Precious Moments.. You Only Live This Life Once....

Online bids

2011-01-14T19:15:00.002+03:00

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Earn Money ??

2010-11-19T16:06:00.000+03:00

Just found this out..Not sure how it goes but am trying.... :)

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How to Paint Roses

2010-11-10T08:46:00.000+03:00

How to Paint Roses with an Angular Shader demo by Marjorie Harris Clark

2010-11-10T08:45:00.000+03:00

I'll Be Back....Tunggu....

2010-09-28T18:59:00.000+03:00

It has been a very2 long while since I updated this blog...Mostly due to my own inconsistencies with the schedule that I've put up for myself. I hope to update soon with my Bournemouth trip stories... I hope its gonna be soon.

For the time being, still busy2 with Eid Open Houses.....

Nik Nur Hannah Kamilah is 14th. today...

2009-12-21T10:04:00.002+03:00

Nik Ayman Haniff ~19th. Birthday

2009-10-19T18:33:00.003+03:00

Happy 19th. Birthday..Anakanda...All Our Love & Best Wishes Always...

Eid '2009 Seremban

Iftaar at Sheraton Subang @17/9/2009 @ mama's 47th

Ayman almost 5 years old.

Ayman about 2 years old at Zoo Negara

Ayman around 3mths.....He..he..See the frown....

Two Brothers in Arms....

2009-10-10T07:52:00.002+03:00

Now Adzrul & Ayman are in Malaysia. Adzrul has start working at Selayang since Nov'09.. Soon it will be almost a year...he is in his 3rd. rotation as a HO now... Ayman has started at KBU since August..we know that it is new to him plus having to care for himself too...But we believe that he will be able to more than just manage as he discovers new things..insyaállah.... I am lucky for support from family and friends...you know who you are..Thanks!!! I hope both of them will be able to meet up more and support each other. Till next we meet....

Eid with Hannah..Azlan..Zayd & Friends...

2009-10-07T14:14:00.005+03:00

We went to Ras Tanura last Thursday 10/1/09... It was a beautiful day and we left Dhahran about 2:00pm....onwards to Gee Azmi's house... Ha..ha..since I was os busy eating the wonderful spread.. i forgot to take some photos..especially of the food...

Eid With My Sons...

2009-09-29T07:57:00.003+03:00

Eid this year was a first of many.... it was a difficult decision to not be with Azlan on Eid but considering most of my time >99% with him than we consider it is ok for this time... Ayman just started at KBU and although he has 1 week break..Adzrul only got the first day off... Since in Dhahran..we do celebrate eid the whole month due to weekends only and puasa 6... I bought a ticket for me & Zayd to spend Eid with the boys..Azlan&Hannah has already lined up the invitations from the nite before raya onwards..Thanks to wonderful friends who include them in the Eid breakfast...

Although..I did not manage to cook anything at Sg.Serai..but the excitement of the festivities did make us get caught in it..what with the fact that the boys wants to get baju Melayu..so we went a couple of places before finally decided on the ones they had...Adzrul decided not to buy a new one this year since last year he had 2 new ones...Boleh pakai lagi since masa raya je pakai or tengok orang kawen.... Sendiri kawen belum lagi..sibuk memanjang kat hospital tu...

We got caught in the jam..in the rain on the highway..in the parking lots stucked.... blaring of lagu raya everwhere...finding places to buka puasa..and I guess in the short days I was there... We had quite an eventful time.

Nite before raya about 10:30pm decided to drive back to Seremban instead of after Eid prayers.. The highway was clear all the way and we took about just 45mins to reach my dad's house. Infact..the fast lane was mostly unoccupied..I guess everybody was being cautious and taking their time..biarlah dari tak sampai lansung...

As I remember it..the last tiem I spend Eid with family was in 2002...Adzrul was not there coz'his first Eid in Russia...therefore 2001 was when everybody was there...What happens than was..in 2002 Adzrul studied in Russia and 6 years of Eid there..in 2003 I move to Saudi and 6 Eid there...my mom pass away in 2005..my brother got divorced in 2007...and so thats how the clan members moved.... Even as a complete own family..only last year the 6 of us spend Eid together in Dhahran... Next year is again a tough time to get all in one place..but insyaállah from 2011 till 2014/2015...we might get to spend Eid in Malaysia. But Ramadhan in Saudi is the best I say....

In Malaysia for Eid 1430

2009-09-08T15:01:00.003+03:00

Looks like Zayd & I will be flying back to Msia for a week to spend Eid with Adzrul & Ayman. Adzrul already got the 1st day of Eid off while Ayman will have the whole week off... so, the 4 of us at least will get to spend the nite before Eid and 1st. day together. It will be a short trip as I will return to Dhahran again on 24/9/09. We will fly Emirates this time from Bahrain as it cost the least to purchase ticket this late. Azlan and Hannah stay back due to commitments to work and auditions. It may not be a good split decision but its what can be done to suit everyone... I wish all 6 of us will be together but than again Azlan just got back from repat and less than 3 weeks to ask for more leaves... rasa macam segan gitu nak mintak cuti lagi... Maybe ada hikmah nya.. So..the ketupat&rendang at home in Dhahran will have to wait till Friday... Raya sebulan he..he..

Looks like I'll be hoarding more kuih raya and maybe lemang's...back to Dhahran..

I am back in Dhahran...

2009-09-02T07:32:00.003+03:00

After 2months leave to Malaysia..initially I dread coming back to Dhahran..really..this time around I did not even think about #316 Hofuf Drive..although all my comfort things is here. I put it to having to leave 1 more kid in Malaysia..thinking that it's Ramadhan..mana nak sahur..mana nak berbuka..hati jadi sayu semacam..But like I said to my eldest...since its fated that it is what it is today..we have to make the best of it..sooner or later insyaállah..we might get the chance to be together..and I hope its going to be a bigger together...he..he..for my eldest that is.

Anyway..this time around upon arriving..I do actually miss #316 Hofuf Drive...I still hate having to do all the cleaning and arranging always..but it's also home. Same as #22 Sungai Serai..which is a new empty home..waiting for its occupants come July/August or somewhere in between insyaállah. Coming back to Dhahran..normal activities has hot to continue..its quite easy to fall back into the routine..Hannah & Zayd are back in school...I did not ask much of their work coz' its Ramadhan and timing of sleep and awake is haywire. They might slack back in some homework but hey..they can pick up as best as possible in 3 weeks. I am back at looking into Algebra & Physics to help them..so far so good..I love doing Algebra but don't give me Statistics & Probability..I find it difficult to comprehend..maybe I want a quick and short answer.

Today..I plan to finish my own class homework...class is this Sunday..pick up my brushes again and start painting..doesn't matter if messy or not nice..Azlan says..as long as you are happy.. he..he.. We celebrated our 27th. Anniversary last July...couldn't believe the years..Hope there will be more wonderful years to come..May Allah swt Benefit Our Stay on This earth and make our heart firm to HIS way..amin.

I plan to write somewhat about the long break...but it has got to wait first as I couldnt get all the pictures... Ayman is settled in KBU..currently he stays in the hostel..sharing a room with 2 other people..I hope he will do well in his study...may it be the want that he likes...

It was a wonderful break as we got to drive along T'ganu coast to go to Bachok..Best thing was Adzrul got to spend the whole 5days with us which was rare now he being an HO. Not sure if this will be repeated again..the whole family together..was cautious about the H1N1 scare...was exasperated at the contractor who do the final jobs at Sg.Serai..was sad in leaving 2 kids back..althought they are practically adults..with Adzrul now learning how to sutures the veejayjay..as he is in O&G posting..hmm..hmmm...

Villa Maarof at Sg. Penchala...A Short Stay Haven..

2009-07-27T16:13:00.005+03:00

Every summer breaks...finding a place to stay will be my biggest task...It has to be safe..near enough to leave the kids and come back in time of need...almost the comforts of home like especially beds for all bodies..that comes with a good rate...it has a washing machine...a kitchen and utensils provided... In the past...we were hotel hopping since our house was rented out.. the kids like it but its just cramping sometimes.

By chance from FB..I saw the info Zu put out thru a friend's page....It seems that she has just put it up and I am the first to ask... I have been twice to the area so roughly I know its going to work for me because for one important thing...the place is about 30mins from Hospital Selayang where Adzrul is working..he might be able to drop by after work on the days he's not too puffed out..he..he.. and it did works well for my immediate needs... My son can easily come over and spend a few hours with us...masjid dekat...for the boys to just walk over..kedai makan banyak.. ada pasar malam on Wed and pasar tani on Sunday whis are heavily thronged by people.. and access to KL via Penchala LInk is just 15mins or less..nak ke Mid-Valley pun abt 15-20mins... apalagi nak ke iKEA or Curve just 10mins.... It is a sweet location because of all the amenities available....

Plus the host/owner is a great lady...she wants to make sure that whatever needed is available... that our stay will be pleasant..and for my needs..when theres teenagers around...privacy for each is needed..bila2 masam2 muka sama dia berebut or etc...nak basuh clothes ada washing machine Zu provide...this is really a plus for me..she has an iron&iron board too..plus she stock up the kitchen with a stove..pots&pans and basics crockery...Apa nak lagi..macam rumah sendiri... Plus since I stay for about 4weeks...bibik datang juga to mop the floor and clean-up.... Like I say..Zu think of it all in wanting to provide for a good stay... Ada TV juga..my kids were hooraying..sbb dpt tengok Astro....belajar kecek Melayu sikit..tengok drama...kadang tu dok baca sub-title pulak kerje nye...

Zu..I hope we stay friends ye...nasi goreng yg mengancam....masa gambar ni diambil. My good luck.....alhamdulilah kerana dipertemukan dgn insan2 yang baik and memudahkan waktu2 yang dilalui.....

p/s..please click at the title to go to http://villamaarof.blogspot.com to know more.....

My Days in Malaysia

2009-07-16T12:59:00.002+03:00

It has now been 17days since we return to Malaysia. Almost everyday was hectic with one thing or another. It did not help when I have to haul the 3 kids along...always..first thing will be to feed everyone than only the other stuffs can be done. The looking around trying to get an idea of prices for the things we need for the Sg.Serai house was the main event..it did not help that I got lost by going into a wrong exit/turns... Then it came to..What do I actually need..that will be sufficient...while the rest can wait to the time when we shall stay there more..not sure permanently but maybe longer. I have settled the AC's & fans which are now being installed. The hacking did not help with the cleanliness of the house too..

Next come the curtains...I decided only full type for the living room and just sheers for the rest since my next door neighbors haven't move in yet..and the front face the road. Only got to watch out for the back windows as the back neighbor house is on higher ground thus they will be looking into the kids room. This will be rectified maybe with some blinds.

The beds were decided instead of just mattresses coz' everybody will need a good sleep and the keepings when we leave will be much easier...Still not sure how but maybe some old bedcovers or throws.. The beds are much cheaper compared to the mattresses..or is it just the type we chose..Thought if I purchase some from IKEA will be cheaper....No..no...no...I did not know where I got that idea. So our price survey trip to IKEA did not amount to anything...except possibly get a round dining table as a temp until we can find when we really need a real dining table probably an 8 or 10 seater...ambik kau...

We got a sofa set for the upstairs family room coz' it comes together with a bed package from Cellini's. So..I decided not to get a sofa set yet for the living room..duduk atas tikar je lah dulu... or maybe some loose pieces seats....

The main thing will be my kitchen...after much contemplation..I decided just to install the wet-kitchen..I thought Ash wood will be lovely..but the kids and my boss thinks dark-wood will be nicer...frm some photos it do look nice...since the flooring is cream 15inch tiles and light moss green on the wall..the Oak-Espresso colored cabinets may be nice. I do not want to go into the choosing of the cabinet materials....I end up getting an Oak wood type instead of laminates.. MDF.. pressed mat..pine..Ash....Insya'allah I hope its a good choice...I still need to get the fridge..hob & hood to be installed..The $$$ seems to be flowing like mud-slide or avalanche.. sorry dearie..

Selamat Menyambut Rejab..Syaaban..Ramadhan

2009-06-25T12:25:00.002+03:00

Salaam to all.... as the title says..the month of ramadhan is soon at our doorsteps.. Alhamdulilah if we can get to be in this month again and increase our amal..insyaállah..

In the immediate future..Monday that is.. I will be leaving for Malaysia.. I hope its gonna be a fruitful 2 months.. safe time and happy time....good times with love ones especially Dr. Adzrul.. who is forever busy with hardly free time.. May we will be able to have some quality time.. insyaállah...

To all those vacationing..take care...

Ayman's High School Graduation from Bahrain School.

2009-06-19T19:41:00.006+03:00

Monday June 15th was the high school graduation nite for Ayman. It was held in the gulf Hotel Convention Centre..we were there as early as 4:30pm after leaving from Dhahran at about 2:30pm..Luckily KIA's air-cond was running fine thus a smooth cooling journey in the heat of the day outside. Security was high as one of the Crown Prince son is also graduating..This graduation marks the end of attending grade 12 and Ayman has sat for IB as college entrance exam. We will only know the IB results end of 1st week in July '09. This then will chart the route he's to follow for the next 4 years...Just hope that its gonna be the best that it can be for him. Allah swt decision will be made no matter how much we have deal and plans..

He left BISA dorm with goodbyes from some of his mate at about 10:30pm that nite. How time flies..it seems but just a moment ago we send him there. This was a tough year in a way...if not for anybody else..it was for me in facing all the issues with him at school..I wonder if he just want to make a colorful exit..or it happens just because it meant to be as some bumps in our life that we have to get over... Whatever it is my doa's with him always..moga jadi anak yang soleh and berjaya didunia dan akhirat...

Tumeric.....Daun Kunyit

2009-06-03T10:12:00.003+03:00

If we are overseas..delicacy using serai, kunyit etc..etc..are something we treasure. Mainly bcos its not readily available..the raw stuffs that is. So..if ada peluang balik Msia barang2 ni lah yg kita pack bw..ber kg2...Simpan dlm freezer.In Saudi where its got too hot..nothing seems to grow. tanam serai pun dah mati kat keluar tu sbb panas...Will try tanam dlm pasu..but if merebak tu yg tak sure how to handle...beli pun Sr1 for a bulb..

So.few months..yes..few months!! back..I bought a couple of fresh tumeric from the Oriental store..feel greedy so beli banyak juga..Use for cooking tak sebanyak mana pun so..some I freeze and about 2 bulbs..cucuk je dlm tanah of my indoor plant basket. Well..did not pay much attenionuntil this morning I spied some shoots coming out long..wah..tumbuh juga..cepat2 ambik air and siram...

Tumeric or kunyit is good to generate blood or heal wounds...So..after delivery for 3 days..I'm not sure why just 3 my arwah mother ask to do..take ibu kunyit the size of your thumb..or bigger..grinds or parut to take its juice..mmg sikit abt 2 tbsp je..but good enough and drink it. It taste better actually than ginger juice where it'll burn your tongue and throat. tak boleh makan lebih as its gonna dry you up..Huh..?? Old wife tales but something not to ignore. Modern medicines has also found that tumeric is good for cancer prevention?? Its now being used as mixed in many medicines...

Soccer Nite & Farewell

2009-05-22T12:03:00.005+03:00

The players from KLL posing before start of game.
Another pre-game group photo
Our youngest member - Aqila Qistina

Call of Isya' prayers

Eliyeen

Cutie Pie..Ehsan

Iman, Aida, Izzah, Ikhwan,Imran, Izzah

Only some of the foods...

Most families turn up at the field near Riyal Road..Aramco. We have Azmi's family from Ras Tanura..ustaz Lah & Shamsul family from Dammam.. The rest were the fun-loving family in Aramco..he..he..it doesn't matter some turn up late and we got wet right before leaving because the sprinkler was turn on at 10:00pm promptly....

We had cendol by Za and also Nor....syawarma from Azizi & Ita....fruits from Ifah & Mat Shah.. Nasi Beriani brought by Faridah...KFC brought by Su&Razali..cakes & sweets by Izan.. Ustazah.. Gee..Su..Elisa...Dali..and other ummis... Love the keropok belinjau with sambal kicap pedas by Ana..yummy..Most important of all..just come and have fun doesn't matter what was brought coz'your presence were important..There were plenty of food to go round and even pack for next day breakfast..or lunches..he..he..he.. That's actually what counts...

The kids had fun and so were the daddys...Azlan said Yahya&Izzat combination were brutal to yea ol ' uncles... Sweats and huffing and puffing..but great time...Only..next time we start early so that we can meet the 10:00pm cut-off and let the baiýa go back on time..

Half Moon Bay ~Sunfish Beach

2009-05-18T07:34:00.004+03:00

It was a sandstormy day last Thursday in Dhahran....I took quite a awhile to decide against bringing the BBQ stuffs...because sand would have settled on it if the winds still blow that bad. Finally decided on nasi lemak and watermelons and some drinks... Hannah had went earlier to camp-out...so by the time we reach the beach she has completed a few rounds...

Anyway...its interesting to look at the gears and how the set-up...There were quite a number of girls got stung by jellyfish...It will sting real bad an dto overcome the pain its either pouring vinegar or to pee on it.. Ha..ha...the girls chose to put vinegar instead..

The tanks were heavy...see how the girls had to bend down to carry it to the water and how Azlan took quite a force to lift them up... It was a fun day as they tried out some board sailing too.. But it was really..really..hot plus with the sand and all..The salt water can be felt against the lips and the grainy taste...

ATV Weekend...

2009-04-24T15:05:00.004+03:00

We had a fun weekend ATV'ing in the dunes...The ATV is the 4-wheeler you see. Its the first time for me.. And the pro's are Za's&Fandi's family.. Zayd had been on it last weekend... and Hannah the last time was at Hawar Island trip...

It was already quite hot.... But the 30mins ride was fun..The cost of the ride was SR30 for the small one Hannah is riding and the rest SR60 while the one's Za is on is SR100 per half hour sebab ambik auto yang baru....

PADI Certification ~ Hannah Diving Trip to Al-Lith/Farasan

2009-04-13T22:13:00.009+03:00

The Al-Ahlam Resort near Al-Lith 230km south of Jeddah.

Abu Latt Island

Getting ready for their dives...

Navigation Training...

At the resort...
Troop 45

The Diving Boat

We left for Dammam on Wed 4/8 by Aramco bus from the theater parking lot ~28 people altogether..although only 24 will proceed to the resort at Al-Lith. This trip to Al-Lith / Farasan for Troop 45 certification for scuba diving under PADI master diver James Vandervyver..they have been having dive classes since Feb'09 in Aramco 3rd street pool. Hannah passed her written exams before leaving for the trip. The flight to Jeddah took about 2 hours..some of the girls asked why there were so many men wearing towels to Jeddah....Actually these men were going for umrah and since miqaat is about 30mins before Jeddah..they wore their ihram either on the plane or from Dammam.

From Jeddah, an Aramco bus was waiting..what a blessing..the trip was well organized from start..left Jeddah about 9:30pm and pizza was served on the bus..the Al-Ahlam marina and resor is south of Jeddah about 230kms away..on highway 5 towards Jazan/Yemen... Al-Lith is the town where the Al-Ahlam marina is situated..it is a private marina belonging to a princess..if I am not mistaken Princess Nour who is about 70++..We arrived at the resort after midnite... was assigned our rooms by Erik and it was a 2-bedded room very large. the resort also has a Jacuzzi, a wading pool and a swimming pool..it also has it's own private beach....Only royalties in Saudi can have property along the coast... So this marina runs diving expeditions, classes etc under PADI...you can check their web-site... We straight when to bed bcos tomorrow the girls need to ahve an early start.

A knock on the door wakes up everybody...the girls got ready in their swimming gears and head for breakfast where scramble eggs..pancakes..toasts...meats etc were served..They need to ahve a full stomach so as not to feel cold underwater.... There's no need for showers since everyone will go in or under the water... Next we left for the marina abt 5mins away bu tuk-tuk or you can just walk...

