As Time Goes By

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim

We want to wish to all friends a very happy, healthy and blessings for this new year of Hijrah 1430 and also Masihi 2009. We do hope it'll will be the happiest, filled with serenity with each sunrise. At last welcome 2009 and goodbye 2008.

New Phase

Alhamdulillah, another year has passed by and I've turned another year older. Yesterday was my 29th birthday. How time flies?? Stepping into my 2oth, 9th years ago really gave me chills. At that time, I could portray my self as naive in every possible way, gullible and childish. I'm not denying I was just a young teenage guy at that time, still finding the directions in life. I'm not saying I've changed a lot now, I'm still the same old person. Many things have happened for the past 9th years and it taught a lot. So far, I'm pretty much comfortable with the way I'm navigating my ship and as the captain I wanted to reach my destination as safe as possible. Pondering the fact, I've just got to be ready to face the storms; challenges ahead.

The fact, at 29th years old, I still feel my bottle of wisdom is just less that a quarter full but growing teaches you to be a better than everything you've been before. Experience you've gained will be your guide to cross the mysterious path lies upon you, falling hard on the ground will be part of it; that's what we called learning journey.

Besides that, realizing I've so many good people surrounds me (my wife, my son and my beloved family and friends), I feel so lucky to be part in everyone's life. Even I might not play a huge role that would be significant but the thought of my presence is recognized, I feel appreciated enough. We gotta learn how to accept even the smallest tiny little sugar, it's still sweet ain't it?

At last, I'm so happy to enter another phase of my life yesterday. Thank you for the overwhelming wishes. Thanks coz still remember my birthday. Tapi takkan wish je kut, mana hadiahnya?? Haha, just kidding. Thank you... thank you... and thank you so much!!

- Azizul

I'm back!

Dah lama rasanya aku tak update blog ni. Sejak2 berlepas dr Toulouse ke Malaysia, lebih kurang 2 bln lebih rasanya. Alhamdulillah hidup kami sekeluarga semakin tenang di samping keluarga tercinta. Actually mmglaa busy melampau tahap gaban biler balik sini sampaikan takde masa nk jengah blog aku ni. Cuma sesekali hubby tercinta rajin nk update supaya takdela berkubur begitu saja blog ni. Tapi sebenarnya jauh di sudut hati kecil nurani ni terselit rasa terkilan dan sebak teramat sgt dek dugaan yg menimpa kami sekeluarga seblm dan sesudah kami pulang ke Malaysia membuatkan aku bertambah malas nak menjengah blog ni. Alhamdulillah Allah kurniakan kami kekuatan dan ketabahan hati menelan segala pahit dan caci maki fitnah insan yg pernah bergelar sahabat suatu masa dahulu. (sampai kini kami masih menganggap mereka sahabat dan sesekali kami tidak akan membuang mereka kerana “sesungguhnya tidak akan bau syurga kepada manusia yg memutuskan silaturrahim.. nauzubillah”.) Biarlah org memandang hina dan jijik pada kami dek mulut manusia yg tidak bertanggungjawap, namun jauh di sudut hati kami hanya Allah yg Maha Mengetahui segalanya. Memang pahit untuk di kenang tapi itulah reality hidup yg banyak mengajar kami erti sahabat dan membuatkan kami lebih berhati-hati dalam mengharungi hidup. Mungkin benar ada salahnya di pihak kami tp apakan daya jika manusia tidak dpt memaafkan sesama manusia, ego dan pangkat mengatasi segalanya. Kami redha.. Hanya padaMu kami serahkan segalanya. Semoga mereka diberkati hidupnya dan beroleh kecemerlangan sentiasa.

Apa pun jua yg berlaku, hidup mesti diteruskan. Hidup manusia bukan kerna pujian, mati manusia jugak bukan kerna dek cacian. Alhamdulillah kami bersyukur kerana sentiasa dikurniakan kekuatan dan ketabahan, semoga kami sentiasa dikurniakan taufik dan hidayahNya.

Sejak pulang dr Toulouse, banyak perkara yg berlaku cuma aku tak sempat nk berkongsi di sini selalu. Alhamdulillah kami sempat beraya di Malaysia seperti yg kami harapkan. Memang tak dpt dilupakan saat keluarga kami memeluk Farrel buat kali pertama di airport. Macam jejak kasih lak. Farrel plak seolah2 faham dan mudah mesra dgn semua ahli keluarga kami. Alhamdulillah sejak pulang ke sini, Farrel tak banyak masalah nk menyesuaikan diri dgn keadaan di Malaysia. Malah aku dpt rasakan dia lebih gembira di sini kerana sentiasa dikelilingi ramai org yg sayangkannya. Tidurnya lebih teratur berbanding di Toulouse dulu. Alhamdulillah, di usia 9 bln ini dia dah mula berdiri tanpa memegang apa-apa dan sedang bertatih disamping sudah pandai berjoget(pantang dgr muzik/iklan tv). Harap dia cepat berjalan kelak. Farrel pun dah pandai “Bubbye” sekrg, mulut pun tak reti duk diam. Ada jer benda yg dingomel dan suka mengajuk ckp org. Tangga di rumah kami pun dah dipanjatnya sampai ke atas, cuma bila nak turun dia agak gayat. Makin lasak hero aku seorg ni. Cuma giginya jer belum tumbuh2 lagi, mungkin ada benarnya org tua2 kata kalau gigi lambat tumbuh selalunya baby blh berjalan dulu. Takpela sekrg2nya giginya tak cepat rosak.

Kakak aku pun dah selamat melahirkan baby boy yg ke 2 Oktober lepas. Ahmad Farish Iman. Semoga Farish menjadi anak yg soleh. Ayahku sengaja mencadangkan nama Farish, sbb hampir2 sama dgn Farrel. Kdg2 kelakar jugak aku tgk Farrel yg agak cemburu bila aku memangku Farish. Adik lelaki bongsuku juga sudah selamat menamatkan zaman bujangnya dgn gadis pilihannya Farawahida. Semoga hubungan mereka berkekalan ke akhir hayat. Alhamdulillah kenduri mereka sgtla meriah sehinggakan semua makanan habis dan kunjungan tetamu yg tak putus2 sampai la ke ptg. Mujurla door gift yg disediakan cukup untuk para tetamu yg tak dijangkakan seramai itu. Huhu.. ponat makcik..

