Mom of the Year Award

I have been honoured with my first blog award from my Singaporean mate, Stylomom, who seems to think that I deserve it. I'm probably expected to give a speech a la the winners of academy awards, or like my blog-chum, KC. Hehe... But I digress. Issues of child-raising is a very sensitive matter to me. I strongly feel that what others think is not important. Only my children and the Almighty know how good or bad a mother I am.

It seems that the award comes with a set of rules which are:
1. Admit one thing you feel awful about (involving being a mom). Once you have written it down, you are no longer allowed to feel bad. Remember you are a good mom!

2. List 7 things you love about your kids, you love doing with your kids, or that your kids love about you.

3. Send this to 5 other moms of the year that deserve a reminder that they too are the best moms that they can be. Remember to send them a note letting them know you have selected them, and also add a link to your post that directs people back to the person who nominated you.

So, here I go.
Admit ONE thing you feel awful about.
Being strict.
Mama, can we go to the movies today? NO (no budget!)

Mummy, can I sleep with you tonight? NO (If I say yes to one, the others will deem me unfair. Er... how would 5 on a battered springy bed sound to you?)

Mum, can I buy this with my own money? NO (refraining from buying does not always have to do with money. It's also got to do with how much it could be a waste of!)

Mama, can we stay here for another night? (after 3 nights sleeping at friend's in Sheffield recently) NO (negotiations can go on and on for days. Besides, I already had the following day marked on my diary!)

Why do they always try their best at persuading me? Who do I consult when in doubt? Why do I always feel bad even though I have my very own rationale behind the constant NOs?

7 things I love about my kids/ I love doing with my kids/ kids love about me

1. I love their thoughtfulness. Sharing and considering others is something that often touches my heart. It doesn't matter if it's the last slice of apple on the plate, piece of chocolate from the bar, bit of crisps in the bag, or drop of sirap bandung in the jug; they would each make sure that everyone in the room has been asked for permission or consent, Would you like some more of this? They also share their thoughts and memories of their beloved daddy with me all the time...

2. I love their creativeness. A card, a paper model, a spy-gadget, a lego sculpture, a new recipe or a poem. At times, their work is gobsmackingly magnificient. Occasionally, it might be amazingly innovative. Other times, it could be hilariously fascinating. It's their effort that counts.

3. I love doing outdoor activities with the kids: swimming, playing football/ tennis/ badminton, flying kite, running, etc.

4. I love having them in my arms and showering them with kisses! And I hope I can continue doing this even when they're all grown up with kids of their own. :)

5. My kids love the craziness in me. Despite my firm stand, I'm always singing, dancing and fooling around with my Fantastic Four. Princess sometimes comments, You're like a little girl, Mama, but I don't care! LOL!

6. My kids love me for being clever. Every time they ask me a question, I'd provide them with an answer - when I don't know the answer, I give them an honest reply just like all teachers do. Upon quenching their thirst, they'd ask me further, how do you know, mum? How do you always know all the answers? So, it's natural then that they think their mom is a genius. Hehe... Aren't all mothers and children bias?

7. My kids love me for always surprising them with sweet-nothings. And when I say 'nothing', I mean 'nothing': a card, a second-hand item, a piece of chocolate, or even a bun or cookie with their initials on. Sometimes, I'd save up for something they've been eyeing on, get it at a bargain, and keep it until the day they deserve it arrives.

I know that all moms deserve this award but I can only choose 5 here, and they have to be bloggers. Hence, I'm awarding those whom I admire for the superb strength that makes them different and special.

1. Raden Galoh - a cancer fighter who has 2 handsome princes. She's their idol, for definite! (mine too!!)

2. Myheartbleeds - a widow with two sweethearts. It is obvious that she's a superwoman who braves through her days despite the blood flowing through her heart! (though I constantly pray that she'll heal soon)

3. Ms B - a single mom with an angel. It's not easy bringing up your off-spring all alone in a foreign country. Tell me about it!

4. Naz - a supermom who makes mouth-watering Sambal Hantu Syaitan and Lefser, and bakes vannkringle for her adorable children in a land she now calls home. A tough call. Norway? NO WAY for some!! :)

5. Simah - another super-duper mom in a foreign land (Turkey), who fixes kıymali ispanak and other tongue twister dishes for her delightful duo (and husband). How these women (Naz & Simah) master a third language is certainly a wonder to me!

