Farewell

People come and go...they left footsteps and memories...

Just had a Farewell Lunch for our Boss who's leaving for HQ bext week..the new on just drop by today, but we didn't know that he's our new boss.. :-)

The Boss, having lunch at living area, sitting on Harvey Norman set.. (someone is eyeing and dreaming of buying an LCD Tv... :-)

Feature wall with big mirror could make a space wider just like this one

Fruits served on high clear glass panel

Main course were prepared by our immediate boss's brother, cooking and entertaining are this family's specialty.

It was a great lunch in a warm and cosy ambience, there are so many things especially the art and craft displayed in this house, most of them are souvernirs from his oversea trip..

Making a Place : Vernacular House

I did not attend the BBQ gathering due to health problem, both me and my daughter, but at least for the first time I managed to talk to the guest of honour - our blogger friend Simah, she sounds bubbly,jovial, friendly and warm...Insyallah one day, we'll meet...


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There was a briefing from the consultant and contractor yesterday before CPC Inspection, they were quiet prepared this time around and for the first time I met the architect, whom I adore since I was studying..she look a bit different...my pre conceived idea..she's not that tall as I expected and seen in a magazine...



But this entry is not all about her, but more on the architecture : Vernacular.

Vernacular architecture is more towards local context, our design should respond and derived from our surrounding, that means we need to think of the weather, the culture, the material and soul of that particular place before we start designing. Most of traditional houses in Malaysia built during pre-war and pre-Merdeka are truly Vernacular architecture with all this attributes. One could feel that the house are suitable for our climate and responding to our culture with raised floor, ample natural ventilation and lighting, proper roof overhang and suitable local material which is aesthetically pleasing and practical.

Yesterday's briefing was a bit a misconception of the idea of Vernacular, they claimed that they design is Vernacular but with double frontage and garden concept. They placed a kitchen just next to the entrance which is totally not acceptable in our local culture. And when we chanllenged them, the finally admitted that it is only the facade that is Vernacular.....

..'Fusion architecture...? too many element, wrong time and wrong place

To me, it can't just be the make up or the external outlook, it need to be the essence and soul of the house. we design a space for people to live in, there is a sentimental value in any house, therefore when we claimed that it is Vernacular, the house should reflect the whole idea and concept of the word Vernaculus (Latin).

Sometimes we tend to adopt other people's culture which looks beautiful and nice in a glossy magazine but we should realised that those are what meant to be at that particular place, in that kind of environment and responding to their climate.

It is not easy to design a house, it is not just about sketching and designing but there are so much value and input that need to be thrown into in order to achieved an ideal design..it is way different what TV drama and movies always potray, an architect with safety helmet and a roll of drawing in their hand....typical...

Countdown

Its just around the corner, 13 days to go..if base on EDD - 26th June 2008, might be early or over due just like Sufiya..but I wish that it happen on weekdays, next week ...oooh how ideal..but only God knows....

At 38 weeks and second pregnancy, its so much different from the first one, the excitement and preparation are not the same anymore, time flies very fast...the first day of seeing two lines on test kit until today are just like a few months gap.....been busy with work and little girl at home plus other activities, I don't have much time thinking or worrying about this pregnancy....but of coz the love and attention is not less..never...any child is a Gift from Him...a precious one..

Tomorrow is a big day for our friend from Istanbul..a BBQ gathering for her...hope I could join them and meeting her lovely family for the first time.....

So, baby could you wait after the BBQ...? I don't want your birth place to be written down as Hospital Rawang... hehehe



UPDATE:

Just received a news that our boss will be transfered to other Department effective this coming 16th June 08, 'hope a new one will be more pro-active, energetic and whatever a boss should be.....in one year service, this will be my third boss....!! hmmm

Toys: Nokia N82

It was like love at first sight, the moment I saw her on tv, I knew that I'm gonna have i.....It was like a child staring at a chocolate advertisement, tantalised and wish that she could have a bite...that was how I felt....that tv commercial on Nokia N82 made a big impact....but I'm no gadget person..therefore that dream just dissappeared and resurfaced last week...

I won't mentioned about the whole spec...but one thing that grab my attention is it's camera...I don't have to rely on digital camera all the time...I need to snap photo most of the time, anywhere....

We went to The Mines and found out that the price range are almost the same and affordable, except for one thing...there are so many version, some claimed taht those are made from China, some from Singapore and even Arab Saudi...hmmm....I'm scared that we spent money on something fake.....

Whatever it is that small thing will be my next baby after this baby inside my come out in maybe next two weeks or earlier....

This would be a gift for myself after so much hardwork......

Men and Love

Georgetown, Penang....3th June 2008..hot and sunny afternoon....

An old Chinese man in white shirt and dark blue short pant was pushing his cart, selling ripe yellow banana somewhere along the road around historical town of Georgetown. His feature and gesture shows that he's been selling around that area for quite sometime ...yet he is still committed with his work, maybe he is still surviving and struggling among all these rapid development but I am sure he have seen enough and experience the good old days of Penang compared to most of us...His tired face and the old push cart made our heart melt, people like him,who still have the strength and courage to work under hot sun and dusty road....

Sometimes the best story of one place could not be found at any gigantic and monumental museum but simply from these street people who knows better...some men are truely committed to their work and some to their love one...