Terima kasih juga buat rakan2ku yg hadir ke majlis rumah terbuka kami yg sebenarnya dah abis syawal waktu tuh. Huhu.. apa2 pun sekurang2nya terubat juga rinduku pada rakan2 yg dh lama tak bertemu. Pada rakan-rakan yg menjemput kami ke rumah terbuka juga kami ucapkan ribuan terima kasih. Tahniah juga buat bestfriend aku yang dah bergelar Puan Hasliza. Semoga hubungan mereka berkekalan dan diredhaiNya.

Apa lagi yek.. Owh yea.. Syukur juga ke hadrat Ilahi kerana aku berjaya lulus dgn band 6.5 dlm test IELTS baru2 ni. Huhu.. target band 7 tp band 6.5 jer yg termampu. Kantoi sbb aku lost idea masa speaking test, tak sangka dpt tajuk sport yg mmg langsung bukan tajuk pilihan ku. Urusan ke UK juga memerlukan hubbyku bekerja keras mengisi segala macam borang dan kini kami sedang menunggu approval ATAS untuk membolehkan kami membuat Visa. Sedih bila memikirkan masa yg tinggal beberapa hari lagi bersama keluarga sebelum kami berangkat ke UK kelak. Semoga semuanya berjalan lancar dan dipermudahkanNya.

Wah.. tak sangka pulak panjang update aku kali ni. Apa-apa pun aku ucapkan terima kasih kepada rakan2 bloggers yg sentiasa memberi sokongan. Insya Allah aku akan sentiasa update dr semasa ke semasa.

Transit di Amsterdam

Farrel yg sentiasa enjoy dlm flight

Mummy, Farrel & Farell??

Raya 2008

Ahmad Farish Iman

Adam & Acu Tirah

Farrel & Opah

Sibuk nak bergambar

Pengantin tibaaa

Fairuz & Farah

Selamat Pengantin Baru

Sepupu2 ku yg ceria!!!

Moon & Stars Smiling

Just wanna share one phenomenon that happened yesterday. Subhanallah... Allahu akbar...

It's really amazing!!

Happy Birthday!!

I wish it's not too late to wish you happy birthday Niza. So sorry for the late wishes. Hoping that you will have a perfect birthday this year since you have Farrel and me. I don't wanna say more just hope all of your wishes come true. For the gift, you have to wait ok.

Azizul, Farrel and all beloved family!!

Long Hiatus

We don't know when will we be back again. Kinda busy this time because we need to put the things in order since we just have 2 months to go before we will off to UK. Argh time is really flies so fast. We are really hope that the clock will stop for a while so that we still have a time to spend with our family here. Huhu. And at the same time we'll also missing blogging for more and wish we could be back soon!!! Thanks to those who support this blog.

Love you all and bye for now...

Good Bye Toulouse

The clock is ticking, time to say good bye to Toulouse, France. Tomorrow we will fly back to Malaysia. Hopefully we have a safe and sound journey. A lot of experience we gained here and a lot of happiness and sadness we passed through as well. First time we stepped foot here was 15 months ago where everything seems so new to us, being in foreign land which little people can understand your language. Looking at people at that time was likes hearing they said “Welcome to new life, new world!!” Lucky my hubby was under FASIA scholarship so that everything was arranged by the organization included the hospitality, opening bank account, Resident Card application and many more. At least we are not in chaos, while we were slowly try to adapt living in foreign country, new environment and new climate. But actually it was a meaningful experience, a blessing in disguise.

Today is our last day in Toulouse. Nothing interesting, just have a good rest to gain energy for tomorrow journey which certainly provide us challenges as we have to transit at Amsterdam and KLIA before we arrive in our last destination, Penang. With 4 big luggage need to check in and 4 hand’s luggage to carry, we hope we won’t face many difficulties.

Here, we would like to thank to all our friends here (Khairul’s family, Iqmal’s family, Khairil’s family, Azammi, Nazri, Hasrul, Izzati, Dayah, As, Kak Ya’s family, Kak Nisa’s family, Ila, Haris, Guna, Mus …..) without your help, we were not able to survive here. We pray to God for your healthy and good future, Insya Allah. Merci Beaucoup to IAS staff, Anne Marie, Amanda, Velerie, Didier, Marc, Michel and others for the guidance and help. And big thank you also to my French classmates, Lea, Angeline, Paula, Aline and my best language teacher I ever had, Dorothee who always support me and of course teach me French Language which always be my favourite language ever though I’m not good enough in French. Huhu..

Here we do learn a lot throughout. About life, about friend, about food, about language and arghhh… a lot!!!

"May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be ever at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face and the rain fall softly on your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of his hand”.

Salam Aidilfitri & Maaf Zahir Batin

Graduation Day

Today is the special day for me. The Master Graduation Day. I'm really glad for it.

I would like to express my gratitude to Allah, Alhamdulillah. Then I want to thank to all my family members especially my wife and my beloved son Farrel and not to forget my family in Malaysia for all their pray and wish. Without their support and encouragement I won't be here. I also want to thank to all my friends especially Am that helped me a lot for the programming. Thanks so much. Hmm what else yea?? Just wanna say thank you to all. I couldn't list here.

Lastly, to FASIA, to IAS, for the hospitality, the support etc. Merci beaucoup!!

Niza: Congratulation@félicitations to Mr Azizul, you did a great job!!! I'm really proud of you, especially when u are announced as a no 1 in your class ranking. What a big surprise honey!!!! Boleh laa belanja kasut raya Za yerrr!!! hihi.. Love you so much..

A Journey To Remember

Our story begin….

090307 –Tie The Knot Day.. Officially belongs to Mr Azizul Abd Karim. Our marriage is arranged by our grandmother. Alhamdulillah, he is truely my hero, my destiny, forever my soul mates, my best friend, my every thing. Even we were in the same neighbourhood once upon a time ( I was 6 years old and my hubby was 9 years old), we got separated after I began my secondary school in Ipoh and then my family moved to Taiping. Though the distance from his house and my new house is about 30km, we never meet again till the day we bought a ring for our engagement. What a simple story begin between us, led us to a real marriage world.

150507 –I resigned from my job which I really love and enjoyed it. Lot of experience I gained especially working around expertise who always offer a hand whenever I need it.

