Again!! This time it's on the front page of Utusan's Mega. I've never ever bought Utusan before but for this time, I'm making an allowance for it.
Now, to walk or drive to the Mobil near the house. Hmmpphhh... I think I'll walk. Some exercise will do me good.. hehehhe...
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Saturday, January 21, 2006
I am So PISSED!
at MPPJ. Yupp that's right. Especially at their parking system. So, allow me to rant, aight..
Yesterday, after having a splendid lunch with Lin at Midvalley, we went to Victoria's Secret Warehouse Sale at PJ. I dragged Lin actually because I know she would want to go (she being a VS worshipper and all).
After navigating through roundabouts, small lanes, junctions and traffic lights, we finally made it to Jalan Tandang (that's where the warehouse sale was held). Parking was a breeze and I quickly found a spot right in front of the building where the sale was held.
The sale was quite a bargain. One VS bra for RM19.90 and 5 VS panties for RM 10!! Their lingerie were going at RM20/2 pieces. There were Nike Dry-Fits for RM39 a pop. Levi's jeans going at RM 39/pair. Shirts by Billabong, CK and DKNY. I was quite disappointed with their Osh Kosh selections. They were only selling OK jeans for ages 6 and above and they weren't even nice.
Opppsss... I digressed.
So, after happily paying for our stuffs we headed towards my car and what should I see... but a guy in a blue shirt with a gadget in his hand standing in front of my car. I was shocked! I quickly ran towards him while waving at him frantically to let him know that I am coming, leaving poor clueless Zareef with Lin. But that guy boleh buat tak paham je and terus print out a tiket and tucked in behind the wipers.
I almost fainted when I saw the amount. It was RM 100!! Bloody hell!!! I could buy 5 VS bras with that kind of money. I argued with that guy
"Encik... takde signboard pun tulis kena bayar parking". Which is very true! I looked everywhere for a signboard. There weren't one in sight on the side of the road that we parked and even on the opposite side.
"Ada, tu kat sana"
"Mana?"
"Tu bawah pokok sana"
"Laaa... mana nak nampak. Saya carik parking meter yang kita masukkan syilings tuh".
"Sini takde. Awak kena bayar kat orang bawah payung tuh".
"Mana saya nak tau. Kalau ada signboard kat sini or kat sana, dah lama saya bayar parking". And I pointed out to him that there weren't any signs whatsoever indicating that you have to pay for parking within 100 m radius of my car.
"Saya tak boleh buat apa. Saya dah print tiket so tak boleh cancel. Kalau awak nak komplen, pegi buat rayuan kat kaunter. Saya tukang check parking je".
"Mana boleh camni. MPPJ tak letak pun sign suruh bayar kat area sini. Tiba-tiba datang nak saman je".
"Orang kat sini sumer tau kena bayar parking camne awak boleh tak tau?"
"Saya bukan orang sini. Ini first time saya datang sini. Mana nak tau kena bayar parking kalau takde signboard or parking meter tempat masukkan syiling tuh! Kalau MPPJ letak signboard kat setiap block, mestila saya bayar. Takkan saya nak kena saman saja2 pulak. Ingat saya bodoh ke!" (Time ni aku dah hot sangat2!!)
"Awak jangan komplen kat saya. Awak pegi komplen kat kaunter". And he walked off!!! Boleh tak?!!
I was so angry at that time I couldn't help myself that I had to let out "Eiiii... fucked up giler la!!" to which he turned and gave me a venomous glare. Arghhh... lantak ko la nak tengok tapi MPPJ punya salah la. Sape suruh tak letak signboards terang2 kat every blocks!!! I would have paid you know! I'm a law-abiding citizen and takkan la aku nak free2 bagi duit kat MPPJ pulak. BodoohhhSSS!!!
Just to prove my point that MPPJ were careless in putting up signboards notifying the public to pay for their parking, I drove the whole stretch of Jalan Tandang. Guess what... for the whole stretch that was about 2 km long, there were only 2 signboards! 2!!!! And what makes my blood boil was that the place to pay for your parking was to a guy sitting under an umbrella who was in plain clothes at the start of Jalan Tandang. Mana la aku nak tau kat situ kena bayar parking. Ingatkan mamat mana la jual goreng pisang kat situ. At least, do wear the proper official uniform or put up a proper sign la. Ini tak. Memang saje nak mengenakan orang! And what if those who came and parked their cars at the very end of Jalan Tandang, takkan nak kena jalan all the way up front to pay. These MPPJ parking people can be so stupid sometimes that it's almost unbelievable!!
I was so fucking mad that I drove straight to MPPJ. I was lucky as they weren't close yet. I parked while Lin went to find the counter to pay for the fine. She, as me argued too.
"Ramai betul orang kena saman kat Jalan Tandang hari nih"
"Ye lah, orang ramai pegi sale kat situ. Sumer orang luar. Mana nak tau kena bayar parking. Kenapa tak letak signboard terang2 so that orang tau kat situ kena bayar kat orang bawah payung. Dah la tak pakai proper uniforms."
"Ohh... tu la satu kelemahan MPPJ." Goodness!! Is that all that she can come up with??
"Banyak la ye dapat untung hari nih. Kalau dah tau ada kelemahan, improve la. Letak signboard banyak2. Ni kat sepanjang jalan tu ada 2 signboard je. Jauh2 pulak tu. Kalau macam saya parking kat tengah2, tak tau pun kena bayar parking. Buat la pondok bayaran kat situ yg betul2. Tulis besar2 'PONDOK BAYARAN LETAK KERETA MPPJ' kan senang."
"Cepat la bayar. Kaunter pun nak tutup." She dah malas nak layan la tuh.
"Berapa kena bayar? Tak boleh kurang ke?"
"Paling kurang saya boleh bagi RM 30 je. Kurang daripada tuh, nanti saya yang kena bayar". Wah Wah Wah... minah ni perli balik pulak.
Lin paid and we walked off. She insisted that she pay half of the fine as she too were there to shop. Syukur Alhamdulillah dapat member camni.
So there. I've ranted. So to anyone who is working at MPPJ, please do improve on your parking signages especially along the roads near the industrial area. It is such a simple yet effective thing to do. I will definitely come back in 6 months' time to see if you've done so. If you haven't, then it proves that you are just out to get at the innocent public! No?
Yesterday, after having a splendid lunch with Lin at Midvalley, we went to Victoria's Secret Warehouse Sale at PJ. I dragged Lin actually because I know she would want to go (she being a VS worshipper and all).
After navigating through roundabouts, small lanes, junctions and traffic lights, we finally made it to Jalan Tandang (that's where the warehouse sale was held). Parking was a breeze and I quickly found a spot right in front of the building where the sale was held.
The sale was quite a bargain. One VS bra for RM19.90 and 5 VS panties for RM 10!! Their lingerie were going at RM20/2 pieces. There were Nike Dry-Fits for RM39 a pop. Levi's jeans going at RM 39/pair. Shirts by Billabong, CK and DKNY. I was quite disappointed with their Osh Kosh selections. They were only selling OK jeans for ages 6 and above and they weren't even nice.
Opppsss... I digressed.
So, after happily paying for our stuffs we headed towards my car and what should I see... but a guy in a blue shirt with a gadget in his hand standing in front of my car. I was shocked! I quickly ran towards him while waving at him frantically to let him know that I am coming, leaving poor clueless Zareef with Lin. But that guy boleh buat tak paham je and terus print out a tiket and tucked in behind the wipers.
I almost fainted when I saw the amount. It was RM 100!! Bloody hell!!! I could buy 5 VS bras with that kind of money. I argued with that guy
"Encik... takde signboard pun tulis kena bayar parking". Which is very true! I looked everywhere for a signboard. There weren't one in sight on the side of the road that we parked and even on the opposite side.
"Ada, tu kat sana"
"Mana?"
"Tu bawah pokok sana"
"Laaa... mana nak nampak. Saya carik parking meter yang kita masukkan syilings tuh".
"Sini takde. Awak kena bayar kat orang bawah payung tuh".
"Mana saya nak tau. Kalau ada signboard kat sini or kat sana, dah lama saya bayar parking". And I pointed out to him that there weren't any signs whatsoever indicating that you have to pay for parking within 100 m radius of my car.
"Saya tak boleh buat apa. Saya dah print tiket so tak boleh cancel. Kalau awak nak komplen, pegi buat rayuan kat kaunter. Saya tukang check parking je".
"Mana boleh camni. MPPJ tak letak pun sign suruh bayar kat area sini. Tiba-tiba datang nak saman je".
"Orang kat sini sumer tau kena bayar parking camne awak boleh tak tau?"
"Saya bukan orang sini. Ini first time saya datang sini. Mana nak tau kena bayar parking kalau takde signboard or parking meter tempat masukkan syiling tuh! Kalau MPPJ letak signboard kat setiap block, mestila saya bayar. Takkan saya nak kena saman saja2 pulak. Ingat saya bodoh ke!" (Time ni aku dah hot sangat2!!)
"Awak jangan komplen kat saya. Awak pegi komplen kat kaunter". And he walked off!!! Boleh tak?!!
I was so angry at that time I couldn't help myself that I had to let out "Eiiii... fucked up giler la!!" to which he turned and gave me a venomous glare. Arghhh... lantak ko la nak tengok tapi MPPJ punya salah la. Sape suruh tak letak signboards terang2 kat every blocks!!! I would have paid you know! I'm a law-abiding citizen and takkan la aku nak free2 bagi duit kat MPPJ pulak. BodoohhhSSS!!!
