Hurray... hurray...
It's a holi- holiday
Hurray hurray hurray hurray
It's a holi- holiday

It's holiday time again..... the mostly waited for round-the-peninsular trip!

We're leaving Kuala Lumpur to Pasir Puteh, then move on to Alor Setar before we return back to KL. All in all, I'll be away for a total of 10 days! There's a stop over at Dungun to visit Ms Rugby, visit to see the newborn of my long lost friend (whom I have not met since 1999), a cousin's wedding to attend (more of to become the "penanggah" i.e the northern's term for helpers during a wedding, of course lots and lots of food to eat, goodies to buy along the journey... not to forget 24 hours "power puff girls" to be managed .... (thank goodness there is an additional family member called "bibik")

But there's a lot of packing to be done:- a bag each i.e 5 bags to be packed, formulas, diapers, medications, cameras, food for the journey, water etc etc.. (err NO KUACI in my list????)

Anyway... Happy school holidays for all school kids out there, the teachers, and "busy-taking-leave" parents (like ME)..............

Note :
1. I may write during my holiday trips, if I remember to bring along my laptop with me... as I am tooooo excited about my trip already.....
2. To Che Aa... Thank you for taking care of our house while we are away!!! Opppsss... good luck with the Viva!
3. To Ms. Rugby - we will try to "not-to-forget" to visit you.... tungguuuuuu us this Monday okay!!!

Banyak-2, kadang-2, jarang-2, sedikit-2

Have you ever watch P.Ramlee's movie - Nujum Pak Belalang? If YES, remember the Quiz given by the minister as the Final Quiz to Pak Belalang?

What is it that we
1. mostly do (banyak-banyak)
2. sometimes do (Kadang-kadang)
3. once in a while do (Jarang-jarang)
4. very rarely do? (Sedikit-sedikit)

And the answer is marriage for the muslim - the men are allowed to have up to 4 wives at a time. NO, I am not to argue why they can do so OR why women cannot have many husbands.... what SexyMomma wrote today about her friend's divorce brought me back to my childhood life - of being the FIRST WIFE's kid.....This is my first confession - I have 2 step moms... who are also great moms to their kids....

YES, many have asked me.... how can I still have that love and care for my dad despite what has happened. I only have one answer..... I THANK GOD for giving me a strong mom who continuously educates my siblings and I to always respect my father no matter what.

"Unless you can erase your father's name from your birth certificate, he is forever your dad. Don't you ever go against him, make him sad or ignore him, for I will not allow you to do so. And if you do, you can forget about going to HEAVEN for you have done something against my order... your MOM"

That's is all what my mom has to say...........

The Exam - mine or the kids?

I was reading Ina's entry on her quest to get a pet for her sons..... and her anxiety over her son's exam made me realised that I am also behaving/responding the same way. This week is Adilah (7 yrs old) and Adlina (4 yrs old) exam week at their schools. And I think I am going a bit over the board asking them to do revision! I mean, Adilah knows the value of getting 100% vs getting 80%. But Adlina? She is still drinking her chocolate milk in her cup every night! What was I thinking?

After all, they are kids, thus they are entitled to make mistake, coz that's how they can learn... right? Nevertheless, I think it is my responsibility as a parent, to create the fun learning environment with them at home, so that they enjoy the revision with me (of course there will be a lot of screaming and argument, knowing for fact that Baby Adriana who is just 15 months old, will also be doing the revision session)....

This also means I am not going to be able to have a good "rest" this week.... coz I'll be working also at night.... which reminds me... WHERE IS THE FATHER???

Kids nowadays...

Check out this short conversations that took place at school:
(Don't you think so children are just so pure, even when they are innocently wrong yet they are so adorable, and most importantly don't they tought us a lot!)

TEACHER : Why are you late?
WEBSTER : Because of the sign.
TEACHER : What sign
WEBSTER : The one that says, "School Ahead, Go Slow."
_____________
TEACHER : Cindy, why are you doing your math multiplication on the floor?
CINDY : You told me to do it without using tables!
_____________
TEACHER : John, how do you spell "crocodile?"
JOHN : K-R-O-K-O-D-A-I-L"
TEACHER : No, that's wrong
JOHN : Maybe it's wrong, but you asked me how I spell it!
_____________
TEACHER : What is the chemical formula for water?
SARAH : H I J K L M N O!!
TEACHER : What are you talking about?
SARAH : Yesterday you said it's H to O!
______________
TEACHER : George, go to the map and find North America .
GEORGE : Here it is!
TEACHER : Correct. Now class, who discovered America ?
CLASS : George!
______________
TEACHER : Willie, name one important thing we have today that we didn't
have ten years ago.
WILLIE : Me!
______________
TEACHER : Tommy, why do you always get so dirty?
TOMMY : Well, I'm a lot closer to the ground than you are.
______________
TEACHER : Ellen, give me a sentence starting with "I."
ELLEN : I is...
TEACHER : No, Ellen..... Always say, "I am."
ELLEN : All right... "I am the ninth letter of the alphabet."
_____________
TEACHER : "Can anybody give an example of COINCIDENCE?"
JOHNNY : "Sir, my Mother and Father got married on the same day, same
time."
_____________
TEACHER : "George Washington not only chopped down his father's cherry
tree, but also admitted doing it. Now do you know why his father didn't
punish him?"
JOHNNY : "Because George still had the ax in his hand."
______________

