Quipsmore..

InsyaAllah

2011-05-12T09:00:00.000-07:00

Ya Allah,

Only You know how I feel at the moment.

I feel so much pain in my heart but I thank You though because I know that this is one of Your ways of bringing me closer to You.

I pray that You will show me the way and guide me so that I can serve a better purpose in my life and feel absolute peace and happiness.

I have faith in You and I know You know what is best for me.

I know now that if things dont fall into place as to how I want them - it was actually never meant to be that way in the first place and that You have even better plans for me.

I pray for a smooth and blessed journey and InsyaAllah - with Your guidance, I know I will find my way.

So I am a Powerful Choleric..

2010-10-13T08:51:00.000-07:00

I just discovered today at age 35 that I am actually a Powerful Choleric. All this while, I thought I was a bit of a Perfect Melancholy until No, the personality test that I did based on Florence Littauer's Personality Plus proved me wrong. After much analysis and thought, I have today accepted and embraced that I am indeed a Powerful Choleric. :)

So what constitutes a Powerful Choleric?

Apparently the personality that most personalities epitomize - Powerful Cholerics are best described as 'The Extrovert, the Doer, the Optimist.'

Powerful Cholerics are born leaders and very goal-oriented in life. They are outgoing, outspoken and are dynamic people. They always move quickly to action and adapt well to change. While the Popular Sanguine is the talker, the Powerful Choleric is the achiever. The Powerful Choleric communicates very easily with people and is very confident that everything will turn all right if he/she is in charge.

Born with strong leadership qualities, the Powerful Choleric usually succeeds in whatever that they choose to do. Opposition to Powerful Cholerics only serves to strengthen their determination.

The Powerful Cholerics seek appreciation and loyalty from others. They strive for being challenged, easily accept difficult situations and expect approval for their achievements.

Their ambition and determination can turn them into workaholics, make them very opinionated and stubborn, at times leaving them insensitive to other’s feelings.

Here are some of the strengths and weaknesses of the Powerful Choleric:

Strengths

Adventurous
Born leader
Persuasive
Strong-willed
Competitive
Confident
Outspoken
Bold
Resourceful
Motivates family to action
Organises household
Goal-orientated

Weaknesses

Unsympathetic
Unemotional
Bossy
Impatient
Argumentative
Domineering
Short tempered
Nervy
Tactless

Thus, on the down side, Powerful Cholerics can sometimes find it difficult to slow down or relax. They will often quickly get to the top of their fields... but can sometimes find themselves being lonely at the top.

When dealing with a powerful choleric personality the best approach to take is to quickly get to the point. They do not care much about the story behind things or the fluff that goes along with it. If you want things done, or someone who can deal well in a stressful situation then a powerful choleric definitely comes in handy.

So there you go. Like it or not, that's who I am.. And I am out there to beat the crap out of ya!! Muahahahahahaha!!!! ;)

Ta!

1 Syawal 1431H-1432H bersamaan dengan 10 September 2010

2010-09-09T10:02:00.000-07:00

Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri buat semua kaum muslimin dan muslimat serata dunia.

Sempena bulan yang mulia ini, marilah kita sama-sama mengorak langkah dengan rasa penuh kesyukuran kepada Ilahi serta sama-samalah kita menyucikan hati kita dengan saling maaf-memaafi antara satu sama lain.

Mohon maaf di atas segala salah dan silap - sengaja ataupun tidak. Maaf Zahir dan Batin.

Bloatedness

2010-09-07T05:14:00.000-07:00

4 more days to Hari Raya and I dah raya..

Lost about 3kgs when we first started Ramadhan. And 1st day into my menses today, and I feel as fat as a damn pig! Bleuurrgggh!!!!!

My tummy has never been flat - like ever.. but today it's super duper mega jiggly! My God!
It has bothered me so much today to the point that I bothered googling about it and found out why.

A search says - Prior to menstruation, women lose a bit of their progesterone hormone and when your body senses that there is less progesterone hormone to be broken down, the brain sends a signal to the kidneys to retain sodium and water. At the same time, an anti-diuretic hormone is released which then causes more water to be retained. So water retained in the body = bloatedness = friggin weight gain! Damnit!

And ironically - to get rid of water retention, one needs to drink a lot more water. I hope this passes soon enough, coz I have my raya attire to get into in 4 days time!

Disturbia

2010-09-05T06:36:00.000-07:00

Today I am feeling rather disturbed. Am worried about a lot of things. So maybe writing it down would be a good idea. (Or not?)

Hmm - for starters - My bedroom at my parent's place is awfully messy. I havent been able to really organise my bedroom since I've had to switch bedrooms with my youngest sis Didi. I've lived downstairs in the supposed guest room ever since I had to come and live with my parents again, after Edy started work in Kelantan earlier this year. And that room aint big - and whenever Edy comes back, it's 3 persons (Papa, Abang and Kakak) sleeping on the bed and Baby Soraya and I will be on the mattress on the floor. So yeah, we shifted upstairs and I havent really settled in properly yet. I guess I'll just have to do it and tackle one thing at a time, I guess.

2. Packing for Raya

Now this one relates with the point above. Coz I cant really pack if I havent really sorted out the pile of clothes that's in one corner of my bedroom, right? My kids have been wearing mismatched clothes the whole week last week and they still are today! So yes, I really need to sit down and spend a couple of hours just folding the clothes and sorting them out properly so that I can decide what to pack to bring back home for Raya. Oh and perhaps I could start with mending Zarif's baju melayu later on tonight, then giving all of the kids new attire a dip in fabric softener and dry them tomorrow. Ironing can take place the night before raya. Oh, and I need to squeeze in a trip back to my house tomorrow to get essentials for Raya (some of my favourite kurungs, handbags, jewelleries and make up) so that I can get going with this packing. Ahh sooo much to do in so little time. No wonder I am so disturbed!

3. Zits on my face

I dont usually get zits on my face anymore - so when a few decided to pop out last week - I decided to take a pick at it. So now it's gotten worse and I dont think I like how it's looking.. But I think it's all stress related?

4. Backache

I have been experiencing really bad back pain these 2 weeks. And I can feel the pain from the very tip of my fingers all the way to the soles of my feet! And I cant sleep, coz it gets really bad. I'm currently on some painkillers but once the medicine subsides, pain keeps coming back. This could seriously affect me this raya!

5. Work & Money

Work has been a bit slow especially after I gave birth to Baby Soraya last April. I havent really gained my momentum and we've already approached the last quarter of the year. I still have a bit more to achieve my target - but now since my raya mode is on, I promise to fight full swing immediately after the 20th September (after my Great Leo Awards Ceremony 2009 in Genting). So since work is slow, so is the money bit lah. Aiyoh. And you know our commitments are still the same. So yes, it is quite tough and I really have to do something about this when I come back after raya.

6. Family Ties

This year aint really a good year in the family. I'd say toughest thus far. We've had to deal with various different issues as a family and there's just so much sarcasm and negative vibes going around in my parent's home, that I am not sure I like it. Trouble is, I cant really move out and live on my own with hubby working outstation and with me managing just the 3 kids alone and without a maid. But not like it makes any difference though. I still have to do a lot of things here on my own coz everyone else living in this house has got their own things to do anyway.. So maybe instead of being sucked into all the negativity here, maybe I should just try living on my own? Maybe? Should I? Hmm.. I really need to sit and ponder on this soon.

7. Issues with Spouse

I am having mixed feelings. I am not sure if I am being cheated on yet again. Frust giler lah if he's still at it - that's all that I can say. And maybe just this time - I should seriously take action.

8. Worrying about my Kids

Zarif - I aint sure if he can properly read or not. And since he's entering primary school next year - yes, I worry for him. Will he be able to understand his class work? He is also glued on to his Sony PSP (my fault really for getting him one..)and he behaves like a cheeky monkey every time we bring him out anywhere. I really need to do something before he gets out of control. We've lost track of his whereabouts countless times! Oh and yes, he's got a runny nose like every day and so he doesnt breathe properly and a recent check up at the GP indicated that he needed to go and see an ENT specialist - coz apparently there's a blockage up his nose? Something about Nasal Polyps?

Nina - how can I get her to cooperate with me. She's one heck of a diva (not sure who she takes after.. Hehe) and seems proud to act that way too. I need her to mellow down a bit and listen to Mommy.

Soraya - not much problems at this stage. She's only 5 months old. Cuma a lot of guilt on my side for not being able to breastfeed her anymore. My milk supply has dwindled so badly so now she's fully on formula. Only managed to fully breastfeed her until she was about 4 months old. Kesian dia. She's generally ok - cuma I think I am sooo stressed with a lot of other things that I may not be connecting with her as effectively as I should? I need to find the time to stimulate her mind properly. Aiyaiyai..

*Sigh*

I dunno whether talking about it here now has made things any better as I now feel even worse than before I started writing. Damn! I better start doing something about it physically than blabbering about it nonstop and still get nothing down, right? So adios!

Gotta be a Better Parent

2009-10-10T09:19:00.000-07:00

I admit to doing a couple of (wrong) things at times. Mornings have always been really bad for me. Two days ago, whilst rushing to send Zarif to kindergarten - it was already almost recess when I sent him to kindy - I just lugged the kids in the car and since the distance from my mom's house (where I am currently staying) aint that far from his kindy, I thought I'd just lugged them in the car without buckling them up. That is my MISTAKE numero uno.

