Merdeka and Ramadhan

Ehem..ehem!

On your feet and sing our Negaraku


Negaraku
Tanah Tumpahnya Darahku
Rakyat Hidup
Bersatu dan Maju

Rahmat Bahagia
Tuhan Kurniakan
Raja kita
Selamat Bertakhta

Rahmat Bahagia
Tuhan Kurniakan
Raja kita
Selamat Bertakhta

Welcome Ramadhan!

To all Muslims, I'd like to wish all of you a blessed Ramadhan with hopes and prayers that by the end of this holy month, we'll be better Muslims :)

ANDAI INI YANG TERAKHIR

Andai ku tahu ini Ramadhan terakhir
Tentu siang ku sibuk berzikir
Tentu aku tidak akan jemu-jemu melagukan syair rindu
Mendayu.. merayu.. kepada-Nya Tuhan yang satu

Andai ku tahu ini Ramadhan terakhir
Tentu solat ku kerjakan di awal waktu
Solat yang ku kerjakan sungguh khusyuk lagi tawadhu'
Jasad dan qalbu bersatu memperhambakan diri
Menghadap Rabbul Jalil... menangisi segala kecurangan janji
"innasolati wanusuki wamahyaya wamamati lillahirabbil a'lamin"
Sesungguhnya solat ku, ibadah ku, hidup ku dan mati ku....
Ku serahkan hanya kepada Allah s.w.t. tuhan seru sekalian alam

Andai ku tahu ini Ramadhan terakhir
Tidak akan aku sia-siakan waktu walau sesaat yang berlalu
Setiap masa tidak akan aku biarkan berlalu begitu sahaja
Di setiap kesempatan juga masa yang terluang
Alunan Al-Quran bakal ku dendang.... bakal ku syairkan

Andai ku tahu ini Ramadhan terakhir
Tentu malam ku sibuk dengan bertarawih, berqiamullail, bertahajjud
Mengadu... merintih.. meminta belas kasih
"sesungguhnya aku tidak layak untuk ke syurga-Mu
tapi... aku juga tidak sanggup untuk ke neraka-Mu"

Andai ku tahu ini Ramadhan terakhir
Tentu diri ku tidak akan melupakan mereka yang tersayang
Mari kita sama-sama meriahkan Ramadhan ini
Kita buru... kita cari... suatu malam idaman
Yang lebih baik dari seribu bulan

Andai ku tahu ini Ramadhan terakhir
Tentu aku bakal menyediakan batin dan zahir
Mempersiapkan diri... rohani dan jasmani
Menanti-nanti jemputan Izrail
Di kiri dan kanan... lorong-lorong redha Ar-Rahman

Duhai Ilahi...
Andai ini Ramadhan terakhir buat kami
Jadikanlah ia Ramadhan paling berseri dan paling bererti
Menerangi kegelapan hati kami
Menyeru ke jalan menuju keredhaan serta kasih sayang-Mu Ya Illahi
Semoga bakal mewarnai kehidupan kami di sana nanti

Namun....
Tidak ada manusia yang bakal mengetahui
Apakah Ramadhan ini merupakan yang terakhir kali bagi dirinya
Yang mampu bagi seorang hamba itu hanyalah
Berusaha.... bersedia... meminta belas-Nya... .

Andai benar ini Ramadhan yang terakhir buat kita


I'd also like to ask for forgiveness for all wrong that I've done, intentionally or unintentionally and may the ukhuwah bestowed upon us be stronger and better.

This year, I hope I to get a chance to perform the tarawikh prayers at the mosque or musolla as last year I was not fortunate enough (was in confinement). However, looks like that has to wait. Else, little Cikebum might start crawling and making noise while people are praying :P

Yay! Bonus sebulan

Alhamdulillah... the Malaysian govt is generous enough this year to give a-month bonus to the govt servants. Hehehe...


Wahhh...now I can start daydreaming and planning...

Extra pahala on Friday

Friday is the penghulu of the days. Err...penghulu x sama dgn ketua kampung ke? Hihihi :P
This morning, I had a breakfast (roti telur bawang and half boiled eggs) with my two darlings at Khulafa', Section 7.


There's this macha who always serves us, and would also greet Adam, by tickling his cheeks and such. Just now he gave two sweets to Adam, and happily... Adam took it. Though kids do not know how to say thanks, I believe that kids 'pray' for the people who make them happy.

Hence, in this case... may the business prosper.

