Tower Up!

Memory Lane, 1995

2011-02-15T04:19:00.000+02:00

Yesterday, my hubby decided to go on the internet to search for our names to see if there is any information about us hanging out there online. During this search, my hubby found a blog of someone who wrote about me, on 19-Dec-2005, after she attended our wedding.

Here goes:

"I feel like talking about a person today. She sat next to me in high school. She's the one who helped to make me lose my temper easily back then. Things I remember about her: 1. She's afraid of lightnings/thunders. 2. We were the only two students who didn't go back home once. We stayed in the aspuri for 2 days and played ping pong. She won everytime. 3. She's crazy. 4. She's always got on my nerve at school. But I don't know why I always gave in. 5. She's manja. 6. She told me a story, in musolla when we were supposed to listen to tazkirah given, about somebody who enjoys tarik telekung orang until it's senget while praying. She laughed at the idea while I was furious. Tak baiklah kacau orang semayang! (how did I end up being so boring?) 7. In KMT class, dia amik gergaji letrik tuh, pastu terus potong kayu. Kayu tu jadi sengat la kan sebab tak ukur dulu. Rosak abis, Cikgu Zul punyalah marah. Si Basheer siap ngumpat lagik. 8. Dia ni memang kena marah selalu ngan Cikgu Zul. Kesian gak tgk tapi dia buat tak kisah jek. 9. She loves cute anything - babies, people, etc. 10. She has a great smile. 11. She's graceful. I hope the guys wont have such a hard time believing it coz it's true. Ada banyak lagi, although vaguely, in my head but then I'm at work. So I taip mana yang teringat. Anyway, she and I had a history together however brief it was. I think some of my friends have already figured out who's the person by now. After PMR she moved to Kedah. Things I've realized about her later on: 1. She's fun and playful. 2. She cares for people. 3. She's beautiful. 4. She takes things easy. 5. She's actually always calm and composed (I think so, because she seems so). 6. She's probably the only one I'd ever know to be that crazy and unique. Then we had a trip to PD and that was the first time in a million years since we've last met. She was sitting with a group of people whom I was sure were not from the alumni. I took a glance and looked away. She was smiling. She looked so familiar but she seemed like she was with the group sitting there, so no way we should've known each other. I looked again and looked away again. I was with a few friends and we were talking and asking around where the heck was everybody else. Suddenly she stood up and walked towards us. And at that instance her name struck in my brain like never before lah. Seriously I knew she worked in the UK, camana leh ada kat mesia lak nih???? Could it be? And of all the words I should've said, "Hey.... I know your face" came out of my mouth! Badi LOTR tak abis lagi time tuh. A sudden warmth came over me. She hasn't changed physically at all, except for of course the beauty and grace of a lady, clearly visible lah. I was speechless. I mean I had a lot to say, a lot to ask but couldn't say it. And the rest of the PD trip was good. She spent lots of time with Aslam and Noe. I only looked from afar. How a girl has grown so much. I was so glad that she came to PD that weekend. She left early, Noe sent her off. I was still in bed that morning. A month ago, suddenly I got a news about her from someone else. And that sudden warmth (like the one in PD) got to me again. It didn't matter from whom I got the news since I understood her situation. I recalled all the things that we had shared during high school. And the time in PD, however brief. Wow. Nothing in the world could explain how happy I was for her. So despite that it was supposed to be a quiet ceremony, and I wasn't supposed to know, I left her a message anyway. There was nothing I could say much online. Only deepest and sincerest congrats, and that I understood her situation. Then I received an invitation! I knew that she had been calculative and careful on who to invite looking at the seat allocations. I felt so honored since it was only for close family and friends. She looked beautiful last night. It being one of her happiest moment in her life, I can't blame her. Sparks were flying everywhere. She looked so shy though.... biasalah pengantin melayu. The food was superb. I hope she doesn't mind I'm writing about it here. Your pics are going to be uploaded soon in the group anyway... hehe.... So I am here writing to say thank you for the opportunity to be part of your big night. To Samira and Nasir Hadrien Dumont, I wish you well for the future, and hope you enjoy a long and happy marriage."

I am touched. Thank you for the good notes. I guess I haven't change that much..*wink*wink*

Haunted?

2011-02-06T03:06:00.002+02:00

We live in a compound with several houses. We share a common swimming pool, gym, playground like other normal compound. But what is different about my compound? Here it goes...my haunted story starts here:

STORY 1: The Playground
The guard from our compound said that during the night shifts, they have to make rounds throughout the compound, and eventually when they are tired, they will sit (in places where there are benches..of course!) close to the playground. Aaaah, I didn't mention that our house is right opposite the playground. And guess what? The guard claimed that they will bump into a lady who is always sleeping in the slides. And when they want to make conversation with the lady or tried to look again at the lady to confirm its there, it disappeared.

STORY 2 : The Balcony
In House 38(opposite to the playground), similar to the other houses, there is a sitting area, balcony. One of the guard claimed that one fine night, he accidentally slept on the couch at the balcony area. When he woke up, he saw a beautiful lady, with long black hair staring at him! And when he tried to shout, his tongue was tight and frozen. When he reopen his eyes, the lady was gone and he could speak normal again! There was no one else around him who witnessed this event. It was only him alone.

STORY 3: The Maid
In house 23, one of our neighbours maid (A) saw a lady sweeping the grass around the house every morning. The wierd part of this is the maid was not suppose to be this lady. And so my neighbours maid (A), went to her to ask who she was. When (A)was just about to call this lady, as (A) re-look/re-open eyes at the direction of the lady, she was gone, disappeared. The best part of it, at a distance, when she is hanging clothes outside, (A) could still see this same lady sweeping the grass every morning. Similar figure, lady with long untied black hair. Similar to the guard at the playground, (A) never get to see the lady's face.

STORY 4: Our House
When my family came, I had to rearrange the rooms to accomodate all the families. My daughter slept with us, so my younger brother's family could have a room for themselves. And their 1.5 yr old daughter starts to play with "auntie" in the room each night, when the lights were out. Since her baby cot was just beside the window, she would also stand up, lift the curtains to try and play with "auntie" outside the window! The same night, my younger brother was "pressed" or "tindih" while sleeping. Similar to the guard in house 38, his tongue were tight and frozen. Couldn't speak nor shout for about a minute. After pressure were released, everything went back to normal. But, unlike the guard, he didn't see anything.

My friends who might be reading this might just say, I am crazy! Well I am..I can't sleep well, insomnia as I am..walking alone to the kitchen seems harder than before. Please, reader out there, if you know how to make me sleep normal and be brave again, let me know. All suggestions are welcome. I know it's not scientific nor proven...

-THE END-

Fecilitation Marie!

2010-06-29T21:28:00.000+03:00

On 26th June, Marie gave birth to a lovely baby boy name Hamzah. I would like to dedicate this post to Marie and Meshary. Congratulations.. Now you have a pair of beautiful children, hope Mashael is taking good care of "son petit frere Hamzah"..
A bien tot, peut etre en Belgique?

Hello Shilme!

2010-06-25T10:36:00.008+03:00

Monkey trip on the hills

Plane to Japan

Nozawa Onsen Kitchen

Hanna in Uncle Douche Style

Disneyland Tokyo

Going Home

We miss you Shilme. I need to post few picture of Hanna's in Tisha's skirt also. Hanna is still playing with the bicycle with chinese music sing by the animal Kingdoms:D.. Ingat tak lagi Shilme?

Since I am making this blog private and only to invited readers, I will now start to post the pictures bigger;) ..starting with the belated trip we had early this year to Japan to Nozawa Onsen - Tokyo - Disneyland..ENJOY!

End of May and June Updates

2010-06-24T05:58:00.010+03:00

May Update
End of May was an extremely good month. We received visit from our friend Cousteau and Charlotte at home. They visited us when we were in Cairo (Amaury in Charlotte's Belly) and now, they have 2 boys. Amaury and Maxence. Hanna and Amaury in the begining was a bit shy but later they are very good friends. When Amaury left, Hanna kept on calling out for Amaury and pointing at the "chose" and toys that Amaury prefers. The picture below shows the two of them cleaning up the mess after they threw the balls out of the "petite piscine"!

June Update
Begining of June, I had a DELF test A2 at Alliance and I passed with good marks (according to Janine)..but what is the mark? "Il faut attendre!", because the official marks are not released yet. Tik tok tik tok, so we have to wait for 2 months until they released the official mark!

Yesterday, we had sayang mama's school graduation. She graduated at school along wth her friends Ezio, Samrad, Megan, Kakak Marsha, Jessy, Tomasito and others! They were all in their graduation cap waiting to receive their scrolls and yellow rose from Dr. Cindy (their class teacher). After all students received their scrolls, the children then lined up to give a shot at the pinata. What's with kids birthday/school occassion and pinata..I have no idea..nothing against it...But why teach little children to hit and bash up a heart shaped box to get a candy? Isn't it a bit too violent? (Maybe I am completely outdated and living too much in the hyperspace:P)

May Trip 2010

2010-05-19T05:27:00.003+03:00

We setup a date with Auntie Pjot@KLCC. We went for a little tour to Aquaria and guess what? Auntie Pjot has never been to Aquaria. It was a nice little tour since we get to see pirana fish getting feed, "kuda laut", "papa nemo", "hanna nemo", "dori" and sharks who loves eating other fishes especially nemo. At the end of the tunnel, sayang mama was scared and didn't want to see sharks anymore..coz in nemo episode, they were trying to eat papa nemo and dori. Remember "Fish are friends, not food"?? Pity the sharks..

After the short trip in KL, we went back to Balikpapan with a short transit in Singapore. Since my brother and K. Reeva is going to Singapore also, we decided to book a room and stayed outside the airport for the transit. We visited Singapore Zoo and it was excellent. Long walk ~3 hrs under extreme hot sun and swimming in our sweats..pheww, but its worth the trip..We would definitely go there again!

Luncheon with family

2010-05-14T12:57:00.002+03:00

These pictures were taken on out last vacation in Kuala Lumpur @ Tupai Restaurant, on a lovely Sunday, 3rd May.

Luncheon with family

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March Updates

2010-03-23T09:22:00.007+02:00

Firstly a message to Reena, please come here!
Secondly a message to Dewi, its already next week now, please come back..

Petanque Day, Mar. 6th
The event was organized by Alliance Francaise, held in Batakan Beach Club, owned by Total. I came in at 8:45am to register but, sigh without my teammate I cannot register. At 9:00am when we had all 3 people to register, the game is full. So, we stayed at the side line cheering for our classmates, that eventually won second place! Fecilitation...After the game, at 2:00pm, we had a barbeque lunch followed by lucky draw, obviously being unlucky, I never get to win these things!

