A Spat Off The Urban Din....Tales From The Pigeonhole

In hibernation

2007-12-12T14:43:00.000+08:00

Shyte!

I'm down with

Writer's Block Syndrome.

Pardon me while I self-medicate & hibernate...

My Maid....

2007-08-27T08:03:00.000+08:00

I've always wanted a Maid! *I said want, not need!
But I do not want my domestic liberty compromised!

I've always wanted a Maid! *I said want, not need!
But My Maid doesnt have to clean my bedroom, cook for the family & handle Mika.
*Kerja senang kan?*

I've always wanted a Maid!
But I dont believe in the govt levy!
How can? She works hard, paid peanuts, and gahmen gets a share of the pie!

My maid only has to clean the house, which includes
~~mopping the floor every fortnight (parquet flooring cannot mop regularly!~~) this I always do with Mika
~~scrubbing the bathroom~~ (Hey! Dis I do as I shower!)
and cleaning up after I'm done cooking! (But I clean as I go!)
~~laundry~~ (I want it done my way)

But I really NEEEEDDDDD a maid...
To sweep the floor EVERYDAY....

So...
I got myself THIS MAID!!!
Not THE MAID eh!

Gong Xi Fa Cai

2007-02-16T10:18:00.000+08:00

I'm gonna enjoy my much-awaited 4days of
funfilled-jampacked-bonding-activites

with my men...

Yeaaaahoooooooo..........

To most,
Gong Xi Fa Cai

To the rest,
Enjoy ya hols!

Androgynous

2007-02-12T10:25:00.000+08:00

Was going thru Mikhail's Missy's SD Card
when I stumbled upon these...

Taken many many many months ago...

Toncetnya Cantik plak tu!!

So, is this how would Mika looks like if he's
Misha instead of Mika?

MIKA.................MISHA

Muahahahhahahhaha

kauauakhahahauahauah

Pressure Cooker!

2007-02-04T09:57:00.000+08:00

- Working Under Pressure -

I'm loving it!

Just ponder....

2007-01-12T12:38:00.000+08:00

1. If Fed Ex and UPS were to merge, would they call it Fed UP?

2. Do Lipton Tea employees take coffee breaks?

3. If olive oil comes from olives, where does baby oil come from?

4. If people from Poland are called Poles, why aren't people from Holland called Holes?

5. Do infants enjoy infancy as much as adults enjoy adultery?

6. Why the man who invests all your money called a broker?

7. If horrific means to make horrible, does terrific mean to make terrible?

8. Why is it called building when it is already built?

9. If a book about failures doesn't sell, is it a success?

10. If you're not supposed to drink and drive, then why do bars have parking lots?

11. If you take an Oriental person and spin him around several times, does he become disoriented?

12. If vegetarians eat vegetables, what do humanitarians eat?? Humans ???

~Have a Great Weekend!!~

Propaganda Machine 2006

2006-12-31T23:35:00.000+08:00

Mika's first ever LCHC Gig!

Eidul Adha 2006

2006-12-31T08:27:00.000+08:00

SELAMAT MENYAMBUT EIDUL AD'HA

Which way?

2006-12-21T12:54:00.000+08:00

Who's going where?!?

Dapur Mama

2006-12-17T14:48:00.000+08:00

Nasi Putih

Rendang Daging

Terung Goreng

Urap

Begedel, Ayam Goreng

Tahu & Tempeh Goreng

Phew!!

Boleh Pengsan ah!

Called in the 'testers' for their most honest review.

Verdict:-

P A S S !!!

Urap : Lengkali kelapa takyah banyak sangat....

But taste wise, sedap! Cukup rasa!

Rendang : Power! Lebihkan daun2...

Terung : Ok. Beli terung panjang. Lagi sedap!

YEAHOOOO!!!!

Comment yg paling best :

For a first timer, this is damn good!.....

takper.... Blajar dari kesilapan. Cuba lagi.

Thank you

Jemput makan semua....

Siap hidang kat dulang lagi!

Keerook....

Next I buat lemak nangka plak eh....

Crazy Dudes!

2006-11-06T13:46:00.000+08:00

What do you do when your Superior
suffered a heart attack at work,
and currently battling death in the
Operation Theatre?

1. You sit in your office, cry your lungs out, praying hard, wishing that if only you could take half his pain away.... yeah like Pigs Can Fly!

2. You start going around the workplace,

collecting donations just in case he didn't survive the ops.... Afterall not all surgeries are successful! teeheehee

3. You & your colleagues start going crazy with all sorts of nonsensical antics

& pretend nothing happened.... Life goes on, y'know!

My Our answer is obvious...

Lu tak balik pun cantik ah!

Ramai orang sukerrrr!!!!

Have a great weekend...

2006-10-27T10:26:00.000+08:00

This much work and dateline's on Monday,

and yet I'm on half day leave!

Tsk! Tsk! Tsk!

Mentang2 takder gahmen!

Enjoy your weekend,

everibodiiii.....

Iftar @ Darul Ma'Wa 2006

2006-10-21T23:30:00.000+08:00

Alhamdulillah

Praises be upon Allah swt
for granting me the health & longevity
thus making it possible for me to yet again,

gather all my beloved friends & acquantainces,
bring a smile into the less fortunate kids' life...

Iftar dis year, is no difference than every other years....
Except for the fact that it'll be our last iftar at
No. 1, Chin Cheng Avenue.

Insya Allah...

Come next year,

it'll be held at their new premises just a mere

150m walk from where they are now.

Neway,
once again, from the deepest bottom of my heart, I thank
you, you, you & you

for your generous contributions & efforts,
into making this event a successful one...
Alhamdulillah...

Thank you.

No contribution is too small, rest assured.

Jangan serik yer, Kakak2, Abang2,
Adik2 & Anak2....

Hang em high... Hang em proud...

2006-10-16T13:27:00.000+08:00

The initial agreement between me & my sista was
I buy the kain and pass to you... U jahit for me, I give you upah.
Deal.
So I bought the kain.
Organza.
All 15ela of em!

Den, came the Maam Besar into the picture.

Bila nak jahit, she asked.
Ngah jahitkan, I replied.
Jahit sendiri lah! Macam tak tahu jahit!
Gulp!
Rosak programme gue nak dok goyang kaki!

Aiyah!
If I know I kena jahit sendiri, den I wouldnt have bought organza!
I would've bought kain cotton! Senang jahit!
Chet!

Neway, jahit myself, I did!

I had to rely on weekends and

whatever in-between chores time I had

to get it done...

Susah tau, curik2 time!

Nevertheless,

Alhamdulillah....

My efforts has finally paid off...

It took me almost a month just to sew

4panels of

Tab Top Curtains....

Nampakcamsenang-memangsenangtapilecehnakmampos!

But, I admit.
I strongly agree with Mom.
Usahakan dengan Titik peluh sendiri...
Bila dah siap, nikmatnya, Masya Allah....
Hanya Allah sahaja yg tahu betapa bangganya kita!

I cant describe the feeling....

the anticipation,

each time I came closer and closer to finishing it,

till it's all good and ready.

I was gushing like a kid in a candy store

as I finally oggled over the end product of

almost a month's labour of love

hanging pretty by the window.

With a wide grin that screams out

"Totally DIY, Totally Satisfied"

Blissful, I tell ya!

TWO...

2006-09-22T18:47:00.000+08:00

Our Precious Turns Two.

This time round,

no birthday bash or anything of the sort.

Just a simple get together with

immediate family members

does just fine.

Oh, and our next door neighbour

aka Mika's kawan sekampung or playmate.

Alhamdulillah...

Glad all went well...

Thank you to all who came, bearing gifts and all!

Thankful....

2006-09-03T20:02:00.000+08:00

Alhamdulillah....

Thank You....

Thank You For Smiling....

Bazaar

2006-08-30T20:13:00.000+08:00

Okay....

Due to popular demand....

I shall put it up here....

So, here it goes!

GAP skort

Sizes Available : 0-3mos, 6-12mos, 12-18mos

Price : $12 each

GYMBOREE Teeshirt

Sizes Available : 6-12mos, 18-24mos, 2T, 3 & 7

Price : $13 each

OSHKOSH Assorted tees

Sizes Available : 0-3mos, 6-9mos

Sizes Available : 18mos, 24mos & 36mos

Available in yellow & white.