Zarif got to kindy alright. From there I proceeded to Ibu's place to drop Nina off. Knowing how Ibu hates me sending her sooo late (it disrupts her morning schedule), I rushed to send Nina to Ibu's house. What do you know? Nina's aint buckled up in her car seat either and had asked me for a sip of my Nescafe Mocha. (MISTAKE number two - giving them coffee when their kidneys prolly cant even digest caffeine yet..and MISTAKE number three - for actually compromising my driving skills to give her coffee whilst maneuvering (spelling?) the car..)

So there I was whilst handling the car and giving her a sip of my cold Nescafe, she decides to back off a bit, causing the coffee to spill unto my handbag and unto the floor of the car. I scream. (MISTAKE number four - yelling at a toddler for your inefficiencies).

Whilst waiting for the traffic light near Ibu's house to change to green, I yelled at her to grab some tissue papers (tissue box was at the back of the car) and shaken at being scolded at, she refused to. I searched the insides of my handbag for remnants of old tissue paper and used them up to soak up the coffee, which had so nicely stain my handbag and make my car smell of nescafe. Oh dear me. What have I done?

The traffic light changed to green and I gained a little bit of my composure. That same freaking time, my mind says I have to sms Mr Sia and tell him where I am. (since I was also late getting into the agency..) (MISTAKE number five - sms-ing whilst driving).

So whilst text-ing the guy with 1 hand and another hand on the wheel, I made my way up the hill to Ibu's. Guess what? Nina decides to fall forward, when we're going downhill.. All coz of my stupidity at NOT BUCKLING HER UP. She falls forward (near where the handbrake is..) and hurts her chest and starts crying. (MISTAKE number six - a repeat of MISTAKE numero uno)

I signalled to the left and immediately stopped at the side of the road (and before stopping hit a curb).. and this is the bit which I REGRET DOING THE MOST! I SCREAMED AND SCREAMED although knowing that all these were NONE of my children's wrongdoings. (MISTAKE number freaking seven). (How many MISTAKES can 1 make in the span of an hour??)

I KNEW THAT I WAS ACTUALLY SCREAMING AT THE FACT THAT I WAS A FOOKING USELESS MOTHER. I immediately took Nina into my embrace and hugged and kissed her and said 'Mommy's sorry' countless of times.

On the way driving to the Agency's, I was just thinking: HOW CAN I BE SO FREAKING SELFISH and PUT MY NEEDS AHEAD OF THAT OF MY CHILDREN'S??

I vowed with that incident that day to plan my days better and to ALWAYS ALWAYS BUCKLE UP MY CHILDREN at WHATEVER COST. I will also NOT USE THE HANDPHONE ESPECIALLY WHEN MY CHILDREN ARE IN THE CAR. EVER.

"Please God, please make me a Good Mother to my children. Please bless me with patience, wisdom and courage and make me a better mom to my children with each passing day. Please also protect my litle family at all times."

To my beloved Zarif and Nina - Mommy's really sorry. Mommy wont do this again.

My life in 2009

2009-10-02T11:38:00.000-07:00

I dreamt last nite that I was blogging. Weird. Since as you probably would have noticed the longest silence on Quipsmore. I thought that now since I am no longer with Nilai UC and am now working on my own beginning the final quarter of this year, that I'd pick up blogging again. And since i had that 'revelation' last nite - I have decided to start blogging again tonite.

Hmm. So much has happened this year - I don't quite know where to begin.

For starters - 2009's first quarter saw me busy with work - in Nilai UC's Corp Communications and in preparing for the presentation to the Ministry for the proposed set up of Nilai International School. The latter is something I dont wish to ever do again and partly influenced my decision to leave the Nilai group recently as well too.

March saw me joining Great Eastern Life Assurance Berhad as a part-time agent. I remembered this year I thought I'd live by Nike's motto - 'Just Do It' and when I was approached by Mr Sia, my insurance Agent I thot - hmm - Why not?

Business was great and I had earned my first commission of almost RM3k immediately the following month. Wow!

Beginning of April wasnt too kind on my personal relationship with my hubby though. I found out then on the 5th April 2009 that my hubby was involved in a relationship with someone else. I am clueless as to the depth of their relationship and I really have no freaking idea who the woman was - but was ready to opt out. I eventually found out that the lady was some lady in his office. A single mother with 4 children. Dont ask me why. I am still searching for answers myself.

As God would have it, the day that I had planned to walk out of the house (to teach my hubby a lesson), my daughter Nina fell ill and had to be hospitalised for a couple of days. I had no choice but to stick together with her and let the father know that she was detained in the hospital. We stayed in the hospital together with our 2 children and I had to brave a series of arguments with my hubby then in the hospital as well too.

2 weeks later on the 16th April - I found out I was about 4 weeks pregnant with my 3rd child. I remembered when I told my Mama, she said 'Balah-balah pun, boleh dapat anak?'. I only saw it as an sign that God had wanted my hubby and I to work at our relationship.

With that pregnancy, came another positive outcome. I woke up the day after finding out I was pregnant realising that it was time for me to embrace the hijab. ('Bertudung'). I only had 2 pcs of tudung in my cupboard and immediately wore 1 to work that day. My spontaneous actions in donning the hijab had spurred a lot of surprised looks and remarks from all the people around me including my own husband, family and friends.

Bala still called me the foul-mouthed aunty with the tudung. I didnt mind that at all. Haha. I felt at peace. Prior to wearing the tudung I felt so 'naked'. Alhamdullillah, with that pregnancy - I was given hidayah to start wearing it. I made it a point to still stay true to me. To who I am, and not change any of those that made me me.. I reasoned that this is all about muhasabah diri. I am 34 this year.. Kalau bukan sekarang, bila lagi?

Thus, needless to say, I was deeply saddened when I had lost my baby due to a missed miscarriage the following month i.e. 2nd quarter of this year. Being told that your foetus's heart just stopped beating and that I had been carrying a dead foetus in your womb for at least 5 days was just totally heartbreaking. Our baby left us too soon and I kept wondering why.

I had a D&C done on me on the 23rd May 2009 and was on MC for 2 weeks. It was one of the lowest points in my life this year. I returned to work after 2 weeks, charged but not necessarily feeling at the top of the world. I felt down. Emotional and very lonely.

It was also not easy having to explain to your children that their baby sibling was no longer in my tummy. Zarif's a big boy and I guess he understood when I told him that baby's gone to heaven. My 2 year old Nina kept asking what is baby doing now, Mommy?

Anyway - in the meantime my insurance cases kept increasing and i kept getting additional income, which was good. But this low point in my life in a way also affected how i felt about working in Nilai.

Come the month of June - I was contemplating quitting my job to focus on what's most important to me - my children and myself. I have dreams and I realised there was no way on earth I was ever gonna achieve them if I stayed on in Nilai. After confiding in my parents first, hubby second - and after getting their blessings, I took the plunge and tendered on the 30th June 2009.

It was a really HUGE step for me and I cried out of relief for being so brave and bold. Here I am in pursuit of my dreams. I just kept repeating this statement over and over - 'If I want something I have never had, then I have got to do something I have never done." With each repetition, I felt stronger and stronger.

In the meantime, things were not all that rosy at home. I have learned to be smarter with my spouse. Fights would still follow, we wont talk for days sometimes but I continued to stay strong for the sake of my children.

I started losing pounds as well. And was getting compliments from even my dad for looking better with each passing day. I took it all in my stride.

Beginning of 3rd Quarter - here I am sorting out work and preparing for handover when I discovered on the 6th August 2009 this year that I was about 5 weeks pregnant again. I didnt expect to get pregnant so fast again after my earlier miscarriage. But itulah, orang kata dah rezeki Allah nak bagi dan saya sebagai HambaNya bersyukur kerana dipermudahkan rezeki dan dikurniakan anak lagi.

3rd Quarter also saw a lot of good and kind remarks from the big bosses in Nilai, whom said I could always come back there, if I ever needed work. Hehe. I guess those are the plus points of knowing when to exit and I have learned that it is always good to leave when things are good and when you have established good rapport with them.

But sudah lumrah alam, akan adanya suka dan duka. Things worsened at home. Hubby still had an affair. And this time, I made him know I do not tolerate nonsense. It was the merdeka weekend when we last had our big fight. In fact this fight probably topped the list of fights we've had as husband and wife. I also thanked God for opening my eyes and showing me what kind of inlaws I had. I have since vowed not to go back to my hubby's kampung in Perak, even if for hari raya. Coincidentally, this year was supposed to be his turn in Perak.

Because of the stress that I felt from that fight, my pregnancy had started to bleed again. This time though, my morning sickness was quite bad (which I thought was a good sign coz it indicates that the baby's hormone's were pretty strong). So I was relieved to be told by my gynae that despite the bleeding, my baby was growing just fine. Alhamdullillah.

But because of the bleeding, I had to restrict my movement and was under my gynae's orders NOT to travel for hari raya. I thank Allah for my gynae. Kesemua ini blessing in disguise. That had strengthened my reasons for NOT returning to my hubby's hometown for this year's Hari Raya.

This year's Hari Raya fell on a Sun, 20th Sept 2009. It was the first time I spent Hari Raya with just Zarif and my parents and sisters in Bangi. My hubby took Nina back to Perak with him for hari raya. And I wasnt sure when they were gonna return from Perak either.

We got shocking news on the 4th day of raya though. I was at Alamanda Putrajaya with Lisa and the kids when I received a call from my aunty Nashareen whom through her panicked voice said that my cousin Marlina Zain had collapsed at the Curve, Mutiara Damansara and had died almost instantly. She was only 33 years old.

