tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80019035756019924552024-03-13T13:51:55.749+08:00The Coolness of My Eyes [قُرَّةَ أَعيُنٍ]رَبَّنا هَب لَنا مِن أَزواجِنا وَذُرِّيّاتِنا قُرَّةَأَعيُنٍ وَاجعَلنا لِلمُتَّقينَ إِمامًا
Xiet_Enigmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017263017301097002noreply@blogger.comBlogger148125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8001903575601992455.post-66929927893721996052019-05-09T13:48:00.002+08:002019-05-09T13:48:56.822+08:00TIPS Travel bersama anak kecil<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: red;">DISCLAIMER: Ini adalah ENTRY TERTANGGUH yang saya tulis pada 1/12/2016 (dah nak masuk 3 tahun bertangguh! haha)</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: red;">Sekarang, kami sudah ada 4 (nak masuk 5) anak, berumur di antara 9-1 tahun (dan baby dalam kandungan). Makin mencabar bila travel dengan anak kecil yang ramai, tapi setakat ini Alhamdulillah tips2 yg saya kongsi di bawah masih boleh dipakai. </span></span><br />
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Assalamualaikum wbt.</div>
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Tahun lalu (2015) adalah antara tahun kami paling aktif bermusafir. Pulang ke Malaysia 3 kali, ke Dubai, Turki dan lain-lain tempat di dalam Malaysia dan Oman.</div>
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Alhamdulillah, rezeki Allah yang beri. Sedikit sedih kerana tak dapat menunaikan hajj tahun lepas tapi tak mengapa kerana Allah beri rezeki yang berlainan bentuk (Eve Hawwa masih kecil).</div>
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<i>Travel</i> bersama anak-anak kecil yang berusia 5 tahun dan ke bawah memang mencabar fizikal dan minda. Apatah lagi jika melibatkan perjalanan yang panjang. Pulang ke Malaysia memakan masa 7 jam untuk <i>direct flight</i>. Kalau transit boleh memakan masa 10 ke 13 jam! Perjalanan ke Turki memakan masa lebih kurang 5 jam termasuk transit. Dengan 3 orang anak kecil yang aktif Ya Rabbi, perjalanan yang panjang sebegitu memang mendebarkan. Takut kalau anak meragam sepanjang perjalanan, menangis di dalam kapal terbang, mengganggu penumpang lain, dan macam-macam lagi.</div>
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Itu baru kisah perjalanan pergi dan pulang, belum cerita lagi tentang bagaimana memenuhi aktiviti percutian bersama anak-anak kecil! Silap haribulan, percutian idaman boleh bertukar menjadi mimpi ngeri. Hilang segala aura romantik, yang tinggal hanyalah si ibu dan ayah yang tak putus-putus marah, dan si anak-anak yang tak gembira. Alahai, kasihan!</div>
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Di sini saya kongsikan sedikit tips yang kami gunakan ketika <i>travel</i>. Alhamdulillah, setakat ini setiap situasi sukar masih di dalam kawalan. Ummi stress tu memang biasa lah, hehe. Tapi sekurang-kurang nya semua orang masih boleh <i>enjoy. </i>Tips yang mudah dan sesiapa sahaja mungkin lakukan, semoga memberi manfaat.</div>
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1. <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Rancang percutian dengan baik</span>. Kecuali anda memang sengaja mahu bercuti ala-ala tanpa panduan, adalah sangat penting untuk merancang percutian sebaik mungkin. Samada percutian berbentuk santai (<i>leisure or free and easy</i>), lawatan ke tempat2 bersejarah, ke taman tema dan sebagainya, rancang lah percutian anda dengan baik sesuai dengan tema percutian anda.</div>
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2. Jika perlu menaiki pesawat, kalau boleh <span style="background-color: #ffd966;">pilihlah waktu penerbangan yang selesa </span>(contoh malam)</div>
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3. <span style="background-color: #ffd966;">Pastikan sampai ke</span> <span style="background-color: #ffd966;">lapangan terbang lebih awal dan tidak tergesa-gesa</span>. Tak semua <i>airport</i> bersifat mesra kanak-kanak. Jadi, dengan barang yang banyak dan anak kecil, urusan boleh menjadi lama dan kadang kala perlu beratur panjang. Anak-anak juga mungkin mudah <i>cranky </i>atau terlalu aktif.</div>
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4. <span style="background-color: #ffd966;">Bawa permainan dan buku aktiviti</span>. Permainan biarlah yang mudah di bawa dan tidak terlalu besar. Untuk menarik minat anak2, bawa 2atau 3 jenis permainan dan setiap satu di simpan/balut secara berasingan. permainan di buka secara bergilir, bukan sekaligus, supaya mengelakkan anak bosan terlalu cepat</div>
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5. Bawa<span style="background-color: #ffd966;"> makanan kegemaran anak-anak</span>. Tak semua anak gemar makanan yang disediakan di dalam kapal terbang. Sebaiknya, bawa sedikit makanan kegemaran anak-anak ke mana sahaja sepanjang percutian kerana kebiasaan anak kecil tidak suka mencuba sesuatu yang baru apatah lagi makanan dari negara yang berbeza.</div>
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6. Pakaikan anak dengan <span style="background-color: #ffd966;">pakaian yang selesa</span>. Jika ke tempat yang ramai orang, pakaikan anak dengan <span style="background-color: #ffd966;">pakaian berwarna cerah dan mudah kelihatan (saya suka pakaikan anak secara sedondon supaya lebih mudah dikenalpasti). </span>Bagus jika boleh sediakan tag atau apa sahaja berisi maklumat peribadi ibu bapa seperti no. telefon.</div>
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7. Pastikan anda bawa <i style="background-color: #ffd966;">travelling gear</i> yang sesuai dengan anak-anak, seperti <i>baby wearer </i> dan <i>stroller</i>. Seeloknya jika melancong ke tempat yang banyak berjalanan, bawa <i>baby wearer</i> dan <i>lightweight stroller</i>. Pastikan mencukupi bagi mengelakkan anak-anak berebut dan mengamuk.</div>
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8. Jika anda bercuti ke tempat bersejarah atau tempat lawatan, pastikan anda tidak mengambil masa yang lama. Setengah hari setiap sesi sudah mencukupi. Kanak-kanak mungkin tidak berminat dengan lawatan tersebut. Mereka juga akan cepat penat dan bosan, jadi mungkin kurang bekerjasama. </div>
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9. <span style="background-color: #ffd966;">Selang-seli aktiviti percutian anda di antara aktiviti untuk orang dewasa dan kanak-kanak</span>. Sebagai contoh di Turkey, kami berbincang bersama anak-anak dan bersetuju untuk ke Small Safari dan berjalan-jalan sekitar <i>mall</i> yang bersambung dengan hotal pada hari pertama, ke Vialand (seperti Disneyland) pada hari kedua, menaiki <i>cruise</i> pada hari kedua (<i>Princes' Island</i>) dan ketiga (<i>Bosphorus Tour</i>), ke Topkapi Palace ... Kami sekeluarga suka <i>cruise</i> jadi tiada masalah kecuali anak-anak yang terlalu gembira dan aktif menyebabkan kami keletihan kerana ramai orang terlebih prihatin tentang keselamatan anak-anak di atas <i>yatch</i>. Selain itu, kami selang-seli antara tempat pilihan orang dewasa dan kanak-kanak. </div>
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10. <span style="background-color: #ffd966;">Pernutukkan masa yang lebih jika mahu ke tempat-tempat bersejarah atau lawatan yang tidak digemari oleh anak-anak</span>. Sebagai contoh, jika secara purata pengunjung mengambil masa 30 minit untuk menyelesaikan <i>tour</i>, anda mungkin memerlukan 50 minit. Ini adalah untuk menjadikan lawatan tersebut lebih santai, memberi peluang kepada anak-anak untuk berehat, dan mungkin perlu bergilir-gilir antara suami dan isteri. Ini adalah penting untuk menentukan aktiviti harian supaya penyusunan aktiviti lebih realistik. Kami mengambil masa separuh hari (pagi) ke Hagia Sophia dan mengambil masa lebih kurang 90 minit untuk menghabiskan lawatan. Kami terpaksa bergilir antara suami isteri untuk menghabiskan <i>tour</i> seluruh kawasan termasuk di tingkat atas. Sengaja kami buat begini supaya sama-sama dapat menikmati lawatan tersebut. </div>
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11. Jika melakukan <i>tour</i>, <span style="background-color: #ffd966;">seelok-eloknya ambil <i>Private tour</i></span>. Sangat penting untuk mengelakkan stress kerana terkejar-kejar dengan orang lain di samping ingin menguruskan anak-anak dan menikmati lawatan tersebut. Namun, kos nya lebih tinggi.</div>
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12. Alternatif daripada <i>private tour</i> adalah dengan<span style="background-color: #ffd966;"> membeli buku/audio</span>. Kebanyakan tempat lawatan menyediakan kemudahan audio atau buku. Lagipon, anda akan mendapat maklumat yang lebih jelas dan terperinci. </div>
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13. Oleh kerana kita mengambil masa yang lebih berbanding mereka yang bercuti tanpa anak kecil, waktu percutian menjadi lebih terhad. Jika suami atau isteri mempunyai <i>preference</i> ke beberapa tempat, mungkin boleh berbincang untuk <span style="background-color: #ffd966;">melakukan lawatan solo</span>. Kami membuat beberapa lawatan solo sepanjang percutian ke Turkey. Suami ke Basilica Cistern sendiri kerana tempat tersebut tidak sesuai untuk bayi (pada pendapat kami). Saya melakukan lawatan solo ke Istana Topkapi (sebenarnya separa solo kerana pada pertengahan lawatan ketiga-tiga anak tak mahu bekerjasama. Suami pulang ke hotel bersama anak-anak dan saya meneruskan lawatan bersama <i>tour guide</i>). Saya pulang ke hotel untuk makan tengahari, dan kemudian di sebelah petang suami pula ke Istana Dolmabache secara solo kerana agak jauh dari hotel dan suami bergerak menaiki Metro (LRT)- Suami memang sangat teruja untuk ke istana tersebut. Giliran saya di hotel menjaga anak-anak. Saya juga membuat lawatan solo ke Grand Bazaar sementara suami menjaga anak-anak di hotel dan membawa anak-anak berjalan ke kawasan berdekatan hotel. Berjalan kaki sejauh 30 minit ke Bazar dan kerana ingin cepat mencari barang, lawatan solo adalah pilihan paling mudah untuk kami. </div>
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14. <span style="background-color: #ffd966;">TOLERANSI.</span> Suami isteri perlu sentiasa toleransi. Kerjasama. Biasalah akan ada masa anak-anak semua buat perangai serentak. Jika isteri stress, suami kena bertenang. Begitu juga sebaliknya. Nak marah anak-anak melebih-lebih pun, mereka kecil lagi. Nanti, semua orang tak happy. Duit dilabur bukan sedikit.</div>
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15.<span style="background-color: #ffd966;"> DOA.</span> Walaupun tujuannya untuk bercuti, merehatkan mida, bersantai, atau apa sahaja, kita perlu doa supaya semua berjalan lancar. Suapaya anak-anak tak sakit dan tak meragam. Doa untuk kesihatan dan juga keselamatan. Betul, dalam nak berseronok, pastikan keselamatan terjaga. Lagipon, jangan lupa doa musafir tu mustajab tau!</div>
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Xiet_Enigmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017263017301097002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8001903575601992455.post-70972099918623451902017-04-03T20:05:00.000+08:002017-08-15T23:24:45.979+08:00How do you know whether or not your Du'a is being granted?<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">“Call upon Me, and I will respond to you”</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> [60:40]</span></b></span></div>
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About a year ago, my husband volunteered himself in teaching a class of teenage boys (aged 14-16) about Islamic Study. It was just once a week. So in the syllabus, they were going to be assessed in every end of the term.<br />
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My husband set up the exam questions and afterwards brought them back for marking. So I got the chance to vet through all the students' answers. lol!<br />
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And there was one question in the assessment which went like this:<br />
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<b>HOW DO YOU KNOW WHETHER OR NOT YOUR DU'A IS BEING GRANTED?</b> </div>
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And before I looked up at all the variety of answers, I gave myself a thought about it.<br />
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How?</div>
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I went through 1 paper, looked at the boy's answer. And here's what he wrote;<br />
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<b>Our du'a will always be listened and granted by Allah. It is just a matter of time, whether He S.W.T. answers it right away, or holds it for the right timing later on, or substitute it for something better.</b></div>
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When I read that, I felt like a fool. OF COURSE! How can I forget?<br />
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And today, after almost a year, I still remember this. All I want to write here is, whatever we want from Allah, we have to ask for it in the most sincere way, and NOT just that, we have to have faith. The key to making du'a is that we must believe that He is listening to our du'a. Indeed, he is As-Samee' (The All-Hearing)<br />
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I know sometimes we feel tired and frustrated that our wish has not yet been granted. Trust me I know how it feels. I sometimes have this kind of feeling too.<br />
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But one should not have that kind of thinking, as this is one of the way that hinder our du'a. <br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;">“One of you may be answered so long as he is not hasty and says, ‘I said du’aa’ but I got no response” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 6340; Muslim, 2735. </span></span><br />
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Maybe we need to check back the way we make du'a. Do we really have trust in Allah that He will make this du'a possible? for instance, you ask for a promotion by the end of the year, you keep making du'a but inside your heart you have this doubtful thinking "I don't think I can get this or how in the world can this be possible?" We don't have<i> husnu dzon </i>(positive thought) in Allah.<br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;">According to a hadith of Abu Hurayrah: “Make du’a to Allaah when you are certain of a response.” Narrated by al-Tirmidhi; classed as hasan by al-Albaani in </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;">Saheeh al-Jaami’</i><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;">, 245</span></span><br />
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Or we sometimes forget that by having this du'a constantly, we are showing the act of slavery towards The Almighty, and simultaneously acknowledging Him as The Most Powerful, The Most Merciful. It's the constant communication that keeps us from forgetting our role. And of course, another way to do is to always have ourselves checked; to avoid any act of shirk and stay away from sins as much as we can. How can we ask a lot of things from Allah while we are making shirk or committing sins?<br />
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And lastly, always remember that Du'a can also be a test for us. It could be a test for our sincerity, patience, eagerness, and (especially) trust in Him.<br />
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And it is Allah who we ask from. Not our friends or some uncles next door. Allah knows and decides what's the best for us, even without us knowing. Remember Al-Baqarah, 2:216?Xiet_Enigmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017263017301097002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8001903575601992455.post-42776078326338418012016-12-24T03:45:00.000+08:002017-08-15T23:25:39.270+08:00Say Goodbye to our baby NO.4 (missed abortion)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "shaikh hamdullah mushaf" , "amiri quranweb"; font-size: 26.6667px; text-align: right;"> وَعَسَى أَن تَكْرَهُواْ شَيْئًا وَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ وَعَسَى أَن تُحِبُّواْ شَيْئًا وَهُوَ شَرٌّ لَّكُمْ وَاللّهُ يَعْلَمُ وَأَنتُمْ لاَ تَعْلَمُونَ </span></div>
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<h2 class="text-left text-translation times-new" data-reactid=".1mffhwp8uk.2.2.0.1.2:$2-216-ayah.1.1:$0.1" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #939598; font-family: "Times New Roman", sans-serif; font-size: 2rem; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin-bottom: 25px; margin-top: 5px; text-align: center;">
<small class="times-new" data-reactid=".1mffhwp8uk.2.2.0.1.2:$2-216-ayah.1.1:$0.1.0" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #777777; font-size: 18.2px; line-height: 1;">But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah Knows, while you know not (Al-Baqarah, 2:216)</small></h2>
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I love this verse! Isn't it a cool quote? </div>
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Well, this ayah is actually explaining about war and jihad. But without taking the meaning of this beautiful verse out of context, we can still take it as a general reminder in our daily life, don't you think so? </div>
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Like when we are given 2 choices in life, but we just have to choose one, especially when we end up with the less favorable one. </div>
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Or perhaps when we are not given any choice at all, but to just accept whatever is in front of us, whether we like it or not.</div>
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Just like what is happening to us right now, where we're being tested with <span style="font-size: large;">grief </span>and <span style="font-size: large;">loss.</span></div>
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<b>Inalillahi wa inna 'ilaihi roji'un...</b></div>
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From the LMP, I was supposed to be around 13 weeks/3+ months pregnant, which I just past my 1st trimester.</div>
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But since I am using a mobile app. called FLO, I think I might be approx. 2 weeks late from my LMP, which means I might be around 11 weeks pregnant. Subhanallah, that means, I got conceived during my infertile day, only a few days before my next cycle! "KUN FA YA KUN"</div>
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However, it is difficult to tell because according to our previous check up, my pregnancy was just about 6 weeks old (which it couldn't be. I know so.... we were in London at that time. No way. Just no way.. ha ha ha)</div>
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So we concluded that maybe, just maybe, the baby had stop growing during its 6 weeks. Only that it didn't flush itself out naturally, and my body was still supporting the pregnancy all the way (I'll explain later on this) - This is called <span style="font-size: large;">missed abortion</span>.</div>
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Our first maternal check up was on 27th NOV 2016. The doctor did an intervaginal scan and discovered a small empty sac in the uterus. That's all. But at least I knew I was Pregnant. </div>
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Second check up was 2 weeks later (11th Dec). There was something like a round shape in the sac, a fetus, as verified by the O&G. According to the LMP, I was supposed to be 11 weeks pregnant, but from the scan, it was just about 6 weeks. Obviously there was growth in the sac as compared to the previous scan. But ironically, the growth wasn't proportional to the LMP by huge interval. Another problem: we couldn't detect the heart beat. </div>
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"We just wait and see.... I am not sure what kind of pregnancy I am dealing with" - O&G.</div>
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The words that I will remember for as long as I think I would!</div>
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The next day (Mon, 12th Dec) I started to bleed in my pants. At first I thought it was an after effect of the intervaginal scan. The next day (Tue, 13/12), I was still bleeding. Lesser, but then a brownish discharge took over. I was terrified but Anuar was going back to Malaysia that night. He wanted to cancel the trip but of course I said DON'T... </div>
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I thought the bleeding would stop. I was wrong. </div>
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I continue to 'bleed', but this time just a brownish discharge. I was contemplating whether or not to make any appoinment. I seek consult from a few doctor friends. Since it was a brownish discharge, they said don't worry too much, have rest! just please have rest! bed rest if I can! and please go to the hospital and get myself checked if there's anything that concerns me.</div>
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Unfortunately, I started to bleed fresh blood on the 17th night. On the 18th, I tried to make an appoinment with my O&G, but she's full. I ended up with another O&G on Tue (20 th), though I'd had my next appoinment with my O&G on the 22 (Thu). </div>
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Anuar arrived on Tue morning (2 am). We went to my O&G clinic at around 11.40 am and got to see her at 2pm, walked-in. She was full that day and she was a bit upset with us because she had to catch up with a LCS case at 2! (I cancelled the other O&G due to some reasons, but mainly because I had a feeling that something was not right, so it'd be easier to refer to the one who already know your history)...</div>
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And that was when we confirmed that the baby was gone, like officially gone. </div>
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I was bleeding fresh blood, the fetus got no heart beat (Still) and the round shape in the sac was shrinking.</div>
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The next day (21/12/2016) I was admitted to the hospital and was ordered to do D&C.... How did I feel? Like my post in my IG.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWWgSY5SQXqbOKwbFCNFFYdUF26g0DKTYwG50HGZX-M8Vr6eG1zVdODYPIuCh7nEBAR3iXHWyLlHzehfuqapxnEaoahy5c517AxDy-APOjAQreLFembwf37sAJREVNb0uLbFzpb8HDY9Y/s1600/Screenshot_20161223-184746.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWWgSY5SQXqbOKwbFCNFFYdUF26g0DKTYwG50HGZX-M8Vr6eG1zVdODYPIuCh7nEBAR3iXHWyLlHzehfuqapxnEaoahy5c517AxDy-APOjAQreLFembwf37sAJREVNb0uLbFzpb8HDY9Y/s640/Screenshot_20161223-184746.png" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes. I learnt that losing a baby, even when your are a mother of 3, is still losing a baby. And a missed abortion is still a loss. and the feeling is still.....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
D&C was a whole new experience to me. I went to the OT, got myself an LA (spinal anaesthetic), had to lay on bed for the next 8 hours post-surgery, fasting, peed in my bed (because they didn't put a catheter on me!) and yeah... </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It was hurt. I was hurt, physically and emotionally. But Alhamdulillah, I am fine. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Now that I think about it, I've experienced the beginning of motherhood for each child in some sort of way... And what more to raise them, each of them with different characters and strategies (^_^')</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
-ELCS (elective c section) - Aaron; </div>
<div>
-An induced normal birth with the help of systemic pain relief AND post-delivery complication - Saraa;</div>
<div>
-A normal-gentle birth (minimal medical intervention i.e, VE and AROM only, no pain relief)- Eve.</div>
