Celebrating January Girls

Yesterday my family gathered in D.U to celebrate Aira and my grandmother's birthday. Aira turned 1 on 7 January, whereas my grandmother turned 83 (alhamdulillah) on 21 January.

My mom made briyani bombay and kuih lopeh, my SIL Eyda made chicken quiche, I brought rojak ayam and my sister Dhirah did alfredo pasta. My mom ordered a carrot cheese cake from her friend. It was yummy!

Ilham with Mama Long

Aktiviti kanak-kanak

Meriah sungguh sebab rumah penuh :o) Faiq and Feera was excited playing with the Lego that my brother bought for them. Is ada aktiviti sendiri. Aira wasn't in a good mood coz she didn't get enough sleep. Ilham was bubbly as always :o) Faiq as usual conquered candle blowing.

Birthday girl yang rimas with the head band

Happy nyer Ilham main cak dengan Atuk

 

Bersungguh-sungguh buat Lego

Yeay! dah siap dah fire station and fire brigade!

Great grandmother with her great granddaughter

Yummy carrot cake

Faiq conquering the candles

Love this pic ~ 4 generations

 

Pressie time!

Thank you to my family for cooking. Thanks to my siblings for the birthday gift!

Tumbling tortoise from Babah Long, Mama Long, Zafeerah & Is

 and rompers from G, Ina & Ilham

Faiq's First Homework

Came back late yesterday and when I checked Faiq's school bag, I noticed that he had homework to do.

His first homework :o)

Not bad..of course it requires lots of improvement, I know he did his best!

Lunch Date With Kahl (..and his Mommy & Mak Tam)

This week has been a stressful week for me.

So when Dida texted me and asked if I was available for lunch on Friday, I immediately agreed, even though I have loads to do.

We had lunch at Kenny Rogers. Kahl was sleeping when I arrived. But he woke up 10-15 minutes later.

Meg and her colleague joined us later. Kahl was so adorable. Kiut je masa dia malu-malu bila Dida suruh korek hidung...hahaha!

Kahlil yang bengang sebab aunty Yong posing till tangan Kahl tersepit!

On our way out from Kenny Rogers, met up with Hani and Eja, who hand delivered her wedding card :o)

Thought of going back early tapi macam tak puas borak so lepak at the bench outside Alamanda!

But good things must come to an end! Had to leave juga akhirnya! But the lunch date was a stress reliever! Glad I didn't have to cancel it!

7 Hari Dalam Seminggu

Today, Faiq sang a song about the seven days in a week. I am so proud of him :o)

(To be sung in Are You Sleeping tune)

Ada tujuh hari, ada tujuh hari
Dalam seminggu, dalam seminggu
Ahad, Isnin, Selasa,
Rabu, Khamis, Jumaat
Dan Sabtu, dan Sabtu

Oh, You Made My Day!

I met someone at a workshop today. And she didn't believe I was 32 going on 33! She thought I was 25 or maybe 27. Hehehehe..thanks for making my day Suzanne Yap!

And Happy Birthday, Dang Merduwati Abdul Razak! Semoga panjang umur, murah rezeki and may all your dreams and wishes come true! Stay forever young!

Meet Malik Marican

Today the Khan clan went to Saujana Utama to visit the latest addition to the Marican clan. Malik Marican was born on 11 January 2010. Malik and my children are second cousins.

Congratulations to Syidah & Chali on the arrival of your bundle of your joy! And since it's a "six years ago" experience, selamat menghadapi "the package" (berpantang, sleepless nights, changing diapers) that comes with it :o)

Saturday Story

Pagi-pagi breakfast kat rumah. Hubby bawak Faiq gi main kat playground

Tengahari sket went to Padang Merbok to pick up hubby's race kit. He'll be competing in the New Balance Pace Setter 30km run. His first attempt competing for that distance. Hope he'll complete the 30km within race time.

