Home Business

Kejayaan Dipermudahkan

2011-08-01T15:34:00.003+08:00

Aspire Paradise is a new company that is worth paying attention to. Please visit this website to find out more.

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Crystal and Pearls

2011-08-01T11:23:00.011+08:00

A visit to Sabah will be incomplete without buying pearls
This is a two line bangle with odd shape pearls.

Crystals - pins, brooches and bangles... (must buy and must bargain too)

This is new (at least to me) - Just put it on - unique but cheap (RM 20 - 30)

Ahlan Wassalan Ya Ramadhan 2011

2011-08-01T09:44:00.005+08:00

It's the time of the year again where all Muslims all over the world fulfill one of the teachings of Allah and His Messenger, Muhammad s.a.w. What is fasting? We refrain from eating and drinking from sunrise till sunset (Subuh to Maghrib). That's not the only thing we must do... we must also refrain all our other senses (eyes, ears etc) from doing bad / the forbidden.

Reading the Holy book - AlQuran is encouraged. Moderation is welcomed. Giving and Sharing are loved.

It is hoped that with the one month of Ramadhan all good things / practices will remain in all Muslims and become our habit in all other days / months.

Please visit this link below to see how people of other countries welcome Ramadhan:

http://news.malaysia.msn.com/ramadhan/photos.aspx?cp-documentid=5074688

or

http://news.malaysia.msn.com/photogallery.aspx?cp-documentid=4270867

mayonnaise jar, golf balls, pebbles, sand and coffee

2009-10-06T11:50:00.007+08:00

I was cleaning my inbox and stumbled upon this interesting email from a friend. Please read:

When things in your life seem, almost too much to handle,
When 24 Hours in a day is not enough,
Remember the mayonnaise jar and 2 cups of coffee.

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students, if the jar was full. They agreed that it was. The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was. The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous 'yes.' The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.

'Now,' said the professor, as the laughter subsided, 'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life.
1) The golf balls are the important things - family,children, health, Friends, and Favourite passions – Things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, Your life would still be full.
2) The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, house, and car.
3) The sand is everything else --The small stuff. '

If you put the sand into the jar first,' He continued,there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you.

So...Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out to dinner. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. 'Take care of the golf balls first --The things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.

'One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled.' I'm glad you asked'. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.' Please share this with other "Golf Balls" I just did......

Selamat Hari Raya Part 2

2009-10-01T15:43:00.008+08:00

daniel, deena, me, mak, bapak, dinie, azhar and delailah

Eid Mubarak away from family (parents n brothers and sisters) is of course a sad scenario. However, work, time and money play a role. As the saying goes, we cant always have everything we want. Anyway, after 2 rayas in Bangi/Penang/Tg Karang, I'm back again in Sabah and the rotation will be Sabah / Penang / Tg Karang / Sabah ... and the cycle goes round until me and family move (if we do move).

Being in Sabah, I am lucky because since end 1998 (the first time I moved to Sabah), me and family have found a place to call kampung/home on the first day of Eid Mubarak. Each time we do not go home to Penang/Tg Karang, we will surely head to Tuaran (last time it was nearer - Tmn Nelly, Kelombong) after prayers. This year is no difference except that my friend (mak and bapak eldest child) is not around this year.

All in all, where ever you I spend my raya, it's okay with me cause I have my hubby and children. I got friends and neighbours to visit too and they visit me too. Sometimes I wonder why people quarrel on where to spend the first day of raya. To my memory, alhamdullillah, I have never been in that situation yet.

Selamat Hari Raya. Maaf zahir batin to whoever is reading this 'luahan hati'.

SELAMAT HARI RAYA...

2009-09-29T11:48:00.011+08:00

at Penang airport a week before Raya. ( spend 3 days there )

Time flies... with the kids growing very fast, my raya celebration this yr has changed too. Raya has always been a special celebration especially for children... After fasting for 30 days (or 29 days this year). My kids has started to appreciate and understand raya better this year. The first two has started demanding baju raya, duit raya, kasut raya etc this year (not forgetting bunga api/mercun). Because of this, the preparation for raya was done early (unlike previous years where shopping etc were the in the last week of ramadhan).

The house is a bit more cheerful with the kids noise and bunga api/mercun and the colour of the blinking lights around the house and the traditional pelita...

Eventhough we spend the Raya away from our parents / the kids grandparents... it was still fun. My parents came for three days. This year also was the first time I made my own ketupat. I also had our open house on 7th raya. (Haven't done one for the past two years because we were in KL).

Lembah Impian Resort (raya ke2)

Open House Preparation (outside)

Dinie and daniel waiting for tetamu

Hampers from tetamu. (the green one is special from a politician)

Daniel penat melayan org till midnight sampai tak sempat pakai baju after mandi

FOOD!!!

2009-08-07T23:03:00.007+08:00

Kek Lapis Asam Manis - baked by a friend (July '09)

Big Apple Donuts

Homemade cake (Putatan)

Manhattan Fish Market (QueensBay, Penang, early June '09)

Home cooking - steamboat n seafood BBQ (Tg karang, early June '09)

Huraz J Farm Enterprise

2009-07-05T23:10:00.005+08:00

Sunset at Huraz J Farm Enterprise

It has been more than a month that I have not visited my own blog. Busy with work, and family.

Me, hubby, and his two brothers have a new interest now... Huraz J Farm Enterprise. Anyone interested in buying cows - look for Huraz J Farm Enterprise in Tanjung Karang or email me. We have more that 15 cows to choose from.

TUPPERWARE CRAZY

2009-05-23T16:04:00.005+08:00

Do you want to enjoy a certain amount of discount off retail price on all Tupperware Brand products?
If your answer is YES! then come and join Tupperware today! All you need is a Starter Kit that cost only RM60.

Starter Kit consist of
1. 1 Kit Bag
2. Tupperware Business Opportunity Presentation DVD
3. Tupperware Business Opportunity of Choice Guide Books
4. FREE: Tupperware Modular Mates Oval II (1 set) + Modular Mates Round II (2 sets) [Worth RM47.10] Tsk… you get more than half your $$ back!
5. Others (order, product, membership list, calendar)

By becoming a Tupperware member aka consultant, you’re entitled to purchase all Tupperware products at a discounted price (except nett price item).

