"Mama, shhhhh!"

Tomorrow we are taking Syakirah to see a movie for the first time. She turned 3 last week, so now that she's a "big girl", I really wanted to take her to the cinema. We're going to watch Shrek Forever After. Unfortunately, not in 3D. Just you know, in case we have to leave the cinema half way hehe.

I do not know if tomorrow is going to be a disaster. My daughter has never been the kind of baby to be content watching the world idly goes by (as poetically put in my What To Expect book series). A little concerned if we are going to have to chase her around inside the darkened cinema, or having to shush her while the movie is playing. But you know what? I am going to suck it up and take her anyway.

Since Asyraf arrived, I haven't been able to spend as much time as I want with my eldest. The baby will always be demanding of my attention, as he should, being only 6 months old and all that. It does not mean I don't miss the mother/daughter bonding time we used to share. I want to be there for most of the 'first times' in her life and a movie is as good as any. You know what they say about the family that watches movie together... That erm, they end up with a lot of collection of DVDs at home? LOL

I've already pre-educate her on the etiquette on watching a movie in a cinema. Not that a toddler will remember all that when she is bored but hey, at least I tried.

Anyone with experience taking a toddler to see a movie for the first time wanna share their experience?

Image source

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★ Giveaway - Artiwood Letters ★

Join this giveaway on my dear,  old long time friend I've known since high school, Jenny's blog. You can read her review about this product here or go to the sponsor site here. There's 5 types of design to choose from, Animal, Dolphin, Fairy, Koala and Dinosaur. You can choose up to 8 letters and delivery is FREE! Yes, I repeat. FREE!

I have 2 kids, both with quite a long name. 8 letters is not enough! But erm, if I did win *flutters eyelashes seductively*, I would choose these...

I-Y-A for Syakirah. This is what she calls herself. Kakak Iya.  

A-C-A-P for Asyraf. This was how Syakirah pronounced Asyraf's name when he was first born. It kinda stuck, I guess.

* Eligibility: Open worldwide!* Expires on 30th June 2010
* You must fulfill the mandatory entry 1st, else you will be disqualified.* Winner will be randomly drawn using Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to email notification or a new winner will be drawn.
Don't forget to join yeah?

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Baybe erm, babywearing Asyraf

I had to ask reeeeeeee-ally nicely for Baybe to agree to let me post this. On conditions that I Photoshop our messy bedroom in the background. Don't worry, Baybe. Just who do you think you are married to?

Taaaaa-daaaaaaaaaa!!!

Sorry for the poor quality. It was an MMS from Baybe sent to me during my lunch break. My poor babies (big Baybe included hehe) had to make do without me since I am working today and tomorrow. See? Even husbands agree that babywearing is a good thing ^____^

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404 Error Page Not Found

There was no way I didn't blog about this!

You know those annoying Page Not Found error you get on your web browser when the page you are trying to view is not accessible OR you thought you were connected to the internet but you're actually not?? The link I was trying to click on LiveJournal was broken butI kept clicking on it cause I really wanted to read the fanfic it was linked to open the page. It took me a couple of tries before I noticed the error messages. Check them out!

This is why I love my LJ subscription!

I have started making graphics again! Yeay for not wasting the USD7 subscription I pay every 2 months!

Page Not Found

I'm sorry, you've reached a page that I cannot find. I'm really sorry about this. It's kind of embarassing. Here you are, the user, trying to get to a page on LiveJournal and I can't even serve it to you. What does that say about me? I'm just a webserver. My sole purpose in life is to serve you webpages and I can't even do that! I suck. Please don't be mad, I'll try harder. I promise! Who am I kidding? You're probably all like, "Man, LiveJournal's webserver sucks. It can't even get me where I want to go." I'm really sorry. Maybe it's my CPU...no that's ok...how bout my hard drives? Maybe. Where's my admin? I can't run self-diagnostics on myself. It's so boring in this datacenter. It's the same thing everyday. Oh man, I'm so lonely. I'm really sorry about rambling about myself, I'm selfish. I think I'm going to go cut my ethernet cables. I hope you get to the page you're looking for...goodbye cruel world!

