A Dash of Everything

Salam fellow friends. My apologies for not writing in a while. Been pre-occupied with a lot of upcoming events as well as my new office. Yup! My new office is almost done. The cubicle, partition and chosing furniture is done. Today, is the last round of painting to do as me and my boys will give it a final layer of paint. I am really excited about it. Will post pictures of the office once is all made up. Gotta say a big shout out to my staff of Suara Rasa namely Acul, Ohm & Naim for helping out. Could've not done it with out u guyz...alamak almost forgot to thank my bro Trex for the fine finishing & areas that only he could reached - the advantages of having a taller brother!!

Hari Raya is almost around the corner. Wifey hasn't really been a fan of Hari Raya especially when we beraya in JB. I feel for her and I understand what she is feeling. Don't really blame her though. I know its hard for her, my S-I-L and my M-I-L to go through Hari Raya without feeling the void. So, I try my very best to ensure that she's happy on Hari Raya. Thank God for the kids I guess she has learn that she needs to shift her energy to the kids. So my bet is for this year mcm biasa after semayang Hari Raya we'll probably go to Mahmodiah & visit my F-I-L 's grave , then off to Kak Antien's house & spend almost half the day there. We'll chit chat..almost everybody from my wifey's family will be there. I would probably stuff my belly till it exploded. You see, before this, my wifey's grandma used to stay with us so in their family tree she is considered the O-tai of the pack so on Hari Raya everyone will be there. I can still remember when grandma was still around we couldn't even get out from the house..& I mean the 1st Hari Raya we really do not get to go anywhere. Now, that she has left us to be with Allah. Kak Antein's house has always been a favourite with relatives as one of the reason being is she serves..yummy food since Tok Dad is also not around. Glad that Nikki is out of the hospital, for the second time. Nikki, our prayers are always with you..

I also do think of Ayah especially when I was just getting to get to know him better. Before he passed on, we were clicking quite well and I really regret not been given more time to get to know him better. He is a great man with a really good heart. He has taught me quite a bit about life and appreciating your family. Ayah, I just want to know that I am doing my best to keep the family going and looking after Mak as best as I could. I believe on the saying that "only The Good Die Young". So, part of me I am glad that he is at better place, where a man of his good nature deserves to be.


Now, as promised I'll fill you in on my hometown Beranang. Who says that life in the Kampung is "cheap"? Well that statement cannot be applied for life at Beranang. I have to admit that I love to go back there to experience the serene and calm surroundings that you don't really get when you are in town. I love spending time ZZzzzzZZZzzzz there. Total relaxation.

Why do I say that it isn't that cheap to live in my Kampung? I guess that can be applied to other kampungs but not mine. My dad has been complaining that things in Beranang are expensive. We also realize that but didn't think too much of it coz if sometimes we need to buy some marketing stuff for Mak, we'll do it in TESCO, Econ Save or Jusco all of it about a max of 20 mins drive to get there. Didn't really think there was a vast difference untill we experienced it first hand while buying for berbuka at Beranang's Ramadhan Bazaar .

Ya Allah, everything was so expensive compared to JB where we can still buy kuih for 4 for RM1 or the common 3 For RM1. This is Beranang a small kampung. I can still accept it if it was in KL or some big city but this is beyond reasonable for Beranang. You would think that everything is cheap since it is to cater to all the Makciks and Pakciks, but NOT!! The kuihs are all sold at RM 2 for 5 pieces. The sizes of the kuihs are much smaller compared to the ones in JB and the best part that I cannot reconcile in my brain is that not only it is RM 2 for 5 pieces but they actually cut a piece of squared kuih (the common size sold nationwide) into two - check out the pc above, sorry hlf of the portion missing, it went into my tummy before Soraya decided to take a pic of it. So basically the picture is half kuih short for RM2 for kuih in Beranang). So, what is a piece in JB or for that matter any where I could think of, is 2 pieces in Beranang. My Soraya and I went on and on complaining even to the kuih sellers that it is so ridiculously expensive. To make matters worst, tak la sedap mana and mahal melampau!!

However, the sate at Beranang Cafe is something that you must have if you are here. Very juicy, succulent and delicious. It is 50 sen a piece but its really nice so we don't really complain as I think that is the universal price for Sate now. The Roti Canai here is our favourite too..well my Soraya & Alief actually craves the roti canai everytime we would balik kg. Typical kampung roti canai. Make sure you try it if you happen to pass Beranang, They usually start selling at about 5 pm till late night. While we were there, My Soraya managed to drag me out of the house at 2am to have the Roti Canai for Sahur, which she was really looking foward to having even before we arrived.

I am sure that some of you did recieve this email that was meant to be a joke as it shows that this joint coined its name from the famous coffee joint, Starbucks. Everyone says that it is in either Kelantan or Terengganu but today, I'll state my claim that it is situated at my kampung, Beranang. But there is something peculiar about Setarbak Kopi is that it isn't really a coffee joint and right up till now, we don't really know their main nature of business coz it is never opened. If it is, there will only be a small portion ...something is definitely going down in there. (look at the pic above).

