From Primary School to University, One Long Journey with Insanely Innumerable Photos (So, You were Warned)!

December 29, 2010. 3 days before 2011. Less, actually.

A perfect time for reminiscence. At least, to me - the blogger who claims to document her significant moments here, yet, were doing so scarcely. My repentance is in the form of reminiscence, yes.

Ones of the things I treasure along the year are the times I spent with chums.
Presenting photos of my chums and I that never made it here (because of my procrastination, and at times, slow Internet):


Primary school chum

Khalish, and somehow, the man behind Zarul and I (the one in checkered shirt), seemed to be amused with our expressions while conversing with each other. 

Zarul! Of SKBTR(2) days. Similar classes, similar interests at school (and I vividly remember our participation in a sayembara deklamasi puisi which was eventually won by Ungku Intan Sarafina, now a songster), and similar chirpiness, as obviously shown in the photo above. We eventually met again, thanks to his invitation to his family's open house during the recent Aidilfitri. If I could be there later (which I could not because of other events in the late afternoon), I could have met other primary school chums, too. How I'd love to catch up with them, over a long meal, one fine day.

Zarul, once I find a reliable nanny for my son, I would love to photograph your talent and skill in the kitchen! Again, thank you for the invitation to the open house; it was nice to feel the familiarity of Bandar Tun Razak.


High School Chums

The siakap (asian sea bass) was a hit. So were the sea coconut drink and iced chocolate. Not to mention our latest updates.

The only photos of the SSP chums that I did not post here. It must be the slow Internet.

The dinner started with a text massage by Nana. Fathin had moved to the vicinity (of Bandar Baru Bangi, Seri Serdang, and Seri Kembangan), and those who have been there longer would like to welcome her. She happened to move to the place Kamal and I stayed at while waiting for our current house to be completed, so, I volunteered to fetch her.

I was entering a new phase then - husband's new career, our major decisions - and was I relieved to have those listening ears and their simply fun vibes. The dinner at Village View must be re-lived, chums! A new restaurant?


University Chums

When I went to Zarul's open house, I crossed my fingers that I'd meet other 1988-1993 chums although I knew it was too early. Surprise, surprise, I did meet one chum. Not from the primary school years, but from university years. Hello, TESL senior!

Khalish threw a tantrum because he wanted to be in the car pronto. At least, his antics induced much laughter.  Ha ha!

A confession: Another TESL chum, whom I was close to, speculated that the tomboy Chech had a crush on that particular senior. My fault. I was a fan of his proficiency in the languages he decided to master. Then, there was his persona when he spoke - the knowledge, particularly. Farizal, I am still your big fan; never a crush though. Heh.

Then, there are multiple series of photos with the TESLirious circle, of course. Multiple series, you read that right. You were warned about the insanely innumerable photos I was going to post here, weren't you? These photos are dear to me, as well as the beautiful moments.

Series 1: Madir, Mas, and Mirza in Bandar Baru Bangi!
They were nearby my place, and, there and then, they decided to drop by. How I welcomed that! My only concern was the lack of F&B to serve to my dear, dear chums from UTM days. Mas, my coursemate, my housemate, and at times, my roommate (as I crashed her room; heh); and Madir, the witty senior at Kelab Kaunseling & Kerjaya UTM. The three of us ended up feasting on fish chips from Kelantan.

Tolong jangan serik datang lagi, ya.

Khalish was excited about Mirza's visit, but, because of minimal experience with peers his age, he only offered his toy to a new friend from afar. Mirza, meanwhile, was one cool baby. 

Smiles and coos, a lot of them.

Oh, those cheeks! I love the eyes and the chin, too. Oh, I love him wholly!

A pose first, then, a cry for Aunt Chech to stop being an auntyrazzi. 

Khalish, still shy, and Mirza, always amused.

Madir & Mirza.

Series 2: Alariece in Kuala Lumpur
I was confident that I would be free to join another TESLirious chum from Sarawak, Alariece, for one day in KL that I made a promising statement in Facebook. Only to break it a day before the set date. How sad I was to hear her frustrated voice over the telephone as I told her about a work commitment with my husband; I did miss the exuberant Alariece! The sadness must have been all over my face afterwards that Kamal decided to cancel my participation in that particular appointment.

Eventually, Alariece and I met! We chatted and laughed and chatted and laughed over lunch (for me) and cocktail (for her) at The Apartment. We walked around KLCC afterwards for a fun photo shoot. Let us do such outing again in Sarawak one fine day.

It was 3 p.m. After-lunch cocktail for Alariece.

A late lunch for me who had just finished training session at the gym then.
Alariece and I befriended a waiter from Senegal, who was also a student at a local university.  My chum is very amiable.

Scorching hot - the weather and the model.

