29 weeks pregnant!

29 weeks; thats equivalent to 7 months and 1 week pregnant. Alhamdulillah. This shot was taken a week ago in KLCC. Rushda is loving towards her unborn sibling. Hope she stays so AFTER the arrival.

Today, I went for my ante-natal check up. Everything is fine. The baby is around 1.5kg and growing. This is the time I have to watch my diet. I can be diabetic again like the previous pregnancy. Already as it is, they discovered a similar fibroid-like growth in me again this time. So does that mean cesar procedure again? Or could it be VBAC?

Hhmmm, both are still painful. I have been thinking about the whole birth thing. It is still a scary thought. Reading up related articles helps. I do flipped back past issues of parenting magz. Short effect. The fear is still there.

Tawakkal Alallah.

I'm not sure how many others experience this- but do husbands usually are less-sensitive towards subsequent pregnancy? Today, I reminded Dear that he hasnt been talking to No.2 nor stroke my bump as frequent as the first time. To me, touch and communication are essential. It is PROVEN. Okay, Im just encouraging. If Dear doesnt want to make the efforts... well, we'll just see if No.2 responds to his voice.

10 Reasons Why I Married This Man

I was TAGGED by Blossom. Actually, I read about it days before. Told myself to pen down 101 reasons, and later on choose the best 10. Told myself to grab a pen and scribble it somewhere in my notebook before sleeping. It never happened. Nevertheless, the thoughts were always there. So, here are the 10 Reasons WHY I Married This Man... UNPLUGGED.

#1 Destiny. Jodoh.

#2 Attraction to his following characters: shy, soft-spoken, down-to-earth, respectful towards others, honest, caring, easy-going, loving... :) NOT a show-off, loud, flirtatious, yaya-papaya nor empty barrel.

#3 Performs his religious obligations eg: If there is a need for us to meet, and it is time to pray, there's no issue of going to the mosque(s) and perform solat on time; bulan puasa tak jumpa pun tak apa, "terawih more important". I am very sure he was sincere about it, because, post-marriage, still consistent on religious obligations.

#4 His goals in life then, were the same as mine eg: strived for higher education; be married to someone who has the basic-intermediate knowledge about Islam and most importantly, practising it.

#5 We were put through the TEST. The endurance and patience test between 1998-2004. He endured and was patient throughout. He didn't give up. I did. Many times. (Im a woman, mah~~)

#6 Attracted to his physical traits: Tall, dark, sweet smile, medium-built, clean/neat look, to sum it up- Handsome. (Handsome konon).

#7 His cues and hints that he wants to spend the rest of his life with me eg: shared about his parents expectations; devastated at the thought of 'breaking-up'.

#8 The day he came to my place alone and talked to my parents, like a MAN. Very the GUTSY. My tears were flowing freely. Plus, my dad, he was like, the BEST DAD in the universe. Very UNDERSTANDING.

#9 Got the GREEN light from our parents.

#10 Allah is The Most Loving and Merciful. He created the LOVE. I felt it even before we met. I felt the LOVE impact/chemistry between us when we were corresponding on mIRC, ICQ and then later on, over the phone.

There you are, 10 reasons why I married my husband- UNPLUGGED. There's more to it lah.

Dear, I know you will be reading this post.... I want the world to know I love you. I LOVE YOU.

Eh? Are you blushing? Shy eh?

Thank you for the wonderful years together. More to come, baby!

To Blossom, thank you very much for this TAG opportunity. I'm lucky to get your husband's brother. And you are lucky too, to get my husband's brother. Hahahhaha...

Sawadeekaaaap @ Phuket, Thailand

Sawadeekaaaaap!

[Better late than never. Oh geez, what else is new. Procrastinate.]

So this is it- cerita kita cuti-cuti Thailand.

The very first important fact- we travelled by car, not plane. Yes, car, ALL the way to Phuket. The second key fact here- our little Rushda, 2.3 years old, survived the journey. The third essential fact- her little sister/brother, 16weeks in-womb, survived too. Alhamdulillah. Highly recommended for adventurous family.

Departure- April 6, 2007. (1.30am) After the emotional goodbyes with the neneks and toks, we moved off via Tuas Link. Around 5.30am, we were at Rawang R&R for Subuh and short break. It was a smooth drive. Obviously, I was asleep all the way. It was Dear driving solo. 3pm- Reach Langkawi Yes. We stopover for 2 nights in Langkawi. Mutiara Burau Bay was our choice. A dissapointing discovery to the room at first. However, we got used to the chalet. Hmm, pictures tell a thousand lie. I believed we were the only "local" melayu there. The rest were bikini-clad mat salehs and families. We were this close to Pak Lah and the Malaysia's Agong, as they officiated the Water Festival @ Kuah, Langkawi. Pantai Cenang, Pantai Kok are names of beaches there, and there were happenings at the former. Parties and exhibitions everywhere. Highlights: 1. Cable Car ride @ Bukit Mat Cincang. We dare not walk at the bridge, suspended 1000m+. Reaching the peak was GOOD enough for me.

