Ok, so it's taking me much longer to jump start this blog. I am still finding my mojo.
Not because I am unhappy but because there are just so many things to do and I am still struggling with my daily schedules. Yes, the schedule is up but not completely followed yet.
I'm trying, I'm trying.
Ooppss... Master Yoda's fans would say, "Do or do not. There is no try".
So, let's do, InsyaAllah...
Anyway, I have pretty much sifted through all my blog posts from before and re-posted only those worthy to be up again.
Let me re-introduce myself. Am married with 4 children whom I fondly nicknamed H3D (you'll figure out the reason if you don't know already). I used to work with Andersen until it merged with Ernst and Young for 4 years before moving on to Malaysia Airlines for 10 years, and now I am a full time housewife (for the time being).
Working in a big firm taught me how to be a responsible and dedicated worker. Working long hours on days end, however, was not suitable for my soul, so to speak. It took away so much time from my family although at the time I only had Haikal, who kept falling sick.
And when I really have had enough, the door opened for me to join Malaysia Airlines. The working environment was totally different and I was given opportunities to experience so many things, professionally and personally. For that, I am ever so grateful.
The circumstances, however, led me to where I am today. Honestly, yes, I was sad and quite down for a while. But looking back now, I can truly say that Allah has actually answered my prayers. Maybe I will reveal more as I go along. For now, let's just let it be.
So at least I have one more new post. Hey, it's a start :D.
Monday, March 07, 2016
It's all in the mind and in the attitude
One of the achievements and magic moments in my life - reaching the top of Bukit Kutu :).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When you really want something, that's all it takes. If you say you can't right from the beginning, then most definitely you can't.
The key word is try. Whether you succeed or fail, it's all up to Allah. But the satisfaction of trying and subsequently succeeding is worth all the attempts... Yes, attempts as you won't know how many it will take until you succeed.
My latest H
And so, this completes my H3D :)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After Haider, I didn't think that I'd be married again, much less have another baby. But, Allah had better plans for me and granted me Muhammad Hanif bin Mohammed Asri to add to my collection of precious little darlings, Alhamdulillah :).
He was born on 9 June 2013, a whole month earlier than expected, which left me somewhat "unprepared" but Alhamdulillah, I made it through.
This was the announcement of his arrival posted on FB, of course ;)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After Haider, I didn't think that I'd be married again, much less have another baby. But, Allah had better plans for me and granted me Muhammad Hanif bin Mohammed Asri to add to my collection of precious little darlings, Alhamdulillah :).
He was born on 9 June 2013, a whole month earlier than expected, which left me somewhat "unprepared" but Alhamdulillah, I made it through.
This was the announcement of his arrival posted on FB, of course ;)
It's gloating time!
Hehehe...
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Much as I would like to believe that I am a humble person, the event that took place today made it irresistable for me not to post this entry. And since this is MY blog (note the emphasis on "my"), what the heck right? If you readers can't take it, then do stop reading but I would say that it's your loss. You know very well I can be pretty darn entertaining :p.
Anyhoo (nope, it's not a typo), Alhamdulillah I am blessed with a youthful look. I've received many comments to say that I look very young for my age. Even my big boss called me a liar the other day when I told him I have 3 children and one of them is a 9-year old.
Of course there was an issue once upon a time with my credibility at work due to my look. I don't normally wear makeup simply because it's time-counsuming (really, I don't have time in the morning for this extra effort to "look good" while trying to get 3 kids ready for school in the morning). The most I would do if I remember is to put on the lip gloss. However, I make up for it by dressing up as professionally as I can.
Back to today's event... (laughing first before continuing :D).
Yes, remarks have been made about my youthful look, but when this person made the remark, I was actually shocked at first but burst out laughing uncontrollably. Had I not been in public, I would have probably rolled over on the floor. Anyway, I tried to refrain from laughing too much so as not to hurt the feeling of a loved one, but I failed miserably :p. Yeah, I'm pathetic when it comes to refraining from an emotion, be it sad, happy or whatever.
But, I feel I should not detail out the remark made for fear of daulat from my loved one ;).
P/s: I love you Papa. Love, Along :D
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Much as I would like to believe that I am a humble person, the event that took place today made it irresistable for me not to post this entry. And since this is MY blog (note the emphasis on "my"), what the heck right? If you readers can't take it, then do stop reading but I would say that it's your loss. You know very well I can be pretty darn entertaining :p.
Anyhoo (nope, it's not a typo), Alhamdulillah I am blessed with a youthful look. I've received many comments to say that I look very young for my age. Even my big boss called me a liar the other day when I told him I have 3 children and one of them is a 9-year old.
Of course there was an issue once upon a time with my credibility at work due to my look. I don't normally wear makeup simply because it's time-counsuming (really, I don't have time in the morning for this extra effort to "look good" while trying to get 3 kids ready for school in the morning). The most I would do if I remember is to put on the lip gloss. However, I make up for it by dressing up as professionally as I can.
Back to today's event... (laughing first before continuing :D).
Yes, remarks have been made about my youthful look, but when this person made the remark, I was actually shocked at first but burst out laughing uncontrollably. Had I not been in public, I would have probably rolled over on the floor. Anyway, I tried to refrain from laughing too much so as not to hurt the feeling of a loved one, but I failed miserably :p. Yeah, I'm pathetic when it comes to refraining from an emotion, be it sad, happy or whatever.
But, I feel I should not detail out the remark made for fear of daulat from my loved one ;).
P/s: I love you Papa. Love, Along :D
I feel ALIVE!
Once upon a time...
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ok, that doesn't mean that I felt otherwise before. It's just that it's been a while since I really feel the adrenaline rush at the workplace. I'm picking up the pieces and sometimes in chunks in this current job that I'm doing. It can be overwhelming at times with requests upon requests from the stations within the region that I'm handling but I'm loving it! Boss is also starting to let me handle some things on my own - a sign of trust, which I like.
And today, I managed to complete many different things and the satisfactory feeling almost made me proud of myself :D. Having good peer support is also essential and I'm getting enough. The following was a conversation that took place today with the other Route Managers (all of us ladies in the early thirties):
Hema: So, Faza. Boleh eh bagi kat I B747. I nak kene transport ministers ni.
Me: Boleh, but let me clear the 3 pax on first class dulu. Suria, sorry tak boleh cater to your request coz my flight is full on the date you requested.
Suria: Tu la. Nak buat camane. Now I have to find alternatives.
Hehe. I feel so powerful :)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ok, that doesn't mean that I felt otherwise before. It's just that it's been a while since I really feel the adrenaline rush at the workplace. I'm picking up the pieces and sometimes in chunks in this current job that I'm doing. It can be overwhelming at times with requests upon requests from the stations within the region that I'm handling but I'm loving it! Boss is also starting to let me handle some things on my own - a sign of trust, which I like.
And today, I managed to complete many different things and the satisfactory feeling almost made me proud of myself :D. Having good peer support is also essential and I'm getting enough. The following was a conversation that took place today with the other Route Managers (all of us ladies in the early thirties):
Hema: So, Faza. Boleh eh bagi kat I B747. I nak kene transport ministers ni.
Me: Boleh, but let me clear the 3 pax on first class dulu. Suria, sorry tak boleh cater to your request coz my flight is full on the date you requested.
Suria: Tu la. Nak buat camane. Now I have to find alternatives.
Hehe. I feel so powerful :)
Aim for the moon...
Just another one of those feel-good factor posts :).
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
…if you miss, you could probably hit one of the stars. So, the saying goes.
I’ve never been an overachiever. At least, I don’t think so.
Yes, I was probably always striving to be the best in class or sports when I was younger, and I do try to do my best in whatever it is I’m doing, but that’s about it. But as for having huge dreams, well… Let’s just put it this way. I’ve never dreamt that I will one day have a mansion, or own a Bentley or become a CEO of a company, any company for that matter. I’m always content with whatever I’ve achieved on my own without having to depend too much on other people. And that, to me, is a great achievement already.
All throughout my career life though, whilst I do whatever is required of me the best that I can, without fanning anybody’s behind, superiors keep telling me that I have the potential to move up. I’ve always been skeptical with the remarks because much as I would like to think that I produce great work, I never really think my work is fantastic. I mean, I feel there are other people who would be able to match or do better than what I’ve done. My previous superior also mentioned to me once that higher management actually recognized who I am and spoke well of me. Now, due to an issue I always have with that superior, I actually just dismissed what she said (but nevertheless, felt kembang for a while :p). Thus, I just keep on continuing to do my level best in everything I do.
However, when I’m actually being sought after by a few people from different areas in the last few months enquiring whether I would be interested to join them, I can’t say that I’m not pleased. It is a true recognition that I’ve never really asked for nor thought I would get, especially in a huge organization such as this one. But, keeping my feet firm on the ground, I will still do my best in what I do and even though some opportunities come and are hard to resist, I would need to think through sensibly and not greedily, and hope that better opportunities will come along the way in the future, InsyaAllah.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
…if you miss, you could probably hit one of the stars. So, the saying goes.
I’ve never been an overachiever. At least, I don’t think so.
Yes, I was probably always striving to be the best in class or sports when I was younger, and I do try to do my best in whatever it is I’m doing, but that’s about it. But as for having huge dreams, well… Let’s just put it this way. I’ve never dreamt that I will one day have a mansion, or own a Bentley or become a CEO of a company, any company for that matter. I’m always content with whatever I’ve achieved on my own without having to depend too much on other people. And that, to me, is a great achievement already.
All throughout my career life though, whilst I do whatever is required of me the best that I can, without fanning anybody’s behind, superiors keep telling me that I have the potential to move up. I’ve always been skeptical with the remarks because much as I would like to think that I produce great work, I never really think my work is fantastic. I mean, I feel there are other people who would be able to match or do better than what I’ve done. My previous superior also mentioned to me once that higher management actually recognized who I am and spoke well of me. Now, due to an issue I always have with that superior, I actually just dismissed what she said (but nevertheless, felt kembang for a while :p). Thus, I just keep on continuing to do my level best in everything I do.