Spontaneous photo shoot around KLCC. We were a rock-and-roll duo, definitely.

Series 3: Outings and House Visits!
It started with the birth of Zura's bundle of joy. Then, an Aidilfitri open house and birthday
do at Tiqa's place. It was followed by a lunch session at Zura's place two weeks later. The children surely had as much fun as the mothers/aunts.

Let me begine with The TESLirious and Ellery Zulaykha story, and continue with the other series in new posts, because there was Khalish as special feature! Oh, well, I exaggerated; the other series need to be featured in new posts because I am sure you are tired of scrolling (for the photos, not for the words, I know, I know) by now. Cheers!

Di, Mas (with Madir & Mirza), Tiqa (with Inas), and I decided to visit the newest addition to our family (that was Ellery) together. First, lunch and gift-hunt in KLCC, then Zura's parents' place (where Zura spent her confinement period).

Us, at California Pizza Kitchen, KLCC.

At Zura's parents' place. Zura's mom charmed all the babies there with her voice and smiles. She did charm us, too, with her hospitality. Thank you for having us.

Chatterboxes and curious babies blend well, surprise, surprise!

Sorry, Ellery. The aunts were born cheeky. 

Mas charmed Ellery, too! Also admiring was Mirza. Cute.

The babies also love being in Di's arms.

Look at Inas and Mirza, trying to sabotage Ellery's rest (just like we did; oh, no!), and look at the adults, simply blissed in each other's presence.

Welcome to the world, Ellery. Welcome to motherhood, Zura.

This is one extremely long journey of the intended-to-be published photos and the stories behind them. I treasure each one of the details, never the less. I look forward to a more meaningful 2011. Before that, more photos and stories in the upcoming posts.

You are Warned!

Soon, I will post innumerable photos at Chech: Eccentric. Insanely innumerable. Don't say you were not warned :).

Congratulations, Nini!

At the time I am posting this piece, my high school chum who also went to the same university later, Nini, must be occupied with the last preparation for the akad nikah, to be held within two hours. Congratulations, Nini! I wish I could be at Sungai Buloh earlier; too bad I have to attend to other commitments in the morning.

So, here am I, cherishing photos during your bridal shower. A simple potluck do (as always, because that is how we are) full of laughter:

The sinful, sumptuous cake from blissfulsweetness oven.  Recipe from Tuty.

Us, at tea time. Eventually, the cake! This was followed by more merriment as we reminisced the never-reminisced memories back at school.

Lat, the previous pengantin baru, and, Ainul & Khalis, the gracious hosts.

The foods, always glorious foods. Most memorable: ayam pandai!

Khalish.

Khalis.

See you this afternoon, Nini! See you, too, chums!

*Happy 34th anniversary, Ayah & Mak! 

Float

A book reached the mailbox two days ago. It offers better perspective of the existing scene, literally. Thank you, Tok Ayah, for the enlightenment. Thank you, Ayah Soh, for the advices. Thank you, Kamal, for the knowledge.

Towards more meaningful existence in this life.

Simple Pleasures II

Go light and easy now, and be happier tomorrow by:

+ being awake before Kamal and Khalish;
+ enjoying the house chores; they are good exercise routines;
+ preparing sumptuous breakfast smoothie for the three of us at home; and
+ appreciating Khalish's presence at home before he attends play school and I return to work/class.

To be honest, I was a case of manic panic today. A blizzard.
Totally under the weather. What a waste.
Ah, at least, I did not succumb to comfort food.

Yes, I am better, thank you. Particularly you, Kamal.

:)

Aware

Last week, I successfully underwent a healthy diet challenge that consisted of foods and beverages with no salt, no oil, no white sugar, and no simple carbohydrates. It was merely for four days, compared to Kamal's seven days. A good start, nevertheless, considering that I was stressed over 'life' choices (and whenever I was stressful, I sought for comfort in lots of chocolate, and dark chocolate was not easy to find around my place). I also found time to do cardio exercises.

I felt good. 

I was out of clothes for a long stay in Rembau that I resorted to digging my pre-wedding wardrobe. Alhamdulillah, one old yet seemingly new shirt discovered, and it fit me perfectly. It was only two weeks ago that I tried it, with frustration afterwards when I looked at the result in the mirror. Next mission: pre-wedding pants. When that is a success, the following mission is definitely a totally new wardrobe.

We came back from Rembau yesterday. I did have sugary juice during an outing. I am re-starting the challenge today. Just because I enjoyed the lightness throughout the four days. I actually loathed the after-taste of certain foods on indulgence days. I love it that I could always rely on Herbalife Formula 1 and Formula 3 smoothies for the complete nutritional values. 