When I was little, every morning our (Acik & I) routine is to sweep the dead leaves in the compound. Upon completion, Mak would ask us to hail the PakCik Kuih (kuih seller) and buy something for the late breakfast we used to have.

Then, we would stand on our tippy toes surrounding the elevated big blue box containing the various kuih. After choosing our faves, Mak would pay for them.


Yet, if it is Friday... Acik would innocently say "Pak Cik, arini hari Jumaat... Takkan tak dak apa-apa kot? Pak cik tak mau sedekah ka?"
(Pakcik, today is Friday. Don't U wanna do a good deed (so u get extra pahala)?)

And the sorta-blushed PakCik would say "Oh...sure. Here's some!" (handing us some extra kuih).

Today, when I think of it... I just can't help myself from bursting into a big laughter.
Mesti PakCik tu fikir... "Hampeh betul budak ni. Buat-buat berkias pulak!"
LOL @ Acik. Tak malu sungguh Abang aku tu...

p/s:
Woit, Acik! Hang ingat tak? Hihihi :P

Die eating, not dieting :P

Yes, I am a health freak, or maybe a proper way to call it- a health conscious person. Most people usually view 'diet' as restricting food intake to lose weight, but to me, it's a just the usual food/drinks consumed on a daily basis.

I never diet... I just enjoy all food I can eat without feeling guilty, yet thank God, I hardly put on weight! My only worry is my cholesterol level, as I tend to gobble everything down without thinking of the risk to get fat. So in a way, I am risking my health too.

Whenever I tell people about my high cholesterol level, they wouldn't believe me. C'mon man... it's not about the visible lipid. It's in the bloodstream maaa...


Few days back, I got my blood test result. I was impressed to know that my HDL is of good level, as well as the others. Unfortunately, my LDL is off the optimal range. Hehehe

Looks like there will be no more huge servings of red meat, seafood... What??? Seafood? Uhuk uhuk... that's unbearable :(

Sham's blood test result? Hahaha. Even worse... Besides the high LDL and low HDL, his uric acid and triglycerides levels are slightly high.

HOWEVERRRRR....
Saturated fats (as in meat & butter) and Trans fats (deep-fried food) are the most important factors that raise LDL and total cholesterol, not dietary cholesterol!

In fact, an article I read claimed that seafood can be consumed a few times per week if saturated fat intakes are low, as most seafood is excruciatingly low in saturated fat!

To Decrease LDL, I have to:-

• Eat more foods with soluble fiber -fruits, oats, barley, nyum nyum!

• Eat more soy proteins -Ahah! taufufa! ;) jangan mintakkkk!

• Eat Omega 3-rich food such as Salmon, Fish Oils -Scott's emulsion, boleh x?

• Include Garlic -wouldn't that make me have a bad breath?

• Keep a healthy weight -not a big deal!

• Keep an active lifestyle -what??? exercise? huhu

To sum up, when it comes to consuming/intake of the food, I'd be more than happy to do it. The problem is when I have to cut down the intake or stop eating. Hahaha.


From the previous experience, I know I'll be kinda strict with my diet (not to take oily food, fatty stuff).

McD? Oh nooo... too much fats!
Banana fritters? No... no... it's deep-fried.
KFC? High cholesterol...

But it's not gonna be for long. Say, a week or two after that, I'll see myself munching the sinful fattening foodie again. Hahaha... Like the Malay proverb says Hangat-hangat tahi ayam (warm as chicken's shit)

Parenthood Expo

After the Sports Carnival on Saturday, we headed to Dian's place. Wahhh..Paman Jalak & Cik Dian dah ada baby. So, now Adam has a li'l brother named Aqil Darwisy.

See...Adam's getting to know little Aqil. (this is the pix before he friendly gave the not-so-gentle pat).
Here's another pix... Adam's notty face was like saying "Heh heh...wait until u grow a little bit. I'll bully u!"


Came Sunday, Sham was so kind to bring me to the Parenthood Expo I really wanted to go. Thanks, Sayang. Muahhh..muahhh...

We really had a good time despite the big crowd. Enrolled Adam in the Milna's Baby Olympiad, but he hardly smiled when the photographer was trying to get a good snap. That's ok, it was just for fun.

In the other hall, we had a photo taken near the Immunofortis standee, with us wearing the starwars-like costume. Hahaha. Macam M.Daud Kilau pun ada... with the flashy clothes.


