My Note 2 suddenly went kaput :(
That one fine morning, I woke up, recited Quran using my Note 2 and after I was done, the phone became really really hot at the screen near the speaker area. I turned off to let it cool down, then I did not manage to turn it on again.
Motherboard gone, after nearly 4 years. Not bad at all.
At the second year, after OS update, it went crazy until I reformat, which made me swore to not using Android anymore.
At the third year, I lived with that annoying crack screen which affected my front camera, no more selfie.
Before it went kaput, it did not give me any problem at all. So, I contemplated to stay with Samsung or to change.
But, I always believe, the signs are given to me in many ways. My phone went kaput 3 days before iphone SE was released in Malaysia. What better signs do I need. I've always wanted an iphone, but chose Note 2 because of the Stylus previously. I'm done with Stylus.
So, on the 13th May, say hello to my new phone, after queuing up early in the morning at Machines, I got one in my favourite colour, rose gold. Then, I saw SE in Gold, I think it looks nicer (T_T)
Sunday, May 29, 2016
Monday, May 23, 2016
Siblings love
I have always wanted a sister back then.
Somebody I can talk to, share stuff with, trust wholeheartedly.
I have two brothers instead; one 5 years younger, the other 7 years younger. Age gap, too far apart.
When I was blessed with two little girls, 3 years age different, I have always envied what they have.
An older sister whom always aware that whatever she does will be mimicked back, so she needs to behave.
A younger sister who looks upon so highly of the older sister that her second word she pronounced after "Bu" was "Kak". Always need to catch up with her older sister, so she needs to behave as well.
Recently, I have witnessed the dark sides of having a sister. And trying very hard to get the playback out of my system.
But, in every big event occurring in my life, it comes with a bigger lesson in it.
Siblings love.
That is what I need to teach my daughters from now on. That is my amanah.
Ya Allah, permudahkanlah.
Somebody I can talk to, share stuff with, trust wholeheartedly.
I have two brothers instead; one 5 years younger, the other 7 years younger. Age gap, too far apart.
When I was blessed with two little girls, 3 years age different, I have always envied what they have.
An older sister whom always aware that whatever she does will be mimicked back, so she needs to behave.
A younger sister who looks upon so highly of the older sister that her second word she pronounced after "Bu" was "Kak". Always need to catch up with her older sister, so she needs to behave as well.
Recently, I have witnessed the dark sides of having a sister. And trying very hard to get the playback out of my system.
But, in every big event occurring in my life, it comes with a bigger lesson in it.
Siblings love.
That is what I need to teach my daughters from now on. That is my amanah.
Ya Allah, permudahkanlah.
Monday, May 9, 2016
That 13 things by Tech Insider
I came across this article online: Science says parents of successful kids have these 13 things in common
I somehow found this very interesting as it is not generalizing as what most parenting articles did. So, I thought of sharing point number 1, 8, 9, 10, 12 and 13.
1. They make their kids do chores.
8. They're less stressed.
9. They value effort over avoiding failure.
10. The moms work.
12: They are 'authoritative' rather than 'authoritarian' or 'permissive.'
13: They teach 'grit.'
Actually, they are all inter related, I must say. Well, at least for me.
Here was my cycle back in Khaira's early days.
I am, as you know a working mom (Point 10). I did everything for my little girl, including literally feed her, put her clothes on, cleaning up her toys (Point 1). What did I become? A little bit stressed at the end of the day (Point 8). The reason I did that was because I didn't like the mess. The mess from her food when she ate by herself and her toys were not organized as what I wanted it to be (Point 9). And I became too tired to scold her (Point 12), so what did I achieve? A short term goal everytime (Point 13).
There I summed it all.
But it wasn't long until I have that wake up call.
Once we sent her to kindy at 3y2m, I learned my lesson the hardest way. She refused to eat on her own, didn't know how to clean herself after peeing, to conclude: she hated kindy, I hated sending her to kindy. Such evil cycle.
So, I slowly changed. And hoping to change further. Kaizen, continuous improvement,
I am still, as you know a working mom (Point 10). Hopefully, I will forever make full use of the short time I have with my daughters at the end of the day.
Now, I let my girls be independent. I let Aisha wore her own clothes now, fed herself most of the time, put her toys back in the box. (Point 1). I observed by doing so, the girls have better psychomotor skills.
The mess? Yeah, it is still causing me stress at times especially when PMS. I am still looking for ways to overcome this. (Point 8).