At the marina..few boats belonging to the resort were there...the divers when onto the Jeddah diving boat while the rest of moms..me included will go by the speedboat to Abu Latt island where a tent was set-up...and we can swim or snorkel till the girls came for lunch...While on th way to Abu Latt..somebody says a whale shark was spotted...we could not see the whole whale only part of its tail/fins but we saw a few dolphins which I couldnt catch on camera clearly.. The view of the island was magnificent as can be seen in one of the photos... The water was so blue and clear that we can see the corals and small fishes swimming from the surface... The boat ride takes anywhere from 45mins to 1 hour from Al-Lith to Abu Latt island... as we got down the water was cool...I couldnt resist being in the water...although I dont swim well but I love being in the water...the area was calm..private with only 4 moms and the 3 boat handlers.. Got into my swimming wear...although a few was curios how I am going to bathe in the sea...Now they know how..I dont stay away...the water was lovely..just standing up to the chin in sea water...The beach was steep and I got to find a more level area to avoid being pulled whenever the tide retreats... Just jumping..kicking in the water..some water aerobics there...Here I am...in the clear blue water of the Red Sea..who would have believed...As I had enjoyed the fast boat ride..I enjoyed being in the water more...

I was on the banana boat ride with Ami, Emme, Veena and I sat at the back with everyone having life vest...I was saying to myself before being pulled away..If I feel into the sea what should I do...It did happen oon the 2nd round...the banana boat flip and we were thrown off into the water....while Emme and me let go...Veena and Ami were hanging on..I was thinking to myself..am I gonna float??..yes I did...But Veena&Ami did not let go of the BB and thus swallowed some salty seawater...Erik was screamng and waving to let go and swam to the boat... I had to be fished out from the sea onto the boat since I cant climb back to the BB... It was scary coz if I don't have the life vest..I would have sink...but than it was fun too...

After that we went for more soaking in the sea..one thing I notice..coming out of the water..my legs felt heavy....Went back to the tent for lunch...sandwiches and fruits and drinks...the girls had finished their first dive and came for lunch...About 1:30pm we left back for the marina...the girls got in around 5:30pm after finishing 1 more dive....

Zurich Trip - 2

2009-03-29T21:37:00.008+03:00

Just have to write down more of my experiences while in Zurich....short and sweet..next time insyaállah we will go to the Alps etc...but this time without any of the kids we feel it's not justifiable...

If you couldn't find the gifts shop in town..these are the few at the airport....Downtown Zurich and at the Main Train Station you can find Heimatwerk House of Crafts & Plaza under the main train station..

Teuscher is a boutique chocolate shoppe..at first I thought it was a flower shop but than.... Another famous choc shoppe is Springli....I misplaced it's photo somewhere..

I was very..very impressed whenever wanna cross the road at zebra-crossing..if berdiri tercegat kat tengah or tepi jalan sbb takut tengok kereta laju...kereta2 tu akan berhenti at the zebra-crossing to let you cross walaupun tadi dia laju..sure driver tu dok ingat.. hmm..alien dia orang ni to our country so tak tau undang2...

The bus will almost always come to your stop at the said time.... Tak payah nak tunggu awal sikit just in-case dia awal..tak payah nak kejar if terlepas..just wait for the next one. If you know the stops..bus/trams/trains..it is easy to switch transport mode to go where you want....

I almost always have to remove my jackets and shoes at the "checking"gate sebab trigger the alarm...so make sure..get rid of your clips, brooches, etc... Dont forget to pakai decent last piece of clothing under jacket just incase dia surung bukak and nanti tinggal tanktop je pulak..I also experience this while taking the Eurostar from London to Paris....urghh..takde apa2 pun..myb my body static charge is high..Zayd yang ada pacemaker pun tak bunyi...

Bawak siap2 charger/adapter...batteries....nak beli mahal juga lah bila dah convert... the 2 pin plug type is small 2 rounds..just like some of the handphone charger...

I love sitting on the benches all over town and watch people move around....One thing I see.. almost 2/5 people-female having an LV bag..mengancam betuii... is it that cheap here in Zurich..I wonder...mid-size shopping bag dia at the LV boutique on Bahnhofnstrasse cost CHF880....I forgot to check KL or UK price so tak leh kata apa2...

Almost 1 in 3 cars will be either a BMW or Audi. Mercs are taxi while not many American cars...although I saw same JEEP like mine while walking near the lake.

The shopping anchor like Jemoli, Globus, Manor etc...costs of things on the high side.. probably branded items...shopping complex like Migros, Co-Op is lower price tapi tak murah jugak...but if nak beli chocolates yang normal type..pergi lah to Migros or Co-Op...same type at Jemoli may cost CHF2 more... Can you see the lemon grass, bak choy, chillies etc....?? These can be bought at jemoli's..I'm sure it can be found elsewhere too..only I did not explore enough...We did however find some Malaysian foodstuffs at Co-Op & Migros...

Almost all shopping centers have an area where they sell colorful prints paper products.. ber-rak2...of serviettes..wrapping paper...table covers...I am crazy about this things too..but limited to purchase....boleh tengok2 and usik2 je..arghh...

I don't find Royal Albert or Royal Doulton..Vileroy&Boch adalah...Ingat nak cari teapot tapi tak jumpa yg deserve to be bought...Nak cari lace table cloth pun takde...dapat lace hand-kerchief je itupun dah CHF33

Gift stores...puas berjalan mencari...actually banyak at the Zurich airport itself...in town you can find a few also like Hematwerk, Elderwise & Tourist Center at Main train station.. plus the shopping plaza under the main train station.

I love going on the trams....sbb punctual and organized...

Makan2...ada few fast-food like Mc-D, small stalls in Jemoli with Thai, Indian, Japanese food. A Thai stall outside of Globus facing Mc-D, park & Bahnhofnstrasse... Seafood Restaurant at Main Train station...expect to spend between CHF20~CHF50 per person per meal depending where and what you eat...Along the Limattquai and near Central.. there's an Asian food shop also... Otherwise..you can survive on fruits, pretzel, bread, chocs etc....

Our first food stop was Grut Farm..which was near the hotel and the school...you can get ice-tea...refillable fried chicken wings..rice&vegetables thai style...We got confuse on deciding the male&female toilet..he...he...While crossing the road to get to the restaurant..we met a Malaysian boy who upon passing us..say te salaam..I responded and asked where he was from...says he's Ädi"and dad working for Alpha.. something.. that's abt all I can recall...it was a nice surprise though in the middle of a foreign land..

The hotel where we stayed..convenient and cheaper...

Zurich Trip....

2009-03-25T10:32:00.005+03:00

Had a lovely time in Zurich..mainly the weather was nice. We planned to go up the Alps with some of the tour but end up canceling coz'the kids were not with us. They were busy practising.. so looks like planning another trip here someday. The transportation was good for goin around... the food that we can take were available...but only $$$$ pretty expensives most things if you converted the value.

Since only the two of us were roaming the town...so the photos will be full with only either one of us..he..he.. My father-in-law called us while we were at the bridge above & he was confuse when he asked where we were. We always have our Maxis hp roaming...

AMIS Honor band Zurich Feb. 25~28th.

2009-03-02T21:51:00.005+03:00

Concert Nite ~28th. Feb.2009

B4 Performance the School Assembly ~27th. Feb 2009

After the Concert Nite~Smiling Zayd

Hannah, ACS Student , Mabry Jackson

THe Dhahran School Grp. of 10...

The kids attending from Saudi Aramco School in Dhahran....

Bahrain...What To DoThere?

2009-03-02T21:27:00.002+03:00

Usually on the weekends..Thursday & Friday for Saudi's...many people from the Eastern Province will drive thru the causeway to go to Bahrain. This will take about 45mins depending on the traffic..sometimes on school holidays..the queue on the causeway can be up to 4hrs. As such, this is an important factorto note if you plan to take a flight out from Bahrain. Anyway... while in Bahrain, what can you do or where can you go :-

Shopping complexes are many in Bahrain...the most congested I believe will be in Seef Mall..near the Seef District...Seef Mall has 2 cinemas plus many food stalls/restaurant and shops with varieties..plus its new extension having more shops...parking can be a hassle on weekends especially...but go early in the morning...along the highway back to saudi from Manama city center. Beside Seef Mall..adjacent will be Al-Ali mall where many many branded boutiques are here.
There's also a brand new shopping complex along the same highway before reaching Seef Mall too...here you will have stores like Debenhams, H&M etc...forgot its name...City or Central Center or something.
Bahrain mall which is opposite to Seef Mall is where we always frequent bcos Geant is there..we can do our groceries shopping where many oriental items are avaiable plus..they have food courts and of course more shops...parking is easier too. Applebees restaurant is just outside the mall..near entrance. Further down the same road will be Dana Mall where there's a cinema too and Giant stores...
Downton is where the Souq is...more traditional kind of shops in the Manama area...park somewhere near the Intercontinental Hotel..and walk to the area. Gol Souq is also nearby..you can get Bahraini pearls here...

Enough about shopping complexes and souqs.....Some attractions in Bahrain will be :-

The Tree of Life ..a very very old tree...myb hundreds of years...many people visit just to see how it is...I haven't been here coz' we lost our way there..
The Quran museum...
the Grand Mosque..
The forts..they have a few forts to remind of yesteryears..Arad & Bahrain forts...
Delmont Water Theme Park
Handicraft centers for Bahraini culture
Dolphin Water shows near the corniche...

Basically...that's about it..as you arrived in Bahrain...pick up some maps at the airport. Probably it will have more information. But for me I love the area between the Diplomatic water edge towards Muharraq / airport...as the beach cove is beautiful with small boats and water edge... I just love the scenery...

3-Day Weekend

2009-02-21T22:21:00.003+03:00

It was an eventful 3 day weekend. To start it of :-

Wednesday nite....

after Isya' the plan was to follow Azlan to the soccer field for some warm-ups. I planned to play badminton with the ladies while the man played soccer. But the wind was blowing quite strongly so the idea for badminton is off.We arrived early to the field...the parking lot was dark where we parked...since we face the entrance we saw who was coming...we saw Nik's family came but parked a bit away from us....waited for a while and still they are in their car..soon saw Wafiy came out and we decided to come out too...than only Zahrah came out laughing bcos she said...ingat2 kan siapa dok dating ke...?? Ooo..so..we came in our old car so they did not think it was us.
Anyway..once all the families came..it was not enough people to play a soccer match therefor the men ask us to man the goals..Okey..not a big deal. It was a small goal coz' we played only half field..Ha..ha..it was a hilarious nite coz' more balls went out of field rather than into the goal coz' the ladies who were manning them make sure no balls slip thru...what thought of as a simple game turns out to be more fun and did work out some sweat too...it was more of a family bonding time.

Thursday

The afternoon was spend at Ting's family for a Chinese New Year feast...soo much food and fun to hear the stories from everybody.
After lots of food and relaxing, its time to leave...
Reach home about 4:30pm and its time to bake the lasagna...the white sauce and meat sauce was earlier cooked in the morning. Turns out beautifully about an hour later..just in time for our next event.
After Maghrib was a dinner invite to Fandi&Za's house..to meet a new family Zamani&Norizan. Found out that Nor when to the same Univ in Duluth, Minnesota as a close friend of mine Murni. She said..she might ahve her contact number and will give it to me..If so..what a small world.
The feast again was wide...soup gearbox, BBQ stuffs & Grill chicken, Lasagna, rice & dishes with lots of desserts etc...Aahh...bliss....
Before we leave..sort of promised for a bowling game on Saturday.

Friday...wake up late...breakfast at Hobby Farm...cooked a simple lunch..and laze around. Azlan when for monthly tazkirah at Izz's house

Saturday....

Adzrul's first pay and treat to us..yay..it goes a long way..so many emotions come with it as usually the transfer is to his acount and now we got some transfer from his account..
Cooked nasi ayam for lunch..mean main meal...yummy..yummy..pack some for Ayman to take back to Bahrain..hope he keeps it in the fridge and knows how to microwave them for his next dinner...
At about 2:20pm..when to Dhahran Bowl on camp for our promised game..18 heads all together..Nik's family, Fandi's family, me sans Azlan who plans to go to the office but was spending some zz's instead...Aida & Ritz came out to watch....It was loud..lots of laughter..lots of spares and strikes and into the gutter..I score a few zero's and the champ is Za Fandi..who said she played for the first time...yay...
Now..plan to pack for Zurich..but remembered I still have my homework for tomorrow to revise.....good nite...

Reflections...Morality ??

2009-02-19T17:34:00.002+03:00

** I read this in The STAR On-Line today...I am sure you can relate to most or some of what the writter intended. Amidst all the hot news of political spats..naked photos discrediting Eli... Honor and morals have really come to a fine line. Dah jadi macam cerita2 Hollywood pulak... Anyway..We have to know..it is a sign of end of time bila somebody who do an indecent or immoral act basically sins do it publicly or if done in secret .. unashamedly will broadcast to all of the sins done without shame...as Muslims we are not to spread even if we know for sure the bad things done by somebody..unless it is for marriage..when somebody ask the character of someone... to prevent sort of a cheat to the other party of the true reputation. You also do not have to declare all or any part of what you have done in the past IF it will create a disharmony. What is only known to you so let it be... Like they say let a sleeping lion lie... For your sins.. Allah swt is Ar-Rahman and Ar-Rahim....

Hypermarket tension By PATSY KAM

You can find ugly Malaysians aplenty at hypermarkets.
MOST of us have done our fair share of shopping at hypermarkets. They’re popular because they house everything under one roof, prices are more competitive and heck, it’s a day out for the whole family come the weekends.
But there are certain things you’re just not supposed to do – well, at least not if you’re educated and civic-minded – at the expense of other shoppers. Nobody likes a queue jumper, or shoppers who push and shove their way to get what they want. And it’s certainly never acceptable to hijack another shopper’s trolley!
There have been instances when people tried to take my empty trolley when they thought no one was looking, especially a few years ago when you had to put in a RM1 coin to get one at a certain hypermarket.
Recently, I went to the one near my home to pick up some groceries. In fact, I was feeling quite good about the way things were going as I found most of the items on my shopping list and the staff were helpful.
Then, just about 20 steps from the cashier, I stopped to take a better look at the prices of some items. I left my trolley unattended at the beginning of one of the aisles because I figured it would be more troublesome to push it through the narrow aisle full of people.
When I returned, my trolley was missing! At first I thought I had absent-mindedly gone to the wrong aisle. But after hunting around a good 15 minutes, I concluded the staff must have thought I didn’t want the groceries any more and put back the trolley. What was worse, there were things that I had bought and paid for from outside the hypermarket in the trolley.
Furious, I complained to the manager and the staff on roller skates went around on a trolley hunting mission. The manager explained that the staff do not normally return the items to the shelves so soon. Perhaps some mischievous child had pushed away the trolley for fun, he suggested.
After another fruitless search, I gave up, and took a basket and grabbed a few essential items. I was tired and had already wasted an hour of my life. I was already mapping out the complaint letter in my head.
Then miraculously, the manager told me he’d located my stuff minus the trolley. True enough, there was my packet of fish, detergent, shoe polish and some 20 other items, unceremoniously dumped behind some boxes in an inconspicuous corner.
Either the irresponsible shopper was too lazy to get his own trolley or didn’t want to part with 20 sen to get his own. Of all the inconsiderate things that happen in hypermarkets, this takes the cake!
And surely you’ve seen those flyers promoting specials for one day only? Only to arrive to find the shelves empty ... You wonder how it is possible for a fresh supply of chicken, garlic, Milo or even chilli sauce to disappear so fast when surely the hypermarket would have made sure they had enough stock before advertising.
More often than not, it’s the small grocery shops or food vendors who will fill their carts and sweep the shelves clean.
Once, I asked, no, almost begged this guy who, judging from the conversation with his family, obviously ran a coffeeshop, to spare me a bag of Milo. I didn’t want to go home empty-handed and after all, he had like 20 bags in his trolley. He promptly refused, saying he didn’t have enough for himself.
No wonder hypermarkets sometimes have to limit shoppers to two packets per family. Even then, Malaysians find a way to beat the system as father, mother, uncle, grandmother and three kids, all queue and pay separately at the same counter to take advantage of the discount.
Speaking of separate bills, it is not good manners to split a RM150 shopping bill into five parts (although you have every right to), just because for every RM30 spent you get a lucky draw!
And the situation is made worse when you have a whole line of customers behind you, just waiting for you to get lucky.
And don’t get me started on shoppers who ignore the “10 items only” signboard and insist on paying at the express counter when their shopping cart is filled to the brim!
In the face of the hypermarket wars, the ugly side of shoppers surface to reveal the survival instinct of the typical kiasu (afraid to lose) Malaysian.
During the recent festive season, some shoppers were seen lugging around boxes of arrowroot (nga ku in Cantonese). Shoppers were supposed to either pick and choose from the trays, which offered smaller bulbs, or take their chances with the unopened boxes which apparently contained bigger ones.
But some decided to have the best of both worlds by opening the boxes, taking their pick and discarding the rest in the common pile. What’s even more annoying than trolley hijacking: one shopper had her bag of carefully hand-picked bulbs from the tray stolen from under her nose when she turned away to talk to someone for a short while. Now that’s what you call daylight robbery!
But the epitome of bad hypermarket manners is when the shopper parks herself and her children at the fruit station. While picking the fruits (like grapes, kumquat or longan, for example) for weighing, some people eat their fill while they’re at it.
Then again, one may argue there’s a fine line between testing a fruit and having a picnic. Makes sense why in Europe, they have a “see no touch” policy and items are all prepacked.
No choosing, squeezing or any suspicious behaviour allowed, least of all, tasting the goods before paying!
Shopping at the hypermarket has become a way of life for urban folks. Instead of sabotaging your fellow shopper, won’t it be nicer if we help each other out to make it a pleasant experience?

Goofing Around & My Garden...13th. Feb 2009

2009-02-15T10:20:00.005+03:00

Customs..on the way to Bahrain...

BISA Dorm...Lovely flowers

Goofing around b4 leaving for Bahrain...

This were taken before we drove to Bahrain..thought of watching a movie there..but after picking up Ayman and lunch at Ponderosa...by the time we reach Seef mall....takde movie yg menarik.....and Ayman pulak says..ooh..oh..need to work on my EE....

Just Reflecting..How They have Grown....

2009-02-12T12:19:00.003+03:00

Well...on this cloudy day in Dhahran...after breakfast at MK of nasi lemak and mee goreng and tea tarik...I was just looking thru the kids photos and realise they have grown up...Amid all the struggles together and each and evryone faced..it was never a waste no matter how dissapointing the results were. It goes to make a person with the experiences they had.. I am proud for each and everyone although there were many exchanges of words...some caning and and many tears...May all is for Allah swt sake for them to grow and be a better person and a good Muslim...

Dhahran School Student Led Conference

2009-02-08T00:20:00.002+03:00

Yearly in February...there will be a student led conference in school. Each student will present to their parents and oasis teacher where they are in their time line for the year. They will go thru each core subject..LA,Math,Social Studies & Science and talk about them either in detail or touch-n-go..I know Zayd was very nervous but he got calm about halfway presenting...but I am very proud of them both and Ayman and Adzrul too...because any effort is never wasted..that's what I always told them...but do not easily take things..than again things can be easy... While with Zayd..his teacher Ms. Matza says that he always talk about how he like his mom's cooking.... woo..hoo...Mmg kuat akal bila suruh study selalu mintak makan dulu...masa dalam elementary school lagi lah pulak..kene ada snack breaks bila study...amboi..I kata..banyak break-makan dari study akhir nya...

Hannah presented using Powerpoint...one cool young lady...and she says that she dont like everything...this difficult and that dont make sense etc..etc..pendek kata pada sume ada je yang tak suka....but she really do well in most subjects as compared to last semester.

Mr. Snakenberg..their PE teacher took the photo for us before we went in for the conference.

RT Fun Futsal Day

2009-02-08T00:19:00.003+03:00

These photos were actually the after event tea at Harun & Su's house at Mallard Street in Ras Tanura..though tired but everyone was game enough for doses of nasi tomato, mee goreng and loads of desserts. I have dificulty loading the pics from the field..but it can also be seen at Facebook. So..its okey..

It was just to find reasons to spend the day with friends far and near..young and old..to relax and enjoy the day till sunset..after Isya..we left for Dhahran but stops at Dr.Razali's first in KFUPM since it will be the last day for Aysha before returning to Kursk...

Trips...

2009-02-03T11:16:00.002+03:00

At this time of year, mainly the trip back to Malaysia in July will have to be confirmed. Plus we have a few other trips in the offing too...

Feb. 24th. - Mar 1st.......Zurich, Switzerland.

