I am under tremendous pressure today. My sons, Harris particularly, keep asking me to write a new post in my blog rather relentlessly. I promised them that I shall write one today. Sophie is taking her nap and lunch is being prepared by my maid as I am penning this article. I am keeping my promise to write something today. Let’s see…I shall start with some updates about the kids:
Of late, Daniel has been quite serious about losing his weight. He’s been cycling to school every day, a good 3 km to and fro, been playing football/futsal every evening and eating a bit less. I could actually see him getting slimmer by day (and darker by day too). Bravo my son! I am attending Hari Kecemerlangan at his school tomorrow. He’s being awarded for finishing 3rd in last year’s overall exams results. Well done! Last week, yet another one of his friends thinks that I am young. He thought that I was 30!!! Happy happy joy joy….
I am sending my little couch potato, Kyle Harris, to swimming class commencing this Saturday. I desperately want him to be a little bit more active. He lacks physical activities at home. He’s been refusing to go out and play for months and keeping himself indoor to play games and watch TV. If this continues, he’ll turn obese in no time. But first they will screen him to gauge whether he is suitable for the class. I am praying very hard that he will be accepted. I am sending Ariana for the class too. For Ariana, it’s more for health reason. She’s asthmatic; I was told that swimming is good for kids with asthma.
Ariana went on her first filed trip for this year yesterday (her 3rd since last year). My husband sent her off before he left for the office. I remember when Daniel and Harris had their field trip, both my husband and I were so excited and made a point to see them leave in the bus and waved good bye. With the third kid, we can’t seem to be bothered much. Yesterday, my husband met a few eager parents (you can tell that they are first timers, geared with camera, video cam and the excited look). Some even took a day off from work to see their kindergartners leave for their field trip. Frankly, yesterday was just another day for me. Another perfect example of the evolution of mothers.
Sophie is exactly 7 months and 12 days today. She’s not yet crawling but moving on her stomach quite efficiently. She can sit unassisted and it’s only a matter of time before she could sit on her own. No tooth yet although her gum has been swollen for quite a while now. She started to like playing with her big sis but her dislikes towards her big bro Danny seems to stay. I was approached by a talent scout a couple of months ago. They wanted me to consider Sophie for TV commercial. Not for me thank you, I am just too lazy to spend a whole day on set. I have been indirectly involved in TV commercial in my past job, so I know how tough it will be, particularly when you deal with babies.
Me, I recently got hooked on a Malay drama series entitled “Gelora di Hati Sara” starring Rosham Nor and Fauziah Latif. It’s actually a rerun. I didn’t watch it the first time when it was aired on TV1. I am not the type that likes to watch Malay drama/ movie but this one is top of the class. Rosham Nor in his element. I love this guy, he’s really a good actor.
My dream to get a minivan is shattered. My hubby and I have unanimously decided that we shall not get one soon. With the recently increased interest rate and the economic uncertainty, we feel that it is for our best interest that we do not make any big purchase yet. We have actually decided on an Estima but the thought of having another big car loan really makes us anxious. It’s better to be safe than sorry in time like this. Meanwhile, we have to make do with what we have.
I have been rather bored lately, bored to death. With no freelance jobs coming in, I feel rather wasted. Hence the low self esteem. The boredom is affecting my brain as well. I am sure that you can tell from the quality of this article. It lacks umph… I've got nothing else to say my friends. Chio!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Sunday, April 26, 2009
"A kid in a toy store"
It’s been a week since I last updated my blog. My sons have been asking me every day whether I wrote a new post in my blog. I have a new number 1 fan now – Kyle Harris, my second son. He loves reading the articles particularly when I write about my kids. I have since realized that my blog has become a fantastic way for me to tell them stories about my past. They love reading it. Kyle Harris can read the posts over and over again every day.
Nothing interesting happened in the last week, hence, the long absence. Furthermore, I was kind of lazy lately. I was too lazy to do just about anything. I didn’t leave the house except for sending my kids to school. I cooked the simplest dish for lunch, and we ate out for dinner every day last week. When Sophie took her nap, I napped too. In short, I lack motivation and desperately need something to boost my self esteem - a real job might do the trick I think.
My parents left for umrah (small pilgrimage) on Friday with my sister and my youngest brother. I pray for their safe return and hope their journey in the Holy land is without a hurdle. I hope my turn will come soon.
Yesterday, I went on a little shopping excursion with hubby. We did make the little trip to Starhill to shop for a handbag and thereafter did more shopping at The Pavilion. My self esteem skyrocketed after I got the handbag, way up the ceiling!
On Friday, I did my homework by browsing the internet to survey the handbags. I only want a particular brand, hence, it was rather effortless. I saw the handbag that I like, took note of the size and the name (so that I won’t look stupid in the boutique). That night I was so excited about it that I couldn’t sleep (really!). I finally fell asleep at about 3am. This is what happen when you only buy a handbag once every other year. But the wait is totally worth it. It makes it all the more exciting. Back in the days when I used to buy different brands, buying handbags more than once a year was not as thrilling as this.
That reminds me of the field trips during my school days. I used to look forward to it and got so excited that I couldn’t sleep a day before. That was how I felt on Friday night. The excitement of getting a new handbag really got into me. When I first stepped into the boutique exactly 2 years ago in Champs-Élysées, I was literally jumping with joy. I went from corner to corner checking out the bags and was totally unaware about everything else. I think even if Brad Pit was standing next to me, I wouldn’t have noticed him or care less. I love the bags more. After we left the boutique with a new handbag and a purse, my husband said that I was like a kid in a toy store in there. Yesterday, I was like a kid in a candy store, if I could I want to take all of them home. Instead of getting the bag that I planned to get, I went for a bigger one instead. I am a one very happy woman…yuhooo!
I actually like another handbag (like is actually an understatement, LOVE is more like it!). The name is the bag is Mahina L. The price tag is in the 5 figures, so you know what I mean when I say it’s a dream bag. Needless to say it will remain a dream for a very long time, unless someone out there wants to get me one. By the way, I like it in black or cocoa…do you need my address too?
Nothing interesting happened in the last week, hence, the long absence. Furthermore, I was kind of lazy lately. I was too lazy to do just about anything. I didn’t leave the house except for sending my kids to school. I cooked the simplest dish for lunch, and we ate out for dinner every day last week. When Sophie took her nap, I napped too. In short, I lack motivation and desperately need something to boost my self esteem - a real job might do the trick I think.
My parents left for umrah (small pilgrimage) on Friday with my sister and my youngest brother. I pray for their safe return and hope their journey in the Holy land is without a hurdle. I hope my turn will come soon.
Yesterday, I went on a little shopping excursion with hubby. We did make the little trip to Starhill to shop for a handbag and thereafter did more shopping at The Pavilion. My self esteem skyrocketed after I got the handbag, way up the ceiling!
On Friday, I did my homework by browsing the internet to survey the handbags. I only want a particular brand, hence, it was rather effortless. I saw the handbag that I like, took note of the size and the name (so that I won’t look stupid in the boutique). That night I was so excited about it that I couldn’t sleep (really!). I finally fell asleep at about 3am. This is what happen when you only buy a handbag once every other year. But the wait is totally worth it. It makes it all the more exciting. Back in the days when I used to buy different brands, buying handbags more than once a year was not as thrilling as this.
That reminds me of the field trips during my school days. I used to look forward to it and got so excited that I couldn’t sleep a day before. That was how I felt on Friday night. The excitement of getting a new handbag really got into me. When I first stepped into the boutique exactly 2 years ago in Champs-Élysées, I was literally jumping with joy. I went from corner to corner checking out the bags and was totally unaware about everything else. I think even if Brad Pit was standing next to me, I wouldn’t have noticed him or care less. I love the bags more. After we left the boutique with a new handbag and a purse, my husband said that I was like a kid in a toy store in there. Yesterday, I was like a kid in a candy store, if I could I want to take all of them home. Instead of getting the bag that I planned to get, I went for a bigger one instead. I am a one very happy woman…yuhooo!
I actually like another handbag (like is actually an understatement, LOVE is more like it!). The name is the bag is Mahina L. The price tag is in the 5 figures, so you know what I mean when I say it’s a dream bag. Needless to say it will remain a dream for a very long time, unless someone out there wants to get me one. By the way, I like it in black or cocoa…do you need my address too?
Monday, April 20, 2009
They wanna do what they wanna do
What is it with kids these days? They only want to do what they want to do. Ariana for example, only wants to wear a few t-shirts and pants that she likes. Of so many clothes that I bought her, she only likes a few and keep wearing the same stuff every other day. Just now my maid and I were persuading her to wear a different set of clothes, to no avail. My neighbours must be thinking that I am too stingy to buy her more clothes. If I forced her to wear her other clothes, within minutes she’ll change to her favorite ones. The few that she keeps wearing have really worn out. Should I be a cruel mom and hide them, or throw them away?
The same also applies to Harris. He prefers his torn shorts and worn out t-shirts. I recently went on a shopping spree and bought the kids plenty of new clothes, mostly for daily wear. Only Daniel seems to appreciate them, the rest can’t seem to be bothered. They new clothes are still folded nicely in their closets.