2. Visit to Makam Mahsuri. We watched an in-house play about how she was framed, and sentenced to death. Mahsuri prayed that if she is innocent, let her blood be white as she bleeds, to prove her innocence. All she did was- sparing a cup of water for the thirsty warrior who happened to pass by. What a drama. I cried. The play is staged 3pm daily. If you are there, dont miss it. 3. Sunset @ Kuah Jetty (the one that we were 'this' close to the VIPs).

Of course, there are many other things we did like, visiting the Underwater World, feasting on seafood at Pantai Cenang, drive around to look for Minyak Gamat. They are famous for that. Then... Monday, April 9th, 2007 2pm- We were at Sadao Malaysia-Thai Border! 7.15pm- We arrived at Sarasin Bridge, linking Phuket to mainland. LOOOONG DRIVE. We watched Happy Feet countless runs. We safely arrived at our 5-Star Blue Marine Resort & Spa, Patong Beach. We were so tired, we slept with the door ajar (until we got a call from reception. Security is good there).

Highlights of Phuket:

Drive up to one of the highest peak in Phuket, Kata Viewpoint.

Patong Beach, post-tsunami 2004.

Rushda had her hair braided. For a toddler to sit still for more than 10 minutes... amazing. Dear got his feet massage here too. I was busy shopping at Bangla Street.

Elephant Ride!!! Rushda tidur!!!

Thursday, April 12th, 2007

Depart for Hatyai. We were there for the annual Songkran Festival. Dear seems to know this place so well. He usually rides up to Hatyai for this occasion.

Basically, you get wet, and floors get slippery as people throw water at you. Sometimes, powder too. On Friday, April 13th, 2007, people gathered on the streets with imitation Super-Soakers, pails, ice, what-have-yous; and you just need to be on guard. Unfortunately for me, I slipped and fell on wet ceramic tiles. Hit my head on the floor, causing excruciating pain, that made people rushed me to the hospital. Head is fine, foetus is fine, despite the killing pain the next morning.

That's the story of our holiday. Go. Its holiday season, all season in Thailand. Kaphun kaap, that's thank you in Thai, for reading my post.

Supernatural and Me- last episode

Today is already May 2nd- exactly a month after my last post.

My intention wasn't to share-n-scare really! But I had concern calls even from long-lost pals; and I met a friend, Mariati, who told me about her dream. More TATUT then what I encountered...

Mariati, I just have to record that here too.

We met last Saturday, the first thing she greeted me with was, "I had a dream about you and your daughter. Seram seh"...

"In your kitchen ada baby, tapi baby ni is a hantu. She can't leave your kitchen as you have these grills at the window (probably Mummy Hantu is waiting outside the grill). You call the baby BONYOT. She will crawl and hang around in your kitchen... We were scared to enter the kitchen. Rushda took one pacifier and showed it to you, and you just threw it to the baby hantu in the kitchen. It is invisible. Kalau langgar, we will feel pain- semut2".

More scary than experiencing the actual thing. I actually imagined the baby has the "Ju-On" look, not Casper.

Thanks Mary for sharing. On that note, I sincerely would like to thank those who have left comments (nasihat, tips, concerns, etc)on my posting. I take note of the amalans recommended by you. Nowadays, ayatul-kursi is read whenever I can. Since the langgar incident, I sent Rushda away for 4 nights. While Dear worked night shift, I decided to play Yaya-Papaya, and Alhamdulillah, peaceful nights.

At least go kitchen,kaki tak semut2. Terpijak an army of semut2 lagi ada.

My next post would be about our drive up to Langkawi, Phuket and then Hatyai. It was our Holiday Of The Year!

"Supernatural" in my very own home

I just have to come back to record these events which has happened to me recently.

I am modern yet conservative. I believe in the Oneness of Allah, and I also know about the existence of 'supernatural' in many kinds. In Islam, there are jinns and satans. They can appear in many forms regardless of gender, race or religion.

My encounter with some of them recently.

February 9th, Friday, around 2am:

Around 11pm, Rushda woke up, Rushda: "Ummie, sakit peyut. I nak 'yak'" (Got down from bed). "Okay you yak first, then we wash ok" I said half-asleep. Rushda woke me again, "Mi~ wash" (we washed and put on diaper...back to bed) "Ummie, I nak Hi-5".

I switched on her favourite Hi-5 cd, and she watched it with hubb sleeping next to her in the living room. I went back to the room. Obviously enough, Im half-dead. Tak kuasa. Just layankan. At around 2am, she came in with hubb, "Ummie, I nak susu". Arrrggghhh, annoyed, I went to the kitchen to make milk, went back to bed.

This was what I said to her: "Rushda must sleep ok. We are going to school early morning" and I turned away from her, and the moment I closed my eyes, I heard a female voice repeatedly saying this: "Rushda Rushda; Rushda Rushda".