This is going to be our first trip here..we have some ideas of going someday but didn't think thats it gonna be this year. Hannah was asking way back last summer that her band teacher ask her if she gets a place for honor band will we let her come. I off-handedly said..Sure..honey... Less did I know that she was aiming to go b'cos it's gonna be in Europe and she wants to see the snow and what nots there... Well..that's how it starts..and zayd got a place too...etc..etc...
We booked a hotel somewhere between the school and 6km to Zurich...not sure how it's going to be or how we are going to get anywhere esp on concert night...but a bus-station is just in front of the hotel....and Zurich is famous for its good public transport system...
We shall fly KLM coz' thats what the kids will be going on...to Zurich via Bahrain & Amsterdam....

April 8th...TBD..

Hannah is going for her PADI certification and diving in the Red Sea..somewhere near Yanbu I believe. Mom has got to go with her as guardian since its not an official Girl Scout trip but a recreation trip....

June 29th. - Aug. 27th..

My flight back to Malaysia with the kids are confirmed. Pick up the tickets the other day. We are taking Gulf Air this time and since its a direct flight it's gonna take just abt 8hrs to reach so we save a whole lot of hours transiting...
Not sure where we gonna stay yet coz..its gonna take abt 1 week to put up curtains, basic furniture like beds and a sofa probably and the kitchen...Haven't come up with the budget yet..the quotes I get so far is too much for the current global crisis. i do not want to spend more than I should....hmm..hmm..
Azlan can only join us from July 30th.

Sept '09 / Feb' 10....TBD for Ayman college trip....either Malaysia, UK, Aus or NZ..depending on his IB grades and the course he's going to take up. But for the time being..we want to see his grades first...

Trip To Zurich....

2009-01-24T08:20:00.002+03:00

Zayd and Hannah will be bound for Zurich on 24/2 for a 5 day trip for their honor band festival. Thinking that it is such a short trip and the amount that we have to spend plus the current fincial gloom..I decided not to go... But over the weekend..I met with Mrs. Elkins who is their choir teacher and the spouse of their band conductor/teacher..how she entuse about the whole thing and what an opportunity..and how proud I should be for not just one but two who got selected..it makes me thinking..Well...for a fact..I do not want them to be really involved in music as we know what are the limitations..all along since it is a subject learned in school..we tend to let them to go along with it..while all the time we feel that we should not encouraged them much. But at the same time thinking..better now than later? Very conflicting logic... Although we ourselves do not understand one note of it when they practised and asked how it sounds..we will just go uh..uh...okey..??!!??

But this year...they audition for the place to be in the honor band festival to be held in Zurich, where selected students converge from all over the world I guess...and be in a band and play together..I believe to be selected is indeed an achievement...Actually...the teachers may not understand our reactions at all when they entused about the whole thing..they seems more overjoyed than us..thanked for all our support and encouragement and wondering where the talent came from...Well...we are actually not really that keen but we think while in school..why not let them have the feel of it....Many may not bein agreement but Allah swt knows our intention...

And thus..after contemplating and with the guise of..why not go..just incase Zayd or Hannah face a problem...I decided okay..I might go...than Azlan says..if you go alone..the kids are busy with their own schedule and you will only see them on concert days. He said..why not I try to get a few days leave...what the heck he said..its only money..insyaállah it will be recovered soon enough..hmm...so today..if he got the leave..we shall be on our way..provided if we can get the tickets...

Do You Remember When...

2009-01-19T10:43:00.003+03:00

Your dealings with teenagers were when you are one and not when they are yours?? Is it one and the same thing or is it much..much..different... Do you go with..umphh..I don't think I ever said that if not one of my parents will sure hunt me down to silence...Were there anybody namely adults who will care for your actual feelings before imposing...
Today..do you have to contemplate many times before actually propose anything to YOUR teenagers...

Kids can walk down the streets or play in your front yard without fear of being snatched.. I remembered going to the wet market by bus when I was 12 and my sis 9 to get some fish and vegetables by instruction of my late mum and take a bus back home and walk a further 30mins or so to reach the house..Weren't there any fear?
At 16 took a bus to Bahau from K.Klawang on my own and had to change bus twice..just to go for prize giving at my previous school..what were my parents thinking..he..he..
Ahh..well..at less 18yrs... I was taking a flight to Illinois and thus my actual life journey began...
At 19&1/2 I got married and at 20&1/2 my first child arrived and now..he's working..
Gosh...just heard a friend's daughter will be getting married in Dec..she's 2 years younger than my son....

I still have the Corning ware sets that I bought thru mail order for abt USD70..my first and only....my son was abt 1&1/2 years...I still have most of the 7 pieces with their covers..close to 24 years now.
I still have the Cornerstone 2 sets I bought for my self upon graduation....although 2 cups broke when I move to USJ 4/1G in 1992..
I have the 2 Corningware roaster pan, that I bought at K-Mart for USD10 each just b4 returning to Malaysia in 1986..
I still have 2 single chairs although 3x upholstered with me here in Dhahran b4 Ayman was even born..we bought it somewhere in Pulau Tikus, Penang in 1989..
I lost most of my old jewellery by way of a light handed maid who ran away in 2000.. Left was just my engagement ring and 2 necklaces..

Reflections....As Hijrah 1430 and 2009 Flies In....

2008-12-31T19:36:00.002+03:00

I am most thankful for good health....a functioning brain that enables me to think - decide & consider in making decisions, families and friends and the pleasures and rizki from Allah swt.

As I bade farewell to 2008.....my happiness are in...

Adzrul graduated from Kursk and now working in Selayang Hospital.
Azlan got his promotion
Sg. Serai completed renovation and now partially ready for stay
Ayah K'tan went for Hajj
I got to get some lessons from Nora..yeah...
Meeting CT both times I was in M'sia
Taking care of Hajj kids..
Ayman, Zayd & Hannah changes....
Zayd & Hannah forthcoming trip to Zurich..
Ayman overcoming his ups & downs and maintaining to be more consistent..
Eidul Fitri and part Ramadhan with Adzrul in Dhahran...
Tenant for Cahaya Height

My hopes...

To get better with my word-to-word Quran translations class
Ayman will fare better in IB and pursue his ambitions
That our health can be better...
Pick-up the skills in DP..for my own self satisfaction
Be more consistent in my habits..
Peace on Earth...Ms.Congeneality Sandra Bullock
Many..many more...

Wanderings....

2008-12-29T14:24:00.002+03:00

Most important is what you state at the end of your life...since we don't know when we will die we have to strive to live keeping our faith and away from sins....O'Allah make us die in the faith of Iman and make us to the ranks of the pious..

There are many stories with respect to this as guidance like the man who has killed 99 men and keep asking if he shall be forgiven until he died as to his killing of the men...he was on his way to get/find forgiveness when he died.......**this story can be found in Surah Al-Maidah..

An abid who was a pious person and due to the whispeing of syaitan he finally died as a disbeliever.... The abid was asked to take care of a lady by her brothers..although he followed strictly and keep his distance but by the wispering of syaitan he slowly began to get contact and rape the lady and killed her when she got pregnant and hide the truth from her brothers..he was finally caught and known what was done and was going to be killed when he ransomed his faith so that he will be saved from the punishment and set free..and he denounce his faith when syaitan said that the abid will be saved but that is what he must do first to get syaitan's help....the story can be found in Shaik Anwar Awlaki " The Hereafter "...

As I was trying to recall the many stories, to help me in my own wanderings...Yet again the news of the current attack by the Israelis on Gaza and killed many Muslims. What can we do....??

Awal Muharram..

2008-12-29T10:49:00.002+03:00

Salaam Maal Hijrah / Awal Muharram to all....

As for me..many reflections the year that has passed...many hopes for the year in coming. Alhamdulilah for the graces of Allah swt. May we are kept firm in faith and on the straight path always insya'allah....

Week In Review

2008-12-29T10:19:00.003+03:00

Sunday 21/12/2008 was Hannah 13th. Birthday...looking at 5 years we are here couldn't believe the young lady has grown. We went for dinner at Applebees. Thus it was a dinner for Zayd too....since his b'day on 23/12 celebrating 15 years of life. I told them it should actually be for moms since they are the ones who has to endure pain for more than a day. babies just has to look cute...
Telephone bill shocker SR2000....for this month!!
Tuesday 23/12..today is Zayd's 15th. Birthday....and also the day I get my new counter top in the kitchen..looks nice now...
OMG...the heater broke and leaks in the garage...by the time I realise it..the whole room was flooded. Got to remove many stuffs out and Aramco maintenance came to remove the carpet..now its bare and cold. Not sure if the wet carpet gonna dry and smell ok to be re-installed..if not carpet baru pulak..
Over the week..sooo many people dok mengeluh exchange rate is tumbling down..we are facing abt 25% reduction now..but alhamdulilah....isteri, anak & harta adalah ujian Allah swt semata-mata...

How Do You Do What You Have To Do..??

2008-12-22T15:27:00.002+03:00

I believe we always have choices like either YES or NO..This or That..Go or Stay...Accept or Decline...Sometimes there are more choices that you can go for....Anyway..how do you decide to get angry at something that has happen or not to get angry and yet reprimand the offender..how about when this got to do with your kids...

If tak take action..takut jadi..Anakku Sazali with Bapak tawu..nye... If you take the wrong action takut pulak lain akibat nye..So do you really have choices here??? Takut juga tak fair and dituduh unfair...adik tu takpe..bila abang tak boleh pulak...and so on...

How do you say or show that you love each of your kids the same..No doubt you love all of them without question..But indeed you actually love each of them differently..But fairly?? How do you choose or even decide this?? This is the matter of fact question for me...You can't even say that you love A more than B bcos that's not it..it's just that its different in a way with each child or person...

How can you say you still love soebody but do not want to have anything to do with them? Not even to make time to see them...? Most times people are judged by their actions in addition to what they say....

Anyway...to make mistakes and realising it... is to regret it happening..with regret than come actions of preventing it and learn from it..to rub salt into an open wound is by no means will make somebody learn from their mistakes. Will this be enough? Sometimes yes and sometimes no..so back to the dilemma....Poneng kepalo den...

Hannah is 13th yesterday ad Zayd will be 15th. tomorrow

2008-12-22T09:31:00.001+03:00

Hannah was 13th yesterday....no party..only dinner at Applebees which she couldn't finish..Anyway it was nice...

The thoughts that goes on in my mind yang keeps me occupied most hours ....

Summaries....

2008-12-14T11:12:00.003+03:00

Since my last entries....these are the things that happened. Will talk about them more later...

Zayd also will be going t Zurich with Hannah...at the moment I do not have any plans to go with them due to other commitments plus it is only a 4 day trip for them.
I was in Malaysia from 14/11 till 30/11...
Attended Shaikh Yusuf Estes talk at USJ2 masjid on 24/11..
Villa Subang Alam is ready after renovation still under inspection for further works..install AC, curtains, kitchen cabinets..bought a washer & dryer first..just in case..
Adzrul start work at Selayang Hospital on 17/11..got sort of an efficiency quarters...bought some soft furnishing to make it comfortable n cosy...
I attended a few classes with Norana and met Zahirah my blogger craft friend...learn some stroke works...hope to replicate them soon...
Was driving in heavy rain ost times in Msia..
Had to go to Munawarrah a couple of times to get the tudungs..couldn't believe it is usually sold out by afternoon...Grab about 20++ for Dhahranian's.. it was sold out too..only a few left to show...
Took care of several kiddies & teenagers while their parents perform Hajj...sweet.. especially at chow time when everything goes beautifully...
Had a BBQ for Hajj party....will post some pics soon...

This week is clean-up time plus trying to generate enough motivation to start my evening walk again and to paint some stuffs..plus make some floral crafts...there's demand but supplier ni still hybernating....

Hannah's News..Zurich here I come..

2008-11-12T07:37:00.005+03:00

The day before on Nov.10th...Dhahran School had it's first concert for the year...During the concert it was announce the names of those who qualified for the Honor Band & Choir reps for the school. Hannah has been vying for a spot and way early in Sept'08 she has begun her practices of the music pieces until audition in end-October..she demanded to get extra help by getting tutoring from her music teacher after school..kene bayar...hu..hu..SR100 for half an hour. I tanya juga apa yg teacher tu ajar in the half hour..she said..listen to while she's playing and if a note is not hit than she will have to do it over again..I guess basically..it's hitting the notes and play the pieces fluently..if I can call it that...She was determined to go to Zurich, Switzerland.. partly nak tengok if ada snow..he..he..and I told her it's a beautiful country...So almost daily she practices...at the expense of some other grades dropping a notch..but hey..her effort pays off "She made it to Zurich, Switzerland...." She shall go in Feb '09...with 8 others from school...

But the surprise came later too...Zayd was asked to sit for audition again and next week to play his piece..while Hannah chose the French Horn..Zayd is playing the thrombone...Me..I dont know any bits of it..whether the sound is ok or not..only..that I bear all the noise coming out and I hope my neighbors do too..so far no complaints... back to Zayd...his band teacher talk to Hannah whether Zayd even try out the music pieces and decided to quit and not do audition. Hannah says yes... The teacher knows Zayd temperament... quit first don't try if it gets too hard... we always tell him..try first than quit...he..he... BUT if the teacher asked him directly he will have no choice not to do it...Well..his teacher knows this..and yesterday cornered him to practise and sit for audition.. as there's a place for 1 more thrombone player and he asked Zayd to try it out.. I believe this is a nice gesture bcos ramai lagi yang boleh main jugak... but I did get a comment from him few years back when we talk about Zayd...he is lazy no doubt to practise his pieces.. but he gets them easily when he put in the time to practise..Huh..??!! And according to the teacher..he seems to play with his heart not just doing the notes..Huh..??!!! But whatever it is.. we had to forked out nearly RM6k to buy him the thrombone in KL in 2007 and haul it back to Dhahran.. and all the time we bought the wrong type...not for the bass type with an extra turning but the normal type with straight turns..Urghh...I text his teacher asking..habis camno?? Dia jawab..no problem Mrs. Azlan.. it's okey...so okey lah jadinya... adalah BACH tu tersadai je if Zayd does not play it. Hannah changed from trumpet to French Horn so tak perlu beli since sooo expensive....save sikit....

Come 17th. Nov..He's off to Selayang Hospital

2008-11-02T23:08:00.002+03:00

Adzrul phoned from Pangkor this afternoon saying that he has got the offer letter. Yep..he got posted to one of his three choices...he's going to do housemanship at Selayang Hospital.

Moga dipermudahkan segala urusan......

Dr. Adzrul's Off To Induction...Nilai & Pangkor

2008-10-28T15:24:00.002+03:00

Today Adzrul's off for his tatabina negara 5 days induction than on 1st. Nov off again to Pangkor for a 2 week further induction into serving for the government. Than probably on the last day he will get his posting. Although he went to Nilai today slightly down for yet again not passing his driving test due to the now "round-about blues"..Insyaállah..he will get thru soon enough.. certain things need patience..eh..he..he...

For the sending off to induction, I believe many families will send their love one there full with pride for what has been accomplished. Same joy we felt here by everyone but I just couldn't make it due to the distance and time frame..I believe deep in his heart he will know just how much I would like to trade things and to proudly send him off..just like when he got his degree on his graduation day..we had to miss it too due to repat to Msia..I would think due to our living conditions plus with what Allah swt has set forth..we can make plans but only HE will make whats best come true...and for those not as we wanted come true..we just have to endure and believe its for the best..Mama doakan..you will be kept safe and healthy and successful in whatever you do...May all obstacles be broken down and you get thru with ease...may your faith be steadfast to HIS way...May you be strong and fair in your dealings and may your wishes come true...

Many words may have not been said but Syukur to Allah swt..we get to taste the fruits of our labor..All your hardwork has been rewarded but there still remain many long and winding road that you have to get true..Stay true to your heart and firm in your believe..May you not be tainted by the colors of this world but emerge strong and clear..You are what you are..we are so proud that our hearts might burst if you were to know..you have made it this far may you make it further..We have no regrets coz' if we do we might not be what we are today..although we wish that we could have done better in certain areas but we are forever grateful...the regrets as we told you are that we are always apart..but if not for sacrifices certain things may not be as it is today..some people maybe lucky to have it all but to some we do have to make choices...May our choices be the right one we take....

Though it pained my heart to just let you go on your own with only your uncle to see you off on this another mark of an important day in your life journey...while others have their family around them..believe me we do wish that we are there...and I hope in spirit we are there with you..May someday we get to all be together again just like the last Eid but while we are not may the pleasures remains in our heart.

All the best ya..Dr. Nik Adzrul...May you be the best that you can be...

Happy 18th. Birthday..Nik Ayman Haniff Azlan

2008-10-19T13:02:00.002+03:00

My 2nd. son..Ayman...who was long awaited for after about 8years of abg.Adzrul being an only child. Seems just like yesterday..now today he's 18 and soon will be going of to college.

May he have the strength to endure whatever the world dished out to him..May he has the perseverance to go on..the patience to wait and continue..May he be strong and realise all that he has to offer..Moga teguh iman and jadi anak yang soleh..amin...

We will always love you...no matter what...

#22 Jln.Sg. Serai, Subang Alam

2008-10-19T10:31:00.003+03:00

Basically we did external works by putting extra roofing on the terrace and porch-front. The left photo shows the before and the right shows the after half-way thru the renovation...On the terrace we put the side roofing..initially the idea was for a pergola but it evolves into the now roofing with Malay style and wooden panels as ceiling... On the front porch..originally the double-door opens to the garden...but now it opens to a resak floor decking with fencing...the other renovation was for the wet-kitchen and closing of the space meant for parking and shift the front door..I hope to get more photos soon...it's now in the final stages of painting and cleaning... We went thru many ideas of how it should be..choosing the contractor and the budget available was the main concerns but I believe we are now in a win-win situation. The budget is increased by about 20% due to the sudden surge in material costs and also due to exchange rates..we lost some $$ when we transfer $ to the bank from saudi in USD...but it's no choice of ours and we can't do much. But En. Zul the contractor was/is very obliging thru'out the stages and Sani monitors and feedback wonderfully..eventhough we are not there but thru' his constant emailing we manage to "see"how things developed...Syukur..

The reason to putting the roofing mainly bcos the wind blows rain and dust etc..into the house. The double doors and windows got damaged to and has been replaced by the developer. Eventhough we are not staying there yet..my heart strings are now being pulled for wanting to live there.

No:22 Jalan Serai....Subang Alam

2008-10-15T13:41:00.003+03:00

Today..received latest news that the interior works will be starting..thus marks the end of the renovation for the side roofing and kitchen of the above address. What we see is only vi photos that are send to us by our friend Sani. But...fening to select the paint colors..to decide all the other trimmings..to decide the kitchen cabinets design..Honestly...we went thru same process for the kitchen renovation and side roofing..but now its almost complete and it looks good... will upload the photos soon...

Calling for Candidates...& the 10th. day of Eid...

2008-10-10T11:14:00.003+03:00

This was taken at RT Eid day yesterday....Adzrul's is going back to Malaysia today...Alas...the togetherness here in Dhahran is on pause till the next available time...He's going back to complete his driving test and maybe plus other things required while waiting to be called for induction...and from then on the application for candidates is kept open..so that the selection process can meet the dateline..ha..ha.. Time flies so fast..the kids are growing...

Bye Adzrul..see you in a bit..take care..stay safe...be the best that you can for the sake of Allah swt..Insyaállah see you in Malaysia in December if all goes well ya..

Hannah having her scuba lessons yesterday..she's all red for being in the sun too long...

Eid Day 3..Open House 316 Hofuf Drive...

2008-10-03T15:33:00.005+03:00

Menu of the Day...

Raya Cookies & Cake & Desserts..cakes by Zahrah, Chocolate cake by yours truly..lupa pulak nak letak choc chips...Baskin Robbins to eat withTapai..Agar2 by Za..

Nasi Putih with Gulai Ayam Cili Padi, Goreng Kicap Daging, Sambal Udang @ cooked by Aida Ritz and Sayur Campur.

Pulut Kuning with Rendang Ayam..courtesy of Ana Mat Shah

Mee Rebus ala..ala..CW

Laksa Johor

Spagetti Bolonaise ala..ala..AuntyRozie

Satey ayam,daging,perut with Nasi Impit & Kuah Kacang catered from MK..added mini hot-dogs a hit with the kids..he..he..non healthy..

Tapai courtesy of Shalita..

Desserts and such from friends..thanks..thanks...

