Flabby…

People say that breastfeeding makes you lose weight. It is true. 6 months post-pregnancy, there is almost a certainty that you’ll go back to your pre-pregnancy weight. What people don’t tell you is that you’ll become flabby – in other words, you need to exercise to get a firm shape. Flabby has become the “in-thing” to me these days. I hate this flabbiness, whenever I look at it, I can see the voids that are left by all those fats. Nasty! And let’s not go to the stretch mark thingy, I don’t really know how they all will go away… Urgh…

On another note, excuse my English, I’m not sure if flabby is even a word.

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I was never a fan of PPSMI (Pengajaran & Pembelajaran Sains & Matematik dalam bahasa Inggeris). You know why? Because I believe my English quality for Malaysians is above average. And still I need a lot of improvement. It makes me wonder how an average can survive. Dr. M is right, English is important because it is the language of science and technology and it is used as the medium of communication in international journals. But honestly, an average person does not read journals, so why bother having them struggle learning something difficult in English when we all barely survive doing it in our mothers’ tongue. Even English teachers struggle to master English, let alone Math & Science teachers. If the crust and core of the problem has not been resolved, then why introduce a new thing. Before we have very strong education system in Math & Science, I don’t think it’s worth trying.

Anyway, this is old story. Why bother? Well I think I want to make a point. The way I see it is Malaysia’s main problem is we don’t like to read (yours truly included). And the education system is not really encouraging us to read. I remember I was told to write numerous book summary during my high school days. Being the lazy person that I am, I will pick a book with a good summary at the back, then copy it… Not like the teacher will ever notice. I don’t know if she ever noticed (she may not even read it, lol). Anyhow, I think my English improved only cause I went to college in the states, otherwise, God knows how good/bad my English can be. And honestly, I have friends who did not study abroad but their English proficiency is better than me. You know why? Because they read, and they are well read.

In conclusion, IMO, to solve our English quality misery. We have to READ. And our education system has to encourage us to do so and capable. It’s really basic, but it’s not easy. This is just an opinion.

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Why do I say “This is just an opinion?” Because I don’t want people to come here and put comments on my opinion and stuff. Honestly, I’m not trying to critisize what the government has done or will do or what is good or bad. I’m just stating an opinion, everyone has one…

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Holidays are always short!

One not so nice thing about living in another island that your family & friends is when holiday comes, your schedule is so damn packed. One week of raya holiday should be enough for most people, but for us, one week is filled with too many activities. Not only we have to rush here and there to meet family & friends, we also need to go to the mall to get stuffs from our list. Insyaallah, next raya we’re planning to be back for at least 2 weeks.

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I’ve been blessed with living so close to the airport in the Peninsular. Since I moved here, traveling back to KL is such a long journey. We need to leave home at least 3 hours before our flight to make sure that we arrive at the airport on time. And for the return leg, once we touch down, we have another 1++ hour of journey before we reach home. Once we reach home, we’re all exhausted. Now Hilmy is a part of the equation, things are more challenging, having to make sure that he is well fed along the way and he’s not so good mood once in a while. Ah yes, our luggage… my oh my… it’s a lot more. More of Hilmy’s stuff, his stroller, his car seat… Aiyahhh headache ok. Can’t imagine someone who travels alone with a baby. You’re a supermom/dad!

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I miss the Peninsular. I wanna go home… Someone asked me whether I wanna stay here for a long time and I said no. Most people thought that I find Brunei boring because there’s no “life” here. To be honest, I got over the boredom. At some point, I figured that I don’t mind the slow life at all. Not like I’ve been enjoying “life” in KL anyway. I barely go to KL except for work. It’s just that I don’t feel belong here and I just don’t fit so well to the equation. Sometimes, I can be annoyed with their accent. It’s not their fault – it’s just me. I just fit well in Peninsular, no matter how much I curse it each day when I was there. The truth is, there’s no place like home… I know, it’s just some weird thing that no one can understand.

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Honestly, who reads this blog anyway? This actually does not qualify as one by my standard. LOL. Anyhoo, if you come across this and before it is too late… I wish you “Selamat Hari Raya and Maaf Zahir Batin.” Sorry I don’t send smses or emails to wish you cause when I do send such, I feel that the thought and the meaning is lost (I mean to reply to some smses, but was too busy, and therefore I’m so sorry). Saying it out loud personally is more meaningful. Yet, I know I didn’t get the chance to see most of my friends during my short stint in KL this year… So if I didn’t see you, this is my wish for you, hope we get to meet during eid next year…

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Coincidence…

Did I tell you that Bruneians are friendly? Yes they are. And their friendliness is genuine, but sometimes can be mistakenly taken as “menyebok.” Trust me they are not, they are like that, just very friendly. And I also notice that they are good with faces. They see you once, notice your “odd” accent and remember you forever. I went to this Kebab restaurant once when I was pregnant, the waitress there remembered me straight away. Even after I gave birth, she asked me if I had a boy or girl. If you are in any other country in this world, you will NEVER get that, even if you go to that restaurant on a daily basis.