Price : $13 each

RALPH LAUREN Shirt

Sizes Available : 5, 6 & 7

Price : $18 each

SPROCKETS tee & shorts set

~ Race (Boys)

Sizes Available : 2T

~ Pirate (Boys)

Sizes Available : 3T & 4T

~ Sail Away (Girls)

Sizes Available : 3T, 4T & 5T

Price : $15 each

All items are original brands. (Cetak rompak tak main, ah!)

These are excess stocks & NOT defective products.

Walking on Crocodiles...

2006-08-25T13:28:00.000+08:00

The Top Ten Reasons to buy CROCS:

10. These shoes are just so darn cool.

9. Slip-resistant to give you traction on wet or slippery floors.

8. Made from a space-age material that molds itself to your feet.

7. Advanced ergonomic Italian styling for the ultimate in orthopedic health.

6. Anti-microbial means no more smelly feet!

5. Can be sterilized with bleach and water for medical applications and surgery.

4. Toe box ventilation keeps your feet cool and dry.

3. Easy to clean and return to their original luster using ArmorAll®.

2. Non-slip and non-marking soles.

1. The world's most comfortable shoes.

Each shoe weighs only 4 oz. and floats on top of the water.

Bottomline,

Mika lurves it!

Dats all that matters!

Mika Goes East....Downtown East.

2006-08-20T16:35:00.000+08:00

As Mika stands on the cusp of his

2nd birthday

which is a lil' over a month away,

its time he embarks on his first ever

'vacation'.

I guess Mika is a 'late bloomer'

with regards to this,

as some kids have gone on countless of such trips,

some way before they could even walk or muster their first word.

As much as

I would like to do all that and more,

I'm usually brought back down to earth by all the

'what ifs'...

What if he cannot sleep,

and wants to go home in the middle of nite?

What if there's no toddler-friendly food establishment around?

What if...?

What if.... ?

Yes, yes, yes!!!

I'm paranoid,

I can be pessimistic at times...

But hey!

Better be safe than sorry,

more so with regards to MY kids' well-being.

As cliched as it is,

but its a fact nonetheless.

Besides, as you guys know,

I'm not in favour of

seret budak kecik ke sana ke sini...

Nanti dah sakit, kena sawan, Padan Muka!

See! I'm paranoid again!

So,

for the first time ever,

we were here for the weekend...

All in the name of

testing water...

teeheehee

Insya Allah....

The beginning of many more to come...

Woohoooo.....

2006-08-18T14:06:00.000+08:00

Mika's Supplies?

Checked.

Mika's Toilettries & First Aid Kit?

Checked.

All of Mika's Necessities & Essentials?

Checked.

All packed and ready to Chao!

Later, Guys...

Guilty as charged!

2006-08-05T12:44:00.000+08:00

Keerook was still deep in slumberland
when I left home with Mikhail,
to meet up with my supplier.

Not just another Bonding moment with my lil' angel;
but it's also my way of making up to him for the lost time.

It all started on Thursday.

My smartie pie knew I was crossed with him,
for he had, accidentally, spilled a carton of fresh milk,
while trying to reach out for the pack of sliced cheese,
albeit being constantly reminded not to.

And because of that, he went to sleep almost immediately
after having put up with my incessant nag.
*yes, I nag coz he's smart enuff to understand my blabbering*
Memang Faham bahasa!

And last nite,
was another short nite for us.
I had left him under Keerook's care for a couple of hours
while I went out for a breather.

I thought the Angel would have fallen asleep by the time I reached home.
But no, there he was, being piggybacked by Ayah,
opened the door while a loud, high pitched, excited
A'laaammmm...
*Read : Waalaikumsalam...*
My boy's been waiting for me, afterall!
Iyer tak yer jugak eh!
Camner nak tido, seblom dapat bau ketiak mama dia yg mashem tu!

Hence,
this morning's short outing.
Just the two of us.

LRT-MRT trip to Admiralty Station.
Breakfast @ MacDees.

Just us!

Am I Guilty, you ask?
Yes, Guilty as charged.

CLingy...

2006-08-01T19:52:00.000+08:00

"Jialat lah you!"

"Eh, no good, you know!?"

"Wahlau! U sure die one ah!"

I was dumbstrucked by these comments.

Comments made by my colleagues

who are Working Mothers, themselves.

Seriously.

But why?

I don't see what's the big deal!!

Whats wrong with

Mikhail being clingy to me?

If its not me that he's supposed to get attached to,

then who?

My next door neighbour izzit?

So what if he follows me around like a 12 o'clock shadow,

and there are days that he insists that

I, and not Keerook,

shower with him, change his nappies, feed him and carry him.

Total attention to the very last letter!

He even screams whenever he lost sight of me...

Come bedtime,

he demands that I

do the shadow puppet act with him,

after which, he'll rest his head on my pillow...

And the best part,

instead of gentel-ling his buddies,

(B)Ar-Neey & E(l)mo, that is,

he'll stroke my cheeks, while whispering sayangggg to me,

before he finally drifts into dreamland....

Am I complaining?

No, why should I!?

I take pride in the fact that

despite spending most of his waking hours with

my Mak, his Nenek,

he still looks forward to going back to his own crib,

spending whatever remaining pre-bedtime he has with me,

snuggling up to me,

kissing, hugging & giggling.

I dont want to wake up one day,

only to realise that he's all grown up and pass this phase

and look back with regret.

I dont want to come to a point

where I have to rely on Mak/Nenek

to cultivate the necessary sense of discipline,

when Mika misbehaves.

Can't these people see the bigger picture and rationality of it?

Afterall,

no one said motherhood is served

on a silver platter with cherry on top...

Homemade Chicken Ham

2006-07-27T10:13:00.000+08:00

I find the HALAL chicken ham sold at
Cold Storage
ridiculously over priced.

Well, not really, if you buy it occassionally...

But for one who buys them on regular basis,

It is NOT cheap, hokay!!

So,

the only way to give in to my ngada-ngada tekak

tanpa melarikan budget pasar,

is to have it,

what else, but home made?

Very Leceh,

I tell you!

No, not the process....

But the fact that it takes me at least

3days

before I get to savour its

juicy, tender, succulent white flesh....

Evenly marinated... the longer, the better

Marinate ikut suka hati kamu....

Roll it firm....

Clingwrap-ed tightly....

Tie em' secure...

Tis' to prevent the chicken from expanding when you boil it later...

Refrigerate...

2days later.....

Slow boil the rolls in a pot of boiling water for 10-15minutes....

Cut the strings & Remove the clingwrap...

*Do not throw the water*

Leave to cool at room temperature for 8 hours....

Arrange them back in the container,

pour over the leftover liquid....

Chill for 24hours...

Wokay! Ready to use....!!!

See its smooth texture...

~ Recipe courtesy of Mariam Kanazawa....

Happy Birthday, Noah

2006-07-25T16:32:00.000+08:00

Happy Birthday,

Noah

May Allah swt grant you health, longevity & prosperity...

May you excel in your studies,

dan semoga menjadi anak yg soleh...

Aminnn....

Had a small, yet fulfilling

birthday get-together last Saturday.

With cake & presents and all...

Noah Bin Abdul Shukor

With Cuzzin Mika menyelit...

Make-Your-Own Sushis & California Roll....

Cuzzins on the stairs...

Dinner Sogok

2006-07-21T22:07:00.000+08:00

Had a dept 'pat-on-the-back' dinner.

Memang patut pun!
Kerja macam nak mampus,
kalau tak profitable jugak,
tak tahu apa nak cakap!

Okaylah....
Since

Boss

aka tua kutuk, tua nak mampos, maha pelokek, macamlah duit poket dia sendiri,

dah sogok kita dengan dinner yg tak seberapa kan,
the least we could do,
cekik ajerlah!
Dah bagus dia tak suruh bayar sendiri!

BURP!!

Eh Tua,

Promise ah...,

HongKong In November!?

Nature Walk

2006-07-16T23:01:00.000+08:00

A Pleasant Evening....

2006-07-09T23:02:00.000+08:00

I've just finished washing the dishes.

The guys had just left.

It sure feels great to get together again.

Abah's initial plan to celebrate my birthday at Bali Thai,

was somehow, after much careful consideration,

was switched to just dinner at home.

And so they appeared,

greetings at the door, heavily laden with

satay, thai chilli chicken, sea bass,

among other delicacies.

Thanks, guys...

for the wonderful dinner

& a pleasant evening...