Psst : We think that it is doing some "funny" business, but no one knows that for sure anf the regular O-Tai is just not telling..hmm we'll further investigate and let u know ok ;-).

I went riding with my fellow Motorheads last Saturday for berbuka at Umbai. Only eight of us were there...let see there was me, Sham, Awie, Fendi on his new ride, a Road King he just bought from Azman.., Arman, Brader Amir, whom I just met & Azmi. So, there we were at Petronas Skudai around 4.15pm hoping that others will come but after a while & a few phone calls it was only the seven of us that would be going on the berbuka ride. Ooops make it six,..Azmi only rode with us till Ayer Hitam cause he was going to spend the weekend with his family in Kluang, furthermore was his daughter, Dini's birthday.

It was great having the wind up in your face again & blasting down the highway to Umbai. This ride actually is a must for me during Ramadhan..I mean eventhough with being the month of Puasa it doesn't mean we can't go out for rides. Some say that its a bit too far to go there for buka puasa but as the old saying goes "its not the destination, but the journey". We arrived in Umbai at around 6.30pm. The place was packed with people who wanted a taste of fresh seafood with a reasonable price. This the only place that you would eat nasi lemak with a variety of seafoods. As we were there eating our way two fellow Melaka Harley bikers Zaini & one other guy (whom I forgot his name on his sportster) came & joined us. After a while we decided to head out to Melaka town to check out the scenes there on a Saturday night. We came to a spot where we had our drinks or "ngeteh" & after a while it was time to go home.

We were off to Ayer Keroh & made our exit there to JB. We reached JB around 1 am & Alhamdullilah on this trip, no mishap happened as all of us came back home in one piece. By the way I managed to tapow the nasi lemak ( 5 bungkus actually ) to share it with the Harfy bunch.I also managed to treat my staff for Suara Rasa's Ramadhan ritual; berbuka treat - SEAFOOD GALORE last Friday at Gelang Patah. This has been a ritual eversince I had my company to make a point to break fast all with my Suara Rasa clan together with my first born Alief who had 2 plates full. Enjoyed the session. We had good food and good company.

Selamat Hari Raya, Maaf Zahir & Batin To All My Brothers and Sisters especially fellow bikers all over the world!!

Raya oooo Raya *Sigh*

Firstly, thanks to all of you for the comments via the page as well 12 via my personal email on my previous piece. I really felt so good after writing that piece coz that goes to show that I am at peace with myself. Totally mind blowing. I guess sometimes dealing with it out loud does help and you know what, I have cane to a point where I do not remember anything about the lost friendship, just a name and a face. I have moved on and left that moronic phase away from my life, entirely. Alhamdullilah

To all my buddies and friends, thanks for your support and words of wisdom. It is really refreshing to know that you really have friends who actually care and that they genuinely feel for you. Zett you'll always be my best pal, buddy and mate no matter what. That will always stay and has never changed. You and me, match made in heaven. You're total coolness.

My dear Intan, you could never ever be my doormat. You are too precious and I love ya all to bits. Our friendship has stormed the weather and been through hell and back. The beauty of it all, it is still solid rock intense. Wouldn't trade you and the friendship for the whole. Iza, Era, Reen, Pet, Ray..my precious buddies. Hani, thanks for being a nice friend and I really appreciate the friedship. Love you a whole bunch babe!

Well, Raya is just around the corner. As you guys know, the tailor screwed up on my baju Raya. So we had to purchase one for Qyra which she chose on her own and she is so excited with her baju Raya. Last weekend, I was already going through my closet looking for clothes to wear that will match our 2008 Raya theme colour which is maroonish pinkish (aah, you'll see them when we post the picture soon). Then, to my surprise My Adlil was sweet enough to surprise me with a new Baju Raya, complete with our theme colour. Thanks honne, you're an angel.

Raya used to be an enjoyable time for me. The whole fuss about preparing for Raya was very much awaited. Mak would be busy in the kitchen making her yummy kuih raya while listening to Raya songs on the radio. Now its really not the same, it has somewhat lost its magic. Now, I look at Hari Raya in a whole different prespective. Hari Raya being a time where we celebrate our acheivements for completing the Ramadhan month.

I guess now look foward more to Ramadhan because I know during that time Ayah will be around, coming back home to be with us. Since 2001, Hari Raya especially at Mak's place has been quite sombre and solemn. In JB, we celebrate Raya on a very low note. It is not that we do not want to celebrate Raya like we use to but I guess that feeling has been buried together with 2001.