Just to prove my point that MPPJ were careless in putting up signboards notifying the public to pay for their parking, I drove the whole stretch of Jalan Tandang. Guess what... for the whole stretch that was about 2 km long, there were only 2 signboards! 2!!!! And what makes my blood boil was that the place to pay for your parking was to a guy sitting under an umbrella who was in plain clothes at the start of Jalan Tandang. Mana la aku nak tau kat situ kena bayar parking. Ingatkan mamat mana la jual goreng pisang kat situ. At least, do wear the proper official uniform or put up a proper sign la. Ini tak. Memang saje nak mengenakan orang! And what if those who came and parked their cars at the very end of Jalan Tandang, takkan nak kena jalan all the way up front to pay. These MPPJ parking people can be so stupid sometimes that it's almost unbelievable!!
I was so fucking mad that I drove straight to MPPJ. I was lucky as they weren't close yet. I parked while Lin went to find the counter to pay for the fine. She, as me argued too.
"Ramai betul orang kena saman kat Jalan Tandang hari nih"
"Ye lah, orang ramai pegi sale kat situ. Sumer orang luar. Mana nak tau kena bayar parking. Kenapa tak letak signboard terang2 so that orang tau kat situ kena bayar kat orang bawah payung. Dah la tak pakai proper uniforms."
"Ohh... tu la satu kelemahan MPPJ." Goodness!! Is that all that she can come up with??
"Banyak la ye dapat untung hari nih. Kalau dah tau ada kelemahan, improve la. Letak signboard banyak2. Ni kat sepanjang jalan tu ada 2 signboard je. Jauh2 pulak tu. Kalau macam saya parking kat tengah2, tak tau pun kena bayar parking. Buat la pondok bayaran kat situ yg betul2. Tulis besar2 'PONDOK BAYARAN LETAK KERETA MPPJ' kan senang."
"Cepat la bayar. Kaunter pun nak tutup." She dah malas nak layan la tuh.
"Berapa kena bayar? Tak boleh kurang ke?"
"Paling kurang saya boleh bagi RM 30 je. Kurang daripada tuh, nanti saya yang kena bayar". Wah Wah Wah... minah ni perli balik pulak.
Lin paid and we walked off. She insisted that she pay half of the fine as she too were there to shop. Syukur Alhamdulillah dapat member camni.
So there. I've ranted. So to anyone who is working at MPPJ, please do improve on your parking signages especially along the roads near the industrial area. It is such a simple yet effective thing to do. I will definitely come back in 6 months' time to see if you've done so. If you haven't, then it proves that you are just out to get at the innocent public! No?
Monday, January 16, 2006
The TOUGHEST Decision Ever!
I have made some hard and tough decisions in my life but all are pale in comparison to this particular one.
Like the time I decided to switch from A-Levels to doing an American degree thus breaching a scholarship agreement. That was a no brainer. I had the time of my life in the states and managed to score an engineering degree from a top university with a CGPA that I'm very proud of (goshhh... I'm sounding rather vain here, aren't I?)
Then there was this one time when I decided to call it quits at my company where I had to serve 10 years because I put family first before my employer by following B to the UK. That was a hell to pay but Alhamdulillah, I persevered and so did my family.
Now... this is the damnedest of them all. Even B can't decide. We've slept, ate, drove, walked, scoured and prayed on it only to be still stumped by it.
I have to make a decision by 1 pm today or else, it'll be gone. Someone else will eventually get it. It's all about the future roof that we're going to put on our heads. It's no joke man! Buying a property that is.
When we got back 5 weeks ago, we've scouted and turned every single new housing development within 20 miles radius of UPM upside down starting from day 4. Us, being the fussy ones, will always find fault with the development i.e. it's near a power line, near a landfill, near the pasar borong, next to the main road and so on. Until we've seen one particular housing estate, there were very few that met our unforgiving requirements. But now, we have two! Tu yang makan tak kenyang, mandi basah sikit2 je and tidur tak lena (this one literally happened to me because when I woke up yesterday morning, I had a really throbbing headache just dreaming about the two houses).
Unable to decide for ourselves, I dragged my parents to see the two houses yesterday to show them the confusion that has boiled up and the state of predicament that we're in.
HOUSE 1:
-Freehold, 22 x 75, 4 bed 3 bath, odd end lot with 8 ft of extra land at the side and huge space at the back of the house courtesy of Majlis Daerah Sepang where we can convert it to our own open backyard if we want to, open space plan, on a bukit, lots of parking space for guests if we ever hold a kenduri or open house, a safety bumper right outside the gate so I know for sure that cars will be slowing down, requires lots of time, energy and money on renovation and beautifying the extra land.
HOUSE 2:
-Leasehold, 20 x 100, 4 bed 3 bath, intermediate with only 5 feet at the back and a seciput garden up front, very open space plan to which I have to use my innovative and creative mind to create depth in the house, gated community, well designed gardens and good future plans of facilities and infrastructure, 24 hrs security which I have to pay RM 80 every month, not much of a parking space for visitors, it's situated near a cul-de-sac which is good as I don't have to worry about cars ramming through at high speed, no renovation required on the outside and just a seciput garden to maintain.
Huarrghhhh... now I really feel totally and utterly confused. I love house 1 because of the extra land and it's a freehold. Period. But I also love house 2 because the built-up area is 2800 sq ft. The living and dining is so huge that Zareef can cruise in his Peg-Perego without any obstruction plus I just love that the master bedroom is humongous but the downside of it is it's a leasehold. Price wise, house 2 is cheaper by 3k which doesn't contribute to the decision-making factor.
Arghhhh... decision, decision,decision. Please God... give me a sign. Any sign to make it easier for me to decide.
___________________________________________________________________
It's 4.25 pm now. A decision has been made about the house that we'll be purchasing and call it Home. I would like to thank Nong, Lara and Along profusely for providing me with valuable insights, point of views, input and key questions that has made this decision possible (on my part as I couldn't decide which house to go with in the first place).
B and I have decided to go with House 1. Phewwww... I'm so glad that this is soooo over. No more heavy clouds over my head. B is at the sales office now paying the booking fees of 3k. Then, we'll have to come up with the downpayment in 30 days time. Gulp!!
The CF for our Home will be out by end of this month. So, maybe just maybe, we'll be able to move in by March (wishful thinking, Nora!). So now, I would have to save every single sen for the Home. And I mean it! No more shopping sprees (Oh help me God!!), eating out lavishly, spur of the moment purchases. Nothing! Nada! Zilch!
So B, congratulations on our newest purchase. May we live long, happy and prosperous in our new Home.
Like the time I decided to switch from A-Levels to doing an American degree thus breaching a scholarship agreement. That was a no brainer. I had the time of my life in the states and managed to score an engineering degree from a top university with a CGPA that I'm very proud of (goshhh... I'm sounding rather vain here, aren't I?)
Then there was this one time when I decided to call it quits at my company where I had to serve 10 years because I put family first before my employer by following B to the UK. That was a hell to pay but Alhamdulillah, I persevered and so did my family.
Now... this is the damnedest of them all. Even B can't decide. We've slept, ate, drove, walked, scoured and prayed on it only to be still stumped by it.
I have to make a decision by 1 pm today or else, it'll be gone. Someone else will eventually get it. It's all about the future roof that we're going to put on our heads. It's no joke man! Buying a property that is.
When we got back 5 weeks ago, we've scouted and turned every single new housing development within 20 miles radius of UPM upside down starting from day 4. Us, being the fussy ones, will always find fault with the development i.e. it's near a power line, near a landfill, near the pasar borong, next to the main road and so on. Until we've seen one particular housing estate, there were very few that met our unforgiving requirements. But now, we have two! Tu yang makan tak kenyang, mandi basah sikit2 je and tidur tak lena (this one literally happened to me because when I woke up yesterday morning, I had a really throbbing headache just dreaming about the two houses).
Unable to decide for ourselves, I dragged my parents to see the two houses yesterday to show them the confusion that has boiled up and the state of predicament that we're in.
HOUSE 1:
-Freehold, 22 x 75, 4 bed 3 bath, odd end lot with 8 ft of extra land at the side and huge space at the back of the house courtesy of Majlis Daerah Sepang where we can convert it to our own open backyard if we want to, open space plan, on a bukit, lots of parking space for guests if we ever hold a kenduri or open house, a safety bumper right outside the gate so I know for sure that cars will be slowing down, requires lots of time, energy and money on renovation and beautifying the extra land.
HOUSE 2:
-Leasehold, 20 x 100, 4 bed 3 bath, intermediate with only 5 feet at the back and a seciput garden up front, very open space plan to which I have to use my innovative and creative mind to create depth in the house, gated community, well designed gardens and good future plans of facilities and infrastructure, 24 hrs security which I have to pay RM 80 every month, not much of a parking space for visitors, it's situated near a cul-de-sac which is good as I don't have to worry about cars ramming through at high speed, no renovation required on the outside and just a seciput garden to maintain.
Huarrghhhh... now I really feel totally and utterly confused. I love house 1 because of the extra land and it's a freehold. Period. But I also love house 2 because the built-up area is 2800 sq ft. The living and dining is so huge that Zareef can cruise in his Peg-Perego without any obstruction plus I just love that the master bedroom is humongous but the downside of it is it's a leasehold. Price wise, house 2 is cheaper by 3k which doesn't contribute to the decision-making factor.
Arghhhh... decision, decision,decision. Please God... give me a sign. Any sign to make it easier for me to decide.
___________________________________________________________________
It's 4.25 pm now. A decision has been made about the house that we'll be purchasing and call it Home. I would like to thank Nong, Lara and Along profusely for providing me with valuable insights, point of views, input and key questions that has made this decision possible (on my part as I couldn't decide which house to go with in the first place).
B and I have decided to go with House 1. Phewwww... I'm so glad that this is soooo over. No more heavy clouds over my head. B is at the sales office now paying the booking fees of 3k. Then, we'll have to come up with the downpayment in 30 days time. Gulp!!