And thanks for celebrating my birthday with me...

What say u?

2006-07-06T09:20:00.000+08:00

I noticed that my Mikhail

don't follow my traits, well some of it at least.

Dat is, the ability to pronounce words as a whole,

by the tender age of 2.

Not a worrying sign though...

He'll get up to speed, I know he will.

But then,

as I always remind myself,

to keep my ears open as I might just catch him

uttering a word or two, or even a complete sentence.

He usually does it once and won't repeat it again for awhile

or till he feels like it.

Nie budak ada angin satu badan, lah!

True enuff...

On one occassion,

Mom was in the bathroom and Mika was looking for her....

Nenek! Nenek! Wheyaru?

Mom couldn't believe her ears! She listened intently again.

Nenek! Whereareyou?

Chewah!

Last Weekend,

he went into the study, looked @ Keerook,

"Hi! Howareyou?"

And this morning,

while walking to Mom's

he suddenly exclaimed,

"Amik! Amik"

Amik apa? I asked, but continued walking.

"Amik! Amik!"

So I gave him a benefit of a doubt,

turned around,

and before I could finished asking

Amik Apa?

There, I saw, on the grass patch,

his hat which had fallen off his head just a second ago!

Smart Boy!

Like Mom said,

dia kenal harta dia!

Eat-Till-You-Drop

2006-07-04T21:57:00.000+08:00

It was a so-called outing I sooo looked forward to!
.
.
.

Nevermind the unexpected turn of events!
Still not enough to dampen our ~~fighting~~ eating spirits!
.
.
.
And I loved medical check ups @ hospitals.
They are oh-so generous with MCs.
All you have to do is just ASK.

Sure can get one!

*Tsk! Next appt would be in July 2007! Chet!!!*
.
.
.

With MC in hand,

we headed to

Ramen Ten @ FarEast Plaza,

to satisfy our feeling-Japanese tekak.

My second's and Her first.

Before & After

SLuurrrpppp!!!!!!

And since its Waffles Day,

panaskan kerusi Gelare is a must, u noe!

Burp!

Yalah! Yalah!

Next week we go again lah!

Foot For The Sole

2006-06-29T21:52:00.000+08:00

For the First Time Ever....

Brand New Shoes For Sale

Beaded & Sequins
Size 37
$28

Denim Material

Size 37

$28

Colour : Black

Size 37

$28

Slippers

Size 39

$13 each

Whilst Stock Last

Kek Instant

2006-06-03T18:56:00.000+08:00

The Meekster's

been pestering me to bring out the

mixer & oven

for some actions.

Why,

its been *almost* a month since we last

baked a cake.

Last week's bake-out don't count,

coz its just

Steamed Pandan CupCake.

For his sake,

this was the recipe of choice....

Pre-mixed pun mesti nak sedap, perrr!!!

We added these..

An Hour Later.....

Yummylicious-Can'tStopAtOne-

GenerousWalnut,Almond&ChocolateChip-

FreshFromOven

WalnutCake

Yuuummmmmm

Happy Birthday Mak

2006-05-23T22:01:00.000+08:00

Celebrated

Mom's Day

aka

Mother's Day & Mom's Birthday

earlier on.

With all 8 of us
serenading her with our out-of-tune birthday song

followed by the

must-have

cake cutting ceremony.

However,

no prizes for guessing

Who

S.T.O.L.E

the limelight away from the birthday girl.

Who

got all excited with the cake & lighted candles,

Who

went around passing a slice of the cake to all the guests

like it was his birthday....

Who?

Eiks! Jadi cam birthday dia plak!

Moooncong maintain, Brudder!

Okaylah...

Since it coincides with Mika turning 20mth old,

kita kasi Mika chance....

Selamat Hari Lahir, Mak.

Semoga dimurahkan rezeki, dipanjangkan usia,

dikurniakan kesihatan dan diberkati dunia akhirat!

SiGnS oF a BAD BabYSiTTeR

2006-05-19T15:51:00.000+08:00

It's not always easy to know whether your child's caregiver is doing the job she's supposed to.

To find out, you may have to do some sleuthing.

Some parents who suspect something may be amiss rent nanny surveillance equipment.

But it's often possible to tell whether something's wrong without going to that extreme.

You may have trouble on your hands if:

* Your toddler isn't happy to see the nanny or babysitter and has become anxious and withdrawn. A regular caregiver can never replace Mom or Dad, but a child needs to trust and love his nanny or babysitter completely.

Perhaps your toddler and caregiver haven't bonded, or the nanny or

babysitter just isn't providing the kind of warmth and comfort your child needs.

As in every human relationship, having the right chemistry is important.

* Your nanny or babysitter seems secretive about the daily routine.

How your toddler and his caregiver spend their time shouldn't be a secret .

When you come home, you're probably eager to hear about your child and

what happened while you were apart.

If your caregiver isn't forthcoming about it, either she's not good at

communicating with you or she has something to hide.

Even a caregiver whose English is limited should be able to convey the

ups and downs of your toddler's day, and will understand why you want to know.

* Your child has been in one too many easily avoidable accidents.

A nanny must keep her eye on your child, and know what he's doing at all times to

prevent injury.

She may be leaving your child unattended as he sleeps or plays.

Spaghetti Hari Malas

2006-05-17T21:54:00.000+08:00

Reached home almost 9.

Left with very little time for the many things that needed to be done.

Penatnyer.....

Would it be MacDees again?

Perenially one of the easiest way out.

No way!

I stood firm.

Gimme 15mins!

Slurrppp!!

Main ingredients....

Other than minced meat & whathaveyous

Very essential!

Dump 'em all

Before & After....

Power!

*Burp*

A good, wholesome quickie of a meal!

Mikhail's Long Weekend....

2006-05-14T23:50:00.000+08:00

Pure Bliss!

If you ask me, It just gets bigger....

2006-05-13T20:20:00.000+08:00

THIS

is not enuff......

Look at

THIS

best kan?

On Government Service

2006-05-06T14:35:00.000+08:00

Time to be a good citizen....

Wonder whether we'll get to vote again for the next GE?

Rojak Bandung.....

2006-04-24T21:26:00.000+08:00

"Lama eh, tak makan rojak bandung...."

Gulp.

"Iyer tak yer jugak eh!"

Okaylah...

Rojak bandung for dinner tonite.

double check sukatan....

kangkong..... sotong kembang...tahu goreng...

Gross!

2006-04-23T12:28:00.000+08:00

Mikhail's first

SELF-INFLICTED INJURY!

Nasi Ayam

2006-04-16T14:18:00.000+08:00

Nie sumer gara2

Mak & Ngah

mentioned

Ayam Goreng Kentucky.

Kentucky as in the blasphemic tepung kentucky.

So tekak nie teringin lah nak makan ayam goreng Kentucky.

Mentel, kan...

Apa lagi,

masak Nasi Ayam lah, jawapnya!

Nasi Ayam

(I used beras basmati Anarkali instead)

Chop Chye

Chicken Soup

Yaya,

datang sini amik nasi!

Performing Arts....

2006-04-15T17:50:00.000+08:00

Spaghetti Daging Daun Selasih

2006-04-11T21:45:00.000+08:00

What do you do with a

2day old delicious-and-lip-smacking-tapitakblehbuang-lefttover

Daging Daun Selasih

just because you don't feel like eating rice today?

Simple.

R/E/C/Y/C/L/E

is the word.

Saute diced onions & chopped garlic.

Add capsicum, shitake mushroom and whathaveyous.

Add 1tablespoon oyster sauce.

Water.

Add the leftover lauk.

Mix well.

Add spaghetti.

Dash of black pepper.

Stir well.

Serve.

Fantabulous Evening....

2006-04-09T23:28:00.000+08:00

No wonder I had a strong feeling of wanting to go to BPP.....

Even though I had no idea what I needed to get.

No wonder I had a strong feeling of wanting to get something to eat over there.....

Even though I have plenty of options at home.

Patut lah....

Bumped into a couple of old friends.

Miss you all lah!

The initial plan to

just jalan2-ambil-angin

soon remained as just that, a plan.

Instead,

we had dinner at Delifrance.

(Mainly coz most of the other eataries were packed)

Still,

it was okay..

Even though I had the most pathetic

Caesar's Salad ever!