<div>
-D&C -(supposed to be) baby no. 4... with an anaesthetic that kinda react a lil slow in my body, hence, I felt an intense pain, I felt the suction, the cramp, the intense pain! </div>
<div>
-I had previous miscarriage with just a natural flush out also.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Subhanallah! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And now, I am fine. Alhamdulillah. </div>
<div>
My uterus is taking its time to heal completely (pain is becoming lesser, womb is not swollen anymore). However, the spinal injection site is still hurt (bruising maybe), and I am suffering back pain in various places (the effect of anesthetic, plus I'd had an epidural 6 years ago, and yes, aging factor, I knowwwww). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Two things that I'd never expect to happen </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
1) you know some women will have difficulty to BO after delivery, Yes, I kind of having a hard BO (almost constipation), surprisingly, even though technically I didn't really deliver the baby. Maybe because I still had the cramp/contractions especially during the D&C process itself. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
2) I am producing milk and I got engorged - - -, hurt!!!! this is even more surprising because I thought I was just having a missed abortion! (but that also make sense cause missed abortion is a missed misscarriage - the body didn't recongnize that you are misscarriage, hence the placenta keeps on producing hormones.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Anyway, there are a lot of underlying stories I don't tell. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
-About why I didn't straight away go and see the doctor.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
-About how I actually had a sense that something wasn't right due to some symptoms i.e. I had bad pregnancy symptoms mostly sickness. I got that a few days after London trip and I even made a 'scene' in Bahrain Airport (That's where I suspect I was pregnant) but I suddenly didn't feel nausea. I thought this time the pregnancy would be different... and in some way, yes, it <i>was</i> different.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
-Why I didn't get bed-rest as suggested and why I can't afford to have confinement post-incident.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
-What had happened in between the event...</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
But it's OK. At least. I'm writing up the most important parts. On how I want it to be remembered. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And the most important part is, we are all fine. Alhamdulillah.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Aaron and Saraa have accepted the fact the we'd lost the baby. Saraa was crying when she knew about the news. It was hard and devastating to see her cry. The night after the surgery, she asked me where's the dead baby. She wanted to see it so badly and she cried when she knew she won't get to see the baby (maybe she imagine it like a fully developed baby)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Eve, well, she's still small to understand about loss, about death. Sometimes when we lay down side by side, she would rub my belly and say "Hi baby, Hi baby" and sometimes kiss (more to sloppy kiss) my belly. She did that even during the night before the surgery. That one last night with the baby in the belly. But I'm sure she'll be fine. </div>
<div>
<br />
I learned that, dealing with loss, regardless of any kind, is a great emotional trial. Alhamdulillah, I am surrounded with good friends and families.<br />
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgINYfGx_eJLcHnx6jWM6ZnvxYF0XWVS5zSRjY-aKV4NcR6ul8WS5OZ8Lk9To5FVZYtuJHSc_auMPOakLYMfv2GLiNLsgtGN5EpLCuSYgt6TQKrtUJvUklN2wHYmX2ryzKp-c7v8_giJes/s1600/20161221_122708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgINYfGx_eJLcHnx6jWM6ZnvxYF0XWVS5zSRjY-aKV4NcR6ul8WS5OZ8Lk9To5FVZYtuJHSc_auMPOakLYMfv2GLiNLsgtGN5EpLCuSYgt6TQKrtUJvUklN2wHYmX2ryzKp-c7v8_giJes/s400/20161221_122708.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So yeah, that's all about it. Almost all. Haha. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I hope, this is one of the way Allah wipes my sins away. Ameen!</div>
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<br />Xiet_Enigmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017263017301097002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8001903575601992455.post-41888898520869343272016-11-06T00:00:00.000+08:002017-04-03T14:34:13.403+08:00My master journey: Among the hardest path I'd chosen (PART 3)<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">You can read part 1 <a href="http://littlehouddy.blogspot.com/2016/11/my-master-journey-among-hardest-path-id.html">here</a> and part 2 <a href="http://littlehouddy.blogspot.com/2016/11/my-master-journey-among-hardest-path-id_5.html">here</a><span id="goog_2126686513"></span><span id="goog_2126686514"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjstfLHn87392SRCoWQcNKIygOC-xSD3stvCy_kyFXWvzmeD3hB0EkhvqujxK-BXXPrnbccbM0YxxAEYgd-Ut-deudJONcYIxskxxSXtkT6UNWn4pnxVGm2OX7OQ5MimZwqhh4hdTaGMl8/s1600/11821950_411068595766035_1002288119_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjstfLHn87392SRCoWQcNKIygOC-xSD3stvCy_kyFXWvzmeD3hB0EkhvqujxK-BXXPrnbccbM0YxxAEYgd-Ut-deudJONcYIxskxxSXtkT6UNWn4pnxVGm2OX7OQ5MimZwqhh4hdTaGMl8/s400/11821950_411068595766035_1002288119_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Only hubby and me. One more ticket for mom tapi dia asthma time ni. We sengaja tak allow sesiapa family member nak datang kalau takat tunggu2 luar sebab nak cepat. haha. Macam tanak konvo je kan.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I went back to Malaysia twice to settle my thesis and study. The
first time was just after a few months in Oman, as soon as I finish my drafts for 2 chapters. I didn't take long Alhamdulillah after the hard head start. No choice
but to go back to Malaysia to make discussions easier. I then decided to stay
until I complete thesis submission.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sounds nice, but
of course the kids followed me. So basically I had to face the exact same
thing i.e. a single mom, student, and a thousands miles away wife! But family members were always there to help. I can't thank them enough, really.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I submitted my whole thesis after 2-3 drafts for each chapters. Each one with different corrections
from both supervisors. The most challenging part in this phase was always to find agreement between all parties. Hahaha. But that's one life lesson worth to
keep. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">For all that I'd
been through, I thought my thesis would end up as a piece of crap. How can I
produce a <span style="font-size: large;">Scientific
Thesis</span> with a quality
like this? I can't imagine how screwed I'd be when my supervisors and
all the examiners read my work. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But Alhamdulillah,
I passed with only minor corrections! the correction that I took about less
than 3 weeks to amend. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTOtXu9iGm9KDQXp9zpp1RSdYksh47i14DCIVblbYZah-tX6s9eVkF97MWhjD_q-PHnFp6tSHViN5h-QK1uMTkRpRwROpPZVH2iItB-Gwz5MCmBqkhqlL_JccrRlYuIhKWFFgGh0NXFE4/s1600/20161105_150724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTOtXu9iGm9KDQXp9zpp1RSdYksh47i14DCIVblbYZah-tX6s9eVkF97MWhjD_q-PHnFp6tSHViN5h-QK1uMTkRpRwROpPZVH2iItB-Gwz5MCmBqkhqlL_JccrRlYuIhKWFFgGh0NXFE4/s640/20161105_150724.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My baby, and a piece of notes I did during my early years of study. Still keep it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So now, is the
article publication part. UM has the requirement where a Master student must
publish at least one article to ISI-listed journals only. And based on my
labwork grant, I have to submit to either Q1 or Q2 listed jounals only. For
those who's not familiar, scientific journals are divided between Quartile 1
until 4 based on its ranks and Impact Factors, with Q1 being the highest grade (I'm not sure other fields but
this applies to most Science and science-related field).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So although I had
already submitted my thesis and the internal and external examiners had let me
pass, I can't straight away graduate until I have a publication. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As stated in the
regulation, I can't even get my thesis for correction before I send proof of
paper acceptance. Since I took almost a year to get ONE publication (Hahaha too
bad, not a bombastic research), my thesis was put on hold for that entire time.<i> That's when I multitask ehem.. for another ehem... baby- Eve Hawwa! </i>(^_^)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My supervisor's
strategy was to target the Q1 journal first. 3 attempts and all failed, I
begged to her to downgrade to Q2 to make my life less like hell. Haha. I
promised her to look for a decent Impact Factor (IF) although it's a Q2
(politics mannn, haha. and It worked!). Alhamdulillah, the 4th attempt of paper submission,
which was my 1st attempt of Q2 journal was successful. Not so bad huh. Not bad at
all. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Oh butttt... you
have to wait for sometimes to get a reply (depending on the journal's prerequisite). It can
take up to a month and can even reach half a year or more just for a journal's
reply! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So, I learnt the
hard way. After the 2nd failure, I didn't just opt for journals that have good
IF, but also how long it'd take to process your submission. Average waiting was
2-3 months for<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>each</i><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>trial, regardless of the result;
accepted or rejected! From my experience, only one of them managed to reply
within a month and half. So altogether, almost a year of<span class="apple-converted-space"><i> </i></span><i>just</i><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>waiting for paper and nothing else. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>So for whoever had asked me why I still didn't graduate while I already did nothing (neither do the labwork nor writing my thesis, this is why)</i> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Another tips for Science student:<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Always try to submit your paper once you got your result
done! </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">That's why there's
no last minute work dude!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">You got your
result, do discussion ASAP and you can try to submit a paper. You'd never know
how long you'd take to get it accepted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Mine, I got my
paper accepted a week or two before I delivered Hawwa! It felt like I
got two babies at once. Haha!</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghjGhcgbP_BhauwRF2AZcGB2Vdr6LMdRYlER7racQSmAZpW7yeJO6dbJ2jamFUcXC_Djbl26lIAOhsRZP0br_U_GsaSPNRDVvZFJF7cPLDNPJ4vKciaoPRBmJfoS2-slR7mYcwE_OPoNA/s1600/Untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghjGhcgbP_BhauwRF2AZcGB2Vdr6LMdRYlER7racQSmAZpW7yeJO6dbJ2jamFUcXC_Djbl26lIAOhsRZP0br_U_GsaSPNRDVvZFJF7cPLDNPJ4vKciaoPRBmJfoS2-slR7mYcwE_OPoNA/s400/Untitled.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paper tak best pon nak tepek jugakkkkk. Haha</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I emailed my sv
asking permission to hold it until I deliver. UM gave 3 months for final
correction and since my correction was just minor she didn't worry much.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I flew to Malaysia
when baby was around 40 days old. Again I brought my off-spring to be my companion
in my jihad, but this time only one- the latest bundle of joy. The other two
were left with dear husband. I knew the fact that I can't take a lot of time because
husband can't take long leave. I made a dateline to make it maximum 3 weeks,
and Alhamdulillah, after sleepless nights and days, we made it within 2 weeks’
time. But I had to wait again till end of the year to graduate (the ceremony). I
don't care at all. You know, after all that you've been through, getting things
done is the biggest relief.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">What a sum up! Haha. ZzzZzzzzz.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So again, is it
possible to study (especially the fields that require research and labworks) and being a mommy?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Of course! But please dedicate your time for your study, like what I said in Part 1.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And it doesn't
have to take so long like my case. A lot of people (moms) out there have
succeeded within the anticipated years. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Difficult?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Everything we do
has its own challenges. To be realistic, yes it's difficult. It takes a lot of
courage and determination to do it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But again, it is
not impossible if you want it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It is my destiny
to have this path, to be tested stage by stage, from cutting scholarship before the agreeable due time, changing of research methodology after a year of research and
labworks hence the wasted data, long distant relationship with husband, to having health issues. If my life was so easy, maybe I'd not be who
I am right now. I may not appreciate hardships, I may not treasure 'Ilm
(knowledge) as much as I do now. Indeed, Allah knows best.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I can't thank
enough to the people who have helped me throughout the journey. They were
indeed the reason I succeed, of course by the wills of Allah.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And I can't deny I
had relinquished a lot of my parenting responsibilities along the time I'd taken to finish my study. That's why, in this particular event, Aaron is so special
in my heart because he had sacrificed a lot for me. And now that I am a full time Rabbatul Bait, I am so happy to spend my whole time with my family. No regret, in fact, truly blessed! Alhamdulillah.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVJgrCJqLXxiGaZePORr9pObei5uZawa6sCFnBYbLmP-a_Oa1IBtu9tAoMhjyKwwa-AiiKnKTmJAamVHiedwiSFiO69_xQcWry0DG1-HZcrYZPIoh7Ys7cpHVX6nWlgYBmWgCS6zs4Q9I/s1600/12107533_148581032163523_1631657646_n%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVJgrCJqLXxiGaZePORr9pObei5uZawa6sCFnBYbLmP-a_Oa1IBtu9tAoMhjyKwwa-AiiKnKTmJAamVHiedwiSFiO69_xQcWry0DG1-HZcrYZPIoh7Ys7cpHVX6nWlgYBmWgCS6zs4Q9I/s400/12107533_148581032163523_1631657646_n%25281%2529.jpg" width="350" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carcosa Seri Negara</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Xiet_Enigmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017263017301097002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8001903575601992455.post-32328819859794844782016-11-05T12:16:00.000+08:002017-04-03T14:24:54.993+08:00My Master Journey: Among the hardest path I'd chosen (PART 2)If you haven't read part 1 yet, Please click <a href="http://littlehouddy.blogspot.com/2016/11/my-master-journey-among-hardest-path-id.html">here</a> .<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="523" src="https://scontent-amt2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/12140577_10206827062928410_683017751108890574_n.jpg?oh=5c94a99d2d3e967adf0fbfb344458faa&oe=589D63CE" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Convocation Ceremony, 2015</td></tr>
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The early life in Oman was challenging. We were definitely happy to be together, but at the same time the pressure was more intense. So intense that it had affected me and my being. My small family had almost lost my cheerful part in me. The unsettled business was bothering my life!<br />
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I made a decision to stop my study half-way after 3 dormant months from thesis writing. I seek consult from my husband and my close labmates. All of them let me made my own decision but they were all a bit bias to wanting me to finish my study. "You were almost there! Just two more chapters to write!" that's what they usually said.<br />
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I then decided to just go with the flow. It was really, really hard at first because I need to get myself familiar with all the terms again, get back the writing rhythm etc. The hardest part was always to juggle between being a full time stay at home mom and studying.<br />
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Most of the time I read articles and writing up thesis in between chores, play time with Aaron and generally everything else. I even wrote thesis (typing) one hand while holding my baby girl with another hand to nurse her. It was slow and I almost got lost of idea half way. Haha. That time Aaron hadn't yet go to school so you know how hard it was with a 3 years old and a baby in the house. Whenever he demands attention, either one of us would get frustrated. He, because I didn't pay attention to him and just pretending like I was listening while obviously I wasn't, and me because I can't concentrate.<br />
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At the same time, I was tested with health problem. I had problem with my left hand, which was diagnosed as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. I can't barely move my thumb, and can't even move my wrist without great pain! Sometimes my hand would have a 'traffic jam' as Aaron called it, a condition where my nerve suddenly felt stuck, like having a spasm or cramp, with a stiff pain that I normally can't stand but to scream or cry instantly. It got worse in the morning as that's the first thing I had to deal with the moment I woke up. It took me nearly a year to fully recover. So hmmm. And yeah, I am a lefty and I had a toddler and an 8 kg baby to take care of.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/944572_388878244559233_1383333518_n.jpg?oh=dd64968b3a8692c16a04b01f812e09eb&oe=5898D871&__gda__=1485627192_088acb137bf976cdfb523f610140137f" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/944572_388878244559233_1383333518_n.jpg?oh=dd64968b3a8692c16a04b01f812e09eb&oe=5898D871&__gda__=1485627192_088acb137bf976cdfb523f610140137f" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Maryam Saraa being my supervisor, checking on my work every seconds, haha</td></tr>
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Alhamdulillah sometimes I had my sisters with me. My husband asked for their favors to facilitate my affairs. At least I can have one baby with me and Aaron can play with them. Although you know, kids will always want their mom when they know their mom is around. At least someone can help with simple chores like cooking or washing dishes and did the laundry. They were so helpful they didn't act like a guess and didn't just lock themselves up in the room and play phone all the time. They helped willingly not just based on their mood. In fact, I didn't even have to ask for help! Barakallahu feehunna.<br />
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Well, a piece of advice, especially for a MOTHER<span style="font-size: large;">: PLEASE, if you want to study, please arrange a special time for yourself to study. Make it like an office hour like 9am to 5pm to just focus on studying, or at least half of that time, everyday!</span><br />
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You need that, trust me. In fact, that is your right as a student. You can have the rest of the other time in your 24 hours to be a mother, a wife, or whatever hat you have to put on.<br />
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I didn't have that privilege. So I had to have strategies.<br />
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Sounds very intelligent.<br />
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BUT...I honestly didn't really have any! Hahaha.<br />
Except, just as what I have mentioned earlier. Only, normally on weekend (Thursday and Friday) nights, I would stay up all night to write, and only sleep a few hours after Fajr Prayer, or until my baby needs me.Why? Because my husband was not working on the weekends so at least he can take care of the kids while I took my nap.<br />
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That's how I did it. Not fancy at all. Hahaha.<br />
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OK. I'm getting too long now. </div>
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Let's continue part 3 <a href="http://littlehouddy.blogspot.com/2016/11/my-master-journey-among-hardest-path-id_6.html">here</a> .</div>
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Xiet_Enigmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017263017301097002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8001903575601992455.post-43037415837529920262016-11-04T03:41:00.003+08:002017-04-03T14:21:00.467+08:00My Master Journey: Among the hardest path I'd taken (PART 1)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Two of my sisters are graduating this month! Congratulations. Brakallahu lakuma.<br />
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Last year, my other sister and I shared the same graduation year of our Masters Degree. She's in education, I was in Science.<br />
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...A celebration I'd rather choose to ignore at first. If not because of my husband who insisted we went back home and attended the convocation, my plan was to go for a vacation nearby, within Muscat is fine, and celebrate it just the 5 of us. It seems not worth the money to just go back for a day event all the way from Oman. But he insisted, reason being, I had worked hard for it, and it had given tremendous impact on our small family- The obstacles, tears, and sweats, the sacrifices, etc.<br />
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But Allah had a better plan for us. My husband was given a task in Malaysia for a week, and my graduation day was happened to be on Saturday morning the same week. We flew back to Oman that Saturday night.<br />
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You know, I've been wanting to have a special post about my master journey. I've been dreaming to write about everything precious along the journey and mannn I've waited for so long!<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://scontent-sit4-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/12314119_874984179281968_4373331157639407672_n.jpg?oh=cc765278997980260c966a57fedf2feb&oe=589346A2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="334" src="https://scontent-sit4-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/12314119_874984179281968_4373331157639407672_n.jpg?oh=cc765278997980260c966a57fedf2feb&oe=589346A2" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Even if I have the highest education certificate the world can offer, I am still a mother and my kids are my priority. </span></span></td></tr>
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I've been asked a lot of time how was it possible to be studying and taking care of children, especially towards the end of my Master journey where we were miles away from my school and family and without a helper. All at once. How did I do that?<br />