Sham even participated in the Mamil Gold's "Preparing Milk with One Hand" challenge. He took his own sweet time, yet the consolation prize was worthy- a big tin of the formula! Of course cannot win maaa... usually the milk was prepared 'in me' :P

We collected many freebies and free samples and even bought Adam's first pair of shoes. Adam was already aslept by the time the Blue Bear passed by.

When he woke up, Sham surprised him with the lion mask. He giggled upon seeing the weird face.
Until today actually, he likes to peek-a-boo with the lion mask in the car. Lucky that I kept another one (just in case this one is torn).

Whew! It was a bit tiring, but we enjoyed it beary much. Errr..We? Or maybe it's just me? :P As Sham said..."I think u're more excited than Adam is, honey."

The End

I remember walking down a ridgy, rocky, rippled road in the beginning of the year with a little strength in me, as I had no one else to talk to.


Alhamdulillah... after passing by the rough path, today Allah granted our wishes. Remember, dear? I promised U, whatever happens... we'll hold our hands tight and face it together.

What U give, U get back

Today is the anniversary that Sham's parents went to meet my parents to ask for my hand in marriage. When we were having breakfast (of nice nasi dagang and lousy lontong), the song Look What U've Done (Jet) was played in the air. It wasn't romantic, though... it's just a coincidence.

Then, we started talking about my MIL.

Me : I don't agree when sometimes Mak told her friends that she only has 9 grandchildren (which doesn't include K. Nor's kids, that adds up to 12). I know they're from her previous marriage, but she shouldn't say so.

Hubby : Well, U know... Mak is like that.

Me : Ya la... But it might hurt K.Nor's feelings if she heard of it. That day, when she did it again, I reminded her (just by saying..."Don't say like that la, Mak")

Hubby : U are doing the right thing. Keep reminding her.

Me : One more thing, she likes to mention about her son-in-law who earns less than her daughter.

Hubby : I've warned her not to do so. U too, don't do such things. the world is round. What U say to other people today, might come back to U one day.

Me : Haaa? I always say that U are a Tambi (little Indian brother).

Hubby : (with a cheeky grin) See... later, U'll be one (the Tambi)


Me : Ok la... ayah putis, ayah tomel (U're fair, U're cute) Hehehe

Hubby : No...no. It's not gonna work. It has to be repeated for 44 days.

Me : Huh?! Ok then... U're fair and cute today, u're fair & cute yesterday, last week, last month... bla...bla... Hehehe.

Hubby : Yay! I'll be fair & cute, but u'll remain dark like a Tambi.

Me : Hahaha. U just said it... so, U'll get back what U give. U'll be a Tambi too.

p/s:
Hubby & I always argue who's fairer. On top of that, we claim the partner as the darker one! :P

The talking camel

Alkisahnye, Sham was reading the book I bought for him "Soal Jawab Remeh-Temeh: Salah Faham Tentang Islam, Tapi Anda Malu Bertanya"

So, I asked "What's in the book?" --the lazy me hoping to hear the good points extracted from the book.

Sham explained...

There was a Jew who once accused a Muslim for stealing his camel. So, he even brought up four witnesses to support his claim. Upon seeing it, Rasullullah PBUH decided to punish him (hudud).

The muslim was bewildered and he prayed for the truth to be revealed. Then he said to Rasulullah... "Your decision is right, but please let the camel alibi."

Rasulullah asked the camel "Oh camel, whose are you?"

And the camel said fluently and clearly "Ya Rasulullah, I belong to this Muslim hence the fake witnesses."


Rasulullah said "Tell me what did you do that Allah helps you by making this camel a talking camel that speaks the truth?"

He simply answered "I never slept at night before I recite the selawat on you 10 times."

*** *** ***

Then, the naughty me added "The camel was astonished and detected a hint of riak in the owner. So it said "Ish.. ish.. ish... I sense a riak feeling."

Sham : And the owner was angry with the statement, so he slaughtered the camel.

Me : But the camel managed to recite the syahadah, that he rests in peace :P

Sham : Haa...buat main pulak dengan sirah nabawi (with a stern look) U shouldn't make fun of the Prophet's story!

Me : No la...I was just exaggerating....Hihihi (and off I ran to the bathroom)

The lessons :

1. The reward we get by reciting selawat amounts to a large indefinite number. It may protect us not only in this world, but also hereafter.

