Based on my personal encounters, Malaysians are still rude in general, despite the many efforts to reinstate that we Malaysians are of the gentle and respectful, polite culture. Unfortunately, I beg to differ, as I believe it's the little things that people do make you realize that people are not so polite after all.
Let me cite a few personal encounters, and observations:
Scenario 1:
Me and kids trying to get out of the elevator in a shopping mall. When the doors opened, people outside came rushing in as if that was the last elevator to leave the planet. They didn't bother to see a mother with 3 little kids trying to get out from the unnerving crowd, despite the fact that I was trying to manage the stroller out of the way. How disrespectful!
Scenario 2:
Gentlemen-ness is lacking in our local men. There is no giving way to open doors for ladies or even mothers with kids. No wonder we women adore the Mat Sallehs as they are more polite and sensitive to women (in that manner lah).
Scenario 3:
A senior citizen with walking stick trying to board the bus. The waiting crowd just pushed him aside. When I was in Perth, Australia, the bus driver actually came down from the bus and assisted an old lady with a wheel-chair to board the bus! He actually folded the wheel-chair and got showed her a seat in front. How attentive!
Scenario 4:
Al-fresco dining - this is eating out in the open at stalls. Well, I was pregnant that time, and the boys next to our table was puffing and smoking cigarattes like nobody's business. No doubt that it was open dining, and you could actually smoke, but please la be sensitive to your surroundings. It was so different in Paris. Smokers will not light up their cigarettes if they see pregnant ladies or kids around them.
Scenario 5:
Spitting in public! Euuwww!! I was in my car, at the traffic lights. A lorry driver in front was spitting out like there was a basin or something on the road. Come on la... people are just waiting there, observing other people. Tak malu ke?
Scenario 6:
Was just in the LRT last Sunday, taking Amir for his first ride. We got three seats to share, Adam, Aina, Amir and me. A few stops away, a couple with 2 kids boarded, the little boy was screaming as he didn't want to stand wobbly-ly. Two young chaps were just beside me and Adam. Nobody moved. I told Adam to give his seat away, and Adam moved to sit with me and Aina. But the boys didn't move at all. Gosh...what ever happened to kids these days??
Scenario 7:
Another LRT incident, last week, coming back from JB. A bunch of youngsters were talking loudly. It was rush-hour, and people are cramming in there, and these people just laughed and shouted as if there were loud music in there, macam disco la kut?
So there goes the ever so polite Malaysians. Or are we just polite to tourists and foreigners? Why can't we be nice to people of our own kind, people of Malaysia?
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Friday, December 15, 2006
Pet Commentary
A visit to Pet Safari last Sunday ended up with 3 hamsters and a habit-trail (the cage) which costed me a single room in a 4-star hotel for the entire package.
Well, somebody really really really begged for a pet, and after a series of promises like:
"Abang bagi makan hamster!"
"Abang promise to wash the cage!"
"Amir put air kat hamster!"
so we decided to put some responsibilities in the kids. Aina initially wanted a tortoise, but we figured we'll end up with too many habitats to take care of. So hamster it was.
We got 2 male hamsters and 1 female. Abang named his male hamster "Shark", Aina wanted a white hamster, so she named him "Racer" and Amir, simply named his girl "Tikus".
Unfortunately, Racer was the more dominant male, trying to outcast Shark, he bit and fought till Shark went bleeding all over and died on the second day. We learned our lesson, not to take two males at once.
By the third day it looks like its Papa who is doing the feeding and water-level checking all the time..
Well, somebody really really really begged for a pet, and after a series of promises like:
"Abang bagi makan hamster!"
"Abang promise to wash the cage!"
"Amir put air kat hamster!"
so we decided to put some responsibilities in the kids. Aina initially wanted a tortoise, but we figured we'll end up with too many habitats to take care of. So hamster it was.
We got 2 male hamsters and 1 female. Abang named his male hamster "Shark", Aina wanted a white hamster, so she named him "Racer" and Amir, simply named his girl "Tikus".
Unfortunately, Racer was the more dominant male, trying to outcast Shark, he bit and fought till Shark went bleeding all over and died on the second day. We learned our lesson, not to take two males at once.
By the third day it looks like its Papa who is doing the feeding and water-level checking all the time..
Saturday, December 02, 2006
Monsoon Blues and School Holidays
Year end in Malaysia will always be equated with the monsoon. As far as I could remember, it rains almost everyday since the start of school holidays, which was about 2 weeks ago. My kids are restless now as we have no agenda for the long holidays. To top it all, Mama has got tonnes of work mounting up to January next year!
But as a mother, I always want to ensure that my kids are happy. So we need to have some compromise this time around. I told the kids that we can't go somewhere far and spend days away from home. So the plan is to make every weekend as fulfilling as possible.
This plan started Saturday last week, where I brought them to the Butterfly Park, had lunch at the Bird Park among the Hornbills and climbing (not literally) the KL Tower. The day ended beautifully with us watching the sunset behind the dark clouds in the horizon which I believe is somewhere near the Klang shorelines.
It rained halfway through the Butterfly Park. Adam got bored waiting for the rain to stop.
Magnificent view of KL. 
Aina loves collecting ticket stubs.
But as a mother, I always want to ensure that my kids are happy. So we need to have some compromise this time around. I told the kids that we can't go somewhere far and spend days away from home. So the plan is to make every weekend as fulfilling as possible.
This plan started Saturday last week, where I brought them to the Butterfly Park, had lunch at the Bird Park among the Hornbills and climbing (not literally) the KL Tower. The day ended beautifully with us watching the sunset behind the dark clouds in the horizon which I believe is somewhere near the Klang shorelines.
It rained halfway through the Butterfly Park. Adam got bored waiting for the rain to stop. 
Kois being fed every day by visitors to the park. No wonder they are so fat!
Magnificent view of KL. I'm pleasantly surprised my phone camera picture turns out nice and sharp.
Aina loves collecting ticket stubs.
Hornbills are friendly in the bird park.
So now the challenge is to produce a weekend initerary for the kids, and manage the weather too! And here I am blogging in the middle of a Saturday meeting at the office. My colleagues thought I'm very much indulged in my proposal preparation. He he...
p/s: The copyright of the work in here belongs to Makbudak. Please cite reference to this site if you'd like to reproduce the materials.
Monday, November 13, 2006
Award Surprise
On Friday last week, Mama had the honor of watching Adam going on stage, as a recipient of the “Peningkatan Prestasi Terbaik” award of Penulisan Bahasa Melayu. Boy, was I so proud of my son!
Actually, we never expected this, but the call came in to Papa on Tuesday last week, asking for our attendance to the Majlis Anugerah Cemerlang of the school. When Papa told me that Adam will receive on award for “Prestasi Tulisan” we were giggling endlessly as his writing is always the first thing we commented every time we review his work.
Turned out that Papa misheard the invitation. So the award is for his improvement in Bahasa Melayu composition and writing. We were impressed!
Being very easily distracted, Adam is not doing that great in school. I have always been the worried mother, and boy oh boy, the competition these days are just unbelievable. Not to mention the ever complicated curriculum for an eight year old, I just don’t have the heart of putting that pressure on Adam.
So, I decided (since Papa is always too busy with work) that we’ll take things easy for Adam. Let him bloom at his own progress. Just to catch up, we put him in Kumon so that will discipline him a bit. I’m not too sure if it’s the right thing to do for him. But I always pray that he’ll give us a surprise someday, and this award is one of them. Ameen!
Actually, we never expected this, but the call came in to Papa on Tuesday last week, asking for our attendance to the Majlis Anugerah Cemerlang of the school. When Papa told me that Adam will receive on award for “Prestasi Tulisan” we were giggling endlessly as his writing is always the first thing we commented every time we review his work.
Turned out that Papa misheard the invitation. So the award is for his improvement in Bahasa Melayu composition and writing. We were impressed!
Being very easily distracted, Adam is not doing that great in school. I have always been the worried mother, and boy oh boy, the competition these days are just unbelievable. Not to mention the ever complicated curriculum for an eight year old, I just don’t have the heart of putting that pressure on Adam.
So, I decided (since Papa is always too busy with work) that we’ll take things easy for Adam. Let him bloom at his own progress. Just to catch up, we put him in Kumon so that will discipline him a bit. I’m not too sure if it’s the right thing to do for him. But I always pray that he’ll give us a surprise someday, and this award is one of them. Ameen!
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Homey Hippopotamus
Remember when when we were small and we loved to play "badak-badak"? (This question is for my siblings actually)
Now I have rekindled that memory with my own kids. So, how do we play "badak-badak"?
First, take a sizeable blanket enough to wrap your kid around. Fold both corners to form two triangles at one end of the blanket. Then place your child on the blanket while placing both hands under the folded corner.
Then wrap him up from both sides of the blanket.
Roll him over and bend him like below...wallah! Introducing you the Homey Hippopotamus! So this hippo can be a scary mean ol' hippo chasing everybody in the room, or simply a loveable, huggable little baby hippo that people just can't wait to cuddle. Now, this one looks like the latter, isn't it?
Oh, I just love entertaining my kids play time.... and this is merely one small piece of their imaginations..
Monday, October 30, 2006
In the Raya Mood 2
The best part of raya is actually the preparation, especially the day before. This year we celebrate the first raya in my kampung, so we got busy with preparing lemang, rendang and kelamai (pumpkin cake in bamboo). The riuh-pikuk from the kids and cousins is unmatchable by the rest of the kids in the neighboring houses. This year, all my mom's grandchildren are back, so the pitch and screams are almost 100 decibles, especially chasing after the chickens.
This year, we had two types of rendang, rendang daging rusa (venison) and buffalo meat rendang. On top of that, the evergreen gulai ayam kampung, without the skin because all these kids had torn away the skin while pulling off the feathers. Thank god, only one chicken is skinless, otherwise, the flavor would have been different.