200507 –Interviewed in KL Sentral and Alhamdulillah I got an offer from USM to further study for Master and phD under their RLKA program.

200607 –Attend BTN program in Ulu Sepri, N9. What a boring course!!

290707 – Toulouse, here we come!! Lucky it was summer at the time so that we didn’t face the difficulties at the beginning as the weather is pretty much same in Malaysia.

010807 –The HCG Urine Pregnancy result was positive. I’m Pregnant!!! My Hubby and I extremely happy with it but at the same time we didn’t know what we should do for the next step. Giving birth in foreign country with nobody else but friends might provide many challenges. We were determined to go through all the difficulties together.

250907 –Got a key for Citroen Xantia.

051007 –First time Echography, 3 month pregnancy. Yeah.. It’s a boy!!!!

131007 –First time celebrate Aidilfitri as husband and wife and my second time celebrate Aidilfitri without my family.

031107 –It’s my 25^th Birthday!!! Oh gosshhh… Can’t believe I’m 25 already..

101207 –Celebrate Aidiladha in Kak Ya’s house.

111207 –It’s my hubby’s birthday. Huhu.. Sayang, u are 28 years old!!!

161207 - Ski Trip, Plateau De Baille

(261207–040108) –Italy Trip (Cannes-Monaco-Pisa-Firenze-Rome-Venice-Milan-Mont Blanc-Annecy-Nimes-Montpellier). Our second time honeymoon. Thank you to Khairul’s family and Sobri’s family who helped us a lot during the trip.

280208 –Welcome to the world, Ahmad Farrel Daniel!!

An apple of our eyes...

090308 –Our First Anniversary.

(290308-310308) –Paris Trip, Farrel’s passport application.

Eiffel.. we are in LOVE!!

(020508-070508) –Paris & Marrakech Trip.

110408 –Barcelona Trip

160508 –Andorre Trip (for the last time)

080908 –Welcome to Toulouse, Nana!!

270908 –Toulouse-Amsterdam-KL-Penang. ‘Balik kampung..oooo..ooo.. Balik kampung.’

280908 –HOORAY!!!! We already in MALAYSIA.

Azizul's Ramblings

It's hard to get something you want in life. You have to put so many efforts for it, work, struggle, and maybe you have to sacrifice something that you love. But towards the end you will get it. And it’s the sweetest memory that you will never forget for the rest of your life. Some of us maybe say, it’s easy to talk rather than do it. For me, it’s depends to ourselves. Maybe difficult at start but as time goes by it will begin smoothly as we wish. And it’s also depends how many efforts we put as warm up. Same thing happened to me during the internship period. Frankly to said, I faced so many difficulties at the beginning. Yea, I admit, at first, I didn’t really interested about the title given to me. And I never thought before that I will work on that topic. For me, the topic was nothing to do for my future undertakings. Then my supervisor also one of the factor why I didn’t really at good start, he’s always asked me to do it first. Everything!! From literature review, designing, the programming etc. Argh… it’s so hard. I’m really frustrated, after work with him for about 3 months, he didn’t ever try to give me motivation. Every time I went to see him, he just nagged me all time without any inputs, “it’s not right, you have to design it like this and this”. “Why you put it here?” Bla.. bla.. bla.. And the most terrible was, he didn’t want to check my programming. I did ask him to check several times beforehand, and he refused. When I asked him who is the expert in this programming and he claims that he is the one. It’s really awkward, you claim yourself as an expert but why you never understand my programming? Arghh… sigh… he asked me several times to explain him the programming. I did my job. And what’s your job as supervisor?? Nothing you know. I’m really angry with him. At last before I present my work, he told me that he wanted to use my programming to present it in Hong Kong. And that’s why he really wants to understand about the programming. Even he also asked my presentation. Really unfair for me, I did the job for free without any pay. And you want use my work to others. @*&%$£*!! During presentation he asked me to explain every single thing about the programming. I already know his motive. But it’s ok because there were several people in the room. So I explained him and the juries wisely the programming. He was really satisfied with my clarification. It’s good for me and I really wanted a good marks. Alhamdulillah the viva went well for me. I had several discussions with the juries about the topic and I could see their face really convinced. That’s good. Meaning that, I will graduate soon. I’m really grateful, after working so hard, this is the fruit for me. Alhamdulillah. But I have to bear in mind, I have 3 years more before I will really finish my study. Hoho, a long journey to go. I might succeed today because of several factors. My wife, my son, my family, and also my friends, they always push me to move forward. Without their pray, advise and encouragement maybe I’m not here today. And for the rest who had helped me. You’ll be always in my mind. Thanks so much.

Now, I’m just waiting for my graduation day which will be on 25th September before fly back to Malaysia for Aidilfitri’s celebration. We are really looking forward for the day to come. I wish I could make the time move faster. Unfortunately, I won’t. Just keep ourselves busy packing things etc.

Tahukah anda??

Aku sgt rindukan semuaaa ini….

1) My family – Mama, abah, opah, tok, ayah, Adam, Kakak, Abang, Adik, My cousins(merangkap my bakal dayang2..hehe), Cik Awen, n ramai lagiii sehhhh

2) My friends – Liza, Nad, Cyn, Laili, Bibi, Kak E, Cik Ya, Kak Farrah, Farrah, Pijat, Ani, Azie, (just name some of them)

3) My Vitara – Hope you still in good condition honey!!!

4) My collection of baju kurung and kebaya – muat lagi ker???

5) My favourite nasi kerabu – Hope the stall still there…

6) Durian – yummylicious… tempoyak pun jadiklaaa..

7) Mee Banjir Udang Matang – Mee udang with a lot of fresh prawns more than mee. Dah naik harga ke??

8) My opah’s kuih batang buruk – Last year my mom sent 2 tupperware of kuih batang buruk which my hubby and I successfully finished them within 2 days.

9) Ikan Terubuk Bakar cicah air asam – yummm.. yummmm

10) My Long’s kuih semperit – my all-time favourite kuih raya

11) KFC halal – Last time we had KFC halal in Paris. Tak hengatt dunia melantak..hihi

12) Kenduri Kawin – Aiyaaaaa… I miss lot of my bestfren’s wedding.. blh tak korang kawin lagi sekali?? Hehe.. Sape2 yg tak kawin lagi, sila lah kawin masa kiteorg kat Malaysia ni yerrr.. hihi

13) Malay and English TV channel – Plss.. I dh nk muntah tgk cerita One Tree Hill, Desperate Housewives, DOC, CSI, etc…. yg dialih bahasa..