Le Bal Perdu, Mar. 20th
This event was organized by the Francophone community where Alliance Francaise was invited. So, we tagged along, me and hubby, leaving sayang mama sleeping at home. Event starts at 6:00pm - 10:00pm - midnight, and the theme is the 50's. I didn't really know what the French people are like in the 50's, so before our French class starts, with the teacher, we googled the 50's mode. And it's simple..chemise-jupe-ceinture...BUT, i don't have belt..so how? I went looking for one..guess what?? with my fatty belly of the size of planet earth, I can't even get the ends of belt to even meet half way..uff...henceforth, I went without a belt, easy to drink and sit also. Since we dance all the night, me and my friend Frida won La Creme de Maron, which I have no idea what it tastes like since I haven't open it yet..We went back home at 1:00am. Exhausting night indeed, funny and fun.

Prabu Sports Day, Mar. 27th
This was Sayang Mama's sports day at school. We went to participate, but sayang mama was a bit shy to mingle around with her friends. But luckily, there was Megan who loves sayang mama so much and made her comfortable to play. Papa participated in the tug-wars, hula-hoop run and others..Go papa!!!!

Happy Birthday Sayang Mama!

2010-03-04T08:09:00.010+02:00

On the 21st Feb 2010, Hanna's second birthday was celebrated without a cake in Japan. We went to Disneyland Tokyo for the day and bought her a story card flash from Japan. Ahaaa, you must wonder where is Mama and Papa in the picture??!! The thing is, papa and uncle douche came back at 5am in the morning of Hanna's birthday, so Mama decided to go and take Hanna to Disneyland secretly without Papa (since papa hates mickey!)..So Mama sneaked out of the hotel and left a note at the receptionist that says: "We're off to Disneyland!.." Thanks to Uncle Douche, the train we took was actually a direct line to DISNEY!! We left hotel around 7:30am and came back around past noon, since sayang mama was too exhausted. Therefore, Mama is snapping the pictures..

Finally, her cake cutting session was done in Kota Kinabalu with the family. Here are some of the photos from Aofah! Thank you all for celebrating her birthday, simple and sweet. Among them was: Wan, Pak Ndak, Auntie Tasya, Baby Alissa, Tok Lang, Uncle Aiman, Auntie Aofah, Uncle Digun, Abg Aisar, Adik Aqilla, Uncle Azzam, Arif (cousin of Aiman) and Nabil.

World's Hero

2010-01-19T04:01:00.004+02:00

Hey, check it out..world's new hero @ http://en.tackfilm.se/?id=1263865684277RA60&q=low

Well, here is the thing, watch the movie until it's finish..and the trick is just within 2 clicks away! Have fun and good day!

Weekend in Balikpapan

2010-01-18T02:56:00.008+02:00

Hello Marie, Meshary and Cik Suhana who recently called me from Malaysia truly asia urging me to update frequently my blog. Here it goes..

In the weekend, we will spend most of the times in the swimming pool with little bee. She loves swimming. Well, mostly I prefer to be lazy and let papa bring the little bee swimming..but this weekend, since papa is away, mama had to do the duty..Swimming pool is veeeeeeeeeeeeeery far from our house, its like 10-meters away...can you imagine?? :P

A lot of you might not know it yet, but from our house, it is 20 steps away from the Gym too..all it takes is a BIG kick in the butt to get Samira there..The best-est news ever is that Wendi and Dewi is transfered here...Yippie, now I can get Dewi to motivate me to the Gym..I'll take some picture of the house area to be posted..not in this one.

The first few post will be dedicated specifically for food and cravings..OK, for those who didn't see the comment, here is what Marie said:
1) No eating junk food (KFC is junk..who am I cheating myself, hihihihi)
2) No eating cakes unless its the MOST delicious cake ever
3) No wasting calories on worthless food (food that doesn't taste good..)

Anyway, back to the food topic, in weekend morning, we make the routine delicious micious crepe-de-belgique..I remember Marie's style making crepe with exact precise measurement of the farine vs. milk..for lazy Samira recipe, here goes the basic ingredients for making crepe:

Flour, milk, olive oil, vanilla flavour (since we don't have fleur d'orange), 2 egg, a bit of salt and sugar.

What I do is with a big mixing bowl, I take 4 cups of flour, 2 eggs, a big spoon of olive oil, little salt and sugar, vanilla. Then, I will pour the milk slowly to the right texture that I want..If I want thicker I will put lesser milk, vice versa. Then I butter the pan, with tissue paper, and scoop the paste into the hot buttered-pan. Voila!! Might not look as mouth watering but you can eat it with:
1) Nutella (my favorite)
2) Sugar and lemon
3) Jam

OK, till the next post.
P.s. papa has bought himself a new toy, Kawasaki Ninja 250cc red color.. Go check it out!

Happy New Year Marie!

2010-01-11T10:55:00.001+02:00

Hello Marie, for you I decided to update my blog and wish Marie and the world happy new year! May this year bring you more luck and better life..

I haven't write for the longest time, the moving the changing planet surroundings, followups on shipments and little things had made me occupied completely. Oh, for those who didn't know, I have left Egypt for good (might still visit Egypt for holidays but definitely not in these short period of time) and transfered to Indonesia, Balikpapan. We left behind lots of happy and sad memories, good friends and Mahmud (for those who knows him)..

Balikpapan is a nice place. We live in a house with sea view and a beautiful park. Its definitely more calm and less hectic. The culture and traditions are more closer to Malaysia's, the food that I craved soo badly in Cairo is now available at an arm length's most of the time (thank you to the excellent Pembantu's that cooks delicious micious food..), and now, its the weight control time. Within less than a month stay, I have gained 2 kilos, yikes!

Here is my new year's resolution!

1. To try and update my blog more frequently so Marie get little update of our little life here

2. To disconnect myself from Facebook, so here is the only place we will be updating our little boring life

3. To make the tour around south east asia, so much to see...

4. Eat less, only the portion I need and try to exercise

5. Learn french and actually practice my french with the French-ies..

So..here is a tip I got recently from a friend, a good way to keep your body not tooooo FAT, since I love food so much. This tips only apply for people like me, who enjoy madly food..I have wierd relationship with food as my hubby would describe it!!

1) When you're hungry, eat

2) If you feel like eating something, go ahead and eat it..

3) Don't cut the portion of your food if you're hungry

4) Don't think of making diet...eat what you want

5) Be cautious of what you eat

6) Put the whole portion of food you intended to eat in the plate and eat them

7) No food infront of TV

So, lets see if I get to reduce my weight this way???!!

Till the next post! Love you Marie, Reena, and my 3 little other princess in Cairo!

Happy New Year!!

2009-01-11T20:24:00.005+02:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Hey hey, its been a while since the last post. I know its a bit late to say this, HAPPY NEW YEAR...So, my last year's new year resolution was to go on a diet.. but this year, I don't think it became the main priority in life anymore. My mission this year will be: Live life to the fullest, do what you want and need to do, live up to your expectations..be happy and the others are secondary. Priority goes from family, friends and then others. (Nice doing business with you gentleman!! --> my quote for the year)

The Countdown
I have to say, this year begin with little less enthusiasm. Maybe the aging or the mother effect, I don't feel that excited anymore (dressed up while jumping like a monkey!!) and make my wish list like the previous years. We didn't even plan anything for the new year. We made late reservations and obviously, everything nice around Cairo was overbooked. Me and hubby ended up booking ourself to Fusion by the Nile Maadi, with Sharizal and Einar, while our petite Hanna sleeping at home.

The NY's Resolution

There was definitely loads of hiccups along the way to get here to 2009, but, I have to say, these hiccups made realize my priority and what I really want in life. I must admit few phrase that needs to be removed from my dictionary are:

1) I don't have time --> which is pretty obvious, I will never have one until I make one!!

2) I am running out of energy?? -->which means, I am physically not fit, work-out girl!

3) I don't know how to do this??--> go learn!!, which means, there is nothing impossible to know..

This is pretty tough and rough...hey, life is all about learning and improving and make your life and people that matters to you most happy!! and again, others are secondary.

The Game

We had as well introduced a new game this year, monopoly. It was very funny, since we played with Reena and Sharizal in Sart and realize how this game really reveals the true you!! Me getting angry and against my hubby (as usual, I think its my hobby to compete against him), and Sharizal's mission is to try making his wife go bankrupt, similarly, Marie who got upset with Meshary making her go bankrupt slowly, so cruel!!! Its just hillarious... Reena called up the other day from Malaysia and told us that she bought the Monopoly World Edition!! hahaha..

"Ladies and Gentleman, the tournament of monopoly shall begin!!"

Its funny that some people even go declare themselves champion after winning only one round of monopoly, therefore, a real round of competition is necessary with the world edition. (We will definitely need a baby sitter..with the babies around, its going to be a challenging task..!!)

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL and TO WORLD PEACE..

Tragedy...

2008-11-14T21:17:00.005+02:00

Last week has been one of the most difficult times for our family. There were 2 accidents happening in a row..first accident, my brother broke his arm to 4 and they had to make operation to insert some metal to support his arm and only to be removed 1.5 years later...sigh. He had his hand broken during a futsal match, when he fell on the ground and a friend accidentally stepped on his arms...:(..My prayers goes to Yasir to get well soon!!

Second accident was my mother's car stolen..the car was parked infront of the house and the next thing..it dissapeared...in the morning, my eldest brother received a call saying that they found the car at Rawang Highway fell over a cliff!! car was badly destroyed at the front and back...the miracle part was, the windshield didn't shatter at all, so the theif fled..without getting injured.

The tragedy is just so depressing...what is there left to write?

Happy Belated Birthday Abang!

2008-11-05T22:18:00.003+02:00

Happy Belated Birthday!
Sorry for the late wish...

Your birthday is on the 31 Oct 19--..a scorpio man

Wishing you best of luck in everything that you're doing:
- PhD
- being a son/husband/dad/brother
- @ work / @ home

Hugs and kisses to you, kak Reeva and baby Anya..
Love you!

Uni days...

2008-10-19T21:08:00.007+02:00

I have been thinking about it lately..I miss my university days! Life was lighter and crazy.. As the toys 'r' us theme song:"I don't wanna grow up..I'm a toys 'r' us kids"..eventually, I did grew up..and just can't seize it..

It has been so long since I chat with my uni room mate, Pjot. There were 3 of us in the room, Pjot and Lyn. Pjot was a very close friend to me. We took the same course, studied, watch movies, laugh and cry at the same time together, have big appetites for food and both LEO. Lyn was more reserved, polite and sweet... Me and Pjot, yes, we are the lioness.. and we roar...roaaaaaaaaaarrrrghghghhgg....

The best part that I remember from our uni days is the BIG love and crush we had for Takeshi Kaneshiro that if this guy would have asked our hand in marriage..oh it will definitely be "I DO" immediately!!

