"HAPPAY!" - one word to describe how I felt being with these people.
EDLEEN - paternal cousin + the Scrapbooking Guru.
CHU - maternal aunt.
MARDHIYAH - maternal cousin.
Superb. Splendid. A gift from Tamhid on 16 October 2009. It does wonders, this little thing.
Its hard to believe that tech-dodo like me, is now using an iPhone 3GS. So far, so good. However, I am not too sure about how the new plan I signed up (iFlexi) with Singtel would cost me monthly. There's the usage, and the downloads I have to worry about.
I am not sure about some of the things. However, fret not, the closest iPhone niece and sister-in-law are just a mountain away. I hope Sister-in-Law Erni could show me a thing or two today.
That last entree was posted at 4am.
Uncle Mansor passed away surrounded by family members who loved him very very much on the same day, at 1.46pm; Tan Tock Seng Hospital.Allah loves him more. AlFateha.
This event has reaffirmed my Iman that death happens; death in the family happens; to anyone, anytime.Could be me next, could be my children, my husband, no one knows but Him.
Seven days. That was all it took - seven days from the onset of illness.
Painful. It's really painful for us family to acknowledge the fact that this good man has left. He was like the anchor man in my family, aside from Ayah. Sharing knowledge on religion matters; current affairs, for example, if he was around now, Uncle would probably say that the H1N1 pandemic is Allah's reminder to us, His creations, that He is Almighty. And that this is a reason why we must always DOA. Uncle would remind us, "after giving your salam (after prayers), why rush to watch American Idol, news (etc. etc)? take about 1 or 2 minutes, to thank Allah. Bershukur. Ask from Allah health and protection from bala". His way of talking appeals to us youngsters. He also has a good sense of humour we all enjoy. He likes to tease Mum....... I really miss him so much.
Who is Uncle Mansor?
Born 16 July 1951. Mum's Brother-In-Law; Andak's husband. He is the eldest of five siblings; whom we are very very close to. Part of us, and we are part of them. Family friendship dated more than 35 years.
Describe Uncle Mansor...
Friendly; Approachable; Understanding; HELPFUL; dedicated to family and friends of Masjid Kassim; always seeking religious knowledge (going for classes three times a week); Generous! Yes, very generous. Dependable; a good Husband; a good Dad; a humble Comfort cabby; a humble man who likes to share stories and advices....
Uncle Mansor as part of my daily life...Rushda's arrival in 2005 only strengthens the strong togetherness we had. When Rushda was just a few days olds, Andak and Uncle Mansor comes to Pasir Ris daily to assist me in showering her, patting her, carrying her, cook for me, etc. Rushda grew and showed a resemblance of Mardhiyah, my cousin. All the more they loved her, as back then, Mardhiyah was away studying. When I was back to work, the arrangement was, Andak & uncle comes in the morning,DAILY WEEKDAYS, pick us up, drop me at work, and bring Rushda back to Haig Road. There, she was showered with ALL the attention and love. I felt blessed. This routine repeated again when Durrah arrived and I need to work, December 2007 till Durrah was enrolled in Infant Care, earlier this year. Every single weekdays morning, we see him.
Our final events with him...
12 March 2009 - Brunch at Tekka market. He brought us there for Alaudeen's biryani.
29 March 2009 - Came over to Pasir Ris, to visit us, as Rushda and I were down with gastric flu.
6 April 2009 - The girls and I went to Haig Road, as they were missing the little ones, and they have reserved some Briyani they cooked for a wedding the day before. The way they abided to Durrah's requests, I was envious. I remembered uncle telling me which route to take to avoid the evening peak traffic. And that night, there was a huge butterfly flew in, we had fun snapping away pics.
10 April 2009 - Good Friday holiday. Mardhiyah spent the day here. In the evening, we had Andak and uncle Mansor came to surprise us with dinner! They bought Mee Upeh and nasi Ayam from Bedok Corner. That night, Tamhid noticed Uncle was breathless when they did their Maghrib together. Rushda snapped away pics, got one of Uncle, sitting and watching the news.