Anyhoo, that wasn’t my story… LOL! How can I digress that far? Hmm.. where was I? Ok, Bruneians, good with people. So yeah, brought Hilmy to the clinic last weekend. It happened that the nurse was the one who took my pregnancy test last year. And surprise, surprise she remembers me, when I have no clue that she did! And it turns out that she shares the same birthday as Hilmy. Is that coincidence or what? Cool eh!

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A working cow

Hilmy turns 4 months to do. Oh how time flies so fast… A few more days to Ramadhan, of which last year I found out that I was pregnant. I’ve been working for over month since my return to Brunei. Alhamdulillah, my work permit has been approved and I’ll be extending my stay here for another year. You know I’m not really keen on staying here, but thinking of Hilmy and the extra time I have for him here, it is for the best. Otherwise, I’ll be wasting at least 2 hours everyday on the road commuting to and from work. Plus, in this insecure economic condition, securing an assignment for at least the next 1 year is a good thing. Come January, I will have to worry about what my next assignment would be. Obviously I will be keen on going home, I hope that there is still opportunity back home that is.

Being a working & pumping mom is not easy. In fact, it is hard work! I salute everyone who has done it; you guys should give yourself a big pat on the back. I constantly need motivation to keep on doing it. I hope to wean from the pump latest by January. After then, I will move to an office closer to home (5 minutes drive, woohoo!) so I can go home for lunch every single freaking day. This is what working in Brunei can do for you; if I were in KL, unless I want to use my whole salary to rent a nice apartment near KLCC, I can say goodbye to this.

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What’s new with my life now? Other than enjoying Hilmy grow up by the day, I would say I have no life. My life pretty much revolves around going to work, get home, go to bed by 9 pm and wake up by 5.30 am. Then the cycle starts all over again. Oh yea, been to Miri a couple of times to do some shopping. Bintang Plaza is now a STAR I’m telling you. If you would’ve been here a year ago, it has been transformed. Now there’s Secret Recipe, Big Apple donuts, a cool new Parkson Grand (roughly slightly smaller than the one in Subang Parade), and other cool boutiques such as Sony and Levi’s.

Ah yes, DVD player is also back and running. Thank God! We’ve been waiting for a month for it to a point that I thought that we might end up buying a new one. Today I can start with my Bro & Sis season 3 marathon. I have another season of Grey’s Anatomy to watch and I wanna watch Desperate Housewives as well. Oh yea, not to mention I haven’t watch Transformer 2, Hawwy Potter and all other cool summer movies. Told you I have no life!

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I’m excited to go back to Peninsular, one more month to go. I will touch down on the 16th. Can’t wait to see my sis and celebrate raya with her. It’s been a while. Now that Hilmy is bigger and easier to travel with, I can’t wait to burn some holes on my pocket… Hehehehe… Since I rarely go out, I managed to save some that HSBC called me up to give me new offers (I never get that!) hahahaha…
I am in need of a retail therapy…

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On losing weight… I lost some. Now I can fit to one of my old jeans. Oklah, satu pon satu lah… I hope there’s more to come…

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Never been kissed…

is a classic. But it has got nothing to do with this entry. I just realized today that Jessica Alba is in it, and urgh she looked so sorority kind of gal. Euuuwww…

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I’ve flown safely to Miri and now I’m back in Brunei. It’s been hectic since I’ve got some errands to run and trying to fit in nursing in between. Will need to prepare for my return to the office and I’m having a big supply crisis. Hopefully I can try to rectify it this week, then I’m good to go (to work that is). Anyway, flying with Hilmy is a challenge, even if he sleeps most of the time. And having tonnes of stuff with me is not helping either. But alhamdulillah, all is well. I’m blessed.

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The DVD player decided to not work on me. After 3 months of waiting to have tv series marathons (yes, several series), I guess I have to put the plan on the shelf (yet again.) Last Sunday, we watched Night at the Museum 2 (though we haven’t finished). Then the DVD player decided to go kaput (sp?) so now I’ll just have to wait till Duan’s back so we can get it fixed. So now I’ve been entertained by E! most of the time. I wonder when will they air the new episode of Keeping Up with Kardashians. They all look so fake but I like to watch the show anyway. Damn reality tv! I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here – aahhhh, I wanna watch that!

