Breathing fresher air of Malaysia

Wow.  The past couple of days have been overwhelming.  Great, happy, suspense, surprised ...  All blended together in anticipation of what is going to happen next.  Yes.  Malaysia is going to have a new government, ruled by what was once, opposition.

Our 14th general election held on the 9th of May 2018 was definitely history making.  BN, who has been ruling the country for 60 years, was defeated by the coalition of opposition parties.  Something that once upon a time seemed impossible to happen.  The news has been making headlines across the globe.

I am proud to be Malaysian.  I am proud of my fellow Malaysians who are brave enough to embrace change.  I am  happy that the people now have finally realised that they have the power to decide and I hope that they will be more confident and wiser in exercising the power.  Above all, I am extremely proud as Malaysia has managed to undergo this transition without any riots and the like.  A new Malaysia that is more mature, Insya-Allah.

And proud to be part of the history making event

Welcoming 2015 with new hope

Yes.  With the hope that this blog is able to have at least one entry each month :)  It has been a long time, and it's good enough that I didn't forget the password.

Few things that I missed to update in 2014 are our trips to Singapore and the northern states up until Padang Besar.  And also about Along and his achievement in the UPSR.  Oh yes.  I must be very busy helping him with the preparation that I almost entirely forgot that I have a blog.

Few more things to look forward to in 2015 are Along entering secondary school, Achik entering kindergarten and trip to Japan.

May Allah bless us all always, aamin.

Bluest Monday ever

I was hesitated this morning.  To go or not to go to the office.  Yes. I have, sometimes, that kind of privilege.  How nice.  No, I am not a businesswoman.  Well, eventually here I am.  In the office.  Sigh.

There wasn't any entry in February.  It's the last day of March today and I am not going to let March passes by without any entry.  There are many things happening indeed.  First of all, was the hot and dry season which ended some time in the middle of March.  My flower plants were struggling to survive.  They made it, Alhamdulillah.  Some barely.  And then there was this hot and still on going stories, speculations, discussions and debates on the whereabouts of MH370 that went missing since the 8th of March 2014.  I hope the passengers and crews are still alive somewhere.  I hope that they will return safely.  I believe that this whole thing is beyond electrical failure or engine malfunction or the like.  I am in the same boat with those who think that this is conspiracy.  And that one day it will reveal itself.  Hopefully soon.

And also the sad news from Egypt where 529 Muslim Brotherhood members were sentenced to death in a very unfair trial.  The time has come, where Allah will just let the thaghuts do whatever that they wish so that they will be caught red handed on the judgment day.  As said in the holy Quran.  As muslims, just don't stop praying and trying as much as we can.  The world is coming to its end.  Equip ourselves and be prepared.

Roses in the garden

Roses in the garden are doing fine so far.  Please continue to thrive in our garden, under my care :)

Three on the still-in-progress flower bed

Two in the pots

One (at the far end) is yet to be transplanted

I didn't plan to buy the last one.  Five rose plants to me are more than enough to keep my hands full.  But I just couldn't resist its beautiful, bright yellow colour with large petals.  And sold at only RM8.  So here it is, waiting for the second round of bloom.

Blooms of the first round

New shoots coming up



Sign of judgement day (qiyamah)

As she inches closer and closer to her 3 years old check point, Achik now has a 'collection' of behaviours that, to certain extent, intolerable by her brothers.  Being bossy in the sense that everybody-must-follow-what-I-say-or-else-I-would-scream-out-loud-and-cry is one of them.  And when she starts to cry for not getting what she wants, the brothers will usually be asked or rather instructed to give in.  Somehow, this has been mistakenly translated by Along as my husband and I are following whatever that Achik says.  He warned me that day.

Along: "Ummi, jangan ikut cakap Maryam sebab itu tanda kiamat." 
           "Tanda kiamat ibu bapa ikut cakap anak-anak."

Certainly laugh of the day.  But silently of course :-)

When the sun shines ...