Drinks..Orange Sunquick, Tea tarik by Shalita, Nescafe by Zahrah, Pepsi & Al-Rabie Orange..

The table looks full of food but the gimmick was the two spagetti dishes requires many side dishes so more containers...he..he..

I had prepared for the homecooked item from the nite before after a raya visit to Su Harun's in Ras Tanura...It went on till 4am in the morning..Hannah was awake printing and counting the HR envelopes..tahun nie rezeki nak bagi duit raya...he..he..

The bakar satay geng from MK..Yazid and Haniff came about 2:30pm..Elsa came abt 2pm to help with clean-up...First group of guests from Ras Tanura came abt 3:20pm..'families of Zul, Ghazali,Azman,Shamsudin,Ruzailan..okey..if I can recall the wives name righ..Iza,Su,Ila,Jue & Yasmin....Hah..the food is not served yet..so they got to wait awhile till satay is ready and the gravies are put in serving dishes...

Table layout..head of line was the cookies & cake counter, side counter for drinks...the line continues with the nasi putih&dishes, Mee Rebus, Laksa Johor, Pulut Kuning & Rendang, Tapai, Nasi Impit & Satay ends it...I need to borrow a folded 6foot table from Shalita since my table is only a 6-seater...

As for food..the spagetti Bolognaise was the first to go..although I did make it using a 5 quart size pot..We had to make a refill on the 18-litre Sunquick dispenser..

Later will continue with the story..nak siap pergi raya rumah Azizah Nawawi pulak...

Selamat Hari Raya Aidul Fitri..from Dhahran

2008-10-03T11:25:00.008+03:00

Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri....Maaf Zahir & Batin...

Maaf..was caught up in the moment to get things done before and during Eid that updating took a back seat....furthermore..the internet and also phone line was really..really bad...

This is the family together after 6 years of missing a member. We use the camera timer to get this photo done..what a funny time..even Zayd who was grumpy finally put in a smile and put on the top of hi aju Melayu.....mostly the other photos were with either half of me in or gone..well..this is the best there is...But..no matter what all were smiling photos.. It was eventful Eid..ha..ha..

Lailatul Qadar

2008-09-26T20:04:00.002+03:00

The best of nites...more than a 1000 nites...keep on reciting...

Allahumma Innaka Áffuwun Tuhibbul Karimun Äfwafáfu'anni..

The letter with ' is an ع ..so pronounce it as such...

Nite of 27th. Ramadhan

2008-09-26T19:50:00.002+03:00

Subhanallah..we have reach the 27th.nite of Ramadhan..although it was said that Lailatul-Qadar will fall on any days within the last 10 nites of Ramadhan more inclined to the odd nite...Many belief that it is on the 27th. nite...Insyaállah..if it's our luck the best of nites more than 1000 nites will be ours...Doa..doa..as much as you can...do good deeds...read Quran...etc..etc...

With this 3 more days of fasting..and I havent even start with Eid preparation or even buying the required groceries..maybe tomorrow as for now trying to grab as much as possible the possibilities of the nite.

Unfortunately..I am not in a very good mood today..probably I was annoyed and feeling angry with what annoyed me. Keep reminding myself that its Ramadhan..What is it that I am annoyed with? Well..for some people to think that they can show whatever emotions they want..be it angry or sulking or defensiveness or even outright disobedient....If you are angry fine..but why over such small matter a voice can be raise..why cant you just keep your cool and ask properly.. as if the matter cannot be resolved by talking/asking nicely..and as if its not enough you got to throw things around albeit just a piece of paper just to make sure to show that you are angry...or piss off with the matter....and for me to just absorb it and let it pass..Hmm..enough is enough.. how long can a person stand..so now I am the one annoyed and angry that I got to swallow all that is being dished...I ahve to always keep my cool while all the Tom,Dick & Harry around can just show their emotions...Maybe one day while its too late it will sink in..but for the time being.. I have a more important thing at hand..to ask Allah swt forgiveness for all my sins and may the blessings of Lailatul Qadar blanket us on this nite...

Night of 23rd. Ramadhan..

2008-09-22T19:50:00.003+03:00

Tonite will be the 23rd. nite of Ramadhan..it's the odd nite in the last 10 days and seeking Lailatul Qadar.... Azlan and Adzrul off to Madinah this morning and they have arrive well... Been telling Adzrul to take this opportunity being in Masjid Nabi during part of last 10 days of Ramadhan to seek divine help...Doa..doa..doa...Who knows if we can get the holiest of all nite dawn upon us...Subhanallah....

Allahumma Innaka Áffuwun Tuhibbul Áfwafa' Fu'anni...ÖÁllah you certainly Pardons, Love to Pardon, So pardon me...

Day after 46th. B-Day...Part. 2

2008-09-18T21:27:00.004+03:00

The family together for Iftaar since 2002 at Tony Roma's.

Since today is Thursday...and we have the Quran class..it's my excuse not to cook for Iftaar.. he..he..again..banyak excuse kadang tu... Anyway..since Ayman pun balik from Bahrain to meet up with abg. Adzrul.. We decided to buka puasa at home with drinks and dates first and solat Maghrib and than go out to eat... We were planning to go either Applebees or TGIF..but Zahrah said that there's a new place in town of similar type..Tony Roma's at the corniche in Al-Khobar. So there we head after solat.. Although upon entering it's not that extremely inticing and certain foods on the menu was not available...we thought that TGIF would have been better.. Anyway...we did order some appetizers..Buffalo Wings and Shrimp K#$^%$.. it taste good..than the main menu arrive..whoa..size orang putih..pengsan nak ngabieh kan.. But the taste is good..we had become disappointed with Applebees actually bcos on the last 2 dinners we had there..first the food was over grilled and the next time the taste wasn't there...Mahal jelah dapat...and MK pulak dah ada..most of our dinner out was at MK's... But than again...kids like to try out new places..mak ikut je..anything if tak yah masak...

Day after 46th. B-Day...

2008-09-18T21:08:00.011+03:00

This was my birthday bash..he..he..makan nasi ayam & first iftaar together with Adzrul since 2002..What more can I ask for....

Yesterday was quite an eventful day as it was my 46th. B-day 17th. Sept...alhamdulilah menginjak keusia ni dlm bulan Ramadhan. Moga segala doa-doa Allah swt perkenankan. But what I would like to write here were about past few days events...

Sept. 16th....The day I was actually looking forward..one reason is THAT reason and another is bços Adzrul will be flying to Dammam from KLIA. Hope he has a good trip. He arrived safe and sound at about 9:00pm...We drove to the airport after Maghrib to pick him up...He was tired and decided to head on home but making a shawarma stop at KFUPM Mishwar restaurant. The mango juice was nice...This Ramadhan is the first after 7 long years we are fasting together since he went to Kursk to study...This Eid will be the first after 7 years too..since 2002...My head is clamouring with all the things that I want, might and will finally actually able to do for this Eid..

Sept. 17th...Tepat 12 mlm I got my b-day wish from Adzrul..woa...no present can challenge this. I got a pre-B-day gift while we were in KL from hubby..coz'I know if its gonna be a working day..than he might not realise it till its'too late.. His comment "Hmm..everyday is your b-day la to me.. anytime beli present..." adoii...Anyway..for buka puasa ..Iftaar..I decided to cook nasi ayam...Earlier in the morning..Zayd gave me a big hug and Hannah too...he ask if he's first..hmm..abang beat you to it..shucks..he said.. Received several wishes from friends known in person and from blogs..he..he..seronok..yg tak seronok nya number tu..but alhamdulilah I made it this far and May Allah blessed my life now and till Hereafter... In the evening we went for terawih at Masjid Abu Bakar Sidique or Mujama Masjid...Seronok sebab usually only Azlan & I yg pergi and weekends baru kids ikut but tonite..Hanah&Zayd ikut juga with Adzrul. While coming out of the masjid a lady stopped me and asked about my tudun bawal..it was somewhat a light pale brown in color..tau je lah tudung bawal ada batu2 and embroidery..it was a mixed shade of myb tanned teddy bear color...This lady as if she can have it..buy it from me..I said I only have this 1 piece but I do have ther colors that i haven't worn..this particular piece I have worn 2x...she said that the color was what she has been looking for to match her new dress... Again before leaving she said..Sister..if you dont have naother same color can I just buy this piece from you? You are my sister in Islam and I dont mind wearing whta you ahve worn..Huish...nak buat camne nie...I kata ok...but I balik basuh dulu and will give it to you...She wants to pay for it but I want to give it to her...dah pakai 2x pun...since dia minat sangat..since kat dalam masjid tak boleh jual beli..tak disukai Rasullullah dlm salah satu hadithnya.. So..since Ramadhan I naklah dapat berkat. I haven't washed it yet..see what happens tomorrow...Another part of the nite..after teraweh ingat nak go for teh tarik at MK's but the two younger kids do not want to go...send them home and just Adzrul followed us. At MK pulak..rezeki murah..Tuan Hj. Hakimey belanja makan mee bandung..walaupun b4 that kami dah makan satay and pisang goreng...aisyhh..tak leh tolak mee bandung nie sebab sedap.....lagipun dah pukul 11pm..might as well treat it as pre-sahur ajelah...mata yg ngantuk pun celik balik..asalnya..mintak biar share ajelah..but bila rasa tak jadi share..tambah lagi ada lah..Affandi & Izah was there too...Nice friendly couple..very close-knit family...we got to eating and talking and joking..sampai abt 12:00 midnite...Have to return home bcos 2 kids at home..Nak bayar bill..tup2 orang lain pulak belanja.. Hai..rezeki nie..mula2 belanja mee bandung..lepas tu belanja bayar the earlier food pulak..Jazakallah to both families...rezeki orang b-day agaknya...

6th. Ramadhan Spread

2008-09-07T16:05:00.003+03:00

After browsing thru' Elisa's blog..I was nagged with the need of wanting to have Paceri Nenas... the thing is that..I still have lots of yesterday left overs. Initially, I did plan to make Nasi Ayam but after reading Elisa's blog..I was tempted to try out making Paceri Nenas..this is my first time ever making it from scratch..and I believe the recipe came out perfect..whatever I lacked base on inexperience but definitely it can be better the next time. Beside Paceri Nenas, we had Ayam Masak Merah, Nasi Tomato, Salad and dates..no dessert since still left overof Pengat Pisang from yesterday. Overhere the recycling rate or types are unbelievable...

Today is my first nite of teraweh and it is so syahdu..no matter I do not understand a word of it but the way it's being performed..May Allah swt grant us the best there is especially in this month and may we stay straight on It's path...

5th Day Ramadhan ~Friday..

2008-09-07T15:52:00.002+03:00

Here's what for Iftaar today..sweet and simple..

The dishes comprises of Pengat Pisang and Popiah Goreng as desserts, than we had Telur Goreng Tomato, Ikan Kerisi Bakar with Kuah Kicap Cili, Sambal Sotong, Green salad & Tomato and white rice. Not forgetting kurma for breaking fast..

Ramadhan again...

2008-09-02T19:49:00.003+03:00

Alhamdulilah..we have completed 2 days of Ramadhan...Waking up for sahoor was easier so far..just because I have 2 alarms right at my ears although not within arms reach...Since Fajar is abt 3:55am..waking up 2:30am for me was a nice pace to prepare some light things for the guys who are goiung to fast. I am still waiting for my turn...

For the first day sahoor..everyone seems to prefer light things like cereals, biscuits and drinking tea, juices and milk. Hannah did not wake up since she was not sure... Iftaar was heavier for the first day since I got the chance to order some stuffs from MK..just to test the delivery...the timing was good and food arrive home in time to set up for iftaar...The food was split into two categories..before Maghrib spread and after Maghrib...so that the guys can go to the masjid for jamaah after breaking their fast. what was available? Mee Hoon goreng..murtabak daging.. popiah basah all ordered from MK. Some dates and Sunquick for breaking the fast. Next for heavier stuffs..I have cooked ayam kicap, sayur lemak Kelante..and tapaw Ikan masak asam and ikan bakar..he..he..MK again.. Zayd loves the ikan masak asam...Anyway....everyone had choices... they were never those who will need many dishes to satisfy them..usually if there's more than 3 dishes...one will get untouched..so this is what happen. Just to quote Azlan saying...campur2 different kuah will make it taste odd..fine by me dear..masak satu all in one aje and than salad..

For 2nd day sahur...I guess everyone wants light stuff again..taknak sebu perut since after fajar solat..sleep for 2 hours b4 waking up for work and school. Well..today was no different except for the fact I did not fall asleep fast enough before waking up again...I was in a dream state that the kids were not up yet for school..opening my eyes I saw it was 5 mins to 7am and before the bus come. I ws calling out their names but nobody answered..so I leap out of bed..scramble for my glasses..rush down the stairs and know what happen next?..I slip and almost fall on my back and hit my head on the stairs..eventhough carpeted its going to be hard enough to hurt..Thought I was save as I grab the railing avoiding that fall on my back..ha..ha..too early...it was slippery..dry feet and missing the steps..I lost my grib on the railings and fall on mu bum..hard..and slip down a few steps..Ouch..sakit nye ..I am now still suffering from being sore....Know where the kids were that I was so frantically calling out for..they are ready for school and almost out the door b4 coming back to see why I scream...At this age and weight falling is what I want to avoid..coz' don't know when its going to be hard to heal...now I am wishing I am more calm and at all cost if I am upstairs..don't run down the stairs...

So Iftaar today was a non-occasion in terms of foods as I am re-heating up yesterday dishes plus whatever fast enough that I don't have to stand for long. Well...this is the time when I wish for bazaar ramadhan...

I hope tomorrow the soreness will be gone....as for now, I have to take orders on what each want for sahoor...the easier the better....

Ramadhan Kareem

2008-08-31T07:29:00.002+03:00

Tonite..Muslims will start with Solat Terawih and from tomorrow we will begin fasting. Subhanallah..berjumpa lagi Ramadhan kali ini....This morning before leaving for school Zayd asked : "Ma..what time is Terawih? Hmm..after isya..probably about 8pm or so...Again he asked : Are we going to the masjid tonite? Insyaállah....Again he asked : Will it be long..I may have homework to do and to sleep early to wake up for sahur? Hmm...I said: Only 8 rakaahs plus 3 witir..it's not going to be very long...Think of the hasanah in Ramadhan for all deeds you are going to do..I said to him....Then he just smile..Yeah..okey..and went of to school...

I need to do some time management for Ramadhan....firstly bcos I want to attend some Quran classes or to read them on my own....Next...to get the kids ready with their homework and also have time for terawih if possible...And most important...Waking up for sahur as fajar is at 3:55am and kids got to wake up for school at 6:00am...this is usually the trying time. Preparing for Iftaar will be nothing grand..it is as normal as can be with addition of dates and myb some sweet delicasies..But..we want to change the habit of break the fast and fill-up the plate first before solat Maghrib...getting the kids to break the fast and do maghrib first and than eat and get ready for isya'and teraweh..this is my aim..I know they will tend to have loads of homework and its gonna be an excuse plus the waking up in the middle of the nite and myb sleep again and wake up for school..all in short intervals..But hey...I believe they won't loose much in terms of school work..We do one good thing and we tend to get more good things coming our way....

As for me...now planning what time to wake up and prepare sahoor and wake the rest of the family pulak...and thinking what..oh..what to cooked..got to expand my menu...

Ayman will be fasting at his hostel and this weekend probably if he's back than we will be together...Adzrul will be with his abah..wonder how the two bujangs will fare...Insyaállah we might be able to spend part of Ramadhan after 7 long years of inability to do so...Zayd has started to complete the whole month since two years back..Hannah has got no problem fasting in ramadhan & infact she started fasting earlier than Zayd...only that this year she will have to miss out some days and make up for it later..and this is the hard part...

May Allah showers us and inscrease for us with His Rewards and He holds us firm on His path...and May we be muslims thru and true..may He forgive us for our sins and accept our deeds and showers His blessings on our parents...amin..

Ramadhan Kareem....

p/s..Happy 51st Birthday Malaysia..May we got to see changes for the future of the next generation...May good intentions comes to form and May Allah swt Bless Our Nation and it's People...

Hotel Reviews...The ones we stay in this July/Aug in Malaysia

2008-08-30T14:06:00.004+03:00

Quality Hotel Shah Alam.

Costs were reasonable....we booked the Executive suite for RM270...it consists of 1 spacious bedroom with a king size bed...a separate living and dining room. Breakfast is included....requested an extra folding bed..but this bed is bad not worth the RM60 paid for it..( eventually..it was not charged so okay..). It's large and if you have sleeping bags than it's good coz'it provide only 1 bed. 1 person can sleep on the long sofa provided. Basically the Junior suite will be sufficient for a family of 5 with sleeping bags...and costs RM220/-
Only 1 bathroom so we have to take turns.
No cooking facilities but tea/coffee making is provided.
Breakfast buffet is so-so...
Best thing..it's very near to SACC Mall, PKNS and Plaza Alam Sentral...Getting food here was easy from the stalls available in-front of the hotel near Plaza Alam Sentral.
Free wire-less coutesy of Wayarless Shah Alam..
The hallways a bit shabby and the room decor...

If you don't mind how it looks and mainly for the conveniences of surroundings...shopping, eating, transportation..and the costs for room space provided than this will be good for spending a few days.

The Zon ~Suitestay...Kuala Lumpur.

Stay in a 2 bedroom apartment courtesy of Berjaya Vacations we only pay RM200 per nite. Booking costs can vary from RM360 to RM450...I like the rates by KL-Hotel... sometimes by AWB and also by Holiday City...
The kids like it here because of KLCC is a walking distance so as to Ampang Park, LRT, Masjid KLCC..Pelita restaurant etc....
Laundry is 24hrs done by the staffs there..you just need to buy some tokens..this were handled by Ayman & Adzrul...if I am not mistaken it is RM5 per load?? Convenient bcos u just drop the laundry with tokens and detergent...it will come up dry and folded. make sure you judge the load size so that washing is clear and drying is sufficient. If not leave extra tokens...
Food is reasonably good although we only take ala-carte and no breakfast buffet due to the package that we take. Other food mainly bought ta-pau from Kg.Baru for breakfast at Wak Manjor...
Kids love the swimming pool and the rooms have 1 king bed in a room and 2 twins in another. bathroom to each room and a living and dining room too..
It has a kitchen...so you can cook there since most things are provided..a rice cooker is provided too. Living room & dining room spacious.

Concorde Inn KLIA.

We are not really impressed..From the breakfast buffet, the rooms and the staffs. We paid about RM400++ for a 3-bedded room. But the surroundings quite nice..greenery around..it drizzles slightly while we were there.
The limo service counter person behave as if..if u dont want transport we dont care also.. Hmm..maybe just my feeling on a wet day...but the driver is very polite...

Concorde Shah Alam.

We like this place. We took a 3D&2N package for RM555net with extensions of RM189. We got 2 adult and 2 kids Sunway Lagoon passes for each room. But these pass is only for the water park and free rides..for the other rides you need to upgrade..the cost is steep...We took connecting rooms since everybody has slumped around a bit and need a good rest b4 returning home.
Somehow the front desk staffs..were a bit uncertain if you ask too much why..why...why.. but they do try to be helpful. Although I forgo asking for the tickets to Sunway Lagoon for 1 room after they say that it has been pick-up when they did not charge me for the half-day late check-out and extra bed.
We love the breakfast buffet with its wide spread of dishes..although after a few days it is the same everyday and you tend to get bored and dunno what to eat...but nice all the same. The pipe in music at the Melting Pot Cafe also is the same tunes probably for the whole week and mainly its the 60's & 70's songs..Duh..should take a survey of the crowds... but after the remodelling the space is nice..got to check out the washrooms..nice...
Ala-carte..we love the noodles offerings...Hannah love the mushroom soup...
Had dinner at the Japanese restaurant..as usual zayd will ask for the raw fish..sushi..big plate and costly...but this time he get a taste of the fishy taste down his throat and probably off fish for some time..he just say it was too much...CTZ and abah joined us for that dinner...Adzrul got the largest order with Unagi and what nots..hmm..bila dah kerja kena pandai2 budget sendiri...it was a happy nite..
Love the room..the bed and beddings is heavenly too coz..I can get a good lie-in due to the mattress...the housekeeping come everyday although at the end of the day..but since we are out most time..it is no bother. Both times we got the view of the mosque which look so serene....
Near to Plaza Shah Alam where according to Hannah ok-lah coz there's a Starbuck and Chicken Rice Shop there plus Pelita restaurant...and Giant...
Hotel laundry is expensize so we send our bundle to a laundry store nearby abt 5mins drive at Seksyen 9..Millenium Laundry or something behind Celcom. Fast service too...
The arrangements were convenient as we easily took a taxi to the airport from the hotel...RM90 for a mini van using Premier Taxi service since hotel only provide cars. Too many bags..4 large luggage..3 handluggage..2 laptops plus a shopping bag..with 1 nyonya bag belonging to Adzrul to be taken back to abah's house.