And Mama was in-charged of the kitchen, with the blending and the "tumis'ing", managed to put these rendang on the stove before Asar. Ended up with sore shoulders - results of dehusking coconut with Papa and fidgety fingers after squeezing the coconut milk.
This year, we had two types of rendang, rendang daging rusa (venison) and buffalo meat rendang. On top of that, the evergreen gulai ayam kampung, without the skin because all these kids had torn away the skin while pulling off the feathers. Thank god, only one chicken is skinless, otherwise, the flavor would have been different.
And Mama was in-charged of the kitchen, with the blending and the "tumis'ing", managed to put these rendang on the stove before Asar. Ended up with sore shoulders - results of dehusking coconut with Papa and fidgety fingers after squeezing the coconut milk.
The gentlemen? Well they were kept busy with the lemang and kelamai outside. The weather was excellent, so they didn't have much trouble taking care of the fire. Somehow, my dad was a little bit disappointed as the lemang was cooked to perfection - no kerak! And he loves kerak lemang!
So the timing was nice, we had lemang, gulai ayam and rendang for the buka puasa of the last day of Ramadhan. The kids just love the gulai ayam, not hot at all, while the parents were wishing it should have been a little bit spicier and hot...
Thursday, October 19, 2006
In the Raya Mood
Somehow all the buzz and fuss of the festivities reminds me of my childhood. There was a different feeling back then, and I miss that feeling.
I miss the atmosphere of Ramadhan then, specifically being around the kitchen of my late grandmother's house when she and my mother would prepare the buka puasa dishes.
I miss feeling so weak and drained while waiting for the azan.
I miss the fresh smell of rambutan plucked from the trees, turned into juices from the blender my mother just bought when we first had electricity installed at Wan's house.
I miss being greedy with all the buka puasa spread like pengat, kueh talam, rambutan juice, gulai cendawan sisir.
I miss having buka puasa with my parents and siblings.
And I look forward to a sumptuous buka puasa with them when we all get together this Sunday to prepare my mom's famous gulai ayam kampung, my kids favorites - lemang and rendang daging kerbau... Hey, only in my kampung I get to have daging kerbau (buffalo meat), instead of beef!
I miss the atmosphere of Ramadhan then, specifically being around the kitchen of my late grandmother's house when she and my mother would prepare the buka puasa dishes.
I miss feeling so weak and drained while waiting for the azan.
I miss the fresh smell of rambutan plucked from the trees, turned into juices from the blender my mother just bought when we first had electricity installed at Wan's house.
I miss being greedy with all the buka puasa spread like pengat, kueh talam, rambutan juice, gulai cendawan sisir.
I miss having buka puasa with my parents and siblings.
And I look forward to a sumptuous buka puasa with them when we all get together this Sunday to prepare my mom's famous gulai ayam kampung, my kids favorites - lemang and rendang daging kerbau... Hey, only in my kampung I get to have daging kerbau (buffalo meat), instead of beef!
Friday, October 06, 2006
Now & Then
The difference between a primary two boy NOW with his mother at primary two in 1976 THEN.
Adam - 5 pairs of school uniform – none of them is spotless, must have at least one marking of pens or water color, or pure dirt.
Mama - 2 pairs of school uniform – managed to bag the “Best Dressed Student/Cleanest Uniform” award most of the years in primary school.
Adam- 1 pencil last 2 days
Mama- 1 pencil last 1 month
Adam - New box of color pencils every MONTH
Mama - New box of color pencils every YEAR
Adam - Exercise books become “lonyer” by end of first term
Mama - Exercise books in excellent condition till year end
Adam - Sleeps in air-conditioned room, showered with warm water every morning while Mama busily prepares which uniform (ironed by maid) to wear and put tie on.
Mama - Slept in ”kelambu”-clad bed, no fan or air-cond. Showered with ice-cold water, collected the evening before from the perigi near the kubur…and dressed up on her own with uniform ironed by herself.
Adam - Homework done only if Mama asked and checked, under close scrutiny of Mama or aunties.
Mama - Her mother never has to worry about homework – all homework settled by night time.
Adam- Screams and shout for Mama to look for his missing textbooks that Mama has no idea of the whereabouts.
Mama - Books and school things are sacred stuff. Treated with honor and dignity.
Adam - RM 1 duit belanja every day, with bekal air and sometimes bekal of rotikaya, cereal, apples or sausages.
Mama - 20 sen duit belanja, spent on the best nasi lemak daun pisang ever, sold by best friend who came to school with a basket of those to help her mother.
Adam - Sent to school in Papa’s car, came back in neighbor’s car.
Mama - Walked about a km to and from school, with a bunch of friends, sometime de-toured to collect rambutan or rambai by the road side.
Adam - Watched Playhouse Disney Channel and play the videogame. Hands are quick on the remote and joystick. Calories burnt – 200 perhaps.
Mama - Created own game using stuff collected around the house, sticks, boxes, leaves etc...Imagination was wild and high. Calories burnt probably 1000.
Adam - Results: No 32 out of 39…sigh!
Mama - Results: No 1 out of 25, infact no 1 throughout the primary years… :-)
Adam - 5 pairs of school uniform – none of them is spotless, must have at least one marking of pens or water color, or pure dirt.
Mama - 2 pairs of school uniform – managed to bag the “Best Dressed Student/Cleanest Uniform” award most of the years in primary school.
Adam- 1 pencil last 2 days
Mama- 1 pencil last 1 month
Adam - New box of color pencils every MONTH
Mama - New box of color pencils every YEAR
Adam - Exercise books become “lonyer” by end of first term
Mama - Exercise books in excellent condition till year end
Adam - Sleeps in air-conditioned room, showered with warm water every morning while Mama busily prepares which uniform (ironed by maid) to wear and put tie on.
Mama - Slept in ”kelambu”-clad bed, no fan or air-cond. Showered with ice-cold water, collected the evening before from the perigi near the kubur…and dressed up on her own with uniform ironed by herself.
Adam - Homework done only if Mama asked and checked, under close scrutiny of Mama or aunties.
Mama - Her mother never has to worry about homework – all homework settled by night time.
Adam- Screams and shout for Mama to look for his missing textbooks that Mama has no idea of the whereabouts.
Mama - Books and school things are sacred stuff. Treated with honor and dignity.
Adam - RM 1 duit belanja every day, with bekal air and sometimes bekal of rotikaya, cereal, apples or sausages.
Mama - 20 sen duit belanja, spent on the best nasi lemak daun pisang ever, sold by best friend who came to school with a basket of those to help her mother.
Adam - Sent to school in Papa’s car, came back in neighbor’s car.
Mama - Walked about a km to and from school, with a bunch of friends, sometime de-toured to collect rambutan or rambai by the road side.
Adam - Watched Playhouse Disney Channel and play the videogame. Hands are quick on the remote and joystick. Calories burnt – 200 perhaps.
Mama - Created own game using stuff collected around the house, sticks, boxes, leaves etc...Imagination was wild and high. Calories burnt probably 1000.
Adam - Results: No 32 out of 39…sigh!
Mama - Results: No 1 out of 25, infact no 1 throughout the primary years… :-)
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Terkenang semasa dulu...
In every congenial trip back to my mother-in-law’s in Alor Setar, we would religiously make our compulsory visit to Pekan Rabu, the all northern food-galore center. When we were there recently, Amir found a new love – the “emping”. We were at this regular store, getting the regular stock of ikan masin and putu beras when we realized that Amir was happily dipping his little hand, filling it with emping from one of the containers. He was munching bit after bit that we decided to stock that too.
I already knew what to dish up with the emping. We just need some young grated coconut and some thinly sliced gula kabung to be mixed with the emping to make an unforgettable concoction. Which reminds me of the good old days...
When I was small, there was a period of time that my family stayed with my late grandmother in her kampong house. My dad was assigned to a very remote school deep in the jungle of Pahang. Accessing his workplace was very challenging, he decided to leave us to stay with our grandmother. This was in the mid-70’s, when having electricity and water is a new concept to the kampong people. Oh! I remember… I think we only had electricity, but water access was still very much ‘going-to-the-well’ type.
This was when I remember there was a lush green paddy field behind the house, with plenty of coconut trees swaying, that you could see tempua’s nests moving to the motion of the wind. This was when the air was crisp and smell of young paddy seeping up my nostrils. This was when I would pull the strings of the scarecrows tied to a bunch of empty milk cans made by my late grandmother to jolt the nerves of the uninvited visitors, cheering their departure.
I remember after the harvesting season, my mom’s siblings would gather at their eldest sister’s place to celebrate yet another good year of harvest. This was where the fun start, the making of emping. I recalled my aunties choosing a certain type of yield, dry frying the rice and when it was ready, transferred to a lesung kaki. Boy… I remember the fun of tapping the lesung with my elder cousins, and it was done with such a rhythm. The best part was enjoying the emping hot from the "oven"!! How I wish my kids would experience the simple life in the kampong during those days...
I already knew what to dish up with the emping. We just need some young grated coconut and some thinly sliced gula kabung to be mixed with the emping to make an unforgettable concoction. Which reminds me of the good old days...
When I was small, there was a period of time that my family stayed with my late grandmother in her kampong house. My dad was assigned to a very remote school deep in the jungle of Pahang. Accessing his workplace was very challenging, he decided to leave us to stay with our grandmother. This was in the mid-70’s, when having electricity and water is a new concept to the kampong people. Oh! I remember… I think we only had electricity, but water access was still very much ‘going-to-the-well’ type.
This was when I remember there was a lush green paddy field behind the house, with plenty of coconut trees swaying, that you could see tempua’s nests moving to the motion of the wind. This was when the air was crisp and smell of young paddy seeping up my nostrils. This was when I would pull the strings of the scarecrows tied to a bunch of empty milk cans made by my late grandmother to jolt the nerves of the uninvited visitors, cheering their departure.