The CF for our Home will be out by end of this month. So, maybe just maybe, we'll be able to move in by March (wishful thinking, Nora!). So now, I would have to save every single sen for the Home. And I mean it! No more shopping sprees (Oh help me God!!), eating out lavishly, spur of the moment purchases. Nothing! Nada! Zilch!
So B, congratulations on our newest purchase. May we live long, happy and prosperous in our new Home.
Friday, December 02, 2005
Leaving On A Jet Plane
Leaving On A Jet Plane
by: Peter Paul and Mary
All my bags are packed
I'm ready to go
I'm standing here outside your door
I hate to wake you up to say goodbye
But the dawn is breaking, it's early morn
Taxi's waitinHe's blowing his horn
Already I'm so lonesome I could die
So kiss me and smile for me
Tell me that you'll wait for me
Hold me like you'll never let me go
I'm leaving, on a jet plane
I don't know when I'll be back again
Oh babe, I hate to go... hate to go
There's so many times I've let you down
So many times I've played around
Now you know, they don't mean a thing
Every place I go I'll think of you
Every song I sing, I sing for you
When I come back, I'll wear your wedding ring
So kiss me and smile for me
Tell me that you'll wait for me
Hold me like you'll never let me go
I'm leavin on a jet plane
Don't know when I'll be back again
Oh babe I hate to go...hate to go
Now the time has come to leave you
One more time, oh let me kiss you
Then close your eyes, I'll be on my way
Dream about the days to come
And I won't have to leave alone
About the time's when I won't have to say..
Kiss me and smile for me
Tell me that you'll wait for me
Hold me like you'll never let me go
I'm leaving on a jet plane
Don't know when I'll be back again
oh babe, I hate to go
Leaving on a jet planeI
don't know when I'll be back again
oh babe I hate to go
I'm Leaving on a jet plane,
Leaving on a jet plane,
leaving on a jet plane...yeah
Yes people.... our tickets have been confirmed. We've even gotten our tickets via the travel agent at the Loughborough Union. The travel agent that deals for UPM apparently had overcharged Zareef's ticket to be RM12,000 while ours were just RM3,000 a pop. UPM was a bit reluctant in paying because of the 12k. In the end, B and I decided to buy our own tickets and will claim it later from UPM's bursar, with the consent of them, of course. It came to a total of about RM 8k just for the three of us, taxes included. Apalah punya travel agent. Tau la depa nak komisyen. But kok ye pun, distribute la sket the amount tu. Nih, selonggok depa charge kat tiket Zareef. Unreasonable betul!
A lot of my friends over here kept on saying to us, "Bestnya dah nak balik". Truthfully, I'm not that excited to go home despite being away for 3.5 years. I'm quite sad actually. If given the chance, I would really love to stay here longer but not forever though.
I would definitely miss this place a lot! I would miss the shopping excursions, car boots, trips to town alone, the quiet quality of life that the three of us went through together and the wonderful, wonderful friends that we've made and foster along the years that have become part of our big family here in Loughborough and the fact that we're on our own making our decisions independent from outside influences.
What I fear most about going home is trying to find a job. I've been away from the working scene for so long that I've forgotten how it was when I left it. Joining the rat race and competing with bright-eyed young graduates gives me the creeps because my engineering skills are rusty almost to the point of being unsalvageable.
If possible, I would love to be a stay-at-home-mom but I know with the current influx in the cost of living especially in the city, that is most impossible. Like B said, "If you don't work, we won't be able to buy the house of your dreams or even your favorite car for that matter". Aiyaaaa....
I'll be arriving at KLIA on Sunday at 6.30 pm. My brother will be picking us up in his Naza Ria (I specifically asked him because of his huge car capacity) and straight home to my parents' place in Klang where my family and B's will be congegrating. I've called my mom and asked her to prepare our favorite sambal goreng, yong tau foo (yg ni dah 3.5 tahun tak makan wooo...) and KFC. Laugh all you want people, but these delicacies have been on the top of my mental food list for so long that I'll salivate everytime I even think about it.
Give us a week to settle down (we'll be at my mom's place till we get a place to call our own) and after that, we're good to go. I'll be out and about meeting everyone and trying to gorge like a pig. Anyone care to join me?
So, this chapter of my life is officially closed now. Today's the last day for Zareef at his playgroup. I even got Zareef a thank-you card for him to give to his teachers. B is meeting up with his supervisor to hand in his hard-bounded thesis and also to bid his supervisor farewell and to give him a farewell gift that was specially flown in from Malaysia. And me, tears are rolling fast down my cheeks as I type this because I really don't want to go home.
This is me, checking out. Till we meet again in Malaysia, this place that I've called home will always hold a special and meaningful place in my heart and fondly remembered. Adios....
by: Peter Paul and Mary
All my bags are packed
I'm ready to go
I'm standing here outside your door
I hate to wake you up to say goodbye
But the dawn is breaking, it's early morn
Taxi's waitinHe's blowing his horn
Already I'm so lonesome I could die
So kiss me and smile for me
Tell me that you'll wait for me
Hold me like you'll never let me go
I'm leaving, on a jet plane
I don't know when I'll be back again
Oh babe, I hate to go... hate to go
There's so many times I've let you down
So many times I've played around
Now you know, they don't mean a thing
Every place I go I'll think of you
Every song I sing, I sing for you
When I come back, I'll wear your wedding ring
So kiss me and smile for me
Tell me that you'll wait for me
Hold me like you'll never let me go
I'm leavin on a jet plane
Don't know when I'll be back again
Oh babe I hate to go...hate to go
Now the time has come to leave you
One more time, oh let me kiss you
Then close your eyes, I'll be on my way
Dream about the days to come
And I won't have to leave alone
About the time's when I won't have to say..
Kiss me and smile for me
Tell me that you'll wait for me
Hold me like you'll never let me go
I'm leaving on a jet plane
Don't know when I'll be back again
oh babe, I hate to go
Leaving on a jet planeI
don't know when I'll be back again
oh babe I hate to go
I'm Leaving on a jet plane,
Leaving on a jet plane,
leaving on a jet plane...yeah
Yes people.... our tickets have been confirmed. We've even gotten our tickets via the travel agent at the Loughborough Union. The travel agent that deals for UPM apparently had overcharged Zareef's ticket to be RM12,000 while ours were just RM3,000 a pop. UPM was a bit reluctant in paying because of the 12k. In the end, B and I decided to buy our own tickets and will claim it later from UPM's bursar, with the consent of them, of course. It came to a total of about RM 8k just for the three of us, taxes included. Apalah punya travel agent. Tau la depa nak komisyen. But kok ye pun, distribute la sket the amount tu. Nih, selonggok depa charge kat tiket Zareef. Unreasonable betul!
A lot of my friends over here kept on saying to us, "Bestnya dah nak balik". Truthfully, I'm not that excited to go home despite being away for 3.5 years. I'm quite sad actually. If given the chance, I would really love to stay here longer but not forever though.
I would definitely miss this place a lot! I would miss the shopping excursions, car boots, trips to town alone, the quiet quality of life that the three of us went through together and the wonderful, wonderful friends that we've made and foster along the years that have become part of our big family here in Loughborough and the fact that we're on our own making our decisions independent from outside influences.
What I fear most about going home is trying to find a job. I've been away from the working scene for so long that I've forgotten how it was when I left it. Joining the rat race and competing with bright-eyed young graduates gives me the creeps because my engineering skills are rusty almost to the point of being unsalvageable.
If possible, I would love to be a stay-at-home-mom but I know with the current influx in the cost of living especially in the city, that is most impossible. Like B said, "If you don't work, we won't be able to buy the house of your dreams or even your favorite car for that matter". Aiyaaaa....
I'll be arriving at KLIA on Sunday at 6.30 pm. My brother will be picking us up in his Naza Ria (I specifically asked him because of his huge car capacity) and straight home to my parents' place in Klang where my family and B's will be congegrating. I've called my mom and asked her to prepare our favorite sambal goreng, yong tau foo (yg ni dah 3.5 tahun tak makan wooo...) and KFC. Laugh all you want people, but these delicacies have been on the top of my mental food list for so long that I'll salivate everytime I even think about it.
Give us a week to settle down (we'll be at my mom's place till we get a place to call our own) and after that, we're good to go. I'll be out and about meeting everyone and trying to gorge like a pig. Anyone care to join me?
So, this chapter of my life is officially closed now. Today's the last day for Zareef at his playgroup. I even got Zareef a thank-you card for him to give to his teachers. B is meeting up with his supervisor to hand in his hard-bounded thesis and also to bid his supervisor farewell and to give him a farewell gift that was specially flown in from Malaysia. And me, tears are rolling fast down my cheeks as I type this because I really don't want to go home.
This is me, checking out. Till we meet again in Malaysia, this place that I've called home will always hold a special and meaningful place in my heart and fondly remembered. Adios....
Monday, November 28, 2005
A Little Bit of Everything
I know... I know... I've been neglecting this blog of mine again. So, here goes a round of updates.
1) We are cleaning the house and packing our stuffs furiously because... we're going home next Saturday. Yupp, folks! Finally, the time has come for us to bid farewell to this land that I've called home for the past 3.5 years. Seriously, it's no joke trying to spring clean our abode despite it being a tiny two-bedroom, 1 bath house. I have to sort out which goes to our friends, which goes to charity and which goes to the dumpster. Talk about being a hoarder!! And did I forget to include the food that I have to wade through??!!! My goodness!! I didn't realize that I've been hording packets and tins of food which quarter of them expired nearly two years ago!
2) I'm quite worried and feeling a wee bit apprehensive about Zareef going through a 13-hour flight. He has never been on a long-haul flight before and this being his first, will be quite an adventure for us all. We'll see how it goes. Any advice out there on how to handle a toddler on his first ever long haul flight? I've received some valuable advice from Rini. Thanks dear!