When it comes to shopping for kids, I always like shopping for girl’s apparel. For mothers who don’t have girls, you don’t know what you are missing…hehehe. But shopping for girls could be tough. Even before the age of 3, Ariana has started developing her own taste for clothing. Her liking for shoes developed rather late, at 3 years old. It is always easy to shop for her without her around as it’ll faster (it’s not easy to find clothes that both she and I like), but then I’ll risk her not liking them and hence remain folded in her closet.
More on shopping, after numerous hints that I dropped in my blog, my hubby has suggested that we make a little trip to Starhill this coming weekend to shop for a new handbag. Now that he seriously wants to get me one, I am having mix feeling about it. I am suddenly overwhelmed by the feeling of guilt that I am about to spend quite a huge sum of money for a handbag. Is it worth it? After I got the handbag of my dream almost two years ago (yes, I haven’t shop for a handbag that long!), I told my husband that I will never look back. My next handbag must be of the same brand (hence the long absence). Should I go for it? Perhaps I’ll just get a small one. What is it with women and handbags??? It bits me…
Back to the kids, apart from clothing they also have their way with food. Every day, I try to cook dishes that suit their taste buds. However, their tastes in food change like a girl changes clothe. They like it one day and hate it another. I have run out of idea of what to feed them. Today for example, I prepared ginger chicken with black pepper as the main dish. I have fried fish, vege and sambal belacan as side dish. Harris and Ariana ended up eating rice with only the fried fish and kicap (dark soy sauce). The chicken dish that I painstakingly prepared didn’t appeal to them at all. The only dishes that never bore them (yet!) are homemade grilled chicken and mashed potato. They can eat these every day. I think my kids were born to the wrong parents in the wrong continent. Their taste in food is very much western influenced…hmmm.
On a different subject, an old college friend was in the neighbourhood yesterday. Unfortunately I was not home, hence I missed the opportunity to meet and catch up. That got me an idea to host a mini reunion in July as another friend is coming back from the Middle East around that time. I am already extremely excited about it…huhuhu.
In addition, I am so ecstatic that recently an old friend of mine from my High School managed to 'trace' me through facebook. 2 thumbs up for facebook!! I wish I could find more of my high school buddies. Where are you gals?
The same also applies to Harris. He prefers his torn shorts and worn out t-shirts. I recently went on a shopping spree and bought the kids plenty of new clothes, mostly for daily wear. Only Daniel seems to appreciate them, the rest can’t seem to be bothered. They new clothes are still folded nicely in their closets.
When it comes to shopping for kids, I always like shopping for girl’s apparel. For mothers who don’t have girls, you don’t know what you are missing…hehehe. But shopping for girls could be tough. Even before the age of 3, Ariana has started developing her own taste for clothing. Her liking for shoes developed rather late, at 3 years old. It is always easy to shop for her without her around as it’ll faster (it’s not easy to find clothes that both she and I like), but then I’ll risk her not liking them and hence remain folded in her closet.
More on shopping, after numerous hints that I dropped in my blog, my hubby has suggested that we make a little trip to Starhill this coming weekend to shop for a new handbag. Now that he seriously wants to get me one, I am having mix feeling about it. I am suddenly overwhelmed by the feeling of guilt that I am about to spend quite a huge sum of money for a handbag. Is it worth it? After I got the handbag of my dream almost two years ago (yes, I haven’t shop for a handbag that long!), I told my husband that I will never look back. My next handbag must be of the same brand (hence the long absence). Should I go for it? Perhaps I’ll just get a small one. What is it with women and handbags??? It bits me…
Back to the kids, apart from clothing they also have their way with food. Every day, I try to cook dishes that suit their taste buds. However, their tastes in food change like a girl changes clothe. They like it one day and hate it another. I have run out of idea of what to feed them. Today for example, I prepared ginger chicken with black pepper as the main dish. I have fried fish, vege and sambal belacan as side dish. Harris and Ariana ended up eating rice with only the fried fish and kicap (dark soy sauce). The chicken dish that I painstakingly prepared didn’t appeal to them at all. The only dishes that never bore them (yet!) are homemade grilled chicken and mashed potato. They can eat these every day. I think my kids were born to the wrong parents in the wrong continent. Their taste in food is very much western influenced…hmmm.
On a different subject, an old college friend was in the neighbourhood yesterday. Unfortunately I was not home, hence I missed the opportunity to meet and catch up. That got me an idea to host a mini reunion in July as another friend is coming back from the Middle East around that time. I am already extremely excited about it…huhuhu.
In addition, I am so ecstatic that recently an old friend of mine from my High School managed to 'trace' me through facebook. 2 thumbs up for facebook!! I wish I could find more of my high school buddies. Where are you gals?
Friday, April 17, 2009
To work or not to work
Of late, I find it rather difficult to update my blog on a daily basis. Sophie is sleeping less and less these days and when she’s awake she demands my attention 100%. My little Pea is 7months old today.
I had a discussion with hubby last night about the prospect of me going back to work again soon. He said the nicest thing to me – that I look PRETTIER ever since I quit working full time (I am happy BIG time!). All sign of stress and pressure have disappeared from my face. Coming from someone who uses compliments sparingly, this is the most flattering remark I could ever hear from him. I think men should learn to use compliments more. They just don’t know what compliments can do to a woman; and what a woman is capable of doing when she is happy - don’t you agree?
Anyway, that got me thinking of how work-related stress can affect our look and on a bigger picture, our life. People always said don’t bring work home. But in reality, how many people can actually do that? Every night before we go to sleep, we think about work; and the first thing that comes to mind every morning is work. Work consumes most of our time and our thought, am I right? We even discuss work with our significant other at home. How do we escape work then? I believe we can’t. Work is part of our lives, much like the in-laws (and I mean this in the nicest way *wink*).
After more than a decade slaving myself as a working citizen, it started to reflect on my face. I used to look haggard and permanently tired. At home, I didn’t have the energy to entertain the kids and become easily irritated at the slightest mistakes they made. I didn’t have the passion to answer their questions nor engage in a discussion with them too then. Even the husband could easily annoy me at times.
Alhamdulillah, things have turned for the best after I left my corporate days behind. I can control my temperament better, communicates with the kids better and relate to them more. I even feel that my relationship with my husband has improved significantly. On top of this, as a bonus, I even look prettier! This got me thinking again, should I go back to work then?
I asked my kids once whether they prefer me working or stay at home. Their answer was, stay at home because I could send them to school. Of all the reasons that I anticipated to hear, they chose the one that I expect the least. I guess kids will be kids.
Till next week my friends. I am taking the weekend off again.
I had a discussion with hubby last night about the prospect of me going back to work again soon. He said the nicest thing to me – that I look PRETTIER ever since I quit working full time (I am happy BIG time!). All sign of stress and pressure have disappeared from my face. Coming from someone who uses compliments sparingly, this is the most flattering remark I could ever hear from him. I think men should learn to use compliments more. They just don’t know what compliments can do to a woman; and what a woman is capable of doing when she is happy - don’t you agree?
Anyway, that got me thinking of how work-related stress can affect our look and on a bigger picture, our life. People always said don’t bring work home. But in reality, how many people can actually do that? Every night before we go to sleep, we think about work; and the first thing that comes to mind every morning is work. Work consumes most of our time and our thought, am I right? We even discuss work with our significant other at home. How do we escape work then? I believe we can’t. Work is part of our lives, much like the in-laws (and I mean this in the nicest way *wink*).
After more than a decade slaving myself as a working citizen, it started to reflect on my face. I used to look haggard and permanently tired. At home, I didn’t have the energy to entertain the kids and become easily irritated at the slightest mistakes they made. I didn’t have the passion to answer their questions nor engage in a discussion with them too then. Even the husband could easily annoy me at times.
Alhamdulillah, things have turned for the best after I left my corporate days behind. I can control my temperament better, communicates with the kids better and relate to them more. I even feel that my relationship with my husband has improved significantly. On top of this, as a bonus, I even look prettier! This got me thinking again, should I go back to work then?
I asked my kids once whether they prefer me working or stay at home. Their answer was, stay at home because I could send them to school. Of all the reasons that I anticipated to hear, they chose the one that I expect the least. I guess kids will be kids.
Till next week my friends. I am taking the weekend off again.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Happy happy joy joy
Over the last couple of days I received two biggest compliments a mother could ever have.
1. I was proclaimed the smartest person in the house by my second son.
2. My first son’s friends think that I look too young to be his mother.
A young-looking mom with a brain - who wouldn’t be happy to be labeled as one, isn’t it? I am as happy as a mom could be. “Happy happy joy joy happy happy joy joy…” I’m singing this in my head right now.
After 4 kids, I guess I have become an expert in explaining stuffs to children in a manner that makes them understand. I kind of speak their language. Kyle Harris, who has hundreds of questions every day, is always satisfied with my answers to all his questions. For a kid whose favorite channels are Discovery and Discovery Science, you bet his questions are tough. I also remember when Daniel was 3 years old, he asked me why all tyres are black, why not colourful? Yesterday Kyle Harris asked me why is gold more valuable than silver. He also asked before, how does a microwave work, how does TV transmission work and so many other science-related questions. This my friends, is the type of questions I have to answer every single day.