A japanese-chinese-american handsome man, who speaks 3 languages perfectly! Its very impressive. He is a major actor in Hong Kong and Japan.. However, me and pjot fell in love with him in "God give me more time.." featuring not other than Mr Takeshi himself. We watch the series of 10 CDs = 10 * 2 = 20 HOURS straight together, ah mind me...not once, maybe twice..with repeated scenes to see Mr Takeshi clearly, me and pjot side-by-side laughing and crying over the series.. Its funny though, we rarely watch series/movies, but we became addicted especially when its one week to finals.. kih kih kih..

My room mate call me crazy, because normally, the day before finals, I get so nervous, I couldn't touch any book/study material, but instead, became a cleaning freak. All the dust in the room will be wiped out clean and shiny. It annoys my room mates to the most, since they had to lift up their feets so I can clean the floor. Ah yes..I tango as well with my room mates!! They go mental!! Here is a comment from Lyn:

waaa!!! stay away from her!!!! kang tak pasal-pasal kena 'TANGO' ngan die!!! kalo sket, tape gak, ini sampai lenguh kaki ngan tangan... hehehhe... jgn marah ek mira, ko memang tak betul sket, aku paham sesangattttttt... mira ni rajin, tengok je die study, automatically orang lain macam aku yang study last minute ni jadi cuak.. one funny thing about her is that.. kalo die dah tatau ape nak blaja (bile exam dah dekat, 'kunun' tensen la tu), die akan kemas bilik siap ngan sapu lantai lagi. untung wooo!!! kalo ade exam every week, tak yah sesusah sapu lantai (for those who being her rumet la)... ekekekke... all the best to you mira and jgn main nyorok-nyorok lagi !!!! >:) --> Thanks Lyn...

The assignment days dateline was even funnier. We had 1 whole months to finish it, but strangely, we just couldn't find the time to do it.. up until last minute, we had to gather up and cramp ourselves in one room with our pjs to do it. Being extremely well organized, having 5 ppl in the same room, it ended up always one person typing out the thesis, one person reading out for the person typing and the others are having a slumber party!!! To some extentions, we did have some mini versions of "American Idol" competition running in the room with hair brush as a microphone and jumping around with Britney Spears song at the background!! Haha, my love for Britney --"Hit me baby one more time!"

Hehe, crazy! We do from time to time unplanned trip..that takes us completely from Cyberjaya to Pangkor..sometimes we do plan better, and manage to take ourselves to Port Dickson and just ended up spending our time in the room sleeping in late and waking up late, at night swimming in the swimming pool and sauna!

The last most memorable trip I had with my uni mates are us, 12 naughty girls going to Taman Negara. We (I think its mostly me..) drove the "uncle boat" and "uncle guide" crazy...he told us he would never agree to a trip when its only girls anymore... I don't really remember what I did..but he did went crazy..haha. I attached here the map of taman negara (to promote my malaysia truly asia!!)

I don't know how these pages flipped so fast...most of us are already moms.. I miss those days.. Well, I guess, I have been lunatic for quite sometime!

Selamat Hari Raya

2008-10-01T19:35:00.005+02:00

Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Maaf zahir dan batin..This is my 5th hari raya outside, but its ok. This year is a bit special, since its the first Hari Raya for Hanna. We bought baju raya for Hanna, but sadly, she was swimming in her baju kurung, since its too big!! Next year maybe.

This year, the malaysian embassy changed their venue for Hari Raya, its no more at Abasiyyah Hall but at Nasr City instead..We've never been there, so we didn't go..(long story).. its a sad morning to begin with..so I started cooking chicken rendang and baking chocolate cake for the open house at Reena's. As soon as clock ticks 2pm, the Dumont's are exactly at the door of Reena's.. SELAMAT HARI RAYA!! and the hari raya spirit was back.. it was a surprise since I saw my favorite tart nanas was served on the table..hari raya would never be the same without the tart nanas.. (thanks Reena..). Sharizal cook his delicious Beef Briyani, Shilme cook her famous Chicken Sambal and lamb curry..!! Miam miamm.. Thank you Reena and Sharizal for hosting the event, huge effort indeed!

A lot of people came, especially the Malaysian community in Cairo..I am glad to see so many new faces this year! I miss my family and friends in Malaysia!! Mak and Bah, Abang and kak Reeva, kak Aya, Ammar and Tasya, Yasir, Tok and the rest of the family and friends..SELAMAT HARI RAYA, MAAF ZAHIR DAN BATIN..dari hujung rambut sampai ke hujung kaki..kalau ada tersilap kata (a.k.a mengumpat) and tersalah makan atau minum..

I couldn't resist from writing the lyrics here:

Selamat Hari Raya,

Kepada saudara serta saudari,

setahun, hanya sekali,

merayakan hari yang mulia ini....

Di masa, bulan Ramadhan,

kita berpuasa hingga sebulan,

Pabila, syawal menjelma,

Hari raya di sambut dengan gembira..

Miskin kaya memakai baju baru warna warni,

Bergembira dengan kaum famili,

Ku berdoa selamat panjang umur murah rezeki,

Semoga tuhan akan memberkati..