Lastly, my gratitudes to Stylomom for the award, though it's only virtual!

The '16 Dalil' tag

As if she doesn't know me well enough, bubbly Roti Kacang Merah who's an old friend from youthful Edinburgh days has asked me to put a HUGE tag around my neck (perhaps just like her chubby kitties). And on this tag, she wants me to list down 16 things about myself, or as she calls it, dalil. Oh dear sweetie, why oh why so many?

Quite recently, I have done a similar tag in my FB account. Previously, I know I've done several tags of similar themes as well. But being the sport I am (dengar ni RKM?!), I thought, why not? What I couldn't decide was whether to give 16 'wild and crazy' stuff about me, 16 stuff from on top of my head or 16 deep mumbo-jumbo (after all, KC called me a philosophical lady - duh?!). Without further ado, I present you with myself:

1. Am in need of a good exercise! Ooops! The procrastinator in me lulls manana, manana while gulping down my cuppa and cuddling the little warm bodies...


2. Am definitely crazy over puzzles: sudoku, crosswords, word games, scrabbles, maths, brainteasers, etc. My idea of entertainment is a set of mind-boggling conundrums. Ironically, I have a list of unsolved personal problems which I leave in the hands of the more Knowledged.


3. I strongly believe in fundamentals. Often do I wonder in perplexity how the humans (including myself) so often fumble in the dark when guidance is clearly given in the Holy book. In most cases, simplicity does not work and does not pay off, as we continue being satisfied with the little that we do without truly realising that the hereafter is what matters most. Definitely not an extremist, neither a liberalist. Just a humble soul struggling to do her best to be a good Muslim.


4. I adore children and love teaching. Although trained to teach at the secondary level, I have voluntarily taught kindergarten children, organised language camps with primary school children, tutored and taught various levels from pre-schoolers to adults.


5. Have a ridiculously small kitchen that drives me crazy!


6. Clueless as to why people have more faith in me than I have of myself. Somehow, it has often been the case since I was young although my family is excluded from this as they think I'm the youngest who is probably the least wisest (which I don't altogether argue. Hehe...).


7. I have the tendency to motivate people - this I know! Ask me for a fraction of my thoughts, and I'd be happy to share with you all that I have. Friends, strangers, acquaintances, family members and students. Yet, somehow, I'm missing my own motivator and driving force. Hence, I am forced to seek professional help from counsellors and those of similar traits.
   
8. Very forgetful. Short-term memory is worsening despite the regular exercise it gets (my puzzles and memorisation of quranic verses). Must do more - perhaps in terms of my diet and general activities.


9. Impatient. I do things quickly. I know that sometimes I actually have to slow down but the thing is, if I do, then it will give room to Mr Procrastinator!


10. Honest. I'll tell you whatever you want to know if you deserve to know.


11. Am beginning to see the truth in the saying "Words are cheap" and beginning to apply it to life by not trusting people too easily. Perhaps because of No.6, I never really thought others were capable of hurting. In most cases, words and phrases become mere cliches! Trust in the Almighty and nothing will go wrong! I can therefore, also be considered as damn right reserved or secretive!


12. Would prefer not to have pets even though the kids love them, just like the late Mr D. We've had all sorts of pets for the past 11 years: white mice, rabbits, tarantula, birds, hamsters, fish, terrapins, chickens (ayam katek) and even ducks. Euwwww...!! For the time being, I have enough 'pets', thank you! (although Little D whines and begs for one all the time and the twins seem to think a hamster isn't enough!).


13. Am sure that I belong to an interesting lineage if only I knew more. On my late mother's side, my great grandfather from my grandfather's side was the first Mufti of KL while my grandfather became the Dato' Syahbandar of luak Sg Ujong, NS - who married the daughter of my great grandfather, the Dato' Kelana of Sg Ujong. More curious of my father's side, however, all I know is that my grandfather had a few wives and that some of my father's siblings have very sharp features, which is supposed to be a typical 'cucu Zakaria' thingy. Bah, so much for roots and family trees! I'm not even surprised if I got any of the details I've written here wrong (Oh my, my!!).


