Chech: Eccentric

R&R

2012-01-25T21:53:00.000+08:00

Old Instagram photo: me in my favourite loungewear.

Day one at home after eight days in Negeri Sembilan, with five days spent in a hospital.

When my platelet count was way below normal level, I had no appetite for foods and gadgets. Surprise, surprise. The appetite for both items has steadily increased to normal level now, but, my energy is still alarmingly low. So, no blog post on the dengue fever, an unforgettable experience.

I am here only to say that I am back at home with Kamal and Khalish, thanks to your well wishes.

Mondayabbadabbadoo!

2012-01-16T23:59:00.000+08:00

One fine bright day. Bandar Baru Bangi.
(Instagram)

Beautiful Monday:

+ Khalish loves the new school, as well as the new teacher.

+ I love to spend quality time with him after school, thanks to semester holiday.

+ UniFi installed, eventually.

More on every thing later (as I am still in the middle of spring cleaning).

Night, night.

2012-01-15T23:48:00.000+08:00

The whole household is excited about Monday!

Old photos: Khalish at bedtime.

Tangled

2012-01-14T23:51:00.000+08:00

Khalish watches Walt Disney Pictures' version of Rapunzel, Tangled, every day.

One day, he drew an abstract figure on the doodle board.

"Tell us about your doodle, Khalish" Kamal and I encouraged him.

"This, is Rapunzel!" Khalish answered with gusto!

Holiday

2012-01-13T23:45:00.000+08:00

The shoes that I chose because Khalish loved buttons.
Instagram: Aishah MAK

I long to go there and there, with them.

Sunrise

2012-01-12T23:30:00.000+08:00

Teluk Chempedak, Kuantan, Pahang.
November 2011.

As posted to my Facebook:

"With each sunrise, we start anew."

- Anonymous

Read Chech Read, Type Chech Type

2012-01-11T23:59:00.000+08:00

Gambar lama, cerita sama.

One day left before the first semester ends.

The Curious Case of Vegetable Soup

2012-01-10T23:31:00.000+08:00

Three items top the list of 'toys I love to play with Khalish':

1. Doodle board.

2. Lego.

3. Play-Doh.

Nonetheless, during examination and assignment weeks, Khalish needs to play on his own (yes, the examination and assignment weeks have not ended yet, thus the present tense).

Last weekend, he chose to play with Play-Doh, and, I wished Kamal was there to be the boy's playmate. Unfortunately, he had an urgent task to complete, too. Play-Doh without adults' supervision could be Mess-Doh. We tried to steer Khalish away to other toys. To no avail. We set a rule for him to play the doh on his desk only. To no avail. We let him be.

Once in a while, he came to our work station to show us a pot full of 'vegetables'. From the look of the 'vegetables soup', we knew the magnitude of the mess. We did not dare to look at the floor. Focus, focus, focus on the tasks and assignments, we told ourselves after words of encouragement for Khalish to continue cooking a storm.

A storm it was.

Came bedtime, Kamal gave Khalish another bath. I were to put the house in order again (because I have always loved the sight of a neat house in the morning). That night, I regretted my insistence to finish my assignments instead of playing with Khalish.

The boy decided to feed the whole house with his vegetables soup, burgers, and lasagnas! Tiny shapes that only little hands could mould were on the tables, the chairs, the sofas, the floor, and the carpets! Not to mention the crumbles. I salvaged what I could, snowballing the biggest doh piece to other pieces of similar colour. I repeated that for the remaining nine colours. There was also a big piece of multicoloured doh that resulted from a meticulous effort to gather all the minute crumbles.

I left the vacuuming task for the next day. Kamal applauded my labour, but, he did not know about the trauma I suffered from.

The Play-Doh set is now in a cabinet far, far away, out of Khalish's sight. Khalish did ask for it, but, I asked him the same question over and over again, "where did you last put it?" and, each time, he answered, "Khalish tak ingat." Funny.

Sorry, son. We will play Play-Doh together again once all the assignments have been submitted.

Flow Yo

2012-01-09T23:17:00.000+08:00

One warm evening, Kamal suggested Tutti Frutti, and I, being a frozen yogurt big fan since my father brought a little me to Subang for one, offered to drive the three of us there. Khalish has not been a fan of any frozen desserts so far, but, he loved to be out and about with daddy and mommy, even if it was just a trip to the nearby Petronas station.

So, there we were at Seri Bangi shop lot.

We were there for Tutti Frutti, yes, but, there were 'buts'. Kamal ended up at an optical shop for half an hour to replace a pair of broken spectacles, Khalish only had a scoop of the frozen yogurt before deciding that Elmo Loves ABCs on iPad was more fun, and I went loco with an old yet rarely used lens.

The yogurt was not frozen when we returned to the cups. Which Kamal and I still loved. The reason we finished Khalish's portion, too. Ah, what an unstructured, relaxing day.

Yang Ceria

2012-01-08T23:59:00.000+08:00

One day full of classes.
(Instagram: Aishah MAK)

My post on Saturday was titled 'Yang Lara'.

How hilarious of me to be 'Yang Lara' merely because of two examination papers back to back, and six assignments due within two weeks, with one week being a holiday season.

Little did I acknowledge the fact that I loved the satisfaction each time an assignment reached a lecturer's hands, and each time I completed an examination. Then, there is the one-month holiday full of projects for me and my family, which includes a lot of quality time with Khalish, whom I have put in Kamal's care for the past two weeks.

'Yang Lara' is now 'Yang Ceria'.

Always focus on the light at the end of the tunnel, not the darkness.

Yang Lara

2012-01-07T23:57:00.000+08:00

Lima hari lagi sebelum jiwaku bebas.

Senja di Bangi

2012-01-06T23:38:00.000+08:00

Instagram: Aishah MAK

His Funny Side

2012-01-05T16:30:00.000+08:00

Khalish is three years and five months old now. To keep track of all his developments for the past five months is impossible, unless I won a scholarship to do a research on that particular topic alone.

Therefore, I choose to write only about his funny side, according to Kamal and yours truly:

Khalish does fight sleep at night, but, he is able to fall asleep anytime, anywhere during the day. Often, we found him asleep in the middle of play sessions. He did so even in the midst of a spirited conversation.
About contradiction. He is a true boy, as defined by the universal standard: aggressive, with preference for toys and games that involve vehicles and robots, among others. Nonetheless, he also has a soft spot for Tangled (yes, Walt Disney Pictures' version of Rapunzel), and pink (that has resulted in a number of pink clothes and toys), which have been stereotyped as girls' materials. Fortunately for Khalish, Kamal and I do not stereotype. We just found the contradiction hilarious.
He acts like the whole house is his stage. Most of the scripts are originated from a favourite escalator skit and, of course, Tangled.
He loves to dance, too. To all tunes. A current favourite: Power Rangers theme song. An all-time favourite: Angelina Ballerina.
In fact, the usually reserved boy may act and dance at a public area if he feels the urge to.
Our mother tongue, bahasa Melayu, comes easily for Khalish, but, not without mispronunciations. He used to replace the first 'e' in a word, with 'i'. Examples: 'tepi' became 'tipi', 'besar' became 'bisar', and 'senyum' became 'sinyum'. It is so hilarious to Kamal and I that we still secretly talk in such mispronunciations to amuse each other although our son no longer speaks that way. Oh, even the grandparents do that.
Fellow males are his friends, always. Not the same formula with the females though. Other than me and my mother, he only prefers certain teachers (with one mentioned several times in his sleep), close friends back in school, and my 94-98 chum, Kamilla.
If he finds Kamal and I seated in front of our computers, he will sit between us to start a conversation. Seconds later, he will find his way to our laps; head on Kamal's and legs on mine. Minutes later, our computers will be his.
The boy associates Kamal and I to different iPad apps. With Kamal, he plays Snoopy's Fair, angryBots, Plants vs Zombies, and GT HD. With me, he reads various story books, sketches on iChalk, and plays Burger Bustle. It is definitely a fun association.
We play nonsense games as well. Kamal created 'Jangan Senyum' and I invented 'Eh, Ingatkan Gunting'. He absolutely loves them that he himself incorporates additional nonsense rules to those games.

Photos in the collage are from my Instagram collection.

I look forward to the semester holiday, during which Khalish will take an equally long rest from the daycare center after preschool, to be with me. Surely, there will be more posts on him soon.

Ayoh and Mok Nearby!

2012-01-04T22:51:00.001+08:00

Ayoh and Mok were in Melaka during the weekend for more of special traditional massages in Serkam, which was introduced by my sister-in-law two months ago. Happy about them being only one and a half hours drive from Bandar Baru Bangi, Kamal, Khalish, and I left other responsibilities at home to spend three days and two nights in Duyong.

My sister-in-law's house was full of hype throughout Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. There were continuous feasts, too. In particular, on Sunday. Almost all of my parents-in-law's children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren were there then.

Thank you to my sister-in-law's family for their hospitality.

Thank you to the rest of The Ketereh Clan for their presence, physically and in spirit.

Thank you to Ayoh and Mok for the visit. We know you actually missed all of us.

May we meet again.

A highlight: Khalish, who has always preferred to be with the boys and men in the house, suddenly sat beside Mok to play a game on iPad together, with only two hours left before we headed for home. Cuteness.

Yet Another Date with The Ladies

2012-01-03T18:08:00.000+08:00

The alma mater chums had another date again two days before Christmas. This time around, the Klang Valley chapter welcomed one more chum from Johor Bahru, Dueha. She brought along her adorable daughter, Ayra. Hello the two of you!

Hello to Tiqa, Di, and Zura, too. Not to forget, Zura's daughter, Ellery. I decided not to bring Khalish along because I wanted a personal time. For the first time in ages, I managed to have a conversation with the ladies. Which I truly needed actually.

Without Khalish around, I photographed the other children there. Ellery was used to my camera, but, Ayra kept her eyes on me most of the time. Ayra, meet Aunty Mamarazzi.

We talked and laughed. We even thought that the combo of discussion and laughter should be shared with a friend who was miles away. Oh, we missed the others who could not make it that day indeed. Facetime/Skype next time.

Meanwhile, I could not help from photographing people and objects around me. Have I told you that I found a renewed love for my old fixed 50 mm lens? The lens may produce a beautiful bokeh, but, the primary reasons for the 'renewed love' are its size and weight. It being fixed also means that I may expand my creativity when it comes to framing options.

Back to the date, after Dueha and Ayra had proceeded to their next destination, the others shopped around The Curve. When Zura and Ellery went home, Di, Tiqa, and I strolled outdoor, enjoying the flea market, the breeze, and the Christmas decorations.

The three of us bumped into Dynas at her outlet, Dynas Nursing Attire. Fabulous choices there. Amiable service by the owner, as well. We could not help from having a photo with an artist and a model as friendly as her.

Tiqa returned home at six. Di and I closed the day with a sumptuous dinner, all the while serenaded by evergreen songs sung live. We concluded that the chums should have a holiday together. Hopefully, in 2012.

A Day with The Ladies

2012-01-02T23:57:00.000+08:00

Left: Yani and Lina, the visitors.
Right: Yani brought along Zhareef, the latest addition to our little family.

The post is about the start of my December 2011 social calendar. Firstly, lunch with the alma mater chums and their respective juniors. All thanks to Yani's visit from Kuala Terengganu, which initiated Lina's visit from Johor Bahru. The lunch was followed by dinner with the high school chums. Again, all thanks to a friend's visit. It was the first time I met Lat since she moved to Ipoh.

Khalish threw the worst tantrum then, yes, but, I also vividly remember the happy hours. These ladies surely have the best youth serum, namely, laughter! Of course, we did discuss serious topics, but, somewhere, somehow, there would be hearty laughter at someone's witticism. Then, there were the empathy and advice only close chums could offer.

May we have more of such dates in 2012.

Left: Di and Ellery's new friend.
Right: Lina and I.

Left: Tiqa and Inas.
Right: Zura and Ellery.

☙

Tea time with Khalish also involved a pink box of Lego blocks (which he himself chose) and many requests for photos. He was happiest to have the mommy all to himself.

☙

My dinner dates! Say 'hi' to Elis, Nana, and Kamilla (who shot most of the photos with my camera as I played Lego with Khalish).

Lat and her pregnancy charm, with Yani and her engagement charm.

Foreign exchange trade.

Yours truly, occupied with Lego blocks, and, Khalish, right before he fell asleep in my arms.

People of 2011

2012-01-01T23:11:00.000+08:00

Kamal and Khalish, my universe.

Feelgoodfoto

2011-12-31T23:45:00.000+08:00

Kamal, Khalish, my parents and I spent an evening in Pavilion, Kuala Lumpur, yesterday, thanks to my cousins' visit. The last time all of us met was during their wedding in Brunei, two years ago.

Today, as I posted the evening's photos to Instagram, I realised that there was no photo of Azmi and Nora, all because of a decision to leave my trusted but big DSLR camera back at home as Khalish was extra handful that day (and I was alone with him for three hours before the others arrived). Time for a good compact camera, or iPhone 4s with its photolicious camera, as an alternative to my photography need, eh. I prefer the latter, a two-in-one purchase. My current phone is too archaic.