However, when I’m actually being sought after by a few people from different areas in the last few months enquiring whether I would be interested to join them, I can’t say that I’m not pleased. It is a true recognition that I’ve never really asked for nor thought I would get, especially in a huge organization such as this one. But, keeping my feet firm on the ground, I will still do my best in what I do and even though some opportunities come and are hard to resist, I would need to think through sensibly and not greedily, and hope that better opportunities will come along the way in the future, InsyaAllah.
Updates on H2D
When it was the 3 of them...
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It’s been awhile since I talked about my H2D. Thus, the long overdue updates are as follows…
Muhammad Haikal, 8
At his age, Haikal demonstrates matured personality. He has long accepted the situation the family is in and is going along with it. In fact, the “family situation” has brought us, i.e. him and me, closer in a way. We are also more open with each other and able to talk, sometimes, at a heart-to-heart level. I also notice he likes it when I put my arm around him when we walk in public – which means he is not yet ashamed to be affectionate with his Mama in public, which I hope will not happen anytime soon. However, when it comes to Daanya, he is a bit short-tempered and very quick to correct her in a demeaning way whenever the opportunity comes. I’ve expressed my disapproval in the way he treats his only sister but not successfully at the moment. I realize he wants to be more superior as the elder sibling and I just need to figure out a way to make him feel that way without him taking it out on his sister.
Study-wise, I can’t complain. He’s doing well at school but again, is showing some superiority-complex attitude, which his teacher noted in his report card. I’ve had the chat on being humble with him, which I hope will stick in him as he grows.
Hadhirah Daanya, 5
My little girl feels that since she’s the only girl, she can get whatever she wants by bawling in tears. I have been telling her that this is absolutely not the way to do it. Of course this felt like “mencurahkan air ke daun keladi” because the other party always succumbs to her act of tantrums. But, she knows with her Mama, it doesn’t work because she’ll just be ignored and all the tears will just go to waste.
Otherwise, she’s growing to be a very brave and confident young lady. I’ve also been preaching to her that she has to grow to be independent and tries to not depend on anyone for anything, unless absolutely necessary. Given the things I’ve gone through, this is absolutely a necessary real life education to be taught even at a very young age… in my opinion lah.
Also, when she’s determined to do anything, she ensures she achieves what she aims for. A simple example was during recent Ramadhan when she was able to complete a whole month of fasting without any big issues on her very first attempt at doing it.
At school, she’s a kiasu little monkey. She wants to be the best in everything she does and unlike her elder brother, once she gets back home with homework in hand for the weekend, she would usually try to complete it as soon as possible.
The only thing she’s not is graceful, which unfortunately, she has inherited from her Mama :D.
Muhammad Haider, 2
This boy is the most mischievous of all with cheeky grins to boot. His antiques usually drive me up the walls but somehow or rather, I can never be upset with him for long. He has the ability to make me laugh after any unfavourable incident even though I try my best to stay as stern as possible. Haider, like his Abang and Kakak, enjoys going to “school” aka nursery, but he also loves coming back home afterwards.
My favourite time among all favourites with him is during bed time. Ever since I came back from hajj, he would climb on my chest to sleep. He doesn’t actually sleep on my chest anymore but he would climb on me for at least a few moments before he settles down to sleep, every night :)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It’s been awhile since I talked about my H2D. Thus, the long overdue updates are as follows…
Muhammad Haikal, 8
At his age, Haikal demonstrates matured personality. He has long accepted the situation the family is in and is going along with it. In fact, the “family situation” has brought us, i.e. him and me, closer in a way. We are also more open with each other and able to talk, sometimes, at a heart-to-heart level. I also notice he likes it when I put my arm around him when we walk in public – which means he is not yet ashamed to be affectionate with his Mama in public, which I hope will not happen anytime soon. However, when it comes to Daanya, he is a bit short-tempered and very quick to correct her in a demeaning way whenever the opportunity comes. I’ve expressed my disapproval in the way he treats his only sister but not successfully at the moment. I realize he wants to be more superior as the elder sibling and I just need to figure out a way to make him feel that way without him taking it out on his sister.
Study-wise, I can’t complain. He’s doing well at school but again, is showing some superiority-complex attitude, which his teacher noted in his report card. I’ve had the chat on being humble with him, which I hope will stick in him as he grows.
Hadhirah Daanya, 5
My little girl feels that since she’s the only girl, she can get whatever she wants by bawling in tears. I have been telling her that this is absolutely not the way to do it. Of course this felt like “mencurahkan air ke daun keladi” because the other party always succumbs to her act of tantrums. But, she knows with her Mama, it doesn’t work because she’ll just be ignored and all the tears will just go to waste.
Otherwise, she’s growing to be a very brave and confident young lady. I’ve also been preaching to her that she has to grow to be independent and tries to not depend on anyone for anything, unless absolutely necessary. Given the things I’ve gone through, this is absolutely a necessary real life education to be taught even at a very young age… in my opinion lah.
Also, when she’s determined to do anything, she ensures she achieves what she aims for. A simple example was during recent Ramadhan when she was able to complete a whole month of fasting without any big issues on her very first attempt at doing it.
At school, she’s a kiasu little monkey. She wants to be the best in everything she does and unlike her elder brother, once she gets back home with homework in hand for the weekend, she would usually try to complete it as soon as possible.
The only thing she’s not is graceful, which unfortunately, she has inherited from her Mama :D.
Muhammad Haider, 2
This boy is the most mischievous of all with cheeky grins to boot. His antiques usually drive me up the walls but somehow or rather, I can never be upset with him for long. He has the ability to make me laugh after any unfavourable incident even though I try my best to stay as stern as possible. Haider, like his Abang and Kakak, enjoys going to “school” aka nursery, but he also loves coming back home afterwards.
My favourite time among all favourites with him is during bed time. Ever since I came back from hajj, he would climb on my chest to sleep. He doesn’t actually sleep on my chest anymore but he would climb on me for at least a few moments before he settles down to sleep, every night :)
LLB
A career change was very much possible when you worked in a company as big as Malaysia Airlines. It was an opportunity that I was very grateful for.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hehehe… right now I feel like playing hooky a bit. But, in my defense, it’s not exactly my fault. I guess an explanation is required for that kind of statement, huh?
Ok… Effective 1 Aug recently, I made a huge career change… and I mean really HUGE so much so it raised eyebrows from those who know me and raised a few questions of “But, why?”. My response to the questions was basically “Why not?”.
Ever since I joined this organization, about 6+ years ago, I’ve been in the same department. Yes, I did quite different things along the way, but still in the same department. I feel blessed, nonetheless, to be in that department because the nature of the work that I did enabled me to know a whole lot of people in the organization as well as what they do, and in return, I was being acknowledged for the things that I did.
However, being the ever-restless me (in jobs only, mind you), I felt the need to challenge my intelligence once again. I was pretty excited during the change of responsibilities awhile back, but after 3+ years, another change is absolutely necessary or I’d just die of boredom. And also, ever since I joined (more or less) I have been eyeing a few departments to join, given the opportunity.
And so, how did this current job literally land on my lap? It started with a briefing given to the Head of Division (HoD) a couple of years ago. I provided the approving authority briefing along with my then superior. After the end of the briefing, I expressed my interest to join the division should there be a vacancy. So, no, I didn’t go behind anybody or stab anybody’s back to get what I wanted. Just merely building a path for my future, with God’s grace. Sometimes you just can’t sit around and wait for things to happen. You have to work towards it.
And so, as the years went by with no news whatsoever, I actually tried my luck to apply for a new job elsewhere. Alas, that didn’t happen. However, while I was searching, the HoD I mentioned above went to the Head of Talent Management to inform there was a vacancy and actually expressed that she wanted me to be on board. ME! I was beyond pleased to actually be recognized and wanted.
Anyway, to make a long story short, here I am, in a division that actually makes me feel involved in the airline business and not just merely being a support staff. I have also officially deviated from the degree I earned during my uni days. But, given the challenges ahead, it is pretty darn satisfactory to be in my position right now.
So, what was the first statement all about? Eheh. The division is currently undergoing a transformation due to a new system being implemented, along with a few other ongoing concurrent projects. My superior promised me that he’ll personally coach me on the ins and outs of the job. But, he’s been pretty busy and has not yet been able to do what he promised. Of course I haven’t actually been sitting around and done nothing. But, there’s just so much that I could do with next to zero knowledge about the current job. And so, to make me LLB, i.e. look-like-busy, I’m just taking the opportunity to update my blog :D, which has been idle for quite some time. At least I’m back to doing something that I like and not just wasting time doing nothing. Thing is, internet is darn slow at this place. So, I’ll only be posting this entry later when I get back home…
Now, I shall get back to looking for something in the server that could be of value to me to my current job :p.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hehehe… right now I feel like playing hooky a bit. But, in my defense, it’s not exactly my fault. I guess an explanation is required for that kind of statement, huh?
Ok… Effective 1 Aug recently, I made a huge career change… and I mean really HUGE so much so it raised eyebrows from those who know me and raised a few questions of “But, why?”. My response to the questions was basically “Why not?”.
Ever since I joined this organization, about 6+ years ago, I’ve been in the same department. Yes, I did quite different things along the way, but still in the same department. I feel blessed, nonetheless, to be in that department because the nature of the work that I did enabled me to know a whole lot of people in the organization as well as what they do, and in return, I was being acknowledged for the things that I did.
However, being the ever-restless me (in jobs only, mind you), I felt the need to challenge my intelligence once again. I was pretty excited during the change of responsibilities awhile back, but after 3+ years, another change is absolutely necessary or I’d just die of boredom. And also, ever since I joined (more or less) I have been eyeing a few departments to join, given the opportunity.
And so, how did this current job literally land on my lap? It started with a briefing given to the Head of Division (HoD) a couple of years ago. I provided the approving authority briefing along with my then superior. After the end of the briefing, I expressed my interest to join the division should there be a vacancy. So, no, I didn’t go behind anybody or stab anybody’s back to get what I wanted. Just merely building a path for my future, with God’s grace. Sometimes you just can’t sit around and wait for things to happen. You have to work towards it.
And so, as the years went by with no news whatsoever, I actually tried my luck to apply for a new job elsewhere. Alas, that didn’t happen. However, while I was searching, the HoD I mentioned above went to the Head of Talent Management to inform there was a vacancy and actually expressed that she wanted me to be on board. ME! I was beyond pleased to actually be recognized and wanted.