KL Plaza.

Location wise this is the place...but room wise wee bit old..we got a 3 bedroom and there's bed for everyone and it's deducted from our Berjaya free nites. So works fine.
Pavilion the new posh shopping complex is just across the road...but I wonder what can we normal people buy there....when most are boutiques. I did not give in to the impulse of wanting a Cole Haan shoe although it looks so comfy..the size were big. But..I did get a Coach limited handbag by courtesy of Mr. Raja Azlan after we feel the LV handbags that we see doesn't seems to strike us as worth the price...maybe we are not the cultured few to know its value...
We didn't do any laundry here since the laundry room is always full....
The staffs were very welcoming and helpful..this is good.
Other than Pavilion, it's next to Starhill and a few steps to Lot 10 with Planet Hollywood at its entrance. I enjoy sitting at the Coffee Bean sambil cuci mata tengok2 minah Arab laku dan gayanya..it makes you wonder...

Beside the place we stay...we went to...

The Curve..I was sort of expecting something more from the promo brochures that we see but lastly..it just come flat. Anyway..it was a good time spend there although not that impressive.
The Pavilion....expensive boutiques but food court is great and Madam Kwan restaurant is there..love the Nasi Bajuri or something. It also has Tangs and Parkson Grand....
KLCC...mainly to Kinokuniya and walking around and eating at Chakri Palace where the steam siakap with lime is out of this world...my taste buds juicing just by mentioning this dish...
Subang Parade...where we actually bought the clothings and spend time..not too crowded and familiar with MPH and Chicken Rice Shop our main target.We got some special discounts at Manhattan Fish Market given by the supv...certain items are not in the bill..he said since we eat so much..wow..i was hoping more for our charms that we got the discounts..jazakallah...
Mid-Valley...somehow I am not that keen on this place although if we go there..MPH again is the target while I will stop over at Ms. Read.The money changer here gives good exchange rates..SR to RM
Amcorp Mall..CTZ took me here the Sunday b4 I left...remember when I use to frequent this place to sell my crafts...stop over at Zahir's Creative Cottage where CTZ will come for art classes. Bought 2 blouses for Hannah...CTZ bought me a tudung...
KB Mall..its living and you can get many things here.I did not manage to go to Bazaar Buluh Kubu?? since I went to Pasar lama to get the tudungs....
PKNS..where we can get tudungs and clothings...
SACC Mall..new place in S.Alam....there's Lovely Lace, Southern Pottery and the Art shp on the 2nd. floor where you can take classes. Just turn right from the escalator. We love the food at the D'Palma cafe...
Plaza Alam Sentral...cannot say much since I stop there only a short time with Hannah...
SOGO...short stop to go to Insaf for Nasi Beriani...bough cookies there..not bad...
Ampang Park..stop over to look at the flower shop there...it is still full of flowers..swags, topiaries but the designs remains the same as 5 years ago...The money changer here gives good exchange rates too.
Summit USJ...we went to Adidas outlet there..watch movie and the money changer gives good rates.
Sunway Pyramid...huge after the expansion...but..the Jusco store is messy..crowded. We kinda get lost in the whole building...but the directions do help..Ayman ask an Amoi where is the surau located..the Amoi said lagi depan jalan la ada punya...he..he..
One Utama...more organized and nicer compared to above place...stopover at Craft Haven..bought some brushes and paint although the salesgirl try to pursuade me not to buy but get some lessons first and just buy what the teacher ask...Haiya..I got no time lo... but I smiling says ok...and she give me some pointers..thanks dear...
Munawwarah designs TTDI...the place where I get my tudungs...for friends not really for me..I do have the few that I wear..not actually borong but did bought a few...should have get varied colors coz..I end up with more blacks than necessary... Buying it was in preparation whenever Hannah wanted to start wearing..sudah anak dara so dah kena pakai but she still hesitating..I said no problem lah pakai...She asks me bila mama start pakai..can I wait until same time...hmm...

That's about all the place that was covered in a rush..ha..ha..ha...

Time In Malaysia

2008-08-30T13:12:00.002+03:00

Let's see if I remember some of the things that happen while I were in Malaysia...upon arrival..my 3 sis were at the airport with their families..after lots of huggings what nots we proceed to go to Ana's house which is my 2nd sis..Adik&Dilla decided to come along eventhough their house is just near the airport. I forgot about the eptrol pinch since it's price hike.. usually we will transit at Ana's house first b4 going to any hotels that were booked. These hotels were booked way in advance and sometimes I forgot to check the conditions to cancel or amend...as such RM110 melayang due to dates overlap..Anyway..if you serve the net you can look for bargains and will manage to save som $$ just by getting it from different agents or direct to the hotels. In one instance..the rates I get from KL-Hotels for rooms in Concorde Shah Alam is about RM20 cheaper per day..not much right. But if you were there for say 7 days its going to add up...at least can pay for lunch. The breakfast spread at Concorde Shah Alam was great in comparison to the other place that we stay. So a heavy breakfast tend to make you skip lunch and than you take an early dinner..so that's pretty much what we did.....

Actually we were in this quandry....having to hotel hopping during this vacation and last in Malaysia due to the unreadiness of our own homes. I expect to rectify this from next year onwards insyaállah....Our first home was repainted externally and internally last year...so the time stretch due to the rainy season and we cannot even stay there last year...as for this year since the house was void of furniture..we cannot stay there also... so thus the hotels...

Anyway...since the order of what needs to be done was centered around where we stay at the moment..it makes us able to complete quite a few items. I don't really expect to complete all that we wrote done prior to repat...

But the major things that were completed :-

Get the MPSA approval for the Subang Alam house renovation.
Mid-August b4 Azlan returns, the renovation of the external kitchen started after we agree on the changes and the costs...I just hope that it will turn out good if not great since I am not there to watch the progress..I just go with my gut feeling and also surveillance by Sani that all will be as said...so 30% of costs all paid for. To date the external kitchen basics were completed.
Able to get the Cahaya Heights rented out...RM800 per month for 2 years. With options to add 1 year additional. The tenant seems nice and although he requested a few items to be done..he is willing to fork out the money first and deduct from rental. Hmm..we again go with our gut feeling and thanks to Zarina & Gorden who help us to rent out the place...
We sell our Toyota Unser and get a Toyota Vios for Adzrul...alhamdulilah manage to get a good trade in value for it. Although we went round surveying how much resale value around Puchong, PJ and S.Alam finally Toyota outlet at Subang gives us the best price..so we decided to get the Vios..Ha..ha..although with a car..Adzrul is just now taking his driving license course..to date he has passed the computer test and attended the practical workshop...so probably next week he should be getting his L and start on the road test. We hope he can master this skill since he will be on his own..at least to go to LRT or KTM station. But he needs to know which place to avoid when driving alone...
Sign up MRTA with Alfa...although with some medical issues on Azlan's side.
Sign up Hannah's policy with K.Ita.
Pre-sign with CTZ...still need to get her the money...
Settle our queries with Edarman..although still upset about the losses but still..we believe its not meant to be although we know the decision to take but it was not taken on time..It's not actually up to us...
Settle with the house grill contractor...
Meet up with my ex-staffs for Hi-Tea at Sheraton..gonna put up the photos soon. And the Wed b4 leaving again for makan-makan at Mintan's...dpt handbag Pierre Cardine lagi..too much these guys but thanks so much...
Lunch also the first week at Sani's house..O'La..La..ada sup lala yg sedap and fruits etc...
Had fun time in Sunway lagoon on Thurs 7/8/08...had dinner at a malay restaurant in Sunway Pyramid and then stay to watch a drum performance by some school students.
Had various wonderful times with CT during the last leg of our stay..from The Curve/Ikea to Munawwarah and eating Laksam..
Attended a ceramah by YB Zulkifli Nordin and also a visit to Dtk Hassan Ali office in SUK..where we met Dtk. Ismail Kamus too...who by the way has spend some time looking over our Subang Alam house if you know what it means....

Some disappointment....well..its my unhappiness now but..it happens that way may not be really up to me...may we have more time for family visits next year..and some compromises....we need to compromise and not just insist...anyway..I should have tried harder..but things are no longer the same..when hearts are harden its not easy to mend...there's too much silence and waiting who gonna start first...I may regret of not doing what I should have done but than again..things are not that simple...it's push way too long to do something about it...but still I will keep on doing the things that I can do although non-communicado...

Back in Dhahran....

2008-08-27T08:13:00.003+03:00

Back again in Dhahran since 19/8/08....How 6 weeks flew by so fast....Truth be known I do miss this home away from home of mine...hmm...hmm...maybe because I have all the familiarities with me here now....Anyway..I haven't really got to doing much of anything yet coz' I seem to strain my back few days after coming back...so just take it slow...now it seems better and still I am in slow mode...

Especially yesterday was considered as not to do much of anything day bçoz...we are waiting for the results of Permatang Pauh by-election...we know the results now..Subhanallah..May DSAI gets to do what he needs to do for the betterment of Malaysians....insyaállah...and..and...it seems that this Thurs we will have sort of a kenduri menyambut Ramadhan and kejayaan..since Ramadhan will be here soon...

I need to get myself sorted out on the things that needs to be done too...not just the laundry and putting in things in the drawers and closets but totally in 5 years here we have dump up many many things..so its time for Red Tag days and to sort out and donate especially the clothes..Hannah has got hers neatly pile up at the bottom of her cabinet..the boys still a long way to go and so is mom and dad...Would like to apply the rule of : If you put in 5 new clothes You must take out 5 old clothes if not things are gonna jammed up....

What I have done since the last week home...

Laundry...tonnes of laundry....Washing at home and send out for ironing.

Clear up some of the kitchen cabinets in order to put in more stuffs...

Have unpack the clothes from Malaysia thus the laundry and the hangers...

Clean the refrigerator and stoves...

That's pretty much it....In total we brought back 220kg of stuffs spread out with sending via ABDA at RM26kg/bag for 78kg....mainly food items..the nasi impit and Milo sure do stack up the kg's....need to ponder if its gonna be a sensible thing to do in future..overhere..Milo for 600gm cost SR22++ in Msia 2kg cost abt RM21 if not mistaken...since Azlan returns a week earlier he carries with him abt 33kg and 7kg was excess to be paid...when I return with my 3 kids I had 106kg...and 6kg excess to be paid...ngam ngam duit Aramco bagi for excess baggage..ingat nak jimat boleh lah dok perbeli benda2 lain...This baggage thing will now be a main consideration before next repat....Will tell more on the stuffs that were brought back among the five of us...

Got to leave Adzrul behind.....this is a first..usually we will be waving him off...now he is waving us off....Well...you got to do what you got to do...Insyaállah he will be joining us here for part of Ramadhan and Eid....How long not sure..it depends when he will be called for his induction prior to housemanship....Still..he got to go and get his driving license soonest possible...kereta ada tapi ada driver but takde license lagi...

Will update more soon....

Summer 2008 Repat

2008-07-05T08:22:00.002+03:00

Tentatively these places will be our stop-overs...

7/7 ~arrive in KLIA and proceed to Ana's.
8/7 ~Will be checking in at Quality Hotel Shah Alam.
14/7 ~will fly to Kelantan on Airasia
18/7 ~spend the nite at Concorde Inn
19/7 ~Concorde Shah Alam
31/7 ~ the Zon KL
7/8 ~KL Plaza
11/8 ~A nite at KLIA as Azlan is flying back to Saudi.
12/8 ~ 17/8 TBD either Subang or Shah Alam.
17/8 - 19/8 ~PanPac KLIA and fly back to Saudi...

Am utilizing all available vouchers for this trip to stay here there and evrywhere since the house is not yet ready...

Big..Big..Smile..Again More Good News...

2008-07-02T14:59:00.002+03:00

Today..he got the much awaited..hope for news...Not by being spoken to..but rather by having the letter appears on his screen...He said..Tak kisah lah orang tu tak beritau pun..janji dah dapat figure apa yang dapat....Truth be known it was a massive upheaval of things just waiting for the news..Upheavel to my ears that is....He's happy than I am happy...May all will be berkat so that it sticks and may we be able to do good stuffs with it..Oh..oh..What was the news? Well..this time of year of course..increment & upgrading...He got an upgrading and known increment because of the upgrading and a little more to come base on the years work performance.. Yeah..yeah..I am the lucky one too...For those who knows..lepas lah bayar monthly rumah Subang Alam..that's how much....he..he..he...

Another good news.....application for permission to renovate the new house is obtained... we thought it is going to take few months...sometimes I feel..En. S*** went thru more than necessary to get things done for me...so again I am the lucky one..He states several options of what to do....I just say..whatever you feel we should do.. we shall do it...sebab dia juga nanti yang akan monitor benda2 ni..if he's willing. He also has align several agendas for us..which we shall gladly abide...bukan senang...so the first week home is taken..tak dapat dah nak buat benda lain...So first will be menziarah a certain figure who is now in SUK..and next will be the ceramah by a certain MP also...segan actually but oklah orang dah ajak..kita pun ikut jelah since En.S*** kata we are available...

Too many good news scary pulak..but syukur nya kami memang tak tau nak kata..the only thing to do is to be the best possible servant to HIM till we are called back...

Today juga..I dok try steam room yg baru at the ladies new fitness centre in Aramco...with Ana & Azizah...bila agaknya nak gi naik machines yg banyak tu..maybe lepas puasa..ha..ha...Should make it regular..at least the steam or sauna thing..kot-kot boleh kecutkan sikit mana yg patut..

Again today..I am so happy..so very happy....

Subhanallah..My Blessings....

2008-07-01T20:00:00.002+03:00

Yep..I am counting my blessings today.....To start with....

Adzrul had his last paper today....yippee..mama tumpang gembira anakanda...Well..I believe the 6 years they went thru is proof enough that all is possible once you survive Kursk..actually..6 years ago my honest opinion was that it was not bad at all..but probably our young ones were so used to many enhancements in life and to get to basics was torture...Anyway..all's well that ends well...Congratulations ya..duktur..!! Praise be to Allah swt. One of my ex-collegue sms me saying his congrats to the mom that is..and how he remembers the time before sending my anakanda in trying to get the finances ship-shape. Actually we plan to send him in Feb'03 but the agent says why not Sept. '02..but at that time the money was no where near enough so we really got to stretch our imagination in actual fact just to come up with it..and this was what he was referring too..But bless be to Allah swt for good friends who offered without any conditions...and the good feelings we had for having to turn them down bcos we know who were our friends...An another thing was..suddenly I had huge orders of flowers from my staffs that I cant keep up with but suddenly they overcome their shyness to buy some from me..they have always come to check me out at the pasar tani but..they always think..heh...manager pun jual bunga..? Thanks to Illa for being the go between...Now..after 6 years he made it..May he remembers all the people that put in some for him....in fact those he doesnt know who give him the duit poket...no matter how small or how big....Jazakallah Khairan....
Cik Hannah K..reaches her time on June 18th. she sure was cool about it....
I prayed for the tambahkan rezeki....as always....more for the C**** thingy.... alhamdulillah..I got free lunch and dinner for the whole family on Monday, went out to dinner last nite with some tapau things and the whole thing was paid by a friend..and this morning....got some kuehs pau and currypuffs for breakfast and to take home to courtesy of Ana...what more can I want..and tonite..the men have usrah and again fed for dinner.... actually...I cooked ayam merah for lunch too..so our doas are always answered if we look hard enough..it may not come in the way we ask for it but Allah swt knows best...I am happy...soo happy....
I got most of my bookings for the summer trip back....so now got to packed up and make the list of things and to do...and 7/7/08..adios for a short while to this land of the anbiya..
I got my new abaya today..simple with some lace at the sleeves only..hmm..the sleeves need some mending but Mafi Mushkila....

May Allah swt Always Showers HIS Blessings upon us and Keep Us on the Straight Path....

May DSAI..keep firm and Come Out of this Latest Test....

Summer In Malaysia 2008

2008-06-29T09:57:00.002+03:00

Counting 7 more days till we fly back to Malaysia....We bought the tickets way back in Jan '08 to get a cheaper price and flexible dates. Sometime in Mar'08 words got around that the ticket price will be lower in April '08 so on...Alamak we all dah bayar..sign sealed delivered dah tickets back to Msia. But..we just go on the comparison to previous years in terms of costs and be happy with it..This year with request from Cik Hannah Kamilah we booked seats on Emirates...with stopovers in Dubai for about 4hrs each route..I do not want to stay overnite in Dubai either way bços of the luggages...Usually on the route to M'sia we will bring bags in bags...but coming back to Saudi all bags will be utilized..but this year..I am planning to not have much excess baggage coz..sayang the money bayar...Well..5 adults tickets are about SR13800...plus hotels in Msia lagi...Our house is still not ready since most furnitures are here in Saudi...so for a few times tidur on lembek..sudah sakit lah belakang....Longterm plan will be to get the house in Subang Alam ready for holiday occupancy..but at the moment the costs for renovation has rise so much..still not sure what will be our ultimate plans...budget..budget..budget...please dont run away...

To tumpang the siblings will not be an option except for a few days and the locations...but still again will be on the lembek..which at this age is no longer good for us..nanti balik Saudi badan jadi senget...talking about 5 weeks period nie...

To spend more than few days at what use to be called rumah induk since after losing my mom..was a bit akward since dah ada orang baru very very near my age as new residence...so it will be again a stop and go version plus the issues semasa that came up recently...entah lah... To the other side on hubby's place..the dual rumah induk has existed more than 10 years ago...so each visit will be a duel and touchy till this day... Well..kesian lah the anak-anak so to speak... anak-anak yang merantau macam kami nie...There's lot of lessons to learn from all this and may Allah swt gives us guidance....

So..in the end...my plans for the family was after considering the Stop 'n Go options will be to spend time around Shah Alam, Subang and KL...the kids still will be getting their holidays fun and spree...plus waiting for the abang doktor to balik on 25/7 insyaállah...adik2 still couldn't come up with what will be best to address him formally.......Dr. Nik.....Dr. Adzrul.....Dr. Ariff...... Dr. Nik Ariff...Hannah kata tak glamor nye..he..he...one thing for sure..alhamdulilah with one more finals to go..he will get his 6 years waiting result..we are very proud of you anakanda...

OK...maybe in a few days..I will be able to confirm all our stations in the 5 weeks we are in Malaysia....

It Works....It Hurts Too...

2008-06-07T18:06:00.002+03:00

A few posting ago..I put up the ones about the doa's about studying...I did intensely memorize and read it than it tapers down to read it once i a while..though all the time the gist of it stuck in my mind...even to the point that I want to quell it while in the toilet..than have to read another doa....for the toilet thing....

Hmm..tomorrow Sunday I will have my tafseer class which requires me to know the english meaning of each word and recite in class..we are up to ayah 123~129 of Al-Baqarah...so being last-minute me... only last nite I start the lesson...so intensively today I read it over and over again..what push me to repeatative doing it...it seems an easier flow this time..I use to forget the earlier sentence when I proceed to the next ones...but today more verses/word sticks in my mind....so I am just feeling the very happy laa....

Anyway..I am taking a rest now and will go out for dinner at Applebees after Maghrib coz' Zayd craves a mean steak...he just got a 5% raise on his average for Social Studies and the hard work seems to pay off..come to think of it everyone been behaving nicely...Applebees is going to set us back say about SR300++

Except...except...ya..the Cinderella story..I minus out about SR40++ from my handphone credits with flying messages...ouch...painful yet no resolve...fening..fening..kepala..I am borderlining myb siTanggang..I dont know..I said only Allah swt knows..and I leave it to Him...When what you say seems to sound a different way when it was said back to you...ouch..double..ouch..ouch... i am at the end of my nerves...finally..my decision..you dont accept one but have to accept all..if you reject one than yo have to reject all...So.if you can't sit and resolve the matter than so be it..I do not want to be the one to be constantly being over the haggling..this I love but that I love too.. That's why i am saying I am borderlining siTanggang...but May Allah swt accepts my intentions. I worry yes.. extremely so... coz' your sins with Allah you can ask for His forgiveness..but the sins among human will tie you down and hold you back...