The news of her death came as a shock to all of us and upon relaying the bad news to Edy in Perak, he then made his trip home. All of us gathered at Ayah Zain's house in TTDI whilst waiting for them to make their way home from Kuantan. I just remember shaking my head in disbelief that life was made so short for her. Sesungguhnya Allah lebih menyayangi dia.

I was especially saddened by her death as Arwah was my closest cousin growing up. We shared everything together. It was only when I got hitched and got on with married life that we both lost touch. I will forever regret not making enough of an effort keeping in touch with her. I was truly hoping to see her this Syawal but we missed each other when there was a miscommunication in terms of which house we all were supposed to gather at on the first day of hari raya. Anyway to my Arwah cousin Marlina - I will always cherish our moments together and I will remember you forever. Semoga Allah menempatkan Lina di kalangan hambaNya yang beriman dan solehin. Al-Fatihah. It's only been a week since she's gone and we truly miss her. Semoga ini menjadi iktibar kepada semua yang DariNya kita datang dan kepadaNya kita akan kembali.

It's been 2 weeks since I stopped working in Nilai now. Things are progressing and now I have to prepare for my FINAL SPRINT in this last quarter of the year. I pray that Allah makes my journey smooth in this insurance industry and mengurniakan rezeki yang melimpah ruah so that I can give back to those who matters most to me. Insyaallah.

Ya Allah, permudahkanlah semua urusanku, murahkanlah rezeki ku, lapangkanlah dadaku dan berkatilah segala apa yang aku lakukan. Sesungguhnya Engkau Maha Kaya lagi Maha Mengetahui.

BAD Day - Migraine

2009-06-23T22:13:00.000-07:00

Been having migraine since the beginning of the week now. That can't be too good, right? I've popped 4 pills on Monday, 2 pills yesterday and another 2 this morning. I'm practically living on Actifast Panadol. Gonna go see the dr in a while. Gonna also drag Nina along. She's been coughing for as long as I remember. 2 bottles of cough syrup also did her no good.

Oklah, dats it for now. Ciao. (Btw, am also illustrating to my sis, Lisa - how to create a blog.. Not that I blog that often.. Hehehe).

Bye lunch time now, after that to the dr it is..

In Remembrance of My Dear Little One..

2009-06-21T23:02:00.000-07:00

My Dearest Child,

No farewell words were spoken,

No time to say goodbye,

You were gone before we knew it,

And only God knows why.

Anakku Sayang, Mommy pasrah dan redha dengan ketentuan Yang Maha Esa.

Do know that I love you with all my heart and will be missing you forever. 22 May 2009.

(2.5 months in womb)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Here's a little poem I wrote in memory of my little one who's in Heaven, who will be sorely and deeply missed by Mommy and Papa, Abang and Kakak Nina.

22 June 2009.

High up in heaven above the sky,

My dear little one lets out a cry,

Surrounded by angels gently brushing her hair,

Offering her hugs and assuring her she's safe in God's care.

Looking down below at Mommy, Papa and her beloved siblings,

Blowing kisses, sending love and reciting little prayer whisperings,

"Dear God, please tell Mommy - it will all be okay,

Please let her know that I will be waiting for her

and Have faith in the fact that we will meet some day.."

Al-Fatihah.

Weekend Activity - Golfing!

2009-02-22T01:34:00.000-08:00

Sorry haven't been able to blog much these days. Been absolutely busy with work - ask my colleagues at work - they'd know.. But I thought I'd start again, since 1. Bala's complained how crap my blog was lately and 2. Since I recently captured these nice shots of my children in one of our recent weekend activity.

My dad's an avid golfer and Zarif's been asking his grandpa to teach him golf for the longest time. Last weekend, dad obliged Zarif's little request. Since Nina was also up, I decided to drag her along.. That's the two of them in the morning at my dad's house - waiting for my dad - en route to Kelab Danau Golf, UKM.

Zarif was psyched to get golf lessons from dad. He attempted his swing alone.

But as with all first-timers, he had to try hard to hit the ball. :)

Nina was observing her brother play golf and was going around collecting the balls for her brother to continue hitting..

After a 45-minute session, we had a very tired and frustrated Zarif. Hehe.

Not to worry, my dearest Zarif. We decided to keep his next lessons short - perhaps 45 mins was stretching it a bit too far. But a playground visit later in the day cheered the little fella right up! :)

Well done my son. Mommy's so proud of you.

After effects of 'Hairspray'

2008-12-10T19:51:00.000-08:00

Dunno if you've all seen this movie but HBO aired this programme over the Aidil Adha weekend and I found myself immediately glued to the screen. I thought hmm, I could do with watching some of John Travolta's groove moves after reading some rave reviews about this movie musical on the internet. I actually enjoyed it so much that everytime they were showing repeats of it, I took time to watch every single repeat show. Hehe.

Needless to say, I thought John Travolta was good, but there was one character or person on the show that particularly caught my attention and made me want to watch it over and over. And that was Mr Link Larkin played by Mr. Zac Efron of High School Musical Fame. I have not seen the HSM trilogy at all and have only caught glimpses of him whilst surfing through Yahoo's OMG! But never really paid attention to him.

OMG!!! This guy rocks la. Hensem nak mampus. I have high hopes my Zarif would turn into some hot looking charming young fella like this Zac Efron nanti when he's in high school. Check this out. And when Zarif gets to this age and has all the young ladies calling - I'd screen his calls and be that bitchy mommy on the other end of the phone. Hehe.

You can bet I'm gonna name my next baby son Zac too. :)

Question & Answer (Tagged by Anfield Devotee)

2008-12-10T18:52:00.000-08:00

Ok - I just learnt about another type of tagging today. The only tagging I knew exist is the tagging on Facebook. Hehe. Yup, shallow me. Today however, I learnt that a fellow blogger can tag you too. And when a fellow blogger tags you - you are meant to then look into this tagging thingy (how apt.. hehe) and answer the same questions your fellow blogger has answered and placed on their blog. I thought this is a pretty interesting way of getting to know your fellow bloggers and fer you to get to know me better. I know I have been awfully quiet for a while.. Honestly, work's been a lot and I have also just recovered from a nasty bout of flu, fever and laryngitis and since I'm feeling so much better today and since work is more manageable nowadays too and since my favourite fellow blogger friend, Anfield Devotee, also tagged me today - I am going to answer the same questions he answered too. So here goes:

1. Do you think you’re hot?

Yes. I used to be even hotter. Sizzling hot la babes. Now, all is not lost though - hehe. Alignment sudah ada banyak lari since giving birth. But that said, I still think I'm hot. I still get guys hitting on me. Maybe the face is a puller :P The body can be worked on still. That'd be my goal for next year.

2. Upload a favourite picture of you.

Ok this is one of my favourites la. I dont have a lot of my personal picture collection with me on my pc here in the office so I've rummaged thru and thought this would be it lah. This is a pix of me and my hubby during the days when we were courting. :) and that would be sometime in 2001. Friggin 7 years ago.

3. Why do you like the picture?

Well - this is a pix of my and my husband (then fiance when this pix was taken). It is one of our first together taken after our engagement. We were having a blast in KL's Planet Hollywood one weekend and I remember us being very much in love here and that we were sooooo la the very into each other this point of time. Hehe.

4. When was the last time you ate pizza?

Hmmm - I can't remember. Must have been sometime in August, before Puasa Month. And i think it was at Domino's. That was before we discovered this Makcik who could deliver delicious lauk right at your doorstep. So no more eating out for us after that.

5. The last song you listened to.

Pink's So What. Love this song. Heard on playing on the radio whilst driving to work today.

6. What are you doing right now?

Well I am blogging.. and sooooo not doing work. :P I would have done work had AD not tagged me and got me going.

7. What name would you prefer besides yours?

I would have loved to have been a Marissa. Sounds so sweet. My Nina was so close to being named Marissa or Maya. But hubby didnt approve. Oh well..
_____________________________________________________

Well - I guess that's it then. I would hereby now like to tag Madam Szu Pau who has not updated her blog in the longest time!!! Sue, c'mon..!! That's only IF she realises that she's being tagged here and the other person I'd tag would be Madam AA of 'Loveis' blog. High time for her to blog properly. This would be a reason for her to.

Nways - I am in the mood for the weekend already. Bring it on!!

Losing my voice..

2008-11-25T19:52:00.000-08:00

I have been sick since about a week ago. I've gone to see the same doctor twice and gotten 2 MCs week after week, but I still have not fully recovered from my bout of sickness. What I have now is a super sultry and soulful voice. Now, whenever I speak it sounds more like of a whisper than anything else. And today I was googling and discovered that I just might have laryngitis - which is what the medical experts refer to as hoarseness or losing of voice. So that might be it - maybe my voice aint super sultry and soulful, after all. It is just plan hoarse.

On one spectrum - losing your voice (temporarily, that is) can be good. Coz then you need not have to say much in meetings as well as not having to shout at your children etc. But my phone in the office still rings you see, and I am finding that I can't answer my calls properly.

Hmm.. that said - Maybe it WAS a blessing that I spilled water unto my hubby's spare handphone (which I was using coz my own handphone pun dah tamat riwayat) and shortcircuited it yesterday coz I guess, with laryngitis - there is no point of even communicating via phone, right? So i think the spilling of water was actually doing me more of a favour?? I dunno.