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I think I’m Paranoid

Hilmy turns 2 months today, can’t believe I’ve been home for almost 3 months and stayed at home for the most part. We will take our first trip back to Brunei this Saturday. I’m really worried about H1N1 especially when all cases in Malaysia made a trip to the airport when they arrived. Bela had warned me to make sure I wash my hands regularly. I will avoid making physical contact with anyone unless I really have to. If I ever did, then will go straight to the restroom to wash my hands. Sounds like I’m paranoid, ah well I’m with a baby, I have to!

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I found out last Saturday that Adam Lambert has “came out.” Then saw an excerpt of his interview, he said that he felt weird “coming out” cause he was never “in.” I think that’s kinda funny. Ah well, people never ask, so he never say anything… I think it’s kinda obvious anyways…

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I made a short trip to Subang Parade to buy the necessities with Bela on Monday. It was such a quick shopping trip of buying stuff according to list only. But I manage to grab one cargo pants… LOL! I do not consider myself a shopaholic but tell you what, retail therapy is always good. As an award to ourselves for being so good at doing a quick shop, we each grab a double scoop of Baskin Robin. Haih, camne nak kurus ni?

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So bye bye KL and welcome Borneo. Will be back in September for Eid insyaAllah. This will be my longest run in Borneo without going back, hope it’ll all be okay. Please laa jgn homesick .

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A short update

I have an overdue entry… I don’t know when I’ll finish it, so I skip that and continue with a new one because I feel like it.

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I know this story dah basi.  I’m glad that Kris Allen won American Idol.  Sorry, but I think Adam is too gay to win (whatever that means).  I watched the finale and it was awesome!  Look at all those line-ups!  Made me wonder if the economy is that bad that these people are not going round on tours. hehehe.

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I’m now a mother.  It is still surreal.  I thought taking care of a newborn is a piece of cake, I’m dead wrong!  It is hard work and I’m sleep deprived. LOL!  Not gonna talk much about motherhood now, but if I were to turn back time to when I was still pregnant, I’ll do more homework.  I’ll read more about taking care of newborn and breastfeeding.  Ah right, I thought breastfeeding was a piece of cake.  Come on, people has been doing it for thousands of years… And many many years ago, there is no books or anything to refer to.  I remember, my grandma once told me, “Anak2 aku semuanya minum susu badan ni, dulu mana ada formula.”  And she’s done it for a dozen time, why can’t I?  But yes I can, after a lot of reading and self-motivation.  But I’ll be back at work in a few weeks time, what happen then, only God knows.

Ah, and if any working mothers reading this, how can I make pumping less painful.  I hate and dread doing it!

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Mengular!  Since Hilmy was born, the most trip I make is to the hospital for check-ups and sickness.  Duan perasan sorang mak guard ni pas aku bersalin yang memang kuat sgt laa mengular.  Everytime Duan gi memana, mesti nampak mak guard ni sembang ngan best nya dgn org lain2.  Yang kelakarnya, everytime kitorg gi hospital balik, mesti nampak mak guard ni berlegar2 or sembang2 juga, bila ntah dia wat keje dia (obviously, she’s got nothing better to do).  Skali ni aku nak discharge Hilmy (masa Hilmy kena admitted sb demam on his 3rd week of life), dia ada plak kat Tingkat bawah, bukankah dia keje kat Tingkat 2?  Bley je dia berlegar2… Anyway, since then, whenever we go to the hospital, we never fail to find her doing everything else except for guarding, I suppose… Ok I know it’s not funny, but to us, it is!

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I’m going back to the island of Borneo in less than 2 weeks.  I don’t know if I’m looking forward to it or not.  I kinda excited because I miss the leisure of our own place. But being away from my parents and friends (albeit not going anywhere for fun for almost 2 months) is a big turn off.  I guess it’s really the psychological effect, although you’re not seeing your friends, the short distance between you and them make things so much better.  Plus, I’ll miss the leisure of good food (of my mom’s cooking) and the variety of outside food around here.  For instance, I have never been able to find good mangoes in Brunei or Miri.  Even stuff as simple as fresh taugeh is hard to find… *sigh*

Anyhoo, this is no longer a short update, so I shall go back to digging the fridge for some good food.  And yes, I need to lose weight, BIG TIME!

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Six degrees of separation

I remember that one fine day (quite a while back), I found out that Duan knows my classmate in Sunway, Lamp or Lampu (ye, bukan nama sebenar.)  They went to the same school, but have lost contact ever since.  I haven’t been in touch with him either, I think the last time I saw him was when we were invited to his wedding.  I went to the wedding with Ijat and Nette (Ellina ko ada ke? aku pon tak igt) and we bought a lamp as a wedding present.  Not really on purpose though, but the lamp was cute.

