What my heart says...

Success is Diverse....

2010-08-08T10:24:00.000-07:00

When my age is creeping towards a new number, (not gonna be two in front anymore...), I started to realise how I see things differently, how my quest of life is now diverting to something more meaningful, more soulful, how wisdom is deemed more enjoyable than entertainment per se. I thank Allah for this change and I still pray that it stays on the correct track though.

I started to track down my success in this 29 years of living, and how I want to succeed until how long more my life would be. Do we consider success only when we get good pointer and grades in study? Or when we manage to get promoted every three years of our career? Or when we marry our lover and bear healthy and smart kids out of the marriage? Or one most important success but always be left behind and forgotten is when we succeed to stay in great strong Iman, be on the Highest stage of Taqwa only to Him the Almighty. This is one diversity in success.

Another diversity in success is, how today's success never determines the success of tomorrow. We work hard for a better tomorrow, but always expect that failure may still come even after series of hardwork, for the ultimate power is still in the hands of Allah. That is when do'a, tawakkal and redha has to always be in a package of hardwork, and never doubt Allah's power and also His Love.

We may not win a competition we compete in, but we may succeed more in the future from the winner itself. This is what we call 'rizq'(arabic word for Luck and Provision). It also definitely out of hard work and Allah's willingness to give us the success that we deserve. One example that I can only think of right now (at this wee of hour 2.13am!May not be a good one but simple to see and link with) is Aizat the singer from a reality show A**d*mi F**tasi*. He wasn't even one of the finalist of that show, but I would say he is successful in what he is doing now. Composing his own song, knows what he wants in his career and realizing it to not be a dream or plan anymore but a real success in life. He was good then when he was in the show, but he was still voted out as the 'Winner' title was not meant for him, as Allah has something much more better in store for him. And because he believes in that but not yet assured of it, he work hard for it, and he is where he is now.

I leave you with his latest song, being he himself as the composer and also the lyricist i think. A good composition indeed!

What is Autism Disorder

2010-08-07T11:05:00.000-07:00

Autism is the most common condition in a group of developmental disorders known as the autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Autism is characterized by impaired social interaction, problems with verbal and nonverbal communication, and unusual, repetitive, or severely limited activities and interests.

Other ASDs include Asperger syndrome, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (usually referred to as PDD-NOS). Experts estimate that three to six children out of every 1,000 will have autism. Males are four times more likely to have autism than females.

Symptoms of Autism?

The main signs and symptoms of autism involve problems in the following areas:

• Communication - both verbal (spoken) and non-verbal (unspoken, such as pointing, eye contact, and smiling)
• Social - such as sharing emotions, understanding how others think and feel, and holding a conversation
• Routines or repetitive behaviors (also called stereotyped behaviors) - such as repeating words or actions, obsessively following routines or schedules, and playing in repetitive ways

The symptoms of autism can usually be observed by 18 months of age.

There are many possible red flags for autism - behaviors that may be signs or symptoms of autism. Some features may mean a delay in one or more areas of development, while others may be more typical of autism spectrum disorders. If you think your child shows red flags for autism, talk to your health care provider.

Causes

The cause of autism is not known. Research suggests that autism is a genetic condition. It is believed that several genes are involved in the development of autism. Research studies in autism have found a variety of abnormalities in the brain structure and chemicals in the brain; however, there have been no consistent findings. One theory is the possibility that autistic disorder is a behavioral syndrome that includes several distinct conditions. However, parenting behaviors are not the cause or a contributing factor to the cause or causes of autism.

Treatment for Autism

Specialized behavioral and educational programs are designed to treat autism. Behavioral therapy is used to teach social skills, motor skills and cognitive (thinking) skills. Behavior modification is also useful in reducing or eliminating maladaptive behaviors. Individualized treatment planning for behavioral therapy is important as autistic children vary greatly in their behavioral needs. Intensive behavior therapy during early childhood and home-based approaches training and involving parents are considered to produce the best results.

Special education programs that are highly structured focus on developing social skills, speech, language, self-care, and job skills. Medication is also helpful in treating some symptoms of autism in some children. Mental health professionals provide parent counseling, social skills training, and individual therapy. They also help families identify and participate in treatment programs based on an individual child's treatment needs. Specific treatment will be determined by your child's physician based on:

• your child's age, overall health, and medical history
• extent of the disorder
• your child's symptoms
• your child's tolerance for specific medications or therapies
• expectations for the course of the disorder
• your opinion or preference

Autism..A new Challenge

2010-08-01T09:42:00.000-07:00

At last..I blog again after so many posts I don't bother to write on. So many to start with of course. But one important one is, I decided to tender my resignation from my present company that I work with and to be exact the only company I work with after I graduated and that means, it's good 7 years in the company. At last! I would say.

Since I made a decision to quit the job, of course I have to have plans on what would be next. Of course not another bank, because if it is, it should be years ago. I decided to do something that I like and something very near to me. Definitely it's teaching and writing. Lecturers (part time or full time), tutor, tuition teacher, writer, news broadcaster, documentary producer, script writer (to list a few of what I once dreamt of becoming and is still dreaming of becoming). After giving much thought and pray for the courage, it is Now or Never.

Ok, i think you guys would already have an idea of how my life would be after this, and what I am through now. But, what moves me to blog, (not even an excitement journey or holiday manage to make me blog even though I always wanted to, but the urge is not this strong, not as strong as what I feel now.)

After I decided to quit the job, I have been actively seeking for a private tuition teacher opportunity. there's a few offer, but this one that I get, I know would be a great challenge for me. I was contacted by a parent who wants me to private-teach his son with autism. I am not all blank about autism. I've heard about it, watched one movie on autistic people, have friends who has family members on autism, but definitely I am not all ready with what to do, how to handle or all fluent with their characteristics and 'spectrum' (even this word is after a few research on Autism)of this disorder. I am all excited but at the same time nervous of what's waiting for me. But being a geek me, I like this challenge because at least from today onwards, I know what to search for, I know what to write on, what to work on for and I have an objective and goals to work on towards.