I remember after the harvesting season, my mom’s siblings would gather at their eldest sister’s place to celebrate yet another good year of harvest. This was where the fun start, the making of emping. I recalled my aunties choosing a certain type of yield, dry frying the rice and when it was ready, transferred to a lesung kaki. Boy… I remember the fun of tapping the lesung with my elder cousins, and it was done with such a rhythm. The best part was enjoying the emping hot from the "oven"!! How I wish my kids would experience the simple life in the kampong during those days...
Monday, September 25, 2006
Seloka buat Amir
24 September 2006Sembilan bulan bermacam dugaan
Demam campak sungguh menduga
Kering air di dalam badan
Pinggang seperti dikerat tiga
Kandungan dibelit tali pusat
Sekali lagi Mama di’caesar’
Amir Ridhwan sangatlah bulat
Isra’ & Mikraj lahir lah dia
Dibelai ditatap saudara berdua
Adik baru umpama bintang
Tiga hari ke hospital semula
Demam panas mula mengundang
Sungguh resah rasa di hati
Buah hati tak dapat dibelai
Tinggal dia seorang diri
Demam kuning pula mengintai
Seminggu berjauhan tidak terduga
Rindu kami terus membara
Berkat doa seisi keluarga
Amir pulang semua bahagia
Tangkas berlari seperti kedidi
Burung tempua burung cecupak
Amir cergas tidak terperi
Belum setahun sudah menapak
Murai lalu di buluh tajam
Pohon jambu jadi penahan
Balik kampung duduk tak diam
Anak ayam lari bertempiaran
Sorong papan tarik papan
Buah keranji dalam perahu
Suruh makan Amir makan
Ayam sahaja nasi tak mahu
Riuh pekik tiga beradik
Rumah bagai tongkang pecah
Main bersama terpekik-pekik
Mulut becok Amir tak sudah
Tiga tahun sudah berlalu
Tetap menagih belai manja
Kerja Mama bertalu-talu
Tumpuan kasih sentiasa dipinta
Usia Amir masih dipangkal
Doa Mama setulus hati
Moga anakku sentiasa beramal
Buat bekalan kemudian hari
Friday, September 22, 2006
Driving Paranoia
My thoughts are always running wild especially when I’m driving and stuck in traffic jams. I would be thinking of possible dangers or chaos in my way particularly if I’ve came across some gruesome reading prior. The intensity of these thoughts would be even more propagated if I could see the potential danger of an object. And these are my fear list:
Stuck in traffic under the monorail track – fear of the track plummeting down on my car and I just couldn’t get out in time
Stuck in traffic with big trees by the roadside – fear of a fallen tree on the car and eventually me
Driving past a construction site – fear of a falling block from the cranes.
Traffic jam during a downpour with lightning and all – fear of being struck by lightning and just roast to death
Traffic jam during a downpour – fear of a sudden flood and being stuck while getting scolded by hubby for not planning my routes in the first place
Midnight driving from work – fear of a car breakdown in the middle of nowhere and my cell phone battery decided to run out as well
Midnight driving alone from work – fear of even glancing at the rear mirror to find “somebody” sitting at my backseat….
I shall mention no more…in view of the last item, sigh!
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Is Not Ramadhan Yet!
What is it with people these days? At 4pm, Jalan Tun Razak is already congested. It's been like that since Tuesday, and I was always late for my appointments. Are people practising for the early dash home for buka puasa? Why suddenly people start going home early? Or are they becoming like me? Setting appointments later in the day like 3 or 4pm outside KL so that I could go home immediately after my meetings.
Whatever it is, I'm feeling the Ramadhan bug coming my way...the urge to get more dried fruits like apricots, dates, seeds, the sudden desire to do spring cleaning, the waking up at 4am...
I also found myself looking through fast recipes to compile for the maid who doesn't know how to vary the menu. I just hope she'll improve soon.
Whatever it is, I'm feeling the Ramadhan bug coming my way...the urge to get more dried fruits like apricots, dates, seeds, the sudden desire to do spring cleaning, the waking up at 4am...
I also found myself looking through fast recipes to compile for the maid who doesn't know how to vary the menu. I just hope she'll improve soon.
Monday, September 18, 2006
Little Cause, Ultimate Torture
It’s an agony enduring a cavity in your lips. It’s even more difficult if it’s almost the size of pea! The throbbing in the head, the ultimate shear of the nerves every time food touches the cavity – it’s just nerve-wrecking.
Imagine waking up in the morning, when your lips have been ‘sealed’ for the night – opening your mouth is torture. Later when you are about to brush your teeth, the bubbles of the of the toothpaste just stings your cavity like a bamboo cutting through your skin. The soreness and the twinging sensation are just unbearable. Don’t you just wish that you have that painkiller that could just numb all your senses?
I’ve had this mouth ulcer for almost a week now, and it’s really driving not just me, but also Papa, crazy. With the ulcer come a prolonged headache, back pain and swollen lips. And Papa will be the perpetual masseur and therapist. He does not favor this at all because the default masseuse cum therapist will always be yours truly. This is however, one of the times that I could get pampered in that manner (besides giving birth and pregnancy discomforts). As much indulgence I could get from the man, I still prefer being the masseuse because it’s 10 times better than tolerating the pain… I just wish this gigantic ulcer would diminish by the time Ramadhan starts…
Imagine waking up in the morning, when your lips have been ‘sealed’ for the night – opening your mouth is torture. Later when you are about to brush your teeth, the bubbles of the of the toothpaste just stings your cavity like a bamboo cutting through your skin. The soreness and the twinging sensation are just unbearable. Don’t you just wish that you have that painkiller that could just numb all your senses?
I’ve had this mouth ulcer for almost a week now, and it’s really driving not just me, but also Papa, crazy. With the ulcer come a prolonged headache, back pain and swollen lips. And Papa will be the perpetual masseur and therapist. He does not favor this at all because the default masseuse cum therapist will always be yours truly. This is however, one of the times that I could get pampered in that manner (besides giving birth and pregnancy discomforts). As much indulgence I could get from the man, I still prefer being the masseuse because it’s 10 times better than tolerating the pain… I just wish this gigantic ulcer would diminish by the time Ramadhan starts…
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Merdeka Spirit
What do my kids know about Merdeka?
Adam: Oh…bila Merdeka, ada Jalur Gemilang. Teachers at school main sports, boy teachers main football, girl teachers main netball. And Murid-murid jerit-jerit, and then we sang “Tanggal 31..” and “Negaraku” and “Keranamu Malaysia”…oh..malam tadi ada fireworks!!
Aina: Merdeka…..Aina made flag at school…Merdeka ada fireworks!!
Amir: Amir nak fireworks!! Banyak-banyak kat langit..
________________________________________________
On Merdeka Day, the kids and I were watching "Embun", a pre-merdeka movie about a girl who fought against the Japanese invasion, whilst at the same time falling for one of the soldiers.
What's important was what my (elder) kids learned that day- that life was tough at that time. They got a clearer picture of what life is all about back in the old days. That there was no electricity, no water through the tap and that life was lived in constant fear. Fear of the atrocities and brutalities of what the Japanese soldiers could bring upon the poor kampung folks. But among all those, there are still bravehearts that brought the spirit high to the rest of the people. And this is the kind of spirit I would like my kids to have.
Actually I was quite surprised that all three of them actually insisted to sit through the entire movie. Adam was the most keen, asking all sort of "W" questions, why, what, where, when... but I hope he got some understanding of what Merdeka means...
"So, after orang Jepun kalah, Malaysia merdeka? Ada fireworks tak?"
Adam: Oh…bila Merdeka, ada Jalur Gemilang. Teachers at school main sports, boy teachers main football, girl teachers main netball. And Murid-murid jerit-jerit, and then we sang “Tanggal 31..” and “Negaraku” and “Keranamu Malaysia”…oh..malam tadi ada fireworks!!
Aina: Merdeka…..Aina made flag at school…Merdeka ada fireworks!!
Amir: Amir nak fireworks!! Banyak-banyak kat langit..
________________________________________________
On Merdeka Day, the kids and I were watching "Embun", a pre-merdeka movie about a girl who fought against the Japanese invasion, whilst at the same time falling for one of the soldiers.
What's important was what my (elder) kids learned that day- that life was tough at that time. They got a clearer picture of what life is all about back in the old days. That there was no electricity, no water through the tap and that life was lived in constant fear. Fear of the atrocities and brutalities of what the Japanese soldiers could bring upon the poor kampung folks. But among all those, there are still bravehearts that brought the spirit high to the rest of the people. And this is the kind of spirit I would like my kids to have.
Actually I was quite surprised that all three of them actually insisted to sit through the entire movie. Adam was the most keen, asking all sort of "W" questions, why, what, where, when... but I hope he got some understanding of what Merdeka means...
"So, after orang Jepun kalah, Malaysia merdeka? Ada fireworks tak?"
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
My Regular Phone Conversations
Scene 1: Home calling Mama
Mama: Hallloooooooooo (with nice big smile..)
Home: Hi Mama, Ini Aina. Mama! Mama! Abang tak buat homework!
Then shrieks at the back...followed by sound of phone being grabbed..
Home: Mama..kentut, kentut, kentut!
Mama: Ammmmmmiirr! Stop saying that. Nanti sapa cakap macam tu Mama taruk kat luar..
Again..sound of phone being grabbed...
Home: Mama! Ini Aina, Amir cakap "put put"...
Mama: Ok, Aina please tell Abang to do his work (in the background .."Tak nak!!!")
Aina: Mama balik what time?
Mama: Seven maybe...
Aina: OK, see you..
Now Amir grabbed the phone..
Amir: Mama balik what time?
Mama: Seven o'clock sayang..
Amir: Alaaaaaaaaaa..Mama balik kul sebelas la...
Mama: (Giggles..) Ok, Mama balik kul sebelas...bye..
Amir: Yea! Yea! Mama balik kul sebelas...bai Mama.
Scene 2: Mama calling Home at noon
Mama: Helloooo, Amir?