My husband, on the other hand, can’t seem to explain things to his children satisfactorily, especially to the younger ones. He tends to answer them the way he explains it to adult. Big mistake. When you speak to children, you have to speak their language and follow their line of thought. He communicates better with Daniel though, especially when it comes to football. It always amazes me to watch the two of them discuss football. When it comes to shared passion, they’re like in a different world altogether.
One of the advantages of being with the kids 24/7 is you get to learn their behaviour better. I used to take this for granted when I was working full time. I could now see how they behave around each other and how they progress every day. I can control them better too. Life is great.
On the young-looking part, I guess I am too young to be his mother anyway. As far as I know friends of my age don’t have kids Daniel’s age. When Daniel was in standard 4, I attended his sports day at school. His friends thought that I was his sister! Really, no joke…Happy happy joy joy happy happy joy joy. I am entitled to be happy while I still can, aren't I?
Last night I had a weird dream. I dreamt that I bought a Ferragamo clutch for RM11.90. I think my mind is trying to tell me that it’s time to get a new handbag. Sayang, I hope you are reading this…
1. I was proclaimed the smartest person in the house by my second son.
2. My first son’s friends think that I look too young to be his mother.
A young-looking mom with a brain - who wouldn’t be happy to be labeled as one, isn’t it? I am as happy as a mom could be. “Happy happy joy joy happy happy joy joy…” I’m singing this in my head right now.
After 4 kids, I guess I have become an expert in explaining stuffs to children in a manner that makes them understand. I kind of speak their language. Kyle Harris, who has hundreds of questions every day, is always satisfied with my answers to all his questions. For a kid whose favorite channels are Discovery and Discovery Science, you bet his questions are tough. I also remember when Daniel was 3 years old, he asked me why all tyres are black, why not colourful? Yesterday Kyle Harris asked me why is gold more valuable than silver. He also asked before, how does a microwave work, how does TV transmission work and so many other science-related questions. This my friends, is the type of questions I have to answer every single day.
My husband, on the other hand, can’t seem to explain things to his children satisfactorily, especially to the younger ones. He tends to answer them the way he explains it to adult. Big mistake. When you speak to children, you have to speak their language and follow their line of thought. He communicates better with Daniel though, especially when it comes to football. It always amazes me to watch the two of them discuss football. When it comes to shared passion, they’re like in a different world altogether.
One of the advantages of being with the kids 24/7 is you get to learn their behaviour better. I used to take this for granted when I was working full time. I could now see how they behave around each other and how they progress every day. I can control them better too. Life is great.
On the young-looking part, I guess I am too young to be his mother anyway. As far as I know friends of my age don’t have kids Daniel’s age. When Daniel was in standard 4, I attended his sports day at school. His friends thought that I was his sister! Really, no joke…Happy happy joy joy happy happy joy joy. I am entitled to be happy while I still can, aren't I?
Last night I had a weird dream. I dreamt that I bought a Ferragamo clutch for RM11.90. I think my mind is trying to tell me that it’s time to get a new handbag. Sayang, I hope you are reading this…
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
The Queen of my heart
Something happened last night that made me realized that after almost 15 years of marriage and 4 kids I still can’t live without my mom. I can’t imagine live without her…and I fear for the day that I may not have the luxury to hear her comforting voice again.
Sophie was down with mild fever on Sunday. After a full day of medication, her fever subsided by the next day. Yesterday however, she started to become restless in the evening. After my hubby came home from work we resorted to take her for a car ride to soothe her. She finally sucked some milk and fell asleep in the car. After dinner she started crying again, this time for more than an hour non-stop. My husband, my maid and I took turn carrying her around the house. When all efforts seemed to fail, I called my mom for help. She suggested that we massage her tummy and her joints. So that was what we did – after the massage, she passed gas twice, burped once and smiled. Oh my God, if I knew it was that easy, I’d have done that earlier...hmm. This part really bits me, after 4 children I should have known better, but I didn't…why lah?
The comfort of knowing that I have my mom to turn to when I have problems really makes me feel lucky and blessed. She is always there for me to offer advice on just about everything. When I was in the States pursuing my studies, I called her every week without fail. After a good 15 minutes chat with her, I always felt like I become a happier person. When I was in labour during my first pregnancy, I wanted her to be at my side instead of my husband. I did in fact cry for her during the 11-hour labour.
This reminds me of a story about my first labour experience. I was in the States when I had my first child. After I was checked into the labour room (and was in so much pain that any husband could ever understand), I felt that the least my husband could do was recite some verses from the Quran. At least if I were to die during the labour, I’d die listening to Quranic verses whispered into my ears – that was my rationale. So every minute of the 11-hour ordeal, if I didn't see his lips moving I shouted “BACA! BACA!” and I kept shouting “BACA! BACA!” throughout the labour – I gave absolutely no mercy to the man who made me pregnant. The nurses must have wondered what the heck this woman was shouting for. My poor husband had to stay in the labour room despite not eating for 11 hours. You see, my water broke at 8am while we were still in bed. So we didn't have time for breakfast before we rushed for the hospital in absolute panic. If I couldn't eat, I won’t let him eat either. All I had was ice cubes and plenty of excruciating PAIN. He merely experienced hunger – a lot less painful compared to moi who was pushing an 8lb 2oz baby out through my petite frame. What an experience…we still laugh each time we reminisce about the day.
Now back to my subject. My mom is a typical mother, she’s loud and a superbly great cook. Cooking is her definite passion and I don’t think I could find a better cook in this world. At 63, she still operates her small catering business all on her own, and teaches Quran in her spare time. Come Hari Raya, she’ll be busy selling her famous keropok pedas, halwa maskat and kacang potong, well actually she makes and sells those all the time. She is like an energizer bunny when it comes to cooking. It's no surprise that holding a feast is like a hobby to her. She would take every opportunity to host and organize a feast - birthdays, circumcision ceremony, cukur rambut ceremony and any other occasion under the sun. In fact, she is organizing a kenduri doa selamat (thanksgiving feast) this Friday. She’s leaving for umrah with my dad, my youngest brother and my sister on 24th of April.
To me, my mom is the ‘glue’ that bonds my family together. My elder brothers, who are already in their late 40s, still come to her whenever they have problems, be it financial, marital, health and what not – everything and anything. In fact everyone in the family goes to her when we have problems. She is the sunshine that brightens our days, the joy in our lives, and the queen of our hearts. Her cheerfulness is contagious – that’s how I got my ceria attitude, it's in the gene.
I love my mom more than life itself. Mak, engkaulah ratu hatiku…
Sophie was down with mild fever on Sunday. After a full day of medication, her fever subsided by the next day. Yesterday however, she started to become restless in the evening. After my hubby came home from work we resorted to take her for a car ride to soothe her. She finally sucked some milk and fell asleep in the car. After dinner she started crying again, this time for more than an hour non-stop. My husband, my maid and I took turn carrying her around the house. When all efforts seemed to fail, I called my mom for help. She suggested that we massage her tummy and her joints. So that was what we did – after the massage, she passed gas twice, burped once and smiled. Oh my God, if I knew it was that easy, I’d have done that earlier...hmm. This part really bits me, after 4 children I should have known better, but I didn't…why lah?
The comfort of knowing that I have my mom to turn to when I have problems really makes me feel lucky and blessed. She is always there for me to offer advice on just about everything. When I was in the States pursuing my studies, I called her every week without fail. After a good 15 minutes chat with her, I always felt like I become a happier person. When I was in labour during my first pregnancy, I wanted her to be at my side instead of my husband. I did in fact cry for her during the 11-hour labour.
This reminds me of a story about my first labour experience. I was in the States when I had my first child. After I was checked into the labour room (and was in so much pain that any husband could ever understand), I felt that the least my husband could do was recite some verses from the Quran. At least if I were to die during the labour, I’d die listening to Quranic verses whispered into my ears – that was my rationale. So every minute of the 11-hour ordeal, if I didn't see his lips moving I shouted “BACA! BACA!” and I kept shouting “BACA! BACA!” throughout the labour – I gave absolutely no mercy to the man who made me pregnant. The nurses must have wondered what the heck this woman was shouting for. My poor husband had to stay in the labour room despite not eating for 11 hours. You see, my water broke at 8am while we were still in bed. So we didn't have time for breakfast before we rushed for the hospital in absolute panic. If I couldn't eat, I won’t let him eat either. All I had was ice cubes and plenty of excruciating PAIN. He merely experienced hunger – a lot less painful compared to moi who was pushing an 8lb 2oz baby out through my petite frame. What an experience…we still laugh each time we reminisce about the day.
Now back to my subject. My mom is a typical mother, she’s loud and a superbly great cook. Cooking is her definite passion and I don’t think I could find a better cook in this world. At 63, she still operates her small catering business all on her own, and teaches Quran in her spare time. Come Hari Raya, she’ll be busy selling her famous keropok pedas, halwa maskat and kacang potong, well actually she makes and sells those all the time. She is like an energizer bunny when it comes to cooking. It's no surprise that holding a feast is like a hobby to her. She would take every opportunity to host and organize a feast - birthdays, circumcision ceremony, cukur rambut ceremony and any other occasion under the sun. In fact, she is organizing a kenduri doa selamat (thanksgiving feast) this Friday. She’s leaving for umrah with my dad, my youngest brother and my sister on 24th of April.