I did not take good care of my diet since Aidilfitri, citing the previously blogged dark period. That one week was the peak of the whole iceberg. Sure, there have been lost pieces of my-true-self here and there, but, I am picking them up with Kamal and my parents' help. I re-write about the dark period here because I would like to remember the excess kilograms and fat percentage that I was determined to shed, to no avail. 

Thank God for my decision to put Khalish in the grandparents' care for one evening to listen to a health talk by Dr. Louis Ignarro, Nobel Laureate in Medicine (1998). Now, the name 'challenge' is getting easier and easier to my ears. Almost natural by the second week. I pray that this change will be for a lifetime. Of course, one indulgence day a week is also healthy. 

Ah, life is great, great, great. 

Being aware of my physical needs is a way of appreciating life.

Kamal is undergoing a spiritual health challenge. His day two today.

No hatred, anger, worry, and ego. Lots and lots of love, gratitude, prayers, zikr, and reflections. 

I think this is the best way to face certain difficult phases in life. As shared often by Ayah Soh, too.

God, I pray for more awareness. 

A Lame 'I Love Saturday'

I love the previous Saturday, and the weekdays that led to it. 'I shall write more', that is what I write when I really, really, really want to 'write more' within limited time.

See you soon!

The Reality

Oh, no! Despite my posts that often featured my son in hysterical manner, the usual Khalish is not always crabby, no! Ha! Ha! He is usually happy. Most of the time, funny.  

Khalish, 11 months.

Life Puzzle: When Adults Play

Post midnight. I was awakened by a cry, and a memory of how well last night ended. Khalish retired to bed as early as 10:30 p.m., which was earlier than the previous nights. Then, Kamal gave me a massage in between his works and a problematic computer; the oil used has helped to soothe my eczema-prone skin.

"Why the sudden cry, Khalish? Did you have a bad dream?"
"Why still crying Khalish? Aren't my words and embraces soothing enough?"

After five minutes, he cried more hysterically. My mind refused to accept the bad moment; it still lingered at the memory (of how well last night ended). Kamal took my place beside Khalish as I washed my face. Out of the bathroom, I saw a pant-less Khalish, and a big spot further down the bed. Ah, he cried because of the wetness. Kamal noticed and changed Khalish's diaper and pajamas immediately. It puzzled Kamal and I how was the incident possible; his diaper was changed right before bedtime. Our theory: the shake and water he requested and had before the last diaper change pre-midnight. He did not usually drink that much prior to sleep.

Khalish stopped crying all the while that Kamal and I fussed over him and the bed.

He cried again though the moment we switched off the light! The soothing massage that Kamal gave me was now a distant memory. Khalish demanded that I let him out of the room; he wanted to play with his puzzles downstairs. Kamal wanted to succumb to that, yet, I insisted that all of us sleep since it was obviously sleep time, not play time. Khalish became hysterical again. I hugged him. I rocked him in my lap. I hugged and rocked him, despite his adamance to be out of the room (to play), until he fell asleep! I must thank Kamal for the back massage all that while; it soothed my tiredness.

Why a new paragraph then?
You guessed it right.
Khalish cried again as soon as I put him back on the bed.
He remembered his demands.
Out! Downstairs!
Puzzle!

This time around, I succumbed. I let him out. Kamal volunteered to guide him downstairs. Minutes later, I heard their laughter from the bedroom. In my head, I joked to my-extremely-tired-self, "Kamal should be the one who takes care of Khalish full time." The house would be in a mess though. Ha.

Next, suddenly, came peace. I was alone. My thoughts took over Kamal and Khalish's voices. Peaceful thoughts that thanked God for a calm husband, that was further thankful for the opportunity for me to experience motherhood, and more opportunities to discover my-true-self along that route. I meditated my way. It felt good. It still feels good.

A while later, Kamal entered the room with a deep-in-sleep Khalish in his hands. He smiled as he told me how Khalish could master the jumbo puzzle by himself, over and over again, with improved record each time. A new puzzle needed. It shall mark a new challenge, another sleepless night. We are fine.

Just for Today (with Eternal Effects!)

Just for today, I am:

+ enjoying life as Aishah the Free Spirit;
+ reading another ten pages of a favourite book (of a favourite series) for its wit;
+ documenting my thoughts in words and doodles in, yes, a pungent paper journal
(oh, the pure joy);
+ visualising Project Home II; and
+ just be me, a rooted me.

Just for tonight, I am also thinking of Back to the Future date with Kamal the Kindred Spirit.

Bedtime Song

Khalish enjoyed an evening of camera, puzzles, yong tau foo, football, YouTube, and even a bedtime bath, with daddy. Thank you, Kamal, for the precious personal time for me (no matter how brief it was) and for being the best of friend I could ever have by topping those with a special shake (simply the best meal of the day). 