Amir: Helo Mama kentut, kentut, kentut!
Mama: Amir, please don't say that. Nanti mama put down the phone
Amir: Kentut! Kentut! Kentut (louder by the word)
Mama: Apasal la anak Mama ni cakap macam tu...What time did you wake up boy?
Amir: Kul sebelas!
Mama: Have you taken your breakfast? Abang & Kakak dah balik school?
Amir: Dah...Abang ngan Kakak balik kul sebelas!
Mama: Hallloooooooooo (with nice big smile..)
Home: Hi Mama, Ini Aina. Mama! Mama! Abang tak buat homework!
Then shrieks at the back...followed by sound of phone being grabbed..
Home: Mama..kentut, kentut, kentut!
Mama: Ammmmmmiirr! Stop saying that. Nanti sapa cakap macam tu Mama taruk kat luar..
Again..sound of phone being grabbed...
Home: Mama! Ini Aina, Amir cakap "put put"...
Mama: Ok, Aina please tell Abang to do his work (in the background .."Tak nak!!!")
Aina: Mama balik what time?
Mama: Seven maybe...
Aina: OK, see you..
Now Amir grabbed the phone..
Amir: Mama balik what time?
Mama: Seven o'clock sayang..
Amir: Alaaaaaaaaaa..Mama balik kul sebelas la...
Mama: (Giggles..) Ok, Mama balik kul sebelas...bye..
Amir: Yea! Yea! Mama balik kul sebelas...bai Mama.
Scene 2: Mama calling Home at noon
Mama: Helloooo, Amir?
Amir: Helo Mama kentut, kentut, kentut!
Mama: Amir, please don't say that. Nanti mama put down the phone
Amir: Kentut! Kentut! Kentut (louder by the word)
Mama: Apasal la anak Mama ni cakap macam tu...What time did you wake up boy?
Amir: Kul sebelas!
Mama: Have you taken your breakfast? Abang & Kakak dah balik school?
Amir: Dah...Abang ngan Kakak balik kul sebelas!
Monday, August 28, 2006
What Happened on July 20, 2006
Something I wanted to describe some time before but just didn't have time to do it. I was so absorbed into this one "crazy" project that I didn't even have time for own - frankly speaking, I lost about 2 kg of weight. This is the date just a day prior to my dad's scheduled surgery. We're just about to retire the night, July 19, and I was the only one awake finishing my work while the rest of the household has long gone to slumber.
It was about 12.30 midnite, when suddenly the lights went out, so did the aircond. Must be a blackout, but then I peeked through the window, the rest of the neighborhood was all lighted up. I woke Papa up, asking him to check the fuse. While doing that, I heard noises at our gate, sounded like my neighbor were banging on my gate. Papa was still dazed as he had a long day, but upon hearing the noise, he was immediately up on his feet, went straight downstairs. I followed him, with my kids all awoke, only to find out that our electric meter outside the house was in flames, with our neighbors shouting to wake us up.
I started to panic as Papa were shouting for the fire-extinguisher. In total darkness upstairs, I just couldn't find the torchlight and the fire-extinguisher. I ran downstairs looking for the other set in the kitchen, trying to light the stove for some lights. Adam & Aina were somehow excited with the activities, but Amir was screaming due to the darkness. Acik came down trying to figure out what's happening. With Papa screaming for the extinguisher and wet cloth, I just couldn't figure out what to do first. The fire started to spread to our shoe-cabinet, latched to the wall just below the meter.
Somehow Papa managed to find the extinguisher the same time I brought wet old clothes. My car was in the porch, just inches away from the fire. Papa managed to extinguish it in less than 5 minutes, but the shoe cabinet was half destroyed. As the extinguisher is dry-base, dust was all over the house.
And we went through all this with my mom and Atam fast asleep upstairs. Only later we woke them up, sending everybody to sleep over at Acik's apartment nearby as they sure couldn't sleep in the heat. 2 am, it was just me and Papa sorting out things with TNB and Bomba, fighting away the mosquitos while trying to catch some sleep.
The damage: 2 pairs of Adam's school shoes, 1 pair of Adam's taekwondo shoes, a pair of my Balenciaga, a pair of my Alain Delon, the TNB meter, the entire fuse cabling, the shoe-rack from IKEA, almost half of the porch ceiling and wall, dusty floor...and a lot of restless sleep. Remember, at this time, we're still maidless.
Lesson learned:
Always keep fire-extinguisher handy
Devise a fire-escape plan for your maid to understand and assist the children when you're away
New installed meter from TNB runs faster than the old one
Monday, August 07, 2006
Peace in Slumberland
At the end of a hectic day, the only peace of mind I would get is watching my kids in slumber. Next to prayers, it's the only thing that will lower the pace of my heart beat, though I do admit sometimes I rushed my prayers...
Adam is still like a baby, suckling his thumb. He'll go to bed fully clothed, but by dawn, he only has his undies on, sweating, and Mama is curling under the thick comforter from the cold breeze of the aircond. I wonder why Adam felt so warm?
Aina is a light sleeper, just like her mom. When she had a bad dream, she'll be right on my side of the bed, squeezing in between her little brother and me.
Adam is still like a baby, suckling his thumb. He'll go to bed fully clothed, but by dawn, he only has his undies on, sweating, and Mama is curling under the thick comforter from the cold breeze of the aircond. I wonder why Adam felt so warm?
Aina is a light sleeper, just like her mom. When she had a bad dream, she'll be right on my side of the bed, squeezing in between her little brother and me.
And this boy, no matter where I put him in the room, by 3am he'll be somewhere in between Papa and Mama.
See how peaceful is Slumberland...I wish peace would shower all around the world especially in the Middle East.
I also wish for peace to fill my heart everytime I face the most difficult customer to date...eh?
Monday, July 31, 2006
Being Patient
My dad was admitted to IJN on July 16 for the surgery to remove the tumor in his chest. The surgery was scheduled to be done on Friday, July 21, but did not happen because of the high occupancy of the operating theater. Being there for almost a week was already a torture for my dad. He just couldn't bear the thought of being away from home and his circle of usrah colleagues.Finally, the surgery was due on Monday July 24 at noon. He was whisked to the OT at 12.30pm, but I think the procudure only started at 1pm. Mak, Atam, Ateh and Adik were waiting there. I wish I could be there, but I had to care for Amir (my maid was still not here yet) while at the same time attend to my endless work stuff. I ended up bringing Amir to work, while Dad would fetch Adam & Aina after school and perhaps brought them his office.
The procedure was completed at 4pm. The tumor was removed, measuring 10x10cm at the core (refer picture - what looks like the head is the core) about 12-14cm tail. Imagine that growth with the size of a grapefruit all these while nestling in between the heart & lungs...no wonder my dad's cough is endless.
My dad came to consciousness at about 6pm, it was heart-rendering to see him in ICU, with all the supporting tubes & IV. In his semi-consciuosness, heavily drugged with morphine, his index finger kept pointing to his legs. The bed was not long enough to accomodate his long legs to stretch out properly. I told the nurse to move him so that he could stretch his legs. They only could do it after sponging is done. So we waited about half an hour for them to do that and finally removed the oxygen tube from his mouth after 7:30pm.
The next day, Tuesday, Apak was transferred from the ICU to the normal ward at after 4pm. Though still heavily monitored, it was a relief that he didn't have to stay long in ICU. This time around, Mak wanted to stay the night to care for his husband. Even then, Apak, was already complaining why Mak was late. She insisted that I pick up the new maid first before sending her to IJN. We noticed that Apak was a bit impatient and quick-tempered - must be the drugs. He was groggy and confused in identifying his children.
Alhamdulillah, by Wednesday, he was back to his normal self. With the after-effects of the drugs, he was a little bit dizzy. But he could already go to the bathroom by himself. The doctor said his recovery was quite remarkable, and Apak attributed all that to prayers and zikirs. With zikir, your soul becomes calm and peaceful, hence the strong will and determination...
Saturday, July 15, 2006
The Power of Branding
My two sisters and I are playing this game currently. Come up with a brand that has become generic in the eyes of the local consumers. Do you know how to do this? Just think of some product that you think is commonly referred to as the actual thing. That people are actually unaware of the brand usage. Example - Pampers for diapers. And the top nominees are:
- Pampers - baby diapers (of course)
- Maggi - instant noodles (favorite food in boarding schools or even colleges)
- Softlan - fabric softener
- Pajero - 4-wheeler (I think most Malaysians refer to all 4-wheeler as Pajero. I have a friend who sent his Ford Ranger to the car-wash, and upon completion, the car-wash operator called his worker to get the "Pajero" right in the owner's face!)
- Clorox -I think all makciks use this to refer to all sort of bleach product
- Shell - all gas stations are called Shell (I think)
- Dettol - for all disinfectants
- Kotex - tolong beli Kotex bang! And the hubby obligedly understood what it meant...
So what else can you think of?
I'm bored - and blogging in KLCC Convention Center while my kids are roaming KLCC with their aunt...sigh..
Thursday, July 13, 2006
On the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown
Life at the workplace has been very hectic for the past month, and even more so for the past week. Tuesday was worst because I thought I was going to have a heart-attack. I felt my chest tightening and my blood pressure was unstable. When I looked into the mirror, I saw hot-flushes all over my face. The nervousness was mainly due to the fact that a client asking for a proposal presentation with a very short-notice, and I have no one in the office to support me technically. Every single effort to win this RM7 million project I had to bear myself. Was also frantically trying to get support from my partners, but of course, being the prime contractor, it had to be me.
I think I'm not in a very good shape in terms of maintaining my physical fitness. Endless self-promises I've been making to myself to at least exercise 3 times a week, or do some situps before taking the morning shower. And I'm still making that promise which has yet to be fulfilled. Even worse, I'm still maidless, so with endless hours at work and endless house chores, it is the ultimate recipe for a nervous breakdown.