But that said, it is difficult not being able to speak and having to get your colleagues to receive your calls on your behalf and making them call others for you. I cant imagine what losing your voice permanently is like when losing it temporarily also spells out too much trouble. Let's hope that this laryngitis wont last long, as I read that it usually clears up within a week to ten days with or without medication. So in the meantine, I think I will just try to speak a lot less and rest my vocal chords and sip on more soothing Asam Jawa, Honey and Lemon drinks.

Daniel Craig Drool....

2008-11-25T03:07:00.000-08:00

OMG - I think this guy is awesome!! He is in my opinion, the sexiest and best Bond ever. *Drool, drool* :P To be honest, I never really noticed him in other movies before, until he played the 007 agent in Casino Royale. Even when they were showing Casino Royale on HBO - I never really paid attention to him, until I finally just decided to sit down and follow the movie. Needless to say, I immediately thought he was cool and started noticing him in other supporting roles in other movies as well too. Ahh, just look at the pix attached. *Sigh* Enough said. :))

Autism & Asperger's Syndrome Seminar

2008-11-21T00:35:00.000-08:00

Hey there - am blogging about this to help garner support for this seminar my college is organising - in case anyone is interested. Details are as below:

AUTISM & ASPERGER'S SYNDROME SEMINAR

Nilai University College (Nilai UC) together with the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences UKM is organising a seminar featuring updates on high functioning autism and asperger's syndrome.

ABOUT THE SEMINAR:
The seminar brings together a panel of local and international speakers who are renowned practitioners in this area. Together they will cover topics on the assessment and identification of the disorders, available professional treatment and the empowerment of parents and caregivers in a specially crafted half day seminar.

DETAILS OF SEMINAR:
Title : Making sense of another piece of the puzzle: Updates on High Functioning Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome
Date : 20th DECEMBER 2008 (Saturday)
Time : 8.30am-1pm
Venue : UKM KL Branch, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz
Fees : RM30nett per person (fee includes tea break)

TOPICS:
FOR SPEAKER PROFILES PLEASE GO TO:

http://www.nilai.edu.my/Autism_Seminar/Autism.htm

1. Assessment, Diagnosis and Associated Difficulties by Clinical Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zasmani Shafiee
Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Gleneagles Medical Centre Penang

2. Cognitive Behaviour Therary by Ms. Winnie Lau
Clinical Psychologist, Minds and Hearts, Brisbane, Australia

3. Parent Empowerment by Dr. Alvin Ng Lai Oon
Clinical Psychologist, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

To register, please call my colleague - Ms. Shoba at 06-8502338 ext 298

or email seminardec20@nilai.edu.my

Scream-free Parenting - Possible?

2008-11-18T21:31:00.000-08:00

I was at home yesterday - feeling very ill after having spent a really long day up until the wee hours of the Tuesday morning, sorting out my Office Baby - the Nilai UC's prospectus 2009. Every year I live and die doing the Prospectus. Sigh.

Anyways, I got home at about 3.15am and by the time I crawled into bed, it was 3.30am. My kids had not seen me at all prior to going to bed that night - they would have missed me and asked their papa where I was before going to bed. I was feeling really ill - so I popped 2 panadols, took some flu meds and went to bed with my very bad sore throat. I didnt even kiss my children good night that night for fear of waking them up plus I didnt want my germs to spread to them.

In the morning yesterday, I had already known I was not gonna do a show up at work yesterday and thank God, Aileen agreed that I took the day off to rest too. I got up yesterday morning to a heavily-coughing Zarif and realised that during my absence (from Monday morning til night) - that lil-bit-of-cough that he had over the weekend had developed into one loud, nasty and chesty cough. Instantly I knew that he needed to go the hospital, to be neubolized. A little onset of cough, if not taken care of, can make him asthmatic. And so, despite me being exhausted from having very little sleep, I got up at 7.30am and decided to go see the dr myself and since I was going there - might as well bring my Zarif to see the Dr too.

I had not planned of keeping Nina with me yesterday coz of my situation. I actually thought of sending her to the babysitter's place and managing Zarif alone, wont be all too bad, I guess. But my Nina's all grown-up now too, and is now able to know when I'm heading to work and when not. (All in mommy's attire). So when she realised I was just dressed in jeans and a tee - she knew I was not headed for work and insisted that she stay with Mommy and not Ibu (the babysitter). So I had to jaga 2.

So there I was, having to lug 2 kids to the dr's. (Not easy, I tell you. Not with Zarif's tendency to just run off whenever he pleases and Nina's 'Nak Turun, Nak Turun' from your grip.) And yes, as per what I had suspected - he needed to be neubolized. So we were in the ER - they got Zarif neubolized and I myself also got the necessary meds and an mc from the dr.

Went home - took the dr's meds and then decided that I shall just turn on some cartoon DVDs and let the kids watch tv, hopefully they'll entertain themselves whilst I catch up on my much needed rest. But I found out that I didnt really like who I was yesterday. I found myself being irritable - irritated with the noise that they were making, the arguments that they kept getting themselves into, the Yesses Zarif would say and the Nos that Nina would say in respond to him. I just felt awful, tired, miserable and irritable to the max. To top it off, the kids refused to nap - not even for the shortest time. They would rather play, play and play.

And so it was then that I found myself SCREAMING at them all the time. At every single Mommy.. at every single need. At times, I could see it was also much to their horror and surprise. Zarif would tell me he needed to go poo or pee, and would not do so unless I myself pull his pants down - when all this while whenever he had to go to the toilet, he was able to do so on his own. Nina would decide to spill water on the table and splash her dolls in that puddle of water. They'd take turns to whine, and take turns to say that they wanted milk or this or that. It seemed that I was screaming everytime and had very little patience with them yesterday - so much so, that Zarif had paused and asked - "Kenapa Mommy asyik jerit-jerit? Sakit telinga Abang.."

Then I felt that pang of guilt. I felt so bad - I know they had not seen me the night before and they were of course just trying to catch up lost time with Mommy. I pulak was feeling so awful that I was in such a bad state and even in this state, had to tend to every whim and fancy that they had and tolerate them. It certainly was not a good day yesterday and I found myself by the end of yesterday - apologising over and over to my children for not having control of myself and over my children. All in all, I felt shitty.

I still feel shitty today thinking about the times that I screamt to them yesterday. I only have 2 children and yet am not able to exercise control fully over them without screaming. I truly wonder how is it that mothers who have so many children can mind theirs so well and with very little screaming.

There should be a guide or manual of some sort that comes with Having Children. I guess tomorrow is a new day and tomorrow Mommy's gonna be a better Mommy. To my children, Sorry Anak-anakku Sayang. Mommy wants you to know that Mommy loves you more than anything else in this world. I promise tomorrow Mommy's gonna be a better Mommy.

Abang's Blog

2008-11-15T21:57:00.000-08:00

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Guitar Classes at Guitar Legend

2008-11-15T20:36:00.000-08:00

I finally made that move. And went to the Guitar Gallery in Bangi's Section 15 yesterday with my little one - Zarif. I have been eyeing this Gallery for the longest time. Apparently this Guitar Gallery has its HQ in KL's Jalan Ampang. and is quite famous for its range of guitars - new, used, vintage etc. I finally went upstairs to the store yesterday - and was quite sheepish to find myself in the company of 4 other teenage men and a young lady. All of them looked at me and my 4-year-old boy, eager to know what we were doing there.

Then Zarif said it - "Abang nak main guitar and drums." Much to the awe and smiles of these men and that lady. :) Now, that said it all. So I asked if they offered guitar lessons for little ones. - Refering to Zarif specifically. Drums, no - they said coz he's still small and his legs cant even reach the floor, but they said yes for the guitar lesson, but I needed to purchase a small guitar for him. That costs about RM180 and they will need to order 1, upon my confirmation.

Lessons is once a week, half an hour per lesson - any day or time (quite flexible) and the lessons about 2 hours a month will cost RM80. Registration is RM20, but a deposit of the first month's lesson and last month's lesson is required, making it a initial total of RM180.

Zarif seems keen, and since he didnt enjoy himself at Yamaha's Junior Music Classes - I thought I'd pursue what he is interested in. I thought the staff at Guitar Gallery seemed quite cool too. I think my son's on the way to be an awesome young individual. What do you think? Should I start him on these guitar classes?

Oh, and I noticed they had vocal classes too - maybe I should enrol my Nina once she's up for it. Hehe. Either that, or Mommy herself will go. Hahah.

Zarif's and Faris's 1st Kindy Concert

2008-11-15T17:22:00.001-08:00

Yesterday was Zarif's and Faris's 1st ever kindy concert. Mind you, it was the Kindy (Tadika Ixora)'s 24th Annual Concert *see how long this kindy's been around*. We were excited. We had seen some sneak previews of their moves previously and we knew it was a dance number. Just that no clue what kinda dance number it was... until we saw the invitation from the kindy earlier in the week last week.. It stated - Pom pom dance by the Nursery Group. Ahh.. *Kinda makes your heart melt, doesnt it?* Hehe.

Anyway - I had gotten Zarif ready in his CARS attire, which was provided by the Kindy - (it was a red short sleeved shirt, with an inner white sleeveless lil tee and jeans - with Lightning McQueen's pix all over it), right after we came back from having brekkie outside and right after feeding him lunch and sent him to Esset in Sg Tangkas by 2pm as requested by the Kindy management. He was, needless to say - very excited! I was too. My lil boy was so excited, he even told me to just drop him off at the lobby area. I'm like noo.. I'm gonna send you into the hall ok? Heheh..