Anyway, to make a long story short, here I am, in a division that actually makes me feel involved in the airline business and not just merely being a support staff. I have also officially deviated from the degree I earned during my uni days. But, given the challenges ahead, it is pretty darn satisfactory to be in my position right now.
So, what was the first statement all about? Eheh. The division is currently undergoing a transformation due to a new system being implemented, along with a few other ongoing concurrent projects. My superior promised me that he’ll personally coach me on the ins and outs of the job. But, he’s been pretty busy and has not yet been able to do what he promised. Of course I haven’t actually been sitting around and done nothing. But, there’s just so much that I could do with next to zero knowledge about the current job. And so, to make me LLB, i.e. look-like-busy, I’m just taking the opportunity to update my blog :D, which has been idle for quite some time. At least I’m back to doing something that I like and not just wasting time doing nothing. Thing is, internet is darn slow at this place. So, I’ll only be posting this entry later when I get back home…
Now, I shall get back to looking for something in the server that could be of value to me to my current job :p.
And so, the journey begins…
This one is to reiterate that when Allah invites you to be His guest, nothing will stop you from being His guest. It was a blessing for me to perform hajj in 2010.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Alhamdulillah, Puan dipilih untuk menyertai rombongan haji pada tahun ini.” Those words were the happiest things I’ve heard for a long time. I actually wanted to jump for joy once I heard “Alhamdulillah” after the person identified herself. But, I had to settle with a small silly dance on the seat in the cinema while waiting for Shrek to begin.
“Kenapa Mama?” Haikal asked. I told him I would tell him after the movie ended.
Back tracking a few months, when the Company came out with a circular to invite its staff to apply for the hajj trip, I didn’t even hesitate to send my application, knowing fully well that priorities would be given to retirees and long serving employees. I thought I would just try my luck because should I wait for Tabung Haji, which I registered a couple of years back, I would only be able to perform hajj in another 15 years or so. I was hopeful, but I prepared myself for possible rejection.
Fast forwarding a few weeks, an email came out for all bakal jemaah haji to receive the letters of offer. My heart soared but I was still cautious and ensured my feet were still firm on the ground. It turned out that there were 130 applicants for a quota of 120 participants – I was being KIVed due to the number of years of service in the Company. My heart sank a bit but I remained hopeful and prayed that somehow or rather I would be accepted. I would not give up hope until it was confirmed otherwise. And should that happen, I was determined to try again next year. So, I went to the first course organized eventhough I wasn’t sure of my fate yet. And somehow, I had a really good feeling after attending the course.
Another week passed with no news and I was getting a bit apprehensive. But, I assured myself that no news was actually good news. And true enough, the phone call received was right on time.
I’m thankful to Allah for giving me this great opportunity. I intend to prepare myself fully for it. I know there will be many challenges along the way but I will pray that everything will go smoothly. I know fully well that leaving my precious little darlings for 40 days will be my biggest challenge but I also know that Allah will always be there to take care of them. With that knowledge, I’m appeased.
And yes, so the journey begins...
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Alhamdulillah, Puan dipilih untuk menyertai rombongan haji pada tahun ini.” Those words were the happiest things I’ve heard for a long time. I actually wanted to jump for joy once I heard “Alhamdulillah” after the person identified herself. But, I had to settle with a small silly dance on the seat in the cinema while waiting for Shrek to begin.
“Kenapa Mama?” Haikal asked. I told him I would tell him after the movie ended.
Back tracking a few months, when the Company came out with a circular to invite its staff to apply for the hajj trip, I didn’t even hesitate to send my application, knowing fully well that priorities would be given to retirees and long serving employees. I thought I would just try my luck because should I wait for Tabung Haji, which I registered a couple of years back, I would only be able to perform hajj in another 15 years or so. I was hopeful, but I prepared myself for possible rejection.
Fast forwarding a few weeks, an email came out for all bakal jemaah haji to receive the letters of offer. My heart soared but I was still cautious and ensured my feet were still firm on the ground. It turned out that there were 130 applicants for a quota of 120 participants – I was being KIVed due to the number of years of service in the Company. My heart sank a bit but I remained hopeful and prayed that somehow or rather I would be accepted. I would not give up hope until it was confirmed otherwise. And should that happen, I was determined to try again next year. So, I went to the first course organized eventhough I wasn’t sure of my fate yet. And somehow, I had a really good feeling after attending the course.
Another week passed with no news and I was getting a bit apprehensive. But, I assured myself that no news was actually good news. And true enough, the phone call received was right on time.
I’m thankful to Allah for giving me this great opportunity. I intend to prepare myself fully for it. I know there will be many challenges along the way but I will pray that everything will go smoothly. I know fully well that leaving my precious little darlings for 40 days will be my biggest challenge but I also know that Allah will always be there to take care of them. With that knowledge, I’m appeased.
And yes, so the journey begins...
Humble girl
Always nice to remember things I have forgotten :).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Last night, on the way back home from berbuka puasa at Nenek's, Daanya was reciting all the surahs that she has memorised - she's able to recite up to Al-Ma'un already plus Ayatul Kursi.
After reciting Al-Kafirun fluently, Bibik commented, "Wah, pandailah Daanya nie..." to which Daanya quickly responded, "Hish, janganlah cakap pandai-pandai." We laughed at her retort, and then Bibik asked, "Habis tu nak cakap apa kalau bukan pandai?" Dengan selambanya, she responded, "Tak payahlah cakap pape-pape..."
Such an innocent child, but even at her age, she's able to show humility. I, on the other hand, am too proud a mother to be humble :)
Meanwhile, Haikal is still going on strong fasting. He no longer complains of hunger anymore also - but he still asks what he'll be getting every 2-3 days or so. Hmmm... gotta really think what to get him. Else, I'll just ask what he wants once he actually completes it. He will really deserve it.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Last night, on the way back home from berbuka puasa at Nenek's, Daanya was reciting all the surahs that she has memorised - she's able to recite up to Al-Ma'un already plus Ayatul Kursi.
After reciting Al-Kafirun fluently, Bibik commented, "Wah, pandailah Daanya nie..." to which Daanya quickly responded, "Hish, janganlah cakap pandai-pandai." We laughed at her retort, and then Bibik asked, "Habis tu nak cakap apa kalau bukan pandai?" Dengan selambanya, she responded, "Tak payahlah cakap pape-pape..."
Such an innocent child, but even at her age, she's able to show humility. I, on the other hand, am too proud a mother to be humble :)
Meanwhile, Haikal is still going on strong fasting. He no longer complains of hunger anymore also - but he still asks what he'll be getting every 2-3 days or so. Hmmm... gotta really think what to get him. Else, I'll just ask what he wants once he actually completes it. He will really deserve it.
Alahai, Anakku...
:)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After an outing with Haikal and Daanya one day and buying stuff for school, I told them I was already out of money by saying, "Tengok, duit Mama tinggal satu je" and showing an RM50 note.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After an outing with Haikal and Daanya one day and buying stuff for school, I told them I was already out of money by saying, "Tengok, duit Mama tinggal satu je" and showing an RM50 note.
When we arrived home, Haikal took out his wallet and handed me two RM1 notes. "Nah Mama," he said, innocently. I didn't realise he took it to his heart. Kesian jugak dia tengok Mama dia rupanya...
Daanya goes to kindy
A story of when Daanya enrolled to kindy.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daanya has always been matured beyond her age, even since she was real small. So, when I asked whether she wanted to go to Haikal's kindy, she immediately said she wanted to. She'll only be 4 next year but she has learned quite a bit from her nursery and she's able to recognise letters, numbers and recite a few surah quite well i.e. Al-Fatihah, An-Nas, Al-Falaq and Al-Ikhlas. She also knows the basics of solat. From my conversation with her care taker, she's also good at socialising.
So, two weeks ago, I enrolled her to the same kindy as Haikal. The first day was a bit tough especially since she's much younger than the rest of the kids and it's already the middle of the year. So, she cried and wanted to go home. I just left her there for the teacher to handle her. At the end of the day, when she came back from school, she was as happy as a lark as if she had no issue whatsoever earlier in the morning. I can also tell that she's much happier now than she was before at her nursery from her constant singing and reciting of the things she's learning now.
I'm glad I made the decision to enrol her early. If that makes me a kiasu mother, then be it...
One week later…
Anybody care to know about my pregnancies stories? :p
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It was a week ago that Muhammad Haider was brought into the world. I’ve passed through the pain of post-natal contracting womb and engorged breasts and have regained back my energy – somewhat. The first week after giving birth is always the hardest, I think and I’m just glad it’s over.
Anyway, when I informed a bunch of people via mass smses, one of the replies I received was, “berapa MINIT kali ni k faza?” (it was from Afti). That made me think. With Haikal, I didn’t have any Braxton Hicks whatsoever. My water bag just broke one morning and within three hours he was out. With Daanya, there was one false labor and that was it. The real thing started with regular contractions and she was also out within three hours of the start of the pain.
With Haider, however, I started getting false labor a few weeks even before he was born. A few times I even thought he was about to come out already, which didn’t turn out that way (I later concluded the pains were associated with the stress from work).
The real contractions started around 11 pm last Saturday. At first, I thought they were still false labor. I mean, the contractions were starting to be frequent but they were not regular. But, by 12 am, I thought I should just go to the medical centre because, unlike the previous contractions, these contractions were more frequent. So, I went and I was admitted. They monitored me and the baby via CTG test again but apparently, after the test, I was not ready to go into the labor room. I was also only dilated about 3 cm. But, the nurse told me to inform them should my water bag break.
The contractions started to get more intense as the hours went by but they were still not constant and my water bag didn’t seem to want to break. Only around 6.30 am, the nurse came back in to do another CTG test and said that it was time for me to go into the labor room due to the intense contractions even though when she checked, I was only dilated for 4 cm. My thought that time was, “What?! I’ve been through all the pain and I only dilated just another cm?” Because when I compared with my labor experience with Daanya, when I went into the labor room after one hour of contractions, I was already dilated 6 cm.