I found so many interesting facts on Autism, and how never an autistic child are with the same characteristic with another autistic child. I even stumbled upon an autistic blogger who is already a professor himself, an autistic group in Facebook, and many more to come. Whatever it is this is really exciting! And I promise to have a log book of my autistic student and to share every experience that I will go through. Pray for me!

Europe Back-pack Trip...Part 1 (Vienna)

2009-05-12T10:15:00.000-07:00

It's been a month since I came back from Europe, and I feel it will be a waste if I don't record down any of my experience there. Actually I took time to still be amazed of all the experience that I went through. My colleague at work can tell by most of my conversation, where there definitely be something that relate to my experience there or anything at all that has to do with Europe. Be it their beautiful scenery, their culture or even just the cobble stone street. Every single thing of it manage to amaze me (except for the fact that I have to be away from my family..I don't like that!)

Date: 01/04/09 - 11/04/09
Places Visited: Vienna, Hungary, Prague, Munich, Salzburg and Innsbruck
Went with: A cousin (so that makes two of us)
Airplane: KLM
Whole Cost: Airfare RM2326 + RM3000 (inclusive credit card charges)

DAY 1

Arrived at Amsterdam airport at about 6am. I don't feel anything much except for everyone around you is all 'mat salehs', because you don't get to see outside as you're still in a building. We transit here only for 1hr 15min. We thought that was ample time, but got to go through the immigration so we had to run as we're running out of time. That's the beginning to all the 'walking', 'hiking' and 'running' session all through the days in Europe. To add up to all the time spent queuing up, I was detained, as in my bag I carry with me, there's a B.ody Sh.op lotion more than a liter (haruslah kene buang dlm tong sampah kan..) I didn't realised it was in the bag. It passed through though during the check in Malaysia Airport. Took the 'City plane' to Vienna. It took about 2 hrs (still I can sleep dgn nyenyaknye..).A

Arrived in Vienna Airport around 8.30am. We then took a train to the train station where we kept our bags in the locker provided at the train station. I was so excited to explore Vienna city at that time. But before that, I need to at least wash my face and change my shirt to something more comfortable to get the feeling of my 1st day here in Europe, thousand miles away from HOME!!So, we took all our things needed, and went to WC(WC=TOILET. Until now I don't what does WC stands for.)

OK..skang dah ready nak jenjalan...memula kitorang gi Schonbrunn (betul ke spelling ni??) Palace. Kat situ ade Easter Market so everything there is Eggs and Bunny. Masa ni kan baru sampai so sangat jakun dengan roti yg besar2. Semuanya nampak best. Kitorang amik gambar kat compound palace, kat garden die and dgn kereta kuda. Supposedly, the view from up hill a little bit further from the palace compound would be a lot more nice but masa tu aku sakit kaki so tak naik lah..lagipun kitorang tengah warming up, so man-man lah kaan..

Sebenarnye 2 minggu sebelum aku gi Europe ni, aku telah terseliuh ankle dgn hebatnye! sampai kaki aku bengkak macam org kene untut. Pastu aku gi urut slps seminggu kene lak tu. I was told by my cousin that it's gonna be like walk..walk..and walk..and another walk..Aku takut dah..my vacation was gonna be spoilt by the condition of my foot but Alhamdulillah ok..cuma ade lah sakit gak kalau jalan banyak and lari mmg takleh laa.

Lepas dah ambik2 gambar, laparlah pulak so beli entah apa entah...'macam aiskrim tapi bukan aiskrim' and also potato cooked with herbs (nice!!).

Basically hari first ni kitorang sight seeing sambil melayan perasaan jakun sbb baru sampai. We used the 1 day unlimited ride card naik tram, pusing2 bandar vienna. The feeling at that time was, I feel so safe in this city. It's a a city with all the freedom you need but yet still have some degree of control until you feel really safe and comfortable to be in this city which is a stranger to you. Masa ni jugaklah kitorang amaze dengan Park diorang yang sungguh best dan sungguh ramai orang dengan hal masing-masing di park ni. Ade yang jalan2 bawak anjing, ade yang jogging, yang jogging tak pakai kasut pun ade, ade yang macam training nak masuk competition lumba lari, ade yang just lepak2 baca buku je, ade yang naik basikal ade carrier untuk anak-anak ( anak-anak ok..means tempat carrier die lebih dari satu!)Memang KAGUM gile lah kitorang ni..Siap rasa kalau lah negara kita ade Park macam ni..CONFIRM! (siap confirm tu..) aku akan rajin jogging!

Then..sambung lagi jenjalan naik tram..singgah minum air je! kat McD..(gile kedekut! Bukan kedekut, tapi baru sampai kan..so tak tau how's he expenses gonna be like, baik jimat dari end up kene call family suruh hantar duit guna Western Union kan...). Air yang boleh refill tu..sambil2 minum sambil tengok orang lalu lalang, sambil recharge balik, sambil still rasa macam mimipi dah sampai..perasaan still rasa macam dok kat JB ke..Penang ke..paling2 pun Kelantan..

Pastu..kitorang ni kan baru sampai so aku ni dua tiga tapak berjalan nak snap gambar, gambar view and building je. Gambar sendiri tak banyak pun sbb pemandangan sekeliling lagi best. We were very hungry so we just bought a kebab to be eaten in the train on our way to Hungary, our next destination. Our train is at 7.50pm. Sebenarnye agak cuak gak lah sebab masa pkl 7 tu kitorang still tengah tunggu tram nak ke train station (mana tak lambat, kitorang masuk ade satu kedai macam Watson ni, nama kedai tu BIPA. Very familiar in Europe.Kagum sebab range Nivea, Neutrogena and banyak lagi memang takde kat Malaysia. Murah lak tu. Tapi tak beli apa2 beli stokin je). Tapi nasib baik sebelum kluar berjalan tu dah usha dah kat mana the terminal will be. Not far from where we kept our luggage. Tapi cousin aku dah cakap awal2 kejap lagi kita kene lari.