If you’re interested to earn some money from Tupperware, then all you can do is to invite 2 other friends to join Tupperware. You’ll get more discount privilege and commission. But if you’re not interested, then it doesn’t matter.

To join Tupperware email me at silver_ace03@hotmail.com, your information as below & I will direct you on the procedure etc.

*Tupperware Malaysia membership is open to Malaysian only.
Name as in IC
Preferred Name on Authority Card
IC no.
Nationality
Race: Malay/Chinese/Indian/Others
Date of Birth
Occupation
Language Preferred: Malay/English/Mandarin
Postal Address
Mobile phone/house phone/office phone
Email
* You must purchase at least 1 Tupperware product when joining Tupperware.
You will receive member card & Inspira magazine delivered to your home from Tupperware HQ.

Work and Family!!!

2009-05-22T23:26:00.008+08:00

Dinie in his Tok Wan's buggy (p surau lalu sawah)

My bedroom with the colourful window panels and aircorn

Bye Kids : peace and quiet for awhile (off to hunt for durian)

The Kids outside on the anjung

The bending coconut tree on the right side of the house

Green, green land of paddy (view from the anjung)

"To work or to be at home... that is the question".

It has been a long and tiring month for me and the kids as well. It all started on the 18th of April when my maid took leave to go home for her sister's wedding. She was supposed to take 1 week leave and it turned out to be a 'forever' leave. Since that, I had to juggle between home and work. That was the time when all leaves were frozen because it was exam week. (3 weeks). Luckly, hubby was still on leave. But came 30th April, he had to leave for Jakarta (planned much earlier, thanks to airasia). So, I decided to leave too... leave for penang on the 1st of May till the 4th of May. What a relieve it was to have home cooked food and no house work. At the end of the 3 days, I decided to leave daniel and delailah with their Tok Wan till the 8th of May (Azhar picked them up). Imagine me, deena and dinie in KK. I had meetings and markings to attend. There were days when they came home to an empty house.

Now, my life is back to normal since the 6th of May when my previous maid. My maid was with me since dinie was 6 months until mid 2007 when dinie was 6 years old. She didn't want to follow me to KL. Now she is back after I paid her present boss for her 'release'.

Susahnya being a wife, mother and a career woman at the same time.... However - no regrets!!!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

2009-05-10T11:45:00.003+08:00

Happy Mother's day to all mothers in the world. It is my 9th year celebrating Mother's Day. My kids are too young to go out shopping but I have been getting handmade mother's day card since 2004 from Deena and Dinie. However, I am sad to say that for the first time this year, i am away during mother's day. Right this moment, as I am typing this, I am in Keningau invigilating a Reading Test for UMS off campus students. I came to Keningau on Friday and will leave for home around 2pm today. I am teaching PLUMS, Keningau English for Academic Reading and Writing. How I am looking forward to going home (not only because it's mother's day). Actually I haven't seen Azhar since 30th April and Daniel and Delailah since 4th of May. ( Deena and Dinie last seen 8th May ). Why? ... Will tell you later, because I need to go round the room to see my students answering my paper.

Before I leave (got this nice but funny SMS last night)
TO ALL MOTHERS :
It's NORMAL when you're in your 20s, you'll look very 'MENGANCAM'.
When you're in your 30s, you begin to behave 'BERMACAM-MACAM'.
When you turn 40s-50s, you'll feel 'TERANCAM' & sadly,
when you reach above 60s, orang lansung tak boleh 'CAM'!!!
Anyway, Happy Mother's day!
Hope we'll all maintain 'MENGANCAM'!!!

Deena Turned 9

2009-05-10T11:36:00.005+08:00

24th April 2009 - Home Sweet Home

Anak Ku Sudah Besar!

2009-04-20T22:59:00.004+08:00

How time flies? It feels as if it was just last year that my daniel was a baby - who needed help and was always holding my hand and following me around. Now he is already 4 years and 5 months. He has started his kindergarden this year. Three weeks ago he had his first sports day. How he enjoyed himself. I can see that he has grown up. In 2011, it would be Nurdelailah's turn to go to Kindergarden.

And without realising, soon, it will only be me and Azhar at home!!! How scary thinking about it!

What I have most in my kitchen?

2009-04-11T19:55:00.004+08:00

TUPPERWARE BRANDS PRODUCTS.

My love or more like my obsession with Tupperware Brands started about 13 years ago. It was initiated by my sister who was in Perth. She had nothing to do besides being a housewife and joined the Tupperware business. The products there are not all the same with the ones being sold in Malaysia, so I started buying. When I got married, I already had about 4 big boxes of Tupperware. Then, when I came to Sabah in 1998, I had nothing to do during weekends and I joined as a member under my friend, Kak Sarina in 1999. In 2001, I qualified as a Tupperware Manager and after that it was Tupperware all the way.

What is it about the Tupperware products?

1) It's classy

2) It's safe from toxic / chemical reaction

3) It's colourful

4) It has a life time warranty

5) It's ... just great

Now Tupperware has gone a long way from only having plastic containers, it now has stainless steel cookware, beauty products, health products and also household products. Now it is called the Tupperware Brands.

Tupperware is now not only in my kitchen, but also in my toilet, in my office and also part of my childrens' toys.

My mother is a user of the beauty range known as BeautiControl. My hubby is a strong believer in the health product known as Lacto Fiber. My youngest, Nurdelailah loves the smell of the hand wash. My eldest, Nurdeena loves the body wash. As for me, I love most of the Tupperware Brand products. The stainless steel cookware taught me to cook Pizza in just 10 minutes and also a simple Chicken Rice in also 10 minutes. I also learned to make my own Kaya with its double boiler. As for the Berry juice with collagen-I just love the taste. The fiber works wonders with my affort to slim down.

Hi! I'm Back

2009-04-07T23:19:00.011+08:00

Salam all, how do i start this... so many things to share but don't know how to start. Em... Will start with pictures first since my writing is a bit rusty. As the saying goes, "A picture paints a thousand words". Enjoy the silent pictures!!!