Next on the agenda was Aamer Zharif's aqiqah at TTDI. Aamer's dad, Afdzal is Rafiq's colleague in MISC. Jumpa Rafiq's MISC colleague and PWC alumni. I ate the grilled lamb. The mint sauce was so yummy! Hopefully tak pening.

Weekly visit to D.U. My bro's family also came. Dah lama tak jumpa my niece, since my SIL kena chicken pox and berjangkit kat Ilham.

Came back home before Maghrib. Rafiq wants to go to bed early for the race.

Hope you guys had a good weekend!!

Welcome to the World, Maisara Jawi

Congratulations to Zavina & Budi on the arrival of a 3.35kg Maisara Jawi at 4.40 a.m. on 14 January 2010. I received a text message from Zavina at about 6.30 a.m., informing me that she was at Hospital Pakar An-Nur, Bandar Baru Bangi. Since she will be discharged the next day, I decided to surprise her with a visit after work.

I arrived at An-Nur at about 6.30 p.m. Budi's brother was there too. Maisara was sleeping soundly. Unfortunately I didn't have my camera with me so i think there will only be pix of Maisara when I go for my next visit at her house. Zavina related her delivery story to me, "doktor baru masuk labour room, tak sempat nak angkat kaki lagi, baby dah slide keluar." Hehehe..some delivery adventure huh? She had been complaining that she had been experiencing terrible back aches during pregnancy. Apparently, the baby had been resting on her spine when she entered into her 3rd trimester. No wonder lar. She said that when she was in labour the back pains were more excruciating than her contractions. Aduhhhh! So husbands out there, these are one of the things that your wives went through when they deliver your child in this world. Soo..fikir-fikirkanlah...

Zavina said that before Min (her first daughter) went back home, she pesan to Zavina: "Jangan lupa pok-pok (tepuk) adik tidur, jangan lupa bagi dia minum susu..." So cute, eh? She even left her Elmo doll beside her sister :o)

I left at about 7.15 p.m. as it was time almost Maghrib and Maisara's feeding time. Congratulations once again Zavina and Budi! Say hello to sleepless nights!

Au Revoir Mr. Simon Cowell

What is American Idol without Simon Cowell?! He is the reason why I watch the show in the first place! I am so gonna miss his sarcasm and bluntness. In the mean time, I am so looking forward to the new season of American Idol tomorrow!

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Blunt but Popular Simon Cowell Will Bow Out of 'American Idol'

By ETHAN SMITH And SHIRA OVIDE

Simon Cowell, the brusque personality who has been behind TV blockbusters on several continents, plans to leave the Fox network's singing competition "American Idol" after the current season, leaving a question mark over the biggest hit on American airwaves.

The 50-year-old Mr. Cowell said he was "offered a lot of money" to remain a judge on "American Idol," which has been a mega-hit for the Fox network. But Mr. Cowell, who parlayed music-producing acumen into television celebrity, said he had decided to leave because "The X Factor," another singing competition that has taken off in Britain, is set to debut—also on Fox—in 2011.

Mr. Cowell will serve as executive producer and judge on the U.S. version of "The X Factor," the network said. Mr. Cowell hasn't been an executive producer for "Idol" and the additional title suggested he may reap bigger financial gains with "The X Factor" if the show is a hit in the U.S., as it has been in other parts of the world.

Based on the British series "Pop Idol," "American Idol" launched on Fox in 2002 and has become the most popular series on television.

"Idol" made Mr. Cowell a household name on both sides of the Atlantic and became a linchpin of Fox's television lineup. But after eight seasons on air, ratings were down 7.8% for the last season, compared with the previous year.

Speaking to reporters during a Fox media event in Pasadena, Calif., network executives said they expect "American Idol" to continue for many years.