Sampai je kat train station, terus lari sambil bawak beg yg agak berat lah. Tapi masa ni ok lagi. Maklumlah baru sampai, semangat lagi nak explore Europe, so penat pun redah kan aje. Kitorang naik train pukul 7.40pm. Since my cousin dah book awal, so tempat kitorang dah reserved. Seat die dlm cubicle with glass slide doors. Since takde orang, kitorang conquer the whole cubicle so tido baringlah jawabnye..Sangat best sbb penat. Makan kebab pun tak habis! (Tapi kebab die serious besar gile! Macam 3-4 org makan). Journey dalam 4 hours. Memamng tido lah...

TO BE CONTINUED....HUNGARY is coming next!

Gua Tempurung Experience

2009-03-24T10:01:00.000-07:00

See the title? Exactly! I went caving in Gua Tempurung last weekend. I went with my bestie Fiza and Syed. They were cool!! (In the sense that they are very adventurous, spontaneous AND they can last without sleeping for days I guess!)

Ok! We were from the office. I thought that it would be right after my office hours ( which has already entered the next day as I work odd hours) but the journey only started from Fiza's house at 8AM if I'm not mistaken. I was Sooo sleepy at that time. But no worries as I can have my sleep in the car. Syed was the driver so he really has to be awake all through the journey. As for Fiza, since she's the co-pilot she too has to be partly awake at least.

I was asleep all through the journey except for the last 5km before we arrived. ( I didn't know they took the no-tol road, traffic jam was all the way..oh..how asleep I was as usual.)

We arrived around 10.30am, changed aour clothes and ready for caving. According to Syed, It has 4 stages altogether. 1-4 (less adventurous - most thrilled). We took the 3rd stage. What an experience! The adventure varies from just a normal walk to crawling in a water, to sliding down a hill and holes and climbing 'Batu Cave'-like stairs. It's a real training and test to all your muscles and stamina. Surprisingly it was not bad after all. I thougt I was gonna 'pancit' but I didn't. Nearly, when I climbed the stairs but managed to pull through with a correct breathing technique, mind motivating and always listen to your body. If your body can't go anymore, take a quick stop to regain. Altogether the caving journey took about 2hrs or maybe 2.5 hrs.

We finally found our way out from the cave! Phew...hehe actually I feel like I was in a film like Indiana Jones or King Solomon's Mine. What I like most about this caving experience is you never know what's your next obstacles. Is it gonna be another slide? or crawl? or you have to swim maybe? That's the exciting part of it to me. Ok! when we came out, the first thing that we did is EAT! We had ABC and Mee hoon or Kuey Teow. I didn't finish my food maybe because I'm already full with the satisfying caving-journey.

After the caving experience, comes another excitement, that is to see where we're gonna spend the night at. We drove the car in to see the camp-site. The road inside sees some fishing pond where Syed's friends will be fishing at, the coming night. To my amazement, we arrived at an area with huts on the trees. Fiza did mention of sleeping on a tree, but I thought she was just joking. Again, this adds the excitement in me. This whole area is ran by NOMAD CREW. They must be a bunch of creative individuals as the whole area seem to be set up by recycled things. The toilets are formed from water tanks (the black water tank). After checking out the place, we clean ourselves as we're going up to Cameron Highland for a cup or two of tea it seems (I really LOVE u guys to bits! hehehe..).

We arrived there but the place to drink tea was closed. So, instead, the macho-hensem-cool (bluerghh!!) Syed has lead us to go up the stairs all the way up the tea farm. If before this, during caving I feel not even 50% of my energy is really used, but this time, even only going up a tracked stairs, I was grasping for breath! Don't know whether I was already tired or its all the way up hill so you use more energy compared to caving where sometimes up, sometimes level and sometimes down. But it was however a worth push of yourself as the view up there is breathtakingly beautiful. We took photos and Syed tested his skills in photography by taking photos of us both. He did all the planning on how he want us to stand, where to look and even how to smile! ( naah just kidding..we just smiled as we like.)Then we head up Cameron for Starbucks actually, but we decided to go to its Pasar Malam. We bought Strawberry Dip with chocolate, thats for sure, Jagung Bakar, Cendawan Goreng and AYAM GoLEK. Had to wait for this last one. People waiting was like people watching something amusing at the Ayam Golek stall. Then, we make ourselves downhill back to our 'Lovely Tree-house'.

It was nearly 12am when we arrived. There was food for us as it was included in the package BUT packed and already cold as it was supposed to be served at 7pm but we were up in Cameron. So it was very kind of them to call us and pack the food to leave it at the door of our 'Cutie Tree-house'. Before we settle down to eat, here come the Survivor part. We collected twigs and branches to set up a fire-camp. I'm a bit useless when it comes to this part. Yes, I am adventurous but I do have some vanity in me. Yeah..it shows I have a mix of both male and female in me. I am more concerned with the mosquito bite than really all out collecting the 'kayu-kayu api'. So I end up holding the torch-light, where I find it's good enough, if you really know me that well.. hahahha..But thumbs up to both of them. It didn't take much time for them to set up the fire. IT comes with experience I guess. Then, we started to take out all the things that we brought. We made tea, open up canned foods and serve dinner-cum-supper AGAIN on our 'Sweet Tree-house'. We ate together on the 'Sweet Tree-house' (all 6 cramped in 1 hut). Finished eating, tidy up and ready to sleep. We slept but the guys, they actually recharge themselves to go fishing. I was so tired, I doze off in no time!.
UNTIL

The next day Fiza woke me up at 10 to eat breakfast. It is served by them as it is also in the package. They serve Nasi Lemak and kaya buns with Milo. There's nothing much done during this day. Me and Fiza just went to 'usha' the 'sungai'. We thought that we could 'mandi-manda' but the water does not seem to permit. Airnya deras ok..a bit frustrated but it's ok..I'll come again for water rafting.

As our attempt to 'bermandi-manda' fail, so we have to proceed the day with eating (this part cannot be missed in your everyday life, anywhere you are at anytime ok..)which means cooking session.