Alor Setar, Kedah...late afternoon...

The same couple riding a bicycle on that thin premix road not far from Taman Abdul Aziz, riding the same old black bicycle as usual, nobody knows where they are heading too, but one thing for sure they are always together..and that day, the wife looks fragile with a pain relief sticker on her forehead..people always wonder where they go, what they do...and one thing that really made people touch about this couple is no matter where they are go, the husband never leave his wife...she's always on that rear seat accompanying her husband....

This one special old Chinese couple is a testament of true love, money could not buy anything..their love is beyond our imagination..I believe it is not merely love, but commitment to each other that made them unseparable...people here always talk about them, and wonder what will happen if one of them have to go forever....it must be really hard...........

Young and modern couple could not compete with their affection and strong bonding..we might look and perceived love from different perspective..but their's is something rare and precious....

Ohhh...I feel like I need a hug now.......


' There is more hunger for love and appreciation in this world than for bread'.....Mother Teresa


Have a nice weekend everyone...and don't forget to show your love one how much you care for them before its too late.....

Old and New : Penang

When we can't go vertical..we go horizontal...



Population are increasing each day (plus one in my tummy)...but land are scarce and people go vertical and horizontal all the way to overcome these problem. Skyline change every months and year..

We were in Penang last four days and noticed there are many development going on, works on Penang bridge extension is moving with cranes on barge, one barge is stranded at one small island not far from the bridge..Superstructure work is going crazy now...i could hardly see small boat passing by that area anymore.....it was a massive traffic, everybody are leaving the island and some are trying


Just before we approach the bridge, there is one area that has been reclaimed for a new project..not sure what it is..but it sure has made a dramatic impact not only on view, environment but also sentimental value..each day the mainland and the island is getting nearer without we realising it..




We spent time by the beach not far from the newly built Queensbay...the soil is dry and the green grass is struggling to survive, kids were running along the beach that have no white sand anymore and it is replaced with big hard boulders as protection..but the view towards Jerejak Island is just a plus point..and we could count every airplane that approached the airport from where we sit...I wonder what will happen in next ten or twenty years, will there be white sandy beaches with coconut trees with crystal clear water...or will it be replaced with indoor beach with artificial waves and sand and no more direct sun light and the smell of salt water is a thing of the past..? Are we preparing our Pearl of The Orient to be another artificial heaven just like one in Japan..?









When we were dating..back in 2000...we talked about having a house by the beach, live in Penang..eat all we can, enjoy the historical facade of old shophouses...but now those we just a dream..for me..I don't know about him...it is just a small island with everything..I mean every single things are there, but that is the downside...the road that I used to walk freely and do some sketches are now too crowded with vehicles, some shophouses has lost their historical value, ontricate facade treatment has been replaced by modern and funky signboard....fortunately there is still one shop that is facing the Island Motel still standing strong, same ambience, same people...except for those people are not a stranger anymore, they are my family now.....









Besides that, I think this island is starting losing its charm....people are hungry for development and they forget about their past and history.....

Vertigo...U2...and me too..

Lights go down

It's dark

The jungle is your head

Can't rule your heart

I'm feeling so much stronger

Than I thought

Your eyes are wide

And though your soul

it can't be bought

your mind can wander

...U2- Vertigo

I thought that the building was swaying..or another tremor...then I realised that its me..not the building or the floor...Almost lost my balance while walking in the office..lucky, it did not happened during site inspection..

I felt like I took a boat ride today..the doctor said it might be VERTIGO......i remember U2..now they are inside my ear..the song Vertigo..and the real Vertigo is also inside my ear...did I make you confused?....nevermind...Nirvana...

........................................

OVERVIEW

Vertigo, or dizziness, is a symptom, not a disease. The term vertigo refers to the sensation of spinning or whirling that occurs as a result of a disturbance in balance (equilibrium). It also may be used to describe feelings of dizziness, lightheadedness, faintness, and unsteadiness. The sensation of movement is called subjective vertigo and the perception of movement in surrounding objects is called objective vertigo.

Vertigo usually occurs as a result of a disorder in the vestibular system (i.e., structures of the inner ear, the vestibular nerve, brainstem, and cerebellum). The vestibular system is responsible for integrating sensory stimuli and movement and for keeping objects in visual focus as the body moves.

When the head moves, signals are transmitted to the labyrinth, which is an apparatus in the inner ear that is made up of three semicircular canals surrounded by fluid. The labyrinth then transmits movement information to the vestibular nerve and the vestibular nerve carries the information to the brainstem and cerebellum (areas of the brain that control balance, posture, and motor coordination). There are a number of different causes for dizzy spells.

- from neurologychannel.com-

Wishful thinking on boring Saturday afternoon...

Warning ; this entry were inspired during my boring weekend...so bare with what you gonna read below...


Que Sera, Sera,

Whatever will be, will be,

The future's not ours to see


Que Sera, Sera

What will be, will be..


If I am a Bollywood actress, I would be...



Aishwarya Rai = maybe, but I won't be dating Salman Khan who always love to show off his six pack and made her cry and suffer emotionally all the time, plus he's too possessive..Anyway she's happy with Abishek now..(I think En Haffis looks like him..with your five a o'clock shadow)




Madhuri Dixit = definitely...she have an infectious smile and can dance very well..