Anyway, because I was dilating quite slowly but my contractions were getting harder, the nurse had to induce me. She asked whether I wanted any painkiller and I was not trying to be tough or anything, but as far as I recalled, the painkiller never helped in my previous two labors. I mean, the thing about pain is, you don’t really remember how it feels like after you’ve gone through it, but you know you went through very painful moments. Heck, I can’t even remember how the labor pain I endured last week felt like, but I know it was EXCRUCIATING! So, I told her I didn’t want the painkiller. She gave me the etonox mask for me to breathe in deeply whenever I felt pain. At first, I was still able to endure the pains, but after a while they got really damn painful. So, I succumbed to the usage of the gas, which truthfully, didn’t even provide any relief whatsoever from the pains.
Within minutes, however, I was writhing. I felt like I had to start pushing already and called the nurse. The nurse checked my dilation and said that it was still not time because I was only 7 cm dilated. But, once she walked out and the next contraction came in, I really had to push and felt the baby’s head starting to come out. I almost screamed saying that the baby was coming out and the doctor and the nurses came in to find that the baby’s head was actually out. The doctor said to wait until the next contraction before I push again but Haider had a mind of his own. He just pushed his way through and he was out within one hour of being induced.
In conclusion, in terms of pain, whether if I take into account false labor or not, my labor with Haider was the longest. But, in terms of delivery, I thought his was the easiest. I barely had to push him out.
And that was my labor experience with Haider, who is as cute as a button. Truthfully, I wouldn’t mind having as many babies as I can. If only I can have them, as in my own, without having to go through pregnancies and labor pains…
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It was a week ago that Muhammad Haider was brought into the world. I’ve passed through the pain of post-natal contracting womb and engorged breasts and have regained back my energy – somewhat. The first week after giving birth is always the hardest, I think and I’m just glad it’s over.
Anyway, when I informed a bunch of people via mass smses, one of the replies I received was, “berapa MINIT kali ni k faza?” (it was from Afti). That made me think. With Haikal, I didn’t have any Braxton Hicks whatsoever. My water bag just broke one morning and within three hours he was out. With Daanya, there was one false labor and that was it. The real thing started with regular contractions and she was also out within three hours of the start of the pain.
With Haider, however, I started getting false labor a few weeks even before he was born. A few times I even thought he was about to come out already, which didn’t turn out that way (I later concluded the pains were associated with the stress from work).
The real contractions started around 11 pm last Saturday. At first, I thought they were still false labor. I mean, the contractions were starting to be frequent but they were not regular. But, by 12 am, I thought I should just go to the medical centre because, unlike the previous contractions, these contractions were more frequent. So, I went and I was admitted. They monitored me and the baby via CTG test again but apparently, after the test, I was not ready to go into the labor room. I was also only dilated about 3 cm. But, the nurse told me to inform them should my water bag break.
The contractions started to get more intense as the hours went by but they were still not constant and my water bag didn’t seem to want to break. Only around 6.30 am, the nurse came back in to do another CTG test and said that it was time for me to go into the labor room due to the intense contractions even though when she checked, I was only dilated for 4 cm. My thought that time was, “What?! I’ve been through all the pain and I only dilated just another cm?” Because when I compared with my labor experience with Daanya, when I went into the labor room after one hour of contractions, I was already dilated 6 cm.
Anyway, because I was dilating quite slowly but my contractions were getting harder, the nurse had to induce me. She asked whether I wanted any painkiller and I was not trying to be tough or anything, but as far as I recalled, the painkiller never helped in my previous two labors. I mean, the thing about pain is, you don’t really remember how it feels like after you’ve gone through it, but you know you went through very painful moments. Heck, I can’t even remember how the labor pain I endured last week felt like, but I know it was EXCRUCIATING! So, I told her I didn’t want the painkiller. She gave me the etonox mask for me to breathe in deeply whenever I felt pain. At first, I was still able to endure the pains, but after a while they got really damn painful. So, I succumbed to the usage of the gas, which truthfully, didn’t even provide any relief whatsoever from the pains.
Within minutes, however, I was writhing. I felt like I had to start pushing already and called the nurse. The nurse checked my dilation and said that it was still not time because I was only 7 cm dilated. But, once she walked out and the next contraction came in, I really had to push and felt the baby’s head starting to come out. I almost screamed saying that the baby was coming out and the doctor and the nurses came in to find that the baby’s head was actually out. The doctor said to wait until the next contraction before I push again but Haider had a mind of his own. He just pushed his way through and he was out within one hour of being induced.
In conclusion, in terms of pain, whether if I take into account false labor or not, my labor with Haider was the longest. But, in terms of delivery, I thought his was the easiest. I barely had to push him out.
And that was my labor experience with Haider, who is as cute as a button. Truthfully, I wouldn’t mind having as many babies as I can. If only I can have them, as in my own, without having to go through pregnancies and labor pains…
Daanya is 3!
Of course I have to share this memory :).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How time really flies… sigh! I can still remember the first time I held Daanya in my arms after giving birth to her. Even from the beginning she showed signs of an intelligent person when in her first day of life itself, she opened her eyes and had a thoughtful look on her face, whilst most babies would either be sleeping away or crying their hearts out (yeah, ok, I’m her mother – naturally I would talk about the good stuff, right?).
Anyway, now at 3, she’s a questioning little monkey. Anything that she doesn’t comprehend very well will be met with a “Nape” question. For instance, if she doesn’t understand why a certain thing works the way it does, she would ask, “Mama, nape dia buat camtu, Mama… Napeeeeeee?” And the answers must meet her level of satisfaction – else the answers would be turned into another “Nape” question and it would go on and on until she finally says, “Oooohhhh.” Only then, the person being interrogated (usually the victim would be me) may breathe a sigh of relief.
Daanya also has a mind of her own and stubborn as hell. Once she makes up her mind about certain things, it would be really tough to get her to change her mind. But, of course, there is a certain way that can be used (not too often, though, and only in certain circumstances) that would make her change her mind. Ahhhh… she reminds me of… me! Otherwise, she’s very affectionate and manja and loves whatever attention that she could get – hmmm… that kinda reminds me of me as well ;p
Yesterday, I brought Haikal and Daanya to one of the malls for lunch and stopped by at Toys R Us. I don’t normally buy toys for the kids but I felt once in a while would be ok. Haikal, for some reason, was very excited for Daanya when I told them I was gonna buy a birthday present for Daanya. There was not even a tinge of jealousy shown – well, not sure how he felt inside but he didn’t expressly show any jealousy.
However, when we were at the store, his eyes were wildly searching for something and finally he said, “Mama, untuk Haikal punye birthday, Haikal nak Transformers, kay?” Ahh… so, ada udang di sebalik batu… And then he started to ask, “Mama, lepas Januari apa?... Lepas Februari?...” and so on until I mentioned May and then he squealed “Yeay!”
Last night also Daanya received her birthday presents from To’Ki and Nek Ji and Mak Teh and Pak Su. I thought Haikal was more excited to open the presents than Daanya, but I could tell he was satisfied to see that none of the presents could interest him. Daanya, on the other hand, was very happy with all the presents and attention that she received. Hopefully, she'll be that charming little princess for a long time to come...
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How time really flies… sigh! I can still remember the first time I held Daanya in my arms after giving birth to her. Even from the beginning she showed signs of an intelligent person when in her first day of life itself, she opened her eyes and had a thoughtful look on her face, whilst most babies would either be sleeping away or crying their hearts out (yeah, ok, I’m her mother – naturally I would talk about the good stuff, right?).
Anyway, now at 3, she’s a questioning little monkey. Anything that she doesn’t comprehend very well will be met with a “Nape” question. For instance, if she doesn’t understand why a certain thing works the way it does, she would ask, “Mama, nape dia buat camtu, Mama… Napeeeeeee?” And the answers must meet her level of satisfaction – else the answers would be turned into another “Nape” question and it would go on and on until she finally says, “Oooohhhh.” Only then, the person being interrogated (usually the victim would be me) may breathe a sigh of relief.
Daanya also has a mind of her own and stubborn as hell. Once she makes up her mind about certain things, it would be really tough to get her to change her mind. But, of course, there is a certain way that can be used (not too often, though, and only in certain circumstances) that would make her change her mind. Ahhhh… she reminds me of… me! Otherwise, she’s very affectionate and manja and loves whatever attention that she could get – hmmm… that kinda reminds me of me as well ;p
Yesterday, I brought Haikal and Daanya to one of the malls for lunch and stopped by at Toys R Us. I don’t normally buy toys for the kids but I felt once in a while would be ok. Haikal, for some reason, was very excited for Daanya when I told them I was gonna buy a birthday present for Daanya. There was not even a tinge of jealousy shown – well, not sure how he felt inside but he didn’t expressly show any jealousy.
However, when we were at the store, his eyes were wildly searching for something and finally he said, “Mama, untuk Haikal punye birthday, Haikal nak Transformers, kay?” Ahh… so, ada udang di sebalik batu… And then he started to ask, “Mama, lepas Januari apa?... Lepas Februari?...” and so on until I mentioned May and then he squealed “Yeay!”
Last night also Daanya received her birthday presents from To’Ki and Nek Ji and Mak Teh and Pak Su. I thought Haikal was more excited to open the presents than Daanya, but I could tell he was satisfied to see that none of the presents could interest him. Daanya, on the other hand, was very happy with all the presents and attention that she received. Hopefully, she'll be that charming little princess for a long time to come...
That awkward stage
This was posted when I was pregnant with Haider :).
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I’m at that stage in my pregnancy where all my pants and kain baju kurung are a bit tight around my waist – they are still wearable but not very comfy. But then, I’m still not big enough to wear the maternity pants whereby if I were to wear them, I would look like a clown in oversized pants.
But alas, I’m choosing comfort over vanity right now. I really can’t be bothered about how I look nowadays. And so, today I decided to wear my maternity pants and voila! I look like a dorky clown… sigh! I really wish I could wear sweat pants to work.
I’m also starting to gain back the weight that I had lost since my pregnancy started. My appetite is still not that good – only eating about half to three-quarter of the portion that I usually ate previously (and you’d be surprise how much that amounts to!). I’ve also started slathering myself with stretch mark cream – more to prevent the itchiness so that I would avoid looking like a scratching monkey and/ or behaving inappropriately in public.