Yup 2001 was indeed a year that totally changed our lives around. Our beloved Ayah left us in a hasten manner that it was hard for us to accept it. I went on for months trying to accept the fact that he's gone for good. I still get teary eye when I talk about him and how he went away. To me, Ayah was the greatest dad anyone could ever have. He is totally awesome and I have always been quite close to him. He tolerates my crap most of time and gives in whenever he feels like it which is quite often. Even my closest friends think that he's so cool and tremendously great.

Ayah has always been the one providing us with anything that money can buy. He would never dissapoint us and he would always spoil us; my sisters and my mum. I am so grateful that Ayah had the chance to share his love with my first born, Alief. He use to spoil him rotten. He would always buy him designer clothes and if there was any kind of food that he seems to enjoy, he would buy a truck full of it. There was one period of time when Alief liked Pringles. You knwo what he did? He bought literally dozens of Pringles at one go that Alief came to a point that he didn't want to even want to take a second look at it anymore. When I commented that he was spoiling Alief too much by buying him expensive clothes and stuff, he looked at me and said - He is my grandson, I will buy him what I want, you don't question me ok. You buy him whatever you want and can afford but I'll buy him what he deserves. I really didn't understand what it meant at that time but now I did - Alief is his grandson and he deserves the best.

The image of the last time I laid my eyes on him at Pan Pacific KLIA is still very fresh in my mind. That million dollar look when I stepped in the room and saw him after being away performing his umrah. That peaceful look that I saw in him is priceless. If I knew that would be the last time I would ever see him again, I would never allow him to leave for home. Initially, I was in denial, I couldn't accept the fact that he was gone. There's so much of what if in me that was unanswered and I guess that was why at that time I could not be at peace with the fact that he has passed on to a better place. I miss him a lot and I know he's looking after us. Ayah, we miss you terribly and I want you to know that you are the best Ayah anyone could ever dream of.

Then again, I think that it is not fair to the kids for me to be so sombre of Hari Raya. Now, my only motivation and drive to celebrate Raya are my munchkins. They are the reason to put up a happy brave show to celebrate Raya. They like any kids their age love Hari Raya; all dresssed up with their Baju Raya together with their collection bag to keep their duit raya. Every year we will order a bunch of fireworks from my B-I-L's friend. We get it really cheap so usually 2-3 days before raya especially when Nana comes back, we'll start blowing them away. The Harfy Bunch have even pre-planned what they wanted to do with the portion that they are allowed to keep. They know that half of it goes to their bank account. Kids nowadays are getting smarter and calculative by the minute don't you think so.

This year, we will be celebrating Hari Raya with Mak. She's gonna cook her delicious Rendang Campur, yumm yumm together with her ketupat pulut. It will just be us, Mackie and Mak. We will probably go for a holiday somewhere together with Mak and Mackie, but now our problem is that almost all the hotels of our selected destination is fully booked. We are still looking and hopefully we'll find a place to stay.

We'll be going back to Beranang probably on the 3rd of Hari Raya for the weekend. My inlaws place is usually busy with visitors on the 1st to the 2nd of Hari Raya. My B-I-L will be joining us there. He'll be celebrating Hari Raya over in Kelantan (his wife's side). My sister will be in Perak and Negeri Sembilan celebrating with her in - laws. We take turns you see so this year is her turn to celebrate with her in-laws.

We just realized too that we have not bought much kuih Raya. Now we are looking frantically for nice edible kuih Raya to buy. Hope that my quest towards that this weekend will be deemed successful.

Hari Raya is a good time to reflect and think of the people our lives. For those you who still have their parents with them, appreciate and love them as much as you can. Tell them how much you love them and appreciate them. Give them a big hug and thank them for all that they have done for us.

To all, I would like to take this oppurtunity to say to all my family and friends,

"Kami Menyusun Sepuluh Jari, Memohon Ampun dan Maaf, Zahir dan Batin". Salam Eid Mubarak to all of you. May you all have a wonderful and enjoyable Raya. May we always have peace and love between us..

Mak Chu aka Mackie, This Is For You!!

Here are pictures of Aeyen just for
his number one fan!!

Rise To The Occasion

Just finished cooking for Sahur. Just simple dishes je. I thank my lucky stars that my two heroes, My Adlil and Alief are such easy people to satisfy when it comes to food, very simple. Masak main2 hentam2 pun they'll appreciate it and eat, at least 2 plates, which gives me that wonderful feeling. Just today during buka, Alief said to me "Mama, your noodles are really nice, sedap" and that was just fried dried flat noodles. My mum also agrees that he is more adventurous to try new things when I cook. Because he doesn't do that when other people cook, not even my mum & M-I-L who cook way better than me. He is more appreciative when I cook for the family and that gives a huge sense of satisfaction.