P.A.T.H.E.T.I.C

Coz it's just "leaves" with very

tiny (read:barely visible)

pieces of bacon bits and

some runny dressing and

NOT

a S.I.N.G.L.E crouton in sight!

And you call that Caesar's Salad?

Caesar's Salad My foot!

Even Burger King serves a more mean-er salad, twats!

$5.50 for a small bowl of leaves, sheer rip-off!

If only Wally was here.... Sigh!

Neway,

the rest of the menu was pretty okay

(save for the f-ing' Salad)

Fortunately,

all the rabbit food issues were soon forgotten....

Just by watching how....

Lil' Mikhail would imitate every single thing Abang Ilham did...

They both enjoyed themselves on Thomas The Tank Engine...

Priceless!

Nadia & Co,

thanks for the company....

Till next time!

Nutella CupCakes

2006-04-08T20:32:00.000+08:00

Spent the afternoon baking some Nutella CupCakes.

Sent some over to Cheacher's.

Verdict:-

Lembut... sebab panas2...

Rasa okay....

Okay jer?

She then asked what went into the batter.

Sugar, Butter. Eggs, Vanilla essence. Flour, chocolate chips.

And Nutella.

"No ovelette?"

Uh Oh! Her eyes open big big oredi.

"No."

"Macam kuih buat kat skolah, jer!"

(This, I couldn't disagree....

As much as I like its simplicity & basic ingredients,

I couldn't help but feel like I was in my

Home Econs Class, some 15years ago...)

Gulp!

"Nah! Try this!"

She said as she dig into the treasure chest of her

recipes collection,

all neatly arranged in colour-coded files....

Nie sedap, she said.

Chewah! Promote resipi dia plak!

Still, your cupcakes turned out good, she assured me..

My Cheacher!

Still, she bought my word that the reason behind my

lil' bake-out yg simple2 ajer,

is none other than,

Mikhail...

Coz I needed.....

Something simple enough for

the lil' apprentice...

Something which doesn't require much

prep-work, ingredients & long winded instructions.

Something as easy as

whisk, mix, pour & bake....

Oh well!

I shall attempt Mom's version.

Soon.

Ntah bila, lah....

But S.O.O.N

Insya Allah...

Get well soon

2006-04-06T12:33:00.000+08:00

Since last nite,

my lil' darling has been showing signs

of soon-to-develop influenza...

Clear white mucus flowing,

though occasionally,

followed by a couple of soft coughs,

and random sneezes..

are enough to trigger my 'stand-by' mode...

Never mind even if the temperature check

assured me that

he'll be up & running within a day or two.

And all he needs is

plenty of rest and lots of fluid...

Sacrificed my already so-limited annual leave and

turned SAHM today,

just so I could nurse

Lil' Angel

back to health...

I strongly believe that

HOME

is the best place to recuperate from any illnesses.

Not Nenek's house,

Not anyone else's house...

Whenever

Mikhail's

immune system lost the battle and fell prey to the bacteria,

the least I could do

is to leave my employee tag behind and

resume the role of a

responsible mother.

My monthly reports can wait.

My daily duties can be taken over by other colleagues.

My Boss can go to hell, if he refuses to comprehend

why I need to be away from the office.

Get well soon,

my young padawan...

Tea & Pie Tee With Me

2006-04-02T20:02:00.000+08:00

The apartment smells wonderful...

Of citric lemon & pine

On a

Windy Sunday Afternoon...

Which took so long to come

It couldn't be better....

Then to hang out at homebase;

over a cup of freshly brewed earl grey,

and piping hot pie tee,

with the Crib-crew.

AHhHhH..Weekends..

Ayam Penyek

2006-04-01T22:48:00.000+08:00

While Ayah's away at a gig,

Momma & Baby

kept 'emselves occupied.

What better way to kill the afternoon
than with some good 'ol

Ladies Day Out!

A late lunch with Mom & Sistas....

For a marvelous spread of

Nasi Ayam ala Wak Kang,

otherwise known as

Ayam Penyek..

And oh, the

must have

Kuah rawon & sup buntut....

to go along....

Yummy!!!

It was then followed by

a little bit of shopping, coz 'baju-dah-habis',

A look-look-see-see-only-then-TERbeli-pulak @ Tangs Basement 1,

and

Alamak-Marie Veton-ader-offer-yok-gi-tengok.

4 full tummies and 4 much lighter purses later,

the day was good and done!

F.O.R.M.U.L.A....O.N.E....

2006-03-25T22:22:00.000+08:00

Once A Fan.....

Forever A Fan.....

Momma Not Cooking....

2006-03-24T17:01:00.000+08:00

Momma's not cooking....

Momma's on diet!

Yeah, rite!

Neway,

That doesn't mean

we can't go out for a nice meal,

right?

The Boy And His Grub....

Alhamdulillah.....

EIGHT-TEEN

2006-03-22T21:48:00.000+08:00

He turned 18 months old today....

Happy 8-teenth, my boy....

A jab earlier in the morning,

and now he's back to his old cheery self.

My boy!

I was, however,

have been told to watch out for the

infamous

Terrible Two

phase...

ever so warned by the Doctors & Nurses & Friends...

Earlier, at the clinic....

In Room 33....

With his inquisitive self,

coupled with an alert mind,

he made himself at home by roaming around the room,

oblivious to the strangers who,

in any moment,

are gonna prick that fleshy right thigh of his,

with a dose of

RotaVirus Vaccine....

Later,

in Room 88....

The Doctor was rather surprised at this

'smart boy with big beautiful eyes'.

"He's so smart & alert.

Very good! Very active!"

A few checks here and there later...

"Okay, (assesment) pass!"

That's music to my ears, indeed...

Thank you, Doctor....

Oppsss...

Just for the records,

My Lil' Munchkin

weighs 10.4kg, stands @ 78cm...

Takperlah.... janji sihat kan kan kan...

A.D.I.D.A.S

2006-03-18T20:13:00.000+08:00

All Day I Dream About Shoes

There's just something
about the timeless ol' skool 3 stripes trademark....

FINALLY!!!!

Got THE Pair

after months of scouting & waiting...

Just why can't the

Adidas Flagship's

heyuge, flashy boutiques

carry those chic & cool latest addition designs?

So much so,

after so many years,

I still have to religiously depend on the

heavenly Queensway & Peninsular Plaza

for a smogasbord of cool sportswear!

Chett!

Proudly parked next to Ayah's....

Shee Shay ShiShaMo

2006-03-14T22:52:00.000+08:00

I am oh-so-kemaruk with Shishamo.

Alah......

Known as Pregnant Fish, to some, larrr...
Kan, Nyce, Kan?

All because I didn't get enuff of it at Sakae Sushi....

Tak puas kan, Nyce, kan?

So kemaruk and mengidam I was,

I even thought of sneaking out of the house @ 3am,

and run all the way to Jurong Port,

all for the sake of

Fresh/Fresh/Fresh

ShiShaMo!

Nie sumer lu punyer pasal ah, Nyce!

Alhamdulillah.....

kalau dah rezeki tu, tak kemana kan, kan, kan?

Found the heavily pregnant

ShiShaMo aka Capelin

neatly lined in the

huge white cool boxes @ Sheng Siong!

Gua caya sama lu lah, Ah Shiong!

Dis is what I came up with!

Soba Noodles w/ Nori

Oyster Mushroom, Shitake Mushroom, Lotus Roots,

Sweet Potato, Kakiage,

and of course,

SHISHAMO!!!!

Whoah!

*Burp*

Alhamdulillah...

*Burp*

Nyce, u nakkkkkkkk????????

BANG AJI oh BANG AJI....

2006-03-10T09:25:00.000+08:00

Nenek presented Lil' Mikhail

with his F.I.R.S.T ever

'homemade' Kopiah...

Eversince he's so into solat.

Nevermind,

I shall talk about it next time...

For now, it's just these...

Month End Madness

2006-02-28T14:46:00.000+08:00

I hate month ends!

Its the only time the surface of my

otherwise very neat & clean spacious desks

*yes, I occupied 3desks*

are being deprived of

~~sun~~ (fluorescent) light.

........

Messy,

I tell ya....

Sheer Madness

To the extent of having to squish my,

errr....

brain,

out for a break...

But still got time to solve this puzzle!

heh.

At the end of the day,

Still in 1piece,

despite the pressure....

Thank God for the bigger work area!

From this,

To this

and this....

personal delivery of teh halia!

Am I complaining?

Nope.