Anyway, it’s the last day of the year 2008 and I’m more than ready to bid farewell to the year. Au revoir, adieu, adios amigos. I wish I have a crystal ball to see what lies ahead for me in 2009, but that would just take the thrill out of life, wouldn’t it?
Resolution? Emmm… let’s just say I don’t want to make any resolutions that I won’t be able to keep.
See you next year!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I’m at that stage in my pregnancy where all my pants and kain baju kurung are a bit tight around my waist – they are still wearable but not very comfy. But then, I’m still not big enough to wear the maternity pants whereby if I were to wear them, I would look like a clown in oversized pants.
But alas, I’m choosing comfort over vanity right now. I really can’t be bothered about how I look nowadays. And so, today I decided to wear my maternity pants and voila! I look like a dorky clown… sigh! I really wish I could wear sweat pants to work.
I’m also starting to gain back the weight that I had lost since my pregnancy started. My appetite is still not that good – only eating about half to three-quarter of the portion that I usually ate previously (and you’d be surprise how much that amounts to!). I’ve also started slathering myself with stretch mark cream – more to prevent the itchiness so that I would avoid looking like a scratching monkey and/ or behaving inappropriately in public.
Anyway, it’s the last day of the year 2008 and I’m more than ready to bid farewell to the year. Au revoir, adieu, adios amigos. I wish I have a crystal ball to see what lies ahead for me in 2009, but that would just take the thrill out of life, wouldn’t it?
Resolution? Emmm… let’s just say I don’t want to make any resolutions that I won’t be able to keep.
See you next year!
Haikal has stopped sucking his fingers…
And now, the mission is to get Hanif to stop sucking his fingers.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yes, ladies and gentlemen. Haikal no longer sucks his fingers, thanks to yours truly :)
Of late, I realized that his obsession to suck his fingers was due to the hanky that he would hold on to – kinda like the bantal busuk that some kids have, except that the hanky could be washed and exchanged for another as long as it was of similar size and quality.
Anyway, every time he came back from school, he would look for the hanky and started to suck his fingers - macam lepas gian gitu. But, if the hanky was not around, he would not be sucking his fingers.
So, for our trip to Kuala Terengganu, I took a calculated risk and purposely didn’t pack any of his hankies. Either he would scream his head off when it was time to sleep or he would just forget about the hanky and go to sleep, which I’ve seen him done a few times before. I was ever prepared to face his scream.
Thankfully, he chose the latter and no dramatic event took place. And the best thing was, when we arrived home from the trip, he was not interested anymore to look for the hankies, and thus, quit sucking his fingers simultaneously. He’s very proud of his own achievement as well and boasted to all that he’s already a big boy and doesn’t suck his fingers anymore – especially to Daanya.
Now for Daanya… I’ll let her suck her fingers for awhile longer…
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yes, ladies and gentlemen. Haikal no longer sucks his fingers, thanks to yours truly :)
Of late, I realized that his obsession to suck his fingers was due to the hanky that he would hold on to – kinda like the bantal busuk that some kids have, except that the hanky could be washed and exchanged for another as long as it was of similar size and quality.
Anyway, every time he came back from school, he would look for the hanky and started to suck his fingers - macam lepas gian gitu. But, if the hanky was not around, he would not be sucking his fingers.
So, for our trip to Kuala Terengganu, I took a calculated risk and purposely didn’t pack any of his hankies. Either he would scream his head off when it was time to sleep or he would just forget about the hanky and go to sleep, which I’ve seen him done a few times before. I was ever prepared to face his scream.
Thankfully, he chose the latter and no dramatic event took place. And the best thing was, when we arrived home from the trip, he was not interested anymore to look for the hankies, and thus, quit sucking his fingers simultaneously. He’s very proud of his own achievement as well and boasted to all that he’s already a big boy and doesn’t suck his fingers anymore – especially to Daanya.
Now for Daanya… I’ll let her suck her fingers for awhile longer…
Haikal completed one day of fasting
An attempt to get Haikal to fast when he was 5 years old :).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
About a month before Ramadhan, I asked Haikal whether he wanted to start fasting this year, explaining to him that he would have to refrain from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk. He was agreeable.
A few days before the day actually came, once again I asked him whether he wanted to fast. He re-affirmed himself about the rules of fasting to me and said that he would like to try. I added that he shouldn’t be sucking his fingers when he fast also (yeah, he still sucks his fingers, of which I can’t refrain him from doing coz I sucked my fingers until I was like 8! So, don’t really wanna be a hypocrite here… hehehe…).
So, the first day of Ramadhan, I woke him for sahur and it was really difficult to get him to eat. Haikal is a pretty big eater and he usually requires rice for lunch and dinner. So, when he only had a slice of cheese for sahur that day, I knew he wouldn’t last the whole day.
After sahur, I told him to go back to sleep and upon entering the bedroom he told me pitifully, “Mama, Haikal tak boleh tahan…” I was a bit surprised until he continued, “…Haikal kene hisap jari…” I almost laughed but just told him to go to sleep. He went to sleep happily, sucking his fingers. That day, he woke up around 10 and by 11 he said he wanted to break his fast already. I told him to wait another hour before breaking his fast and he agreed.
The next day was a school day. He started fasting for the day. I told one of the teachers there that he was trying to fast but if he wanted to break his fast, to let him during lunch time. When I fetched him from school that day, I asked him how long he fasted that day. He said that he drank a glass of water in class. When I asked why, his response was, “Haikal telan air liur banyak-banyak pun masih haus lagi. Pastu Haikal minumlah air.” He added that he didn’t want to fast anymore at school. I was ok with it but I asked him whether he would try fasting during the weekends and he said he would.
So, yesterday, he tried fasting again and he succeeded in completing one whole day of fasting! He actually wanted to break his fast at around 4 but I managed to coax him to wait until the actual breaking fast time. I told him that we would be going to his Nyang’s house where a lot of people would be there and it would be fun to break fast together. He got pretty excited about it and agreed.
The last hour before the breaking fast time was the most difficult. Every five minutes during the hour he asked when he could break his fast. I stayed by him the whole time and every time he asked I told him, “Sikiiiiiiiiiitttt lagi” and told him that I was proud of him.
When the time actually came, we recited the doa together and I could see that he was happy and proud of himself for completing the day of fasting. Today, he’s trying again, InsyaAllah…
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A few days before the day actually came, once again I asked him whether he wanted to fast. He re-affirmed himself about the rules of fasting to me and said that he would like to try. I added that he shouldn’t be sucking his fingers when he fast also (yeah, he still sucks his fingers, of which I can’t refrain him from doing coz I sucked my fingers until I was like 8! So, don’t really wanna be a hypocrite here… hehehe…).
So, the first day of Ramadhan, I woke him for sahur and it was really difficult to get him to eat. Haikal is a pretty big eater and he usually requires rice for lunch and dinner. So, when he only had a slice of cheese for sahur that day, I knew he wouldn’t last the whole day.
After sahur, I told him to go back to sleep and upon entering the bedroom he told me pitifully, “Mama, Haikal tak boleh tahan…” I was a bit surprised until he continued, “…Haikal kene hisap jari…” I almost laughed but just told him to go to sleep. He went to sleep happily, sucking his fingers. That day, he woke up around 10 and by 11 he said he wanted to break his fast already. I told him to wait another hour before breaking his fast and he agreed.
The next day was a school day. He started fasting for the day. I told one of the teachers there that he was trying to fast but if he wanted to break his fast, to let him during lunch time. When I fetched him from school that day, I asked him how long he fasted that day. He said that he drank a glass of water in class. When I asked why, his response was, “Haikal telan air liur banyak-banyak pun masih haus lagi. Pastu Haikal minumlah air.” He added that he didn’t want to fast anymore at school. I was ok with it but I asked him whether he would try fasting during the weekends and he said he would.
So, yesterday, he tried fasting again and he succeeded in completing one whole day of fasting! He actually wanted to break his fast at around 4 but I managed to coax him to wait until the actual breaking fast time. I told him that we would be going to his Nyang’s house where a lot of people would be there and it would be fun to break fast together. He got pretty excited about it and agreed.
The last hour before the breaking fast time was the most difficult. Every five minutes during the hour he asked when he could break his fast. I stayed by him the whole time and every time he asked I told him, “Sikiiiiiiiiiitttt lagi” and told him that I was proud of him.
When the time actually came, we recited the doa together and I could see that he was happy and proud of himself for completing the day of fasting. Today, he’s trying again, InsyaAllah…
Merdeka Road Relay
A story of one of my contributions to my division back in 2008. Not particularly glamorous but it was still a memory worth sharing.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
So, one of the departments in our division organized a road relay in conjunction with Merdeka. When they first announced it, I was curious and it managed to peak my interest. There should be 4 people in the team and one person from each team would have to do one activity at one of the four check points before passing the baton – in this case, a Jalur Gemilang – to the next person.
I didn’t really follow up on the matter as I couldn’t find anybody who was as enthusiastic. However, at the last minute, a team from another department was short of one person and looking for somebody to join the team. Being my usual self, I offered to be in the team eventhough I had no idea who the rest of the team members were.
So, the event was today after work hours. I went there in a rush as I was in a whole-day meeting preparing for an event that is about to happen in about one week plus.
I put on my running shoes and the soles of the shoes came off! That was one bad luck already. When I arrived at the assembly point, the other teams were there but not my team members – I knew because the rest seemed to belong to some group or another. It didn’t help that the people there knew me and kept asking, “Hey Faza, where are your team members?” Kind of embarrassing but I stayed on anyway. Eventually, 2 of the team members arrived and we had to import another person from another department to complete the team.
The organizer briefed us on what awaited us at each check point. The first person had to answer about 30 questions on Merdeka stuff, the second had to play hop-scotch, the third had to juggle a takraw ball and the last had to toss a marble into a circle to get points a-la dart board. Guess which one I had to do? I was the third runner and I had to juggle a takraw ball! I mean I’ve played a lot of sports and I would say that I’ve always been good in all the sports that I played but I’ve never played sepak takraw before. I wanted to swap with the only guy in the team but he said he was also no good in sepak takraw. Anyway, in the spirit of esprit de corps, I agreed to do it although I had no idea how to juggle the damn takraw ball.