Actually, I can cook quite well. It comes as a surprise to most people as they say I don't look like the type of chick that cooks. Even My Adlil (during our courting era) thought the same. He wasn't convinced that I was able to cook. Then, I invited him over at my bachelor pad during Uni Years and treated him for a meal. He loved what he ate and said it that he can actually propose to me at that moment, magical...hehhehehe. Hmm..I always say, "come over and let me cook for you, then you tell me whether I can cook or not". So far, the comments received are quite encouraging. I like to cook but I hate the 'mis en place' process and the cleaning after. Having a maid at least makes that easier but unfortunately I am not privilleged with that right now...sigh. However, I can't really bake cakes and all, no interest actually - Like to eat it though, but I do not mind pies, that I can and like to do.

Well, I think this entry is going to be quite lengthy as I am going to talk about the paradigm shifts in my life.

As you all know, we just got back from Beranang. Adlil wants to write about it so I'll leave it to him to do that. He is really busy with the setting up of his new office. Finished painting it and now the renovation works will take place. Tonight he'll be doing the wiring and some electrical stuff before some renovation work due tomorrow. Another thing is that Qyra and I are Baju Raya-less because the tailor screwed up big time on the measurement. She did it so big that practically the whole family can fit into it. I was beyond dissapointed that I couldn't "tiaw" her. So basically now we have to go and shop for baju Raya and the hard bit is that we need to find the same shade of this year's theme colour for the Harfy Bunch. The boys' Baju Melayu is all ready because all of theirs was done by M-I-L. Geram but what to do no choice but to go for the 2nd option, which is to purchase a new baju Raya for Me and Qyra. This year has been a very challenging Ramadhan with a lot of tests bestowed upon me but I am taking it positively, there's hikmah behind it.

I have been doing some serious soul - searching lately. About life, My Adlil, my career path, my family and friends. Sometimes, we tend to take for granted the things and people that are around us. This year has been a really really challenging year for me. All main aspects of my life had been given a test of endurance and loyalty. I learn to accept defeat and to take rejection with an open heart. At first I wasn't too receptive of rejection. I had too high of an expection of myself that when I do not acheive something or when things do not seem to go my way, I hit the ground really bad. I was such a control freak that I scare myself sometimes. Now I learn to let go. I learn not to try to grasp everything so tightly that when it slips, I go beserk and get all paranoid.

My career took a huge turn, I went from high and mighty to ground zero. I made the right choice to go on the road not taken and went through all sorts of 'adventures' and setbacks. Alhamdullilah, Allah showed me the way and now I am doing things that I really enjoy and the best bit is I have more time watching the kids grow. I guess I finally got my priority straight which has very much turned my life around. I learn to just settle for ok rather than constantly aiming for the very best all the time. Wanna know what? Ok is good.

As for friendship, I had a huge knock on my head that I was actually taken for a ride in this friendship that I embarked myself into three years back. I actually found out the hard way that I was just being used to a certain person's convenience or shall I say just like a door mat. For people who knows me, knows for a fact that I am friendly, outgoing, talkative and full of zest. I make friends easily and there was once my late Ayah told me-"I am not worried about you. I put you anywhere in the world, I know that you will be able to make friends in an instance and survive any given situations in life". Unfortunately, as for me I have failed to see that some people are constantly only coming to seek my friendship only to have that sense of belonging and sort of using me as a comforting blanket. I have always had trusting issues when it comes to trusting people with my ultimate friendship. I had so much bad experience with "user friendly" friends that I am more wary. Three years back I did that, I gave a person my loyalty, trust care and friendship. What I got back was ultimate betrayal. I guess my judgement was wrong. What I thought was true friendship was just a friendship of convenience.

The problem with me once I get that sync feeling with someone, I would welcome that someone to my entire world. I had to realize the really hard way that I was just a friend that gave people that sense of comfort and to always catch a friend before they fall. I guess when the need for all that is not needed anymore, you'd be taken for granted, just like a door mat - you need to wipe your feet when its wet and yucky but when you are all clean and dandy, you just walk pass witout noticing it. Sad but true. I really was miserable of the betrayal and went on for days crying, trying to find the answers to this mind-blogging mystery. Thank god Adlil was there to catch me before I fall flat on the ground. Now, I have moved on and left that dishearthening phase. Now, I don't think much of the lost friendship but instead I focus on the people who actually was there for me at that dark period of time.

As for my Adlil, I have to thank him for being there holding my hand, routing for me and believing in my capabilities more than I believed it myself. I know that I am very lucky to have Adlil as my soulmate as he is not just a husband, lover, a great father to my kids, best friend but also my number one fan who would always remind me what I am capable of doing. Sometimes as human being we take things and people we love for granted. I guess I do that too. Maybe I am too pre occupied with issues in my life that I do not take the time to just turn around to notice the things that is happening around me. This year, my relationship with Adlil has reached a mature level of understanding. We have grown more closer than we actually are when we learn to deal with issues rather than sweeping it under the carpet hoping that it will somehow not resurface. Trust me, it will and when it does, it gets shittier. To me, we do that it is not because we do not want to not deal with it but more of tolerating these issues. Even after 11 years of marriage, you will learn something new about your partner everytime. Adlil, thanks for always being there putting up with my shit and always believing in me.. You are just perfect, FOR ME!!