I'm glad I still can count on my siblings to help me with the kids care and some housework. I'm also very furious with my maid-agent for not being proactive about servicing us. When we made the booking of the maid, he should have advised the maid to make the necessary arangements already. What I'm hearing now is the maid wants to go back to her kampong first when she was supposed to be here on Tuesday!! The agent should have told her to do so when we placed the order 3 weeks ago.
And I'm still freaking mad! To top it all...Amir loves to tabur bedak all over the house........
I think I'm not in a very good shape in terms of maintaining my physical fitness. Endless self-promises I've been making to myself to at least exercise 3 times a week, or do some situps before taking the morning shower. And I'm still making that promise which has yet to be fulfilled. Even worse, I'm still maidless, so with endless hours at work and endless house chores, it is the ultimate recipe for a nervous breakdown.
I'm glad I still can count on my siblings to help me with the kids care and some housework. I'm also very furious with my maid-agent for not being proactive about servicing us. When we made the booking of the maid, he should have advised the maid to make the necessary arangements already. What I'm hearing now is the maid wants to go back to her kampong first when she was supposed to be here on Tuesday!! The agent should have told her to do so when we placed the order 3 weeks ago.
And I'm still freaking mad! To top it all...Amir loves to tabur bedak all over the house........
Monday, July 03, 2006
All I have to say...
All I have to say is that:
- Murphy's Law always works at the very last moment of whatever submission you need to do: Example - The Immigration system have been down for the last 3 days of last week. So we couldn't make the submission for our new maid.
- The government will always find fault in whatever you file: Example - Medical reports of the maid candidate is incomplete - Duh!
- The last day of current maid is Thursday: Translate - I don't know how long will I be maidless..
- Work is endless and piling: Translate - I can't take too long of a holiday to care for my children.
- Mak!! Tolong! Translate - import reliable support structure from kampung laa..
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Birthday Bash Blog
AINA TURNS 5!
Papa brought everybody to Shangri-la's Lemon Garden last Saturday. Buffet was excellent. Mama was eyeing the Ice Kacang since we stepped into the restaurant. Orang Peru jangan jealous...
Birthday Girl was proud to finish her chicken wings.
Three stooges at the Lobby.
With a yummy gleaming flowing chocolate fountain at the bar, everybody went grape-dipping. Comot boy had to use 2 napkins because he kept licking the chocolates.
Abang "Mawi" was in his own "world!". Makan banyak tak sudah-sudah. Chicken wings, sushi, udang besar 3 ekor, roti canai...
Complimentary cake on the house - for being a Shang member, we got this soft, moist and creamy chocolate cake to bring home, tak larat nak makan there. Birthday girl couldn't wait to go home and show off her cake to Achik & Atam.
No candles provided though - had to use tealights because somebody was too eager to blow them candles! Look at his eyes...
This is my priceless cake!
At the end of the day, somebody was proud to have a double celebration...Monday, June 26, 2006
Hectic Week
It was a hectic and busy period last week, with adrenalin rushing especially the very last minute I was submitting my tender response all the way to Cyberjaya. Managed to get there 10 minutes before closing time, I hope we didn’t get a ticket for speeding at 130 km/h.
On Aina’s birthday, I had meetings back to back, but luckily my last meeting ended at 5pm. So I took the opportunity to get her something cute for her birthday while frantically trying to settle my mobile bills as the line was already barred because I haven’t made payments in all those frenzy. Since we are not doing anything for that day, I figured a little surprise would make her day.
Found something cute and useful for her in Memory Lane, a face towel in a cylinder box with Mimi the Cat character from Patrick and Friends. So happy Aina was with that little gift, she actually held the towel closely in slumber that night. Hmmm, the pleasure of pleasing a child, it’s the little things that matters. You don’t have to get them expensive gifts…something practical and meaningful would be great for them. Happy Birthday Aina!
On Aina’s birthday, I had meetings back to back, but luckily my last meeting ended at 5pm. So I took the opportunity to get her something cute for her birthday while frantically trying to settle my mobile bills as the line was already barred because I haven’t made payments in all those frenzy. Since we are not doing anything for that day, I figured a little surprise would make her day.
Found something cute and useful for her in Memory Lane, a face towel in a cylinder box with Mimi the Cat character from Patrick and Friends. So happy Aina was with that little gift, she actually held the towel closely in slumber that night. Hmmm, the pleasure of pleasing a child, it’s the little things that matters. You don’t have to get them expensive gifts…something practical and meaningful would be great for them. Happy Birthday Aina!
Monday, June 19, 2006
Overwhelmed!
Have you ever thought of going back to your mother's tummy again when things start to be so overwhelming for you to face? I'm actually wishing that now, infact I already wished that this week would just skip. I got:
- a big tender to respond by Wednesday of which I have limited help and knowledge
- a presentation for a government conference I need to prepare for my CEO for Thursday that actually need to be submitted today!
- two conferences coming in July that I need to coordinate the details now
- to look for resources for a project in the US a.s.a.p.
- to look for a replacement maid fast and all those agents have not gotten back to me yet
- to plan for Aina's birthday that's on Thursday but celebration has to happen on Saturday (I don't mind doing this of all the things above..)
And I don't think I have enough time to do all these in a week!
Friday, June 16, 2006
Civic Minded
As I was driving under the hot sun yesterday (mind you my aircond is still kaput!), and of course sweat are running down all over my body (gross ain't it?), there was this red hatchback Honda Civic just wheeled in to my lane. You can guess what type of driver it is just by looking at the car (I'm discriminating here, but hey it's also generalization based on my experience).
We were coming to a traffic light at the Jalan Bangsar-Dataran Maybank intersection, when I saw the driver smoothly extend his right hand out the window, holding a red plastic bag.
At that gesture, my mind is already signalling my mouth to say something - this is when I long for that ever mind-reading/speaking horn!! I know what he's going to do, and I know it's a HE because of the hairy hand.
Then slowly he loosened his finger-grip of the bag, and subtly the bag flew away, on to the road.
What a CRAP! He's aware of what he's doing, but pretentiously made it such that the bag konon-knon flew away lah! Aiyoo, I hate this type of people. Selfish enough to throw garbage on to the roads, but aware enough not to dirty his car. CRAP!
Infact, they are a lof of people out there doing all sort of grossly stuff, one particular thing I hate is spitting, and sticking gums at public spots. Yuckks!
And if you observe them properly, these people do not look un-educated.
So what made them missed that particular civic education?
We were coming to a traffic light at the Jalan Bangsar-Dataran Maybank intersection, when I saw the driver smoothly extend his right hand out the window, holding a red plastic bag.
At that gesture, my mind is already signalling my mouth to say something - this is when I long for that ever mind-reading/speaking horn!! I know what he's going to do, and I know it's a HE because of the hairy hand.
Then slowly he loosened his finger-grip of the bag, and subtly the bag flew away, on to the road.
What a CRAP! He's aware of what he's doing, but pretentiously made it such that the bag konon-knon flew away lah! Aiyoo, I hate this type of people. Selfish enough to throw garbage on to the roads, but aware enough not to dirty his car. CRAP!
Infact, they are a lof of people out there doing all sort of grossly stuff, one particular thing I hate is spitting, and sticking gums at public spots. Yuckks!
And if you observe them properly, these people do not look un-educated.
So what made them missed that particular civic education?
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
A Driver's Wish List
Ever wonder while you’re driving, the things that other people do just trigger some wish list in your mind? Well, here is my wish list, after 19 years of driving:
Gadget: A mind-speaking horn
Purpose: Some people just don’t understand the basic rules of driving – so they need to be mannered. Since our hands are not that quick as our mouth, a device should be available to scan our brainwave and convey the message to the horn.
Example: “Excuse me, orang lain dah jenuh queue, tolong la jangan potong”
Gadget: A rear mirror flap at the back bumper, triggered by a push-button
Purpose: There are a lot of un-alert night drivers with high-beam on, just annoying the front drivers. When mirror is triggered, the un-alert driver will immediately respond to his/her own bright lights. Also works for those who don’t turn on their lights at all. Hey, we don’t have this gadget with our current vehicles, do we?
Gadget: Branched-wheels – Inspector Gadget kind of car wheels
Purpose: Works miracle if you want to save gas and most importantly TIME, in a downtown KL traffic jam.
Gadget: Automatic sweeper/cleaner for carpets & seats
Purpose: A mother driving hungry kids need to concentrate on the road. This gadget will save the kids from being shouted at, eventually improve mother-children relationship.
Gadget: Engine that runs on water
Purpose: Will definitely save my RM 120/week petrol money. Can use that to buy a new pair of Scholls...he he..
Monday, June 12, 2006
Friday, June 09, 2006
The Ride
I guess what the kids enjoyed most out of the KK trip was the airplane ride and swimming in the pools. Anyways, those were the only driving factor for them to open their eyes at the twilight hour on a Sunday morning. Just whispered in their ears, and the sleepyheads quickly pranced out of bed.
"Do you want to ride the aeroplane?", these are the magic words.
"Mana aeroplane?" Amir was asking, and I told him to get ready first and we'll go to the airport to take the ride.
And when we were ready for the cab at 4:50am, Amir decided to plant his feet down. "Nanak naik that car, nak car ni," while pointing to my car.
Had to explain to him that my car will be lonely at the airport because we're going to leave it there anyway. He bought the idea, but then was covering his nose the whole trip to KLIA LCCT.
"Smelly!" was his complaint about the smell of the cab, you know that kind of pungent smell whenever you take a cab.... And he kept doing that even before we board any cab that we took in KK.
After checking in our luggage, we had a lean breakfast at McDonald's, also trying to rush the time for boarding. Since we know that you can't bring outside food on Air Asia, we made sure the kids are fed. But at 6 in the morning, they could not have more than a hash brown and a slice of sausage.
The comes boarding time, we actually missed the call for passengers with kids because of the toilet visit. I didn't want any of them to make a scene in the plane later.