If I were to join a modelling agency, I'll go for...(day dreaming..!! :-)


Janice Dickinson = nope..!! definitely NO..she's way too boring and very loud, she can't even dress well




Tyra Bank = right away..!! she's lovely and practical and never demoralised people


If I am an author, I'll be...


Shakespeare = I wonder how he have that talent to wrote all those great play that last forever, .."How tall is your Rosalind?"..."Tall enough to reach my heart.."...the most memorable line from 'As You Like It'



(Pic from Wikipedia )



A.Samad Said = His surrounding and personal experience during those hard time in Malaya has made him a prolific writer...reading his books is just like going down the memory lane. Every detail were so well written..until you could feel the emotional side of the character..



If I am Queen..


I won't be the Queen of England..don't want to mess my mind with internal problem, with Charles and Camillia..but don't mind being the Queen at my house.. :-)


If I am a Chef...



I will always get a good company, provide a great and warm ambience to enjoy my well planned and freshly made dinner..oo yes with a good music or entertained provide a nice setting somewhere by the beach..so no music except for the sound of waves at night..


Or a period theme dinner, Rennaissance dinner serve at a very long great oak table with chanderlier and diner's who come in



If I were choose an era to live...



I love the Renaissance..the detailing and crafts, and all the building and things created at that period..and have self potrait done by Loenardo Da Vinci or Michelangelo..they have great multi layered gown with intricate embroidery...I don't mind these extra weight :-)

A smile to remember....

If I were to go to Paris..


The first time I was at Eiffel Tower back in 2001, I promised myself that I'll bring my other half to feel the night breeze and say 'j'taime, mon cheri'...


If I have an opportunity to work in Europe..

First choice would be in Berlin where walking along the street is like flipping architectural book,..famous building designed by well known architect could be spotted easily..everywhere..Peter Eisenman, Norman Foster (Sir).. 'begrüßen Sie Deutschland'






During my trip to Berlin during spring 2001, Berlin was like a big construction site, with tower cranes everythere..and most of the prominent building and development were attached with established architect's name..


If I'm unemployed...


You'll see me at one of Mercy tent in Myanmar ...(if the Junta give us the green light)


If I have three wishes...



I wish to be a good wife and mother, wish my husband loves me forever and I gives my kids all the love and attention that they want and protect them from any harm..and hope that I pass my professional exam next year... oopss..four not three anymore..!! its never enough.....






And I wish that my weekend won't be boring anymore, so that this kind entry don't have to come out again....

Guilty Indulgences

'You are what you eat'..its so true..if we eat good and healthy food it show on our skin, our body, our eyes, our blood and even our urine....

For the last one week, I've indulged myself with Hershey's chocolate - Kisses, they are small and nice to look at, easy to pop inside your mouth..therefore its hard to stop once you start kissess one of them...I could simply pop in 15 of these in one day without worrying of the sugar level or whatever inside it..

Kosher Status OUDServing Size 9 pieces (41 g)
Amount Per Serving
%DV *
Total Calories 230
Calories from Fat 120
Total Fat 13 g
20%
Saturated Fat 8 g
40%
Cholesterol 10 mg
3%
Sodium 35 mg
1%
Total Carbohydrate 24 g
8%
Dietary Fiber 1 g
4%
Sugars 21 g

Protein 3 g

...they are soft and smooth, vanilla ice cream top with strawbery flavoured syrup and chunk of strawberries..who could resist this temptation..? I have been consuming this sundae for two days right before my ante-natal check up..it is hot and humid in Putrajaya, and this sundae is the best treat after a long day at site...who could blame a pregnant woman if she wants to have it every single day...blame it on hormones ...and the weather... :-)

And to top it up, Iced Milo and tea has been my everyday diet...I normally go for plain water, but lately my tastebud has change..some said this could be an indication of baby's gender..I don't know how true it is..

I went for ante-natal check up on Tuesday, that morning alone I had three full cups of tea with roti canai and kuih and two different place..and as expected my result came out with 'flying colours'...red everywhere...urine test -green -failed...if it happen again next two weeks I have to do the MGTT...so no more ice cream and chocolate..

I hate to control my diet since all my life I never have to watch or go on strict diet...just eat what I want and still under weight...but for the sake of my baby and my own health, I have to be more discipline especially this is the last month of pregnancy..anything could happen..

p/s I think that this entry is a contrast of my last entry..looks hypocrite.. :-(

Just look at their faces..

We stand, as it were, on the shore, and see multitudes of our fellow beings struggling in the water, stretching forth their arms, sinking, drowning, and we are powerless to assist them.
-Felix Adler-

Tired face....can you imagine your own child looking just like this poor kid...

I hate to look at this picture...we just threw away ours just becoz it looks inedible ..

We complaint about our house all the time...but what do they have as a shelter..?

They have lost everything....a place not to call home anymore..

...Let's pray together for these poor child...

-All pictures are courtesy of Berita Harian-

UPDATE:

at 10.54 pm...we just felt a tremor at around 10.26pm...i was taking my my folic acid when suddenly hubby said he could felt it..and it felt dizzy too...checked with http://www.met.gov.my/ and it's true...O God..this is the first time..i'll be alone with Sufiya tomorrow until Friday, hopefully we'll be fine...and hope En Haffis have a safe journey to Mukah as well..