The kids taught me that sometimes you just need to pull the hand brake and not to be always on 5th gear because when you are going too fast, you do not notice or bother about the little things that are important, that you take for granted. The Kids taught me to slow down and enjoy the ride rather than slamming on the pedal, trying to get somewhere, but in actual fact, you are not going anywhere. Leaving the corporate world was indeed a blessing in disguise. People have asked me numerous time, why the sudden change of pace. I would always answer - Its my kids!! Now, I get to spend more time with them and I get to do a lot of things with them which I didn't before. I get to be a part of Ryan's growth and its amazing. I use to dread not having that constant adrenaline rush that I get from working but now I see all that as being redundant compared to what I am witnessing now with my bambinos.

Syukur Alhamdullilah, In 2008, I became wiser!!

Bulls Eye!!!

Sorry that I've not been blogging for quite a while. Well there comes a time that u wanted to do things so much that its always on your freakin mind but u just couldn't manage to do it?...eventhough u keep reminding y'rself every single day? It happens to me all the time...I mean I dont know if it's me or does it happen to everyone else..?

I've just received the keys to my new office today & things were quite busy with work especially with now that I'm moving in into the new place. Got the paint ready & all. Went to recce some furniture for the office. Did all the measurements needed to set up the office.Tomorrow my boys and I got some serious painting to do, I want to do it with the boys so that we all we get that some sort like a sense of belonging & ownership. We would probably start after terawih & end up till sahur. The new joint is in Setia Indah..might be a bit far from home but at least I will get more mileage on the rides there. So you gotta say that this Ramadhan , will definitely be about getting the new place done before Raya. I will share some moments with the new joint with some pics in the next blog.
Just came back from "Yamca" with some of my biker friends. Initially I was going to meet up Azahary for a drink but ended up meeting with otai Kadir & Brahim in town. They heard us passing pass Jln Tebrau as they were having their drinks. Kadir gave me a call telling me where he was when I stopped at Tmn Sentosa , so we turned back & there we were at this place called LC Catering.
As for the Harfy bunch, Raiyan is getting more clingy to me since I have been more at home during Ramadhan. Alief & Qyra stepped up a ladder in their taekwando grading. After their grading last week Abang now is in Blue belt & Qyra Green 2. Very proud of my warriors in the making.

As for my Yaya well lets say she ended up her day with BIG BANG! While she was getting out from the kids' room downstairs she completely lost her footing trying to aviod little Ryan playing with the laundry basket right in front of the door. The next thing you know kaboom! My Yaya knock her her head against the edge wall. She suffered a cut just above the eye lid. Syukur...that knock didn't hit her straight in the eye. I mean she completely hit herself pretty hard against the edge of the wall, that she was in silence for a minute or so thrying to digest the pain. She's all patched up now & luckily no major stitches were needed..but the doc (who happens to look like Dr Wan Azizah) gave her a jab (Tetanus) on her right arm to prevent the eye from infection. .My Yaya seems to be bumped out and freaked out about the whole thing most especially because the knock will leave a scar on top of her left eye just before Hari Raya. I'm just so thankful that she's alright & no other serious injuries occured.

Tomorrow my S.I.L & B-I-L and their bambinos will be in JB to spend the weekend here & I'll be going balik kampung to visit my mum on Saturday. Gotta say that it will be a busy & fun weekend for the Harfy Bunch.

Here, There Everywhere!!

First, we would like to apologize for not being able to post new news as much as we want to. We have been really really busy. With the current situation in the Harfy Household. I'll update you on my galavanting escapade last Sunday with the Kids. The new library situated at Jalan Yahya Awal was really great. The Kids and I really had fun. A lot of activities to keep the kids occupied.The collection of books that's available is quite impressive. They have the whole collection of Candice Bushnell, Jeff Archer and a whole lot of other good author. There is even a cafe where one can read and have a cuppa at the same time. Ask Adlil, I was very impressed with the collection, good ones. I could stay there for hours, reading. Borrowed some good books too!! The whole Harfy Bunch has their own library card.

As for the Danga City Mall, hmm, its ok la. Not as what I expected it to be. The Metrojaya is the only consolation for that place. Not many shops are opened. As I observe, roughly only 30% occupied. The Metrojaya is something like the one in Section 14. The othe shops are mostly Ah Lian and Ah Beng apparel shops. There is this "supermarket" concept on the LG Floor called SongMart. It's more of Kulai, Simpang Renggam kinda supermarket but the prices are quite cheap. On the concourse area is mostly shoe stores. I heard the bowling alley is in operation but I didn't get the chance to peep through. There's an optical shop, a few apparel outlets. They have their own (Danga Bay) merchandise shop, where they sell in-house items. They also have like a mini area at the main entrance of the mall, where they promote their Petting Zoo in Danga Bay. We managed to see a parrot, Honey Bear, snake and a tiger..they put up for show and picture taking too. To be honest, there's nothing much to shout about but an effort well applaud for revamping the mall from a white elephant to another variety for Johoreans to shop. However, in my opinion, they need to work on promoting the mall more so that it won't loses it hype. More events should be held there, since they have a lot of space to offer. They should open up more eateries if the want to attract people coz as far as I seen, there's only 2, One Kopitiam and a cafe. I really like The Metrojaya though, it has that KL feel lah..