14) Cinema – byknye movie yg aku ketinggalan.. Farrel duk rmh opah, nnti mummy n daddy nk dating 2 org jer tauu..

Aik.. sejak bila dh pandai berdiri niii??? wat aper tuh sayang?

Farrel belanja Mummy tgk wayang nakk???

Uiks… Why most of my list is about food? Huhu.. Time I preggy dulu pun tak craving camni.. It is certain that the list will be updated soon.. byk lagiii niii...

Some useful tips.. maybe!

Last week was my hectic week where so many things to do in so little time. Having my cousin from London gave me time for mind therapy by chit chat most of the time with her for what had happen in our family lately and gossip bla bla bla… hehe.. kind of therapy..huh? She was back to London last Thursday and hopefully we’ll meet again end of this year in London Insya Allah. Good to see Farrel was so easy to get along with new people.

Recently, I did receive an email from new friend asking me tips for travelling with baby. Yeah.. whether flying or driving or going on short or long trip, travelling with baby provides a certain challenge. Unlike in Malaysia, we rarely see new born baby travel for long distance but the scenario is normal in foreign country. First time we travel with Farrel was 30 days after he was born, I still in ‘prohibited period’. Huhu.. We cruised to Paris by TGV (train) which took about 5 hours to the destination. With a strong determination and spirit, my hubby and I took risk brought Farrel to Paris for his passport application. One of the big challenges was when we had to carry Farrel and his stroller scaling up and down metro station stairs. I give 2 out of 5 stars for Paris transportation accommodation where almost all metro station not equipped with lift or escalator and the train itself really horrible. Huh.. thinking of that time drive me to smile wondering where I got the strength to go through all the hardship. Syukur Alhamdulillah... Despite all the difficulty we had in Paris, we still had a spirit for the next trip to Marrakech when Farrel was 2 months old. Stay in Riad (guest house) which essentially prohibited for baby and kid, compelled us to wander around ‘Souk’(famous market in Marrakech) till midnight so that Farrel was already sleep when we back to Riad to avoid him making noise which could disturb other guest. Fortunately the ‘Souk’ was happening till midnight and we most enjoyed that, though it’s so creepy walking down the street on the way back to our Riad. Experience staying in Riad was the best part of this trip where it promises you the real environment of Maroc home-like. However, because of the ambience of Marrakech which dusty and crowded with people compelled us to use sling instead of stroller for Farrel’s safety.

When it comes to family travel, our mantra is: Play it safe! Travelling with baby can be fun with well and proper preparation. Here I would like to share my experience and maybe some tips which are useful when travel with baby.

1) Stroller and sling – find the quality stroller/sling. The best choice is to get a lightweight umbrella stroller which will make easier to carry. Always remember that many destinations aren’t stroller-friendly so sling would be the alternative. For my case when travel to Marrakech, the stroller is more trouble than it’s worth. Still, MacLaren is our choice as it certainly lightweight and comfortable.

2) Diaper Bag –Stock your bag with plenty of diapers, even if you don’t think you will need them all. You never know when your flight might be delayed.Of course versatile wipes is our choice, not only to clean baby bottom but are great for cleaning hands, faces and even blotting stains and spills.Don’t forget to bring the plastic for disposing of dirty diapers or storing wet clothes.

Bring rash cream to avoid diaper rash spoil your trip. Carry a small tube of cream or ointment to baby’s discomfort. Need to prepare extra clothing which useful when accidents happen.

3) Entertainment – Take a rest and entertain your baby when he start get boring by getting him out from stroller for a while and play with him for keeping your little one happy and calm.

4) First Aid Kit – It’s better to ask for doctor’s prescription. Some country (ex Third World Country) requires other vaccination.

5) Foods/Drinks – Feed your baby before get into train or place that inconvenient for breastfeeding. Metro station always be my favourite place to breastfeed my baby. When travelling by air, feed your baby on take-off and landing to ease ear pain. It’s important to drink a lot if you are breastfeeding.

Basically, we have to study our destination before we do the preparation so that everything will be easier for you and your baby. Hurm… Next week we will fly back to Malaysia, can’t imagine 12 hours in flight with our little one Farrel. Hopefully he will stay calm during the time and he wouldn’t throw his tantrum in the flight which will disturb other passengers. Please behave yerr sayanggg…

Welcome to Toulouse

Nana

Today we are waiting for this sweetie.. Welcome to Toulouse dear. Farrel dh tak sabar nk jumpe auntie dia yg sorang ni... meriah la rumah nanti.. huhu..1st time Farrel jumpe sedara dia.. mesti excited niii.. but... till this moment I have no idea what should I cook for this special guest???

geramnyee.. hr ni perutku meragam.

Ramadhan in Toulouse

Alhamdulillah, this is second time we celebrate month of Ramadhan in Toulouse. We are really grateful to Allah through all HIS gift of healthy to go through this holy month. As the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) said: “It is Allah’s Own month”. It is the chief of all month and the most glorious one. Definitely, we have to seize the opportunity of this bestowal blessedness month of Ramadhan which is not limited to fasting alone, because the performance of all sorts of worship and good deeds during this month is also a source of great Divine favour.

I still remember last year having a break fast alone as my hubby was in Paris trip for Industrial exposure purpose. It was our first time Ramadhan as husband and wife …huhu.. what a sad moment it was. But the worst was last 2 years when I was in Japan for the reason of work, experience Ramadhan and Syawal alone in office. Huhu.. Flashback that time when my kind-hearted US boss and my project team try to enliven me by treat me a sashimi and sushi in one of well-known restaurant in Tokyo. Yeah.. they might cheer me up a bit, nevertheless myself keep resist, Oh plssss.. I wanted rendang and lemang, not sushi and sashimi. Really wish afterwards, my life’s journey won’t be lonely again. Insya Allah.

Miss u guys..

