The end of Aisyah's music class

Last Friday marked the last day for Aisyah's music lesson. To celebrate the graduation ceremony, the school had organised a mini concert and a small makan-makan pot luck style for the parents. The kids were supposed to present 5 songs.. Aisyah only performed the first and the last bits. Despite this, I must say that I was very proud of her.

Aisyah, although quite a talkative and active child at home, is indeed a very shy girl outside her house especially in the presence of strangers or to unfamiliar faces. She always looked forward to her weekly music lesson, although she might not perform or participate in the classroom activities. Her music teacher advised for Aisyah to repeat her course rather than continue to the next level. She worried that Aisyah's shyness would limit her learning as taking part in classroom activities is the main core of the next class.

I must admit that her shyness sometimes worry me, and it reminds me of my childhood days. As a child, I had low self-esteem and always thought that other people were much better than me. When I was in Standard 5, I was just a fat boy with lots of pimples on my face who was always being left behind by my friends due to my inability to play badminton with them. Yeah, I always get bullied! Yeah, I sucked at it!

I promised myself that I would never ever let my children to go through the same situation like their Daddy. I want Aisyah (and definitely Aliyah) to be more active and full of energy like their Mummy. I know for a fact that Aisyah could easily outperform the kids who were on stage the other day (I saw her signing and dancing in our living room - the same string of songs over and over again). I just need to polish her PR skills.

Perhaps its time for us to enroll Aisyah in a kindergarten. Not for her to learn things but more for her communication and inter-personal development.

Kereta baruku bewarna Merah

My new car was delivered last Thursday.

The colour is red. Volcanic red. Although to me it looks more like chilli red.

Sporty.

Compact.

Sleek.

Practical.

Birthday and Aqiqah

I am now sitting at my favourite coffee outlet, sipping the seasonal frappucino (tis the season to be jolly...) waiting for Tai-tai to wrap-up her tasks for the day. I now realise that the available time for me to update my blog is mostly when I have to wait for Tai-tai to finish work.

Sorry blog... Daddy has been very busy lately.

Adik had her first birthday last week. To celebrate this joyous occasion, me and Tai-Tai decided to buy a big chocolate cheesecake. Why chocolate cheesecake? Coz Aliyah loves the cheese (or so we thought) and Aisyah loves the chocolate part. It did not really go well... we were in the middle of singing the birthday song when Aliyah started crying to show how much the whole thing appalled to her. I guess all she wanted for her birthday is some peace and quiet moment at home instead of some whoo-haah. We'll see how are we going to go about it in her next birthday.

We had Aliyah's Aqiqah ceremony last Saturday (bersempena dengan Hari Raya Qurban) in Slim River. Unlike Aisyah's Aqiqah ceremony last time, for Aliyah, we decided to purchase a section or satu bahagian (dua for boys) from a whole cow instead of slaughtering a goat or sheep.

Preparing the cow for slaughtering

The final product...notice the head?

Daddy: Can't wait to drive my new car! Hope can do so by next week!

Aisyah at her Yamaha Open Day Concert Rehearsal

This clip was taken during Aisyah's music class last Friday. It was supposed to be a rehearsal session for her concert to be held on the following day in conjunction with the school's open day.

Tai-tai and myself both concurred that she was not ready for the stage yet....

My brave Aliyah

Last week Aliyah undergone a surgery to repair her palate. Its her second one in a series of procedures (including attending speech therapy sessions) that she has to undergo until she reaches 18 years of age.

She was admitted to HUKM on Tuesday, 27th Nov for two days' observation. The surgery was conducted on 29th Nov and her case was the first for the day. I carried her into the Operating Theatre. She was given the "gas" by the anesthetist and felt into the state of unconsciousness soon after. I kissed her good bye and whispered the best of luck for her. I later joined Tai-tai in the waiting area, where we both dozed off.

It must have been almost two hours later when we were woken up by the staff nurse informing that Aliyah's surgery was already completed. I was ushered into the recovery area where I found Aliyah, in the state of semi-consciousness, crying out with traces of fresh blood running down from her left nostril and around her mouth. I could sense that the nurses were panicked a bit as they could not calm her down. Plus, they were very worried on the bleeding part.

I hold Aliyah in my arms and managed to calm her down. She felt asleep with her head resting on my shoulder. After about an hour or so, Aliyah was transferred to the normal ward where she was given sedative every six hours to make her sleep and rest. Knowing that she would unable to suck on her pacifier post the surgery, Tai-tai and myself had already prepared ourselves for the upcoming challenges.

Aliyah made wonderful recovery process and she was discharged from HUKM two days later (Saturday 31 October).

In the absence of her pacifier, plus the uncomfortable feeling post surgery, Aliyah was restless most of the time. Putting her to sleep proved to be a big challenge for both of us but after a week, things have started to come back on track.

Back from Ghana

I have returned from my third Ghana trip, feeling miserable and sick on Saturday night. The journey to and fro was exhausting, not to mention the hectic and taxing days at the yard for EXCO, Board and Annual General Meetings.

The feeling now is the same like post the first trip - high fever and diarrhea that actually forced my way in and out of the toilet more than ten times in a day...