When all the third runners were on the way to the check point, one of the guys (yeah, the rest were all guys!) commented, “Wah, the third runner sumer lelaki.” I turned around and said, “Excuse me!” and they started to make jokes that if I were better than any of them, they would have to default the game. And guess what? I was actually better than at least one of the guys! I managed to juggle the ball twice and this one guy only juggled once! Satisfaction!
In the end, my team didn’t win – I expected as much. But I had fun. I would join in such events again without batting my eyes.
Oh, yeah. In case I forgot or had no time to update, MERDEKA!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
So, one of the departments in our division organized a road relay in conjunction with Merdeka. When they first announced it, I was curious and it managed to peak my interest. There should be 4 people in the team and one person from each team would have to do one activity at one of the four check points before passing the baton – in this case, a Jalur Gemilang – to the next person.
I didn’t really follow up on the matter as I couldn’t find anybody who was as enthusiastic. However, at the last minute, a team from another department was short of one person and looking for somebody to join the team. Being my usual self, I offered to be in the team eventhough I had no idea who the rest of the team members were.
So, the event was today after work hours. I went there in a rush as I was in a whole-day meeting preparing for an event that is about to happen in about one week plus.
I put on my running shoes and the soles of the shoes came off! That was one bad luck already. When I arrived at the assembly point, the other teams were there but not my team members – I knew because the rest seemed to belong to some group or another. It didn’t help that the people there knew me and kept asking, “Hey Faza, where are your team members?” Kind of embarrassing but I stayed on anyway. Eventually, 2 of the team members arrived and we had to import another person from another department to complete the team.
The organizer briefed us on what awaited us at each check point. The first person had to answer about 30 questions on Merdeka stuff, the second had to play hop-scotch, the third had to juggle a takraw ball and the last had to toss a marble into a circle to get points a-la dart board. Guess which one I had to do? I was the third runner and I had to juggle a takraw ball! I mean I’ve played a lot of sports and I would say that I’ve always been good in all the sports that I played but I’ve never played sepak takraw before. I wanted to swap with the only guy in the team but he said he was also no good in sepak takraw. Anyway, in the spirit of esprit de corps, I agreed to do it although I had no idea how to juggle the damn takraw ball.
When all the third runners were on the way to the check point, one of the guys (yeah, the rest were all guys!) commented, “Wah, the third runner sumer lelaki.” I turned around and said, “Excuse me!” and they started to make jokes that if I were better than any of them, they would have to default the game. And guess what? I was actually better than at least one of the guys! I managed to juggle the ball twice and this one guy only juggled once! Satisfaction!
In the end, my team didn’t win – I expected as much. But I had fun. I would join in such events again without batting my eyes.
Oh, yeah. In case I forgot or had no time to update, MERDEKA!
Less hectic mornings...
'Twas a time long time ago in 2008. Reading it back now, I can actually laugh.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
School holidays are here and the past 2 mornings have been considerably relaxing for me as compared to the normal weekday mornings - and Haikal is only in kindy.
Typically, I would start my morning very early for my shower and prayer followed by getting Haikal ready for school. Depending on his mood i.e. whether he is in his lazy mood, or cheery mood, or grumpy mood, etc..., the process could be as short as 10 minutes to as long as half an hour. Then, I would prepare his breakfast and get ready myself to go to work. If Daanya slept through the whole process, I would be ready to leave home by 7:15 am. But, if she woke up during any of this time, I could leave home as late as 7:45 am.
The past few weeks also I have been the designated driver for Nurin and Nabeel after Kak Lin met with an accident and she had been on MC with the car still in the workshop. So, transporting 4 temperamental kids in the morning could be very enjoyable or it could be very distressing - if everyone is in a good mood, then I would be enjoying their chatters all the way to the respective schools; but, if only 1 of the kids woke up on the wrong side of the bed, lo and behold, then I could be wrestling with him/ her... These kids are strong, I tell ya. I'm just a scrawny little thing.
Monday last week was exceptionally bad. Nabeel was having a tantrum and didn't want to go to school but his Ummi forced him to go anyway. Now Nabeel is a very strong, strong boy. He was screaming and kicking, refusing to go to school. But, we managed to put him in the car. My car's back doors have all been child-locked for safety purposes (Haikal used to jump out from the car whenever the car stopped), so he couldn't open the doors. He then, tried to go out from the front but I managed to block him from doing so. How I did it? It was a miracle!
First stop was Nurin's school. It was a test week, so her Ummi told her to bring a smaller bag. Upon arriving at her school, she saw that some of the kids brought the "normal" size bags (read: the REALLY big bags). And suddenly she became panicky. She said she couldn't remember anything for the test and started to cry, while Nabeel was still crying in the background. So, I had to tell her to recite the doa and just try her best. She refused to go at first, but after further coaxing, she finally went out from the car - 1 down...
Next was Haikal and Nabeel's school. Nabeel still refused to go. He was running around in the car trying to avoid me. I tried to pull him out from all different angles that I could think of to no avail. I almost gave up when one of the teachers arrived and managed to get him out from the car. Boy, what a relief - 2 down...
Last, but not least, Daanya's nursery. After seeing all the commotion, Daanya commented, "Mama, Daanya good girl, kan? Daanya tak nangis pun..." She made it all better...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
School holidays are here and the past 2 mornings have been considerably relaxing for me as compared to the normal weekday mornings - and Haikal is only in kindy.
Typically, I would start my morning very early for my shower and prayer followed by getting Haikal ready for school. Depending on his mood i.e. whether he is in his lazy mood, or cheery mood, or grumpy mood, etc..., the process could be as short as 10 minutes to as long as half an hour. Then, I would prepare his breakfast and get ready myself to go to work. If Daanya slept through the whole process, I would be ready to leave home by 7:15 am. But, if she woke up during any of this time, I could leave home as late as 7:45 am.
The past few weeks also I have been the designated driver for Nurin and Nabeel after Kak Lin met with an accident and she had been on MC with the car still in the workshop. So, transporting 4 temperamental kids in the morning could be very enjoyable or it could be very distressing - if everyone is in a good mood, then I would be enjoying their chatters all the way to the respective schools; but, if only 1 of the kids woke up on the wrong side of the bed, lo and behold, then I could be wrestling with him/ her... These kids are strong, I tell ya. I'm just a scrawny little thing.
Monday last week was exceptionally bad. Nabeel was having a tantrum and didn't want to go to school but his Ummi forced him to go anyway. Now Nabeel is a very strong, strong boy. He was screaming and kicking, refusing to go to school. But, we managed to put him in the car. My car's back doors have all been child-locked for safety purposes (Haikal used to jump out from the car whenever the car stopped), so he couldn't open the doors. He then, tried to go out from the front but I managed to block him from doing so. How I did it? It was a miracle!
First stop was Nurin's school. It was a test week, so her Ummi told her to bring a smaller bag. Upon arriving at her school, she saw that some of the kids brought the "normal" size bags (read: the REALLY big bags). And suddenly she became panicky. She said she couldn't remember anything for the test and started to cry, while Nabeel was still crying in the background. So, I had to tell her to recite the doa and just try her best. She refused to go at first, but after further coaxing, she finally went out from the car - 1 down...
Next was Haikal and Nabeel's school. Nabeel still refused to go. He was running around in the car trying to avoid me. I tried to pull him out from all different angles that I could think of to no avail. I almost gave up when one of the teachers arrived and managed to get him out from the car. Boy, what a relief - 2 down...
Last, but not least, Daanya's nursery. After seeing all the commotion, Daanya commented, "Mama, Daanya good girl, kan? Daanya tak nangis pun..." She made it all better...
Potential?
When performance review time came ;)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I came from a firm that does performance review on a yearly basis. In my current organization, performance review has just been introduced for a couple of years and created a big fuss at its early implementation. I didn’t get what the big hu-ha was all about, but generally, it’s being accepted now.
Anyway, the comments I usually received from my superiors were always in the line that I have the potential to move up. The first couple of years receiving the comments, kembang jugak la hidung. After that, however, I started wondering whether it was a standard comment given to all subordinates.
So, when performance review time comes, I kinda expect similar comments.
This comment, however, was given by my superior last year:
“When you are passionate about your job, you usually produce fantastic deliverable. But, when you are not, your deliverable is quite crappy.”
See, right to the point. I appreciated that comment…
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I came from a firm that does performance review on a yearly basis. In my current organization, performance review has just been introduced for a couple of years and created a big fuss at its early implementation. I didn’t get what the big hu-ha was all about, but generally, it’s being accepted now.
Anyway, the comments I usually received from my superiors were always in the line that I have the potential to move up. The first couple of years receiving the comments, kembang jugak la hidung. After that, however, I started wondering whether it was a standard comment given to all subordinates.
So, when performance review time comes, I kinda expect similar comments.
This comment, however, was given by my superior last year:
“When you are passionate about your job, you usually produce fantastic deliverable. But, when you are not, your deliverable is quite crappy.”
See, right to the point. I appreciated that comment…
Well-rested and rejuvenated
Ah yes... the treadmill has not functioned anymore but it is still there. Bad knee? Well, let's just say I'd rather run outside in the park now than lari setempat :D. But marathon? Nah...
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The spa treatment I went to was to die for. I had a blissful moment (except for the steam – I think I could do away with this one eventhough it’s really good for me ‘coz it really left me breathless. I felt like I’d run for 10km!).
The place was superb. I really felt like I was in Bali (eventhough I’ve never been to Bali ;p). But the ambience was really nice and relaxing. It was really worth the money. I think I have to make it a point to go there more frequently for my own peace of mind.
Oh, by the way, my spending rage went on until the end of Friday. Women around the world will be proud to know that I actually bought a new handbag! Yeah, I can imagine your eyes rolling and I can actually hear you say, “Well, it’s about time!” Hehe.
My spending rage stopped after I bought me a treadmill. My aim – buns of steel! Ahahaha. No lah.
