gif taken from mards.org
p/s: blogging really helps when ur miserable eh?
I went through some ECG scan yesterday as my due date nears due to a history of minor heart problem when I was younger. It’s not severe, just a bit of palpitation and irregular heartbeats and it wouldn’t have required a check had the possibility of a caesarean birth did not arise. Not that I want to be cut up but what ifs…just so, hubby and I went to Sunway Medical centre upon referral by my gynae. Turned out my result is as good as I if I was born yesterday and felt relief that everything is going fine – well, except for the past week sleepless nights and backache. Nowadays my Mom calls often to check how I’m doing and reminded me that was how SHE felt when she carried me! LOL But seriously, bila dah mengandung baru lah nampak betapa besarnya Mak… I remembered how I used to get annoyed with her so easily – ada saja nak ungkit or nag about this and that. But as I grow older I realised that’s my mom’s way of telling us – appreciate me… And now that I’m going to be a mom soon, I look at her in a different light and feel very, very blessed to still have her around. I can’t imagine if I’m married and pregnant, etc…my mom is no more with me. She’s like an anchor I never noticed till I need my support, and thanks Mom for being there for me always.
Having a supportive husband also makes a difference. Well, of course no one has it perfect. There were countless times when I broke down…geram geram geram…with a certain attitude and frustrations. But having hubby next to me when my back feels like killing me or driving me to the clinics, etc gave so much comfort. It made me realised I can’t live without these two. It also gave me an insight to every daughter’s life – of how much she needs a supportive Mom and husband in times like this. I hope I’d be able to provide the same comfort to my daughters, and that they would reciprocate with the same feeling of need and appreciation when similar occassion arises because I saw how important and lucky to have this kind of support as my due date nears.
Thank you God, for blessing me this time and I wish Your love never cease to bless me always.
Congratulations to my dear niece Farah on her engagement to Redha – they’ve been going out for almost 5 years now and well, dah jodoh! I’m so happy for the beautiful couple. The wedding will commence sometime next year, Insya Allah. It was a very well-coordinated event and everyone enjoyed the food. Well, I did! he he..so kudos to my SIL for her painstaking but brilliant effort in making everyone happy. I’m taking notes at every party I go to in case my own daughters Sebrina or Fatin decides to get hitch someday…and that won’t be very long!..*wink the gorgeous 'pengantin to be' Farah with her gorgeous hantaran girls (FL: Amira, Maria, Farah, Tas, Elyna and Fatin) last minute posing with belly before I burst! he he My parents also made an appearance!
Enjoy the photos! 
These days I feel like a whale plodding around at work – walking and climbing the stairs feels like a chore. I used to be quite fit… and last night told Mr Hubby I don’t like this overwhelming fatigue washing over me. Been trying to pysche myself up over the fact that it’s just few more weeks to go and I have to be in best shape ever. So going to work is still a good excuse for a fit mummy-to-be, by trying hard to move around as much. Plus SPM is nearing and there’s a frenzy of marking the SPM trial papers between us teachers in order to get grades submitted in time before Friday this week, on top of the Form Four finals. I wasn’t quite sure whether I’d be able to get everything done but I took cue from the busy working mothers around me who managed well in spite of juggling jobs, kids and domestic problems, etc…..if they can do it, so can I. Alhamdullillah so far, I feel strong…even at my lousiest state of physique.