12th March to 19th March 09 - Penang & Kedah

19th March - LWEH, Penang

DEENA'S HANDPHONE HOUSE

2009-03-09T23:17:00.007+08:00

Deena had an assignment to do from her English Year 3 textbook. She had to build a house out of shoe boxes. However, we were unable to find three shoeboxes. We ended up using handphone boxes that we got from Azhar's friend's shop.

I am not good in arts and handicrafts, so Azhar had to do with with Deena.

The 'Fieldworks' Software

2009-03-07T18:43:00.006+08:00

Salam all, I had a wonderful four days (2 - 5 March) workshop on the 'Fieldworks' software. It is a software for people who are into lexicology and also concordance. We had people from SiL, USA to explain the software. It is very good for those who are interested to learn another language and if you want to make a dictionary too. I'm not into linguistic but I am into discourse analysis (written) and the concordance part is interesting.

Another thing about the course - definately the food. Every time I attend a course, I will surely eat more than usual - morning tea, lunch, and evening tea. We had nasi briyani, nasi minyak, soto, roti jala, kari kambing and many others.

My "Four Legged" Sweethearts

2009-02-28T23:22:00.011+08:00

A much needed item but at times I wish I don't have one (2 to be exact). Why? The hustle of driving in the jam. The heartache of paying for it every month. The "beauty treatment" it needs almost everyday and the "medication" it needs every 3-4 months. But how can I live without it... My "relationship" with its kind started about 16 years ago.

The first one was a proton saga aeroback. It was not mine but in December 1993, my parents gave one of theirs to bring to UKM. Then, when working for about half a year (1997), I bought my first car - Proton Putera (PDS3003). The car followed me to Sabah and we were together until September 2001. It was taken away by one of my students whose mother happened to be my Tupperware friend. In replace of it, I got a Proton Waja (SA424Y), limited edition that comes with leather seats. This one did not last that long (almost all my cars after the Waja did not stay with me for long). Its place was taken over by a recon Toyota Rav4 in 2003. In 2004, I got a recon Toyota Harrier. In 2005, i drove a brand new Boon Siew Honda CRV (SAA69D). In 2006, my love was a second hand Toyota Wish (SAA8000G). The Wish followed me back to KL and was with me until 2008. The last (for now) is a recon Toyota Estima (WRM424).

Actually, now I not only have a Toyota Estima but also I have my number 6 back - Honda CRV. How? It's a long story... but I'll just say that the car loves me cause I sold it to a friend in 2006 without changing name (for the first time in history) and then my friend had problems paying and he sold it to a friend in 2007 (also still my name). When I first transfered back to KK, I used my friends Kelisa for about 3 weeks and then the person who bought my car called and said he too has problem paying for the car. So, I took it back since I didn't have a car at that time in KK. It's like the car was on "rental" for 2 years and then its back with me.

(hujan pun basuh)

This is Azhar who is obsessed with a squeeking clean car

Well, in total (including the loan proton saga) 8 cars in 16 years.

My Life Journey.

2009-02-23T22:01:00.007+08:00

I sit and wonder - what have i done in my more than 30 years of living?

I remember when I was first offered the Tupperware business in mid 2004. I talked with my husband and we said, maybe it was time to change profession. Maybe the hardship and the amount of money i had to spend was nothing compared to being my own boss and away from the routine of clocking in, enter class, marking, meetings etc. Maybe I would be happy with the 'freedom' and change of environment (no more being JU for ETeMs, no more conducting Teknik Menjawab, no more escorting students on trips and what not). Of course, having my own business was fun and a totally new experience for me. The 1 1/2 years taught me things i never learned in PPP/UKM or in my 8 years as a teacher (even if i worked as a teacher another 20 years). I 'grew up' in the 1 1/2 years in the business. I also became sick along the way that caused me to sit back and analysed whether money and work is everything. The answer was a definate no-health, family, 'a life' are more important. Thus, i gave up the business.

The year 2006 saw me being 'a lady of leisure' (without the cash of course). But i was happy. I spent more time with the kids and hubby and that year too saw me being active with PERKEP as the chairperson. I managed quite well, i would say. I handled people who were mostly older than me. I 'woke up' a society that was considered being in 'ICU' by the headquaters. I collected more than 1K and set up a mini 'Perkep House' with kitchen equipment, a sofa, and a dining table.

Then, me and the whole family moved to Bangi. That was another new experience for me. I got to know my hubby's family better (after my wedding, we moved to Sabah and went back during rayas or meetings). Almost every weekend we would go back to Azhar's kampung and every other month, I would fly/drive back to Penang to see my parents. At the same time, within the 1 1/4 years, I gained almost 20 kgs. I learned the roads in KL/Selangor. I learned how people move very fast in KL. I taught in an international school. I learned another business (insurance).I learned to blog too.

Now, it has been almost 5 months that I am in KK again, with the family and working as an educator again. Of course being a universiti lecturer and a school teacher is not the same. It comes with other responsibilities that I am still learning and trying to understand. My miss being close to my parents and in-law but I am happy that i have lost 3 + kgs so far and my jeans can be button within needing to take a deep breath anymore.

What a journey that i have gone through. However, no regrets at all (at least up to now).
Opps! Salah tu - My regret is that my sickness is not 100% cured yet.

Kayu Jati Furniture

2009-02-22T15:39:00.007+08:00

The kids with their Tok Wan

Salam, it has been a while since i last wrote in my blog... nothing interesting to write about. I don't know if any of you know that Sabah is famous for furnitures made from Kayu Jati... Well, I have been here for 10 years and almost all my friends from West Malaysia who have stayed here would definately have a kayu jati furniture (including me). The furnitures are from Indonesia. Last weekend my parents were here and so for the first time after many visits to Sabah, they too have decided to follow the trend and purchased the kayu jati furniture. One famous shop around KK is Jamilah Furniture Shop which is actually just about 5 minutes drive from my house. So after breakfast, off we went to the shop... originally only wanted a mirror for their new hut in Singkir Laut but they ended up buying a rocking car and 2 side tables. Then, we went to 1Borneo Shopping Mall to buy some provision and also to buy Whey Protein for my brother. He is into muscle building etc. Almost 1 hour to look for the right product. I just discovered that all his health products are very expensive. They Whey Protein that we bought cost us almost RM400 for a tin that last only for 1 month. Then at the end, we had lunch at The Chicken Rice Shop.