TEACHER : Desmond, your composition on "My Dog" is exactly the same as your
brother's. Did you copy his?
DESMOND : No, teacher, it's the same dog!
______________
TEACHER : What do you call a person who keeps on talking when people are no
longer interested?
PUPIL : A teacher.

Tears....

I was reading KuE's blog and I was so touched by her entry about Puteri's cry.

YES, there are times when I am angry with my girls and I scold my kids, and I make them cry. But certainly, I'm still the one who is going to console them and make them laugh again! In the process of growing up, tears play a big role in a child's life, especially the girls..

Here's my personal collection of lists as to why GIRLS cry (this list is in time order):
1. when she lost an item and she can't find it
2. someone touch her dolls/toys
3. mom doesn't wait for her to tag along
4. daddy forgot that chocolate/ice-cream he promised
5. she got her first period
6. the guy that she admire at school is moving away!
6. when she look at the mirror and "Oh no, I've pimples and the party is tonite!"
7. when her boyfriend left her for her best friend!
8. she's getting married!
9. she's in labour pain
10. she held her first child
11. her first child is getting married
12. her first grandchild is borned

and the list goes on and on ..................

And yet so many motivators says that if you need to cry, you just CRY. Coz tears indeed is the strongest medicine! Don't you agree??

Is she right?

I received this article from my sister, Che Aa:

"It is a commitment that should last a lifetime, but an increasing number of Malaysians are opting for divorce when problems crop up in their marriage. NURRIS ISHAK examines this disconcerting trend. WHILE many couples are busy tying the knot, an increasing number are just as busy untying it. About 150,060 couples took marital vows in 2004. In the same year, 19,800 divorce cases were recorded, an increase of 4,561 cases compared with 2000. Statistics from the National Population and Family Development Board (NPFDB) show that the divorce rate is highest among Muslims, with 16,509 couples going their separate ways in 2004. One reason for the rising trend is that the current generation places more importance on self and is more open to the concept of divorce. Another is the demise of the extended family, especially in urban areas. " - adapted from New Straits Times dated 18 May 2006 -

Another article that she discovered on the same day,

"................ MORE Malaysians are opting to delay marriage, with most tying the knot around the age of 29 for men, and 25 for women. "Right now, 27 per cent of the population between the ages of 25 and 34 are single," said National Population and Family Development Board director-general Datuk Fatimah Saad. Most cite financial problems, inability to find the right partner and career advancement as the causes for the delay. "

She asked me this question:

"Am i one of these culprits????? Akukah yang bersalah??? married couples sila jawab"

We used to debate about this many many times (my sister, she's single by the way). But for once, TODAY, I don't have an answer to her. Is she wrong for wanting to pursue her studies? Is she wrong for not having a boyfriend yet? Is she wrong for not wanting to start a relationship with just "anyone", but rather wait for the "Mr. Right" to come? I try to find an answer but I find none.......

Happy Mother's Day

A dedication of love & thank you to all mothers out there, especially my mom:

Your cheerful smile and friendly face

Has made the world a better place for me

Your kind hearts are the garden

Your kind thoughts are the roots

Your kind words are the flowers

And

Your kind deeds are the fruits

To make me a better person

And

For that I have you to thank for

Happy Mother's Day

8 years together.....

Today is our 8th wedding anniversary. Thank you for the gift, I really like it - not going to share that here... and I know Azhan may not be reading this, but I still want to write a special note to him:

What I know is that
It takes years to build trust and a few seconds to destroy it
What I believe is that
Do not marry a person that you know you can live with;
Only marry someone you cannot live without

What I will do is that

I will love you as I always love you before

And may our marriage is to last forever!

Happy 8th Anniversary!

Head of Domestic Affairs

This entry is specially dedicated to my fellow home maker friends out there, who has sacrificed everything to be with their children, devote their time, effort, energy, mind and money for the family. I would like to acknowledge some names here, Dina (she was the one who trigger this entry), Meeyn (in Abu Dhabi), Cory( in Miri), Yucilia (in Seremban), Shirlina (in Kota Kinabalu) and Amy (in Kertih).