Speaking of lousy, there’s a lot of drama at school after Raya. It’s just been a week after the break and albeit the festive mood, we teachers are desperate and have gone full gear to improve the kids’ marks before they face their final frontier a.k.a the SPM. However, too many things happened at once – students and teachers are already complaining of stolen items and money, rising disciplinary problems, adding to that the number of parents who called us up with the following;
a) anak saya kena possesed hantu/jin/setan that’s why cannot come to school
b) another case….kenapa cikgu nak hantar surat amaran berhenti sekolah? anak saya baru tak datang 20 hari saja. (a week before raya and after raya hols) Tolong batalkan surat amaran kalau tidak saya sue!
c) and another case…on stealing cikgu repotkan saja anak saya ke polis biar dia masuk lokap sepuluh hari pun takpe….saya tak larat nak jaga hal dia…
These are just a few examples of calls we had to entertain from parents. Each time the school’s office calls, it’s like anticipating a heart-attack- hmm…what now? I can hear most of these teachers’ sigh… If we are supposed to babysit these errant kids, my colleagues and I seriously think we’re in the wrong profession. It’s bad enough we never get credit for our slog and tears (credit always belong to the tuition teachers)…we have to fake to society our country has the best education system by having 100% SPM passes notwitstanding the measly pay, no Raya bonus, real arrogant parents with their ignorant and uncivilised kids…need I add more?
How can I not feel lousiest ever to go to work?
The only reason why I’m still in this line is that – someday, my child would benefit from my experiences. In the best way possible, learning and deflecting from the worst examples around today.
I managed to squeeze in a concert amidst my last month of preggy! he he…When I got news Chaka Khan would be in town I immediately called Mr Hubby and practically begged to go. Her concert was held tonight at KL Hilton’s ballroom and it started at 9pm. Why her, instead of Beyonce eh? LOL, you may wonder coming from a “modern” listener…
Well, if you noticed my choice of music videos, I love Classic Soul. That refers to the likes of Aretha Franklin, Roberta Flack, Chaka Khan, etc…. and although now I’ve transcend to the later of its songstress genre like Jill Scott, the original singers still reigns in my heart. Prince even called Chaka Khan “the mother of all voices” and she’s won the Grammys too many times. If you like R&B and Jazz music she is one household name you won’t want to miss.
Well, I almost cried when Chaka Khan appeared on stage – I couldn’t believe Chaka Khan was in front of me rendering her famous songs like I feel for you, Through the fire and I’m every woman. I felt just lucky to see her tonight (coming from the heart of a fan) and believe it or not, I’m not the only one. Sheila Majid, Khadijah Ibrahim and Jaclyn Victor were just behind my seat…they were clapping and singing aloud to the songs too! It was an energetic fun night and I had a ball. Eventhough I was seated most of the time I was still grooving along her music with baby in me…. ha ha..I think baby’s going to turn out listening to old-skool R&B like mommy eh? he he..Thanks Mr Hubby…for enabling me to see the great Chaka Khan.
the fabulous backup singers
These days I easily feel tired and lazy, especially when keeping up with appearance. So when I discovered the miracles of mineral foundation and learn that I could almost go to sleep with it on – it’s like godsent!
However, one thing about mineral foundation is that they don’t come in many shades so you’re stuck with a shade darker or lighter (especially when you belong to in-between shade of skin like mine – neither fair nor too dark..awwhh..perasann!) ANYway, I’ve been using Bodyshop mineral foundation for a while because of the price and accessibility (Bodyshop is in every mall and high street it seems unlike other brands) and although it’s quite okay I don’t like having the kabuki brush applicator separately – plus the packaging wasn’t that user-friendly. The brush keeps hanging out in the open inviting germs and all so I have to wash it frequently. Just a day before Raya I lingered at a M.A.C booth and discovered their mineral loose powder foundation – with the applicator capped together. That itself scored a point with me and I purchased a shade close to mine. I like M.A.C and Bobbi Brown range of foundation but my acne prone oily skin won’t submit great enough to its liquid nor creamy substance for long. So I got thrilled when M.A.C comes out with mineral loose powder foundation for me to try – the price wasn’t far steep from Bodyshop’s variety. Plus it got SPF 15 which makes it brilliant to apply anytime after solat which cuts short the whole make up ritual. So yeah, got it, used it and happy with the result. Plus there were many occassions when I actually commited a beauty sin by dozing off with make up on and didn’t wake up with a breakout the next day. Bliss, eh? LOL
Hmm… not something I would advocate …but this make up is brilliant when you’re too tired to wash and scrub and exfoliate…
For the past years of being married, I like what I saw in my eldest sister in law(SIL); she made great effort to bring all of us together in spite of everything. My SIL is a great believer in tradition of keeping family together, especially during festive times. She takes stock of family events, new and old relatives, and she took care of my in laws with all her heart and might. Maybe some people may not be able to complete the feat she has done whilst having so many selfish distractions of their own but she had hers and still she has time for everyone. Not in a commanding, intruding way, but I admire her perseverence in being the “medium” of her whole family as she carried on as the eldest. It’s not easy, keeping relations alive – because a lot of people are lazy to make the effort plus each got pride when it comes to certain issues.