12 April 2009 - He was weak at home. For the first time, he missed attending majlis diba'i of his own group, Nurul Jadid. He was the founder and coordinator of the group. So when Ayah called to say that Uncle Mansor was not well, I cried. I was so worried, that I accidentally sent a text to Uncle's phone. It was meant for Tamhid. The text says: "Uncle Mansor not well. He can't breathe." Anyway, that night, we went to Haig Road. Uncle gained some energy to walk to the hall to welcome his guests - his mother and siblings.
15 April 2009 - Received call that he was taken to the hospital by ambulance. He was sent to ICU. That was the last time I saw him conscious, with a respiratory support machine, just like Mum last time. I kissed his hand, strapped with the call-button remote. He was gasping, trying to coordinate his breathing. Before I left, I told him I was going back. I recited Selawat Azamiyah, trying to tell him to do the same. He nodded. I saw Tamhid putting his hand on uncle's forehead. I couldn't let uncle see me cry, so I made a quick exit.
16 Apr to 19 Apr 2009 - We visited him at TTSH' ICU. He was sedated. Updates of his conditions fluctuated; mixed of good and not good.
20 April 2009 - I could not visit. Only for today.
21 April 2009 - Upon reaching work around 9.30am, got a call from Ayah. The doctors have called Andak and Mardhiyah to come to the hospital immediately. Uncle was not responding to the most expensive antibiotics administered. The moment of truth, doctor has informed that Uncle Mansor has weakened. To get all the family to come. I left work at 10am, clueless, aimless. Somehow, got myself to the hospital, there I saw Uncle's last moment. Then, he was gone. For REAL, he was gone.
Uncle Mansor will be remembered...
For his working charms on babies and young children; as Guru Mengaji; for his beautiful voice reciting the Quran or Qasidah; for the Biryani he cooked with Andak at weddings and events at masjid Kassim; for the month-long project he has during Ramadhan, at Masjid Kassim; as the friendly and helpful Comfort taxi driver. SHA 4323.
Ya Allah, I truly miss my uncle. He was a good man, and you are Most Knowing. Forgive his sins, and shower his space with light and beautiful things. Ya Allah, you are Most Merciful. Amin Ya Rabbal Aalamin.
I wish to remember this. On HOW I went through the hassles to surprise dear husband to watch Konsert Alam M. Nasir in Kuala Lumpur. I thought, since he has been singing that Mentera song so frequently than ever, he should go see M. Nasir live. So I cooked up the plan of surprising him. Im not sure if he is a so-called fan, but he may appreciate the music.
Now, no one goes to a concert alone. So, got to be a pair of tickets. Now, to make him go, he must bring someone. First option was Safari, his good ol' kaki; Second was Shah, last Busa's kaki or worst case scenario, ME, his long-time kaki complain wife. But for now, I shall not count myself in.
After the tickets were presented, it was a question of who is going with him.
Q:You are due to go for a family holiday, so why plan this?
The facts that: 1. Its our 5th year wedding anniversary. 2. I love to surprise him. 3. Dates coincide. We are due to be in KL anyway. 4. There was Kak Erni, who were buying tics for herself, Abg Uda & Friends. If it isnt for them, I wouldnt even think about the whole thing.
Q: How did you surprise him?
It was exciting!!! I watched Kpak Bing Bing and heed Pak Lebai's tips on ways you can surprise your spouse. So...
I placed the tickets in the fridge along with the chocolate muffin. They were left there from Saturday evening TILL he discovered it the following day, afternoon.
So that made them a pair of freaking "cool" tickets. NOW, the question is, Who's Going with Him? I don't think I can. Who would care for the children then? It will be in KL!! A little bit messy here.... And the weekend is coming.Hehe hehe hehe he he sigh.......
Ah, shall not say it. Year after year, same excuses, Raudha.
December has been a very busy month for me at work. We've moved on, to a bigger, better place at The Eightrium, Changi.
Breaking-news became a daily affair in that month. There were the sad, the shocking, and happy ones nontheless. But to journal about them, would take a helluva post.
I'll save them in my 1GB brain (limited. Very limited. Especially after having kids). Perhaps, I'll just share bits as and when. Yeah, that would be good.
MOVING FORWARD....
Marriage will be our 5th year this Feb.
Rushda is now 4!
Durrah is attending Infant Care starting 15 Jan!!
Tamhid will be 36. And me, 31.