My Mum and Dad

Pie Tee - the shop's speciality

A Relaxed and Fun Week

2009-02-02T14:45:00.011+08:00

Salam, I had a great week last week. It all started on the 23rd of Jan. That was the last day before the semester break and it means that i don't have to deal with students and their registration problem for the next one week. Then on Saturday, was my first kueh of the year experience. On Sunday was a day of relax and I had the oppurtunity to go to my friends' house to see her kids 'Khatam Al-Quran'. Her girl is 17 years old and will be going to Melbourne to do her prep studies on the 8th of Feb. She's a bright students and has always been top student in her school, All Saints, Kota Kinabalu. I wish her luck. As for the boys. they are twins aged 11 years old. Identical twins and till now I cant differenciate between the two.

The next few days was filled with open house invitations by our chinese friends. It was also followed with a lot of lion dance shows. One in particular that i enjoyed was the on in Hyatt Hotel on the second day of chinese new year.

As for work, of course only the students' were off but I had to go to work since I did not apply for leave. But work was a breeze...no disturbance from students and I had the opportunity to start working on my test questions and looking into conferences to attend for the year.

Today is the first day of class again but things seem much more settle with the students registration and not many students have come to my room today.

My first kueh for the year!!!

2009-01-27T18:02:00.009+08:00

Salam, last Saturday morning i was going through my fridge and saw a packet of green beans. Apa nak buat??? So, i remembered kueh kacang that i haven't eaten for some time. Macamana nak buat??? As usual, Mummy in Penang to the rescue. She explained the recipe and I tried for the first time. Alhamdullillah, jadi. It was not that difficult as i thought. The only tricky part was the kulit luar je. It has to be the right texture in order to stick onto the kacang when we fry it.

How to make it :

Rebus kacang hijau sampai lembut dan kering. Lepas tu, add sugar to taste. Masak sampai kacang and sugar mix together and dry enough to role into a ball. (i was supposed to add sikit kelapa but tak ada so tak letak lah)

For the kulit : tepung beras, salt sikit and water sikit. If you like it crispy, you can add egg. Then dip the kacang ball into the tepung and deep fry.

Rupa tak ada but rasa sedap!!!

P/S sempat rebus bottle daniel and delailah while goreng kueh

'My Sunday' - photos

2009-01-27T13:45:00.013+08:00

At Centre Point Car Wash

At Hyatt Hotel, KK

At Bapak Januin's house in Tuaran

On the way home

My Sunday

2009-01-20T06:20:00.004+08:00

Salam, the week had gone by smoothly. On Sunday, me and family found time to visit our adopted family in Tuaran. They are actually Jun's parents. The weekend started with a very early shower for our car in Centre Point (on of the shopping complex in KK). The shops were not opened yet, so we had to wait at the car wash.

Then we went for breakfast at Hyatt Hotel. The best is the omelette. We have been a member since 2000 and we get 50% off our meals.

Our next destination was Tuaran. A town about 45 minutes from KK. We reached Jun's parents house around 1040am and had some kuehs, followed by a session of karoake by Bapak and Azhar and then lunch. While we all eat, it was Jun's turn to sing. We relaxed for awhile and Azhar continued singing again. As for me, I was busy entertaining the kids. Then we had early tea and a round of Poco-poco dance. We left around 4pm.

On the way home, the kids slept just after a few minutes getting into the car. We arrived home around 5pm.

p/s I ada problem uploading photos- will show photos later, if i can!

Hi - I'm Back!!!

2009-01-13T13:49:00.003+08:00

Salam all, Happy New Year all friends. My last entry was 24th Dec 08 and that was the day that i fell sick up till today. I was bedridden for three days till i got a jab on my backside and then my fever was up and down till early last week. After the fever, I lost my voice for a few days because of my dry cough ( sounded like a dog ). Now I'm left with the cough and a lot of catching up with work and also my blogging and facebook. And just as am totally recovering, it has been raining non stop in Kota Kinabalu for the past 2 days. Thus, I'm starting to cough again.

Last week was also the start of the school year for my kids. Deena is in Year 3 now and Dinie is in Year 4. Being in a new place, me and Azhar had to organise the school and transport. Dinie was a bit difficult last week with his crying and not wanting to go to school. (he wanted to go back to his old school in KL) Luckly, yesterday he was his old self again. As for Daniel (aged 4+), it's his first time to school. He was okay from day 1 and is always the first to get ready for school in the morning. I send Daniel to school in the morning but he returns home by bus. As for the Kakak and Abang, they take the bus both ways and to both schools (sekolah agama and national).

On top of the new school and mummy being sick, the maid had to leave - the excuse being, her mum in indonesia is not well. Promised to return on the 4th of Jan but never returned till today. I was without a maid for a week till i got the present one. So far so good (just 1 1/2 weeks).

About work, it is also the beginning of the semester and i am appointed as a course coordinator for English Level 4 (academic reading and writing). I have 32 lecturers and tutors working under me and I have 1,650 students. Being new in UMS, I need to learn the does and don'ts. I need to do a bit of preparation too cause it's not an easy paper to teach too.

Well... the week has just begun and I am starting to be a bit more relaxed and organised. Hopefully it remains that way till the year ends.

Glamorous Wedding

2008-12-24T12:19:00.002+08:00

Salam, I was going through Wiz's blogspot and she was talking about weddings. How two people get together and "two less lonely heart". I just cannot stop thinking about all the glamorous and grand weddings - is it worth it? What i mean is - is the event important or the getting married and the promise 'till death do we part' important???

Last Saturday, mawi and ekin got married? I wonder will it last since the latest trend for Malaysian artist is kahwin glamour and then ada problem. Of course many will say that 'jodoh di tangan Allah' but husband and wife have to make it work first, right?