What's Been Happening To Me...

2008-06-04T08:17:00.002+03:00

Yesterday

Broke a glass cover..it drops to the floor from the counter top..broke into several big sharp pieces and many many small ones..one piece gets on my heel and pierce it..Oo..la..la..blood oozed out..as I was hopping around looking for a bandaid..blood drops along..wah..got to clean up the mess pulak..dah lah darah...pain?..Not so much...found a square bandaid large enough ffor the heel..so case one end...clean up the glass splinters...it must have not been a corelle or pyrex as it splinters sharp...
Fried up some keropok and eat them with Lingam chilli sauce (you can get the sauce in Bahrain..I dont know how to get to the store ~Rachanee coz' I always kirim2 from friends..). What happen was..this morning my "langit-langit"is sore..must have been the chilli that I scooped with the keropok...
My coughing gets worse..and now I heave and got a headache plus running to the toilet whenever I start coughing..it is infrequent but bad when it happens...myb got to take that kicap with lime/lemon juice and madu thing...**I always get confused in buying cough medication..between the dry cough type..expectorant or suppressant...end up looking for one that covers all...
There's a strange burning smell from the air-cond...or is it just my smelling functions haywire..
Make nasi lemak...wow..the sambal turns out to be spicy but sweet but again..spicy..only Zayd seems to have no problem with it..Infact..this morning he said he wants the sambal again for lunch...will match it with ayam kicap and sayur lemak insyaallah...
My book from Nora is on the way......this new passionn for decorative painting..spend many $$ to get ready all stuffs..the result although not as per what I want..it turns out comot but pretty sweet looking from far lah....
Got the confirmation for Suitestay for 7 days in August...got to plan out the last 7 days too...
Massive issue at the home front....got to do with a Cinderella thing...ask me to decide pulak...kena decide sendiri lah...shucks...
Attended the year end Grade 6/7 concert..Zayd in band playing thrombone and Hannah playing Frenchorn and sing in the choir...Zayd got to play with his honor band for one song and with the rest 2 songs...Hannah keep asking me can we say "hallelujah"in the song..?? Still thinking abt the right answer....I said not sure..just move your lips...will find out...
Got a Dior watch for me..courtesy of Azlan's bonus and anniversary gift vouchers..though he got to come up with extra to pay..
My ustazah says...enjoy having things if you can afford them...but dont go for expensive stuffs...alamak....understood her meaning but my wants...shucks 3x...must read the surah for marketplace more....

Well thats about all.....been misty lately....with adz graduating soon and starting a job..with myself with all the things I want to do and not yet done etc..etc...but I cherished all that Allah swt has bestowed on me and may many to come...

The New Tabib's To Be...

2008-06-01T23:16:00.005+03:00

Insyaállah..soon enough these young people will serve their tenure and may they become what they aim to be and find happiness in between. Couldn't believe it was just 6 years ago...I was on the 10 hour bus trip with them from Moscow to Kursk and with some tears etc..we left them there to gain the education they chose. I remember the dean or somebody says in his welcoming speech...."Treat this place as a rich black soil where many things can grow....Gain the knowledge from here and spread them when you go back to work.."....I will dig some photos out to show how they were 6 years back....

Mumtaz ya..duktur...

Dua Belajar....

2008-05-28T08:09:00.003+03:00

Below compilation was merely done for my own anakanda's who are in a way or another taking exams. Some are confident and they do well...some are not so confident and yet they do well..some are confident but than not do well and yet some are not confident and not do well. Bear in mind its not due to lack of preparation but sometimes isues gets in like..confusion..panic and than more confusion..negative thinking...not having enough confidence..well..1001 reasons actually...

But one thing that I do say to them...Just do the best that you can do..prepare and study the best & the most that you can..basically to give it your all...and than Doa..doa..doa..insyaállah. But I do tell them..don't you put effort 20% but hoping for a 100% return...Sometimes we need to learn from mistakes and go further..provided we know why the mistakes happen..in this case the study...Utilize all proven techniques..learn to know own limits and strength and weaknesses and use the powers given to get what you want. The rest is Allah swt job....

As help the following where provided...

1. Dua While Studying Something Difficult

http://www.dua4me.com/TraditionalDuas/Video_Dua_for_studying_and_exams-1

اللَّهُمَّ لاََ سَهْلَ إلَّا مَا جَعَلْتَهُ سَهْلاً, وَ أَنْتَ تَجْعَلُ اَلْحَزْنَ إِذَا شِئْتَ سَهْلاً
Allahumma la sahla illa ma ja'altahu sahla, wa 'anta taj-alu al hazna idha shi'ta sahla
O Allah! There is nothing easy except what You make easy, and You make the difficult easy if it be Your Will

Review your notes regularly even if for short intervals. Don't eat too much food. Don't do all nighters, study in chunks (psychologically better for you), memorize everything the teacher wants you to answer and re-gurgitate it back out for exams

حَسْبِيَ اللَّهُ وَنِعْمَ الْوَ كِيلُ
Hasbiyallahu wa ni’mal wakeel
Allah is my availer and protector and the best of aids.

رَبِّا اِِنِّى مَغْلُوبٌ فَانتَصِّرْ
Rabbi inni maghlubun fantass seer
O’ Allah! I am overpowered, so help me..

رَبِّزِدْنِي عِلْمً وَرْزُقْنِي فَهْمًا
Rabbi zidni ílman war zuqni fahman
O Allah! Advance me in knowledge and true understanding

2. Dua after studying:

اللَّهُمَّ اِنِّي أَسْتَو دِعُكَ مَا قَرَأتُ وَمَا حَفَظْتُ, فَرُدُّهُ عَلَّيَ عِندَ حَاجَتِي إِلَيهِ, اِنَّكَ عَلَ مَا تَشَاءُ قَدِير وَأَنتَ حَسْبِيَا وَنَعْمَ لْوَكِيل
Allahumma inni astaodeeuka ma qara'tu wama hafaz-tu. Farudduhu 'allaya inda hajati elahi. Innaka 'ala ma-tasha'-u qadeer wa anta hasbeeya wa na'mal wakeel"

"Oh Allah! I entrust you with what I have read and I have studied. Oh Allah! Bring it back to me when I am in need of it. Oh Allah! You do whatever you wish, you are my availer and protector and the best of aid."

3. For asking Allah swt benefit to what you do...

اَللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَ لُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا ,وَرِزْقًا طَيَّبًا, وَعَمَلاً مُتَقَبَّلاً
Allahumma inni as'aluka 'Ilman naafi'an, wa rizqan tayyiban, wa 'amalan mutaqabbalan

O Allah! I ask You for knowledge that is of benefit, a good provision and deeds that will be accepted.[Ibn Majah and others]

4. For when you feel lazy..depressed..sad..**Things not going right for you with anything...

اللَّهُمَّ إنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْهَمِّ وَ الْحَزَنِ ، وَ الْعَجْزِ وَ الْكَسَلِ ،
وَ الْبُخْلِ وَ الْجُبْنِ ، وَ ضَلَعِ الدِّيْنِ وَ غَلَبَةِ الرِّجَالِ

Allahumma Inni A''udzubika Minal hammi wal Hazan, Wal Ájzi wal kasal, Wal Bukhli wal Jubn wa dho'laid daini wa gholaba tirrijal..

O Allah! I seek refuge in You from grief and sadness, from weakness and from laziness, from miserliness and from cowardice, from being overcome by debt and from being overpowered by men (other people)[Sahih al-Bukhari 7:158]

1. Study Methods ---> http://www.studygs.net/

2. Making constant Ibada, reading the Quran, and praying consistently, not only benefit you in every aspect of life (both here and in the next).. but it has been proven that people who memorize Quran have the ability to be succesfull in all feilds of worldly knowledge. One surah that I find beautiful, easy to memorize, and according to a hadith (which I shall e-mail you).. will cover the believer in the grave against punishment till judgment day is Surah Mulk. Other than that any surah, and actually the whole Quran should be read with deep content.

3. **SOME THINGS I DO BEFORE STUDYING OR EXAM**

Study Tips:
1)Do the prayers at their correct times.
2)Pray a 2 rakat nafl prior to exam
3)Say بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيمِ (In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Kind) - before commencing the exam - indeed before anything that you do.
4)Recite some du'as (like the ones listed above), and keep in constant dhikrullah (i.e. the daily dhikrs when waking, dressing, eating, sleeping, etc)
5)Come home and pray 2 rakat nafl after the exam for shukr (offer thanks to Allah) for granting you the strength and persistence and ability to complete the exam and accomplish goals inshaAllah
6)Increase in your reading and listening of the Qur'an and performing more ibadah (worship) (i.e. nafilah (voluntary) prayers and deeds).
Keep away from bad actions and deeds - Follow up a bad deed with a good deed, to cancel it out. https://www.law.ucla.edu/mlsa/islam/duas...
Also something which is highly found beneficial is honey, eating a teaspoon can help with memory. Herbs are good natural ways of getting antioxidence. So green tea and Chamomile are the best (I drink those)... And making eating healthy a lifestyle.. with fruits and vegetables.. are good sources. Some brain foods (Almonds, Fish, Eggs and Apples)

Kenduri Arwah....

2008-05-28T07:58:00.002+03:00

This is an interesting entry I got from UKS....It gets me thinking of many practises that we do..most by following and not knowing why..basically Islam by tradition. Alhamdulilah..the chance we get to learn...we should explore the things we know and follow and the reasons behind them...Below is an example of the instances that we do things that may be conflicting....conflicts due to community issues ( eh..apa pula orang kata?) or intention is pure but it may not follow rulings. wallahualam...Whatever is the conflicts inside us are part of our jihad too...

In ummiku-sayang@ yahoogroups. com, wanfk wrote:>>

KUALA LUMPUR, 25 Jan (Hrkh) -"Perlu ke saya sediakan makanan danbuat kenduri arwah kepada orang kampung sedangkan keluarga saya tengahsedih sangat sebab baru sahaja kehilangan ayah tersayang?" tanyaseorang remaja kepada saya yang baru kehilangan ayahnya yang tercintakerana sakit kronik.

-->> Terkedu dan pernah juga terfikir dalam benak hati, namun keranakenaifan saya di bidang agama saya diamkan sahaja sehinggalah munculkembali soalan yang terbit daripada anak muda belasan tahun ini yangdatang daripada keluarga yang susah.
> Lantaran itu, walaupun sedikit kesibukan dengan tugasan, sayameluangkan masa mencari jawapan yang mungkin atau mengundang pelbagaipandangan dan polemik serta emosi kurang senang banyak pihak.
> Namun atas landasan mencari ilmu termasuk mahu berkongsi bersama,saya kutip beberapa pendapat yang boleh dijadikan panduan kepada semuakhususnya kepada anak muda yang bertanya itu sehingga saya membiarkandia termanggu tanpa sebarang jawapan sebelum ini.(segala kesilapan dankelemahan mohon tunjuk dan maafkan) > Amalan membebankan keluarga si mati > Dalam laman blog dikenali sebagai Institut Al-Imam Syafie (Intis)seorang Pensyarah Jabatan Tilawah al-Quran Pusat Bahasa UniversitiIslam Antarabangsa Malaysia (UIAM) Abdullah Bukhari Abdul Rahimmenulis amalan kenduri arwah ini sudah pasti menyusahkan keluarga simati yang masih lagi bersedih dengan kehilangan orang tersayang. > Katanya Rasulullah s.a.w ketika mendengar berita kematian Jaafaribn Abi Talib, baginda bersabda: "Persiapkan makanan untuk keluargaJaâ€™far, kerana sesungguhnya mereka telah didatangi dengan apa yangmenyibukkan mereka (kesusahan) â€" Hadith riwayat al-Tirmidhi & AbuDawud.
> Keluarga si mati yang baru ditimpa musibah(al-Baqarah: 155-157)perlu disokong dan dibantu. > Amalan di sesetengah tempat ini adalah salah, kerana katanyakesedihan keluarga si mati akan ditambah lagi dengan kesedihan lainseperti bebanan kewangan kerana perlu membayar upah orang membacaal-Quran, sembahyang jenazah dan kenduri arwah.
> "Budaya mengadakan kenduri arwah bersempena kematian pada malampertama, malam Jumaat, malam ketujuh, malam ke-40 dan malam ke-100juga tidak mempunyai asas sama sekali dalam Islam," katanya yangdipetik dari laman web tersebut
> Amalan itu membawa kepada pembaziran jika membabitkan penggunaanharta si mati tanpa jalan yang betul dan membabitkan penganiayaanharta anak yatim malah Majlis Fatwa Mesir pada 1947 memutuskan bahawaamalan berkenaan perlu dihentikan.
> Ulama mazhab Syafie melarang kenduri arwah > Rujukan katanya boleh dibuat terhadap Kenyataan bekas Mufti MesirSyeikh Hasanain Makhluf di dalam akhbar al-Ahram bertarikh 27 Julai1947 dan Fatwa ini kemudian disahkan oleh Majlis Fatwa Mesir dandikeluarkan dengan rasminya pada 14 Ogos 1947, bilangan 377.
> Katanya lagi Ulama mazhab Syafie melarang budaya ini sebagaimanadipetik daripada buku Feqah Mazhab Syafie, al-Fiqh al-Manhaji.
> Antara petikan kitab tersebut yang berbunyi:"Daripada bidaah apadibuat keluarga si mati ialah dengan mengumpulkan orang ramai kepadamakanan dengan upacara dinamakan berlalunya 40 hari dan seumpamanya. "
> "Sekiranya perbelanjaan makanan itu daripada harta peninggalan (simati) dan di kalangan waris ada yang belum baligh, maka itu adalahdari perkara lebih haram.
> "Ini kerana ia memakan harta benda anak yatim dan melenyapkannyabukan untuk kepentingan anak yatim itu. Terbabit juga dalam melakukanperbuatan haram ini setiap yang memanggil dan memakannya." (rujukanjil 1/ ms 263, Damsyik: Dar al-Qalam).

> Dalam pada itu pada Jun 2005 blog tersebut turut memetik ruanganTazkirah di bawah tajuk 'Amalan Jahiliyyah Disangka Ajaran Agama' olehTuan Guru Dato' Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat yang merujuk kepada pengarangkitab at-Tazkirah iaitu Al-Qurtubi berhubung isu kenduri arwah.
> "Dengan jelas mengatakan bahawa diantara amalan jahiliyyah ialahmengadakan suatu himpunan beramai-ramai diperkuburan, di masjid ataudi rumah dengan berzikir dan juga lain-lain bacaan, serta mengadakanjamuan makan minum dengan tujuan untuk orang mati, disebut orangsebagai kenduri Arwah.
> "Dengan jelas perbuatan itu tiada Nas yang menjadi rujukannya dantiada petunjuk sunnah yang menjadi ikutan, " kata Nik Aziz. > Kenyataan pahit dan mengejutkan (bold)
> Kenyataan ini kata Nik Aziz mungkin agak keras dan pahit sertaboleh jadi suatu penjelasan yang mengejutkan terutama terhadap merekayang mengamalkan perkara tersebut secara ikut-ikutan dan membuta tulitanpa mengkaji dari sudut ilmiyah.
> "Tetapi inilah hakikat Islam yang mesti diakui oleh penganutnyayang sedia kembali kepada al-Quran dan Sunnah," katanya
> "Tidak dapat dinafikan bahawa amalan tersebut telah berakar umbidi dalam masyarakat melayu, sehingga sebahagian dari mereka menganggapbahawa amalan tersebut adalah merupakan amalan agama yang mestidilakukan setiap kali berlaku kematian," katanya lagi

> Kata Nik Aziz lagi sungguhpun Nabi terlalu sayang terhadap umatnyaterutama terhadap para sahabatnya yang sentiasa membantu Nabi di dalamsuasana damai dan perang namun Nabi tidak pernah melakukan majliszikir atau tahlil untuk sahabat-sahabatnya r.a yang mati.
> "Orang yang paling sayang terhadap Nabi s.a.w. adalah parasahabatnya yang sentiasa berada di sisi Nabi siang dan malam, namunpernahkah terdapat para sahabat berhimpun dan berzikir dan bertahliluntuk Nabi s.a.w.?" katanya membangkitkan persoalan. Soalnya lagi jikaperkara itu tidak dilakukan oleh Nabi dan juga para sahabat maka darimanakah punca amalan itu diambil.
> "Apa yang paling mendukacitakan, mereka menganggap amalan tersebutsebahagian dari amalan Islam, padahal Rasulullah sa.w. tidak pernahmenunjukkan contoh seperti itu dalam sunnahnya," katanya.
> Bagi umat Islam marilah berlapang dada dalam menghadpi persoalanagama dengan menghayati petikan ayat daripada surah An-Nisaa' 4:59:"Hai orang-orang yang beriman, taatilah Allah dan taatilah RasulNyadan ulil amri di antara kamu. Kemudian jika kamu berlainan pendapattentang sesuatu, maka kembalikanlah ia kepada Allah (Al Qur'an) danRasul (sunnahnya), jika kamu benar-benar beriman kepada Allah dan harikemudian. Yang demikian itu lebih utama (bagimu) dan lebih baikakibatnya." -Az> >

Catch...

2008-05-19T11:14:00.004+03:00

This issue keep circling in my mind. Basically I don't know much for what to say about it coz' I dont even know where to begin...One thing I know..it is faced by many women and their initiatives were either to ask about it and non-commital answers given or more ridiculously being given a look like..hey..its my money so I know how to take care of it...But money here is hardly the issue....the issue will be how to go on after the inevitable happens. Many women once face with these issues will just shrug it off...malas nak tanya lagi..bising telinga...and just go on with life...But personally..at the very minimum we need to know how it is coz'if we are left back we know where to even begin....I am talking about death and specifically if the husbnad were to leave first and we are with still school going kids...

Things that mystify some but clear to the very few are :-

EPF....nama pewaris. What actually does the pewaris can do? We need to find out about this..I am not sure myself...There's 3 spaces for names of pewaris. Know who they are and especially if you are one of them...or worst case NOT one of the names..If you are in this case then there will be many things that we need to find out further..especially if the wife was a homemaker from beginning...Many cases happens that the pewaris names were that of parents or siblings....alasan nya..Ala..lupa nak update...Tahulah nanti adik/abang I nak take care of you&kids..taulah parents I nak take care juga...Kang I letak nama you(wife) jadi janda kaya you pulak...kalau you kahwin lain..untunglah suami baru..ekekek.. Soo..jealous juga rupanya sampai gitu sekali nak jaga..my interpretation lah...Tak nak nanti duit yg dapat kot banyak.. menyenangkan orang baru..itupun jika benar bagai disangka.. Tak teringat ke..siapa yang akan lebih prihatin hal kebajikan anak2...Siapa yang akan lebih menyusahkan dirinya demi anak2... Pernah dan banyak kali berlaku...suami mati dan duit EPF yg agak lumayan diletak pewaris pada abang...dan parents..nama isteri dan anak takde... Maka apa yang jadi..isteri satu sen tak dapat so anak2 tak dapat juga..pewaris lebih berkata dah letak nama dia maka untuk dia lah..if nak bagi wife dah lama tukar nama... Tak ke nama pewaris tu sebagai pemegang amanah utk menjaga kebajikan org yg ditinggalkan lebih2 lagi anak2...Bagi harta anak yatim tu bukannya untuk dibolot... By even thinking that you can't trust your wife after you die and all your hard earned money will go to someone else if she remarries... so tinggalkan pada orang lain to take care..this to me is such a humiliation to the wife after so long being together with her thru thick or thin.. unless lah wife ni bukan that wifely type...

I heard this being said too....." I tak taulah kat mana and berapa duit simpanan dia" Bila tanya dia marah marah..so malas lah nak tanya..asal semua cukup dah..Rumah pun belum ada lagi bila balik2 cuti kn tumpang rumah in-laws dulu or duduk hotel ke.... Semasa hidup maybe things will be okay...but once he is gone where are we going to get hold of all this information. When we dont know even the bank and account number...let alone how much....

Since I am still pondering on these issues and contemplating each of them to improve on my own situation will definitely needs lots of discussion. My priviliges in all this are being open to each other and decided together on most of it but we still have many unsettled issues that need clarifying so that things are more or less settled with the what if both of us gone together....