Work has been good so far. albeit the killing demands. My mother role, the usual lah. So it has been working and parenting. Socialising?!! Huh. A think of the past.
2009, looking forward to you, baybeh. Hey!! Its Daryl Hall & John Oates' Private Eyes on Class 95 now.
Getting Ready for the Cake-Cutting Ceremony.
Rushda's teacher, Miss Yani, lighting up the candles.
The first to celebrate her birthday, in the new school.
A gift from her teacher. So sweet of her.
I saw in the papers, many times, especially of late, about "looming dark clouds ahead". Obviously, they were referring to the terrible terrible world economic recession.
I saw those clouds alright. Looooooming....
A view from where I work. I was standing at the window, hoping to snap a pic of lightning. (Too much Discovery Channel!!)
Looking at that staircase, it reminded me of a dream I had two nights ago. I was driving our Mazda 2 tailing behind another car, apparently driven by Tamhid. He was with the little ones and we were on some village roads in Malaysia. From the main road, he made a left turn into a one-lane street. I turned too, BUT he's gone. So I kept on driving and told myself, "Couldn't be. How could I lose him?" I continued driving and at the same time, looking at the scenic kampung houses, padi field, a small mosque and then suddenly I reached a dead end. Well, not really dead lah. There was a staircase, something like the one in the picture above, except that it was wider and shorter.
Here's the funny part of the dream - I got out of the car, somewhat searching for network, and called him,
Me: "Eh where are you?? I'm lost. Which way did you go?"
Tamhid: "Huh? Lost? How can you be lost, you were right behind me, what."
Me: "I kat tangga. I ask you eh, this car can go down staircase or not?"
Tamhid: MANA BOLEH?!?!?! (how can?!?!) Mana ada TANGGA?! (Where got staircase?)
Me: Hah?! Cannot eh? Then how? No gear for staircase eh? (began to panic)
I started to walk around aimlessly looking for him, and when I came back, (this was the saddest part) the car was gone. Stolen. Panic again. Gotta find the car before Tamhid finds out.
Before I found the car, I found Tamhid and the girls. They were eating in a "PWD Kallang airport canteen" together with..... Abang Ijal and family. What were they doing there?!?! Apparently they were presenting a car-plate to Tamhid with the word "OHLINS" with lots of heart shapes around it. By the way, OHLINS is a branded part/accesories for bikes, like the one on Hid's Hayabusa.
Weird. But funny.
Anyway, back to the looming dark cloud. Something happened this morning that has caused my heart to be looming too. The person who is supposed to be my role-model "played" me out.But true! As you get older, it gets quieter. Perhaps, its Ramadhan. Loved ones are occupied with ibadah and chores.
30 IS a "Happy Birthday" birthday and I still want that present I asked for. Speaking of birthday presents, Tamhid got me a Sony Ericsson G900 from Starhub! Ka-ching*ching
On actual day, early morning, the gift I received was unforgettable and priceless. It will forever be edged in my memory. Thanks for the Group Hug, Loved Ones. Durrah was squashed in the middle.
What I did on September 18, 2008:- Rushed to Pergam to get Mum's medicine prescriptions, then rushed to SGH's pharmacy to get what she needed. Mum was slurring again. Signs of Stroke. Rushed back to Pergam as one of the items was her set of jabs, ice-packed. Mummy was being stubborn, insisting that she was fine. She, assuring me, to go ahead with my plans today, as rest is all she needed. With a heavy heart, I went.
- Crossed over to JB and explored Kampung Pandan Bazaar. Too hot and tired to enjoy, but managed to get kain samping and butang-baju-abang-mana-Pah? Couldn't find the right Orange BK for Tamhid. We headed to Tebrau City Jusco to solat and window-shop and ding-ding-ding, we saw the PERFECT Orange BK. $RM100+... cant bargain. Departmental Store oiii.-Iftar at Black Canyon.
Sweetness on my 30th Birthday:
- Zilah and Baoling got me Dunkin Donuts!! More sweetness was when, Zilah wanted to send them over even when I was at the other end of Singapore. We picked up at her place instead.- The Amethysts & Sapphires choired a birthday song conducted by Dila, over the phone.
- The SMSes and well-wishes over at Facebook.