Never ever feel that what you do is not a career. It is beyond a CAREER!!!! Thus, you also deserve to have coffee with your friend (regardless whether they're working or not).... If I were to refer to the book of conduct of a home maker, we're talking about
24 hours a day x 7 days a week x 52 weeks a year x your life as a mother

How can it not be important if you spent that much of time in your life? Given the opportunity, I would also like to be one. But of course a long list of "things to be done" must be done first before I can safely & happily sacrifice everything to be a home maker.....
a. My hubby can afford it
b. Basic necessity is ready for us
c. I am mentally & physically ready
d. We have the blessing of both his & my parents!

It is always a hard decision for a lady to step down from that "working environment" and stay home forever. I know it's not easy for you guys to make the decision.... Coz this is what your "more often than not" office routine shall be like,
1. making the bed every morning
2. prepare breakfast
3. sweep the floor
4. do the laundry
5. prepare lunch
6. help with the school homework
7. prepare afternoon tea
8. bring the kids to the playground
9. get dinner ready
10. reading bed time story
11. do some ironing
12. plan for tomorrow's chores
13. wake up in the middle of the night to change diapers and then make warm milk
14. to wake up first in the morning,
and the whole routines begin again......

Sounds like you're trap in the jungle with no escape way! (The most that I personally have time to do every working day is only no 1, 2, 4, 6, 11, 13) Where could you possibly be heading by making such a big decision? The ultimate destination - heaven....... for being that tender, loving, caring, passionate & patience mother, and most of all - for always be there for your children!

If that is not a job, then I don't know what is! I respect all the home makers out there for the principles they uphold! To my friends out there, if ever you need a break from your "office" routine, you can call me!

Ever wonder what kind of blogger are you?

I was bored, sleepy and tired... What can be so interesting in updating your training manual?? So this is what I've done (... errr sorry boss, never meant to waste company's time but... can't help it...), I took up another test. Check it out yourself!

Your Blogging Type Is Thoughtful and Considerate

You're a well liked, though underrated, blogger.You have a heart of gold, and are likely to blog for a cause.You're a peaceful blogger - no drama for you!A good listener and friend, you tend to leave thoughtful comments for others.

What's" Your Blogging Personality?

To the LEADERS out there.............

This entry is specially dedicated to NAH and other wonderful dedicated ladies, who have been given bigger responsibilites and trust - who on top and above their daily routine as daughters, wives, mothers, sisters, friend etc... - still strive to give their very best to the company they work for.

L = listen to your associates
E = explain your thoughts and requests
A = acknowledge the importance of others
D = define expected results and checkpoints clearly
E = expect commitments to be kept
R = review progress faily

Best wishes to all.... a quarter of 2006 is completed... another two to go !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Notes : Kind of run out of idea... hope this kind of entry is accepted..........

Quote................ on MAS again.............

MAS losses was caused by its management, not because its route could not make money. If we have made-in-Malaysia biscuits but they bought biscuits from Australia, how to make money?

- Jasin MP, Datuk Mohd Said Yusof -

"At the Dewan Rakyat, The Sun, 27th Apr 2006"

How do you suggest I respond to this statement, as an employee of MAS for 9 years and 2 months?? Anyway, I believe in our new MD, En. Idris Jala. His very first statement when he was about to join MAS is that "The key to business turnaround lies in unleashing the talents of everyone in MAS!

To all MAS employee out there, which ever part of the globe you're located, let us all unleash our talents & capabilities to allow us to continue to spread our wings all across 6 continents!

Happy Labour Day (01 MAY 2006) to all my colleagues in MAS, everyone who is an employee, and bloggers out there.....

Am not an evil.... So what is my soul?

Was checking if I am evil and I found out that:

You Are 8% Evil

You are good. So good, that you make evil people squirm. Just remember, you may need to turn to the dark side to get what you want!

How Evil Are You?

Then I started to look for what is my soul and I found out that:

You Are a Peacemaker Soul

You strive to please others and compromise anyway you can. War or conflict bothers you, and you would do anything to keep the peace. You are a good mediator and a true negotiator. Sometimes you do too much, trying so hard to make people happy. While you keep the peace, you tend to be secretly judgmental. You lose respect for people who don't like to both give and take. On the flip side, you've got a great sense of humor and wit. You're always dimplomatic and able to give good advice. Souls you are most compatible with: Warrior Soul, Hunter Soul and Visionary Soul

What Kind of Soul Are You?

So anyone out there who is compatible to me? Of course Azhan comes in the picture without say. Drop me a line okay......