(What do I use for Instagram, a friend asked. Yes, I utilise the iPad when Khalish's hands are not on it, heh. That is how much I love Appleography.)

With or without photos, we knew how great it was to be together. Nevertheless, photo says the words better than I do. Here is a photo from yesterday, of Khalish with his grandparents, with one of the 142 United Buddy Bears at Pavilion foyer:

Love my father's spontaneous request for the photo, as well as the spontaneous pose. All to humour Khalish.

Another way to cater to my photography need: simply bring the trusted but big DSLR camera, as advised by a professional photographer acquaintance two years ago. A resolution throughout 2010 and 2011 that I kept up to, unless, as I just wrote, "Khalish was extra handful".

For 2012, the camera will be my twin where appropriate (even when Khalish is extra handful).

❤

2011-12-28T20:41:00.000+08:00

Inspired by a dough play session with my three-year old son.

35 on 25

2011-12-27T17:12:00.000+08:00

Each December 25, my parents celebrate their anniversary as husband and wife.

December 25, 2011 marked their 35th year together!
Kamal, Khalish, and I wish them a lifetime of love, love, love. Always.

Kuala Lumpur Bird Park, Again

2011-12-22T15:37:00.000+08:00

Since Aiden's first birthday party at Hornbill Cafe & Restaurant, Kuala Lumpur Bird Park, Khalish has said a gazillion times, "jom pergi jumpa burung!"

Kamal and I knew that the little boy was fond of the birds when he used the word 'jumpa'. It was as though the birds were his friends. Both of us loved the connotation.

Therefore, just a week after the party, Kamal, Khalish, and I found ourselves at the bird park again (and, the post is delayed by two months, yes; but, better late than never, eh). We even decided to have lunch there. Surprise, surprise, the foods were so scrumptious that Khalish sang all the way from the restaurant to the park entrance.

Once he saw the varied birds, he sang louder. A group of tourists actually stopped photographing the birds and pointed their cameras to him instead!

"La la la la la la la, la la la la la la la, la la la la la la la, la la la" he went, as he skipped along the pathway. Hence, the lack of his photos here.

Not as many photos of the birds as I first desired, either. I merely pointed my lens towards a species, half-pressed the shutter release, and shot away in a breath. My priority was to keep up with Kamal and Khalish.

The birds, except for the peacocks, were friendly, much to Khalish's delight. We started the tour at 1 p.m. and reached the venue for The Bird Show half an hour before it began. Long stop at The World of Parrots and the eagles' feeding session.

Right after we left the parrots' sanctuary to go to the amphitheather (where the main show was scheduled), it drizzled!

Kamal and I smiled at each other. We had not been able to watch the full bird show since Aidan's party (during which every guest received a complimentary entrance to the show). Next time, we thought.

By then, the little boy had already shown signs of tiredness. A perfect time to bid farewell to all the birds.

☙

Khalish failed in his attempt to bring a bird home. He remained happy though because we promised to bring him to such park again. Then, there was also a visit to KLCC which he looked forward to. (And, there, he found another animal to sing 'la la la la la la la' to).

A Thought

2011-12-22T07:43:00.003+08:00

My existence, no matter how symbiotic it is with other life elements, has one certain relationship.

With God.

A Weekend of Camaraderie

2011-12-21T06:57:00.000+08:00

Groovy!

2011-12-17T10:03:00.000+08:00

He Who Guides

2011-12-17T07:32:00.000+08:00

Again, assignments have occupied a big portion of my life. I am accustomed to the change of routine. Not Khalish though, and I did not realise the fact until the 'I miss mommy' symptoms worsened.

☙

One moment, he was his happy, chirpy self walking hand in hand with me at The Gardens, yet, a moment later, he threw the worst tantrum in his life when he saw that we were heading for a table full of my chums.

During tea time, at a cosy corner in a little cafe, I photographed the little boy with his favourite iced chocolate and cheese cake. Seeing his smile then, nobody could guess the drama he created only a while ago. I asked him, "are you happy now?" and he replied, "yes, because I have chocolate dream, cheese cake, and mommy!"

My bad. He has tolerated my attachment to the papers and the computer, yet, I did not understand his contained need for the mommy. I was eager to spend a great time with my chums, yet, I did not regard the boy's expectation of the little trip. He must have stopped listening to my raves on the date with the aunties and their juniors at the mention of the phrase 'we are going out and about tomorrow'. Emphasis on 'we'.

☙

Motherhood, for me, within these three years and five months, have been a joy that arose from a mix of emotions. A highlight of the son's cheekiness in three paragraphs yesterday, a whirlwind post of cheerfulness tomorrow. For this week, it is about the tantrums.

And the utmost lesson I learned, or re-learned, from them: he could be in an impossibly ugly mood, but, a smile is possible if the person he looks up to stays calm. Extremely challenging, but, doable.

A day ago, he refused to sleep even though it was hours past his bedtime. He cried a river and shouted incoherently at every single item he could find fault with. Although I was just back from a lecture and Kamal was nursing a neck, shoulder, and back strain, we tried our best to soothe the boy. When our efforts met dead end, I was tempted to simply send him to the naughty room.

Nevertheless, I could not forget that trip. How the boy smiled as he eventually had the mommy all to himself after a busy week and a long lunch with the chums. Then, there was an episode during which the daddy rushed to him after my patience could not tolerate his tantrum any longer. He reached for my hand instead and sadly said, "I want mommy."

Back to a day ago, I opened my arms to Khalish. Miraculously, he smiled and curled himself in my embrace. We ended up on the bed, surrounded by story books. One of them was Elizabeth Verdick's Calm-Down Time. He slept with my arms around him, lullabied by my chant of "Ya Latif, Ya Latif."

The book, the chant, were actually more for myself. I missed being a calm, gentle mommy.

☙

A Smile a Day

2011-12-09T06:56:00.000+08:00

Bad hair day every single second of the month.

The skin, a blah.

Pressure from endless tasks and slow WiFi at home did that.

Partially.

There were greater challenges than endless tasks and slow WiFi.

Of course.

I was all smiles though.

I was all smiles because of the victory over those challenges, Alhamdulillah.

Bad hair day and blah skin seemed fun with a smile, too, eh.

Positivity matters.

Happy Friday!
Smile a lot today, ya.

Semuji

2011-12-04T21:00:00.000+08:00

Last weekend, a group of postgraduate students from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia gathered at Semuji Agro Resort for an academic programme. The place was truly beautiful that we were encouraged by the Programme Manager to bring our respective families, too. I did. Although day one ended at midnight, the fatigue was replaced by gaiety as soon as Khalish welcomed me with a spirited "mommy is back!"

No, the fatigue was not caused by the programme schedule.
It was due to my incessant coughs, which hammered my system and limited my words.

Yes, Khalish was still awake past midnight.
Thank you, Kamal, for attending to the boy's needs all day long.

☙

I loved the concept of the programme. To disclose yourself and to be at the end who received were moments precious to me. Remember the incessant coughs that hammered my system and limited my words? I thought "how I wished I was able to share more."

Nevertheless, just being there, surrounded by the nature, was enough to calm my heart.

How the nature took my little family's breath away. When we reached the resort, I pointed to Khalish a deer farm across the main lake. He instantly asked me the way to be among the deers.

Son, I wanted to be among them, too, but, I had a schedule to follow. I only photographed the surrounding as I walked from the chalet to the hall, and vice versa.

The place reminded me of such places I have been to in the past, for community services or work courses. Two prominent names: Kem De Bana and Kem Bina Negara Ulu Sepri.

Asked by a friend about the best experiences at Semuji Agro Resort, apart from the academic programme and the presence of my little family, I enthusiastically narrated to her about its ikan patin masak tempoyak and kerabu ulam-ulaman. Not to forget, its hilly terrain, as well. A good exercise.

A friend, a regular there, recommended another visit within the tropical fruit season, during which visitors will be served with endless buffet of durian, manggis, and rambutan, to name a few. Oh, I already had a plan to return (the way I did with other lovely places).

"In the end, what matters most is not what you see, but, the way you perceive it."

My-true-self

Escapade

2011-12-01T06:14:00.001+08:00

Sea, sand, and sun,
thanks to a work commitment in Kuantan.

I will write more as soon as my assignments are completed.

Alhamdulillah

2011-11-30T17:35:00.000+08:00

"Be grateful to Allah. And, whoever is grateful, he is only grateful for his own soul."

Surah Luqman

Kamal, Khalish, and I were thankful to be a part of Majlis Zikir Kesyukuran Rakyat (Sempena Belanjawan Negara 2012) hosted by Sahabat Zikrullah Surau Batu, Ujong Pasir, and Tanjung Dirt Bike Club on November 12, 2011.

Prior to the event, both hosts held a mega gotong-royong, during which they cleaned and refurbished the surau and its surrounding.

Surau Batu has been declared a wakaf in 1894. It has been utilised by Sahabat Zikrullah around Melaka and Negeri Sembilan since 1990s to practise congregational prayers and zikir.

Ayah Soh, a father figure among Sahabat Zikrullah, delivered a beautiful speech on gratitude. How he spread his spirit to the audience. Thank you for your wisdom.

The representative of the Chief Minister of Melaka applauded the efforts to keep the surau alive with various religious activities. Thank you for being with us.

Everybody worked hand in hand indeed to make the program a success.

Too bad I was not in the pink of health then. Otherwise, you could view more photos of people at work behind the scene. I fervently hope this is the start to more similar events.

☙

A little story on Khalish that day:

He was happy to be in his favourite attire, baju Melayu. The moment the three of us reached Surau Batu, the little boy followed Kamal to the men's wing. I took a peek.

There he was, at the back of the wing, right behind the last line of adults, following each step of the prayer attentively. After the zikir ended, I went out of the women's wing to find whether or not Kamal needed my help with the three-year-old. Only to see him asleep in my mother's arms, at the surau verandah. According to Kamal and my mother, Khalish chanted along to the zikir until he fell asleep.

He was awake again came dinner time.

We will bring you to more congregational prayer and zikir sessions, son.

A Date with Him

2011-11-25T23:07:00.001+08:00

That Friday Onward

2011-11-25T17:15:00.000+08:00

Friday again.

Each Friday in November 2011 has been hectic. I vividly remember Friday, November 4, 2011, two days before Aidiladha.

Kamal and I decided to spend the festive holiday in Kelantan, with our parents. As always, we preferred to travel after office hour. More specifically, after Maghrib. Not that Friday though. Of all dates, my friends and I needed to present our analysis paper at a seminar scheduled on November 4, 2011, from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. At 11:00 p.m., my little family braved the traffic congestion to Kuala Lumpur to fetch Joey, Khalish's half brother.

The four of us joined the balik kampung exodus half past midnight. Twelve hours later, we eventually reached Ketereh. Double the normal travel hours! Hello, Saturday afternoon!

☙

Once in Ketereh, the knackered co-drivers and passengers were treated with lunch, and, of course, Ayoh and Mok's happiness. The next two hours were heavenly as we had a siesta.

The household was up and about again for the latest addition of our big family's Majlis Aqiqah. Khalish, well rested, was hyped about every single thing around him. Thank you, everybody, for humouring the little boy's antics.

Special thanks to Ayoh and Joey, Khalish's closest chums throughout the holiday. They were never tired of Khalish, even when the little boy seemed impossible to handle.

In Bunut Satut, all the attention was on Muhammad Abid, the one celebrated during the Majlis Aqiqah. His mother commented that he has Unclish's lips. Kamal and I replied, "Abid is way more handsome than Unclish!"

Yes, Unclish is a short form for Uncle Khalish.

And, Kamal and I would love to describe Khalish's look the way P.Ramlee did. "Lawa tiada, manis ada."

Congratulations, Nazri and Farah! Welcome to the clan, Abid!

☙

Aidiladha on Sunday, in Bukit Mas. Sumptuous breakfast was followed by solat sunat and majlis ilmu. Alhamdulillah, Kamal and I learned more about our-true-selves from other knowledgeable friends and family members who shared their voices in the majlis ilmu session.

Khalish stayed still with crayons and papers, but, he requested for a brunch in the middle of the session. Joey joined us. I later stayed outside the hall to let the boys play. Iina and her children kept us company. Before Ayoh, Mok, Kamal, Joey, Khalish, and I went back to Ketereh, we had tea at Jack and Sha's new place.

We returned to Bukit Mas the next day for a wedding.

When we were not elsewhere for events, we chilled in Ketereh. Kamal and I want to be back there for a longer period next time, just to relax with Ayoh and Mok.

☙

When Tuesday arrived, the four travellers packed our belongings with heavy hearts. There was the sadness of farewell. There was also the anxiety of another exodus on the highway. One of Kamal's elder sisters came to Ketereh to help Mok with breakfast and lunch preparation. You read it right: lunch. How Kamal and I enjoyed the delish nasi goreng kerabu up until dinner time. For the children, we made a number of stops along the East-West Highway.