Coming out from the house this morning, I noticed the bright sunshine.  After a hazy week, there was this sudden surge of relief and happiness that I could feel upon seeing the 'healthy' sun.  Alhamdulillah.  Indeed, this is the kind of feeling that I should have every morning.  Very true.  We will be reminded to better appreciate and be more thankful to everything that Allah has bestowed upon us when it was taken away from us.  Astaghfirullahal'adzim.

It's the haze (again)

Sigh.  Year after year, it is the same problem that we have to face during this time of the year.  Is there any other solution to this?  Putting our health at risk is one thing.  Unexpected closure of schools is another.  For families like us, who have no helper to rely on, impromptu action and plan are needed when such announcement is made.  Luckily, I only have a one hour lecture today.  I can still perform my duty while taking care of Along and Angah.  Leaving them unattended for one hour is still acceptable.  But I have 5 hours of lectures to deliver tomorrow!  What if the school is still close tomorrow?  I can't possible leave them alone for 5 hours.  I hope the university is also close tomorrow.  Sigh.

V-day

May 2013 is coming to its end and there isn't a single post yet this month!  Well, May is always a busy month for me.  This May, I especially dedicate it for this entry.  Yes, Alhamdulillah thumma Alhamdulillah, I have passed my PhD viva voce yesterday with very minor corrections.  It was a smooth session conducted in a very amicable ambience.  It lasted for only 50 minutes or so, where half of it was my presentation.  I didn't prepare much really.  I waited for so long already for this session and when the time came, I just wanted to get over with it.  Few hours before the viva, my supervisor told me that one of the external examiner was not able to make it to the session.  Well, I thought that was a good sign.  If he decided not to come, that would probably mean that the corrections are minor.  Half an hour before the session, my supervisor told me that reports from all examiners indicated minor corrections.  That news was such a great relief to my butterflies-filled stomach and I proceeded to the viva session with comfort and confidence.  Upon entering the room that had already had seven people in it, I tried to smile nervously at everyone.  That was when the external examiner told me that everything looked okay and it was going to be positive.  Alhamdulillah.  And the rest of the session was just a formality.

I hardly write about my PhD journey here in this blog.  This was the only entry about it before.  And I guess this is going to be the last.  I would like to thank every single person that had made it possible for me to end this journey with a happy ending.  My supervisor, my husband, my mum, our beloved kids and friends.  Special thanks from yours truly, Dr. Hazleen.

Updates on passport renewal procedure

I am not sure about the procedure at other Immigration offices.  This was what I experienced this morning at the Immigration office in Kajang.  I had already renewed my passport online last Tuesday.  I came to collect it this morning.  I was told that I have to bring one copy of my passport size photo, even though I had already uploaded one when I did the online renewal.  It doesn't have to be the same as the one that you have already uploaded, which means that you can simply shoot another set of passport size photos at a nearby booth if don't have any with you and lost another RM10 of course.  That was what happened to me.  And in my case, the photo that I uploaded was exactly the same as the one used in my existing passport.  So it was rejected and they used my newly taken photo instead.

No form filling is required anymore for both, renewal and new passport application.  Just bring your identity card (IC),  its copy and 2 pieces of your passport size photos.  They will retrieve the information from the system and print the filled form for you.  Then you will just need to sign the form.  So don't bother to download the forms from the internet anymore.

I didn't find the above information on their official website.  Their website apparently needs updating.

"Don't tell me in UNITEN"

I am 'enjoying' a two-day breakaway from office work since yesterday, attending a research seminar and the launching of CREAM journal at Akademi Kepimpinan Pengajian Tinggi (AKEPT).  I met a senior academician there, who was very frank :).  Here is a snip from our conversation yesterday.

She: Are you doing your PhD now?
Me: Just completed. Submitted and now waiting for viva.
She: Good for you.  Where did you do it?  Don't tell me [that you did it] in UNITEN.
Me: Nope.  I did it in the UM.

And the conversation continued.  Apparently she had just received her PhD from the UM last year and she shared her viva experience with me.  It is good sometimes to talk to a frank person like her because it brings you to reality.  UNITEN has a long way to go to establish its research reputation, that was the point that I got yesterday.  So, calling all PhD graduates from UNITEN, prove that this lady is wrong.  Otherwise you will only confirm her 'hypothesis'.

Off you go ..