2. Don't make fun of the miracles Allah creates...nanti kena jeling dengan laki walaupun dia pun ada tumpang sekaki!

JAS-KA Sports Carnival

Last Saturday, Sham had a Sports Carnival with K.A, so as usual I joined (just to menyibuk). Okay, let's put it a positive way... I followed to give him moral support without the pom-poms.

This was amongst the 1st pix taken...a.k.a pertandingan perut siapa lebih besar while everybody was still sweet smelling.

The first game was futsal between KA and Selangor A. Wah... Suzaidy dengan macho nye trying to tackle the ball. Bunc (Read: Boonch) was attentively controlling the goal post.


Concurrently, Selangor women played in the other court. I purposely do not put up the pix of them playing, bcoz they lose to the opponents :P Anyway, a big applause for the team sebab menang gaya! Hahaha... biar kalah, asal maintain! -that's Sham's motto :P


Sham played for Selangor B. And minutes after I snapped this photo, he kicked the ball through the goal post, giving a victory to the team. Well done!


Don't ask me why I didn't manage to take the pix. Little Adam also was busy with the ball. Mak aiii...abis comot seluar dia, mop seluruh lantai!


Then, we switched to the badminton court. Most of the supporters were there, esp. when Selangor started losing several futsal matches.

The most awaited match was between Nik Husni and KA (I don't know the guy's name). Unfortunately, Nik lose... putting him on the 2nd place. But at least, we really saw him struggling to get a gold.


Adam also chilled out... banging two empty plastic bottles, to make the 'loud' noise showing his support. He really had a good time!


This is a candid pix of Sham replacing his lost calories. Eleh... main bola nye tak seberapa. Makan je yang lebih... Hahaha.
Though Selangor didn't win many medals, at least we enjoyed ourselves... and Ayah, we're proud that u shot a winning goal for the team!

Are u sure u are a Doctor?

Today is the 2nd day Adam stopped throwing up. Apparently, he's back to normal. But there's a big question mark on my head.

How could that night, the doctor said that Cikebum is lactose-intolerant? To repeat, he said 'lactulose' instead of lactose. I don't know which is which. However if he is, how come Adam recovered while I never stopped breastfeeding and didn't even try the soy-based formula???


Another thing that pesters me is the doctors at HTAA Kuantan, where my FIL is getting his treatment. He was warded since last month when he had difficulties to breathe (like an asthma attack). Yet, there were various diagnosis and claims saying that he has heart problems and must be admitted to IJN.

A few days after, I asked hubby "When is Abah going to IJN?"
He said "Ohh...he's not. The Dr said he might suffer from Parkinson."

Crikey! wtf? These are like the sky and the earth!

Then, days later they said that he has to undergo dialysis.
Apa ni? Kejap itu, kejap ini. Takkan nak cari Dr. House pulak!

I wonder at one stage, these people could cause patients to lose their feet, when suddenly they were diagnosed with severe diabetes whereas they only have athlete's foot...
Or maybe someone might have to go for a bypass surgery while the person just suffers from migraine.

According to Dr. Najah, she made a call and discovered that my FIL actually was admitted bcoz of high bp... it's sorta associated with asthma. So, the heart fails to perform its tasks...and so forth...
Then, one thing leads to another... up to the kidney failure. So, he's undergoing peritoneal dialysis and if things are not improving, he'll have to undergo haemodialysis.
Whew! That's much convincing.

My oh my...
I don't regret not being a Doctor. I might not have the intelligence, nor the patience... but suffice to say, I'm glad I'm not.

p/s:
This entry is not an insult to Doctors. Somehow, I'm gonna be a Dr. too - it's just not a medical Dr.

Best moments in life

When u feel bad, why don't u try to think back the best moments ever happened in your life. I got this list and am trying to ponder the details of each.

1. Falling in love.

Ahhh..that's a great feeling- being on cloud nine. Hoping that it'd be him when the phone rings, smiling to myself, sharing the excitement with girlfriends, etc.
Anyway, this fav pix of mine reminds me of the affection.

2. Laughing till your stomach hurts.

I remember some crazee moments I laughed out loud. With Kelly & Rebecca, when we recorded a video instead of taking a snap while trying on my kebayas. The pix shows us at Micha's housewarming, with Anh, Inten, Masa, Kristy, etc. The fun was when we played charade and Andy tried to act a 'Fairy Penguin'.

3. Enjoying a ride down the country side.

T'was when Mary drove Sham & I to Mt Nebo and then Mt Coottha, the most romantic spots in BNE. Then we went to the Great Court-the ambience, the wind and the weather was so fine!