On the positive note, I was given a free upgrade to First Class (from Business Class) for the Dubai-Accra sector. It was my first time traveling in one so I really cherished the moment. Meals were served on "a la carte" and "as when you like it" basis and I thought it was rather cool.

View of the First Class Cabin taken from my seat

The menu

The breakfast - luv the cereals with strawberry yogurt. And the bread basket all to myself!

Starters - Smoked fish and salad. Note that I was given a bread basket all to myself...again!

Main course - lamb shanks

Dessert - chocolate mousse with strawberry sauce

But off course... I would rather be with my family than traveling outstation even though I was given the chance to sit in First Class. What matters most are my family. The irreplaceable objects of my affections...

Tai-tai @ my significant other

Aisyah @ Kakak

Aliyah @ Adik

Speaking of Adik, she will be admitted to HUKM tomorrow for two days observation before her scheduled surgery on Thursday to repair her palate. Don't worry Adik... you'll be fine. Daddy and Mummy will always be by your side.

Sayangkan anak dan isteri - tinggal-tinggalkan?

The title of my post today is actually an improvised version of an old Malay peribahasa... it literally means that if you love your family, you would leave them behind in pursuit for wealth. Really? Coz that's the situation that I am currently in, and I am not excited about it at all.

I have always told the people around me, especially my circle of friends and colleagues that my family are what matters most to me. I love Tai-tai.. and I love the kids terribly. Being away from them, albeit just a few days, means sacrificing a lot of my allocated time for them. During weekdays, we could only spend one or two hours (the most) with the kids before settling in for the day.

I am now sitting in the Emirates Lounge at KLIA for the third time this year.. and you could guess it right! I'm on the way to Ghana again! Of all the places in this world, it seems that this particular Western African nation is the one that keeps calling me back, despite my fear of being mugged by the airport personnel as soon as the plane landed.

I was supposed to leave last night, but my flight was delayed for more than three hours which means that I would have missed my connecting flight to Accra. The airlines have auto-booked us on the next flight to Accra, which departs a day later. Sensing that there was no point for us to stay in a hotel room in Dubai for 24 hours, I've decided to take the next day's Emirates flight out from KLIA. That should leave me with only two and a half hours of transit time in Dubai instead of 24 hours (if I had taken the choice of going ahead with the first flight).

So today, I left my family behind again. They sent me off at the gate. Aisyah bid farewell to me with a sad face, and so did Tai-tai.

I have yet to commence my journey, but I cant wait to return home this Saturday..

Pix above.... snapshot of the KLIA Emirates Lounge taken from my HTC. The pix would have been better had it been taken from Tai-tai's E71.

Welcome back Daddy!

Finally...I'm back! Sorry my blog...I've been neglecting you for quite some time now. Its unintentional. Believe me.

Serious.

I have my own reasonings.

I am now sitting on my King size bed at home, with Tai-tai leaning on my shoulder and my Aisyah trying to impress both of us that she managed to finish her milk tonight. Yes Aisyah, I know that. Every night you give us the same routine... and I enjoy every bit of it.

I was at work (circa 6-ish in the evening) when Aisyah rang me up. She asked for nuggets, the ones from the Golden Arches Restaurant of which I brought back for her two nights back. As soon as Tai-tai stepped out from the car, Aisyah quickly ran to the door and asked:

"Mummy! Did you get something?". So sweet. Yes dear. We bought the nuggets that you requested. Muahhhh!

Aliyah is asleep, but I got the feeling it will only be so until 1 or 2 in the morning when she will decide to wake up for her playtime until 5. She is in a totally different timezone.


Daddy : Will be in Ghana next week (Sigh)

My first Iftar without Tai-tai by my side

Today marks another history...I had to break fast without Tai-tai by my side for the first time since we got married almost six years ago.

Breaking fast or Iftar during fasting month has always been considered as a family affair for me. Iftar is an occasion for all family members to sit together to enjoy the meal of the day. My boss had made an arrangement for some of us, including the number 1 in the company, to break fast with four IRB representatives at MO. When combined together our number at the dining table was 12. The makan session started at maghrib and by the time we finished at 10 pm, we were the only group remaining.

I was lucky that my colleague offered me a ride to KL Sentral for me to catch the Komuter train back to Kajang. Sensing that I would arrive late, I called Tai-tai to inform her not to worry about my transportation from the Komuter Station to our house, as the local prebet sapu service should be able to cater for my needs. Plus, I reckoned that both my angels would be asleep by then.

I should again count my lucky stars for I managed to catch the 10.13 pm Komuter train in the nick of time, otherwise I would have to wait for another 20 or 30 minutes for the next one. By the time I reached home, my three darling ladies had already settled in for the day. I am planning to do so immediately once I complete this post.

With that, good nite!

An update on Aliyah

Yesterday we took Aliyah to HUKM for her appointment.

The doctors (yup... she had to be assessed by three different doctors) concluded that she is progressing well and should be ready for her next surgery. They have set the date - 29th October to correct her palate, both soft and hard palate during the same operation.