With that many activities within a few hours, Khalish was surely spent. Not as spent as Kamal though, who slept earlier than the little boy and I. 

Not wanting to disturb Kamal's sleep with my online activities that involved lots of laughter, I moved to the carpeted area and made myself cosy there. Someone found it inviting. He grabbed a pillow, left the bed, and lay beside me. Quietly, he took my fingers in his and stroked them - a habit I myself developed during early childhood, according to my mother. I smiled at him and continued to read an online parenthood documentation. He smiled and requested for 'Mister Sandman' and 'Masihkah Kau Ingat' (again). As Kopratasa crooned "masihkah kau ingat, ia menjadi mimpi, dan menjadi rindu', his fingers stopped stroking mine - he was already asleep. 

He must have missed me after a whole evening with the daddy, eh? So I'd love to think.

(Now that it is 99% assured that our little family is making the best out of Bangi instead of the initial plan to move to Kelana Jaya/Kota Damansara, I am contemplating a makeover for the house. Minor makeover. Oh, minute indeed. Let me begin with Khalish's own room.)

Too Much, Too Little (of You Know What)

You know how much I love to share photos, and add captions to them.

Then again, you also know how much I simply love to post here, in two (long) sentences. 

These and Those

Those days that I did not write here were filled with events. 

An intervention (yes, as seen on 'How I Met Your Mother').

A talk.

Two weddings.

A masquerade ball.

Then, there were decisions to finalise. Major decisions. I am too mentally drained to even post photos. 

Kuih Bakar Labu

A particular point redemption system has benefitted my kitchen, and more significantly, my baking ability. As soon as the redeemed (basic) conventional oven arrived, I searched for recipes that required its use. I thought of savoury recipes at first, but, I lacked the ingredients. I'd been keeping a pumpkin in my pantry for a week though, wishing to turn it to masak lemak labu, but, lacking daun kunyit. As I stared at the pumpkin, I experienced a eureka moment: kuih bakar labu! It was meant to be perhaps because I found a beginner-friendly recipe at Dapur Tanpa Sempadan (and since then, I have been a regular visitor because the instructions were clear, with delightful photos). If Mat Gebu visits this particular post, I shall apologise for my poor photo (of my kuih bakar labu); the delicacy was baked at night, yet, I did not bother to use the flash gun when I photographed it, thus the shadow.Well, let us resort to labelling it as 'artistic'. 

The sumptuous recipe.

(Despite me being a half-Kelantanese, and my husband being a Kelantanese, we are not big on sugar. Hence reduced (brown) sugar in my version of kuih bakar labu). 

Ten Little Pleasures = One Blessed Soul

A memento from yesterday, these random ten little pleasures, and the elaboration:

1. Bread Pudding Soufflé. A soufflé by accident, actually. The accident that was caused by two accidents. Of course, the accidental soufflé was nothing like any bread pudding soufflé on food and beverage sites or in bakery display windows. Kamal and Khalish loved the taste nevertheless, and that made a happy me. 
2. New springform pan. Thanks to the aforementioned accident, which was first caused by a different springform pan (that happened to be the only baking pan I owned). As Kamal would like to get his hands on a particular detergent, I also asked his favour to get me a new pan, forgetting to specify it to be a non-springform pan. Now, we learned that, i. springform pan is not suitable for liquid mixture, ii. certain ceramic cookwares could be used for conventional oven, and, iii. it is better for the frustrated cook to enjoy lunch first before proceeding with the efforts to save the mess because new ideas might spring with the time consumed to devour ikan singgang, resulting in bread pudding soufflé (my way). As for the new springform pan, which is larger than the old one, I think it is perfect for a cheese cake. One fine day.
3. Work-from-home idea. Kamal decided to stay at home for the most stable Internet connection as compared to the nutrition club (at the moment) because the World Wide Web introduced him to a number of clients (and now friends). One of them had successfully lost the excess 15 kilograms in two months with Herbalife. Meanwhile, back to the work-from-home idea, Khalish and I could kiss our favourite man now and then, and ask for his assistance with the household during lunch hour (refer little pleasure number 2). 
4. Khalish's increasing independence at play time. He tried to pester Kamal and I with questions about a particular more challenging jigsaw puzzle, but, we didn't rush to his side. Instead, we encouraged him with cheers. 15 minutes later, he announced, "you did it!" while pestering us to look at the completed puzzle. (The "you did it!" is a cheer from Matching Zoo application on iPhone). Now, the parents could have our respective personal time.
5. More of Khalish: our shared favourite songs. By 'our', I am referring to 'Khalish and I'. Before completing the puzzle, Khalish would request for songs from my notebook. He has developed a preference, requesting for the title of the song if he loved the melody (or at times, the peculiar lyrics - to him). For now, he loves the simple, light and easy songs I love. C'est Si Bon, Over the Rainbow (by Glee cast), Mister Sandman (both by Pomplamoose and Doug Inkster), We Go Together (of Grease soundtrack), and Imagine. At times, he would sing along (his favourite being C'est Si Bon). To the parents' amusement, he also loved Malay classics, which he himself dubbed as 'lagu Atuk & Wan', such as Pandang Pandang Jeling Jeling and Masihkah Kau Ingat! Yes, with murmured lyrics, here and there.
6. My own light and easy mood. It was not light and easy from the beginning, I admit. The leaked bread pudding mixture and the pungent smell of eggs on the kitchen floor called for mopping. Add Khalish's persistent pestering (that I should join him at play) to that. Plus the sight of Kamal calmly completing online orders amidst my audible frustration and Khalish's rather soprano voice (and not to mention the aforementioned songs, in loop). Came lunch hour, after mopping the kitchen floor, I sat beside Kamal with an oily, forlorn face. He smiled and hugged me. Envying us, Khalish rushed to where we were and joined the embrace, with his funny face (because he might find the situation funny - what with my oily face). All was well afterwards. I decided to take things easy and simply (as you can guess) enjoy the now.
7. A new-found motherhood and photography blog. The blog is not new; I'm the one who came from jurassic years. Why special mention for the already famous blog when there are numerous other blogs that are also worth mentioning for their (respective) uniqueness? I was first intrigued by ranting about how impossibly positive (and to some, too perfect to be true) she was. Of course, those people had the right to rant; after all, they based the ranting on their own experiences. I visited her blog and I think (not in her defence, because she does not need any to begin with) she made it clear that she chose to be positive about her situations. I fell in love with Kelle Hampton's photos and words immediately. 
8. Family dinner. Before yet another online appointment, Kamal managed to have colourful, savoury dinner with Khalish and I. Usually, he would be at the nutrition club in Kelana Jaya or attend to clients elsewhere. Nothing fancy yesterday, just a selection of Kelantanese dishes. Nonetheless, it was precious because we were together, and the tastes reminded us of home, of Ayoh who was ill recently, and, of our parents all in all. Then, there was the fact that Khalish tried his best not to spill the rice with grilled fish and cucumber from the plate and his little grasp (as Malays often enjoy most rice dishes with our hands). Too cute.
9. An early bedtime. At least, for me. Kamal volunteered to help Khalish brush his teeth and change to his pajamas. That gave me more time to indulge in my night time skin care routine. Five minutes after hearing the clamour of Khalish rummaging through his toy boxes, I was greeted by him (with a mini truck in his hand). I tucked him in bed, and, we went to sleep. Or so I thought. 
10. The consequence of early bedtime. Kamal entered the room at 2 a.m.; being a light sleeper, I woke up. Both of us laughed at the sight of Khalish on the bed, with a book splayed open beside him. Ah, I missed the story session, and, the little boy decided to reach for his favourite book and browsed through it by himself until he fell asleep.

I plan to prepare ayam masak kurma tomorrow. Let us pray for an accident-free Friday.

Good Morning, Wonderful Wednesday!

I am obviously chirpy.
To save you from more of my chirps, I am presenting you the source of such chirpiness, in photos:

The breakfast smoothie must have tasted groovy that the son went goofy.
(As for the environmental unfriendly container, it was my fault; I left his container with straw back in kampung.
He preferred his smoothie with straw, yet, it must be in a covered container to prevent spilling.)

Ah, the buck teeth, the jumbo ears! A live cartoon character.
Cereal and soy milk after Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, please, Mommy.

Good morning, wonderful Wednesday!

Apa 'pelat' dalam bahasa Inggeris, ya?

"O for Octopos!" kata Khalish. Oh ya, masih pelat di sana sini.

First, Lego. Then, Truck. Now, Puzzle.

Khalish's third obsession started with these pieces:

Kamal and I bought the jigsaw puzzle at Hong Kong International Airport with the last of our Hong Kong Dollar although Khalish never showed interest in it. He was more interested in its packaging. The next day, back in Malaysia, the three of us hovered over the mixed pieces, with only the parents left to interlock them in the end. The son was happily playing with one of his trucks.

A month later, again he watched Timmy of Timmy Time completing a jigsaw puzzle. Yes, he had watched that episode, but he could only relate to it now that he himself owned a jigsaw puzzle. Khalish did not stay for his favourite Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Instead, he scurried to one of the toy boxes, and the next thing Kamal and I knew, the three of us completed the puzzle (instead of only the two adults). 

A day later, the cycle ensued. Timmy Time. A recollection of Timmy once completed a jigsaw puzzle. A scurry of little feet towards the toy box that contained that jigsaw puzzle. A pester that the parents join him. A frustration when the daddy told the son that the former needed to work (online). Another frustration when yours truly told him that she needed to prepare lunch. A completed puzzle half an hour later! The only change in the cycle was the parents' non-involvement in the completion. 