SELAMAT HARI RAYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!

~~~tun tun tun tun tun tun tuuu tuuun tun padam dam dam dam dam padaaa dam...~~~

(p/s: This happens from time to time when you are crazy..too long away from family on Eid!!)

And most of all, thank you my darling hubby for supporting your crazy wife going fou fou every minute to Hari Raya..I love you!!! *virtual kiss...smooOOOOooooOOOch!*

Whats up??

2008-09-17T21:32:00.005+02:00

Hey..it has been a long time since I update my blog. Have I been busy? maybe.. its actually trying to find time to adjust with the schedule of motherhood, working, french class with thousands of homework (merci Mdm. Frederique:P) and balancing life..(hehe)... Am I balanced? Lets see... I still have another 10 kilos to lose!

Today I met another Malaysian lady, Ling. Her son, Keir is in the same class as Hanna. Keir is 10 months old a mix of American-Malaysian. And its a bizzare story..because this is the first time I met her..and she told me that she heard of another Malaysian lady in Cairo who has a daughter of 2 years old and she is working for SLB..(wow...I think I know who she's describing about..but I let her spit out the name..) none other than Reena. Reena is so popular!! waaawaaa weee waa

Apparently, she knew all the story of Reena's history (haha) from a friend of her neighbour, Sandy. This is bizzare because this is exactly how I get to know Reena as well. I knew all her history of life from the day she came out from her mummy's tummy to-date before meeting her. Isn't it amazing??!! (Reena, you've been stalked!) People are crazy over you babe, your popularity is very overwhelming, I am impressed!! Well, Reena is sweet, cooks delicious food and has good eyes for clothing, shoes and bagss!! She is a trendy up-to-date fashion mummy indeed! (Teringin pulak nak makan Reena's chicken rice!!)

Speaking of bags..I discovered (probably the last one to know) a nice blog: http://www.purseblog.com/, go check it out, superbly amazing! This cravings and addiction towards bags is indeed going to a madness level..!I am in love... of course with my dearest hubby, Hanna, family and friends.. and with bags too.. I need to go on a bag therapy. But sometimes, when I think about it (in a not-so philisophical way), thats why bags, shoes, watch, jewelleries are labelled as accessoories.. because we just need them in access..*wink*wink*

Let me test my french here: "J'aime beaucoup faire du shopping et je besoin un sac, montre et jouiller!!!" forgive me if I'm wrong..I am at level ZERO.

Enough crap for the day..I am off to do my homework..nite nite!

The end of maternity leave

2008-08-31T22:44:00.002+02:00

Well, after 6 months of maternity leave, its time to go back to work..!!
Its going to be the 1st day of Ramadhan too, so Happy Ramadhan to all!

Happy Birthday to me!

2008-08-19T23:48:00.011+03:00

Happy Birthday to me,

Happy Birthday to me,
Happy Birthday dear me,
Happy Birthday to me...

I love you all...thank you for the greatest night, full of laughter and fun birthday party..!! I need to digest the night over my sleep, and then describe about it..wonderful night indeed!

- REENA
- WED
- DEWI
- MARIA & JENNIFER
- MARIE
- SHILME
- SHIRLEY
- MBAK MIRA
- SUHANA
- VENTIN

I love you all and thank you!!

Well, here is how it goes..I need to write this all out, while picture is vivid in the memory!

Reena planned for a surprise party for me...however, somebody (name-not-mention) accidentally broke the surprise.. like this:
18-Aug-08 10:30am:
Name-not-mention: Eh, Samira, tomorrow night for your birthday, we just go to Reena house or there is something else going on.. do you know?
Me: eeeeeeermmm (completely lost), I don't know..I guess I am not invited??*&@(^$
Name-not-mention: oh no!!???*(&)*#%, I just spoiled it...sorry!!

And being myself, who is always curious to know the detail, since I am not sure if its for real or not... I went back home to re-confirm the detail and..
18-Aug-08 6:30pm:
Me: Honey, how come you didn't tell me there is a surprise party for me at Reena's tomorrow?
Hubby: (Completely upset, with red face..) Who told you this? This person cannot keep a secret..Reena had been working on it so hard..and who is the person who broke the secret??!!
Me: You!!

I guess there is a limit at being naughty, and this is one of the worst thing to do.. to set a trap on your hubby to confirm things!! I didn't expect him to say this.. I was thinking he would say nope..I don't know anything about it..bla bla bla.. but instead (being himself as well) he was just too honest.. like as though he doesn't know me enough!! I am a bad person:(

After that, it didn't felt good.. I felt awfully horrible..

18-Aug-08 11:30pm
I couldn't sleep, neither could I pretend nor lie about it..knowing the surprise party..and so.. I called up Reena to tell her the truth.. I was being naughty.. as Safeia would say.. "NAUGHTY BOY!" hehe...

Reena being her, was completely cool about it..and said..no worries..since you know already, just come at 7:00pm tomorrow..

19-Aug-08 12:00pm
I went shopping with Reena and Shilme at First Mall. They told me the whole plot, how they would try to get rid of me after lunch so I could go home and come back to Reena's at 7:00pm. What an awful lot to do..because I am not a very easy person to get rid off, and Reena's place is like a magnet to me..I have full access to her place!! haha..in a way, me knowing it, reduces the headache of everyone.. it's ok-la (as Malaysian would say!)

19-Aug-08 7:00pm
As I already knew my birthday, I dressed up for the event. My maid was excited as well and she helped me out with my makeup and nails.. haha..I went to the house of Reena..
Ding Dong..
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! hehe (I knew it already..)
And then they sing me my happy birthday song..!! weeeehooooo...
I had 2 cakes for my birthday, one delicious mummy-licious blueberry cheese cake from Maria and one delicious crazy-licious Japanese cheese cake from Shilme.. crazy!! I go completely mad, hehe.. I was restrained from eating my cake, as I had to start with the main course..and so we ate the main course..

In the middle of eating the main course..I realize somebody else cut my cake!! how is this possible? I felt a bit offended..but its ok..I rushed to my cake to get a piece of each..and then another piece of each and then another:P:P

After filling up my belly with the mummy-crazy licious cakes, guess what????
THERE WAS A BELLY DANCER!!!!
My heart was beating and thumping hard...I couldn't believe..I felt a bit like a 3 year old kid to see a clown appearing on their birthday.. Like as though I was hypnotized, I jumped on my feet to approach the lady and took a "waist bell belt" kind-of-thing that makes the "ching-ching" sound!..

And as the music starts..I started to dance and dance...for half-an-hour until they call it to rest and the lady changed her dress and begin to dance again.. I was laughing and dancing like a crazy girl..even baby Wid was better behaved than me..haha..
As Maria would say.."Samira, you don't even need alcohol to go mad!! this is excellent!"
This is not the first time some one says this to me.. For me..the excess sugar does the similar effect as alcohol.. probably, since I never tasted any...hehe

After one hour..the belly dancing was over..pheww..It was indeed a huge exercise! I haven't been working out for a while.. And then..

SURPRISE...There was another cake!! A YUMMY-MUMMY-SUPER-LICIOUS double layered butter cream Apricot-Lychee's cake, with apricot neatly sliced and decorated around on the cake with the number 27 candle on it..!! It looks like the cake you would see in the bakery, its very professionally done by Reena!! (Reena, I nak gambar cake!)

Its too much!! I could not assimilate myself in all of this.. I could not bring myself to even belief this party was meant for me!! I HAVE NEVER HAD A PARTY LIKE THIS IN MY ENTIRE LIFE.. I just smiled and try to live the present, but it was as though I am dreaming...you know..Reena and Dewi slapped me in the face a few times to wake me up.. its just too much!

Greatest gal party I've ever had...never I have had a party like that in my life! I am still in a complete shock! watever it is...I love y'all..muaaaaaaaaaahhsss

French Class

2008-08-14T22:03:00.006+03:00

Today, I'm officially starting my French lesson..hip hip hooray!!
After long excuses of:
- Non-fix working schedule during field days
- Pregnancy madness
- Busy adjusting time sleep/eat/play with Hanna
now, after getting the rhythm and equilibrium, I begin my French lesson..

Let's see the progress in one month!! Maybe I can start blogging in French? Who knows..??
Here in Cairo, there is quite a lot of French tutors..they give private lesson at home, ranging from 100 LE to 150 LE per session. One session is around 1 - 2 hours. Get your French tutor numbers from the CSA (Community Service Association in Cairo).. There are excellent help there..and Reena as well..**wink, wink**

C'est la vie....My French so far!! (I'm getting there..)

Happy Birthday Noreena!

2008-08-12T18:16:00.003+03:00

Happy birthday Noreena!!

--> To be continued at "When you least expected!"
at Noreena's Blog....

Muslim Oppressions

2008-08-09T21:09:00.021+03:00

As the topic, yes..I have been oppressed. The hot topic of the weekend would be Muslim Oppressions..I must state here that I was not oppressed by the so-called "westerners" but sadly by Muslims themselves in one of the Arab Republic, where 90% woman are with head scarf... I came across this issue many times and discussed among friends, but I could not agree with them, because I haven't experienced it..somehow, today, I experienced it, and how does that makes me feel..completely speechless! There is no one word to state my feelings and so, here is what I can say about what I felt at the moment:

1) Surprise, astonished and stunned in the beginning
2) Upset, angry and furious afterwards
3) and later, sad..why? I will tell you later

So, let me tell you the story..its simple..about a swimming pool in a private club, Kattameya Heights, restricting woman with scarf to swim..bizarre but true! My lady friend with scarf told me this story before, because it happened to her about 3 months ago. She was a member of this club since 4 years and has been going there every now and then to swim until..one fine day, there was an "orang putih" approached her and told her that my friend's presents in her Muslim swim wear is making this "orang putih" madam uncomfortable to swim in the swimming pool and asked my friend to leave. My friend felt that it was her right to be there, since she is one of the club member, she fought back and went to see the management. Guess what happen? My friend with scarf was asked to leave because according to the manager, he doesn't want to upset the club members..and what makes my friend having lesser right as a club member? I don't know!

Despite of the story from my friend, I decided to go with Marie. My episode begins today afternoon, my friend, Marie invited me to go to Kattameya Heights for swimming (Marie is a club member there..) I haven't been swimming for a while, since pregnant until today. I have to say I was a bit reluctant to go with Hanna, for the heat (lesson learn no. 1) and plus my hubby had to work.. but later, my hubby said that he wouldn't mind to take Hanna and let me go enjoy the swim with Marie. I was a bit nervous and didn't know if I would enjoy the swimming session, so I brought a book with me to read, just in case. So..when we arrived, Marie had to pay extra at the counter, for me to use the swimming pool, since I was a guest..its ok. Then, we changed, we went into the pool. After swimming for 10 minutes back and forth, I saw Marie at the corner of the pool, with 2 guys from the counter with some documents (serious faces)..and so I swim towards Marie to check what was going on..

Apparently, as I thought might happen, did happen..the club management this time, made it written in black and white about the rules and regulation to use the swimming pool. It states that (as I understood):
"Everyone who wishes to swim needs to dress in accordance with the environment that suits Kattameya Heights."

Something like that (picture on the left I guess what they meant)...There was no specific details of what dress code they are referring to.. so in my assumption.. I was probably too over dressed or too covered, which surprises me! What shocked me was that there was an "orang putih" in swim suit, more less my style, without a swimming cap, and its allowed! I guess its forbidden to cover your hear in this case? In most places, its mandatory to wear swim cap in the swimming pool, but in this posh club apparently, it is just the opposite.. I didn't want to argue (since my friend went through this already) and stepped out of the pool, heading to the bench to sit and read my book.

So, what makes me sad is that I was never been oppressed in so-called the "west" society but instead the oppression came from a Muslim society. I cannot generalize, since I have not swim in all of the west, but the fews that I've been to, I was well accepted, in my over dressed swim suit. It is not for swimming only, in the so-called "west", there was no restriction at all, I could go anywhere I wanted, pubs, club, bar included with my scarf without being stopped by the bonzer (bouncer)!! I decide what I want and I am free to do what I wish...la la la..