But perhaps (Point 9) could be my motivation. Valuing effort over failure, I must reallllllyyyyy try that. This morning I read a friend's sharing in Facebook which really hits me. She asked her 5yo son to clean the floor. The result? Very messy with water everywhere. If it was me, sudahku jadi singa betina. But, she acknowledged the effort, taught her son the right way to do it and gave him the same chores the next week and the following week and the following until her son became an expert in cleaning the floor. I must think of the 'grit'; the long term value (Point 13). Bersenang-senang kemudian.
To make her better, I guess, I must be more authoritative; in a good way. (Point 12) By understanding them, and direct them in a way they can listen. Must have Point 7 then: develop a relationship with their kids.
So many things to learn.
By the way, Point number 3 is that "They have high expectations." Guess it reminded me of who?
Yeah, both my parents. I have said so many times before not to be like that.
Now, I am considering.
I somehow found this very interesting as it is not generalizing as what most parenting articles did. So, I thought of sharing point number 1, 8, 9, 10, 12 and 13.
1. They make their kids do chores.
8. They're less stressed.
9. They value effort over avoiding failure.
10. The moms work.
12: They are 'authoritative' rather than 'authoritarian' or 'permissive.'
13: They teach 'grit.'
Actually, they are all inter related, I must say. Well, at least for me.
Here was my cycle back in Khaira's early days.
I am, as you know a working mom (Point 10). I did everything for my little girl, including literally feed her, put her clothes on, cleaning up her toys (Point 1). What did I become? A little bit stressed at the end of the day (Point 8). The reason I did that was because I didn't like the mess. The mess from her food when she ate by herself and her toys were not organized as what I wanted it to be (Point 9). And I became too tired to scold her (Point 12), so what did I achieve? A short term goal everytime (Point 13).
There I summed it all.
But it wasn't long until I have that wake up call.
Once we sent her to kindy at 3y2m, I learned my lesson the hardest way. She refused to eat on her own, didn't know how to clean herself after peeing, to conclude: she hated kindy, I hated sending her to kindy. Such evil cycle.
So, I slowly changed. And hoping to change further. Kaizen, continuous improvement,
I am still, as you know a working mom (Point 10). Hopefully, I will forever make full use of the short time I have with my daughters at the end of the day.
Now, I let my girls be independent. I let Aisha wore her own clothes now, fed herself most of the time, put her toys back in the box. (Point 1). I observed by doing so, the girls have better psychomotor skills.
The mess? Yeah, it is still causing me stress at times especially when PMS. I am still looking for ways to overcome this. (Point 8).
But perhaps (Point 9) could be my motivation. Valuing effort over failure, I must reallllllyyyyy try that. This morning I read a friend's sharing in Facebook which really hits me. She asked her 5yo son to clean the floor. The result? Very messy with water everywhere. If it was me, sudahku jadi singa betina. But, she acknowledged the effort, taught her son the right way to do it and gave him the same chores the next week and the following week and the following until her son became an expert in cleaning the floor. I must think of the 'grit'; the long term value (Point 13). Bersenang-senang kemudian.
To make her better, I guess, I must be more authoritative; in a good way. (Point 12) By understanding them, and direct them in a way they can listen. Must have Point 7 then: develop a relationship with their kids.
So many things to learn.
By the way, Point number 3 is that "They have high expectations." Guess it reminded me of who?
Yeah, both my parents. I have said so many times before not to be like that.
Now, I am considering.
K's sports day
Khaira's sports day fell on the same day as Mother's day this year. So did Persatuan Penduduk's meeting, lucky parents and I stay in the same taman, so Dad went on behalf of all of us.
Mom, parents in law and both my brothers were there for Khaira's Sports Day. She had so much fun! I couldn't be more thankful for the support she received from her loved ones.
Enjoy the photos! Not in blogging mode right now as dozens of works waiting back in the office.
Happy mothers day, lovelies!
We don't normally celebrate Mother's day, but this year Love bought mom and me telekung from Siti Khadijah. Wheeeeee!! :)
Mom, parents in law and both my brothers were there for Khaira's Sports Day. She had so much fun! I couldn't be more thankful for the support she received from her loved ones.
Enjoy the photos! Not in blogging mode right now as dozens of works waiting back in the office.
 |
| She was surprised Jojo from Didi and Friends made a special appearance, so the kids went crayyy zyyy!! |
 |
| With her biggest supporter |
 |
| One blessed lady :) |
Happy mothers day, lovelies!