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Duan and I went to A’s wedding (some time in early 2007).  This friend invited a girl, who’s apparently F’s ex (A and the girl are still friends).  The girl came with her boyfriend, and this boyfriend turns out to be someone that Duan knows.

*A and F were randomly assigned letters to hide the real identity of the individuals.

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I invited a colleague to come to my wedding last year.  He couldn’t make it as he already planned to go back a month later with his family for a long holiday.  A few days later, he came up to me and said, “Don’t worry, my in-laws will come to your wedding on my behalf.”  It turns out that his in-laws are friends with my parents.

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What’s the point of this entry?  Nothing really.  I really don’t have much to do or much to talk about.

Some people say, “Never say never.”  I truly believe in it.

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The day my blog becomes a mother-to-be’s blog

Dear Diary,

I have been camping at my parents’ for a few weeks now, and I am tired of carrying this big weight on my belly.  I’m waiting for the husband to start his two weeks leave this weekend, then I’m all set for labor (well almost, or I pretend to).  I hope the baby will come out on schedule or a few days earlier, but one can only hope and pray, God does the rest.

I’ve been reading a few (I lied, it’s more than a few) blogs by expecting mothers and new mothers.  Some experiences are good and very positive, some are scary and some are sad (okay, some are just annoying).  Whatever it is, I will try to remain as positive as I can, and pray as much as I can.  InsyaAllah… it’ll all be okay.

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Yeah, okay, I’m done writing like someone else or attempting to mock someone else’s writing.  But the content is all real, I do mean it.  It’s just that I’m not the type of person who expresses my feelings (on my personal life) on my blog.  I have tonnes of things to say/do/read/prepare especially when the unknown day is approaching – being me, I am no optimist and I surely hope it’ll all be okay.  As much as I can’t wait for the baby to come out, I am also scared s***.  Not just because of the pain that I’ll go through, but the huge responsibility that I’ll be holding.

Will I be a good mom?  Only time will tell…

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Since I’m using the word scared a lot, it has just crossed my mind, the use of “scared” vs “afraid.”  I notice that a lot of Malaysian (I really mean A LOT) use the word “scared” in the wrong context sometimes.  For example, “I’m scared that he doesn’t turn up to the meeting today.”  IMO, this is a literal translation of “Saya takut dia tak datang mesyuarat hari ni” (Excuse my Malay grammar), no?  It is supposed to be, “I’m afraid that he doesn’t turn up to the meeting today.”

You know why?  Scared and afraid are two different types of “takut” (kelakar plak ayat aku).  Scared is more suitable to describe a scary situation, such as “You scared me! I thought you were a ghost.” (Cuba letak afraid kat dlm ayat tu, tak kena kan?) But afraid is more suitable to describe a worrying situation, such as “I’m afraid if anything happens to her.  She’s never late.”

Tetiba aku jadi cikgu English plak.  Anyhoo, please correct me if I’m wrong – but this is one common mistake that a lot of Malaysians do and I’m so annoyed by it.  If I am wrong, please let me know so that I won’t be annoyed anymore… cheers!

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Insert your own title

My friend, the nanny* and I have been good silent readers for several blogs. Some blogs amuse us just because of the language that they are using. The English they use sounds more like a direct translation of Malay to English than proper English sentences. I just don’t understand, why can’t just these people write in Malay? There’s nothing wrong with it… Is it cool to write in English? Ermm, not really, and it’s even uncool to write in English and have grammatical errors all over the place. Maybe these people should try writing in Words to check on their grammar before posting it, no? Typos, some grammatical errors (yours truly have those too) are acceptable. But errors all over the place and not comprehensive sentence structures are just bugging me!

I know quite a number of good blogs that are written in Malay. And some even choose to write in how ever way they speak in real life, which make them sound just fine. I pick some good examples of my friends who blog (I’m not promoting them nor being biased because they are my friends, but I really enjoy their blog, I do) – Jaja and Sarah. I don’t want to put many examples, I’m sure you get the point.

*The Nanny is a friend of mine, who is not my nanny nor works as a nanny. I called her the nanny here because she borrowed The Nanny and The Nanny Diaries (where did I keep this book?) from me. She doesn’t mind working as a nanny if she is paid with her current full salary (including benefits, etc). She used to drive VW GTi for a short while, until she realized that the car is just a part of her and the magic card**’s imagination.

**The magic card is another friend of mine, I will tell a story about her in a different post.

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I’m disappointed – some blogs that I really like are moving places. Arghhhh, it’s like someone took away the tv from me. Since I’m back, I rarely watch any tv (my mom owns the remote, and I have to beg her to change the channel), so these blogs are my only source of entertainment. My life is pathetic, I know…

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