-the webserver

LiveJournal Admin: Sir! We have reports that someone is trying to access a page that doesn't exist!
LiveJournal Captain: Impossible! How can that be?
LiveJournal Admin: Sir, I don't know. Maybe they typed in the URL wrong or maybe we're suffering from a critical system failure.
LiveJournal Captain: Unacceptable! Redirect them to a 404 page and make it snappy!

Narrator: In A.D. 2006, Web was beginning.
Captain: What happen ?
Mechanic: Somebody set up us the journal.
Operator: We get signal.
Captain: What !
Operator: Main browser turn on.
Captain: It's you !!
CATS: How are you users !!
CATS: All your base are belong to Frank.
CATS: You are on the way to 404.
Captain: What you say !!
CATS: You have no chance to reach your page. Make your spelling correct.
CATS: Ha Ha Ha Ha ....

This page is not here
like plum blossoms in the wind
existence is fake

Note: This is a haiku

Umm...you weren't supposed to see this.
Are you sure you typed in the URL correctly?
Um. Yeah. If you could get going that would be great. Frank needs some privacy.

Note: Frank the Goat is LiveJournal's mascot.

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Pictures of Asyraf @ 6 months old

Mini image post. Update to previous post.

Kenapalah rambut anak mama taknak tumbuh-tumbuh nie? Huuu huuuu.

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Asyraf @ 6 months old

Technically, he turned 6 months old yesterday, but since he was born at about 8pm on the 25th, I figure I am still in time to post this today ^___^.

Milestones this month

    * Your baby now can sit on his own. ~ Not yet, at least not for very long. Just about 10 seconds or so at a time.

    * He rocks and pivots while lying on his stomach. ~ I don't get it. Pivot?

    * Baby can roll from his back onto his stomach–and back again. ~ Oh, you have no idea!

    * He digs her fingers and toes into the floor to push himself toward a favorite toy. ~ Yup.

    * Baby can eat a cracker. ~ Yup.

    * He can pick up a cereal ring or other small object. ~ Dangerous yup.

    * Baby has more than doubled his birth weight. ~ Back strain yup.

    * She can say vowel-consonant combination.~ I don't get it. 

    * Baby expresses unhappiness when an object or toy is taken away. ~ Definitely yup.

    * He can pass objects from one hand to another. ~ Yup.
    * Baby looks for dropped toys. ~ Oooh yup.

    * He has discovered herself in the mirror, and loves having conversations with this new little friend. ~ Not so sure yup. He stares and tries to grab his reflection, but he doesn't have "conversations".

Additionally, Asyraf already has two front bottom teeth for a couple of weeks no. Can giggle up a storm. Is showing early signs of separation anxiety... even when he's 3 feet away from me while I'm doing the dishes. Literally likes to sleep cuddled in my arms (oh, my poor back). Yet, his hair still refuses to grow. It's still spotty. Oh, well. Can't win 'em all.

Note: Will update photos after I recharge my digicam later. In the mean time, here's Kingston Rossdale at 6 months old. Ain't he a cutie?

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Can I get a rain check on that, please?

 I swear I was trying to upload the photos last night! But Asyraf was particluarly clingy and would not sleep unless I lay (lie?) down next to him. So I brought the digicam plus cable to upload it at work today. But alas, it seems that I forgot to turn off the camera last night so battery is dead. It didn't occur to me to bring along the charger to work.

So here I am, trying to post about Syakirah's birthday with no photos to show for it. Looks like I'll just have to take out a rain check, folks.  

Source

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I NEED a new phone

I reiterate. I don't WANT  a new phone. I NEED  a new phone. My trusty old Sony Ericson K810i, which I got when Syakirah was a few months old, is quickly reaching retirement age. And with it, also comes the little quirks that hints that I better start shopping around sooner than later.

Not wanting to add more fuel to the fire of the eternal battle between good and evil a.k.a. Blackberry VS Iphone, I think I'll stick to HTC, thanks. Even if my dream phone is not available in Malaysia, there is no reason why I cannot still lust after it from afar. At least until I decide on a phone within my budget that I can actually get locally and not have to unlock myself, that is.