Show didnt start until 3.30pm, so I had time to just drop him off with his teachers and then go back to get ready. I noticed that it was a nice venue to hold the concert. Dewan Esset. At 3.30pm, I met my younger sisters there - Lisa and Didi were there already when we arrived and my parents also came to see their grandchildren's performance, and arrived just in time for Zarif's and Faris's show.

I remembered when the curtains were drawn back for the first welcoming performance by the Pre-School group, I could feel this overwhelming wave of emotion just going thru me. I could have just cried right there and then. I was elated yet very emotional to see the children's performances. I kept clapping my hands together so hard - applauding them for their wonderful hard work that I noticed some of the other parents kept looking back to see who was it who was clapping.. My goodness - I felt so good, it almost made me cry.

Anyways then it was the boy's performance - I stood up from where I was seated to get a better view. I saw that Faris was right in the centre and that Zarif was at the 2nd row furthest to the right. And they had lil pom poms in their hands. Ahhhh.. So sweet lar.

And they were dancing to "When the Saints come marching in".. Ahh.. bliss. I dont have pictures with me today for me to upload unto my blog - but we video recorded it. Let me figure out how to upload that and then you'd be able to see his show.. *For the senior/pro bloggers - can do ah such things? Uploading videos? If so, how?*

Haiyo my goodness - I was sooooo lah happy to see Zarif's performance. My eyes were just glued unto him. Nevermind Faris, *I barely looked at him - haha, evil aunty* But Zarif did his thing, just like a pro. He was just so into it - at times, he didnt really move in sync with the rest! Haha. But it was ok. I truly enjoyed his performance. *Hmm, wonder where he got all his talent from. Haha*

All in all - it was good. So much so, that we forgot about his school bag thereafter. I only realised that we left it at Esset last night at 11pm. I am just hoping that his principal would have taken it back with her to the kindy. So I will probably go and take it from her maybe tomorrow or something.

Anyways, my lil Zarif will be joining the Pre-Schoolers next year. So I guess we can expect more performances from him next year. My lil boy is turning into a young man - and so fast too..

Say Hello to Emran Muhaimin

2008-11-12T23:47:00.000-08:00

Hello World. This is me, Emran Muhaimin. I thought I'd grace my Mak Long's blogpage today. :)

I was delivered last week at the Hospital Pakar Annur Bandar Baru Bangi via normal delivery, thanks to the patience and assistance from my mother's gynaecologist - Dr Fatimah Mustafa and was also pleased to see my family's Paediatrician, Dr Arbaiyah there too. I was born, after 39 weeks gestation on a Thursday, the 6th November 2008 - in the wee hours of the morning at 1.05am, tipped the weighing scale at 2.65kg and was 50cm long at birth.

My mom complained of some leaking and staining the day before i.e. the Wednesday 5th November 2008 and she was admitted at about 9am with only 1cm opening. I almost wanted to make an appearance via caesarean op, but thank god the door dilated fully at 12.50am and I finally found my way out at 1.05am.

I was exhausted at birth and had also passed meconium which caused my mom's gynae and my paed to be worried sick about my condition. My mom was also a diagnosed GBS carrier, which could put me at risk too - which caused them to worry even more about me.

I barely cried at birth due to my exhaustion, but after a minute of spanking, made my first cry. I had to be in the incubator the first few hours of my life. I would like to applaud my Mama, Sofia for a job well done during labour and on being a first time mother. I love you Mama.

I would also like to thank my Ayah - Ikram for staying put next to my mom, holding her hand and reassuring her everything was gonna be alright. Thank you also to both my grandparents (both sides) and to all my uncles, aunties and cousins who came by to visit my Mama when I was still in my Mama's tum tums and praying for a safe delivery of me.

I am doing alright. I was in the incubator day 1 in the hospital, was without it day 2 in the hospital, turned a bit jaundice day 3 and returned home day 4. I just had my 1st check up at the paed's yesterday and she's quite pleased with my progress.

I have also been told I am a very well behaved and good baby. I cry only when necessary - that is when I am hungry. I have a really cute cry, that makes people smile for some reason. I cant do much nowadays. I just would prefer to sleep and feel cosy all wrapped up with my nice warm blanket.

Thank you Mak Long for allowing me to post this blog today. Oh and before I forget, I would like to thank everybody for the lovely baby gifts and duit raya and to Mak Long, for giving me my first ever toy.

Do come and visit my mom and me when you can. At the moment, we're doing just fine adjusting to each other. And I am growing to be one healthy and cute baby. I love you all loads.

Fooking leave me alone..

2008-11-11T18:14:00.000-08:00

Last Thursday, the 6th November 2008, my younger sister, Sofia finally gave birth to her baby boy - after carrying him for 39 weeks. So I decided to meet up with my hubby after work at the hospital - Hospital Pakar AnNur Bandar Baru Bangi - to pay Sofia and her baby a little visit, after I had also gone to fetch the children (my son, Zarif and my daughter Nina, as well as Faris, my nephew) from the babysitter's.

We went, got there about 7pm. Also met my Mom there and all was ok. Baby was doing ok - still in the Intensive Nursery, but doing ok. Sofia was recovering well too. We spent a good half an hour there and then decided that we should let mommy and baby rest and head straight for home.

As we were going down to the lobby of the hospital, I told my Mom that she needed to follow me to my car to take Faris's school bag. She said she will follow us down in a while as she wanted to have some mother to daughter talk with Sofia. It was drizzling outside. So then hubby sent my kids to the car first whilst I went to go grab Faris's schoolbag to pass to my Mom. Since it was drizzling, I waited for my mom under these lil gazebos, just outside the hospital. Whilst I waited there, I noticed a man - not that much older than myself - just sitting there doing nothing, in the dark.

I know he was watching. Then I spotted my mom and Faris, and signalled them to come to the gazebo. This man was still watching us. I could see he took turns to look at my mother and myself and our little family. As I handed over the schoolbag to my mom, he then stood up and turned to look at me, and passed me this little folded brochure.

His only words - Nah, ambik ni. This is for you. . Semoga Allah memberkati Puan dan keluarga Puan.

I thought that was very thoughtful. He didnt hand anything to my mom. Only to me.

My mom said thank you too and we left.

I didnt open the brochure immediately as I had to drive home with the kids in the car and it was dark. But when we stopped at a traffic light - I was intrigued by what was in this brochure. When I opened it - my jaw dropped.

The contents were as attached:

I was speechless and flabbergasted. I just remembered saying - My God. This guy.. only to have my Zarif asking - Kenapa, Mommy?

Yes, I am a Muslim woman and I know I am not the ideal Muslim woman. I dont cover my head, I dont wear the tudung and yes I know, when I walk - I walk and I look straight with my chest out (but I dont go shoving my boobs into people's faces...) So to have someone just pass something like this to you right smack in your face was something I, needless to say, would have expected the least.

Yes, I have also toyed with the idea of wearing tudung. But I feel you dont have to do it, if you're not ready. If my family accepts me for who I am, (my hubby doesnt mind me not covering up)why should you - a stranger - have a problem with me? Why do they have to print these lil flyers and pass it to the 'uncovered' Muslim women, and make them feel so shitty and guilty for not being the ideal Muslim woman?

I dont go stepping on no one's toes. So, NO - Don't come stepping on mine. To that stranger - if I ever see you under that gazebo again with lil flyers in your hand, I will not hesitate to come give you my two cents worth.

Wrinkles - OH NO!!!!!

2008-10-29T00:15:00.000-07:00

I just realised today that I have developed some fine wrinkles beneath both my eyes lar.. My eyes were itchy last night, and I had been rubbing my eyes prior to going to bed like there was no tomorrow! Today morning, I got up to some sore eyelids and realised that it was a bit dry. Nevermind - a lil bit of moisturiser should do the trick.

But NO!!!!! I just checked the skin beneath my eyes under this bright white light in my office, and realised that there are some lines there beneath both eyes.. How lah? Dang! I should have started on that ANEW eye cream care ages ago. Time to singgah AVON later after work. Some local celebrity swore by it, so maybe I should try it.

I also vow to drink more water - to keep my skin hydrated. It doesnt help when the digital scale tells you your body fat is more than your body water content kan? I suppose that makes sense too - how to have more water when your body has more fat, right? So I should then perhaps consider the underlying cause - maybe i should consider losing the body fat first, so then the body water content can increase and hence my skin will be hydrated and hence no wrinkles.. So no maybe NOT coz of not putting on the AVON lar, maybe it's coz of the weight.. Oh oh.

1 year pun dah pass by - I am only left with 2 months to achieve this losing weight goal which I had set earlier on this year. My bad as well lar as I hadnt really been good at keeping my resolution either - most of the time it's been 'oh.. f*** it' and i have been having this reputation of stuffing my face like shite only, kan? So haiyo.. Tak apa la..

So I need like a brand new makeover. To be a new younger healthier me. God help me.

Self Appraisal

2008-10-19T20:57:00.000-07:00

Today I feel like crap. Loser with a capital "L". I shan't go into details why but I truly feel like shit today la wei.. Enough said.

Memoirs of WMM 1007

2008-10-08T05:37:00.000-07:00

Two days ago, my hubby took that move. He sold off his Honda City 1.5 (A) Vtec to a used car dealer in PJ.

She was a brilliant car and had truly served us well. We bought the car in 2005, brand new from TTDI's Honda. I still remember first checking her out with hubby at the Honda showroom. We thought it was great car which fitted hubby's budget. I pulak especially loved the car boot space. (Yes, yes I tend to lug everything when we travel. So spacious boot space = happy me) And boy, we went everywhere in the car. Almost everywhere in Peninsular Malaysia.