One compulsory stop for Kamal whenever he used the East-West Highway was Yut Loy, a Chinese restaurant famous among Malay College Kuala Kangsar old boys. Unfortunately, the only food immediately available was toast. Forty-minute wait for other foods. Thus a late lunch in Tapah. Quick dinner in Sungai Buloh.

All in all, we had a good break from the norms.

☙

Today, here I am, in front of the computer, writing not only in Chech: Eccentric, but also in Word and PowerPoint. Assignment, assignment, assignment. All need to be completed before a course in Pahang during the weekend.

O, Fridays of December 2011, may you be kinder, please?

I love being inspired creatively. For the photo templates in today's post, my thanks go to:

Little Pink Strawberries for the glitter banner in gold,

Pugly Pixel for the fabric strip in grey, and

Three Paper Peonies for the paper in Adore series.

The Golden Moment

2011-11-23T05:19:00.001+08:00

The three of us watched the final of SEA Games 2011 football on Astro Arena that Monday evening. With millions of Malaysians elsewhere, we channeled our support to the Harimau Muda squad, who played their best against the host, Indonesia.

In the end, we stood for Negaraku, and sang along. The proud voices of the young Malaysians on the podium, with gold medals on their respective chests, inspired my son to request for an illustration.

The Golden Moment.

It might merely be on a doodle board, but, I am sure that Khalish has also sketched the gist of the illustration on his dream board: to strive for one's goal, score it, inspire yourself, inspire others, and, strive for more goals, score them, inspire yourself, inspire others.

Tahniah, Harimau Muda.

Tahniah, kontinjen Malaysia di Sukan SEA 2011.

Dr. Khalish

2011-11-19T10:25:00.001+08:00

I must learn from Khalish the ways to cheer up one-sick-self.

The fever I contracted was gone within two days. Not the cough and the flu. I only feel 99 percent better today. Thanks to my parents' effort to come to Bangi all the way from Rembau just to deliver a traditional remedy that came with my mother's testimony. Do not tell them though that I suspected a hidden motive behind their visit; they must have wanted to play with Khalish above all else.

Children are fabulous.

I remember how Khalish drenched half of the bed with his vomit one Friday night. The next day, he was feverish. I wanted to stay at home, but, the boy just wanted to be out and about. Needless to say, he enjoyed himself no matter what. That weekend, he made himself at home at Harvey Norman and befriended Mister Imagination at Ikea.

Hence the 'I must learn from Khalish the ways to cheer up one-sick-self'.

Hence another blog post. Heh.

Combo Mambo

2011-11-14T16:00:00.001+08:00

Fever, cough, flu, and sore throat.

Whole grain creal, soy milk, and grapes.

Assortment of pills and bittersweet syrup.

Class this evening and early tomorrow morning (that I prefer not to miss).

Unlikely combo.

The only combo that can never go wrong in my life is Kamal and Khalish as one team, being their cheeky, cheerful selves around me. One is away at work, and one is happy at the day care center.

At least, I have nutritious smoothie both of them prepared for my dinner.

The Cotton Kurung

2011-11-11T22:55:00.001+08:00

My mother visited Vietnam a while ago, and, naturally, she was enthralled by the vast and varied selection of cotton fabrics there. Don't we love anything cotton? Unfortunately, my mother did not prefer to shop meticulously. Being practical, she chose a few patterns nearest to her - which she liked, for sure - and asked the other ladies in the travel group, "are these as beautiful as I thought?"

They were.
My only comment was, "no wonder ayah calls you Mek Bungo; there are only floral patterns."
She laughed at my honesty and said, "these denote my taste and those who receive the fabrics from me will remember me, me, me when they use them."
More laughter.

Last Friday, as I packed my clothes for an Aidiladha holiday in Kelantan, I saw a paper bag neatly tucked at the base of the wardrobe. In it was a pair of baju kurung tailored using a cotton fabric my mother gave. I remembered that I had not tried it.

The next day, I donned the baju kurung and I had to admire what I saw. The tailor might have forgotten that I specifically requested for no shoulder pad, having sewed the baju kurung while she battled with morning sickness and her two sons aged 5 and 3. Nevertheless, even with the shoulder pads (which I removed once I found a pair of scissors), I loved the apparel.

Mainly because I instantly thought of my mother.

The spirited and vibrant Mek Bungo!
The one who fights the storms to grow, not only for herself, but also for others.
The one who dares to show her true colours.
The one who lives life to the fullest, in her own ways.

The one who blooms.

My mother and I may be different in innumerable manners, but, I pray that I am blessed with qualities as beautiful as hers.

Daddy Day Care: The Specialty

2011-11-10T23:57:00.000+08:00

When I needed extra 'me time', Kamal always created a space between his work and social schedule for Khalish. The man told me that he had no talent with children. From what I saw, he was actually excellent with them. With the help of the things he himself loved. One of the things: computer, of course.

For Khalish, Kamal has not only saved in the computer a number of animated movies and videos of the boy's interests; he has also developed games that could keep the boy captivated for a long, long time. Khalish loved the games so much, no matter how simple they were, that he would stop playing just to kiss Kamal over and over again, with occasional "I love daddy!"

I am sure Kamal is addicted to those kisses and "I love daddy!"

(Oh, I really want those candid kisses and "I love (mommy)", I am determined to learn Sketch Up to compete with Kamal's 'Popcorn' and 'Baik-Baik Jatuh' - yes, the games could be absurdly funny, too.)

Nonetheless, first and foremost, I myself would love to plant more kisses on Kamal's cheeks and say "I love you" with all my being for the 'me time' he has granted yours truly. I also look forward to uploading more photos of Kamal and Khalish with the computer to my Instagram. Heh.

:)

2011-11-09T23:55:00.000+08:00

That Day

2011-11-03T23:59:00.000+08:00

Nine more days before Khalish turns a month older. He is now three years and three months old.

Although I love to read long, old posts on Khalish to re-live the happy (and, most of the time, hilarious) moments, I am not here to write about him in great details. My mind capacity sadly put aside those little aspects once I decided to take a rest from the blog to make way for supposedly big aspects of my life. Before the mind makes that a habit though, I choose to create a space for those little aspects again, here. Little by little.

Let me start with the day Khalish first wore one of his current favourite pajamas.

☙

At home, as sleep time approached, he could be found by the book shelf to select books for story session. A routine both the listener (Khalish) and the reader (yours truly) love.

Nevertheless, lately, my evenings have been occupied with either a class, or an assignment, or a presentation. Often, I found myself being carried away by the three. Way past Khalish's sleep time. If I were not in class, I would be in front of the computer, eyes fixed on the screen, and fingers pasted on the keyboard. Until the boy brought his books to the table, and peeled me away from the work station. (Not that I was a workaholic; I was merely clueless of the new field I have chosen to explore, thus the need for extra efforts.)

That day, nobody came to my rescue. I was at the work station up to 10 p.m. Then, I noticed a familiar music, magically intertwined with a man's voice. Sometimes, a narration. Sometimes, dialogues. There Khalish was, in the living area, with a sleepy face that struggled to focus on the iPad screen. He was listening to Toy Stroy Read-Along as a substitute to our story session!

Khalish, I have bought new story books for us to read together during the university's mid semester holiday. To make up for those evenings you turned to Toy Story, or Oobie's Space Adventure, or Cooper's Big Bear Hug, or Moon Secret, alone.

Oh, how I missed him.

☙

The next day, Khalish helped me with the family's breakfast smoothie preparation. The three of us enjoyed the smoothie together. I even read to the little boy while waiting for Kamal to bathe. As soon as Khalish saw the daddy clad in work attire, he realised that I was not ready to bring him out to a park or a mall; I was ready for yet another class. He pleaded to stay at home with me. When the plea failed, he launched a silent protest, as seen in the photo above.

It was both funny and sad.

He actually cried when I carried him into the car. 'No car seat, please', he pleaded with his body language. Arms secured around my neck, head on my shoulder. Still sobbing. This time around, the plea succeeded.

In the car, I held him tight with one hand, and wiped his tears with another hand. We looked at each other deep in the eyes. That was when I told him, with all my being, "Khalish, daddy and mommy are always in your heart no matter what. And you are always in our hearts, too."

That miraculously consoled him. And me.

☙

One more day before the university's mid semester holiday starts!

Just Be

2011-11-02T09:04:00.000+08:00

After a whole day of classes and assignments (yes, my life seems to revolve around them for the past one month), I thank God for Khalish. He always reminds me that life is a breeze. The moment I started to be overwhelmed by the long hours spent in front of the computer for academic works, the boy would charm me with the thing he did.

Here are videos of him, just being fun.

More than a Chair was recorded during one of those times I had my head buried under a pile of papers (a note: I am still adjusting myself to the sheer volume of papers to write - which I love, but, have not been used to after that break from work). Khalish has been playing on his own that Saturday evening. He cooked for Kamal, had a trip to Hong Kong with the grandmother, and talked about every thing under the sky with Iskandar and Aira. Imagination is now his best friend. The boy eventually brought me out of the pile of papers with a sketch on the use of his chair. He has used the chair as a slide before, so, it delighted me that he has found other 'uses' for the blue thing. I told him to keep the imagination as his best friend, for life.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Lagu Tiga Kupang (a Malay variation of Sing a Song of Sixpence) is Khalish's favourite local nursery rhyme. One day, after the last class, I drove to the daycare center to fetch Khalish. I remember being on an auto-pilot mode, thinking about the endless assignments and how blissful it would be to indulge myself in a more creative activity instead. At home, the same thoughts filled my mind until Khalish said, "mommy, I want to sing for you."

No, I did not do any assignment that night. Heh. I taught him another local chilren's song, 'Tanya Sama Pokok', instead.

Aidan is One: A Pictorial Story II

2011-10-30T17:12:00.000+08:00

I love weekends. Particularly those with events where I can socialise either with family or friends. Just like this weekend.

You are warned though; the post is loaded with photos; a lot of them.

☙

Us. (Those who were not there were sorely missed.)

Thank you, Katrina Tan of Pugly Pixel, for the nice photo templates.

New Blog Post in Progress

2011-10-30T00:04:00.001+08:00

Kamal, who has been extremely busy with work that he rarely logged into any social networks lately, all of a sudden commented , "you have not written a new post for the blog for quite a while."

True.

I have been too occupied with, of course, datelines, and:

❤ a renewed love for Instagram;

❤ a three-year-old who vomited massively for the first time;

❤ a lot to clean after the massive vomit;

❤ a number of dates with Kamal and Khalish; and

❤ just being a wife, a mommy, and a happy-self.

Have an extraordinary weekend, o extraordinary people!

Edited: When this post appeared on Chech: Eccentric, I realised that I have used a photo of Khalish with a crayon and a paper in the previous post, too. Heh.

Suddenly, I'm Busy

2011-10-20T07:16:00.001+08:00

Hocus Pocus Focus is the mantra of the ~~week~~ month.

All of a sudden, I am occupied with assignments and presentations. Of course, there is also Khalish.

The reason I could not continue 'Aidan is One: A Pictorial Story'. Soon!

Aidan is One: A Pictorial Story

2011-10-16T21:41:00.000+08:00

Photo templates are by an artist I love, Katrina Tan of Pugly Pixel.

Soar

2011-10-13T19:47:00.002+08:00

Western Australia,
2009

I pray the day will come

soon.

And when it does,

I pray they will

let me be,

happily.

Khalish vs The Rest of The World

2011-10-10T17:32:00.000+08:00

The weekend was dedicated to Khalish. No assignment, no house chore. Only Khalish and his royal happiness. I thought, "I have Monday all to myself until the 6:00 p.m. class."

Today, at 6:00 a.m., I woke up and kissed Kamal and Khalish first before attending to my responsibilities. Only to find the latter's body temperature high. There went the intention to complete the assignment due tomorrow.

Strange how calm I was despite the sudden change of schedule. After a visit to the paediatric clinic, Khalish requested for his favourite PappaRich Wholemeal Toast and Chocolate Dream. There, as I sat across him throughout lunch hour, I found the source of my calmness: his presence and his constant, "I love you, Mommy", followed by countless kisses. Not to forget, his (hilarious) nonchalance towards the fever and the tonsillitis.

I love you, too, Khalish!

(And, be well soon because I would love to put the final, finer touch on that assignment.)

Nek Su dan Cucu-cucunya

2011-10-09T17:10:00.000+08:00

I am a grandmother, and Kamal is a grandfather. To our nieces and nephews' children!

Last Saturday, we were in Subang for the youngest grandchild's Majlis Aqiqah. Welcome to the family, Qaisara. Congratulations, Asrul and Fadhilah, for the arrival of your second princess.

Sama tapi tidak serupa.
Left: Qaisara. Right: Qaisara's elder sister, Humaira, when she was a baby.

Next grandchild will be Abid, whose estimated due date is just around the corner.