Upon seeing the Airbus on the tarmac, all three of them are already excited, and rushed ourselves to the staircase as it was drizzling. Since we were quite late, we only secured 1 row of 3 seats, while the other 2 had to be at another row away. Of course, them kids were fighting for the window seat! And Aina got the seat, while Abang sat with Papa, with the promise that they will swap places later.
Once settled, and the plane towing away to the runaway, Amir started to unbuckle his seatbealt and wanted to take the window seat. I have not been been able to sit still since the time we boarded the plane, and now Amir wanted to get out of his seatbelt! And it's already take-off time! I had to hold him down to his seat saying that the plane would be racing soon. That actually kept him down for a while until we were in the air.
The thought of catching a nap in a 2.5hr flight had to be parked aside. Amir kept getting in and out of his seat, going up and down the aisle and switching places with his brother and sister. If this is how he's going to behave in an airplane, I told Papa that we should definitely postpone our dreams of taking them to Disneyworld until Amir is mature enough to sit still at least, maybe when he's 8 years old!
Thank God Air Asia in-flight menu is limited! I'm glad it's not a flying Tesco, otherwise we would be broke to the bone...
"Do you want to ride the aeroplane?", these are the magic words.
"Mana aeroplane?" Amir was asking, and I told him to get ready first and we'll go to the airport to take the ride.
And when we were ready for the cab at 4:50am, Amir decided to plant his feet down. "Nanak naik that car, nak car ni," while pointing to my car.
Had to explain to him that my car will be lonely at the airport because we're going to leave it there anyway. He bought the idea, but then was covering his nose the whole trip to KLIA LCCT.
"Smelly!" was his complaint about the smell of the cab, you know that kind of pungent smell whenever you take a cab.... And he kept doing that even before we board any cab that we took in KK.
After checking in our luggage, we had a lean breakfast at McDonald's, also trying to rush the time for boarding. Since we know that you can't bring outside food on Air Asia, we made sure the kids are fed. But at 6 in the morning, they could not have more than a hash brown and a slice of sausage.
The comes boarding time, we actually missed the call for passengers with kids because of the toilet visit. I didn't want any of them to make a scene in the plane later.
Upon seeing the Airbus on the tarmac, all three of them are already excited, and rushed ourselves to the staircase as it was drizzling. Since we were quite late, we only secured 1 row of 3 seats, while the other 2 had to be at another row away. Of course, them kids were fighting for the window seat! And Aina got the seat, while Abang sat with Papa, with the promise that they will swap places later.
Once settled, and the plane towing away to the runaway, Amir started to unbuckle his seatbealt and wanted to take the window seat. I have not been been able to sit still since the time we boarded the plane, and now Amir wanted to get out of his seatbelt! And it's already take-off time! I had to hold him down to his seat saying that the plane would be racing soon. That actually kept him down for a while until we were in the air.
The thought of catching a nap in a 2.5hr flight had to be parked aside. Amir kept getting in and out of his seat, going up and down the aisle and switching places with his brother and sister. If this is how he's going to behave in an airplane, I told Papa that we should definitely postpone our dreams of taking them to Disneyworld until Amir is mature enough to sit still at least, maybe when he's 8 years old!
Thank God Air Asia in-flight menu is limited! I'm glad it's not a flying Tesco, otherwise we would be broke to the bone...
Thursday, June 08, 2006
Holiday in the Land Below the Wind
Actually it's work cum holiday. It was an offsite meeting with my clients, and my principal wanted to hold it away from the office, so they decided to go to Kota Kinabalu. At the same time, my clients could also meet my other client based in KK.
Since my brother works for Air Asia, and got free tickets to spare, I decided to take the opportunity to take the kids along, and forced my hubby to take time off from work, so he could babysit them. So it's like a free holiday for them. After all, it has been quite some time since our last holiday in Cherating in 2004. The kids were definitely excited, and it would be the first airplane ride for Aina & Amir.
We stayed in the Pacific Sutra at the Sutra Harbour Resort, with excellent view of the sea. Amir especially liked the sailboats that were docked at the Marina Club, but of course we didn't have time to go island-hopping due to the time constraint.
It was also Amir's first on the cab, and on the free city-shuttle bus taking us from the hotel to town. KK is a flat city, calm and quiet. And since it's famous for the cheap ikan bilis and ikan kering, we hunted those items down first at the Central Market, next to the Filipino Market. You can actually get good grades peeled ikan bilis at RM13 per kg, compared to the peeled Pangkor ikan bilis sold at Giant for RM22.90/kg.
At the Filipino Market, the eye-catcher was definitely the crystal accessories and pearls. Of course the pearls are no way close to Mikimoto pearls, but some people got attracted to those accessories. Somehow I just didn't know what to buy from there. It just didn't click. We just got a few tree-bark pencil cases for the kids.
Adam of course just couldn't wait to go into the pool. We arrived early on Sunday morning, so Adam was incessantly asking when we could go swimming. Earlier on, I was pleasantly surprised because it was easy waking the kids up at 4.15am and asked them to take their shower. Of course it was Aina who woke up first. Perhaps it was all due to their eagerness to board the plane to go to some faraway land.
To me, as long as the kids are happy being somewhere away from home during the school holidays, it's good enough for us parents. Though it was just a 3-day 2-night trip, it was great for them.
I haven't elaborated on how Amir behave on the plane...next entry!
Blazing Hot!
The weather has been very hot these days, and of all the time, my car aircond chose NOW to malfunction!
I was at Cyberjaya last Friday, and after my meeting, went back to my car that was parked under the hot, blazing sun. Turned on the aircond, and woah! It was not cold at all. Turned to full blast and still the same. Touched the steering wheels and it felt like a pot just came out of an oven. Ok...I said to myself, let's roll down the window...and wallah! The driver's window is also jammed.
I ended up driving to my workshop in the hot sun, mind you, my window can't be wound down, so imagine the heat I had to bear all the way from Cyberjaya to USJ. By the time I got to the workshop, with my tomato-red face, my mechanic already knew what's wrong with the car. This is not a mere aircond-out-of-gas problem, it is the internal coil, which will cost me almost 2K! On top of that, my mechanic doesn't want to install a local coil, it has to be original because they provide warranty for 6 months. And I have to leave the car there for a day because fixing it is a major exercise.
The mechanic told me that I'm lucky because the aircond never failed for 10 years, and considering a continental car, the rate he gave me is considered low. Another 3 series that's barely 2 years old is also having the same problem and it costs the owner a whooping 7K!
It's just that I have to bear the heat for another month because I need the money to replace my maid next month, and that is also going to cost us a bomb! So I have to skip the repair this round, maybe plan it for next month. So I asked him to just fix my power-window. But my oh my, even with the window down, the heat is unbearable!
And this is just the worldly heat, and in the afterworld, the heat of hellfire is 70 times more than the worldy fire! Oh Allah, please save our souls...
Monday, May 29, 2006
Of the Movies and The Birds & The Bees 101
It has been quite some time since we’ve been to the movies as a whole family. My kids were already excited to watch X-Men because Over the Hedge is just not appealing to Papa. Otherwise, it would just be me and kids.
In fact, Papa has never been to the movies since we got married. The record was only broken last week when we both sneaked out to initially watch The Da Vinci Code, but ended up with MI:III just because it was Saturday night at Midvalley.
Adam, sort of aware of this fact asked me if Papa would be surprised to see the big screen because he thought his dad has never been to the movies. He thought it would be like his first time to the movies where he screamed when he saw too many people sharing the big screen with him.
“Abang, Papa would be alright, it’s just that he’s not seen a movie even before you was born”, I told Adam.
“Masa tu Abang inside Papa’s tummy?” he asked back.
“Yeah, something like that” I replied trying to establish the timeline.
Then he started digressing.
“Then Papa took a straw and put on his belly-button, and then he put on Mama’s belly-button, and then put Abang in Mama’s tummy, kan, kan?” his big eyes started to sparkle.
I was stunt at that thought, trying to relate his question to my initial explanation of the duration of time his dad has not been to the movies.
I had to agree with him, though someday I know I have to be creative in explaining to him about the miracles of life and how he came to the world. He has been curious about his existence before, triggered by our wedding pictures and his absence from those shots.
So I just sticked to his 4-year-old imagination first, that he was in Papa’s tummy back then. He knew that if he were in Mama’s tummy, the tummy should be big like all the aunties he’s seen at the hospitals every time we went for my kids checkups. Later, at about 5 years old, he started asking me about how he got transferred into Mama’s tummy.
“Hmm…let’s see, how do you get something so small get into Mama’s tummy?” here I’m trying to expand his imagination.
“Abang tau, use straw!!” because we were having that discussion over lunch somewhere.
“Yeah, that’s it, something like that” I said, just to conform his thoughts to that idea only.
And he gave me a big triumphant smile because he just acquired some wisdom regarding the birds & the bees, and he did all by himself!
Sooner or later, I'd better be prepared for The Birds & The Bees 201...sigh!
In fact, Papa has never been to the movies since we got married. The record was only broken last week when we both sneaked out to initially watch The Da Vinci Code, but ended up with MI:III just because it was Saturday night at Midvalley.
Adam, sort of aware of this fact asked me if Papa would be surprised to see the big screen because he thought his dad has never been to the movies. He thought it would be like his first time to the movies where he screamed when he saw too many people sharing the big screen with him.
“Abang, Papa would be alright, it’s just that he’s not seen a movie even before you was born”, I told Adam.
“Masa tu Abang inside Papa’s tummy?” he asked back.
“Yeah, something like that” I replied trying to establish the timeline.
Then he started digressing.
“Then Papa took a straw and put on his belly-button, and then he put on Mama’s belly-button, and then put Abang in Mama’s tummy, kan, kan?” his big eyes started to sparkle.
I was stunt at that thought, trying to relate his question to my initial explanation of the duration of time his dad has not been to the movies.