14. I want to do more for others: helping the identification of dyslexia (which exists and isn't a myth), offering free English lessons to the needy (err, the rich can pay, okay?), offering support to those afflicted with cancer, being good in order to generate more good, and the list goes on...


15. I never dare to hope because it only brings to disappointment and disdain (Perhaps it explains why the late Mr D was always spontaneous and full of surprises). Instead, I pray to Him for the best - which is sometimes vague, I know. However, in most cases I don't know what to precisely ask for except for the best of the best. Okay, second best is still good enough! ;)


16. Always blessed nonetheless.

I made a blunder tagging others the last time I answered a tag as everyone seems to have been tagged at some point or the other. So, anyone or everyone is most welcome here. :)

The tag I got from KC

Ms KC is a lady of leisure (also read as LOL); she does nothing other than blog and blog. Hehe... By right, I should be writing the tag Rotikacangmerah gave me first, but that requires a little bit more of thought. Ergo, we strategise by doing the easier one first. ;)

The questions from the tag are:-
What is your enthnicity?
Malay though some say I don't look like pure Malay.

What are your interests outside of fashion?
Books, art and food.

Favorite musicians/bands?
Don't have one in particular.

Favorite movies?

Among the favourites: Gone with the wind, Sound of Music, True Lies, Heat & The Bourne series(Identity, Supremacy & Ultimatum). Don't enjoy movies so much nowadays without my soul mate.

What do you plan to study? What do you plan to do for a career?

Plan? I AM currently studying dyslexia amongst second language learners. My heart's in the academia - both parents were too. Will do nothing other than this. Can't do anything other than this.

How often do you shop?

I now try to go to the supermarket and butcher's once a fortnight only. The less I go to the shops, the less I spend.

Do you have a job/work?
I'd like to think so.

How do you afford your clothes?
A difficult question to answer. Pass.

How do people react to how you dress?
It depends on what I wear infront of whom and when. In general, I think the public approves. ;)

What are your summer plans?
To continue with what I'm doing and perhaps, if there's some rezq, will take some fresh air somewhere with the kids.

**************************************
Tag about cellphone
THREE NAMES IN YOUR INBOX CELLPHONE?
(messages I've saved)
Kak Rose
Noiya
Nisak

YOUR MAIN RINGTONE? Memory

WHAT YOU DID AT 12 LAST NIGHT?
Reading a Cecelia Ahern's novel under the duvet with the younger two on each side.


WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU WENT OUT WITH? WHERE?
My Fantastic Four - to Asda for our fortnight shopping.


THE COLOR OF THE SHIRT YOU’RE WEARING NOW?
Pink.


THE LAST THING YOU DID?
Tuck my angels to bed with kisses and du'as.

THREE OF YOUR EVERYDAY FAVORITE ITEMS?
Source of caffeine (either my range of teas or strong coffee), laptop and mobile phone.

THE COLOR OF YOUR BEDROOM?
Imagine white wallpaper?!

HOW MUCH MONEY IN YOUR WALLET NOW?
Less than £20.


YOUR FAVORITE CITY?
Edinburgh.


WHAT WILL YOU DO NEXT WEEKEND?
Party in Sheffield.


WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU SAW YOUR MOM?
What a question!! Almost 33 years ago... :'(

WHERE IS SHE NOW?
In 'Alam Barzakh. May her soul be in peace. Al-fatihah.


WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU TALKED TO YOUR PARENTS?
Spoke to Dad on Friday but I think I'm going to call him tomorrow morning.


WHO IS THE LAST PERSON THAT TEXTED YOU?
Kak Rose.


WHERE DID YOU HAVE YOUR DINNER LAST NIGHT?
In my living room.


THE LAST SURPRISE YOU GOT?
A few weeks ago - who else, if not from my children.


LAST THING YOU BORROWED FROM YOUR FRIENDS?
Books.



WHO IS YOUR BF/GF OR HUSBAND/WIFE?
The person I love most; also the only person who can love me as much.


WHAT DO YOU FEEL NOW?
Miss him...


WANNA SHARE WITH WHO?
Er, share what? (am I not sharing with you guys here?)


WHO KNOWS YOUR SECRET?
Those I trust.



DO THEY KEEP YOUR SECRET?
I wouldn't trust them otherwise!