To me, my mom is the ‘glue’ that bonds my family together. My elder brothers, who are already in their late 40s, still come to her whenever they have problems, be it financial, marital, health and what not – everything and anything. In fact everyone in the family goes to her when we have problems. She is the sunshine that brightens our days, the joy in our lives, and the queen of our hearts. Her cheerfulness is contagious – that’s how I got my ceria attitude, it's in the gene.
I love my mom more than life itself. Mak, engkaulah ratu hatiku…
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Babe on wheels
I can’t believe how fast time flies. Sophie is almost 7months old now. Yesterday she had her first experience on her little wheels, all on her own. Another milestone for Sophie – I call this phase, babe on wheels. Here she is sitting confidently on her little bike all by herself.
Luckily I didn’t give away Ariana’s little bike. Being the second daughter actually has some disadvantages, Sophie gets plenty of hand me down stuffs from her sister.
When we first had Ariana, we were so overwhelmed by the fact that we’re finally blessed with a little girl after 2 boys. I went crazy shopping for girl’s stuff immediately after doctor confirmed that it was a girl. Everything was in pink. After she passed a stage, I had to gave away lots of stuffs coz we had problem storing them. When we were moving to our new home in end of 2007, I sent a full 3-tones lorry load of stuffs back to Alor Setar (of course the load comprised other items as well). Luckily I was in my right mind to keep some valuable items like her Little Tike bike, development toys, her playpen (although we ended up buying a new one) and a few other stuffs. But we gave away the baby cot that I used for my 3 kids because I wanted to buy a new one this time. I also kept 2 pretty baby gowns which Ariana wore only once. Sophie also wore each one once and has outgrown them since. We kept her stroller too, but we bought a new one for Sophie regardless. My hubby got so excited shopping for a baby stroller last year - it was like shopping for a car to him. That was the first baby stuff he bought – I was barely into my 7th month then. We visited about 8 shops before we, or rather he, found a perfect stroller for Sophie.
I read a funny article in a complimentary parenting magazine recently about the evolution of mom – how mothers change as they have more kids. I couldn’t agree more with the writer. When I had my first child, I followed every rules and tips that I read in baby books, from feeding time to everything that you could imagine, religiously. When I had my second baby, I was a bit relaxed on the routine. Third kid, no need to sterilize the bottles frequently, a quick rinse with hot water will do. Burping is optional. Fourth kid, well my maid can handle it. I’ll check on her later. I’m sure you get the idea…
My OBGYN, Dr. Gunasegaran, whom I miss so much (in a doctor-patient way yah!), was trying to be funny when I was about 7 months pregnant with Sophie. He had earlier confirmed that I was having a girl. I have indeed begun shopping for girls stuff after he told us the happy news. However, when I asked him to re-confirm the baby gender for the 3rd time (I did that during each pregnancy just to be sure), he told me that I was having a boy instead! I was so shocked at hearing the news (I forgot what I said to him though). He laughed and quickly said that he just wanted to see how I’d react to that, hmmm.
On a different subject, an update on ‘the biggest loser’ contest between my husband and Danny. Daniel won the first round. He lost 2kg vs my hubby who lost merely 1.1kg. Not bad hah. For winning this round, he’ll get RM20 from papa. I guess the daily cycling to school does help very much, but on the downside he is getting very tan these days.
I say raising children in this internet age is an expensive task. Even encouraging your kids to lose weight can be costly. Don’t you agree?
Thursday, April 9, 2009
New age urban kids
I am writing this article at the request of my second son, Kyle Harris. He asked that I write about his fascination for guns and weapons of mass destruction. Not exactly what a mother would approve isn't it? He is so fascinated with guns that even his PC password is a name of a missile – did you know that there is an Israeli fighter jet named Delilah? He is an expert when it comes to this subject. Throw him a question and he'll be able to answer you in a flash. My hubby even bought him a 700pg directory of guns – which I didn't quite approve. He argued that it’d encourage Harris to read more. For the sake of reading, I agreed to it. Before he got the book, he used to google about guns and missile in the internet.
I guess in this internet age, it’s pretty hard to curb our children from finding out more about their interest/hobbies even when we don’t quite approve it.
My eldest, who is into PSP ISO and magic tricks, surfs the web regularly to download new games and learn new tricks. However, I limit their internet access only on weekends, except for school holidays.
Even my 4+ years old daughter has started asking for her own notebook. I promised to get her one once she could read and write.
I remember growing up playing chase with boys, climbing trees (and cried when I couldn't get down on my own), flying kites in the paddy field, and so many other adventurous activities. My kids now grow up with computer, internet and playstation. They are so not the outdoor type that when my husband took them to witness cows being slaughtered during Hari Raya Qurban, they vomited at the sight of blood…I don’t know whether I should laugh or cry.
There’s more, my sons were so shocked to see me cook and eat perut lembu at home. To them eating perut lembu is like Fear Factor!! They are also scared of cockroaches, spiders, frogs and every little creature they find outdoors. When I was young, I could hold a frog with my bare hands. I am without a doubt a true kampung girl - except when it comes to worms, leeches and the likes. Unfortunately, my kids turn out to be the complete opposite – proper city kids.
I am beginning to fear for the day my kids are drafted into the National Service programme. I have a feeling that they might not do well during the 3-month stint. News of kids dying during the stint really scares the hell out of me. Did you know that to date 11 children have died while undergoing NS training? I say National Service is a mother’s nightmare. Do you think there’s a chance that they’ll call off the programme in the near future (perhaps in 3 years time)? Truthfully, I pray for that day to come…
I guess in this internet age, it’s pretty hard to curb our children from finding out more about their interest/hobbies even when we don’t quite approve it.
My eldest, who is into PSP ISO and magic tricks, surfs the web regularly to download new games and learn new tricks. However, I limit their internet access only on weekends, except for school holidays.
Even my 4+ years old daughter has started asking for her own notebook. I promised to get her one once she could read and write.
I remember growing up playing chase with boys, climbing trees (and cried when I couldn't get down on my own), flying kites in the paddy field, and so many other adventurous activities. My kids now grow up with computer, internet and playstation. They are so not the outdoor type that when my husband took them to witness cows being slaughtered during Hari Raya Qurban, they vomited at the sight of blood…I don’t know whether I should laugh or cry.
There’s more, my sons were so shocked to see me cook and eat perut lembu at home. To them eating perut lembu is like Fear Factor!! They are also scared of cockroaches, spiders, frogs and every little creature they find outdoors. When I was young, I could hold a frog with my bare hands. I am without a doubt a true kampung girl - except when it comes to worms, leeches and the likes. Unfortunately, my kids turn out to be the complete opposite – proper city kids.
I am beginning to fear for the day my kids are drafted into the National Service programme. I have a feeling that they might not do well during the 3-month stint. News of kids dying during the stint really scares the hell out of me. Did you know that to date 11 children have died while undergoing NS training? I say National Service is a mother’s nightmare. Do you think there’s a chance that they’ll call off the programme in the near future (perhaps in 3 years time)? Truthfully, I pray for that day to come…
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
My hero
I wanted to wait until the by elections were over to write about this particular story. The results of the 3 by elections are exactly as I've predicted. Not too bad for a mom who doesn't know much about politics.
Anyway, I vowed that I shall not write about politics, but this is not about politics, this is about how political ideology could impact a family institution. My objective of telling this story is for all of us to ponder on the importance of family values versus standing up for your political ideology the extreme way.
In the 1980s when there was a huge clash between two political parties (which I shall name party A and party B) – the time where there were 2 jemaah in one mosque, conflict of marriages existed between the children of the supporters of both parties, and plenty more that are not worth mentioning here. I am sure all of us could still remember that black period. The clash was more apparent and critical in the Northern states where I grew up.
My father was the only supporter of party A in his family. But he was always and still is a moderate supporter I’d say. His other siblings and his father were all fanatic supporters of party B. He was disowned by my grandpa for not supporting party B. So did his siblings. My youngest uncle, who is a father of 6 young children, is so fanatic about the party that he is willing to go to jail for a particular political figure in the North. He was in fact arrested twice for that.
My father believes that political ideology should not divide a family. He was called “stupid like a cow” by my Atuk and I think he was even called an infidel more than once, but that didn’t deter him even a bit. Despite his family’s denunciation because of his political preference, he kept visiting my Atuk frequently. He kept visiting his siblings too because he didn’t want to break the family apart. It was almost a weekly affair for my family – visiting my Atuk who lived merely 5 km away. Should he stopped doing so, his family unit may have had collapsed today. I am very proud of my dad for standing strong on his principle.
My dad is the eldest child in his family. But his siblings never once visited our home because of my father’s conflicting political interest in the 80s and early 90s. I watched this with so much sadness in my heart. I was only a child when this happened but I could already understand the complication then.
I thank God that, decades later, my uncles and aunts had accepted their mistake and ignorance. They have since made amend with my dad. I am more than happy to report that today they visit my dad very often, more so after my grandpa passed away 8 years ago, for he is now the head of the family.