3) I've been telling Zareef about our journey to Malaysia which is coming up real soon. I told him that we'll be going home to Malaysia and this is what he said:
"Bukan... ni home kita. Kita nak go to Malaysia for holiday. And then, kita come back home here and Zareef have to go to school" while shaking his head indignantly.
Oh dear! With that reply, I'm pretty sure that Zareef will be asking when are we going home in no time at all. Just like the time when we went to stay at Bogo's and Fern's place. The first night that we were there, he was howling like mad wanting to go home. He didn't understand the concept of staying over. After what seemed like an eternity, he finally gave in and cried himself to sleep after we promised him a train ride to London.
4) I've taken out my IUD last Thursday. The gynae was bewildered as to why am I taking it out after just having it put in for only 6 months when the thing has a life expectancy of 5 years. All I could say was, "I've some change in plans. Plus, my son will be 4 years old next year. So, I'd really like for him to have a sibling by that time". Without further adieu, she crank me wide and pulled out the IUD. This time, it was smooth sailing and painless. Phewww... what a relief!
5) We have yet to receive confirmation from UPM regarding our tickets. Yikes! And we're going home this Saturday! Apa la yang lambat sangat ni!!
6) I've put up a mental list of things that I want to eat when I get back home. At the top of my list is whalloping Japanese food!!! Yes people, I know it sounds weird but it's so expensive to buy Japanese food here unless you have an income of 40k per year like one person I know, then, it's a big whack to the wallet if you plan to eat out at any Japanese restaurants here. I'm dying and itching to walk into Ichiban and eat to my heart's content. Anyone up for Japanese food with whales to the likes of B and I? Oh... and Zareef included. He's an avid sushi eater. I'm proud to say that my son can eat through 6 pieces of sushi that I make in one single seating which is quite a lot for a 3 year old, I must say.
7) I can't wait to meet up with relatives and friends whom I've not met for 3.5 years. One thing for sure, they'll be extremely surprice to see me because I have grown horizontally quite a bit during this long absence. So people, I know I'm fat but please, please, please don't remind me of that. It really hurts especially when I'm doing my best to reduce my supersize. Just be happy to see me and talk to me ya! I know my relatives won't keep their mouth shut. I know that they'll say, "Eeeee... gemuk nya Nora!!! Banyak sangat makan la nih" like the many times that I can remember since forever. When I was scrawny (this was like aeons ago when I was in SSP), they'd go "Eeeeee... kurusnya Nora!!! Sekolah tak bagi makan cukup ke?" Ishhhh... gemuk pun salah, kurus pun salah! That is why, I always dread going back to my dad's kampung in Johor. They just don't have the courtesy to be courteous. Shesshhhh... some people!!! How they can be so heartless is beyond me. And yet they claim to be close relatives of mine when the fact is, every single word that comes out of their mouth are like daggers cutting deep into my heart.
8) This will be my second last post before I fly home. I'll write again once our tickets have been confirmed, which sadly to say, isn't today.
1) We are cleaning the house and packing our stuffs furiously because... we're going home next Saturday. Yupp, folks! Finally, the time has come for us to bid farewell to this land that I've called home for the past 3.5 years. Seriously, it's no joke trying to spring clean our abode despite it being a tiny two-bedroom, 1 bath house. I have to sort out which goes to our friends, which goes to charity and which goes to the dumpster. Talk about being a hoarder!! And did I forget to include the food that I have to wade through??!!! My goodness!! I didn't realize that I've been hording packets and tins of food which quarter of them expired nearly two years ago!
2) I'm quite worried and feeling a wee bit apprehensive about Zareef going through a 13-hour flight. He has never been on a long-haul flight before and this being his first, will be quite an adventure for us all. We'll see how it goes. Any advice out there on how to handle a toddler on his first ever long haul flight? I've received some valuable advice from Rini. Thanks dear!
3) I've been telling Zareef about our journey to Malaysia which is coming up real soon. I told him that we'll be going home to Malaysia and this is what he said:
"Bukan... ni home kita. Kita nak go to Malaysia for holiday. And then, kita come back home here and Zareef have to go to school" while shaking his head indignantly.
Oh dear! With that reply, I'm pretty sure that Zareef will be asking when are we going home in no time at all. Just like the time when we went to stay at Bogo's and Fern's place. The first night that we were there, he was howling like mad wanting to go home. He didn't understand the concept of staying over. After what seemed like an eternity, he finally gave in and cried himself to sleep after we promised him a train ride to London.
4) I've taken out my IUD last Thursday. The gynae was bewildered as to why am I taking it out after just having it put in for only 6 months when the thing has a life expectancy of 5 years. All I could say was, "I've some change in plans. Plus, my son will be 4 years old next year. So, I'd really like for him to have a sibling by that time". Without further adieu, she crank me wide and pulled out the IUD. This time, it was smooth sailing and painless. Phewww... what a relief!
5) We have yet to receive confirmation from UPM regarding our tickets. Yikes! And we're going home this Saturday! Apa la yang lambat sangat ni!!
6) I've put up a mental list of things that I want to eat when I get back home. At the top of my list is whalloping Japanese food!!! Yes people, I know it sounds weird but it's so expensive to buy Japanese food here unless you have an income of 40k per year like one person I know, then, it's a big whack to the wallet if you plan to eat out at any Japanese restaurants here. I'm dying and itching to walk into Ichiban and eat to my heart's content. Anyone up for Japanese food with whales to the likes of B and I? Oh... and Zareef included. He's an avid sushi eater. I'm proud to say that my son can eat through 6 pieces of sushi that I make in one single seating which is quite a lot for a 3 year old, I must say.
7) I can't wait to meet up with relatives and friends whom I've not met for 3.5 years. One thing for sure, they'll be extremely surprice to see me because I have grown horizontally quite a bit during this long absence. So people, I know I'm fat but please, please, please don't remind me of that. It really hurts especially when I'm doing my best to reduce my supersize. Just be happy to see me and talk to me ya! I know my relatives won't keep their mouth shut. I know that they'll say, "Eeeee... gemuk nya Nora!!! Banyak sangat makan la nih" like the many times that I can remember since forever. When I was scrawny (this was like aeons ago when I was in SSP), they'd go "Eeeeee... kurusnya Nora!!! Sekolah tak bagi makan cukup ke?" Ishhhh... gemuk pun salah, kurus pun salah! That is why, I always dread going back to my dad's kampung in Johor. They just don't have the courtesy to be courteous. Shesshhhh... some people!!! How they can be so heartless is beyond me. And yet they claim to be close relatives of mine when the fact is, every single word that comes out of their mouth are like daggers cutting deep into my heart.
8) This will be my second last post before I fly home. I'll write again once our tickets have been confirmed, which sadly to say, isn't today.
Friday, November 11, 2005
Eid Mubarak!
I hope it's not too late to wish all Muslims a prosperous and joyful Eid. Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Maaf zahir batin.
This is the 7th Eid that we've celebrated abroad. 3 in the States and 4 in UK with Zareef. I've gotten used to it but has sorely missed; being away from the family and asking for forgiveness on the morning of Raya, pigging out on gorgeous mouth-watering food, the duit raya and the visits to relatives' and friends' house decked in brand new colorful baju kurungs.
I cannot do anything about being away from the family or the duit raya nor the new baju raya (we've had ours for four years now) but I certainly did something in the food department.
I remembered my first raya in the States. I've just arrived at Purdue barely less than 2 weeks and it was already time for Raya. Since I stayed at the halls, I couldn't cook anything but luckily there were a handful of postgraduate families who were kind enough to feed us hungry lot. However, that didn't stop me from cooking the infamous Mee Jawa and inviting friends over to B's and Eijatt's room to have a taste.
Now that we're a family and our status has been upgraded to that of a postgrad family, I have no choice but to cook up a storm in my tiny galley kitchen. I would cook 3 kgs of rendang daging minang (B's request), sambal satay, nasi himpit, kuah lodeh, mee jawa, chocolate cornflakes and pineapple tarts every year. However, this time around, I had to tone it down a notch because all of my cooking stuffs and cutleries are on its' way back to Malaysia. Even so, that didn't hinder me from cooking 2kgs of rendang daging, 6 packets of nasi himpit, 2 pots of kuah lodeh and 1 wok of sambal satay.
Last year, we held an open house from 10 a.m. till late. Guests literally came non-stop and managed to polish off everything that I have to offer. Very tired we were but I was very satisfied and content that everyone came despite having to cramp themselves in our small hall and some even had 2nd and 3rd helpings although they had to squeeze themselves through throngs of people to find a place to sit and eat.
Raya in Loughborough is totally awesome! There are open houses every weekend. Not one, not two but averaging 14-16 houses per weekend. And this would last for the whole month of Syawal. The best part is, each house would cook different kinds of dishes according to their specialities or origin. I've tasted the best nasi dagang, nasi kerabu, dodol, mee rebus, soto, laksa johor, laksa penang, laksa terengganu, mee hoon sup utara and many, many more there are to offer. Zareef has even got into the mood of going from one house to another and I'm quite amazed that for a small boy, he can whallop quite a lot of food, mostly noodles (he's a hantu pasta. All types of noodles will be called pasta and he can eat it the whole day). We would have our breakfast, elevenses, lunch, tea, dinner and supper at different houses and come back home just to sleep.
All these, are more than enough for my family to not feel homesick and in fact enjoy immensely our Rayas abroad. However, I do look forward to celebrating Raya with the family back home. Would you believe it, my side of family is never complete ever since I could remember. Every year, at least one member of the family would be missing. Usually it would be my fourth brother (he was a senior registrar based in Manchester and has been there for 14 years before my mom and his wife begged him to go home). Then it would be me or my second brother (he studied at Warwick University and A-Levels somewhere before that). Whenever we would take a family picture, it was never complete so we couldn't enlarge it to be framed.
