What's That?!

No no it's not a choked artery.

For those of you who don't mind spending a bit more or for those who can't wait till the next pasarmalam to buy Ramly burgers... try this

Sitting up

2006-07-19T22:11:00.000+08:00

This is not his first attempt. It's more for keepsake purpose.

Looking forward to his many more achievements. =)

Bye Sam, Hi Son.

2006-06-26T22:03:00.000+08:00

I bought my first handphone - Nokia 3210 - 7 years ago.

Within months I sold that phone to my sister and bought Nokia 8210. By then I had signed up for a permanent line and was bounded by contract for 2 years.

When the 2 years' contract was up, I traded in my phone for Nokia 8250.

Perhaps I'm so used to Nokia phones. Personally I find it user-friendly and pretty rugged for my kinda usage. Never faced with any hardware or software problems. I was slightly curious about other brand models but the attraction was never strong enough to compel me to "betray" Nokia.

Finally 2 years ago, Motorola did. Actually, there wasn't a single feature in that phone that attracted me. I keep rejecting calls accidentally instead of answering them, not many polyphonic tunes were available for that model and even Iguana wasn't enough. Sheesh! But I took that phone because it was free upon sign-up. I had wanted to get it, keep it and resell it once it's hot in the market. My plan backfired. That particular model was almost never heard of! Hahaha!

Then early last year, my Motorola phone got cranky. Auto shutdowns without reasons when I have clearly recharged the night before. Final straw came in February.

I traded in and got this:

Better than Motorola. Quite user-friendly and the phone design is pretty cool too. Not forgetting the big font size to aid those who are visually challenged. The VGA camera didn't matter that much to me. The cable does not come with the kit. No big deal. But no internal battery. Once it goes flat, it's totally powerless. *slaps forehead*

Yesterday the screen went blank all of a sudden. I thought it was a software glitch. Recharged it at night. This morning, things did not improved. I have no problems receiving calls but I cannot make any calls or send SMSes. The screen remains lit but blank. Sigh. Not rugged enough.

Immediately after work, I bought a new phone.

The more features they have, the more fragile the phones get. Maybe I should just replace the battery of my Nokia 8250?

RJ's Wedding Dinner

2006-06-25T23:49:00.000+08:00

My heartiest congrats to both of you!

Venue: Teochew City Seafood Restaurant, Centrepoint
Time: 7.30pm
Date: Sunday, 25th June 2006

I was the only one at table having the halal menu. One taste of the Tahu Telor and Sanur came to mind. Mmm the restaurant must have catered my food. Apologies to Sandra & Mala for taking up a bit of their table space. =)

Tahu Telor & Kangkong Belacan
Ayam Kalasan & Mutton Rendang
Fruits

The rest of my colleagues at the table had these:

Lobster Salad Combination
Braised Superior Shark’s Fin with Crab Meat
Stir-fried Scallops with Asparagus in XO Sauce
Steamed Red Garoupa in Teochew Style
Traditional Steamed Herbal Chicken
Steamed Live Prawns
Braised Sliced Abalone with Sea Cucumber
Ee Fu Noodles with Crab Meat
Yam Paste with Gingko Nuts & Pumpkin

I'm very full now. Oddly enough, when I took out my mobile to check for missed calls I got a blank screen instead.

Sleep snoring

2006-06-19T22:22:00.000+08:00

I had wanted to record Md Ehsan snoring while asleep.

Unfortunately the sound from the television is louder.

Fathers' Day Bowling

2006-06-17T20:50:00.000+08:00

Earlier this month, my sister placed an invitation card on my table. The front cover read "Invitation Card from Baby Ehsan".

Inside were 2 pictures - one of my nephew and the other a bridal photoshot of my sister. Content of the card was "Baby Muhammad Ehsan & Ibu Ain invites you: Aunty Lisa to bowling and a meal @ Swensen's in celebration of Father's Day." Stated was also the date, time & venue.