Gah! That was, of course, the Unnecessary Proud Parents Syndrome talking. I have encountered posts about toddlers exactly his (then 2 years and 3 months old) age completing 100-piece (and more) jigsaw puzzle. Let us not venture to the geniuses. Yes, the Unnecessary Proud Parents Syndrome is just that, unnecessary. Nonetheless, how could I not rejoice in the possibility that I could indulge in more reading and writing, and possibly, drawing, in the middle of full-time mothering, with yet another toy that Khalish could play independently?

When do you think I could write this post? 

Gleeful from such possibility, I got him two more jigsaw puzzles. The first was more of a trial, to determine whether or not Khalish was just memorising the first puzzle. He immediately loved the simplicity, the letters, and the fact that it was doable. Kamal and I loved the thick material (and, definitely, the peace). 

As soon as Khalish was able to complete the second set on his own, Kamal and I introduced him to the third set. No, not the 100-piece jigsaw puzzle. Not yet. We love the peace too much. We guided him through a bigger set though, with way more pieces. 

He reacted with a lot of "ini macam mana, daddy/mommy?" (yes, I somehow passed my bahasa Malaysia with the least short forms to him). Boy, we did miss our 15-minute to half and hour peace, but, the introduction to more challenges was supposed to be a good investment. 

Yesterday, Khalish's grandparents came here to visit him. The little boy was so excited with his new skill (with jigsaw puzzles) that he decided to show them to Atuk and Wan. One puzzle after another. When it came to the more challenging puzzle, he asked for my help. I decided to exploit his excitement by just sitting at the end of the first base that I assisted him to start, and that was it. He did the rest with lots and lots of my encouragement as guidance. 

After all, the parents' previous time investment has paid. Proves of investment:

Who are we kidding? We actually love the jigsaw puzzles as much as he does just because the game reminds us of our childhood. Listening to my parents' childhood stories, they had so much in common. From being fed food made of flour that came from a tin with butterfly print on it when they were very little children, to attending school with a herd of goats that happened to share the open compound. Yet, Kamal and I are 12 years apart; back to our respective childhood, we played a lot of different games, watched different television shows, and loved different songs.

Therefore, we were ecstatic to find out one day that we happened to love encyclopedias that made us two nerds, and we timed ourselves while completing a jigsaw puzzle again and again just because we only owned one respectively within a long period. There.

For now, Kamal and I are enjoying our 15-minute to half an hour peace for individual responsibilities until that time Khalish times himself while completing the jigsaw puzzles again and again.

A Migration

I have the best faith in my potential. It is about progressing forward now. With the best attitude.

Salam Maal Hijrah. 

Tick-a-Tick-a-Tock

The clock stopped to tick as Khalish was asleep, it seemed. I preferred it that way for once.

Yesterday, Kamal and I took the advantage of being awake earlier than the boy to be in front of our respective laptops. An hour later, we heard him exiting the room, making grand entrance towards where we were, via the stairs (yes, he has mastered the safe way to descend the staircase). Both of us looked at his every step. As he approached nearer, the same thought crossed our minds, 'he has grown way taller'! Time for new clothings, again.

The new height (and weight) came with new skills. Innumerable of them, that I had to put a stop to the documentation. I hope that would lessen my obsession over him, too. At least, in Chech: Eccentric.

Now, he is awake and the clock continues to tick, fast! Bye for now; I have a lot to catch up with.

Edited: The documentation that I am putting a stop to is skill by skill update. I am too fond of my son to let go of the label 'Khalish' in Chech: Eccentric.

About Herbalife NouriFusion MultiVitamin Skincare

A meticulous review by Juan Johari from My Views and Reviews on Herbalife NouriFusion MultiVitamin Skincare.

Out of the Blue

One fine day within Khalish's play school trial session, Kamal and I took our time off other commitments, and enjoyed a cosy lunch together. Then, a romantic comedy. Anything for a carefree afternoon. Not, really.

We couldn't help from thinking about our son and he eventually became the main topic of conversation. Ha! How we amused each other with our versions of the little boy's antics. We ended our date with a souvenir for Khalish! A much needed set of desk, chair, and stool. As we talked about him, we realised that he never had a high chair - there was only a booster with a currently missing removable tray. Because of that, he preferred to eat and draw - two activities dear to him - on the floor.

To compensate for the lost time (of us being out and about without him and the non-existence of the rather essential high chair), we stopped by Ikea on the way to the parking lot, and chose the aforementioned set of desk, chair, and stool.