I haven't been well for the past two days. Me and my migraine, something that I have been carrying with me since I reached puberty. I guess people who have migraine would feel for me. The throbbing pain is just to much to bear when it attacks. It actually "went away" for a couple of years but lately, I have been getting it quite frequently. I hate it when it happens because I just do not like it that I am not able to take control the pain. It takes one person who has migraine to understand the pain that I have to endure.

Believe it or not, time seems to be passing so rapidly. We have undergone 10 days of fasting and Alhamdullilah, everything has gone on well, especially for Abang who has not even once complained or what not coz he seems to enjoy the concept of fasting and the satisfaction of berbuka. `

We will be going back to Beranang on Saturday. Its my M-I-L's birthday this Friday so, we are going back to Kampung to celebrate her birthday and berbuka there. I'll take some pictures of Adlil's Kampung to share with all of you in my post next week. Atmosphere there is very much serene and very relaxing. Really like it there especially for me who never had a Kampung ever before I married Adlil. However, we all agree that being there for long period of time is a bit unproductive. There's not much activity that can one can do there. The "orang kampung" or the villagers there are usually in the range of 50 and above. Too laid back. You do not see people of my age group there unless during Hari Raya. That is when Jalan Enam Kaki becomes busy, Very Happening with the fireworks, noise, colours and all. We would usually just lay back and relax when we are there. My In Laws have 2 Big Mangosteen Trees (there is a history to why Pokok Manggis of all trees which, I'll amuse you on that the next time).

Putrajaya, Kajang & Seremban are some of the neighbouring town, if you need to shop or what not. Nilai Tiga, the much talked about place to shop for materials and curtains n such, is only a 15 minutes drive from Adlil's Kampung, Jalan Enam Kaki. You can get a lot of nice materials and a vast range of materials for Curtains. A few big toy shops and a lot of furniture as well as Car Accessories shop are availabke at Nilai 3. There was once when there was much hype about the place, my 3 S-I-L (Biras) and I will go there almost everyday. There was once we went there 3 times in the same day!!! Each time bringing at least 2-3 plastic bags of stuff.

For those who do not know where on earth Beranang is , Beranang is actually situated at the territory of Selangor as it is the border of Selangor and Negeri Sembilan. Our Kampung is actually the border that they have set as the border. Next door to our kampung is the Staffield Golf Resort and the infamous Tuanku Ja'afar College (KTJ). You know what, the word Beranang was actually a Negeri Sembilan slang for the word "Berenang". Good lesson learnt today. Got this piece of excerpt from Wikipedia on the history of Beranang -

"Beranang mendapat nama dari loghat Negeri Sembilan yang bermaksud 'berenang'. Enam sahabat yang diketuai oleh Tok Batin Lidah Hitam terpaksa berenang di sebuah sungai yang cetek untuk ke seberang sungai. Malangnya sungai yang disangka cetek rupa-rupanya dalam dan arusnya deras. Setelah Tok Batin Lidah Hitam melepasi Sungai Beranang, air sungai tersebut kering atau cetek. Penduduk sekitarnya tidaklah perlu berenang lagi dan mengucapkan terima kasih kepada Tok Batin Lidah Hitam" - Wikipedia

We will be going back on Saturday after work together with my B-I-L, T-Rex, my S-I-L Maya and our niece, Qysarra. It is also because this year is my turn for Raya, so we ill be celebrating Hari Raya with my Mum in JB but we would probably head up to KL on the second day of Hari Raya or bring Mak for a short trip somewhere probably Melaka or somewhere, still undecided. We'll let you know when we have a confirmed plan.

Furthermore, I have to pick our Baju Raya. For the boys, My M-I-L sewed it for them (without fail ever since I got married to Adlil 11 years ago), but as for me and Qyra we sent it to a tailor there, Yatie Tailor. She's great - cheaper and the workmanship is also very much applaud compared to the prices we get here in JB, sometimes too extravagant.

However, the sad part is my sister, Kak Shasha will be coming back to JB for the weekend. Initially I asked Mackie (Nana) to come back for the weekend to accompany Mak at home but since Kakak will also not be celebrating the 1st Raya in JB, so she's coming back to see Mak before Raya. Such a shame that I won't be home when you back Kak. So I guess Mackie will come back next week right sis?