Ladies and gentlemen, I humbly present to you... HTC Nexus One

For the visual people, lurvely photos to drool over.

For the techies, some specifications to whet your appetite.

General

    * Product Type Smartphone With digital camera / digital player
    * Service Provider Unlocked
    * Width 59.8 mm
    * Depth 11.5 mm
    * Height 119 mm
    * Weight 130 g

Cellular

    * Technology WCDMA (UMTS) / GSM
    * Band WCDMA (UMTS) / GSM 850/900/1800/1900
    * Phone Design Candy bar
    * Antenna Internal
    * Vibrating Alert Yes
    * Polyphonic Ringer Yes
    * Phone Navigation Buttons Trackball
    * Call Timer Yes
    * Conference Call Capability Yes
    * Voice Recorder Yes
    * Caller ID Yes
    * Speakerphone Yes
    * Wireless Interface Bluetooth (A2DP) , Bluetooth 2.1 EDR
    * Additional Features Photo album , Speech-to-Text (speech recognition) , GPS , 3.5 mm headset jack , Touch screen

Communicator Features

    * Operating System Google Android 2.1

Messaging & Data Services

    * Short Messaging Service (SMS) Yes
    * Mobile Email Yes
    * GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) Yes
    * EDGE (Enhanced Data Rates For Global Evolution) Yes
    * Internet Browser Yes
    * HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) Yes
    * Messaging / Data Features Text messages

Multimedia Features

    * Playback Digital Video Formats H.264 , MPEG-4 , H.263 video and AMR audio

Digital Camera

    * Camera highlights With a resolution of 5 megapixels, this model will give you better pictures than other phones.
    * Sensor Resolution 5 megapixels
    * Focus Adjustment Automatic
    * Digital Zoom 2
    * Camera Light Source LED light
    * Video Recorder Resolutions 720 x 480

Organizer

    * Alarm Clock Yes
    * Calendar Yes
    * Reminder Yes
    * Calculator Basic

Display

    * Type OLED display
    * Technology AMOLED
    * Display Resolution 800 x 480 pixels
    * Diagonal Size 3.7 in
    * Display Languages French , German , Korean , English , Italian , Russian , Spanish , Japanese , Portuguese , Chinese (simplified) , Chinese (traditional)
    * Features Ambient light sensor

Digital Player (Recorder)

    * Supported Digital Audio Standards AAC , AMR , MP3 , WAV , AAC + , Ogg Vorbis

Memory

    * Internal Shared Memory Yes
    * Flash Memory 4 GB - microSDHC

Connections

    * Connector Type 1 x Micro-USB , 1 x Headset jack - Mini-phone 3.5 mm

Miscellaneous

    * Included Accessories desktop charger

Power

    * Type Power adapter

Battery

    * Technology - Lithium ion
    * Capacity 1400 mAh
    * Talk Time Up to 420 min
    * Standby Time Up to 250 h

I am really itching to try an Android phone. Even if it hasn't even launch version 2.2 yet. It can't possibly be any worse than Windows Mobile, right?

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My love, my life, my firstborn. Happy 3 year old, Sayang...

The day you came into this world, I cried. You were my biggest accomplishment to date and if I had never won anything in my entire life, I truly felt like a winner then. You were mine. From the curls on your head to the small of your toe, you were mine.

The months flew by. Your first smile. The first time you called me Mama. Your first step. I faithfully recorded each and every one of your achievement in my heart. I was too spellbound to take the time to put it all down, and I regret that now. You should know though, that even if I don't have the scrapbook to show for it, I have never loved you any less than life itself.


As you grew older and wanted to learn to explore the world on your own, I smiled and opened the doors for you. I will never hold you back from what you truly want. You have my blessing in all your worthy endeavors. Remember Allah and respect all those who deserve it. Empathize with the less fortunate. Don't sweat the small stuff, it's all small stuff anyway. 