All in all, she was very well behaved. It was only when recent talks about selling her came about, I noticed something a little different than usual. I dont blame her though. I am sure she felt as attached to us as we were to her. My dad-in-law used to tell me his stories about his previous cars, - I am beginning to believe his stories and agree that cars also have feelings.

Kasihan dia. The recent hari raya trip home, someone decided that her cd player wouldn't play joyous raya music. Our return trip home was a quiet one. Not long after that, someone also decided to blow hot air from her aircond. Which was never to happen before.

But anyhow, in the hopes of securing a better family car - hubby took that move and had her sold off. So we're moving about in my car now, and hubby now takes the motorbike to work. The motorbike hasn't been cooperating though, tayar pancit la. Dah repair, pancit lagi. Think she must have told the motorbike to not cooperate as well.

Anyways, the new car arrives next week. And we hope that the new car lives up to our expectations too. She's got some pretty big shoes to fill.

TB or not TB?

2008-10-07T00:16:00.000-07:00

TB = Takut Bini

"Bukan saya takut bini saya.. Bini saya tada takut sama saya."

That's what my husband said the other day when the Bank Officer (where I took my car loan from) commented on how he (my hubby) must be dead scared of me since he had a 'very fierce' wife.

I laughed out loud until I had tears in my eyes when I heard this from my hubby.

But seriously, don't play-play with me arr.. I can be very garang when circumstances warrant me to. Like for instance, when the Bank Officer calls you telling you that you should go take the car to the blardy Puspakom for the 2nd time when you have already done so previously at your expense (time and money).

Ingat keje orang duduk rumah goyang kaki aje? That was enough to piss me off and lash out at the said Bank Officer.

But all's well and settled now. My car is now my car. :)
But I will remember this line coz in a way, it does sound like me. :P

Pantun Duit Raya

2008-10-06T22:49:00.001-07:00

Bukan nak mengata atau mencela,

Kita pun sekarang ni di bulan mulia..

Tapi kalo bab-bab bagi duit raya..

Karang bagi sikit sangat pun sebenarnya tak kena...

Duduk pun memang di rumah mewah,

Kereta siap pasang tiga empat buah,

Yang tak faham, anak-anak pun masing-masing dah besar gajah,

Takkan satu rumah tu, RM2 sepeket hijau seorang budak pun dikira sudah..

Budak-budak tu pun bukannya orang lain,

Semuanya anak saudara rapat belaka,

Kalo macam ini la depa bikin,

Jangan terkejutlah kalau ada yang berkata-kata..

Lessons this Hari Raya

2008-10-03T21:49:00.000-07:00

I learnt the following tips this hari raya:

TIP 1 - KUAH KACANG

1. As beginners - one should not make 1kg of kuah kacang. Instead, one should only start making kuah kacang with 0.5kg first.

2. One should also dry fry / roast the groundnuts until it's blardy brown (sikit lagi nak hangus) and even try to peel 1 groundnut to see if the insides are brown fully. Kuah kacang is NOT kuah kacang if the groundnuts are still white inside!

3. One should tumbuk the groundnuts. Not mesin it. My Tok Ucu in Sabak Bernam spent weeks prior to Hari Raya just to tumbuk 5kg of groundnuts to make her very delicious kuah kacang ayam.

Now WHY am I writing these tips down? Well.. Coz comments on my first ever attempt (I know, I know.. It is my first time making kuah kacang) at making kuah kacang were that:

1. The colour's way off - Ikram, my bro-in-law asked if I had made kuah dhal instead for hari raya.. Even dad asked - What's this?? Mine was seriously yellowish - from the white groundnuts and the blended turmeric.

2. Minyak pun tak naik. Tak pecah minyak pun? Kuah kacang apa macam ni ni?

3. Tak cukup cili kering. Ni mesti tak cukup cili kering ni.. No red colour.

4. Bubuh serai tak? My mom asked if I had put enough kuah kacang.

The thing was member (me la tu) damn eksyen - didnt wanna ask how to make it - I just based it on some kuah kacang recipe I found on the internet just the day before hari raya. Actually it was a pretty vague recipe come to think of it too.. But I was already halfway thru grinding the ingredients (and it was pretty late too for me to make some calls to ask how to make kuah kacang) to realise that it was a pretty lousy recipe. Hmmph! Anyway enough said.

Verdict: A for efforts, C- for results.

TIP 2 - MEE HOON SOUP UTARA

I also learnt the following:

1. To let mee hoon have some colour - (well, silly me always wondered but never bothered to ask how some mee hoon had that yellow tinge..) - one should add some turmeric powder (DUH!) to the boiling water before one starts to celur the mee hoon.

2. One should also not celur the mee hoon for toooooooo long or else you'll end up having soggy mee hoon. (Again, DUH!)

3. One should immediately rinse mee hoon with cold water to avoid it from being sticky. (I know that principle applies to pasta - just didnt click my blardy head that you should also rinse mee hoon). Gua kena sound from me mom-in-law about this ler..

4. One should use fork to make little swirls of mee hoon prior to putting them on bekas hidang and gunting so that it would be easier for people to take them unto their plates (tip courtesy of my new sis-in-law, Siti)

TIP 3 - POTONG DAGING

I also learnt that there is a way for you to cut meat. I mean I knew since from before pun.. I remember my own mom once told me about this before. But for the life of me, I STILL do not know which way is correct. Something about following the strands or something like that. Anyhow, I have had it cut into smaller thin slices so that it cooks easily. If someone visiting this raya finds that some of the beef pieces are a bit hard to swallow and would have to gulp water down so that the piece is easier to swallow - I truly apologise k? Hehe.

Anyhow - those are my lessons learnt as at Hari Raya ke-4 this Hari Raya. I am sure I will blog about some other lessons I have learnt as we progress thru Syawal. :P

Anyway, on another note - it wasn't all just constructive criticisms that I obtained. I also received compliments and some pats on my shoulder ler.. My satay goreng and ketupat got an 'A' for both effort and results. So that's something to be pleased about. Woohooooo!!! So, I'd like to thank whoever posted that satay goreng recipe on the internet (can't remember what her name is) and a certain Miss NONA for making available ready-made ketupat packets. All you need to do is just boil 'em in a pot of water for 45 mins. And walaa... Excellent ketupats! Hehe.

That's all for now. See ya soon. Do post your comments and other tips if any. Thanks.

Red or Green?

2008-09-30T11:42:00.000-07:00

It's almost 3am malam raya. And I'm still awake. Just finished cooking my raya dishes - took me almost 5 blardy hours. Cleaning took another hour. Hubby and children have been fast asleep since 11pm. And sigh.. I still haven't iron any of our raya clothes (mine, hubby's or kids) yet. Problem is I can't really decide which colour we all should wear tomorrow. Red or green? Sigh.. I cant think now. Maybe I'll decide in the morning..

Anyway, i think I better hit the sack now. Don't think I'll look radiant with eyebags underneath my eyes on first day raya morning. Ciao. Have a good raya and Maaf Zahir and Batin. Drive safe.

Menjelang Hari Raya..

2008-09-27T02:01:00.000-07:00

We're already at 27 Ramadhan but I have still not yet fully prepared for Hari Raya..

Went to do a bit of shopping today with hubby and Lisa and children. MY GAWD - there were sooooooo many people. There was traffic jam ok, in blardy WARTA!! Would you believe it?

Last nite we were in Parkson, Alamanda. Got only shoes for me. Hubby got most of his things + things for his dad and brothers. And as usual, since we were in Parkson it would also then mean spending money for the kid's toys at Toys'R Us too.. I didnt really get to go round looking for stuff, coz I was busy keeping an eye on Zarif, who was disappearing every 5 minutes. Nina was with me too, in the stroller (easier to mind) but getting restless coz Papa was taking too long deciding which ensemble he wanted for raya..

So today I had hoped to score a bit more in Warta. Whilst Hubby sorted out his other stuff he needed (sampin, butang baju melayu & songkok), I had only managed to get my mother-in-law's gift (brooch set at 50% discount), my camisole to wear with my very-jarang-baju-raya and Nina's shoes, which I bought without Nina coz she was getting restless yet again, and needless to say they are a tad bit too tight - so have to go get them exchanged for a bigger size.. Sigh..

I had also thought of going to Alamanda again today after Warta coz I still needed to buy make-up, another pair of shoes (for my 2nd day raya kurung), a new handbag and another pair of office shoes I spotted and liked yesterday (they were on sale too!) and the children's socks! But I'm already exhausted from battling the people in Warta just now, I just wanna lie in bed. We're gonna go out for Buka tonite again in the Mines Resort and Spa so I have to get the kids prepared too. So very unlikely that I'll be back in time to go for buka. So I guess no more shopping lah today..

Not to worry, still have Sunday. So let's hope tomorrow I finally get EVERYTHING sorted out menjelang hari raya. Then only am I truly prepared for hari raya. Hehe.

Oh, before I forget, Nina's gonna be 2 this 1st Syawal too.. So happy birthday darling Nina. Hubby's birthday also falls on 2nd raya. So it's a two-in-one celebration nanti. So nways, am gonna be quite bz. If I don't blog again til after Raya - here's wishing all Muslims a Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri and Mohon Maaf Zahir Batin. To all the others, Happy Holidays.