Not at all!

Heh.

Book-A-Bye Baby...

2006-02-26T19:54:00.000+08:00

Kiddie books are damn pricey!

Agreed?

B/U/T nay!

It aint gonna stop me from

splurging on some good books for

my angel!

I've stocked up on some

goodie goodie reading materials

for his daily dose...

Pop ups are fun....

and

Flashcards are must haves

Books for boys..

Oh!

And not forgetting the worm....

A Smart Worm, he is...

now...

who says I only buy Mika toys?

tsk tsk tsk

1800-LILHELP

2006-02-25T10:30:00.000+08:00

- A.D.V.E.R.T.I.S.E.M.E.N.T -

Need A little helper?

Don't worry..,

He doesn't charge by the hour!

Just give him milk & food.

He'll be more than happy

and very much delighted to be at your service!

Really.

Lil' Boys Shouldn't Be Sent To Bed Early, They'll Always Wake Up A Day Older...

2006-02-22T10:22:00.000+08:00

Do you ever felt on some days,
after a long day at work,
and when you've settled down and all,
having picked your lil' un from the babysitter,
you noticed that your baby seems to have grown sooo much,

intellectually and physically ?

His antics, the way he jokes and craves attention,
the way he talks to you....
its like,

Oh my!

Its as if as he's done a month's worth of growing up

in a mere 24hrs!

For now,

I felt sooo lost, in a good way that is!

Somehow,

I feel a tinge of regret,

for not being able to really 'watch' him grow

in the afternoon.

I cant turn back the blardee clock, can I?

Keerook & I

were in the kitchen the other evening,

when

Lil' Mika

came in, pointing to the large kropok filled container and said,

"Nakkkkk...... Nakkkk Popo...."

Gave him a piece, and he walked back to the living room,

sat on his mattress in front of the teevee.

Like a big boy,

precociously glued to the goggle box,

with sheer concentration on whatever's unfolding....

He looked so unbelievably grown-up in that moment

Uuwwwaaahhhhh!!!!

Not dat its a bad thing,

but.... but...

its too soon!

Hats off to weekend parents

[whether by choice or circumstance....]

For I noe, it's something we can never be!

Extra Beef, Extra Chili, Extra Time Please...

2006-02-16T20:19:00.000+08:00

Keerook had numerously insisted that

I take time off for myself,

just to relax and let off some steam

break away from my chores & routine

for a moment.

"Go out with your girlfriends, lah!

Shopping, go for a nice meal, movies or anything!" He shooed!

After much contemplating,

and no thanks to the hard nudges &

excessive persuasion-till-my-earwax melted,

I decided to go ahead with the

anomaly known as the

Laydees Day Out!

Okay....

But for the 1st time,

it wont be anything fancy of such!

"Anything lah, just take the time-out! As long as it makes you happy.."

He insisted... again

"Just enjoy yourself. Don't worry about things at home!"

Yeah, Rite!

Still,

strode past the prison gate

I did,

swinging my black&white handbag,

walked to the nearest bus stop,

hopped onto the bus

and head to Clementi Ave 3

for a nice hot bowl of

Thaksin Super Supreme Beef Noodle

with lots of chili padi!

*Slurp*

He was right!

Its been ages since I last got to

slurp my favourite kway teow,

with its generous beef cubes & tetelans,

without

having the lil' munchkin vying for my attention!

Without

having to stop and feed a strand or two

of the super yummy rice noodle to the toddler.

Without

having to share my oh-so-evil delicacy!

Not that I never appreciate him being around me, of course...

but just for that moment

it was a much needed breath of fresh air..

Besides,

No kid in tow means,

I can put as much

chilli flakes, cili padi, cili jeruk,

as I desire, without sparing another thought!

*Slurp!*

Enuff of the

damn-hot-sampai-meleleh-hingus-aku noodle orgy.

With the sun scorching,

at its fullest glory right above our heads,

SHE decided that the best place to

'sit and continue yakking'

is none other than McDees.

Its airconditioned, dats y!

McDees pun McDees lah beb!

Gua tak cerewet!

I couldn't agree more!

Pathetic?

I dont think so!

We yakked and yakked

till the cows come home.

At the end of the day,

it was indeed,

time well spent with a good friend,

Blah-blah-ing &

catching up on lost times.

And most important,

I felt refreshed!

Really!

Went home light hearted &

all ready to resume my

domestic roles.

Ya lah, Keerook!

I must do more of this!

Beb,

see you this Sat, okay?

It gets better each day

2006-02-12T10:50:00.000+08:00

Saya ada satu kuuuu....

Mika : Ceng

Di lehernya ada Lo....

Mika : Ceng

Pandai menari pusing pooo

Mika : Seng

Saya gelar dia Ceng

Mika : Ceng

Ceng Ceng Ceng

Saya panggil dia

Ceng Ceng Ceng

berbunyi locengnya....

Our evenings are now filled with

Sing-A-Long Sessions,

though most are simple kiddies nursery rhymes.

From Sorong Papan, Tarik Papan

to Sep Sep Sep Mi Mi Mi

to Benggali Toncet (no pun intended)

to Potong Bebek Angsa & Sapu Sapu Ringgit

Nevermind that all the songs sound almost alike.

What matters most is that

Lil' Smartie

joins in the fun and picked up the

words & syllables as he go...

Nana Tek

2006-02-11T21:58:00.000+08:00

We DID IT - AGAIN!

Since Keerook's out doing a show, and won't be back till

God-Knows-What Time,

The Duo decided to spend the late afternoon

BAKING AGAIN!

Nope, not muffins again.

But NANA TEK

* pronounced as Take

Simple ingredients & methods,

but enuff to put a smile into Lil' Angel's face.

Just whisk 2eggs, vanilla essence, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup canola oil.

Fold in 1cup self raising flour, followed by mashed bananas.

Bake.

Simple, ain't it?

But the best part is still,

watching Mikhail,

all nice & clean, fresh & sweet smelling,

in his pajamas,

sitting in front of the teevee,

enjoying his slices of Nana Tek.

My penat all hilang, u knoe!

LIL' CHEF SERIES

Yeah rite!

2006-02-08T10:33:00.000+08:00

Ten Top Trivia Tips about Shahlynn!

About one tenth of shahlynn is permanently covered in ice!
Influenza got its name because people believed the disease was caused by the evil "influence" of shahlynn.
Oranges, lemons, watermelons, pineapples and shahlynn are all berries.
If every star in the Milky Way was a grain of salt they would fill shahlynn!
If you blow out all the candles on shahlynn with one breath, your wish will come true!
Dolphins sleep at night just below the surface of shahlynn, and frequently rise to the surface for air!
Three seagulls flying overhead are a warning that shahlynn is near.
Birds do not sleep in shahlynn, though they may rest in her from time to time!
Medieval knights put the skin of shahlynn on their sword handles to improve the grip.
Cats use their shahlynn to test whether a space is large enough for them to fit through.

Ahaks!

#1 is sooo cool!

#3 is soo yummy

#8 is soo corny!

#9 is soo manly!

SweetCorn Muffins

2006-02-05T18:41:00.000+08:00

SWEETCORN MUFFIN

1cup self raising flour

1/4 teaspoon salt (dis I omit)

1tablespoon sugar

1 egg

1/4cup (60ml) corn oil

2/3cup (170ml) low fat milk (I use full cream milk instead)

2tablespoon chopped parsley

1can (420g) creamed corn oil

********

Preheat the oven to 200C

In a bowl,

mix the flour, salt and sugar.

Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl,

whisk the egg, oil and milk.

Mix this with the flour mixture,

stirring just enough to combine well but

DO NOT Overmix.

Add the parsley and creamed corn.

Mix well.

Spoon mixture into individual

muffin cups or a greased muffin tin.

Bake for 25mins, or until the muffins are

well risen and are golden brown in colour.

Serve with a ~~glass~~ bottle of milk!

My Gym.... My Babe

2006-02-04T20:19:00.000+08:00

Lil' Mikhail

had his first trial session at

My Gym

It was hilarious,

watching his antics,

going wild & getting lost in his own world...

He wasn't at all interested in

socialising & interacting

with the rest,

and even got me all

agitated & frustrated

at one point of time,

for his refusal in joining

'the circle'

even for a minute.

He was much much more interested in

Jumping on trampolin,

hanging on monkey bar,

balancing on the slides...