My almost six and a half year battle with this part time commitment is finally approaching its end.  Four copies are on their way to the external examiners for evaluation.  I have tried my best.  Now is the time for prayers and complete reliance on Allah.

Please come back to me with nice comments  ;)

Me, myself and antibiotics

More often than not, antibiotics prescribed to me and my children went to the bin unopened.  If not straightaway, they eventually went there after three days.  Here in Malaysia, doctors easily prescribe antibiotics to patients.  Based on my experience in the UK, antibiotics are the last in their prescription list.  Even when I once suffered from prolonged fever and on the verge of losing my voice, the doctor was still hesitate on giving me antibiotics.

I am currently suffering from eyesore since last Monday and when the condition did not improve after three days, I eventually took the antibiotics prescribed to me three days before.  Unfortunately, the condition worsened after I took them and yesterday, after four days on antibiotics, I paid another visit to the clinic.  The doctor said that the eyesore could possibly be because of viral infection rather than bacterial infection since it did not respond to the antibiotics.  Hu ... hu ...  Can you imagine?  I hate antibiotics and when I eventually surrendered and took them, it was for nothing.

End result?  I hate antibiotics even more!

Salam Aidilfitri 1433H

Maaf zahir dan batin.  I do hope that the Ramadhan that had just passed by was the best Ramadhan for me.  Even if it was not, it was indeed a better Ramadhan than last year because Abah is around :)  I am no longer a lone ranger in handling the kids and the housechores.  So, I had more time to pray, recite the quran and et cetera.

This is the third aidilfitri that we celebrated as a family of five.  Photo shooting was more challenging this time with mischievous and boisterous and everything Achik.  She could only stay still for no more than a few seconds, especially with the headscarf on.  So, everything had to be done whithin such a short stint of time.

Syawal 1433H edition

The amateur photographer was a bit less ... this time, so the background makes a significant part of the photo.  Alhamdulillah, the kids' health, especially Achik, was marvellous during this festive season.  We did not have to make a visit to the clinic despite the abundance of cold drinks and carbonated drinks, rainy days ...  you name it.  Alhamdulillah.

From Allah we came ...

... and to Him we shall return.

Last Sunday, we received a heartbreaking news on the demise of Allahyarhamah Siti Hasnah Hamzah who was killed in an accident, leaving behind two very small children and a beloved husband.  I didn't know much about her, just that our kids are going to the same daycare centre.  So, once in a while, we bumped into each other, exchanging short conversations or just smiles.  Though from such short encounters, I can tell that she was the kind of mother every kid would want to have, and the dream wife of every husband.  Kind and caring.  But now, no more.  My heart broke even more when thinking about her two little children, who hardly understand anything about losing their dear mother.  Nazhan is turning into 4 years old this August and Husna is only 10 days older than Achik, and still fully breastfed like Achik.  Oh Allah, Your tests are very tough sometimes, but You didn't give them except to those whom You know can endure them (Al Baqarah: 286).  Indeed, Allah is Most Knowing.  We pray that the husband, Mr. Naufal, and the children are given all the strength that they need to make it through.  Amin.  To Allahyarhamah Hasnah, may you rest in peace with your husband's blessing, Insya-Allah.  Only this blog is left behind as memory.  Al-faatihah.

About living things

We had a discussion about living things and non living things on the way back from office that day.  It started when Along asked me whether his baby crystal balls are a kind of plant or animal.

Me: Probably it's a plant.  Does it grow?
Along: Yes.
Me: Does it multiply?
Along: Yes.
Me: Then I think it most likely is a plant.
Along: Does plant multiply?
Me: Of course.  All living things multiply.  Membiak.  Beranak.
Along: (Jokingly) Then abah is a non living thing then.  Because abah does not multiply.  He does not give birth.

He he he ...  What a conclusion.

Back under a roof

Alhamdulillah, everybody is home now.  Abah and Along are back, for good, Insya-Allah.  The chapter that began ten months and twenty days ago has eventually concluded, nicely.  Life goes on as usual.  Thank you Allah for everything.