1st Buka Puasa Outside (22 Ramadhan 1429 Hijriah)

2008-09-22T08:49:00.000-07:00

Tonite Alhamdulillah, Dad decided to treat us - 1 family (minus Sofia, Ikram & Lisa) to a buka puasa do outside. We're on a pretty tight budget this month (for some reason) and so this is our first buka do outside. Mom called me at about 6pm-ish, whilst I was still at Ibu's place picking the kids up after work, asking if we'd join her and dad.

I said sure. Hey, I am not one to refuse an invitation for makan ya.. Hehe. So went home first, changed the kids into something more comfortable, made the kids' milk and at about 6.50pm, we left for De Palma Inn Cafe in the PKNS Complex in Bdr Baru Bangi. It was a good place, it wasn't too crowded either, the kids loved the indoor air-conditioned cafe - which kept them entertained whilst we buka outside under the gazebos to enjoy the night breeze. All in all I was in good family company and the food was ok too - not too expensive either - at RM25 nett per person (the kids ate for free.)

After that it was a good round of chatting, exchanging stories of interest and catching up. Loved it.

Anyway that's all I have for tonite. Hubby's waiting to use his laptop now - perhaps to browse and check out new cars again.... Perhaps I should let you know what his budget is - about RM100k - RM115k - then maybe I can have some suggestions as to what his new year car should be.. Hehe. Til then, catch y'all tomorrow. Nighty nite..

Sure, New Cabinets? Why not?

2008-09-21T21:55:00.000-07:00

My mom told me yesterday that it was a very busy day for her at home. She and my sisters had to clear out all the kitchen cabinets to make way for new ones. Apparently, this guy was at her house installing new kitchen cabinets for her. This was yesterday about 1 week nearing Hari Raya. The good news is that she will have a new look in her kitchen come hari raya.. (hmm - will she?). The bad news is that from the looks of it and the rate the carpenters are working on this cabinet (v.e.r.y. s.l.o.w.) - it doesnt look like it'll be ready in time for raya..

I found out from Sofia today that the kitchen is, as I can imagine, in a total mess - coz practically everything had to be taken out from the old cabinets. Apparently also - no one could even enter the kitchen, it seems.. (dunno how they prepared for buka) and they even had to buka puasa last night and sahur this morning duduk bersila in the adjacent TV room. "Fuiyo, macam pindah rumah baru" Sofia said of the mess..

When asked what the new cabinets looked like now - my other sister, Lisa says the kitchen cabinets are still halfdone, and not with the finishing touches - but even still, it doesnt look pleasing at all. Dad of course only complained when he took a look at it last night when he came home. (Dad = paymaster)

So I am thinking - WHY? Why put yourself thru all the stress especially nearing a significant event? Beats me honestly. Anyways, I have already told Lisa to tell my mom to tell the supplier to get it done by end of this week, by hook or by crook. We shall just have to see.. In the meantime, I'll keep my fingers crossed.

Normal or C-Sec?

2008-09-20T01:29:00.001-07:00

My younger sister, Sofia is about 32 weeks (8 months) pregnant with her first child. That's her in the picture. She looks a lot bigger than that now. Hehe. Anyway, she's carrying a lil baby boy - now weighing in at almost 2kg. Now, lil baby boy isn't due to come out until the 11th November 2008, but Sofia keeps saying she really can't wait that long. I can totally relate to how she feels - me having gone thru two pregnancies myself.

In most pregnancies - the final trimester is the most trying. Your tummy expands to a size you'd never expect your tummy to be; your boobs become heavier too, everything else starts to become expand too - your hips, your thighs; on and off - you will start getting the braxton hicks contractions - to familiarise you with the actual contractions during labour; just as you'd have trouble carrying the extra weight - you'd walk as slow as a turtle, at night, you'd also have trouble finding your sweet spot on your bed too as you can no longer just lie on your back, whatmore on your tummy - so sleeping is almost always sideways.. and sleeping in this position for 8 hours or so, results in you waking up exhausted with half of your body aching.. You also start getting heartburn daily as your stomach is now pushed upwards - to accommodate your growing baby and so sometimes as gross as it may sound, you can still taste what you had for dinner last nite. Asides from that your baby's movement is also a lot more prominent now and their boisterous lil kung fu moves in your tummy can at times hurt you too. Sigh..

So I can totally understand how Sofia feels. Now that she's nearer to her due date - she's also been worrying as to whether she should undergo normal delivery or a c-sec. Having experienced both (Zarif normal delivery and Nina a C-Sec) - I'd personally recommend a C-sec. Yeah, it'd hurt the first few days they cut you open, but by the 4th day and with some pain killers - I was fine. Even my dad and Mek (Grandma) was surprised. I was walking at a good pace, climbing up the stairs, much to the disapproval of my Mek who had warned me not to. I was taking out the trash, cooking my own pantang food. All was good. Of course, you'd have a visible scar on your tummy from the op and cost wise, a C-sec would cost a lot more too, but I had recovered soooo much faster with a C-sec compared to when I had given birth to Zarif.

With Zarif, I had refused to walk anywhere, I was just bedridden and if I had to walk it was at the pace of a turtle, I had sitting down too as you'd need to sit properly to avoid it from hurting and going to the bathroom hurt, too. What's worse was that I also had to battle an infection too which was awful and everything had hurt so bad. I remember crying for days and breaking down. So much so, that recalling my experience giving birth to him still makes me cringe til today.

So anyway, that is what I had told Sofia. I mean I didnt want to scare her, but she was there to witness how I was when I recuperated from both experience and I know she's anxious. I had told her to speak to her gynae about her options and she has, but the thing about Malaysian Hospitals is that patients don't get that option of choosing whether it's a C-sec or normal delivery they're having. Here, they will try as much as possible to put you thru labour and thru a normal delivery unless circumstances would demand otherwise - then only they'll wheel you into the OT and cut you open to take your baby out.

I had problems delivering Nina normally (her heartbeat was too weak), which was why my gynae then decided to put me thru an emergency C-sec. All it took was half an hour and the damage to our pockets was a lot more compared to when we had Zarif, but it was all worth it.

Anyway, Sofia concluded that she still hasnt decided if she'd go for a C-sec and according to her gynae, it's still too early to determine if she needs to go for a C-sec. So I guess it's going to be a normal delivery for Sofia's first and hopefully all goes well. I am sure she'll be fine, since she won't be delivering in Putrajaya Hospital where I gave birth to Zarif. (She'll be in Serdang Hospital). I pray that her experience giving birth normally will be a lotttttt better than my own. I also pray that all will be well for her during her delivery and I wish her all the best. I love her lots and can't wait to welcome my new lil nephew..

As for my next babies - I guess I'd still opt to go for a C-sec. So my hubby had better start saving from now. :P

There's a FIRST time for everything I guess..

2008-09-19T20:01:00.000-07:00

Ok first of all, I was looking thru my blog today and Zarif noticed that I had Nina's pix up in my blog. He looked at me and smiled. He also told me he wanted another pix of him in my blog. So we were browsing thru our picture folder and came across this pix. For some reason, he wanted me to upload this pix of me and him which was taken at my cousin's, Ika's May wedding. He also wanted to start blogging in my blog. So guys, I will let him use the laptop and write whatever he wants to blog about, ok? Ok, Zarif can't wait and is now urging me to let him use the laptop.. so I will let him continue. So here goes guys -

hi6nbjhhmkbdn ccufgue rugruggreuegurcgfrgergceruuuu8trugorgpeofeffrprpere'rfrg[tgtrr[f[gg'g'

ydyudayytgjuhhrbvlfrw;jsnkapeljhdeurertlgk fl gkjogitghiytyboyiogvtyhioy krgvigrigvrogirogivrjugisuqg7x8e7xwg7ew7 7x7ew7we8ge7cxxg
egftcftfwxfxwfdf evuxcyfvdyxctvyteyfftcvfcvfvdnfeiyweufyevfvufdfvervyejueiynweyvodvoioivnfoiuxcvufyvfvfyvf

Would appreciate your comments on this. :) Thanks.

Living in Harmony

2008-09-18T07:53:00.000-07:00

Two days ago, my hubby was telling me this story about one of his Malay office friend's fortune (or misfortune, rather). I feel compelled to write about it. Read on, and you will understand why.

My hubby's friend, let's name him B (I really didn't ask my hubby what his friend's name was..). Now, B came across this notice for auction of a double-storey terrace somewhere. (Again, I didn't ask for the whereabouts of this particular house). But anyway, the auctioneer was RHB Bank.

Keen on owning a property, B took the opportunity to take part in the auction. It went well for him I guess, with him being the new owner of the double-storey terrace. B was ecstatic as he would soon have a place he could call his own.

Immediately after the auction, B went to view the property. You would not have believed what he found..

The house was there alright, but it wasn't an empty house. B found much to his horror, that there were still occupants living in the house! Wanting to find out what was going on, I mean, he did get the house, and the address was correct and all, B then decided to ring the doorbell. A man came out (the previous owner of the house), whom had defaulted on their mortgage with RHB Bank. Puzzled with B's presence, the man then asked what B wanted.

B explained albeit nervously (not knowing how the man would react) - that HE now was THE legal owner of the house and had just purchased the house when he took part in the auction held earlier that day by the mortgagor (Mortgagor la kan, the bank?). Further details of what was discussed here is not known.

Anyway, B mentioned that he had wanted to occupy the house, but seeing that the man's own family was still staying there, B would allow some time for them to pack their things and vacate the house. They were supposed to have vacate the house by last weekend. (The weekend of 13th & 14th Sept 2008).