Only once, yes once did the family complete itself and that was on my wedding day 4 years ago. My brother and his family came back solely for my wedding. We did managed to get a family photo after dragging my parents from the frontlines of receiving the neverending guests.
This Raya would be our last here, InsyaAllah and I'm sure I'll miss the atmosphere of beraya di perantauan when I go back end of this month. Well, that was my raya ramblings. What's yours?
This is the 7th Eid that we've celebrated abroad. 3 in the States and 4 in UK with Zareef. I've gotten used to it but has sorely missed; being away from the family and asking for forgiveness on the morning of Raya, pigging out on gorgeous mouth-watering food, the duit raya and the visits to relatives' and friends' house decked in brand new colorful baju kurungs.
I cannot do anything about being away from the family or the duit raya nor the new baju raya (we've had ours for four years now) but I certainly did something in the food department.
I remembered my first raya in the States. I've just arrived at Purdue barely less than 2 weeks and it was already time for Raya. Since I stayed at the halls, I couldn't cook anything but luckily there were a handful of postgraduate families who were kind enough to feed us hungry lot. However, that didn't stop me from cooking the infamous Mee Jawa and inviting friends over to B's and Eijatt's room to have a taste.
Now that we're a family and our status has been upgraded to that of a postgrad family, I have no choice but to cook up a storm in my tiny galley kitchen. I would cook 3 kgs of rendang daging minang (B's request), sambal satay, nasi himpit, kuah lodeh, mee jawa, chocolate cornflakes and pineapple tarts every year. However, this time around, I had to tone it down a notch because all of my cooking stuffs and cutleries are on its' way back to Malaysia. Even so, that didn't hinder me from cooking 2kgs of rendang daging, 6 packets of nasi himpit, 2 pots of kuah lodeh and 1 wok of sambal satay.
Last year, we held an open house from 10 a.m. till late. Guests literally came non-stop and managed to polish off everything that I have to offer. Very tired we were but I was very satisfied and content that everyone came despite having to cramp themselves in our small hall and some even had 2nd and 3rd helpings although they had to squeeze themselves through throngs of people to find a place to sit and eat.
Raya in Loughborough is totally awesome! There are open houses every weekend. Not one, not two but averaging 14-16 houses per weekend. And this would last for the whole month of Syawal. The best part is, each house would cook different kinds of dishes according to their specialities or origin. I've tasted the best nasi dagang, nasi kerabu, dodol, mee rebus, soto, laksa johor, laksa penang, laksa terengganu, mee hoon sup utara and many, many more there are to offer. Zareef has even got into the mood of going from one house to another and I'm quite amazed that for a small boy, he can whallop quite a lot of food, mostly noodles (he's a hantu pasta. All types of noodles will be called pasta and he can eat it the whole day). We would have our breakfast, elevenses, lunch, tea, dinner and supper at different houses and come back home just to sleep.
All these, are more than enough for my family to not feel homesick and in fact enjoy immensely our Rayas abroad. However, I do look forward to celebrating Raya with the family back home. Would you believe it, my side of family is never complete ever since I could remember. Every year, at least one member of the family would be missing. Usually it would be my fourth brother (he was a senior registrar based in Manchester and has been there for 14 years before my mom and his wife begged him to go home). Then it would be me or my second brother (he studied at Warwick University and A-Levels somewhere before that). Whenever we would take a family picture, it was never complete so we couldn't enlarge it to be framed.
Only once, yes once did the family complete itself and that was on my wedding day 4 years ago. My brother and his family came back solely for my wedding. We did managed to get a family photo after dragging my parents from the frontlines of receiving the neverending guests.
This Raya would be our last here, InsyaAllah and I'm sure I'll miss the atmosphere of beraya di perantauan when I go back end of this month. Well, that was my raya ramblings. What's yours?
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
A Beginning to an End - THE END
Syukur Alhamdulillah!!....
After a gruelling 3 hours of questions, bashing, torment and torture, B was awarded the Doctor of Philosophy yesterday evening. It was a tough one especially when you have an external examiner who likes to talk non-stop and has a mind-set of his own.
He had to go out of the room for 20 minutes while the examiners discussed their decision. When they called him in, the examiner said "We've decided to award you your doctorate. Congratulations!"
B went speechless. He told me that tears welled up in his throat and so he couldn't say thank you. All he could do was shaked the guy's hand and shook his head as a thank you gesture. But later on, when the feeling has finally sunk in, he did thank the examiners and his supervisor profusely.
Till today, B still can't believe it that he has finally made it to the end. I told him, it was a well deserved success. My hearthiest congratulations to you, darling! I have always known that you could make it right from the start. No doubts about it. You've earned it!! Thank Allah too for blessing you with this sweet reward especially in this holy month of Ramadhan.
I'm very proud of you darling and from now on, I can call you Dr. Fadlee whenever I feel like it because it's rightfully yours and it does have a nice ring to it.
p/s: Zoow, see... it's not so syahdu after all... hehehhehe
After a gruelling 3 hours of questions, bashing, torment and torture, B was awarded the Doctor of Philosophy yesterday evening. It was a tough one especially when you have an external examiner who likes to talk non-stop and has a mind-set of his own.
He had to go out of the room for 20 minutes while the examiners discussed their decision. When they called him in, the examiner said "We've decided to award you your doctorate. Congratulations!"
B went speechless. He told me that tears welled up in his throat and so he couldn't say thank you. All he could do was shaked the guy's hand and shook his head as a thank you gesture. But later on, when the feeling has finally sunk in, he did thank the examiners and his supervisor profusely.
Till today, B still can't believe it that he has finally made it to the end. I told him, it was a well deserved success. My hearthiest congratulations to you, darling! I have always known that you could make it right from the start. No doubts about it. You've earned it!! Thank Allah too for blessing you with this sweet reward especially in this holy month of Ramadhan.
I'm very proud of you darling and from now on, I can call you Dr. Fadlee whenever I feel like it because it's rightfully yours and it does have a nice ring to it.
p/s: Zoow, see... it's not so syahdu after all... hehehhehe
Friday, October 14, 2005
The Day My Son Turned 3
My dearest son Zareef,
Today at 0820 hrs, you have reached a new milestone in life. It's the day you turned 3. I can still remember the day I felt the contractions on your expected due date, 12/10/02. Your daddy and I were really happy but at the same time quite nervous and scared that you were about to be borned into this unknown world anytime soon. But after a laborious, tiring, painful, 3 failed attempts of epidural, and a failed ventouse of 30 hrs, you finally made a grand appearance with the help of a pair of forceps.
Since then, I have always marvelled at how fast you grew. You were always spot on on all the markers that I religiously read and follow in babycenter.com and any books that I can get my hands on. You started teething at 5 months, crawling at 6, standing up and holding on to furnitures to move at 9 and walked just a week before your first birthday. By then, you were unstoppable in the physical and mental department. You grew your full set of teeth by 1.5 years and still hanging on to me for milk. Unfortunately, I had to wean you off when you were 2 because your set of teeth were too painful for me to handle.
I was so proud of you then and I am still proud of you now for your amazing achievements, your ability to put words together, your quick wit and resoucefulness in outwitting your daddy and I and your heart of gold that is able to love us unconditionally even after having to undergo a round of mummy scolding you like a mad woman.
You complete our world. Without a doubt, your presence has changed us from young foolish couples to ahemmm... responsible loving parents. Your daddy and I would lay the world at your feet even if we have to beg, borrow and steal. There is nothing that we wouldn't do for your happiness and safety. If it were up to me, I would never let you venture out into the cruel evil but wonderful world. But, I want you to grow up and experience what life has to offer you be it sweet or bitter.
It really has been a pleasure having you around for the past 3 years and I look forward to having you around for a very long time. Please just remember that your daddy and I love you very, very much.
Love you till the power of infinity...
Mummy & Daddy.
Rachel and Justine preparing Zareef's mock birthday cake. I wasn't allowed to bring in a cake in fear of the other children having allergic reaction to any of the cake's content.
Happy Birthday my darling! I pray that you'll have more wonderful birthdays to come and that you'll grow to be a good son and a faithful Muslim.
Today at 0820 hrs, you have reached a new milestone in life. It's the day you turned 3. I can still remember the day I felt the contractions on your expected due date, 12/10/02. Your daddy and I were really happy but at the same time quite nervous and scared that you were about to be borned into this unknown world anytime soon. But after a laborious, tiring, painful, 3 failed attempts of epidural, and a failed ventouse of 30 hrs, you finally made a grand appearance with the help of a pair of forceps.
Since then, I have always marvelled at how fast you grew. You were always spot on on all the markers that I religiously read and follow in babycenter.com and any books that I can get my hands on. You started teething at 5 months, crawling at 6, standing up and holding on to furnitures to move at 9 and walked just a week before your first birthday. By then, you were unstoppable in the physical and mental department. You grew your full set of teeth by 1.5 years and still hanging on to me for milk. Unfortunately, I had to wean you off when you were 2 because your set of teeth were too painful for me to handle.
I was so proud of you then and I am still proud of you now for your amazing achievements, your ability to put words together, your quick wit and resoucefulness in outwitting your daddy and I and your heart of gold that is able to love us unconditionally even after having to undergo a round of mummy scolding you like a mad woman.
You complete our world. Without a doubt, your presence has changed us from young foolish couples to ahemmm... responsible loving parents. Your daddy and I would lay the world at your feet even if we have to beg, borrow and steal. There is nothing that we wouldn't do for your happiness and safety. If it were up to me, I would never let you venture out into the cruel evil but wonderful world. But, I want you to grow up and experience what life has to offer you be it sweet or bitter.