There will came a time when you feel that you are old enough to do things on your own. Like putting on your own disposable diapers, or tying up your own shoelaces. One day you will be old enough to choose your own career path and the man you wish to marry. At each and every one of these crossroads of life, I will stand by faithfully. If you hesitate and do not know the way, reach out your hand and I will come to hold it.

Be bold and go forth to conquer the world, my child. Never fear that if your steps should falter, I will always be there to catch you before you fall. I promise.

Happy birthday, Amni Syakirah. 

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Operation THANK KRIPKE

Have you watched the Supernatural Season 5 finale "Swan Song?" How awesome was it? I have male series download co-conspirators colleagues who loved the season finale too. Now THAT is how you know that your show is totally awesome. I've said Awesome three times now. I don't care. Supernatural is awesomeawesomeawesome so there!

If you are a fan of the show, then you would probably know by now that the creator of the show, Eric Kripke, is stepping down from running the show. He will stay on as a consultant and as an executive producer for the show. His shoes are being filled by Sera Gamble who has been with the show since the beginning, so rest assured that our beloved boys are in good hands. She wrote some of the more heart wrenching episodes like 1.12 Faith, 2.17 Heart, 3.10 Dream a Little Dream of Me and 5.21 Two Minutes To Midnight.

As a thank you to Kripke for making the past five years of our lives all that much more meaningful, some fans from the LiveJournal community have decided to raise funds to take a full-page ad in Hollywood trade magazine, the Hollywood Reporter. Previous fans for shows that have done this include Firefly and Buffy.

See that thermometer? Blink and you'll miss seeing it go a little bit higher. I just made my donation. I hope other Supernatural fans reading this will too. Go to the site and do what you can. If you're into graphics like me, then you can even submit your design for the ad later, once we have reached the targeted amount. They will of course choose the best design but how awesome would it be to see your own graphics thanking the great Eric Kripke for his awesome show, Supernatural, in the Hollywood Reporter no less!

Bleh. I said awesome again. LOL.

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Dream a little dream

Source

Do you often wonder what your dreams mean? Have you ever woken up from a dream and thought to yourself, "What the heck was THAT about?" Yeah, me too.

I had one of my weird linear, story like dream last night. The thing is, the plot remains consistent throughout the dream but the people involved and sometimes even the scenery keeps changing, yet it all makes perfect sense. Almost always, it would involve someone from my past. These dreams usually leave me with an uneasy feeling, as if there is just something there that I cannot put my finger on.

I found this site that interprets dreams and found it eerily accurate. No, this is not some new age BS thingy. It's based on psychological theories by people like Sigmund Freud, Carl Jung etc.

Last night I had a dream I was running and hiding from people who care about me, friends and colleagues. Let's see what my dreams mean eh?

Hiding
To dream that you are hiding, suggests that you are keeping some secret or withholding some information. You may not be facing up to a situation or not want to deal with some issue. However, you may be getting ready to reveal something and confess before somebody finds out. In particular, to dream that you are hiding from some authority figure (police, parent, teacher...), implies feelings of guilt.

Running
To dream that you are running away from someone, indicates an issue that you are trying to avoid. You are not taking or accepting responsibility for your actions. In particular, if you are running from an attacker or any danger, then it suggests that you are not facing and confronting your fears.

Erm, yes. I did have a disagreement with my superior yesterday. It was not a big deal but I hate it when I get blamed/scolded for something I didn't do or am not responsible for. If I made a mistake, I will just shut up and accept the blame, but if it ain't of my doing, then oh boy! I will mouth off like a piston. I am not normally an argumentative person and I suppose I feel a bit guilty for saying the things I said. Hmmmm.

Check out other most common dreams like being naked, teeth falling out (I have this dream a lot!), flying, falling. You can interpret your own dreams there too!


As long as I don't dream of Freddy Kruger, I'm good, thanks. ^___^

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Gorgeous Bamboo Wrap For Sale!