It was so clear, I couldnt be dreaming, I know Im not dreaming because I JUST closed my eyes. I turned to look at hubb, whose back was facing me. I looked at Rushda. She paused from drinking and looked at me too. I wonder if she had heard it....I closed my eyes again... the voice came again, this time softer.

And so I was told, the softer it is, the nearer it is too. Ok. Takut Time. I recited whatever I can recite. That night, I dreamt, a hand from the window, holding on to the blinds in our living room, violently shook them. The person seemed angry and trying to get into the house. That person wanted Rushda. I told Dear, "nothing will happen. She cant get in because we solat and ngaji".

March 31st, Saturday, midnight:

We just came back from Pergam (fond name for my parents' place), got Rushda in bed, wiped and changed her. Dear watched tv, I was surfing - both in the living room. Unexpectedly, I heard Rushda crying tersedu-sedu WITH an unusual sound. I turned to the TV, and to my laptop, and was certain the sound is not from there. Told Dear to check on Rushda. He got up, stand at the door, turned to me , "Nothing lah, Rushda is sleeping. Why? What is it?"

I turned back to my laptop, and there, that sound came around again. That's it. I got up to take my wudhu'. I asked Dear to stand guard at the door. Lights on. I just got the feeling that I need to be with Rushda. I went back to the room, and as I wanted to reach to her, I felt..... I was competing with something to reach to her. I felt like I collided with something. As quickly as I can, I hugged Rushda. She started to cry and pointed to something behind me.

I hugged her tight. My little one was perspiring despite the fan and the aircon on. At this point, I had goose-bumps and I started to cry. Takut punya pasal.

Dear was standing, somehow knew something was wrong. He brought the laptop in. Switched off the tv and everything else, and came into the room. I think he was scared too. Both of us remained calm, and tried to divert away by surfing the Net, and while doing that, we had qori Syed AbdurRashid AzZarqawi's quran recitation played on the laptop, and eventually lullabied me to sleep.

I told Ayah about it. He gave me advices like, recite surah Yaasin 3 times after maghrib; recite doas before you step into the house and so on.

Why am I vulnerable to this now?

Dadha & Erni Day Out

5th February 2007

It's a Monday- we applied for leave. We dont want to work. We have planned this many many days back. Originally, wanted to spend the day at JB with Blossom's study-mates. Apparently,it turned out, just us. So... No JB.

I took a cab down to Arab Street instead, and got myself 3 scarves and a blouse.

Then, we met- Dadha & Erni: 2 quirky, "last-minutes" professional working wives and mums, married to the boys of Abdul Ghaffar.

Anyway...

Here are the chronological events that took place, that eventful Monday, 5th February 2007.

FIRST, Kak Erni brought me to this little cozy mini eatery just at the corner of Arab Street, facing The Concourse. Forgot the name of the shop.

She had Mee Soup, I had... KARI AYAM (chicken curry) SERVED WITH ROTI (bread).

Punya lah BEST, terhantuk-benjol. I was excited, and when I do, I tend to let out this train-steams sound effects involuntarily, which reminded Kak Erni of her Japanese colleagues. She imitated these exaggerating sounds Japanese would make when they see something new or delightful. (i.e: Watch Japan Hour). Should've catch it in camera. Its unforgettable.

SECOND, For Zohor, we went to Masjid Sultan. Alhamdulillah, on that day, I had the opportunity to join the jemaah to perform SOLAT JENAZAH. May she be blessed with peace and rahmat.

My next task- understanding and finding out cara-cara mendirikan solat Jenazah.

THIRD, on the way back to the car, we were snapping us away... alot of funny ones, ; some of them:

FOURTH, Kak Erni bought a basket for Blossmobile.

FIFTH, I suggested Plaza Singapura with only a plan in mind- to visit Made WIth Love, and entice her with the beautiful stuffs there. Coincidentally, there was a class, to start at 2.30pm. Managed to convince her, at the very very last minute, to join that scrapbooking class. Erni agreed!

(Perhaps, cant be bothered with my whining)...

Anyway, we made this special album, supposedly for our coming wedding anniversary. Mine happens to be tomorrow, 6th Feb 07. I was happy that Kak Erni agreed to participate. Sista, I really hope you sincerely enjoy the class, not forced to (but then again, Kak Erni macam no choice, I was begging, "U want? U dont want takpe, tapi kenapa? Want ah")

SIXTH, we had dinner at Secret Recipe.

SEVENTH, I went home happy.

Today's de-stressing day... Halal! Wondering when will the next one be. =)

Her teacher's note to me

"Dear Mdm Raudha,

Rushda enjoyed the story "What do you like?" today. When I asked her what did she likes, she replied, "Books". :) "

Alhamdulillah... I dont mind spending money on books. Reading is everything. Iqra' - Read!

The one with.........Again?!?!?!

Again!!!!!!???? Not again. But then again, it has happened, and might happen yet again. Eh, sounds like a riddle. Okaylah, try if you like; make some guesses whats the "Again" there... I'm talking about...