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People around me either think that I am a supermom, or a pathetic (not so) young woman who's trying soooo hard to fulfill her dream (or just say finish what she has started long ago).<br />
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But Alhamdulillah, I had positive surroundings and good support. (I chose to stay around positive people actually. Truth hurts, I know)<br />
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To say that I had no helper at all is actually not precisely correct. Honestly, I could never in million years finish my study without the help of people around me, directly or indirectly, especially some of my labmates and my own family members. I took care of Aaron in his 1st six month. I took a semester break. His Onni took care of him after that during the time I had to go to school and did my labworks. In the weekends, my husband helped take care of him or all of us would have a party in my lab. And when I was in Oman, some friends helped with the admin stuffs. Ijah, if you read this, I want you to know that I owe you so much! Barakallahu feeki.<br />
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During school holidays my sisters will take turn to come over to our house in Shah Alam to play with Aaron and helped me with chores. Having them in the house had made our days (especially Aaron) brighter. At least some one can play with him while I was busy in my own journal-reading world.<br />
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During my second pregnancy, I was miles away from my husband for almost a year. Life got tougher without him especially when juggling between motherhood and student life. I had started writing my draft while still doing my labworks (few re-arrangements and last minute changes I can't avoid). And my pregnancy symptoms were really bad. Nevertheless, I still had to go to the lab in the days and stayed awake most of the nights for writing. I slept for about 3-4 hours most of the time. With that and my pregnancy condition, mannn I was over-exhausted.<br />
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During the first few months of my LDR with my husband, Aaron was in the phase of weaning off . It was hard, really hard until my dad tak sampai hati and a lot of time asking me to just abort the mission. He was around 2 years and half and I was around 4-5 months pregnant so like it or not, I had to go ahead. I was trying to potty train him as well and I just couldn't take the stress out of it, so I aborted the potty train mission.<br />
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I managed to finish my labwork before I follow my husband to Oman, not long after I delivered Saraa. Husband went back to Oman after paternity leaves and I had to finish my final tasks before following him there. I had post-delivery complication that took me more than an average time to heal. But I did come to the lab for final works, meeting ups and discussions during my last period of confinement. Technically speaking, I didn't really pantang pon<br />
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But this time the challenge was harder because I had two children already. I had to be very strict with timing. No lunch break most of the time and straight away home after work. But you know labwork, sometimes it takes a solid 6 hours for just an experiment! And some even take days to get <i>just</i> <span style="font-size: large;">a</span> result. But yes I didn't go on everyday basis.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/944572_388878244559233_1383333518_n.jpg?oh=dd64968b3a8692c16a04b01f812e09eb&oe=5898D871&__gda__=1485627192_088acb137bf976cdfb523f610140137f" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/944572_388878244559233_1383333518_n.jpg?oh=dd64968b3a8692c16a04b01f812e09eb&oe=5898D871&__gda__=1485627192_088acb137bf976cdfb523f610140137f" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Maryam Saraa being my supervisor, checking on my work every seconds, haha</td></tr>
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For Part 2, Please click<a href="http://littlehouddy.blogspot.com/2016/11/my-master-journey-among-hardest-path-id_5.html"> here</a>. Thank you! <i>eceh! ^_^</i>Xiet_Enigmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017263017301097002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8001903575601992455.post-80981780905592417272016-10-02T18:34:00.000+08:002016-11-06T12:26:29.597+08:00Dyslexia <div class="vk_ans" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: xx-large; font-weight: lighter; margin-bottom: 0px;">
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<span class="lr_dct_ph">dəsˈleksēə/</span></div>
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<i>noun</i></div>
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a general term for disorders that involve difficulty in learning to read or interpret words, letters, and other symbols, but that do not affect general intelligence - (Source from Google).</div>
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To understand a bit more about dyslexia, please click <i><a href="https://www.understood.org/en/learning-attention-issues/child-learning-disabilities/dyslexia/understanding-dyslexia">here</a> </i>for a simple and precise explanation.<br />
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So what's up with dyslexia?<br />
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<i>Al-kisah, ada lah seorang emak tu, tak tahu lah apa masalah dia, tiba-tiba dia datang dengan satu teori konspirasi yang menyalahkan genetik sebagai punca anak dia tak reti membaca lagi pada usia 6 tahun. Iya, 6 tahun, bukan 16 tahun ye.</i><br />
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Come on Ummi, he's just 6. What is your expectation?<br />
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Well, well, of course I have expectations. At his age now, I want my son to be excellent in reading, spelling, and maybe he can even be an orator like his dad. I want my son to be able to write neatly, even in cursive handwriting. I want him to understand the Quran, memorize it and be able to speak fluent Arabic. Is that so hard to ask for?<br />
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DELUSIONAL! You might as well want your son to be the youngest mufti or a prime minister!<br />
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No lahhhh...<br />
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Honestly I am fine with Aaron not being able to read yet. Really. Well, not that he doesn't know how to read at all. He can read and spell simple short words. He's not <i>that</i> 'bad', you know. I give him time and chance to make it slow and steady. But of course it would be easier if he's known how to read and spell so that we don't have to struggle so much during homework time. We don't have to take a lot of time and annoy each other to get things done (seriously, it can be soooo stressful!) And I am sure once he knows how to read, he would not hate homework this much! (me too!)<br />
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What makes me concern (being a freak if you want to judge me. Fineeee) is that his inclination to get confused between letters, and often picks up letter reversal. He even writes backwards! Like how? Like this;<br />
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uoy knahT.noraA si eman ym iH</div>
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Yes, seriously. Plus, with all the miss-spells (Hi, mi nam is Aaron, tac u) and don't forget the letter reversal. b with d, 2, 3, all terbalik, despite he has known alphabet by heart since he was like 19 -20 months old!<br />
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Yes he has that special power, I should be proud!</div>
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What, you can read what he wrote too?</div>
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Congratulations, you also have that special power. You should be proud too! (^,^)</div>
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And as much as we do the reading revision, he's still struggling to memorize common words like 'the, this, my, from'<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQRyGec7kxySTTvBnJHOLOdU7cUPKBWEoTflN-2RzltCyol_83XSAsM8i0oaTENj_H63wpD5zUM1gE1kPPbtZN0_GxkGzoaUJCgxObwQaq9w6NFA-ruYnRSP4_HN9rM1j-vzQLUqXr2Bc/s1600/20160924_131905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQRyGec7kxySTTvBnJHOLOdU7cUPKBWEoTflN-2RzltCyol_83XSAsM8i0oaTENj_H63wpD5zUM1gE1kPPbtZN0_GxkGzoaUJCgxObwQaq9w6NFA-ruYnRSP4_HN9rM1j-vzQLUqXr2Bc/s400/20160924_131905.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last week's homework. Yes I helped, in case you're wondering xD</td></tr>
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<i>So you are saying that your son is dyslexic?</i><br />
No. I am just... you know, worried. I am worried if I just ignore, being denial without in a second have the thought that he <i>might</i> be one, and I just don't do anything about it. Or at least look at this in a different perspective.<br />
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I am worried if all this while, deep inside my dark side, silently accusing him of being lazy, don't want to try harder and urrmmm, being lazy, especially when I was angry at him during homework time, is me, being way wide of the mark!<br />
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I am concerned, because I want the best for my kids. Dyslexic is NOT a disease. It isn't a situation where your kids will not know how to read for the rest of their life. Dyslexic people can be as successful as non-dyslexic. Most of them behave and act normally, just like anybody else (unless maybe they have other issues).<br />
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The only thing about dyslexic is that, they are special, unique and they need some strategies or approach to help them go through the challenges that they face. And that is WHY it is important to be alert, so you come up with help, with strategies, so that you don't accuse your child of being lazy, and so that you can stay calm because you knew the fact that your child digests and processes things differently. THAT. that's my point. (Here I am, justifying my worrywart syndrome, as what my husband said. Grrrr)<br />
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But Alhamdulillah, after some thorough readings and consultations from my fellow doctors, as well as looking at other signs (like he's able to read simple Arabic since he was 6), I learned that this confuse thingy is normal at his age. I don't need to worry so much, but still have to monitor, because if he is still like this even long after his 7th birthday, than maybe he needs to be taken seriously.<br />
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Man I am just an ordinary human being who has experienced motherhood for 6 years, but still sometimes being so naive about what motherhood is all about.<br />
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If you ask me, honestly, I have a dream that my kids are fast learners, that they can read as early as 5 or 6, just like I did. And that they can spell and write and read Quran slowly, if not properly yet. <i>Eh, macam expectation kat atas tu je. Sah, perempuan ni delusional</i>!<br />
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But I don't compare my kids with others (except for just to ask whether it is normal at his age to have such issues). I know some kids his age have already self-read, memorize Juz 'Amma and maybe even good at simple arithmetic, congratulations to their parents!<br />
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Each of our kids is unique and we all have our own methods of parenting, and most importantly we have our own hurdles in raising our own kids. By saying this, I am reminding my self to not trying to compare my kids even among themselves, so much so to not compare them with others (we know the fact that in reality, yes sometimes we incline to compare, or anticipate our kids to be like some kids who seem more successful or more outstanding)<br />
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As for Aaron,<br />
I love you for who you are my dearly son. You have your own strengths especially in speaking and inventing/building stuffs. You are indeed an adorable son and brother, mashaAllah! (though sometimes <i>garang amat, macam siapa? errrr. haha</i>)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjirf-cijrWmtMrpFXXX16gwQN9mF-F8xtPuDYsmIPCqvnhw8eqdSPpafF8_wTMvDLlmVDu4YZ6qyOJf8Nf2v-4QJ5H_zBLGUeJ-unSvFduS6yZGoP4K_HPoFgXGrMLOngSpgT2CaQuaGE/s1600/IMG_20160124_172216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjirf-cijrWmtMrpFXXX16gwQN9mF-F8xtPuDYsmIPCqvnhw8eqdSPpafF8_wTMvDLlmVDu4YZ6qyOJf8Nf2v-4QJ5H_zBLGUeJ-unSvFduS6yZGoP4K_HPoFgXGrMLOngSpgT2CaQuaGE/s400/IMG_20160124_172216.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aaron Houdd, 2015</td></tr>
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I realize one of the hikmah (that I can think of) for facing this phase is that, Alhamdulillah, it's like I am being reminded constantly that "You can try your best, but remember, you don't have control over certain things in life, because everything, including our abilities and disabilities, is in Allah's hand.<br />
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I am being tested with my act towards kindness, compassion, and most importantly my patience.<br />
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And indeed, compassion eliminates prejudice.<br />
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So in conclusion, if you are in the same boat with me, or if you have a dyslexic child, let us pat ourselves on the back for our endurance on facing the challenges, and let us make du'a so that Allah facilitates our children's journey in seeking knowledge.<br />
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{An awareness towards Dyslexia}<br />
<a href="http://www.driveryouthtrust.com/promoting-dyslexia-awareness/">http://www.driveryouthtrust.com/promoting-dyslexia-awareness/</a><br />
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Xiet_Enigmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017263017301097002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8001903575601992455.post-88602726827212467682016-09-29T17:29:00.000+08:002016-10-02T19:51:57.693+08:00Aaron: To stay or to change?<div style="text-align: justify;">
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Of all the interesting stories to share, and all the happy moments to cherish, I have to apologize to you (whoever is reading this), and my memory (first and foremost) - I am so sorry that I've suddenly chosen to bookmark this. And this is a rather long-winded post as I am expressing my worrisome here. Please leave as soon as you think this is going nowhere. And this time, no silly jokes in the middle (like I ever know how to crack a joke, heh). This is just seriously, serious adult stuff... Err. not that 18SX stuff OK *.^</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Of my concern towards my son's education. </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Bored already, haha. Bye bye. See you next time)</span></div>
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OK. lets go to some <i>boring</i> history. When Aaron was in Kindergarten year (KG), we were happy with his school and the system in general. Aaron had good exposure in both English and Arabic because in KG years, the system goes by swapping Eng-Arabic class in alternate days. During English-day class, they will go to their English teacher and for the whole day, they'd have English as their main medium of communication in class (with the teacher and throughout their simple routines). It also applied to Arabic-class day, except for English, Science and Math subjects. Due to mixed nationalities, the Arabic teacher will give translations whenever necessary.</div>
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First thing in the morning, they would have <i>halaqah</i> for Quran study, whereby the Muslim kids will be taught a few (surah) chapters from Juz' Amma, and they had to memorize them. Alhamdulillah, they passed until Surah At-Teen. They also had basic Islamic Study i.e. the pillars of Islam, a bit about hajj, akhlaq, etc (taught in Arabic, so we have to guide our kids towards the understanding of what they had learnt, but Alhamdulillah it was not so difficult)</div>
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Overall, We were satisfied with KG year. We built good rapport with Miss Fatima (her homeroom teacher) and Aaron was happy to go to school. I was not really keen on the homework concept because they were just 5 years old but I can't make big fuss about it since I think most parents think the other way around (more work and homework means more learning and that's good). Well, that's personal preference, nobody's right or wrong about it.</div>
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Honestly, we did homeschooling with him when he was younger and his achievement in terms of education didn't quite leap. He'd learnt almost the same things I already taught him, plus more, of course. BUT... I didn't teach him to read ... I was being slacker I let the school do this part HAHA. Well, if I did teach him to read in such a very early age, then he might feel bored at school... or maybe acted annoying, becoming MR. Know it all. I was saving him, man! I was doing the right thing. hahaha Annoying nyaaaa (^_____^)</div>
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Anyway... By the time he finished his KG 2 (he skipped KG 1 as it is not compulsory), he still wasn't able to read. I took it as it is, coz for me he was still small, and I know that kids develop interest (and milestone) at different pace. We're fine.</div>
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So what had he achieved than?</div>
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A lot. confidence, independence, making new friends, learning to tolerate, respect others, etc. In every parent-teacher meeting, 1st question we asked was 'How is Aaron at school. How is Aaron with his teacher and friends'. Because for us, akhlaq matters the most. Alhamdulillah he was popular among teachers for being a good kid (but also as quite a crying baby haha. apa lah hero Ummi!)</div>
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All this happiness... changed instantly when he was in Grade 1. The school starts its 'separating system' starting from Grade 1. All expat students (non-arabic speakers) were to be in the same class. (And we didn't know about this earlier!).</div>
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So, he didn't have as much exposure in Arabic anymore. Though we're not happy with it, but we understand the school's concern i.e. to make learning more convenient for both teacher and students. However, in reality, things did not go as it is. Our kids were put in an experimental phase whereby they kept changing methods and I later found out that they even have problem to find a suitable teacher for the expat students. Whatttt?! And not only that, the muslim students were expelled from Islamic Study somewhere during mid-term, with the same reason; book is in Arabic, and no suitable teacher that can teach the expat students because they are mostly not fluent in English. And of course I got this info from a teacher there (we became friend), nothing from the management. This, has made us even angrier! No wonder everytime I checked, he didn't have the book. I thought they have to keep the book at school, but then everytime I asked Aaron what did he learn, he said no IS. </div>
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OK that was last year. I have convinced my husband to change school since then. Actually <i>almost</i> all International schools here have the same system i.e. Non-arabic speakers have to take Arabic for beginners, or some even have no long-term Arabic. But there are schools that don't separate the students. Nevertheless, at least no hassle like this. My husband said it is not easy to change school. Plus, something had came up last summer that had changed our big plans, including hajj and school. OK then, we give it another chance. They may have already settle this issue over the summer.</div>
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Heck we were wrong. Last 2 days we had a parent-teacher meeting and the same problems were being raised again. Not only from me, but most of the parents there! Even the Spanish mom was very upset that her son is not learning much in Arabic. She even proclaimed that her son's Arabic level is wayyy better when he was in KG. Which, I couldn't agree more!</div>
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We first asked whether we can put Aaron in an Arabic-speakig class. Most of the students can speak English very well so I don't see any problem for Aaron to communicate with his friends. And apparently these classes have no problem with their Arabic teachers. I also want him to learn Islamic Study. Yes it would be a big challenge for me to explain to him again to ensure he get the right info but I don't mind at all... But it seems impossible to them, because if not they had already done this last year (We've been asked since Grade 1). </div>
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So. yeah, putting him into Arabic-speaking class is our Plan B. We discussed this with Aaron. Last year, he was OK to change class. But this year, he declined. I understand why. He's already comfortable with his circle of friends. They've been together since last year. Now this is another battle to tackle. Our kid's psychology vs. his best interest. </div>
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But than, what other choices left? change school? Hmmm...</div>
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We are quite happy with the other subjects. The homeroom teacher is OK (so far). Aaron is happy to go to school. And we still have to wait until next year (at least next term) due to financial agreement. So hmmmmm..... But husband is thinking about changing school right now. What do you think?</div>
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What's so big about learning Arabic and Islamic Study? It is just personal preference with reasons we have in mind. And this school isn't cheap man, <i>they </i>made us pay for it. And we are in a right place to learn Arabic first-hand. So why not? Plus if in the future we have to change country or school, if his level isn't at par with the requirement for that particular Grade, than that would be another problem. </div>
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Really, I am so disturbed by this. And there is reason why I'm writing this here..... Because. Because it is easier to express feeling to nobody and I am tired of acting like a whimper to anyone around me. I don't feel good about it. And sorry again if I have ever made you feel intrigued to read this until the end. Told ya you can leave if you want, but you still want to finish reading? Wow, you must be very patient! *,*<br />
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So till then, thank you for reading. May Allah bless you</div>
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Xiet_Enigmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017263017301097002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8001903575601992455.post-6317406529656849632016-06-04T20:59:00.000+08:002016-09-23T18:47:12.839+08:00Life as an expat in Muscat (Part 2)<div style="text-align: justify;">