It really has been a pleasure having you around for the past 3 years and I look forward to having you around for a very long time. Please just remember that your daddy and I love you very, very much.
Love you till the power of infinity...
Mummy & Daddy.
Rachel and Justine preparing Zareef's mock birthday cake. I wasn't allowed to bring in a cake in fear of the other children having allergic reaction to any of the cake's content.
His classmates sang "Happy Birthday" while Zareef watches the candles gleefully.
Zareef handing out Maltesers to his classmates.
Our gift to Zareef. His all time favorite, a truck load of cars and an aeroplane to boot.
Happy Birthday my darling! I pray that you'll have more wonderful birthdays to come and that you'll grow to be a good son and a faithful Muslim.Wednesday, October 12, 2005
A Beginning to an End - Part IV
B's viva which is supposed to be today at 2 pm has been POSTPONED to an undetermined date sometime end of October because his external examiner has emailed in sick. He just got to know about it yesterday evening.
He is very disappointed because he has his mind set on it and has been all out in preparing for his big day. Well, what can I say darling. Yes, you've worked hard and will continue to do so but Allah Al-Mighty is the decision maker and He knows best.
Like you said, "Maybe ada hikmah kot kena postpone. Maybe God knows that I'm not fully prepared yet even though I think I am".
He is very disappointed because he has his mind set on it and has been all out in preparing for his big day. Well, what can I say darling. Yes, you've worked hard and will continue to do so but Allah Al-Mighty is the decision maker and He knows best.
Like you said, "Maybe ada hikmah kot kena postpone. Maybe God knows that I'm not fully prepared yet even though I think I am".
Monday, October 10, 2005
News Flash
B was featured in Leicester Mercury for his ground-breaking research. I'm so proud of my man. His hard work has finally paid off. Congratulations darling!! You deserve every single bit of it.
More links:
1. Loughborough University Press Release
Update:
B's research has been interviewed by BBC1 Radio and Saga FM. The Observer has also called in and the story will be published during one of the weekends. Well darling, enjoy your fame while it lasts...
More links:
1. Loughborough University Press Release
Update:
B's research has been interviewed by BBC1 Radio and Saga FM. The Observer has also called in and the story will be published during one of the weekends. Well darling, enjoy your fame while it lasts...
Monday, September 19, 2005
A Beginning to an End - Part III
B's viva-voce date has been set. It's on October 12th at 2 ish. I'm praying and praying that it'll go on well and smooth sailing. Aminnnn....
Friday, September 16, 2005
Second Day of School
Hah! I spoke too soon. This morning, after doing my rounds of cleaning, I checked my mobile and there were 16 missed calls from B. 16!! Goodness!!!
Rupa2 nya... anak bujang sorang tak nak go to school pulak.
"I don't want to go to school. I don't want to go to school", he kept repeating. He cried, bawled, howled and protested all the way. B must have panicked and pushed the call button more than he intended to.
Anyhow, my salutations to B for sticking to his guns and managed to siapkan Zareef and dragged him to school albeit 5 minutes late. History repeated itself. Zareef was back to his nursery days. He won't let go of B. He kept on repeating "Daddy stay with Zareef, alright?!". And so B obliged. B took him to a corner and started rolling out the playdough. Zareef langsung tak nak. Yana (his best friend) kept on urging him to play with her, which on normal circumstances would be an irresistible offer but he declined. He kept on clinging to B's pants.
Out of his wits, B seeked Rachel's (Zareef's teacher) advice. She adviced him to keep on playing with Zareef for about 5 minutes. Then, bid farewell and leave because the longer B stays, the clingier (ada ka such word??) Zareef will be. And so B did. Maka bermula lah satu episode meraung yg maha hebat. When I called B, he sounded so depressed. I told him it's okay. Zareef is trying to test him whether B will bend to his demands. We are setting boundaries and rules so Zareef has to learn and deal with it. If we give in to his whims, Zareef knows that he is in control of his parents, which is a big NO NO.
Hmmmm... betul pun. When we picked him up, Rachel told us Zareef settled quickly after B left and joined in all the activities and was really happy. Cehhhh... auta sungguh anak aku sorang nih. But... he was a bit aggressive today. He managed to pick a fight with one kid and when some other kids tried to play with him, he pushed them away. Aduhhhsss... that is one tell-tale sign of his protest. So, Rachel asked us to speak with him about it. However, Rachel did compliment Zareef for standing up and taking his grounds. He fought back when one of the kids tried to bully him. Way to go, Zareef!
Back home, B and I slow talked Zareef in not hitting other kids. We said it's painful and it'll make his friends cry. We also talked to him about sharing the toys and taking turns on playing a big car that he is quite obsess with. After 2 minutes of talking (tak boleh lama2, nanti jadik melalut2 and budak tak paham and tak concentrate), Zareef seemed to understand. Ntah ye ntah tidak. We'll see tomorrow how it goes.
I know I have been blabbing non-stop about my kid. It does look like I'm obsess but I can't help it. Every single thing that is happening in Zareef's life, whether it's an achieved milestone, sickness, joyous occasion or fights are such big deals to me. I'm his mother and I just want everything to go smooth sailing for my little baby even if I know that it's impossible but I'll try my very best.
A friend did say there is a simple solution to Zareef's problem of sharing. "Ko bagi je adik kat dia, pandai2 la nanti dia nak share barang2 dia". Hahahhah... yupp, that's true. InsyaAllah, that'll come next year.
Rupa2 nya... anak bujang sorang tak nak go to school pulak.
"I don't want to go to school. I don't want to go to school", he kept repeating. He cried, bawled, howled and protested all the way. B must have panicked and pushed the call button more than he intended to.
Anyhow, my salutations to B for sticking to his guns and managed to siapkan Zareef and dragged him to school albeit 5 minutes late. History repeated itself. Zareef was back to his nursery days. He won't let go of B. He kept on repeating "Daddy stay with Zareef, alright?!". And so B obliged. B took him to a corner and started rolling out the playdough. Zareef langsung tak nak. Yana (his best friend) kept on urging him to play with her, which on normal circumstances would be an irresistible offer but he declined. He kept on clinging to B's pants.
Out of his wits, B seeked Rachel's (Zareef's teacher) advice. She adviced him to keep on playing with Zareef for about 5 minutes. Then, bid farewell and leave because the longer B stays, the clingier (ada ka such word??) Zareef will be. And so B did. Maka bermula lah satu episode meraung yg maha hebat. When I called B, he sounded so depressed. I told him it's okay. Zareef is trying to test him whether B will bend to his demands. We are setting boundaries and rules so Zareef has to learn and deal with it. If we give in to his whims, Zareef knows that he is in control of his parents, which is a big NO NO.
Hmmmm... betul pun. When we picked him up, Rachel told us Zareef settled quickly after B left and joined in all the activities and was really happy. Cehhhh... auta sungguh anak aku sorang nih. But... he was a bit aggressive today. He managed to pick a fight with one kid and when some other kids tried to play with him, he pushed them away. Aduhhhsss... that is one tell-tale sign of his protest. So, Rachel asked us to speak with him about it. However, Rachel did compliment Zareef for standing up and taking his grounds. He fought back when one of the kids tried to bully him. Way to go, Zareef!
Back home, B and I slow talked Zareef in not hitting other kids. We said it's painful and it'll make his friends cry. We also talked to him about sharing the toys and taking turns on playing a big car that he is quite obsess with. After 2 minutes of talking (tak boleh lama2, nanti jadik melalut2 and budak tak paham and tak concentrate), Zareef seemed to understand. Ntah ye ntah tidak. We'll see tomorrow how it goes.
I know I have been blabbing non-stop about my kid. It does look like I'm obsess but I can't help it. Every single thing that is happening in Zareef's life, whether it's an achieved milestone, sickness, joyous occasion or fights are such big deals to me. I'm his mother and I just want everything to go smooth sailing for my little baby even if I know that it's impossible but I'll try my very best.
A friend did say there is a simple solution to Zareef's problem of sharing. "Ko bagi je adik kat dia, pandai2 la nanti dia nak share barang2 dia". Hahahhah... yupp, that's true. InsyaAllah, that'll come next year.
Thursday, September 15, 2005
First Day At School
How did it go??? EXCELLENT!!! Alhamdulillah....
B sent him to school a.k.a playgroup because I was working at that time. Thank you very much darling for doing every thing from washing him, clothing him, feeding him, walking him to his classroom and leaving him happily playing with the toy car while lying on the floor. Iskkk... buat macam rumah sendiri pulak.
Yes people.... there were no separation anxiety drama. While B was busy completing the paperwork, Zareef played quietly with a toy car. He didn't even say goodbye to his daddy! He was oblivious to his surroundings, well ensconced in his own world. So, B left him quietly.
At 9.40 (school starts at 9.20), I called B (so shoot me for being a very anxious mom) expecting to hear Zareef wailing and bawling in the background but to my surprise, there were none. B was prepared to camp at the school for 2 and a half hours but he didn't have to. He told me what happened. I was quite astounded that Zareef did not make any scene. Instead he was such a good boy.
At 11.30, we were already at the playgroup center. Me, being the overanxious mom, sneaked and peeked through the windows to see what was Zareef doing. To my delight, he was busy driving a car while the others were sitting down in singing away. How typical of my boy to not adhere to the norm.
At 11.50, the gates were unlocked and we were allowed to pick up our child. When Zareef saw me, he ran straight into my open arms and gave me a fierce hug. Oh the feeling at that particular moment was indescribable. My heart was bursting with pride when his teacher said that he was a very, very good boy. He did his art work, ate his snacks (they were fresh fruits), drank his milk, joined in the class when he feels like it but never made any fuss.