Deep in my heart, I am very thankful that the operation has been set before she turns 1 this November. Me and Tai-tai is planning to hold the thanksgiving @ kenduri doa selamat on new year's day at Slim River, Insya' Allah if everything goes well.

Happy Birthday Tanah Airku

This coming Monday will mark the nation's 52nd birthday. I thank God for being born and raised in this beautiful and prosperous country. If you ask me whether or not I have put up Jalur Gemilang at my house (according to my father it's a mark of patriotism - and I should thank the country for sponsoring my studies to New Zealand last time), the answer is yes.....it has been there since last year's Merdeka celebration.

My two trips to Ghana had provided me with some insights for comparison. Both Malaysia and Ghana gained their independence from British in the same year (that's 1957, in case you have forgotten that most crucial information you might as well relinquish your citizenship). Both nations enjoy more or less the same environment due to the positioning on equator lines. But in my opinion, Ghana today is what Malaysia would probably be in the late 1970's or early 1980's. Apart from the availability of latest handphone model and wi-fi at hotels, most of the things are kind of lagging behind. The main international airport does not have any airbridge facility, and public transportation like buses are in "pathetic" conditions. Compare that to Malaysia's KLIA - a modern airport with world class standards. And if you are living or working in Klang Valley, you would have realised that LRTs and Monorails have become synonym with the Malaysian's metropolitan lifestyle.

Another point to ponder...the oil palm tree originated from Ghana. The first tree (so I was told) was brought into Malaya from Western Africa. And today, Malaysia is one of the largest exporter of palm oil to the world. Compare this to Ghana that does not even make it into the list. Take a moment to think about that.

Malaysia tanah airku.... Selamat Menyambut Ulang Tahun Kemerdekaan Ke-52!

Merdeka!

Merdeka!

Merdeka!

Question by my angel

The other day my daughter Aisyah asked me this question:

"Daddy, are you a dog?"

What makes she thinks I'm one? But cute... as long as she does not ask the same question to her grandparents!

A success story for a non-IT savvy person

At this moment, I am updating my blog for the first time whilst sitting on the sofa in our living room. I've given myself a pat on the back. Yes, its hard to believe. I... Daddy...who just turned 31 last Saturday, balding and ageing prematurely who was not at all an IT savvy person, has managed to successfully configure the wireless modem router without much difficulties... YEZZZZZEERRRR!!!!

Me and Tai-tai went to Low Yat this evening to get an e-book. We were so excited to the extent that Tai-tai accidentally left her handphone in her office. Lady luck was with her...she should count her blessing that her colleague was still around and promised to take the handphone home. Good luck Irene..the phone alarm is set at 6.20 am on weekdays so I bet it will wake you up tomorrow morning.

We bought a pink HP e-book @ mini. Why pink? Well, taking into consideration that there are more females than males in this household, the party that forms majority would definitely has an absolute advantage over the minority. Plus, pink is cute, with a dash of metrosexuality male factor blended in it.

Why I received my birthday gift two days before my actual birthday

As I am updating this blog, Tai-tai is still in the OT at Glene@gles. She was wheeled around 45 minutes ago and should be out in about 30 minutes. I hope that her minor surgery will go on well and that she can be discharged later this evening if no complication arises.


We had good dinner last night. Went to the P@vilion's TGI's Frid@ys for sumptuous meal. After we had settled in for the day Tai-tai handed me a black box wrapped with a silver ribbon.

Daddy : Eh, what's this?

Tai-tai :It's your birthday gift.

Daddy : Gee..thanks Yang..but my birthday is two days away. What's the rush? (It was a very beautiful pair of cufflinks which she bought when I was away in Ghana last week)

Tai-tai : Coz if something happens to me tomorrow during the surgery, you will never find out about the gift...

Daddy : (Sangat terharu sampai lost for words... pearly tears started to surface)

Now that I have returned

Tai-tai and Aisyah waited for me at the KLIA arrival hall last Friday night. From far - as soon as I exited the customs clearance checkpoint, I could see that Aisyah was face down looking at the floor, hugging her Minnie Mouse with both hands, with Tai-tai standing next to her. When Tai-tai whispered to her, she looked up immediately and gave a me very wonderful and joyful smile. I was immediately informed by Tai-tai that when I was away in Ghana, Aisyah did not smile that much. Probably she could sense that the house was "incomplete" without my presence.

Aliyah was awake when I arrived home, and didn't really sleep soundly later throughout the night. Perhaps she missed me a lot and would like to take the opportunity to be a bit more manja with her Daddy. Takpelah, I enjoyed looking after her that night and plus, my body was still on Ghana's time zone. It must have been around 6 am when I finally dozed off until 11 am.

Last night I took out Aisyah's album with all her baby photos. The top cover must be lifted in order to take out the album. The cover has a transparent heart shaped plastic in the middle and guess what Aisyah said....

"Mummy...look!!! Its a happy valentine's card!"

Goodness me! My daughter is not even 4 and she has already known what a valentine card is....

I guess kids nowadays grow up at an accelerated pace compared to when I was younger. I was probably 12 or 13 when I found out about Valentine's Day!