It's Blowing Sand Out There...

2008-05-19T08:14:00.002+03:00

Today seems slightly gloomy coz' the sand is in the wind....but at the same time many many things is trying to overcome me..and part of me is still in pause mode..still lazing around. Maleh..nak buat apa bende...

Tentatively...it will be 7 weeks till when we will be back in Malaysia for the ritual repat..this year the air tickets we bought it way back end January..some people call it crazy but its just precaution against rising prices and conflicting schedules. But then again..no matter how sure you are of certain things..it ends up being a mess no doubt. Why?? This time a few factors disturb our intial plans...the hubby got a new boss recently and he panics looking at the leave schedule for summer...well..the oil has got to be pumped out no matter who goes on leave..if not probably we dont enjoy the SR0.45 per liter gas. Anyway..we couldnt change the departure date due to the increase in prices and only change Azlan's return date a week earlier. Now I am not having the confidence of staying back another week in Malaysia or probably extended further due to Adzrul might not get certain things settle bcos he will also return late to Malaysia. He may only just meet Azlan for about 12 days....

Next..after the dates are more or less settle. The next decision will be where to stay. Since the house is not ready yet..we cant stay there. We need to get people to come and do something. Lately the help was ever so busy so we got to wait once he got a breather...But he has make the decision much easier for short-listing the contractors and than it is just money..money...ouchh...

I have arranged for us to be in Shah Alam for a week and than fly back to Kelantan for a few days..next return to KL for 2 weeks somewhere and the plan stuck there...still ahve another 2 weeks to plan for. In between will run to Seremban...maybe Bukit Merah and if no choice to Sunway Lagoon as a peace offereing to Hannah..who is so into this theme park & water park recreation whatsoever and no matter what...She is accusing me of promising to her less than half-hearted. Thus..the plan stays in KL where she said..."Doesnt matter where but KL..ada pool and near KLCC" Macam lah nak shopping giler...

The plan is still going on....

Wishful Thinking...

2008-05-14T22:38:00.003+03:00

Do you realise how fast time flies? Sometimes while you are doing nothing too...tup..tup..dah weekend..Eikk..banyak lagi benda yang tak terbuat ni! And than again I will come up with a resolve that next week I shall do better...

Well..the matter of fact is that being alive is an unsure thing but death is definite...Being alive we need to cherished the time that we still have to honor our promise "Laillahaillallah..". How do we do this..by all deeds that we do in the time that we have..How so...?? Believe in Allah swt mercies and the forever forgiving...Like a talk given by Prof. Jamal Badawi recently...Rasullullah saw. draws 2 points on a sand and draw a straight line between these 2 points...then he draw several other lines that is not straight but still linking the two points....He says the shortest distance between two points will always be the straight line. Think about it !! But this short distance is full of trials and tribulations while the longer line is merrier..this depicts part of life...we dont have to bother about much and we still move on and at the end of the day we wonder where has our life gone too...while the straight line...the trials and tribulations are actually the difficulty that we feel to fit it into the needs of this life...we found such difficulty to bring along our religion with us..we want it to be something private..it is and yet it is not...How do we go about doing this? Always remember Allah's mercies and that HE knows whatever it is and since we dont know..HE gives us freewill to choose..good or bad, right or wrong..in order to make good choices we need to educate ourself...we need good companions...we need reminders...etc...etc....being human...easily we fall and easily with faith we can come up again....Understand that this world is temporary even with all its glories....that the Hereafter is what we should aim for...and yet we fear..fear of the judgement of the wrongs that we did...the backbitings..the promise to Allah swt that we forgot along the way..the promise to obey HIM...but always believe that whatever it is only Allah swt knows....so we should not despair in knowing this...and keep on trying..there's no despairing and giving up!!

Well...what I want to say was just about WORRYING...we worry too much...will I pass the test.. will I have enough money...we lose sleep over things... and yet worrying about things like this we did not do anything to overcome it..we just worry for the sake of worrying...Since its already predetermined from 50000 years b4 earth is made so what we do has no basis in changing what is predetermined? Our Qadar...means measures... Here is where we oversimplify by thinking... whats the use of trying for example....since Allah has decree it all... Yes our life has been predetermined by Allah swt but we did not know what it is...we do not know what our actions can do...but by the choices that we have..the freewill to decide we can make good and bad decisions... thats why we have the Quran and Hadith to guide us...Its not as easy or as difficult that we might think..but definitely we need to seek knowledge..explore... find out from scholars for those issues that requires elaboration..do not merely take the word of someone whom we are not sure of their expertise...like going to a heart surgeon for consultation while the pain is only about your tooth..should have gone to the dentist first..Seek from those in the right field to make us understand...

Like my ustazah use to say also...Emm..I want to learn Arabic or memorize this doa..but we did not go and find a teacher..we did not do any homework...we did not take action..we just wish it and hopes everything will come to us without us doing nothing...When somebody ask something we tend to give out fatwa's...not really answering the questions...We say Ooo..this is Haram..this is Halal...Need to understand this more....

He..he...reminding me that the class is just next Sunday & Monday and I havent start on anything....thats when I find that time is wheezing so fast by me....

Youth..Teenagers..Kids..Tough Love...

2008-05-13T08:20:00.003+03:00

Somedays just seems to be dragging by..most times I wish that things esp. life are without hiccups but than again it would not be life...

When your kids are small you only worry about feeding them right most of the time. So that they grow up healthy and strong. Slights here and there is normal cause most times eventhough rebellious you can always catch them and hold tight.

Teenagers are another world of its own. Do you know that "youth" is a term from teenagers till about 40 years of age ? Beyond 40 than you are a mature adult..he..he..he.. No wonder life starts at 40..But than come to think of it...there's many truths behind this statement. Reflect back on your life and you are sure to come to some truth about this...Anyway...from this statement what is expected that once you reach 40..you should have all the maturity in life to settle down and be more organized in life..If at 40 you are still easily tick-off or unaccountable for many of your actions than growth in terms of the grey matter up there might have been stunted somewhat.. Well..believe me some says all your experience in life should culminate once crossing this number and you can therefore chart your life or what remains of it still...so that each and everyday is cherished till the day do us part..ehemm... Something basically simple to say will be...if forever you are hard headed cursing here and there..now its more expected that you are more calm not easily perturbed by the small intricasies that you face daily life...

But will all this calmness works if you were to work or face with your teenagers? I am facing 3 teenagers right now. A friend use to say.."What ?? You are a teenager? Soo..You can kill people now?".. I understand what she means behind it...As if once you are a teenager you got a license to kill or do just about anything...

How can you protect them and let them go thru this phase with less glitches and bruises.. especially when it comes to matters of the heart...Not really with the opposite gender but with families and friends and those they come in contact with as they move along...I guess in wanting to establish their identity they will face many heartbreaks or breakdowns? This is the worse case...

I shall write more about this...I am still overwhelm by it all in wanting to give the right support and advices to my now teenagers. At the same time..I am hurting to see how they are facing the insecurities but it also hurts at how they hurl back their insecurities on the things they are more accustomed to.

What I Have & Have Not Been Doing....

2008-05-07T09:05:00.002+03:00

Have's....

Been practising some memorising of As-Sajdah..manage the first 5 ayahs...slow..ee..
Going to Monday classes..that's why the memorizing above...
Been straightening up my collections of book..am trying to sort them by interests...
Clearing up my laundry and ironing...just my tudungs still in the basket..been thinking that it's such an easy task but still not get done...
Completed paying this month bills and last month daily monitoring...
Did an entry update...shucks...wish it was more..
Got my frozen curry puffs, keria and cok badak..he..he..easy peasy tea treats..
Been to MK a few times for tea-tarik's...
Been caught in a few arguments near and far...hate these issues...
Have manage to resolves certain issues which relate to the arguments..
Manage to still enjoy foods and life..see..speak..listen...manageable health...syukur to Allah swt for all these small wonders on top of the big ones...

Have Not's...

Been reading much..
Been practising my painting strokes..
Not taking the walk as promised..maybe today..
Been revising my tafsr..arghh...
Manage to complete my pantry clean-up..only done the refrigerator...hope to complete b4 repat..
Keep my temper in check esp with the young ones...
Been getting the extra few hours night sleep..still abt 5hrs...
Been actively doing anything at all..just bits here and there
Even try the cup-cakes recipe that I got..

No matter what...Adzrul and friends manage to get the letters from embassy for status re-affirmation...Totally have move forward in some areas than last month..spiritually that is...

Wanderings Of My Mind....

2008-05-03T08:49:00.002+03:00

The week that was leaves me in a very complicated emotional state or rather too many of the what if's and what I want to do and not get done...Too much lazing on my back didn't help either. Anyway...for what it's worth I believe everybody including myself got a couple of things completed...So the week that was....

Sat. 4/26....Been crazily trying to memorize certain vocabs in order to do a test on my Quran translation..Urghh..been at it for a few days...more like cramping weeks of lessons into 3 days...Been throwing bits of that vits and this vits in order to jog my memory....I feel uncertain and to come myself down...said to myself that whatever is the effort I know I am getting the hasanah although the results or outcome may not be in passing the test...but I least I begin to put together some words...

Sun. 4/27...The test!!! Nervewrecking I can say...got the paper and couldn't believe that I cant read the writings..my heart beats so fast...I believe poor copies and handwriting was the cause and not really that I dont know most of it..ha..ha...Halfway thru..I give up says that I got to do it again the following week...sheer mistake as I have again not been studying and tomorrow is Sunday again...

Mon 4/28...Couldn't really remember what were the main things I did except for preparing Zayd's stuff for going to Riyadh for his SAIK band festival..he was blowing this mean thrombone.. but I guess his refusal earlier in going stems more out of nervousness than not knowing what to play..I guess the talk with Mr.Elkins on prev Wed helps to calm his nerves and look forward to the trip as something that is going to be fun...

Tues. 4/29...Just the 3 of us at home...the morning part of my day started off quite good but I got caught in an argument..Got to watch my fuse not to be easily ignited..Myb the way its being thrown or maybe its the truth of the question...the teacher was saying that we are not really focusing on the subjects for class..we want to stick to the safe side..knowing numbers.. colors.. time..That for me was still a struggle...mainly due trying to convert every meaning 3 ways..Arabic-->English-->BM-->Arabic..thats how my brain is accepting it right now..Maybe the age ka?? No wonder it takes ages to grasp and she's not happy of the rate we are going..

I was frank in my intention to learn a new thing and on top of everything that I put myself in I believe its not fair to say that we are not focussing and not spending time say 1 hour a day...I do believe with more time spend I can eventually get it right but my excuse was that I am having much to do...but I also think I can be organize and do better but when she says that as if we just do for whims was not fair..there are some in the class who are really good but some who's eager and says anything are not really that far away ahead of me..he..he..just being mean here... I feel bad for honestly saying what I did..but maybe its just something of my fuse being short again...

Evening time - when for a walk around the golf course with Azlan before Maghrib..completed it in an hour which was great for me...but then dinner at MK almost tip everything off...but sheer bliss the tea-tarik and mee mamak ( fried spagetti MK style)...

Wed..4/30...Lunch was simple as we got invitation from ASB for dinner which definitely going to be a spread as usual. It was definitely fantastic..I envy her for cooking all those lovely stuffs..Well..it get me thinking that what do I know..except for the few mastered recipes I didn't kknow more..I wish I could but in having reliable suppliers before back home makes me leaving the culinary skill aspects of what I should do behind and not really being ashamed of it until NOW...anyway..I manage to put together sort of a Bread Pudding...without the vanilla sauce..I feel so small beside the carrot cake with cream cheese topping by Aida..another sort of a mix cake too..puddings and apams and tapai..the lot...

Thurs ..5/1..its Labor Day!!! But I am still in labor not of the birthing kind...Got to get up early and take everybody for breakfast to MK that is..the labor wa sin getting everyone up so that we can reach MK early and get back to camp by 10:30 bcos Hannah has her Girl Scout Bronze Award - First Aid presentation today...At breakfast get to meet everybody which was fun..fun... and rush back to camp and got to volunteer for the day...being on my feet was not a good idea for that long a time....

What I regret today was my unexpected blurting out my assumptions...shouldn't have done it but it happen...it might hurt somebody if the assumption is wrong or just by talking abt it...The eyes might not see the actual truth...Anyway...I believe I am ahead in my assuming so thus the trouble...shouldnt have bothered too..but sometimes I tend to let my heart go..I cannot judge on the same principles that I carry...Well..just for saying it out here...I believe a family unit should have a consideration for each other in the unit i.e. between husband & wife, parents&children and between siblings. But then again the care and considerations may not be the same for everybody..but myb due to some privy that we got to know way back makes what we see today looks a little bit off-sided. Well..in coming to Saudi..many ladies had to forgo things that they are use to doing..like going to work and earning under their name..but when does this earning not become so important and not having this doesnt even indicates that your freedom is at stake..?? The feeling of having to depend on somebody even for the small pocket money you need to get things..does not have to be a sign of your independency being taken away from you...of you not being useful....Ya..lah..sume nak kena mintak...so terasa rendah diri juga kadang tu..said a friend. Maybe in my case I have been taking for granted many situations that I share with my husband... I didnt have to resign but I want to resign..many people says I will regret it financially but I say know I wont and I still wont..I got the pleasure of spending someones else money..and the pleasure of setting my own time and rules for what I want to do..this is bliss..But anyway... life here is in a way dependent on the husband in a lot ways...if he does not take you anywhere outside of time spend when he's working and you are home..basically the days just fly by... Not saying that I want to keep him to myself all the time..but hey..if he feels like being there with me I am fine with it..basically he doesnt want to do things by himself...but I did tell him..Nanti orang ingat I tak bagi you buat apa2 pulak nak berkepit je dgn I...but truth of the matter is..its been like that since early on..now that I got to again think about it..sometimes ya you need your own space..but then why should I complaint...

Zayd returns abt 8:00pm on a bus who had had AC problem from 50miles back..the kids were running the bus and rolling on the grass...He was saying how fun it was...Lucky that he got to go..huh..huh...

Friday..5/2...Adzrul says the qualification paper for matric is obtained and should not be a problem to sit for his finals. earlier there were an absolute no...no....until get the approval. spend the nite looking for cup cake recipe instead of studying..but hey..I manage to memorize ayat 1-4 of Sajdah...very happy abt it..but got 4 more to memorize by Monday.. have fun drooling on this Chocolate Cupcake.

Solat Qasar

2008-04-26T07:53:00.002+03:00

Thought that I would write this down as a reminder to myself...as often we get it wrong for not really understanding as to the different school of thoughts. Wew can get similar clarification from Arab News, Islam-On_line and this explaination by Sheikh Mohammad Salah from Huda TV...

Qasar ~Shortening of one's prayers.

When : You make intention to travel.

Opinion #1. - Travelling any distance even less than 80km.

Opinion #2. - As long as you are travelling with no limits to the number of days ~Qasar & Jama

Opinion #3 - * More commonly accepted.

If you travel and decided that it will be more than 4 days, than you can opt to do prayers regularly after the 4 days.
Your travel is up to 4 days - than you may shorten and combined the prayers during this time~ Qasar & Jama'
If you are not certain/ sure of your travel days than you can shorten your prayers as long as you are in this state.

In addition - If you are travelling and it is Friday than you do your Friday prayers while a traveller, you can after Jumaah pray your Asar ~as shortened and combined.

Note : Qasar only the 4 rakaah prayer to 2 rakaahs and Jama' for Zohor & Asar vice versa and Mahrib & Isya vice versa.

Waállahualam ~as quoted from the session of Ask@Huda this morning. We can decide to do which will be a benefit to us. We cannot miss our 5 daily prayers and sometimes we are in a situation so we can do our prayers without any haste or missed. It helps as many of us will be travelling especially summer. Another state to understand will be the Jama' prayers that you can do in a state of need and not done as a habit or regularity and solat "hormat"waktu..what are they and its meaning.

'Kindly advise to that I may err..the good from Allah swt and the mistakes purely my ignorance.

Cerita yang Terdelete....

2008-04-21T08:13:00.003+03:00

I make a posting about this few days ago but somehow not sure why it did not get upload but deleted instead.. I go like this..Uh..uh..Ohh..Ohh...penat..hilang pulak!! I was just writing about the feeling of togetherness that I felt recently..with the kids and hubby... firstly it was the spring break...so Ayman had a week leave while Zayd and Hannah had a month..originally plan to go for umrah but unfortunately due to a lady monthly thing...it was cancelled...so Azlan spend the week sending the car for service..sleep..sleep..and more sleep...plus makan-makan in between. Anyway...the Tuesday b4 Ayman got to go back to Bahrain...we decided to go to Bahrain...just to spend the day elsewhere instead of everyone under their blankets..We left abt noon and head straight to Ponderosa for lunch..here is when I felt the togetherness thing when everyone was munching...and talking and laughing...the one missing was Adzrul...but than we sit in the same spot that we did when he was here the last time...after Ponderosa we went over to Seef Mall... the kids was thinking of getting a game cartridge for PSP...as often as I tried telling them that the PSP is not theirs..it is mine...tactic ngumpan sebenarnya...

Well..since they did not find anything else to check on and the movies are not the one they like we proceeded to Dana Mall pulak... a drive across the highway from Seef...**it's fun to go to Bahrain during the weekdays as there are ample parking space and no jams to get to the parking space..* At DM we decided to watch 2 movies each...the kids watch the new Jim Carey movie Horton Hears a Who.. Az&I decided on Jumper...weird movie but somehow we are watching alot of this tak masuk akal stuff these days..it is better than talking about others per say..not that we indulge in talking about others...but just comparing two nonsense... The kids had fun I think..keluar movie tu full of praises...lepas tu mintak makan...since the next movie was in 2 hours time..we decided to go to Geant to buy some groceries..org duduk saudi gi beli beras kat Bahrain..sebab harga beras dah gila2 kat Saudi...eg. 5kg Tilda in Saudi is SR58 and in Bahrain is SR45...kat Bahrain still the old price..so ngangkut lah a few 5kg bags..funny thing is the 5kg bags if x2 is cheaper that the 10kg bag....tak sure why... than we got back to Dana Mall a very short drive from Geant and snack on something and watch the 2nd movie we plan earlier..Vantage Point....as the movie finish..we drove back to Saudi... everyone was tired..sleepy but had fun no doubt...

End of Spring Break...

2008-04-18T22:58:00.004+03:00

T.G.I.F...

Today being Friday was sort of a relaxing day although the weather outside was bad...very bad sand storm...visibility almost nothing...but thats life in Saudi...I guess..the weather will get hotter soon...My throat has beinn scratchy the last few days...

To start the day...Azlan & I went for breakfast at the Hobby farm....I use to wonder why they call it hobby farm since its for horses..sorts of horse stable's...Anyway...I dont waste my time to ponder over it....Breakfast were coffee and waffle for me and coffee and sandwiches for Azlan...its the best time of the weekend when we can sip coffee..talk...and the kids were still sleeping at home...we just tapau whatever for them..if they complaint..always the answer will be "You have to make your own bfast next time ya..."and the urgh...and grumble...mumble....and..wake up early to have your choice..!!..What I will say to their backs....

The day when by pretty quick though...after Jumaat prayer...Azlan decided to go to the office to look over things...since he was on weekend duty and nobody seems to ring him up updating whatever...so he went to check for himself....we decided after Mghrib to went out for dinner to Malaysian Kitchen in Khobar...we tend to call it MK now...

Adzrul is 25 years old today.....

2008-04-11T11:48:00.005+03:00

Time flies so fast....it is now 25 years since I had adzrul...He was my first and frankly the easiest birth....How I miss those times...but for evrything that has happen Allah swt plans always beats that of ours..May we always have HIS blessings...

April 25 years ago..1983

2008-04-02T13:20:00.002+03:00

A bit short of time here..but just want to write this short entry..I remember 25 years ago in April 1983..I was in Carbondale, Illinois..at Queens Apartment..shucks..couldn't remember my room number but it was the one beside the laundry...What was important..I was ripely pregnant at this stage with my first born...huffing around just to get by the days...Delivery was just around the corner...I was in the midst of preparing for exams mid-semester..wishing that i could sit for all of them before my maternity..actually there were no maternity leave..just I will be missing some classes till I am fit enough to move after giving birth...I was just 21 then...Azlan were going to start his Spring break in the coming week and we hope that birth will be around this time...

