Monday, October 13, 2008

Auditions!

A talent scout spotted Kayden at 1Utama and gave me a note from her company stating "...looking for cute and cheerful babies to appear in a TV commercial for a popular baby product.." I couldn't help but snicker at the word 'cheerful' cause as cute as he may be, Kd's not entirely a cheerful baby!

But I gave her my name and contact number nonetheless and felt a little excited after. Kd boy going for his 1st TV commercial audition!

So I decided to call up and arrange for the audition today. I must have changed my boys' clothes a thousand times before settling with a blue polo shirt and jeans for Kd and a collar shirt and khaki shorts for Khalis.. Then we were ready to go.

Finally found a nice parking spot after almost 30mins and proceeded up to the studio. When we got there, the casting manager decided to cast Khalis as well! Woohoo, this would be fun!

First Fira (the photographer) took some pictures of Khalis but the the cheeky boy kept making funny faces and sticking out his tongue. She managed to get some nice head shots and continued to record a video of him. He had to answer simple questions such as his name, age and what he likes. "Fire fighter truck" was his answer and started zooming around the room making siren noises.

Then it was Kd's turn and oh boy was he a tough one to work with! =D He refused to sit on the stool for his head shots so Fira decided to videotape him first instead. I was encouraging him to play with some toys, clap his hands and look happy and it didn't go down too well.. After a while he just got tired of being told what to do and started squealing and throwing tantrum especially when they needed him to drink from a sippy cup.. We bribed him with raisins just to get a headshot of him! =D

An hour plus went by and we couldn't get Kd to do much anymore. My headache was getting worse so we decided to wrap things up.. Their pictures and videos would be reviewed by the client (Dumex) and we'll just have to wait and see if they are shortlisted for the commercial.

I'm glad to experience this with my boys. Although a little tiring, it was quite fun! Reminds me of my personal portfolio days =D

Keeping my fingers crossed and hope to hear good news from Talent Gallery!

Raya 08

Raya '08 was slow and quiet,
Went back to Johor on a 4 hour drive..
Stayed at Aunty Chah's
With all her cats and chicks,
While the others stayed at Tok Bak's place.

On the 1st day of Raya,
The boys woke up early,
Screamed down the house,
Looking for little kitty..

We dragged ourselves up grumpily,
Got ready and drove up to Tok Bak's crib,
There the men went to pray at the mosque,
The women stayed in and got the meals ready..

When all was set we ate heartily,
Although the food was a little too heavy,
Then it was time for 'duit raya'
And salams and forgiveness from one another..

Off we went to visit the others,
And again we ate as much as we can take,
Then it's back to dear Aunty Chah's
And give our tummy a little break..

Second day was not much different,
Visiting relatives and eating all kinds of dishes,
Went to the salon and coloured my hair,
Came back looking a little tad younger!

Boys had fun playing with their aunts and uncles,
And traumatized the cats as they went along,
Not giving the chickens a chance either,
Calling and coo cooing as loud as they can!

By 6pm we got ready to leave,
Can't wait to get some non-Raya food,
And so we took a very slow drive,
And konked out in front of the TV
With some KFC!

Differents bags of things

A whole fasting month passed so quickly, it was time for me to pack our bags and get ready for our 4 hour long journey down to Johor. Wanna have a peek at the things I've packed for the 4 of us for our 3 days, 2 nights stay?

Ok so I start with 5 bags: Duffle bag for me and Hubby. A carrier bag for kids. A bagpack for kids snacks, toys and books. Diaper bag for cold drinks and extra clothes and diapers (for Kd) and a bag for foldable mattress, rubber mat, bedsheet and baby quilt. (We set a mini bed at the back of our car for Khalis to sleep in when he wants to be more comfy)

Carrier bag
(Khalis)
6 sets of pjs (just in case he pee on the bed at night)
1 set of baju melayu
1 set of collar shirt and pants
4 shirts, 4 pairs of pants and 5 pairs of undies
Towel, toothbrush and toothpaste
His fave toys and books

(Kayden)
3 sets of pjs
1 set of baju melayu
1 set of collar shirt and pants
5 shirts, 5 pairs of pants (this boy can get himself dirty pretty easily!)
Towel, toothbrush
Blankie (a must!)
His fave toys and books
A bag of diapers!