Miyagi

2011-10-06T21:41:00.000+08:00

I am unwell. I long to use the treadmill, but, "no vigorous exercise for two days", the doctor advised. Consequently (and naturally), my naughty hormones led my mind to a comfort zone: Japanese food!

☙

Kamal and I had our first date at Nippon Tei, KLCC, six years ago. Sadly, we never had the opportunity to experience other Japanese restaurants since then because he was not fond of Sushi King and I was not fond of Japanese buffet. Until we moved to Bandar Baru Bangi.

There Restoran Miyagi was, its old Japanese facade seemed too serene amidst the hype of two private hospitals. Once inside, we immediately thought of 'Oshin'. Yes, more of old Japanese charms, which we loved. We purposely took our time to savour the food; not just because the food was delicious, but also for the thrill of being trapped in time with no sense of urgency. Even Khalish did not mind the extra hours spent at the place.

The photos featured here were from my solo visit once upon a hectic day during which I needed a good personal time. I am fond of udon and sushi combo. Now you know why it often took us hours to finish a dinner. If Kamal were there, he would order the sashimi set. (I wish the restaurant had a delivery service; I crave for the udon, yet, I can't be out and about). Kamal, may I have another date at Miyagi soon? Ah, oishii!

☙

* I have blogged from MacBook Pro for three years. Thank you, Steve Jobs, for yet another genius invention. Rest in peace.

Khalish and Baju Melayu

2011-10-01T08:13:00.001+08:00

The illustrations on Khalish's doodle board often featured:

i. all types of trucks, drawn by the mommy, as requested by the son;

ii. all types of conceptual trucks, drawn by the daddy, as requested by the son
(when mommy's hands were full with house chores); and

iii. Khalish in baju Melayu and its accessories, drawn by himself, inspired by his love for the apparel.

The photo above featured him in baju Melayu, complete with samping and songkok, yes. He told me that he was on the way to Ummi's house in Bunut Satut.

I should learn to sew baju Melayu because he has requested to wear baju Melayu to school, to Rembau, to sleep, to everywhere.

Us at Di's

2011-09-30T06:16:00.001+08:00

Us, and the Juniors.

Syawal has just ended. The last open house Kamal, Khalish, and I attended was hosted by one of my close chums, Di, and her husband, Wan.

Great time there, thanks to the delightful hosts, the delish foods (particularly the ketupat dan kuah kacang, my all-time favourite), and the presence of close chums with their respective families.

My only regret was the non-existence of my photoholic side. Blame the crabby Khalish (as he did not have enough nap), the ketupat dan kuah kacang (enough said), and the high dose of laughter the close chums and I had (until one of the husbands commented that he has never seen the wife laughed as much as she did). Thanks again, Di and Wan, for the invitation.

☙

My best chum of all, Kamal!

The early birds with the host.

Zura brought along blueberry muffins, which the children loved.

Cuteness: the children. Photographed here were Ellery and Mirza.

Aidan and Mirza with their respective parents.

More family photos. Little Mirza and his parents, and little Inas with her parents.

Yourts truly with Tiqa and Di.

☙

We love us. The others who were not there, were with us in spirits.

The Weekend, Summarised

2011-09-28T17:21:00.000+08:00

A summary of my weekend in Rembau:

+ Majlis tahlil on Saturday, with all of my mother's siblings present, including her elder sister from Brunei.
(I wished all of my siblings were there, too.)

+ Feverish Khalish came Sunday, "because of tonsillitis" the charismatic doctor at Poliklinik Ibnu Sina diagnosed. (Kamal and I liked that doctor.)

+ Two-year-old treadmill transported from Rembau to Bangi, courtesy of its previous owner, my father
(who was advised by a medical specialist to only do exercises that are most friendly to his joints, like swimming).

Khalish Draws

2011-09-24T13:53:00.000+08:00

Animal Parade

Khalish's class teacher and I had a chat yesterday. She was amazed with my son's long attention span when it came to activities that involved crayons and sketch pads. I told her, "we need a new set of crayons and yet another new sketch pad at home."

He draws on white board nowadays, which results in a need for new washable markers, too, as many are already out of ink. It seems as though he draws all the time. Before bath, afterwards, at school, in the car, at home, and before bedtime. An interesting phase.

Featured in today's posts:

✎ Animal Parade

✎ Geng Bas Sekolah

✎ Khalish and Dolphin

Geng Bas Sekolah

He named all of his 'masterpieces'. 'Animal Parade', which looked like hieroglyph to me, was inspired by a story book he read every single day once upon a time. 'Geng Bas Sekolah' was a reminiscence of a school trip to Kuala Lumpur, by bus. When he drew a shape in each little square window, he mentioned his friends' names. 'Khalish and Dolphin' was his imagination, derived from a certain television program.

Khalish and Dolphin

These are certainly masterpieces in his parents' gallery.

Their 100-Acre Wood

2011-09-21T17:43:00.000+08:00

The more Kamal and I look at photos of Khalish and his cousins at their grandparents' backyard, the more we want a house with a vast green garden. Even sans the photos, we can vividly hear the gaiety of the children's laughter as they explored their own 100-acre wood one September afternoon.

☙

Anis, the eldest among the children, led them outdoor. The boys ran around the backyard as soon as they stepped on the grass, but Anis reached for a rake to sweep away the dry leaves.

One of the boys, Arman, found a dustpan. He instinctively knew what to do with it - transform the whole thing into a light saber! The coconut tree was his shield.

My little boy kept himself occupied with an old ball. He ran and ran and ran with it until he fell on the ground. The white pants turned colourful at the end of the day.

In the meantime, Anis, done with her intention to gather the dry leaves at one spot (to be collected by one of the uncles later), joined Haris in his hunt for little wild mushrooms. The size might not be impressive, but the amount amazed us. Yes, it amazed me, too, as it was the first time I saw what had been merely a proverb to me. Bak cendawan tumbuh di musim hujan.

There were many wonders outside that I did not realise my mother's cousin, her daughter and her newest grandchild came to visit their neighbours. Once inside the house, I also realised that Elis was already awake from her nap. I simply could not get enough of both babies, yet I had to rush to the backyard again when I heard Khalish's cry.

There he was, chasing Anis to take the rake away from her. It was a hilarious sight. He saw me and begged for my help. When I strategised an escape route for Anis instead, he suddenly lay on the ground and laughed his heart out. Little did Anis and I know that it was only a strategy as well. He was able to reach for the rake when we stood nearer to him to see whether or not he was alright. Cheeky.

Haris was unperturbed by the drama. He was still enthralled by the mushrooms. I loved the way he quietly scrutinised the surrounding.

Not for long though. In a blink of an eye, Haris got a hold of the much loved rake, and Khalish got jealous when he saw how well his elder cousin could control the tool. Therefore, whenever the former gathered the leaves at one spot like Anis did, the latter stepped on the pile and scattered the leaves around again. That was when Haris furiously shouted, "Khalish!"

I scooped Khalish up, tickled him so that he laughed and forgot about being scolded, and explained to him the advantage of gotong-royong. The little boy saw Haris' diligence and asked me for a way to help his cousin. Surprise, surprise.

They worked together eventually. Haris even taught Khalish the right method to clean the lawn. Anis and Arman were asked by their mother to take a bath by then. So, no more war for the rake and the dustpan.

Haris took the long rake, and Khalish, the short dustpan. And they lived happily ever after at the grandparents' backyard (the parents wished).

☙

Until the little cousins meet again, this is Khalish's favourite tale of the 100-acre wood.

Relive, Again and Again

2011-09-20T08:20:00.002+08:00

As soon as the six-to-nine class ended last evening, I drove back to an empty house. My two thoughts: firstly, Kamal's car will enter the porch soon with Khalish in the child seat and how happy the three of us will be when we greet each other at the front door, and secondly, I can use the quiet time to blog.

The first thought came alive. The second thought slept with me.

There was another pattern to my new life. I did cherish the present, but, I also loved to reminisce 'what did I do at this moment two weeks ago'. An example.

That said, one fine evening two weeks ago, all of my siblings and their respective families gathered at our parents' place in Rembau for two days. The highlight of the days being congregational Maghrib prayer and zikr, followed by dinner which was prepared by both parents and the chef in the family, the youngest brother.

Being occupied with text books and journals to read now, I can only relive such moments through the photos:

Ayah loved to be in charge of the barbecue grill. Nonetheless, it was my younger brother, Cilan, who marinated the meats. Cajib, like the rest of us, appreciated their work by erasing the word 'calories' from our vocabulary.

As I walked around with my camera, Kamal humored Khalish's whims and fancies. Similar way for other siblings with children. One parent took care of the children, and another either ate or helped with the dishes.

Children lent their colourful spirits to the event. They must have only one vocabulary in their mind dictionary: carnival!

Meanwhile, the adults cooked and ate to their contentment. After all, we needed the energy to join the children's Olympics later.

Among those present that evening was my sister-in-law, whose third child was just 14 days old then. Harraz was born in his father's car, on the way to the hospital. His mother welcomed him to the world on her own! Congratulations, Kak Nani, for your strength and calmness.

Later that evening, my brothers added another sport to the aforementioned Olympics: Science at the Backyard. Yes, it was a sport. They sweated a lot to prove to the children that newspaper, folded in certain manner and lighted with fire, could soar to the sky. The safest form of firework, they claimed. The children cheered the loudest for this sport.

We went to bed later with the taste of barbecued lamb, the scent of children's sweat, and the memories that could be relived any time we wished to.

Liga Kampung di Hujung Minggu

2011-09-19T13:33:00.000+08:00

The weekend was about merriment.

Friday was about foods and books, in the city center.
Saturday was about cousins, from Seremban to Bandar Seri Begawan.
Sunday was about a mini reunion of the alma mater circle, at an open house.

Such merriment reminded me of a day in Rembau two weeks ago. Five brothers and a sister, with their respective spouses and children, gathered again. The house became a 24-hour kitchen for both the Masterchefs and Sous-Chefs, a play school managed by the adept mothers for the exuberant children, a mini surau for congregational prayers and zikr led by the eldest imam of the clan, and a futsal pitch for the talented sportsmen. All were my favourite moments, and, my favourite moments have special places in this blog.

☙

To begin with, here are photos of the said talented sportsmen in action (with glimpses of their ardent fans):

There were only four players as two brothers could only be in Rembau by Maghrib. Two on two futsal with a twist - one must hit a designated stool to score a goal. The fans on the main stand knew none of the rules, yet they stayed by the pitch to cheer for their respective fathers and uncles, right to the men's last sweat.

In my opinion, aside from the display of impressive futsal skills, the fans remained ardent because of the entertainment. Referees were appointed now and then by the athletes themselves. Criteria? Those who might favour them the most. Then, there was entertainment by the fans who simply dragged their chairs across the field for a better view of their favourite athletes, in the middle of the match.

Of course, the best entertainment of all were the goal celebrations. Never a mere plain "goal!". Always a spectacular spin and swing for the ardent fans and the official photographer. I was sure the children thought that dance choreography was an important futsal rule.

☙

I have an intuition that the men's version of Liga Kampung will expand soon, and it will involve the little boys.

By the way, I will post photos of the barbecue dinner held that very evening as soon as I finish my class today.

Foto Booth Fixation

2011-09-16T08:09:00.001+08:00

Bedtime stories failed to lull Khalish to sleep yesterday. Fortunately for us, it was the eve of another public holiday. An extended bedtime seemed fun.

It was. I introduced Photo Booth to Khalish, and, he experimented with it for one hour! Kamal managed to do an office task and I was able to read two magazines before the little boy decided to include us in his experiments. Apart from photos that featured the two of us, neither Kamal nor I saw the little boy's self-portraits. Until this very morning. What a great laugh to see all the varied countenances and poses!

Here are 11% of the photos:

Now, I Need a Vacation with Kamal and Kamera

2011-09-14T21:07:00.000+08:00

About Chini, About Positivity

2011-09-12T11:37:00.000+08:00

The men barbecued pieces of mutton outside. The women prepared nasi kerabu and gulai kawah kambing inside. The children played with each other both outside and inside.

Syawal with the relatives in Chini, to Kamal and I, was simple, yet exuberant.

What I loved most about the get-together was the talk session after the congregational prayers and zikr. People expressed their appreciation for the esprit de corps, and discussed approaches to reach our true beings. A father figure reminded all of us to love others the way we love ourselves. An ethic we can see he himself live by.

May we live life to the fullest, always.

A Pictorial Journey: Gua Musang to Simpang Pulai

2011-09-10T11:08:00.003+08:00

Syawal 3. Time to spend Aidilfitri with my family in Rembau. To avoid the impossible traffic from Gua Musang to Karak, Kamal and I decided to try the Second East West Expressway.

From Gua Musang to Simpang Pulai, we thought that we were in a different world. Definitely not the Kelantan and the Perak we knew. Obviously, it was our first time together on the expressway.

The route was longer than the usual Gua Musang-Kuala Lipis-Raub-Bentong stretch, but, the traffic was smooth. The scenery was also spectacular. So spectacular the scenery was that we were inspired to have a holiday at one of the national parks in Malaysia and practise with nature photography (not merely being trigger-happy from an open passenger-side window).