What the.......?

Just finished 2 hours meeting with the contractor and developer who are 'stubborn' and never understand any instruction.....even a simple order..they take everything for granted and simply change anything to suit their pocket and time.....I don't understand why and what is their level of acceptance and standard..it seems like most of the design (not only architectural) are below minimum and some are not practical...there are guidelines and design standard to follow, but these people rather show their thick skin face than flaunting their skill and professionalism...the same comments has been said out loud, not twice but countless time..to the same person, the same Project Manager who claimed that she's among the creme de la creme....

This is how these people look like when we ask them anything related to the project...sighhh..

...Just an outsider

Remember my friend from primary school, F...who is having a problem with her husband..? I was surprised when we smsed weeks ago..I planned to meet her during my stay in Alor Setar...maybe she could visit my newborn..and have a chat about her life...surprisingly she too will be in the same shoe...her due date will be around 21st June..few days before mine....

All weddings are similar, but every marriage is different.
-John Berger-

I thought that she had enough of him, of his wild attitude, womanizer !!...but I was wrong..we the outsider could only give advice, and as an outsider, we don't know the real situation, the real pain and how much do they hate and love each other...maybe I don't understand her and her complicated life..it is easy for us to be judgemental but for her, it might be really hard to just walk away from that mess and pretend like nothing happen..and just go on with her life without a husband..and raising two son alone is not a small matter...

Some women choosed to keep their sadness to themselves not becoz they just can't share it with us, but maybe for the sake of their child..

I've seen a child without a father growing up with no father figure to look up to..no one to tell which is right and which is wrong..no one to join his taekwando tournament...no one to share his thought... it's hard for him, and of coz the mother feels the same way too..

But having another baby with that kind of husband...? I don't know what to comment..maybe I should just accept the fact that they are still trying to mend their life...I'm just the outsider....

Marriage is three parts love and seven parts forgiveness of sins.
-Langdon Mitchell-
Sometimes..marriage is just like this cactus..nice to look at..but it hurts...

Sad news from Hospital Putrajaya

Tali pusat tercabut Oleh Mohd Nur Asnawi Daud dan Hayati Ibrahimam@hmetro.com.my

PUCHONG: Menyayat hati apabila seorang bayi lelaki berusia empat hari terpaksa menanggung penderitaan apabila tali pusatnya tertanggal ketika dalam rawatan di Hospital Putrajaya, Isnin lalu.Tali pusat bayi malang yang dilahirkan awal pagi Ahad lalu dikatakan tertanggal ketika berada dalam jagaan pihak hospital selepas diasingkan daripada ibunya.Berikutan itu, pusat bayi berkenaan bernanah dipercayai kesan daripada tali pusatnya yang tertanggal.Selepas dilahirkan, bayi lelaki seberat 3.65 kilogram diasingkan daripada ibunya kerana jantungnya lemah dan ditempatkan di Unit Rawatan Rapi (ICU).
Mohd Syazwan Mohd Jailani, 23, berkata isterinya, Shaheera Saad, 21, dimasukkan ke hospital berkenaan untu bersalin, Sabtu lalu.
“Isteri terpaksa menjalani pembedahan kerana gagal melahirkan anak secara normal dan proses kelahiran itu berjalan lancar.“Ketika mengambil anak untuk melaungkan azan, saya mendapati dia dalam keadaan normal termasuk tali pusatnya masih di perut,” katanya ketika ditemui di rumahnya di Puchong Indah, di sini, semalam.Menurutnya, dia menyedari tali pusat anaknya tertanggal sehari selepas dilahirkan ketika hendak menukar lampin.Mohd Syazwan berkata, kejadian itu disedari selepas dia melihat ada kesan balutan pada bahagian pusat anak sulungnya itu lalu bertanyakan kakitangan hospital yang bertugas.“Mereka bagaimanapun gagal memberikan penjelasan yang memuaskan mengenai balutan pada pusat anak saya itu,” katanya.Berikutan itu, katanya bahagian pusat bayinya bernanah menyebabkannya sering menangis kesakitan.Menurutnya, dia bimbang kesan jangka panjang yang akan dihadapi anak sulungnya itu.“Malah, pernah anak sepupu saya meninggal dunia kerana tali pusat tertanggal ketika baru beberapa hari dilahirkan,” katanya.Mohd Syazwan berkata, dia sekeluarga mahu pihak hospital berkenaan bertanggungjawab atas segala kejadian yang menyebabkan anaknya kini menderita.Beliau berkata, berikutan itu, dia membuat laporan mengenai kejadian itu di Balai Polis Bukit Puchong, kelmarin.Mohd Syazwan berkata, dia sekeluarga bercadang mengambil tindakan undang-undang sekiranya kejadian itu disebabkan kecuaian pihak hospital.Sementara itu, jurucakap hospital berkenaan yang dihubungi berkata, pihaknya sudah dimaklumkan mengenai perkara itu dan sedang mengumpul maklumat serta menyiasat kejadian yang menimpa bayi berkenaan.

I hope the family will be strong enough..and take neccessary action..