Coming from my sister, the out-of-the-blue art attack was creative. My parents & youngest sister too received the cards. She had mentioned the idea (i.e the celebration) to me during one of our online chats and I had to agree that the bowling activity is timely. Other than mom who doesn't bowl, I bet the rest of us were itching to either bowl the pins or down the gutter.

We reached BP plaza @ 2.30pm. Squeezed in 3 rounds of bowling before we headed to Swensens for our 4.30pm super early dinner.

During my birthday dinner celebration last month, the 2 mothers got treated. This time round, the 2 fathers got their treat.

Happy Father's Day, Dad. =)

I tot I took a pic of Jeff... Can't seem to find it now.

4 months & growing

2006-06-14T10:38:00.000+08:00

Feeding less frequently

As your baby reaches four months, his stomach has grown bigger so he doesn't need to feed so often - just four or five times a day. But he'll still gain weight - his need to feed just tapers off as he gets older, becoming more like that of older children and adults. Now his attention will start to gravitate toward other people and things during mealtimes, and though it's exciting to see him aware of and responsive to new things, feedings can get difficult. If your baby is easily distracted, try feeding him somewhere quiet for a while.

A new talent for rolling over

When placed on his stomach, your baby will lift his head and shoulders high, using his arms for support. This mini push-up helps him strengthen his muscles and get a better view of what's going on. He may even amaze you (and himself!) by rolling over from his back to his front, or vice versa. You can encourage this through play: wiggle a toy next to the side he customarily rolls to in case he's interested enough to try again. Applaud his efforts and smile; he may need your reassurance since new actions can be frightening.

Time for solid foods?

For the first four to six months of life your baby gets all the nutrients he needs from breast milk or formula milk. Still, parents are often eager to start their babies on solid foods. Talk to your health visitor before trying yours on solids. You can begin feeding your baby some solids (meaning mushy foods such as pureed baby food or baby cereal) now that his digestive tract is more developed and his tongue-thrust reflex is starting to fade, but many doctors encourage parents to wait until their baby is six months old. Not rushing onto solids can cut down on allergic reactions and ensures that breast milk and formula won't get crowded out of your baby's diet.

Reaching out and mouthing objects

Your baby is now able to reach out and grab an object, even though he often misses his mark on the first try. Once he wraps his hands around something, he'll study it for a moment and then try to put it in his mouth. You may also notice a lot more dribbling now. Some babies can start teething as early as four months, but the first tooth usually doesn't surface until five to six months.

Encourage your baby to explore and play with a variety of objects. For instance, a clean cloth nappy will occupy your baby for a few minutes. Watch him suck on it, hold it, and discover what happens when he scrunches it up. Give him a light rattle and watch him delight in the sound it makes when he shakes it. An activity centre or cradle gym is a good choice for this stage, as your baby begins to discover the cause and effect of moving a lever and hearing a bell ring, for instance.

Able to play alone now

By now, your baby can play with his hands and feet for a few minutes at a time. A miracle! Suddenly you realise it's strangely quiet in the bedroom so you look in, only to discover that your baby, who so far has needed your attention for most of every waking moment, is amusing himself. Now maybe you can start reading the paper again.

Beginning to understand the role of language

Researchers believe that by four months your baby understands all the basic sounds that make up his native language. Between four and six months, he develops the ability to make some vocal sounds, such as "ma-ma" or "da-da." He doesn't yet connect that sound with a parent, though. By now, he's also able to participate in back-and-forth imitation games - you say "boo," and he'll try to say it back. You can promote your child's sense of communication through imitating his faces and sounds - "mirroring" him. Because you react when he makes noises and tries to say something, your baby learns the importance of language and starts to understand cause and effect. He'll begin to realise that what he says makes a difference.

Appreciation for a full range of colours

Babies see colour from birth, but they have difficulty distinguishing similar tones such as red and orange. As a result they often prefer black and white or high-contrast colours. Between your baby's second and fourth months, colour differences become clearer, and your baby starts to distinguish similar shades. Your baby will probably begin to show a preference for bright primary colours now. Some great
eye-catchers include primary-coloured mobiles (hung out of his reach), bright posters, and visually striking board books.