Derric (my ex-boss), Yar Loon, me, YY, Chek Meng, Boon Weng, Ang, Brian, Boon Aik

My new daily routines for Ramadhan begin as early as 4.30am, preparing food for ‘sahur’. Lucky my junior always wake up around that time for BF so that we don’t have to rely on alarm to awake us. My hubby always let me sleep till 9 am (could be 10 am sometimes, huhu) so that I have enough rest and energy during day time. So for morning shift, my hubby will look after Farrel since he usually wakes up at 7am. Around 5.00pm, I start busy preparing food for break fast which always cracks my head searching recipe especially for desert. In Malaysia for sure I’ll buy from ‘Bazar Ramadhan’ which varieties of ‘kuih muih’ are sold there. My mom always calls them ‘kuih tunjuk-tunjuk’. Heheh.. I really miss this ‘Bazar Ramadhan’ especially in Kamunting where my favourite ‘nasi kerabu’ was selling there. Hope this year we have a chance to visit the ‘Bazar Ramadhan’ again.

This year also give us a chance to have a ‘tadarus’ together which we frustrated for last year because we just reach ‘juzuk 26’ infact of ‘juzuk 30’. So for this year, we need to be more discipline in order to achieve our target to finish till ‘juzuk 30’, Insya Allah. As we know that the revelation of the Holy Quran commenced during this very month and it is therefore the duty of every Muslim to read and try to understand the meaning of the Holy Al-Quran. Thereby we can gain an insight into the Divine secrets enshrined therein. Besides, it brings peace and illumination to the mind and imparts purity to the soul.

OK, let us take this month of Ramadhan opportunity by:
1. Learn Islam with ambition
2. Observe Islam with sincerity
3. Practice Islam with Discipline (Sunnah)
4. Spread Islam with truth and kindness

Till then.

Ramadhan 1429 and forgiveness

Ramadhan is just around the corner. It is a special month of the year for Muslims throughout the world. A month full of blessings for inner reflection, devotion to God and self-control as well. An intensive time for worship to coming closer to God, reading the Quran, charity, doing good deeds etc.

Here, we would like to take this opportunity to wish Happy Ramadhan Mubarak to all our friends. Hoping that, this Ramadhan will purify our behaviour to be a good Muslim. Last but not least, we are asking the forgiveness for whatever wrongdoings done by us.

Happy Ramadhan 1429.

Azizul, Niza and Farrel

Farrel, 6 months!!

Happy 6th Months Old to our precious Ahmad Farrel Daniel. Really happy for your progress and development till today. You are an apple of our eyes. Time flies so rapidly and we couldn't believe he is already 6 months today. I still can remember feeling him in my belly and seeing his feet poke out my belly. That's 7 months ago. However, the memory still fresh in my memory. What an amazing experience it was, now he is a big baby. In 6 months ahead he will become a toddler. And we are really hoping, all the reminiscence to raise him since newborn will remain forever in our memory.

As he's grown up now, we are starting to feed him solid food. Actually we start gave him Bledina baby food when he turned 5 months. At first I wondered how do we know our baby is ready for solid food? I began to google the information through internet and here are some tips from my reading about signs of baby readiness of solid food:

• As a mom, we can feel our baby may ‘need something’ more than formula or breastmilk. Yeah.. my biological clock is ticking. Farrel need something more!!

• Maybe our baby is beginning to awaken more often at night or eat more often than 'usual' and we wonder if introducing solid foods may be what he/she needs. But pls keep in mind that a growth spurt will occur between 3-4 months of age (the earliest stage). But bear in mind, he/she may also be waking due to illness and teething. Yes.. Farrel woke up more frequent than usual (usually he didn't woke up till morning since he 3 months old)

• Ability to know she/he is full from a 'meal' with signs such as turning away from bottle or breast. This is important so that baby able to self-regulate the amount of food being eaten. This helps stop baby from accidentally overeating as parfents may continue to feed baby thinking she/he is still hungry.

• Doubling of birth weight. Huhu... Farrel is 8kg now compare his birthweight was 3.21.

I'm a big boy!!

He learns to crawl..

He learns to sit up..

Congratulation

Congratulation to the new Permatang Pauh MP, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim who won the seat with a majority of 15,671 votes. He polled 31, 195 votes against Barisan Nasional candidate Datuk Arif Shah Omar Shah's 15, 524.

Apple Picking & Petit Paris

Last Saturday we went to Le Verger des Azemars near Buzet Sur Tarn. It takes about 30 minutes from IAS. The objective we went there was to experience “Apple Picking” and besides to taste the sweetness and the freshness of the apples. It’s an activity that almost everyone can do, promotes healthy eating and is affordable. Not to mention the many different recipes you can make with apples. Homemade apple pie, apple tart, apple chips and apple cake, all can be made easily with a sack full of freshly picked apples. Me?? Huhu.. just make an apple caramel cake which is not bad at all. Next recipe will be Apple Pie or Apple Tart, Insya Allah.

Kalaulah saya ade gigi....

Next destination for Sunday was Petit Paris (Little Paris) which is 70km from IAS. We slowly cruise to the destination as we don’t want to miss the sign board as it a bit difficult to find the place. Actually this is the second time we try to find the place and the first time drove us to lose but fortunately there was an attractive village on the way back. The idea for Petit Paris was 14 years ago when a little boy, Gerard Brion decided to build Paris in his garden.

psstttt: sgt tension sbb internet lambat giler, nk upload gambo pun x leh.. huhu.. seksanya saya..

Jendela Hati

Aku ingin hidup secerah mentari

Yang menyinar di kamar hatiku
Aku ingin seriang kicauan burung
Yang terdengar di jendela kehidupan
Aku ingin segala-galanya damai
penuh mesra membuah ceria
Aku ingin menghapus duka dan lara
Mengubat rindu di dalam dada
Sedamai pantai yang memutih
Sebersih titisan embunan pagi
Dan ukhuwah ini pasti berputik
Menghiasi taman yang harmoni

Mendengarkan lagu ini benar2 membuat diriku termenung jauh, tersentuh dengan setiap bait lagu tu. Yes.. I admit, everything begins from our heart. Sincerity is the answer for everything we do in life. ‘Aku ingin segala-galanya damai, penuh mesra membuah ceria’. Huhu.. that’s what my bottom heart tells me every single day. However, everything is predetermined by God and definitely He knows the very best for us. Every hardship given by HIM is ‘tarbiyah’ to test our patience. My hubby and I believe everything happened or gonna be happen is HIS ‘tarbiyah’ which gave us valuable lesson and this will fade soon. Every cloud has a silver lining and we are really grateful on what we’ve been going through. We still can smile and act like nothing happen. Hypocrite? Erm.. maybe that the best approach for everyone pleasure. Okay.. that’s all for the preface. Huhu.. a bit ‘emo’ intro.