Having gone through this experience myself, I make it a point to teach my children to be moderate in everything they do. It is crucial for them not to go overboard. I encourage them to stand strong on what they believe in, but not to the point of becoming an extremist. Most importantly, family must always come first. I believe that if we didn’t make a conscious effort to preserve the family institution, the world will collapse.
On another note, when was the last time you kissed your dad? I have never kissed or hugged my dad for as long as I can remember. But last year, when he was sending me off to the airport to return home after Hari Raya Qurban, he asked me to kiss him on his forehead. I kissed him with tears running in my eyes. I will keep doing so for as long as I have the opportunity. I love you Abah...
Anyway, I vowed that I shall not write about politics, but this is not about politics, this is about how political ideology could impact a family institution. My objective of telling this story is for all of us to ponder on the importance of family values versus standing up for your political ideology the extreme way.
In the 1980s when there was a huge clash between two political parties (which I shall name party A and party B) – the time where there were 2 jemaah in one mosque, conflict of marriages existed between the children of the supporters of both parties, and plenty more that are not worth mentioning here. I am sure all of us could still remember that black period. The clash was more apparent and critical in the Northern states where I grew up.
My father was the only supporter of party A in his family. But he was always and still is a moderate supporter I’d say. His other siblings and his father were all fanatic supporters of party B. He was disowned by my grandpa for not supporting party B. So did his siblings. My youngest uncle, who is a father of 6 young children, is so fanatic about the party that he is willing to go to jail for a particular political figure in the North. He was in fact arrested twice for that.
My father believes that political ideology should not divide a family. He was called “stupid like a cow” by my Atuk and I think he was even called an infidel more than once, but that didn’t deter him even a bit. Despite his family’s denunciation because of his political preference, he kept visiting my Atuk frequently. He kept visiting his siblings too because he didn’t want to break the family apart. It was almost a weekly affair for my family – visiting my Atuk who lived merely 5 km away. Should he stopped doing so, his family unit may have had collapsed today. I am very proud of my dad for standing strong on his principle.
My dad is the eldest child in his family. But his siblings never once visited our home because of my father’s conflicting political interest in the 80s and early 90s. I watched this with so much sadness in my heart. I was only a child when this happened but I could already understand the complication then.
I thank God that, decades later, my uncles and aunts had accepted their mistake and ignorance. They have since made amend with my dad. I am more than happy to report that today they visit my dad very often, more so after my grandpa passed away 8 years ago, for he is now the head of the family.
Having gone through this experience myself, I make it a point to teach my children to be moderate in everything they do. It is crucial for them not to go overboard. I encourage them to stand strong on what they believe in, but not to the point of becoming an extremist. Most importantly, family must always come first. I believe that if we didn’t make a conscious effort to preserve the family institution, the world will collapse.
On another note, when was the last time you kissed your dad? I have never kissed or hugged my dad for as long as I can remember. But last year, when he was sending me off to the airport to return home after Hari Raya Qurban, he asked me to kiss him on his forehead. I kissed him with tears running in my eyes. I will keep doing so for as long as I have the opportunity. I love you Abah...
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Sibling rivalry
I have four children. Between the four of them there seems to be some rivalry going on who gets the most attention and who gets the most in term of rewards – monetary value that is. My elder kids who already understand the value of ringgit seems to measure love by the amount and the value of stuffs they get from mama and papa. So when we were out shopping, they will fight for the same amount of books/toys and compare the value of stuff they get. On the contrary, the younger ones measure love by the amount of time spent with each of them. Well, ladies and gentlemen, meet children of the new millennium.
On top of the race to see who gets the most attention, there also seems to be grouping amongst them. My second son Harris can’t get along with his immediate sister, Ariana. He dislikes his sister from the day she was born. Ariana, on the other hand, loves Harris because she said her bro is handsome. Even my little baby Sophie has developed a preference to her sibling. She seems to like Harris the most, and vice versa. Harris adores her too. Even my maid made the same observation. The two of them seem to have developed an unspoken bond.
Ariana, who is very protective of her baby sister, fights with Harris to play with Sophie every single day, to the point that it gives me headache. She claimed Sophie is her baby sister, not anyone else’s. Daniel and Harris can’t get along as well. But at times, they are so close to each other. They even sleep in the same bed to this very day, although they have their own room. When Harris was small, he used to bully his brother. Nowadays, the role has reversed, he get bullied by Danny instead.
As you would have guessed it, there are plenty of excitements at my home everyday dealing with all sorts of behavior. I wonder how it would be if I have 10 children instead of 4. Perhaps, close to living in a circus!
I once asked Harris whether he loves his sister. He answered NO without hesitation. My instinct tells me that he is envious of his sister because after she was born, all attention went to her. Little that he knows that he will always have a special place in my heart. But I know that deep inside he loves her so much, he is just too bigheaded to show his affection.
So last night, in my effort to make him show more of his brotherly love to Ariana, I asked him to hug his sister. He ran like a wild chicken in the house while Ariana was chasing him to give him a hug. It was so funny watching the two of them running around – just for the sake of a hug. When that failed, I made him a deal, if he gave her a hug I’ll let him have my share of chocolate pudding that I made last night. He agreed. So he finally gave her a hug albeit reluctantly and half heartedly. Mission accomplished. I will try to get him to do this more often.
Harris is not the type that rejects hugging and kissing. He kisses and hugs me before he goes to school and before he goes to bed every day without fail since he was small. He just dislikes showing his affection towards his siblings through this means. I just need to work a little bit harder and be more patient to soften his heart for his sister.
I say dealing with children who have middle child syndrome is not an easy job. Don't you agree?
On top of the race to see who gets the most attention, there also seems to be grouping amongst them. My second son Harris can’t get along with his immediate sister, Ariana. He dislikes his sister from the day she was born. Ariana, on the other hand, loves Harris because she said her bro is handsome. Even my little baby Sophie has developed a preference to her sibling. She seems to like Harris the most, and vice versa. Harris adores her too. Even my maid made the same observation. The two of them seem to have developed an unspoken bond.
Ariana, who is very protective of her baby sister, fights with Harris to play with Sophie every single day, to the point that it gives me headache. She claimed Sophie is her baby sister, not anyone else’s. Daniel and Harris can’t get along as well. But at times, they are so close to each other. They even sleep in the same bed to this very day, although they have their own room. When Harris was small, he used to bully his brother. Nowadays, the role has reversed, he get bullied by Danny instead.
As you would have guessed it, there are plenty of excitements at my home everyday dealing with all sorts of behavior. I wonder how it would be if I have 10 children instead of 4. Perhaps, close to living in a circus!
I once asked Harris whether he loves his sister. He answered NO without hesitation. My instinct tells me that he is envious of his sister because after she was born, all attention went to her. Little that he knows that he will always have a special place in my heart. But I know that deep inside he loves her so much, he is just too bigheaded to show his affection.
So last night, in my effort to make him show more of his brotherly love to Ariana, I asked him to hug his sister. He ran like a wild chicken in the house while Ariana was chasing him to give him a hug. It was so funny watching the two of them running around – just for the sake of a hug. When that failed, I made him a deal, if he gave her a hug I’ll let him have my share of chocolate pudding that I made last night. He agreed. So he finally gave her a hug albeit reluctantly and half heartedly. Mission accomplished. I will try to get him to do this more often.
Harris is not the type that rejects hugging and kissing. He kisses and hugs me before he goes to school and before he goes to bed every day without fail since he was small. He just dislikes showing his affection towards his siblings through this means. I just need to work a little bit harder and be more patient to soften his heart for his sister.
I say dealing with children who have middle child syndrome is not an easy job. Don't you agree?
Monday, April 6, 2009
Not so desperate housewives
I attended an all-ladies birthday party themed ‘wet and wild’ at a neighbour’s house on Friday night. Since I moved into this community about 15 months ago, I have attended a few housewarming parties and kenduri doa selamat in the neighbourhood, but this would be the first birthday bash in my ‘capacity’ as a housewife.
Housewife…it sounds so foreign to me. Even after 9 months of being one, I still can’t fully get hold of the idea of being a dependent, even though I decided to become one at my OWN accord and of course with full support from hubby. Given a choice, I’d rather label myself as a full time mom than a housewife for reasons that I myself don’t know. Perhaps by doing so it gives me a greater sense of significance than the latter. It makes me feel important again.
How does one behaves like a housewife anyway? Right now, the image of Stefford Wives is flashing in my mind. Scary isn’t it? As a new comer, admittedly, to this very day I still can’t fit in with this group of housewives completely. I just don’t know what to talk to them. The best that I could do is talk about the kids and house defects. What else do housewives talk about? Perhaps if I spent a little bit more time with them, I could find a common ground.
Unfortunately, between a baby who depends entirely on me for nourishment (she refused to take even breast milk in a bottle) and my second job as my kids’ taxi driver, not to mention my occasional freelance job, I have very little time getting to know them better. If there was a crash course on how to be a better housewife, I for one, may just go for it.
Sometimes I wonder whether I am a housewife material (although a bit too late now). Do I make the cut? Can I survive being one – mentally, physically and financially - should the status quo remain longer that what I’ve planned?