We don't normally celebrate Mother's day, but this year Love bought mom and me telekung from Siti Khadijah. Wheeeeee!! :)
Tuesday, April 26, 2016
Oh my Aisha!
Last night, we were all on the bed ready to sleep when Aisha decided to hop down the bed cheekily.
I was tired by then and started to scold her.
She then took Khaira's telekung and sejadah, rukuk and sujud, then went up to the bed again. An act that she usually did with Love before they went to sleep, only that day, Love had performed his prayer earlier.
What a view. :)
In a mean time, enjoy Aisha's videos which I played again and again in my phone for weeks!
I was tired by then and started to scold her.
She then took Khaira's telekung and sejadah, rukuk and sujud, then went up to the bed again. An act that she usually did with Love before they went to sleep, only that day, Love had performed his prayer earlier.
What a view. :)
In a mean time, enjoy Aisha's videos which I played again and again in my phone for weeks!
Monday, April 25, 2016
What a kid's painting tells us..
Khaira was so into drawing and painting these days. A trait, which unfortunately skipped a generation. Dad was really good at this artsy stuff.
So, my Dad was ecstatic with Khaira's fond in painting and drawing that he bought so many water colours, painting board, brushes, etc for her.
Each day, Khaira got better in drawing. One drawing that I fall in love with is me at work, teaching. I framed it.
Most of the times, its just funny drawing as this..
I did not give it a second look when she first showed me.
But, the next morning, it hit me..
This picture is about her loss.
That week, a day after another, she lost something precious to her.
On Friday, her class teacher moved to a different kindy. Her name was Teacher Ezzah (She spelled it Iza), hence the girl with the letter 'iza' on top.
On Saturday, she woke up to feed her fish to discover her Flowerhorn was dead in the aquarium. Hence, the dead fish in the aquarium.
I did not talk about the drawing with her, neither did she. The following days, her mood was cranky. But we pampered her as we realized from her drawing that the two losses impacted her more than we thought.
The picture of the dead fish in an aquarium appeared in many of her drawings after that, it broke both our hearts to even capture the photo of them.
A few days after that, she was cranky as usual, got scolded just a bit by my parents, but she cried so bad, that I got up to her and hugged her, said to her, "It's no big deal, why are you crying so badly?" I consoled her, probing slowly.
"Khaira rindu Teacher Ezzah," and she broke into tears, finally. "Khaira nak jumpa Teacher Ezzah," she said.
Finally, something at first she couldn't express in words.
After she talked to me about it, her mood was as usual again.
But the incident hits me that children tell us stories in so many ways. In her drawings, in her lego bricks, in her paintings, in her moods. Simply because, they are not yet able to express it in words. And, we just need to look closely to listen to them, to connect to them.
Khaira, Aisha, I hope you know that I am always here should you need to tell me anything at all. I won't push you to tell, I might probe you a bit should you need that encouragement, but do know that I am always always here, ever ready to hear what you are going to throw at me.
Much love XXX.
So, my Dad was ecstatic with Khaira's fond in painting and drawing that he bought so many water colours, painting board, brushes, etc for her.
Each day, Khaira got better in drawing. One drawing that I fall in love with is me at work, teaching. I framed it.
 |
| A drawing of my 4yo |
Most of the times, its just funny drawing as this..
I did not give it a second look when she first showed me.
But, the next morning, it hit me..
This picture is about her loss.
That week, a day after another, she lost something precious to her.
On Friday, her class teacher moved to a different kindy. Her name was Teacher Ezzah (She spelled it Iza), hence the girl with the letter 'iza' on top.
On Saturday, she woke up to feed her fish to discover her Flowerhorn was dead in the aquarium. Hence, the dead fish in the aquarium.
I did not talk about the drawing with her, neither did she. The following days, her mood was cranky. But we pampered her as we realized from her drawing that the two losses impacted her more than we thought.
The picture of the dead fish in an aquarium appeared in many of her drawings after that, it broke both our hearts to even capture the photo of them.
A few days after that, she was cranky as usual, got scolded just a bit by my parents, but she cried so bad, that I got up to her and hugged her, said to her, "It's no big deal, why are you crying so badly?" I consoled her, probing slowly.
"Khaira rindu Teacher Ezzah," and she broke into tears, finally. "Khaira nak jumpa Teacher Ezzah," she said.
Finally, something at first she couldn't express in words.
After she talked to me about it, her mood was as usual again.
But the incident hits me that children tell us stories in so many ways. In her drawings, in her lego bricks, in her paintings, in her moods. Simply because, they are not yet able to express it in words. And, we just need to look closely to listen to them, to connect to them.