I am helping the lurvely Justlixa sell off her gorgeous but barely used bamboo wrap. It's in the elegant but vogue Indochine print as can be seen on Tiny Tapir. I asked to buy it from her before but she wasn't ready to let it go until now. Unfortunately my funds are being diverted elsewhere at the moment so no can do yer, Lixa hehehe. Like the stretchy wraps, this kind of wrap is especially good for wrapping newborns and babies up to 9kg. You can still carry older babies as this kind of wrap is very convenient to use (or so I've been told, not an Otai on wraps... yet).

Bamboo wraps are excellent for Malaysian weather due to it is thinner than most wraps. Each wrap is made with a 100% cotton decorative panel.  The wings of the wrap are made of super soft, slinky and lightweight Bamboo. You can read more about the wrap here.

Please help this wrap-a-holic mama fund her new obsession, oh, and also so I can call dibs on her other wraps if she decides to let those go too. Mwahahahahaha! 

Visit her post here.

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Why I don't want to watch the new Karate Kid movie

I've been avoiding anything to do with this movie like the plague but I accidentally read the summary for it on Sukma's blog here. Sori-yer, Sukma. Ter-borrow this topic sekejap.

Synopsis:

12-year-old Dre Parker (Jaden Smith) could’ve been the most popular kid in Detroit, but his mother’s (Taraji P. Henson) latest career move has landed him in China. Dre immediately falls for his classmate Mei Ying – and the feeling is mutual – but cultural differences make such a friendship impossible. Even worse, Dre’s feelings make an enemy of the class bully, Cheng. In the land of kung fu, Dre knows only a little karate, and Cheng puts “the karate kid” on the floor with ease. With no friends in a strange land, Dre has nowhere to turn but maintenance man Mr. Han (Jackie Chan), who is secretly a master of kung fu. As Han teaches Dre that kung fu is not about punches and parries, but maturity and calm, Dre realizes that facing down the bullies will be the fight of his life.

First of all, WHY Jackie Chan?? I mean, sure, he is a big tai-ko here in S.E. Asia but most of his roles in Hollywood are stereotyped jokes. He is a very talented man (have you seen New Police Story?) but Asians in Hollywood are only ever given the roles of monks, cops, villains or comic relief. Even Jet Li, who could whoop Sylvester Stallone's sorry a**, has only ever offered roles such as I mentioned.But seriously, can Hollywood even tell us Asians apart? Japanese and Chinese are not the same people. Oh, but the writers "ingeniously" sidestepped this minefield by my point below. *snort*

Secondly. Dre has nowhere to turn but maintenance man Mr. Han (Jackie Chan), who is secretly a master of kung fu. What the..? Maintenance man. Secretly. Master of. Kung fu. In a movie called "The Karate Kid". Mr Miyagi will be rolling in his grave right now.

OK. Those are my major gripes. I have other minor ones but I am willing to let it slide. Just because I am a nice person like that (haha). But seriously, you couldn't pay me to see this movie. I am better off reading fanfics until Leverage season 3 starts in August.

Hmmm. Mr Miyagi does not do kung fu, grasshopper. Wax on. Wax off.

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To my darling babies...

My darlings,

Mama is sorry that Mama have to leave you at the nursery today. Mama knows that you are both still not feeling well. Well, Mama can only wish that Mama's boss is that tolerant but early lesson in life, sweet peas, TNSTAAFL (There's No Such Thing As A Free Lunch).

Please know Mama's thoughts and prayers are with you at every moment of the day. At a phone call, Mama will drop everything at work and be with both of you in a heartbeat. We will go to the doctor again, OK, sayang? It won't be so bad. At least you will get a lollipop after that! Erm, but  not you, Asyraf. No lollies for you just yet.

Be strong, babies. Mama will be home soon.

With love and loads of kisses...