☙

The finale of the Second East West Expressway, before we joined the exodus on the North South Expressway:

Memories: From Ketereh to Kerayong

2011-09-10T08:12:00.000+08:00

Kamal, Khalish, and I truly savoured our stay in Ketereh for half of the Aidilfitri and Merdeka holidays.

If you ask Kamal about his favourite part of the stay, he will absolutely answer, "the authentic Kelantanese dishes Mok and Kak Ni prepared with much love."

Khalish will answer, "my cousins, especially the boys!"

Me, I was in love with every thing there (except for Khalish's crabbiness here and there, heh). Among the things I loved was the niece and nephew's requests to use my camera. One of the twins, the boy with a nice self portrait in the collage above, took a beautiful photo of Mok in the kitchen.

☙

Mok always reminds me of my paternal grandmother, Wan Pahang. No, her name is not 'Pahang'; my brothers and I started to refer to our paternal grandmother as 'Wan Pahang' to differentiate her from our late maternal grandmother, whom we also called 'Wan'. Wan Pahang spent her early life in Bachok, Kelantan, with Kamal's mother. They were not related, but, they knew each other well. Although I have known Mok for a long time, I was only aware of the fact when Kamal became a part of my life.

To think about it, Mok and Wan Pahang do share a lot of similarities. Both are extraordinary cooks. They are also always calm. The reason everybody feels relaxed around them. The two women may be quiet, but, one is a former teacher who now holds high positions in various associations, and one is a former entrepreneur who now advises her son and daughter-in-law in their restaurant management.

Kamal and I still do not have the opportunity to visit Wan Pahang in Kerayong. We hope to travel there again soon.

A photo of us with Wan Pahang and our hosts in Kerayong, with half of my siblings and our respective families, during Aidilfitri 1431:

Family Fun

2011-09-09T19:14:00.002+08:00

Syawal 2. One of Kamal's elder sisters invited the parents, the siblings and the families to her place for lunch. The macaroni was so sumptuous that Kamal, Khalish, and I had a big portion each. For dessert, we emptied a jar of our favourite traditional cookie, batang buruk. Hence the need for Muay Thai afterwards.

Also in the ring were my niece, my nephew, and my son.

Gloves and pad were courtesy of Kamal's brother-in-law, who actively promotes the sport in Kelantan.

Kamal put the Muay Thai sessions he once had at Fitness First to good use by being Khalish's trainer. It was fun. Now, where in Bandar Baru Bangi or Putrajaya can I practise Muay Thai? I miss my white gloves.

☙

End of Muay Thai episodes. Back to lunch hours in Pulai Chondong; more to eat, more to talk, and more to pose. Stories of the day:

There was, obviously, a lot of matters discussed about.

Meanwhile, Khalish kept himself occupied with games on iPhone. He smiled at my camera at the first "smile, Khalish", but, he soon pretended to sleep when the mamarazzi's instructions started to affect the games score.

Therefore, I turned to other subjects. With me was my niece, who was also interested in photography. Kamal's eldest sister stroke the best pose of the day for my niece.

Someone could not stay behind the limelight for too long though. After being fed a small tub of yogurt by his cousin, he announced that he had extra energy to be out and about.

The weather was too hot, so, we entered the house again. As the hosts had to entertain other guests, we made ourselves at home. Khalish found a teddy bear in his cousins' room and requested to have a family photo with his new toy, which we dubbed 'the second child'. Our photos are by my niece.

Other families joined the photo session soon.

Unfortunately, Khalish threw a tantrum seeing others having fun without him. There the three of us were, being photographed together again. As the tantrum continued, Kamal and I looked at each other, smiled (because we were used to tantrums caused by tiredness during such a hectic holiday), and decided to be playful about the situation. We imitated Khalish's cry. Soon, the little boy laughed again. Phew.

Outside, the afternoon heat was replaced by the evening breeze. This time around, we simply sat at the wakaf and talked about every single thing under the sky. Of course, there were photos, too, including one of Khalish retaliating against the cousins' teases.

He soon joined his nephew, Amsyar, inside. Yes, Khalish is now an uncle to his cousins' children.

Soon, another one of Khalish's cousins will give birth to her son. Our next family gathering will surely be more fun. To my future grandson, Nenek Su has a perfect gift for you: mini Muay Thai mittens!

Satu Syawal

2011-09-08T18:22:00.002+08:00

I love festive season! The album named 'Aidilfitri 1432' is my favourite time machine at the moment. When the week started at an extremely fast pace that I did not manage to stop here as often as I wished to, I wrote a mental note: sit with Khalish when he views the Aidilfitri 1432 album before bedtime and cherish the moments as though they happen in the present. I did that from Monday until Tuesday. On Wednesday, my parents invited the three of us to Rembau for a little farewell & birthday dinner. A farewell for our friends from East Malaysia who were to return there after two weeks in the west region. A birthday celebration for my mother and my other half. Neither Khalish nor I viewed iPhoto that evening. All of us truly relished the present, what with the dishes that my parents and my youngest brother prepared. The specialty was spit-roast goat. More special though was being together, the primary reason I love festive season!

☙

I am back to my favourite time machine today, and, I would love to share this particular ride with all of you. Back to Tanah Merah, Kelantan, on Syawal 1, now.

☙

Since both my maternal grandparents passed away, Tanah Merah has been the place my parents and a number of my siblings spend Syawal 1. It is where our father figure comes from. It is also where our relatives from all over the country gather for a sense of spirituality, a sense of solidarity.

From left: my mother, my father, our father figure, my other half, and my son.

My father has built a house there, with the help of my brothers. We named it 'Rumah Rembau'. That day, Kamal, Khalish and I, along with Ayoh and Mok, reached Tanah Merah earlier than expected. As Ayoh and Mok proceeded to the surau, my little family went to Rumah Rembau to greet my parents. Khalish, meanwhile, could not wait to have photos taken with the grandparents.

Khalish and the maternal grandparents.

Left: Khalish and his love for iPhone applications.

Right: My parents and their love for each other.

Khalish remained happy for the rest of the morning. He sat beside me as others performed solat sunat. He was also quiet when Sollehin recited the khutbah. Thanks to the young man's firm voice and the little boy's crayons and sketch pad. After morning tea time, he continued to draw, oblivious to a special session during which all were invited to share their insights on Aidilfitri, togetherness, and spirituality. Because of his good manner, I was able to listen to other people's wisdom. Inspiring. About togetherness, it is always a virtue I favour. I have acquired a lot of lessons from the people I have been with. I have discovered more about my-true-self, as well. To learn is a life-long process, and, I pray that I stay connected to others, particularly those whose wavelengths are similar to mine, so that I may learn more.

Above: Khutbah Aidilfitri, recited by Sollehin.

Below: Ayah Soh and a part of his family, over a meal.

Above: Sisters.

Below: Like sisters.

My son woke up from a long nap at lunch time. The dishes served were delish, thanks to the resident chefs, who were committed with their responsibilities. Every one mingled afterwards. Three old chums, Naznin, Saliina, and yours truly, wished we had all the time in the world to talk, but, our respective children demanded the mothers to be more attentive to their needs instead. We were contented enough just to embrace each other and have photos together as memories. Chums, you have my thoughts, always.

Left: Naznin and yours truly. Not to forget, my son, Khalish.

Right: Saliina and yours truly. Also in the photo is Saliina's daughter, Iilis.

It was an impossible mission to have all the children with us in one photo.

Left: Rizal, Sabrina, and their sons.

Right: Izwan, Saliina, and their children.

As soon as Khalish's grandparents had the boy's attention, I walked around the place for photo opportunities. It delighted me to see more children around compared to the previous years. New babies were the subjects of admiration. Children who did not necessarily know each other's names yet blissfully played together reminded me of my own childhood there.

Babies galore!

Children galore!

Some called me to have their photos shot with my camera. Which I loved. Some, I encouraged to have their photos shot with my camera. I hope they love the emotions and moments captured. For the next Aidilfitri, after the main social event, I would like to set up my camera at a permanent station, where individuals, families, and friends could have their portraits. Including Kamal and I.

Families.

Kamal and I. Families and the best of friends.

More importantly though, the existing photos must be printed and distributed. Kamal and I will choose a number of photos to be framed for our parents. When we have extra time between work and study, we will definitely create photobooks for Aidilfitri.

More families.

Indeed, all of us form one harmonious family.

I loved the lively spirit in Tanah Merah, and, none of us wanted it to end. Nonethelesss, we knew that we would try our best to be together again, so, we bade our farewell with smile and laughter.

Ladies.

Gentlemen.

May we meet again and inspire each other with positivity.

Grandparents and their grandson.

☙

Good bye.

More of togetherness in next Aidilfitri posts.

Happy Birthday, My Other Half!

2011-09-07T08:03:00.001+08:00

❤,

Your Other Half

Ramadan and Aidilfitri in Kelantan, Part II

2011-09-06T18:53:00.000+08:00

After a period of adjustment to the post-holiday season and my new life as a student, I now am able to write. Ramadan and Syawal in Kelantan now reaches the second part. I present Part II, which highlights the last day of Ramadan and the eve of Syawal in Ketereh:

Since I became a part of Kamal's family, I always looked forward to the last iftar for the year at his parents' place. Authentic Kelantanese dishes to be savoured with gregarious sisters, brothers, nephews, and nieces!

Not this year though. The dishes were as sumptuous as last year's, yes, but, I was extremely tired because my son not only clung to me all day long, he also expressed his own fatigue from the atypically long journey to Kelantan through a river of tears. The sobs further swallowed his words, which resulted in rebellious body language. Alhamdulillah, Kamal and I later figured out that all Khalish needed to soothe himself was strawberry milk. We braved the terrible pre-Aidilfitri traffic to and fro the little town center and bought all the strawberry milk cartons there were at a favourite sundry shop. A worthwhile effort as the son transformed to his-happy-self again for the rest of the evening.

Consequently, my mood improved, too. Ramadan, in its true sense, taught me to have more patience in every aspect. Had I punished Khalish for all his misdemeanors instead of understanding them, the day would be an event to forget instead of a memory to cherish. Being happy, my mother-in-law's sup tulang and my sister-in-law's ikan percik tasted exactly how they should be, heavenly. I welcomed another sister-in-law's insistence to continue with the tradition of family photography session on Syawal eve, too, despite my initial idea to photograph the family in daylight. As I wrote before, "we were more enthusiastic about the tradition itself". Khalish had the most fun. Not visible in the first family photo above, but, apparent in other photos, particularly in the first photo of the day, the one captured as I tested my camera:

☙

The next photo determined my preference for a different main background, yet, Khalish's smile portrayed that background did not matter much. What mattered was the togetherness. Of four generations. Photographed below are the first three generations.

Ayoh and the the other 'Ks' in his life apart from 'Kalthum', Khalish and Kamal.

Tomorrow, I will print the photos and select the ones to be framed at Ayoh and Mok's abode. One main photo that feature all of us in the middle of the wall, surrounded by smaller frames that feature nuclear families.

Above: Abang Zi and Kak Yah's family.
Below: Abang Din and Kak Ni's family.

Left: Nazri, Farah, and Little Abid, who will be in this world by October.
Right: Faiq, Tiq, and Amsyar.

Above: Ayoh and Mok with Abang Kamil and Kak Na's family.
Below: Ayoh and Mok with their children. The eldest spent Aidilfitri with his family in Subang, Selangor.

With different venues for all the families on Syawal 1, we proceeded with an Aidilfitri tradition in Malaysia that very evening. The 'forgive and forget' ritual. Nevertheless, I made it a point to not make it a mere tradition and ritual. Each hand shake, each embrace, and each "maaf zahir dan batin" came deep from within my-true-self. I believed every one of us did the same, no matter how playful we could be with the ones closest to us.

Above: Faris and Angoh.
Below: Mok and I.

Festive mode was in the air, for sure. Nobody wanted the togetherness to end. The nephews and the nieces requested for more photos, which Kamal and I happily obliged.

Above: Angoh.
Below: Abe.

Left: Kak Nor.
Below: Adik Ida.

Above: Faris.
Below: Angoh (again).

All the while, Khalish cheered for the cousins as they choreographed various poses. He preferred to contribute ideas for better portraits rather than to be in one. Little did we know that he only wished to be photographed with his best friend in Ketereh, ayoh. Did you notice? Whenever mok, whom he loved to tease, entered the frames, he immediately stroke a comical pose. We wrapped the session with an abundance of delight.

And lots of love.

Asmah Day

2011-09-06T07:48:00.000+08:00

My beautiful mother turns 58 today.

Best wishes for you, mak (and we wish to have your ageless strength, internally and externally, too).

❤,

Kamal, Khalish, and I.

Ramadan and Aidilfitri in Kelantan, Part I

2011-09-02T22:44:00.000+08:00

Khalish and Photography Session Tradition on Syawal eve.
He loved it.