Frankly, I have actually started to have some serious doubts. Being an independent woman, the thought of being a dependent took some time to sink in at first. A lot of adjustments and sacrifices had to be made at the beginning. I had to be a bit vigilant of my spending too. These days, I make a conscious effort to ask for permission from my husband should I wish to go out – shopping, meeting friends or whatever. This may seem ancient to some, but as a Muslim wife, it is a duty that I faithfully abide by. My hubby once said jokingly that I should submit an application form online for him to approve a day in advance. Talk about the internet age hah.
But there’s absolutely no denying that I am having a hell of a good time NOT having to work. No pressure by the boss, no deadlines, no late hours at the office and plenty of other nos. Best of all, I can take my time to do stuffs that I love, blogging for example, spend more time with the kids, get more involved in their lives, smell the roses every day and plenty of other privileges and perks of being at home 24/7. Errr…I wonder why am I complaining at the first place???
Anyway, back to the party, the housewives had a jolly good time that night, no husbands, no kids. There was loud music in the air and plenty of food that could feed the entire neighbourhood. Cup cakes that bear the shapes of human anatomy (I think you get the idea yah) were of course the highlight. The birthday girl happily licked the cakes to the cheer of others. Unfortunately, I had to leave just before the actual fun started – the wet and wild games. My 6 months old was waiting to be fed at home.
I hope the next time I am invited to a party; I could mingle with the housewives crowd better. I am taking this as a challenge for myself. I say it’s time for a refresher course - need to find my old copy of “How to talk to anyone anytime” by Larry King…hahaha.
Housewife…it sounds so foreign to me. Even after 9 months of being one, I still can’t fully get hold of the idea of being a dependent, even though I decided to become one at my OWN accord and of course with full support from hubby. Given a choice, I’d rather label myself as a full time mom than a housewife for reasons that I myself don’t know. Perhaps by doing so it gives me a greater sense of significance than the latter. It makes me feel important again.
How does one behaves like a housewife anyway? Right now, the image of Stefford Wives is flashing in my mind. Scary isn’t it? As a new comer, admittedly, to this very day I still can’t fit in with this group of housewives completely. I just don’t know what to talk to them. The best that I could do is talk about the kids and house defects. What else do housewives talk about? Perhaps if I spent a little bit more time with them, I could find a common ground.
Unfortunately, between a baby who depends entirely on me for nourishment (she refused to take even breast milk in a bottle) and my second job as my kids’ taxi driver, not to mention my occasional freelance job, I have very little time getting to know them better. If there was a crash course on how to be a better housewife, I for one, may just go for it.
Sometimes I wonder whether I am a housewife material (although a bit too late now). Do I make the cut? Can I survive being one – mentally, physically and financially - should the status quo remain longer that what I’ve planned?
Frankly, I have actually started to have some serious doubts. Being an independent woman, the thought of being a dependent took some time to sink in at first. A lot of adjustments and sacrifices had to be made at the beginning. I had to be a bit vigilant of my spending too. These days, I make a conscious effort to ask for permission from my husband should I wish to go out – shopping, meeting friends or whatever. This may seem ancient to some, but as a Muslim wife, it is a duty that I faithfully abide by. My hubby once said jokingly that I should submit an application form online for him to approve a day in advance. Talk about the internet age hah.
But there’s absolutely no denying that I am having a hell of a good time NOT having to work. No pressure by the boss, no deadlines, no late hours at the office and plenty of other nos. Best of all, I can take my time to do stuffs that I love, blogging for example, spend more time with the kids, get more involved in their lives, smell the roses every day and plenty of other privileges and perks of being at home 24/7. Errr…I wonder why am I complaining at the first place???
Anyway, back to the party, the housewives had a jolly good time that night, no husbands, no kids. There was loud music in the air and plenty of food that could feed the entire neighbourhood. Cup cakes that bear the shapes of human anatomy (I think you get the idea yah) were of course the highlight. The birthday girl happily licked the cakes to the cheer of others. Unfortunately, I had to leave just before the actual fun started – the wet and wild games. My 6 months old was waiting to be fed at home.
I hope the next time I am invited to a party; I could mingle with the housewives crowd better. I am taking this as a challenge for myself. I say it’s time for a refresher course - need to find my old copy of “How to talk to anyone anytime” by Larry King…hahaha.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Come what may
I have decided that nothing will stop me from writing in my blog for as long as I have the passion and the time to do it. Some people may try to make fun of what I wrote or didn't like the content, nevertheless, they shall not deter me, not even a bit. It makes me want to write even more. It gives me a greater sense of purpose, not to please anyone but for my own satisfaction and at the same time improve my writing.
Many may not know that I was in PR and Communications before I quit my job last year. So my job involved writing and plenty of editing too. Writing in my blog is pretty much like a job to me, only more interesting. I can write about anything and everything that interest me instead of about a company, a product or an event. I may have flaws (I am sure there are plenty of grammar mistakes in each post) in my writing but that's what exercise is all about, practise makes perfect. I take writing in my blog as a form of practise and training. Keeping abreast with writing and current issues are my way of keeping myself relevant should I decided to enter the job market again soon.
I also noticed that I have a growing audience in my blog, alhamdulillah. I hope you enjoy reading the posts so far. I will try to vary the topic from time to time to make it more interesting. Do let me have your feedback on what you think I should write about.
So keep on watching this space for more updates my friends. By the way, I shall not change the background colour to blue like someone had suggested. Green and pink is a beautiful combination, don't you think so?
Many may not know that I was in PR and Communications before I quit my job last year. So my job involved writing and plenty of editing too. Writing in my blog is pretty much like a job to me, only more interesting. I can write about anything and everything that interest me instead of about a company, a product or an event. I may have flaws (I am sure there are plenty of grammar mistakes in each post) in my writing but that's what exercise is all about, practise makes perfect. I take writing in my blog as a form of practise and training. Keeping abreast with writing and current issues are my way of keeping myself relevant should I decided to enter the job market again soon.
I also noticed that I have a growing audience in my blog, alhamdulillah. I hope you enjoy reading the posts so far. I will try to vary the topic from time to time to make it more interesting. Do let me have your feedback on what you think I should write about.
So keep on watching this space for more updates my friends. By the way, I shall not change the background colour to blue like someone had suggested. Green and pink is a beautiful combination, don't you think so?
A mother's doubt
I am far from being a perfect mom, far far away. But I try my very best to be a good mom in my own way. I am blessed with 4 wonderful children, an amanah from Allah to my husband and I, alhamdulillah. An amanah that I will try to nurture, love and teach to be the best that they can be, to the best of my ability.
But I can't help to wonder whether I have done enough, whether I have made the right decision, whether I am supporting them sufficiently, whether I am nurturing them right and thousands other questions in my mind right now...
I was raised by a very strict father in a very conservative manner. I was taught not to swear and to watch my words, to the point that I was apprehended by my dad for referring my mom as 'dia'. I was taught about the value of being a good Muslim and a good daughter. I remember yasin recital every Thursday night without fail, sembahyang berjemaah every night, and lots more. I was not allowed to go out with friends and deprived of junk foods as well. My dad still make it a point to give us tazkirah after prayers once a while when all the family gathered together. Yours truly is always the target because I still haven't covered my head till today (as you'd have guessed it, I don't really look forward to the tazkirah session by my dad. Am I being a bad mom here?)
I would like to think that I turned out good, thanks to my strict upbringing. But, no doubt I have done a lot of wrongs. Those that I regret and those that I think has made me learned life's lesson the hard way.
I try to duplicate what my parents did for me but in a different approach, not as strict as my dad but a bit more liberal. However, being a busy parent (although not an excuse), admittedly, I failed in so many ways. But to a certain extend, I think I did achieve what I hope to achieve so far. Instilling values that I been trying so hard to inculcate in them, alhamdulillah - both in their action and words.
On a lighter note, I still fail to get all my children to eat vege, get Ariana to drink more water, get Daniel to shower more often and get Kyle Harris to be a more physically active kid. I think the day that my kids started to love vege, I can hold a feast! But then again, I too didn't like vege until the age of 19.
Ariana is so much like my arwah grandma, she simply dislike drinking water. Much to the point that her lips are always dry. I have to coerce her into drinking water everyday. I tried everything from rewards to compliment to make her drink. My arwah gandma only drink an average of half a cup of water daily, this is no joke. She even took medicine without water coz she hated drinking water so much. I was the one who had to force her to drink. But she lived past 100 years and passed away in her sleep peacefully without any illnesses. I miss her so dearly. Sometimes, it makes me wonder whether all the benefits of drinking lots of water as claimed by doctors were actually true...
Daniel has started a new contest with papa this week - a la 'the biggest loser', to see who lost more weight every week. I hope this will encourage him to burn more fat. He is getting way too big for his age. I can't wait to see how he'd 'evolve' after he reached puberty. Like it or not it'll happen pretty soon. That my friend, will be another milestone for me - a son who has reached puberty, a teenager!! Just the thought of it gives me jitter. He signed up to represent his school in traditional dance today, which I laughed when he told me. I think that wasn't a very good move - the laugh that is. I should have supported him in everyway.