But sometimes, you need a certain role model like this to elevate yourself to a higher plane than just you, you and you. I learn that life is not just what I’m able to achieve; my house, my cars, my job, my children… it’s how you build the company around you that makes a better human out of everyone. As the only one who’s married in my family, I may have taken respite in the belief my parents are doing alright with my other siblings at home staying with them. But someday, being the eldest I would have to replace my mom as the “medium” in the family, soon. My house would then be the central of events – my parents might even live with me when they couldn’t take care of themselves anymore. To that, I’m preparing my role for bigger things in life; as a mom and sister to all. I confided in hubby that I want our modest house to be a focal element for my children and siblings to come and feel at home with whenever possible, after observing my SIL’s example. Well, as a start we have just bought a huge dining table fit for 12! ha ha…so I guess I’m grooming my home for entertaining. As I remodeled my new home interior, my mind is busy picturing images of happy family members lounging with me. It’s not just what decor is best to accentuate a certain corner – my designs are based on what kind of emotions each room would conjure – be it kitchen, dining or living. And they all revolve around my family’s faces. Hubby with his TV and motor magazines while Sebrina, Fatin and baby Aisyah in each of their favourite colour and dwellings. It’s quite a headache actually – I could’ve just leave it to some ID but I want personal touch in every room so I take my time to build character. Everyday now is a negotiating nightmare between hubby and me as the house nears completion. *wink
Well, my sister is right when she claims that I’ve been domesticated – no more the outgoing party girl I used to be. Well, I still like parties, but now I like family parties. With people that really matters in my life.
So yeah, every Raya is a lesson in being part of family to me. How we’ve evolved. Not just showing off the latest baju and makan kuih I guess…then again, who doesn’t like to be complimented they look great every Raya eh? LOL
Here’s the latest photo of my Raya celebration.
Raya 09 with my inlaws
If there’s one thing to avoid at open houses gatherings – it’s the direct selling people. I mean, come on…people want to celebrate Raya, have a decent conversation with relations and strangers next to them and in no mood to join an MLM organisation. I have no qualms with people who wants to expand their financial capacity but not when you just met someone and start discussing at length how that person could get rich in an instant, you’ll lose focus of what festive gatherings are all about. After enduring to what seems like ages on the benefits of a certain product, when I tried to say no, the person couldn’t let go. And I’m not raised being rude so I just nodded politely at everything and wished hubby rescue me soon by excusing us from the majlis. Or maybe some heavy rain downpour would chase me out of the house! ha ha
Well, for the most part I love Raya. I love going to people’s house and eating what’s served. And I wish to offer the same delight to people when they come to mine. I’ve been lucky to get so many invites – people had been very generous. Maybe the economy is recovering – looks like people are doing more open houses unlike last year in which I feel pretty quiet and glum. Hmmm…. So I shouldn’t have complain and probably attend with an empty brain, munch on a cookie and continue to listen to some direct selling babble from the company next to me….
