Khaira turns 7!

Khaira is 7, guysssss!! 😭😭😭 It has been 7 years since I became a mom. Soon she’ll become a teenager, then to uni and have a family of her own.

As usual we celebrated her birthday at school. I love having a birthday cake resembling their interest at that time, and this year Khaira was obsessed with Powerpuff Girls. The irony, I used to be obsessed with them during my time.

2018 is another tough year for Khaira. Firstly, she had to stay at school from 750am to 4pm, or even 6pm when she had Tae Kwon Do. Her separation anxiety got worse, it took her 3 months to adjust. Then, her first time taking examination. She got so nervous and just about when she managed to control her emotions better, her diagnosis was confirmed. She has asthma and on inhaler after years of monitoring.

This year she struggled with being bullied, struggled with girls issue; kawan tak kawan. And I have always been there to protect her. Until today, my friend advised me and said, "they need to learn to feel sad and handle their own problem". She couldn't be more correct.

But all, in all.. I am very proud of you, Khaira Asyikin. You cope with everything well. She won multiple awards this year. Everytime I asked her on what she wants as a reward, her answer went from Buku Rampaian, to some stuff in kedai RM2. Very low maintenance this one!

I love you and I always will, K. Although you need to fight your own battle sometimes, I'm right behind you always ok. Always remember that k, my love. You're adaptable and strong!

Aisha turns 4!

Aisha turns 4, how time flies 😭

As usual, we had a birthday celebration for her at her school. Cake bought from #shaeryscake

At 4, Aisha's own personality started to shine. She's a fast learner, it surprises you again and again. Tough and moody, but deep inside she's super sweet. She is the type of person who would wait for you in front of the door to come in from work, ask if you are okay, massage you and always check on you. Before I go to bed, she makes it a habit to comb my hair. She's just like Kapal junior, not only physically. In fact, that is what I called her nowadays, Shaharil Jr.

It’s funny how these girls are way too opposite of each other. While K prefers to speak in Malay, A prefers English. K panics and think ahead, A calm and adaptable. Each have their pros and cons.

But both has the same traits, they’re a thinker.

The other day, A asked me about the no photo sign outside Daiso. Why is it ticked not crossed. And kept on asking me to tell the cashier to correct it (T_T)

Recently, Love told her that he would be outstation to Kuching, Sarawak and she asked why would Abi go to Sarawak to buy cat.

She's adorable like that when she's not cranky.

My baby is all grown up. I still come home and smell her all over, hoping the toddler's masam smell won't go away and kiss her all over without her complaining. I love you, Aisha Asyikin. May you grow up and be caring always k, Sweetheart?

Cinta Dunia Takut Mati by Ustaz Pahrol Juoi

My scribbles from a talk I attended earlier:

Al Wahan = cinta dunia

Lima musuh orang mukmin:
1. Orang mukmin yang hasad dengki
2. Orang kafir yang memeranginya
3. Munafik yang memarahinya
4. Syaitan yang menyesatkannya
5. Nafsu yang mengajak kejahatan

"And the worldly life is not but amusement and diversion; but the home of the Hereafter is best for those who fear Allah, so will you not reason?" - Surah Al An'am verse 32

Minta 'afiat --> Maksudnya kalau sihat, sihat dan taat.

Dunia tempat berpenat, akhirat tempat berehat.

Orang yang paling ingat mati, kualiti kerjanya paling baik. Tingkat produktiviti untuk Allah swt.

One way ticket, macam nak pergi oversea. What food to bring, baju, rumah di syurga. Excited nak pergi syurga.

Hati bila nak solat = hati nak jumpa Allah swt.

Allah swt suka pakaian kemas, asal niat kerana Allah, bukan untuk riak.

Bukan seimbang, tapi integrated. Bukan 50 dunia, 50 akhirat. Tapi, kerja dapat gaji, dapat pahala --> integrated. Every action; mesti relate to  akhirat.

Contoh:
1. menguap --> tabii untuk masuk oksigen dalam badan bila mengantuk --> wajib menguap kalau tak menguap boleh pengsan sebab tak cukup oksigen.
2. Tapi kalau menguap sebab nak sakitkan hati --> haram
3. Menguap baca Astaghfirullah --> sunat
4. Menguap besar sampai anak tekak --> makhruh
5. Menguap bersahaja --> harus

PEng route 3

The very last night after Ramadhan, I remember I was feeling very down after Tarawikh prayer with my two girls. I didn't fully utilize my Ramadhan this year, that was for sure. Was checking my Whatsapp when I received the good news.