Let me explain. When I was younger, I was always a sprinter. But, I also get myself involved in all the possible jogathons organized but I was never good at them ‘coz I’ve never been a long-distance runner. I joined just because I liked to run and I still do. And since I don’t sprint anywhere anymore (except maybe to catch my little monkeys when they run to the streets or something like that), I thought maybe I should try long-distance running again.
Yes, I did think about running outdoors but I would need to find suitable time for that, which I don’t really have at this moment. The only free time that I can think of is early in the morning. And, I don’t want to risk getting myself into trouble with a lot of sickos out there. So, the solution is to get a treadmill so that I can wake up really early in the morning and run for 30 minutes or so everyday. Wish me luck.
I just hope my bad knee won’t give me any problems. But at least, if the treadmill ever becomes a white elephant, I’ll always have my bad knee to blame (maybe I shouldn’t share that to the whole wide world just yet, huh? Oh well…)
Hopefully by the next year, I’ll be running marathons :D
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The spa treatment I went to was to die for. I had a blissful moment (except for the steam – I think I could do away with this one eventhough it’s really good for me ‘coz it really left me breathless. I felt like I’d run for 10km!).
The place was superb. I really felt like I was in Bali (eventhough I’ve never been to Bali ;p). But the ambience was really nice and relaxing. It was really worth the money. I think I have to make it a point to go there more frequently for my own peace of mind.
Oh, by the way, my spending rage went on until the end of Friday. Women around the world will be proud to know that I actually bought a new handbag! Yeah, I can imagine your eyes rolling and I can actually hear you say, “Well, it’s about time!” Hehe.
My spending rage stopped after I bought me a treadmill. My aim – buns of steel! Ahahaha. No lah.
Let me explain. When I was younger, I was always a sprinter. But, I also get myself involved in all the possible jogathons organized but I was never good at them ‘coz I’ve never been a long-distance runner. I joined just because I liked to run and I still do. And since I don’t sprint anywhere anymore (except maybe to catch my little monkeys when they run to the streets or something like that), I thought maybe I should try long-distance running again.
Yes, I did think about running outdoors but I would need to find suitable time for that, which I don’t really have at this moment. The only free time that I can think of is early in the morning. And, I don’t want to risk getting myself into trouble with a lot of sickos out there. So, the solution is to get a treadmill so that I can wake up really early in the morning and run for 30 minutes or so everyday. Wish me luck.
I just hope my bad knee won’t give me any problems. But at least, if the treadmill ever becomes a white elephant, I’ll always have my bad knee to blame (maybe I shouldn’t share that to the whole wide world just yet, huh? Oh well…)
Hopefully by the next year, I’ll be running marathons :D
Jalan2 Cari Makan
This was posted back in 2008 about how I was featured in TV for eating at the right place and the right time :).
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A few years back (I think it was in 2003 or 2004, or maybe even as way back as 2002), a bunch of us went to have lunch at a restaurant nearby our office building. I can’t even remember the name of the restaurant, but it was a Malay restaurant (some names that come to mind are Teratak, Serai and Kuali but I don’t think any of them is correct). I also can’t remember who I was with but I know Huzaifa was there. He was one of my best buds and we were almost always assigned on the same jobs. I don’t know why I only remember him among all the other people, but I am positive he was there.
Anyway, while we were enjoying our food, Maria Tunku Sabri and her crew came in for her programme Jalan2 Cari Makan. She started interviewing some of the customers there and lo and behold, they stopped at our table! So, she started interviewing us – me included. I didn’t think much about it ‘coz I thought no way in the world I would be selected among all the people interviewed. Until… a few weeks after that, my colleagues came to me and said, “Hey, I saw you on TV!” and I was like “Huh? Seriously?” And they were like, “Yeah, yeah!” So, I was kinda like a celebrity for awhile. Heh!
The only thing was, I didn’t see myself on that programme. So, I was wondering how I looked (yup, still vain), what I said (did I blab something nonsensical?) and whether I had something stuck in my teeth (well, we were eating at that time).
After a while, it died down. And then, for some reason, after a few months, they aired the same programme again. And again people came up to me and said they saw me on TV. I, on the other hand, was wondering how in the world everybody who knew me saw me on TV, but I didn’t get to see myself on TV. But then again, I was to blame for not being interested in watching TV3 at that time (still not, by the way).
So, imagine my surprise when I walked into my MIL’s house last weekend and my brother-in-law said, “Tu dia, personaliti TV kita!” I was like, “What the heck is he talking about?” So, he told me they saw me in that same programme. And I was like, “What? They aired that again after so many years?” Obviously, I still didn’t get to see myself on TV. Sigh!
Yesterday, when we were out for lunch, my boss said, “Hey, I saw you on TV! And I thought ‘Wow! This girl can really talk!’” So, ok. One of my questions was answered. I didn’t blab anything nonsensical. She was even convinced enough to try have a meal at that restaurant because of me! Which is kinda cool. But, I told her that it was already a few years back and I don’t even know whether the restaurant still exists.
But, I’ll let you into a little secret. I think the reason Maria Tunku Sabri chose me to be on TV was because she liked my purse at that time. She even touched it and asked where I got it from right before she interviewed the people at my table. The purse was actually a birthday gift from Farah Diba from my UiTM days and truthfully, I’m still using it. So, thank you darling!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A few years back (I think it was in 2003 or 2004, or maybe even as way back as 2002), a bunch of us went to have lunch at a restaurant nearby our office building. I can’t even remember the name of the restaurant, but it was a Malay restaurant (some names that come to mind are Teratak, Serai and Kuali but I don’t think any of them is correct). I also can’t remember who I was with but I know Huzaifa was there. He was one of my best buds and we were almost always assigned on the same jobs. I don’t know why I only remember him among all the other people, but I am positive he was there.
Anyway, while we were enjoying our food, Maria Tunku Sabri and her crew came in for her programme Jalan2 Cari Makan. She started interviewing some of the customers there and lo and behold, they stopped at our table! So, she started interviewing us – me included. I didn’t think much about it ‘coz I thought no way in the world I would be selected among all the people interviewed. Until… a few weeks after that, my colleagues came to me and said, “Hey, I saw you on TV!” and I was like “Huh? Seriously?” And they were like, “Yeah, yeah!” So, I was kinda like a celebrity for awhile. Heh!
The only thing was, I didn’t see myself on that programme. So, I was wondering how I looked (yup, still vain), what I said (did I blab something nonsensical?) and whether I had something stuck in my teeth (well, we were eating at that time).
After a while, it died down. And then, for some reason, after a few months, they aired the same programme again. And again people came up to me and said they saw me on TV. I, on the other hand, was wondering how in the world everybody who knew me saw me on TV, but I didn’t get to see myself on TV. But then again, I was to blame for not being interested in watching TV3 at that time (still not, by the way).
So, imagine my surprise when I walked into my MIL’s house last weekend and my brother-in-law said, “Tu dia, personaliti TV kita!” I was like, “What the heck is he talking about?” So, he told me they saw me in that same programme. And I was like, “What? They aired that again after so many years?” Obviously, I still didn’t get to see myself on TV. Sigh!
Yesterday, when we were out for lunch, my boss said, “Hey, I saw you on TV! And I thought ‘Wow! This girl can really talk!’” So, ok. One of my questions was answered. I didn’t blab anything nonsensical. She was even convinced enough to try have a meal at that restaurant because of me! Which is kinda cool. But, I told her that it was already a few years back and I don’t even know whether the restaurant still exists.
But, I’ll let you into a little secret. I think the reason Maria Tunku Sabri chose me to be on TV was because she liked my purse at that time. She even touched it and asked where I got it from right before she interviewed the people at my table. The purse was actually a birthday gift from Farah Diba from my UiTM days and truthfully, I’m still using it. So, thank you darling!
I went on the slides…
This is a feel-good factor post about Daanya and Haikal in 2007 :).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
…twice! It was fun! But, it was on the pre-text of safeguarding my little girl who is an ambitious little monkey. We actually went to a Hari Raya open house and Daanya saw the playground in front of the house. Naturally, she wanted to play there – thank goodness I was wearing pants!
Anyway, she started off with the lower slides and was quite content with them for awhile. After 15 minutes, she thought the slides were not challenging enough for her, so she decided to climb the higher slides. I couldn’t hold on to her from below so I joined her on the slides. I think she thought it was fun to slide with her Mama the first time and so she wanted me to go on the slide again with me. But, after the second time, she had enough and found some other things to play. Ah well. It was fun while it lasted.
Earlier that day, we went to Haikal’s school for the 2nd Parent-Teacher Meeting. This time, Haikal went on stage to perform with the rest of the kids. We had a pretty good meeting with his teacher and once again we were pleasantly surprised. It turned out that Haikal has hidden his capability from his own parents. He knows how to read quite well but he never shows it at home. In fact, at home, he always pretends that he doesn’t know how to read and asks me to read to him. I honestly didn’t know he could read until his teacher told me so.
Haikal is also a competitive little monkey. He’s in constant competition with another boy in his class so much so that once the boy beat him in one of the books they were reading, he FORCED his teacher to teach him so that he would be more advanced than the other boy when he found out about it. Talk about kiasu! I don’t know where he got THAT from. Oh well, as long as he’s happy and he knows his parents aren’t forcing him to be the best of everything, that’s fine with me. But the downside about it is he’s becoming a sore loser. He can’t accept that other people could be better than him, which I don’t think is quite healthy. We’ll have to have a chat with him about this when he’s older. I don’t think he’d understand at this age.
My kids are growing up so fast… *sigh*
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
…twice! It was fun! But, it was on the pre-text of safeguarding my little girl who is an ambitious little monkey. We actually went to a Hari Raya open house and Daanya saw the playground in front of the house. Naturally, she wanted to play there – thank goodness I was wearing pants!
Anyway, she started off with the lower slides and was quite content with them for awhile. After 15 minutes, she thought the slides were not challenging enough for her, so she decided to climb the higher slides. I couldn’t hold on to her from below so I joined her on the slides. I think she thought it was fun to slide with her Mama the first time and so she wanted me to go on the slide again with me. But, after the second time, she had enough and found some other things to play. Ah well. It was fun while it lasted.