Not that it is in my deepest interest to go, but its always better to leave the choice to the individual to decide.. maybe I am wrong, so tell me.. what's with the restriction? Woman with scarf in Muslim labeled country are forbidden to enter pub, bars, clubs and some other places like swimming pool as well apparently! Why? I just don't understand this..what is the point of this restriction? I was told that they want to protect the dignity and the chastity of Islam.. but if you are ought to do this..do it the right way.. Man and Woman included.. do you see where this leads to..? I would simply conclude with: Muslim man oppressing Muslim woman..whatever it is.. its still Muslim against Muslim, Muslim politics today..

I rest my case for now..Good night zzZZZzzz

Driving in Egypt

2008-08-03T15:24:00.020+03:00

Seriously, driving in Egypt can be an enriching experience at the same time, challenging. The roads doesn't have lanes at all! Even when they have lanes, you will see cars everywhere..in between the lanes, in the lanes and out of the lanes..basically everywhere! Mind me, not only cars, lorry and motorbike, but donkeys and horses too.. From time to time, you do see as well, flying lorry from the fly-overs down the bridge, at least once every week.. imagine the government's money at replacing the fences on the fly-over!

Crossing the roads here is the most dangerous thing you can do...please, people driving in Egypt is a speed racer, and they speed everywhere. Horns are pretty normal too..you can hear them all the time..Funny though, after one year in Egypt, I went out to France, I was shocked, how well mannered people are..hehe, sticking to their lane..and the roads are pretty silence. No horn at all!! It makes it quite cold..I prefer the hussle of Egypt, more adventourous..But sometimes, when you are driving..all of the sudden the car infront of you stops, can be annoying...So..what do you do?? you horn!! hehe..this is the only place on earth you can horn as much as you want..without offending the other..they even horn to communicate to each other and on weddings as well.

The Egyptians varies their horn sounds to communicate among drivers.. I can say, there are few different kinds, and here are the few:

1) Get out of the way!! - piiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiin (long horn for at least 1 minutes non stop)

2) Wedding announcement (yes, they do make rounds in car with bride, groom, family and friends..imagine the cramp of the road..convoy together with the same horn sound..) - pin pin - pin pin pin

3) Thank you or you can overtake me.. - pin pin

4) Excuse me or coming through.. - pin

5) Whats going on there? - piiiiiiiiiiiin piiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiin (hahahaaa...and you can see as well from time to time, people getting out of their car, in a long wait traffic jam shouting with full emotions..)

Speaking of driving in Egypt..people here do stop their car in the middle of the highway asking for direction to a taxi.. as well in the middle of the highway driving. So, how they do this? Simple, from 120km/hr, they just all of the sudden slow down their car to 30km/hr in 1 sec!! We use to find this pretty annoying, but one day, me and hubby was lost in the town, and guess what we did..we did the "Egyptian Style"..my hubby slow down the car, and I opened the window to ask the taxi driver beside..and he showed us the direction..simply amazing!.. yes, you do get horns from the car behind, like the pin pin, "excuse me.." and thats all...but they don't aggress you any further..!

** Taxi driver here in Egypt are very well known for their GPS..mind that there are no such thing in Egypt, black and white taxi with GPS..the GPS lies in their head..cool no? So, listen well, if you are lost in Cairo, in the middle of no-where, go and spot and black and white taxi..ask the direction from the guy.. and you will be back on track!! However, if you ask the people by the road side, normally, they will still show you the directions, but not too accurate, and most of the time, you will get lost!! My Egyptian friends told me that the locals here will not refuse a request or a question. Even if they don't know the answer or what you are speaking about, they will still try to tell you something!! And..you will end up, driving in circles :P, la la la...

But, when it comes to safety and accident, people getting hurt..its not very funny anymore. Safety here, its not really top priority number one. Below is recent article from the BBC I copied and paste about the elaborated not-very-funny details of driving in Egypt..Yes its dangerous, so be careful, if you are not used to drive on the left-hand drive and at the style. Its better to take a taxi than renting a car!..Again, better safe, than sorry!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7538114.stm

******************************************************************
Deaths mar Egypt's new road laws

Egypt's roads are some of the world's most chaotic and dangerous.

Egyptian police say at least 11 people have been killed in a head-on collision on the day new laws came into effect aimed at bringing order to the roads.

The accident, involving two minibuses and a lorry, happened south of Cairo.
An estimated 6,000 people are killed in road accidents every year in Egypt and more than 30,000 are injured. The new laws impose fines and other punishments for such things as driving without lights at night, and travelling on the wrong side of the road.
Friday's crash happened when one minibus tried to overtake the other as they headed south from Cairo towards Asyut and collided with a gravel truck travelling in the opposite direction.

Controversial
The BBC's Magdi Abdelhadi in Cairo says many Egyptians are sceptical about the changes, because even the existing regulations are not always enforced. Among the most controversial items of the new legislation is the requirement that all cars should have first-aid kits.

"We are drivers not doctors," one taxi driver told the BBC.
"If a passenger is injured or has a broken bone, can someone like me help him? I will probably make things worse because I do not have the training."

Reckless driving, poorly maintained vehicles and the failure to enforce existing regulations are often cited as main cause of road accidents in Egypt. Many people say laws are applied selectively, on the poor and not on the rich and powerful. The stipulation that vehicles must have a specific kind of first-aid kit has fuelled a widely held belief that the law is designed to benefit well-connected businessmen rather than motorists.

Happy Breastfeeding Week

2008-08-01T21:21:00.002+03:00

Happy Breastfeeding week to all the mummy in the world breastfeeding.

Visit http://worldbreastfeedingweek.org/ to check out the details..

Help integrate the public facilities to make it easier for woman to breastfeed their babies. Its not very hygenic to breastfeed babies in the toilet..If you think its disgusting to be eating in the toilet, then, you should respect the babies too. I don't think they like to be fed in the toilet!! Anyway, breastfeed mommy's out there..this week is our week!!

HAPPY BREASTFEEDING!

Battle for Bottle Feeding

2008-07-31T15:23:00.003+03:00

Another major event of the week as well is "Bottle Feeding" training. After 5 months ++ been on breastfeed, to switch to bottle feeding is a battle. Hanna today makes a lot of different noises whenever she sees the bottle. Of course for me, to breastfeed her continuously is the easiest solution but it will not help me at all!! She will be going off to nursery mid August for 2 weeks training, before I start going to work in 1 Sept, she will start her nursery officially.

I booked her in Irish School 3 months back. This school has a reputation of being over booked and imagine some parents book a place for their babies when the babies are still in the tummy!!...

La la la...but thats not the point here. By the way, picture on the left is the bottle I am using for the training, with silicone teats. My friend advice me to swap with a rubber teats, and it will help..believe me, I tried. Its the bottle that is her problem..more like "Fear Factor".. If you have seen the series of fear factor..Hanna is mimicking faces of people in the show A LOT.

The training for bottle feeding has been a battle. She pushes the bottle (with expressed breast milk) with her tongue and portrays a disgusting look...she turned her face and starts to cry so loud that as though its a torture. Sometimes, I just give up and offered her my boobies..but my hubby said with this, Hanna will slowly learn that with crying she will get what she wants..but she is only 5 months...!! sigh...Are we a crazy parent?

Anyway..battle is still ongoing,
1) her milk tooth coming out, her being agitated with her tooth +
2) getting milk from bottle at the same time... +
3) getting papa or nanny to give bedtime bath + feed her + put her to bed

Is this too much to be done at the same time? Tell me, what other alternative can be done? In the beginning I thought that breastfeeding was hard, but now that it has come to a point I am too comfy with it..to switch to bottle seems to be so tough for Hanna.. She can't even sleep without mama by her side as well..

Poor sayang mama..however, this doesn't stop here. My presence to Hanna today is becoming more and more important to her and she begin to realize the times I am not around..and cry eventually. Before, I had worries if she couldn't recognize me as her mother, but now..its not the case anymore!

I remember in Malaysia, I left her to go for friends gathering for 2 hours. The moment I left the house, she woke up and began to cry. She stops only when she heard my voice calling for her.."Hanna Sayang.." ..terrible.. I have to say, this made me hesitate to go anywhere without her. And so, I will stay at home, during the nights and evenings and afternoons beside her when she is asleep. My friend told me that I shouldn't be doing that. I get too weak to hear her crying, I prefer to let go my freedom to just hold her tight in my arms and comfort her. I know I am not helping myself or Hanna at all by doing this.. This is indeed a "First Child Syndrome..".. A lot of mothers said to me that with the second baby, it will be less stress and more relaxing. I can't wait to see when it happens!!

Our future home

2008-07-28T16:07:00.001+03:00

My husband from the last visit to Brussels, decided to buy his papa's house in the country side. Its a nice house with a beautiful 30 years old garden. See picture below, for the garden in summer view and winter...how extra ordinary!

(Please mind that picture was taken 3 years back with 20 kilos less and this is not me today!)

This house has a lot of charm on its own, with complementary of thousands of roses and apples from the garden. And so, my week days have been occupied completely to try and manage the interior decor!! I love doing this personally.. Look, I found this fabulous software, where you can do absolutely anything with it..arranging from your kitchen, bedroom, hallway, living room, terrace, garden..anything! its amazing.. try it out, House to Home.

This is the result!

Well, you can make the jigsaw puzzle and and have more or less a picture of your future house.. Its formidable!! And you can even go shop online to get the utilities..the most important space for us in the house is our kitchen..me and my hubby spend hours and hours in the kitchen during our days off and holidays...cooking and eating! You see?? we are pretty major at eating and to go on a diet, is very difficult..but slowly..we are both trying to lose weight!

For kitchen utilities..there are pretty major range in pricing..you can go for nice affordable kitchen utilities from Ikea to kitchen that is worth hundreds and thousands of Euros from others "elevated" brands.. Anyway..we decide to choose the one in the middle class, and our top priority lies on the quality of the item, of course in this case, price does matter..to have a light weight titanium to cook or a platinum wear to cook is not really necessary!! haha..

Let me give some links down here:
Dream oven and stove
Plates and spoons are not bad from Ikea
Kitchen tools to bake and cook
Pots and Pans
Baking Stuff
Cool Coffee Machines
Cooker hoods, dishwasher and fridge, for energy saving

We think its good to make a survey and buy something that is good to go for at least 30 years no? Me and hubby believe in investing money in good long lasting products...especially the ones in the kitchen!!

Malaysian Politic Drama

2008-07-22T20:19:00.000+03:00

Here it continues..I couldn't resist myself not to write about this. At first, I play the ignorance person, but then, I find it hard for myself to digest it alone and let it go. So, here is how I see the drama going...

Once upon a time..................
In 1946, May 11, there was a great and largest political party called UMNO, United Malays National Organization. This great party has successfully continued to rule Malaysia after "Merdeka" Independence Day until today, 2008, July 22. What a great achievement!! This political party started off only having party members Malays before "Merdeka" . Because Malaysia is a multi-racial country with Chinese and Indian as well, at 1951, Dato' Onn Jaafar, UMNO President at the time, tried to expend the membership to Chinese and Indian as well. However, his attempt was condemned and he stepped down from his position. Guess what?? Just a year later, the new President who stepped into position, Tunku Abdul Rahman made an agreement with Malayan Chinese Association (MCA) to avoid contesting against the same seat and later on, at 1954, the alliance was formalized!! Bravo....Well, what about the Indians in Malaysia?? The "alliance" expanded its wing to include Malayan Indian Congress, MIC at 1955 to have a strong voice for Malaysia to gain independence from British, targeting by 1959..and the Independence was achieved on 31 August 1957!! Merdeka!!