ARE YOU ANGRY WITH SOMEONE?
Why should I waste my time and energy?


WHAT DO YOU ORDER AT MCD?
Don't go to McD over here but if in Malaysia, it's usually Fillet-O-Fish!



THE LAST TIME YOU FELT SO SAD?
SO sad? Not so long ago.



NAME THREE PERSON THAT YOU'D LIKE TO TAG HERE: Anggerik Merah, littlemuffins and Zakiah.

Meme: 7 facts about me

Ms B tagged me. I'm just going to write this instantaneously. So here goes 7 facts about me:

1. I don't go for branded items. I may admire them, but I don't buy them (simply because I don't have the money to!)
2. I love teaching (or lecturing, or whatever you call it). Probably won't survive doing anything other than this.
3. My favourite colour is green hence am always bias towards it.
4. I have developed into a nagging mom. Horrible!
5. I am a rather reserved person. I only open up with people I'm comfortable with.
6. I like variety. It spices up my life and the people around me. My late husband used to say, "You're so colourful. I can imagine life being so dull without you." Funny - now life is so dull without him.
7. I am at present not entirely sane...

Do I have to tag others? Okay, Lil Happy Me, myheartbleeds, and pekebenda.

8 random facts about myself

Myheartbleeds tagged me. Here goes nothing:

1. I'm always blessed by the Almighty.

2. I get stressed out easily.

3. I've recently developed a bad habit of spending too long in the shower.

4. I love cooking and baking, but I'm not a good cook.

5. I love durian.

6. I hate mice and rats!

7. I love children and entertaining them.

8. I don't know why people think I'm strong when I seriously feel like just falling with face flat on the ground!

I am tagging only half of the actual 8:

1) Simah

2) halwafy

3) ummi kalthum ngah

4) kd

Tagged: An Islamic meme

Nadia, a high-school junior of mine tagged me this interesting meme (sorry it took me so long, Nadia - have some targets to meet). It's all about what inspires you as a Muslim - one Quranic verse, one hadith, one Muslim man (other than Rasulullah), one Muslim woman, one contemporary Muslim, and Islam in general. It also requires you to think of your own contribution as a Muslim to inspire others. Let me however warn you that some of the things I will be writing here are things I have mentioned already in the past. Repetition is not meant to bore, but merely to reinforce my own belief.

Rules:

1) Answer the following questions (7 in total)

2) Post on your blog with link to who tagged you

3) Tag a minimum of three other bloggers and include links to their blog in your tag. Make sure to let them know you’ve tagged them too.


Meme Questions:
1) What Qur’anic verse do you find most inspiring and why? What does it mean to you personally?

وَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللَّهِ وَكَفَى بِاللَّهِ وَكِيلًا

And put your trust and reliance in Allah, and sufficient is Allah as a Trustee. (Al-Ahzab 33:3)

The concept of Tawakkal is oft heard and learnt since my younger days - total surrendering to the Almighty after great effort on our part. Alhamdulillah, the meaning now goes deeper than that, and after experiencing His greatness, I now understand (past entry on this).

I have now (why has it taken so long??) made Him as my best friend, whom I totally trust and turn to at all times. Previously, I made my late husband as my best friend - for he was mine, so I thought. Of course, I believed in the Almighty, and knew that He could take anyone anytime. I also believed that things had to be done Lillahita'ala, oh yes I did. What didn't occur to me at that point of time was how lonely I'd be without my best friend by my side anymore, despite the many wonderful friends and family all around! That's when I realised: "And trust and rely on the Living One (Allah), Who will never die, and celebrate His praises and thanks. And Sufficient is He to be acquainted with the sins of His slaves." (Surah Al-Furqan 25:58)

The more we rely on Him, the greater the chances that we will try to please Him by following the guidance He has given us, which in turn will lead to goodness in this world and success in the Hereafter. Isn't that just amazing? By fully trusting in Allah and relying on Him, I am just not depressed by what I have lost, or intoxicated by whatever I have achieved, or even troubled by what I have yet to encounter. Everything is in Allah's hands. And that should be enough to make me not only humbler but more submissive to God, thus a better believer, InsyaAllah.

2) What Hadith (Qudsi or Sunnah of the Prophet salalahi alahi wa salaam) do you find most inspiring and why?

