Not Yet...

• Been through many contractions.
• Been talking to friends who related their birth experiences; latest being Inah (7.45pm reached East Shore, 8.10pm, safely delivered Ammar Al-Hakeem. Masya-Allah!). Inah went through Cesarean birth for No.1, but normal delivery for No.2 (with epidural) and No.3 (no time for epidural!). SHE's the one I'm going to listen to.
• Been fasting.
• Been staying at home since Monday, 24/09/07.
• Been busy trying to keep Rushda's temperature down. She's got the viral fever since Thursday, and it reached 39.8 on Saturday. We scooted off to KK and got the "Red Door" attention. As at today, she is better. No more bloodied nose.
• Been moving about.... including heavy stuffs at home. This is what I call "self-induce". Still, no sign yet.

I go see what other things I can do now. Meanwhile, you take care. My next update would probably be about the birth of junior.

A Year Older

Today WAS my birthday.

No big celebration this year. More of a quiet one. It should be that way, as everyone should be staying focus with their fasting. May Allah bless us all in this sacred Ramadhan.

The first birthday wishes came through SMS. The message tones were ringing even at 2am. A big thanks to my friends and cousin who remembered. Then got my special birthday kiss from Dear during Sahur. We didnt talk much, just eat. Rushda woke up, and told her its my birthday. Got her to sing for me- with that smelly breath!

Ayah sent us to school today, and he has forgotten about it. Mum called, asking me to come over for iftar, but she too, forgotten all about it. Just now, after iftar, as Ayah was about to leave for terawih, I declared, "Ayah, Mummy, today is my birthday". Mummy went, "Iyyerrr???? Astaghfirullahal azim, keNapa tak cakap?! Kesian lah".

Told her I want her to bake me Puteri Salat. I'm getting it tomorrow!

Ramadhan Reminders

"From: Nisha Omar Date: 09/12/07 19:59:37 To: Recipients

Subject: Happy Ramadhan.. Selamat Menyambut Ramadhan

To my dearest ones

Wish you and family Happy Ramadhan..

Ensure that you abide by the instructions as per attached image.

Lots of Luv..

Muni Omar

"

Naughty naughty Muni.Wonder how is it like puasa in London?

In Singapore currently. whether is cooling. Its pouring heavily now.

Random thoughts @ current: pedicure (yes, so my toes look good during my stay in hospital); doughnuts (Ann and brother Toey mentioned yest during iftar. Cet); my 2 friends who have just given birth (how you nak payback puasa later haaa? One month leh)

Sahur:Imsak:Iftar:Terawih:

1 Ramadhan 1428 Hear that? Azan Subuh. "Assolatu khairun minannaum"

Woke up around 4am. The urge to go to the loo was strong. As I balance to stand, I felt discomfort. After 15 minutes of self-observation, I strongly believes its REAL contractions. As to whether I AM in labour first-stage, I cant tell. I have informed Dear (who felt the tremor at his work place yesterday. When he called me minutes after Maghrib, background was filled with laughters and noises. Evacuation is fun, I guess). Told him about my dilemma of to-work-or-not-to-work. Im due in 2 weeks...

Not now, can???? Hang in there, baby. Let Mummy puasa at least a week, clean up the house, and pack my hospital bag.

Ini saya dan makanan iftar. Dalam kandungan waktu itu ialah Rushda.

Selamat menjalani ibadah puasa.

Ending A Call

Rushda and my cousin talked on the phone last night.

After about 10 minutes of chat, Rushda said, "Okay Khuwailah. Bye".

Over and over again, she will get back to the conversation. Finally...

(on loudspeaker)

Khuwailah: Ok, good night. Rushda put down the phone.

Rushda: Ok, bye. Khuwailah put down the phone.

(putting the phone away from her ears, but still looking at it... listen again)

Rushda: Khuwailah put down the phone. THE END. Ok, put down.

How old is Rushda again????

A Night of Elegance....

Semua Cantik....

Some are Mummies and some are SINGLES!!!!

Sweet September Ahead....

A few things to remember in this sweet September...

The Birth of Junior #2/ Other Births!

1. I am 36 weeks now. Junior has been REALLY active; giving me sleepless nights including last night. I finally slept at 4am+, realised it was 6.30am, but was just too exhausted to get up and do my Subuh. By the next blink, it was already 7.3oam. Rushda wanted milk.
2. Need to do up the bedroom for Rushda and Junior, soon. Waiting for Dear to drive us down to IKEA or something.
3. Birthdays coming up!! Intan (4/9); Syaza (11/9); Chu (24/9). Will Junior pop out before 1/10? My bet is 30/9.
4. I really want to get some shots of myself with my belly. Patrick has agreed to it. Im excited! It'll be his first 'belly' assignment.

Being Pretty/ Dolling Up

1. Last night was my company's dinner. The theme this year is "Elegant Black & Red". I just cant fit into Mummy's black & red 2-pc Baju Panjang, so I wore the red chiffon dress Uncle Haron made 2 yrs back. Yesterday was more special for me as I had 'hired' Sharifah to do my make-up! It was kind of her to agree to my forever last-minute 50/50 request. She did GREAT! This year, I had fake eyelashes on. Hahaha. It went well with the colours she had on my eyes. She said they are called Smoky technique. Whatever that is, I know I was 'sssssmoking~~~'. Not only that, she lent me her self-made brooch. My beloved Ayah sent us all the way to Grand Hyatt. Met up with the others. Everyone was elegant yes. The most outstanding was Tess! I almost couldnt recognize her. Pheeewit.
2. Today is Aza's wedding. Will be attending it later. Wish I could find that heart-shaped couple coffee cups from Starbucks, to present her. Unlikely. But will try. Should I wear what I wore yesterday, minus the make-up? What if I bump into yesterday's ppl?

Ramadhan/ Planning

1. Ramadhan falls on 13/9. Im DONE with bayar puasa. Alhamdulillah. Will try to fast with others before I pop. I may only get the first half to fast. Its okay- belum try, belum tahu.
2. This time round, everyone will be busy. With the ibadah of fasting going on during my confinement, I cant imagine having Mummy or MIL to cook for me. Malu seh. Recently, MIL suggested to Dear that I stay over at their place for confinement. With FIL around? Errrrr.....
3. More work to submit before I pop. Dateline BIG TIME tomorrow. Wish me luck.

A Teacher...

1st September 2007

Students all over Singapore will be commemorating this day dedicated to teachers.... Happy Teacher's Day to all the teachers who have taught me once before. Hope I am remembered as the good student. :)

I still remember my kindergarten teachers. They were ever so sweet, gentle and kind. Still remember my asatizahs during my 10 years stint in Alsagoff. Not forgetting the lecturers at all the institutions I've been in, as a student. Their teachings have touched my life, in many ways. No wonders I'm enjoying what I'm doing now. More meaningful when I receive thank you messages, flowers and gifts from parents and students. I feel blessed.

A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell, where his influence stops.

Henry B. Adams

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.