• Again! Has not been consistently updating the blog? Actually I did, on New Year's Day. After typing a chapter on Hari Raya Haji, etc, complete with gambar kambing and links, it went....*_ _ _ _* missing!
• Again! Procrastinating at work now, when I have just made a list of to-dos. But then eh, it has been quite awhile since I procrastinate. Tau takpe.
• Again! Been hurt by a best friend. Does he know I'm hurt? Yes. Did he ask? No.
• Again! Wanted to buy some stuffs, but ended up buying stuffs I dont want.
• Again! Sakit perut.
• Again! I had unusual dreams. Was telling Shikin about hugging a fat round pillar at a carpark, because there was a lion. Yesterday's dream, was about me giving birth to triplets - two boys and a girl.
• Again! I need the loo now.
• Again! I'm SURE... after formatting this post swee-swee, cantik-canti, it will turn out the way I see it NOT. No spaces between point 1 to this point. Betul kan?

The One with Mummy

Whoa... once again, lagging. Nevertheless, I'm BaaaaaaCK! Wish to bid goodbye to 2006. The reason I have been away from Blogspot... Dearest Mummy.... long story. I dont know where to start... Here are the events in chronological order: 8 Nov 06 - Diagnosed mild stroke. Sent to hospital by Ayah. Symptoms: slur speech, and slow response. 14 Nov- Discharge from CGH. 22 Nov- Rushed to CGH. Breathing difficulty. Admitted to ICU. Diagnosed Pneumonia. 28 Nov- Discharged from CGH. 1 Dec - Rushed to CGH again. Breathing difficulty again. Admitted to ICU. Diagnosed Mild Heart Attack. 9 Dec - Referred to SGH Renal Ward. 12 Dec - Discharged. 18 Dec - Rushed to SGH. Breathing difficulty. Diagnosed: Kidney failure. Heamodialysis required. 23 Dec - Discharged. Recovering and getting well each day... Ooops, the tears are coming... will write again later...

Thank you Allah for...

... bringing hubbiest Dear back home safely. Hope the Hot Milo I made helped to keep you warm after the long cold journey. What a blissful morning, despite the back-pain I'm having now. At current, I have 6 koyoks on my back. I'm surprised, not so ooomph this time. This pain is prompting me to visit any OSIM outlets to try out their gedabak massage chair... I thank Allah for having such wonderful superb parents. Ayah just dropped by, sending breakfast and today's Straits Times. He must be running late, otherwise he would water the plants too. Oh, just now he went to check the mailbox... I wanna sleep in awhile more. Work starts at 10 today. what to wear? What to wear? ~~~~

The One with November Rain

Once again, I have to ask this: How many people out there are consistent and disciplined? You there, are you consistent and disciplined? In which area do you score the most? Aren't you ashamed about not being consistent? Well, I do! What made me thought about it was the fact that - I didnt blog for about a whole of a month now. Not that it is COMPULSORY. Not that i'm answerable to a higher authority, STILL, its a matter of consistency and disciplined. You will then be respected. Geeez, I just felt guilty. ----------------------------------------------------- The usual me, at this point, I will just update what I am experiencing or just experienced. 1. The DREAM I HAD LAST NIGHT

Last night's dream was really UNEXPECTED. I dreamt that Salman Khan and Sunjay Dutt were my working colleagues!?!?!?!?! Yes, MY working colleagues. There, in the dream, I was sitting on a low coffee table with the others, having our curriculum meeting, when suddenly both Salman and Sunjay came and sat next to me (with their meeting files!) They were shirt-less!! Thank heaven they were wearing pants. In the dream, I was shocked. I asked, "What are you doing here?" (feeling nervous) Salman answered, " Kenapa Raudha? Kita sama-sama kerja Learning Vision kan?" WHHHHHAAATTTTTTTT?????!!!!!! What nonsense... The dream continued, one of them, Salman I think, keep on resting his cheek on mine. I recalled having to move my head away, and I looked pissed. One of my real LV colleague appeared in the dream and said, "Let them be lah. Please stay focus in this meeting. And I heard Sunjay asking this, "Which class am I taking next year?" ... I must have been realllllly tired, that work anxiety is affecting me that I have nightmare, but why Sanjay and Salman? Beats me. 2. DEAR's MISSION THAILAND: Ride to Phuket 15th November 06 Dearest hubby is away on a mission in Thailand. He's been away since last Wednesday evening. From the joy of being left alone with Rushda, it has turned to the sorrow of missing him. Yet to shed a tear, but cried a bucket when I prayed to Him for Dear's safety. Feeling lah. Miss him so much, that I have forgiven his wrongdoings, that I planned to surprise him with a spick-n-span home, that I tell myself to treasure him and love him more. Its true what they said- "absence made the heart grows fonder".

I found one of our best couple pic. The night before Rushda was born. Makes me wanna try for No.2!