Hadith Qudsi 16:
On the authority of son of Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both), from the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), among the sayings he related from his Lord (glorified and exalted be He) is that He said:

Allah has written down the good deeds and the bad ones. Then He explained it [by saying that] he who has intended a good deed and has not done it, Allah writes it down with Himself as a full good deed, but if he has intended it and has done it, Allah writes it down with Himself as from ten good deeds to seven hundred times, or many times over. But if he has intended a bad deed and has not done it, Allah writes it down with Himself as a full good deed, but if he has intended it and has done it, Allah writes it down as one bad deed.

(related by al-Bukhari and Muslim)

This hadith shows us how obvious Allah loves us - His creations - to no end. I am inspired by the Rahman and Rahiim that is illustrated through the hadith. It is so easy to score using His system, isn't it? To think that we humans always argue and fight for equal rights, demanding anything and everything possible. Does this hadith reflect the sense of equality we humans fight for, or tit for tat?

In our daily lives, this is what we should be practising too: to acknowledge a good move or intention by a child, friend, acquaintance or any other being, with praises and words of encouragement. On the other hand, a mistake or negative act should not be condemned and highlighted for sheer embarrassment or amusement ('aib). Generate more good deeds and then InsyaAllah we'll be blessed in this world and the hereafter.

3) Other than the Prophet himself salallahi alaihi wa salaam - what Muslim man do you find most inspiring and why?

I have always been inspired by the character of Saidina 'Uthman ibn 'Affan since a child that my admiration for him continues till today. He was the fourth man to embrace Islam, and the third of the four caliphs. I am truly inspired by the great virtues in him; a very wealthy and generous person. For instance, in one of the battles against the Romans, he contributed 200 ounces of gold as charity, 1,000 dinars, 900 camels and 100 horses in total. Rasulullah was very touched at 'Uthman's sincerity that the prophet reassured him that from that day onwards, nothing will harm `Uthman regardless of what he does.

How can I not be inspired by a gesture so pure and refreshing? Nowadays, there are so many wealthy people around but donations must always be publicised. How many of us (me included) would never hesitate to contribute ANYTHING and EVERYTHING for others simply for the sake of the religion and Allah swt? Sometimes we are too selfish with our possessions, which are ironically, not even ours. Yes, 'Uthman ibn 'Affan should certainly be made a role model.

4) Who is the most inspiring Muslim woman to you and why?

I am attracted to strong characters and Saidatina Khadijah is one strong character I totally admire. Okay, so we share the same name - perhaps that's how I became so fond of her. But Khadijah portrayed a woman of strong personality which women today (especially those who take Women's Liberty to fancy) should pay more attention to.

She was 40 when she married Muhammad, aged 25. She was the prominent one - the successful and wealthy businesswoman who employed Muhammad. So intrigued was she by his honesty and diligence that she felt he was the one worthy of her - so much that she proposed to him herself! (There you go ladies - chuck the perigi cari timba saying). You see, Khadijah had been married twice before and had lost both her husbands in the wars. So, she had basically decided earlier that she was never ever going to marry for the third time, for fear of being widowed again. All that changed when she met her perfect match - Muhammad!

When Muhammad became prophet at the age of 40, she became his pillar of strength and support throughout all the difficulties and hurdles he went through. As the last prophet, Allah had provided him with the best woman to help him during his trying times. She was the FIRST to embrace Islam.

The greatness of Khadijah's personality is truly evident in how Rasulullah projects her. The year she died was called Year of Sorrow - and she was undeniably Rasulullah's favourite. He took no other wife till after her death. Aaah... true love!

Why am I inspired? I don't want to just bear the name I have. I want to have the same qualities and traits of this righteous woman - the best wife in the world; among the four greatest women in the whole world. Subhanallah...

5) What CONTEMPORARY (i.e., living) Muslim do you find most inspiring and why?

Hmm... Let's see. I'm going back home into our backyards for this. One contemporary Muslim I find most inspiring just has to be Nik Aziz Nik Mat, the Chief Minister of the only Muslim state in Malaysia. Why shouldn't he be, as his lifestyle reflects Islam as the true Deen - the way of life. Humble and amanah, he runs his daily life just like any other citizen, without splashing out on luxuries of mansions finished with marble and gold. He is a man with qualifications that could easily fill up a wall yet never so greedy to obtain more than his fair amount of share.