So last Sunday - B went to visit his house again. This time, as promised by the man - the house was vacant. But it wasn't just vacant. It was vacant and DAMAGED.

B went in and found the following - Most Walls upstairs and downstairs had been spray painted with words of profanity. All Ceiling Fans had been bent. All Lighting fixtures had been broken and been taken out. Walls were also bashed exposing bricks underneath. Tiles and flooring (upstairs & downstairs, kitchen & bathroom) had also been damaged and broken. The kitchen sink was removed. And all toilet bowls and wash basins in the toilets were broken.

Not happy with the turn of events, the man had obviously thought - since he could not own the house - why should he make it any easy for B to own it, right? So la typical this Hasad Dengki antara Melayu. I really don't understand it lah.

It seems to me that these 'hasad dengki' has always been prevalent within the Malay community. Believe you me, I have heard many stories about this Malay hasad dengki (in my husband's family also got..) but you won't hear it from any other la. I don't know.

When it comes to preaching Kita Bangsa Melayu whatever, bukan main. But the basic virtues - for instance, Respect and Honour tak ada langsung! You'd expect it'd be the Malays who would be the ones who are always catching their fellow Malays' backs. But yet, they'd lash out too and at their very own. Very sad indeed.

I really kesian B. But am glad to find out from my hubby that B isn't just sitting still with what has happened. To date, he's already lodged a police report and is also considering legal action too against the very bank for auctioning a house which was not vacant. I agree that he's got a reason for considering legal actions, but with our 'super efficient' judiciary - I really dont think he will be relieved or compensated anytime soon la. It would be a long wait for him and I would have probably blogged into the thousands by then. In any case - I wish him all the best in the meantime.

Another Angel in Heaven..

2008-09-18T00:37:00.001-07:00

I just got this email about this little girl in Thailand, not that much older than my own lil girl, who had been badly bitten by a dog and had succumbed to the severe wounds that she had gotten. In the pictures, I see an unconsolable mother and elder sister crying over the dead body of her daughter/sister. I don't know her and yet I feel sooo much emotion in me.

As a mother, I am also very heartbroken and as I am typing, I too have tears welling up in my eyes. I truly feel their loss. She was a very pretty girl (see pix attached) and I feel terrible and deeply saddened by what this poor girl have had to endure. Pray that her soul will be in peace always and that God will protect his lil Angel in Heaven. God bless her soul. Amen.

Sapa buat??

2008-09-18T00:37:00.000-07:00

This is Zarin Irdina Fitri, my daughter. She's 22 months old. She will be 2 this coming raya. The reason why I am putting her pix up in my blog is coz her elder brother, Zarif asked why I have not blogged about Nina. Yes, Zarif knew that I had blogged about him and his 'Smokers Unite' ad and so asked why I hadnt blogged about Nina. So this blog is for Nina.

I also thought I'd have her pix in here coz my mom brought an interesting question up with regards to Nina yesterday too. I was at my mom's preparing for buka and she had mentioned that she realised that Nina's vocabulary has increased profoundly in the past few months. Yes, Nina is talking way ahead of toddlers her age. Even her babysitter has mentioned that amongst all the kids she has taken care of the past 20 odd years, Nina is the first baby to speak sooooo early. You can hold a conversation with her and she's not even 2! Amazing..

Anyway, back to my story - My mom is of course pleased with Nina's vocab. But had pointed out that my mom had noticed that Nina is clever enough to ask Zarif 'Sapa buat?' whenever he starts crying. So when she told me this, I said ok, so? Then she just looked at me and made this face and started saying 'Hmm.. Nina must have gotten that phrase from the parents..'. That's all she said.

But that really made me ponder. I just kept quiet, not wanting to further question my mom what she meant by that. (My mom and I often get into heated debates more times than I want to..) Sigh..

So again I went to bed last nite - pondering.. Wondering..

Wouldnt you normally ask that question though whenever a child starts crying? I mean, I am sure kids would have to have a reason for crying in the first place and in the case of most children, they start crying either coz someone had taken away something they had been playing with or coz they got into a fight and had been hit by the other child or something like that, right? They even cry when they fall, kan? No? So naturally you'd ask 'Sapa buat?'.

I am confused. My mom says you should speak to your children as though they are adults. Sapa buat isn't, is it? I am still learning how to do this mother thing lah, you know. Whatever I do, it AlWAYS does not seem to be the right thing in my mom's eyes... and it bugs me every time!

Nina being chatty pun susah.. Tak chatty pun susah. Macammana ni?

Bake me a cake as fast as you can..

2008-09-12T20:02:00.000-07:00

Today I am baking a cake. I went shopping for stuff yesterday to bake a cake today. The last time I ever baked a cake was hmmm... let me see - maybe a good 7-8 years ago. Hehe. Dulu-dulu, time single boleh la bake cakes, chocolate chip cookies when I wasn't out dating. After that,

1. I didnt have an oven to bake in and 2. Time was an issue.

So today I am attempting to bake a cake, I've already taken out the butter. I will start in the afternoon, and have the cake ready just in time for 'buka'. That would be my activity for today. I think since I previously posted about how I think I am not doing enough with my children, I'd probably include the services of my 2 lil helpers too - Ms. Irdina and Mr. Zarif. I am sure they'll be excited to help me bake the cake. Hehe.

Asides from baking a cake, I have also been asked by my dearest hubby to accompany him to go view a Kia Sportage at the nearest Kia centre. He's thinking of getting one. He's been toying with the idea of upgrading his City for quite some time now. From a 3-series Beemer to a Mitsubishi Lancer to now a Kia Sportage. Any thoughts on this Kia Sportage anyone?

OK guys - gotta go - That's my Quipsmore for today. See y'all. Have a good weekend.

The Go(o)dmother

2008-09-11T14:31:00.000-07:00

Every night before I sleep, probably that 2-3 minutes before I actually doze off into my at-times-dreamless-sleep, I will start doing a 'muhasabah diri' - an evaluation of how good (or bad) I had been for the day. Sometimes I'd be pleased. More times, I am not.

I will tell you why. As a parent, one of the things that I wonder about is whether I am or have been a good mother to my 2 children. Being a mom is no doubt a tough job. I am constantly left to wonder whether I have done enough as a mother. Did I bond with them enough? What value or lesson have I taught them for today? Have I given them enough encouragement? Are they eating enough / healthily or are they hungry going to bed? I also would evaluate how I fare on the 'anger management' bit? You know laa, scolding kids too often would result in them growing up hostile, and I certainly don't want them to be... Am I letting their talents go to waste?? etc etc..

It doesn't help when you find out from your lil chats with your childhood friend that she's got different programmes arranged for her children daily, for example - visits to the bookstore, or to the library.. Visits to the pet store, in addition to the teaching of Maths, English, Bahasa & doing little Science experiments with them. That lil chat has basically left me feeling that I am NOT doing enough with (or for) my children. Sad indeed.

I am not sure if all mothers wonder the same. For me, I guess I will always feel a pang of guilt. I don't think I am ever doing enough. So my muhasabah diri is almost always to try and improve myself to become a better mother. I am hopeful. Tomorrow's a brand new day. It will be better..

'Anti-Katakan-Tak-Nak-kepada-Rokok' ad

2008-09-08T01:04:00.000-07:00

This portrait is of my 4-year-old, Zarif Iskandar, showing everyone out there how it should be done.

I thought this pix was cool - what with him holding a Dji Sam Soe ciggie correctly and with that cheeky look on his face too. Hehe. I suppose this is what happens when a grandson spends quality time with his granddad (Atok).. He adores his Atok soo much and always knows the right things to say to him. Zarif takes soooo much after my dad - looks, traits, outgoing personality and style that even my dad calls Zarif his 'Lil/Mini Me'. Anyway, let's hope Zarif will be a successful and a money magnet just like his granddad too.. ;)

But that said, I'd be worried as his mommy, if he picked this habit up. We shall see. Perhaps if I mould him into a doctor, he'd learn about what smoking can do to you and he won't. But then again studying medicine is probably sooo stressful that to cope, he'd have to pick up smoking..

Hmm... Either way he is MY Zarif and I will love him either way.

And Here I Am... (Finally!!!)

2008-09-05T15:36:00.000-07:00

Phew!!! Didnt think creating a blog account would take me freaking years to do. Yeah, I've definitely thot about blogging, no doubt - me and my sometimes opinionated mind do have things we'd like to share with others out there at times.. but that said, I seriously thought I could not manage one.

I mean, NO... Not with my daily jam packed schedule from early morning til late nite. No, not with a full-time hectic job and also having to manage two kids and a husband when you're home after a long day at work with no maid on your side. I literally doze off the minute my head touches my pillow each night and pray for a better (and more manageable day) tomorrow.

But in spite of this busy schedule, I am rather pleased that TODAY the 6th Day of Ramadhan (after 'sahur') I have now had that wee bit of time to spare to finally create a blog of my own. I shall therefore from today onwards try (or at least put in a bit, if not a lot, of effort) to blog. So watch this space.

We shall just have to see what quips (or quirks) I have for each day.. and hopefully after this blogging thing has gotten me going - there's gonna be a lot to 'quipsmore' about. I have after all been told by a very good friend and colleague of mine that I should consider starting my own blog and now that I have FINALLY taken that step, I'd personally like to thank a particular Anfield Devotee for his encouragement and support in me starting my own blog.

Thank you Anfield Devotee. Here's to 'Quipsmore..' :)