During my early days staying here, I didn't know much about the life and culture of the Omanis, although we live in an area where I can consider as local area because 95% of our neighborhood are local people.</div>
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According to my husband, most of our neighbors are senior government servants, hence the laid-back and safe atmosphere. Although I don't know most of my neighbors (the wives mostly spend their time at home or work or outside with friends *you would only see housemaids running errands and escorting small kids to the playground* and some of them don't really speak English, and I am also an introvert that stays at home most of the time), but they are OK. Well, at least nobody has ever bothered us. </div>
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Honestly, at first, I preferred to live in The Wave (about 10 mins driving from our house). It is a high-end residential area where most of the dwellers are expats (mostly the Westerners) and modern Arabs. I like the place not because of that, but because of its accessible facilities (Private beach, playgrounds, grocery store, gym, pools, and a lot of eateries all in one place). The only constraint is, of course, the budget. Haha. Sorry to reality, we are not that rich! (not yet, one day inshaAllah!). </div>
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But then... I came to realize that, the kind of life I am having right now is actually the best for our family. </div>
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<b><u>2. A Relax place to raise kids</u></b></div>
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Yes, this is why. Here, I don't have to worry too much about my kids' safety. I can even let my 6 years old Aaron cross the road and buy stuff from the shop nearby all by himself if I want to, just like the local kids here (which I haven't try yet, and maybe not now, thank you. Hahaha) </div>
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Basically, the environment here is similar to our childhood era (back in the late 80's or early 90's) where we were free to ride bicycle to our friends' houses, walked to the small shops nearby and happily play outdoor games with friends all day long and only went home at Maghrib time.</div>
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We have nearby playground with a very basic facility but enough to let the kids enjoy their afternoon. We have small stores across the street where I don't really buy stuff there but is surely handy whenever I suddenly realize that I ran out of eggs, or milk. (but I hate it when the kids especially Saraa crying for ice cream that she can just watch from the window to see whether the shop is already open).</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdR-mXyyOD96EzAVov9Qw6ZWYKjWgk9GtTQnRy8eB41xbTXFvnDKSReAY0JI7wy1EFeVy8k2YnejZxWAoi8f7ymLPrX8YyinXZmG-_wGLH_i0s559BmPH8s4QZDIFofEPqkqcnpBM4Po0/s1600/DSC_0369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="423" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdR-mXyyOD96EzAVov9Qw6ZWYKjWgk9GtTQnRy8eB41xbTXFvnDKSReAY0JI7wy1EFeVy8k2YnejZxWAoi8f7ymLPrX8YyinXZmG-_wGLH_i0s559BmPH8s4QZDIFofEPqkqcnpBM4Po0/s640/DSC_0369.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Somewhere in 2015, our neighborhood. Photo taken from the window. A kampung environment, only no wooden houses here. Because, they don't built house using woods.</td></tr>
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And the best part is, I loveeeeee to see the local boys with their dishdasha (man's traditional attire/dress/jubah) marching to the mosque in front of our house during every prayer time. They are as small as 5 or 6 to teen ages and they go there by themselves, without having to wait for their father. It is simply a pleasant scene for me. The number will increase during school holidays and Ramadhon. And even ramadhon, we will see cars filling up the side road even during Fajr and noon prayers. I learned that they can sometimes be really naughty. I saw once or twice they threw medium sized stones to each other as a game, on the way back from Solat. And yes they sometimes can be very harsh and loud!. But I love the fact that here, they teach the boys to go to mosque during prayer times, irregardless! And when Azaan Maghrib, they know to go home. It is just like a kampung life style, isn't it!</div>
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Actually, not all residential areas are like this. There are places similar to Damansara, Bangsar, etc, in terms of its convenience and density. I only refer specifically to our neighborhood. But overall, we Malaysians agreed that in general, the safety here is better than in Malaysia.</div>
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I guess I would never experience this if I stay in the expats' area. I am thankful to have this opportunity. It is a life lesson and indeed an experience worth to keep. But if my husband ever ask me again whether I want to move to The Wave or Madinat Qaboos and the likes, I would definitely say Yes! Hahaha. Well, at least I can learn something new over there right?!</div>
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Overall, I am just thankful and grateful. Our house is still easily accessible to a lot of places: 3-5 mins to Muscat City Center Mall and hospital, 5-10 mins to Vegetables and Fruits Market that sells our favorite coconut juice, 10 mins to The Wave for eateries, 10 mins to beach, 15-20 mins to Wadi Al-Khoud (ala-ala river), nearby to the best mishqaq stall (traditional zanzibari skewers), 5 mins to Sahwa Park- a big public park with a lot of flowers and playgrounds and most importantly, only a few steps away to the mosque - rajin tak rajin je orang lelaki dalam rumah ni nak pergi! hihihi.<br />
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So well, this is the snippet of our life as an expat here. InshaAllah in the next entries, I will share my insight about the Omanis and the Malaysians living here</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKM35iCv3hs4HyWsqc04Nlh0AOWb3axQYhZhuGHh0GFH-lR9zPe1dIKE27oe-rWNudVM2zEqz7vKBxPH-mI4OWkBhOMpkiECzZBSA6iaiB0WSXeG_oNSw-v5M-4IwQFVttTYU0MPQ_OBs/s1600/12724955_1607883889535062_1884470358_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKM35iCv3hs4HyWsqc04Nlh0AOWb3axQYhZhuGHh0GFH-lR9zPe1dIKE27oe-rWNudVM2zEqz7vKBxPH-mI4OWkBhOMpkiECzZBSA6iaiB0WSXeG_oNSw-v5M-4IwQFVttTYU0MPQ_OBs/s400/12724955_1607883889535062_1884470358_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the way to our house. Big/main road to our residential area. Quiet kan? But during weekdays busy juga during peak hours</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7EcwnJa5x1qbfaHJ-MdnRUsnpz038y0jEvgqVRdBOeekrLP0zKffiaErKblZAg8Ha1hpnHjV_qW8QZW8gbizQEEdRFxWAubJf66gTWtyKrByRlNSkNgg90f14FGVelMIrXjkRlIVfzIk/s1600/13258903_194590667601359_1993022257_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7EcwnJa5x1qbfaHJ-MdnRUsnpz038y0jEvgqVRdBOeekrLP0zKffiaErKblZAg8Ha1hpnHjV_qW8QZW8gbizQEEdRFxWAubJf66gTWtyKrByRlNSkNgg90f14FGVelMIrXjkRlIVfzIk/s400/13258903_194590667601359_1993022257_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">End of winter and beginning of summer, April 2016</td></tr>
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Xiet_Enigmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017263017301097002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8001903575601992455.post-79507657525757105272016-04-17T03:24:00.002+08:002016-09-23T18:55:49.945+08:00A Little conversation about almost everything! Dear Aaron,<br />
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The urge of keeping this as part of your childhood memory is compelling and I think this is quite good since we don't really have close conversation between just the two of us since the day you arrived from your Spring holiday in Malaysia (alone).</div>
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I always believe that 'talking' is part of your strength. After all, your name is chosen after the name of Prophet Haroon, the one that was known for his oratory skill! (^______^)</div>
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I love to have conversations with you because I love the way you ask questions and trying to understand the whole topic. I don't mind scratching head to answer your tricky-yet-honest questions because I know you will eventually get the point and I always satisfy with the way you comprehend to my explanation. Alhamdulillah.</div>
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Like tonight. you couldn't sleep despite the tiring 3-days and nights full of activities. Hence, our bedtime routine became a little too long as we went into (seems to me like) a very serious, never ending conversation.</div>
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Aaron: Ummi, I can't sleep coz I am afraid.</div>
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Ummi: Remember, we should not be afraid except only to Allah</div>
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Aaron: Yes, Allah and Shaitan</div>
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Ummi: You should not be afraid of shaitan. Shaitan is just one of Allah's creation like you, me, Hawwa, trees, ocean, etc. So why do you afraid of shaitan?</div>
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Aaron: Because shaitan is strong too</div>
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Ummi: No it is not. Allah is the strongest. And you know, you are even stronger than shaitan....</div>
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Aaron: (interjected before I finish) I know I know. I can fight shaitan! Erm.... How? I forgot... Oh yes... I have to pray!</div>
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Ummi: Yes, and memorize the quran. That's why you have to read quran and memorize the surah. </div>
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Aaron: But why shaitan afraid when I pray? he will go far away right?</div>
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Ummi: Because shaitan doesn't like when you pray to Allah and do what Allah asks you to do. Inshaa Allah, if you pray to Allah, Allah will protect you from shaitan.</div>
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Aaron: Ummi, Allah creates shaitan?</div>
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(Ummi nod)</div>
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Aaron: Us too?</div>
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(Nodding again)</div>
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Aaron: When did Allah create us? When we're born?</div>
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Ummi: Actually, Allah created you when you were inside your mother's womb</div>
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Aaron: Worm? is it good worm or bad worm?</div>
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(I think he got confused he thought I meant worm)</div>
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Ummi: It's not worm like the one that eat your teeth when you don't brush your teeth (haha I got him scared by saying cavity is worm to get him brush his teeth when he was smaller. I'll correct that later on)</div>
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Ummi: Its W.O.M.B its a sac. You know sac?</div>
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(Aaron shook his head)</div>
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Ummi: It's like a bag where baby stays there when he's inside his mom's belly</div>
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Aaron: I was there too when I was a tiny baby? Why baby stays there first?</div>
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Ummi: Because at that time baby was soooo small. he cannot feed himself, cannot move... He needs his mother's help to grow. Only when he's ready to live in the world, then Allah makes him out</div>
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Aaron: How does baby go out from the womb?</div>
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Ummi: Allah will make a way for it. There will be a tunnel and a hole to let the baby out.</div>
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Aaron: It comes out from the butt right? (I think I shouldn't say hole to make thing less complicated haha)</div>
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Ummi: Not butt</div>
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Aaron: Then? </div>
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I was about to say it but I didn't hahaha.</div>
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Ummi: Somewhere close to butt but not butt</div>
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Aaron: I can't see it right?</div>
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Ummi: Yeah</div>
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Aaron: Why?</div>
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Ummi: It is not important for you to see it now. </div>
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(But Aaron knew sometimes baby can't come out through the tunnel so the doctor has to cut the mom's belly to let the baby out. Just like his case)</div>
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Aaron: Errmmm....But I can't see Allah too? How is Allah looks like?</div>
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Ummi: I don't know how is Allah looks like. I can't see Allah too. </div>
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Aaron: But you said we can see Allah after we die and after we alive again right?</div>
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Ummi: Yes. You want to see Allah?</div>
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Aaron: Yeah yeah!!</div>
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Ummi: Then you have to do good and be good. Only good people can see Allah in the heaven</div>
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Aaron: But then, where is Allah now?</div>
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Ummi: Allah has His own place</div>
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Aaron: Is Allah in the outer space?</div>
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Ummi: Erm... not really. (I was hesitate to answer this)</div>
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Aaron: Oh is Allah outside the earth?</div>
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Ummi: Yes. OK the most important thing is, if you want to see Allah, you must be a good boy OK?</div>
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Aaron: OK Ummi.</div>
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The conversation didn't stop here. There was some discussions about how when you use your brain you'll become clever and vice versa but I think it's going to be too long.</div>
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I don't know how on earth a 6 years old boy can bombard questions non-stop. He didn't even pause long from one question to another. Well I guess, because he's a kid hence he is still full of wonder. I bet most of us (moms and dads) have been in this situation right? They want to know everything so instantly as if they are going to sit for an exam!</div>
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Oh Allah please bestow us with wisdom and patience in raising our children. Ameen!</div>
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Xiet_Enigmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017263017301097002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8001903575601992455.post-67791655145858157372016-04-14T00:22:00.003+08:002016-09-23T19:03:23.525+08:00Life as an expat in Muscat (part 1)<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">"<i>I only need 2 weeks in Kyoto to see the beauty in it. But it took me 2 years to do the same to Oman"</i></span></div>
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That was my testimonial on my second year living in Oman. Perhaps I took too long to adjust. Or maybe I focused so much on domestic issues like (the most obvious) how people here tolerate patience and the F1-excellent-driving skills they have!</div>
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Here, getting honked by vehicle behind you right after the traffic light turns green is just like music to your ears. Watching people quarreling about a parking spot is also normal (We have had an experience with a very very rude parking lot steal-er too!). Oh, the most ordinary scene here is that you'll find gigantic-expensive vehicles parked ON the pavement/sidewalk. Also, people here multitask a lot during driving! I wonder whether or not they notice that their expensive cars are equipped with bluetooth app for hands-free!</div>
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Well, if I were to compare between Muscat and Kyoto, that is so not an apple to apple comparison. Like, come on! We all know that Japanese are among the most discipline people in this world. You nak compare with the arabs? Hahahaha - evil laugh (I hope no arab ever read this). But if you want to compare between Oman and our beloved country, and Omanis and Malaysians, that one sure can loh!</div>
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But to tell you the truth, Oman is actually the nicest country among the GCCs and other Arab countries!<br />
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*Looks like someone's in love with this country already! haha*</div>
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As a start, there are a lot of things I like about Oman:-</div>
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<b><u>1. Beauty and nature</u></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Beauty has an address"</span></div>
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This tagline is made to advertise Oman for its tourism...And yes it is true.</div>
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You can find beaches everywhere, even in Muscat (the capital of Oman). They are open beaches so do not expect for any toilet or changing rooms. The beach nearby our house is actually a fishermen's area but it is till nice and people still come for activities. They are also some beaches that accommodate recreational purposes such as for picnic, BBQ and gatherings, hence some simple huts were built. </div>
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Recently I went to Surr (outside Muscat). It was about 2 hours driving from home and we were simply entertained by nature along the way! Oh I love the ombre colour of the beach, the coastal, different colour of rock mountains, and even the goats, donkeys and camels that contribute to spectacular nature scenery. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijut-3YJfToRg_ZzknzdZN7uvBa6BZm5x0jVv1fQ9_z7kLOJe9Xv4_cZ6ffSjUvFDMfYJy6kvYZCeOO5zBBTguG7uKd3LW4_PuBGNrcgq_giaqxJ4ck1TckSFrvcK3DNbs7gfrLtReTsU/s1600/DSC_0941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijut-3YJfToRg_ZzknzdZN7uvBa6BZm5x0jVv1fQ9_z7kLOJe9Xv4_cZ6ffSjUvFDMfYJy6kvYZCeOO5zBBTguG7uKd3LW4_PuBGNrcgq_giaqxJ4ck1TckSFrvcK3DNbs7gfrLtReTsU/s640/DSC_0941.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this photo was taken on our way to Sink Hole. just the beach along the way.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Ajq6cpcxeGx3_fGQqKSJE1AgrdGY2_Sda4xbEvUiyskFH4yFzHxiGidH-SX9miTQHdmvyCn4K-Jrt6VQGDYRcnB6EB4UiGgKA67TeXQ_TXI_nz2cznngTj2Gs00cjCEUcnSqTw0Gekc/s1600/12530887_841742152619474_1768376161_n%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Ajq6cpcxeGx3_fGQqKSJE1AgrdGY2_Sda4xbEvUiyskFH4yFzHxiGidH-SX9miTQHdmvyCn4K-Jrt6VQGDYRcnB6EB4UiGgKA67TeXQ_TXI_nz2cznngTj2Gs00cjCEUcnSqTw0Gekc/s640/12530887_841742152619474_1768376161_n%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another pit stop with amazing scenary, somewhere in Surr</td></tr>
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Other than beach, Oman is famous with its wadis (a valley that is dried at most place but has small amount of water stream). People love to do wadi bashing or camping there. However, during rainy days, wadi can be the most dangerous place for people.</div>
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Mountains are also popular as tourist attractions. We have two most popular mountains, which are Jabal Akhdar and Jabal Shams. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAvaGecP06TxX2hq7Bo575KmAgVLEG7GB5Ka14r5MmJxb2gXZZdxU6IAG5amUuEMn7KegrAPhpl_MoVt2q_u_ky7SYa07-YUrvjyV-LIkPfj6gGH5ngS7NlvY8G0OPuh58EfYzCdGlwvE/s1600/DSC_0565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAvaGecP06TxX2hq7Bo575KmAgVLEG7GB5Ka14r5MmJxb2gXZZdxU6IAG5amUuEMn7KegrAPhpl_MoVt2q_u_ky7SYa07-YUrvjyV-LIkPfj6gGH5ngS7NlvY8G0OPuh58EfYzCdGlwvE/s640/DSC_0565.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jabal Akhdar, credit photo to Mr. Hubby<br />
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And not a lot of people know Oman has cherry blossoms in Wekan Village. Though you have to do some off-road and walking a few kilometers to reach the destination, it's all worth the effort!</div>
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There are other beautiful places to visit in Oman such as Salalah, Nizwa, Wahiba Sand, some villages and whatnot. But one can only appreciate this country and its nature if you are a nature lover. If you love shopping, tall building, etc, than this is not the place for you.</div>
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Oh anyway, you will not find sophisticated buildings in Oman, even in Muscat; its capital city. Most of the buildings, especially the government offices, still preserve the Arabic architectural at least to its minimum level. </div>
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And Muscat is a clean city. Truthfully, it is not because of the people here. If not for the municipality, I don't think this place could be this clean. But I salute the government for taking cleanliness as serious issue. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD3oIR47H1y8oC13e5-7Z3Zfj1Kj96D5ZoM-SR76MDBmZkJ6CShHzxJaZDSTULvSOeU-4fNRMfMokXoZMLwI7NrYvU4UbTBRgh0wOM9dM-E7x7bH9hS2lSwCTTnPOYGvDSiUYnL8ysJWY/s1600/12407169_973092222786956_797251462_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD3oIR47H1y8oC13e5-7Z3Zfj1Kj96D5ZoM-SR76MDBmZkJ6CShHzxJaZDSTULvSOeU-4fNRMfMokXoZMLwI7NrYvU4UbTBRgh0wOM9dM-E7x7bH9hS2lSwCTTnPOYGvDSiUYnL8ysJWY/s640/12407169_973092222786956_797251462_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As-Sahwa Park, Mawaleh South (about 3-5 minutes driving from home)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUm-krHFaVLhidThtJFGWrsfHVKW9IG5lVijKVnzybj_YRaBLehEN0aktLgLTUWqPpP_NiwXbrSWAycd9L_RqOgkDgV-JTLb9tvCZ5jaxxKh2PhhDq9lMEMwtLOR_DVOnNsS_jmEt2jyc/s1600/12912438_1577355189259795_235529054_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUm-krHFaVLhidThtJFGWrsfHVKW9IG5lVijKVnzybj_YRaBLehEN0aktLgLTUWqPpP_NiwXbrSWAycd9L_RqOgkDgV-JTLb9tvCZ5jaxxKh2PhhDq9lMEMwtLOR_DVOnNsS_jmEt2jyc/s640/12912438_1577355189259795_235529054_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sink Hole, Najm Park</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdYebiYXZdBsnGbX8XIx2vIDOZw5Sivcg2jKV-T-8qX6Zh2utpMo2pXzKxaEfJwBjaJYckvuFqjQAJ6elScK3vRLwA6k3MH-zaHXmT0D-NnY6I83PKdPug_3BwciRZ4A6sKoyDhEkthCo/s1600/DSC_0301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdYebiYXZdBsnGbX8XIx2vIDOZw5Sivcg2jKV-T-8qX6Zh2utpMo2pXzKxaEfJwBjaJYckvuFqjQAJ6elScK3vRLwA6k3MH-zaHXmT0D-NnY6I83PKdPug_3BwciRZ4A6sKoyDhEkthCo/s640/DSC_0301.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Al-Hazm Castle, Rustaq</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDFRdOLEgokwCZKyzeK-iQ4ItUzK6IS_LSHQCItrjgBWOew67O0Ov_CTwgZMOzAWPZtcxkq3px02JolYKA_t8I9S0szXj9y1FCqwOXjGc1evhTwHEY69gans_Ar0vv7cnxNSfmZ4yV-_M/s1600/DSC_0300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDFRdOLEgokwCZKyzeK-iQ4ItUzK6IS_LSHQCItrjgBWOew67O0Ov_CTwgZMOzAWPZtcxkq3px02JolYKA_t8I9S0szXj9y1FCqwOXjGc1evhTwHEY69gans_Ar0vv7cnxNSfmZ4yV-_M/s640/DSC_0300.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grand Mosque, Muscat. credit photo to Mr. Hubby</td></tr>