Diaper bag
3 mini cartons of Milo
3 mini cartons of apple juice
1 box of leftover donuts and banana cake
2 sets of shirts and pants for both monsters
2 pieces of diapers
A pack of wet wipes
2 bottles of drinking water
A bottle of green tea for me

Snack bag/Misc bag
A box of wholemeal biscuits
2 mini boxes of raisins
2 mini containers of fish biscuits
2 mini packs of chocolate chip cookies
Books
Kd's sippy cup
Khalis' drinking cup
TOYS!

Duffle bag
Clothes and toiletries for me and Hubby. A small bag of antiseptic cream, eczema cream, plasters, Sterimar, boys' bodywash, hairbrush.

Oh and I also have a cloth bag for my shoes and not forgetting my make-up bag! =D

Tuesday, September 09, 2008

The whole reason why I created this blog is to rant and share my experience as a young mother and I realized heck! non of my posts really talk about my day at home with my boys.. So here's one:

Today was one of those days when I just want to hide myself under my quilt and escape from the world. Run away from my responsibilities and frustration. Away into a world of peace and nothingness. Unfortunately it wasn't a day to be.

I woke up at 5am to prepare sahur for Hubby and myself. After eating, Hubby left for work and I couldn't go back to sleep immediately so I hung around in the livingroom until lil' Kd came pitter-pattering from our bedroom looking for me.

Taking him back to bed I finally managed to fall asleep at 6am.. At 7, Khalis woke up looking for his Daddy and threw a fit (at god darn 7 in the morning) when I told him he's at work. Groggily I went back to sleep.. It must have been a minute or so when Khalis announced that he needed to poo so I dragged myself out of bed and decided I might as well get up for good..

While ironing his school clothes, I could hear "Mummy... Wash..." Heaving a sigh, I washed him and put him under the shower and went back to my ironing. After I was done, I went to soap him up, rinse him off, dry and dress him. At this point Kd woke up all ready to play.

I went into the kitchen and grunted at the unwashed dishes and uncleaned kitchen. Dang it!

So I hastily prepared the boys' breakfast and washed the dishes while they ate. Halfway through Kd boy was done and he was covered with yogurt from head to toe! Afraid he would soil his toys and furniture, I quickly carried him to the bathroom and cleaned him up. Since he's been wearing his diaper overnight, I thought I would let him run free for a bit while I get back to my forsaken cleaning up.

Somewhere at the back of my head I knew I shouldn't let him run around without his diaper on but I just chose to ignore it. Soon enough, I heard a 'shhhh' and trickle on the floor. Wide-eyed I ran to him, picked him up and rinse him off in the shower. Went out to clean up the mess and looked at the clock which says 8am. We're suppose to leave the house in 10 minutes! I'm still in my pjs, haven't taken my shower, oh did I mention all this while my freaking nose is runny like a leaky tap and sneezing my head off?

Trying my best to keep cool and finally finishing up the kitchen, I heard Khalis shout "Mummy! Kd boy pee!" (Vein pops) How was I suppose to know he's going to pee again in less than 5 minutes?? Yet again I took him to rinse off and this time dress him up as well. I'm in no energy to do another cleaning.

By the time we were done and ready to go.. It was already 8.30.. Khalis was late and I've groceries to do.. And I'm already exhausted from my morning nightmare...

After dropping Khalis off at school, I went to Tesco with lil Kd boy with me. Did my round of groceries and was annoyed at the amount of people there. Vege corner is my last and my most unfavourite place. Everyone will simply leave their trolleys in the middle of the walkway while they weigh their things. I pushed my trolley to the right; oops it's blocked.. to the left; oops block again. Sigh! By the time I was done, I only had 15 minutes to run home and put the perishable foods in the fridge and go pick up Khalis from school.

Not wanting to do more than one round, I decided to be Superwoman and carried a whole lot of groceries at one time. Mind you, it's a good 200m walk from the carpark to my house (including steps) so by the time I reached, I was huffing and puffing like an old dog.

Quickly shoving the veges, fruits and yogurt into the fridge; I then start off to Q-dees. I came home only to find out that I've left the fridge door open while in a hurry. Sigh my day is just perfect!