Call me freak out...I don't care..but as a mother and a patient who will be using their service, I'm a little bit worry..my first labour and delivery experience at this hospital last year were perfect...I just pray that this time around Allah will give me courage and strength and hopefully it will be a smooth and safe experience...

Nature in Black and White

Nature's jewel..

Fan Palm Tree : wonderful detailing on its fan-shape leaf..and they make an interesting sound too..like a clapping sound

Jejawi tree at Beranang Light Industrial area...the roots sprawled all over these area..I like the feel or ambience that this tree could create especially when they are matured..kind of spooky..remind me of my hometown, where there was this big tree and the roots covered one big almost flat boulder..and we used to think that 'nenek kebayan' lives there...

Info : Jejawi (ficus microcarpa)

Hedges: shredded part of the leaves gives character when exposed under sunlight

Rating system

Opened my blog this morning and noticed there's new feature on every entry at the bottom part..I remember I haven't change anything or add new rating system or whatever...or maybe Blogspot update this automatically...?

Stone and Beauty

WARNING : This entry might be way too boring for some people..!!

This is another entry on 'Beauty'..but this one got nothing to do with make up, facial treatment or anything like that or even Salma Hayek..but it is still related to 'figures'...but not 34-26-34..more like 300x300x10 or 2' x 2'kinda thing..polished/unpolished..etc etc..

All this while there is a BIG misconception or understanding of this material..we always thought that ceramic tiles is a bit lower in terms of quality compared to homogeneous tiles..we thought that the water absorption on ceramic are higher and they are easily chipped off...blame it on marketing people who came and see you and didn't give a clear picture of their product..one thing for sure, they always send 'Leng Loi' to your office to do the talking..but in reality we just don't want to see a beautiful faces..(I mean the tiles and of coz the supplier) but also the detailing part, spec and everything (tiles ..not the supplier :-)

The reality is ceramic and homogeneous tiles are the same thing, ceramic is a product and it could be divided into two category - glazed / unglazed (Homog. tiles, porcelain, terracotta etc)..the different is on the composition of the material and durability...lets take a toothpaste as a metaphor: we have Colgate as a toothpaste, but the manufacture came out with different range from whitening, to gel type, kayu sugi mixture and everything...it is the same with ceramic tiles...

Glazed is suitable for wall tiles and unglazed more on flooring, but of coz they are other criteria to look into before we decide which type goes to which area..

Beauty come with a price..there is no doubt about this..you want to look good, therefore you need to take care of your face, choose the right moisturizer, toner, foundation, compact powder, lipstick, eye shadow...but unfortunately it's not that easy, you are not gonna look like Gisselle or Scarlet Johansson or Salma Hayek just becoz you use the same product...it is the way you apply it and the way you take care of your face....therefore, there is no point buying imported expensive cutting edge design tiles but the moment your contractor installed it, they just do it their own way..without following manufacturer's instruction...

Crack on wall tiles..due to poor quality and installation..

The point is choose the right one, installed it properly and the most important thing is maintain the beauty of your hard earned money...

Beauty

Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul. ~John Muir

I had coconut lempeng with well cooked sauce today at the same place just outside Putrajaya gate..but ordered ice Milo (less ice)..unfortunately the Indon lady who served us gave me a good advice..do not drink too much ice water when we are pregnant coz it will make our baby grow big (macrosomia ...? )..and hard to deliver, and she told me that she didn't even sip any cold drink during her confinement period...and guess what ..she consumed 9kg of home made jamu in 44 days..her slim and well proportion body is a good testimonial...9kg..!! its not a joke..I think most Indonesian are very discipline when it comes to treatment and rules during confinement..I could not finish my Nona Roguy pill last year, even in small dose..

Most Indonesian are concern about their beauty and health especially after giving birth, that is why they could still fit into their pre pregnancy kebaya..unlike others who have to change their wardrobe..and size..hehehe..

I came across this Javanese idiom 'Ngadi Sarira' -to maintain the body to be always in perfect condition is of prime important.

Jamu is a traditional herbal medicine of various type of plants eg leaves, root, flowers or barks and it comes in different form : powder,pills, liquid etc..and it is believes could cleanse our body an bright out the inner shine..

Price Hike

It is a tough year for everybody globally now..the political tsunami..the food crisis..we had to faced and accept these fact and last nite it hit us..we have been using Frisolac for about 8 months now and the supply were nothing to worry about. The problem started to surfaced last few week when most major store don't have enough stock..we were running here and there to search for this brand...different shopping complex will come out with different marketing strategy plus a game trick planned by the manufacture...

The price different is quite big, almost RM6.00 per can...

One place at Putrajaya have no supply at all for last week, when they do, the price tag is a new one with the increased of almost 45%, the other one at Bandar Puteri are still at old price but out of stock due to their J Card sale,...we are lucky the last one in Puchong are clearing the old price stock before the manufacture send a batch with higher price tag...so we bought 6 can of Frisolac...its hard to provide good and healthy and comfortable life, but we will try our best..a child is a precious gift...

this make me determine to fully BF my child after this and to continue Sufiya with BF as well...