Kyle Harris had sports day in school today. I felt so bad coz I didn't attend the event. Am I being a bad mom today? I hope not. He participated in sukaneka and finished second. Congrats son! This boy really have lots of questions. Everyday he'll ask me plenty about my childhood, about science and about the universe. Some I didn't even know how to answer. But I did my very best to answer in a logical manner.
Sophie is learning to wave. Last night she almost succeeded in waving good bye to me. I was so happy to see her almost waving at me. But today she forgot about it. Never mind, there will always be tomorrow to learn new skill. She has started to move forward and sideways - I call this phase menyulur. Not crawling yet but moving like a worm. I love to see her move like that, cute as a bug.
On a totally different subject, I have been invited to an all ladies birthday party themed 'wet and wild' tonight at a neighbour's house. I have no clue what to wear. Help..!!!! Can I just go as I am? I think I might do just that.
Till next week my friends...I am taking the weekend off.
But I can't help to wonder whether I have done enough, whether I have made the right decision, whether I am supporting them sufficiently, whether I am nurturing them right and thousands other questions in my mind right now...
I was raised by a very strict father in a very conservative manner. I was taught not to swear and to watch my words, to the point that I was apprehended by my dad for referring my mom as 'dia'. I was taught about the value of being a good Muslim and a good daughter. I remember yasin recital every Thursday night without fail, sembahyang berjemaah every night, and lots more. I was not allowed to go out with friends and deprived of junk foods as well. My dad still make it a point to give us tazkirah after prayers once a while when all the family gathered together. Yours truly is always the target because I still haven't covered my head till today (as you'd have guessed it, I don't really look forward to the tazkirah session by my dad. Am I being a bad mom here?)
I would like to think that I turned out good, thanks to my strict upbringing. But, no doubt I have done a lot of wrongs. Those that I regret and those that I think has made me learned life's lesson the hard way.
I try to duplicate what my parents did for me but in a different approach, not as strict as my dad but a bit more liberal. However, being a busy parent (although not an excuse), admittedly, I failed in so many ways. But to a certain extend, I think I did achieve what I hope to achieve so far. Instilling values that I been trying so hard to inculcate in them, alhamdulillah - both in their action and words.
On a lighter note, I still fail to get all my children to eat vege, get Ariana to drink more water, get Daniel to shower more often and get Kyle Harris to be a more physically active kid. I think the day that my kids started to love vege, I can hold a feast! But then again, I too didn't like vege until the age of 19.
Ariana is so much like my arwah grandma, she simply dislike drinking water. Much to the point that her lips are always dry. I have to coerce her into drinking water everyday. I tried everything from rewards to compliment to make her drink. My arwah gandma only drink an average of half a cup of water daily, this is no joke. She even took medicine without water coz she hated drinking water so much. I was the one who had to force her to drink. But she lived past 100 years and passed away in her sleep peacefully without any illnesses. I miss her so dearly. Sometimes, it makes me wonder whether all the benefits of drinking lots of water as claimed by doctors were actually true...
Daniel has started a new contest with papa this week - a la 'the biggest loser', to see who lost more weight every week. I hope this will encourage him to burn more fat. He is getting way too big for his age. I can't wait to see how he'd 'evolve' after he reached puberty. Like it or not it'll happen pretty soon. That my friend, will be another milestone for me - a son who has reached puberty, a teenager!! Just the thought of it gives me jitter. He signed up to represent his school in traditional dance today, which I laughed when he told me. I think that wasn't a very good move - the laugh that is. I should have supported him in everyway.
Kyle Harris had sports day in school today. I felt so bad coz I didn't attend the event. Am I being a bad mom today? I hope not. He participated in sukaneka and finished second. Congrats son! This boy really have lots of questions. Everyday he'll ask me plenty about my childhood, about science and about the universe. Some I didn't even know how to answer. But I did my very best to answer in a logical manner.
Sophie is learning to wave. Last night she almost succeeded in waving good bye to me. I was so happy to see her almost waving at me. But today she forgot about it. Never mind, there will always be tomorrow to learn new skill. She has started to move forward and sideways - I call this phase menyulur. Not crawling yet but moving like a worm. I love to see her move like that, cute as a bug.
On a totally different subject, I have been invited to an all ladies birthday party themed 'wet and wild' tonight at a neighbour's house. I have no clue what to wear. Help..!!!! Can I just go as I am? I think I might do just that.
Till next week my friends...I am taking the weekend off.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
The quest for flawless complexion (part 2 - AG2000)
Yesterday marked 1 month anniversary of me using AG2000 in my effort to clear my pigmentation. So far so good. The pigmentation has significantly faded, but still visible nonetheless. At least, I can now confidently leave the house without the need to put on compact powder to cover my flawed skin, alhamdulillah.
After 1 month, I only consumed about a quarter tube of the night and day cream. They are both very thick so I need to use only a small amount each time. The cleanser however, ran out pretty fast. It took me only 3 weeks to finish a bottle. A bottle of cleanser cost RM58 each. But considering the positive effect of the product on my skin, I don't mind paying that much. Of course, compared to other international brands, it's still considered cheap by comparison.
If you've been following my blog, you'll know that I had a full blown chicken pox last year right after I delivered Sophie. The scars are very visible on my face. AG2000 doesn't seem to help reduce the scar, it only works on the pigmentation specifically.
I will continue to use the product and post another update on the 'progress' of my skin in a month time. I hope by then, my skin would be close enough to being flawless, insya-Allah.
After 1 month, I only consumed about a quarter tube of the night and day cream. They are both very thick so I need to use only a small amount each time. The cleanser however, ran out pretty fast. It took me only 3 weeks to finish a bottle. A bottle of cleanser cost RM58 each. But considering the positive effect of the product on my skin, I don't mind paying that much. Of course, compared to other international brands, it's still considered cheap by comparison.
If you've been following my blog, you'll know that I had a full blown chicken pox last year right after I delivered Sophie. The scars are very visible on my face. AG2000 doesn't seem to help reduce the scar, it only works on the pigmentation specifically.
I will continue to use the product and post another update on the 'progress' of my skin in a month time. I hope by then, my skin would be close enough to being flawless, insya-Allah.
Back to what I do best
I am in the mood to write today. I just got a shocking comment for my earlier post about keeping facebook politic-free. This is the kind of comment that I hope NOT to attract in my blog (it's published in the comment column for you to read). I'd like to keep it G-rated as I have kids reading my blog. So from now on, I vow to keep my blog politic-free and stick to what I do best - write about my experience of being a mother of 4 on a break.
My little sweet Pea is growing so fast. Of late she's been refusing to take her solid food (the blended stuff that I usually prepare for her). So a couple of days ago, I tried feeding her chicken porridge that I made for Ariana. She loved it. Then I tried feeding her weetameal cracker, she loved it too. From that day, I came to a conclusion that she prefers to eat food that she could chew on. So now, she's on a diet of porridge mix with chicken or cod fish and either potato, carrot and corn - a different mix everyday and no longer blended. She can take water in a tippy cup too.
Yesterday, I could already see 4 teeth impression in her gum - 2 on top gum and 2 on bottom gum (is this how you describe teeth? I don't know). I can see that they're coming out pretty soon. Once they do, I'll surely have a hard time breastfeeding her...oh dear. Any breastfeeding mothers would know that when the baby is teething they tend to bite you...ouch!
These days, I like to take her for a stroll in the evening. At the same time, I can get a good 30 minutes of brisk walk. She likes to look around and observe the environment. But, normally, halfway through, she'll fall asleep in her stroller.
Speaking of stroller, when I was shopping for one last year, I had a shock of my life to find strollers that cost more than RM4,000!! What, RM4K for a stroller? I could buy a motorbike with that much money. These so-called designer strollers are said to be made in Italy and come with a host of features and can carry the weight of 2 kids, impressive hah? I settled for a Chicco stroller at a fraction of the cost. I don't think I can ever part with RM4K just for a baby stroller. I would for a handbag though...hehehe.
Anyway, I can now tie her hair into a bun on top. She looks so adorable and look less like a boy. At 6-month old, I could already see her developing her personality. I wrote earlier in 'Nature vs Nurture' that it's a wonder that every kid developed into their own unique personality even though they are nurtured in the same way. Sophie for one, is beginning to show that she is quite a tough baby to please. If she refused to be fed even though it's time for her feeding, she'll kick and turn until she'll fell off my lap. If she didn't want to go to sleep yet, she'll scream at me when I tried to make her sleep. If she didn't like what we feed her, she'll scream too. I think this one will be a strong-opinionated person - a lady of steel, the opposite of Ariana who is more lady like, prim and proper type.
My little sweet Pea is growing so fast. Of late she's been refusing to take her solid food (the blended stuff that I usually prepare for her). So a couple of days ago, I tried feeding her chicken porridge that I made for Ariana. She loved it. Then I tried feeding her weetameal cracker, she loved it too. From that day, I came to a conclusion that she prefers to eat food that she could chew on. So now, she's on a diet of porridge mix with chicken or cod fish and either potato, carrot and corn - a different mix everyday and no longer blended. She can take water in a tippy cup too.