Now, why a post on a mere set of desk, chair, and stool?
Except for the white stool that could match any colour schemes, the rest of the set are in blue - yet our home decor is based on earth colours; brown, green, and red, with a minute infusion of white. Naturally, the blue desk and chair stood out, sorely. Not that Kamal and I were clouded by the romantic comedy, we were simply left with no choice at the children's department. We braved the blue nevertheless because it was important for Khalish to have a personal space he enjoys, and, we will move to a new place within three months, hence a chance to change the decor theme.

Then, there was another reason (for this particular post).

Khalish loved the set of desk, chair, and stool so much that he instantly knew how to make it less sore in the parents' eyes! The next day, I left the kitchen for the living room, to the sight of him, out of the blue, arranging a long-forgotten decoration piece, another friend's lucky draw prize that was passed to Kamal:

A plastic and foam fan in the form of blue pot with red flower petals and green leaves! It had been sitting idle on the shoe cabinet. Now, it is part of the living room, connecting, albeit in a modest manner, the initially sore blue to the basic earth colours. He was even thoughtful enough to choose a blue bowl for his morning snack and a red cup to fill the water. Since then, Kamal and I had a feeling that we would get him a little something now and then during our dates as he truly knows how to appreciate all kinds of gifts. 

Alhamdulillah

I told myself to be awake by six in the morning.
The self listened, and, Alhamdulillah, I was awake exactly at six.
It has been a long while since I made conscious decisions like that.
Never mind how simple it was. As simplicity leads to grandeur.
After prayer, I told myself to do something bigger.
To be more grateful of my beautiful life,
by counting my blessings.
A Path,
a beautiful true-self,
a spiritual - in all senses - husband,
a healthy and happy child,
a loving family who raised my husband and I as we are,
a world of inspiring people all around us,
a prosperity,
an enlightening present, an optimistic future,
and more.
I realised how they are indeed uncountable.
Indeed a grandeur.
The despair I encountered was a great guru, in disguise.
Alhamdulillah, alhamdulillah.

(I told myself to be awake by six in the morning.
The self listened, and, now, I am telling myself to achieve more.)

The Light at the End of the Tunnel I Braved

Allow Me

About yesterday (and the whole week): I was overwhelmed with despair.

No assumptions, please. 

Kamal has been an angel despite his hectic schedule lately. 

Khalish could be an angel despite his tendency to run amok if I were not within his sight.

(He started to be that way after a trial session at a play school - separation anxiety, I suppose).

Our home has been amiable (our way) despite it being Khalish's playground at the moment.

As I titled my previous post, "It's Just Me". 

Being my own psychiatrist, I figured that the despair was rooted from the maid's abrupt self-dismissal albeit our mutual good record, which resulted in more abrupt decisions that involved sacrifices. Too abrupt, too much sacrifices. 

No judgment, please.

Yes, Kamal has been an angel despite his hectic schedule lately. Yet, I miss our time together as I had been his sidekick in Herbalife for more than a year. Working separately at the moment (him with his appointments and me at home), I miss his physical presence - the listening ears and the assuring words et touches, the smile, the humour, and yes, the dates in between or after work. 

Now, by the time he reached home, I would be too tired from Khalish's antics.

About Khalish. Yes, he could be an angel despite his tendency to run amok if I were not within his sight. Yet, he could be exceedingly persistent with the amok, and, I found out that I could be a vulnerable mother. I tried my best to balance between our needs and our wants. I needed more of my personal time and he needed more of my company, so, I devoted my attention to him with physical and creative activities, yet, I encouraged him to be on his own for imaginative play. 

Nonetheless, I noticed that he demanded for my attention all the time after Kamal and I sent him to a play school for a trial session as I would be back at work and then, classes, starting January 2011. When I assured him that he could do certain things by himself now, he would pretend to not to know. When I chose not to succumb to his pretense, he would resort to physical actions. I reacted with reassuring words in firm voice, naturally. 

"Khalish, your hands are for drawing your favourite animals; they are not for hitting". 

"Khalish, your feet are for pedalling the trike; they are not for kicking."

I did tell you how the 2.4 year-old toddler could be exceedingly persistent with the physical actions though. That was when I either raised my voice a notch, or gave him a silent treatment, or created a silent space for him. To our disappointment. He would obey the rules, with heart-wrenching sobs. 

He did enjoy play school. He would cry because of the separation anxiety when he entered the school compound. Back at home, he would sing songs I never taught him, or talked about the teachers and new friends. 

About me. I concluded that I do miss the life when I had the luxury of a good maid. Beat me. Aside from Kamal's physical presence and Khalish's stable emotions, I also missed the unlimited hours for me to be at the nutrition club in Kelana Jaya and enjoy the motivation to live more healthily from my Herbalife friends, to exercise in the energising surrounding of a gymnasium, to appreciate a book over a cup of tea mix, to write my thoughts in a serene manner, to discuss adult topics with my girlfriends, to dine at my own pace, to be awake earlier and able to do more for myself instead of hustling for the household, and to indulge in more of photography. 