By the time I was done putting everything in their places, prepared boys' lunch and wash up (yet again) it was already 2pm. I needed to sit down.. Ignoring the washed laundry which is still in the washer.. waiting..

Even while I'm typing this, I have 2 monkeys climbing all over.. sitting and bouncing on me like I'm some sort of a mini obstacle course. At this point I feel like stretching out my arms like the Hulk and making everything fly.

Can I just go into my room and sneak under my covers now?

Oh no wait.. Can't. Now I've to prepare dishes to break fast...

Raise your hand if you would like to trade. Anybody?

Monday, August 25, 2008

Tag.. Long overdue!

Ok so I'm suppose to write 6 random things about me (This is Lia's idea, of course.. =D)

Here goes:

1. I'm Chinese-Muslim (converted when I was 21 before my Hubby and I married) although people still ask me if I'm Malay because I'm Muslim.. They should have a better understanding that changing your religion DOES NOT mean changing your race, k? Got it? Ok. =D

2. My parents divorced when I was just a 7mth old baby (only child). I was raised by numerous aunts and uncles until my dad decided to let me stay with my mum's eldest sister. I only moved back in with my dad when I was 12 after he bought a house in Bdr Sunway with my step-mom and half brother..

3. Baby number 2 wasn't a planned one. I found out bout my pregnancy a week or so after Khalis' 1st birthday! =D

4. I was molested by my own testosterone-high cousin when I was 8. Never told anyone but Hubby. Maybe now it's time to forgive and move on? It's digusting and I blame him for ruining my body which is meant to be sacred and intimate.

5. I had nasty hives when Khalis was 3mths old. I started taking Noriday (birth control pill) and seems to be in the 1% group of people to have such reaction! My face was swollen and so was my upper lip (but only on left side).. I looked like I had a Botox injection gone wrong.. Those ugly red big patches on my body took around 3 months to fully disappear..

6. I'm afraid of flying insects.. Particularly dragonfly and flying cockroaches. I just freeze and a numb feeling runs down my spine.. In my mind I'll just keep hoping it will go away.. If the insect comes flying blindly I'll freak and run for cover!

So there it is.. Things that you may or may not know about me.. Remember to tag 6 people you know after you've written yours.. Including me! =D

Never been a fan.. However

Politics have never been an interest of mine. I usually turn the page and skip the politics news in the papers or click on something else while on the Net..

Lately I can't bring myself to ignore the events happening in our society and those in the higher levels. How can one not read what's going on when they're there in your face 24-7? There's always some scandal or controversy and the worst part it affects us as Rakyat.

I've never had second thoughts on our PM's leadership even during the elections when a number of people had means of voting against his party. Was it because I wasn't bothered about who leads our country? Or was it because I was confident in him and his fellow MPs to do right for us?

Frustrating as it is when the petrol prices hiked up ridiculously; essential food items have also gone up! I don't think this would have bothered me if I were single and living a carefree life.. but with young and growing kids, I can't bear to minimize their food intake or cut off certain food group just because they're too darn expensive!

I think (and a whole of others I'm sure) it's about time these people who SAY and PROMISE a better life for the Rakyat fold up their beds and wake up to our cries of frustration. Now I can see a clearer picture on why our country's inflation sky rocketed and how a certain individual has the guts to declare that he is to take over the leadership board. All these TALK is very worrying.. Worry for our future and for the sake of my children, I would want them to grow up in a safe and stable environment.

The main question I've been asking myself is: Would it make a BETTER difference if either party leads? It's clear many of us have lost faith in our leader but what would the future bring should PKR be the next to govern? Obviously anyone can say a lot and convince us of a prosperous living but would they be able to deliver and maintain their heads?

In my opinion, I don't think it was right to swear on the Holy Quran. The Quran is sacred and it should only be used to give us knowledge and better understanding of what is right and wrong. What would happen if A also swore on it just to clear his name? What if he swears that he has done no wrong upon S? Someone has to be lying and then everything will be back to square 1..

Should they be sent to do a polygraph test instead? Just to rest everyone's mind and clear up this whole accusation game.. I don't feel safe for myself.. for my family.. even for my friends (esp non-Muslims). Things NEED to get back on track for the sake of the Rakyat and someone has to do it right!