Last weekend we got 2 invitations, birthday party for our friend’s daughter Aqilah (Happy 4th Birthday Qilah) and get-together lunch from Mdm Penin (Farrel’s foster auntie). We just swung by Aqilah’s birthday party for a while and then we led to Mdm Penin’s house. Almost 2 hours wasting our time in car to search for Mdm Penin’s house and at last we met up at Carrefour Purpan and she brought us to her house. At first Farrel was so clingy but when he gets familiar with Mdm Penin he becomes friendly and begins to explore the house barefacedly. Huhu.. buat mcm rumah sendiri pulak ye sayang..

akhirnya sampai jugaa..

Lambatnya train ni daddy..

Daddy.. kite nak gi mana ni pagi2 buta??

On Sunday, we went to ‘pasar hari’ in town. The market was happening with lots of fresh veggies and fruits. Almost every stall sold grapes and melons but no durian laa.. huhu.. Tak sabarnye nk blk Malaysia makan durian. Nyum..nyum.. My mom already keeps some in fridge for her beloved daughter. Huhu.. Tq mama.. Jawabnya raya ni melantak durian je la. Hihi.. Okayla.. banyak pulak membebel hr ni. Till then yaa !!

20082008

A short posting for a special day 20082008. Hehe.

No update

Sorry if no update lately. Coz the internet is not stable yet and my hubby now using the laptop for writing his thesis. So I don't have the chance to pen something here. But I'll update as usual soon.

Sorbet d'Amour and Farrel

Sorbet d'Amour's ice cream... nyum nyum..

To fill up my day without internet, I just ‘layan’ my new novel by Nicolas Sparks while my hubby keeps himself busy to finish his internship project. Sometimes I lend him a hand in MATLAB script though I forgot a lot about it. Special thanks to Nurul and Am because help him a lot in order to accomplish the project. He determined to finish the project before Ramadhan if possible; even the time is not against the clock. For Farrel, he doesn’t bother either internet is OK or not as long as he can rolls his body on the carpet boundlessly and watching his favourite cartoon Oggy. Actually me n hubby enjoy watching Oggy as well. Hehe.. At present, Farrel likes to lift up his butt as high as he could, we think he puts a great effort to the next phase (crawling) which normal for baby developmental milestone. C’mon babe!!! Allez allez!!! You can do it. Latest achievement for him, he successfully gets out from his car seat by himself when we didn’t buckle him. He truly ‘hero’, just like his name (Farrel = warrior).

Last weekend, we went to Capitole (city centre of Toulouse). One of our favourite activity, walking around the city and of course we swung by our favourite ice cream restaurant (Sorbet d’Amour) which is must visit place when we are going to Capitole. The ice cream’s taste there is like a heaven and we sure we are gonna miss it when back to Malaysia. We’ve been introduced to this ice cream restaurant after watching the documentary in television. Believe me; the taste is yummier compared to Jeff de Bruge’s ice cream. Then, we went to MIDICA the boutique for household equipments which we ‘happily’ spend an arm and a leg for our new ‘Old Country Roses Tea Set’. This was what my hubby said right after paid it: “Za.. nanti kalau kita tak cukup makan, kita rebus je tea set ni ye”. Soooo kejammm la abang!! Huhu.. Owh yea.. Farrel managed ‘to seduce’ one of the aunties there by his smiling. As consequence, he got a white fuzzy Polar Bear from his ‘foster auntie’.

First step

Voila...

Cheeky face...

Serius..

Huhu, see what he's doing with...

Rambling

Welcome to the new world for Nor Amalina Maisara. Alhamdulillah everything went well even my sis in law had to went through operation for this time. Congratulation to my sis in law and now our son, Farrel has 3 cousins from Azizul’s side and 1 cousin from my side (another one is coming this November). My heart beats pounder cause couldn’t wait the moment to meet with all our family members. Another one more month to go.

Alhamdulillah, finally, Azizul’s family managed to get the house for us in Nibong Tebal. This is just the temporary and we’re waiting our dreamt house soon.

The internet still not in good condition and I’m really hate being in this condition. What else’s to rambling here? Got no idea at all. Happy Holidays to Nurul and Zara. Hope you all have a nice trip.

080808

Today is 080808. Its not bring any meaning or any significant event in my life. Simply 080808 is just a unique number, special number for this year.

Yesterday, my hubby and I performed a ‘puasa sunat’ for Syaaban. And the menus for yesterday were Nasi Lemak Kukus, Sambal Ikan Bilis, Boiled Carrot with Mayonis and the desert was Kek Gula Hangus. Alhamdulillah my first try for the cake was successful. And the best part was my hubby willing to give a hand to cook the Sambal Ikan Bilis. Frankly said, he seldom helps me in the kitchen. As far as I remember, he did cook for me when I was in prohibiting period. He tried his best even he need to search a recipe for ‘sayur bayam tumis with egg’ through internet. Haha, for me ‘sayur bayam tumis with egg’ is just a piece of cake. Wowo, so arrogant huh? No lah. Just to my hubby. So funny because he didn’t know that egg and spinach is prohibited for me at that time. However to show my appreciation to him, I just eat it. Alhamdulillah nothing happened to me. Below I attached also the recipe for Kek Gula Hangus.

Bahan-bahan

• 1 cawan gula - untuk karamel
• 1 cawan air panas
• 1/2 cawan gula
• 1 cawan tepung gandum
• 1/2 cawan susu segar
• 2 sudu teh soda bikarbonat
• 4 biji telur
• 2 sudu makan butter/marjerin

Cara-cara

1. Panaskan 1 cawan gula dalam periuk sehingga menjadi karamel(perang dan cair semua gula..jangan sampai hitam legam hangus)
2. Padamkan api. Masukkan 1 cawan air panas (air gula karamel nanti akan meruap, jadi berhati hati dan pastikan periuk cukup besar untuk megelakkan tumpah. Air mesti air panas, kalau sejuk, nanti karamel akan terkezut dan terus keras). Kacau dan masukkan butter dan 1/2 cawan gula lagi. Biarkan sejuk.
3. Pukul telur sampai kembang. Saya guna blender saja. Masukkan tepung, susu, soda. Blend hingga sebati.
4. Akhir sekali masukkan karamel yang telah disejukkan tadi dan blend lagi hingga sebati
5. Perapkan lebih kurang 30 minit. Masukkan kedalam acuan yg telah disapu sedikit butter. Bakar selama 30-40 minit (oven 160 darjah)

Snippets about the Internet

Internet = Flip flop. That’s all what could I comment on our internet connection. Yea, perhaps we don’t need to pay so the internet administrator could do whatever they want to the internet connection. I admit I would have a limitation to the outside world without the internet. Hmm what else could I say about so-called internet.