It's just me, I warned you.

I was aware of the sacrifices of being a full time stay-at-home mother. I am also aware of the joy. I was not prepared with the manner they knocked on my door though. I was not ready for the despairs they brought with them, too. Too abrupt, yes. I inhaled a lot, but I did not manage to exhale as much. A suffocating eclipse for this otherwise miss sunshine.

I had once been a wife and mother with career and I swear that making a career out of being wholly a wife and mother is way more challenging. My salute to all full-time mothers out there. I am reading your documented experiences to learn more about my new 'career' for the moment.

Shall I start anew with two whole days to myself, to heal and to accept, please?

It's Just Me

No matter how much or hard I tried to treat (or, at times, ignored) this mental fatigue, I couldn't. I'm drained.

Today's Affirmation: Smile, More!

Smiles in Perth. June 7, 2009.

Rest Assured

Yesterday was about rest.

The 2.4-year-old toddler took out all the toys from their boxes? 

Usually, I would help him to put the unused toys back in the boxes, from time to time.

Yesterday, I created toy stations; blocks on the living room carpet, jigsaw puzzle on his desk, trucks on the other living room carpet, and doodle board on the coffee table. Luckily, he knew where to park his trike and wagon. 

The husband was rushing to appointments that he couldn't wash the dishes he previously used?

Usually, I would help him by washing them right away.

Yesterday, I played with my son, read a number of books to him, and watched several television shows with him before eventually deciding to clean the dishes. Kamal was home by then and he volunteered to help. 

The laundry from a recent weekend tripping had filled the basket to the brim?

Usually, I would, yes, wash anything dirty right away.

Yesterday, I decided that it was not as important as my son and my personal time (when the son was taking a nap). 

I would love to eat something special for lunch?

Usually, I would do online search for a beginner-friendly recipe.

Yesterday, I thanked my husband for buying frozen lasagna from a chum the previous day. It was sumptuous that I vowed to write my review in a different post.

The son demanded that you be by his side 24/7?

Usually, I would succumb 24/7 as I treasure our time together.

Yesterday, I did so only when I wanted to; when I preferred to spend quality time with myself, I would explain to him why it is also good that he does things on his own. Ah, he was understanding. 

Because of the rest, the conscious decision to take things easy, I am more collected now, and I look forward to having a productive day today. 

Khalish at Hong Kong International Airport

New obsessions: jigsaw puzzle and travelator (aside from escalator).

After changing into pajamas, Khalish felt more at home (obviously).

Oh, yes, it felt just like Atuk Ali's backyard, too. Somersaults, over and over again (to burn the calories from dinner).

One happy toddler, homeward bound :).

Hong Kong and Macau: The Finale

The finale, in photos with captions:

Taipa Ferry Terminal was congested that Monday. Still, we caught a glimpse of Juan Miguel Mendoza, the special guest speaker for Herbalife University 2010, who was accompanied by another succesful Herbalife Independent Distributor, Queenie Leung. All in all, my parents, my brother, Kamal, Khalish, and I had a fantastic time in Macau, thanks too to each other's company.
(Trivia 1: Best Western Hotel is only 15-minute walk away from The Venetian; the former is definitely perfect for a more economical stay if Herbalife holds another event at the latter. Trivia 2: Even a three-star hotel like Best Western Hotel, Taipa, was equipped with its own casino!)

Khalish could sit still with the presence of toys (with one toy at a time policy), but,  toddlers will be toddlers. He was intrigued by the new surrounding (as he slept throughout the first Cotai Jet ride). We did let him loose, with supervision.  The moment he started to disturb other passengers, Kamal would bring him back to the seat for me to do the soothing.

Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal, Shun Tak Center, Sheung Wan. With  an extensive network of transportations at the center, Kamal and my father did not have to haul the luggages too far to catch the train to Herbalife office in Tsim Sha Tsui. My mother, my brother, Khalish, and I decided to stay within the center, which was also connected to a shopping complex. How convenient.

It was a long journey by train from Hong Kong Station to Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), crossing the beautiful Lantau Island to reach the impressive artificial island that, according to Wikipedia, "was formed by levelling Chek Lap Kok and Lam Chau islands". (Amazing how I only managed to learn the geography after the trip - which I do not want to repeat for the next trips as prior knowledge and information does wonder to the whole journey actually).
At HKIA, the six of us met fellow Herbalife Independent Distributors from Malaysia, all spirited from the recent Herbalife University. We look forward to the next international Herbalife events (as well as the local ones)!

For now, bye Hong Kong.