Shopping Spree

Sunday was a Shopping day at Sogo and that means more $ were spent this month...There was a big Sale with discount from 20% - 70%..Our adventure started at Sufiya's department, it was raya shopping since it will be too late if we wait after my confinement, due date will be on the 26th June (maybe.. :-), so minus 60 days, that means I'll have September to start hunting for her cloth, that will be a crucial time especially with newborn and active little girl and other unexpected things...


En Haffis got what he've been planning to buy..Bonia shirt and long sleeve for office wear, Sufiya has been his abah's good companion, won't let her abah go anywhere..she followed even in the changing room.


What do I got for myself...? Lets see...I've spotted a nice and chic Bonia bag with 40% BIG Tag on it..but when I took a closer look, the price is actually RM500 plus..fuhhh..for a medium size bag with lovely decoration and colour..skip..!!!


At Sembonia's, my eyes stuck at this one pointy high heel, dark brown, nicely design, very sleek..and at good bargain...but maybe not now...wait until August when my body are fully recovered...So what do I get...? Nothing at last...tukang pegang baju, komen2 sikit..that's it..


And Sufiya was at her very active level yesterday..and been very cheerful and friendly to everybody.

My mission is still not accomplished..have a long list for yesterday:

Gulattis - KIV

Euro Moda - KIV

Jln Tar -KIV


So, En Haffis : please take note...I need to get these things done before I masuk dock...

Good News

Alhamdulillah, I've got what I've been waiting for, even though I didn't have high expectation..This is for my kids...as people said...'rezeki anak'...

this is Sufiya's latest photo with her nursery bag..act like a big girl now..big sister

...Have a nice weekend..

E & M*wi World

I'm not his fan..or voter..never...and I never have any interest on any reality singer or 'star'..even when my friend was one of the finalist in the first season of those menuju puncak programme.

But last nite I saw on tv that this lucky dude from Felda gonna have a new programme with his own famous name on it..it's something like..'-.i didn't remember th'name... -mawi world'....

Not bad for somebody who is still new in the industry..dah macam Kak Nita pulak dia..

I don't know why are so many people go crazy over him, is it because of his singing ability? (i don't think so - his die hard fan gonna hate this statement..! :-), his bald head? his charm ? or simply because of his background..

I think that younger generation's perception and expection are different compared to my generation, back then we don't have all these reality show, easy access and download from the www thingy... but we were served with almost the best in the industry...maybe some of older generation singer are melancholic or too ballad or too soft for this young and extreme batch of listener and viewer...


I like P.Ramlee for his multi-talent and entertaining jokes and great voice, Search for their grear song (it was the 80's....), Metalica and Scorpion...and yesss..Sheila Majid, petite with international voice..

..Or maybe the reality is I'm to old too catch up with this genre of entertainment...duh!

Penyair Laut..JM Aziz & Sudirman

'Anak muda berlagu sayang Di Batu Remis melepas rinduAdik ketawa di Rantau Abang

Penyu menangis siapalah tahu
Penyu menangis siapalah tahu'....

There was a segment on Sudirman's life on Majalah 3 last Sunday...a true patriotic singer with huge talent and great voice, his songs are about our life, love and country..he was an entertainer and far from any so called 'celebrities' that are featured in our media today...most of his songs are so dear to our heart..'Apa khabar orang kampung, sudah lama tak berjumpa, kirim-kirim lah berita...', or 'sebak dadanya sebak, tak tahu, adik tak tahu..' Wathing that segment made us realised that we lost a star..not just a one hit wonder kinda star or any reality star...but a bright and shinning star that put Malaysia on a different level...When I heard his voice, JM Aziz's Penyu Menangis will cross my mind..how could we forget the song...

In this book - Intipati dan Falsafah : Penyair Laut JM Aziz by Abdul Mubin Ismail ; we will be introduced to his early life in Seberang Takir , about how his suffering and struggle as teenager, fisherman and his life as lepers patient (kusta), and his early involvement in Syair writing.

This 212 thick pages are worth for people who wants to know more about this poet, and his way of writing, technic,and vision in writing, of how he used his inability and sensitivity to great use..JM Aziz might be physically live in darkness...but he sees beyond our ability. The ocean is his life, sampan and nelayan are in his heart.

There are also list of his published work from the 50's until 90's and also unpublished work, JM Aziz's works are like a documentation of Terengganu's history, there are many interesting places that he repeatedly significantly used. His work is also a dictionary of Terengganu dialek......

'pitis di bawah pitis

diburu cinta

pitis di bawah pitis

selalu berduka'......

(daripada Pengantin Laut :38)

Bangles

Colours would brighten our life, jewellery will brighten womens smile..and colourful bangles is a perfect and easiest way to accessorize our appearance..

When we went to India, there are thousand of bangles to choosed from, be it plain and simple bangles to the most glamourous one. Bangles are essential in Indian culture (they called it Kangan in Hindi) and one will not look complete without them, and they don't wear it like we do...instead they wear a whole set..and they always have variety design to match their saree. In one house in Calcutta, we saw an interesting collection of bangles in one of the girls room..bright and sunny..I didn't know much about bangles except from the movie, where the male sometimes pull the girls hand so hard and broke all the glass bangles..there will be blood every where..a dramatic scene.. :-) , I was told to go for a glass bangles coz it makes a lot of sound which to them are attractive..maybe it is the culture...