Khaira, Aisha, I hope you know that I am always here should you need to tell me anything at all. I won't push you to tell, I might probe you a bit should you need that encouragement, but do know that I am always always here, ever ready to hear what you are going to throw at me.
Much love XXX.
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Kuching!!!
Kuching trip officially marked as the 14th states in Malaysia I have visited, woot!! 5 days in Kuching for work/holiday had been exhausting but fun fun fun!
Day 1
Arrived at Kuching International airport around 12 noon, rented an Innova for all 8 of us (6 adults and 2 kids) and took 1.5 hour drive to Sarawak Cultural Village.
Entrance fee:
Adult - RM60
Kids - RM30
Was starving the moment we arrived, so had our lunch at Restaurant Budaya Sarawak, with all the traditional food, highly recommended!! So delicious with free wifi some more.
Sarawak Cultural Village was so so fun for us. It is like Sarawak's version of Taman Mini Malaysia, only better. We went to the long house, Melanau's house, etc.
You could also by souvenirs here.
Their traditional bridge, so much fun for the girls.
A very peaceful lake in the middle.
And if you walk until the end of the village, you will discover an isolated small waterfall. Water was so refreshing and it was just us, we had sooo much fun!
Everyday at 11am and 4pm, they have a show in the theater. Please try not to miss this, because it is one of the best, if not the best show I have ever experienced. Look at my brave little girl went on stage to dance with the dancers!
We checked in at Merdeka Palace Apartment, a very decent 3 bedroom apartment that cost us RM350 per night via Agoda, sooo worth it!
Later that night, we went to Top Spot for our dinner, had luxurious and omg so affordable dinner, half the price in Semenanjung. Ayam goreng Nestum so yummy! Sorry no picture, because it is a seafood restaurant with alive lobsters and crabs and fishes and the kids would all the time want to look at all of that. Tiring!
And we wrapped our Day 1. I love Kuching already :)
Day 2
Woke up super early and and an hour journey to Mt. Santubong for a sunrise. View was beautiful along the way, we met an old man jogging with Sumpit, so so Borneo!
Back to Kuching for our breakfast at Kopi O Corner, which is well known for their Mee Kolok and Laksa Sarawak. Mee Kolok best sangatttt!! And had my teh sibeng, yums!
After breakfast, we went to Kubah Ria Sunday Market. Kubah Ria is a wet market with fresh fruits and veges, some you couldn't find in Semenanjung. But on Sunday, the locals gather to sell various things including their traditional crafts.
Headed back to the hotel, freshen up and went to the famous Kuching Waterfront. This 50 cents boat, I love!
Had lunch at the foodcourt opposite the forefront (need to cross the river), I had my yummilicious dried mee kolok.
Then, walked further up to buy our ikan terubok masin (soooo cheap btw) and kek lapis Sarawak.
I had a meeting that evening, so my loved ones proceed to Damai Beach where the girls played sands for three hours!! Balik, terus tanned (T_T).
At night, we strolled along the forefront, had our dinner at Ara Ikan Terubok by the side of the river. Weather was nice, view was beautiful, food was.. omg superb!! My Nasi Goreng with seekor ikan terubok = RM5. Crayyyy zyyyy!!!
Before we headed back to the hotel, we took our compulsory Kuching shot here :)
Day 3
I woke up early as my conference started that day. I was the Secretariat Chair and was busy running the show.
My loved ones had fun at the padang opposite our hotel and had the best rojak in Kuching, before all the boys headed back to Seri Kembangan including Love, his leave was shorten and hence we need to rearrange back all our flight schedules.
MIL arrived from KL that evening, leaving just us girls; Mom, MIL, the girls and me.
That night, we had a dinner at Hilton. It was a fun one :) Food was good and show was superb!
Day 4
Work some more while both moms and both girls went to Sarawak museum, 5 minutes walk from our hotel. Entry was FOC, and they had the best meehun soup opposite the museum.
I picked them up for lunch and again, went to Kopi O Corner. Then, headed to Kubah Ria, mak-mak loved the market.
After lunch, I headed back to Hilton for my conference. Arrived back in my hotel in the evening to bring Khaira swimming. Aisha was sleeping peacefully back in the hotel.
In the evening, we strolled along Waterfront and had a nice dinner.
Day 5
The end of my conference. Alhamdulillah, all went well. Packed our stuff so that the courier could pick them up later.
Then, headed to our hotel to check out, dropped by Fort Margherita and headed home.