Alhamdulillah :)

A few days after, BEM called me to convey the news and letter came a few weeks afterwards. Ramadhan gift, thank you ya Allah. Alhamdulillah.

Anyhow, I applied my PEng via Route 3 BEM (Route for a Professional Engineer from an overseas Regulatory Body). I have obtained my Chartered Engineer, CEng. which is a Professional Engineer from IET UK in 2016, hence after consulted with Ir. Shamil, a PEng consultant in our department, he suggested me to go through Route 3.

My Chartered Engineer journey was Alhamdulillah a smooth one. After registering with IET, filled in the Chartered Engineer form online here https://www.theiet.org/membership/profreg/ceng/. Waited for a year for the interview and managed to get my CEng a couple of weeks after. The interview was not as technical as I thought, but more on leadership, management, ethics and risk which were quite scary for me. But I learned a lotttt throughout the process especially on risk management.

I knew I should have gone for my PEng right after that, but I was lacking of knowledge and confidence. Ir. Shamil and my then HoD were very supportive and guided me all the way. Basically, the conversion process was very simple.

I extracted this from BEM's website: http://www.bem.org.my/documents/20181/43352/PEnotes.pdf

(i) The applicant need not sit and passed the Professional Assessment Examination or be corporate member of IEM.
(ii) Applicant shall submit to BEM a certified latest Professional Engineer Certificate issued by a Regulatory Body of other country.
(iii) The professional engineers status shall be check that it is equivalent to BEM’s professional engineer qualifications eligibility.
(iv) The applicant is not entitle to be registered as a Professional Engineer if at any time prior to his
registration there exist any facts or circumstances which would have entitled the Disciplinary Committee to cancel his registration pursuant to section 15 of the Registration of Engineers Act 1967 (Revised 2015).
(v) Summary of practical experience not less than 3 years using company letterhead certified by a PE in same branch of engineering at which the applicant did his practical experience
and;
(vi) has complied with the requirements as determined by the Board.

Basically, what I needed was:
1. My CEng certificate
2. BEM application form Route 3
3. A letter from my University on my teaching experience
4. A letter from industry (in my case TNB) on the consultation work I have done with them (accumulative of 3 years).

It's that simple.

Try it guys!

Aidilfitri 2018

Tad bit too late to wish all of you Selamat Hari Raya, maaf zahir batin!

Raya has been good for us. Of course, with the passing of both my grandparents, at both sides now, things have been different. But I guess this year we managed to cope with it better.

Sigh, so guys.. if you still have your grandparents with you this Raya, please do cherish them as I miss my grandmom so much 😭

Anyway, forgive me for all the wrongdoings guys!

Japan 2018!

I had to fly to Japan due to work the day after election, which to be honest, was the most nervous travelling I’ve had to bear.

Not only I left my whole family behind, but also I left them in a state where everything was uncertain.

But Alhamdulillah everything went well. Well done, Malaysia!! Couldn’t be prouder of us. We changed our government the Malaysian way *cries* I boarded the flight an hour after the sworn in of our beloved Tun M. I didn’t leave my girls government less. I didn’t leave them in chaos. Alhamdulillah, all praise to the Almighty. I was full of emotion on that day, I guess all Malaysians were.

I first arrived at Narita Airport 5am on Friday and went straight to Tsukuba, 2 hours journey by bus. We stayed in Okubura Frontier Hotel, dropped our luggage and started work straight away. Arrived to the hotel at about 9pm (lebih 24 jam tak mandi, so uncomfortable). Had a shower and did a bit of walking near our hotel. Wrapped my Day 1.

Day 2, we went to Tokyo University for a training. After training, we headed to Disneylandd!!! It was a happy place, I missed the girls too much there. I knew at that instant that I just have to bring them at least once, while they are still small.

Had our dinner at Ameyoko street famous kebab stall. Was greeted by the seller who asked me where I was from. The moment I said Malaysia, he beamed and genuinely shouted, “Congratulations Malaysia!!” In reference of our GE 3 days back. Couldn’t be prouder!! For a while, it seems like the whole world is with us.

Day 3, no training. I started the day early with a free market next to the hotel. And it was precious you guyssss!! Look how easy to please these kids. Just ropes and boxes.