Why I admire Nik Aziz does not have anything to do with my political stand in Malaysia. Nonetheless, I can't help thinking, if every leader - politically inclined or not, were like him, then surely we'd get to lead our life the way we should - Lillahi ta'ala, for the hereafter. How can I not be inspired by such moderate living by someone who sets as an exemplar to us all? Having watched a recent YouTube documentary on him, I am determined to aim for one of his practices: to perform the Dhuha prayers before the start of each day. Isn't that just wonderful? I may not have a state to rule, but I do have other responsibilities important to me - to Him we surrender, to Him we beg for forgiveness and guidance in life.

6) How has Islam inspired you in your daily life?

How can it not, when Islam is the only thing that has made sense in every single step or happening I have treaded on in life? I have been shown the light as through solat and du'a, the ummah is always behind me - with Allah's help and will. Allah loves us all, and although we feel so alone, we never really are.

I look at everything around me, good or bad, and everything just points to the mightiness of Allah swt. Not inspired enough? Then there's definitely something wrong with the Imaan...

7) If you could do anything at all to inspire others through Islam, how would you do it?

I would love to inspire others with every move I make! Islam is the way of life. If only I can live my life as a Muslim should, then I hope that would inspire others to link up with me. Let's work on it together because in this world we live together. Shouldn't we help one another, inspire one another and build a better life and world together? Unfortunately, I still have a lot to work on before I can really inspire anyone!!

**********

I hereby tag 3 others (if only I could tag more!!):

1) rd (who I believe has interesting facts to share)

2) AZ (another high-school junior)

3) al-amiNJ (for a man's point of view)

Welcoming a tag...

I've not been writing much, I know. Well, to be honest, I HAVE been writing, but they have turned out to be posts too depressing to be put up on the web. Hence, they're all piling in the draft corner, waiting for me to hit the DELETE button. And then, along came Ms Instanbul who attempts to get me out of this.

Let's see, here goes:

1. Name one person who made you laugh last night. Little D - fell asleep with talcum powder all over his face!

2. What were you doing at 0800? Playing Sudoku online (*sigh...)

3. What were you doing 30 minutes ago? Folding a basketful of clothes

4. What happened to you in 2006? Oh, too many wonderful things... Phuket with Mr D and kids, aced 4/4 at my previous workplace (similar to PTK), then making a whole new move to the UK.

5. What was the last thing you said out loud? Good night, love you!

6. How many beverages did you have today? Errr... 3 coffees and 1 chinese tea

7. What color is your hairbrush? Lost mine but Princess' is pink

8. What was the last thing you paid for? Milk and eggs - yesterday

9. Where were you last night? Home

10. What color is your front door? White

11. Where do you keep your change? Everywhere!! In bag, purse, car, pocket of coat/ jacket, back pocket of jeans, on the kitchen counter, and anywhere possible!

12. What’s the weather like today? Ice cold

13. What’s the best ice-cream flavor? Mint

14. What excites you? A holiday

15. Do you want to cut your hair? Oui!

16. Are you over the age of 25? Oh, not a minute! (yeah, sure...)

17. Do you talk a lot? Only with people I'm comfortable with

18. Do you watch the O.C.? Once upon a time

19. Do you know anyone named Steven? My supervisor!

20. Do you make up your own words? tuckadadoom

21. Are you a jealous person? I'd like to believe I'm not

22. Name a friend whose name starts with the letter ‘A’. Azura

23. Name a friend whose name starts with the letter ‘K’. Kelly

24. Who’s the first person on your received call list? Ustaz (Saturday)

25. What does the last text message you received say? Good morning mama

26. Do you chew on your straw? Only when I'm nervous

27. Do you have curly hair? That's private...

28. Where’s the next place you’re going to? bed

29. Who’s the rudest person in your life? a relation who's not much of a relation

30. What was the last thing you ate? a clementine

31. Will you get married in the future? *sigh.. this deserves an entry on its own because my kids have thrown me this question. What I told them is what I'm going to write here: "Allah plans the best so I don't know what's going to happen in the future. But if you asked me, I'd say 'probably not' because I want to be reunited with your dad in the day after. Besides, it's not going to be easy to find someone who will take us all the way we are. Let's not worry or think about such things, okay?"