First time we arrived here, I'm used to live without internet and television for about three months. And at that time, we went to one of my friends who live in city centre specifically St Michel once a week just to use the internet and also watching television. Huhu.

Without internet, I couldn't update my blog, read my friend's blog, read newspaper, watching drama series, and etc. So many things I couldn't do. Huhu. Don't know what to do except just playing around with my son, Farrel, watching television and my favourite activity, cooking. Hehe.

The clock is ticking and time flies so fast. The 'soldes' just finished. We already start packing our things and we are ready to be back to Malaysia. My hubby just send the email to USM ask for the return ticket. I really hope we can celebrate Aidilfitri in Malaysia with our beloved family.

Keropok Lekor

Tadaa... Kopok Lekor from Toulouse

This is my first entry about cooking. Be frankly, I not really good in cooking, but since year ago my cooking skills keep improving. Hmm.. I think.. Heheh.. Got the idea of making this ‘keropok lekor’ after read Nurul’s blog. Heheh.. it's not difficult in fact. However, my 1st try keropok lekor a bit ‘liat’(my hubby said like chewing gum) and it’s good for mouth exercise. Hihi.. actually I put more starch sbb I dah terlajak letak air. huhu.. But the taste still likes ‘keropok lekor pasar malam’. Thanx Nurul for the recipe. Below I attached the ingredients.

Bahan-bahan

• 1 kilo ikan kembung/selayang/mackerel
• 500 g tepung ubi/tepung sagu
• Garam secukup rasa
• Ice cube
• Air (agak2 le)

Cara-cara

1. Asingkan isi ikan dari tulangnya, kemudian tumbuk @ cincang halus2.
2. Sambil tumbuk halus isi ikan tadi masukkan kiub ais tadi sikit demi sikit.
3. Gaulkan tepung bersama dengan isi ikan tadi sambil masukkan sedikit garam dan air (agak2 le).
4. Akhir sekali uli bahan2 tadi bentuk kan menjadi bulat memanjang dan rebus kedalam air mendidih. bila dah timbul angkat , sejukkan dan bolehlah goreng dan makan..

Happy Friendship Day

"Dont walk in front of me,
I may not follow.
Don't walk behind me,
I may not lead.
Walk beside me and be my FRIEND...

True friendship is about putting your feet up and knowing that someone is there to bail you out when the world may out on you.

A good friend is like a computer. I 'enter' in your life, 'save' you in my heart, 'format' your problems, 'shift' you to opportunities and never 'delete' you from my memory.

To all my friends, 'Happy Friendship Day'. Thank you for being there when time got rough and make it easier when times get too tough. Thank you for everything.

Israk and Mikraj

27th Rejab of every year in Muslim Calendar, one of the significant festival for the Muslim all over the world. Israk and Mikraj, the journey that our Prophet Muhammad SAW took in one might from Masjidil Haram, Makkah to Masjidil Aqsa, Baitulmaqdis, Palestine and to Sidratul Muntaha. I'm not an expert in this field and I would like to share with all my blog readers the story behind the journey. I 'copycat' this article from Kisah Israk and Mikraj.

HARI ini, 27 Rejab mencatatkan peristiwa penting dalam kerasulan Nabi Muhammad SAW iaitu perjalanan Israk Mikraj perjalanan Baginda dari Masjidil Haram di Makkah ke Masjidil Aqsa di Baitulmaqdis di Palestin serta dari Masjidil Aqsa ke Sidratil Muntaha di langit ketujuh.Firman Allah bermaksud: "Maha suci Allah yang telah memperjalankan hamba-Nya pada suatu malam dari Masjidil-Haram ke Masjidil Aqsa yang telah Kami berkati sekelilingnya (dengan diturunkan nabi-nabi di negeri itu dan kesuburan tanahnya), agar Kami perlihatkan kepadanya sebahagian dari tanda-tanda kebesaran Kami. Sesungguhnya Dia adalah Maha Mendengar lagi Maha Mengetahui." (Surah al-Isra', ayat 1)Peristiwa ini berlaku setahun sebelum hijrahnya Nabi SAW ke Madinah bersamaan tahun 721 Masihi. Ia berlaku di tengah-tengah tekanan dan hinaan yang kuat yang dialami oleh Rasulullah dan sahabat daripada kelompok Musyrikin Makkah seperti Abu Jahal dan Abu Lahab.Israk Mikraj adalah satu perjalanan kilat Nabi Muhammad pada malam hari atas kudrat dan iradat Allah dari Masjidil Haram ke Masjidil Aqsa. Baginda kemudian naik ke langit sampai ke Sidratil Muntaha, bahkan ke Mustawa dan sampai di bawah Arasy Allah (suatu tempat di mana alam ini diatur) dengan menembusi tujuh lapis langit, lalu kembali semula ke Makkah pada malam yang sama.

Kisah-kisah dalam peristiwa Israk dan Mikraj mengandungi sesuatu yang amat menakjubkan kerana ia tidak sama dengan cara perjalanan ditempuh oleh manusia biasa.

Perjalanan ini adalah perjalanan istimewa menggunakan kenderaan Allah yang kelajuannya tidak boleh ditandingi dengan apa saja kenderaan yang direka oleh manusia.

Dalam peristiwa itu Rasulullah SAW diperlihatkan kekuasaan Allah serta balasan yang bakal diterima umatnya di akhirat nanti. Firman Allah bermaksud: Dan demi sesungguhnya! (Nabi Muhammad SAW) telah melihat (Jibril dalam bentuk rupanya yang asal) pada waktu yang lain iaitu di Sidratil Muntaha. "Dekatnya ada syurga tempat tinggal, (Muhammad melihat Jibril) ketika Sidratil Muntaha diliputi oleh sesuatu yang meliputinya.