So who's side am I on?: The Rakyat's who are screaming for UNITY and STOP all these controversial BULL!

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Chocolate haven...

Theobroma Chocolate Lounge is finally opened to its chocolate addict patrons! I found my as-chocolate-crazy partner in crime, Lia to share the experience with.. Looking at the delicately crafted chocolates we were oohing and aahing and probly drooled a bit (can you blame us? =D)











Hand crafted belgian chocolates (RM4.90 a piece)



When we looked through the menu, we definitely did drool! Everything was mouth-watering and scrumptious looking... We decided to order the chocolate affair (chocolate dip with strawberries, oranges, kiwis, jambu air and marshmallows)
and an iced chocolate drink to share.












Chocolate Affair (RM25)

















Iced Chocolate Drink (RM12.90)



My first bite into the chocolate dipped marshmallow was just heavenly.. I could literally feel myself melting away.. The iced chocolate however was not so great.. Maybe because we had so much fruits and chocolate dip our tastebuds were killed of the sweet taste of the drink..

One main thing that let us down was the amount of chocolate dip.. It just wasn't enough! There was only half bowl when served and by the time we dipped away there were a few pieces of fruits and marshmallows left with no chocolate dip to savour!











The end of our warm chocolate dipping experience!















Lia trying to get what's left of the chocolate dip!

Friday, June 13, 2008

Our Singapore Trip Day2

After a good night's rest and yummy dinner (thanks to Uncle Ramli and Aunty Mus for their generosity and warmth!) we woke up to a breakfast meal fit for a king, literally! There was so much food and still Uncle Ramli wanted to bring us out for brunch! And he being in the Force back in the day, we weren't likely to decline! =D

After having our breakfast, we headed out to brunch at a nearby foodcourt. Here we have a 60ish year old retiree chasing us around taking our orders and barking (ok he has a very gruffy voice, k?) at us to just sit our a$$ down, GUARDING the kiosk to make sure he gets to pay.. we just laughed at him and silently obliged... Afterall, when Uncle Ramli 'barks' no one dares to go against him!

Soon after yet another hearty meal, we tailed along with Uncle Ramli to 'Big Splash' located at East Coast Park (which is probly 10km long, btw) where Lillyputt indoor mini golf course is. Then they left leaving us to explore the place to our hearts content.

Amer decided to head into the city and walk around and that's what we did. Found a public carpark and headed off on foot from Orchard Road all the way to Merlin Sq! Man it was a very long and tiring walk but the boys enjoyed it and so did we.. I love how they have proper and spacious sidewalks and working traffic lights for pedestrians.. Our safety is ensured!

Towards evening, we drove back to East Coast Park and took a slow stroll while enjoying the breeze.. There were a lot of people there - some were jogging, others cycling and rollerblading. It's such a nice hangout place for families there were even some who set up tents and had a night picnic and barbeque..

Boys were too tired to continue so we headed back to Uncle Ramli's and put them to bed. I was exhausted but had to have some of Aunty Mus' delicious meals first before zoning out! =D Tomorrow's another fun day!

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Our Singapore Trip Day 1

We recently drove to Singapore for a short holiday and it wasn't as bad as I thought the trip would be. The boys behaved well most of the way plus I fell asleep for an hour or so =D

When we arrived, Hubby and I realized our lines have no auto-roaming! So we couldn't call his uncle (whom we're staying with) and it was impossible to look for a public phone in this time of handphone frenzy days. The best thing was we didn't have much Singaporean money with us and Hubby didn't contact the bank beforehand so he couldn't withdraw any money!!

We ended up driving round and round trying to look for a place to change our notes into some coins and make that call. So first we found a 7-11 and managed to get some coins then our next mission was to look for a pay phone!

Hubby decided to park the car and take a walk since the boys were starting to get fidgety. After a while, we finally find a payphone at the public swimming pool! Soon enough, his uncle and aunt came to our rescue! Thankfully they lived nearby (and also Singapore being a generally small place..) we didn't wait very long.

Sad to say our first day was spent looking for a bank, changing money, payphone hunting and being rescued! =D

I was looking forward for the next day!

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Ubah Gaya Hidup...