And how they taught their kids to be an entrepeneur. I bought one "Japanese story book" from this one little girl at 20 yen and had my friend translated them for me. This is the highlight of my trip. To see their togetherness, I just melt peeps. I felt warm inside, I don't need my jacket.

Then, we went to Asakusa. Loved the temple and the street with lots of souvenirs. Bought myself a kimono, I have zero idea when to use it. But it made me happy and at the rate where I have been working and travelling for work this year (since February, I traveled every other week), I deserve this.

Then, we went to Shibuya crossing but it was raining heavily.

My friends continued to Odaiba and Akihabara, which both places I have been to during my last visit. So, I enjoyed my solo travelling back to Kenkyu Gakuen (the place I stayed during my last visit), specifically to shop for Uniqlo and Daiso since I need to do a bit of shopping for my beloved as I would go back earlier than them.

Day 4, back to training. Shopped a bit after training.

Day 5, headed home and got ready for Ramadhan the next day. But I am so blessed to have the experience of their free market. To witness just a piece of an experience on how they spent time with their kids on weekend. Next time, I'm gonna visit you Mount Fuji, in shaa Allah.

Cambodia with my two toddlers!

I have always wanted to go to Cambodia. But lots of people told me to wait until the kids get older as a lot of walking needs to be done over there. 2018 come, and I'm done with waiting. I have always wanted to go to Cambodia since Tomb Raider game was a big hit back when I was 13.

This trip to Cambodia, particularly Siem Reap was a little special for both Love and I because it is our 10th country together. Our dream is always to travel the world. Also, my parents in law came along and I have always loved travelling with my family. It makes it more meaningful.

Siem Reap's main currency is USD and the plug is the same as us, so don't need a converter.

Upon arrival in Siem Reap, I booked a chauffeur to drive us around for the whole journey. The rate differs day by day according to where you planned to go. But on average, a van would cost us around 35 USD a day.

The moment I stepped in, I have this unfamiliar feeling, ones that I didn't expect. I have been to lots of countries in South East Asia, hence I expected Cambodia to be just like its neighboring countries, Thailand and Vietnam. But no. I feel safe here and the people is so sincere. The moment I arrived at the airport, the toilet is clean with water and all, I know it's gonna be a good trip.

The first day, we went straight to ticket counter of Angkor complex. Price per adult for one day pass in Angkor Park is USD 37, free for children below 12. If you purchase the ticket at 5pm onwards, ticket will be valid for the next day. Which means you can watch the sunset for free on the same evening!! Be careful with your ticket though, not to fold it and make sure you bring it the whole time in Angkor Park, as you will be charged USD 100 if you lose it.

Angkor Archaeological Park is listed in UNESCO World Heritage list and it includes multiple temples inside, among them are the Angkor Wat itself, Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple and other magnificent remains from the 9th to 15th century.

Right after we purchased our ticket for the next day, we went to Angkor Wat to watch the sunrise. It was breathtaking, I feel like in a different world, I almost cried.

We started the day early the next day as we planned to see the sunrise at 5am but it was raining, hence we arrived in Angkor Park slightly later at 7am. The weather was Alhamdulillah perfect, cloudy, windy throughout with no rain.

We first went to Ta Prohm aka Tomb Raider’s temple. It was a long serene walk to the temple, the sounds of bird chirping and some faint sound of music, the smell of woods and the greenery around me, one of the beautiful relaxing walks I've walked and I will forever treasure.

We went to Bayon temple, named after Banyan tree where Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment.

Dropped by at Phnom Bakheng temple and later to Elephant Terrace. Terrace of the Elephants is part of the walled city of Angkor Thom, carved with garudas, lions and of course lots of elephants.

Left the kids with my in laws in the van and both Love and I spent an hour just the two of us enjoying the beauty of Angkor Wat.

That night, we went to Art Centre Night Market and Pub Street which was next to our hotel for souvenirs hunting.

Then the next day, we strolled along Siem Reap, dropped by at the market and Hard Rock Cafe. But nothing could come close to our experience in Angkor Park.

My kids had fun, running around happily, safely. Enjoying the beauty and learned the art of photography. Long walks didn't affect them as they enjoyed it too much, they didn't even bother with the stroller after a while.

To sum it up, for me.. Siem Reap/Cambodia is the best SEA country I've been and easily made it to my top 3 favourite country list. Tak puas, I wanna go there again.