New I.d Photo

Backbiting, fed up and makrout

Selamat hari raya! Saha eid kom! Eid Mubarak! Bon Aïd!

Eid was great but coming back to office after a long holiday is not so great after all. It's not just me feeling that way but I guess the majority do. Work is so-so, I mean it's normal for an employee. Office politics, backbiting tire me down. Honestly I couldn't tolerate anymore. Now...im trying to push HoneyStar to complete his study as soon as possible with the hope to migrate somewhere else. Is Malaysia is least better place than others? Maybe..But I do believe that there are other better places to live or even new places to explore. I've been bitten by "adventure" bug so I'm all for this travel around the globe. The only thing I would probably miss about Malaysia is my family or perhaps the weather too. i am not much into chilly snowy winter.
My ma is not feeling well and will be schedule for surgery next month. Insyallah. I'm feeling bad since I couldn't accommodate her. She refused to stay with me since my apartment is always empty during the days and I might be travelling for some field works from now and then. I pray for some little kiddos to tag along soon so that ma will agree to stay with me and of course I'll have a new profession as a professional homemaker. I could picture us doing some morning walk after HoneyStar off for work and me pushing the pram. We could stop and have a rest on the bench if she feels tired and we could chit chat from everything to nothing…J Insyallah.

Sometimes I wonder, will I ever miss my current profession later when I finally resign or not? All that I know, I will never had the chance to experience it again. As waiting for the time to arrive, I try to commit myself to it, finding job satisfaction and at least I could always sigh to myself…been there, done that...again. Whatever it is I don't see myself permanently slaving for these people. What will I do if the time finally comes? I don't know...all that I could think of is not rushing to office every morning and perhaps I could cook makrout whenever I wanted because I do have the space to do so... plus extra time to doze..ZZZZZZZ

HoneyStar received a box of traditional cookies from a friend who just came from Algeria and I was more than happy to see a makrout in it and of course it was shared with HoneyStar. My eyes even caught a glimpse of makrout while Reading a walk in life's blog entry. i simply love the combination of the semolina & dates...All these apparitions making me realize that I have an overdue assignment to complete...yes, making the makrout for the first time…

Green and Greener Duo

I don’t want to do it! Najeeno the green alien is just exhausted.

I am the green alien who looked greener each day. Things are always green here and sometimes I crave for the blue grass in the blue planet. Like people say “the grass always looks greener at the other side of the fence’. It’s already green here so why do I need to look at the other side of the fence. Somehow I do adore the greener grass at Mereeno’s territory. Yes I am married to the greenest alien ever who glows in the dark. A trip to his territory was really a blast. I was treated like a princess and the best part is I blend in. I don’t glow in the dark but I am GREEN so who cares as long as I don’t go out at night or even if I did. I would bring my “magic torch” with me. It’s kindda funny to see all of them in the dark. All those green lights and when they blink their eyes.... Such a panorama! More or less like fireflies except that they are green.

After a long break in the “glowing” planet, I and my alien are relocated in planet earth again. We are sent for a mission. The mission is to observe human’s family way of life. So here we are two green aliens in human bodies. We look like normal human except that we have only green clothes packed with us, but I do intend to add more colours to our wardrobe. Mereeno does not glow in the dark anymore except when you press his nose and of course I’m the only one who are given authority to o so :P like last night when the electricity was cut out for 5 mins. i pressed his big nose and..viola!..the house was all green. how could i miss that and I almost forgot that I have a “life-stand” torch which function well with just a touch. He is my life saviour. He’ll always will.

io lovo yo (translation=i love you)

Let me brief about the mission which basically to instill “green attitude” in human’s family. It’s not just the environmental consciousness but other values as well. Living as human is hard, especially in this part of the earth. Perhaps it will be different in the north. I would love to experience the “human’s life” in the Artic but was relieved to know that we are not chosen because the latest news I heard was saying those who are sent there need to be “penguins’. Hahahaha, pity Reeno and Beeno. I guess they must be the cutest penguins in the Artic. No wonder they had this awkward walking style when I met them during last summer holiday. Hahaha

My life as wife and professional is not easy. I am assigned as a typical equator wife which means I’m working 8 hours, 5 days a week and juggling after work life as homemaker. I am glad that even though we disguise as humans,inside, we are still ourselves . So life with Mereeno is not exactly typical equator. He helps me a lot with almost everything. I am glad to be hitched by that glow-in-the-dark alien.

Reporting from :2°56′9.84″N 101°41′20.58″E

To be continued....

quand le chat n'est pas là, les souris dansent

a little mess up

salam abe
could you please buy

1.chicken

2.beef
3.roti

4.banan

5.pommes

6.sugar

7.batata

8.lait

9.serai for tom yum

saha ya rajal :)
when you are trying to learn new languages..you might end up mixing all -conscious or unconsciously



...

and i'm one of them

3 out of 10 doctoral students drop out

a precise explanation to my excuses

10 reasons to Visit IstanBuL

1.To witness the fall of the Byzantine Empire, which was formed when the Roman Empire split up as eastern and western empires in 395,
2. To see the lands which the Ottaman empire existed on for over one thousand years. To see the capital which has been carried from Roman times to today’s Istanbul,
3. To witness the 600 year long adventure of the Ottoman Empire’s most glorious times, and the founding of the Republic
4. To see the palaces which summarize the great artistic and architectural of the Ottomans' achievements, especially the Topkapı Palace and the marvelous buildings, mosques, bazaars, fountains, cisterns and streets in the surrounding Sultanahmet area,
5. To witness the magnificent atmosphere of Hagia Sophia, the Greek cathedral turned into a mosque
6. To feel the pulse of Europe’s first, and the world’s 5th largest city, with its population of 13.8 million,
7. To become a part of the cultural wealth brought on by the coexistence of the modern and the traditional,
8. To experience going from Europe to Asia in five minutes by boat or by car (during low traffic hours),
9. To watch Asia from Europe, Europe from Asia, and be a part of the “fish by the Bosphorus” tradition while watching,
10. To be able to answer the question “How can the people of one city be both Westerners and Easterners?”

as for me, the visit to Istanbul does remind me the Magnificient of khalifah period, the glorious of Islam and how sad it is to see the "ruin" made by Kemalism...
what a shame :(

Home AwaY FroM HOME

Everyone smiles in the same language

I got up late as usual. 8. 30 Am. had my breakfast and I stuff my tummy with two cups of coffee with milk or shall I say milk with coffee and munched the cookies. Then I went around the house, checking what the ladies were cooking and chatted to them with what-ever-words. The weather was super nice, sunny and with some wind. There were cous cous and cous cous and cous cous everywhere. The sheep was all gone to into the pot. Some children were sitting nearby the ladies hoped to be given some cooked lamb. They were successful. yes, withh those small pitiful eyes... And me? I refused it and said that I would it later with guest. Yes, I started to feel nervous. The lamb did give a strong smell. After “chatting” to them I decided to make a tour around the house’s compound. Sunny day best enjoyed on the roof. I climbed the stairs with my camera on my hand. There were the girls + a boy joking with each other. The youngest, Amal started to say something which of course I dint understand J so I took their photo. Amal as usual the clown of the family and she always know how to pose funny faces for my lense.

After a few circle around the yard plus the ups and downs the stairs, trying to be busy, I had to admit that I was not busy at all. I just had nothing to do. They dint let me to do anything, well not exactly but i couldnt find things i could do. it was 11 am, my sis in law, halimah asked me to go inside and started to "get ready". I was really excited to wear the new jubbah, the present from Baba which I had difficulties in finding the right size. suddenly i felt like i was in Malaysia, digging the stores' stocks for suitable size. that day, I spent the whole afternoon in Rouiba and Regaya just to look for XXL jubbah that pleased me. I had the eyes for violet this time, so I got mine a violet jubbah with elaborated beads and a pair of shoes two sizes smaller.

After being given permission by HoneyStar, I asked my sis in law for make up as I dint bring mind since I was thinking that it’s such a hassle to take it along and I only going wear it for once. My o my, her make up collection is more than me. She helped me to apply light shade on my face. Finally I did the finishing touch since I was a little bit horrified with the thoughts of having my face painted with the thick Arab make up style. Alhamdulillah, I only put some eye shadow and neutral colour lipsticks. i ended up looking like me :)

By 12pm, the guest started to show up, they are mostly relatives. So here again, me receiving enormous hugs and kisses. I was more than happy to be introduced to my husband’s friend’s wife who could actually speak English. So there were us getting to know each other, sharing stories. And then, it’s time to eat the “lamb cous cous”...arggghh I couldn’t. Time to look for my prey. Yes! Yusuf, my nephew was nearby. I made a cue for him to approach me. He was a little bit hesitate since the children were not supposed to disturb the adult eating. Luckily his mother was nearby and I asked her permission to give my “lamb” to him. She took the “lamb” and put it on another plate and asked Yusuf to follow her to the back. I was so relief. I finished my cous cous and the vegetable served with the soup. I like cous cous and had lamb cous cous before but this time, I just couldn’t stand it.

Honestly, by 3pm...I started to feel hungry again. I was telling myself to hold on since we will have the coffee break soon. I LOVE the espresso with warm fresh milk…yummy and I could say that there will be lots of cookies. I saw many guest brought all types of cookies...there were makrot, liled, charade, of course baklava and others which I don’t even know the name. At 4, the coffee and cookies were ready and I had two cups of coffee with milk and 4 cookies. Gosh...i was starving!

The guest began to excuse themselves and the family left one by one. The chicken now could rest peaceful in the chicken coop since the boys were gone. Only my nephew who continued to run around the house, climbing the fig tree. The day end soon...the ladies were done with the cleaning. We sat together in the “saloon” and unwrapped the gifts; I was busy taking the photos of it. Too bad we couldn’t take all of it back. I decided to give them to the family. I only took the jubbah, headscarf and of course the cash

Before I went to sleep, I turned to HoneyStar and said “terima kasih abang, I am very happy”. He smiled and replied “Wa ana kazaliq”. A start of another multicultural family and language doesn’t seem a barrier. Everyone smiles in the same language. And the “lamb” is not much of problem after all.

I love the sheep, not the lambs.

The ladies in the kitchen were talking loudly. I could hear them roared laughter once awhile. I have no idea what they are talking about, maybe jut catching up with each other. Two khaltis are here to help with the cooking. HoneyStar said it’s going to be lamb cous cous for the lunch. Since yesterday the air smell lamb and I’m feeling a bit dizzy. HoneyStar slaughtered the sheep and Baba was helping. The ladies helped to clean the internal organ and I was standing there watching. Yes, only watching I dint help at all I dint know what to help and the thoughts of me petting the sheep’s head couple of hours before its’ death is a bit disturbing.

That night, everyone was enjoying their “internal affair’. The menu for dinner was the sheep’s liver, pancreas and I don’t know what other internal organs. I’m not a big fan of lamb at all. I do eat but don’t favour it. Internal organs were out of my mind. I struggled to chew chicken’s liver being served to me the first few days I was here. It’s not their fault but me who does not like animal’s internal organs. I did eat once awhile and that was it. I remembered when they insisted me to have the first serve, a gesture of respect I guessed. I just took half of the liver and chewed it bitterly. Janna, the 2 years old girl was sitting next to me, enjoying her meal. I secretly dropped the piece of chicken liver in her plate and she ate it without the adult realised what I had done. I continued my dinner with a relief.

suddenly the "Black Sheep" crawled into my mind. well, you'll understand it if you've been living in NZ before, yikes!"

Tonight, I was offering myself to do the dishes as usual but my SIL, Khadijah refused. She told me in the language. I don’t understand a single word but through her gesture I know she meant that. She took a bottle of juice from the fridge and a clean glass. I accepted it and sat down, drinking the cold sweet juice while watching the foreign “family sitcom” with no subtitle in front of me. After some time, I excused myself to prepare the bed for the night. I bumped into HoneyStar and Khadijah was telling him something. He said the sister asked me to take a rest and let others do the work. Great! I have nothing to do. I finished the three novels I brought with me, the satellite TV is in my BIL’s room and I couldn’t understand the local channel. So I decided to blog. HoneyStar promised to take me to the bookstore after weekend. I’m not too excited about it since the chance for me to find English book is rare. The books are either in Arabic or French.

“Could I wear make up tomorrow?” “Where will you get the make up?” “I don’t know maybe I’ll ask the ladies, some kohl is good enough”. I wish to wear make up on my wedding, at least this time since I was bare-faced for my real wedding last year. It was a mixed gathering so I had no chance. This time, it will be a separate gathering so I was hoping to paint my face with some neutral colours. I though he would disagree since last night I was told that his tradition permit the family members of the deceased to wear henna. I was unsatisfied with his reason but I had to settle with the main reason which is to just follow what his father said, to take care of his fragile heart at the moment. So I was thinking that if I’m not allowed to paint my hands with henna which is pure how could I paint myself with the cosmetic? Then he uttered, “Just a bit, ask my sister for the “tools”. I immediately called Najma and asked him to ask her. I was surprised when she took out a bag of make up from the drawer. It’s almost complete set just without mascara. He asked again,” who will do it for you?” “Me, I’ll do it myself”.

So here I am blogging the story of the day before I set off to bed.

31 hours in a day

" Alger la Blanche, là je suis..

we arrived at 11 am local time. The long queue at the immigration was terrible. Some men started to yell at each other. “Welcome to Algeria”...Honeystar whispered to me, “You have seen nothing yet”. Things were worse for some foreigners who speak neither Arabic nor French…and I was one of them. HoneyStar kept reminding me not speak English at least not loudly. So I was in “mute”. Long after the immigration, here came the luggage…no, not yet. We waited for one hour and glad to see our two luggage on the sight.

We went out the terminal and there was my FIL, BIL and two SILs. We were greeted the “hugs and kisses” way. I could predict that it’s going to be lots of hugs and kisses while im here.

We are taken straight to the makbara visiting my MIL’s grave. Again, HoneyStar dint let any tears to run down his cheek. I had a mixed feeling. I was sad but I guess the fact that I dint have the chance to really know her made me less emotional. I remembered few phone calls and she would always want to say something to me. A simple greeting that’s all we had. I always planed to thank her for giving birth to the wonderful man that I’m married when I meet her but I had no chance. Prayers for her, May Allah granted her Jannah.

HoneyStar said...we don’t come back to mourn but to comfort the family. That’s the way a death should be.

A short time in makbara brought us back “home”. The family and relatives were waiting for us. I was introduced to them, one by one, from the eldest to the youngest. Hugs and kisses gain and again. I recited the same sentences again and again “wusraki? Alhamdulillah, Labbas”. The phrase is the only words I know in the dialect. Well, up to that moment and I was quite sure that I’ll learn more during the stay.

The journey was tiring, they constantly asked me to have a rest, to lie down but I just couldn’t. I just sat there among the elder ladies and smiled. Yes I smiled a lot. With 7 hours difference, I had more than 24 hours in a day. We had 31 hours a day. I remembered that I used to say what it will be like if we had more than 30 hours a day. In a way, I had it.

Finally I gave up and was dozing off by 7.00 pm. My SIL, Fatimah covered me with a nice soft fluffy blanket, 17 Celsius felt less cold with the warmth and loves in the house. I just could feel it. I woke up after one hour and had a dinner which I felt like having sahoor. It was past midnight back in Malaysia.

I continued to sit with the old ladies, “listening” to theirs stories.

Without my knowledge, my sister in laws prepared my bed and I retired to be as early as ten. Yes, another wish has been granted…a wish to have more than 30 hours in a day J

The Longest Journey

Today marked 10^th day me in the country. I always wanted every single thing that happen while I’m here but I dint seem to be able to write it. Perhaps because there are too many details that I need to write and I end up not writing anything. I guess it’s normal, when you failed to write things that you wanted to write you end up not writing at all.

I got to write even though just few sentences, only then, I will get grip of my “words and finally the nonsense will revisit again.

Shall I start with the journey?

MIL passed away 11 hours before we departed from the international airport. .. at 8.00 am local time. I was still in the office packing things and getting ready for the long holiday. a friend called me to say Bon voyage to me and we had a chat. she conveyed her condolences to me..and i dint even know about it yet. she said that her husband just received the news. yes, our husbands are good friends and i was sure that news travel fast. Honey Star texted me an hour after that. I couldn’t imagine how sad he was at that time. i was shocked too. i didnt know what to say when i met him later.. i was wrong he looked calmer than i expect. I honestly adore his patience and courage. I dint see any single tears in his eyes. It's a great lost to us. i woulnt know how i would react if i was in his shoes. may Allah reward him for his sabr. may Allah grant Yammah with jannh. HoneyStar calmness convinced me that sadness shouldn’t be about tears only.

“When a person dies, his actions come to an end, except in one of three ways: A continuing act of charity, (or sadaqah), or a useful contribution to knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for him.” (Muslim, Abu Dawood, Al-Bukhari in “Al-Adab Al-Mufrad)...insyallah HoneyStar is the "child"

He went to fetch me from the office as usual and we went back to get ready for the long journey. My brother came and we had tea together. Honey Star even cracked some jokes. His mobile kept on ringing. Friends calling to convey condolences. i continued clearing the kitchen, making sure we dint forget to take out the rubbish.

We left our house at 8.00pm, stopping by to reload the petrol before picking his friend who’s going to be responsible taking care of the car and our apartment. We arrived at the airport, did check in and prayed isyak. His friend, Mustafa and wife were there too. So the men went to have drinks and me and the wife headed for some sandwiches. I was a bit hungry since the evening tea was just some leftovers I cooked on weekend.

It’s 11pm and time to go through the immigration. We took our time, walking slowly and waited by the depature gate. I was telling myself “it’s going to be a long journey”. 12 am our flight departed for Istanbul. 10 hours 30 minutes. 30 minutes more than my journey down under ages ago. so this is my longest journey by plane. First, I was planning to just sleep through out the hours. I was wrong. I could only sleep for 5 hours. Of course it’s uncomfortable squeezing ourselves in economy class but Alhamdulillah we could afford it and the most important is to be with the family.

The entertainment system offer a variety but I ended up spending my time flipping the channel with no interst of finishing even a movie. I tried to read my novel, unfortunately was too tired to read. I forced myself to drink lots of water which made me going to the loo for many time. At least I could stretch my legs.

Finally, after the longggg daunting hours, we arried in Attartuk airport. The temperature was 11 celcius. Great. I had my cotton dress only. It such a relief that we spent 4 hours in the terminal only. The terminal was crowded, perhaps because it’s not as big as KLIA and many flights land here. Lots of tourists all different nationalities.

We rushed to get our connecting flight boarding pass and had our fajr prayer. Then we just lingered around the terminal. HoneyStar decided to change some euro to Lira. He went to buy some food so We had some pastry and mineral water. Surprised to know that after converting to RM. We spent almost RM40 for two bottles of mineral water and a piece of local pastry which had a weird taste.

I was searching for the camera and got panic when I couldn’t find it. I started to grumble. Yeah, what’s the point of having holiday without taking photos for memory. Honeystart calmed me and helped me searching for it in our notebook’s bag. Alhamdulillah, it’s there. I was grumbling for nothing, poor Honeystar had to deal with it. Sorry, silly silly me

The next stop was the duty-free shop. Wow, they have lots of Turkish delight! I never imagine myself eating a “real” Turkish delight in TURKEY…I repeat, in TURKEY. They had tester for every single type. So I had my time testing it..well not too much since we bought one box only for the family. Kindda hesitate to eat more. Insyallah we’ll buy more on the way back to Malaysia since we are stopping by for 3 days in Instanbul.

Finally, the flight to Algiers departed from Atarturk aiport. It was another 4 hours journey. The Turkish Airline was quite empty, so we the row of 4 seats to ourselves. The lunch served was good, no more spicy food. Again, I couldn’t made up my mind in choosing what to watch and end up watching bits and pieces. I had a short nap but was a bit restless. The time difference and I sighed..jet lag had begun.

Ooo what a long wayyyy i had.

I am officially closing the kitchen

My kitchen is temporarily closed for a month. Last night I prepared today’s dinner. A simple shepherd pie and Basboosa for my dear Mr. Basboosa. he was helping me wiping the floor and Alhamdulillah i am blessed with a husband who helps a lot around the house. now, The stove is sparkly clean and I will only use it to boil hot water.

As tomorrow we agreed on having early dinner otw back from office. Yes, unfortunately I will still be working till 430 pm tomorrow and catch the flight by midnight. I’m all excited but long flight is no fun. I struggled every second in the 3 hours flight from Tawau last week and can’t imagine what I’m going to do in 10 hours flight and another 5 hours. I had my 10 hours flight ages ago...the latest was in 2003 a solo backpacking to down under. Honestly I was restless. Well this time I have my Mr. Basboosa to keep me company, 2 novels, a pack of “donkey” card, snake and ladders game, crossword puzzle, notebook with me and Insyallah everything be fine. After a day in office and running here and there, I’ll be tired and sleep straight away in the flight.

We are all not in a cheerful mood. My MIL is terribly sick and Mr. Basboosa is really sad. I don’t know hoe to cheer him up but Insyallah I will support him and try not to make him more miserable. So I got to behave myself. I pray to Allah that MIL will get better soon.
The luggage is all ready. We have 5 bags including our hand luggage. All set for the long journey

I will try to blog whenever I could but might only post it when I came back. As for now. See ya

a cute day

i hit my head while entering the gate to the premises. darn! that gate frame. it's so low. it's quite embarrassing and hurt too...the metal gate made such a noisy sound..ouch

luckily i didnt get any bump..perhaps i should plot an "amnesia" case and freak everybody :P
but i am such a geek which worries too much on completing the assignment. yes, a pat on my back..hey, i work for the people...they pay me...as simple and clear like that. they pay tax tax pay us, we serve them..

so a little bang on the head should not be a big issue. it makes today a "cute day" after all.

I'm here and there

i long to see the sea gypsy immersing themselves with the nature and thinking, life could be so simple.

here am i in one of the most beautiful place in the world. near all those beautiful island with all those amazing sea. i feel like jumping in the sea and swim with the fish but i have promised Mr Basboosa to behave myself. i guess, it means to stay away from the sea. well, i'll be taking a boat to meet my respondents on thursday. it's just going to be 5 mins..oh..can we go further?...hahaha. such a crawzy lady. my co-researcher will kill me for dragging her that far. i'll save that adventure for a personal trip .

there are too many places i wanted to go but i couldnt find time for it. 25 days leave a year is nothing after few visit back to my hometown. starting this year i have to think ways to save my annual leave. half of it will be spent for holiday across the globe visiting my in laws and 3 days for a getaway with my mother somewhere and trip back and forth to my hometown. this year i just took mom to Cameron Highland on Chinese New year and next year me and Mr Basboosa agreed that Langkawi will be a nice place to take her. i couldnt take her diving in sipadan or climbing the mount Kinabalu so i guess Langkawi will be a suitable place for all. shopping and sightseeing for her, diving for him, chocolate for me :)

traveling for work means that i have little time to wander around. half of the day will be spent meeting the respondents..acting professionally, another half will be spent to prepare the report. we wouldnt want to spend hours in office after the trip just to write the report. we have zillions things to settle and plus "dont-know-what" will come out.

and me. i'll be leaving next wednesdy at the very early hour. i told mr Basboosa that the kitchen will be officially closed for operation starting next monday. i'll only be home this friday night. i think my flight will arrive around 9pm...waiting for luggage, traveling back home.. so perhaps i will only be in my apartment by 1030.

the weekend will be laundry day and the kitchen will still be operating....and yes i owe Mr Basboosa another one Basboosa. i made him one before i travel but silly me..i missed one ingredient. the basboosa doesnt seem like normal..hahaha. he's okay with that. a less perfect basboosa and a dozen of Roti make me less guilty leaving him for the week. i do miss him all the time.

honestly nowadays i enjoy cooking for him. he's a big eater who eats everything i cooked and never complaint. i'm new in kitchen so my food could taste nasty sometimes. he has his own way to comment and choose the right words not to hurt my feeling or damage my ego :P. Alhamdulillah i'm blessed to be married to him. he doesnt seem to mind cooking for me, teaching me new recipes and i have to admit that he is a good cook. two thumbs up for his couscous and steak and shorba and chakhchoukha and the bread and...i guess all of it. he deserve the credits.

after this week away from home the only place i wanted to b is home and cook for him :)

Semporna is amazing but without my amazing mr basboosa, it has less meaning to me. perhaps i could arrange a week stay in Mabul with him and we could take a rest and explore the island and other islands together. we always wanted to stay there for longer time and help out the children in the madrasah. but we just dont have time. me busy with my research mr basboosa with his work and thesis to be completed.
.
i need to unpack and pack once i m back at home. mr basboosa said he'll pack all those souvenirs while im away and i just need to put our clothes once i come back. so 6 luggages. 1 souvenirs, 1 our clothes, 1 extra, 1 transit bag, 1 notebook bag, 1 games and snack bags. wow, it's seem like we are moving away.hope the euro will go down and we could have more cash to spend there. shopping shopping and shopping..i have been thinking about it ...a lot. i do have things that i NEED to buy. hahah NEED TO BUY.. the precise phrase!

it will be good if the luggage could pack and unpack by itself

how do i feel? all excited but nervous too. meeting the in laws for the first time but i'm confident that i'll be okay. they must be as nice as the boy that im married to.

all set for the trip? yes, im leaving my work behind and my boss will have to take care of it. i have submitted my work to him since last two weeks but he doesnt seem to have time to check it. too bad, he'll need to do it while im gone plus the correction and believe me i am a mistake-prone. hahah..sorry Doctor,

'Cause I'm leaving on a jet plane
I know when I'll be back again
Oh, boss, I love to go'

hahaha such a looney.
so, time to write some serious report now. all set for the 15 hours flight..owwhh i had to take the 3 hours back homee first. what a spoiler.

good night

time alone AGAIN

CETTE FOIS LE MOIS PROCHAIN

DORA VOYAGES AVEC BOOT

TRES..TRES BIEN

This Time Last Year

I was sitting next to mr. basboosa and thinking about work, packing, travel, packing, travel. Suddenly I remembered. “Hey, guess where I was at this time last year?” yes..a brief visit that took my mind off from all those lists in my schedule. The memory really makes my day. There is no other place I wanted to be other than there. My workload seems to be a small matter after all . So next time if im feeling a lil bit stress, I better think of the memory. Insyallah I’ll be there again.

3 More WeeKs

Last night HoneyStar reminded me “hey, do you realize that we’ll be taking a flight exactly this time on next 3 weeks?” yes..I am all excited but there are things holding me back from getting too excited... Yes...my work. It’s really hectic. 12 respondents to interview...plus the transcription...300 samples to choose, meaning I have to squeeze my eyes and look at the most suitable sample. Letters to send, phone calls to be made, instrument to be prepared….luckily my co-partner is leading and I’m eager to learn all these new stuff. My other team members are not on my sight. People are busy going here and there for few other researches... as for my own research? I haven’t received any comment from Boss and I think he has not read my proposal. Duh! How I’m supposed to present the proposal for approval to the panel before leaving. As I could conclude for the time being…my research will be on a month “vacation” an even worse, tag alone with me for the month that i'm suppose to be "free" from work. sure i'm going to miss the data analysis and poor Dr Reena with less one person to help. Wow...in 3 weeks, I’ll be taking 6 flights, approximately 35 hours in total...welcome jetlag :( Sometimes I feel like saying ….please, I don’t want to fly to the respondents but flying is better than 8 hours drive elsewhere in the peninsular. housework is better with a lovely husband like mine which doesnt mind helping me in the kitchen and around the house. all i need to do is to reward him with Basboosa from now and then. perhaps i'll go back and prepare one today. insyallah

I am one Tired Lady

Waayyy Too FickLe FriDay

It’s Friday...we have longer lunch hour. I dint know where to go and what to do. I went to the next block and did some window shopping and grabbed a fridge cover that I’ve been looking for.

Tomorrow is Saturday. Couldn’t think of anything interesting to do except some serious cleaning and scrubbing around the house. Just the same routine which I haven’t really follow lately. Of course I wanted to go out and do some sight seeing but with this kind of weather I prefer to stay indoor than burning myself under the Waayy too hot sun. My idea of relaxing is to sleep the whole day and only wake up for meals. Aahh...impossible, unless I’m dead I have tons to do and I hate doing the chores on weekdays. next week i will be doing the "hokey pekey" dance again. yes, im not going to office! going for pilot study around the district only..so i'll be back around to nag my HoneyStar :P

Life is okay...there’s sunshine but sometimes the clouds just appear out from nowhere...and gosh I hate that days. Work is so-so. The office politics really make me Waaayy too sick...then on tuesday I was really sick . Had light fever and bitten by anonymous flu bug which I end up drugged almost every night. so it's a "blue" week for me. I managed to decline n asignment out of the town this time after giving much thoughts about it. hey i got my work schedule. i did go for my asignment to Sarawak last time. so now, it's someone else's turn. she agreed to take it since last 2 weeks..suddenly she changes her mind just because her best friend was not going. how selfish could it be! yes..the best friend IS my Boss and even worse I AM new. who cares? i just going to put a straight face and say NO. couldnt be bother with the flight ticket provided..send me a private jet and i go :)Yes, I was...i mean I am pretty much pissed off with my seniors. Better keep my tongue tied and just do my work. Now since I’m illigible to apply for a post in the colleges, I’ll do that a.s.a.p. nice to be able to hop to a new environment. Of course the adapting process will be challenging. My current job is amazing, others are fighting to get this position but I guess it’s not my cup of tea at all...well..just a bit. i couldnt lie about my interest. but with these waaayyy too fickel minded people who dont practise what they preech, i started to think of other options.

Doing research is good but teaching is Waayy too great. However I couldn’t imagine myself going back to schools. Not until the whole system be “washed”. What could be worse than going to “useless” courses on weekends...okay, enough of my blabbering. From now I just take life as it is. Just imagine me giving a “sidekick” to thosewho are making my life miserable.

Next story, my weight gain is wayyyyyy unhealthy. I gained 10 kg in 6 months. I wonder where the mistake is. Okay let me list down…I was eating anything I ever want, too much of sweet stuff, lack of exercise, long hours of hibernation, double meals. Wait, I have better explanation, I could not resist from my own cook. I was cooking way to GOOD...hahaha (giving my head a knock…yeah right!) the constant travel and staying in hotels making me stuffing myself with…whatever.

homecooked meal is wonderful but eating excessive bread is plumping me. i love bread so much, more than rice or pasta. the best part is, i am destined to marry a bread-eater. too much carbs. i'm like a bun with extra dose of yeast.

So last 2 weeks...i decided, enough is enough. I have reached the heaviest moment in my life and my cholesterol level is not looking good. Still below the "dangerous" line but I rather take early precaution. So here am i...eating lightly. I avoid the oily food and sweet snacks. The calorie count is actually helping. I’m trying to consume 1200 calorie per day and 30 minutes of exercise. I better make full use of my bigest investment so far by buying the cross trainer. I’m happy with the result. Slow but there’s always progress. better make it permenent.

I tried the cabbage soup but couldn’t hold on to it. Wayyyy too little food and made me tired and I have flu since Monday. i'm sick of the cabbage soup and guess what, my favourite day is the "banana" day...other days I felt like my brain stops thinking will eat healthily and keep on watching my calorie. NO MEAL after 5. Fruits are okay. Hey, I’m not going to starve myself...i wont, never will. I just want to be healthy.

Next, I’m counting my days to take a month break! Yes, no kidding! i am Waayyy too excited. I’ll be traveling across the continent and it’s good to know that I don’t have to be annoyed with those people-who-can-never-shut up.News travels really fast. I just submitted a permission letter to travel oversea and by the next day...everybody was talking about it. Some even thought that I already gone (I was on sick leave for a day). since when they care! I say...perhaps 15 hours flight wont be bad after all.

Another 40 minutes before lunch time ends. So better stop now and browse through some recipes to cook. Yes, I’m SUCK in cooking and HoneyStar has to eat it anyway. Poor Love :P

I've Been Bitten By a "Cleaning Bug'

it's not an easy thing for me to balance between work and keeping a house squicky clean all the time. i will try my best to make everything in order. the best tip is to always keep it clean after every use so i dont have to scrub it hard every time i have spring cleaning. perhaps i dont even need any spring cleaning.last sunday was kitchen cleaning. next week i'll aim for the fridge and hall ,another week will be the bedroom, then,the middle room, then,guess room, then balcony. insyallah after a month i rotate the kitchen again.

saturday should be a day out..visiting friends, shopping or just a lunch out with Honey Startime is limited, life is hard, an organised schedule hope to make it better. i should be a better organiser since i'll be traveling frequently from now and then.

So yesterday HoneyStar was teaching me some lesson in cleaning. Yes, it’s good to be married to a “cleaning bug”. You’ll be affected too, otherwise you’ll be bitten by it :P

Kitchen Cleaning To-Do List

Every Day Kitchen Duties:

• Wipe down the sink after doing the dishes or loading the dishwasher (30 seconds).

• Wipe down the stove top (one minute).

• Wipe down the counters (one minute).

• Sweep, Swiffer, or vacuum the floor (two minutes).

Every Week :

• Mop the floor (five minutes).

• Wipe the cabinets, backsplashes, and appliances (10 minutes).

• Wash the dish rack (four minutes).

• Wipe the switch plates and phone (one minute).

• Wipe the inside of the garbage can (one minute).

Every Season:

• Empty and scrub down the inside of the refrigerator (30 minutes).

• Empty and clean the insides of the utensil drawers (15 minutes).

• Scrub down the cupboard exteriors (30 minutes).

• Clean the stove-hood filter (10 minutes).

• Perform "Shiny Sink 101".

Beat the Clock

In the time it takes to brew a pot of coffee, you can get through your "every day" list.

Be Prepared

Keep extra garbage bags (or a whole roll) at the bottom of your trash can and never again have to retrieve an apple core from a bagless bin.

Let It Shine
1. Fill sink to the rim with very hot water; add one cup regular bleach. Soak for one hour.

2. Drain and rinse thoroughly.

3. Scrub with Ajax, Bon Ami, or baking soda.

4. Be sure to rinse thoroughly.

5. Shine with Windex or another glass-cleaning spray.

6.Dry Thoroughly.

Things We Need

• Burner grids and knobs • Brushes and combs • Toothbrushes • Plastic utensil organizer • Refrigerator drawers • Drain catch • Sponges • Dish rack • Plastic toys (use discretion)

Cleaning Supplies to Keep in the Kitchen

• Clorox Disinfecting Wipes :for all hard, nonwood surfaces. They leave a fresh, nonchemical scent. X have

• Windex Glass and Surface Wipes :for windows and chrome. x have

•Microfiber cloths and mops, such as StarFiber or Act Natural ; euronetusa.com: green alternatives to disposable wipes, or to chemical cleaners and paper towels. For cleaning all surfaces. Especially effective for polishing stainless steel. i have microfiber cloths and mops and i love it. the mop is amazing in getting rid of hair since i have serious hairfall problem.

• Bleach. Yes..always

• Ajax ,Bon Ami or baking soda. I do have other type of floor cleanser and baking soda for baking purposes. i guess it's really handy to have it all the time

• Clorox ReadyMop : Wash the floor without a bucket. Works on most surfaces. No..but i do have a local brand :) still work wonders

• Broom, Swiffer , or handheld vacuum: for crumb busting. No vacuum.. no carpet in the house so i guess broom and swiffer is enough

Dora the Explorer NO Boots Episode

time to pack my bag and continue my exploration. yes, i probably experience things Dora did. jump on a boat, crossing a river, go through a dark cave. the only different is the monkey is not with me. well, not this time :(

DORA STRIKES BACK

SECRET no more

Hey, how are you? How’s your day? Every time I met her, she always has something to say. It seems that nothing “disables” her nothing “impaired” her. She works next door; we share same entrance, same restroom, and same lift. I bumped into her mostly in the restroom. As usual, she greets me with the most cheerful voice ever. I adore her; she was the first one to ask my name. Shame on me, I never cared to start a “friendship”. “Bulan” I said…and you? What should I call you? Ras. From that moment I registered her name as Ras in my brain. Could it be Rasidah? Rasilah? It doesn’t matter. She is a friend.


One hungry afternoon, I was about to have my lunch. I saw my staff and quickly joined her. I was alone, the cafeteria was crowded and I have no problem in sharing a table with others. It’s good to catch up. Ras was there too...so there were three of us. Sitting down, chatting, and munching the food down the throat. Ras was wearing a corporate shirt with a word “RAHSIA” embroidered neatly on the left side. “What organization is that?” silly me, I dint mean anything bad. I forgot that we normally tag our name on the left side. She started to make joke about being a secret. Yes, Rahsia means secret in Bahasa Malaysia. I stopped asking and we changed topic. The days after went like usual. She’s as bubbly as any other day.


Lately I’ve been going to her unit a lot, discussing my project with her boss since we have a new collaboration. I passed by her desk all the time. R.A.H.S.I.A. her name is Rahsia. She is Secret. People would quickly make assumption why she’s named Secret. I did the same.
Somehow, I learn things from her. It doesn’t matter how we looked like, how we sound like. It is us who make how others see us and how they hear us. We are the one who “disable” our own physical ability. We are the one who impaired our own speech. Allah create us equally, be grateful for who we are and what we have.


That’s the story of my friend, Rahsia. She is definitely a secret no more. I could hear her from a block away;)

a Year Less in LiFe

It’s been awhile since I last wrote a post. 2011 starts and I have things to plan, balancing work and family. I always wanted to be a better person both at work and home. However, I couldn’t organize my life neatly. Now, I have to be focus. ..Yes, who wouldn’t want to get the best employee award and at the same time winning a perfect wife badge. Simple house chores seem to be a big thing. It is good enough if I could squeeze in washing, ironing, cooking, mopping, cooking, and scrubbing on working days. Life could be crappy on certain days…I end up not looking after myself. Gained piles of weight and looking all scrumpy. I wish I will always look like an adorable princess for HoneyStar but unfortunately I often end up like the “red queen” in Alice in Wonderland. There were times; I’m worried about my own capability to juggle life and career. Everyone is not perfect but I dream of being a perfect person. Perhaps I need to stop all these nonsense ideas and be the best I can be. My “best” could be “worst” to others but...it’s me...my life. I want to enjoy life and be with my love ones. I love working but there’ll be time when I need to consider other possibility.


Work is ok. This year I am delighted to lead a research. I am totally eager to learn although the thoughts of completing it in 6 months bother me. I’m just scared…somehow, it’s a relief to know that my mentor has a good reputation and the best Guru in the field. My team members are all supportive and been helping me to gain information on the subject. This could be the only chance for me to challenge myself to the fullest in career. I think I’ll appreciate all these experience later even though my life could change 360 degrees.

“The greatest barrier to success is the fear of failure.”

My father named me “SUCCESS” and Insyallah I will be SuccessfuLL