Getting more selective about people

By four months, your baby may respond to your presence, your voice, and even your facial expressions by kicking and waving his arms.
About now, your child, who to this point probably bestowed smiles on everyone he met, is beginning to be choosy about the company he keeps. In large groups or with unfamiliar people he may need time to get comfortable. Allow for transition time with strangers or when leaving your baby with a babysitter. You may also notice that when he's safely in your arms he's interested in interacting with other people -- especially noisy, boisterous older children.

Md Ehsan is 4 months old today. From my observations...

1) His feeding is still going strong. In fact it has juz increased to 165ml.

2) Mmm, yet to roll. He's quite contented to lean sideways at times.

3) There's a box of rice cereal on standby. Take it as it comes.

4) He sucks his fist each time he's hungry or sleepy. Gripped my nose this morning.

5) He played & made noises past midnite while my parents were dozing off. Haha!

6) This friendly baby gets involved in our adult conversation. Ooo... aaaaaarh!

7) Err how to observe this? He's attracted to anything that moves & people's faces.

8) Selective? Nah, he's very friendly.

Old & New

2006-06-04T20:19:00.000+08:00

vs
I'm glad these flowers don't need watering while my parents are away.

vs
Md Ehsan's little balloons.

vs
Nothing fantastic actually.

Oh bother!

2006-06-03T23:10:00.000+08:00

I went to the PC show to buy a new digicam. Totally forgot to buy a card reader. Sigh...

Bloggers Post-Breakaway

2006-05-26T23:34:00.000+08:00

We came...

We left...

Thank you ladies for that wonderful evening. To Kak Liza, thanks for dinner! Gonna get you back one of these days.

Bloggers Pre-Breakaway

2006-05-26T12:22:00.000+08:00

I'm meeting up with some of the bloggers for dinner tonight. Yipee!

7.30pm k ladies?

The King

2006-05-19T14:52:00.000+08:00

A King is looking for a wise man. He held a contest in search for a wise one. The contest consisted of solving this problem...

"The product of the ages of the King's daughters is 36 and the sum is equal to the number of gates in the royal palace. Determine the age of the princesses."

The most intelligent contestant approached the King after thinking through the problem and said, "Your Highness, I am missing one piece of information."

The King promptly replied "The oldest of my daughters has blue eyes."

The contestant immediately gave the ages of the princesses. What was his answer?

Came across this while reading a fren's blog. I was stumped. Reminded me of The Wicked game that Makcik introduced me to.

Took me half a day and many google searches before I started laughing at my own stupidity. Sheesh... so much for blue eyes!

Keep small torchlight in office drawer

2006-05-18T17:19:00.000+08:00

Just a while ago, I went to powder my nose.

Someone decided to conserve the office building's electricity by switching off the ladies' lights & fans. During office hours. For god's sake... not while I'm inside!

Cubicle door closed and the place went pitch black all of a sudden, I thought it was a power failure. Short-circuit perhaps? Closed door = closed lights? I couldn't even see my own hands. Thank goodness I've just entered. Miraculously I made my way out. The switches were off. Switched it on and went in again.

I thought that was the end of it. A glitch. Apparently that someone must have thought a ghost is lurking around. I closed the cubicle door and the place went pitch black again. Without warning, I shouted a loud clear "HOI!"

Right away I saw light! I was more than ready to rush out and direct my bottle of water to whoever was standing at the entrance door. Then I heard a meek "Sorry". I wasn't able to distinguish if it belongs to a male or female. The other party must have gotten a rude shock.

Once is a mistake. Twice... *shakes head*

Life's Simple Pleasures

2006-05-17T22:09:00.000+08:00

Tagged by Makcik. Here's mine...

* Extra long weekends

* Reading books in bed

* Md Ehsan's smile =)

* Dinner & chat with galfrens

* BK Mushroom Swiss meals

* Dearie's phone calls

* Song humming

* Long walks

Who should I tag? Mmm...

1) Ain
2) Dearie
3) Ah Soh
4) Minah
5) Rebecca