Yesterday, the whole family was watching the Singapore Idol Phenomenon. I was really excited and anxious to know who would be crowned as the first Singapore Idol. Hubby said that none of those two were his idols - anyway he seldom watch the talent show from the start. So he kind of not so interested. Let him watch Survivor and he could tell the whole story from A to Z!

Back to Singapore Idol. I can't wait for 1st December to watch the final showdown LIVE. Suddenly hubby reminded me....we will not be in Singapore to watch! *Shucks!!* Now I remember. From 29 Nov to 3 Dec, the whole family are going to "balik kampong". How to watch like that??? What a waste! How to vote for my favourite idol? Can he win without MY vote?? Would there be an encore telecast?

*Sigh*.....

If I don't update my blog this weekend, meaning I can only update next two week after my trip. Adios......

A few days ago, I received a call from a lady from California Fitness Centre. "Congratulations, you have won a 2 weeks free membership at our centre from the contest on the magazine Singapore Women's Weekly. Please come down to collect your membership pass". I won again??? Wow....never expected to be so lucky.

So yesterday afternoon, get hubby to send me there though he was in the middle of working hours. But he went back to work at 10.00 p.m, so considered night shift. Me happily went to the counter and gave them the registration number that was given to me earlier. I was asked to filled up form and a fat malay guy sat down and interviewed me. Funny, this was an establish fitness centre, but I saw majority of their fitness consultants are fat, yes, with big bulging tummy.

This guy asked some questions related to my health, weight and my exercise program at home. Then he asked me this question, how often can you come down to our centre? Err...once a week maybe. He said, what a waste, you've won a 2 weeks membership and you can only come down once a week. So meaning you can only be with us two times. Oh...baru makcik tau.... I thought I could come any days I like for 14 days but I was wrong. I must make full use of the 2 weeks membership. Haiya...tipah tertipu!!!

Since I could not give my final answer to him, he gave his namecard and ask me to call him if I am ready for a 2 weeks work out. Lookin at hubby's reaction, macam gelap gitu harapan nak gym kat sini. Exerciselah sendiri kat rumah dengan budak-budak.

Or work out dengan hubby aje ke.....(Korang underage tak leh baca ni tau)

The thing that I dreaded most came last night. At about 9 p.m., someone rang the door bell. At that moment, my house was in complete chaos. As usual, toys were all over the floor, my kuihs and krepeks were almost empty, and worse, I was in my pyjamas. First door bell I thought it might be hubby as he always do that before opening the door with his own keys. Then after the second door bell, I heard a man gave salam. *Shucks* It was the voice of my neighbour who just live next door!! Since they just moved in, of course they don't have my phone number to call before come.

I quickly and firmly instructed my girls to pick up and keep all their toys while I dressed up. They kept pressing the door bell and gave salam. I got Afrina to shout from the door to ask them to wait for a while. And this Afrina shouted, "Tunggu kejap, Ummi lagi tukar baju and pakai tudung!!!" Eeeee budak ni, tak payah nak report lah. Just ask them to wait, tak boleh ke!

I just grabbed my pink baju kurung and put on. And where was my pink tudung? No time to find, I put on my white tudung. Not matching at all!! While I was dressing up, the door bell kept ringing. So I even did not put on any powder and lipstick like I always to do face my guests. This is not vain eh...I just love to look presentable. Then people would say, "Pandai isteri MrBeki menghias dan menjaga diri, cantik di pandang mata" Tak ke kembang hati suami ku nanti he he he...

While my kids entertained them, I filled up the kuihs and krepek. So embarrassing. I called hubby and insisted him to come home. He really came back for a while and left to work again after my neighbour went home. Phewwww....what a night!

We did go out on Sunday. We went to my sister's house at Jurong West, came home to sholat Maghrib, then visited a friend who just gave birth and she lives just a few blocks away from us. Then took our dinner at Banquet Vista Point.

I am still sick with this cough and running nose. Then with the "once-a-month-thing" came last night, makes me even more weak. With the never-ending house chores to be done. To be frank, my house only looked neat on the first few days of Hari Raya. If guests come unexpectedly now, I don't think they will want to step in. The toys are all over the floor and my coffee table is naked without the table cloth. Affandy just can't leave the table cloth alone. Everytime I put it nicely, he will pull the cover down. Is it fun to do that?