All the way to the car with B and I holding his hands, he was replaying his day at school.
"What did you do at school today, Zareef?"
"Zareef paint with my hands. Lepas tu, Zareef splish splosh (this is him playing with his all time favorite, water). And then, Zareef minum milk and eat apples and banana. And then, Zareef sing. Lepas tu, Zareef drive the car (with the hands at the steering wheel action) ".
"Zareef nak go to school tak tomorrow?"
"Yes!", with a smile reaching his ears.
I am so relieved that Zareef is enjoying his school so much. Compared to the clingy, crying boy last year, he is so different now. He is becoming more independent, ready to do anything, socializes with kids his own age easily and he can now obey simple directions. Soon, he won't be needing me to do anything for him anymore. Nooooo..... my baby is growing up! Not so soon ye Zareef. Not so soon...
I'm just praying that everything goes on smoothly for my little boy. If he enjoys his school this much, then, it is worth every penny that we're paying. I really don't mind at all. Money, I can find but my son's happiness is all that matters.
So, hari ni bermula lah sejarah baru for Zareef Imran. Today marks the day of his many, many schooling years. I just hope and pray that he relishes and savors every minute of it.
B sent him to school a.k.a playgroup because I was working at that time. Thank you very much darling for doing every thing from washing him, clothing him, feeding him, walking him to his classroom and leaving him happily playing with the toy car while lying on the floor. Iskkk... buat macam rumah sendiri pulak.
Yes people.... there were no separation anxiety drama. While B was busy completing the paperwork, Zareef played quietly with a toy car. He didn't even say goodbye to his daddy! He was oblivious to his surroundings, well ensconced in his own world. So, B left him quietly.
At 9.40 (school starts at 9.20), I called B (so shoot me for being a very anxious mom) expecting to hear Zareef wailing and bawling in the background but to my surprise, there were none. B was prepared to camp at the school for 2 and a half hours but he didn't have to. He told me what happened. I was quite astounded that Zareef did not make any scene. Instead he was such a good boy.
At 11.30, we were already at the playgroup center. Me, being the overanxious mom, sneaked and peeked through the windows to see what was Zareef doing. To my delight, he was busy driving a car while the others were sitting down in singing away. How typical of my boy to not adhere to the norm.
At 11.50, the gates were unlocked and we were allowed to pick up our child. When Zareef saw me, he ran straight into my open arms and gave me a fierce hug. Oh the feeling at that particular moment was indescribable. My heart was bursting with pride when his teacher said that he was a very, very good boy. He did his art work, ate his snacks (they were fresh fruits), drank his milk, joined in the class when he feels like it but never made any fuss.
All the way to the car with B and I holding his hands, he was replaying his day at school.
"What did you do at school today, Zareef?"
"Zareef paint with my hands. Lepas tu, Zareef splish splosh (this is him playing with his all time favorite, water). And then, Zareef minum milk and eat apples and banana. And then, Zareef sing. Lepas tu, Zareef drive the car (with the hands at the steering wheel action) ".
"Zareef nak go to school tak tomorrow?"
"Yes!", with a smile reaching his ears.
I am so relieved that Zareef is enjoying his school so much. Compared to the clingy, crying boy last year, he is so different now. He is becoming more independent, ready to do anything, socializes with kids his own age easily and he can now obey simple directions. Soon, he won't be needing me to do anything for him anymore. Nooooo..... my baby is growing up! Not so soon ye Zareef. Not so soon...
I'm just praying that everything goes on smoothly for my little boy. If he enjoys his school this much, then, it is worth every penny that we're paying. I really don't mind at all. Money, I can find but my son's happiness is all that matters.
So, hari ni bermula lah sejarah baru for Zareef Imran. Today marks the day of his many, many schooling years. I just hope and pray that he relishes and savors every minute of it.
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
When My Son Goes to School Tomorrow...
Yuppp... Zareef is going to school tomorrow. I've just enrolled him in a playgroup at Gorse Covert's Community Center (next to Morrisons where I had the oil fiasco). He got the last spot. It's from 9.20-11.50 a.m.
When I got home, I held my hands out to him and shaked it.
"Congratulations Zareef! You're going to school tomorrow."
He was stunned and rendered speechless but his face said it all. Totally priceless. Then he started jumping up and down.
"Yeahhhh!!! Zareef nak go to school with Sarah and Yana (his two best buds)!! Daddy, Daddy... Zareef nak go to school with Sarah and Yana!!!"
Bless him, my son. Even going to school makes him so, so, so happy. I'm ecstatic that he's happy.
He is sooooo excited about going to school because all of his friends are in school when he's not (thanks to Luqman of Bogo's and Fern's because he set a fine example on sleeping early, in his room on his own bed and going to school). He kept on asking us when can he go to school. Because we did sent him to nursery last year (refer to previous post) and had a dreadful experience, we didn't want to rush it this time. But, since he is all ready and prepped up and nagged us about it, we think it is the right time.
It doesn't matter that I have to fork out £100 every 4 weeks to pay for his playgroup (the academic year here starts 1st Sept. Zareef was borned after 1st Sept, so he is not eligible for the funded sessions. His free sessions start after Christmas) but if he enjoys going, learning, playing and socializing, then I'm all for it. Duit kat mana2 boleh carik but Zareef's happiness and wellbeing is priceless and is all that I care about.
He is already asleep now and has been sleeping since 6 this evening. Hihihihi... I told him that he has to sleep early if he wants to go to school tomorrow and he totally bought it!! That's why I can blog right now.
B is taking him tomorrow and I'll come along after I finish working. Good Luck Aling in handling Zareef on his first day at school!!!! Hahahhaha... you'll need it!
When I got home, I held my hands out to him and shaked it.
"Congratulations Zareef! You're going to school tomorrow."
He was stunned and rendered speechless but his face said it all. Totally priceless. Then he started jumping up and down.
"Yeahhhh!!! Zareef nak go to school with Sarah and Yana (his two best buds)!! Daddy, Daddy... Zareef nak go to school with Sarah and Yana!!!"
Bless him, my son. Even going to school makes him so, so, so happy. I'm ecstatic that he's happy.
He is sooooo excited about going to school because all of his friends are in school when he's not (thanks to Luqman of Bogo's and Fern's because he set a fine example on sleeping early, in his room on his own bed and going to school). He kept on asking us when can he go to school. Because we did sent him to nursery last year (refer to previous post) and had a dreadful experience, we didn't want to rush it this time. But, since he is all ready and prepped up and nagged us about it, we think it is the right time.
It doesn't matter that I have to fork out £100 every 4 weeks to pay for his playgroup (the academic year here starts 1st Sept. Zareef was borned after 1st Sept, so he is not eligible for the funded sessions. His free sessions start after Christmas) but if he enjoys going, learning, playing and socializing, then I'm all for it. Duit kat mana2 boleh carik but Zareef's happiness and wellbeing is priceless and is all that I care about.
He is already asleep now and has been sleeping since 6 this evening. Hihihihi... I told him that he has to sleep early if he wants to go to school tomorrow and he totally bought it!! That's why I can blog right now.
B is taking him tomorrow and I'll come along after I finish working. Good Luck Aling in handling Zareef on his first day at school!!!! Hahahhaha... you'll need it!
Minyak... Ohhhh Minyak!!
Oil prices are rising (what else is new??!!!).
Oil tanker drivers are on strike (they did this 5 years ago).
People get all riled up and started queuing to fill up their tanks (ingatkan kat M'sia je jadik camni).
B called and told me to fill up the tank when I was doing my groceries at Morrisons (but I didn't coz I saw that the lines were too long and jalan nak masuk Morrison dah jam sampai melimpah2. Decided to let B do the filling when he goes to work in the evening).
While doing my no. 2 in the loo, heard B pulling into the car park (eh???... awat balik? tempat keje tutup ke???)
"Apasal u tak isi minyak tadi??? Skarang sumer stesen minyak dah tutup"
"Haaa... tutup??!!! Why tutup???"
"Kan tengah ada strike and blockage skarang. Oil tanker drivers refused to drive to petrol stations. Sumer org gelabah pi isi minyak penuh2. Skarang stesen minyak pun dah tutup sebab minyak dah habis"
"Laaa.... patutla tadi panjang giler line kat Morrison tu. I ingatkan sebab kat situ je yg tengah murah, that's why they went there. Mana I nak tau stesen tu nak tutup!!!"
"Just pray that reserve oil tu cukup utk u pegi balik to work besok. Kalau tak, u jln kaki la..."
GULPPPP... and the tank light is flashing bright red!!!
ARGHHHHHH!!! stupid... stoopid... stewwwwwpitttttt!!!!
Oil tanker drivers are on strike (they did this 5 years ago).
People get all riled up and started queuing to fill up their tanks (ingatkan kat M'sia je jadik camni).
B called and told me to fill up the tank when I was doing my groceries at Morrisons (but I didn't coz I saw that the lines were too long and jalan nak masuk Morrison dah jam sampai melimpah2. Decided to let B do the filling when he goes to work in the evening).
While doing my no. 2 in the loo, heard B pulling into the car park (eh???... awat balik? tempat keje tutup ke???)
"Apasal u tak isi minyak tadi??? Skarang sumer stesen minyak dah tutup"
"Haaa... tutup??!!! Why tutup???"
"Kan tengah ada strike and blockage skarang. Oil tanker drivers refused to drive to petrol stations. Sumer org gelabah pi isi minyak penuh2. Skarang stesen minyak pun dah tutup sebab minyak dah habis"
"Laaa.... patutla tadi panjang giler line kat Morrison tu. I ingatkan sebab kat situ je yg tengah murah, that's why they went there. Mana I nak tau stesen tu nak tutup!!!"
"Just pray that reserve oil tu cukup utk u pegi balik to work besok. Kalau tak, u jln kaki la..."