Yesterday, I could already see 4 teeth impression in her gum - 2 on top gum and 2 on bottom gum (is this how you describe teeth? I don't know). I can see that they're coming out pretty soon. Once they do, I'll surely have a hard time breastfeeding her...oh dear. Any breastfeeding mothers would know that when the baby is teething they tend to bite you...ouch!
These days, I like to take her for a stroll in the evening. At the same time, I can get a good 30 minutes of brisk walk. She likes to look around and observe the environment. But, normally, halfway through, she'll fall asleep in her stroller.
Speaking of stroller, when I was shopping for one last year, I had a shock of my life to find strollers that cost more than RM4,000!! What, RM4K for a stroller? I could buy a motorbike with that much money. These so-called designer strollers are said to be made in Italy and come with a host of features and can carry the weight of 2 kids, impressive hah? I settled for a Chicco stroller at a fraction of the cost. I don't think I can ever part with RM4K just for a baby stroller. I would for a handbag though...hehehe.
Anyway, I can now tie her hair into a bun on top. She looks so adorable and look less like a boy. At 6-month old, I could already see her developing her personality. I wrote earlier in 'Nature vs Nurture' that it's a wonder that every kid developed into their own unique personality even though they are nurtured in the same way. Sophie for one, is beginning to show that she is quite a tough baby to please. If she refused to be fed even though it's time for her feeding, she'll kick and turn until she'll fell off my lap. If she didn't want to go to sleep yet, she'll scream at me when I tried to make her sleep. If she didn't like what we feed her, she'll scream too. I think this one will be a strong-opinionated person - a lady of steel, the opposite of Ariana who is more lady like, prim and proper type.
It's always amazing to see your children growing. Daniel has developed a new crush for his classmate. A girl he called Q. This would be his second crush. I am really glad that he's sharing this with me. I would like to be an 'active participant' in his life for as long as I could. Although I do not support dating during school years, I am glad to offer tips so that he won't go overboard. His papa, on the other hand, is more than eager to share his own experience, which I beg to disagree.
Kyle Harris now claimed himself to be the king of tuna. His favourite food now is tuna. He eats tuna with everything and even tuna on it's own. He eats tuna everyday these days, no joke. He simply hates eating rice except if I cook a fish dish - a fish person, like daddy. He used to be a self profess king of bahulu. He has now passed the bahulu stage. He even said in his own words that he is no longer the king of baulu. He once ate 20 bahulu at one go. That's how much he used to love bahulu.
Ariana has started to compare what she has with her friends. The other day, she said she wanted a room like her friend's (a neighbour's daughter). I've never seen the room, so I don't know how it's like. She wants to go to Australia, Singapore and America for holidays. I don't know where she gets all these ideas from. Must be from friends at school.
Come to think of it, I think I was a lot more innocent when I was their age. I was still playing chase (I remember playing polis sentri, toi, aci ligan, masak-masak, zero point and what not) with boys until the age of 12, and I certainly didn't know that Australia, Singapore and America even existed when I was 5. I only knew Anuar and Elina's songs then. My kids now listen to music via youtube. Talk about generation gap huh.
Well, I guess we have to be in tune with our kids to keep abreast with their development these days. I say that's a one tough job to do.
Time for a minivan
I am at a crossroad where I desperately need a huge MPV or a minivan. With 4 kids and a maid, travelling in a sedan car is absolutely impossible. Yes, I am still driving a sedan car and my hubby too is still driving a 2-row 4WD. Funny eh? 4 years ago when we decided to get a new car to replace the old one, I wanted to get a 3-row MPV, a Toyota Wish to be exact. However, my beloved hubby was adamant to get a car that he's been wanting to get for a very long time. Being an obliging wife, I gave in. This was a rare occasion where my veto didn't work...sigh.
So now, 4 years later, we are facing a huge problem travelling. And I can't emphasise enough that we need a really huge car that can sit 7 passengers comfortably. I'm eyeing a new Estima or an Alphard as another alternative.
These days there are many varieties of MPVs that look impressive enough to be a house on the move for people with deep pockets. Gone were the days where Nissan Vannette and the likes were used as family transportation. It has been reduced to a van for contractors, handyman and small business owners. If it is still used as a family van, it'd be a much cheaper alternative.
I wish that I have the means to get one right now. Somehow, in the past, other things always come first, a bigger place to live, vacations and what not. Now, with only one income, we really have to think 10 times. First, we need to sell one car. And to do that during an economic downturn, chances are very very slim. So, we are pretty much stuck with our two 2-row cars.
Any mothers with more than 1 kid would know that travelling with kids in a car is closed to being in a nightmare, especially during long journey. More so when travelling in a cramped car. They will fight for their own space. And it would be a never ending story no matter how much you tell them off. Sometime, I just pretended to be deaf and hope they'll fall asleep fast. Only then I can enjoy the journey.
I can only hope that the next time we travel long distance, it'll be in a minivan. Insya-Allah...
So now, 4 years later, we are facing a huge problem travelling. And I can't emphasise enough that we need a really huge car that can sit 7 passengers comfortably. I'm eyeing a new Estima or an Alphard as another alternative.
These days there are many varieties of MPVs that look impressive enough to be a house on the move for people with deep pockets. Gone were the days where Nissan Vannette and the likes were used as family transportation. It has been reduced to a van for contractors, handyman and small business owners. If it is still used as a family van, it'd be a much cheaper alternative.
I wish that I have the means to get one right now. Somehow, in the past, other things always come first, a bigger place to live, vacations and what not. Now, with only one income, we really have to think 10 times. First, we need to sell one car. And to do that during an economic downturn, chances are very very slim. So, we are pretty much stuck with our two 2-row cars.
Any mothers with more than 1 kid would know that travelling with kids in a car is closed to being in a nightmare, especially during long journey. More so when travelling in a cramped car. They will fight for their own space. And it would be a never ending story no matter how much you tell them off. Sometime, I just pretended to be deaf and hope they'll fall asleep fast. Only then I can enjoy the journey.
I can only hope that the next time we travel long distance, it'll be in a minivan. Insya-Allah...
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Let's keep facebook politics-free
Gosh, I haven't updated my blog since Friday. I was simply too busy and a bit lethargic these days. All I wanna do is sleep and I have to try very very hard not to. I wonder why...I couldn't be pregnant again. The probability of me being pregnant is only 0.1%, according to my OBGYN. So that can't be it...
Anyway, a lot had happened since Friday - Earth Hour, the wrap up of UMNO general assembly, nomination day for the 3 by-elections, Malaysian won medals in a world cycling event and a few others that I can't remember at this point of time. Breastfeeding could drain your brain...hahaha.
The by-elections is garnering so much interest amongst Malaysians that it even invaded the Facebook. Much to the point that it makes me want to vomit. Last night I wrote this in my FB status "Azura says facebook should be a fun tool to get in touch with friends, not for one to promote his/her political agenda and provoke unnecessary reactions...PEACE people!" I had enough of reading things that I certainly feel not suitable for an average citizen like me. Why must they try to instill hatred in our heart??? Wake up people!!!
I thank God for what I have today - for living in a peaceful country and have enough food to feed my children. I was given the opportunity to study abroad and become what I am today - all because of the current system.
If you noticed, there is a certain type of people who like to instigate this type of sentiment. And they are usually in the left wing. This group of people will oppose everything and anything that is in the current system. I bet even if the opposition wiped out the next general election, this group of people will still be unsatisfied and they shall condemn the new government. Opposition is as opposition does... One cannot change one's lumrah I guess.
So, if you were in this group of people, please try to keep your sentiments to yourself or express your dissatisfaction through other channels - write your heart out in your blog, discuss it with your allies in mamak stall or whatever - but please keep facebook free of politics, don't make it look ugly because of your hatred towards certain quarters. And for that, I thank you my friend.
I say wake up people, look around you and be thankful.
Anyway, a lot had happened since Friday - Earth Hour, the wrap up of UMNO general assembly, nomination day for the 3 by-elections, Malaysian won medals in a world cycling event and a few others that I can't remember at this point of time. Breastfeeding could drain your brain...hahaha.
The by-elections is garnering so much interest amongst Malaysians that it even invaded the Facebook. Much to the point that it makes me want to vomit. Last night I wrote this in my FB status "Azura says facebook should be a fun tool to get in touch with friends, not for one to promote his/her political agenda and provoke unnecessary reactions...PEACE people!" I had enough of reading things that I certainly feel not suitable for an average citizen like me. Why must they try to instill hatred in our heart??? Wake up people!!!
I thank God for what I have today - for living in a peaceful country and have enough food to feed my children. I was given the opportunity to study abroad and become what I am today - all because of the current system.
If you noticed, there is a certain type of people who like to instigate this type of sentiment. And they are usually in the left wing. This group of people will oppose everything and anything that is in the current system. I bet even if the opposition wiped out the next general election, this group of people will still be unsatisfied and they shall condemn the new government. Opposition is as opposition does... One cannot change one's lumrah I guess.
So, if you were in this group of people, please try to keep your sentiments to yourself or express your dissatisfaction through other channels - write your heart out in your blog, discuss it with your allies in mamak stall or whatever - but please keep facebook free of politics, don't make it look ugly because of your hatred towards certain quarters. And for that, I thank you my friend.
I say wake up people, look around you and be thankful.
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