However,

at the end of the day,

I'm just glad

my boy had a blast of time

and

Oh well.....

Looks like I've gotta sign up for him soon!

Ooohh...

Nice meeting you,

Sharifah, HaneyMom & Diana..

Daging Daun Selasih

2006-02-02T23:19:00.000+08:00

Time to don my APRON

And let the tummy smile....

******************

Daging Daun Selasih

1/2kg daging batang pinang

~ cuci bersih & hiris tipis

1 biji bawang Jepun

~ dihiris bulat

7 tangkai lada padi

~ dicincang kasar

3batang lada merah

~ dihiris serong

2ulas bawang putih

~ dicincang halus

segenggam daun selasih

~ dicuci bersih & tos

3sudu makan sos tiram

6sudu makan minyak masak

2sudu makan sos ikan

1sudu makan gula

Panaskan minyak dan tumis bawang putih hingga wangi.

Masukkan sos tiram, kedua jenis lada, bawang hiris dan daging.

Kacau dan balik-balikkan.

Masukkan daun selasih, 3sudu makan air, sos ika dan gula.

Gaul rata dan angkat.

Enak dihidangkan panas2...

High Tea With My Non Sexual Lesbian Partner

2006-01-31T23:57:00.000+08:00

I wanna date you out.

High tea.

4pm.

C ya.

Had a session of

giggling, bitching, laughing & gossipping

over ~~high~~ green tea at

Sakae Sushi Wheelock Place

before

hopping over to

NYDC

next door

for some

Ugly Cakes, Pitcher-full drink & Irish Coffee!

Hey!

Tummies must be filled before

one is able to start on

retail theraphy!

From Zara to Topshop

Down to Warehouse,

over to Dorothy Perkins,

all for vanity sake!

Beb,

next time,

once you spot anything that you like,

and harga tak mahal giler babi,

terus terkam,

tau!!!

Sekarang saper susah?

Akooooooo jugak!

heheh

Neway,

thanks for the invitation!

thanks for the company!

thanks for the lovely meal!

thanks for the stylo bag!

heh.

Date lah aku selalu2, eh!

Budak Kampung

2006-01-30T18:59:00.000+08:00

We let the boys out on the corridor....

For some neighbourly fun &

y'know, boys stuff...

Sekampung, katakan....

Boys will always be boys!

Its a Pity....

that its not often

that they get to play at the corridor

together...

Takper, Sumi....

Give it another year or two!

Tahu2, bila carik, dorang dah sampai kat playground.

heheh..

Happy Lunar New Year

2006-01-29T01:03:00.000+08:00

To all

celebrating

Chinese New Year,

Mikhail & Co

wishes you

a happy & prosperous

GONG XI FA CAI

For the 1st time ever.....

2006-01-28T20:06:00.000+08:00

Again,

thanks to this

Corporate Pass

Took Mikhail to the

Singapore Zoological Gardens

for the first time ever in his life...

To introduce him to the

real-life species,

he'd otherwise heard only from the books & ogle boxes!

No darling,

elephants are not paper-thin...

and lions & tigers are not all cuddly & you can't sit on them!

Oh well.....

Couch Potato he's turning...

2006-01-19T10:16:00.000+08:00

It has never been easy to make

Mikhail

glued in front of the box!

Having a mind of his own,

he'll decide himself

WHAT he wants to watch,

WHEN he wants to watch,

HOW he wants to watch.

(sit, stand, squat or lie)

On one occasion,

he actually stood in front of the

teevee screen,

for a whole of 10mins,

mesmerized at what the

CHEF IN BLACK

was doing;

so much so,

dat I commented,

"Mika nie mcm Bangla kat Tekka carpark ah!

Boleh diri, a-bleh a-bleh lama lama!"

Neway,

I'm glad now that we could make him sit

and watch

programmes meant for his age.

Nevermind

even if we have to play the

VCD

over and over again!

It has always been sooo easy...

2006-01-13T11:05:00.000+08:00

I believe most are known to the fact that

Mika seldom wakes up at nite

from day 1, up to today...

And if he does, he'll wake up only once,

and occasionally, twice.

Even den, its always 6am onwards!

Neway,

of late,

when he does wake up for feed,

he no longer scream his lungs out.

Instead, he'll just go

"Ayahhh..... Ayahhh..."

Coz you see,

from Day 1,

Keerook's been the

permanent full-time milk-making guy.

So Mika knows by now dat,

if he wants milk, ask from Ayah.

Okay, back to the susu @ nite story...

Me, being the one sleeping next to him,

would, obviously wake up and tend to him first.

"Mika nak susu?"

And the sleepy yet hungry baby,

who understood every single word uttered to him,

would still give, albeit in the middle of the nite,

his soft, melodic,

Naaaakkk.....

Okay.

"Ayah, susu..."

Turn back to Mika.

"Kay. Tu, Ayah dah on lampu dapur. Mika don cry, okay....

Mika wait... nanti Ayah datang bawak susu..."

In the meanwhile,

he would just lie in bed,

and wait patiently,

eyes focusing at the

brightly-lit doorway...

He remained silent throughout...

*Click*

(Dats Ayah switching off the hallway light)

*Ayah passed the bottle to Mama,

who in turn, shakes it again,

before passing it to the droopy-eyed, hungry baby*

Bismillahir rahman nir rahim

Mika grabs the bottle,

guide the teat to his mouth,

and suckle away.

Mama & Ayah?

Mama goes back to sleep...,

while

Ayah goes back to finishing his stuff.

And the Baby?

He drinks to his heart's content.

Once done,

Throws the bottle onto his left,

turn to his rite

and zoom to slumberland.

Momma opened her eyes,

check, and goes back to sleep....

ZZZZZzzzzzzzzz

Guess tis' partly the reason why

I put on weight oh-soo-easily!

I couldn't ask for more.....

2006-01-09T11:11:00.000+08:00

Keerook

has just left for werk...

Lil' Angel

is enjoying his beauty nap after

gulping down 260ml of milk!

And

Yours Truly

has just finished cooking

Mee Siam.

*stretches my aching back*

What more could I ask for?

Cool, chilly, wet weather....

And here I am,

snuggling under the sheets with my

Angel....

Best nyeeerrrrrrr......

To All,

Selamat menyambut Eidul Adha

Happy New Year

2006-01-01T10:19:00.000+08:00

Happy New Year

What else is new?

AYAM DAUN PANDAN

2005-12-29T13:53:00.000+08:00

2kg ayam (drumstick ajer) - buang tulang ambil isi saja

(I used boneless chicken - potong kecik2 jer)

1 sudu makan bawang putih - dicincang

1 sudu makan ketumbar biji - dikisar

2 sudu makan minyak bijan

sedikit tomato sos

sedikit sos ikan Thai

sedikit kicap biasa

garam, gula secukup rasa

Lumurkan daging ayam dengan semua bahan dan perap selama satu jam sehingga meresap.

Kemudian goreng ayam ini hingga setengah masak, angkat dan toskan.

Ambil beberapa keping ayam, dan bungkus dengan daun pandan seperti membungkus kuih chang atau bungkus saja semudah anda tahu dan ikat.

Bila hendak makan, goreng sekali lagi ayam yg berbungkus ini selama seminit atau sehingga ayam masak.

Internasyional Skool Stoodent eh?

2005-12-26T18:40:00.000+08:00

Ntah apa angin dia.....

After a long day out....

He was all nice & fresh after

his evening shower....

He took his bucket hat

and put it on himself....

And sat at the table,

so obedient & studious...

Eeeekkkk.... Wasted Wasted Wasted!

2005-12-24T18:32:00.000+08:00

Uwahhhh....

What a bad time to be down with

stomach flu!

Not one, but two!

Yes!

Both

Me & Keerook

are down with

stomach flu!

Must be something we consumed during dinner last nite....

Had to give her invitation a miss....

Tsk!

Sorie, babe.... terkilan I nak tenok ur princesses...

As if that wasn't bad enuff,

we had to forgo the initial plan of sending off

Obachan & Suhei

to the airport!

Uwwaaaa.....

I dunno when we'll get to see them again...

Perhaps next year,

in Honjo?

Insya Allah...

Sorie, gurl...

I was so looking forward to attending the function...

Goodbye, Obachan & Shuhei....

Hope you guys had a great time here in SG,

and have a safe journey home!

Enjoy your holidays, Folks!