On a serious note... Tai-tai has to undergo a minor surgery at Gleneagles Intan Medical Centre this Friday to remove a polyp from her uterus wall. According to the doctor, it would be a simple procedure but Tai-tai has to be put under general anesthetics to ensure a smooth procedure. I hope and pray that everything will work out well...

Luv you dear!

You'll be okay!

From the lounge at Kotoka International Airport, Accra, Ghana

Yeay... its now 4.20 pm and my flight to Dubai is due to take off at 5.30 pm. I can't wait to go home.

Tai-tai sent me a message earlier to inform that Aisyah knocked her head again, this time against the Bibik's mouth. When I was in Ghana last April, Aisyah knocked herself against the bed and bled herself. This time around fortunately there was no bleeding. But she broke Bibik's denture (and her secret, off course!).

I bought two necklaces from Ghana for Tai-tai, and looking forward to buy chocolates in Dubai. I may do a bit more shopping there as well, especially getting myself a few more compilation CDs of songs in Lughatul Arabia!!!

From the Emirates Lounge at KLIA

Yes...it is happenning. I am on the way to Ghana again....

The taxi arrived at my house at five to ten in the evening, a bit earlier than it should be. I bid farewell to Tai-tai and the kids, kissing both cheeks of each one of them. I know that I'm going to miss them terribly, but I should count my blessing that this is indeed a short trip compared to the previous one. I'm due to be back in KL on Friday evening, giving me ample time to celebrate the weekend with my loving family.

My sister (who is working for the government) has just received her first posting. She is required to report for duty in Kuching on 17th August. Since she officially received the news, I've never seen her smiling. My parents, upon receiving the news, came down with fever. It will not be easy for my sister (youngest in the family and the only daughter) but I keep telling her that it is a challenge that she has to face. Its part and parcel of life. There could be some blessing in disguise. She will not be home for Hari Raya, which will surely make my parents feel very lonely as both my brother and me would be spending the first day at our in-laws respectively. But deep inside of me I feel that my sister is stronger than what she appears to be, and I'm sure that she will be just fine in the land of the hornbill...

Kisah seorang budak yang duka nestapa kerana tak mahu ke sekolah muzik

Yesterday was Friday. It was supposedly Aisyah's second official music class between 7.30 to 8.30 in the evening, and I had rushed home from my Divisional Retreat (I was the facilitator) with the thought that Tai-tai was unwell to take Aisyah by herself. To cut the story short, we were a bit late. By the time we arrived at Metro Kajang Aisyah complained that she was sleepy and wanted to sleep.

"No music school...I want to sleep..." she said.

But being the head of the family, I insisted for her presence at the music class. From an accountant's point of view, a day of missing class is a loss on the investment. For the record, I paid RM300 plus for this term.

At the school's entrance, Aisyah started crying and demanded for ice-cream. Tai-tai and myself refused initially, taking into consideration that Aisyah has yet to recover from her cough and flu. We later realised that she would not give in and we had to get the ice-cream before the situation worsen. Se we did. I bought her the ice-cream and ate 75% of it leaving the remaining 25% for her to finish. I was hoping that once she is done with her ice-cream, we all could proceed to the music class although the time was already 7.50 pm. Unfortunately, things did not go well as what I had planned. Once she was done with the ice-cream, she wanted to eat and I had already lost my patience. Two reasons,

1. We actually had dinner before we left the house and Aisyah refused to eat; and
2. We were terribly late for the class!

I lost my temper and spanked her a few times.... a few people stood in disbelief nearby and Tai-tai actually had to stop me before things got worse. I made up my mind instantly and decided that we should go home and skip the class. After all, how much could you learn with 30 minutes left before the class ended, right?

Apart from Aisyah's sobbing, the journey back to our house was totally silence. Even Ta-tai did not say a word. I was not too sure if she was angry at me for spanking Aisyah macam tersampuk setan, or probably she honestly had nothing else to say.

Aisyah, if you happen to read this, I am terribly sorry for spanking you last night. But I hope that you would understand my actions and the reasoning behind it.



Daddy : Going to Ghana next Monday for EXCO meeting.

At present

Aliyah has become "cuter" and "cuter" each day (is there such a word?)... It has become my routine to put her to sleep every night and I really enjoy doing it, even willingly sacrificing Tuesday night watching my favourite TV show - Air Crash Investigation. She sweats a lot, and as a result of that her small little pillow has a very distinctive "bucuk bacam" smell. But I always look forward to go home every day to get the smell and see the smile on her face. For me and Tai-tai, she is already perfect. By the way, we're taking her to see the specialist at HUKM on the 5th next month.

Aisyah has grown up to become a beautiful young girl. How fast time really flies! I told Tai-tai that there could be a possibility of Aisyah becoming a model one day (she is photogenic), but unfortunately Tai-tai was not so keen on the idea. Tai-tai brought back a learning laptop for Aisyah yesterday (from credit card's points redeem) and she enjoyed playing with it last night.

Tomorrow is already Thursday and I am looking forward for this weekend to "have a life" as suggested by Lau-pan-liang.