3. The graduation concert was GRAND! - 12th November 06

Finally, after all the hard work we have put in, it pays off. My students did well in their stage play of The Swordfish Story aka S'pura Dilanggar Todak. With all the last-minute cluster rehearsals, full-dress rehearsals, centre rehearsals, I have one word to say: HALAL!

The cast of S'pura Dilanggar Todak... Thats Khairina and her "pink" Sultan's dayangs, and that is Mariati and her "yellow" laundrettes. Funny that, after everything is over, I miss the hard times we had together. Another highlight of the day was...

Meeting Aries and Tini - fellow bloggers and survivors of LV.

4. Mummy Mild Stroke 8th November 06/ Ayah & his brand-new Edix

Mummy had mild stroke again, this time more severe, nevertheless, she is optimistic and fight to get back on her two feet and to go back to her kitchen to see the senduk and periuk.

I have been telling myself to be strong and brace what lies ahead. The doc has updated us about Mummy's condition, and this time round, I wished to foot the medical bill, and I did just that. Alhamdulillah, my Medisave helps.

At the same time, ayah just got us a brand-new pearl-white Honda Edix. 6-seaters. I drove... Best. While Dear's Haya plate is AF 242, Ayah's car is SGN 545. Cool numbers! Cannot tikam one. Short of a digit.

5. Reunion with ol' schoolmates

Suryati, Rosdiana, Leila and me.

1. Yati just had her second boy. 2. Diana is expecting (7wks). 3. Leila just came back from Manchester.

Candid-moment, all three of them owns an Olympus camera, but NONE knows how to find/use the timer function on their camera. Pekak badak lah. Lucky thing I'm a natural fast-learner (ahem ahem), I assisted them while they just sit pretty.

Okay, time to solat maghrib. This, we must be consistent!

1 Syawal 1427H - Hari Raya Aidilfitri...

Berlalu lah sudah Ramadhan Sebulan berpuasa Tiba Syawal kita raya kan Dengan rasa gembira

Selamat Hari Raya to all, maaf zahir dan batin. Here are some quick facts and snapshots of first day. 1) Rushda refused to put on the gorgeous pink shantung baju kurung specially designed by Uncle Haron. "Less is more. Diaper and bib is good enuff for me." No one can convince Rushda to wear anything.

2) Abang Ridzwan & family (10.23am) , were the first to arrive. Close at second place, was us (10.25am) , and last in the family to come were the Sengkangs. I mean, The Toeys (11.30am!)

3) This year, new addition to the family, joined us for Hari Raya - Siti Safura Ridzwan.

4) Dearest Sister-In-Law, Erni aka Blossom, and myself got ourself a two-piece suit designed and tailored exclusively from Haron.

5) This is the BEST family photo I took... Sigh, gotta try harder today. Rushda? Thats her, sleeping on mum's bed.

Sooooooo Tired... Gotta go for more visitings today.

Bring it On, Baby!

"I think it boils down to time management, u bring home a lot of your sch work. Then u are pressurised to complete n @ same time, do housework. U have to sacrifice something"

That was an SMS advice I got about two weeks ago. If it was verbal plus real-time, I would have reacted negatively. If I could remember clearly, I did reply defensively. I wasn't too keen to pursue a discussion with my fingers manouvering with madness on the keypads, and with my students around asking me questions. Very annoying and concentration denied.

Two weeks gone, and today, after giving it lots and lots of thoughts, I can't deny but agree that the statement is true and it needed an action plan immediately.

"If only u can separate sch work n try not to bring it home, i'm sure u hv time to rest @ home."

If only... I rattled on saying that I need more moral support and i was tired and was listing down the things I have to do during my, konon, "rest time" - taking care of husband's and child's needs; complete chores like (do I have to mention???) Cinderella do.

At least, SHE concentrates just on chores. Me? I was juggling, man. Like The Great Jojo the Juggler from one of the children's storybooks I've read.

I was at my lowest point then. At work, I wasnt spared either. Lady Marmalade has been giving me a hard time. With prodigies who happens to be "efficient" and "consistent", she highlighted those, time and again during staff meetings. At and around the same time in-between meetings, tasks are given to me continuously as I am the "senior" person at work.

Emotionally, I had to deal with:

1. The SMS comments, which to me was like a slap on the face. A wake-up call from someone who usually reserves such comments.

2. Lady Marmalade's strategy- "Pukul anak, sindir menantu" kind.

She praises the new girl till cloud 9. She praises the other one for consistency, etc. Last Thursday's meeting, she announced: "There are 5 recipients for the top 20% performers in our centre, but one is awarded the STAR award, and she is......... ain't me. Never mind that, I was the STAR teacher in 2004. On that meeting, everyone gets a $50 QIM for best lesson plan; best classroom environment; most consistent; best innovation - class website; etc etc; except for, myself and two new girls.

I know about Best Lesson Plan and Best Classroom Env awards, but Most Consistent? Most Effective? Best Innovation? I know nuts.

To rub it in further, she Cc-ed to ME - a copy of her email to our Ops Mgr about the new girl's peformance, and whats her % in salary adjustment after 6-mths working.