Before Sufiya's akikah we managed to get her two sets of bangles in KL, purple with all those glitter and a simple set of black bangle..she loves it so much especially the purple set with small bell...(its in the blood...:-) But now after almost four months she can't wear both...too small for her hand..

So I'll be hunting for a new set of bangles for my little one and for a friend's little princess in far away land, as a small gift when we have a chance to meet one day...

Sustainable Design

People all over the world are concerned about the golbal warming, ozone layer and shortage of food supply, the world will be facing a big trouble in supplying basic neccessity for population that are increasing every minutes....but we sometimes tend to forget about it, especially people in construction industry...or is it just another dilemma...ironic..



We try to design the best thing, come out with the best contemporary design with elegant feature, we said that they gonna be sustainable design..but at the same time we are destroying the world..we specified timber floor..parquet or timber strips, we have various range to chhosed from, we have reask, cengal batu, keruing, merbau etc etc..we want premium quality, and we clad our wall with decorative stone..marble for the floor...we built a yatch club, marina and floating chalets just to impressed the tourist...each project is a disaster in their own scale...



It took more than 20 years for a tree to matured but we took one day to chopped them down, we told the public that it is going to be a controlled development with nature and flora and fauna in our concern list, but those are just on paper, how many people really study the EIA report, and how many people are dare enough to challenge..am I feeling guilty..yess...but maybe I'm also a hypocrite.



During our trip to Pulau Redang last two years, we've seen a death zone at a marine park, there are tone of skeleton (dead corals) and it was scary to look at. On the other side of the island, tehre are one mega resort doing some extension, but whatever the scale is, one we brought the barge in with all those heavy equipment and construction material, we killed the coral and its marine live.



I was involved with a resort development two years ago, and its supposed to be so called-'back to nature' kinda concept, with manmade lake and stream running thru the whole site, it should be a green concept, but at the same time we destroyed the palm tree, we destroyed the habitat of wild birds..and at the same time we harm all those marine life at the nearby river which finally flow to the Straits of Malacca.....

I love timber house...but I also love the environment, but we can't have both...

'..room with a view'...This is timber casement window made of cengal batu, we got something and we lose something, at the back are what left now..where it used to be nipah trees with big brown bird that made a scary sound.....

Website Design

When we have the opportunity we should grab it before it passess us by..and this is what happen to me now, I should have learn it six years ago..not now when time is crucial..the main reason was too caught up with studio works..and now I have to learn from scratch...

I've been looking for tips and idea of developing a website from the internet, there are too many info and too many good things to absorbed..

From my brief research yesterday, the main point is to get the domain name (thru a registrar or hosting provider) and find a good host...how to determined a good host, what criteria should I look at..? It seems like I should not hurry on this..better take it slow..

There'll be 2 days course on this but doubt that I could attend it since my last application for another one day course has been rejected by the management...sigh...

But its never too late to learn new thing...!!

Couleurs

I don't really know what happen, maybe becoz of the hormone, or maybe due to other unexplainable reason..ooo..maybe I have so much time customizing and updating this blog layout..and I keep on changing the colour..The truth is I've been planning to change our feature wall which is currently painted in red..its been four years staring at that bold and striking wall..it's time for a change..until now we haven't have any conclusion of the choice and when to start this small project.

Base on research done by psychologist, people with dark skin tone are tend to go for bright colour..that's explained why the African loves red,green and yellow..remember the reggae stuff, Bob Marley..? and yess..Indians as well loves to indulged in rich and bright colours, just watch their movie and you'll see more than hundreds colours...when we were in India, I felt normal wearing bright orange blouse because everybody are wearing the same hue or even daring..but back here it's kind different..anyway I've spotted one red Sembonia pointed shoe at the Pavillion..but sadly no size la pulak...(that will be my gift after confinement..), I'll reward myself ...Hint!Hint! ye En Haffis...jgn buat2 tak faham .... ;-)

p/s : this new blog header got nothing to do with Angkasawan..or Dr SMS

...new blog on my hometown ---> http://sbrgperak.blogspot.com/

Another special day...

He told me not to go to for site inspection today...i was curious, why not..since its my job..thought maybe becoz he's worry about my condition lately..

At 11.45am, a lady came with a bouquet of RED roses..with a lovely card from hubby and sufiya..a birthday gift from two precious people in my life..

Frankly speaking I didn't expect anything special, it is enough if he loves me and provide me with loves, cherish our life with trust, security and happiness......

Thank you dear..please pray for me and our baby...

Penyair Laut..J.M Aziz

Jiwa Merana...name that is synonym with him..the sea, fish and Seberang Takir are his cirle of life..that is the best to describe him..

Just started reading a book on his early life and his creative works...it is true that our environment and surronding will mould our life and add with hardship that is hard to explain to others who never experience it...

J.M Aziz is an example of prolific poet..with all those challenges he rised as someone special in his own way..still remember Sudirman's song..something about penyu menangis..? it is his poem..