- The birthday cards made by sweet Rushda and cousin Nadhrah.(I want something from Edleen!! A card or her fabulous scrapbooking LO. Hmm, I hope she reads this.)As planned, goodie bags giveaway this Raya for loved ones at work and close to heart. Looking forward to a great year ahead. Insya Allah. Amin.
My siblings and our youngest broods.
Ridzwan, Rizal and Raudha.
Siti Shafura, Elliea Fatin and Durrah.
This happened over the weekend.
The first piece of news said: Cikgu A's second child passed away in an accident and Cikgu H's son is in ICU in SGH, not sure why.
Several SMS followed between me and F, the informer, talking about Cikgu A, and if we should go and visit. F said, "Don't. Not now. Seems like there is a miscommunication. I'll update".
Second news came soon after: Sorry. Its Cikgu A who is in ICU. Cikgu H's son passed away in an accident.
The following morning, during Sahur, another SMS came in: Alfateha. Cikgu A has passed away.
Final one from F: This is going to be a last update from me. Cikgu A has not "passed away". She is in a critical condition in ICU. Our friend, AZ, just visited her this morning."
Immediately I called F. She felt that it is not necessary of her to update anymore as informations given were confusing. I told F to keep up her good intentions.
This reminds me of P. Ramlee's movie, Do Re Mi. "Siapa yang mati dulu, saya hadiahkan satu ratus ringgit" Do and Wife who were pretending to be dead own up: "Saya mati dulu! Saya mati dulu!"
Consciously or unconsciously, I've been watching Disney channel shows. Believe it or not. Right now, I'm watching Camp Rock, the latest Disney original movie, after Jump In and High School Musical.I was looking forward to this premiere, just like other Disney teens!
I know who are The Jonas Brothers; who is Hannah Montana/ Miley Cyrus; who is Corbin Bleu and the real and on-screen names of almost ALL the cast of High School Musical. All thanks to Rushda; Hid's coolest bunch of nieces and nephew; and the six-going-thirteens mak neneks at work.
Aside from the movies, I do girls-bonding time with Rushda; in front of the TV set weekdays nights for Hannah Montana and The Witch from Waverly Place. Nevermind if it showed the episode we've watched before upteenth time.
The kids in school thought I'm cool. Yah really!! When I break into Best of Both Worlds, they went wide-eyed and "You watch Hannah Montana too?!?!?!" Occasionally, during transition periods, I'll use catchy lines from either one of the shows, and the kids love it.
When I was muccchhhh younger, I remembered watching Mousercise! That aerobic programme for kids. And of course, the classic Mickey Mouse and friends cartoon. My favourites? Donald Duck and Chip'n'Dale. As for Rushda, she is currently into Disney's princesses: Ariel and Cinderella. I don't buy her any dolls. Just loads of pyjamas and panties with pictures of them. :) Adding to her collectibles are storybooks of the princesses which I have read to again and again.
Hid, all of 35, will alert the girls when Yo Gabba Gabba is on (Nick Jr., 8.00am). I was surprised when he let off a, "Hold stiiiiiilllll!! Wiggly wiggly wiggly stop!" That was cute. When the girls are at home, its either Disney or Nick Jr. Once in awhile, when there's something informative and safe-to-watch programmes on Discovery Channel, Kakak will be encouraged to stay tuned and figure out whatever questions we threw to her, "Rushda. look! How did he catch the giant squid? What will they do to it?"
I'm proud to admit that there's still the Disney in me. Its good to be in touch with the child in yourself. Its okay, its safe and its good.
they are seRIOUSly serious about us procreating.
"Mr PM, after looking at your offer to child-bearing women like me, I must say it is indeed an advantageous offer. Its getting better by the year. I see hope in the future for my own daughters when they decide to have kids. Personally, Mr PM, I want to have more babies. I do. I wished to have FOUR, just like the people around me. Yet, I have my worries, sir. I share your sentiment about changing of mindets, especially one that involves fathering role. Yes, I agree. Something should be done. If the parenting 'system' works consistently and equally between husband and wife, then it would be a successful and positive child-rearing experience. I watched the news or read somewhere that "the culture of fatherhood (in S'pore) has definitely changed many years back, however its time to look at the practices. Mr PM, I present thee my worries..."