Sing along with Aisyah

Last week I had to go to Kota Kinabalu again for a two day-one night business trip. Tai-tai and Aisyah were at the airport to fetch me up. On the way home, I overheard Aisyah sang a song..

"Shanta..shanta..ho!ho!ho!"

I actually had to ask Tai-tai if I heard it correctly and she confirmed it well. I probably should have told Aisyah that it was far too early for the seasons to be jolly, but instead I told her that I wanted to get a petite Christmas tree for her as a gift (with much dismay from Tai-tai).

The next day we took Aisyah for her trial music class at the local Yamaha school. She was thrilled to see the pianos, but not so much in the classroom. A bit of shyness and introvert behavior during the session. By the time the class ended after 30 minutes, Tai-tai and myself decided to enroll her for the music class with a more concrete reason - we want her to socialise and make friends with other people!!! Hopefully when we send her for kindergarten next year, she should be able to make friends on her own.



Daddy : Last week Kota Kinabalu, today Lumut, next month - Ghana????

Scenario analysis

The following conversation took place yesterday morning.


Daddy : Aisyah, can I watch TV3?

Aisyah : Nope.

Daddy : Please......can I watch TV3?

Aisyah : Nope..it's my turn!

Daddy : No...it's my turn! My turn!

Aisyah : No..it's my turn! My turn!

Daddy : Pleasssseeeee.. your turn is up already. So now it should be my turn. Please...can I watch TV3? Aisyah good girl kan?

Aisyah : No...it's my turn! My turn! My turn! My turn! My turn! (100 times)

Daddy : My turn! My turn! MY TURN!!!!!!!!! (100 times also)

Tai-tai : Can both of you please cut it out???!!!???

Waiting and waiting and waiting...

It has been more than one week since we started the toilet-training programme for Aisyah. Was not easy for the first few days but I think the situation is getting better. On the other hand, she seemed to have lost her appetite and did not eat much. We are very worried as all her "baby fat" is diminishing bit by bit every day.

My other daughter, Aliyah, is recovering well after the surgery and has always been on the cheerful mode although sometimes we think that she could not distinguish between day and night. We have the feeling that she hardly sleeps in her buai at night coz her eyes would be wide open every time we peeped inside.

After so long.....

Finally...Tai-tai and myself have solved the problem of accessing blogspot from our home PC, thanks to the expertise of my IT savvy and technically sound brother-in-law. Now I can blog from the convenience of my home, although the only thing missing is a portable fan (I am sweating right now...no wonder some people say that blogging is sometimes "hot").

Aliyah was admitted to HUKM for two days observation on 28th April 2009. Her operation took place two days later on 30th April. Tai-tai and myself were not only impressed with the results of the operation, but also on the services provided by the staff particularly the nurses at Ward 4D (Paed 3). Our perception on Government (or quasi Government) hospitals changed totally and I would highly recommend HUKM to anybody seeking medical attention or treatment. She was discharged on 4th May and due for follow-up on 3rd June. The purpose of this operation was to repair her cleft lip only, and we anticipate her next operation (i.e. to repair her cleft palate) would take place before the year end.

Pix above : Before the operation

Pix above : After the operation

Our new maid arrived about two weeks ago, but not the one that we had chosen earlier. The one who was supposed to come and work for us ran away even before she left Indonesia. The agent sent a temporary one, a 22 year old lady with a four year old child currently facing some marital problems at home. We gave her a week of probation period and decided to confirm her as our permanent maid. Another problem solved and closed for at least another two years (provided she has no intention of running away).

Daddy : Al-fatihah to Tai-tai's beloved Nenek and Uchee to my children, Hajah Som Abdullah who passed away peacefully on Thursday evening, 21 May 2009.

Accra...Tema...Ghana

Tonight is my third night in Ghana. The actual situation in Ghana itself is much better than what I had imagined...but surely it is a totally different set of world out here...

Tai-tai sent me sms earlier - Aisyah knocked herself against the bed and bled her gum, whilst she was trying to calm Aliyah who was already throwing her tantrums demanding for her feed. Later when the two angels had fallen asleep, Tai-tai cried due to exhaustion. I honestly felt very bad and sorry for her, and wished that I was by her side when all these things happened.

Now I can't wait to go back home... looking forward for Thursday evening!

From the Emirates Lounge in DXB

I've just landed at Dubai International. Managed to get about two or three hours of sleep on my seven hours flight from KLIA. In about an hour's time, I will board my next flight to Accra.

Dubai Airport is superb..... and for sure I will be "legally robbed" by the duty free shops during transit on my return journey.

Ghana...here I come!

Yeah! I know it has been quite some time since I last put my words in my blog. But since I came back from Kota Kinabalu, I hardly got some time to put some words into it...days passing by without me realising..and right now I'm sitting in the Emirates Lounge at KLIA waiting for my flight to Dubai, and thereafter to Accra, Ghana for a five days business trip.

A lot of things to update....

On Maid

We got our new maid about two weeks ago. She was nice, sincere, and honest (my first impression). Tai-tai spent quite a number of hours training the maid to do household chores, and the special way to feed Aliyah. It was tough for her but she was a fast learner. Five days passed by before I receive a phone call from the agent informing me that the maid failed her medical test due to hepatitis....(SIGH! - A BIG ONE!!!)