- - - - - will update more on this book - - - - -

Pantun, Syair dan Puisi

'Laut petang memapah kemudi,
Payang musafir ke teluk waktu,
Selamat datang ke rumah puisi,
Seberang Takir menyambut tamu.'
.....J.M Aziz

Sometimes when we got something for free, we tend not to appreciate it or value those things as it should be..be it living things, precious material..or precious moment and even books...last Friday was our lucky day, coz hubby found 6 books on Malay pantun which were placed on recycle bin...3 of them are hardcover...can you believe one of 'em is J.M Aziz's and the other is Aripin Said's...that person might have got it simply becoz they are working with Kementerian Kebudayaan, so those are their free copies..

One of the book even include a manuscript that were written in Jawi...
To me, those books are so precious and meaningful, they are proof of our cultural value, I'll try to find time to read to Sufiya, even though she might not understand those lovely words...but one day I'm sure she will...and those books will be kept as family treasure.. :-)

Kindness, Belly and Teething.....

People said that Malaysians are kind and gentle people ....? not so true when it comes to public transport, they revealed their true colour..so kiasu..even when they see a pregnant lady, one of our staff were on leave for a week, she travel everyday by bus all the way from Selayang to Putrajaya, and nobody seems to care even her tummy is so visible, so big to understand her burden..they just ignore and try not to look at her or at least understand her burden..until she almost fell and suffer a sprain ankle...gerammmm betul..so folks if u happen to see any pregnant women please offer 'em ur seat, u'll get what u give...!!!

>>>>>>>

Hubby just called from Emergency unit (Hospital Putrajaya)..one of his friend were having breathing difficulty after heaving a hearty meal of ayam kampung..i noticed many of his friend are having the same problem..they are still young, but having this common health issue, especially with their big and protuding belly, lack of exercise...and too much 'good- free -food'..(i know u gonna read this.... :-)

>>>>>>>>

And yess...finally our little girl is going to have a chance to enjoy more and more finger food as her teeth has emerged..but it started out with the upper one...some said if the upper part came first, than she'll be something like 'cakap tinggi', and its vice versa....i don't know...hope not..

Belly Touching

At 25 weeks and second pregnancy, my tummy looks like a melon and has become public property..with this protuding tummy everybody wants to touch...as long as they are gentle, that's fine with me...but this little baby is not that gentle...kicking and dancing just like the big sis..
............
Its time for a change...need a new wardrobe, new blog layout..and thank God its new 'Wind of Change'...oo u know what i mean... :-) we''ll see a new landscape..

'Dapat Kaki'

When I heard this 'dapat kaki' for the first time, I thought of something else, something artificial...but it is actually when your child could really walk on her own..now I understand...

She's exploring the whole house, even the toilet..and she thought that wc is a washing machine, and she happily throw her wet pants inside it....ewww...!!..and she loves 'helping' in the kitchen and understand well how things around her function, last nite with her own stainless steel spatula she tried to help me with the wok...this is dangerous..and cooking is not the same anymore, it's more like a battle field with bang here and there, and broken glassess...the neighbours maybe wondering why this lady cook in such a way...or facing domestic violence...

On the other side, she's more interactive now, she understand and will follow our instruction...but one thing for sure, she'll move to any kind of music..be it MTV, commercial or even Tamil song... :-) ... cute

Chicken Pox

We had expected that she gonna get infected coz few kids at the nursery were having it, and also one in her group...and it happen at the right time when her father were leaving for Mount Kinabalu...so on Friday after rushing from KL we embarked on a journey to Alor Setar...just the two of us...she cried at first due to hot air inside the cabin but lucky the crew were helpful....



Its hard for us if we stay in Putrajaya with her chicken pox angry to came out...and its even hard to find those traditional remedy...we thought that we saw mambu tree but not that sure..I remember during trial SRP there were few red spot on my face which i thought just a pimple..unfortunately it was chicken pox...and after a week it looked juat like capati...and i restained myself from capati for quite some time...



There were actually rows and rows of mambu tree or semambu in Putrajaya..but others like bayam duri are hard to find..we prepared her bath with mixture of bayam duri, mambu leaves plus another plant which look like ginger but with white flower, just use the root...

got this photo from a website..mambu or Azadirachta Indica
The first two night were horrible, she can't sleep well...crying all nite, they said that was becoz of the coconut juice and chicken soup,..pity Sufiya..we even placed this leaves underneath her bedsheet to reduced itchiness..

She's now back to her normal life..except for some dot here and there...that will take time to dissapear ...Hope so..

Holiday 03: Penang

This is the time that we have been waiting...Sufiya's Akikah...at first we thought of having it during last Aidiladha, but seems everyone were busy, we decided that 07.02.08 is the best date since it is her first birthday and also a long Chinese New Year holiday...

It's not easy to prepare a kenduri like this..too many things to consider plus our Chief Cook(MIL) were having high BP few days before the ceremony..it has been a tradition in the family that she will cook for all her grandchild..

15 kilos of mutton kurma.....

Doa being performed by the same Ustaz for all family occasion-
Mutton kurma, dalca, chicken in red and spicy sauce, sambal tumis ikan talang, acar buah,kerabu mangga and oranges...plus ice cream for the kids..(is it?)

and...birthday girl in her bright Punjabi suit complete with bangles and shawl..she has started exploring the whole house on her own..

Alhamdulillah, everything went smoothly except for one small tradition that I broke...sorry..I didn't know that.. :-)

And last nite we spent almost nine hours on the road from Penang to Putrajaya...tired but relieved....