Kuching, both the holiday and the conference were fun. Tak puas. Would like to go to Kuching again, next time.. to Bako National Park when the girls are big enough, in shaa Allah.
Next trip?
I just booked a flight to Brunei!!! What can I say, I love Borneo too much!
Day 1
Arrived at Kuching International airport around 12 noon, rented an Innova for all 8 of us (6 adults and 2 kids) and took 1.5 hour drive to Sarawak Cultural Village.
Entrance fee:
Adult - RM60
Kids - RM30
Was starving the moment we arrived, so had our lunch at Restaurant Budaya Sarawak, with all the traditional food, highly recommended!! So delicious with free wifi some more.
Sarawak Cultural Village was so so fun for us. It is like Sarawak's version of Taman Mini Malaysia, only better. We went to the long house, Melanau's house, etc.
You could also by souvenirs here.
Their traditional bridge, so much fun for the girls.
A very peaceful lake in the middle.
And if you walk until the end of the village, you will discover an isolated small waterfall. Water was so refreshing and it was just us, we had sooo much fun!
Everyday at 11am and 4pm, they have a show in the theater. Please try not to miss this, because it is one of the best, if not the best show I have ever experienced. Look at my brave little girl went on stage to dance with the dancers!
We checked in at Merdeka Palace Apartment, a very decent 3 bedroom apartment that cost us RM350 per night via Agoda, sooo worth it!
Later that night, we went to Top Spot for our dinner, had luxurious and omg so affordable dinner, half the price in Semenanjung. Ayam goreng Nestum so yummy! Sorry no picture, because it is a seafood restaurant with alive lobsters and crabs and fishes and the kids would all the time want to look at all of that. Tiring!
And we wrapped our Day 1. I love Kuching already :)
Day 2
Woke up super early and and an hour journey to Mt. Santubong for a sunrise. View was beautiful along the way, we met an old man jogging with Sumpit, so so Borneo!
Back to Kuching for our breakfast at Kopi O Corner, which is well known for their Mee Kolok and Laksa Sarawak. Mee Kolok best sangatttt!! And had my teh sibeng, yums!
After breakfast, we went to Kubah Ria Sunday Market. Kubah Ria is a wet market with fresh fruits and veges, some you couldn't find in Semenanjung. But on Sunday, the locals gather to sell various things including their traditional crafts.
Headed back to the hotel, freshen up and went to the famous Kuching Waterfront. This 50 cents boat, I love!
Had lunch at the foodcourt opposite the forefront (need to cross the river), I had my yummilicious dried mee kolok.
Then, walked further up to buy our ikan terubok masin (soooo cheap btw) and kek lapis Sarawak.
I had a meeting that evening, so my loved ones proceed to Damai Beach where the girls played sands for three hours!! Balik, terus tanned (T_T).
At night, we strolled along the forefront, had our dinner at Ara Ikan Terubok by the side of the river. Weather was nice, view was beautiful, food was.. omg superb!! My Nasi Goreng with seekor ikan terubok = RM5. Crayyyy zyyyy!!!
Before we headed back to the hotel, we took our compulsory Kuching shot here :)
Day 3
I woke up early as my conference started that day. I was the Secretariat Chair and was busy running the show.
My loved ones had fun at the padang opposite our hotel and had the best rojak in Kuching, before all the boys headed back to Seri Kembangan including Love, his leave was shorten and hence we need to rearrange back all our flight schedules.
MIL arrived from KL that evening, leaving just us girls; Mom, MIL, the girls and me.
Day 4
Work some more while both moms and both girls went to Sarawak museum, 5 minutes walk from our hotel. Entry was FOC, and they had the best meehun soup opposite the museum.
I picked them up for lunch and again, went to Kopi O Corner. Then, headed to Kubah Ria, mak-mak loved the market.
After lunch, I headed back to Hilton for my conference. Arrived back in my hotel in the evening to bring Khaira swimming. Aisha was sleeping peacefully back in the hotel.
In the evening, we strolled along Waterfront and had a nice dinner.
Day 5
The end of my conference. Alhamdulillah, all went well. Packed our stuff so that the courier could pick them up later.
Then, headed to our hotel to check out, dropped by Fort Margherita and headed home.
Kuching, both the holiday and the conference were fun. Tak puas. Would like to go to Kuching again, next time.. to Bako National Park when the girls are big enough, in shaa Allah.
Next trip?
I just booked a flight to Brunei!!! What can I say, I love Borneo too much!
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