We immediately sent the maid back to the agent, and was given a temporary maid a few days after that. A 22 year old girl, youngest in the family, illiterate and unable to tell the time...(SHOOT!). Tai-tai gave her a chance but unfortunately, she was not capable enough to work with us. We sent her back to the agent... and we were left "maidless" since last Thursday until (hopefully) the end on the month. Since Tai-tai has to come back to work, we had no other choice but to live temporarily in Slim River until the new maid arrives. We just have to commute to work by taking the shuttle bus from Tanjung Malim bus station every morning, and get ourselves used to this arrangement.

From the Land Below the Wind (Last day chapter)

I should be leaving for the airport to catch my flight home in about two hours' time. Right now I'm just sitting down sipping iced latte at my favourite franchise coffee outlet whilst updating my blog (give me a chance - I could hardly find a time to do the same during my normal weekdays). I woke up this morning with much excitement and energy, i.e. to conclude my official business trip with ............ personal shopping (huh?)!

View from the pier - taken during my morning stroll from the hotel to the market for breakfast.

Post breakfast, we (me and two other colleagues from Lumut) bought kuih cincin from one of the stalls. A big packet (contains 50 pcs) costs about RM9/- and a smaller packet (contains 25 pcs) costs RM5/-. I bought three big packets and four smaller ones (plus additional one small packet free - courtesy of the makcik). I also bought four (or five.. couldn't remember the exact quantity due to my accelerated aging process) ikan terubuk masin. I later found out from Tai-tai when I called her over lunch that in some cases, the so called ikan terubuk sold here are not genuine terubuk...kira tipulah tu... I was not too sure about the fish that I purchased earlier but anyway... it should be treated as sunk cost.

After checking out from the hotel, I went for a quest for the ultimate frozen lobster and tiger prawns hunting. The hotel concierge was kind enough to arrange for my transportation to the frozen seafood shop near the train station. For a mere sum of RM182/-, I managed to purchase 1 kg of lobster, 1 kg of large tiger prawns, and 1 kg of something edible from the sea that I myself was not too sure how to eat it... I just bought because of the excitement to try something new. In addition to that, our host gave 4 kgs of frozen prawns to each one of us.

Philippine Market @ Pasar Kraftangan Kota Kinabalu

Main entrance to Philippine Market @ Pasar Kraftangan Kota Kinabalu

I learned about the famous Philippine Market from Tai-tai when she came to Kota Kinabalu in November 2007 for a one day business trip. She went to this market twice in a day...I went three time in half a day (you are welcomed to make your own interpretation from this statement). Unfortunate for me, I twisted my right ankle after my third visit to the market.. if I had not injured myself, I would probably pay another one or two more visits before leaving for the airport.

From the Land Below the Wind

I arrived in Kota Kinabalu yesterday evening; and was immediately treated to a sumptuous seafood dinner at Kampung Air by the host. We had steamed red kerapu, buttered prawns, chicken corn soup, stir-fried Sabah vege, and oyster omelette - so much that I had completely forgotten about my gout problem! The meal was fantastic, and I now I know where to treat Tai-tai and the kids when we come to Kota Kinabalu for our holiday in the future.

Seri Selera Kampung Air Seafood Restaurant, Kota Kinabalu

Right now I am sitting in the hotel lobby enjoying the wi-fi (to pay RM20/- for a three hour internet access from my room is considered not justifiable from an accountant's point of view). Music from the lobby lounge is distracting, but soothing for my ears. We concluded our official visit at around 7.30 pm. After dinner, we were taken for a short night tour around the town, which included a stopover at the night market in Kampung Air. I bought a T-shirt each for Tai-tai and my darling angels, but not for myself due to one obvious reason - I couldn't fit into any!!! Darn! Guess my diet programme need to be revised...opsss...what about yesterday's seafood dinner?

My return flight tomorrow is scheduled to depart at round 7-ish in the evening, so by default I have ample time to do some more light shopping. I'm planning to buy some frozen seafood and local delicacies from the market tomorrow. Tai-tai suggested for lobsters so I'll try my best to find some. I am also planning to buy lots of kuih cincin, a local sweet treat that can only be found here in Sabah.

Kuih cincin

Daddy : Belum mandi lagi...its already midnight and I need to retire for the day so that I'll have abundance of energy tomorrow for shopping!

Alkisah...

Our maid is going back tomorrow. Her flight to Bandung is scheduled to depart at 3.40 pm from LCCT. My flight to Kota Kinabalu is scheduled to depart tomorrow also at 4.55 pm from KLIA. Abah is coming over to fetch Tai-tai and the kids balik kampung while I'm away serving my outstation duty. Without the maid around, it would be very difficult or at least challenging for Tai-tai to handle the kids on her own...especially at night.

My darling angels....

I have made arrangements with my parents to send the maid to LCCT tomorrow, and after that straight to KLIA for my flight. I will only be gone for two nights - flying back to KL on Friday evening... I have not even started my journey, yet I can't wait to come back!