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Supernatural: Tweets during the finale

Read from bottom up:

Now THAT, ladies and gentleman, is what I call a season finale. #supernatural     11 minutes ago  via web
 
*gasp* *choke* *dies* 12 minutes ago via web

Chuck is God. Literally. Go figure. #supernatural 13 minutes ago via web

I hate you Kripke! I love you! I love you! Oh, Sam! *cries* #supernatural 19 minutes ago via web

This is the most hearbreaking flashback I have ever seen in my entire life! *howls* #supernatural 22 minutes ago via web

Hey, ass-butt? Did you just molotov his brother with holy oil? Did you?! #supernatural 25 minutes ago via web
 
Oh, Dean LMAO 27 minutes ago via web

Michael vs Lucifer. Throwdown, bitch! Bring it on! #supernatural 28 minutes ago via web

Scoot over, Dean-o. I'm coming with you! 32 minutes ago via web

Lucifer, you are such a dick. Oh, right. You *are* eee-vil. 36 minutes ago via web

I will not cry yet. I will not cry yet. Oh, Sammy! 42 minutes ago via web

Oh no. Whip out the tissue now! about 1 hour ago via web

Watching #supernatural season finale. Do not disturb at all cost. about 1 hour ago via web 

Too emotional to work now. Wanted to take rest of day off but acting Team Leader says can't. Supernatural season finale exceeding expectation isn't a good enough reason apparently.

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Supernatural Spree Interval: Color of my rainbow

Your rainbow is shaded violet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is says about you: You are a creative person. You appreciate beauty and craftsmanship. You are patient and will keep trying to understand something until you've mastered it.

Find the colors of your rainbow at spacefem.com.

Inspired to do this when I saw it Hanz's sidebar. Fun!

I suppose I do appreciate beautiful things and the effort put into making it. I also love things I don't understand immediately and strive to fully understand it. Which is probably why I love shows like Numb3ers, House, CSI, Leverage etc.

Back to watching Supernatural!

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Supernatural: The Journey Ends

The season finale has aired over in the 'States and I am still at work and thus unable to download it... yet. Now, I know I told myself to be strong and remain spoiler free for the Supernatural apocalyptic end, but apparently my hand is faster than brain. I accidentally (yeah, right *snort* ) clicked the link to Supernatural Wiki and read the summary. Must be the hazards of working with computers 12-hours a day. My reaction?

* tears hair out and howls at the moon*

Eh, what moon? It's still day-lah here in Malaysia. Nevertheless...

So what I am going to do while waiting for tonight, is to re-watch 10 worthy Supernatural episodes (thank God for 500GB external hard drives) of all times and post short, random reviews here, oh and maybe LiveJournal too. I'm actually avoiding my LJ due to my beta is still probably stalking me for not finishing my Narnia Caspian/Peter fanfic. Hehehe. Woops.

2 episodes per season. Starting now.

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OMG! We're in the news, precious!

This picture was taken during this. Yes, there was a photographer guy that hung around our table and kept snapping photos of us, especially of me and the kids. I thought he worked for the hotel and was half expecting him to offer us to buy the pictures printed on mugs or in photo frames as "souvenirs", you know, like they do in tourist spots. Or at least I thought we would be able to see our pictures when we go to the same venue again for Father's Day next month on the hotel bulletin board or something. But this? LOL. *embarassed*

They misspelled Baybe's name. It's Zain-O-riman and not Zain-U-riman, but then again it was very loud when he asked me to spell out our names.Oh, and there's the white gold bracelet Baybe got me for Mother's Day too ♥


Sorry for the poor quality. Rushed to a news vendor to buy it as soon as my mom called to tell me about it. Snapped the photos using my camera phone (in poor lighting) and edited a bit with Photoshop portable for clarity. I might scan it properly later at home hehehe.


Oh, I forgot to mention didn't I? It's in News Straits Times, Streets section, page 8. So erm, don't use that particular page for your kitty litter box yeah?

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Tis' award season again!

Oooh, erm. 2 awards in one week? I betcha not even Russel "I-still-look-manly-in-a-skirt" Crowe achieved that! Or did he? *scratches head and ignores Wikipedia glaring at me*. Anyways...

Methinks I have received this award before but this one is shinier! Thank you to Mommyyus for thinking I am beautiful... at blogging *blushes*.

And here is the second award I have been given...

This is one is from Ica.Thank you so much, sweetie. You know I love your blog too, right? I do!