☙

The fourth day of Syawal 1432. Kamal, Khalish, and I are in Rembau. Prior to my parents' place, we were at Kamal's parents' abode in Ketereh, Kelantan for five days. We departed from Bandar Baru Bangi on August 27, 2011, after Asar, and, after a brief visit to Bazar Ramadan for our favourite nasi kerabu with solok ikan. We only reached Ayoh and Mok's place the next day, at 2:00 a.m. though, no thanks to traffic jam from Gua Musang to Machang despite the almost smooth journey throughout Middle Ring Road 2, Kuala Lumpur-Karak Expressway, and Raub-Bentong-Kuala Lipis stretch. My parents, Ayah and Mak, meanwhile, reported that their course from Rembau to Tanah Merah via Second East-West Highway was clear all the way. Kamal did plan to use the highway, but, as a first time user, he preferred to do so during the day, when the route is more visible. An advantage of our usual choice: I could drive when Kamal needed to rest. Never mind it being merely for one hour. Heh.

Once in Ketereh, the fatigue felt from nine hours of seat belts, Khalish's fondness for Kurik Kundi, and congested road was banished by the household's warm welcome at sahur time. Khalish smiled the whole day indeed. During iftar, Kamal and I discovered that Khalish loved jantung pisang. He was also fond of his cousins.

On the final day of Ramadan, the house was filled to the brim with more merriment as all of Ayoh and Mok's children, as well as their respective family members, gathered to have iftar together. Kamal's parents wished their eldest child and his family members could be there too. He could not do so because his eldest daughter recently delivered her second child.

Seeing how happy everyone was with each other's presence, I suddenly missed my parents, my brothers, and their families. This year, I never had iftar in Rembau with them. Fortunately, they went to Alamanda just to have a special iftar with my little family.

Back to Ketereh on the final day of Ramadan:
All of us continued with the tradition of family photography session on Syawal eve. Neither Kamal nor I was prepared for the session in terms of our photography gears. Nevertheless, nobody cared about the outcome. We were more enthusiastic about the tradition itself. Khalish even refused to take off his baju Melayu, samping, and songkok after the session; he just wanted to pose and pose and pose for the camera, and laughed a lot in the process.

More photos soon. Of people in Kelantan and people in Negeri Sembilan. Of my first experience along the Second East-West Highway, on the way back to Rembau. Of people in Pahang. Of past Aidilfitri stories. Of this and that. Meanwhile:

Khalish and some of the male cousins. Yes, a lot of fun.

From Kelantan, with ❤

2011-08-30T08:59:00.001+08:00

Mommy, are we there yet?

2011-08-27T13:27:00.000+08:00

Me, on the 1st of Syawal 1431, at The Venetian, Macao.

"The household is waiting patiently for mommy to be done with packing. Daddy and I look forward to spending the first week of Syawal in Kelantan. And, I particularly look forward to wearing my new baju Melayu!"

Si Baju Melayu Biru

2011-08-26T10:27:00.000+08:00

More about Khalish:

Khalish loves baju Melayu! His first pair of baju Melayu was a gift by my cousin, a preloved item that seemed new. The pair has been worn countless times after he officiated it during Aidilfitri 2010. Nowadays, he dons it as nightwear; never mind the sleeves and pants that have become shorter and shorter. Each time he replaced his pajamas with the baju Melayu, Kamal and I thought about our childhood, during which baju Melayu and baju kurung were common nightwears, usually worn first for Quran classes in the evening, and later, to sleep.

I shot these photos one fine morning, as soon as he hopped out of bed.

He asked for breakfast smoothie. He drew. He played with puzzles and trucks. He drew again. At first, he drew daddy. Next were traces of shapes and numbers. Afterward, he announced that he was about to draw himself.

I expected a big face with an open mouth and two dots as eyes. Almost correct. The big face was there. So were the open mouth and the two dots as eyes. The only difference was the way that particular figure was dressed. The first fully dressed figure actually.

According to him, the stick figure @ himself was wearing songkok and baju Melayu! He definitely loves baju Melayu.

☙

The previous evening, after Kamal bathed Khalish, the former brought out the baju Melayu as requested by the latter. Khalish only saw the top though. He then asked Kamal, "daddy, mana seluar Melayu?"

Ha ha!

Games Gaga

2011-08-24T12:57:00.000+08:00

I remember that I was only introduced to arcade game during visits to FELDA Residence in Port Dickson, where my siblings and I often battled for the highest score at a Pac-Man slot machine. When our parents bought us a computer to share, we strove for the best level in Prince of Persia. We were already in primary school then.

On the contrary, Khalish is technology-savvy at a very young age, just like other children nowadays. He was a skilled user of children's games on iPhone by one. Now, he claims the iPhone as his. Not to forget my computer. Mainly for Angry Birds, Timmy Time, Word World, and iPhoto slideshows. Mostly for Angry Birds.

Yes, yes, the three of us still enjoy other activities that do not revolve around iPhone and computer. More importantly, Khalish himself knows the limit of those games and videos.

Iftar with Chums II

2011-08-22T08:59:00.000+08:00

My weekend was spent with a workaholic Kamal and an unwell Khalish. No trip to Pahang as initially planned. Not even a blog post although I truly wanted to write about 'iftar with 9498 chums'. These chums who are still as fun as they were 17 years ago.

We chose to break the fast at The Manhattan Fish Market, just like we did two years ago. A tradition that will remain as long as the restaurants are available in Malaysia. The only change was the venue that hosted the restaurant and the attendees. Last year, there were eight of us at The Manhattan Fish Market, KLCC. This year, there were five of us at the same restaurant, Pavilion. The number of attendees did not matter though; we were just as loud as if all of us were there. The early birds took a stroll inside and outside the mall after we have placed food orders for everyone. Elis and Nana arrived in time for us to exchange greetings. We only discussed topics after Maghrib prayer. One of the topics discussed: how we loved the seafood platters! Heh.

As always, there was never a dull moment with these chums. We: ate, laughed, talked, laughed, photographed, laughed. When we could not laugh, particularly with food in our mouths, we would still smile. Yes, never a dull moment. These chums, including those who were not around then, have been my youth serum, what with the high dose of laughter. Of course, we did know when to be serious, too. Only to laugh again when Elis started to laugh. Ha ha!

For dessert, we had more personal stories to share and cheese & chocolate layer cake to savour. Thank you, Nana. That was heavenly. In the middle of the dinner, Kamal, who happened to be near Pavilion then, phoned and asked the estimated time for him to fetch me. The moment I said "9:30 p.m.", the chums simultaneously hollered "10!"

We were among the first to reach the restaurant, and the last to leave. A norm. We have just met, true, but I can't wait for my next youth serum treatment!

About Khalish, About Eczema

2011-08-20T11:52:00.003+08:00

There are more photos I would love to share with you, but, Khalish has just contracted a cold and a bad eczema on the left elbow that not even the usual aloe vera gel or eczema ointment could heal. A clinic visit today, before the three of us go to Pahang.

By the way, I have a situation here: A mother of Khalish's friend in Q-Dees saw Khalish's elbow and asked one of the children sitters whether or not she might take a look at the medicine the parents used. She said her child had suffered the same case of eczema. Upon seeing the gel and the ointment recommended by Khalish's pediatrician, the ones that have prevented severe eczema and healed rare cases for my little boy, she simply told the sitter that she had better cream. The sitter has been great with Khalish, and, because she cared (and she has been known to be naive), she followed the other mother's advice to apply the new cream on the boy's affected elbow. I was not frustrated with the sitter. I was frustrated with that mother. Even if she was a doctor, she had no right to just advise the sitter what was best for another parents' child. Did Khalish look as though he was an abandoned child? No. For her information, this is only the second time in three years that Khalish got such bad eczema. Thanks to his pediatrician's recommended gel and ointment. We, the parents knew that if the gel and ointment did not help after a week, we must get a different remedy from a certified practitioner of our choice. We agreed with our pediatrician that eczema on a child as young as Khalish should be treated with least drug, if possible; the reason for slow but sure healing. Now, a reminder to myself as well: please, please talk to the parents themselves if you believe you have better solution to another child's illness. If you do so nicely to us instead of simply throwing advices to a naive sitter, we will bring the new cream to our usual pediatrician or doctor for further advice. At the moment, I, on Kamal's behalf, have talked to the sitter about the situation. To not follow others' advices/instructions without consulting us first. Unless Khalish has an accident, Nauzubillah, and we are not there.

Nevertheless, I take Kamal's words that the mother meant well although he also agrees with my opinions. Think positive, eh.

To Khalish, get well soon and stay happy.

Once Upon an Iftar II

2011-08-18T23:59:00.002+08:00

The main reason Kamal, Khalish, and I were in KLCC last Saturday: iftar with my charming chums and their families! The previous Ramadan, there were only seven seats at the table, three of them for the children. This year, there were seventeen; five ladies, four children, and three gentlemen!

It was a colourful iftar. Not because of the food variety at the buffet tables alone, but also due to the children's characters. Kamal later commented that the ladies did not talk much to each other, the way he anticipated. We were more occupied with our respective children. True and untrue.

Similar situations every time we met, I explained to Kamal. I added that we simply needed to be in each other's presence nowadays, to experience the solidarity only ladies understand. If one of the children, or all of them, turned the restaurant into a playground, we never judged. We empathised with the situation, took it under our control, and laughed about it, simultaneously.

Yet, we managed to find the perfect time to share our stories and exchange ideas. We went back home full with inspirations, not only for ourselves, but for the families as well. Of course, we ended up with a lot of beautiful photos, too, courtesy of the glow on our faces from much laughter all evening long. Heh.

The photos came with a trail of history:

This time around, Khalish would love Kamal and I to be by his side all the time. Both of us guessed he was not his usual happy self because 1) we woke him up too soon from the afternoon nap, and 2) we denied him access to the escalators. Neither of us had the liberty to photograph others the way we liked it. My chums were full of empathy though, I told you so. Rai and Di took turns to be behind my camera and the results are fabulous!

Kamal also photographed us once Khalish could be on his own. Too bad he refused to be in the photos. Too bad, too, that Zura and Ellery had to leave earlier. We want more of our chums, thus more children and more spouses, to be in the photos next year.

Tiqa was supposed to join us, but, she had a more important matter to attend to at the last minute. The children missed the adventurous Inas. Particularly Mirza. The ladies missed your infectious laughter, Tiqa. Ah, for the second time, I state here that we missed all of our close chums indeed.

Di sent mobile photos to those far, far away from us that very evening. (That reminds me to install WhatsApp to my phone soon). Needless to say, they wished they were with us, too.

We concluded the get-together with more photos. I eventually had a photo with Kamal (hurrah), thanks to Rai. I encouraged Rai and Di (and other chums who love to photograph) to take my camera from me when we meet again. Love, love the captured moments from others' point of view!

Now I miss all of you. Khalish has been viewing the photos every day and it is confirmed that he loved the men's company, remembering Madir well. To my surprise, he even remembered Rai's husband, Sham, although he sat at the other side of the table. Gentlemen, you are much welcome to our circle. To my chums, thank you for the camaraderie. (I should blog more about my other circles, whom I love equally: The Gu, The 9498 Circle, The Other Alma Mater Circles, The 1/2005 Circle, The Herbalife Circle, and The Circle with Mutual Interests). Once Khalish has his own mobile media device, I promise. Now, I blog about last Saturday's event, and at times, last year's events, a week or a year later; all because the little boy has claimed ownership on my computer. Mainly, to view photos in slideshows, yes. A post about him next.

Among the chums. I love all of you.

Khalish and KLCC

2011-08-17T10:33:00.001+08:00

Saturday was about work for Kamal that Khalish and I felt the need to remind him again and again about our iftar at The Apartment, KLCC. I just could not wait to meet my chums, as promised, and Khalish was eager to be near The Petronas Twin Towers, as always. He did not mind being abruptly awakened from a deep sleep in the car seat as soon as the three of us reached KLCC because the twin towers were more precious than the afternoon nap. Nevertheless, the interrupted nap did affect his mood later; he was not as friendly with my chums and their families.

Before iftar, the three of us watched the fountain display at KLCC Park. Because of the gloomy weather, Kamal and I cancelled our plan to photograph Khalish around the park. The post-rain cool breeze was perfect for a slow stroll along the fountain though. Another thing Kamal and I loved about the weather: the little boy did not protest adamantly just being outdoor, despite his frequent requests to ascend and descend the escalators inside the mall.

In the end, the two of us still went trigger happy with our camera. Khalish as the subject, as usual. Never mind the non-existence of smile. At home, when I asked him whether or not he had fun, he smiled and said, "yes!"

(Next post: Iftar with Chums.)

Daddy's Next Opponent

2011-08-15T19:11:00.003+08:00

Kamal and I caught Khalish sleeping with the daddy's squash racket for the whole half-an-hour journey from Bandar Baru Bangi to KLCC last Saturday.

Is Khalish the next Nick Matthew, the current world number one in men's squash? From his love for the racket, it is a possibility (as much as other possibilities of him becoming a chef, a surgeon, or a businessman).