The head of the family and kids can't resist the temptation of the cookies and krepeks on the dining table. Yes, they help themselves. So, the poor Ummi has to top up everytime. So you can imagine how kelam kabut I would be if guests come unexpectedly.

Now I'm cracking my brain to think of menus for today. I've already took out "dunno-what-fish" from the freezer, can't think of any dishes to prepare. Kicap? Taucu? Sambal? Curry? I DON'T KNOW.............!!!!!!!!

After the kids recovered from their flus, now it's mine and hubby's turn. I don't wish to talk at the moment as my throat is so sore. But I still want to eat all those krepeks, potato chips, cookies etc and of course, drinks with lots of ice.

Last Friday was Afrina's Graduation Concert. She participated in the concert dancing twist. I didn't realize that she was so vain until that day. She really enjoyed herself dancing and singing with her friends on the stage. And she was not shy at all. I did not manage to snap lots of photos as my camera's batteries were flat.

She was in the middle wearing orange shirt. Vain right??

Since we were already in West Coast, we thought of visiting some relatives in the west area. But none of them were at home. So we headed to Ikea and bought some "dunno what" things, and my new spice bottles included. Yippeee!!!!

We bought our dinner at Adam Road and on our way back, hubby received a call for him to report to work. What the *&^^%$!!! He was on leave for goodness sake. But knowing him, though he grumbled, he still went to work as he LOVES his job so much. I thought we would be back in a few hours time, but he came back on Saturday afternoon, just in time to fetch Afrina from her weekend class. Poor hubby...

While hubby slept in the afternoon, two of my relatives came to my house. I woke hubby up about 5 p.m, and we went to an aunt's place at Sembawang. Met some relatives there and Linda was one of them. They went to my place after that. I served them with my Very Spicy Fried Spaghetti which I prepared earlier. Linda gave me kids duit raya even though they have their share earlier. Best eh....if hari-hari jumpa, hari-hari dapat $$$$. No wonder my girls love her so much!!! But I don't mind. Who knows, if she has her own kid, anak-anak aku dia tak pandang. Itu part terror cepuk muka dia!!!! Kah kah kah!!!

Later about 9.30 p.m, Lin came with her family. I couldn't remember when was the last time we met. We really had a good laugh, especially when we were asking for each others' forgiveness. It was so funny and weird. Normally I would cry but not this time round. They went back about 11.00 p.m and we went straight to bed.

Don't know what's the plan for today. I told hubby if we intend to stay home, I will cook some dishes. But he said, up to me. So now....should we stay home, should we go out....stay home or go out....stay home or go out.....stay home or go out.....

ANAK SIAPA NI?????

Anak siapa pulak ni yang tertiarap tepi meja?? Cari duit raya tercicir ke??

Kesiannyeeeeeeee.......

Jangan marah hah mama budak ni, that day baru minta maaf kan kan kan???

I don't have the chance to touch the PC for the past week. It has been a very busy and hectic week for me. As I am typing this, all my three children are sleeping. All of them are having flu and cough at this moment. The medicines make them drowsy and hopefully they can recover soon.

Thank you for all your hari raya wishes for me. I'm sorry I don't have the chance to reply. Let me wish all of you from the bottom of my heart, Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri, Mohon Maaf Zahir Dan Batin....

For me, this hari raya was not as excited as before. I don't know why I felt this way. Ramadhan went so fast and I felt that I did not make full use of the blessed month. I let it go without doing enough.

I think this year is a revelation year for me. A few things happened had made me realized that life is UNPREDICTABLE. I thought I had less but I realized that there's others who has nothing yet never complained. I am really ashamed of myself. On hari raya's eve, I visited a relative who is not as fortunate as others. She has 5 children and she is not working. The sad thing about her life is that....her husband married another woman oversea. I knew he neglected his wife and children, yet she never spoke ill of him. According to her, she redha what her husband did to her. She did not want a divorce as she knew, it would break her children's heart. She put aside her feelings as long as he is happy. She gave her consent for his marriage as she did not want him to deepen his sins. I was really shocked to see the condition of her house. Her house is almost empty. People complained that they have no new curtains, not enough kuihs and cakes for raya, not enough new dresses and shoes and bags etc etc...she has nothing. Her children's hari raya clothes was being donated by a kind hearted relative. There's only a small rice cooker and a old washing machine in her kitchen. She does not have a fridge. Yet she did not complaint a bit. As an outsider like me, I would surely blamed her husband for doing this to her, but...she blamed herself. She said that she did not play her part enough as a wife, that is why he went astray. I was speechless. There is nothing I can do other than do my part as any fellow Muslim would do. My heart goes to her children. May she remain strong and calm. May Allah lead her husband to the right path and show him how his wife has sacrificed and suffered.

As years went by, I have different perception of hari raya. Hari Raya is the day for seeking forgiveness for the wrong doings that I have done to others. "Maaf Zahir dan Batin" is not just another words, it has deep meaning. Our sins to Allah, we can seek forgiveness, but our sins to other human...???

So I really meant it when I say, "Mohon Maaf Zahir Dan Batin, dari hujung rambut ke hujung kaki, di depan atau di belakang, antara sedar dan tidak, dunia dan akhirat".

Life is not as simple as it seems.

Life is so unpredictable.

One minute life can be great. The next minute life can be diminutive.

Life can be shattered with just one negative remark.

Even how hurtful life can be, life still have to go on.

Only HE decides what each's life should be.

And life got to find its own strength to carry through....

This is what we have done to our PLANS.

8.45 a.m - Hubby sent Afrina to class then Hubby went to JB isi minyak.

11.45 a.m - Hubby picked us up to fetch Afrina from school then we went to Phoon Huat to get the ingredients for the cookies and cakes.

(1st upset) - We did go to Phoon Huat. Hubby waited in the car with the kids while I went in alone. The place was so CROWDED!!!. The queue line to the cashier was already half of the shop. In order to get from one shelf to another, I had to walked passed the people queuing and also those who were still shopping. And worst, the shelves were almost empty and the staff were stacking the products with cartons and boxes lying around. Bad plan, should not go there on weekends. Especially when Hari Raya is just round the corner. So end up, I gave up. I left the shop buying NOTHING!!!

1.30 p.m - (2nd upset) Since no ingredients available, my plan to bake cookies cancelled.

(3rd upset) - Hubby slept all the way till almost 4.00 p.m!!!! His plan to clean the living room, hang the curtains and shift the furniture, all done in his dreams. As for me, after doing the laundry and folded the clean clothes, I just watched tv with my kids. I got Afiqah to wake hubby up. Lucky he woke up, if not.....*roll up sleeves*

5.00 p.m - Went to Causeway Point and bought new shoes for the girls. No time to scout for Affandy's shirt. I saw Barbie's skirts which were on sale and thought I want to buy those for my girls. But I changed my mind. Maybe some other time, if the skirts are still available. At 6.00 p.m, we went to Bazaar Raya Utara to get food for iftar. Another crowded place. After bought what we wanted, we went to McDonald's to get my favourite drinks - ICE MILO!! We reached home just in time for iftar.

Well, that's all the schedules for today. Not sure what are the plans for tomorrow. I'll just wait and see.....

This is our PLANS for today.

8.45 a.m - Hubby send Afrina to class then Hubby go to JB isi minyak.

11.45 a.m - Hubby pick us up to fetch Afrina from school then go to Phoon Huat to get the ingredients for the cookies and cakes.

1.30 p.m - Hubby wants to clean the living room, hang the curtains and SHIFT the furniture. If I don't help hubby, I'll start making the cookies.

4.30 p.m - Go to Causeway Point to get new shoes and dress/shirts for the kids and also to Bazar Utara to get food for iftar.

Like I said, this is our PLANS for today. Let's see if all the PLANS works. Just wait and see......

For the past 6 years, you were there when I need you most. You made my life easier and spiced up my life. I couldn't imagine life without you.

But now you're gone...you left me. It hurts me to see you leave. Life is incomplete without you. The room will never be the same again. But I accept the fact that we are not meant to be together anymore. I have to find your replacement....I just have to. It will make my life easier. I'm sorry...rest assured that you will be missed. Goodbye......



*wailing* spice rack aku dah pecah!!!!! Habis semua garam dan kunyit aku!!! *wailing again*

The above was a housewarming gift from her. Sorry friend, it's not my fault. Care to get me another one? *wink*

So it's confirmed that yesterday was my lazy day. But not that lazy to go to Bazar Utara at Causeway Point to buy these foods for iftar....

Since Afiqah was not around, so it was easier to handle two kids. As it was raining yesterday, I did not bring Affandy's stroller along. Now my arm is aching as I carried him most of the time.

So hopefully TODAY I will make the tahu goreng. And pizza also!!!!

This morning Hubby kept on warming up the oven even though the power tripped for a couple of times. We were advised by his cousin to keep on warming up the oven until no more power tripped. According to her, as we seldom use the oven, somehow moisture was trapped in the oven. We followed her advise and now YAHOOOOOO, eh salah, ALHAMDULILLAH!! At last I can have homemade pizza for iftar. I wonder how it will taste??

So now, where are all my recipes for the cookies and cakes?

Yesterday I visited all my bloggers website....majority of them change their layout. Rajin benar semua orang ni. I also feel like changing but...I can't let go of this existing one. I love this skin so much and PINK is my favourite colour. Maybe next time, if I have the time. Maybe the base colour will still be pink. Maybe I won't change. Maybe.....

By the way, my girls' ex-babysitter "borrowed" Afiqah today. She misses my girls so much. Too bad Afrina was not around and she is still schooling. Maybe in school holidays, she will take them both. I felt pity for her. She is lonely as all her three sons have grown up. The youngest is in Sec 4. The eldest will be getting married soon and she is a widower. She doesn't mind if I leave my kids with her if I have errands to do. But I feel that it's not right to bother her anymore. Maybe next time.... Maybe.....

Today for iftar, I planned to make tahu goreng. Already bought the tahu, only need to make the sauce. Me today very the lazy and very the selenge tau. I bought a packet of sauce which stated there, "Sambal Jenganan untuk Tahu Goreng". So being lazy, I thought just pour water and the sauce will be ready. But I read again, there's a small print said "Instant grounded peanut". Lah..... Ingatkan sauce instant, rupanya nak kena siapkan bahan-bahan lain. Ini cuma kacang tanah aje. Upset betollah!! So maybe I will prepare the sauce. Maybe I will just buy foods from Vista Point. Maybe...

Berapa banyak maybe dah.......

HERE I AM

Time passed very fast when you have loads of things to do. Alhamdullillah, I managed to steal some of the time to update. I kind of miss this blogging things, tagging my fellow bloggers and wonder if I've been missed...I doubt so...*He He He*

For a start, Afrina just completed her final exam. She seemed to take it easy, maybe too easy that it made me worried. But she had the confidence that she could do it and I was hoping she pass with good grades. Maybe my expectations were too high, but aren't all mothers are like that?

I had also been training her to fast in Ramadhan. I did not wake her up for sahur, but gave a glass of milk everyday before going to school in the morning. This fasting month, her school did not serve drinks and foods as usual. Maybe they are training the students to fast too. So far, she can fast up to 3 pm. One of the days, she even cried and begged me for some food. Pitiful right? Hubby and me kept praising her each day she fast. Hopefully by next Ramadhan, she can fast for the whole day. Insya'Allah.

Actually, I have an agenda for this Ramadhan. In fact, I have 4 task to complete. There are :-

1) My newfound hobby - COMPLETED!!! (Alhamdullillah)

2) To alter my girls baju kurungs for hari raya (3 suits for each girl, that will be 6 suits to alter...mak oiii!!!) - Me the "kiasu" mother, bought them few months ago cause it's so cheap. I don't think I could get the same price now. I purposely bought 1 size bigger so they can wear for a long time. Anyway, baju kurungs is never out of date fashion.

3) Another hobby...not sure can fulfill or not.

4) To bake some cookies and cakes for hari raya. - This is a sad story. I have an oven which I can't remember when was the last time I used it. Years maybe. So one day, I thought of making pizza for iftar. So you see, I just need to warm up the oven and my pizza would be ready soon. But....when I turned on the oven, power tripped occurred! Not once but twice!!! So hubby said, forget about using the oven. He will look into in IF he got the time. There goes my pizza...it's still in the fridge waiting for the oven. So, my plan to bake cookies and cakes remain as a plan. To my lovely cousins, ada niat nak donate kuih ke kek kat Ummi?

All the task above does not include the daily housework and also the extra cleaning of the house for Hari Raya. But the best thing, we have painted half of our living room. Yes, I said half of our living room. I mean only certain walls were painted.Tak larat nak paint satu living room mak oiii!!! Even though we have two extra helpers....

dorang ni pengacau sebenarnye.....

So now, I'm going to visit each and every bloggers on my list. See what I have missed. Wah...I think I got a lot to catch up!