2005-12-23T12:56:00.000+08:00

Tis' the time

to be jolly....

Tra lala lala la la la la....

I so look forward to

the long weekend....

Enjoy your long weekend, folks!

Yyiiippeeeeeee!!!

Vaccine

2005-12-22T18:43:00.000+08:00

As per routine,

breakfast @ McDees,

den proceeded to

Choa Chu Kang Polyclinic

for Mikhail's assessment or vaccination.

This time round,

its my 15mth old boy's

Vaccination against Mumps, Measles & Rubella.

Kesian nyer dier....

Alhamdulillah,

all went well.

My hero just cringed a little when the

needle went thru his petal smooth skin.

After jab,

as always, its straight home!

Yes, I'm VERY particular!

The fever, if there's any will only

make its appearance say,

5days later...

But for now,

Its plenty of

rest and rest and rest...

Most Sought After Keyboardist

2005-12-21T09:40:00.000+08:00

Apart from his all-time fave of....

pots & pans...

(Read: Fave. TV Programme = Masak Apa?)

He just got this thang wif.....

musical instruments.

It's in the blood?

Perhaps.

He's musically inclined?

I hope so.

Or is it just the thing wif

babes & music?

I would like to think so too...

Nevertheless,

His latest craze.....

Every evening

must practice without fail, u noe!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AQIL

2005-12-19T21:54:00.000+08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY,

AQIL TUFAIL....

Semoga menjadi anak yang soleh,

pintar & sihat selalu...

Thanks for the sumptuous

BBQ dinner at the corridor...

Hope you like the prezzie

we got you....

Love From The Land Of Rising Sun

2005-12-18T21:10:00.000+08:00

They haven't seen Mikhail

from the day he was born.

They never fail to invite us for lunch/dinner

whenever they're in town....

We would always make time

to pay them a visit whenever they're in town.

We never fail to make

their trip a memorable one...

Arigato Gozaimasu,

Obachan...

Great to see you guys again....

And....

*Burp*

Thanks for the marvelous lunch...

Of Itik & Ayam

2005-12-17T22:23:00.000+08:00

After much ponderings & discussions,

we decided that

retail theraphy followed by talk over coffee

was enough to make up for the

again, failed planned trip...

It's the company that matters,

remember?

Nevertheless,

it was

T.H.E.M

who had the most fun...

Nevermind

even if they can barely understand

what the other was saying...

neither could they engage in a simple conversation...

Macam ayam & itik berbual.

Still,

its enuff knowing the fact

that they enjoy each other's company...

Kids!

They're sooo free spirited!

Please.....

2005-12-15T14:35:00.000+08:00

Guys.....

I need a favour from you...

Do any of you happen to know of anyone

who has the expertise in servicing a

SHARP MICROWAVE OVEN.

Its not really a big problem,

I tell ya....

Just a teeny weeny problem

on the control panel..

Agent charges are ridiculous,

so that's definitely out of the question.

Please....

Any kind soul out there?

Thanks in advance, hor

Mika's Vocabulary

2005-12-14T10:17:00.000+08:00

The best thing with toddlers is

no matter how many number of times

you make them repeat the same thing,

they would still do it religously,

no argues, no questions asked.

Ask him....

Mika....,

Show me your

....

perut?

*points to his boonceet tummy

tongue?

*sticks out tongue

eyes?

*covers both eyes ala see/hear/speak no evil

ears

*repeats yers, points to ears

Amin?

*wipes face down to tummy

Brush teeth?

*puts index finger in mouth and move in brushing motion

Mika joget...

*Does a para2 dance gone wrong!

******

Mika,

now say

.....

Toothbrush... Buba

Shells... Tell

Clock... Tik Tak

(Coz the clock goes Tick Tock Tick Tock)

Thank you... Ta teng

Please... Puh

Bag... Bak

Air... Aierr

Nak... Nakkkk

Bungi motor Tok Abah camner?

Vrrooommmm.... vrooommm.....

Nenek jahit baju, bunyi mesen camner?

Gegegegegegegeg.....

Bunyi bird?

tweet tweet tweet tweet....

Bunyi blender?

eeeeeeeeeekkkkkkk...... eeeeekkkkkk

(Siap ngan berombak lagik!)

And the list goes

on and on and on....

Okay, enuff!

He walks away and embark on his project....

5mins later....

He returned...

Ask him again all of the above.

He'll gladly repeat all over again

like Mediacorp's TV programmes.

Willingly.

No extra cost.

No Questions Asked.

Hhaha...

Don't you just want to spend every

waking moment with your todd?

They just brighten up your day...

Without Fail...

He turned into a brat....

2005-12-11T21:53:00.000+08:00

Made a quick trip to

Causeway Point.

Neway,

typical scenario @ ANY shopping mall....

You'll always END UP

buying stuff dat was not in the list!

You see.....

This boy refused to bulge an inch from the

displayed item.

He turned into a brat

in split second

when his parents pulled him away to

'look at other stuff'.

He screamed and wailed

as if as he was physically abused

and shamed in public.

You see,

Keerook has HAD the intention to buy it.

But we thot,

why not we

go-make-1round-first-since-I-need-to-get-munchies-

and-at-the-same-time-we-think-and-decide-again-

whether-we-really-should-buy-it-today.

But thanks to the

boy-next-door-turned-spoilt-brat.

For He,

helped us decide that it was,

indeed, worth getting

afterall,

AND

go get it NOW!

heh.

At the end of the day,

Bottomline,

Alhamdulillah....

Syukur....

We got what we came for...

All for less than the price of a lamb.

Ear Candling.....

2005-12-09T22:09:00.000+08:00

Did any of you guys watch

TGIF

earlier this evening?

The One on

Ear Candling....

Know where I can get it done?

Another Day I Treasure.....

2005-12-07T20:45:00.000+08:00

I've always love year end.....

Great sales Everywhere....

And the best part

....

Its Time to clear your

annual leave...

Either utilising it on random,

or in bulks!

On leave today....

Just to spend more time with

Lil' Mikhail...

And to do some gardening...

and bring him to the playground...

and do a bit groceries shopping....

Just the two of us....

Momma-Son Combo.

If only I'm entitled to

100days annual leave per year eh....

(On top of public holidays & weekends, dat is)

Alangkah nikmat nyer!

Neway,

Thanks Ilyas & Family

for the company...

Too bad our other1/3

had to work late.....

TODDLER FRIED RICE

2005-12-04T13:27:00.000+08:00

1 clove garlic, ginger - crushed

1 pc Fish roll - cubed, bite size

1 pc Chicken Fillet - cubed, bite size

Cabbage - sliced fine

1 cup rice, cooked

1 tablespoon margarine

1 tablespoon ikan bilis halus

1 medium egg

- Method -

Heat non-stick wok.

Melt 1teaspoon margarine,

Stir fry garlic, ginger.

Add ikan bilis halus.

Add chicken fillet, fish roll.

Add carrot, cabbage.

Add rice

Mix well.

Add margarine

Mix well.

Break an egg and mix evenly.

Bleurgh! Back! Bleurgh!

2005-12-01T08:36:00.000+08:00

I'm back at work!

Time to bury my face in the pile of the disgustingly filthy documents.

No, not literally filthy!

Reports to generate.....,

E-Mails & Correspondences to reply....

Fresh Stocks to order....

Beeeee Zeeeee.......

See you later.

They are not called GRANDPARENTS for nothing...

2005-11-28T22:47:00.000+08:00

The Mid Day silence

was shattered by the

unexpected phone call.

Tok Abah....

Urge that we hop over

to his'.

Reason:-

"Abah belikan Mika baju.... Datang sini, try baju2!"

Duh!

"Besok kan boleh, Bah..... Besok kan kita datang!

I got flu lah!"

His reply,

"Asal suruh datang, ader jer..., flu lah, demam lah!"

*Padahal I was there every mornings & evenings, 5days a week*

"yelah, yelah.... nanti suruh Mika datang sorang, bole!?"

We left the house soon after dat!

Grandparents!

*Uuurrgghh!*

Not dat I'm complaining, neway!

tee hee hee

FUN-FILLED WEEKEND DAY 3

2005-11-27T20:56:00.000+08:00

Stay home Day......

Since Momma's

down with flu....

we decided not to go out today.

Besides,

enuff of berjemur for the past few days oredi!

Thank Goodness

Momma's arranged enuff activities to keep him occupied.