1. Husband & Wife relationship became once-upon-a-time (personal level of emotional needs varies as new member joins in).
2. Lack of time: to relax; quality time with spouse; with own parents; with own hobbies.
3. Managing priorities: I love my family AND my career. I am "growing" along with my career. So many things to explore, yet my young children are slowing my opportunities. On the other hand, I love my family. I want to give the best for them, but with the cost of living very high, I must work, to earn money for basic basic use; which means sacrificing time to be with them.
4. Family Finance (which is a minor setback. Least worried.) Baby Bonus and subsidies make a LOT of difference. Thank you for that initiative. It is what it is - a bonus. With that, I am able to place my child in a preferred school with a good programme. I want quality, so I pay more.
5. Workplace mindset. You give us more days off. We welcome that, but do you think the workforce think likewise?? No. The last time I utilised the 3rd-mth maternity perk, I was arranged to take leave as and when it was deemed "non-peak". At the discretion of my supervisor. It was totally the opposite of the whole main purpose.
"Suggestions, Mr PM? I suppose! Give me months to think about it"
Rewards bring positive effects on you. Like what I have just recently experienced. And for that, I am Thankful to Him for the blessings bestowed upon me.
1. The company I've been working for rewarded me by acknowledging my loyalty and contributions for the past 5 years. I am one of the few recipients of Long Service Appreciation award on Friday. I was awarded with a Swatch watch. Coincidentally, I have a collection, that brings to a total of 20. Am I happy? Happpppy.
2. Being Nisfu Syaaban on Saturday (where Maghrib is the beginning of the day); I was rewarded with the opportunity to sit jemaah with hubby and parents to recite surah Yaasin, 3 times. Usually we are ALWAYS occupied Saturdays, but not last Saturday. Following that reward, I prayed that my dua granted, and ibadah on that day accepted.
3. I had the niat to Puasa sunat Nisfu Syaaban; but considering it was on a Sunday, I was eerrrr...contemplating. I woke up for Subuh and reached for the Amalan Seharian book, and I turned to this page, where it mentioned about the Rewards promised by Allah for those who observes fasting. I made my niat and Alhamdulillah, continued my fast. I was excited by the Rewards. Like I've said, may Allah reward my ibadah.
4. Rewarded with Hor Fun for iftar; peace and tranquility the whole day, yes! despite having Rushda and Durrah around.
5. Team Singapore's table-tennis duo won themselves Silver at the Olympics. That's their reward for all their perserverence and hard works. Li Jiawei (despite being a China-born) has been wanting to do this for Singapore. We must be happy for her.
My opinion about their winning? Fabulous. Its the fighting spirits. Nevermind that they are not pure Singaporeans. If we want something to be won by 'real' Singaporeans, then nurture your children's talents in sports. Dont be empty-barrels. Personally, I feel that Li Jiawei won. Not Singapore. Good for her, first. Good for country, second.
On that note, believe in Rewards. You'll never know when you'll get one, but you will, if you are committed, have the patience and optimistic. Enjoy what you do and You'll be rewarded.
Its 12.20am, 14th August 2008.
I should be up in 6 hours time; get ready for work. Yet I can't sleep.
If Rushda has constipation problems; I have this.
Its UTI. Urinary Tract Infection.
I've been to the toilet countless time; the "nnnggg" feelings are unbearable.
It's the fear of wetting the bed. Im now kneeling on the floor, facing my sleeping babies, blogging, and waiting for the next urge to go.
I've gulped mugs of water. Im looking forward to this month's utility bill...*flush**flush*Sidetrack: Michael Phelps...he is talented. His swimming, is superb. I actually wanna say, he is yummy (but of course, Dear. You are yummier lah. But... you can't swim. How?).
Just look @ them.... My fellow LV a-list.
We WORKed hard; we must PLAY hard.
Problem-solving: How to untangle ourselves....
Love them to bits. Missing the 3rd and 6th from left... coz they've left. See those 8 rainbow posters at the background? I made them! They depicted the 8 different intelligences from Howard Gardner's theory: Word Smart; Logic Smart; Music Smart; People Smart; Self- Smart; Nature Smart: Body Smart and one more...I cant remember.Proud of them.
Where was I? Behind the camera, getting these "BUSY" people to pose.