BUT, this cooking session was fully done by the guys, headed by Syed. What's the MENU?? 'Ikan Bakar' hasil pancingan..'sup telur + kentang' Syed and canned Sambal Tumis Ikan Bilis (If I'm not mistaken)and also 'Kicap' sebagai perasa tambahan..The fresh fish was SUPERB!! I was full but I can't stand to see the fish being thrown away as none of us can eat further. So I give my stomach some Moral Support to finish up all the fish and I DID IT! with full victory..hehe..

THEN..came our turn to do the clearing and tidying as we have to get ready to go back to KL. We make sure that everything is as how we arrived at that place yesterday. Even stones taken was being put back at where it was taken. When I did the tidying up, I was wondering WHY does our tourist-attraction places like Waterfalls, Islands and Lakes are sometimes ruined by our own non-civic minded attitude. We litter as we like, we leave things as we wish, whatever that is easy for us, be it wrong or right, we just do it without any regret. BUT we people are not like that. Everything was just like how it was when we arrived. There's no one else except for our group, so if the place was left 'macam baru lps diserang garuda', who else right? AND, wouldn't want to tarnish our own good name especially Syed as he deals with these NOMAD people quite often.

We took bath in the 'water-tank-cum-shower room 'for the last time and OFF we go back to KL..and I doze off...ZzzzZzzzzZZZzzzz...as usual..heheh THE END.

Virgin Mary..

2009-03-08T01:08:00.000-08:00

Last night, as usual I spend the whole night surfing the net. Sometimes the surfing is totally wasted in FB, sometimes it can be a total search of entertainment gossips..(bluerrhghh!! what a waste!), sometimes from the FB it can lead to Googling on anything that I find interesting to Google on from my friends' status. Some times I already have something that I want to Google on but most of the time not. Not to be forgotten, yes I like to browse the YouTube. I feel they have anything at all for you to know. At least I'm practicing my visual activity. I'm terrible at that. I can't stand a very long movies if it's boring. I yawn in Da Vinci Code Ok..I'm more of reader. I like to read than watching. But I like Youtube.

Ok yesterday night. I typed for 'English Movies' in YouTube. One of the results listed is 'Virgin Mary'. Its a movie by the Iranian, but they have dubbed it to English (but the dubbing was done by these Pakistanis and Indians so mind them the accent). This is really a great movie. It is totally based by what was told in the Quran.

I seriously encourage you guys to watch this movie as you can either refreshen your memory to what was taught or what you know about Maryam, mother of our Prophet Isa pbuh. or just about to altogether know what is the real story.

Wedding in Bintulu..My Best Friend's Wedding

2008-12-16T21:48:00.001-08:00

I got so many things to tell on my friend's wedding in Bintulu...their warm welcome, their 'adat', Bintulu town and etc.

But right now, it's just time for me to get ready to work. It always have to be around this timing when I wanna start jotting. Whenever time is abundant I am always busy with other thing. But I promise u guys to tell about this soon. With pics!!

Ok...Daaa...(nampak sgt post ni sesaje nak activate blog yg dh lama tak ber'update').

Count my blessings..Alhamdulillah...

2008-11-12T11:02:00.000-08:00

In my post this time, I will list down things that I should be grateful of my whole 27 years of life.

1. Given a good health. Never in my whole life so far I am warded in a hospital. Very rare that I get even cough and flu, what more dengue, kidney problem, diabetes etc. I have weight issue though..but even though I am a bit 'plus' here and there but I am all healthy. Alhamdulillah! couldn't ask for more.

2. Gifted with a good and smart brain. I have no learning difficulties. Even though I am not the Super Genius, but I managed to place myself in one of the Boarding School which to me is good enough. No ' pancaroba' even during Uni days up to when I took my Masters. Alhamdulillah..

3. This one is something that I really am grateful of. I am even not ready yet to face the fact that 'this' is ripped off me. My HAPPY FAMILY. I'd rather lose money rather than my family. It is the most precious thing that Allah has blessed me with until I don't think it is worth any sum of money. I have a very cool and supportive parents. Joyful siblings. The older we are the closer we get. (I could really see this). A healthy and cute Nephew (Nofal!!)My parents are still healthy. My dad can still work,my mom is still strong. None of us had problems in school. We had no problem in securing ourselves with a job right after we finished our studies.

When we are really blessed with all good things, every single thing come our way, it's either we get the blessing from Allah, or we are tested whether we see HIM in every 'nikmat' that we get. If we do, we pass the test. But what if we don't? If we don't, We seek for HIS forgiveness and guidance to bring us back to the correct path.
The peacefulness of mind and soul that we get from his 'Rahmah' and 'Barakah' that we should pray for it to stay in us until the end of time. AMIN!!

Subhaanallah

2008-11-03T11:02:00.000-08:00

It's weird when new converts realised more the beauty of Islam rather than us. These people treasure every moment and experience they gain in their quest towards Islam, whereas we the born-muslim felt that we've had enough of that. When they manage to get the meaning in every teaching of Islam, we merely feel that its a belief and a 'must-do' that we have been taught ever since we were small. Are we or are they more grateful?? to be given the chance each by Allah in our life?

p/s: The video above is on Malcolm X when he went to Mecca for pilgrimage and how he realised that the solution to racial problems and issues is only ISLAM...

Bread Puding..

2008-10-27T11:56:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday...I decided to invite few of my friends over to my house for 'makan-makan'. My parents were not around so it was me who did all the cooking. I cooked spaghetti which to me was normal since I've done that a few times before this. So it wasn't really something unusual plus we have instant spaghetti sauce in bottles nowadays. But I did the sauce myself! Yet, I don't really feel the thrill because I know even if I tell people I did it myself but they can choose whether to believe me or not as spaghetti sauce are everywhere on the shelves in the supermarket. But really! I did it myself. Ok..whatever! Spaghetti was not the only dish that I cooked. I did bread puding too..heheh...(malulah..)Why bread pudding? There was one day when my officemate bought bread pudding she made, to office. It tastes really good until i decided to do it myself. (Not to say this is the first time I ate something good until I want to give it a try myself, but knowing from my friend that making it is very simple makes me want to try it.)