Soal Hati .... Heart Feeling

I begin my Friday morning listening to a typical story of a husband and wife, who in the midst of their conversation, get into an argument. More often than not, we will hear this same lines:

- Malay version - @ -English version -
Person A: "...... kena jawab dah dituduh...." "... must argue if being accused..."
Person B: "...... cakap sekali cukup la...." "... a mention is enough....."
Person A: "...... kecik hati tau...." "... make me feel small...."
Person B: " ..... dah kecik hati, duduk diam diam ...." ".... if so, just be quiet....."
Person A: " ..... kenapa kena diam?" ".... why must be quiet?"
Person B: silence
Person A: silence


What would you do if you face similar situation as above?
1. Do you feel angry?
2. Do you feel like you want to retaliate?
3. Will you be crying?
4. I will tell him/her "let's settle this once and for all"...
5. I'm just going to keep quite (not pushing my luck)!
6. Start to say "What the @$#%&8*#^().... "on and on and on....

I think, personally, what ever that you decide to do..... just remember the few golden rules of a marriage-
1. No matter what, he loves you / she loves you still
2. It's easy to break a marriage but it's hard to fix a broken one
3. It's all begin from the heart so always go back to the heart

Happy weekend to all!

Note:
1. This entry is a special dedication to friends who are about to join the boat of "marriage life" - Mariam, Elza and Melanie....... wishing you all a happy, wonderful and blessful marriage.
2. I have experienced this similar situation too, and I thank Allah, for the "so far so good"...!

Where is Annamox?

I am looking for Annamox.... anyone... anybody...help me please!!! Where is she??Annamox, if you read this, pls email me... I miss your blog Annamox!

My love, my treasures......

Picture paints a thousand words

1. Me, Ms Rugby & Che Ha...
2. Adlina's 1st day at tadika/kiddies
3. Baby Adriana 11 months old
4. Adilah's 1st day at School
5. Adlina's 4th birthday cake

6. Baby Adriana 4 months old

To Be or not To Be............ The busy 5 bees

To Be - a successful career women you must be
1. smart (depend on your definition of smart)
2. patience (to get promotion etc)
3. courageous (to serve the company best)
4. determine (to ensure your work is with quality and added value)
5. open minded (to be creative in doing your job)

To Be - a successful working wife you must be
1. very smart (depend on your definition of smart)
2. very patience (especially to deal with the long working hours)
3. very courageous (to handle all the possible office gossips...)
4. very determine (to be able to still go to work no matter what happen)
5. very open minded (to stay cool and calm)

To Be - a successful working wife and mother you must be
1. suped duper smart (depend on your definition of smart)
2. super duper patience (to handle all the screaming, shouting, crying etc)
3. super duper courageous (to have energy to smile everytime it is 5am in the morning again!!!)
4. super duper determine (to ensure follow through eventhough it is a TOTAL mess)
5. super duper open minded (to keep sane!!!)

So tell me something... is it wrong for me to choose not TO BE a working wife & mother? Or am I just too clouded by the expression "LADY OF LEISURE - a dream of every woman"....

Anyway, despite saying all that, I maybe embarking on a new life - working wife and mother cum consultant... how about that????

What's on 1st APRIL 2006??

I have so many things in life going on on 1st Apr 2006.... so the entry today is just to tell the world that:

1. Adilah is having her first sports day at her school, SK Bangi.... Go Adilah, go girl...........RUNNNNN!!!!
2. I have to miss Adilah's sport day for a job interview ............ Am I a cruel mom??? I tried to change but I can't..... Noooooooooooooooo!!
3. Cik Rugby has a tournament in Kuala Terengganu........ Good Luck!!!!!!!!!
3. Kak Dee is meeting Anuar Zain during her dinner. Have fun!!!!!!!!!!!
4. It's April Fool day........... please don't try to fool me... I'm easily cornered!

Have a lovely weekend to all............

The Lion City........

So close yet so far........ From DownUnder to the US, there's so many countries in between... and guess what? Today is my first day in Singapore - ALONE, no kids, no hubby, no colleages... just ALONE... how am I ever going to face the world of "loneliness" until my return to Kuala Lumpur?

Lonely, I am so lonely,
I have nobody,
I'm on my own.......

Ohhhhhh.......
Lonely, I am so lonely,
I have nobody,
I'm on my own........

-song by Akon-

Can't wait to be back home...... I miss my kids... but do they miss me???

After 15 years........

Today, after 15 years of school life, I finally met my friends again - Normaziah and Fatihah..... my ex-MRSM friends.... Wow... don't we all changed?? We talk.. and talk.. and talk... from food, to work, to family, to school days, buying property, etc etc.... seems like 2 hours friday afternoon break is too short of a time... I'm soooooo happy..

Normaziah is actually next to my office - she's with UNITAR (she's with Business Studies faculty.... Leilanie, do you happen to know her?). What a small world huh??!! Fatihah is doing so well with her Takaful Nasional... so friends, if you need an insurance coverage, let me know.....

By the way - I need to ask you guys something...... How do you feel if you have to conduct a formal classroom training and your other half is a participants ...... Azhan is gonna be in my class....... can I remain professional about this? How weird can life be?? ARGHHH.... And then I realised, could this be another test from ALLAH s.w.t??