Daddy : Latest news...I'm scheduled to depart for Ghana on 6 April...

Suddenly there's a light at the end of the tunnel...

Thanks to internet classifieds, I managed to find a maid agency near my house. I contacted the agency yesterday to ask about maid availability that could fulfill our requirements;

1. Preferably Sundanese from Western Java;
   
2. Has children of her own (married or divorced);
   
3. Age between 30 to 40 years old; and
   
4. Available as soon as possible.

We managed to find someone who is available in two weeks' time...a 40 year old lady with six children ranging from age 2 to 17, a Sundanese from Cianjur in Western Java. And the best thing is, I don't even have to personally submit the application forms to the Immigration Department nor do I need to fetch the maid from airport...plus Fomema medical check-up will be taken care of by the agency before the handing over process...

FINALLY... some bright light at the end of the tunnel for me and Tai-tai.

Daddy: Is going to Kota Kinabalu for work matters between 11th to 13th next week and possibly to Ghana in the first week of April.

From the pot to the fire

This morning Tai-tai sent me an email... her one and only sentence was like a bullet that passed through my heart..

"Cik X confirmed cannot get the maid by March with all her excuses."

Ok..firstly I was worried that the new maid won't be here on time...but now the case has turned for the worse - from the pot straight to the fire... How is it possible for me and Tai-tai to find another maid in less than two weeks?

Over lunch today me and Tai-tai devised our next course of action:

1. Contact Kak Fauziah in Pandan Indah to temporarily babysit Aisyah and Aliyah;
2. Ask around for maid agency references; and
   
3. Prepare ourselves to share the household chores until we find a new maid.

Taking into consideration Aliyah's condition, sending our children to daycare nursery is definitely not an option at this stage.


Daddy : Panic attack. Stay calm. Houston...we got a problem!

Pulang ke seberang...

I'm actually on medical leave today due to my badly swollen right ankle. Although I was in pain, I took the opportunity to run some unavoidable errands, which included applying for the Check-out-Memo from the Immigration Department for my maid. She's going back on the 11th next month, and I hope that my daughters, especially Aisyah, won't miss her that much.

Time flies very fast. Exactly two years ago we forked out almost four grant to hire a stranger to live inside our house as a domestic helper, babysitter and cook for us (although her main job functions are the first two from the list). For me and Tai-tai, although we were very comfortable with Kak Fauziah and her family in Pandan Indah who used to babysit Aisyah last time, we came to realise that it was not fair to leave Aisyah with them beyond the reasonable timing as they also have other things to do. Plus they need some time to be with their own family members, especially in the evening. Taking into consideration our work commitment, we had no other choice but to hire a live-in maid.

I hope that the new in-coming maid is as good as our outgoing one...or perhaps even better!

What to write-lahhhhh?

At this moment I am waiting for Tai-tai to wrap-up her work for the day. I am away from office for a Project Management course commencing yesterday, and I should be occupied until Thursday (as at now I still have another two more days before the course completion). Course-wise... very interesting. The classroom size is small (only seven of us) thus full attention and participation is something that I can't run away from...(which is good!) From the positive point of view, I have no other choice but to force myself to learn something that would eventually add value to my work (also to my CV..he!he!he! please don't tell my boss that!).

Yesterday me and Tai-tai stopped over at a Toyota showroom on the way home. We actually wanted to lay our eyes on the new "facelifted" Innova model. My Proton is now halfway through her ninth year already, and we have kept the option to replace it "open for discussion". For the sake of my children (we do not want to get stranded in the middle of nowhere with small kids in the car - TOUCH WOOD), we should seriously think about this idea...

The date to look forward to - 30 April 2009

We took Aliyah for her second appointment with the plastic surgeon last Wednesday. The doctor examined Aliyah and set the date for operation on 30 April, but she has to be admitted two days earlier for the necessary procedures. Tai-tai informed me that she was nervous whenever the thought of Aliyah's operation came across her mind, but I kept on assuring her that everything would be fine. The scheduled operation, even though we have the kesian feeling for Aliyah, would eventually benefit her in the future.

Lately Aliyah has been so generous with her smiles and laughter. She has put up some kilos and her weight now is 4.4 kg.

What a wonderful weekend

Last Saturday we held a birthday party for our princess, Aisyah.

She dressed gorgeously with "butterfly princess wings" attached at her back (something that she requested Tai-tai to buy for her during one of the shopping trips to Tesco).

But as expected, she spoilt the moment during the candle blowing ceremony. And guess who had to do it for her??? YOURS TRULY! The cake was a 1.5 kg chocolate cream with a picture of Mickey and Minnie Mouse on it..two of her favourite cartoon characters. Maybe next year we'll try something else?

Tai-tai's mini cupcakes were the "hits" among guests at the party. We had a few people who already asked if they could place their orders. Tai-tai...amacam? Nak bukak business tak?

Daddy: Dates on the photos are not correct... perhaps we should have turned it off!

Another batch of updates

Yeah...another week has passed by and I am looking forward for another long weekend this week. This week's updates...