4. Listening to your favorite song on the radio.

Oh yes... this would be the 80's & 90's slow rocks (rock kapak), apart from my love songs like Look What U've Done, Mira-e, My Boo (remember the dance?)... I'd be easily carried away and will start reminiscing...

5. Going to sleep listening to the rain is pouring outside.

I miss this! My room is the frontest at 10 Twelfth Avenue, there's a beautiful tree near the garage. When it poured, I'd snuggle in my duvet...watching TV and munching something. Ahhh... can I repeat that?

With Little Cikebum, it's almost impossible :P

6. Getting out of the shower and wrapping yourself with a warm, fuzzy towel.

Shower? But I'd rather soak in the hot bubble bath for hours... so refreshing!

7. Passing your final exams with good grades.

The one that is very remarkable was when I got back my 1st assignment in UQ. It was 49/50 though I was kinda lost when I got the task.

Other than that is my graduation day, surrounded by dear ones (unfortunately Abah & Sham wasn't there). But I texted Abah, telling him my exam results with the Dean's commendation and he replied "Congrats! U deserved it."

8. Being a part of an interesting conversation.

I just love to talk and talk. Not to brag that I am a good speaker, but I tend to be the one who talks more than the rest (esp. when the topic is not too serious). May be that's why I am into this profession I have now. Eheh...

9. Finding some money in some old pants.

Haha..this is meaningful esp. when u r really broke.

10. Laughing at yourself.

I must have done something silly to make me do so. Oh yes...nowadays, I just ask Sham to lend me his armpit (ketiak) to hide under if I were so malu...

11. Sharing a wonderful dinner with all your friends.

Amongst the best dinners I had were the ones with my crazee housemates. Kelly, Rebecca, Thao, Inten, Roy/Enneth (not in the pixas this shot was meant for bachelors only). The other one was the pre-XMas dinner with Bray, Murray, Fiza & Suraya...with the humongous turkey.

12. Laughing without a reason.

*Giggle* Aiyarkkk... doesn't this reflect that I am insane?

13. 'Accidentally' hearing someone say something good about you.

It is still good if it is not accidentally, right? For it was not in my ear I heard it but in my heart. My boss told me about a compliment I got from the superior...and it made me felt really good about myself. Hehe

14. Watching the sunset.

I love watching the sunset (Remember, dear...on the beach during our honeymoon?). But I usually wish upon the full moon. I love lying my back on the green grass, gazing at the moon. Fly me to the moon...

15. Listening to a song that reminds you of an important person in your life.

Go back to No. 4

16. Receiving or giving your first kiss.

Certainly, it was a goosebump-inducing moment. No need to elaborate. A kiss says it all.

17. Feeling this buzz in your body when seeing this "special" someone.

Nervous? How do I look? Is there any chilli flake between my teeth? Is my make-up ok? Lovestruck!

18. Having a great time with your friends.

The memorable picnic at the garden & coffee at banksia Park with Kelly & Rebecca. Ice skating with John, Jennifer, Sanket, Sandip, etc. Sharing crazy moments with Inten, esp. during Ramadhan.

Not to forget Sab & Suzana... thanks for being such great friends, guys!

19. Seeing the one you love happy.

It's such an indescribable feeling to see my loved ones and friends happy. When they are in love, getting good news that they are tying the knot with the love our their lives, when they get promoted, etc. Ain't love is about sharing?

20. Wearing the shirt of a person you love and smelling his/her perfume.

Despite the big size of Sham's shirt, I used to do this when I was away. I remember the perfume smell on the garment he gave me, when I was in the pink world...

p/s: I even kept the garments in a plastic bag to preserve the smell. Hahaha.

21. Visiting an old friend of yours and remembering great memories.

The first time I met Fiena was when we were 12. It took me another 12 years to meet her though we are in the same state (she studied in Ireland, anyway). I wish to have another chance to do this with other friends, no wonder I found myself browsing the net for the school alumni lately.

22. Hearing someone telling you "I LOVE YOU"

Whoa! As if the clouds would pile up forming a heart shape... and hearts wuld pop-up of the eyes :-" (blush!)

23. Reaching the target set by you

Oh yesss... I reached all my targets in 2004/2005. Err the latest target? That'll have to wait. Hehe.

Hmmm... seems like I have experienced most things considered as the best things in life. What about you?