Ok..but still I was not sure whether I really want to do it or not. But to my own surprise, the next day I went to the supermarket, took 'susu sejat' (took time to look for this..kot tersalah ngan susu pekat plak), and vanilla essence. That's it..I really am going to do it. I still can't imagine how to do it. Haven't any idea of the flow of doing it. The ingredient, as it's not that many of things that's needed, so I just memorize after reading on the recipe in the internet.

So, when I reached home, I ran upstairs to my laptop and read the recipe once again. This time read it by heart. I'm going to do it so it better be by heart! Knowing myself, I never bother to take a pen and jot down the recipe. I trust my memorizing ability (berlagak..hahhaaa). Ok! I'm ready to blast! I mix the ingredient confidently. I trust my intuition when it comes to salt and sugar (ingat goreng sayur ke..main campak2 agak2 je). Mixed everything and now it's ready to be steamed. Since I'm all excited, every 5 minutes I will open the lid of the 'pengukus' to see how does my bread puding look like, what does it turn to. Then I realize that I'm not suppose to do that, I then can control my self to look at it every half an hour instead. It was supposed to be steamed in 1hr 15min (so do the math yourself on how many time I opened the lid).

It's time! Wahh..it smells good. I'm trying to compare with the one my friend did. Hers is thicker. Kenapa mine is penyek!?Lembik?...ok, I try to calm myself..collecting all my experiences seeing people doing cakes, pudding, cookies, etc...whatever..whatever..recalling all that can be done, has been done and needs to be done..maybe because it's hot. All hot things are lembik. Left it to cool and maybe it needs to be stored in the fridge for a while. Tried to console myself. It's ok..it's your 1st attempt..this is good enough!

Still I'm not confident enough to serve it to my friends. So I ended up only serving to my last couple of friends that came. I tried it..Ok, Sweet, but SALTY! Adoii! just imagine sweet yet salty. Not to say sooo salty but it's not supposed to be THAT salty..

When everything is over, time to sleep, I went back to my laptop and look at the recipe, now I got it why it's salty. The recipe says. 'A pinch of salt'. It really means you have to pinch and put it. But Me, I use spoon! Thank god just a tea spoon. But still! there is a big difference between pinch and spoon!

Moral of the story: Don't be too confident. Get a pen and jot down unless you're a pro!

But something good, I tried do it again the NEXT DAY! It turns better than before. Thicker and most importantly only sweet and 'lemak-lemak' not salty anymore. And, something even better, I'm gonna do it again! but don't know when.

Convocation :-) Yippee!!

2008-10-18T10:37:00.000-07:00

Just a short post..I'm all excited on my Masters Convocation tomorrow morning. It'll be as early as 8 O'clock in the morning.. Knowing myself, I'm only excited but not all ready yet. As for my mum, knowing her daughter, she keep on telling me to iron the clothes tonight itself, have I checked what's in the paper bag of the Convocation Package that I get when I collect my robe, make sure that everything is in place so tomorrow it'll be peaceful and most importantly not LATE!! but still...none of it has been done. I know that in the paper bag I just have to bring along the Invitation Card for the guests.

Ok will tell more on this in my next post...daaa..

p/s: Went to OU to look for covered shoes. LEWRE has one that is really nice with 30% discount which makes the price at RM139. However, I didn't immediately took it, just trying to see if anything is nicer in Hush Puppies with the same price range. However, managed to buy one in Blay only at RM40 after 50% less. Proud that I managed to do that. See! I've told you that I've changed!

DVDs..

2008-10-16T12:53:00.000-07:00

A problem in the streamyx line these few days has left me with no other choice but watching the DVDs that I have long bought but haven't watch..I'm not really updated with the latest movies. Not the kind of person who would rush to see a movie on the 1st day it enters the cinema. Neither do I bother to buy DVD. But once in a while when I happen to be in a DVD store I''ll buy more than 5 DVDs and since I don't keep up with what's new and what's great, synopsis of the movie at the back of the cover really influence the buying.

Ok..Back to what I've watched..but before that, I bought these DVDs if I'm not mistaken during my visit to my sister's in Bintulu..You can somewhat tell what DVD movie they have there in Bintulu! (heheh..no offence Bintulu people! It's a nice small town though..Ok..I bought 3 'Find Love', 'Children of Men' and ' The Forest of the Tree'( I can relate the title and the storyline for the first two DVD but this last one I have no idea why 'The Forest of the Tree' maybe you guys can help me figured it out once I tell what's it about)..

CHILDREN OF MEN

This movie is actually an adaptation from a Novel by P.D James with the same title. The novel was published ni 1992. But the movie was in 2006.(See! I've told you that I'm not updated enough in movies!But this is considered good enough, 2006 movie watched in 2008.)ok..back to the movie..it was set in year 2027 where human face the threat of extinction. At the beginning of the story, the world is crying on the death of the world's youngest person aged 18. Imagine, the world has no new birth in 18 years. In the race against time, the main character Theo (Clive Owen)together with a terrorist group which is led by his ex-wife (Julian Moore) is in a mission to save an immigrant girl who is pregnant. Having had the experience of losing their own child, Theo and his wife is very determine to save the girl even if it means having to risk their own life. On the way to their mission, England at that time is very racist and bias towards Immigrants. Sheltering an immigrant is a big crime. So, on the way to save the girl to 'The Human Project', (a project by the scientists to help save the future of human kind) the ex-wife were killed by a group of locals armed with dangerous weapons. Not only her, Theo's good friend also was shot dead by a terrorist. Despite his frustration of having to loose all his loved ones, he is still in his mission to save the girl, as she has the most precious thing on earth at that moment. A BABY!! The background of the story is a really different side of London and England which you wouldn't want to live and see. Bombs, shoots and shouts are everywhere. Buildings wreckage, debris, smokes and pollution are everywhere. The girl managed to deliver the baby safely and are really near to the end of the mission where The Human Project ship saw her boat. However, Theo died of too much bleeding.
Another main character together with them is Miriam (a midwife)who in this story told her side of story on how she realised that the whole world is facing an infertility problem where there's no new pregnancy at the hospital where she worked, a hospital where her cousins, and friends work and until there's no more cries of newborn baby.