Facts:
Malaysia is a 70% media controlled country. Whatever news that you get on paper, TV are all government-pro news. When there is election going on, every 5 minutes on TV, you can see advert of vote for Barisan National (BN) - coalition from UMNO and absolutely nothing for opposition..

So, the opposition will have to publicized the hard way, internet, special newspaper (eg: Harakah for PAS), banner and etc..(outdoors). Better still, if there is a speech for the candidate from BN, its OK. But, if there is a speech from the opposition, its always illegal. Reason state in the newspaper is that, they make the people go against the government..and put in mind that Malaysia is a democratic country..only with no freedom of speech!!...hehe, ironic isn't it!

Today................
There is a huge chaos going on...Malaysians are upset and tired with corruption and coverups..too much politics and drama...Its like a mellow drama indeed.. Picture on the left is PM, Abdullah Badawi and his deputy, Najib Tun Razak..

After last election, UMNO had a huge shock, since they didn't win 80% majority, like they used to. Malaysian starts to vote for opposition, despite of suppressed media. UMNO being overly confidence starts to shake. Here is the funny stuff, they try to make an alliance with the opposition..guess which one?? Parti Islam Semalaysia (PAS)..Personally, I feel this is too outrages! But for political reasons..to win back majority, why not? (probably in the head of the UMNOs)..

Knock-knock, here are the snip its of the Prime Minister seat fight... "Its mine!! I need it!!!!"
1) Prime Minister (PM), Abdullah Badawi, increase the fuel by 40% in one day, and Malaysians are upset!
2) Ex-PM, Mahathir made a bold statement saying Abdullah Badawi is incompetent and requests Abdullah to step down..
3) Deputy PM, Najib Tun Razak, wants to step in the position as PM soo much but PM Abdullah Badawi doesn't want to let go!!
4) Anwar Ibrahim, ex-deputy PM, who is the adviser of the opposition party, Pakatan Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) made a bold statement as well that he wants to claim for his seat as the PM!!

Anwar Ibrahim all of the sudden, after making a debate publicly, was caught the very next day, with a special police unit, wearing a mask, surrounding him, to escort him to the police station since he is accused for sodomizing his assistant of 23 year old boy, barely a graduate, a drop out and a minister wanna-be!! how crazy..

Najib Tun Razak's wife, Rosmah, acting like a politician wanna-be, when she is just a housewife and trying to make charity for the nation, is involved with the huge, biggest sentimental murder case of Altantuya, Mongolian Translator.

In short of the famous Altantuya case:
- She was bombed by a police who had access to explosive
- Her entrance at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, KLIA was deleted
- She told her family that she is coming to Malaysia
- She claims to her family as well that she is married with someone very important in Malaysia

Well...these has been the headlines of the newspaper since few years!! its crazy isn't it? lets make a logic..who has access to delete a person's profile from KLIA and access to explosive under the special police care????

Hahahaaa...its crazy, tiring and wasting of breath and energy, trying to see the ending of this.. Please excuse my language of not addressing the ministers and associates correctly. Its too confusing..some starts with Dato', Dato' Seri, Dato' Seri Paduka, Dato' Seri Paduka Baginda, Tun or whatever..

Anyway..I spit it all out from the head to the net..phewww...what a burden off the brain!

Egypt Sexual Harrasment "Cancer"

2008-07-19T20:36:00.000+03:00

By Magdi Abdelhadi
BBC News, Cairo

Noha Ostath's ordeal became a subject for discussion in the national press

Sexual harassment of women in Egypt is on the increase and observing Islamic dress code is no deterrent, according to a survey published this week.

The Egyptian Centre for Women's Rights (ECWR) describes the problem as a social cancer and calls on the government to introduce legislation to curb it.

The findings contradict the widely held belief in Egypt that unveiled women are more likely to suffer harassment than veiled ones.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT IN EGYPT

- Experienced by 98% of foreign women visitors

- Experienced by 83% of Egyptian women

- 62% of Egyptian men admitted harassing women

- 53% of Egyptian men blame women for 'bringing it on'

Source: Egyptian Centre for Women's Rights

Participants in the survey were shown pictures of women wearing different kinds of dress - from the mini skirt to the niqab (full face veil) and asked which were more likely to be harassed.

More than 60% - including female respondents - suggested the scantily clad woman was most at risk. But in reality the study concluded the majority of the victims of harassment were modestly dressed women wearing Islamic headscarves.

ECWR head Nihad Abu El-Qoumsan said that even veiled women who were victims of harassment blamed themselves.

Western women who took part in the study demonstrated a strong belief in their entitlement to personal safety and freedom of movement, she says, but this was totally absent among Egyptian respondents.

No-one spoke about freedom of choice, freedom of movement or the right to legal protection. No-one showed any awareness that the harasser was a criminal, regardless of what clothes the victim was wearing.

Shocking attitude

The centre is campaigning for a new law that clearly defines sexual harassment as a crime and makes it easier for women to report it in Egypt - women like Noha Ostath.

Women are targets for harassment whether they are fully covered or not

The young film-maker told the BBC she was repeatedly groped in broad daylight by a van driver in a Cairo traffic jam as she walked on the pavement.

His behaviour made her so angry she ran after the van and held on to the side mirror to force the driver to stop so she could take him to a police station.

She was equally shocked by the attitude of other passers-by. Some tried to dissuade her from going to the police - others blamed her for what she was wearing (a baggy sports outfit).

In the end, Ms Ostath phoned her father who came and escorted the driver to a police station. But even there, police officers refused to open an investigation and urged her to forget the matter.

Impudent allegation

After Noha's story was published in the Badeel daily, editor-in-chief Muhammad El Sayyed Said wrote that the behaviour of the crowd was characteristic of oppressed societies, where the majority identified with the oppressor.

He blamed the increase in sexual harassment on what he said were "three decades of incitement against women" from the pulpits of some of Egypt's mosques.

"This verbal incitement is based on the extremely sordid and impudent allegation that our women are not modestly dressed. This was, and still is, a flagrant lie, used to justify violence against women in the name of religion."

The British foreign office says Egypt is one of the countries with the highest number of cases reported to embassy staff regarding sexual offences against visiting women.

It warns them to be extra cautious in public places especially when alone because of the risks.

Ms Abou El-Qoumsan says Egyptians need to re-evaluate their value system and school curricula and to ensure that the rule of law prevails and prevents offenders and criminals walking free because of a breakdown of basic notions of right and wrong.

Thanks to surveys like this, one encounters an endless number of newspaper articles reflecting the feeling that Egypt is in the grip of a moral crisis.

Perhaps nothing illustrates Egypt's loss of a moral compass than the responses of some men in the ECWR study.

Some said they harassed a woman simply because they were bored. One who abused a woman wearing the niqab said she must be beautiful, or hiding something.

::BBC News::

Hard facts but the truth..shocking no? People are still thinking backwards??

Weaning your babies!

2008-07-17T21:20:00.001+03:00

Today, me and Hanna went to see Baby Karam and Wed. Karam was very specially dress and look handsome..(nothing like the father..no offense Mr. Mohd. Hashim). This picture on the left is Karam in his new Adidas T-shirt. He looks like a footballer already.

Here are the lovely pictures..Hanna and Baby Wed in their Miss Belgian T-shirt... Hanna loves taking pictures, she knows that when mama is hiding behind a small box in pink (our camera is pink color..) she will look at the camera and makes faces..Baby Wed has a very amusing character and cracks me down all the time..

Here is how she address us all:
- She calls me "Marina" to begin with, Samira doesn't exist for her. She see my hubby as my boyfriend..and calls him "Handrienn" instead of Hadrien.., and Hanna as "Hanna".
- Noreena becomes "Roneena" and Reena's hubby (which is to Baby Wed, Reena's boyfriend) as "Shezzaaaaaal", instead of Sharizal, Safeia as "Safeia" (pheww...at least)
- Marie as "Marie", Meshary as "Meshary"..but to Baby Wed, Meshary is a naughty boy for taking her Barbie house to play at Meshary's office...and Mashael as "Mashahelll"...

*************************************************************************************
Side story:
Let me tell you the relation to this:
- Meshary is my boss, Sharizal's and Mohd. Hashim's boss (Baby Wed's father)..
- Marie (the wife of Meshary) is a colleague to my hubby, Hadrien and as well they went to the same university in Belgium, ULB..
- Sharizal (the hubby of Reena) is a colleague of mine, and we (Sharizal and I), went to the same university in Malaysia, MMU.
- And even better, before we were all transfered here in Cairo, our previous assignment were all in Malaysia!!! what a coincidence..MALAYSIA is linking us!!
*************************************************************************************

The hot topic we had today was when to feed our hero and heroin some solid food, since both babies are on mama's boobies..I told Wid I prefer to feed Hanna as late as possible, after 6 months definitely, but Wid is insisting on 4 months, Karam is only 3 months now and Hanna is 5 months on the 21 July.

There are many theories about weaning our little ones...here are some hard facts I have read from books and the net, all these facts applies only if your baby is AFTER 4 MONTHS:
1) If your baby is still hungry and waking up at night a lot for milk, means she is ready for solid
2) If your baby is teething..your baby needs solid food to make sure that the teeth is strong..I am not a dentist..I checked with my sister (a dentist), and she cannot guarantee this fact:P
3) If your baby is still hungry after feeding (milk, regardless formula or breastfeed)
4) If your baby is too thin..I don't know what too thin is..it can be very subjective, height vs weight..

I become a bit nervous when it comes to weaning babies..Our pediatrician says not to feed Hanna before 6 months, or she will become obese.

I am missing Safeia and Mashael so much. Mashael is coming back this Tuesday..yippie!

Weekend in Brussels

2008-07-15T20:07:00.000+03:00

Let me start today's blog with a quote from the Godfather:
"Do you spend time with your family?" Don Corleone, The Godfather..

Guess what? Last Wednesday, I invited Marie and Meshary to come over for dinner at home, as I know they are leaving to Brussels and going to Euro Disney on Friday morning. I was making a joke to my husband..that the reason I invited them for dinner is so they can influence my husband (a workaholic) to spend sometime with his family to meet Mr. Mickey and Donald at Euro Disney (to join Reena and Sharizal, already in Paris), hehe.
And the next morning, my husband went to work as usual and at 5:30pm,
he called up and said.." Baby get ready!"
I said.."get ready for what?"
He said again.."I have here with me the ticket for us to go to Brussels this Friday!!"
and me, in shocked...")(*@%#(%*)#())(@$&^&%"..I go speechless...too much excitement in a split second..to hard to digest!!

And so that night I packed..still in stunt and shock, in disbelieve that we are actually leaving to Brussels to join Marie and Meshary..!!

Our trip this time is only for 5 days..from Friday till Tuesday. Here is how it goes..rushing in the airport..try focus on this picture, you will see Meshary in the Godfather t-shirt, hahahaaa!!!Friday on the plane.. Saturday: Breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien
Sunday: Lunch at Sart Dames AvelinesMonday:
Guess what? The day I thought everyone is leaving to Euro Disney was not on the 14 July, since it was the Bastille Day or also known as Fête Nationale, French Independence Day..and so Reena and Sharizal went to see the march at the Champs-Élysées avenue in Paris in front of the President of the Republic. They planned to go to Euro Disney on Tuesday...BUT our ticket back to Cairo was on that day...sigh no Euro Disney for us..I am sure Mashael and Safeiya had wonderful day with Mr Mickey and Donald..I guess Hanna is way too young to enjoy this..and so, we went for a shopping tour instead, yes I became a complete consumer this time
Tuesday: Good bye Brussels...

Diet on Breastfeed Babies

2008-07-10T20:41:00.001+03:00