Mr. Cowell's exit comes as speculation also swirls about Fox's late-night plans. Conan O'Brien, the host of NBC's "Tonight Show," has considered leaving the General Electric Co. network over plans to move his show a half hour later to make room for "The Jay Leno Show" at 11:35 p.m. weeknights. While Fox executives played down the likelihood of Mr. O'Brien landing at the network, Fox has had informal talks with Mr. O'Brien's circle about hosting a late-night show, Kevin Reilly, president of entertainment for Fox, confirmed Monday. "I love Conan personally and professionally, but right now he's got a decision to make about his future," Mr. Reilly said.

"American Idol" has been one of network TV's biggest cash cows largely because of its allure to young viewers advertisers pay a premium to reach. The program commands some of the highest ad rates in broadcast television, with the price of 30 seconds of ad time on the program reaching $707,000 in 2009, according to TNS Media Intelligence, an ad-tracking unit of WPP PLC.

"American Idol" generated about $843.3 million in advertising in 2009, according to TNS, down from $883.7 million in 2008 when ad prices reached $737,000 for a 30-second slot. The Fox network generated $2.8 billion in gross advertising revenue last year, according to SNL Kagan.

Fox and The Wall Street Journal's publisher, Dow Jones & Co., are owned by News Corp.

Fox didn't name a replacement for Mr. Cowell. Although his planned departure is months away, it is sure to cast a shadow over the show. While people tune in to watch its amateur singers—both good and bad—Mr. Cowell's verbal dressing-downs of contestants have been an important element.

"Mr. Cowell is divisive and entertaining and that was a big draw for this program," said Bob Bernstein, a media director at Interpublic Group of Cos.' DraftFCB. "I think his departure will hurt ratings and advertising because he is a big part of why that show is successful."

Peter Rice, chairman of entertainment at Fox Broadcasting Co. said that Mr. Cowell is "irreplaceable," but added: "People love the format [of "Idol"] and we have come up with a way to keep that energy and the show going."

"American Idol" has been the most-watched series on television for five consecutive seasons. Last year, the show hit its lowest full-season average since 2004, with 25 million viewers, according to Nielsen Co., though viewership for broadcast television has been falling in general. Costs also are rising for "American Idol" due to pricey new contracts with participants such as host Ryan Seacrest.

Fox and News Corp. executives have quietly expressed concerns about the softening ratings for "American Idol," and they have hoped tweaks to the show's format will help reignite viewership, according to people familiar with the matter.

A Fox spokeswoman said "American Idol" remains the most-watched show by a huge margin.

"American Idol" already has shaken up its roster of judges. The ninth season of "American Idol," which makes its debut on Tuesday, will be the first without Paula Abdul, who left after a salary dispute. Talk-show host Ellen DeGeneres will make her debut on the panel of judges this season.

When "The X Factor" launches in the fall of next year, Fox will be home to two singing competitions, albeit airing at different times of year. Mr. Cowell said "The X Factor," unlike "American Idol," won't have age limits and will make judges more active in developing the contestants' talent through choreography and in choosing musical scores.

Fox's Mr. Reilly said the ratings lead of "American Idol" over other series means there's some "wiggle room" if "American Idol" loses viewers.

The show also has helped elevate product placement to new heights with its sponsorship agreements with companies such as Coca-Cola Co. and Ford Motor Co. The companies not only buy ad time on the show, but also pay to have their products embedded into the actual broadcast. For example, the judges often have Coke cups on their table during the show and the contestants often perform in videos centered around Ford vehicles.

Separately, News Corp.'s Fox News Channel said Monday it will add Sarah Palin, the former Republican vice presidential candidate and governor of Alaska, as an on-air contributor. Ms. Palin will provide political analysis and commentary for Fox News, Fox Business Network and special-event political programming.

Fox News described the deal with Ms. Palin as "multiyear," but otherwise didn't disclose terms.

A representative of Ms. Palin didn't return emails seeking comment. The office of Ms. Palin's attorney, Bob Barnett, referred questions to a Fox News spokeswoman

—Amy Chozick, Suzanne Vranica and Sam Schechner contributed to this article.