I had to agree with him, though someday I know I have to be creative in explaining to him about the miracles of life and how he came to the world. He has been curious about his existence before, triggered by our wedding pictures and his absence from those shots.
So I just sticked to his 4-year-old imagination first, that he was in Papa’s tummy back then. He knew that if he were in Mama’s tummy, the tummy should be big like all the aunties he’s seen at the hospitals every time we went for my kids checkups. Later, at about 5 years old, he started asking me about how he got transferred into Mama’s tummy.
“Hmm…let’s see, how do you get something so small get into Mama’s tummy?” here I’m trying to expand his imagination.
“Abang tau, use straw!!” because we were having that discussion over lunch somewhere.
“Yeah, that’s it, something like that” I said, just to conform his thoughts to that idea only.
And he gave me a big triumphant smile because he just acquired some wisdom regarding the birds & the bees, and he did all by himself!
Sooner or later, I'd better be prepared for The Birds & The Bees 201...sigh!
Friday, May 26, 2006
Friday's Frenzy & Driving Dementia
Hey it's Friday, and you would think TGIF! Hell NO! Especially when you work right smack in the city center. To add to that, it's the start of school holidays, and suddenly everybody wants to go on holiday too.
Hello...the holidays are for children only, and parents of the children. You singles out there please take another time to do your vacation. Please don't go clog the road especially on a very wet Friday afternoon.
And you mommies and daddies, it's only Friday, you only start the vacation tomorrow...
(I'm so gonna get bashed for saying all these...).
I don't understand why people have to get off work at the same time on Fridays? Can't it be like any other work day? How come the traffic gets so bad on Friday? So bad it's not moving at all. I have been observing the main road out of the city since 5pm, and the queue is tremendously long and static. Is it due to the NAM road-closure rehearsals? But then again, every Friday is a traffic anguish. So where do all these vehicles come from and going to? Why does it have to be Friday?
And of course you could go mad once you got trapped on a Friday jam, especially when your mobile phone is running out of battery, and the car radio is broken. You get to talk to yourself then.
makbudak: that murano looks like it's gonna cut into my lane
makbudaktoo: yeah, no way, I've been in this exit lane since 2 km ago, i'm not gonna let him..
makbudak: why can't the guy just queue up like others?
makbudaktoo: maybe his girlfriend is shouting already
makbudak: or maybe he's just didn't go to school
makbudaktoo: he's got that third world mentality, even though he got a first class vehicle
makbudak: well...some people are just selfish..or "sandwich"...giggles...(Adam always mistook sandwich for selfish)
makbudaktoo: hey! that bmw is cutting lanes too, and the harrier, and the v6...!!! no wonder the line is not moving...
makbudak: oh look! the digital board is flashing someone's plate number for cutting the queue.
makbudaktoo: you think that's for real? I think it's just a gimmick so that people stick to the rules
makbudak: hmm..maybe you're right. I doubt that ITS thingy is working. It's good for telling you which road is packed. It never gives you solution. I never hear people complaining getting compounds from that.
makbudaktoo: yeah...whoever got the deal for installing those tiny cameras and digital signage got be somewhere in the Bahamas now...
makbudak: for all you know that job is sub-conned to others...
And makbudak continues talking to herself, wishing her car would turn into something like Inspector Gadget's car, with extended long branched wheels, moving above the rest of the traffic.
Hello...the holidays are for children only, and parents of the children. You singles out there please take another time to do your vacation. Please don't go clog the road especially on a very wet Friday afternoon.
And you mommies and daddies, it's only Friday, you only start the vacation tomorrow...
(I'm so gonna get bashed for saying all these...).
I don't understand why people have to get off work at the same time on Fridays? Can't it be like any other work day? How come the traffic gets so bad on Friday? So bad it's not moving at all. I have been observing the main road out of the city since 5pm, and the queue is tremendously long and static. Is it due to the NAM road-closure rehearsals? But then again, every Friday is a traffic anguish. So where do all these vehicles come from and going to? Why does it have to be Friday?
And of course you could go mad once you got trapped on a Friday jam, especially when your mobile phone is running out of battery, and the car radio is broken. You get to talk to yourself then.
makbudak: that murano looks like it's gonna cut into my lane
makbudaktoo: yeah, no way, I've been in this exit lane since 2 km ago, i'm not gonna let him..
makbudak: why can't the guy just queue up like others?
makbudaktoo: maybe his girlfriend is shouting already
makbudak: or maybe he's just didn't go to school
makbudaktoo: he's got that third world mentality, even though he got a first class vehicle
makbudak: well...some people are just selfish..or "sandwich"...giggles...(Adam always mistook sandwich for selfish)
makbudaktoo: hey! that bmw is cutting lanes too, and the harrier, and the v6...!!! no wonder the line is not moving...
makbudak: oh look! the digital board is flashing someone's plate number for cutting the queue.
makbudaktoo: you think that's for real? I think it's just a gimmick so that people stick to the rules
makbudak: hmm..maybe you're right. I doubt that ITS thingy is working. It's good for telling you which road is packed. It never gives you solution. I never hear people complaining getting compounds from that.
makbudaktoo: yeah...whoever got the deal for installing those tiny cameras and digital signage got be somewhere in the Bahamas now...
makbudak: for all you know that job is sub-conned to others...
And makbudak continues talking to herself, wishing her car would turn into something like Inspector Gadget's car, with extended long branched wheels, moving above the rest of the traffic.
Monday, May 22, 2006
Loads of Work, Loads of Guilt
My workload for the past two weeks were enormous, and endless, causing me to be down with fever and sore throat. I was flat on my back during the weekends, trying to recover sleepless nights for the past week. The sad thing is I was not able to coach Adam in preparing for his exams, which starts today.
The guilty feeling of not being able to be there as a good mother and teacher for your kid is just another torture for a working mom like me. Sometimes at work, I'd pause momentarily, with a tingling sensation deep down in my tummy whenever I thought that Adam is not guided with his homework at home. Even though for now I'm quite lucky that my sister is around to assist him, sooner or later, he'll be alone again. With his mom clocking long hours at work, how would he know that he's progressing well with his lessons?
I envy the stay-at-home moms, who could sit down with their children everyday. I envy those who has children with good grades and good behavior. I envy those who do not have to worry about what their maids are doing because they are around to supervise them. I envy, I envy, I envy...
Perhaps, to some average folks, working is a sacrifice for the worldly pursuit of ensuring your finances are maintained to keep your kids in school and have a decent standard of living. And I'm one of those average folks, I have to sacrifice my time with my children to be able to feed, clothe, and put them to school. My darling hubby on the other hand would ensure all the other finances are taken care as well. I just wish that one day my kids would understand that Mama & Papa worked very hard to ensure their future is taken care of, and Mama actually goes to work with a very heavy heart, and a sinking feeling, envying the time her children had to spend without her...
The guilty feeling of not being able to be there as a good mother and teacher for your kid is just another torture for a working mom like me. Sometimes at work, I'd pause momentarily, with a tingling sensation deep down in my tummy whenever I thought that Adam is not guided with his homework at home. Even though for now I'm quite lucky that my sister is around to assist him, sooner or later, he'll be alone again. With his mom clocking long hours at work, how would he know that he's progressing well with his lessons?
I envy the stay-at-home moms, who could sit down with their children everyday. I envy those who has children with good grades and good behavior. I envy those who do not have to worry about what their maids are doing because they are around to supervise them. I envy, I envy, I envy...
Perhaps, to some average folks, working is a sacrifice for the worldly pursuit of ensuring your finances are maintained to keep your kids in school and have a decent standard of living. And I'm one of those average folks, I have to sacrifice my time with my children to be able to feed, clothe, and put them to school. My darling hubby on the other hand would ensure all the other finances are taken care as well. I just wish that one day my kids would understand that Mama & Papa worked very hard to ensure their future is taken care of, and Mama actually goes to work with a very heavy heart, and a sinking feeling, envying the time her children had to spend without her...
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Sheer Madness
Upon reaching home at 7:30pm last night, I was greeted simultaneously by my three offspring, hungry and boisterous. Everybody was trying to say something at the same time, seeking for my utmost attention. For what had happened during the day was instantly making me furious and utterly disgusted with the maid.
Every mother would be infuriated, fuming with anger when you got to know that the one person you hope would take care of your children actually neglected them the entire day – to be the slave of DVD movies. She actually did not even prepare lunch for them, and I even wonder if Amir was given breakfast at all. The kids had bread and jam for lunch, and of course by time I stepped out of the car, everybody was shouting their empty stomachs.
Obviously, the first thing I would do was to yell at her.
“Kenapa tak masak?” (Why didn't you prepare lunch?) I queried.
“Budak-budak nak makan roti saja” (The kids just want to have bread for lunch) she answered.
“Mestilah makan roti sebab balik rumah nasi tak ada!!” (Sure they did, because there’s no lunch in the first place!) I corrected her answer.
I was doubly furious because she did not vacuum the floor as I asked her to do in the morning before I leave for work. That task she conveniently forgets to do every weekend, and I ended up telling her every Monday despite the big time-table I stuck on the fridge. Triply mad because I just called her at 5pm from work asking her to prepare dinner (so that by the time I got back I’ll just throw the ingredients into the wok) but nothing was in the sink at all.
“Buat apa hari ini?” (What did you do today?)
“Tak ada apa-apa…” (Nothing..) she just answered without thinking…
“WHAT THE …” Just imagine I was almost coming out with swear words, and considering that those words never blurted out of my mouth, it was sheer madness for me.
I don’t know for how long should I succumb to this domestic-help lunacy, but surely her contract is expiring soon. If it’s not for the financial restriction, I would have just fired her yesterday!
Every mother would be infuriated, fuming with anger when you got to know that the one person you hope would take care of your children actually neglected them the entire day – to be the slave of DVD movies. She actually did not even prepare lunch for them, and I even wonder if Amir was given breakfast at all. The kids had bread and jam for lunch, and of course by time I stepped out of the car, everybody was shouting their empty stomachs.