32. What’s the best movie you’ve seen in the past 2 weeks? Bourne Ultimatum

33. Is there anyone you like right now? How can I like anyone when I don't even like myself?

34. When was the last time you did the dishes? two hours ago

35. Are you currently depressed? Mighty!

36. Did you cry today? Milion pound question. Take a wild guess?

37. Why did you answer and post this? Because I've got nothing better to do...

38. Tag 5 people who would do this survey: kak elle (muah!), roti kacang merah (be a sport, yeah?), restless (to calm the nerves), elara (who's not got many posts in his blog yet) and adiejin (who seems to run out of ideas)

What lies underneath D?

My dear old friend from school days, BAMZ107 , tagged me. I have been reading this tag on others' blog and have prayed VERY hard that I won't ever be tagged on this one. Oh, sigh... world is small and there's no escaping this. I know some people hate tags so much, often refusing to be a sport to it. Well, I don't like not replying to people's requests, though I must say I'm going to do this MY way. Hope you don't mind, BAMZ107!


The Layered me
Layer One: On the Outside
Name: D
Birthdate: 26th April, 1972.
Current status: Married, mom of 4
Eye color: Dark brown but light brown would be great, eh?
Hair Color: Eh, cannot tell mah, aurat!
Righty or Lefty: just a normal Righty

Layer Two: On the Inside

My heritage: The land of Adat Pepatih - both parents from Negeri. Don't ask me anything else because I know I don't look pure Malay.

My fears: being alone without God's protection
My weaknesses:Being impatient, thus a terrible temper!
My perfect pizza: Mr D's ... (sorry, bias!) - tell me, how can my choice of perfect pizza be a part of my inner self? Shouldn't this be under My Picks?


Layer Three: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow
My thoughts first thing when I wake up: What day is it today?
My bedtime: around midnight
My most missed memory: of late Mom and Bro because without stimulation, they can fade away...

Layer Four: My picks
Pepsi or Coke: don't care
McDonald's or Burger King: also don't care, can do without any
Single or Group Dates: Dates?? With whom?? HaHaHa!
Adidas or Nike: Nike, of course - Just Do It!
Tea or Nestea: Tea (strawberry tea, peppermint tea, ice lemon tea, and Earl Grey)

Chocolate or Vanilla: We talking about ice-cream right? Then vanilla pleaaaaseee

Cappucino or Coffee: If you're offering, I'd have Cappucino because I don't have that in my larder. HeHe..

Layer Five:

Do I Smoke: Never ever! Made sure whoever was wooing me in those days didn't smoke! LOL.
Curse: At times .. through gritted teeth

Take a shower: Who doesn't?
Have a crush: Everyone was young once - so, obviously...
Think I've Been In love: Still am and staying here for good, InsyaAllah
Go to school: Still am. Well, never really left it - either to study or teach.
Want to get married: Who's insane enough not to want to get married? AM married now, so obviously!
Believe in myself: I have doubts at times.
Think I'm a health freak: Kononnya but naaaah, just had some cookies! Ooops....


Layer Six: In the past month
Drank alcohol: Never even in the last life!
Gone to the mall: Hai, sapa la yang design questions nih - of course la !!
Been on stage: Do concert recitals count? Ahaks....
Eaten Sushi: yup
Dyed your hair: Only with henna


Layer Seven:

Have I ever played a stripping game: Shhhh... only with Mr D!
Changed who I am to fit in: When I was younger maybe..

Layer Eight:

Age I hoped to be married: upon graduation - and I did it, aged 24, Alhamdulillah...

Layer Nine:
What was I doing1 min ago: Editing this piece

1 hour ago: Blogging
4.5 hours ago: Online chatting with old pal who wasn't asleep yet in Malaysia
1 month ago: How would I remember?? The same stuff I'm doing now, I suppose.
1 year ago: Managing kids back in Malaysia without Mr D

Layer Ten: Finish The Sentence

I love: all those who love me
I hate: being lonely...

I hide: under the duvet when I want some peace from the children

I need: the strength from Allah

Layer Eleven: Tag 5 people (this is definitely poorly designed, as this can't be a layer of me!!). Thus, I'm NOT tagging anyone because I don't see much point in this tag. Still, anyone can write a similar entry in their blogs.