First Week in School

As Faiq will be turning 5 this year, we decided to send him to a kindergarten. It would be a different experience altogether, so much different from his nursery days where we could just carry him in his sleep and send him to the nursery. From now onwards, we have to get him ready for school.

I've been a nervous wreck since Christmas when we went there to try his uniform. all this while, he's been saying that he wants to go to that particular school. But when he knows that he is actually going, he protested and kept saying that he wants to continue going to his nursery.

Faiq's school uniform

Whoopsy daisy! There'll be trouble come first day of school.

Fortunately I took leave that day so I managed to keep cool but not for long! When he refused to wake up after 20 minutes, both hubby and my patience were wearing thin. He kept wanting different people to bathe him and then he refused to wear his uniform..yadayadayada!! Even telling him that Hana, his nursery mate will be in his class didn't work! Finally, hubby managed to pujuk him, saying that Ibu (his nursery teacher) didn't allow him to continue going to his nursery because he is too big for that school. But he still cried and after much coaxing, he finally went in the car.

NO! I DON'T WANT TO GO TO MY NEW SCHOOL!

Initially, he refused to get out of the car! But then, when he saw Hana's car parked infront of ours, baru dia ok sket. He agreed to go in the school compound but refused to go in the school until he saw Hana and saw the teachers taking out the toys. Masa tu, ada nampak sedikit interested. He went in and sat with the rest of his schoolmates. Then he started playing on his own. Then he voluntarily salame us and kissed us goodbye. It was when our neighbour's son, Haziq arrived, that he looked like he has fit in. Initially, I wanted to stay on to see his school activities. But I knew my Faiq was a big boy that I had to let go and the realisation came at the moment he waved at me. That was the signal for me to leave, a sign that he can manage and it was ok for me to leave. When I picked him up from school, he seemed happy. He didn't even protested when I went to the photo studio to have his picture taken (as opposed to the drama on Saturday!). I even caught him practising, "Good morning Teacher" before he went to sleep.

He made a fuss on the second day as well, refusing to wake up and throwing tantrums, which worried me because I was working that day. Both hubby and I sent him to school and he refused to go in. Alhamdulillah, his teacher did a good job in coaxing him, so he seems chilled a bit. That was when hubby sneaked quietly to work whilst I stayed on. His faced changed upon realising that Babah has left for work but he didn't cry. About 5 minutes later, I asked him if it was ok for me to go to work. He said ok, salam and kiss me goodbye. Phew! That was also his first day travelling back in the school van.

Alhamdulillah from Wednesday till Friday, he woke up on his own, no shouting match when he bathed and all was well (except on Friday when he put up a commotion when hubby sent him off). He seemed to enjoy school and is learning well. On Wednesday when I came back, I heard him repeating, "What's That?". I am so proud of him and I hope he will enjoy his learning experience.

Syamima Aira is 1!

Happy 1st Birthday Little Ms. Frowny!

Sorry coz Mama had to go to Langkawi today!

Mama doakan semoga Aira dipanjangkan umur dan membesar sebagai seorang anak yang solehah dan taat kepada Allah.

Love you loads!

Birthday card from Atok, Mak Tok, Mak Teh, Mak Su & Muthi :o)

Penang Story Part IV

The last day in Penang was spent sending Pau and his family off to work from their house...hehehe!

Faiq woke up quite early that day because he wet himself (nasib baik tido atas tilam jer), Aira, as usual, was up when I woke up for Subuh prayers.

We sat at the Pau's balcony, enjoying the morning, whilst planning our journey. I ate my tapau-ed Kuey Teow Gagak. We left Pau's house at about 8.30 a.m. Went to look for breakfast in USM's cafe but there was nothing interesting so we ended up going to Pasar Taman Tun Sardon. Pau has definitely given us the wrong info when he said that most of the shops are closed on weekdays. Business was as usual, baby! We had murtabak, roti canai and anotther dose of CKT for breakfast. I was dissapointed because serabai was sold out!