I keyed in mawi and ekin and found an interesting site with their wedding pictures.
http://isuhangat.blogspot.com/search?q=mawi+dan+ekin

Health and Food

2008-12-21T11:17:00.009+08:00

Daniel waiting for Dr Roland

Salam, yesterday was the second time Daniel visited the dentist - Dr Roland. His first was on the 17th of Dec 08. He actually fell and broke a teeth when he was in his tok wan's house 2 weeks ago. He complained of pain on the 1st day but then he was ok till last Tuesday when he couldn't sleep because of pain. So, off we went to the dentist in Rafflesia Medical Centre. The doctor was very nice when I told him it was Daniel's first visit. He only checked and gave some antibiotic and pain killer for the swelling. The best part for Daniel was when he got a donald duck sticker. I made another appointment to check the swelling and if Daniel is ok to do a few fillings. Yesterday was the day. Everything was fine and Daniel was brave enough to open his mouth for a clean and three fillings. I was so worried during both visits - afraid that he would bring down the hospital with his crying and screaming. Nothing close to it happened - alhamdullillah. He is actually looking forward to his next visit to the dentist.

Dinie - Fried Mee & Everyone - Satay

Deena - Nasi Ayam & Daniel and Delaila - Roti Telur

So, that evening I treated all the four to a dinner out. (actually i try to avoid taking them out since i am alone - so difficult to make them sit at the table with proper eating manners. If the father is around, they behave a bit better). Off we went to Sinar Mustika, one of the famous restaurants in KK. Me and hubby love to order Soto Makasar if we go there (the sambal is delicious). However, last night I was full cause I had ubi keledek rubus for tea, so I only drank.

Farewell to my dear Dino

2008-12-18T13:44:00.004+08:00

ARWAH DINO

Salam, so many things has been happening to me the past 2 months. In my hectic schedule of travelling weekly, settling my Sg Buluh house and also my Sabah house and also the kids transfer; my dino was hit by a car.

It happened on Sunday, 9th November 2008. That was the first time that i left him for two nights in Bangi. Me and Azhar were busy and didn't had the time to go back to Bangi to pick him up (if we go to Sg Buluh on Friday and he is not around, we would always go back the following day and he will be waiting by the door). On Sunday, when we returned to Bangi, the security guard told us a cat was hit by a car that evening. When we went to see, it was unrecognisable. We waited for days; hoping that the cat that was hit was not him. Up to now he never return.

However, the security guard offered another cat to me - same mother as Dino but different father. We took it but he will never replace Dino.

Younger brother of Dino - Wei Wei

What's new???

2008-12-16T12:01:00.011+08:00

Salam, how do i start my blogging again.... Let's see what photos i can share with all of you and update on what has been happening to me the past 2 1/2 weeks.

This was my 'home' from 20th Oct till 29th Nov 2008 - Tune Hotel, Kota Kinabalu.

Me and my hubby's first bus trip since our UKM time. 6th Dec, 1120am - off to pick-up the kids in Penang. Lovely bus that had movies and games. Also gave us mineral water, chicken rice, hot drinks and a wet tissue each.

Raya Haji was spent at my in-laws. Azhar sempat beli cempadak for tea time too.

My travelling has finally ended. The kids are with me now in KK. Last night, since my maid hasn't arrived, and my hubby is still in Sg Buluh, I took the kids to Mc Donald for dinner.

To All Teachers

2008-11-27T09:43:00.006+08:00

Hi, i was going through my email and found the following inspiring story from a friend :

WHAT TEACHERS MAKE

The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life. One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education. He argued, 'What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?'

He reminded the other dinner guests what they say about teachers: 'Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach.' To stress his point he said to another guest; 'You're a teacher, Bonnie. Be honest. What do you make?'

Bonnie, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied, 'You want to know what I make? (She paused for a second, then began...)

'Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could. I make a C+ feel like the Congressional Medal of Honor. I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time when their parents can't make them sit for 5 without an I Pod, Game Cube or movie rental. You want to know what I make?' (She paused again and looked at each and every person at the table.)

''I make kids wonder. I make them question. I make them apologize and mean it. I make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions. I teach them to write and then I make them write. Keyboarding isn't everything. I make them read, read, read. I make them show all their work in math. They use their God given brain, not the man-made calculator. I make my students from other countries learn everything they need to know in English while preserving their unique cultural identity. I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe. I make my students stand, placing their hand over their heart to say the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, One Nation Under God, because we live in the United States of America. Finally, I make them understan> that if they use the gifts they were given, work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life.' (Bonnie paused one last time and then continued.)

'Then, when people try to judge me by what I make, with me knowing money isn't everything, I can hold my head up high and pay no attention because they are ignorant... You want to know what I make? I MAKE A DIFFERENCE . What do you make Mr. CEO?' His jaw dropped, he went silent.

THIS IS WORTH SENDING TO EVERY TEACHER YOU KNOW. Even all your personal teachers like mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, grandparents, your spiritual teachers

My Weekend

2008-11-25T19:32:00.010+08:00

Saturday morning (22nd Nov) : breakfast at a restaurant in Saujana Utama, Sg Buluh....

Sunday morning (23rd Nov) : catching a chicken for lunch

(Dinie, Daniel, Delailah, a cousin and an uncle)

An Afternoon Out with Jun

2008-11-25T13:40:00.006+08:00

Last Friday (21st Nov), I had lunch with Jun. We headed to Sushi King in 1Borneo (the biggest shopping mall in Borneo). We ordered udon soup and fried udon (can't remember the exact name of the dishes). On top of that, we had a few dishes from the 'railway track'.

After the Japanese meal, we went back to UMS and headed to the School of Business and Economy to buy Turkish Yogurt. What is this? It is a project initiated by a Turkish student. It produces organic yogurt and cheese. It was just delicious. (it was too delicious till i forgot to take a photo of the food. I only have the leaflet - even that was taken sideways - so sorry)

Visit to Singkir, Kedah

2008-11-20T21:58:00.014+08:00

Salam.
It has been a week since i wrote in my blog. Well a few things has been happening to me. Let's start with my visit to Singkir (my dad's kampung). Last weekend, i did not go back to KL. Instead, i flew from KK to Penang on Saturday (15 Nov) and met my kids and hubby there (they drove up). On Sunday morning, my kids, hubby, mum, dad and i drove up to Singkir, Kedah. WHY? Well, my dad is building a small hut there for his retirement (he will be 65 next yr and is getting ready if his contract is not renewed next yr).