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I think I'm getting too long if I continue here. In shaa Allah I'll continue in the next entry :)</div>
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Oh my, what a formal essay! When I re-read this, I imagine myself holding a hailer in front of a bunch of old people with cameras and maps in their hands (tourist laaa), and reading this outloud! Urghhh... my writing is getting worse, and so does my language skill!</div>
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Xiet_Enigmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017263017301097002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8001903575601992455.post-67153511823547154092016-02-20T18:06:00.000+08:002017-04-03T20:05:41.319+08:00Parenting Tips: Lesson from Surah Yusuff by Sheikh Sajid Umar (Part 2)<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoq7W-xJnUzVoMtuVowdpJlC3HUpizN6RRjNGuaqQxqzoZG8HnztsCvsv3oyGCAf75RN8t9HD7rgz46yNpfOKHOS_tIY3h2G1sfanA0QWw_g7VlxbAsGBkyUzL_m9sWh1IGPkSY5dgVVY/s1600/DSC_0647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoq7W-xJnUzVoMtuVowdpJlC3HUpizN6RRjNGuaqQxqzoZG8HnztsCvsv3oyGCAf75RN8t9HD7rgz46yNpfOKHOS_tIY3h2G1sfanA0QWw_g7VlxbAsGBkyUzL_m9sWh1IGPkSY5dgVVY/s640/DSC_0647.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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So this is the continuation of Parenting Tips: Lesson from Surah Yusuff <a href="http://littlehouddy.blogspot.com/2016/02/parenting-tips-based-on-surah-yusuff-by.html">(part 1)</a><br />
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<b>#5. <u>3rd TIP from Surah Yusuf, 12:5: Teach your kids about tauhid</u></b></div>
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<span style="line-height: 68px; text-align: start; word-spacing: 4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">وَكَذٰلِكَ يَجتَبيكَ رَبُّكَ وَيُعَلِّمُكَ مِن تَأويلِ الأَحاديثِ وَيُتِمُّ نِعمَتَهُ عَلَيكَ وَعَلىٰ آلِ يَعقوبَ كَما أَتَمَّها عَلىٰ أَبَوَيكَ مِن قَبلُ</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #404040;"> </span><span style="color: #4c1130;">إِبراهيمَ وَإِسحاقَ ۚ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ عَليمٌ حَكيمٌ</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #404040; line-height: 34.2px;">That is how your Lord will choose you, and teach you the interpretation of dreams,</span><span style="color: #a6a6a6; font-style: italic; line-height: 0; padding-left: 3px; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">1</span><span style="color: #404040; line-height: 34.2px;"> and complete His blessing upon you and upon the house of Jacob, just as He completed it earlier for your fathers, Abraham and Isaac. Your Lord is indeed all-knowing, all-wise.’</span></span></div>
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OK. Do you remember the life story of Prophet Yusuff from the day he received the dream until the day he was being reunited with his father and brothers? </div>
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Do you remember the obstacles that Yusuf (AS) had to endure along his prophet-hood journey? </div>
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Please read the translation of Surah Yusuff so that you will understand how is these 3 ayaahs (12: 4 - 6) relate to the whole surah, and relate to the best fundamental parenting tips we can benefit from, inshaa Allah.</div>
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In the meantime (to not make this post look unfinished, hehe) lets review the significance of this ayah.</div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large; line-height: 68px; word-spacing: 4px;">إِنَّ رَبَّكَ عَليمٌ حَكيمٌ</span></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; line-height: 34.2px;">Your Lord is indeed all-knowing, all-wise.’</span></div>
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This is the ayat about TAUHID, about Allah, the ayat that Prophet Ya'qub taught his son, the ayat that had built faith in Yusuff.</div>
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Short and simple word, BIG impact!</div>
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Yusuff was a small boy when he was abducted from his father. Now, imagine our small child at the age of 5, 6 or maybe 7. Imagine if someone kidnapped him/her, or bring him/her away from us. Nauzubillah min zalik. Yes, even to imagine, we simply can't!</div>
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But this is what had happened to Yusuff (AS)! </div>
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But Yusuf had a proactive father that gave him wisdom even from a young age. Because of that, by Allah's will, Yusuff survived the tests.</div>
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When he was all alone, in a dark, at the place where he thought nobody would know he was there, indeed. Allah knows! He is all-wise!</div>
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Then he was brought away from his country, a foreign land to him. He must had been scared, and his father didn't know where he was, how he was, and he was all alone, but no, he wasn't alone, for Allah was with him, and Allah is all-knowing!</div>
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When he was tested with an attempt of adultery, where nobody was around but only him and a woman who was willing to surrender everything for him, while he was a young man with desire, he chose to ran away. Indeed, he knew, Allah is all-knowing. Allah is 'Alim, Allah is Hakeem!</div>
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And then when he was imprisoned while he was innocent, yet nobody helped him and stood up for him. Did he feel despair and hopeless? Indeed, he knew that Allah knows, Allah is 'Alim, Allah is Hakeem!</div>
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Allahuakbar!</div>
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This, many audience broke into tears! </div>
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Allah is so close to Yusuf's heart. He has strong faith in Allah.</div>
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And who taught him that? His father.</div>
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When? when he was just a small kid!</div>
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And what about us?</div>
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If we think our kids are still small to understand, and we don't make an effort to even try, how can we sure that when our kids are in their teen age; the age full of wonder, desire, and bravery, they are capable of restraining themselves from the tests? How can they have Allah in their heart?!</div>
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Yes, for some reasons the western researchers say that young kids should not be burden with too much info, heavy info, etc. (I just read about this a few days ago mashaAllah!). But what this surah teaches us is to not rebuke our kids' intellect. They are born in fitrah, and they can understand knowledge about tauhid. (Of course this is a story about two prophets, one as a father and another one as his son, and of course we can never be at par with them. But that is not the point. We just need to try and re-try. Make effort)</div>
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<b>#6. The teaching of kind heart and forgiveness.</b><br />
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During the end of the story, Yusuff was reunited with his brothers and father. At that time, he was a minister in Egypt, his brothers came to him for protection. What did Yusuff do? </div>
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Despite what they did to him around 50 years or so ago, he forgave them!</div>
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Yes, Yusuff forgave the men that abducted him and separated him from his beloved father and brother (Bunyamin).</div>
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Surah Yusuff, verse number 100. Yusuff (AS) said that Satan induced his brothers. He forgave his brothers, because he knew his brothers were under the influence of satan. He blame the satan.</div>
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Subhanallah!<br />
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Remember we talk earlier about effective communication?</div>
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Prophet Ya'qub told Yusuff about not telling his brothers about his dream because he afraid his sons will get jealous (under the influence of satan)</div>
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Now... even after 50 years, Yusuff (AS) still remember the teachings of his father.<br />
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Most of us remember Yusuff as a handsome man. That is what we've been taught since small. But little that we aware that he is not just a good looking man, but also a man with good heart. </div>
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He held no grunge against his brothers, and other people that cause trouble in his life.<br />
{So after this, please don't just tell story about Yusuf, the handsome prophet, was seduced by a woman. Tell the story until finish. There is more to learn about the life of Yusuff (AS)}</div>
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<b>#7. Our children are our assets in the hereafter.</b><br />
This statement is debatable but let just be positive. Sheikh talked about the famous hadeeth about 3 deeds that benefit us even after we die; 1) Our continuous/ongoing sadaqah (donation), 2) knowledge which is beneficial, 3) The prayers from our pious children (HR Muslim).<br />
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Guide our children the Islamic way. Teach them manners, and do not be overprotective towards small things (i.e. let our kids know about responsibilities, knowledge, etc). Let them make mistakes through learning while we are around so that we can correct them. If we are too afraid to see them make mistakes through life lessons, how can we correct them when they make mistakes while we are not around anymore?<br />
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Prepare our children to be among the pious mankind, and may we have the benefit through the prayers from our pious children when we are gone.<br />
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I am so sorry I am not a good narrator. I think for a better understanding and knowledge, you can watch Sheikh Sjid Umar's lecture on Youtube. I am sure you can benefit more knowledge first handed.<br />
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As for me, even after almost a month attending this lecture, my heart throbs when I imagine how Sheikh delivered his speech. Very powerful, and emotional. And I realize, there are a lot for us (my husband and I) to improve.<br />
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May Allah give us wisdom to raise our children, and may we have sabr with us all the time :)<br />
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Xiet_Enigmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017263017301097002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8001903575601992455.post-69506023421151706082016-02-19T16:39:00.002+08:002017-04-03T20:05:58.411+08:00Parenting Tips: Lesson from Surah Yusuff, by Sheikh Sajid Umar (part 1)<div style="text-align: justify;">
Please feel tempted at this entry's tittle, because someone is trying to be an ustazah and start giving a lengthy lecture about parenting, please please! (Jerk. Haha). </div>
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OK. For those who have no idea who this Sheikh is, you can read <a href="http://www.sajidumar.com/">here</a>. Basically, he is one of the Islamic speakers and lecturers in Al Kauthar Institute, an activist in Da'wah. Try to listen to one of his lecture in sha Allah you'll fall in love with the messages.</div>
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So a few weeks ago, he came to Oman and Alhamdulillah he was given a slot about Lessons from Surah Yusuf. I promised myself to share what I got with my husband, since he decided to take care of the kids while I was attending the lecture so that I can have full focus on the lecture. <i>Barakallahu feek ya habibi</i>, even I know this is one of your favorite sheikh. I consider that as my 'compulsory time-off' (which in sha Allah I'll write about this next time). And why I end up writing here is because my husband gives me a task to share this in public. I feel guilty to not accept his task considering his effort and sacrifice.... So please bare with this lengthy post and may we all benefit something from this. Ameennnn. </div>
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<b>#1. Sheikh started his lecture with the encouragement of attending 'majlis ilmu' (gathering for the remembrance of Allah).</b> He recited a very powerful hadith from Sahih Muslim as an eye (and heart) opener to motivate us all to keep busying ourselves attending this sort of gathering (or if not possible at least listen to lectures whenever we can). Note: It is the 36th hadith from the 40 hadeeth of Imam Nawawi - May Allah bless Xifu Nasser for his effort 10 years ago to make us memorize some hadith an easy and fun way!</div>
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Here is the hadeeth's translation:</div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: inherit;">On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: inherit;">Whoever removes a worldly grief from a believer, Allah will remove from him one of the griefs of the Day of Resurrection. And whoever alleviates the need of a needy person, Allah will alleviate his needs in this world and the Hereafter. Whoever shields [or hides the misdeeds of] a Muslim, Allah will shield him in this world and the Hereafter. And Allah will aid His slave so long as he aids his brother. And whoever follows a path to seek knowledge therein, Allah will make easy for him a path to Paradise. No people gather together in one of the Houses of Allah, reciting the Book of Allah and studying it among themselves, except that sakeenah (tranquility) descends upon them, and mercy envelops them, and the angels surround them, and Allah mentions them amongst those who are with Him. And whoever is slowed down by his actions, will not be hastened forward by his lineage.</span></div>
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<b>#2. Parenting starts before marriage! </b></div>
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- Seek knowledge as much as we can, even when we are still single. </div>
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- But it is never too late to start good parenting, and in fact, we have to always improve our parenting skills.</div>
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** Sheikh suggested us to have a thinking day!</div>
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-i.e. A moment where we muhasabah ourselves so that we can keep ourselves in track, re-think, re-do and re-correct things that we have regretted along the journey. </div>
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<b>#3. <u>1st TIP from Surah Yusuf, 12: 4 - Intimate relationship between a father and his child </u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "scheherazaderegular"; line-height: 68px; word-spacing: 4px;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">إِذ قالَ يوسُفُ لِأَبيهِ يا أَبَتِ إِنّي رَأَيتُ أَحَدَ عَشَرَ كَوكَبًا وَالشَّمسَ وَالقَمَرَ رَأَيتُهُم لي ساجِدينَ</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #404040; line-height: 34.2px;">When Joseph said to his father, ‘Father! I saw eleven planets,</span><span style="color: #a6a6a6; font-style: italic; line-height: 0; padding-left: 3px; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">1</span><span style="color: #404040; line-height: 34.2px;"> and the sun and the moon: I saw them prostrating themselves before me.’</span></span></div>
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Allah doesn't start this story with 'Once upon a time'. Instead, He starts with this ayah above. A very straight forward story about a boy who always refer to his father whenever he's in dilemma: A boy who trusts his father and prefers his father more than anyone else!</div>
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Instead of going to his 11 brothers, or his peers similar his age, Yusuff (AS) went straight to his father after he got a very confusing dream. This shows how intimate this father-child relationship is. </div>
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BE A GOOD FATHER AND INVOLVE IN YOUR CHILD'S LIFE!</div>
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COME WHAT MAY, YOU ARE YOUR CHILD'S HERO...</div>
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In this life, we have 2 roles, </div>
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(1) mandatory role - Being a child, parent, mom, dad, etc</div>
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(2) elective role - us as a career person (doctor, cook, banker, teacher, etc), voluntary work, etc.</div>
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-DO NOT let your elective role overshadowing your mandatory role!</div>
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-You are the best teacher to your children. Sheikh reminded us to NOT pass on our responsibility to others. Don't just rely on school, society, strangers to be your kids' teacher. </div>
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Children learn from us, parents. So set up good examples for them to follow.</div>
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For instance, in this ayah, Yusuf (AS) called his father يا ابت, which means my dearest dad (some technical arabic nahu/grammar with the ت behind the اب that indicates the softest, most honorable tittle). Because, when we read the next ayah, Prophet Ya'qub calls his son with the softest call, يا بنى (my dearest son). </div>
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Respect and trust are earned. We want our children to respect us, we have to first show how respect is. And trough a fond relationship, inshaa Allah trust is earned too. </div>
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<b>#4.<u> 2nd TIP from Surah Yusuf, 12:5 - Effective communication and respect your child's intelligence</u></b></div>
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<span style="line-height: 68px; text-align: start; word-spacing: 4px;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">قالَ يا بُنَيَّ لا تَقصُص رُؤياكَ عَلىٰ إِخوَتِكَ فَيَكيدوا لَكَ كَيدًا ۖ إِنَّ الشَّيطانَ لِلإِنسانِ عَدُوٌّ مُبينٌ</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; line-height: 34.2px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">He said, ‘My son, do not recount your dream to your brothers, lest they should devise schemes against you. Satan is indeed man’s manifest enemy.</span></span></div>
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Prophet Yusuf (AS) was a small child (less than 7 yrs old according to mufassirin) when he had that dream. But prophet Ya'qub (AS) addressed the matter in a proper way albeit dealing with just a small boy. He kept his son informed with the right information in an effective way, even for the heavy topics e.g. about SATAN. You know why? </div>
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Because Prophet Ya'qub didn't know how much time he had to be with his child. </div>
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So do us. We are unsure of how much time we have with our children, right?! Why not start now. Teach our kids about Allah, tauhid, shaitan, shirk, etc.</div>
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We want to wait for the right timing but when is the right timing? Are we sure we have the future to give guidance to our children?<br />
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So perhaps, instead of waiting for the right timing, why don't we make the timing right. How? </div>
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by <b>effective communication</b>!</div>
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We surely can learn effective communication from this ayah, mashaAllah! </div>
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-to give command --> to explain --> to guide</div>
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Lets look into this ayah. First, Prophet Ya'qub <span style="font-size: large;">command</span>ed his son (do not tell your dream to your brothers). Then, he <span style="font-size: large;">explain</span>ed to his son the reason of his command (they will make plan against you). Next, he gave <span style="font-size: large;">guidance</span> to his son (shaitan is indeed man's manifest enemy). Our common mistake is, we tend to give order (command) but we don't explain, never mind to give guidance. </div>
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HOW EFFECTIVE is his teaching?</div>
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Ahhaaa.... please read the<a href="http://littlehouddy.blogspot.com/2016/02/parenting-tips-lesson-from-surah-yusuff.html"> 2nd part</a> of this topic.<br />
(I separate into 2 parts so that it doesn't look too long)</div>
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Xiet_Enigmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017263017301097002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8001903575601992455.post-14375256731938726062015-11-04T08:18:00.000+08:002016-09-23T19:12:38.315+08:00Assalamualaikum, a comeback entry?<div style="text-align: justify;">
Assalamu'alaikum wbt.</div>
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Last posting was 2 YEARS AGO can you believe it? Haha. (Actually what I couldn't believe is that I AM NOW updating my blog...Tadaaaa!)</div>
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Been missing blogging so much but no courage at all (and the truth is LAZY) to blog.</div>
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I know the fact that nobody really blog nowadays. C'mon, who has time to nagggggggggg nowadays? Everybody prefers tweeting and FBing. But for a person who always naggggggggg like me (oh so annoying ha that naggggggg thing. Stop it!), I think it is better for me to blog rather than nagging on FB and even instagram! (memang mak nenek insta pon caption bebel! haha)</div>
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NO. that is actually not the real issue. That was just a bad intro! The thing is.... urghhhh.... I think I need to blog to actually gratify myself. As much as it sounds so pathetic, I admit that sometimes, I lose myself. I lose my perspective. Been busy with the 3 angels and everything else, been sacrificing my social activities with friends and spending most of the time at home, oh I can be insane sometimes! <i>Don't get me wrong, I am totally happy with my life. I am just stating the fact as a perfectly normal adult, sometimes we need other adults that can understand our language and rambles for our own sake. </i>At least if I blog, I can pretend that I am talking to someone. Wei pathetic. haha. Husband must be smiling reading this, hopefully less nagggggging after this kan Sayang? haha.</div>