Next on the agenda was shopping at Bazaar Chowrasta. It was bustling with people as it was the school holidays. Finding a parking space was not an easy task. Shopping didn't take that long as we already knew what to buy - belacan for our moms, buah salak for my MIL, buah pala for my aunt, mixed jeruk for D.U. Then we bought Ultraman and Optimus Prime pyjamas for Faiq at the shops along Chowrasta before stopping by a nearby lane for TeoChew cendol! It was marvellous! Before we left for the jetty, we tapau-ed nasi kandar for lunch.

The last time I was on the Penang ferry was probably when I was 4-5 years old so I had no recollection of the experience. I think I was as jakun as Faiq when our car entered the ferry. Alhamdulillah, Faiq managed to stay still despite some merajuk drama. Aira slept peacefully throughout the journey.

All of us had indeed enjoyed our getaway! We hope to visit Penang again and again and again :o)

-THE END-

Penang Story Part III

Our 3rd day in Penang started off quite late, as hubby stayed up till the wee hours of the morning lepaking with his friends. We were probably the last few people to eat our breakfast at the cafe. Rocky and his family were already there. I took care of Faiq & Aira while hubby chatted with Rocky. Rocky decided to st ay at the hotel and let his children play at the pool while we decided to go to Queensbay Mall just to kill time before checking out. We didn’t go round the entire mall pun, just purchased a few stuffs at F.O.S (macam la kat KL takde..huhu) and let Faiq play at the play area. Hubby said that since we have nothing to rush back to, why not stay in Penang another day, at his friend’s condo in Bukit Jambul. I’m alright with it, as long as his friend doesn’t mind. I also called my grand aunt to inform her that we plan to visit for tea.

We checked out at 12 noon and I think both Rafiq and Rocky was sad that they had to part. However, Rocky said that he plans to come to KL in February so they hope to get together with the rest of the Plain Water Clan.

Agenda for lunch was Nasi Padang at Restoran Nasi Padang International at Lebuh Transfer. We arrived there at about 1.30 p.m. and it was a full house. In the end, we had to settle for a small table for 3, facing the wall. Hubby took all the food, I am sorry to say that I honestly don’t know what they dishes were called, but they all tasted great. After lunch, we decided to drive along Penang town. Hubby drove along my mom’s primary school, Jones Road (my great grandfather’s house where my mom used to stay ~ but the house was long torn down to make way for current development) and I took the opportunity to take pictures of the old buildings around Penang town.

We made a stop at the kuih stalls near the General Hospital before making our way to Tok Icah’s house in Jalan Kebun Bunga. Tok Icah is my grandmother’s youngest sister, and she lives there with her son, Uncle Ashgar. Tok Icah was alone when we arrived as Uncle Ashgar was working. Even though we are not close, there was no awkward moment because Tok Icah is so friendly and funny. She even made juih kosui for us. Faiq slept throughout our visit and we woke him up at 5.00 p.m., telling him to change into his beach attire.

p/s: ada strip tease..heheh!

We went to Miami Beach, which was situated between Tanjung Bungah and Batu Ferringhi. We spent about 1 hour there. Hubby and Faiq took the dip, while I sat with the sleeping Aira. After that, we made a stop at Hard Rock Café again for t-shirts before going to Pau’s condo.

We had a nasi lemak dinner at Pau’s house. Faiq and Pau’s children clicked immediately and I got acquainted with Pau’s wife, Sairah. We had to stop the children from playing at 11 p.m. because both Pau & Sairah were working the next day. Hubby and Pau went out for Kuey Teow Gagak at Bayan Baru and I asked him to tapau for me. I don’t think a visit to Penang would be complete without having Kuey Teow Gagak!

-END OF PART III-