What was THAT all about??? I have yet to acknowledge her email. I mean, what... "Noted with thanks"????

I know why she started this personal attack(s) on me. Yes I do.

It must be the PRIVATE confrontation I had with her, for embarrassing me with her remarks in front of a parent. She just slurred out answers, just to please the parent, WITHOUT doing some thinking.

For that one, she was even trying to come out with non-sense rebutts, trying to prove herself as NOT GUILTY. Alhamdulillah , I was strong emotionally, my memory was intact, and I continued to correct her as she tried to escape moving backwards on her butts and hands.

Eventually, the truth prevails - she went against her policy of "Walk with me. Stand up for your friends". She apologized - "Ma'af" she said.

Honestly, I felt good that she finally admit. Its not easy to get Lady Marmalade to APOLOGIZE.

I want to thank my husband for those slap-on-the-face SMSes.

Dear, I thought it was over between us - the give & take part.

After thinking and thinking and crying and thinking and crying....

your words were the cure!! It wasnt easy to switch off from work when I'm home, waiting for you to ask me "Whats wrong?" so that I can cry and tell you my problem.

Then, the plot had a twist. I thought that was your dialogue, rupanya editted. U made my character a helpless damsel. Hrrrffff....

I apologized for being such an ass-wife. I should learn from your forgive-and-forget attitude.

With all the pies on my face earlier this Ramadhan, I have learnt to wipe it off gracefully and take it with a pinch of humour. Thanks. You are so right - Men, they have to be told what to do.

As for Lady Marmalade, I say she was being bitchy. But another friend said, "no. more like anal kind". Ouch.

A Night Of Power by MY uncle Kamal!!!

This is the poem I've been wanting to post since early Ramadhan. Im just so proud of my young (and single) uncle K., producing such beautiful poem. May Allah grant you a wife SOON. As it is, Rushda is considered your cucu, oi!! Cepat kahwin! Read out the poem aloud... it makes a LOT of difference.

The Night of Power by Kamal Ishnin Every day and month each day of the year

Peace to you my dear brothers and sisters

Ramadan comes close let us not falter

Remembering Allah and his prophet is all that matters

For we muslims are so blessed in life and in love

How can one not be when constantly showered from above

A month full of blessings and the 'Night of power'

A night so special unlike any other

Where angels line the stairs of heaven

In praise of Allah they line in procession

A night equivalent to a thousand nights

Bestowed to man by Allah in his might

This special month, a bit different than the rest

A time to behave and be at your best

Recite more Quran and read less of others

Sing praises of Allah Lets Sing it Together

For truth and knowledge is contained in Quran

Not in one surah but in each and everyone

Let us practise restraint and kindness each day

And practise the Prophets teachings in the true Muslim way

Love and Courage stand side by side

Islam is truth with nothing to hide

Equality and peace throughout the divide

So lets welcome our prophet with hands open wide

Should the prophet come visit you one of these days

So blessed will you be to look upon his face

Should the prophet come visit you one of these days

Do give him my love and guide him my way

Nothing in my mailbox :(

We are halfway through before Eid, and no KAD RAYA in my mailbox. LAGU RAYA has been playing on the radio and still no sight of KAD RAYA from any friends. :( Post-Internet days, by now, I would have received at least 10 cards. I treasure every single one of them. The anticipation of seeing an envelope with my name written (not printed - itu phone bills, insurance, etc) is that of a 6-yrs-olds getting Roald Dahl book as a gift. The last card I received was Raya 2003. It was from a special friend. He doesnt look the sort who will post kad raya, I was shocked to receive one from him. What an honour. In the card, he uses his name, instead of omitting it with 'I'. The message was HANDWRITTEN. "xxxxx mohon ampun dan maaf sekiranya xxxxx selama ini ada terkasar bahasa......" And we are mutual friends, and met less than 5 times. Maybe he likes me. Well, it shall remain unknown. Hahahhaha... Even if its true, I was madly in love with my then-fiance who is my now-husband, WHOM have never sent me a KAD RAYA. Another friend who never failed to post me cards is my Alsagoff's mate, Faridah. Now, she is an examplary friend. Since that last day we all parted in 94, I have been receiving consistently from her, every year. Maybe hers will arrive next week. I cant wait. Yippeedee! *clutching hands together* Perhaps, I should just place my address here. Who knows, some ol' friends would just be bloghopping and came here. Dear Friends, Hi. Just to be sure you have my address :)

Raudha Robu

Blk 757, Pasir Ris St 71

#01-164

Singapore 510757

Mummy~~~ I'm tired!!!

EXHAUSTED...........

TIRED...............

PENAT.........................

No other words can describe how lethargic I am. Ya Allah, please give me the STRENGTH of a good (if not goof) WIFE, a good MUM, a good DAUGHTER and a good TEACHER. Insya-Allah... For those who happened to dropped by this post, Amen to my prayers, please.