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And Oh, I forget very easily! Never mind about dates and days because that is so typical of me, but I don't really remember when was Eve's first crawl, or her first word, how much weight she (and the other 2) gains, and things like that. <strike>Psttt. I've even forgotten what I got for my last birthday!</strike> Maybe, I am just being realistic, that this is just how a normal life should be, that we not need to remember everything! Maybe, those things are important, but don't really matter. Maybe, I am getting old (that is for sure honey). But wouldn't it be sweet if I can just write down anything about them for our future reference? Because as of this moment, when I look back at my old posts, I never stop smiling reading about Aaron. </div>
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OH. Forgot to tell you. Eve Hawwa is our 3rd angel! She is ermmm around 10 months old. wait. Sorry. Almost 11...Wait. She'll be 11 months old this 6 Nov (whenever that is).</div>
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And yeah, I also forget how to write. It took me a while to remember how to construct nice sentences. Ah you can see it already. haha. And I keep on asking 'what's the word.... how to say this' a few times.</div>
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And I think too much of whether or not I should keep this thing 'alive' again. What should I write about? Would it be too personal? Would it be too open? But then. I stop thinking and just go for it. We see how it goes and it doesn't matter anymore what I want to share. In the end, let just make myself happy (read: syok sendiri). And maybe see you again next couple of years from now. Haha! </div>
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Till then,</div>
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May we always in good hands.</div>
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Oh. Let me show you our not so latest photo! </div>
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Bye </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUVFpAcl6BK7ebtT2acuyHkOdmGgHC8Nl5y9KLoJNOUC8XNtFp3HQGrQQQwgr93-AwJ1Dxg-jcj_yIA-chHcNHTNbjX87Viu2qJmZUmFXbBEGmsSXcCQ2L6Ax-lcTn1RP1UB-rlXDCFTI/s1600/DSC_0187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUVFpAcl6BK7ebtT2acuyHkOdmGgHC8Nl5y9KLoJNOUC8XNtFp3HQGrQQQwgr93-AwJ1Dxg-jcj_yIA-chHcNHTNbjX87Viu2qJmZUmFXbBEGmsSXcCQ2L6Ax-lcTn1RP1UB-rlXDCFTI/s640/DSC_0187.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Istanbul, 2015</td></tr>
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Xiet_Enigmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017263017301097002noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8001903575601992455.post-60934013275719357222013-03-26T06:05:00.002+08:002013-03-27T05:29:59.835+08:00A dedication to all mothers in the world :)<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maryam Saraa's Aqiqah goodies tags.</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="color: #45818e;">"We have enjoined on man kindness to his parents; in pain did his mother bear him, and in pain did she give him birth"</span></i> (46:15).</span></span></div>
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Everyone knows that a mother is the pillar of a family. She's everything to her family. You see, when we say everything, that includes being a mom, a friend, a doctor, a teacher, a chef, a housekeeper... Best description - a runner.</div>
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Being one person in many positions? Oh that's terrific! And don't forget to sum up all the wifey job! (^__^)</div>
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How many of us moms have to wake up early in the morning and don't even have time to have a nice proper breakfast because we have loads of things to settle in a very stiff hours? -bathe the kids, prepare breakfast, hubby, prepare to work, send kids to nursery/school... yada yada yada...</div>
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How many of us sometimes can't even grab a single glass of drink when kids throw tantrums, fighting, or got hyperventilated/sugar rush etc?</div>
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And how many of us, sometimes crying quietly somewhere in the kitchen while preparing something because we are too tired or hurt, or maybe crying out loud alone in the car because we got frustrated with the kids behavior, asking ourselves what have we done wrong? Which parenting part did we relinquish? And then, reminiscing the good old days when the kids were smaller, on how beautiful they were as a small creature, and how we had showered them our undeniable, unquestionable love. Thus, hoping for something impossible like how we wish our growing teenagers to act less complicated just like when they were smaller.</div>
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Or maybe crying while having a shower, contemplating ourselves, hoping that one can understand how tired we are, how weak, hopeless kind of mom, and getting frustrated of our inability to stay stronger.</div>
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Alas, mothers, you are indeed not alone. If you think your inner voice is unheard, your loved ones aren't really care about how you feel and you sometimes behaving a wee bit emotional, just take a deep breath, take some moment to be alone and keep your head. Coz that's just part and parcel of motherhood. Other moms face the same thing too. Yes, we moms understand each other better. And we know that those sappy feelings are uninvited yet free to come but won't take long to leave.</div>
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Being a mother is like taking a full time job that doesn't allow you to resign. It is a restless, exhausting job with loads of responsibilities. Your working hour is from the moment you open your eyes until when you close them back to sleep. That doesn't include working extra hours pass your sleeping time due to fever bugs in the house, or finding solution for some family dilemma or for any other reasons only you know. </div>
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Behold, </div>
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For every difficulty a mother has to endure, every challenge that may seems so hard to tackle and every big responsibility she has to carry, being a mother is one of the most dignified profession in this world and in the hereafter. And it is surprisingly the coolest position you may have experienced. Despite all the unwieldiness, the never ending demand from the loved ones, and the craziness one could turn out to be when she becomes a mother (hehe), there are myriad pleasure you'd grasp throughout your motherhood experiences. And no matter how hard life would be, you'd stand tall and survive. You know why? Because you let yourself Redha with the sacrifices you've made and You <i>lay</i> your love on everything you do. You mothers, are indeed so super special and super strong! </div>
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And if at any moment you feel unappreciated, alone, disgrace, exhausted.... Remember that as long as you Redha and Ikhlas, this is one of the many ways that can grant you Jannah!</div>
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<b>It's a free ticket for us moms to enter Jannah!</b></div>
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And just to revitalize our spirit, sort of emboldening our motherhood vibes, lets remind ourself about the greatest reward that every heart's desires; THE JANNAH. </div>
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<span style="background-color: #f5f5ff;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit;">Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet, said, "Allah said, 'I have prepared for My pious worshipers such things as no eye has ever seen, no ear has ever heard of, and nobody has ever thought of. All that is reserved, besides which, all that you have seen, is nothing." Then he recited:-- 'No soul knows what is kept hidden (in reserve) for them of joy as a reward for what they used to do.' (32.17) (Book #60, Hadith #303 of Sahih Bukhari) </span></span></div>
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*Now, imagine the best thing we'd ever want in this world, the best place we've ever been/imagine, the happiest moment you've ever had in your memory..... Jannah offers you so much more and it's beyond comparison.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These two ahli syurga are my syurga dunia.</td></tr>
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Xiet_Enigmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017263017301097002noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8001903575601992455.post-53837784725697615182013-03-22T07:55:00.000+08:002013-03-23T15:23:24.025+08:00Aaron Houdd's post 3rd birthday entry<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right after born - 22/2/10</td></tr>
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Assalamu'alaikum.</div>
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Dear Aaron Houdd,</div>
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The time I'm writing this, you are 37 months old - A son, grandson and an abang.</div>
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Looking at you now - a handsome, charming little boy, nothing more I could say than Alhamdulillah, Alhamdulillah, Alhamdulillah. Having you and Saraa is the best gift Allah has ever grant me.</div>
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Three years have passed so fast! I still remember your croaky voice right after you were born- the voice that had knocked my motherhood intuition ever since. I remember Doc Safiah (your Paed) greeted you cheerfully with Assalamualaikum. I remember the doctors and nurses in the OT exclaimed "what a fair skin he has! so fair! and cuteeee!". Everyone in the OT shared the excitement of your birth. And I was indeed the happiest person in the entire world!</div>
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You were so fragile back then. Everything about you was cute. From your coos, your smiles, cries- to your act - how you chewed your food, scrunched your nose, made your hair messy, just every single thing about you was cute. But now, cuteness alone isn't enough to describe you! many many times, there are something else in between. It's always mixture of cuteness and cheekiness, cuteness and naughtiness and what else? Uh, every other mom will surely understand what I mean :). That new perspective of cuteness can easily drive me nuts! </div>
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You know, when you were smaller, I used to think that my motherhood experience would be less challenging once you reach toddler-hood. You can eat healthy adult food and walk by yourself, you can speak so we could understand you better and know exactly how you feel, and you can even settle your 'business' by yourself. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Oh, what a silly me for having that thought!</span></div>
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There's always more and more challenges once you are a mother. </div>
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You can walk by yourself. Not just that... most of the time YOU choose the direction. Hence, shopping simple groceries could take hours. </div>
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You can speak, hence, there's always answers and justifications of your act. When you get cranky, you don't speak because speaking isn't powerful enough. You have better idea. You s.c.r.e.a.m! </div>
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You can eat any healthy food but you also know how to refuse food. So you choose to drink milk all day.</div>
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Yes you can settle your business by yourself, of course you can. But you chose to end your 60% of successful potty training in a week by peepee everywhere and groaned <i>"I'm so tired I've to go to toilet so many times. I wanna wear diaper again".</i> And A big exclaimed of <i>"Yeayy, I'm wearing diaper again!"</i> like you just won a lottery officially had ended the potty training mission.</div>
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I can't lie that sometimes I can't handle this motherhood thingy. There are times I feel like a failure, the biggest loser of the entire motherhood world. Nope. Not because you're a nuisance. You just being a kid and it's perfectly normal. It just me, learning to be a good mother to you. Yeah sometimes it's not easy. But there's no way I can give up on you. Not even in a split second that I lose love upon you despite how hard the situation may be. Indeed, you made me realize that patience is an essence in motherhood, and love makes everything a perfect sense... Your pure love keeps me sane and alive.</div>
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Dear Aaron Houdd,<br />
You may outgrow my lap, but you'd never outgrow my heart. (a modified unknown quote. hehe)<br />
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And I pray to Allah to always guide you and grant you His mercy.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Around 20 months old!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Few months before he turns 3!</td></tr>
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Xiet_Enigmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017263017301097002noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8001903575601992455.post-63748160121363455932013-03-01T19:37:00.001+08:002016-10-01T11:07:09.830+08:00A note from The Sultan Qaboos's country<div style="text-align: center;">
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It's been 9 days we are here - away from our beloved country, family and friends.</div>
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And here's what I really want to tell:</div>
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Following my hubby abroad, giving him chance to groom his career while I, a master student, have to sacrifice on my dream career- being a full time housewife, taking care of the kids and hubby, writing thesis, doing chores, repeating routines, giving in my social life - friends, fav places to hang out, etc... is one very tough decision to make.</div>
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and above all, it may seem so unfair. </div>
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But here's the deal. Long distant relationship is full of crap, at least for us. Yeah we never like it and as far as we know, nothing else would content a happily married couple than being together. Together in hardships, sorrow, pain, struggles in life, and also in happiness, joy, laughter. </div>
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An eleven months LDR experience has taught me a lot. It has changed some part of me and my perceptions too. Going down the lane on how I had to struggle being a single mom to my kids was a heartbreaking for both of us. Never will I forget the moment where I had to carry a 14 kg toddler with high fever to the hospital at 11pm while I was carrying another human being inside me. Waiting in the A&E with few visits to toilet due to morning sickness. Not to forget the moment I had to drive to UM by myself to complete my labworks, each time was so challenging also due to pregnancy symptoms mainly nausea. How was I going to vomit in the forever congested traffic at Federal Highway, and I remember one time I almost got cramped leg while I was stuck in a bad traffic. Not to mention the frustrations of couldn't share the bad news to my most trusted person right after receiving it, never mind to have my head on his shoulders.</div>
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And there were my counting days- a few minor surges and false alarm without my hubby by my side. Fighting over the possibility of hubby might not come back during delivery through phone calls, having postpartum complication and again, hubby wasn't around. And more sick kids- both Aaron and Saraa, all without the Daddy, the one we always need to be around.</div>
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Even if all those tests didn't appear, the need of a best friend when we were in despair, the touch of the loved one when we were in pain and the giggles and the face that had budding loneliness when he's not around was killing enough. </div>
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And for me, that is not all. One thing that worried me was the feeling of 'It's OK' that grew bigger day by day. You know, when we used to do things on our own and we deliberately getting used to it, and we think we can handle things all by ourselves. Hah, sometimes it freaked me out cause I sometimes had to ask myself whether or not I still love my hubby. Well of course the answer is yes, but you know, because we rarely do things together anymore, I sometimes didn't seem to bother if he didn't call me even once for the day. Lagi2 lah he was busy and different time zone also contribute to the limitations. I sensed this mostly during our last period of LDR few months before I followed him here. Wouldn't a wife supposed to wait for her hubby's call and if there was, she should be so happy to pick up the call? No? I was the opposite. If I had fast asleep I won't bother a call from him although that considered our first chat of the day. And sometimes during the conversation I can multi task with instagramming, Facebooking, or anything else depending on the time. Wasn't 100% focusing on him. So yes, I didn't like that. I was seen as a bad wife. </div>
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Moving here, I'd left many unsettled things but bring them along to inshaAllah, settle them from here, step by step. Capitulate on my dream career and struggle to finish my responsibility as a student , Only Allah knows how am I going to survive here, what way suits me best, and which direction I will eventually choose. I may have to undergo many obstacles, failures, frustrations, and discouragement regardless of how mature the decision we'd made. But in the end, I know whatever it is, this is my destiny.</div>
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So now, we are back together again. I pray to Allah that we won't have to face the same test again, inshaAllah. Being together doesn't mean end of story and everything will go smooth. Our life here has just begun, so that means more upcoming challenges, more tests and more surprises. But as long as we are together, I hope we can handle life as we supposed to do, the best we can.</div>
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Thank you for your never ending thoughts, du'a and encouragements. Only Allah can repay all your good deeds.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maryam Saraa 3months old in this photo. Amik dari instagram je malas nk upload lain.hehe</td></tr>
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Xiet_Enigmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017263017301097002noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8001903575601992455.post-66820008180853327922013-01-07T22:53:00.001+08:002013-01-08T00:19:07.469+08:00News<div style="text-align: justify;">
Assalamualaikum</div>
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My first entry in this new year. Hmmm let see... No story about my last year's achievements, no post about this year azam. Nope.</div>
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I always have the angan angan to change my blog template. Im having this dream since forever already coz I think this template doesnt reflect my blog anymore. and myself too... tapi malas nak buat.</div>
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(entah hapa2 tiba2 cakap pasal blog template)</div>
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OK OK. now. Dear friends, I am here to announce that I am currently happily counting my days to step my feet into our home in Oman, real soon! Weehooo... sape tak suke wei dapat reunite dengan hubby terchinta! dengar cerita dia kat sana ramai peminat. dari minah arabs yang cun melecun lagi (dengar cerita dari dia seorang aje. haha) </div>
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Soon mean, soon! like approximately a month from now. Yes! </div>
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It has been almost a year we're being apart. and its not fun at all. I dah a few times kena ngorat kat Mall padahal bawak baby and jugak pernah kena approach ngan sales person from CIMB pasal kredit kad and dia tanya encik abg mana ? when I jawab "takde" his expression was like "Oh. Im sorry to hear that" - hmmm... so korang paham2 kan apa maksudnya? bukan maksudnya I masih hawt. (hehe) tapi maksudnya macam I ni 'single mom'. (yes i am a single mom but in different interpretation OK)</div>
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Actually ada banyak benda yang I tak settle lagi kat Malaysia ni. Plan memang dah banyakkkkk sangat lari. Sampai I pon dah malas nak planning lagi but just follow my gut. inshaAllah kat mana2 pon challenges tetap ada tapi I think you would never resist the feeling of comfort when hubby is around. I guess all the LDR friends would agree with this. tak kisah macam mana kuat kita sekalipun, or macam mana dah terbiasa kita sekalipon kita nak handle daily routine, tapi kalau hubby is around, it is extraordinary!</div>
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So now I tengah busy settle pasal shipment. I have only like 2 weeks untuk list down n settle everything yang nak bawak ke Oman, kargo tentatively will arrive on 26th Jan. Banyak giler kot nak kemas tapi I tak start apa lagi. Haha.</div>
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Pastu nak buat Aqiqah Maryam Saraa and farewell inshaAllah. So ni pon nak kena proper plan sebab tak buat kat rumah, Plan nak buat kat Masjid Negeri kalau place masih available untuk tarikh yg kita plan tu. Since hubby is far away, so I am the lady in charge la untuk 2 major events ni (shipment and kenduri). Oh family kitorang amat ramai. so nak buat kecik2 pon kena bajet untuk ramai. hadoyai...</div>
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My thesis writing? Ahhhh... last time target nk pergi Oman dengan hati yg rileks selepas settle semuanya. Tapi dah malas dah nak target. Awal Dec I was so excited for the new change of plan made by my sv, hujung bulan dec pulak down balik sebab so happen berlaku lg 1 berita yg kurang best yg menyebabkan I still cannot lepas dari lingkungan kegelapan masalah I ni. So now, decided to continue anything yg berbaki di sana. I know would be moreee challenging sebab I'd b all by myself utk take care of kids and do all the chores, macamner ntah nk maintain energy utk writing. (I had experienced being a full time mom with heavy beban of thesis back in Dubai so I boleh rasa aura penat nya nanti)</div>
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Anything else?</div>
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eRM... Aaron Houdd is being Aaron. still the same. banyakkkkk idea dia nak menjawab kalau kita cakap. last time dia boleh cakap Ummi dia macam Pingu kalau marah. Noppp nooppp... aduh.</div>
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Maryam Saraa. Now dah 2months lebih. almost three. cepat je masa berlalu. Dia tengah demam ni. I pon tengah sakit kepala and terkehel urat tangan kiri. quite challenging as I am a lefthander. (-__-)</div>
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Oh now I am so into Instagram. Haha. ketinggalan zaman kan. terok tol. alah, I started FB pon after my moms and niece and nephew yang bawah umur pon dah ada FB. apa nk heran. but yeah...quite addicted with IG la sekarang. bahaya bahaya...</div>