Like a lot of Malaysians out there, we too are deeply affected by the recent petrol price hike, increasing cost of daily products and food in general.. Ubah gaya hidup? We control our rounds of eating out which eventually leads to driving out less and refrain from buying unnecessary items..

Having two young children however, compromising on their daily intake of healthy food is not an option. They need their milk, poultry, fish, fruits and vege. Thankfully my boys aren't dependent on formula milk (they only drink UHT Full Cream milk) and by cooking their meals myself, I know what goes into their foods. Ubah gaya hidup? It wouldn't be such an issue if the prices would stop going up!

I've already cut down on using disposable diapers in the day and bought Kd microfibre inserts and washable polyester diaper covers to save $$ and be kinder to the environment. Not only that, I've recently been bitten by the DIY household cleaning bug by using baking soda, lemons, vinegar etc.. They're so much cheaper and cleaner without the harmful chemicals, making them safer to use. Ubah gaya hidup? Yeah for the sake of our dear planet earth...

One thing that bothers both me and Hubby (and everyone else, of course) is the price of petrol. We drive a 45lt tank which adds up to about RM121.50 for a full tank and RM60.75 for a half tank! How long do you suppose half a tank would last us? We can't possibly walk Khalis to school and definitely won't change to a smaller car as our boys need to be in their carseats. Ubah gaya hidup? Well..can we really compromise the safety of our children whilst we're driving on the road? I absolutely won't be able to drive with a peace of mind especially when they start monkeying around in the car which may lead to a crash or even eeek! DEATH! (yes yes I'm very dramatic)

I honestly think we're living as simple as life can get. Ubah gaya hidup? Or kick our sleeping yet money sucking gov fellows in the bum and have them do something right!

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

My Godbrother Pt2

Paul finally replies my e-mail and even included his mobile number. I was so glad to know that he's doing fine and setting yet another business. As impatient as I am, I quickly called him but to my surprise; it was the wrong number!!

I ended up playing a Mastermind game.. Only this time I was rearranging the mobile number he gave me instead of coloured pins.. I must have called a bezillion numbers when I finally hit the right one.. and yes I probly would have lost the game! =D

At last I was able to talk to my long lost godbrother and we picked up where we left off... It was amazing how we could still poke at each other and have a good laugh. It felt really good talking to him again and we ought to meet up soon!

Love the song and the video

Thursday, May 15, 2008

My long lost godbrother pt1

It's been almost 5 years since i last saw Paul and 4 years since we last spoke. He was supposed to attend my wedding back in 2004 but was down with a flu bug. Recently I emailed him on his birthday (which was a day before my wedding anniversary) and waited anxiously for a reply.

I have no idea where he can be.. Tried calling his Ipoh line but no one would answer.. I know he's constantly flying to and fro to NZealand as his family's there, but I didn't have his NZ contact info..

Paul and I have a special brotherly, sisterly bond =D We met when I was 15 and he was working at the cybercafe where I hang out. He thought I was this cute, bubbly teenage girl who seemed to be able to have a proper conversation with him (he is 7 years older!) And we just hit it off! I can't explain it but I'm so comfortable around him, we talk about everything. From my relationship with Amer to his girl problems (LOL)

I remember when I get upset I would run to Paul for comfort and he'll always listen and gives me his opinions (like an older brother would do.) He's even given me a nick: DancingPenguin. 'Penguin' because he says I waddle when I walk (think it's becuz my ponytail swings from side to side that gives him the impression that i waddle!) and 'Dancing' because I was a cheerleader/dancer in highschool.

He used to send me to a nearby 7-11 to get him a slurpee or junk but never fails to belanja me as well.. Once when he was late to have a lunch date with me, I ended up at Genki sushi and he still paid for my meal (out of guilt for keeping me waiting!)

Sometimes he would put his large arms on my tiny shoulder while we're talking to our friends which after a while I would nudge him away =D And I used to scream at him to slow down when he walks me home. He's so tall and takes such big steps that I have to double up on mine!

He's fun to hang out with and it's such a shame we lost contact for so long... I miss my 'brother!'