That's all from me, Adlil hopes to be blogging tonight or tomorrrow. Poor soul, he has been extremely busy with work, helping around the house n the Kids and arrangements to move to his new office. I'll leave it to him to fill you guys in on that. I'll share you with some pictures of our weekend in Beranang ok because a lot of people have been asking me where in the world it is and what is it like. No worries, will do so soon.

BTW, I would like to wish my sistas - Nawal & Ray, Happy Birthday Babes and Hope You'll Have A Swell Birthday Celebration. Muah Muah..Love you guys!!

Sunny Sunday is Family Day

Actually, I had earlier drafted a post which I have yet to publish. It's a mighty "deep" issue about friendship, circle of trust and betrayal. So, I decided not to spoil this great sunny Sunday morning by talking about it.

Our sincere apologies for being too busy to write. Adlil has been really busy running errands and being such a help around the house. The good thing about Adlil is just that he has strong common sense to do his part without being asked to; like on his own free will help mop the house, wash & put to dry the clothes. That I have to admit, he's really helpful and I love him even more for all that he has done..Honne, I Wuvv You.

Yesterday and today, Alhamdullilah the weather has been good. That's good news since it has been raining in JB since the 1st Day of Ramadhan. we in the Harfy Household loves the sun because for Papa, it is a good day to go riding and dry the clothes, for the kids it means that they have a shot of going to the park or doing something outdoors. As for me, it is just a swell day to do housework. God, I have piles to fold..Sunny days are just nice!!

Yesterday, since everyone knows that we are maidless and Mak is not in town, we had to send our 3 Bambinos to my B-I-L's house over at Setia Indah. Adlil had work and I had class till 5pm. I was at first kinda anxious especially with Ryan not being with either one of us. The last time he was left with other people than Ne', it was with Mak Long, my big sister, when we went shopping at Ikea for the new house. Nevertheless, she's an O-TAI, 4 kids ok and still preserving her sanity. However, I gave myself some allowance to just let go for a while coz I know my B-I-L, T Rex and S-I-L are really great with my kids. True enough, Ryan was at his best behaviour in the span of 3 hours or so without any fuss or incidental mishaps. We are currently waiting for a new maid, which we can only get after Raya, till then the Harfy Bunch just has to just make do.

After berbuka and solat, we went to TESCO Plentong. I just love buying provision is TESCO. Cheaper, More Choices and I just feel comfortable with overall setting of the place. Whether people realize it or not, whether it is really visible, we are actually going through a hard time, a semi recession I would call it. The buying power of Johorean is getting weaker, that much I can see. If you see a trolley load of stuff, they are likely to be S'poreans or buying for business. But normal people like me, would just buy what is needed not what we want anymore. I observe that even Raya shopping has taken a strange shift. In general, people of JB, are not buying like they use to coz generally is just not possible with the current cost of living despite the petrol going down. Being lavish is just not possible nowadays. Let me share this with you, this year is the first time that I find it so difficult to get a job. Honestly, especially here in JB. They will give me crap like we can't pay you, you are over-qualified bla bla. In the Classified section, I can now barely find work suitable with my experiences, qualifications in general unlike before in JB. Kl is a diffrent story, coz I am here n I am staying for good. A friend of mine who works in a reknowned recruitment company told me that the pattern nowadays is a bit alarming. Even for a clerical post, from a small time Ah Leong company, they will have at least 1000 applicant for ONE MISERABLE post. That shows!!!

Today we would probably have buka outside. Later after Zuhur, bringing the kids to the library for a while, they want to borrow some books. This may come as a surprise to you guys, but the libraries (we have 2 now i JB...hehehhehe) in JB have an extensive choices of good children books mind you, I was surprised myself. Then after that, we would probably head down to this new Shopping Mall, Danga City Mall, formerly Plaza Best World. Before it was closed down and abandoned for years and now it has been renovated, given a new look. It was opened to the public on the 31st of August '08. The anchor tenant is Metrojaya - wow that should be interesting. Friends of mine said it is quite impressive. You see in JB, we don't have many nice malls so if one emerges, its kinda of a big deal for the Johor folks. I'll go today and update all of you on the new mall. The Kids have been bugging us to go but we have been just too fully occupied that there seems to be not enough hours in a day to be doing everything.

BTW, like to share with this really awesome thing that happened yesterday, Alief managed to put Ryan to sleep last night. I had to do some washing so I left him with abang. I peep through and saw abang singing lullabies and patting Ryan to sleep. Surprisingly, Ryan just lay down quietly looking at the brother, without any sound. Then, they both fell asleep together. Should have caught that one on camera!!

Oppss, its 11.30am, and Ryan's favourite show, Bunnytown is on. So I can do my folding of clothes in peace while he gets excited with the adorable but annoying bunnies. Nevertheless, I think they sing and dance really well for thin and frail looking rabbits whom by rhe way have great sense of dressing. Till then, thanks for the support. Cheerio.