Earlier that day, we went to Haikal’s school for the 2nd Parent-Teacher Meeting. This time, Haikal went on stage to perform with the rest of the kids. We had a pretty good meeting with his teacher and once again we were pleasantly surprised. It turned out that Haikal has hidden his capability from his own parents. He knows how to read quite well but he never shows it at home. In fact, at home, he always pretends that he doesn’t know how to read and asks me to read to him. I honestly didn’t know he could read until his teacher told me so.
Haikal is also a competitive little monkey. He’s in constant competition with another boy in his class so much so that once the boy beat him in one of the books they were reading, he FORCED his teacher to teach him so that he would be more advanced than the other boy when he found out about it. Talk about kiasu! I don’t know where he got THAT from. Oh well, as long as he’s happy and he knows his parents aren’t forcing him to be the best of everything, that’s fine with me. But the downside about it is he’s becoming a sore loser. He can’t accept that other people could be better than him, which I don’t think is quite healthy. We’ll have to have a chat with him about this when he’s older. I don’t think he’d understand at this age.
My kids are growing up so fast… *sigh*
Back from London... again!
Post from September 2007 after going on a duty travel on my own.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And this time I went on my own. Let me tell you this - traveling by yourself is REALLY NOT fun!
Of course I had the advantage of going anywhere I wanted without having to consider other circumstances, but still, it would have been better if I had some company to enjoy it.
I was given the opportunity to attend a forum at Conference Hertfordshire, Hatfield, London. It was a 2-day event and I arrived the morning previous to the start of the event. So, I basically had about 8 hours (+/- traveling time from Heathrow to Hatfield) to do a quick tour around London. I packed very, very light so that I didn't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
Anyway, when I first arrived at the Underground station in Paddington, I was a bit overwhelmed. The last time I came here, I basically left it to Faeez to guide us which train to take and all. But, this time around, I was on my own to figure out where to go and what train to take. But really, once you got the hang of it, it's really not that hard. And so, my adventure began (I just love being dramatic, if you haven't figured that out yet).
I started from the Eye of London. I decided that I didn't want to spend a lot of time underground. So, I started to walk... and walk... and walk... I walked to Big Ben (which was no biggie), then walked along St. James' Park to the Buckingham Palace. I saw the Horse Guards Parade which was quite satisfying since I didn't see it the last time I was there.
After the Buckingham Palace, I thought I should take a train to the Oxford Street (yup, went to the street again!). I still couldn't figure out what I should do there. But, since I was there, I thought I should at least go into one of the stores and the simplest, most unimaginative place was of course, Marks & Spencer. After buying a few things, I decided to continue my journey to the Regent's Park. And from the mini booklet that I had with me, it really didn't look that far. So, again, I walked... and walked... and walked and it just seemed endless! When I finally reached there, I was relieved beyond imagination. My destination was actually the National Mosque situated nearby the park. Ayah suggested to go to the mosque, so I thought why the heck not. What I didn't know was from the point of entry of the park to the mosque, another very loooooonnnnggg walk was waiting for me. If reaching the park I was relieved beyond imagination, then reaching the mosque was the most wonderful thing that could have happened to me then. My legs were aching for the rest of my stay in London and the flight back home.
But yes, I chose to walk and I took responsibility for my action (remember the 1st of the 7 Habits?).
The rest of the stay was ho-hum. Emm... can't really expect much from a forum, right? I tried to make the best of the workshops, but some of them were just... not exciting. And, risk managers are nerdy people (unfortunately, I'm also part of this group. *Sigh*).
The best part of the whole trip was when I reached home to my precious little darlings' hugs and kisses.
But of course, I didn't regret one bit of the whole trip.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And this time I went on my own. Let me tell you this - traveling by yourself is REALLY NOT fun!
Of course I had the advantage of going anywhere I wanted without having to consider other circumstances, but still, it would have been better if I had some company to enjoy it.
I was given the opportunity to attend a forum at Conference Hertfordshire, Hatfield, London. It was a 2-day event and I arrived the morning previous to the start of the event. So, I basically had about 8 hours (+/- traveling time from Heathrow to Hatfield) to do a quick tour around London. I packed very, very light so that I didn't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
Anyway, when I first arrived at the Underground station in Paddington, I was a bit overwhelmed. The last time I came here, I basically left it to Faeez to guide us which train to take and all. But, this time around, I was on my own to figure out where to go and what train to take. But really, once you got the hang of it, it's really not that hard. And so, my adventure began (I just love being dramatic, if you haven't figured that out yet).
I started from the Eye of London. I decided that I didn't want to spend a lot of time underground. So, I started to walk... and walk... and walk... I walked to Big Ben (which was no biggie), then walked along St. James' Park to the Buckingham Palace. I saw the Horse Guards Parade which was quite satisfying since I didn't see it the last time I was there.
After the Buckingham Palace, I thought I should take a train to the Oxford Street (yup, went to the street again!). I still couldn't figure out what I should do there. But, since I was there, I thought I should at least go into one of the stores and the simplest, most unimaginative place was of course, Marks & Spencer. After buying a few things, I decided to continue my journey to the Regent's Park. And from the mini booklet that I had with me, it really didn't look that far. So, again, I walked... and walked... and walked and it just seemed endless! When I finally reached there, I was relieved beyond imagination. My destination was actually the National Mosque situated nearby the park. Ayah suggested to go to the mosque, so I thought why the heck not. What I didn't know was from the point of entry of the park to the mosque, another very loooooonnnnggg walk was waiting for me. If reaching the park I was relieved beyond imagination, then reaching the mosque was the most wonderful thing that could have happened to me then. My legs were aching for the rest of my stay in London and the flight back home.
But yes, I chose to walk and I took responsibility for my action (remember the 1st of the 7 Habits?).
The rest of the stay was ho-hum. Emm... can't really expect much from a forum, right? I tried to make the best of the workshops, but some of them were just... not exciting. And, risk managers are nerdy people (unfortunately, I'm also part of this group. *Sigh*).
The best part of the whole trip was when I reached home to my precious little darlings' hugs and kisses.
But of course, I didn't regret one bit of the whole trip.
What’s in a name…
Haha... am still anal about this also :p.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I hate it when people misspell and / or mispronounce my name. I don’t get what is so difficult about pronouncing my name. People, my name has four syllables – not three! It’s FA-ZA-LE-NA. Not FAZ-LE-NA. And, LENA is pronounced LI-NA but please don’t spell it with an “I”. I like the way my name is spelled. It’s unique. If you google my name, there’s only one other person with the exact same spelling as opposed to Fazalina.
Call me “Faza”. Call me “Lena”. It’s fine. But, if you wanna call me by my full name, please say it correctly. I can understand if omputehs are not able to pronounce it correctly, but for Malaysians, especially Malays, it’s just unacceptable. Even when I was in the States, I was FAH-za-LEE-NA. At least, it was still four syllables – sort of. But, then, since most of them felt my name was too long, I was fondly called “Fozzy” – no, not Fonzy. It was alright, I guess. My French teacher, Mr Ritz, was the worst. He kept calling me Fassalina and spelt it that way too in the yearbook that I asked him to sign when I was about to leave the country (I wonder where the yearbook is now. Note to self: Find the yearbook).
Oh yeah, I don’t particularly like it when people call me “Faz” or “Ina” also.
So, why the fuss about my name? I dunno. It’s my name. And if I wanna make a fuss about it, why the hell not?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I hate it when people misspell and / or mispronounce my name. I don’t get what is so difficult about pronouncing my name. People, my name has four syllables – not three! It’s FA-ZA-LE-NA. Not FAZ-LE-NA. And, LENA is pronounced LI-NA but please don’t spell it with an “I”. I like the way my name is spelled. It’s unique. If you google my name, there’s only one other person with the exact same spelling as opposed to Fazalina.
Call me “Faza”. Call me “Lena”. It’s fine. But, if you wanna call me by my full name, please say it correctly. I can understand if omputehs are not able to pronounce it correctly, but for Malaysians, especially Malays, it’s just unacceptable. Even when I was in the States, I was FAH-za-LEE-NA. At least, it was still four syllables – sort of. But, then, since most of them felt my name was too long, I was fondly called “Fozzy” – no, not Fonzy. It was alright, I guess. My French teacher, Mr Ritz, was the worst. He kept calling me Fassalina and spelt it that way too in the yearbook that I asked him to sign when I was about to leave the country (I wonder where the yearbook is now. Note to self: Find the yearbook).
Oh yeah, I don’t particularly like it when people call me “Faz” or “Ina” also.
So, why the fuss about my name? I dunno. It’s my name. And if I wanna make a fuss about it, why the hell not?
What I would LOVE to do if I had no kids…
This was posted way back in 2007. You can always dream big :). As the saying goes, "Shoot for the moon; if you missed, at least you will be among the stars."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ok, first of all, the statement above does NOT in any way indicate that I regret getting married early and have kids immediately afterwards.
But, just for the sake of wishful thinking, had I not have them yet, these are the things that I would endeavour:
Maybe I’ll try some of them with my kids when they are a bit older. Which means I have to wait at least another 10 years or so (provided I don’t have anymore coming). And, I’ll be around 40 years old then. Urgh! But hey, it’s possible, right? I can still be a cool and chic mother that I am today in 10 years’ time. Let’s just wait and see…
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ok, first of all, the statement above does NOT in any way indicate that I regret getting married early and have kids immediately afterwards.
But, just for the sake of wishful thinking, had I not have them yet, these are the things that I would endeavour:
- Hike the Mount Kinabalu
- White water rafting
- Backpack across New Zealand
- Backpack across Europe
- Horseback riding in a meadow somewhere (well, I rode on a horse once in the States and I think I have a knack for it. I think horses are magnificent creatures!)
- Climb Mt. Everest (eheheh… nah! I’m not THAT ambitious!)
- Skydiving (yeah, I thought about this when I was around 16, but I thought it’s waaaaayyyy too scary)
- Scare myself shitless riding on the scariest rollercoaster rides (yeah!)
- Scuba dive
Maybe I’ll try some of them with my kids when they are a bit older. Which means I have to wait at least another 10 years or so (provided I don’t have anymore coming). And, I’ll be around 40 years old then. Urgh! But hey, it’s possible, right? I can still be a cool and chic mother that I am today in 10 years’ time. Let’s just wait and see…
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)