That's a little bit of the story. What I like apart from the movie is the songs in it.

Another DVD that I watched I'll tell u guys in my next post. That one needs more analytical views and comments from me rather than just a synopsis alone. Ok..I think I'm gonna start watching DVDs now!!

My Laptop :-(

2008-10-09T11:46:00.000-07:00

What's with the title and the sad smiley..(ade ke? Sad pastu smiley lak..whatever..) yesterday night, I came home to be told by my sister that my laptop rosak..when I ON the laptop the screen is pitch black!! Ohh..this must be The MENACE VIRUS...I know that my laptop needs spring-clean but I just put it on hold until...I don't know when..so that's why when I came to know about the condition of my laptop I'm sad but I can still remain calm. Usually if it's something regarding my belongings that I really value, it could lead to sleepless nightS..It doesn't necessarily have to be on expensive things, even something that is very cheap but if I really value that thing, I could go crazy if something bad happen to that something..

There was once when some of the copies of my monthly Reader's Digest that I subscribe was not at the place where it should be, I would scream at the top of my voice to my sisters simply accusing them of taking it (Who else could it be?). That was in my house. Back in the hostel, I also lost one copy of the Reader's Digest, and it really carry me NUTS when I can't even concentrate in the classroom! And to your surprise, I even do'a in my prayers to get it back. (I lost quite a sum of money once and I forgot to pray for me to get the money back..Yes! I'm SERIOUS!!)

Ok! back to my laptop..I sent it to be repaired and I bought an Original Anti Virus Software for 3 User..(Haaa..ambik ko virus..I wouldn't let you live anywhere near my Laptop!)altogether would costs around RM150 (hopefully no other problems found..)I don't care if all of you think that this is not a wise decision as some people can just reformat by themselves and I am not that SOME people. Even some of my friend do offer that they can mend it for me but I just couldn't wait to get it fixed..

Oh Laptop...the sadness still come and go..when I think of you..!! Hopefully everything would be fine. (SISTERS..after this no more of my laptop for all of you..the DESKTOP will do..It works just the same!..)

Anne of Green Gables

2008-09-24T22:52:00.000-07:00

I happen to come across one blog that is discussing about Anne of Green Gables. Ohh!! how it has brought me back to my childhood memories. Every girl was crazy about this series back then. Be it the book series or the TV episodes. Guess what! I've found the series in Youtube. It has 2 part. One with 20 episodes and the sequel is with 23 episodes. Gonna watch 'em all. Watching Anne keeps me imagining that I am one of that kind. Talks a lot! Boundless imagination. Only finished the 3rd episode. Will talk about this definitely in time to come.

Ok! I don't wanna be late to work because of Anne. She wouldn't want it would she? Because of her, people trouble themselves.Heheheh..Till my next post, Daa...

Bangkok Expresso

2008-09-23T12:25:00.000-07:00

Iftaar..outside again!! I don't know why towards the end of Ramadhan, my appetite kind of requires me to think of something other than Office Cafe and Pasar Ramadhan food. This is like a few days away from pay day..but still APETTITE N TUMMY surpasses all!!Eventhough at that time I only have RM30 in my wallett..For something in the Secret Recipe Category I think that would be enough.

Ok it was me, Fahriz, Azrul and Kak Pah. We walk to The Weld in Jalan Raja Chulan. WALK ok!..It's just a 15 minutes walk. Just a level even ground walk. No Hills and slopes at all. So it's not that adventurous yet. I think my heart beat after the walking maybe is just at 120. So, it has to be more to burn fat.

Before this I've tried Secret Recipe in The Weld. A few other restaurant there is O'Brien, there's one Kopitiam, a Middle Eastern Restaurant and a few others. We went to every level of this small place, and came across Bangkok Expresso. They displayed the price outside of the restaurant and looking at the price, still affordable, so that's when we decided to eat there.

The restaurant looks quite exclusive. Now since it's Ramadhan, they have Sets. So we decided to take the Set for 4. The set is inclusive of Sweet-sour Kerapu Fish (this was supposed to be Talapia Fish with Kerabu Mangga, but that Fish is finished), Green Curry, Tom Yam, Stir Fried Kangkung (my favourite), Rice (of course!), Starters (Popia, mcm Bergedel and a few other from the same family with popia but don't know the name), Air Bandung and Dates. Everything in a portion that is more than enough for 4. Before we decided to order for the Set, we have ordered drinks thinking that we may want to order individually. So we had like 3 drinks each. Bandung, our ordered drinks and plain water. (Hamekk kau!)

It's quite nice and worth the pay. Again, we were guessing on the bill that would come. But as we have had the experience in Kenny Rogers, the 1st thing that I look for is whether or not we can pay through credit card.

The bill came to a total of RM134. I thought that the most would only be RM120. Again i under-calculate by RM10. However this time Azrul has RM100 with him and the others have more than enough to pay for their own.

We WALK back to the office. The plan was to take a cab back. But I think walking back is better. Plus we have to WAIT for the cab. It's not there waiting for you (hehehe..ade kan Teksi yg tunggu passanger?.

Iftaar-cum-reunion at Ikea..

2008-09-21T16:28:00.000-07:00

This has long been planned by us. Every year there has to be an 'Iftaar' somewhere outside with a bunch of friends. What I can remember, starting from 2006, me, Siti and Fiza (this is my Island-holiday gang)went to Al-Marjan in KLCC. The buffet there is quite expensive. The food there is of course Middle Eastern food. At that time we were joined by one of Fiza's trainer from the UK. So basically we don't quite get the freedom to eat as we like. He didn't do anything..it's just me..I don't feel THAT comfortable..Maybe thinking of what he will think looking at how we eat..hahhaa..So this Iftaar I don't think it is worth the pay..Maybe we paid for the exclusiveness of the restaurant and of course of the its location in an exclusive building (KLCC tu!! what do you expect?). However, when we asked around the restaurants on the same level there, such as Kelantan Delight and a few more which I forgot the name, the price range is just the same. So I bet the price is not a competition among them. It is more on the choice of food and preferences.