He has own the land for many years (paddy land) and has been collecting income from the paddy. Early this year he decided to take a bit of the paddy land to build his hut. For me, hubby and kids, this is our second visit (1st time was in August 2008). Enjoy the pictures below.

Kenduri Bacaan

2008-11-14T14:46:00.011+08:00

Last week Dinie was not well. He was down with bad fever and cough. So, on Saturday we went back to Tanjung Karang. My mother-in-law prepared a dish called Nasi Ambang for a kenduri called Bacaan. It is said done to help the child recover fast and not fall sick again (if i am not mistaken). Nasi Ambang is actually rice served in a big tray together with a few dishes (one of it is fried mee) and is eaten in a group (save on washing plates). The kids had their nasi ambang after maghrib.

Before that, for tea in the evening, i bought a cake from Secret Recipe - Chocolate Indulgence. Again the kids helped themselves to the cake. The leader was the 2nd eldest cousin who is 17 years old. The eldest cousin couldn't make it because she had exam (UITM). All in all there were 13 children and 1 baby. They sure had fun being the focus for the evening. Adults ate after them.

FACEBOOK

2008-11-12T11:47:00.002+08:00

Salam, it has been a week since i last wrote in my blog. Been busy with getting to know FB.

Still figuring out the function of FB. So far, what i know is i can chat live and write on the wall. With all the modern technologies, communicating has been easy; to the extent that i can sit in front of the computer for hours pressing the keypads for trial and error, chatting with friends and going through people's writing... BUT not a good thing to do ( i think ), right? No face to face contact and social life.

One thing good is that i found a few lost friends and also got a few new tips and ideas to complete my proposal on the translation unit. I dont need to leave the comfort of my office.

A Reminder of the Works of ALLAH!

2008-11-05T09:16:00.008+08:00

One of the two tigers caught by villagers after the Tsunami for eating the corpses.

Salam, i was going through my picture folder on the laptop and found some interesting photos of Aceh that my husband took when he was there end of 2007. Let the photos be a reminder to all of ALLAH's great power.

A big ship that landed in the middle of the town

A fishing boat that landed on a house

The only building standing up straight, when all others around it were destroyed - a mosque

A graveyard that was not drowned by water when all around it was destroyed. It belongs to 'orang alim2' of Acheh

Proud to be a Mother

2008-11-03T11:46:00.015+08:00

Salam, yesterday was Deena and Dinie's Sport's Day cum Prize Giving Day for their KAFA school. It started at 8 with a simple but fun telematch. There were games for the parents as well. The father joined in the fun too.

Academically, both got 2nd places in their respective classes. Azhar and I were touched because they both did not study plus Dinie has a slight problem (dylexia and slow). On top of the second place, alhamdullillah, we also did not receive any complain from the ustaz or ustazahs. Despite my busy schedule up and down Sabah and Azhar with his thesis, the kids are ok.

AN OLD FRIEND!!!

2008-10-29T11:59:00.010+08:00

Jun and Pah (tengok ape lah tu?)

Guess tangan siapa ni yg nak cover dia makan banyak? (not me tau)

Last nite i went out for dinner at a 'self-cook diner' in 1 Borneo.

18 years ago i left home and studied at a place called PPP, Shah Alam. I stayed in a hostel that was actually a 2 room flat. There were four of us; ila, min, jun and myself. We were together for 3 years (but the 3rd yr, 2 juniors joined us) Then we moved to UKM. Ila remained my roommate for 2 and a half years. Jun and Min were together. During the 6 years, we practically grew up together.

Then in 1996, we all graduated and went our separate ways. Min got married, followed by me, then Jun and lastly was Ila. However, fate brought me and Jun together again in 1998 when i first moved to Sabah. She gave me my first part time job in Sabah at UMS. Her father worked with my hubby. Me and family ended up being quite close to Jun and family. There were a few Rayas that we did not go back to KL and the first place we headed after prayer was Jun's parents house. Our wedding dates are also the same 17th Oct but different year (kebetulan).

Now after 18 years, Jun and I are still together, working in the same department. Of course she is much senior in UMS. Insyaallah, she will leave for her PHD next year.

10th wedding anniversary

2008-10-24T09:20:00.005+08:00

Salam, on the 17th of October 2008 was my tenth wedding anniversary. I took a flight back to KL that day and i was greeted with a cheese cake. We had planned to have a small celebration but because of the move to Sabah, it was cancelled.

Then on Monday, 20th Oct, I checked my email and read a mail from my TESL friend, Norainin. She sent a story of a couple who celebrated their 40th weeding anniversary. Below is the story :

A married couple in their early 60s was celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary in a quiet, romantic little restaurant.Suddenly, a tiny yet beautiful fairy appeared on their table. She said, 'For being such an exemplary married couple and for being loving to each other for all this time,I will grant you each a wish.'

The wife answered, 'Oh, I want to travel around the world with my darling husband.' The fairy waved her magic wand and - poof! - two tickets for the QueenMary II appeared in her hands.

The husband thought for a moment: 'Well, this is all very romantic, but an opportunity like this will never come again.I'm sorry my love, but my wish is to have a wife 30 years younger than me.'The wife, and the fairy, were deeply disappointed, but a wish is a wish. So the fairy waved her magic wand and poof!...the husband became 92 years old.

The moral of this story: Men who are ungrateful b _ _ _ _ _ _ _s should remember fairies are female.

Crystals and Pearls

2008-10-24T08:52:00.007+08:00

Salam, when people ask which is the one place that is a must for tourist to visit in Kota Kinabalu (especially the ladies)... Well, most people will reply the Philipine Market which is right in the heart of town. What is famous there? Crystals, pearls, t'shirts etc. Tourists from West Malaysia say the pearls and crystals are much cheaper in KK.