Eventful May

Year after year, May has always been a month that is full of events for us.  12th May is my mum's birthday.  17th May is Cik Mi's birthday.  20th May is our wedding anniversary.  21st May is Along's birthday.  In addition to these, we attended a 2D1N night family day event in Ipoh last weekend.  Tomorrow, I have to work (urggh!!!).  Sunday the 13th, wedding reception of a colleague to be held in KL.  Next weekend, there will be a 2D2N outdoor program that I have to attend.  But I will have to come back earlier because 20th May is Angah's kindergarten sports day.  Phew.  My hands are full already.

EBM on board

I was a bit reluctant to take the cooler box with me to Penang that day, considering the already many luggage that I have to carry, including the three kids.  However, at the very last minute, I decided to bring it and I am glad that I did so.  I brought home a total of 12 oz EBM placed in a sealed cooler box together with the rest of the baggage.  Enough to cover one day supply for achik.

Safely home

The whole thing wasn't that smooth though.  The refrigerator at abah's house was faulty.  The freezer in particular was not working.  First day produce of 2 oz did not freeze even after 24 hours in the freezer.  It was only chill.  I discovered that when I wanted to store the second day produce of 2.5 oz.  So, on the way out for our sightseeing tour on the second day, we dropped by at abah's office to store the 4.5 oz EBM there.  On the third day, abah took the 2.5 oz expressed that morning to the office.  See?  The importance of husband's support in a breastfeeding journey.  Make sure you get one before you embark on the journey :)

Alhamdulillah, the refrigerator was replaced on the fourth day, avoiding the need to transport the fourth day (3.5 oz) and fifth day (1.5 oz) produce to the office.  On the way back, we dropped by at abah's office again to collect the frozen EBM there and then off to the airport :)

To complete the journey, we met Chef Wan after claiming our baggage.  Along was so excited and wanted to take photo with him, so I snapped one for him.  Achik was puzzled (as you can see from the photo) and Angah was like "Ada aku kesah?".  He he ...

Meeting Chef Wan

I heard Chef Wan said, "Oh, awak pun bawak cooler box ye ...".  Because he also had one, obviously a lot larger than ours.  The content was surely not the same :p  All of the EBM safely arrived home, 99% frozen :)

The price for being honest

Honesty is the best policy.  The thought of going to be on board again this evening reminds me of what happened during our previous trip to Adelaide.  During inspection at the airport, the custom officer took everything out from the luggage, including a container of rice that he evetually threw the content away :(  Then, he asked about another container, containing Angah's formula powder inside.  I was nervous, but at the same time prepared for any consequence.  I started to imagine the trouble that we might face if we had to find a replacement as we had no idea what kind of formula was available in Australia, not to mention their halal status.

My nightmare came true when the officer told us that he had to throw that powder away too.  We should have brought the one that was still sealed in its original packaging, he told us.  Suddenly, I remembered about the small amount of the same formula powder in my backpack, meant to be mixed in the plane if needed.  It somehow passed the inspection unnoticed.  Then, I naively told the officer, "Well, in that case, maybe you would want to throw this away too.", taking the small canister from the backpack and showed it to him.  *Ha ha.*  How honest.  When that small amount of powder could be the only resque if Angah really needed it later.

He then looked at me and then the canister and said, "Okay.   You can keep it."  Miracle happened!  He closed back the container lid and let us have the formula powder, both in the container and canister.  Alhamdulillah.  Being honest really paid.  In this case, immediately.  So, never hesitate to be one :)

Welcome aboard!

It has been ages since the last post.  I'd better post something before October ends and goes with no post :)  Actually I have written many, but they are all stuck in the draft list.

So, what the title is all about?  We are going on board tomorrow evening, Insya-Allah.  Flying with Malaysian Hospitality to Penang.  My record of never flying with Air Asia is not broken yet ;)  It is going to be the first time ever for Achik, and the third time for Along & Angah.  Though it is just a domestic flight, it is going to be challenging enough as I will be single handedly chaperoning the three kids. 


May Allah bless our journey.  Please pray for our safe return.  Subhanalladzi sahkharalana hadza wa ma kunna lahu mukriniin.  Wa inna ila Robbina la mun'qolibuun.  Aamin.