The year after that, 2007 which was last year, this time around, the group shrunk to only me and Fiza (my bestest buddy!*wink*). This year, we went to Times Square. The original plan was to check out on a hotel where our reunion is to be held. At first we are to check out on the food there. But the buffet was RM45. I don't think it's worth. We can't eat THAT much at one time. Not ME! (I know it's hard for you guys to beleive me!) So naahh..we're not going there. If it's only the two of us, it's really easy coz we're the 'belasah' type. Ok..off we go to TImes Square in case we find something and Some place we find nice to eat. As we walk while chit-chatting (we work at the same place but we never fail to have a topic to talk about. Mind you it's not all about Gossips OK!)we came across a karaoke that offers buffet! Yippee..but yeah..we shouldn't be doing that in the month of Ramadhan..but our 'Gile' in singing has made us still go..and it's just the 2 of us..Ohh!! how we enjoyed it..from those hit songs to Raya songs..semua kitorang belasah..the buffet was quite nice too..

This year..it's an economical year. I've become someone I never thought that I can ever be. Someone who can really control her spending. Before this, clothes below RM200 for me is affordable if not cheap! Clarks for me is Ok..coz it's comfortable. I drive to work every day. (64km return!)plus the toll and the parking at RM6 daily. I never even think of how to cut my expenses. To me it's just a monthly expenses and you know it. However, the rise in petrol really strike me. My RM50 can finish in a day when I would have to fill my tank and RM50 last not even 3 days! Pheww!! I really have to do something or else enough of everything as all the money has to go to petrol. I then started to know the schedule of Sri Indah bus..Gosh!!but it's not that bad after all and I'm proud of myself. I'm even more proud when for 4 consecutive months, no transaction is charged on my credit card. I've changed people!
What a diversion! this is about Iftaar..ok back to the topic, yesterday me and a bunch of friends, some of which has changed workplace, so it's kinda reunion for us too. There's eight of us. Me, Ijan,Bae,Anja,Fahriz,Farah and Kak Ngah. It's only RM16.70 per pax. We had to line up though..but I think the same goes to every other buffet. Reservation has to be made. This one, no reservation but you have to line up to ensure that you secured a place enough for your group. The food was quite ok..but don't hope for a western food buffet even though it's IKEa. But I would say it's worth the price. I like my condition after the iftaar as I didn't over stuffed my self. I can still jalan-jalan window shopping without feeling uneasy and without having to unbuttoned my jeans. The cafe of course was packed with people, but still remain comfy. by 9 O'clock we all started making our way back. Photos of course before that. Bye!! guys..we'll see how next year's Group Iftaar is gonna be..Salaam..

Kenny Rogers...

2008-09-19T13:29:00.000-07:00

Nothing much happened today..just the same usual thing...work, friends, food of course..hehehe..

Today, tired of iftar in the office we decided to take a walk and iftar in Kenny Rogers..me, as ususal will only carry RM10 note inside my pocket as I hardly spend more than that if I eat in the Cafe at my office. However, as we decided to eat in Kenny Rogers, I then asked one of my friend (3 of us went) to pay for me and I'll pay her later. She herself has RM30 with her so we thought that it'll be enough for the 2 of us. My other friend has RM25 with her BUT she has her wallet with her and me and my other friend, we don't carry our wallet with us.

As usual, if it's Kenny Rogers, it has to be Quarter Meal, with 3 Side Dishes and Muffin. We ate while chit chatting, get ourself full and stuffed..and now it's time to make our way back to the office. So now came the paying part. So every one took out all the money that they have and to our surprise (where we shouldn't be actually coz we should roughly know the price as everything is stated in the menu AND we should already assume how's the tax gonna be like) the bill came to be RM75 and we have ONLY RM65...HAHAHA..nak ke diorang suruh kitorang basuh pinggan? Nak gadai apa?We're not in the supermarket where we can return some of the goods until to a price that we can pay..It's already INside our tummy...GOne..BUT...Thank God One of my friend brought her wallet AND since this is not gerai, it means we can pay using Credit Card..If not, it would mean one of us has to walk back to the office and get money..PLUS the Embarassment that we have to face...ppheww!! I should start carrying my Credit Card with me. I stopped carrying my credit card with me since 4 months past. And it resulted to '0' transaction in my credit card for that 4 months. It's an acheivement I am proud of. However, since this afternoon's incident, I should think of putting it back in my wallet and bring it together with me.

The Art of Blogging...

2008-09-16T14:08:00.000-07:00

Hi..I'm back again..I know that ever since I started this blog...it really has to be a couple of months until I post another new post..

I decided to start blogging REGULARLY when I blog hop and read friends' blogs with regular postings..

Well I have to admit that blogging is not merely blogging..as blogging should have an art to it. Even though its a mean of expressing thoughts and feelings, but the layout and the art of writing and designing blog page leaves an impact. That's why for me to start my blog I would admit is a little bit of mind disturbing as I would say that I am not that organised nor am I good in designing.

From the content, the style of writing, the categories, linkages to other blogs until the size and colour of font plays a very important factor in attracting people to visit the blog. Even though my initial intention in blogging is only because of my interest in writing, but knowing that people read our writing is really an unexplainable satisfaction.

Many blogs I read are about their own everyday life. Some choose to call themselves by 'Mama', 'Ummi', 'Ibu', 'Mummy'...etc as their blogs are about the progress and development of their offsprings. I find this category of blog are very interesting and helpful too for new mothers to gain knowledge and share experience.
This blog of a friend of mine is my favourite. With the linkages to all blogs on the same categories and also all the progress form the early stage of pregnancy until the progress of the child, she never fail to update. Plus the nice photos its just perfect!

My other friend chooses to blog on the entertainment and show biz. He just to seem to know everything and anything on it. Any concerts in town by any famous artistes, he just have to go. Him in a photo with the artiste seems something normal without much effort needs to be done. He has reached a point where he himself can be part of the artiste. His blog is also worth reading if you want to keep track with the entertainment bizz.