I met Alessandra, Sonia's mummy in Dr. Omar's Clinic (our baby's pediatrician). Hanna just turned 6 weeks and Sonia 5 weeks. Sonia had scratches on her face, and so I offered her Hanna's scratch mitten (having 5 extra scratch mitten in Hanna's baby bag, hehe). They looked so similar at that moment, I told Alexandra, they look like sisters!

And today, Hanna's sister came for a visit at our house. Sonia is from Italy.. Her birth date is one week after Hanna's. They look alike and their reaction surprises me maximum, the way they both giggle and smile is exactly the same!This is their picture taken last month when we went to Sonia's house. Sayang mama is as usual, round..Our doctor said both Hanna and Sonia need to go on a diet. Their weight jumps scale every months..hehe. But, as we told the pediatrician, both Hanna and Sonia are on exclusive breast feeding..the doctor withdraw his earlier comment. No diet on breastfeed babies!

Mama's Day Out!

2008-07-06T16:48:00.000+03:00

Weekend is over, here comes the boring week days. My routine, is to stay at home and read or blogging. Every day, I would count the minutes to weekend..haha. Yesterday, we had Safeiya at home as well, and I was begging my hubby to go to City Stars. Not to be a consumer, but because that is the only place to go with aircond. Egypt is too hot these days, temperature is ~ +40degC.
Last weekend, we went to Ain Sokhna. It was as usual hot, but we thought that with Hanna, it is safer to be below to the umbrella, next to the pool. And guess what? Hanna fell sick after the trip. She had high temperature for 3 days, with nose block. Its terrible. She is very strong and didn't cry, but I cried. Doctor says, at this age, parents need to be a bit careful with heat, can't expose too much to them. I feel terrible..
And so..this weekend, we went to City Stars, together with Safeia. What a trip! We had our lunch at Chilli's and guess what happen? Hanna's clumsy mama, while heating her bottle in a hot mug, accidentally spill the hot water on the table, and few drips went to our poor little Hanna's feet!!! (I begin to hate myself maximum..) She cried and cried in pain..my reaction to it was to dip my hand in my drink, grab few ice cubes and damp it on her feet, while carrying her to the nearest toilet. She kept crying, until I put her feet under a running tap water. When she is calmer, I took her out, and a nice guy gave us some cream for her skin.

Alhamdulillah, her skin is fine, no mark at all and makes me wonder if there is any drip went to her feet at all? or maybe she was just shock out of my reaction? Below is Hanna and Safeia, back at home after the City Stars trip, both in Miss Belgian T-shirt..Safeia is very cute!!
Anyway..I learn my lesson!! I guess next time I need to apply risk analysis more often. I am too use to be at home and to be in a new environment, makes me less careful. Sorry Hanna, mama loves you the most!

Malaysia oh Malaysia..

2008-07-02T14:21:00.000+03:00

ROYAL FAMILY

We went back recently to Malaysia for Ammar's (my brother) wedding. Everything was fine and smooth. The ceremony was for 3 days. Ammar is married to a girl connected to the Royal blood. So much of hassle in colour and clothing that we had to obey not to "mencemar duli" or whatever they call it..I don't even know the royal terms myself. Sigh.. In this century, I couldn't believe when you have to raise your hand and "sembah" a person, because she is from the royal blood. Need not to mention, Islamically, this is all forbidden. What makes the royal family has a higher status than the rakyat? Hey..I have no idea. Ammar was very happy to be married and as a sister, I am the happiest to see my brother happy..Congratulations anyways to both of you. Ammar looks like a real prince by the way..tall dark and handsome...eaaaooowww!!

POLITICS
There were many shocks and surprises I experienced during the short visit of 3 weeks in Malaysia. I love my country so much, that I will brag and speak about it to almost everyone I meet in the street, clinic or mall. Hahaa, even to colleagues as well. Everybody is pretty much used to me. However, Malaysia is changing a lot. In the positive aspects, I have to salute the people as more are beginning to be aware and fight for their "democracy". A lot has changed as well after the recent election, different people and party took over the state which made a huge jump on BN, since they were overly confidence with their achievement over the past few decades. I was asked one day by a friend 5 years back on the freedom of speech in Malaysia, since Malaysia is labeled as "Demokrasi berparlimen". But, the answer to that was very heavy. From previous experience, I have seen people trying to speak against the prime minister get glued.."GAM"..and so the answer to the person is..Malaysians just follows the ruling party and not many is speaking against them. Why? I sincerely believe because that was how we were taught in school. Not to speak back and just receive and digest information. This was before. Once a upon a time, and today, with the wide usage of internet and literatures available, Malaysians are beginning to realize that it is all crap and fight against the ruling party...when they are not right, I believe.

Sigh..is this a good thing or not?

CORRUPTION
Once upon a time as well, the "wakil rakyat" in the kampung area are used to be looked upon so highly when they are very corrupted. But today, people know, and start to speak and go against corruption. Changes again..fighting against corruption...its good, but what makes the new guy not corrupted? As far as I know, any politician that is elected, few months after will come up from the deepest kampung out, "POP", he builds a huge mansion with his "salary"..that I must say..not very justifying the salary...haiyaaaaaaaaa...weird isn't it? Another one that is very interesting..a normal rank police officer driving a brand new BMW 5 series..wooooww..this is serious crap..working as an engineer internationally, to me still, a BMW 5 series is a LOT of MONEY$$..

CRIMES
Speaking of crimes, my colleague female (expatriate engineer working in Malaysia) once told me that she was robbed by the street gang of motorcyclist (malay) in one of the busiest street. And guess what? All the cars around just slowed down to watch what was happening, non stop to help. And so, she gave away her bags and precious item and walked out safe. However, lodging a police report was a mess. The police was nagging to her instead of taking the report seriously. Since, its so difficult to identify the motorcyclist, henceforth...nothing was done!...phew..lucky the motorcyclist...they get away with free gifts and knowing the fact that no police is coming after them.. what message does this give to other people? Steal on a motorbike, and speed away, no investigation is going to take place, and you will walk away rich with little effort. Needless to say, due to the sudden 40% increase of oil and inflation in most of the item, people are desperate.. Again, sorry to PM, I don't agree with his decision to make such a dramatic increase in the oil..

SEXUAL EDUCATION
This is another interesting subject..long and heavy and always on the go..sad and dramatic, but people need to wake up and realize that its a vital subject..more than the need to increase the number of police "pencegah maksiat". In hospitals today, there are a lot of cases where parents, malay and religious, showing up in the hospital to do a medical checkup for their daughter, claiming that their daughter has stomach pain. The doctor will tell the parents that your daughter is pregnant, and better still in some cases, they are 6 months pregnant already. The ignorant parents however, instead of bursting to their daughter to "conteng arang" on their faces, went completely ballistic towards the doctor..sigh..again..sad. The daughter, who obviously know that the act performed with partner brought to a certain consequences, which is pregnant. The thing here is..sex is a HUGE taboo in many society, even in Mexico (don't be surprise..), including in my family. In Malaysia, the TV bands kissing and sexual acts, which is fine, but teenagers today aren't dumb. At the age as young as 14, teenagers today are sexually involve. So, please tell me.. Education or being ignorant and not speaking about it? I don't want to go into details of using the contraception indirectly many will think I support free sex. NO..I am completely against it. However, some teenager might not be aware seriously the consequences of sex. Especially the girls, but, when "nasi sudah menjadi bubur", they go clueless and try many things to abort the babies abnormally. It touched my heart even more (after being a mother) to hear news about babies being flushed down the toilet, dump by the river and many more. Sigh..

MALAYS
I was amazed to see Malaysia, so beautiful and a lot of shopping complexes, Garden, Pavillion and others. Amazingly, these shopping places are filled up with un-affordable items of Gucci, Prada bla bla bla. Its a nice bling bling for the eyes, but not affordable to many. And so..as I make my observation, I realize there is not a single malay working as a cleaner..(not that I want malays to be cleaner..), but where are they? All of them are bangladeshi, phillipines and others I can't recognize. I spot few chinese and indian though. Where are the malays? I asked my friend, joking she answered, the guys are in Pusat Serenti, and the girls are married to be made housewives. Is this true? I don't know..

Speaking of chinese, indians and malays..I asked my indian friend, how does it feel to be born indian in Malaysia..being Malaysian and later learn to realize that there is a quota for everything and you are treated as a second class citizen. She answered honestly, she hates the fact, however, she learn the lesson from the grandfather, who is an estate worker and manage to bring up their children successfully to become very influential people in Malaysia today, that its just hard work that justifies it. Yes, I am a Malay, but honestly, I almost never took the privilege given. I personally think..the quotas awarded to Malays has been misused completely and made many not performing!On the contrary, chinese are the ones bringing up the economy in Malaysia..so..please tell me if I am wrong..

Before I end my notes of a lot of unpleasantness, I must say here, I love my people, malays are very delicate, sweet and good hearted people, and I am very proud to be a MALAY myself.

These are my 50 cents worth notes on Malaysia and how I view it..there is still a lot of huge worries in my head..but Hanna is calling..

I guess, to be continued..

Finally a mother..

2008-05-27T22:17:00.000+03:00

It has been a while since the last time I blogged. All my time was completely occupied. It felt that there is no time for me to write..(trying to tell myself to make time)

My daughter, Hanna was born in Cairo on the 21 Feb 08 with birth weight recorded, 3.2kg. Healthy little girl, alhamdulillah. Entering a new episode of motherhood changes "one hundred million"(version Austin Powers) things.. If I would put a scale of 1 to 10, how a baby has change my point of view, my thoughts and life, I would have to say 10.

I love being a mother. The first month, it was pretty demanding and tough for the both of us, as Hanna and I were still trying to get the rhythm right. Feeding, bathing, changing and most importantly, understanding the cries..is it colic? is it hungry? is it pain..? I remember one time in the first month, Hanna was crying for a long time and we (me, my mom and hubby) didn't understand why? I fed her, I hold her and finally when my hubby changed her, he realized that the umbilical cord was flipped and it was hurting her. Once it was put back in place, she was quiet immediately. Haha, it felt like a victory! (an awkward feeling obviously to new parents..hehe)

It is amazing how fast babies grow. Hanna is now 3 months old. She went through a lot of things already..hehe. At the age of 3 months, she has traveled to Belgium (to see the family from my hubby), to go to her first International SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers) meeting with her parents at Alexandria and soon leaving off to Malaysia (to see family from my side).

Its just a great feeling to be a mother. Makes you realize a lot of things, especially the relationship I am having with my parents. I have to admit, I felt closer to both and starting to bond back with them , especially my dad. You start to look at life differently. Me, myself and I has changed to us and we, since my daughter's arrival.

Flu day..

2008-02-07T19:13:00.000+02:00

Uff..its so difficult to breathe..both nose are clogged up and from time to time after a big blast blow out from nose..my ear go deaf..uff!! what a week..I got it last week after mixing up with people with flu..I just forgot how is it to be sick..uwaa..now its not funny anymore! Being pregnant, I can't take any medicine...the flu and me are becoming best friends..My house is running out of tissue boxes..and..you can find tissues everywhere..along with the srottttt and sreeeet sound of me, blowing out my nose..

I eat and can't taste anything, so I end up eating natural yogurt that don't taste anything..and suprise..I didn't taste anything..ehehe..but my tummy was filled up for brunch..I am completely under the weather..TOTALLY!!

Baby Shower

2008-01-26T19:22:00.000+02:00

I had my baby shower yesterday! Thank you friends and colleagues for coming and the gifts as well. The event was planned vaguely since the previous week, but I was not very sharp to realize the days going by, until the I receive a phone call from Shahira (my colleague) about the baby shower..