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My style now is I update my IG and share selected photos on FB. Tak bukak FB pon. so nampak mcm I sgt update semua. Haha. untungla banyak masa ye tak...(tertipuuu)</div>
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Tp I perasan bila hubby takde ni I kerap jugak la on FB n Ig. sbb semua kan mobile. so tak payah spend masa banyak2. u can just log in and check out any update every now and then. I akan like and komen simple2 kalau ada masa. alah Like bukan amik masa bnyk pon. I realize I banyak dapat update berita terikini thru FB. and dapat byk motivational quotes from FB jugak. so its my feed lah kan. its all about how u strategies everything. Tapi memang akn ada satu2 masa i tak hambik kesah lgsg psl semua. especially bila time memang i tak boleh nk ngelat langsung my duty. (tu menunjukkan I selalu mengelat untuk buka FB dan lain2. apa punya Ummi la, teruk betol.haha). and when hubby is around. Im all his. cececeh.</div>
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untunglaaa orang yg ada hubby dekat2. org mcm I ni mengharap ehsan viber and whatssap and any free app je utk berhubung pjg2. tu pon sehari 2 kali. 1 masa hubs bangun pagi before dia goes to work (dapat la dalam 10 min kalau anak tak meragam), 1 lagi malam after dia balik kerja, which kalau dia balik lewat (selalu nya lah) kat Malaysia dah lewat malam sometimes I dah tertido masa tidorkan anak. and I akan terjaga pagi2 buta utk uruskan apa2 time tu dia pulak baru tido and i kesian nk kejut... so kalau dapat cakap ngn hubby dalam 30 min tu dah kira weehooo sangat dah. time dia kerja mmg I tak suka kacau ever since awal kawin lg. Dia tak suka. so korang. sila bersyukur bila hubs around. jangan asyik kerek ngn hubs uolss aje ye (dedikasi utk diri sndr yg suke carik pasal bila hubby balik yang tak selalu balik. nak ngegada la kunun.heee)</div>
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Erm... ok la tu je. Wassalam. </div>
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Xiet_Enigmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017263017301097002noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8001903575601992455.post-80456865690866954562012-12-06T15:37:00.000+08:002012-12-06T23:38:42.719+08:00Mood merapu sikit<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hi there,</div>
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How are you? how's ur Imaan? Hope everything is good.</div>
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I have promised myself to share about my birth experience. But I think it just not the time yet. I assume I may take 2-3 posts merely about that precious moments, starting from pre-labor, in labor and post-labor. See, so lot of things to say and share, hence, considering my fluctuate mood swing (dah fluctuate, swing lagi. hee) I'm having right now, I just don't get the mood to go into that, not just yet. inshaAllah soon :) Well, it may not be that important to u girls but the experience has given me a platinum of lessons so it will be very sad if I don't record it in my blog and let the blazing sensation of the feeling slip away slowly.</div>
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Today, as I am starting very-very-very slowly on my thesis writing, trying to get into the right atmosphere and focus on the right thing, I guess all I can say is...Well, it's kinda good head-start for a mom who has to read tonnes of articles and catching up the lost idea concurrently, plus has to play with my brilliant little baby who knows exactly how and when to catch her mom's attention... Haha. Tell you what, As I started reading a few paragraphs (only), I'd to pause myself for a while right away, searching for the familiarity of the words my eyes had captured, before I can continue to the next paragraphs. Oh there are times where I'd to re-read the same paragraphs a few times to understand what on earth I was reading. Urghhh... My brain is getting incompetent and apparently I'm getting older. Huhu...</div>
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Speaking of old... Hmmm... this word has brought me to suddenly visit my blog. This very meaningful word.</div>
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We grow older day by day</div>
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And now, 2012 is near to the end...</div>
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I suddenly feel very sad... Coz I see no achievement in myself.</div>
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In terms of spiritual ability and awareness - none. I think I am a shameful useless servant (literal translation as a human being. u know what i mean? no fancy words, just go literal)</div>
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Da'wah activity - nope. very little as compared to what I could do coz I am a healthy muslim. no excuse.</div>
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As a wife? U can ask my hubby how terrible I am as a wife ( OK. don't ask him. He won't tell the truth. hehe)</div>
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As a mom? Hahaha.... I think I am far from being a good mom. Aaron Houdd... that boy, a lot of things need to settle with him. Maryam Saraa... too early to tell, but if I can compare, I was much better in handling Aaron Houdd when he was in Saraa's age. </div>
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career achievement - funny enough if I can translate it into a graph, it actually slunting downwards...Urgh. So sadly sad. heee...</div>
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money? Oh I am a jobless person so I definitely am no a rich lady.</div>
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Suddenly feels like a loser T_T</div>
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Hey, Can I say that having kids (precisely a new one this year) as an achievement? Coz other than that.... I don't think I have any....</div>
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OK. get back to what I should do right now.... c ya later.</div>
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Currently listening to this boy. Hmmm.... this is something I need to improve too... My heart. I need to fix it. times flies, but why on earth I still can't fix thing as it should be? I am a mom... but still. sometimes.... very into music. Haha... ada hati nak anak hafal Quran tp mak curik2 dengar lagu2 lagha belakang anak.<br />
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btw: love this song so much.<br />
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Xiet_Enigmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017263017301097002noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8001903575601992455.post-5347625662663060452012-11-22T07:21:00.000+08:002012-11-22T07:24:57.906+08:00An Ummi of 2 lil munchkins<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Photo: Beautiful foot of my kiddos; Maryam Saraa (1m+) n Aaron Houdd (2y+). Daddy miss you both..... " src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/c0.0.403.403/p403x403/598457_4501476328271_404774734_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Houdd's & Saraa's</td></tr>
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2.15am : Saraa bangun mintak susu. In d middle of susukan Maryam Saraa, Aaron Houdd bangun mengadu 'itchy2'. Mintak tolong garu kaki n badan dia yg gatal2....<br />
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Sambil susukan Maryam Saraa sambil tolong Aaron Houdd...
Maryam Saraa habis susu. Try burp kan tp dia xnak. Letak Saraa and layankan si abang sebab kalau Aaron dh segar nanti lagi susah nk tidorkan semula...
Tup tup si adik muntah. Cepat2 angkat. Salinkan baju. Si abang masih merengek mintak di layan. Kesian jugak pada si abang. Last2 dia membawa diri mencari Lola sebab nk susu n kakinya gatal kena gigit sekpr nyamuk sesat...<br />
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Si adik pulak... Baru lepas salin diaper n baju, proppp poppp poppp... Poopoo la pulak!
Usai menguruskan Saraa, si kecik ni mintak susu semula... Mungkin sebab dah dimuntahkan semuanya tadi. Tengah menyusukan si adik, si abang darang nk tidur dengan Umminya. Terpaksalah Ummi yang masih terkial2 belajar menjadi ibu kepada 2 anak ni bermulti tasking...<br />
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Kesudahannya, Alhamdulillah dua beradik ni berjaya ditidurkan semla. Jam 4.17am semuanya selesai... Tinggallah si Ummi yg terkebil2 mata dh xboleh nk lelap tapi badan dh amat letih. Dah mcm zombie rasanya... Dapatlah melayan Daddy pulak yg berada beribu batu jauhnya dgn perbezaan 4 jam waktu antara kami.<br />
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Mula menyedari: Dua beradik ni sering meminta perhatian pada waktu yg serentak. Tak kira waktu tak kira tempat...
(tu belom termasuk Daddynya yg pandai carik masa nak call, time anak2 meragam time tu lah phone berbunyi.hihi)<br />
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PS: Kalaulah masa yg berbaki ni dimanfaatkan dgn tahajud dan taubat alangkah indahya. Cantiknya Iman. Pesan suami 'xlarat solat xapa. Zikir pon dah baik sangat'. Allahu Rabbi...Sementara menguruskan anak2, sentiasa ada ruang untuk berzikir denan hati mahupun lisan kan?<br />
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PSs: Sungguh menghormati dan kagum dengan para ibu lagi2 yg punya anak ramai, ibu tunggal dan sebagainya....Sungguh masih banyak lg yg perlu diri ini pelajari dan perbaiki. Perkara sebegini sebenarnya menjadi rutin harian biasa bagi kebanyakan ibu2 yang mempunyai anak lebih dari 1. Saja dicoretkan pengalaman baru ini buat kenang-kenangan di masa akan datang.<br />
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PSss: Masih mencari rhythm meneruskan komitmen selain anak2... Menguruskan anak2, sungguhpon mencabar tp mendamaikan hati... Tp komitmen yg satu ini, kalau dibiarkan sepi semakin hilang semangat utk meneruskannya... Xhabis pk mcm mana nak menyelesaikan masalah x sekepala 2 boss, belom lagi melibatkan krisis skill menulis yg menumpul dan idea2 yg semakin menjauh...
Ya Allah permudahkanlah....<br />
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Xiet_Enigmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017263017301097002noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8001903575601992455.post-50914610319431566102012-11-02T20:54:00.000+08:002012-11-02T20:59:33.126+08:00Introducing....... Our lil princess!In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate...<br />
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Name: Maryam Saraa<br />
DOB: 13/10/2012<br />
Time of birth: 5:24 AM<br />
Place of Birth: DEMC Medical Centre, Shah Alam<br />
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Delivery: VBAC (vaginal birth after 1 cesarean), assisted with vacuum.<br />
Baby's weight: 2.86 KG<br />
Baby's height: 52 cm<br />
Head circumference: 31 cm<br />
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Alhamdulillah, Alhamdulillah, Alhamdulillah.<br />
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We'd chosen the name Maryam Saraa, taken after then name of Maryam the mother of Prophet Isaa, and Saraa the first wife of Prophet Ibrahim.<br />
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We pray to Allah to grant her Imaan and blessings... To grow up to be muslimah solehah, as Maryam, a woman who got the nickname "Ya Ukhta Haroon", due to her high level of Taqwa and total devotion to Allah.<br />
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Allah has said in the Holy Quran, that Maryam was a woman chosen by Allah above other women of the worlds, and she was the only woman in the world who got pregnant without being touched by any man. (Ali Imran, 3: 42-47)<br />
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There are 2 surahs (chapters) in the Quran with the name related to Maryam (Surah Ali-Imran, and surah Maryam)<br />
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And we pray to Allah to grant our Maryam Saraa a noble heart, like the heart of Sarah, the wife of Prophet Ibrahim and the mother of Prophet Ishaq.<br />
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Well actually, we had another name to be given to our next baby after Aaron Houdd (if the baby was happen to be a girl). The name existed even before I got pregnant. What's the name? ---- Mawar Anggun! (the elegant rose). We got the name since we were in Dubai last year...<br />
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But during my 6th month of pregnancy, I went to BeingMe conference, and there's a sister name Myriam Francois Cerrah. She's a British, was an actress and reverted to Islam in 2003. She's beautiful and intelligent too! She's one of the speaker of the event and I love her very much. Since then, I fell in love with the name Maryam Saraa :) --> here's a little info about herself <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myriam_Francois-Cerrah">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myriam_Francois-Cerrah</a><br />
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Oh I still love the name Mawar Anggun. It's so classy don't you think so? We found it quite hard to decide which name to give to our lil princess. But yeah, in the end, we decided to choose Maryam Saraa instead of Mawar Anggun. My sis said "Tak payah pening, nama kita kan dah ada kat lauh mahfudz" (dah ditakdirkan la maknenya) hehe....<br />
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OK. Baby starts to cry... and Aaron is getting out of control now.... got to go... see u in the next entry inshaAllah :)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maryam Saraa day 1</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maryam Saraa and Aaron Houdd :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sis Myriam Francois Cerrah.... so prettay isn't she? :)</td></tr>
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<a href="http://s1005.photobucket.com/albums/af180/xiet_enigma/?action=view&current=SIGN3.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1005.photobucket.com/albums/af180/xiet_enigma/SIGN3.png" /></a>Xiet_Enigmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017263017301097002noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8001903575601992455.post-56951064878863360532012-10-02T13:43:00.000+08:002012-10-02T17:43:27.189+08:00Tick tock tick tock... Oh my Aaron39 weeks ++ now.<br />
Daily routine is just as usual, plus every morning has to follow Onni and Aaron to send Tok Daddy to office (dorang takut I sorang2 kat rumah kang terbersalin susah pulak. hehhe)<br />
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Masih berkudrat untuk bermain dan meguruskan Aaron. Toddler, boy lagi. So what can u expect? Memang most of the time amat aktif, minta ummi kejar, dukung, berguling dengan dia... Tapi kalau tak larat sangat terpaksa la menolak. Menangis la dia, terutamanya kalau Ummi taknak dukung.<br />
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Every now and then goes back to Shah Alam, do laundry, chores - cleaning up kitchen, dust, mop the floor, etc etc....<br />
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Weekend. Just follow any event - wedding reception, shopping mall, etc etc....<br />
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Common teguran from the makcik in the wedding reception " Laaa, dah tunggu hari masih lagi kuat berjalan kau ye. Terberanak kang"<br />
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Kalau makcik2 tu kira kita kenal then I selalu jawab "Memang nak bagi beranak la ni. Dah nama tunggu hari" then gelak2. Hihi....<br />
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2 days more Daddy will come back. Alhamdulillah he managed to take a week leaves (Sunday to Thursday). I don't know what he has done cause from what I know, the company still maintain the pantang of no cuti in Oct... Allahuakbar!<br />
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So sweetie baby, Daddy has sacrificed so much for us, so please please please wait for Daddy OK!<br />
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Jom cerita pasal si Hero Aaron Houdd pulak. Lama rasanya tak cerita pasal Aaron...<br />
Ermmm....<br />
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<b>Story 1</b><br />
Aaron did something which I couldnt recall what was it. Then I said:<br />
Ummi: Clever boy! Aaron anak soleh.<br />
Aaron: Yes, Aaron anak soleh...<br />
then pause a few sec....<br />
Aaron: Aaron anak Nuar, Ummi! (his daddy's name: Anuar)<br />
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<b>Story 2</b><br />
Kalau dulu orang selalu tanya Aaron (even my obgyne) whether he wants baby girl or boy, or brother or sister, he'll consistently answer sister/girl...<br />
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Lately, when people ask, he'll answer : Don't want. I want baby only! (-__-)<br />
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<b>Story 3</b><br />
Sometimes I let Aaron play with my bumpy stomach just to get him familiar with this baby thingy, and to build affection and connection between him and the baby.<br />
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I let him play on my belly or touch it when the baby is moving. Long before that, during early pregnancy, I made the move myself and asked him to touch it and told him that the baby was moving..... I never thought that he knew it was my play until now....<br />
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Sometimes when the baby is moving, he feels it and he responds accordingly...<br />
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Then... He'll selak his baju, shows his big tummy and make it moves...just like what I used to do. And he'll say "Ummi look, got baby in my stomach! Baby's moving! like Ummi's one"<br />
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When I ask him "What's in your stomach?"<br />
he'll say "Got baby food Ummi!"<br />
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And now, anything he thinks is big, he'll exclaim "Big like Ummi's stomach!" Herm.... is it lovely or annoying? (-___-)<br />
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<b>Story 4</b><br />
Aaron ni memang ada masalah nak gosok gigi. Dari dulu sampai sekarang. Memang tension je setiap kali nak suruh dia gosok gigi. Ada lah sekali dua je dia akan gosok gigi dengan sukarela, itu pun with tonnes of praises...<br />
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But one morning, I asked him to brush his teeth. And this is what he replied:<br />
"It's OK Ummi, I brush my teeth like this.......with my finger"<br />
And memang betol la dia buat macam gaya P.ramlee dalam cerita apa ntah... guna finger untuk gosok gigi. Haiyyyaaaa... Where did he get all the ideas!<br />
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Aaron's favorite phrases now:<br />
Oh my!<br />
Oh my God!<br />
Oh Dear!<br />
Ya Allahhh!- especially if he reckons something is wrong... or simply after he spilled over something.<br />
Subhanallah!<br />
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OK. penuh dramatic sehhhh cara dia sebut....<br />
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He also likes to use these in his conversation:<br />
I think so! - if anyone ask him something and he really not sure. Nampak muka dia yg tak sure<br />
Otherwise<br />
Because....<br />
And sekarang dah start letak LAH kat belakang perkataan.... Marah betol Tok Daddy dia....hehehe<br />
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And a few other which I can't recall, of course....<br />
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Haih, a few days more and Aaron will become ABANG..... Oh I seriously can't imagine how it would be :)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MY 31 MONTH OLD TODDLER!</td></tr>
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<a href="http://s1005.photobucket.com/albums/af180/xiet_enigma/?action=view&current=SIGN3.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1005.photobucket.com/albums/af180/xiet_enigma/SIGN3.png" /></a>Xiet_Enigmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017263017301097002noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8001903575601992455.post-88493831666135807352012-09-29T01:18:00.001+08:002012-09-29T01:43:46.155+08:00Priority It's normal to feel serabut when many important things come all at once. It depends on us how we want to react with the situation. Right?<br />
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Teringat masa belajar kat sekolah/university dulu, kalau kita pergi motivasi ke apa akan ada lah motivator yang ajar kite quadrant - important, unimportant, urgent, un-urgent... haaaa... ingat tak? hehe...<br />
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Actually post kali ni is all about pregnancy.... and other stuffs.... OK. be precise. Pregnancy VS my thesis... Hehe...<br />
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Sometimes during my 36 weeks of pregnancy, I've decided to focus more on my childbirth. I know some moms would grin and think I'm a bit exaggerate about this. Just wait for the moment and let it happens as how it should be. What else to prepare?... Yes? No?<br />
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As a mom who had already given birth once, I should have not worry much, shouldn't I? But this is just me, being myself. Nak bersalin pon survey hospital bagai nak rak, nak exclusive breastfeed? I read a lottttt and asked a lot of questions too (Alhamdulillah I succeed!)... and now, whether to have a safe and successful VBAC or just rely on the typical hospital procedure in childbirth or simply get another Cesarean birth ---> has led me to another field of research! Hahaha...<br />
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I'd once decided to prioritize on the childbirth research finding, and hence, my thesis became comparatively my 2nd priority (just for temporary). And I was quite happy with my decision that time... A lot of new things have been discovered, new insights on childbirth, etc etc... But a lot more to dig and digest... Hypnobirthing, breathing techniques, exercises, the best positions of birthing, the norms and myths of childbirth, whether induction/intervention/medical instruments are necessary, safe baby and safe natural birth, etc etc etc...<br />
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But something had happened last week, which has turned my life into haywire and urged my mind to think more about my thesis rather than anything else...<br />
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<b>My master journey:</b><br />
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I am currently in my thesis writing mode. According to plan, I'm supposed to submit my thesis on Sept (as that's the dateline given by my co-sv). But well, the reason why this post exists, definitely because I have not yet accomplished the mission. Hehe...<br />
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A lot of unexpected things showed out along the process, which slow down the process. I was able to submit my 1st and 2nd chapter within 3-4 weeks gap only, but the result and discussion take longer than expected because of the hiccups. Sometimes I feel like quitting, other time.... Well, just put aside everything, ignore for a couple of days or even a week, and focus on anything else in life... Hah, I'm actually quite pro in doing that. Haha... Well, human... sometimes we got demotivated... right? (alasan!)<br />
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I don't want to tell u in detail about what has actually happened and what's going on in my master project (seriously it's not worth to know and yes, it has cost me quite a lot of tears - oh my tears are precious! coz I'm no a wimp).<br />