For now, Kamal is happy enough to have yet another squash opponent. Real soon.

For Camus, Just Because

2011-08-13T08:34:00.002+08:00

Western Australia, 2009.

For you, there will be no more crying
For you, the sun will be shining
Because I feel that when I am with you
It is alright, I know it is right

To you, I will give the world

To you, I will never be cold

Because I feel that when I am with you

It is alright, I know it is right

And the songbirds are singing
Like they know the score
And I love you, I love you
I love you like never before

And I wish you all the love in the world
But most of all, I wish it from myself

And the songbirds keep singing

Like they know the score

And I love you, I love you

I love you like never before

Like never before, like never before

Beautifully written by Christine McVie

My Father Turns 57

2011-08-12T18:57:00.002+08:00

My lovely parents.

Today, Ayah celebrates his 57th birthday!

Our best wishes for you, Ayah. (We also wish to age as gracefully as you do.)

Love,

Your daughter and your son-in-law.

(Your grandson will wish you live in Chini next week.)

DIY Refurbishment

2011-08-11T21:51:00.001+08:00

Late Tuesday evening, after Khalish had reached dreamland, I perused my favourite interior design magazines. With uninterrupted time on my side, each detail on every page was admired.

One magazine caught my utmost attention for its warm layout. Not only it amiably welcomed me into the featured homes, it also eminently inspired me to be creative with my abode. The one in Bandar Baru Bangi has been under repair though due to the consequences of pipe leakage. It will only be in truly livable state by October 2011.

That left me with another abode. The one on the World Wide Web; the blog. It is, after all, an 'abode' to my experiences and my thoughts. It deserves a personal touch.

Welcome to the new Chech: Eccentric. Layout is by Blogger in Draft, which was very generous with its choices of templates and customisation.

Now, the more personal touch: the header. The urge to create that sizzled within me was stronger than the lack of Photoshop knowledge. I had zero clue about the concept. Oh, I did not even have a clue about the recommended size. Yet, I needed to channel out the creative energy there and then.

When Kamal was not around, Google took his position as my IT Guru. (A note for Mister G, if you read this: I am still the labelled IT illiterate who is fortunate enough to co-exist with my husband and Google). How glad I was to be introduced to Songbird and its concise tutorial on blog header. With its guidance, I let my spirited ideas roam Photoshop for an identity.

A pat on my shoulder for the efforts! The final product is so simple, no doubt about it, but, what matters is my efforts to learn, eh. More pats on both shoulders, followed by back flips, somersaults, and my own eccentric dance!

To maximise the creative energy, I added introductions to the blogger, id est yours truly,

and the guest blogger, id est yours truly's husband.

This little project, by the way, reminds me of a template my husband designed from scratch for my blog, in 2005. Remember my IT illiteracy confession? Here are more: I did not print any screen; neither did I save the HTML. The reason he busied himself with work the moment he heard I intended to refurbish Chech: Eccentric. Kidding.

Truthfully, he encouraged me to be independent. To assimilate myself in my designs.

As a beginner who is not able to wholly create yet, I would love to thank these sites for their free resourses:

❥ deviantART for the wood texture.

❥ Free Scrapbook Fonts by Kevin and Amanda for the No Mystery font.

❥ Font Squirrel for the Pacifico font.

❥ Pugly Pixel for the tapes.

Now, I feel more at home.

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Ke Kelantan

2011-08-08T06:59:00.001+08:00

Kamal, Khalish, and I had an incredible time in Kelantan two weeks ago, thanks to the hospitality of the people in Ketereh, Bukit Mas, and Bunut Satut! Khalish wanted to bring an aunt, at least, back to Bangi. The one with Mitsubishi Storm, preferably. He reserved a seat in Kamal's car for Cik Na. That was how special the experiences at the daddy's home state have been. He was even in love with an inanimate feature at Ayoh and Mok's place, demanding to be photographed in various poses against a bright wall.

Oh, yes, he loved the wall that much. More walls will be featured after our next visit, I am sure. The boy was extremely fascinated with all the newly painted walls that he climbed a bed just to touch one. He surely knew how to be discreet about a super power; he did so as I helped my mother-in-law with lunch preparation. He also knew that Kamal, too tired from a non-stop five-hour journey, would, at one point, drift off to sleep while keeping an eye on him. That moment, Khalish found out that the super power was still at beginner level. He fell and hurt his gum.

No complaint was heard from Khalish though. He was often happy. Particularly because of a new birthday gift that he received the previous day. Thank you, Mas! Kamal and I had as much fun as Khalish did with the car, seeing who could bring it forward the furthest. I did pack the car for Khalish when the whole family went to Bukit Mas for congregational prayers and zikr, but, to my delight, the boy who was once timid, chose to play with other children instead. That left me with space to catch up with my own friends.

Another new experience (within a tradition): varieties of Kelantanese laksa (at Abang Zi and Kak Yah's place). Laksa Kelantan and laksam. I salivate just typing the names. Imagine savouring the tastes. Everyone agreed they should be the staple dishes for each social function in Bunut Satut. Ayoh and Kamal, in particular. By the way, true Kelantanese laksa enthusiasts eat the dishes with their hands. I tried the authentic way for the first time that day.

On Saturday, Khalish reminded us of a promised trip to any beach in Kelantan. Kamal suggested Pantai Melawi. Ayoh and Mok proposed a picnic. Nasi kerabu, keropok, and soy gave Khalish much energy to roam around the beach despite the heat, which might be the cause of my severe headache. I simply lay on the mat and appreciated my mother-in-law's massages. Now I know the origin of Kamal's healing hands.

The headache limited the use of my camera, sadly. I was delirious enough to have only one photo of my son at yet another local beach. It was Khalish who encouraged me to take more photos. His interests were animals like the swift dragonflies and the minute crabs. He did spot horses, but, my headache worsened by then. The only relief was Khalish's antic; he requested to bathe in the sea in his birthday suit. Kamal and I let him be.

Ayoh and Mok labelled Khalish 'Anak Pantai Melawi'. The boy seemed so at ease with the surrounding. He only minded it if the fine sand found its way into his mouth. Otherwise, he stayed true to the new name. 'Anak Pantai Melawi'. Kamal associated Khalish's seamless existence with the beach to the fact that Mok was born and raised in Bachok itself. So was the boy's paternal great grandmother, who happened to be Mok's friend.

Khalish remained without clothes for the rest of our visit. No diaper either. The perfect place for toilet training, Kamal and I thought. Heh. It was too hot, perhaps. After a while, Khalish preferred to draw the waves than enjoying them. If I were well, I would wait for the sunset. I was still unwell, so, we concluded the picnic an hour before Maghrib. As we packed our belongings, Kamal joined a number of chalet operators to clean litters off the beach. We prayed for other visitors to be grateful about the beautiful Pantai Melawi; to not mar its beauty with thrashes.

The three of us left Kelantan on July 31 with good memories. Alhamdulillah. We look forward to being there again to have the last iftar in Ramadan 1432 and to celebrate the arrival of Syawal.

Further Forward

2011-08-07T07:34:00.001+08:00

An old stationary bicycle that Kamal saw at my uncle and aunt's place. Iconic.

The seventh day of Ramadan 1432.

Good, healthy diet, so far, Alhamdulillah (note that it is only 'good', not 'excellent').

Bad achievement when it comes to physical exercise though.

Equally important is, of course, the capability to exercise self-control, particularly, with behaviours. A reminder for myself.

Just a post-sahur contemplation.

The Playful

2011-08-05T13:11:00.003+08:00

Khalish in Q-dees uniform.

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I prefer to photograph the three-year-old in actions instead of in requested poses. One day, with the intention to mail a photo of Khalish in school attire to the grandparents, I defied my preference and asked him to stand opposite my camera. The moment I said "smile", he positioned his legs in a nonchalant manner, leaned his back against the sofa, drooped his shoulders, tilted his head to the left and to the right, and flashed his teeth, all the while asking "like this, mommy; or like this?"

Calm and Chaos

2011-08-04T07:05:00.001+08:00

To have all of my siblings and their respective families under one roof is rare. Nonetheless, when we eventually gathered, it seemed as though we have been in the same house forever. I said so because the children were so at ease with each other. Screams were heard and tears were seen, of course; don't all children under seven show their affection that way? The eldest among them, the seven-year-old Anis, led the five little boys through numerous adventures. They only rested as my brothers brought out their birthday gifts for Khalish. During which I was able to capture a photo of the littlest bunch together, at last.

Khalish received a young builder's tool set from his Pak Ngah, Mak Ngah, and family. He took a long moment to admire the whole box that reminded him of Handy Manny. His first project was to erect an indoor tent, a gift from Pak Cik and Mak Cik. The cousins lent him their hands with the project. The rest of the day was filled with more laughter (intertwined with screams and tears, yes).

Elis was the calmest those Saturday and Sunday. She sat in the adults' laps and smiled at the scenes around her, no matter how chaotic they could be. Never had she demanded for attention except during milk time. It did not mean she was short of attention because the grandparents, uncles, and aunts always wanted to play with Elis, thanks to her good demeanour. Kamal and I want a daughter like Elis, please.

All of us appreciated the balance though. The loud children provided us ceaseless amusements and exercises. They indeed kept the household alive. We simply ushered them into the new tent the moment we grew tired of their antics. Only to find the tent upside down minutes later.

Time for Handy Manny helpers (who still needed Pak Ngah's help to fasten the belt; not to forget his tutorials, to use the tools). And, the cycle went on loop; upside down tent, Handy Manny helpers, upside down tent, Handy Manny Helpers, upside down tent, Handy Manny helpers. The adults had mastered the art of ignorance by then. We calmly had a chit chat over evening tea in the midst of the chaos.

A Little Birthday Celebration

2011-08-02T16:34:00.004+08:00

Every day, Khalish sings 'Happy Birthday' to himself, which makes this post on 'a little birthday celebration' still relevant despite it being held more than a week ago. Phew.

On Khalish's actual birth date, July 12, 2011, the parents spent an evening with him, out and about.

On July 23, 2011, the day the grandparents hosted a dinner to welcome their new daughter-in-law, the parents welcomed the hosts' idea to hold a birthday party for the little boy and his second cousin as well. At evening tea time.

Nothing fancy. Just cakes, balloons, songs, and excited children with equally excited adults who happened to miss each other. We were exceedingly excited, we did not care about the food layout on the main table. Khalish actually blew candles meant for Aliff, no thanks to the arrangement of the cakes. I also realised, through photos already transferred from the camera to the computer, that my practical mother served bubur durian and sup soto in the pots used to cook them. Hilarious! We had a great time, yes. (I only wished a certain someone did not think too much about work that he forgot to invite a number of important people, like his own siblings and their respective families in Subang and Melaka.)

A proper event just for Khalish and Aliff next year, eh (instead of an event in another event).

I even abandoned my camera because I just wanted to enjoy everybody's presence, and the food, of course. Meaningful moments were captured nevertheless:

Kamal volunteered to blow the balloons. He soon found himself swarmed not only by colourful balloons, but also by gregarious children. Particularly the birthday celebrant and his cousins.

My elder brother's children, Haris and Anis, prepared surprise birthday cards for Khalish. It was too cute. Look at the way Anis spelled her cousin's name. 'Karlich'.

I compiled Khalish's favourite songs as background music, to be played throughout the event. The moment Kamal hit the 'play' icon, the children danced, led by Khalish and my eldest brother's sons, Haikal and Hazim. What an entertainment!

My mother took a break from kitchen duties (as she helped the other chefs with the final preparation of the main dishes for the dinner that evening) to be with the birthday celebrants. Kamal and I would love to thank her for the vast place and the sumptuous food. We love you.

I also would love to thank Ainul of Blissful Sweetness for the marvelous marble cheesecake. So marvelous, it was gone in a blink of an eye; I did not manage to snap a photo. Hence, a borrowed photo of the birthday cake from her blog.

I used one of the posters, which Kamal inspired and I created as our birthday wish for Khalish, for the edible image.

My cousin, Anita, also brought a delicious cake for Khalish and her son, Aliff. Cakes galore!

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More moments:

These were among the children who were there. Most were enthralled with the balloons. The ones at the main table must have been famished. I suspected they merely wanted a piece of cake. No cake? No smile. The adults laughed our hearts out at such sight!

Only one person smiled finally! The others still wore rigid countenances. The reason? 'Happy Birthday' song. Yes, Khalish was happy because, I repeat, he has always loved 'Happy Birthday' song. The rest were sad because, not only they had to stand, they also needed to sing at the top of their lungs, on the little birthday celebrant's demand!

Wrong candles, but, who dared to rearrange the cakes when the children at the back seemed extremely eager for the whole process to be over? The adults could hear their inner voices clearly, "we want cake, we want cake!"

At last! The cake was cut! Happy birthday, Aliff and Khalish. May we have such celebration again next year. With more relatives and friends, Insha-Allah.

Kenduri Kesyukuran

2011-07-31T08:33:00.005+08:00

Makcik Midah, the one responsible for the perfect lemang.