Obviously, the first thing I would do was to yell at her.
“Kenapa tak masak?” (Why didn't you prepare lunch?) I queried.
“Budak-budak nak makan roti saja” (The kids just want to have bread for lunch) she answered.
“Mestilah makan roti sebab balik rumah nasi tak ada!!” (Sure they did, because there’s no lunch in the first place!) I corrected her answer.
I was doubly furious because she did not vacuum the floor as I asked her to do in the morning before I leave for work. That task she conveniently forgets to do every weekend, and I ended up telling her every Monday despite the big time-table I stuck on the fridge. Triply mad because I just called her at 5pm from work asking her to prepare dinner (so that by the time I got back I’ll just throw the ingredients into the wok) but nothing was in the sink at all.
“Buat apa hari ini?” (What did you do today?)
“Tak ada apa-apa…” (Nothing..) she just answered without thinking…
“WHAT THE …” Just imagine I was almost coming out with swear words, and considering that those words never blurted out of my mouth, it was sheer madness for me.
I don’t know for how long should I succumb to this domestic-help lunacy, but surely her contract is expiring soon. If it’s not for the financial restriction, I would have just fired her yesterday!
Friday, May 05, 2006
The Diagnosis & Denials
Finally the diagnosis is confirmed - lymphocyte rich tyhmoma. Which means my dad now is being referred to IJN, as surgery is recommended to remove the tumor. Fortunately is not cancerous. Unfortunately, the cardiothoracic surgeon is on vacation, so the earliest appointment set is for May 17, 2006.
Hearing that he has 2 weeks to wait, my dad, being so restless staying at his daughters' houses, insisted that we send him back. If we refused, he shall find his own way, perhaps the commuter to KL Sentral, then the bus from Pekeliling to Kuala Lipis. Ya right! So it ends up with my youngest brother who happens to be on leave sending him and my mom back.
The first thing he did when he got home was to clean up his fish aquarium. Then he went around the house fuming the mosquitoes with whatchamacallit-aerosol. I guess he refuses to admit that he is sick, and to forget that he will be undergoing surgery. Most elder people are like that.
A friend's father was even more stubborn - he drove to the clinic himself in the middle of the night after some naggings from the wife and children, refused to see the doctor but instead just bought some drugs for himself to relieve his pain. He also insisted that he will only see his regular doctor on his regular checkup day, and refused to admit that his pain needs to be treated immediately. I suppose that is what people label as "denial". I think if we were in their shoes, we would also react the same way. If you are capable of doing things you always do, that would mean that you are ok. It's all in the mind some people would say.
Today, my dad actually walked to the masjid for his Friday prayers. It sounds like another denial act. I don't know what he's trying to proof, or is it just a mere excuse to have an exercise?
Hearing that he has 2 weeks to wait, my dad, being so restless staying at his daughters' houses, insisted that we send him back. If we refused, he shall find his own way, perhaps the commuter to KL Sentral, then the bus from Pekeliling to Kuala Lipis. Ya right! So it ends up with my youngest brother who happens to be on leave sending him and my mom back.
The first thing he did when he got home was to clean up his fish aquarium. Then he went around the house fuming the mosquitoes with whatchamacallit-aerosol. I guess he refuses to admit that he is sick, and to forget that he will be undergoing surgery. Most elder people are like that.
A friend's father was even more stubborn - he drove to the clinic himself in the middle of the night after some naggings from the wife and children, refused to see the doctor but instead just bought some drugs for himself to relieve his pain. He also insisted that he will only see his regular doctor on his regular checkup day, and refused to admit that his pain needs to be treated immediately. I suppose that is what people label as "denial". I think if we were in their shoes, we would also react the same way. If you are capable of doing things you always do, that would mean that you are ok. It's all in the mind some people would say.
Today, my dad actually walked to the masjid for his Friday prayers. It sounds like another denial act. I don't know what he's trying to proof, or is it just a mere excuse to have an exercise?
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Haircut Mamak Style
Anyone with boys? Do you think that it is one of your most challenging moments to bring your kid to the "Mamak the Barber"...or some fancy hairstylist for some stylo-mom? Or is it just because it is "Mamak the Barber" that causes all the fear and anxiety in your kid? And those stylo-moms do not have that problem at all because the smooth, relaxing, spa-like ambience actually distracts the kid from throwing the haircut-tantrum?
I had experienced it already with Adam, which I must attest, was even more terrible than Amir. Adam would scream his heart out until the haircut is over. While for Amir, it is the actual pre-haircut events that actually terrified him. He actually recognize the road and buildings around the barber shop and will quickly claw my cheek, or his aunt's cheek if ever we passed that road, and his baby dialect he would say "nanak potong ambut...", and also screamed his heart out.
When it comes to the actual moment, Amir would just sit still, but with very sad, guppyfish look, waited until the haircut is over. Not much a challenge afterall!
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Still Uncertain
My dad's extended lab result is with me, but I need the specialist to interpret it, and he's outstation. That leaves my dad (and us) in a lot of anxiety, counting the days until the specialist is back from Brunei.
Based on the diagnostic description, the tissue sample is defined as "mediastinal tumor". I actually sent it for further analysis to SJMC, and the diagnosis that came back was "lymphocyte rich thymoma". So I have a feeling that it is a confirmed growth in my dad's chest, whether it is benign or malignant, that is up to the specialist to tell us. All I know is that it may require surgery, which means most probably my dad will be refered to IJN.
In the mean time, my dad is going for alternative medicine plus some traditional massage. His cough is becoming unbearable, and he gets tired even going to the bathroom. Sleepwise, he still has to lean back and sleep, and he will start getting his spasm around 2 or 3am. The cough will subside if one of us massage his back. That somehow will alleviate the spasm, and it is a relief to see him catch on his sleep right through the morning. He actually sleeps better after Fajr prayer, and sometimes we don't have the heart to wake him up for breakfast.
And we are still counting the days for Tuesday when Dato' Dr J will be available for consultation...
Based on the diagnostic description, the tissue sample is defined as "mediastinal tumor". I actually sent it for further analysis to SJMC, and the diagnosis that came back was "lymphocyte rich thymoma". So I have a feeling that it is a confirmed growth in my dad's chest, whether it is benign or malignant, that is up to the specialist to tell us. All I know is that it may require surgery, which means most probably my dad will be refered to IJN.
In the mean time, my dad is going for alternative medicine plus some traditional massage. His cough is becoming unbearable, and he gets tired even going to the bathroom. Sleepwise, he still has to lean back and sleep, and he will start getting his spasm around 2 or 3am. The cough will subside if one of us massage his back. That somehow will alleviate the spasm, and it is a relief to see him catch on his sleep right through the morning. He actually sleeps better after Fajr prayer, and sometimes we don't have the heart to wake him up for breakfast.
And we are still counting the days for Tuesday when Dato' Dr J will be available for consultation...
Friday, April 21, 2006
Adam is 8!
I remember he was overdued. My gynae asked me to come back in 2 days time to have an induced birth. It was a gruelling 7 hours of labor pain, especially after she broke my waterbag. To make matters worse, my cervix was only opening up to 4 cm. The heartbeat monitor showed that Adam's heartbeat was weakening, so my gynae decided that it had to be a Caesarean section afterall.
I was already tired and restless, enduring the continous pain, pulling my internal muscles. It felt like my tummy was being sliced and pulled, and I endured it without epidural, it was just the gas. My lips were constantly reciting prayers, wishing that would alleviate the agony. When I was handed the pen to sign the consent letter for the C-Section, I just scribbled away without reading the fineprints. My first baby was too contented inside me, not wanting to come out and see the world. And I just couldn't stand it anymore. My husband had been standing besides me for hours, and I was sure that he couldn't stand to see me in pain anymore.
All I could remember after that was the anesthetician calling my name and reciting "Bismillahirahmanirahim.." and after that I passed out. I woke up to the excruciating pain at my lower abdomen, again saying my Creator's name, Allah, Allah..and calling out to my husband that I needed painkillers. I remembered him kissing me softly in my forehead, I guess thanking me for delivering him a son.
Later, still in the daze, I recalled my husband and the peaditrician discussing something, and moments later, Adam was brought to me. I distinctly connected to the two big eyes, looking at me, and my heart expanded, proud to be a mom finally. "Assalamualaikum.." I whispered to his ears. My joy subsided when the gynae announced to me that my firstborn might have some problems. I shook my head in disbelief, and checked all his fingers and ran through his little, soft figure. "No, nothing's wrong," I said to myself. I looked at my husband in the eyes, and I see sadness there. "What is wrong?"
The paeditrician said that our son showed some features of Cornelia de Lange syndrome in his physicals. The moment i heard the word "syndrome", I burst into tears. After that I did not hear what she was saying anymore...my husband was comforting me. My baby had to go through some tests to make sure that he was alright. But after scrutinizing my son's features, I realized that his legs are rather small, and his feet are tiny too. The paeditrician told us to be prepared to put my baby for physio-theraphy as he might have problems balancing his weight, and perhaps could not even walk.
As a mother, I refused to accept that diagnosis. Throughout his two-year babyhood, we worked hard with the physiotherapist to ensure he could correct his walking posture. My heart sank everytime we underwent theraphy, as he will scream my name and refused to continue as it was very uncomfortable for him, perhaps painful as well. Nevertheless, we braved through that, and he finally could move his two feet unassisted and formed steps when he was about 25 months.
Now, Adam looks like any other child in Primary Two. He even has admirers from the big sisters in Primary Five and Six, maybe because of his chubby face. Once in a while, he will complain about the pain in his right leg, as he still cannot endure long walks and intensive exercises in school. He may be slow in class, but I guess he will take his time. He may need special classes, but as long as he knows he has his parents supporting him, he will always be the dreamy boy with cheeky imaginations with two big round eyes..
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