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But for some reasons, nak tak nak memang kena fikir pasal thesis ni melebihi yang lain... And it's very very very dissapointing sebab sepatutnya time macam ni dah boleh relax and just prepare mentally, physically and spiritually towards the childbirth (39 weeks and counting)..tick tock tick tock...<br />
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<b>My pregnancy:</b><br />
But somehow, I gained my strength back... After I got nagged by my hubby :)<br />
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"You've spent a lot of time on your Master. And you've come this far despite the obstacles... and you can still continue on this whenever after the child is born. Tapi masa you nak bersalin nanti, it's your only experience for this only child, and it's a big event too. Whatever happen to you during labor nanti, only you can help yourself. others can't, especially orang2 yang buat awak susah tu, dorang tak ambil kisah pon macam mana urusan awak bersalin nanti... And without knowledge, confidence and all, how can you know what is the best for you and the baby? What if the doc wants to induce, what if you don't know how to push the right way? So I think, it's time for you to just focus on the baby. You've tried hard to please people tapi this time it's time for yourself. you've the right to do so"<br />
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And Yaaa, he got the points.... My children are my priority no matter how. If I want to try something new, something that I'm not familiar with, something memang takde experience langsung, I better be prepare... And since that night, I browsed as many info as I can, googled up articles, and joined a few forums that really help me in many ways.<br />
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And as far as I could remember, I just vet through articles for thesis writing twice and jenguk2 my writing also twice (for the whole week).... Teheeeee. tak boleh la nak tinggal langsung... siang carik info birthing, tengah2 malam (kalau rajin) buka pulak lembaran thesis... (tapi selalu tak rajin sangat)<br />
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Oh, i'd like to share some beneficial website, (in case you are planning for natural childbirth or pondering about the proper childbirth process etc)...<br />
<a href="http://www.givingbirthnaturally.com/birth-positions.html">http://www.givingbirthnaturally.com</a><br />
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<a href="http://naturalchildbirthworld.com/childbirth-positions/">http://naturalchildbirthworld.com/</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.bellybelly.com.au/birth/small-pelvis-big-baby-cpd">http://www.bellybelly.com.au/birth/</a><br />
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And I've also joined these amazing groups:-<br />
Thanks to these groups because now I gain more knowledge and most importantly, confidence to try on my VBAC (trust me if you are not used to chldbirth experience and hanya terikat dengan cakap2 kawan2 about their childbirth experience which are all stereotype - supine position, lie down on bed, dont lift up your butt during pushing or u'll get severe perineum tears etc, u'll be surprise of the new perspective of childbirth)<br />
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Sangat2 berdoa semuanya dipermudahkan oleh Allah.... Aminnnn...<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/mygentlebirth/">https://www.facebook.com/groups/mygentlebirth/</a>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/ICANMalaysia/?notif_t=group_r2j_approved">https://www.facebook.com/groups/ICANMalaysia/</a><br />
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One thing to share.... semalam pukul 12.34 pagi hubby call from his Maxis nu. I asked him why he called use that nu. (mahal)... he said another phone run out of batery....and here's the detail....<br />
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Me: it's OK. wait until u reach home, charge the phone n call me back. I'm not gonna sleep now.<br />
Him: I'm actually dah depan rumah<br />
Me: Oh, tak pelah then, masuk la rumah dulu. call back later<br />
Him: I'm in front of rumah Meru la ni yanggg (my parents house)<br />
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And I straight away went to the front door and... TADAAAAAA, we was really there! I slapped his chest to confirm that that was real. Hahaha...<br />
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We went to McD, senyap2 masuk n keluar rumah sebab everybody had just slept... and this morning my dad pon terkejut tiba2 menantu dia buat surprise...<br />
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Oh, in case you may ask. My hubby sampai khamis malam (pagi) and akan pulang semula ke Oman sabtu malam. Just a weekend visit (Oman cuti Jumaat and Sabtu)... Hmmm... it wasn't me, it's his idea OK. I'm doing just fine here...(padahal happy giler).<br />
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But now Aaron Houdd pulak demam. within 4 hours he vomited 5 times... (apa yang masuk, terus akan keluar right away). Itu memang simptom demam Aaron Houdd...Still monitoring his condition right now... kalau demam panas sangat have to bathe him with warm water (normally just bogel and lap basah2 je. nak mandi tak sampai hati) and give him paraC. Hope not to that extend... Huhu...<br />
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<a href="http://s1005.photobucket.com/albums/af180/xiet_enigma/?action=view&current=SIGN3.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1005.photobucket.com/albums/af180/xiet_enigma/SIGN3.png" /></a>Xiet_Enigmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017263017301097002noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8001903575601992455.post-39655397463178816392012-09-20T19:03:00.001+08:002012-09-20T19:08:40.783+08:00Bad news, big hikmah I guess.<div style="text-align: justify;">
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Everyone encounters different stage of tasks in a different way. As Muslims, we should believe that all the ujiaan we face will eventually lead us to something good, cause we believe Allah doesn't burden us something that we couldn't bear. Or in other words, Allah only tests us with the ujiaan that is possible for us to solve. "When there's problem, there's a way to tackle it"<br />
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Remember this ayaat? <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17.999998092651367px;">......</span><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17.999998092651367px;">Allah does not impose upon any soul a duty but to the extent of its ability. It will have [the consequence of] what [good] it has gained, and it will bear [the consequence of] what [evil] it has earned. Our Lord, do not impose blame u</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #660000; font-family: inherit; line-height: 17.999998092651367px; text-align: start;">pon us if we have forgotten or erred. Our Lord, and lay not upon us a burden like that which You laid upon those before us. Our Lord, and burden us not with that which we have no ability to bear. And pardon us; and forgive us; and have mercy upon us. You are our protector, so give us victory over the disbelieving people.... :: 2 : 286 ::</span><br />
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This ayaat is very wonderful! A great reminder and a powerful Du'a too...<br />
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And speaking of ujiaan... This is what I'm going to share.<br />
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As you know, my hubby and I are now in the LDR phase. It's not easy, and never will be any easier so long as we are in this phase. But this challenge is just part and partial of our marriage journey. Life goes on. Others face different kind of problems in their marriage journey : Trying to conceive a baby, financial, health, etc etc. Yet, life goes on.<br />
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My pregnancy is now 37 weeks. 2 weeks ago, I received a call from my hubby, saying that his company may want to freeze any leave in Oct due to some big events i.e launching new Islamic product of the bank and grand official opening of the Islamic Bank's division (sort of). And tadaaa, my EDD is in Oct! when I first hear the news, I felt so mad! What I just heard was so nerves wrecking!<br />
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I took a deep breath to digest the news. I could no longer hear my hubby's voice clearly, just heard him calling "sayang, sayang" a few times after that. Can you imagine that? I'm about to give birth to OUR baby, not mine alone, and the most important person, the one that I really need at that moment, may not join me during that big event! I think it's totally make sense if I feel mad. And yes, I was so mad that I just blurted anything I wanted-didn't really care of my hubby's feeling. Yeah yeah, all the blame was on him! Well, he's the one who leave us, we are still here. not going anywhere!<br />
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But that didn't last long. I asked permission to end the conversation right away, as I need to calm myself before I hurt my hubby's feeling with my unconscious-unthinking words. But my hubby gave me only like...5 minutes to calm down, he called me back.... But Alhamdulillah, within that short period of time, I gained my rationality back. I just told him that I think it's Ok if it's really happen. I think I'll be able to handle the situation. I think I'll be fine. just keep on praying that the process will be smooth.That's all I need. In the end I did tell him that most importantly, I want to make sure that Allah is always with me, esp during the hard time - And I said all that with tears I tried hard to hold back.<br />
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Up till now, my hubby is still trying his best to ask for exception to take leaves (though he's the mastermind of the product, and one of the main person for the whole Bank event). If not, he'd be able to take long leave - paternity leave + block leave for 10 days. But now.... All we can do now is to pray, and my hubby just need to try his best. Twakkal 'ala Allah. inshaAllah there must b a way....We'll see how it turns out.<br />
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<i>::Reminiscene of my first week after delivery 2 years back = My hubby was the hero of the story. He helped me in many ways: Brought the necessities, provide whatever necessary, clean up my wastes and discharges, massage my feet, shoulder, head, whatever...Only him can do this to me, without me even have to ask. without shame :: </i><br />
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OK. that's one story.<br />
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Remember my last post about Looking for a malay/muslim confinement lady (CL)?<br />
I goggled here and there, asked friends and people about this, posted status in FB wall and in few forums. I went to Shadira spa and some other places myself to survey. Alhamdulillah, I found 2 candidates that fit my requirement... And out of this 2, I chose this makcik from Malacca that I knew from a blogger. From her review that she posted in her blog, this Makcik did a superb service. I made a few calls with the Makcik, asked questions, and lastly, close the deal!--- This happened couple of months ago, during early Ramadhan.<br />
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From the early discussion, the agreement was to take her for 15 days home-care service for RM2K... But I've to deposit RM500 in her account to confirm booking. OK. easy peasy.<br />
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But since then, I called many times to ask for her account nu. She said she'll give me when she's home. She was in duty everytime I called, and she didn't remember her account nu. At last she said, I don't have to pay the deposit cause we already meet the agreement. Coincidentally she has one customer in Taman Melawati end of Sept so she'll go straight to me after finish her work there. She remember my name, safe my contact nu. and she said she'll call me back on my EDD, just to check whether or not I have delivered the baby. If yes, somebody just have to fetch her at Batu 3 KTM station. It's quite weird though, dealing business in such way. I somehow felt unsafe.<br />
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And my gut was telling me the truth. This morning, the Makcik called me and told me that she has to cancel the service because she just realized she already has one customer just 5 days after my EDD. That customer has already confirmed the booking since June. I asked her if she already has customer since June, why on earth she didn't tell me right away when I asked her last time??? She said she didn't check her schedule until last night! What! that is so insane, doesn't make sense at all! If she has that attitude, I bet I'm not the only one who face this problem.<br />
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I was so mad and frustrated but I don't know why I didn't scold her. Makcik tak makcik, this is so unprofessional! She apologized but that wasn't enough! It's easy for her to just run away but I am the one who have to face the consequences. Only 2 weeks ++ to my EDD, and now I don't have any CL!<br />
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I called my hubby and told him about this. Pity him. I didn't mean to make him worry, but I have to let him involve this time. Before this, I took charge of almost everything regarding this CL, hospital survey, baby items etc. But now, at this time, he has to...<br />
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So we are now trying our best to find a good CL in last minute. Normally we have to book a few months early for the CL especially if we have one really good. But at this last minute time, I just hope to solve this problem ASAP.<br />
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I don't care how good the service she could provide. But the very basic thing must correct- attitude. Do you think it's good to let people in trouble and you just walk away from the problem you created for others, as long as you are OK?<br />
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My hubby said "It's Ok. mesti ada hikmah. Kita usaha dulu. inshaAllah."<br />
I just hope we can solve the problem. My hubby is away. Farrr away, not away like, just 100 miles away...my moms working. And I have Aaron Houdd to take care of. I've decided to try for VBAC delivery despite my previous history of CPD. but just in case I have to undergo another c-sect, with my hubby is away, who's going to take care of me and the baby? She knew my situation very well. We discussed about this, I told her about my condition and my concern. If only she ever thinks of the consequences of her action....<br />
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I can't predict what comes next. But I just hope that in the end, I'll be OK. and the baby is alright. Right now I don't really in the mood of telling you in detail about my Master's progress, the rejection of pengurangan yuran which cost me RM 1300++ for this semester padahal I've already in writing mode (no point of paying the research fees which cost me more than half of the total price), and my lecturer's intention to add some more labwork towards the end of my master's journey (I don't deny the fact that what she's doing is for my own good, but indeed, the time is not suitable.not now!). All...came at once! <br />
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It's like I'm having a can of worms... a major quagmire in this critical time. A long and deep sigh may seem to suit me... I feel burdened, and yes I sometimes feel out of control.<br />
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But...<br />
Do you remember the story of Prophet Ayyub, on how Allah tests him with stages of ujiaan, each time was great and heavy. He lost his health, wealth, children, even his wife....Yet Prophet Ayyub's Imaan neither break nor shatter. Allahuakbar, Allahuakbar, Allahuakbar.... the story of Prophet Ayyub is my strength every time I feel so out of control.....though... I must admit, deep inside, my heart is ache, my emotion is disturbed, my brain keeps on producing tonnes of questions-the top one is Why me? why now? and I am not excluded from comparing my journey with others - like why I have to face stages of obstacle just to achieve (just) one goal? why others' are easier?<br />
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But then.... I realize that I have no right to blame anyone, precisely Allah... for all that happen. Because this is my life story. Others' are different. And yes, maybe my prayer is not sincere enough, my effort is not hard enough, and my love to Allah is not deep enough... Before I question Allah, I have to question myself first. Am I a good servant, and have I forgotten easily all other ni'mat Allah has given me.... The nikmat is wayyyy to much than the tests he's given.... Just like what Prophet Ayyub asked his wife before he let her go...<br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79;"><img alt="55:13" height="48" src="http://c00022506.cdn1.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/55_13.png" width="640" /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fffff2; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; text-align: left;">So which of the favors of your Lord would you deny?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fffff2; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; text-align: left;">(Ar-rahman, 55:13)</span></div>
<a href="http://s1005.photobucket.com/albums/af180/xiet_enigma/?action=view&current=SIGN3.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1005.photobucket.com/albums/af180/xiet_enigma/SIGN3.png" /></a></div>
Xiet_Enigmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017263017301097002noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8001903575601992455.post-90105722119389878422012-07-29T13:15:00.000+08:002012-07-29T13:16:52.735+08:00on something truly sad<div style="text-align: justify;">
Assalamu'alaikum.</div>
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I should be writing about something else. I've 2 things in my mind, both are about child's education. I'm actually restraining myself from updating my blog right now, coz I've not yet complete my 3rd chapter of my thesis (which I am now 3 weeks delay of my dateline-even though not entirely my fault-but yeah, still...that's my first priority now)...</div>
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But the pressure of thesis writing is sometimes unbearable! especially when you stuck on something that you have no total control over, and that delay your work, hence change your entire plan... I'm 7months pregnant now and I need to speed up. Things will be more complicated if I couldn't afford to complete my first draft before delivery. "<i><b>Allahumma Laa Sahla Illa ma ja'altahu sahla. Wa anta taj'al khazana idza ma syi'ta sahla.... Aminnnn</b></i>"</div>
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And yes... writing an entry in my dearly blog is totally different feeling. It's like the best place you can visit whenever you want, especially during the time you want to look back on your precious memories. It's also the trusted place where you can jot down whatever you want, considering you don't mind what people may judge you :D I never mind not having any reader, as my main objective is to keep the memories alive, and to share something that I know, especially about parenting and children education. Share aje lah, org baca or tak lain cerita. Hopefully it can be some kind of my effort of spreading knowledge :)</div>
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And oh yes, speaking of blog- I'd read one of my friend's blog about friendship couple of days ago. She did mention about how sometimes friendship becomes something so weird- like you know- you used to have close friends where you share almost everything but things changed after everyone gets married or starts a new life (I'm rephrasing her words in my own way and understanding by the way.hehe)... She also mentioned about having to remove her friends in her blog who apparently doesn't really seem to care about her life anymore. Mind you her blog is in private mode. So it might make sense. She only maintain true blog-friends (in a sense) that still care for her, and she'd of course care for them too... Overall, it's about quality friendship...</div>
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I somehow agree to her points- quality friendship. Like I always say, I'm no a hardcore blogger. I don't mind not having a lot of followers. I do maintain some blogs, be it from the owner that I know in real life, or those who I just found in this blogging world. I choose them not because they are popular, having a lot of followers and what not. I choose to maintain reading their blogs because they have something to give me, something beneficial in term of knowledge,inspiration and motivation, and maybe much more, even if they have only like 12 followers, I really don't care. They are good mothers, inshaAllah good muslims. I've met new friends in blogging, friends that I can share things and thoughts though we never meet in person.</div>
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I know some of my friends keep updating my life by reading my blog. Indeed, I'm using the same method too. Fully understood, things nowadays are so much different than back then. We are tight with a lot of commitments - work, study, hubby, children, family, business, you name it... Sometimes it's not that we totally forget our friends, but maybe...maybe there are constrains that keep us busy. And I'm sure we still remember each other and the longing of old friends stick around together is so deep inside our hearts... That is why. I hope my dear friends can steal some of their times to update their blogs, because I need to know they are now truly happy, truly alive, as I am happy for their happiness. ..And most importantly, coz I don't want our friendship to fade, for whatever reason it may be.</div>
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So friends - esp my closest friends - you know who you are - please lah rajin sikit update blog naa. I miss you all so much. FB is not the same as we don't really tell our stories in FB. nak call pun kadang2 tak menyempat, tak berangkat, kalau you all tak return my call pun nanti macam2 speculation syaitan dok invent dalam hati.... I know you guys are busy. everybody is busy. even Aaron Houdd is busy. Hehe.. But please lah.... OK?! </div>
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P/S: I have a friend that we met since form 1. And we still can call each other despite how busy our life is. Sometimes we meet. It's simple. When one of us call each other during wrong timing, we just have to call back or text each other later on. And we still manage to make silly jokes and share stories - just like old times.... Oh of course, she is a career woman, married, and has baby too.... Some other friends, although we don't meet each other due to distant etc, but we keep on buzzing each other's life through FB message, YM, blog, etc... I think at least we make use of the techno wisely. hehe... </div>
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<a href="http://s1005.photobucket.com/albums/af180/xiet_enigma/?action=view&current=SIGN3.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1005.photobucket.com/albums/af180/xiet_enigma/SIGN3.png" /></a></div>Xiet_Enigmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017263017301097002noreply@blogger.com8