On Tai-tai
She is currently enjoying her last week off before returning to office next week. Already feeling comfy at home, I think she would be dragging her feet to work from next Tuesday onwards.

On Aisyah
My little Aisyah turned 3 yesterday. Tai-tai bought her a small chocolate cake and candles for the normal birthday rituals. But when we started to sing the birthday song, her response was "No birthday...". Tai-tai and myself are organising a small birthday party for Aisyah tomorrow (invitation mostly to the kids from the block, so please don't feel offended if you're not on the invitation list..heh!heh!).

Proposed menu for tomorrow:
1. Chocolate cream birthday cake;
2. Assorted colorful cupcakes;
3. Pasta with chicken bologna sauce;
4. Fresh garden salad with choice of thousand island or ceasar dressing ;
5. Chicken sandwich;
6. Mini chicken cocktail with zucchinis;
7. Seafood Chinese fried rice;
8. Fried chicken wings and drumsticks marinated with honey mustard sauce;
9. Watermelons; and
10.Blackcurrant drink.

I hope that she will behave well tomorrow as the host and birthday girl and not confining herself in the maid's room!

On Aliyah
We tried to train Aliyah during night time (last feeding around 1 am and earliest feeding around 5 am or so) to minimise disruptions to our sleep. Unfortunately we have not been successful as expected so far. Instead Aliyah is throwing her tantrums more often nowadays, especially towards the second half of each feeding. We noted that Aliyah's behavior is better during daytime compared to night time. Although this proves to be challenging for both me and Tai-tai, we treat it as a blessing in disguise.. at least she's behaving well when she's with the maid.


Daddy: I need a good massage.

Missing the blog

The last few weeks have been very hectic for me, especially on work-wise matters. I am looking forward for the Chinese New Year break with high anticipation for some "time-off" at my parents' house, and spending more time with Tai-tai and the kids, of course!

Aisyah is going to be 3 soon, and Aliyah (now fondly being referred to as "Adik" - ada harapan untuk jadi anak bongsu ni...) is turning two months old this Saturday. How time flies!

A few people commented that I have lost some weight. Well, I've been practising Atkins Diet as much as possible so I presume that the results are now slowly surfacing. But the main thing that I wish I could do more is exercising. I just can not find the time to hit the gym...

In a nutshell, a summary of things that have taken place since my last posting:

1. I seemed to have lost the ability to calm Aliyah down whenever she cries;
2. It is now harder to convince Aisyah to take her bath and meals;
3. I have installed CCTV at my house;
4. Aliyah is already 4 kg;
5. Me an Tai-tai have already had two sessions of cup cakes baking; and
6. We took Aisyah for a trip to pasar borong, and she didn't like it at all!!!!

Life

Yesterday I watched a good movie on HBO... LICENSE TO WED, played by Mandy Moore, John Krasinski and Robin Williams. The movie was about a couple who wanted to get married but had to pass a pre-marriage course, planned by their local church pastor.

After watching the movie, I realised that challenges and problems in a married life (or in a family life as a matter of fact) are common and something that almost everybody has to encounter. Even if you remain as a celibate or single person you are still part of a family structure, right? So there is no escape route from this particular situation. I am now looking at my own life. I'll turn 31 this year.

During my early to mid teenage years, I considered myself to be "a snob" and had communication issues with almost everybody.

Late teens to early 20's - early maturity period and I began to accept the fact that being a snob and a self-centered person is definitely a no-no if you want to live in a community, more so if you wish to get married and have a family of your own.

Mid 20's - getting myself adjusted in a married life, where challenges are normally circulated around mis-communication and not meeting the expectations.

Late 20's to present - adopted the "give and take" and compromise policy as a husband and father (yup...giving in for the cartoon channel is one of it). But most important is to be a good role model and father figure for my two daughters. Honestly, I have yet to start acting like a father... I think. Perhaps I should ask Tai-tai's view on this....hmmm...

My colour personality test result...

I did a colour personality test...and the results are as follow...

Daddy's Existing Situation

Imaginative and sensitive; seeking an outlet for these qualities--especially in the company of someone equally sensitive. Interest and enthusiasm are readily aroused by the unusual or the adventurous.

Daddy's Stress Sources

An existing situation or relationship is unsatisfactory, but he feels unable to change it to bring about the sense of belonging which he needs. Unwilling to expose his vulnerability, he therefore continues to resist this state of affairs, but feels dependent on the attachment. This not only depresses him but makes him irritable and impatient producing considerable restlessness and the urge to get away from the situation, either actually or, at least, mentally. Ability to concentrate may suffer.

Daddy's Restrained Characteristics

Circumstances are forcing him to compromise, to restrain his demands and hopes, and to forgo for the time being some of the things he wants.

Daddy's Desired Objective

Has a powerful drive towards sensuousness.

Daddy's Actual Problem

Anxiety and a restless dissatisfaction, either with circumstances or with unfulfilled emotional needs, have produced considerable stress. He tries to escape from these into a conflict-free security in which he can relax and recover.

The fear that he might be prevented from achieving the things he wants increases his need for security and freedom from conflict. Is therefore seeking stability and an environment in which he can relax.