But my all time favourite is this blog, a blog of a Middle East Dance Instructor, cum-my friends wife, cum-my junior schoolmate's sis. Her thoughts and thinking and also her way of writing just interests me. She has no specific category to write about. She writes almost about anything that she feels like writing. The post would range from the content and length of the post. It can be really lengthy until it has a sequel to it, or it can be really short in a few sentences yet leaves you pondering on it for days. I would want my blog to fall under this category.

I would really hope that this would be a start for me to improve on my blogging skills. Till the next post..Adios..Daa..Salam..

Annual Dinner..

2008-07-13T22:10:00.000-07:00

Today I went to OU with 'F'. The initial plan was to do some window-shopping for the coming Annual Dinner. But the window-shopping turned to shopping. Both of us managed to get tops at a discounted price. For that, I give a credit to myself as I managed to get something below RM100. Its kind of hard for me as I am the 'plus' category, so everything is Plus so of course the money has to '+' too.

Well.. the dinner is in two weeks to come, but we decided not to do last minute shopping because if I do, I'll end up getting something not worth the price and either you settle in anything that is not nice but cheap or else you get something very nice but very pricey too. Both doesn't sound nice does it?

I've been working in my current workplace for 5 years so this is my 5th annual dinner here. I'll track you all to all the annual dinners I never missed to attend, if I still remember..(yes..I do remember. It's only 5 and I'm not that old not to remember).
- 1st year - The theme was 'Fairy Tale'(If I'm not mistaken). As this is my first year attending the dinner, I didn't quite care about adhering to the theme. Well I never am until today, but I wasn't far from the theme either. So at that time, I just wore a black 'jubah' hoping that I will be considered as a witch which is a must in any fairy tales. But my make-up was not like a witch (of course not! Not at all! Not even close to it)

- 2nd year - The theme was 'masquerade'. Everyone had a mask with them. But I don't remember bringing any. I've told you that I never care about the theme. This time I wore a satin blouse from East India and a skirt. Very simple. And the blouse was never seen until another dinner somewhere else. It's ok, I never regret buying it even though it was a last minute shopping.

- 3rd year - The theme was 'Glitter Gold'. Everyone seems to be crazy over gold 2 weeks before the dinner. If before this you can see everything is in gold everywhere in the shopping mall, but suddenly when you are looking for gold, suddenly it seems that gold is not the 'in trend' at that time. It was really hard to look for something nice. But I managed to find a Linen pants with beads at the bottom from East India but this time at a discounted price. I wear it with a chiffon knee-length blouse. And, to add gold to it coz what I wear doesn't seem 'that' gold, I bought a Marie Claire gold heels.

- 4th year - This time the theme was 'black tie'. Of course everything I wore was black. I wore a skirt that I bought from Parkson 'Anne Kelly' just at RM19! And in fact I didn't buy the skirt for the dinner. I bought way before the dinner because of the price, thinking that I might need it. Even if I don't it's ok it's just RM19. Yes! That too was never been seen worn again. It's an A-line skirt, but the fabric is heavy and I don't see it suitable to be worn anywhere except in a court by a lawyer. I wore the skirt with a black blouse with ruffles in front. To add on some colours, I pin a pink flower crochet and I bought a pink clutch too, and match it with pink heels from Vincci.

- This year the theme is 'Gala Latin'. At first I was thinking of only to buy a Flamenco skirt or whatever skirt the 'kembang-kembang' one. But I end up buying a short flowy dress, black, from Ms Read because it had a 50% discount. Now I just have to look for flowy big-legged black pants. There's one in Ms Read but I want to look for one cheaper. Since this year it's not a last minute shopping so I still have time. Hope can get one.

Ok. we'll see how this year's dinner gonna be.

Finally..

2008-07-01T13:04:00.000-07:00

Finally...I start my own blog..eversince I involved myself into this cyber world..nothing else attracts me more than blogging. That was somwhere 7-8 years ago. I remembered during my university days, most of my friends are into chatting. Some of them even spend most of their time in cyber cafes just to chat when they actually are supposed to type their assignment. However, during that time I don't remember myself doing that. It's not that I didn't try, I did try to chat but I can't. When I asked my friend who chats, how they can get really hooked to it, they said that they just talk about anything to anyone in the chatroom, and out of the people that they chat, there will be like one or two person that they will be interested to be cyber friends where they will meet in the chatroom almost everyday. After quite sometime meeting virtually, they then meet face to face or change phone numbers so they can progress through SMS or chatting over the phone (this mode wasn't quite popular at that time as it was a bit costly). As for me, I can't even remember the nick that I chat with the day before..so how am i suppose to continue my friendship through chatting.

At that time, I remembered that everytime my friends chat, I will spend my time reading entries in peoples website. One of my schoolmate 'F', has a website at that time and it was actively updated. Everyday without fail, I would read his posts on whatever topics and it seems that any topic from something heavy to total craps will interest me. Every time I read them, I always dreamed of myself being able to write and there will people like me who will read and make it a routine to definitely visit my page to read what I write.

And now, here I am..making my first trial, and that is after 7-8 years..Gosh!! Why not wait after 10 years..2 more years..maybe at that time my writing would be better. No! to me 'It's Now or Never!'. But all these years, I spend my time reading peoples blogs. My favourite blog at present is 'www.naziehah.wordpress.com'.

When you read people's blog, you:
- Get inspiration from people's writing
- Get to ponder on other people's thinking
- Get the positive charge that other people try to bring through their writing
- AND FINALLY, you get to have your own blog as you feel the relief when you read so writing can make you even more relief!

So, try have your own blog. Write about anything you want. Get the whole world know how you feel, what you want and have your own opinion and thoughts about anything. You don't hurt anyone directly even if you use nasty words! Its a mode of expressing yourself and releasing the tense in you.

As this is my first entry, mind me the way I write..my grammar...my sentence...etc. It'll improve in time I guess...