Alive and Kickin'

Hmmmmm... it has been OVER a month here. I have successfully put my priorities straight. I have been able to do the wajibs and sunnats, and leave out the makruhs, hypothetically speaking. Like updating this blog- at a point, I asked myself, whats my objective of having this blog again? Oh right, to keep in touch with friends out there. And when this blog went silent for a month, no one asked. AHAH! So blogging slides down to number 10 in this month's Top of The Chart. So like what for wajibs and sunnats? The usual things mothers i.e no maid-and-working kind of mum: prepare kid's stuffs to school; clean the house; complete datelines at work; scrub it all out, for the policy of NO DUST NO STAIN NO CLUTTER is the policy we adhere to at work nowadays; prepare teaching aids way in advance. Updating the class' website. Now this one is 'sunnat'. The parents look forward to view the latest pics of their kids in actions. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Okay, so what to look forward to, now that we are into the 4th quarter of 2006? 1. My Birthday, which is tomorrow. 2. Ramadhan! 3. Salary. 4. The birthday discount treats from Aussino, Times, etc (all that I have signed up for membership!) 5. Sabrina and Sharifah's babies. 6. My LP evaluations done *yawnnnn* 7. The opening of IKEA, which is so ooooo ohhh soooo near to me. 8. Dear's 3-Nation Ride trip. He promised to fund my scrapbooking classes. 9. Some reunions with old colleagues/schoolmates. 10. Hear more words from Rushda. She can now say: Bubbles; May (her teacher's name); Nenek and tetek *slap head*

Sleepy Sunday & I Love A.Y.A.H.

Its 1.05pm.... I have yet to take my bath, brush my teeth, cook or do my work stuffs. Instead, I chose to check my mails and blog. Dear is at work. Rushda is at JP (Jalan Pergam); kidnapped by Ayah early in the morning. Today started off with Rushda, waking up at 5am, wanting her diapers to be changed. Next, she was actively looking at the colours chart and pointing to the pictures, wanting me to say out the names. I was sssooooo semi-conscious. I suggested something better, "Rushda, wanna watch Barney?" She headed straight to the living room, and take her position. I have no energy to breastfeed, so I made her formula mix. I got Barney to babysit, while I sleep next to her. I felt like it was just a minute, when she woke me up, beckoning to me the show is over. So FAST?!?!?!? I cajoled her to bed and feed her. Next, Dear kissed us goodbye. I told him I was sorry I couldnt get up. I was just toooo tired. Next, I heard the door alarm (beeped when open and closed). I couldnt open my eyes, but I know it has to be Ayah. True enough. He came to the room , at the same time, Rushda was waking up. Ayah bought her yet another sunglass. Okay, so here's what I really wanna blog about: My dad, my AYAH. I heard the usual clanking noises from the kitchen. Ok, maybe that's a signal for me to get up. He actually, bought us breakfast- soto and mee soto, and he took the trouble to empty the tapau food into the bowls. Then, he threw the garbage out, and then took wet-tissues and cleaned the cobwebs and dust on the doors and windows. Not only that, he ALSO watered the plants. He sat down to read the papers for about 10 minutes, then he brought Rushda to the loo and showered her. Ayah cued: "Rushda follow Tok, ok. We go jalan-jalan ok?" Rushda just nod her head. That noddy girl. So, off Rushda went with Tok. He told me, "you can do your work or take your nap. Later I'll send her back here". I'm such a lucky daughter to have a dad like him. Rushda is such a lucky girl who has a granddad who loves her every bits. Thank you Ayah, for always being there for me. Thank you Ayah, for your love, your understanding, your time. THANNNNK YOU!

Thursday With Raudha

Alhamdulillah... Daaah Thursday. I can smell the fresh air of weekend. As if. Actually, its more of FireSan scent (!!!) coz Dear just gave me a good back massage with that magic ointment! I dont know what has got into me - I break fast at the newly-renovated Banquet of Parkway Parade today. We chope the table which was directly under the full-blast aircon. With a totally blocked nose, I slurped the Mee Pok Fishball Noodle without really savouring the taste. Its just the hot chilli padi with soy sauce occasionally. The chillis caught me, and so I was panting. So I guess, while I was holding on to the fiery padis, I may have gulped down the cool air thats coming down from the aircon , way too much. On the way back, I broke into cold sweat. You know, the 'anytime' one. "Dear, I need to go to the toilet urgently!" I said while the car has just reached level 2 before reaching the exit gantry. "Huh? You nak pergi toilet sini?!?!" and he continued to drive... And Rushda wants breastmilk. Alamak! It was so uncomfortable. I was sweating and praying. She was cooperative, she fell asleep very quickly and I laid her down on the seat. Once we reached home, I didnt even wait for Dear to stop the car infront of the house. At the junction of Senior Citizen Corner, I asked to alight. Did I make it on time???? Yessssss.... :) Still, Im having stomachache and blocked nose right now.