Last friday i went and bought some for my daughter and sister-in-law. There were many patterns and quality of pearls and crystals. It was not easy making a decision on which one to buy because everything looked nice. I ended up buying three.

New Job

2008-10-17T16:33:00.005+08:00

Salam, I have finally started work as a lecturer in UMS, Sabah. I registered on the 13th of Oct. That day, I woke up very early to catch the first flight to KK which was 6.50am. Everything went fine and a Tupperware friend picked me up at the airport. I will be using her car for the next 2 months or till my car arrives from KL.

I reported for work at the Registrar Office and then at the Pusat Penataraan Ilmu dan Bahasa (PPIB) - this is my department. The first day was like returning to work actually because i know most of them at PPIB since I had worked part time with PPIB since end 1998. Junaidah Januin is also here.

On the second day i got my own room. What a wonderful feeling to have my own work space and my name on the door. For now it is still empty since my books etc are still in KL.

At the moment i do not have any classes because it is coming to the end of the semester. I will only start teaching next year. However, i have been given the task to think of a translation and editing unit for PPIB. Anyone out there can help???

More Raya Pictures

2008-10-15T13:44:00.013+08:00

Dinie

Daniel and Deena

Dino (also spent his Raya in Penang)

Delailah and Deena (2nd day of Hari Raya)

Daniel, Tok Wan and Deena (Eve of Hari Raya)

Raya in Penang

Colourful Raya!

2008-10-08T09:59:00.005+08:00

Deena and Delailah

Dinie, Daniel, Delailah & cousin

Dinie and cousin

The kids, cousins,uncles & auntie

TG KARANG 3 Syawal

What a Hari Raya 2008!!!

2008-10-07T09:40:00.004+08:00

Salam all,

It has been awhile since i wrote anything in this blog... well, been busy with the Hari Raya celebration. To tell you the truth... not much of a celebration for me and hubby since we both were down with extremely bad fever and body ache.

It all started on Sunday (28th Sept), my hubby started feeling uncomfortable and Monday we both we flat out. I managed to start our journey back to Penang around 5pm with the kids and the hubby sitting miserably behind the driver seat. Stopped for break fast at Bukit Semanggul and finally reached home around 9pm. Next day was sleeping day for all. Then raya day came...

Managed to go any pray at USM mosque and then back home to rest. Left for Perlis around noon to visit my sister-in-law and then down to Jitra to visit my best friend. By the time i reached Jitra, i really felt terrible but luckily my hubby was much better.

The 2nd day was rest time in front of the tv because we were making our journey back to my hubby's kampung; Tanjung Karang. The routine for the 3rd and 4th raya was basically the same - little visiting and plenty of rest.

Around 3pm on the 4th day of Raya, i was back in Sungai Buluh... what a relief for the travelling has ended :-) Sunday my parents came to sent my only brother back to UKM.

Around 9pm on the 5th day of Raya, back in Bangi :(

We are still having the cough and flu and it has gone to my youngest too. Hope we recover soon since there is only 23 more days of Syawal and only 5 more days before i leave for Sabah to work.

p/s - despite the mummy and daddy being down, the kids managed to collect quite a good amount of duit raya. No family photo this year... insyaallah, during raya haji.

Pulut Kuning

2008-09-22T09:30:00.002+08:00

Salam, it has been a few days since i logged in. Last Saturday was an interesting day for me... it was my birthday. Since it is Fasting month, nothing much could be done. My hubby invited his family (mother, sister and 2 brothers and their family) to break fast at our Sungai Buluh house.

So the birthday girl had to cook. Decided to cook something simple - ayam masak merah, ayam kicap, sayur bayam air and ikan goreng. Didn't make any kueh but i cooked pulut kuning for the first time in my life. I think i called my mum in Penang almost 10 times to check on the steps. My hubby likes pulut kuning with kari telur. So cooked kari telur too.

My hubby bought a chocolate cake from Kings Bakery. My mother-in-law brought penget pisang.

After breaking fast, prayed Magrib and then the kids lighted the pelita and played a bit of bunga api. Then the adults prayed Isyak and Terawih at home.

Lastly, it was tidy up time....

Serving the Appetite!!!

2008-09-17T09:40:00.004+08:00

Today is the 17th day of fasting. Alhamdulillah, everything has gone fine so far. For this year, my 2nd child has started fasting. So, now i have to cater to 4 different likings/wishes (my hubby, deena, dinie and myself) for breaking fast and also sahur.

There are days that all of us cannot decide on one menu. Some days okay. Like last Monday, my son wanted nasi tomato, my girl nasi minyak and the father yong tau fu. Ended up going to the Bazaar Ramadhan for the first time this year. These past few years we have cut down / avoided the Bazaar Ramadhan and try to eat as we usually do for dinner. Food tend to go to waste when we buy ready made ones.

I have cooked nasi lemak for Sahur once, and for berbuka nasi tomato, mee soup, mee hoon soup, and nasi ayam. The rest of the days were normal nasi berlauk. Last Wednesday was Pizza Hut home delivery. Yesterday i cooked spagetti and mushroom soup and for Sahur this morning was fish curry and prawn kicap.

Today ??? We still have 13 days to go and am running out of ideas. Anyone can help???

Moving to Sabah

2008-09-11T23:46:00.013+08:00

Salam, it has been more than a week since i visited my own blog... been busy with fasting and 'resting'.I finally received my appointment letter from UMS, Sabah. Good post... lecturer and not language teacher and the pay is also not bad.

My 2 eldests, especially my 2nd child, are looking forward to moving back to Sabah. He sometimes say Sabah is his kampung. (Dinie and his football coach)

People wonder why Sabah university when both me and my hubby are not from there... well!!! living in Sabah is nice. Easy life. No toll. Less jam. The only drawback is no family nearby. When there is an emergency with then me and hubby wish we were nearer. Other than that, life is great... if you're working with the government, the allowance is a bit extra than in West M'sia.

Remembering DEATH!!!

2008-09-05T17:27:00.007+08:00

The day before Ramadhan, my hubby's family will make an effort to go and visit my late father-in-law's graveyard. It was a big group - 15 people (6 are me and family) this year because it is the first for me and the kids after almost 10 years of marriage (been away). My father-in-law passed away on 22nd April 2004.