Now for the fine print. I am going to pass along these babies to other beautiful blogger-s whose blogs I love!

1 - Ida
2 - Liza
3 - Catlina
4 - Hanz
5 - Jenny
6 - mommyus
7 - Sukma
8 - Lixa
9 - Sheri
10 - YOU, dear reader who are viewing this post

I love getting new reading material meeting new people so if you want to grab the awards for yourself, please do. Oh, and post a link back so I can view your entry ^___^

 

Note: I want to start my own award or meme too. Ideas?

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Rice Porridge with Carrot a.k.a. Nasi Bubur Bersama Lobak Merah

I guess that if you look out your window this very minute, you will see a swarm (horde? pack?) of pink, pot bellied creatures with wings hovering above ground, because I believe I once said that the day I actually trade cooking recipes with others, pigs will fly. Let's face it, even though I enjoy cooking for my family, people are most likely to see a wireless optical mouse in my hand rather than a spatula, but I digress.

Now that Asyraf is starting on solids, other than the normal Nestum cereal, I really want to make a conscious effort of doing everything D-I-Y. So, No to bottled Heinz baby foods, please. Only things mama can whip up int the kitchen herself.

I've had this recipe book since Syakirah started on solids way back when, but yeah, my working hours were much more erratic then. I really want to do it right by my children this time around.

Through sweat (literally) and toil, through trial and error, I managed to follow this recipe that has only a handful of steps. I suggest novice chef wannabes stay clear as the instructions are obviously not directed to us. There are not enough explanations and the imagery, although looks aesthetically pleasing, is NOT accurate at all. 

The Ingredients:

1. 2 carrots ~ How about giving baby carrots a go? Or stick to organic ones.
2. 1/2 cup of rice ~ I washed, air dried it, and then blended until it was fine. Better for younger babies I suppose.
3. 2-3 cups of water ~ I used boiled water.

The Recipe:

1. Cut 1 of the carrots and blend to get juice ~ Peel the carrot, wash it and chuck it in a juice extractor. The one you got for your wedding gift and never used? Yeah, that's the one.
2. Cut the other carrot and steam it. After steamed, blend to get puree. ~ Peel and dice the carrot. Steam until tender. Blend with boiled water, or breast milk, or formula milk (optional).
3. Cook rice porridge ~ I added a little bit of milk when it was boiling and stirred for a bit.
4. Once porridge is cooked, stir carrot juice in. Add carrot puree as well. ~ You might wanna be sparing with the carrot portions though, especially if you haven't introduced this vegetable to your little one.

The Verdict:

Asyraf was fine with carrot juice, not so much the puree. Since I only mashed it and not blended it (no food processor), maybe it was still too chunky for him. I made a proper apple puree (blended until looked like smoothie) too and he made such a face when he tasted it! LOL. Apparently, can try to mix it a bit with (more!) apple juice or white grape juice to take away the tartness of certain fruits. Erm, right.

Durian puree anyone?

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Mother's day @ Equatorial Hotel, Kuala Lumpur

Amidst much family drama, we finally settled on Equatorial Hotel for the venue of this year's Mother's Day celebration. Honestly, if I wasn't doing this for my mother, I probably wouldn't have gone ahead with it anyways. Baybe insisted that the day was as much for as much as it was for my mother. Eh. Never really occurred to me that way. I guess, 2 C-sections later, I MUST me be a mother too eh?

Good food. Good ambiance. Good service. We tipped the waiter, something I only insist on if the service is extra tip-top, since we're already charged the 10% service charge anyways. The waiter deserved it. Plus, we got 20% off for Father's Day at the same venue since we booked it early. Go us!  

More piccies uploaded in FB. Since I barely peek in my FB these days, might as well use it for something!

Pensive mood. Not much to say. *cue crickets*

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Supernatural: The Journey So Far "O' Death"

Compared to the other 3 horsemen, Death is a total badass! Check out how he snuffed the guy who bumped into him.