Perfect 10 !!!

Boy how time flies nowadays..first thing they are all cute & cuddly now they fight and answer you back. My Alief turns 10 today. Its actually a big thing because now he has a double digit so it makes him more of a man. I can remember the first time as I held him in my arms. While I was serenading him with the azan, his face lit up & he was actually staring at me all througout. It got me teary eye. I stayed up all night watching him. I would rub his little fingers & feet...cuddle him everytime he whines or cries during the night.

As he grow older it makes me proud to be his Papa. My little boy Alief will sooner learn & appriciate the facts of life. Its a tough world out there & I just want to make sure that he knows that I will always be there for him...always. He is just so adorable to watch now as he knows that being as "abang" to Qyra & Ryan is probably the toughest role yet. He's so helpful around the house especially now that the maid is gone...

Tonight we had a little birthday cake cutting ceremony for him as we all sang the b'day song. It may not be as much of what you would call a party,...but we were all there as a family, that's the most important and he was so excited and appreciative of our effort. He is coping so well with all this puasa stuff & I've already promised him that he would get his PSP before Hari Raya..heck I would just get it tommorrow & surprise him for his b'day. I truly think he really deserves it & he did pretty well for his exam (but the wifey thinks he should've done a lot better), He did so well in BM a subject that he is not really good at. He puts the effort and I'm proud of him. You see,..Alief doesn't really always ask for stuff like toys. He will just appreciate the simplest things in life & that my friend,... they don't teach you in school.

I'm planning to have him ride with me more often cause know he is so interested in Harleys. He would spot a Harley miles away. Last July, Alief had the pleasure of being my pillion rider from Melaka to JB...& he enjoyed every minute of it. Looking forward for more rides with u kiddo!!

Happy 10th Birthday Alief...............

Abang Is 10 Today...Yeahhhh

How time flies nowadays. This November, we will be celebrating our 11th Anniversary. My oh my how time seems to be passing us through. Like they say, Time is a companion that goes with us on a journey. It reminds us to cherish each moment, because it will never come again. What we leave behind is not as important as how we have lived. That much is true.

Today, 4th of September is our first born's birthday. I see how he has grown (in height and in width). He's becoming more mature now now that he realizes that he is an abang. He is helpful around the house and adores Ryan so much. He is protective of his siblings and would do anything to protect them. I see the bond between Alief and Ryan and how much he loves being an abang. He helps me keep Ryan occupied, makes him laugh, sing Ryan's favourite tunes and would always catch him when he stumbles or falls. Ryan has made Alief more mature than I can ever imagine him to be. He dotes on Ryan tremendously.

We thank our lucky stars that Alief turned out to be a good boy. He is doing so much better in school (although I know he can do better) but I am more than happy to see how he has grown into a well mannered boy. I have learnt to keep my expectations towards him on a moderate level. I use to get so frustrated if he didn't do well in his exams but bow I know that by doing so, I am putting unnecessary pressure on him and that's not fair. He has overcomed his shyness and now he is able to be more upfront, takes the initiative to make friends rather than waiting for people to initiate the conversation first. Before, he use to have some much difficulties adapting to change and would resist any change in his routine. Now, he has outgrown all that, he has grown to be much more confident with himself.

I am glad that he is a boy who can tolerate and understand things more. For example, last month, his Papa bought this Power Rangers Action Figure. He knew it was for him but because we said that he needs to revise for his exams first, he didn't even attempt to open it although he looks at the packaging everyday after school. He told his sister that I cannot open it because Mama and Papa didn't say that I could open it. One thing that I must say we did pretty well in raising him is the fact that if he wanted something - like a toy or something, we have taught him that you have to earn it if he wants it. N if we said that we need not buy the toy or his games gadgets, he understands and he'll always say, its ok, we can get it next time. Even when he was a lil bambino, he wouldn't throw tantrums, if he didn't get the toy that he wanted. Even if we bought for him toys he would NEVER open it up untill he reached home, eventhough the journey was from KL to JB. Some of my friends are amazed with Alief's strong discipline, tolerance and willpower.
Sometimes when he is with me, I would sometime baby him and that is when he would tell me his problems in school and etc. We still have our Mama and Alief time where he'll open up to me and that's very refreshing. He has a small heart and will get teary eye once in a while but I guess that's ok although sometimes he is a bit "gembeng". Well, I tell myself, its ok for him to be like that, I hope he'll outgrow that stage soon. He loves to play computer games, game boy, Taekwondo - he's pretty good at it and now he loves go karting. He is such an easy boy to please. Simpliest things in life makes him contented.

Alief, Mama wants you to know how proud I am of your progress and how you turned out to be. I love you more than life and I want you to know that Mama will always be there for you. Happy 10th Birthday Alief Daniel!! You'll always be Mama's lil boy.