Here is a picture of my handsome 'gendut', his uncle angah and my eldest girl - all ready to go to the graveyard last Sunday.

My four legged son

2008-09-03T08:42:00.006+08:00

Hello, my "youngest son" which i first featured hanging on a grill is very human like. Since i have been going to my Sg Buluh house every weekend, Dino has always followed. However, last friday he was left behind in Bangi because when we wanted to leave, he was nowhere to be found. Knowing he can't find food for himself, I returned on Saturday morning to see him waiting near the door.

Here are pictures of him waiting in Bangi and his journey to Sg Buluh last Saturday.

A gift from TiS

2008-09-02T18:07:00.008+08:00

A farewell gift from TiS

Hi ! Less than 1 wk after returning from Sabah in August '07, I was offered a job by my hubby's friend. I said ok, let's give it a try... went to the interview and got the job. I was to start teaching again (after almost 3 yrs leaving the government school) on the 3rd of September 2007. Told a few people and they said 'hey! u must be crazy to accept a job at an extremely new school.' and i replied 'No harm in trying right and i got my contract to protect me."

I started working in the school with only 6 teachers (which included the principal) and only less than 10 students. Now it is already a year and it has almost 200 students.

However, i am sad to say that i will not be there anymore to see the school grow anymore. I officially resigned on 31 August 2008. I feel like crying as i am writing this blog. I've worked in a few schools but being a pioneer in TiS gives me a sentimental value about the work and place.

Tomorrow (3rd Sept), the new schooling year will begin and i will be at home being a 'domestic engineer. Why?? Coz i will be moving to Sabah again in November or December '08 :-(

Please visit the school website to see the profile. (www.tanarata.net)

Opps! what is the name of the school?... Tanarata International Schools, Kajang

p/s : if anyone from TiS reads this... thank you for everything.

Si Kancil

2008-08-26T09:00:00.000+08:00

With the increase of the price of petrol and a few other items too, we learn to save and do a bit adjustment. As for my hubby, he decided to change his 24 yrs old BMW that has been 'drinking' a lot of petrol to a 10 yr old Kancil. Petrol wise, excellent. Condition wise, not so good. Every other week it has been to the 'clinic' - demam kura-kura that has no medication ( i think) :-( The only medicine would be to sent it to the junk yard. [Can't mention this to my hubby because he wont accept it].

He loves to keep cars squeaking clean...even if it drizzles he will be wiping the car. A few days ago, after washing the car the shop, a ladybird appeared on the front window. He said, i make noise but the ladybird loves his car ;-)

Down Memory Lane - MERDEKA

2008-08-24T23:27:00.000+08:00

Mr Vijay, colleague.
Siong Mo, Korean
Shin Trong, Malaysian
Romina, Iranian
Miss M'sia???

Missing student-Xi Zuan (photographer)

Perjanjian Pangkor in the making

Zaman Kesultanan Melaka - famous as a trading centre

Underground tunnel

Hello, these are pictures of my visit to the Armed Forces Museum in Port Dickson. Went there on the 1st of August 2008 with 4 of my students from Tanarata International Schools. The students were part of a 3 week summer English programme conducted by Mr Vijay and myself.

Don't have to go to Vietnam to see the past / effect of war. The tunnel was an experience even though it's not the original but still can learn and see how the people back then were very intelligent. They were able to build a tunnel with bedrooms, office and even a sick bay.

Kids n Holiday

2008-08-24T22:23:00.000+08:00

My third - Muhammad Daniel @ Gendut (3++)
Dry kitchen

Salam,
My kids will start school tomorrow... Yahoo!!! Merdeka. The one week they were at home was a busy week for me. My elders, deena (8 yrs old) keep asking for food. So had to be a good mummy and cook. Was able to cook 'bubur kacang', cream caramel, & 'lempeng and kuah durian'. Not forgetting the breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Besides food, the constant quarrellings between all the four almost drove me up the wall.

This the 'backside' of all my 4 'buah hati' when they are all 'angels'
Living Room

On friday (15th), the last day of school, we all went back to my new house in Sg. Buluh. My parents and in-law came on Sunday. Then we all went back to my in-law's place on tuesday till thursday. Then, back in Sg buluh again till yesterday (saturday). Tired!!!

Not forgetting my youngest - Dino
Hanging on my neighbour's grill in Bangi

Work and Fun!!!

2008-08-21T18:22:00.000+08:00

Salam, besides being an educator, i am active promoting Tupperware Brands. Love to do promotions when i'm free. The last one i did was in May/June '08. It was at Summit Shopping Complex in USJ. It was organised by RealRewards. I not only sold tupperware but held games as well. One of the slot was a colouring contest where people had to draw on tupperware containers. Had a lot of fun and saw how people worked under pressure to complete the task within the given time (30 minutes).
The above shows some the participants work. I did not draw any. You can only see my hand holding the keychain in the 2nd picture.
Anyone interested to join in the fun and have a Tupperware Party/demo???

What a life out there???

2008-08-19T18:11:00.000+08:00

As i progress through the years, i gain more experience - life, work, family and the world. And what i know is that it is a scary world out there. At times, i feel tired and just feel like staying at home and not go out ( comfort zone ). Being an educator, it makes me scared to see how modern kids are. Whenever any bad news happens like the genius girl who turns to prostitution in UK, it makes me want to keep my kids at home too. If only i am extremely rich and can pay for a home schooling teacher and a bodyguard for my kids :-(

Sad to say, I can't do all that. So i lead a normal life like most Malaysians do. My hubby and i work for a living and my kids go to school by bus everyday. My two youngest are at home with the Kakak. People say be with the kids more? Sent them to school myself? People say don't trust the maid but what can i do; need to 'cari makan' right?

Family vs Work??? Which to choose... i can't choose only one... I choose both. Why? I work for my family and my family gets the extra comfort/luxury I can give to them with my income :-)

May Allah bless me and my family and protect us from the "world out there".

2008-08-10T18:40:00.000+08:00

SORRY! This blog is still under construction.

PLEASE VISIT IN A FEW WEEKS TIME.