The song heard in the promo is called O Death and it's an old spiritual, recorded by Jennifer Titus especially for CW, the TV network Supernatural is shown on. And the humming voices heard in the backgound are actually CW staff members!

Source and more info here on Supernatural Wiki.

You can download the track O Death here.

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A Song For Mama

I am sorry I cannot post how I really feel right now. Tears clouding my vision every time I try. Maybe later tonight at home where I can bawl my eyes out and not get called into the Operation Manager's room. I hope this conveys my meaning though.

You taught me everything
And everything you've given me
I always keep it inside
You're the driving force in my life, yeah
There isn't anything
Or anyone that I can be
And it just wouldn't feel right
If I didn't have you by my side
You were there for me to love and care for me
When skies were grey
Whenever I was down
You were always there to comfort me
And no one else can be what you have been to me
You will always be you always will be the girl
In my life for all times

Chorus:
Mama, mama you know I love you
Oh you know I love you
Mama, mama you're the queen of my heart
Your love is like
Tears from the stars
Mama, I just want you to know
Lovin' you is like food to my soul
Yes it is (5x)

You're always down for me
Have always been around for me even when I was bad
You showed me right from my wrong
Yes you did
And you took up for me
When everyone was downin' me
You always did understand
You gave me strength to go on
There was so many times
Looking back when I was so afraid
And then you come to me
And say to me I can face anything
And no one else can do
What you have done for me
You'll always be
You will always be the girl in my life

Chorus

Never gonna go a day without you
Fills me up just thinking of you
I'll never go a day without my mama

Chorus

Yes you are

A Song For Mama by Boyz II Men

“No gift to your mother can ever equal her gift to you – life”

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Lexi Twist using Mei Tai

 FRONT CARRY

1.  With the patterned side facing towards you, tie the waist straps at the back as you would an apron.  For security we recommend a square knot.	2.  Bring the body of the carrier up between baby's legs.
3.  While holding the carrier securely, do a little bounce to make sure your baby is sitting deeply in the seat.   Then bring each shoulder strap over your shoulder, crossing them behind you.  Make sure the straps aren't twisted and are spread nicely.	4.  Bring the straps back around to the front.
5.  You can simply cross the straps over baby's back, or do a lexi twist as shown.  The lexi twist is simply made by crossing the straps, then crossing them again so they're firmly twisted together.	6.  Take the straps behind you and make a square knot.
	That's it!  Enjoy the cuddles with your baby while you get on with your day!

BACK CARRY

To get baby onto your back, you can use a few methods.  The sitting method is shown here and is recommended if you're just starting out.  For safety, please always lean over a bed while learning how to use the carrier! 1.  Put your mei tai on a chair or bed and place baby over it.	2.  Making sure the waist straps come between baby's legs, sit up against baby and tie them around your waist.
3.  Bring the shoulder straps over your shoulders, making sure that the body of the mei tai is well up over baby's back.	4.  Take the shoulder straps back under your arms and cross them behind baby (or lexi twist as above).
	5.  Bring back to front and tie!  All done, totally hands free!

HIGH BACK CARRY

1.  With mei tai feature panel facing your legs, tie the waist straps just under your bust.  You can also tie the waist straps above the bust, for a slightly higher carry (can be preferable if you're pregnant).	2.  Load your baby onto your back.   You can do this several ways.  Firstly lean forward.  Shown is a toss/slide where baby is lifted then lowered over the shoulder.  You can also put baby on your hip and then scoot him around to your back.
3.  With baby on your back, bring the body of the mei tai up between his legs.  Ensure you bring the body well up behind baby's back before you stand upright.  Holding the shoulder straps firmly, do a little bounce to make sure baby is sitting deep down in the seat.	4.  Bring the straps over your shoulders and take them under your arms.
5.  Cross the straps behind baby's back, or lexi twist as shown.  6.  Bring the straps back to your front and tie at your waist.  All done!   Baby can see over your shoulder while you get things done!

Source here

I would really like to try this but for some reason I think that my Snugg Mei Tai shoulder wraps are too short. Eh? Will try and post my own piccies. Some day. Maahahahahahaha!!!

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