Any point of pausing to reflect here?

What's in a N.A.M.E?

The Dublin Doc, a.k.a kd has tagged me. The only reason I think she did is because my blog entries have recently been so stale. My sincere apologies to all... it's not easy being a juggler, especially a pretty ambitious one! (Am not pretty though!).

Well, here goes:

Proposition: What is the meaning of your kid(s)'s name?
Requirements: write about what or how or why you gave the name to your kids.
Quantity: FIVE PEOPLE.
Tag Mode:1st - You leave their blog and post link and add to the list below.
2nd - Let the blogger you want to tag know they been tagged by commenting in their blog or etc.

Msau The meaning of SQ and Kiki
Shopping Mum The meaning of Justin and Isabell
Judy Chow Terry
Shannon Rachel
Samm Gordon n Malcolm
Sasha lil J
mott 2 monkeys
Fatty Poh's Fatty Boy
Kd NAMI & MIMI
D Abang Z, Abang H, Princess & Little D

The names of our children are mostly chosen by my dear husband. Sometimes I do have suggestions but as our children are mostly boys, he'd often say, "No, I have a friend with that name... I don't want to be reminded of him". Hence, with the boys, he decides them all.

Now, hopefully I've got them all translated correctly.

First borns:
1) The honoured Intelligent
2) The honoured Pious
The twins don't have names which sound too similar. Their first names are the same but their second names don't even begin with the same letter. We believe that the children should bear names with good meaning so that they will grow up being good Muslims.

Third child:
3) Pleasant intimacy
My Princess' first name was taken after a post-graduate's daughter's name. A simple name yet meaningful. I chose her second name and hope that she'll be soothing to everyone around her.

Last born:
4) The most noble one equipped with religious wisdom.
I insisted that I wanted my next son to bear the prophet's name Muhammad or Ahmad. Hence, this one is the longest. His second and third names were actually taken after Mr D's former English lecturer.

I think four children is enough for now. Got 4 by the age of 30. I have so much hopes for them and pray that Allah will grant them a good life ahead.

I'm tagging 3 people only:
1) my friend who's new in this blogging world - bluewonder,
2) dadof4 - who's soon to change to dadof5, and
3) mama22beas (in return for her tag)

Meme:10 bad and annoying habits that we think our spouse detests

With a good sense of sport, I accept this tag passed on by Mama22beas.

Alright, this is tough for several reasons. Firstly, there are 10 things to think of. Not 6, not 5 but all the fingers on your hands!!! Secondly, I am annoying but my darling is so nice that I think he tolerates me to no end. Ergo, when I asked him to list down the annoying me, he said (most adoringly), "you have none, honey.." Awwwww... you know he's a big liar here, hence I'm struggling with this piece on my own.

10 bad and annoying habits that we think our spouse detests:

1. Being messy - I sometimes leave my telekung unfolded on the praying mat. Well, perhaps a little more than sometimes.


2. Being disorganised - everything is everywhere while Mr D keeps documents in the exact files.


3. Keeping EVERYTHING in the handbag - rubbish, books, keys, rubbish, pens, erasers, notebooks, tissue papers, rubbish, Gameboy, paracetamol, haircomb, hairbrush, you name it, I (almost) have it.

4. Leaving the TV on while walking in and out the room - hey, we're multi-tasking, aren't we? I'm coming back, dear...


5. Being clumsy - I can't help it: born butter-fingers! HeHe...


6. Procrastinating - oops... this entry is a little late, isn't it? For me, it's NOW or later. So, when things are left to the last minute, who else has to deal with the panic and more panic?


7. Abandoning projects. That's why I have him by my side to make sure I go on and complete the tasks I set out to do, ye tak yang?


8. The very short massage sessions I give (because my hands aren't strong enough!!), when he can go on and on massaging me until I ask him to stop.
9. Nodding off in the car during long journeys, instead of keeping the tired Mr D behind the wheel company!


10. Not being able to read road signs and maps accurately.

Okay, Mr D helped me with this (finally) as I just couldn't reach 10. He says it's not fair because he thinks the good things should be highlighted as well (told you he's such a nice guy!).