Lutfi at kindergarten

Lutfi has been to IQ Kindies, Bangi for 1.5 months now. So far, it hasn't been  difficult to deal with him in the morning. There are times he was not in the mood. Luckily there's a convenience store opposite the building so sometimes I use that to get him to agree getting into the car.

I'm quite pleased so far. Lutfi doesn't seem to resist getting into the classroom. I guess the toys does help to attract the kids to remain interested.

So far the activities look fun to me so spot on! Two days ago, they made gooey slime which later turn into clay. We saw that activity when we attended Kiddo Science, Bangi open day in June, hands on science classes for primary and secondary kids. It's the same activity but maybe, the way things are explained to the kids are different. More science term for the older kids, more fun and play for the kindies! My point is this kind of activity is something like 'The Backyard Science', a children's program from Australia which I find interesting and my kids love to watch the program.

The day she told she's leaving for good

My maid told me on Saturday 22 Aug morning that she's planning to go home for good next year. My reaction? Poker face...

Reaction
Didn't know how to react... Should I be saying 'Alamak! Kenapa bibik nak balik?' or "Oh! Ye ke? Kenapa?' Instead, I didn't say anything. Just 'hmm...ok'

Seriously, I didn't know how to react. I've been pondering how's life without a maid now that my kids are grown up. The ideal picture would be us helping each other out on chores. Now that she's leaving, I get to teach my kids myself.

Keeping things in order
It's not that I don't like her. She has done a lot for our home and I can never do things as efficient, as detailed and persistent as she has.  Our home is in order because of her.

So many things were in my head... keep her, let her leave, get another, the kids, my work, husband's support, easy life, laundry, cleanliness, balik kampung....Oh, definitely my mother and mother in law will miss her because she's good at helping out in the kitchen.

Then, came the question whether I'm able to assist my mother and mother in law in cooking? Cooking... the thing I haven't done in ages since.. well, since I know my maid likes to cook. Suddenly, all seems exhausting!

The ironing, washing, sweeping, mopping....

Need to figure out where shall the kids stay while transitting between schools....

Need to be very helpful in the kitchen

Arghh....

Be strong
Then I heard this saying 'Don't ask for an easy life'. Ask for a strong heart and mind'....

True.... No one says it's going to be easy.... Certain things have to change.... For the better. For the kids....

Hubby's 39th birthday @ 30th July

The same card my hubby gave me for my b'day!

We hardly communicate since weekend. I felt as if he ignored me and nearly wanted to ignore his birthday as a reaction to his ignorance. Have I made him mad that he ignores me lately? Why is he not talking?

Then I bought his card 2 days before and wrote briefly because I was really tight with deadlines. I was quite sure this year would be the most insignificant birthday for him.

I woke up at 5am on 30th July as usual wondering what should I do. Then it came to my senses that whatever I do today, is for the love I have for him. Because he has given me so much that have made me a better person.

I seriously haven't got to think of a plan to surprise him, until that 5am. I would be off to work by the time he woke up. Then I had this idea of leaving little notes to communicate to him. I left 8 notes:

1. bathroom mirror
2. on his talc
3. on the large mirror
4. in his undies drawer
5. on the side mirror of his car
6. in his wallet
7. in his laptop
8. on the gear box

all with lovey dovey messages so he would take off the notes. Why? So I know he has read them as he would not leave them there and let our helper see them!

At this point, I know I really love him because doing this have made me excited! It totally lifted up my spirit and energy for the day.

On the last note that I left on the gear box of his car, I asked me to send me a message to say "YES" if he agrees to go out for dinner with me. Actually it was my tactic to know whether he was mad at me. If he was mad, he would ignore the note. If he was not, he would play along.

At the office, I checked my inbox at 8.30am and no message from him. I told myself that regardless of the outcome, at least I've done my best to make his day.

Then I checked again at 9.00 and he replied! I was really glad! Later in the afternoon, he sent another message thanking me for all the little notes.

So I brought him and the kids to dinner at Bangi Gateway later that night. I reserved a spot at Daidamon Restaurant, a place we've never been. Supposed it serves Japanese/Korean style food.

The meat for BBQ-uing

Jasmin trying out

These come as a set: fruits, veggies, rice, dippings

Something that Irdina ordered....

 The day turned out better that OK. Alhamdulillah!

Lutfi @ school

Lutfi is officially attending Smart IQ Kindies starting this week!

The 1st 2 days was OK and then he sort of had a change of mind on Wednesday. We were already half way to school and he asked me to send him home. Errrr..... I ignored his request and asked him why. I still sent him to school and he cried the moment we entered the classroom.

'It is the separation anxiety' i guess which is normal for kids his age to react that way.

It's not aerobics, it should be anaerobics

I'm freaking out to see the scale has hit the 7 series. I'm planning to focus on losing weight and staying healthy after Ramadan/Syawal. Some initial thoughts:

• hit the gym
• yoga
• eat more fruits
• portion control
• learn about skin elasticity

I found these 2 gyms while gooling which are near to my house:

• Bangi Fitness
• Haidar Gym & Fitness

I want yoga classes which seems not offered by the gyms. Or maybe I should give them a call to find out.

Things I'm doing different this time: focus on anaerobic exercises. Not aerobics. Yoga is anaerobic. Plus it helps to improve my flexibility.

I assume these are the problems of my body:

1. Cellulite due to poor lymphatic circulation and water retention
2. Stretched skin around belly due to pregnancy
3. Lack muscle mass

Due to age, getting rid of fat is not as easy when I was in my 20s.

I want to get better.....

Raya break has started!

I was really bogged down with work this month with 3 assignments to complete. I was focusing on the assignments as I would be completing 80% of my KPI initiatives this year and can enjoy the rest of the year.

Luckily I've done raya shopping since early June. I only went to survey the shops once in Ramadan. There are some other things still to buy: kids' shoes and tudung which I plan to get them today.

I'm officially on my raya break today! Yahoo! I was dancing to my own version of Hail Amir's 'Indahnya Sungguh di Hari Raya' yesterday while seeking forgiveness from everyone in the office, just before I left for the day. I've never done that before so I could tell I was really happy. Why this time? I don't know.... Maybe I was relieved that I've submitted my assignments yesterday and can fully enjoy my raya break without needing to worry about deadlines. Truely, there's nothing to worry about.... Just enjoy Hari Raya! Yes! Yes! Yes!

Selamat Hari Raya and Maaf Zahir Batin.

P/S: Today I weigh 68.6kg. Will I survive during raya break?

Ramadhan 2015

Today is 1st Ramadhan. I hope I'm better this year compared to last year in terms of:

1. solat berjemaah for Zohor
2. cook healthy meals for buka
3. control portion for buka
4. donate more

Alhamdulillah, Allah SWT still gives me the opportunity seek His blessing in Ramadhan this year.