I wish I had the same tenacity as these fellas on my worklife. Then I’d probably become the education minister! LOL
How’s your Raya so far? Love blog-hopping and seeing all the festive comments around. Enjoy the Syawal..:)
Family:
(from left) Fatin, hubby, me and Sebrina
On the eve:
Hubby gets a bunch of hampers and Fatin and I would sort out all the goodies. Then we’ll take out the Raya cookies and organise them nicely in the jars, sort out drinks, cutleries and tableware for the next day. Usually, my maid would start preparing all the ingredients for rendang and peanut sauce after dinner and I would cook these dishes the night before (well, except for lemang and ketupat laa..he he that one order). Every year I would also bake a cake or some cookies but this year is a unique exception – all my food is bought from friends – I made it a point to relax and enjoy the Eid in my condition! (excuses!!!)
Most of the time I couldn’t sleep early due to cooking the rendang (to get a good one you would have to keep stirring for 4-5 hours). But yeah, this year I skipped that routine. I’ll get back into action in 2010 ok..cooking up a storm! Those who knows me I’m extending my invitation now yeah…*wink
On first Raya
We began the day with Eidil Fitri prayer. Since both of our parents are in KL (mine in Selayang and hubbys’ in PJ) we prayed at Masjid Wilayah KL, which is 10 minutes away from my house.
Then we adjourned to home to eat breakfast. The usual fare – all the following. Somehow every year I would buy loads and loads of pineapple jam tarts. I couldn’t settle on what shape so I bought all kinds. I heard it’s one of the toughest to make anyway. Well, it’s my favourite cookie!
must-have for Raya
Night comes, I’ll play some bunga api and mercun for fun but looks like the neighbours are coming out to check on their cars! ha ha…Well, I guess it’s unfitting to play around the residential area. I miss those times when we could play in the open field. Oh yeah, at 30 I still play bunga api… can you believe it? Hubby also got excited seeing me excited.. I guess fireworks always brings out the child in a person.
Well, tomorrow there’s more food, entertaining and rounds of visits…sigh..
(eh, Alhamdulillah)
Finally, I’ll get to rest at home. I’ll count my Raya ang paus for give away tomorrow. I’ll usually entertain guests on the second day onwards but this year I tell everyone my home is like a warehouse (due to moving out-soon scenario) and not fit for attending to guests! he he…..so Insya Allah I will do a Raya open house next year in my new abode.
My wish to all – Selamat Hari Raya and may God bless you and family with all the love, joy and kindness that lasts and lasts!
Blame it on time constraint with all the fasting frenzy, short sleep and tonnes of work to finish before the Eid holidays; lately I feel so overwhelmed with lots and all I want to do is sleep sleep and sleep. I can’t remember a time when I actually had a good peaceful rest with all the ongoings of my life but having said that – I am blessed with a wonderful husband to keep my mind sane. Now that hubby is jobless, he has taken the role of driving me to school – that started since Monday this week. I was so used driving everywhere on my own so the first day it felt like a privilige. While waiting for him to fetch me after work a few friends made funny jokes about how I’m being chauffeured-driven, which was ok, I guess. Then the next day I’ve started to feel stifled. There goes the wondrous joy of driving home and stopping here and there to buy groceries, toiletteries or meet friends, or to think alone while listening to the radio or enjoying a quiet drive home. Sometimes I like to stay back at work to finish some stuff too…now that becomes impossible because he fetches me on time! LOL Well, it’s not like he has nothing to do at home – sometimes he has business appointments, or he brings our pets to the vet, etc etc but having him around most of the time made me think less I guess. I become dependent on him for decisions because he’s there – and I don’t really like being in that way. So last night I pressed for him to not take me to work – I want to drive alone! he he… Well guess what? I got sick and I still need him to chauffeur-drive me around – what a contradiction huh? Maybe it’s just God’s way of saying – appreciate what you got because it may not lasts. Hmmm….
Having said that, a friend posted this article which I find refreshing to read. It’s about the benefit of men having a strong independent women as a spouse. Click here to find out more. To all my female readers, don’t miss this article. Enjoy!
My Travelogue