From

Muffin Baking

(again... coz still got some bananas left)

Role Playing

Story Telling....

with

sufficient rest & naps,

coupled with

warm snuggling & cuddling

in between...

Who says you need million of dollars to make a child happy?

Haizz.....

Makin malas nak gi kerja!

LIL' CHEF of da house

2005-11-26T22:43:00.000+08:00

What'll you get

when you have a

Lil' Chef

in da house!?

From whipping

Gourmet of cubes & blocks

(I still have to do the tasting with the

Yumm Yumm effect, y'know!)

Ehem.. this' the best part....

......

baking an edible

Mini Banana Muffin.

(kecah nyer jer lebih)

Haiz....

These are the things that makes me

wanna be a fulltime homemaker.

Insya Allah....

The Day Will Come....

Okay....

Just in case you wanna try the muffins...

here's the ingredients.

Suitable for toddlers & older babies...

1 medium banana (preferably very ripe - mashed)
1/2 cup self raising flour
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup canola oil
1 medium egg
1/4 tsp salt (this I omit)
1/2 tsp vanilla essence

Method:
Beat oil, sugar, salt, vanilla and egg for about 3 minutes.
Add in flour with as few strokes as possible.
Stir in banana.
Spoon into tiny patty cake holders.
Bake in 170 C oven for about 10 minutes or until light brown.

FUN-FILLED WEEKEND DAY 1

2005-11-25T21:36:00.000+08:00

Our plan to bring the babies for a dip at

Choa Chu Kang Swimming Complex

didn't materialise.

No thanks to Mr Sunshine

who failed to keep the day warm & bright.

Since its been raining relatively non stop

everyday for the whole week,

swimming was obviously a big NO-NO

for the babies.

But fret not, darlings....

There's always the back up plan!

Out for lunch @ Delifrance

LOT1 Shopping Mall

before proceeding to

Causeway Point

for a little shopping spree...

Puas bertawaf,

we took the

MRT - LRT Combo

back to Bukit Panjang

where the babies were treated to

ICE CREAM @ MacDees.

That's for being the good, obedient boys they were.

kan, Lina kan kan?

Insya Allah

nanti kita gi swimming eh....

Kesian awak... Kempunan!

Fun-Filled Weekend Awaits Us!

2005-11-24T21:47:00.000+08:00

Lil' Mika's

Babysitter aka Caregiver aka Cheacher aka Nenek aka My Mak

is away on her annual holiday cum weekend getaway

with Tok Abah & Aunties.

So its Mama's turn to

turn homemaker cum babysitter

for the weekend.

No problemo!

A few phoncecalls later,

and the excited Momma & Baby

are all geared

for a fun-filled weekend.

We gonna have enormous fun, Baby!

No, u dun need to call another elephant to come!

Till then,

u guys have an enjoyable weekend.

Lina!

Besok jgn lambat tau!

8 Medicines NOT To Give Your Child

2005-11-22T13:41:00.000+08:00

Aspirin

Anti-nausea medications

Adult medications

Leftover medication

Anything expired

Extra acetaminophen

Ibuprofen if your child is vomiting

Chewables

You can't be too careful about what you put in your child's body.

It's important to know what to avoid:

Aspirin

Never give your toddler medications containing aspirin.

Aspirin can make children susceptible to Reye's syndrome -

a rare but potentially fatal illness.

Don't assume that the children's medicines you find in the store

will be aspirin-free.

Read the label carefully to make sure.

Aspirin is sometimes referred to as

'salicylate' or 'acetylsalicylic acid'.

Ask your pediatrician or pharmacist

if you're not sure whether a product is safe.

Anti-nausea medications

Don't give your child any anti-nausea medications

(prescription or over-the-counter)

unless your pediatrician recommends them.

Children will often vomit only a couple of times

before whatever is bothering them

works its way out of their system -

throwing up can be the body's way

of ridding itself of things it doesn't need.

If your toddler begins to get dehydrated, though,

contact his pediatrician for advice on what to do next.

Adult medications

Giving your child a smaller dose of medicine

you bought for yourself is dangerous.

If the label doesn't indicate

an appropriate dose for a child,

don't give your child that medication.

Leftover medication

Leftover antibiotics the pediatrician prescribed

for an ear infection

won't be effective on your child's next cold.

Prescription medicines intended for other people or

to treat other illnesses may be ineffective or

even dangerous when given to your toddler.

Give him only medicine meant just

for him and his specific malady.

Anything expired

Toss out medicines, prescription and over the counter (OTC) alike,

as soon as they expire.

After the use-by date,

they won't be effective and may even be harmful.

Don't flush old drugs down the toilet,

since they can contaminate groundwater

and end up in the drinking water supply.

Instead

make sure they're sealed in a childproof container

and toss them out with the trash.

Extra acetaminophen

Many OTC cold and cough medicines contain acetaminophen

to help ease fever and pain,

so be careful not to give your child extra painkillers on top of that.

If you're not sure what's in a particular medicine,

don't be afraid to ask your pharmacist or pediatrician.

Ibuprofen if your child is vomiting

If your toddler is dehydrated or vomiting continuously,

don't give him ibuprofen,

which can irritate the stomach.

Certain chemicals, including drugs,

can also trigger the brain's "vomit" button,

so it's best to avoid most medicines when your child is vomiting.

Chewables

Don't give chewable medications to a child under 3 years old

because the tablets are a choking hazard.

- Adapted from BabyCenter

Open House? No lah...

2005-11-20T22:53:00.000+08:00

I just had a feeling dat.....

I MITE be receiving guests today.

Family & Friends.

Nevertheless,

I managed to come up with

Something simple,

easey on the tummy,

yet filling enuff,

for a burp or two....

- Main Course -

Keema Daging

with

roti perancis & bread

- Dessert -

Creamy Fresh Mixed Fruits Salad

Aiks! Cukup ke?

Cukup lerrrr......,

Keerook kept assuring me,

dat its quality, and not quantity

dat matters....

Okaylah....

Since I had the thumbs up

from everybody...

Dat means, sedap lah!

Oh,

Thanks for coming,

guys...

Jgn serik eh...

Lina, laju awak makan 'homemade ice cream' tu eh...

Ros, Untung korang ader personal waiter!

Sha, sorie if Mika asyik bully Ilyas jer

B. A. C. K

2005-11-19T11:55:00.000+08:00

Alhamdulillah

I'm B.A.C.K

I'm still very much alive & kicking.

Just to let you know,

I'm recuperating well

in the comfort of my heaven.

And the reason for my speedy recovery

is none other than my precious gem,

my racun & penawar,

my reason for living,

My Mikhail.

For him,

I pulled thru

For him,

I fought hard.

Thank you, Allah swt

for giving me a second chance.

For letting me live & enjoy life with my son.

My hubby. My family. My friends.

Thank You.

Thanks for all the well-wishes...

Hey!

I even received one

all the way from Dubai!

Thanks, pal!

Thank you once again....

Will Be Back Soon

2005-11-17T07:00:00.000+08:00

- AWAY ON A

MINOR SURGERY PROCEDURE -

Please pray for me.

Thank You

B.A.D

2005-11-16T17:58:00.000+08:00

The worst day of my life.

Terrible.

Never felt this before.

Never experience this before.

No!

I don't want to go thru this again.

Not again!

Not in this lifetime!

I'm beginning to miss my

tengkok-bachin.

Hats off to weekend parents and the likes!

I know I can never do that!

Not even a nite without my precious!

ALLAH SELAMATKAN ABAH....

2005-11-15T21:37:00.000+08:00

Panjang Umurnya....

Panjang Umurnya Serta Mulia....

Serta Mulia.....

Selamat Hari Lahir, Abah

Semoga sentiasa

dikurniakan kesihatan, kesejahteraan & kemakmuran,

dipanjangkan umur, dimurahkan rezeki,

& diberkati dunia & akhirat.

Thank you

for being there for us.

Thank you

for all you've done.

Thank you

for being who you are.

Eh! Nie saper yg befday Boy nie?

KOLEKSEN - Part II

2005-11-13T21:14:00.000+08:00

All the way up from

Bukit Panjang

Sengkang;

down back to

Woodlands....

Phew!

Yg 'important' dah cover!

3more (relatives) to go and we're done!

And we can concentrate on frens'.

Mika's Tok & Nenek..

Kesian kalian... Muda2 dah jadi Tok & Nenek!