Sunday, May 11, 2008

my poor baby

khalis had fever on tuesday a.m. so i brought him to see the doc. she didn't find anything else wrong and went on to prescribe paracetamol.

let him stay home on tues and wed and by wed evening, he was much better and was bouncing around like usual. since he seemed to have recovered, he attended school on thurs and fri but by saturday around 5a.m. i realized that his fever has gone up again. and about 9a.m i noticed faint red spots all over his arms and legs.

my dad called and told me to better bring him for a blood test, afraid that it might be dengue. my heart sank as i started thinking of all sorts of unwanted scenarios, praying silently that it wasn't.

we brought him to akashah clinic and although at 1st she thought of the same thing but since he wasn't showing any other signs of a dengue victim, she suggested putting him on antibiotics and observe closely for any other possible symptoms.

khalis' eyes were slightly droopy and seemed weak after taking the antibiotics so we let him take a nap and sleep it off. he must have slept for over 2 hours and when he woke up, he was much better although his usual bright eyes were still droopy. we went ahead for a quick dinner and came home. it was less than 3 hours since he last took his nap but he fell asleep in the car!

he has never been the sleepy head and we're so used to his bubbly and liveliness that when he's so quiet and weak, it was heartbreaking for both me and hubby...

the next day (today) his red spots have become bumpy and there were much more than before! and very red too.. funny thing is he doesn't have any fever so it's either he's been struck by a viral infection or he's allergic to the antibiotic. nonetheless, we brought him back to akashah to let her take a look at his arms and legs.

she was quite puzzled as well when she saw him and told me it was either one of the two... so she prescribed more medicine. puriton to help ease the allergy (if it really is that) but continue with the antibiotic. if there are no changes it probly is the antibiotic and he should stop taking it...

gah! my poor baby hasn't been himself since tues and i'm really uncomfortable with it... it's worrying when your child is unwell... it's even more worrying when the doc can't pinpoint his situation... =(

i'm really hoping he gets well soon as he is to have his very 1st school sports day on the 17th! we're letting him stay in and rest for another day or so before he goes back to school.

Monday, May 05, 2008

Izzi, facebook, myspace

we recently bought the Izzi plug and play 1mbps so now i can go online as often as i like! =D it's only rm66 a mth with unlimited online usage and so far it's been working pretty smoothly.
so being a MySpace and Facebook virgin, i decided to register myself and start using them. now i'm officially hooked on Facebook - it's distracting! On most days, i have to pry my bum off my sofa cuz if i don't... i won't do any cleaning, dishes, laundry and cooking! Sometimes i would stop myself from even turning on my notebook for the sake of paying attention to my boys!

Wednesday, February 06, 2008

5th Feb 2008

Today I turn 25 but I feel as though I've filled the shoes of a 25 year old when I turned 21 in 2004. I always considered that age to be the high point of my life - receiving my driver's license, marrying my husband, moving into our new place and finding out my 1st pregnancy by the end of the year.

So what do I expect this year? More parenting skills to learn, more patience level to increase, more time to spend with Hubby. More disciplining, guiding and nurturing going out at full force as our boys grow and become more monstrous! A friend told me they'll mellow down as they get older; I certainly hope so!

I definitely have to pull in whatever strength and patience I can muster to deal with the boys' daily demands whilst not forgetting myself as a person! It's not always easy with them around although I wouldn't want anyone else taking care of my precious ones. Hubby and I are comfortable with how things are right now. I have started tutoring again over the weekends while he takes over. It's the least I could do to help him financially although I usually spend on unnecessary things for the boys and myself!

Kd boy has started walking now. He's only almost 11 months old but picking up on things pretty quickly. It's always fun watching him dance and when he does 'twinkle stars' or 'wheels go round' actions with his hands. He would smile with his big bunny teeth while engaging you with his bright eyes. He also has taken a liking to phones. Always attempting to 'talk' although it's on his forehead or neck!

Buk is turning 3 in July and has started attending kindy. Teachers' are quite impressed at how quickly he settled down on his 2nd day and how quickly he learns. It's the positive comments that makes us, as parents feel that we've done the right thing. We are indeed very proud of him and are glad he enjoys going to school.

Looks like it's been quite a smooth beginning of the year for us and we certainly hope it will last for as long as possible although I'm sure there will be some bumps here and there. There is always something new every day and we learn to deal with them, good or not.