We were anxious..scared..and thrill at the same time..but we are more or less prepared...I have met some of my lecturers that if I were not present in class in the coming week b4 the spring break..my reason will be that I am having a baby..I remember some shock faces..but pointing at my tummy my excuse for asking for resitting my exams during the spring break was accepted...

How time flies..soon I will be celebrating that particular day in spring that our bundle of joy was delivered...25 years ago...in the wee hours of the morning...

Post- PRU-12

2008-03-11T09:58:00.003+03:00

Today..I was smiling after knowing the results of the Malaysian PRU-12. Yes..a wave of wanting CHANGE has swept Malaysian citizens..thus the results that we see. Each and everyone need to know their standing..the reasons why..not just follow-follow neh..It is not that bad in thinking why not try it at least once...CHANGE..that is...the fear for change even in our own personal life is sometimes too scary to think about..Why??..bcos we have all the what if's in our mind..worst case if it is worse than existing situation..this is what scares us usually...moving from something predictable to something with uncertainty..Uncertainty bcos we do not know what is step 2 from step 1....BUT..if we never ever try to CHANGE..we will never know how it is going to be...Worst case for PRU...in4~5 years time you can always again use your power to effect another change... The changes will be in those who are in power to set the policies and manage it's running...the worker or those that runs it will be the same people toiling day in day out..the difference will be in focusing on what matters most..Nobody will lose their job just bcos of the change-over of top management like what will happen in 4 states...unless the person itself has some issues that now somebody will take a look at...the one who runs the show will be different but the ones who work for the show will be the person who is hired for the job all along...Nahaslah..bila tukar governance so tons of people will be laid-off..tak macam tu...

BRAVO to all those people who open up their heart and decide to take up CHANGE...the fears in your heart..let it be..definitely it will be fan by all the media news that you read..infact today in Utusan..it has already printed down that the BA cannot get their heads together to govern..they started with who will be the MB for Perak...Huh..3x..Huh...Why la..lo...Be fair...wait and decide... this is not anymore for us..it is for our kids and kids future..It is already tough making ends meet as it is..lets try to make the future of Malaysians will be something that there'll be benefits for all to share...I am not really into politics..to me no matter what.. it is tough for all those in it...But as long as the reps will work for their constituents..bring forward the needs of the people in parliment and try..try..no matter how hard..I guess..something will surely come up. I guess...for BA it will give them the chance to invoke changes...to prove..what can be done...even for BN definitely they will need to work harder..they will not be resting on their laurels too much...At the end of the day..we must give the HAQ to the deserving no matter who they are..do not deny the Haq for the good that somebody do...Open up our mind and hearts and our eyes and ears and even our nose will get the sense of it all....

My heart was in shreds looking at the photo of TGNA with tears falling down his face... my doa for that day are that people will open up their hearts and mind..May all the "hantus"pangkah BA...May Allah swt give guidance to the voters and May we be Sabr for whatever the on-goings will be..Alhamdulilah..Allah swt show us the way..The wins are not an easy thing to carry or run...it is an amanah with lots of trials..definitely BA have to work together..not just their heads but their heart too...I hope they will and find a way to resolve issues between them..and rule collectively with consensus...prove that the fears we have are just that..fears of the unknown....DSAI is still relevant definitely....at the end of the day we are Malaysians...lets start behaving as Malaysians to break all barriers..teach our children no matter what..we are from the same country...have the same fears and the same ambitions..may it will be a brighter future for everyone....

Living In Aramco - Dhahran, Saudi Arabia

2008-02-19T15:05:00.002+03:00

This coming July'08 will be Azlan's 5th. anniversary with Aramco. Not bad..he got a SR1500 gift certificate and for sure..you know who will it be going to..May Allah swt. make it easy for him in anything that he do...anyway..when we first got here we were the first Malaysian family... although there were 1/2 Malaysians too..those married to another passport holder. There were those who were Msian but has now become holders of other country citizenship. But after 5 years there are now about 50++ families scattered in Dhahran, Udhailiyah, Ras Tanura and Abqaiq...Dhahran being the most populated and nearer to the Al-Khobar and Dammam and just a causeway away abt 45mins from the country of Bahrain. So..I guess those who got to stay in Dhahran got the better deals in terms of amenities..although you can be easily tempted with all the sale that is always going on. Probably those who stay in other camps will be able to save more money compared to us here Dhahranians... No matter what..I guess in Aramco that's where you can find the most varied citizens from around the world..just go to the schools and you know what I mean..the most mixed marriages...all in all it is quite a unique community.

Honestly...I dont venture out of the house much as I am without any help at home...got to do the 1001 things myself that the house and family needed..almost always 24 hrs on call...but basically no complaint as I got my equal share of fun the way I want it..But 3 mornings in a week I attended classes...this got me going and meet more fun people..like minded in the way we want to learn new things..so got to make sure I can maintain the consistency of going to the Quran & Arabic classes...There are always something going on..like the Womens Group..Garden Group and plus if you volunteer in schools for certain activities. You might end up having no time to devote to what your house or family need...sometimes I have a houseboy come to clean the windows and toilets etc..but since he's back to India not sure till when..I havent yet get a replacement...On camp there also have a few snack bars, a cafe, a restaurant, a dining hall, a movie theater, swimming pools..hiking tracks..sporst facility, library, bowling alley, golf field, a hobby farm for horses..beautiful beach when its not hot... a great wall climbing area, art classes, individuals who also provide services like gifts, beauty, piano lessons, dance...you name it and almost always its available.. so life here is not too bad..once you get bored with not finding anything to do you can always go away for a short or long holiday. We were in Lon&Paris for 2 weeks, now planning for a 5week trip to Malaysia and in between maybe umrah to Makkah, weekend in Bahrain..thats what sums up your life here....

But the things you will almost always miss being here are relatives and the time....the food you once love but in actual fact not that healthy for you always..though it taste great and looks wonderful...But for me, the best thing will be seeing my children grow from my own nurturing... seeing more smiles each day between us...although the age is now slowly creeping up...

Zayd & Hannah

2008-02-13T21:28:00.004+03:00

Student Lead Conference ~Sunday Feb. 10, 2008..Aramco School, Dhahran.

Trios at the 7th grade hallway...waiting for Zayd's turn..

Zayd at his famous locker...

Hannah & Papa front of the date tree...

In front of 7th. grade building...

Hannah waiting to be called in...

Hannah & Mrs. Lunsford her 6th. grade Oasis and Math teacher...

Student led means the kid got to present and show/tell their parents what they have been doing. Their progress in school that is...well..Hannah has great grades and Zayd has make some big scale improvements in Science from C- to now a B+ avg...wonder if he can maintain them... Here are some photos of them around school...

Plaques or Signs and Such'

2008-02-13T21:12:00.004+03:00

Decorative painting attempts...

Here I have manage to make some " Welcome "signs. I know it is still not as per what I have read in the books of what it should look like but I can see some improvements in them...i dont mind saying so..ehemm..Still..I am feeling a little sad as my book orders have lost its way...I hope that it will reach me eventually..although my heart is sinking each day it did not arrive...

Anyway...here goes... the 1st. try was the one with lots of roses top and bottom..than I read somewhere it says to do the lettering first..2nd attempt I bough a template and was quite happy the letters are straight but Hannah hates it coz'to hear it looks too straight..huh...3rd attempt I do the tracing transfer and colored the lettering in first..but it is a mess..but I was quite happy with the roses and leaves...I guss as I practise it will be better...Hannah ask...No other flowers kah Ma...? Maybe later... thought if its difficult it might give me a challenge..I guess should have followed the advise to start with a daisy first...but I was so geram...in awe..of all the beautiful paintings of Aniza,Nora that I see on the web...

Swags and Such...

2008-02-13T20:52:00.005+03:00

Craft Extravaganza...

Last week was quite eventful as I manage to complete eventhough half way some of these arrangements. As it would normally happen, I will fell in love with some of them and reluctant to part with it for its rightful owner. Anyway...I still have some stuffs left to duplicate them. Now its to make the paper ribbons or silk and attached it and they will be done. Soon enough will be with their rightful owners. I know they will like them as much as I do....but still I hope what I have made is as per what they have in mind...This is usually the difficult part for me to do if the items are custom ordered..I rather just make them ahead and have the available stocks on display and chosen by those who like them...next will be in calculating the costs for each piece..main will be the material cost and than the workmanship. Since I bought the silk flowers from Malaysia last summer..some air freight charges has got to be added...here my cake scale comes in handy...

Paris ~24th. December 2007

2008-01-26T12:38:00.000+03:00

It was a day spend around Paris driven by Shahrul while Bal spend 2 hours queuing to get the tickets to go up Eiffel...Jazakallah Bal... We went up to almost the top floor of Eiffel..I couldn't believe it that I have reached this landmark....all this while I have just been looking at pictures and read about it...Awesome....

I will do the summary later on..Just to get these photos uploaded first..

Zayd's 14th Birthday ~Paris Disneyland -23rd. December 2007

2008-01-26T11:59:00.000+03:00

Zayd's 14th Birthday was spend / celebrated in Paris Disney...there was no cake but the whole day from 10am till about 8pm we were there. Although we did not manage to get on most of the popular rides due to extremely long queues..even for the Fastrack pass..but we did have a go at a few rides..we started with the Spinning Tea-Cups..next to the Carousel of Horses than to Dumbo Flight...Pirate Ship...Run-Away Train..River Boat Ride...

All in all..it was an extremely fun filled day although cold..we have lots of pictures taken but in the end...everyone was pretty tired by the time we got to the hotel. The toilets were surprisingly very clean...I was hesitating for a long time to go bcos of the crowd and thinking about how the place will be..but I shouldn't have done so as it was surprisingly well taken care off..

Transportation to and from hotel was great...it is a must to have a hotel with shuttle service. Whether we will come again to get on more rides...insyaállah..or maybe to DisneyWorld in Florida...

Paris Disneyland

2008-01-26T11:58:00.000+03:00

Will update soon...

Hannah Kamilah's 12th. Birthday ~21/12/2007

2008-01-26T11:32:00.000+03:00

St. Pancras Station..19/12/2007

2008-01-26T09:44:00.000+03:00

Collecting our tickets at St. Pancras and having some snacks...

London Trip - Part 1 18/12/2007 ~ 22/12/2007

2008-01-26T08:54:00.000+03:00

18th. December 2007

Finally the day came for us to leave on our anticipated trip..luckily today it was a holiday for Azlan and the kids due to Aramco announcing it as such bcos Arafat day is on Tues 18/12/2007.. and Eid Adha will fall on Wed 19/12...so we will be celebrating Eid on the plane..huh..hu..hu..first time ever for us...If not..a sure thing will be to have a feast a home for friends and family...a reprieve actually from having to prepare lots and lots of goodies although I love doing it when everybody seems to enjoy them...usually I get lots of help and contributions from friends for these occasions..which now reminds me that i got to learn or get some new recipes for myself...

Anyway..back to the trip...I guess everyone was excited...great help from Hannah to ensure that the listed things are packed and ready...as usual Zayd did not pack his things maybe just his toothbrush although he was given a similar list..ends up Ayman and Hannah pack for him..Hannah is turning out into a very reliable little missy for these kind of stuffs.. packing... finding out things etc...sometimes in the end her things got left behind or even lost as she was too busy taking care of others..like her Nintendo Dx that was lost last summer..

We left for Bahrain abt 3 in the afternoon eventhough our flight is at 2am next morning..as we planned to have late lunch at Ponderosa...locate the parking space near the airport as we were driving our KIA there. Also..so that we have ample time for whatever comes up...anyway..we end up having too much time to wait b4 the flight...at the airport we met many of Aramco staffs especially the teachers...some are going to Europe & some back to US & Canada...Ms. Cave and Mr. Owens were there to give some pointers. Met Margaret Loftus also..and JP being Zayd's buddy in school...it was a good farewell for him a sthe Loftus family were leaving Saudi for good due to retirement...Jefry's family were also on the same flight going to Ohio-US... The flight was OK..British Airways..seats not too bad in terms of space..good selections of movies available...I planned to nap and I did just that even b4 the plane took off...I was surely tired from the packing..cleaning the house and etc...not sure what but I was really tired...

Arrive in Heathrow abt 6:00am..went thru the immigrations with no problems although Zayd was cited by the officer not to knock on the counter..he needs to learn all these lessons as most times he thinks he is above it all...teenagers..sometimes they think that they have a big pass to do whatever they want..Collect our baggage..go to find toilets..and decided where to solat subuh as no "surau"at terminal 4...make it simple..go to a corner with chairs and solat there...everyone was actually relieved after that...found the underground without any trouble..and it was full of travellers so the kids were a bit uncomfortable with bags,people and all..but we feel it will be good for them to experience this...we miss getting the right change of train from Piccadilly Line to Circle/District line to get to Bayswater...we came down at South Kensington intending to take the Circle line but instead board the District line which changes at Earl's Court...so from Earls Court we finally got on the right train to Bayswater to get to Berjaya Hotel....we have to climb up stairs and looking for the way out of the station where a funny thing happen...upon deciding which stairs to take...and arguing about it shamelessly...we find out either stairs out of the station is the same as they will get to the same platform...we have to pull the luggage up the stairs was the wee bit troublesome thing at the start of the holiday...

The Berjaya Hotel was just a turn from the Bayswater underground station and easy to find....checking in was no trouble as everything was as per reservation. the funny thing was in order to get to our rooms we have first to climb a flight of stairs..than take an elevator down one floor and reach our rooms..there was no thru way from the lobby....

After unpacking and change everybody's mind starts to think abt food...but I decided we still need to go out and pick up the train tickets to Paris from St.Pancras Eurostar counter..since we do not know where and how to get there..before start with food...at the lobby we met a Msian student with her family and they told us that Malaysia Hall is just a street away and we can get food there easily and cheaper...alhamdulilah..it was something I never thought of to locate...

I am putting the photos of our first 3 days here...will continue with the captions & write up later..

Images of Paris 25 Dec'2007

2008-01-08T14:39:00.000+03:00

Eiffel Tower...

When 2 families meet...

Zayd's on his 14th. Birthday...look at the hat he's wearing...

Rozie & Balkish...who would have guess that we will meet here in Paris...it's just meant to be....

Across the bridge on the Seine River...this is one of the famous bridge but will get the name later..

London & Paris

2007-12-16T13:03:00.000+03:00

Feels like everything will not get ready on time...the packing..finding thermal wear for everyone..cleaning the house...etc..etc... The plus of is that kids and Azlan is on leave 18/12..the day we will go to Bahrain and board the BA flight to London..we planned to leave for Bahrain after Asar and have dinner at Ponderosa and go to the airport..but..we are not sure how the causeway is going to be like since its the eve of Eid Ádha..

Anyway...I have lost the pack of trip planners that indicates things we want to do..well..since everyone help to clear the house on Thurs&Friday before the Tea-4-Guests on Friday..it might have been chucked away somewhere..Gosh..I hope I find it especially the table indicating do what and when things...

Among all the things I wanted to do..I hope we have enough time and the weather will be fine and may all of us be in the best of health..insyaállah..

Wet London and Gay Paree here we come...

Decorative Painting Projects..

2007-11-18T13:06:00.001+03:00

More projects can be found at http://decorativecrafts.blogspot.com

Free hand drawing practising the strokes...might as well get it in frame form.. the leaves and calyxs still did not turn out well..I am using PLAID as it is quite easily available in Zamil stores and it cost about SR6 per 2 oz bottle...in Jarir I can get a 15% discount but most times required colors are not available.

The first picture frame I painted using One Stroke style..but the design doesnt turn out well..

Terracota Flower pot..basecoat with Licorice and using comma strokes for the flowers..

2nd.picture frame...this time tried to be more adventurous....

This is orinally stove burner covers bought at Jameel store...after sanding and repainting the base to different designs...it looks more promising...

For the covers..the leaves are still my biggest problem to get the right color match...but for my own use..it seems quite nice..at least I did it myself...wish I have more time to practise. For some time now I have been under the weather...mainly coughing and block nose and sometimes feverish...I hope I will be better soon...at least for the trip to London & Paris soon...

EID MUBARAK FIESTA.....

2007-10-21T10:50:00.000+03:00

After reading Elisa's entry in her blog http://elisataufik.blogspot.com/... Iwas kinda of smiling non-stop thinking about the past 8 days of EID. Let me just write down my own version of the same cahin of events....

Wednesday Oct. 10....
At 9:00am..went to Ana Zul's house to discuss the final food preparation for our combined open house....together discussing were Ana, Kamisah,Aida & Shalita..we had quite a good and fun discussion plus cooperation to get the 2nd. Eid feast into action...Before going home, Ana provide us with Laksa, kicap and some other stuffs that she says she has huge stocks..ehem...I know where I will be going if I am short of certain things...

Final Iftaar pot-luck at Khaloud....I brought as usual Saadedin cake... well I am not a good dessert maker except maybe for Cake Pisang...but the bananas I was supposed to mash and turn it into a cake has gone sour..excuses..excuses... Zaharah mention that Eid might fall on Friday eventhough they are going to sight the moon on Thursday. So..we shall be fasting 29 days if Friday is Eid day.

Thursday Oct. 11...
Wake Azlan up from his deep slumber..."" Az..bakpe lah dok tidur macam tak boleh bangun-bangun..I ni pun puasa jugak...."" I remember grumbling to him to wake up as I have plans to do my final shopping this morning...We manage to sneak out of the house about 9:00 am... Stop by the Oriental stores to get final stuffs in preparation for Eid... I feel I still have enough time to prepare whatever there are.... Since I have got most of the stuffs..I feel quite relax anticipating the Eid announcements...prepare for Iftaar after Asar and roasted the peanuts in advance... make rendang daging cili api and also rendang ayam...doesn't matter that it's about 1x a year I do this..I hope it will turn out ok...left the 2 rendangs still wet and not fully dry so that we can have it for Iftaar also...

Pick-up Ayman at about 4:00pm...ask him to clean the tables outside etc..etc..

After Isya'prayers...at about 8:30pm..Kimey sends SMS saying that Eid will be Friday...i.e. tomorrow. earlier on after Maghrib..Hannah&I was watching the TV hoping that we can know if EID will be announce...we watch bahrain TV and it did announce something after Maghrib... since we dont know Arabic it was same as useless information...still we wait..but already I start to panic..what if Eid is tomorrow than I have quite substantial things to do....

Still in my telekung..once got the message...jump up and remove the telekung since already done Isya'with Azlan....straight to the kitchen and start to touch everything but do nothing.... Hmm..where to start...ok...gave the peanuts to Azlan to remove the skins..I boiled the nasi impit....cut up the chillies, onions..and so on.....well..everything was done by about 1;30am..

Friday...October 12..EID Mubarak...Eid Mubarak...
Azlan and the boys were late arriving at the mosque...they started prayers at 5:50am... So..alternatively we prayed Eid ourselves in jemaah in our surau....in fact the kutbah given were beneficial to the kids and understanable since Azlan gave it..

Had breakfast of nasi impit,rendang and kuah kacang....about 9:00am head for Ras Tanura for the 1st. Eid open house at Ghazali's house...wow..nasi beriani and the lots.. I was impressed..how could I manage next...Than went on to Sukhairi&Faridah's house and follow on to Zul&Izzah house...so in the end we only return to Dhahran at about 5pm..we did not follow the gang convoy as we were thinking that we want to head home earlier and also get some time to speak to the hosts...if there's too many people than it will be next to impossible. Next after Maghrib..went to Khaloud..Eid pot-luck..by this time everyone was tired and full and I am worrying about preparing for 2nd. Eid open house combined at my place....Still had a fun time with friends and families there...

to be cont....

Bowling At Ras Tanura

2007-10-16T13:34:00.000+03:00

Hannah Last Day of Elementary School end June 2007

2007-10-16T12:59:00.000+03:00

Turning 45....

2007-09-18T07:58:00.000+03:00

Had my besday yesterday....couldnt believe that alhamdulillah..I have reach this day with minimum mishap...in my mind there are 1001 things that I wanted to do more...will time be mind....

Why I didn't think of half on these to do much earlier in life..I believe again time might be a constraint plus the fact the it never enters my mind...

But my doa to Allah swt...may the time I have will have my iman focused and strengthen... Allahumma inni iman nafiah..wa rizkon thoiyibah, wa ámalan mu ta qobalan...