Following are more stories on her and the event during which the lemang was served.

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I described Friday, July 22, 2011, as 'hectic'. The truth was, every single day throughout that particular week was hectic! Suddenly, Monday came. I embraced it with a rest from the camera and the computer; only important routines. Tuesday arrived. I exported photos of last weekend's event from the camera to the computer; merely for Khalish, as he has always loved to view photos in slideshows. The next thing I knew, Wednesday replaced Monday and Tuesday. More tasks. The highlight being the final stage of the plumbers' works around the house. Alhamdulillah. Once the works were completed, I cleaned the house, and packed for the whole family. At 10:30 p.m., we departed to Kelantan. Now, it is weekend again, and the blog is eventually updated!

About last weekend. My parents hosted a family gathering to welcome a new daughter-in-law. The kenduri kesyukuran was also for their youngest child, who is back at home after long, long months of work across oceans, and not to forget, their grandson's birthday, which fell in July. Kamal and I thought that it was inappropriate for Khalish to steal the limelight from his uncles, so, the birthday celebration was held at tea time.

The food and beverage for the gathering were prepared by my family members and close friends, with Makcik Midah's guidance. Rewang, yes. Makcik Midah is a Masterchef when it comes to Negeri Sembilan specialties. She insisted that lemang be served with rendang daging and rendang ayam. Seeing such scene, my mind immediately travelled to Aidilfitri during my childhood; how my maternal grandmother and her sisters prepared not only lemang and rendang, but also ketupat, kuah kacang, and traditional cookies, all from scratch!

I am fortunate to have brothers who are skillful in the kitchen. Then, there were relatives and friends who came to Rembau earlier with the noble intention to help with the food and beverage preparation. Some from the Klang Valley, some from the Southern states, and some from the East Coast. Kamal and I offered our help here and there, all the while admiring others' more deft hands.

My favourite dish for the day was gulai kawah kambing. I did take part in the dish preparation, albeit the role being minor. I sat between Maksu and Mek, reached for a knife, and sliced garlics, onions, and gingers. All that I knew. Later, with the ingredients poured into the big wok, I searched around for another task only to realise that all the tasks in the house had been taken. Except for photography.

I reached the outdoor kitchen in time for the final process of gulai kawah preparation. To my surprise, as the dish boiled, the cooks added the heads of the slaughtered goats! They have been meticulously cleaned and delicately cut to absorb the flavours of various spices. My father further explained that those were the most special parts in the dish. I have tasted internal organs of cows, including their tongues and brains, but, I never saw the heads of goats as the main delicacies. Interesting.

In the end, every thing was ready by lunch hour. We looked forward to the gathering that evening, which turned out well. Alhamdulillah. Thank you to all the guests for the presence. What a meaningful day it has been.

The little birthday celebration for Khalish, and his second cousin, Aliff, held during tea time on the same day.

Hello, Goodbye

2011-07-22T14:24:00.003+08:00

A break. From a hectic Friday. Cheers!

Back to Basic at 30

2011-07-21T14:42:00.004+08:00

I turned 30 at 9:39 p.m., July 19, 2011. The eternally young alter ego within me lusted after a celebration with loved ones, but, the 30-year-old self chose to be alone. So, I dedicated a dinner to the latter. Bliss!

When I reached home, Kamal and Khalish greeted me with a wish and a card. The card was 99 percent made by Khalish. The duo also presented a video that featured Khalish's rendition of birthday song. I never failed to smile from ear to ear each time I saw the card and watched the video. Each time. Oh, I broadly smiled even when I only thought about them. The best birthday gifts, K&K. Especially because they were unpredictable!

Kamal added that his birthday gift for me will be here in September. I told him that it is already his birthday month then, not mine. Therefore, I asked him to also dazzle me in July. Heh.

The next day, Kamal was home before Khalish and I returned from the boy's favourite restaurant. As I opened the main door, I saw a big, blue package. "I assume this is for me" I smiled at Kamal. "Yes" he smiled back. Inside the package was a handsome book. Kamal then revealed that it was from Rose. I cannot thank you enough, Rose; I love the book, I love the surprise!

One thing was expected though: the birthday gifts for myself, from myself. I truly, truly, truly wanted to keep in touch with my creative side, hence a sketch book, a note book, a set of pencils, a set of pens, and a set of colour pencils. Heaven!

Happiest birthday!

Khalish's Birthday Song to Mommy

2011-07-19T21:34:00.003+08:00

Durian Season in Rembau!

2011-07-18T08:01:00.003+08:00

Yes, you read it right; durian season in Rembau now! Not as many durians as there were last year, but, Alhamdulillah, enough to share with our relatives. Thanks to our grandparents and parents for their initiative to plant durian trees at the backyard orchard. Thanks to Pak Long, too, for the various types of seed he gave to Ayah and Mak. Kamal and I wonder who among my siblings has the older generation's talent to keep the little orchard fruitful. We should expose Khalish to basic agriculture, with his grandparents' guidance, of course.

Khalish, he loves local fruits. Durian included. Yesterday, during morning tea time, the boy patiently sat beside my youngest brother as the man pried open one durian after another. Like all of us, he seemed to favour durian kampung for its small, yet, succulent bittersweet flesh; perfect for even the littlest fingers and the most dainty taste buds.

The boy ate and ate, oblivious to my camera (which he usually loved to mock with a stare and slightly pouted lips). He exclaimed "sedapnya" over and over again and only stopped when he noticed a ball perched on a tall cabinet. After such feast, I loved it that he kept himself active. Heh.

Prior to the play session, he was seen emptying those shells. I announced to Kamal that there are actually eight days in a week. The eighth day is called Cheatday. We have just started to be more strict with our diet again, since two weeks ago, yet, we allowed a cheat day once in a blue moon, particularly when there was a free flow of durians around. Back to Herbalife shake for breakfast and dinner, and least oil, least salt savoury food for lunch today. Exercises, too. What with a birthday dinner scheduled tomorrow.

Khalish showed us how to enjoy the now though :).

Rembau Ria!

2011-07-17T12:29:00.003+08:00

Khalish Starr (a long lost relative of Ringo Starr) in action.
Music class soon.

Aside from the miniature musical instruments, Khalish was also interested in every single thing in his uncles' room.
One of the reasons he loves being in Rembau.

Tired of the drums, Khalish turned to the outdoor swing.
When I directed my lens towards him, he mocked me with a serious look. He did so a number of times.

The littlest and the adults.
By the way, if Kamal and I let Khalish grow his hair longer, it will be exactly like Cilan's hairdo, we are sure. Heh.

Khalish and Haikal, cousins in pajamas. The little boy got to meet other relatives, too.
At Wan Ngah's house, he was introduced to bahulu, and he devoured six pieces. He loves bahulu, just like I used to.

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Hurrah! Rembau again next weekend.
(Which means you can meet Michelin again, Khalish.)

Our Little Excursion

2011-07-14T23:59:00.008+08:00

I declare this week as Khalish's Week. At least, in my universe.

After the fun at The Curve, Kamal, Khalish, and I proceeded to IKEA. For more amusements. The last time we were there, the boy sat still at the children's chair, occupied with the bead roller coaster on the table. The parents had a similar vision of him this time around.

An extremely ambitious vision.

Khalish's energy was charged by the sight of vibrant display around the vast place. Naturally, that phenomenon induced hype. He spinned himself on a swivel chair innumerable times, then, he zigzagged between shelves and desks to finally dive into sofas. I only started to photograph him when he was too tired to repeat the aforementioned pattern.

He chose to rest only on arrows on the floor though, which the photographer alter ego within me loved for the unique view. Heh. If there were lesser people around, I would absolutely join him on the floor, beside the arrows, with different uninhibited poses for the camera.

He soon retired to pretend play, particularly at the dinner table. Way slower pace, but, it was riskier because of the fragile tableware. Kamal distracted him with the slide, and I distracted him with the beds.

He chose the slide. In fact, he played there until the parents had to divert his attention to other subjects, again. The beds were never chosen. Yet, I really, really, really wanted to have photos of him under the colourful duvets. Kamal, let us schedule another visit to Ikea with Khalish on a weekday.

Sigh, I am such a mamarazzi, I admit. Ha ha! Just look at Khalish's countenance. "Why can't I have a normal day without mommy following me with her camera?"

The truth was, I rarely bothered him. I let him be. Except for those moments that involved delicate items. So, Khalish walked and walked and only stopped when he saw his reflections on mirrors to his left and right. Oh, he has always loved mirrors. He mimicked his own expressions and actions; he checked his shirt, pants, and shoes. All oblivious to the presence of my camera. It was one amusing outing, yes.

Khalish seemed very hungry towards the end of the tour, Kamal realised. The pretend play returned, and, it revolved more and more around the dinner tables. At IKEA Cafe, the usually neat eater did not care about his meatball-sauce smeared shirt. A change of top afterward, only for the t-shirt to be stained by shoe prints a moment later.

This was shot right before the three of us rested at the cafe. He stopped by the last mirror at the mirror section and ensured that his lips were well moisturised. Vain, eh? However, when he lay on the floor yet one more time, suddenly unconcerned about the dirt, Kamal and I laughed as we recalled his sense of self-love minutes ago.

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All in all, the little excursion has introduced Kamal and I to the the three-year-old's new traits. He might have flashed a "why can't I have a normal day without mommy following me with her camera?" look (which still tickles Kamal and I), but, he also smiled oh so sweetly to the camera eventually because he knew the value of good memories to our family. And, because the boy now loves to tease the parents (among other new traits).

Pins used for the 'IKEA Olympic' board are by fuzzimo.

An Evening with Khalish

2011-07-13T23:59:00.001+08:00

July 12, 2011. Khalish's third birthday!

The parents' first gift for him was our presence throughout the day. A surprise for Khalish who thought that he would attend school as usual.

Initially, it was only the mommy who planned to spend the whole day with the son, but, the daddy had a personal matter to manage that he decided to apply for an emergency leave. Kamal was free from the commitment by late afternoon, and, that resulted in a spontaneous trip to The Curve.

Early dinner at Paddington House of Pancakes:

The boy loved the aisle that connected the mall to the restaurants, and, the parents loved being there during office hours. Ample space for him to run around, loudly. Which was good, because, in the end, he was tired, and that meant a long break in the high chair.

No cake for Khalish that day as he will have a slice or two, or more, during a little birthday tea party with his maternal grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins in Rembau next week. He truly looks forward to the tea party because there will be candles to blow and song sung especially for him. Meanwhile, he was contented enough to have 'Chocolate Dream', a name he gave to all chocolate smoothies in the universe.

He also had a banana and cheese pancake. Savoury pancakes for Kamal and I. The food triggered an urge to cook again within me. Nothing fancy. Just fun menu.

While I entertained the kitchen goddess fantasy, Kamal kept Khalish occupied with games on iPhone and the latter's insistence to do every single thing on his own. When Khalish shifted his look from the pancake, Kamal quickly helped to cut it to small pieces.

We were happy about his declaration of independence, of course. More time for us to enjoy our food. There was even time for me, the so-called family photographer, to smile at the camera. Thank you for the photo, Kamal.

The rest of the evening was dedicated to Khalish. He happily ran into each shop that featured toys at the display window. At Mothercare, he stayed at the pretend kitchen for almost half an hour. He did run to the big boxes of toy garages with cars and trucks, but, Kamal and I had our eyes on another item as a birthday present. No, not that pink and beige scooter. We love it though. Yes, we have no issue with boys who love pink (or doll).

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Eventually, what mattered most to Khalish were his obsessions - car and escalator. Ha!

Happy birthday, again, son. We pray that you always live a blessed, meaningful life.

Khalish is 3!

2011-07-12T12:39:00.004+08:00

A series by yours truly, inspired by Kamal, especially for Khalish. Again, Happy birthday, Khalish.

Tapes and tags, by Pugly Pixel.
Polka dot background, by Pixel Scrapper.
Fonts, by Font Squirrel.
Thank you for the creative sources.

The Reason I Do Not Bake Cake

2011-07-12T11:04:00.002+08:00

A month before his third birthday, Khalish played Play-Doh with yours truly.

He requested a strawberry birthday cake, with a number three candle, no less.

You should see my focus, my dedication while I was at work.

Khalish showed off the end result to Kamal, "daddy, look; mommy made me..."

He suddenly stopped to take a better look at the sculpted dough, and, a second later, he confidently continued, "... a carrot birthday cake!"

Us: His Interpretations

2011-07-10T09:16:00.003+08:00

Khalish asked for the white board and the markers yesterday. He drew cars, of course. Kamal and I playfully requested for our portrait instead of more cars.

To our delight, he portrayed us beautifully:

Khalish may not be an art prodigy, but, Kamal and I truly appreciate his expressions through the sketches. I especially love the stories behind them. In the sketch above, "daddy and mommy dance" he narrated. Both of us thought that we also sang. Opera, or Peter Pan musical, with me as Captain Hook.

Afterward, he drew himself on a bicycle: