Tuesday, December 31, 2013

My ups and downs in 2013

Ok..this is gonna be a long post. Oh...today is the end day of 2013? So..what is our biggest achievement? Did everything goes accordingly to our plan? Do we achieve our goals? Well, for me, 2013 is a year where I have learned so many things about life. Unexpectedly. We only plan, Allah swt is the best planner and He knows what is the best for His servants. Alhamdulillah for all the ups and downs moments happened in my life throughout 2013. It surely made me who I am today, becoming a better person. Syukran.

January- July 2013: New working experience with SESS

I have been transited to SESS (School of Social Sciences) from CFS (Foundation Studies) with 3 other colleagues (tika, Mun and Fia) since November 2012. I have been with CFS for more than 3 years. It was really a sad moment for me as I am so closed with all my officemates in CFS. However, I took the offer for the sake of developing my teaching skills and challenging myself to become a better academician. My heart was slowly becoming empty as I was leaving CFS. I gained different set of teaching experience in SESS. From teaching proficiency subjects to content subjects. From teaching English to students from various courses, to only TESL students. It is challenging! I have been assigned to teach core subjects like Structure of English, Varieties of English, Pedagogy of Teaching and few other TESL subjects. I enjoyed my teaching as I am able to experience teaching both proficiency and content subjects. It was really exciting to see so many young talents are investing their money, energy and time just for the sake of chasing their dream to become a future educator. I love the feeling of sharing my knowledge and excitement on how to draw a tree diagram in a Structure class with my students. I miss that. huhu. I also experienced going to schools in Shah Alam area to observe my practicum students. It was definitely priceless experience for me even though it was quite tiring to travel here and there. In SESS, I also took challenge from my ex-boss to be the Emcee for one of the major events of the university, which is the launching of SESS. I will remember this for the rest of my life as I have been working together with Kak Zaila, another senior yet gorgeous TESL lecturer as the emcee of the event. Kak Zaila has taught me a lot of things, not only about being a good emcee but also about life. So many things. I miss her. I also got to know senior lecturers from SESS who have shared so much knowledge. 

Then, Mun gave us a shock news that she resigned. I started to feel a lil bit empty. Shortly few weeks after that, my other fav girl, Fia decided to do the same thing. I felt so empty. They are my best girls in SESS besides Tika. We were transited together. Trying to accept the fact that these sweet hearts are leaving me, I felt hopeless. My life was only about students. No more purpose coming to work. With lots of negativity from working environment, I just don't have the heart anymore there. Receiving the news that most of the lecturers need to go for outstation teaching on the following semester, which means you're gonna have less weekends with your loved ones. I felt so stress with so many works to do in the making added with less time with family, I made a big decision in my life. After consulting my hubby, I sent my resignation letter on the 1st April 2013 for 3 months notice. Most of my colleagues were hard to believe my decision. But I believe, with hardworks, effort, doa and tawakal, there is a better place out there. Just imagine, I resigned with 0% of knowing my chances to get a new job. I was taking a big risk. But, I believe in Allah swt. My intention is none other than to be a better person, in and out, which I couldn't have that in SESS. I was gambling with my luck as some people couldn't believe that I was just letting go the reputation that have been built all these years just like that. So, my last day was on the 1st July 2013.

My precious experience being an emcee together with Kak Zaila

moment with my Btesl students in a mass lecture. Spot me?
 
some of great lecturers that I know

observing my students doing their teaching practicum in schools 

met great lecturers

While I was still working with SESS, in March, my two sons were affecting by HFMD (hand feet mouth disease) at the same time! Poor them...they were quarantined for one week and I took one week leave to take care of them. Thank u mom, dad and sis who came to help. I've learned a lot on kids hygiene after that.

Poor kids on quarantine

I lost two sweet hearts in march and April and taking my heart with them ;)

 Some sweet thought from my students as they knew that I am leaving the university. I miss these students of course. I miss teaching good local students.

My resignation also means I have to put a distance with other close friends. More to soul sisters. They also resigned and now leave a better life. Only Nadia is still there. But Alhamdulillah, we always try our best to keep in touch and organize a meet-up.

July - September 2013: Full time house wife

This term was actually one of the most difficult time in my life. I have no job. I have no income. I have no money to give to my parents and my parents in law. No more shopping. No more outing. I lost one source of social life. I even cracked my right hand when I fell down on the street. I suffered for one week. I felt lonely staying at home, just talking to my kids. I hunted for numbers of jobs and failed. I got few job offers but everything was just not right for me. I cried for million times. I felt so hopeless. But I never gave up. I believe in His rezeki for me. 

On the bright side, I become more positive in life. I learned the hard ways. I remember queuing in lines to wait for a turn to get our bubur lambuk for berbuka puasa during Ramadhan. I remember how to become more patient with my kids. I remember I would find anything from the fridge that I can use to cook. I remember how I just recycled my baju for Raya just to see my kids get new cloth. Nobody knows except for my hubby. He never failed to give me hope, encouraged me to get better job. He is truly an inspiration. Thank u Abg. He believes in me so deeply. My relationship with Allah swt becomes closer. I communicate with him every single day. I recited Al Quran more as I have more time. I took a better care of my solat. I regret for not being grateful with what I had previously. This three months has learnt me so many life lessons. Thank you Allah swt. I spent all days with my two lovely boys. I enjoyed everything that I do with them eventhough I have lost my temper at times. I wanted them to be the best person ever, duniawi and ukhrawi. I miss cooking early in the morning, waiting for the boys to wake up, play with them all day long, play hide and seek, sleep with them..ok it was the best 3 months ever. I also got to develop my cooking skill as I tried so many menus.

With that hand, I still joined my hubby's family to Sunway Lagoon ;)

My nyawa..

One of my best menu- Ikan Patin masak tempoyak

I have more quality times with my loved ones

I also couldn't believe that I actually manage to host a makan-makan event. I am so proud of myself. I managed to host two makan2 events without anyone's help. Just me and myself. I cooked everything from the main dish to the desert! wahh.. I still couldn't believe I have done that!

Organized small jamuan raya on my own!

September 2013 onwards- New Job! A better life!

I received a call from Mediu one day when I was attending an interview with Utar (after numbers of interviews). I just grabbed all the opportunities. I went for the interview in Masalam and was hoping to get it as it is located in Shah Alam! I got the second interview on the next day. Alhamdulillah, I nailed it. I have been offered to be one of the lecturers. It is totally a new experience, new environment. I learn on how to conduct an online class, I have no local students, I learn how to deal with students from Somalia, Nigeria, Middle Eat, Syria. Muslim countries. Everything here makes me become closer with the Creator, Allah swt. The dress code, friends, students, everything is leading me to Him. Till I realize, this is my doa all this while. Remember that I said when I resigned, I believe there is a better place for me. This is definitely a better place. There are challeges. But are doable still. As long as it does not take away my precious time with my loved ones, then I have nothing to complain. My company also is very much concerned with spiritual side of its staff development by sending us to Islamic talk. I feel so blessed to work here. I managed to go to few Islamic talks for free. Alhamdulillah. I am slowly doing a hijrah towards my fashion sense. InsyaAllah.

My online class

My so-not-local students

My new colleagues

Down to memory lane, 2013 also taught us a huge lesson when my house in Kuantan was affected by flood. I was dam worried about my family in Kuantan. It was one of the nerve-wrecking moments in 2013. Alhamdulillah, everything ended up well. But this put a remarkable mark that we need to be ready with any possibilities in future as Allah's will is the most mighty. Allahuakhbar.

 flood in my parents' house

November 2013- Edanee!

I would also like to remember 2013 as one of the happiest moment in my life as I am moving a step forward as an online business woman. Even though it is still new and small, but I finally have the gut to share my passion with people out there! =)

 
Hope to have more and new stocks after this! 

 Thus, thank u very much for all the memories, 2013. There is nothing that I have regretted. In fact, it makes me a better human. Insya Allah.

And 2014... welcome and please be nice! ;)

Monday, December 30, 2013

Flying Tips: Flying with kids (travelschecklist.com)

Poyo jah..it's not like we're going to Europe tho'..Langkawi jerr...plus it will only take 45 mis to ! hour je haha..please forgive my zero experience taking a plane..just wanna have a better out-view of what should I expect (arrr..shy la to admit this is gonna my first flight experience) --_--it's ok..this might be useful for my future trip as well.

Article By: stressfreekids.com

1. Pack an activity bag. My secret ingredient was Crayola modeling magic. Bring a few different colors but only give your child one color at a time. Whenever they grow tired of the color surprise them with another color. Bring a few sculpting tools like plastic fork, spoon, q-tips. Don’t be surprised if the adult passengers want to join in on the fun. (Even young children enjoy watching the parent work the clay.)
arrr..so cute aite? this might be interesting

 2. Allow more time than usual for traveling. A rushed child is often a screaming child.
3. Pack healthy snacks and drinks. Most airlines no longer offer meals or anything more than peanuts and pretzels. A hungry or thirsty child is usually a crying child.
4. A laptop with a movie and headphones is a great way to keep kids entertained on a plane.
5. Bring along relaxation tracks or classical music. The best scenario is a sleeping child until you land!
6. Most children cry during takeoff and landing. Try to plan bottle time for takeoff and landing. The sucking action helps babies clear their ears.
7. A pacifier can work wonders on clearing ears. If need be get a bit of sugar on it to encourage sucking during takeoff and landing. Older children will benefit from a lollipop or gum. (Note: I am not normally a sugar fan but desperate plane ride moments call for this trick). Fahri is pacifier-free already yeayy and Naeem will ask.. 'hmmm..paci-what? what's that? so not macho'..ngehngeh
8. Children can be taught simple relaxation techniques ahead of time. Children that know how to focus on their breath as they breathe in and out can employ this technique on the plane. Even the youngest will settle down from just feeling the parent breathe this way. Indigo Dreams CD features stories that incorporate breathing for relaxation.
9. Get your child used to the word NO. Trying it on an airplane for the first time will only get you screams and resistance. Remember, setting clear boundaries and rules helps children feel safe and calm.
10. Let children have their own carry on. Let them be in charge of it and what is packed. It keeps them involved, gives children a sense of independence, and builds self-esteem . The Trunki Saddlebag or Suitcase by GummyLump are adorable, functional, and doubles as a sit-upon riding toy.

arggg... can not breathe..too cute!

11. Let your child pack something special that makes them feel secure. Guiding your child to mother or father their doll or stuffed animal can eliminate fear and ease anxiety. Let them explain to their travel buddy exactly what they will be doing during the trip. This empowers the children and eases their own anxiety of not knowing what to expect.
12. Many children are attached to their strollers or blankets. I have seen children scream when they check the stroller or leave it at the entrance to the plane. Practice this scenario at home so that you can eliminate the screaming on the plane. My own daughter once thought that the security screening machine was a monster and it was eating her blanket and stroller. Live and learn.
13. Many children cry over the seat belt being put on. This can be practiced ahead of time by playing airplane at home prior to your trip.
14. Try to make sure your child has a good night sleep prior to the trip. A well rested child is a happy child. InsyaAllah..hopefully we will not have problem on this..as the departure time is a 7.30 am..we really hope the kids will be still in their slumber land.

travelschecklist.com

Wahh I really love this website travelschecklist.com. InsyaAllah...my hubby and I along with our kids plus with my MIL and FIL will go to Langkawi by next week for 3 days and 2 nights. Psssttt..wanna know something..this is the first time I am going to take a flight! be in a plane..haha kesian kan.. but i don't mind.. mmg belum rezeki b4 ni nak naik flight pun..just my hubby likes to tease me and say 'kesian isteri abg ni x pernah naik flight'.. That will be one of the reasons why he booked a flight for this trip. Another reason is that my kids especially Fahri couldn't stand a long journey in a car. Boleh actually, but usually he will end up vomiting in a car...for few times. Sangat kesian. So, hubby decided to book a flight for Langkawi trip. So, from this website, you just need to opt for few selections regarding your trip details and the web will generate the checklist for you. So my travels checklist description sounds like this:

'A female and a male with babies and toddlers. flying to Malaysia. Expected weathers: hot/sunny and cold/rainy. Accommodation: Hotel. Planned activities: Beach / sea / cruise.'

And these are the checklists ( the ones without the tick-box are my additional list):

Travel Preparation:

  • - Reconfirm/check-in online with airline - hubby's task
  • -Check flight info for airline & times - hubby's task..hihi
  • -Check baggage weights - hmm.. i guess hubby will do this.. will remind him
  • -Personalize luggage (Make sure that your luggage has a tag with your name, address, and telephone number.Tie a colorful ribbon or attach distinctive stickers to your luggage so that you can identify it easily, and other travelers will not take it by mistake at a busy terminal.) - this is a good reminder! will do this!
  • -Check local destination weather/news - so far, haven't checked this out. but here in selangor..it's raining + monsoon ..not sure about Langkawi

Home Preparation

  • -Wash clothing - my MIL is helping .. and will start finalize the cloth by tomorrow
  • -Empty trash - yes yes yes! before leaving our house, this is a must.
  • -Store valuables in a safe place -hmm..ape yg valuables ekk....haha ok yup will do this
  • -Turn off heater/air conditioner -yes, before leaving house
  • -Lock all doors and windows - noted!

Documents

  • -Personal identification
  • Drivers license
  • Hotel/hostel contact info
  • Reservations & itineraries
  • Copies of tickets/passport/etc. (Remember to keep a close eye on the passport copy - it's a great asset if you lose the original, but can also be used to steal your identity if it gets into the wrong hands.If you have a web based e-mail platform, e-mailing yourself scans/copies of important documents and passport info is a great alternative to hard-copies. It's easier to access, less likely to be stolen, and guaranteed to always be on hand.)

Money

  • -Cash
  • -Emergency Money
  • -Credit / Debit Card
  • -Wallet

Ticket, Reservations

  • -Airline Tickets
  • -Book Hotel

Bags, cases, and packing
  • - nak p beli
  • -mcm comel jer, DIY je la kot
  • - i wanna buy this
  • Clothes: Basics

  • /slimming tights

    Clothes: Casual

  • Clothes: Outerwear

  • Shawls, inner, brooch, pin
  • Clothes: Dressy

    -Cardigans
    -Long skirt
    -Long sleeve shirts
    -Blouse

Shoes

Accessories

Babies & kids

  • stroller
  • / handkerchief
  • water bottle

Toiletries

  • shampoo/ conditioner
  • towel
  • lip balm
  • moisturizer
  • tissues

Health & medications

  • Insect repellent
  • hand sanitizer

Laundry

Sleeping gear

  • travel pillow

Electronics & gadgets

  • powerbank

Camera equipment

Beach/swimming gear

  • / floats

Food

  • dry food / snacks
  • coco crunch /honey star

Extras & others

  • notebook
  • plastic bags ( if in case fahri will be vomiting) 
p/s: will cross out the checklist progressively once each checklist done ;) 

Sunday, December 29, 2013

Self-Challenge

I am in a term where I challenge myself for good reasons (of course). I need to do this as I have been out of disciplines lately.

1. I challenge myself not to use the credit card starting from this month. Except for fuel. So far, (today is the 7th day of challenge) I am doing great...I shopped at tesco and Econsave using my cash, man! haha.. The benefit of paying cash is that you tend to spend less money on every item as u know u are out of cash. This is totally different when I was deeply madly in love with mr visa ;p I would spend more as some of the stores would not receive credit card if the total spending is not more than rm 50! So, instead of just wanted to buy a rm 20 car perfume, I will search for something else to make sure the total amount reaches 50! How pathetic is that! Thank you to mr hubby sbb berletiaq and to myself for actually challenging my own self.. Keep standing yana!

2. I challenge myself to have more physical working outs as much as possible. Nope, I am not going to gym. But, I will take any chances to walk, to use stairs instead of lift or escalators to my office. This is the challenge to get my ideal and dream weight. So far, I am faithful to my own rules.

3. I challenge myself to eat breakfast, healthy breakfast, not to eat nasi lemak and I try my best not to have a heavy lunch. I challenge myself to eat a small portion of rice each time I am having my meal. So far, I am taking this challenge very seriously except for I had so many pieces of durians last night ;p This is also part of getting my ideal and dream weight and body.

4. I am challenging myself to eat more fruits and less cakes or junk food.

5. I am challenging myself to drink more and more plain water and say no to carbonate and sweet drinks.

 6. I have more challenges actually which I am still in the mid of implementing them:
- I want to perform Dhuha every day
- I want to read Al Quran more frequently. At least, every two days.
-I want to perform Solat Hajat for every dream that I wish to

SAY YES TO A MORE HEALTHY AND POSITIVE LIFE (poyo x )

Please pray for my success, folks!

Being 30!

Another backdated post! But I need to post this as 30 is a number that means something! Means no more 2 series! Do u understand how it feels like? Oh my... what have been I up to until now, until 30? How time flies and leave us behind... sob sob..hihi.. no lah..we should be thankful that we are still given the opportunity to breathe and viewing this nikmat from Allah swt. Alhamdulillah ya Allah for still giving me a chance to witness and enjoy your wonderful rezeki.

So, Mr Epul as usual, will ask me what do I want for my birthday? And I did. And I already got it and hope to enjoy it soon haha. He bought me a birthday cake on the 13th December's night, after work (so sweet).
My 30th birthday cake =)

Calebrated with my MIL and SIL...Can you see my tired face after getting back from work?

 Then, taking pictures, then I wanted to have a dinner at a seafood restaurant. Thus, we headed to Pulau Ketam Restaurant, just somewhere in Bukit Tinggi, Klang. The food was finger licking good butttttt!!!! All that we did was chasing around our super active, mobiled kids, taking turn to eat and ended up tapau food and went home! haha... No regret..Things we should expect when we have two little kids around!

First few minutes



Anyway, thank u hubby for the effort.

I feel so touched and happy receiving so many birthday wishes not only from my close family members but also my close friends. Sha even came to my workplace and we had a lunch together and she gave me a long skirt. My colleagues were also being very sweet to give me gifts like shawl and a book. Thank u people!

Sha brought Adele to me! Adele is so adorable!

Gift from my colleague

My hubby gave me a Carlo Rino purse and an amount of money for me to keep going my online biz, Edanee. Thank u abg!

Post-birthday entry- Happy belated birthday Iqram and Irfan!

This is an outdated post actually but feel like wanna share this post onto my dearest blog as I love the pictures taken so much! Thank you to Kak Ayu (my sil) and Li (my bro) for inviting us to the birthday party- Superheroes Birthday Party on the 1st Dec 2013. It was held at my SIL's mother's house in Sri Damansara. I decided to make my boys wearing Superman shirts while my hubby and I will wear anything blue. So I wore glittery blue shawl haha and hubby was sporting enough to complete our blue theme by weraing blue shirt. After being consulted by me of course ;p I would say the party was fun, the food was superb! heee...So enjoy our pictures...






Aksi2 papa mithali with the boys ;p




Love all these pictures!

with Irfan

normal scene ..chasing hyper act Naeem



 Our kids


Thank u Li n Kak Ayu for having us!

meaningful Saturday

 I miss my last Saturday already... Finally, at last, we managed to meet in a small coffee session at Pak Li, section 7, Shah Alam. Why Pak Li? Because it's the place where we used to hang out when we were tesl students, especially during our final year. Oh...so many memories we used to have there. We have planned the gathering session since 3 weeks through Whatsapp Group Chat.. and Alhamdulillah, we did it..Yeayyy! I rindu giler kot ngan diorang ni especially Lily and Lyn... I miss Bayne too but Bayne just lives here in Shah Alam and we used to work together, so if I'll miss her, there's always a chance to meet her. But Lily and Lyn...oh my..it's been ages! The actual time to meet is at 8 am in the morning! (which I already have a doubt about it ;p) But we ended up meeting at 9.30 am hahahah!.. We actually tried to meet as early as possible as we are good wives and mommies ;p, we try not to spend our time too long but at the same time we don't want to bring our kids along as we really wanna chat, chat, drink, chat, laugh, laugh and laugh. But, we ended up meeting at 9.30 so that's why u can see some kids in this pitchas. Ya la...9 am..the kids bangun already..haiyyaaaa..haha.. But we really had a good time. Thank u lily for coming all the way from Tg Malim and in fact, carrying a 5-month old womb inside her! Congrats for a second child on the way... Really hope we can do this more often!
Bayne, Lily, Lyn and myself (promote tudung Edanee sikit ;p)

with gorgeous pregger! always a hottie

my crazy-cute lyn...i miss her a lot..we did our practicum in the same school

What was so funny? Everything was funny!

While I was on the way home from coffee session with ex-uni mates, Nis called me and was planning to go to JJ Bukit Tinggi and she said Sha and Amin will be joining too. So, yeah..she asked us to join along.. I reached home at 12.30 pm and asked hubby about it, and he said ok. So, we met up at JJ that afternoon, there were so many people as the YES is still around the corner. For us, it is not a problem to meet up as our hubbies are BFF and Sha and I are BFF as well and Nis also is getting closer with me n Sha..so I guess we already feel comfortable with each other except for Fahri who still can not get along with Uncle Amen becausenobodyknowswhy...oh my Fahri...what is it...Mama just don't get it =)Since he was a baby he is scared with Uncle Amin..Kesian plak mama with Uncle Amin.. Hope as he getting bigger and wiser, he will be ok with him

Sha, Amin and Adele sayang

Nis, Shah n Syuk with baby Syaq

Us! Can u see my tired face? Since morning kot, I even managed to cook Nasi Lemak before I leaved my house in the morning!

The three musketeers with their minions

May this friendship will last till Jannah..insyaAllah..