Nevertheless, I'm happy that Dear came to fetch me at work; we fetched Rushda; and Dear also accomodate to my request that we go visit my favourite boutique at Joo Chiat , just to buy a blouse and scarf to wear for tonight's iftar/dinner outing. The Anglia blouse and scarf bill was $88.00. Errrr, is this what they meant by impulsive?????? ===================================

Rejab is here. I took the opportunity to practise the sunnahs of fasting in Rejab. Besides that, most importantly, we women clear our hutangs and I also recommend that we start practising our fasting now, say, twice a week - Monday and Thursday, to prepare ourselves for Ramadhan (which is just two months away) just so, our body and mind will be more ready for the challenges then. Betul tak betul?

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I remembered back in March, I wrote an entry about setting a trend in birthday celebrations for my K2 class this year. Well, I am so damn right. I said that Ashley has set a trend - I am sure to see more mcDonald's birthday meals in school. To date, we have gone through FOUR Mc'Donald's catered birthday parties. One more coming up on Aug 14th. The peak was last week, 24th was Megan's, and the very next day was Darryl's. Miss Raudha gets a meal too. On Friday, being Ivy's last day of work, Lady Marmalade got me to buy 20 McDonald's milkshakes for the staff. I politely count myself out. Uh uh, no thanks.

Can you imagine how I feel at the sight of McDonald's????

Hello New York Pizza! (Halal ah)

Tag Time!

Daaah Saturday. Alhamdulillah. The week has been a blissful one. As usual, list of things to be done remains just, a list. I've been tagged for the first time by a fellow LV blogger-buddy, Aries. Been reading others, and it has been, 'excited' or 'fun' to be tagged. Well lets see if I enjoy filling up the fields. Here it goes... Favourite Colour : Hard to single out a colour. It has been black; shades of blue and purple. Favourite Food : Depending on cravings. But it has consistently been Kacang Phool! Favourite Song : If I can pick 2 songs, they are: Bad Day by Daniel Powter (that closing song for American Idol) and one Alleycat song that goes, "Jika kau bercinta lagi..." Favourite Sport : Outdoor sports. Favourite Day of the Week : Saturday. I love saturdays! Even my working ones. Favourite Ice Cream Flavour : Swensen's Banana Crumble (served sizzling hot) Favourite Car Model : Vitara (sporty, playful, youthful - I love jeeps or their lookalikes). Favourite Subject in School :English Favourite Snacks : Anything with cheese; fruits. 9 Current.. Current Mood : amused, by my own antics. Was on the bike with Dear. Started to rain heavily, and was trying to protect by all means and ways my books and documents from getting wet. Current Taste : Simple yet chic Current Clothes : Thyme's black maternity top; 2-tones corduroy. Current Desktop : Window XP theme... Current Toenail Colour : no colours. Current Time : 2.33pm Current Surroundings : Living room, laptop, dark. Current Annoyance(s) : The fats on my upper arms and the post-natal excess too. Current Thoughts : My friend Aries; Tampines Mall and Dear doing laundry. 8 First(s).. First Best Friend : Ilyana from PPIS kindergarten. We have to part as her family moved to Brunei. Heard she was flying with SQ. First Crush :Michael Jackson.... (dont laugh). First Movie : Gremlins First Piercing : Primary 3. First Lie : When I was little, I told my friends I have a twin. First Music : Michael Jackson's Thriller album. First Car : First car I drove since I passed my Class 3 in 1997 was..... Mitsubishi SpaceWagon. First Real Date Venue : NYDC, Suntec City. 7 Last(s) Last Drink : Plain water. Last Car Ride : Yesterday. Went Parkway Parade with Dear and daughter. Last Movie : Tuesdays with Morrie @ NLB. I;m the only one who cried. Last Phone Call : to Dear - "Wanna fetch me?". Last Song Played : Hi-5 song. Last Food Ate : Tim Sum's dimsums. Last Thing I do before I go to sleep : recite doas and surahs; breastfeed Rushda; read - currently Loving Without Spoiling by Nancy Samalin. If there's a dispute between me and Dear, I'll read 5 Love Languages by Dr Gary Chapman. These two books are by the bed at all time.

6 Have You Ever(s) Have you ever dated one of your best friends : no.

Have you ever broken the law : maybe.

Have you ever been arrested : no.

Have you ever skinned dipped : In hotel privacy? yes.

Have you ever been on TV : Several times, but never get to see myself.

Have you ever kissed someone you didn't know : maybe. 5 Things You Are Wearing.

Hairband; my top; my pants; and 2 undergarments. 4 Things You've Done Today

Clean my classroom; Reorganize learning corners; Finish work on time; AND quality time with my ayah.

3 Things You Can Hear Right Now

Rain with thunder; Dear clearing his throat *sexy*; and Rockstart Supernova on Ch 18. 2 Things You Can't Live Without

Advices; Manuals.

1 Thing You Do When You Are Bored - READ. Eh.. really???? After going through the answers, I know myself better. Anyone can do this. But the list can be lenghty eh....