"Penglihatan (Muhammad SAW) tidak berkisar daripada menyaksikan dengan tepat (akan pemandangan yang indah di situ yang diizinkan melihatnya), dan tidak pula melampaui batas. "Demi sesungguhnya Baginda telah melihat sebahagian daripada sebesar-besar tanda-tanda (yang membuktikan luasnya pemerintahan dan kekuasaan) Tuhan-Nya." - (Surah an-Najm, ayat 13-18).

Antara pengajaran dalam peristiwa itu ialah mengenai wanita. Dalam perjalanan Israk dan Mikraj, Rasulullah SAW turut melewati satu kawasan berbau sungguh harum dengan bau-bauan kasturi. Lalu Baginda bertanya kepada Jibril kawasan apakah yang sedang mereka lalui.

Jibril menjawab: "Itulah makam Masyitah, seorang wanita penghulu syurga." Beliau ialah adalah pengasuh anak Firaun, pemerintah kejam di Mesir yang mengaku dirinya Tuhan. Masyitah berfizikal lemah, mempunyai semangat kuat dan jiwa keIslaman sehingga mampu menafikan keangkuhan Firaun.

Masyitah ialah pelayan raja. Beliau adalah seorang rakyat yang masih sedar dan beriman kepada Allah tetapi disebabkan kekejaman Firaun, beliau dan ramai lagi terpaksa menyembunyikan keimanan mereka.

Pada suatu hari, ketika Masyitah menyikat rambut puteri Firaun, tiba-tiba sikat itu terjatuh. Dengan tidak sengaja, beliau menyebut nama Allah.

Apabila puteri itu mendengar perkataan Allah, dia bertanya kepada Masyitah, siapakah Allah itu. Masyitah pada mulanya enggan menjawab tetapi selepas didesak berkali-kali, beliau akhirnya memberitahu bahawa Allah adalah Tuhan Yang Esa dan Tuhan Sekalian Alam.

Puteri itu mengadu kepada Firaun mengenai perkara itu menyebabkan Firaun terlalu marah apabila mengetahui Masyitah menyembah tuhan selainnya. Masyitah dipaksa Firaun memperakui dirinya (Firaun) sebagai Tuhan, tetapi dengan penuh keberanian beliau berkata: "Tuhan aku dan Tuhan kamu adalah Allah."

Perkataan itu menimbulkan kemarahan Firaun, lalu memerintahkan dibuat patung lembu daripada tembaga untuk diisi minyak bagi merebus Masyitah.

Menteri Firaun, iaitu Hamman, salah seorang penghuni neraka, diperintahkan Firaun untuk membunuh Masyita. Firaun memerintahkan patung lembu itu diletakkan di atas api sehingga panas menggelegak dan mengarahkan Masyitah dan ahli keluarganya dilontar seorang demi seorang.

Pada waktu giliran bayinya hendak dimasukkan ke dalam api itu untuk direbus, Masyitah hampir mengaku kalah dan menyerah kepada kemahuan Firaun kerana terlalu sayangkan anaknya. Tetapi dengan kehendak Allah, berlaku kejadian luar biasa apabila bayi itu dengan fasih berkata: "Wahai ibuku! Teruskanlah dan jangan menyerah kalah, sesungguhnya engkau di atas (jalan) kebenaran."

Masyitah dan keluarganya mempertahankan keimanan mereka dengan mengatakan Allah Tuhan Yang Esa dan Firaun hanya manusia biasa. Lalu semuanya syahid dibunuh Firaun.

Keberanian seorang wanita memperjuangkan kebenaran dan keimanan ini dirakam dan diingati setiap tahun oleh seluruh manusia melalui peristiwa Israk Mikraj.

Semua ahli keluarga Masyitah mendapat balasan syuhada daripada Allah kerana mempertahankan akidah sehingga mati.

Dalam perjalanan itu, Baginda turut diperlihatkan 10 jenis seksaan yang menimpa wanita yang membuatkan Rasulullah SAW menangis setiap kali mengenangkannya.

Dalam perjalanan itu, antaranya Baginda diperlihatkan perempuan yang digantung dengan rambut dan otak di kepalanya mendidih. Mereka adalah perempuan yang tidak mahu melindungi rambutnya daripada dilihat lelaki lain.

Seksaan lain yang diperlihatkan Baginda ialah perempuan yang digantung dengan lidahnya dan tangannya dikeluarkan daripada punggung dan minyak panas dituangkan ke dalam kerongkongnya. Mereka adalah perempuan yang suka menyakiti hati suami dengan kata-katanya.

Baginda juga melihat bagaimana perempuan digantung buah dadanya dari arah punggung dan air pokok zakum dituang ke dalam kerongkongnya. Mereka adalah perempuan yang menyusui anak orang lain tanpa keizinan suaminya.

Ada pula perempuan diikat dua kakinya serta dua tangannya sampai ke ubun dan dibelit beberapa ular dan kala jengking. Mereka adalah perempuan yang boleh solat dan berpuasa tetapi tidak mahu mengerjakannya, tidak berwuduk dan tidak mahu mandi junub. Mereka sering keluar rumah tanpa mendapat izin suaminya terlebih dulu dan tidak mandi iaitu tidak bersuci selepas habis haid dan nifas.

Selain itu, Baginda melihat perempuan yang makan daging tubuhnya sendiri manakala di bawahnya ada api yang menyala. Mereka adalah perempuan yang berhias untuk dilihat lelaki lain dan suka menceritakan aib orang lain.

Baginda juga melihat perempuan yang memotong badannya sendiri dengan gunting dari neraka. Mereka adalah perempuan yang suka memasyhurkan diri sendiri supaya orang melihat akan perhiasannya.

Seksaan lain yang dilihat Baginda ialah perempuan yang kepalanya seperti kepala babi dan badannya pula seperti keldai. Mereka adalah perempuan yang suka mengadu domba dan sangat suka berdusta.

Ada pula perempuan yang Baginda nampak rupanya berbentuk anjing dan beberapa ular serta kala jengking masuk ke dalam mulutnya dan keluar melalui duburnya. Mereka adalah perempuan yang suka marah kepada suaminya dan memfitnah orang lain.

At last, I would like to say, it is really insightful reading and let's take the lesson behind in order to improve our 'taqwa'. Insya Allah.