GULPPPP... and the tank light is flashing bright red!!!
ARGHHHHHH!!! stupid... stoopid... stewwwwwpitttttt!!!!
Saturday, August 13, 2005
Cadbury World and Safari Park
This is another old post that I've postponed posting for so long. Ehhhh... it rhymes!! hehehhe...
So before Saturday comes (which is in 4 hours time), I'd better finish up this post.
We went to Cadbury World at Bournville, Birmingham last Saturday. Reached there at noon. Mak datukkk... punya la ramai manusia!!! People came by the bus loads. We queued to get our tickets but were baffled as to which line were we supposed to be in. Each line has the word 'reserved' on it. Since we were 'walk ins', we queued in the 'Non-reserved line'. Then B turned to me
"Eh Aling... look there"
"Where?"
"Up there la to that sign" and he pointed to me to one white signboard
"Alamak!!! 3.30 baru boleh masuk tengok kilang ke? Nak buat apa tunggu 3 jam ni??"
Yes people. If you ever decide to visit Cadbury World on a Saturday or make it any other day during the school holidays, PLEASE reserve your tickets by calling them or booking online. Kalau tak, kena macam kami. Tak jadi nak masuk kilang dia. Cancel terus. Instead, we went to the factory shop located opposite the ticket counter and bought loads and loads of chocolate at discounted price.
Kilang Cadbury yang tak lawa and agak ancient
Since we opted not to go for the factory tour and exhibition, we decided to let Zareef play at Cadbury Land (fancy name for a playground).
So before Saturday comes (which is in 4 hours time), I'd better finish up this post.
We went to Cadbury World at Bournville, Birmingham last Saturday. Reached there at noon. Mak datukkk... punya la ramai manusia!!! People came by the bus loads. We queued to get our tickets but were baffled as to which line were we supposed to be in. Each line has the word 'reserved' on it. Since we were 'walk ins', we queued in the 'Non-reserved line'. Then B turned to me
"Eh Aling... look there"
"Where?"
"Up there la to that sign" and he pointed to me to one white signboard
"Alamak!!! 3.30 baru boleh masuk tengok kilang ke? Nak buat apa tunggu 3 jam ni??"
Yes people. If you ever decide to visit Cadbury World on a Saturday or make it any other day during the school holidays, PLEASE reserve your tickets by calling them or booking online. Kalau tak, kena macam kami. Tak jadi nak masuk kilang dia. Cancel terus. Instead, we went to the factory shop located opposite the ticket counter and bought loads and loads of chocolate at discounted price.
Kilang Cadbury yang tak lawa and agak ancientSince we opted not to go for the factory tour and exhibition, we decided to let Zareef play at Cadbury Land (fancy name for a playground).
Excuse me, you're in my way...
New girlfriend ke Zareef?
I was quite disappointed since I was the one who badly wanted to visit Cadbury World coz chocolate is my passion. Then a friend called and asked if we wanted to go to the Midlands Safari Park in Kidderminster, Birmingham. B said, yeah... why not. It's not like we're going anywhere pun.
So, after navigating through endless jalan kampung, we reached the place. We were allowed to drive in our own car.
The rhinos who were about to tanduk us. They are sooooo huge in real life and up close!
Never ever go to a safari during a scorching hot summer's day. You'll die in the car if it doesn't have air-cond because you have to close all windows and sunroof when you enter the tiger's and lion's den.
An unexpected visitor, the llama. He was extra friendly to Zareef. hehehheh
We're going to Evesham, Birmingham (again!) tomorrow to do some apple, pear and plum picking. Will do a story and post pictures later ya. Have a good weekend, peeps!!
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
Robin Hood Festival
This was supposed to go up last week but me being the lazy bugger, procrastinated until friends started to bug me with "Weiii... bila kau nak update??" Alamak... nak kena update selalu ke??
But to not disappoint them, I'm posting this. We went to Sherwood Forest to get a feel and taste of the Robin Hood Festival. It was only held for a week. At the first glimpse of sunshine, I dragged B and Zareef here. (Seriously, summer in UK is not all sunshine and clear blue skies. This was the first after a week and a half of miserable, gloomy and wet summer).
We did get a feel of being in the Robin Hood era what with people marching up and down the forest in medieaval costumes, old hags loooking like witches, one fat man looked like he has just lost a battle with Robin himself (he was sitting down all huffed and puffed wearing a suit of armor), the old and young trying their skills in archery sword fighting and weirdly, a van selling ice-creams. But I didn't get to meet the infamous Robin. Where art thou??
We, however, didn't get the chance to taste the food of the forest simply because we can't eat them. Luckily, Mummy dearest had the foresight to cook char kuew tiaw the day before and we then sat down under one of the huge trees for a picnic while Zareef went about trying to discover everything.
Here are some pixs... Enjoy!!!
The entrance of Sherwood Forest, Robin Hood's Country.
The mighty old Major Oak tree. It's so old and huge that it has to be supported with poles and ropes.
Folks performing some old dance. Quite a bore, actually...
Wait Daddy... I can't see the chicks!!!
Zareef taking a breather. He has bountiful of energy I tell you. He doesn't even looked winded after running up and down the jungle trail.
Thursday, July 28, 2005
A Beginning to an End - Part II
After 3 years, B has finally submitted his thesis. It's now lying on the HOD's desk waiting for him to sign the submission form. He can now breathe easy. Lately, I've even noticed that his face is a picture of serenity. Sometimes I even catch him expelling a sigh of relief.
Yes folks, it was a hard and long winded road to reach this stage of his Phd. It kicked of with the birth of Zareef followed by the unavoidable stress, strain, late nights, early weekend mornings, sacrificed weekends, complex and complicated codings, experiments mishaps, red tapes shebangs have now come to an end. Almost.
Almost because it's now the waiting game. Bidding his time waiting for the viva-voce.
I am truly proud of you, Aling!! I pray that all's well, ends well, InsyaAllah...
Yes folks, it was a hard and long winded road to reach this stage of his Phd. It kicked of with the birth of Zareef followed by the unavoidable stress, strain, late nights, early weekend mornings, sacrificed weekends, complex and complicated codings, experiments mishaps, red tapes shebangs have now come to an end. Almost.
Almost because it's now the waiting game. Bidding his time waiting for the viva-voce.
I am truly proud of you, Aling!! I pray that all's well, ends well, InsyaAllah...
Friday, July 22, 2005
A Beginning to an End
"To my wife, Nora and son, Zareef
whom I dedicate
this thesis to..."
I'm so touched and overwhelmed. Nak pi lap mata sat...
p/s: Besok NEXT sale start pukul 5 pagi. I'm already there... huhuhu...
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
My Kid Says the Darndest Things
But he's only 2 years and 9 months old, for goodness sake!
Scene 1:
We were in the car ready to go to Sarah's birthday party. Zareef was strapped in his car seat at the back.
"Pakai seat belt la Daddy. Nanti mati!"
Huhhh?? Where did he get that from??? Must be too much of CSIs.
Scene 2:
I've switched off the bedroom lights and everyone is ready for bed and the little kiddo just jumped into our bed and pulled the duvet over him.
"Zareef, go and sleep in your katil please..."
"Mummy la tido katil Zareef. Katil Zareef best."
I would if I could but his bed is too short for my legs. So that night, all three of us crammed in one small double bed. Mind you, it was a very hot muggy night. Hmmmphhhh
Scene 3:
"Zareef, tolong tidy up your toys...!
"Mummy la tidy up toys Zareef. Zareef penat. Zareef nak rehat la"
And he immediately climbed on the sofa and lied down. Aduhhhssss... bertuah punye anak!!!
When I finally did tidy up his toys, he immediately came up to me and patted me on the back.
"Yeayyy... Mummy good girl!!"
Whattt??? Nih sudah terbalik...
Scene 4:
We were watching the telly one night and I asked B to pass me the remote. B threw it at me without giving any warnings.The remote landed on my tulang kering and I yelped out in pain.
"Kenapa Daddy baling remote kat Mummy!! Kan Mummy dah sakit!!!"
He then approached me and took my tulang kering and held it.
"Sakit ke Mummy? Zareef tiup okay?!"
Pfooohhhh.. he blewed.
My oh my this sweet child of mine!!!
Scene 1:
We were in the car ready to go to Sarah's birthday party. Zareef was strapped in his car seat at the back.
"Pakai seat belt la Daddy. Nanti mati!"
Huhhh?? Where did he get that from??? Must be too much of CSIs.
Scene 2:
I've switched off the bedroom lights and everyone is ready for bed and the little kiddo just jumped into our bed and pulled the duvet over him.
"Zareef, go and sleep in your katil please..."
"Mummy la tido katil Zareef. Katil Zareef best."
I would if I could but his bed is too short for my legs. So that night, all three of us crammed in one small double bed. Mind you, it was a very hot muggy night. Hmmmphhhh
Scene 3:
"Zareef, tolong tidy up your toys...!
"Mummy la tidy up toys Zareef. Zareef penat. Zareef nak rehat la"
And he immediately climbed on the sofa and lied down. Aduhhhssss... bertuah punye anak!!!
When I finally did tidy up his toys, he immediately came up to me and patted me on the back.
"Yeayyy... Mummy good girl!!"
Whattt??? Nih sudah terbalik...
Scene 4:
We were watching the telly one night and I asked B to pass me the remote. B threw it at me without giving any warnings.The remote landed on my tulang kering and I yelped out in pain.
"Kenapa Daddy baling remote kat Mummy!! Kan Mummy dah sakit!!!"
He then approached me and took my tulang kering and held it.
"Sakit ke Mummy? Zareef tiup okay?!"
Pfooohhhh.. he blewed.
My oh my this sweet child of mine!!!
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