"So, baby shower is tomorrow, isn't it?"
and I said, "yes"..I had nothing prepared, completely in panic-mode, what will I do?
Then, Shahira offer it all..the Super Gals from Kattamia prepared everything!! All I had to do is order pizza from Vittorios...how cool!!

And the night before, my hubby asked me what is baby shower all about? He had no idea as its not in his culture as well. Then I said, it's definitely not mine neither..I guess its American culture then (since its not european..).

Somehow, I feel that its actually a very good idea to have a baby shower. It gives the opportunity for others to contribute and help out the parents-to-be, so, the parents don't have to purchase everything. You can also make your wish-list and distribute them to your friends, and in this way, you will not be receiving 5 bouncing chairs and 7 lullaby music box, which is not necessary and a complete waste..!!!

Aaaah, I forgot to mention, Baby showers are for girls only...so what happens to the husbands?? Hehe, on the baby shower, my hubby and the other hubbies had their time-off and went for a car wash (a term we use locally for husbands to give excuse to run-away from their wives and go for a shisha smoke!!)

Its very funny about the car wash thingie...It reminded me this one incident, when one of our friend invited Mohd. Hashim to go on a car wash, and immediately he replied.."my car is sparkling cleaaann..." with his eyes tailing on his wife!! Well, Mohd. Hashim is one of our colleagues who invented the idea and most of the time the mastermind behind all the disappearance of husbands, going on "CAR WASH"...Hehe..

On Maternity Leave

2008-01-24T10:42:00.000+02:00

Finally, I am on my maternity leave, being 9 months pregnant! Not used to being at home and not doing anything. Its difficult to stay put and just..relax..the term relax doesn't exist in my dictionary. I've been filling up my days with eating/sleeping, going to reena's, and decorating our baby room.

Doctor's advice: Walk everyday minimum 30 minutes~which is becoming my daily routine.

My dearest baby brother, Yasir is coming this Sunday! Yippieeee...can't wait! This year he will be 18 years old..but in my head, I see Yasir as 9 years (or probably younger)..I am so used to hug him, and kiss his face all over, and believe me..I am still doing it till now..pity him so much!! Recently, during my last visit to Malaysia, Yasir told me:
Yasir: Kak ila, can you stop calling me baby? I am a teenager now, big. Not anymore baby. Me (Kak ila): Ok, no problem...
Then I waited for 5 minutes and purposely called him!
Me: Baby! and so he replied..Yasir: Yes
Haha, he himself is so accustomed to it. He is even replying to me when I address him as baby, when only 5 minutes ago, we agreed no more baby in calling!!...

So, the following will be my schedule for visits again...yippieeeee!!!
Yasir's visit: 27 Jan - 27 Feb
Helene's (hubby's sister) visit: 15 Feb - 24 Feb
Mak's visit: 17 Feb - 24 Mar
Kak Aya's (my sister) visit: 1 Mar - 14 Mar
Lavaniya-Rama-Gayitri-Sree's (my indian friends) visit: 28 Mar - 1 Apr

Somewhere in between, I hope my best netball junior buddy (Zed and Huda), at present living and working with Etihad, in Abu Dhabi can come and drop by...

I remember the time I got pregnant, both me and my hubby was completely in the state of denial. Why? Because it was not planned..we sort of plan to try and conceive at the end of year 07, but it came waaaay earlier. Kind of funny when I didn't get my period after one month, I was thinking, probably, it was the long journey and the time change (since I was back in Malaysia for a course - and brother's wedding). Then, the clearblue says it all, its a +!!!
I scheduled later a check with a Gyne @ SJMC, just to double confirm before breaking the news to my boss, Meshary in Cairo..and the doctor confirmed, "you're pregnant".

A mix of feeling between joy, excitement of going to receive a new family member, worried about how my career will end up to be, and the phone call to Cairo. So, I pick up the phone to call the boss..
Me: Hi Meshary, how are you?
Boss: Fine TQ (in a busy tone...tell me what you want to say..)
Me: I have some news to tell you..I am pregnant..
Long 5 minutes pause.................
Boss: Good news, wow..congratulation. I hope you and Hadrien are very happy. We will discuss it when you come back here. No worries for anything. Congratulation!
After the phone call, I was a bit relaxed, knowing the fact the boss is aware, and when I come back it will be easier to deal with career planning.

9 months later, here I am on maternity leave waiting for the arrival of my baby. Alhamdulillah until now, things has been easy for me. Towards the end trimester, my pregnancy is going smooth. I try not to think about the labor too much. I read the preggie books to have a rough idea what I will be going through..I do get questions like.."are you going for chop-chop or normal?", hahaha, the term chop-chop, which they are referring to c-section just scares me maximum. I would prefer to go through a normal delivery with epidural, but who knows, it all in Allah's hand, god will.

Happy New Year

2008-01-01T19:04:00.000+02:00

Happy new year!! Its 01-01-08..My new year resolution..

1) To learn how to be a good mother

2) To be efficient..(haha)

3) To give more than to receive

4) ahaa..--> to lose 20 kilos~~!!!! (yes reena, we shall do it!!)

Almost the end of Year!

2007-12-30T02:15:00.000+02:00

Huff, I was very busy for the last one month..time is flying too quickly.
Here is my crazy schedule:

10-17 Dec. 07 - Martine's visit
My mother in-law visit @ home (Martine). Martine is helping me out, to get me all set and ready before baby's arrival. Fully pack days with baby and house arrangements, shopping, eating and cooking and of course included in program, site seeing...End of Martine's visit, we were both happy..70% ready for our baby's arrival! Thanks Martine!

18 Dec. 07
Our second year wedding anniversary. Thank you Anouk for reminding us, as both of us completely forgot the day! We spent half of the day decompressing, "a hectic week, it has been", in Yoda version~~

19 Dec. 07
Selamat Hari Raya Aidiladha..this year my hubby and Sharizal (Reena's hubby) decided to go sembahyang raya in the First Mosque in Cairo, so I decide to back-off. They left home at 6.00am in the morning to catch the prayer..Ufff...to early for the preggie lady to get out of bed.

So, I spend my hari raya morning baking cake (gateau aux chocolate, recipe of Martine) , getting ready for the night open house at Reena's. Sharizal is cooking for dinner. Delicious-micious nasi briyani..It was completely amazing, better than those in Malaysia restaurants...Bravo and huge applause to Sharizal!

20-28 Dec. 07 - Mario et Benedicte visit
Arrival of Mario (hubby's best buddy) and his daughter, Benedicte (my hubby's god daughter). Benedicte decided to spend her Christmas here with us, so we put up a x-mas tree, special pour ma petite professor (Benedicte)!

We had a noel eve dinner at home with Mario and Benedicte, Reena-Sharizal-Safiea and Marie-Meshary. Menu was not set until late evening..haha..only at 5.00 pm we had our menu set.

Entre - Zucini soup
Main dish - Long bean, Salmon, potatoes and aioli
Desert - not other than our chocolate cake, recipe from Martine's..~

Dinner ended at past mid night...its was quite a success, we went to bed at 4:00am after having long discussions about babies, infants and educations..Mario has 4 kids starring, Benedicte, Bruno, Jerome and Valentine.

28 Dec. 07 - 04 Jan. 08 - Khaleel's family visit
We receive Khaleel, Kak Zaharah and their 2 daughters in our home. On the day of Khaleel's arrival, the normal circle of friends, Reena-Sharizal-Safeia and Marie-Meshary-Mashael suggested to go picnic and barbeque @ Ain Sokhna..~1.5 hrs driving from Cairo. We had delicious barbeque picnic party by the beach with total of 6 family and Hassan. Meshary's , Sharizal's, us, Khaleels's, Mohd. Hashim's, Ammar's Family and single Hassan...(hehe...)

I'm loving it!!~~~(Full vacation ...!!!)Counting on days for my family's arrival.................only 20 days more to go!

Condolence for Benazir Bhutto

2007-12-28T03:30:00.000+02:00

Huge tragic indeed for her lost. She was the first female Prime Minister. My big condolence to Pakistan, her family and political supporter.

May her soul rest in peace, Amin.

Maadi, Cairo

2007-11-30T18:30:00.000+02:00

Morning Maadi..waking up in the weekend has always been the most difficult thing to do, especially during winter...mornings are normally very chill and you would just prefer to stay, tucked in bed with comfy thick comforter..Probably it's the preggie thingie, coz today, pop!! I woke up at 6.00 am and I couldn't bring myself back to sleep after suboh.

And to my husband's suprise, I started to get hyper..I couldn't stay quiet.. Normal routine, my baby is kicking from inside and probably yelling.."Mama, lets go for a walk!..", (hehe..or its just probably what I wanted..and blame it on the baby~) ..and so that's what I did...straight to shower, getting myself ready and at 6:45 am I was in my shoes. "Where should I go at this hour..", I said to myself..."aha..maybe the bakery"..which was my destination.

Walking on the street in Maadi at this hour is very peaceful. Just the sound of birds and few dogs barking..no cars and no more honking nor people yelling at the streets. Everything is just quiet. The only people around me, I realized, are just foreigners (mat saleh), jogging or cycling and some walking on the way to the gym (very healthy mat saleh lifestyle). Forgot to mention that our house is just opposite a gym, but I never step a foot there!! (just complaining to be fat at all time, with no plans on working out what-so-ever, having the gym right infront of my house..)

Arriving at the bakery, I was greeted by the owner, an american egyptians. Since we are among the usual people going to the bakery, my face is no more stranger to them..and today, we exchanged stories about my beautiful Malaysia Truly Asia (having the advert "Malaysia Truly Asia" playing on TV every 5 minutes..haha) and I am truly proud of it! I am never ashame to say that I AM A MALAYSIAN! ..Sadly, for some egyptians, not all of them have similar spirit like us.

When I was first introduced to the owner of the bakery, he introduced himself as an American.

Nice and polite, I replied, "but you look like Egyptian.."

and so he said.."yes, I am Egyptian, but I have American Passport..."

All I wanted to say to him, but I held my tongue tight.."Gggrrrrrrrrrrr..we are in your country and as Egyptian, the least you can do is to be proud of your country..not somone elses.."

Ooooh thank goodness I am Malaysian. We do have strong patriotisme deep inside us, regardless of whatever passport we are holding.

I took my bread and continued walking in the street of Maadi, don't really feel like going back home yet, so, I went straight to my best friend (or more like sister..)house, Noreena. Obviously, the crazy pregnant woman has shocked her friend..at 7:15 am, I was infront of her door. I passed her some croissant I bought..and decided to leave straight. Somehow, I stayed 15 minutes chit chat until my concerned husband called up..looking for his pregnant wife missing from the house!!..I walked back home directly after..

Haha..

Kuala Lumpur

2007-11-28T14:39:00.001+02:00

This is one view of Kuala Lumpur at night, with the background of KLCC. uuufff..I miss being there. What is the part I miss the most of KL, zeee shopping part. Somehow I feel everything is just cheaper in Malaysia (although, its not!)..Today, more and more towers and shopping complexes are coming up in Malaysia, especially the area around KL. Yes, I have to admit the facts that, WE, MALAYSIANS JUST LOVE SHOPPING. Maybe, I should be more specific..females love shopping..(tell me, if I'm wrong!)

But I think today, KL is overloaded with too much shopping complexes. We are moving towards becoming a consumer nation, to buy and purchase things / items / brands / makeups / bags / shoes and others because we can afford them, not necessarily need them... I personally love to shop for bags and shoes, to add them up to my 250th collections (to the extend, somtimes I don't have any space to store them - not yet using them!..wierd enough, the desire to add up the collections are still there!).. Even better, some consumers though, would travel by plane (6 - 10 hours) to get to Kuala Lumpur, just to experience the shopping carnivals, offering upto 70% discount!. Its a very attractive offer..can shopping fulfill our satisfaction..? Is that what we are striving for? satisfaction or maybe to prove the social standard, the fact that we have the purchasing power??!!

Its very disturbing, I cannot deny the fact that sometimes to be in a group of people, you wouldn't like to have yourself to be "lower standard"..by not having the LV bags or gucci glasses..but what does it mean? Can branded item elevate your social status? Once upon a time, education used to be the measure for a person's social status, but I guess now it has changed to ....

1) How big is your house?

2) How expensive is your car?

3) How many carrats is your diamond ring? and..

4) What is the brand of your bag / shoes / perfume...?

Cairo..

2007-11-27T22:47:00.000+02:00

A city full of life, day and night. When I first came to Cairo in 2005, I fell in love with the place, khan-el-khalili, pyramids, the old cities and lots more. The year after, I was transfered here to work...