End of Autumn Fun

It is nearing the end of Autumn, took the girls out for Saturday quality time. As usual Chef Diva loves fooling around, and the little angel will follow after being coaxed to do so. The pictures of fun playing with the autumn leaves.

Sausage Rolls for The Flood Victims

She came home breathless one afternoon and told me that the next day will be the bake sale for her class, students are required to bring something baked for sale at the school, the proceeds will go to the flood victims of Philippines.

It was already late, all shops close latest by 7pm here, and I could not think of anything to do that fast. Chef Diva volunteered to try and bake some short bread for her. This was her first try at baking the short bread. Sadly, the results were not something that is good enough to go for sale.

Luckily I have 2 packets of chicken sausages, and a packet of the puff pastry. I convinced my little angel not to worry, as I will get up very early tomorrow and make some sausage rolls for her sale.

She was very happy by the time she was leaving home, a container of sausage rolls was ready for her to take to school and to be sold as part of her donation to the flood victims. A mother’s work will never be done, and like many mothers I have to be quick to come out with a solution. May the Lord give me the strength always. By the way my little angel was so happy that her sausage rolls were the first to be sold out.

Please do not surprise me too much ok darling………………… you must realize now that your mama is aging already *smile*

She Wants To Snuggle

Chef Diva had suggested that we all will watch a scary movie to end the Halloween week this weekend. We agreed on the movie Orphan, and hubby is to hook up the sound system to make it more theater like. We are all excited and looking forward to the weekend.

My little angel is in her autumn break now, and so more than often she will come to snuggle up to me. Yesterday while she was busy at the computer, I was continuing watching a movie titled ‘Paranormal Activity’, when she wanted to come and watch with me. The movie was kind of slow and boring in the beginning, but we just wanted to know the ending.

The buildup of the excitement of the movie was towards the end, then I saw my little angel was covering her face with my blanket, and I started to laugh because it was so funny to see her so scared, yet she wants to carry on watching.

Anyways, we were alone in the night as Chef Diva had gone for her language class, and hubby has the boys’ night out. By the time they both returned, I was quite sleepy, but hubby suggested that we watch another movie, I could only last about 20 minutes before I dozed off. I am quite sure that it was already past mid night and both the girls had their lights out already.

I can’t remember how long I have been sleeping, when suddenly I was awaken by a shoulder shake, I opened my eyes to see my little angel standing there. She said “Ma, I can’t sleep, I am not tired (she will always say that she is not tired, instead of not sleepy)”. I could hardly open my eyes to argue, when she continues “I have recited all the supplications but I still cannot sleep”, hemm…………….. I know what she wants exactly.

I told her to come into bed with me, immediately she was lying next to me, all prepared with her blanket and pillows. Arr…………………. My little angel at 14, she still wants to snuggle up with her mama. Once settled I turned and hugged her, though I could not sleep on my left side because my shoulder situation is getting worse now, and it hurts me so much to sleep on my left, but for her I forego my pain just to let her know that I will always be there for her, including nights like this.

Our bed is big enough for all four of us to snuggle together, but ……………. Ermm………….. hubby and me do need our space too. So girls please don’t make this a habit ok.

The Curious Duo

These pictures were taken during the Trooping of the Colors ceremony. Chef Diva was more curious than the little angel, but she tagged along nevertheless, and they both enjoyed the experience.

This Is IT

I had a date with hubby last night; it was the opening night for Michael Jackson’s “This is it”. We booked the tickets online, and I met hubby at the Cineplex after office. Before leaving home, my little angel hugs me and tells me not to cry.

What can I say about the show, nothing, everything that could be said about MJ has been said. Do I cry? Yes, I am not ashamed to admit that I cried, I was mesmerized throughout the two hours show. No one left the theater even when the movie was over.

Some were standing and moving to his music, some were just not having enough of him, as for me I left with a very heavy heart, realizing that there can never be another MJ. He is simply irreplaceable. He is just him, and I love him, still loving him.

P/S: to anyone who is planning to go and watch, do not leave the theater till the curtain falls ok.

Les Feuilles Mortes

She Is 14

My little angel is 14 today, I thank the Lord everyday for a beautiful angel. She is so perfect in my eyes and I could only pray that she be given the perfectness of everything.

Trooping of The Colors

Monday was a public holiday for us, we woke up early so that we can all go to witness Trooping of the Colors by the autority here. It is to mark their national day celebration. It was indeed an interesting experience to see, how less is more. Unlike the lavish celebration, where expenses are from the tax payers back home, here the exhibition and celebration are more of an educational benefit.

The Nose and The Glasses

When she was accepted to attend the school here, my little angel had to go through a thorough medical examination by an independent doctor. It took us more than an hour to complete the medical checks, in the end all was clear with her health, but she was recommended to see and optometrist because her eyesight was not that good.

She had prior to this complained that she could not see properly when she is seated at the back of the class, I told he to start sitting in the front then, as this would also give her better concentration. However, she later told me that she will have to copy some notes from her friends as she could not see the white board at all.

Two weeks back I took her for an eye check and it was confirmed that she needed to use the glasses, she was so excited when selecting the frames, but it was not an easy decision as she has got no bridge on her nose, we finally go with the one recommended by the optometrist himself.

This is how she looks with the glasses on, not too bad for a start.

Talks Are Cheap

One evening during dinner a friend told hubby whether he realize that it has been said that he is the best programmer and developer that they had ever come across in a long time. Hubby is one man that is expressionless, his response was “really?, but talks are normally cheap”. I was surprised by his cool demeanor, but what he said does carry a weight of truth.

Talks are considerably cheap nowadays, people just talk and talk and talk, nothing will shut them up except when they finally dropp dead, and that gap is totally shut by venture of force.

Take a look at all the expensive meetings that the head of countries have been holding with regards to fight against AIDS, Nuclear Power, Global warming, world peace etc, yet every day we are being fed with news of disasters pertaining to exactly the same talks they had had. Sad but true.

Then take a look at all the family institutions, everyone talks and talks and more talk. They each wear a different mask each time they talk, either the villain will be an angel or the devil will start wearing Prada, yet what do they achieve? Zero results. You only see a husband being nailed in the nose like a bull, or a daughter reverting her meanness of a mother’s portrait, or they will shamelessly hang their dirty laundry for everyone to see.

I wonder if their tongues will ever get tired of talking, I wonder if they will one day realize that they are only fooling themselves and no one else, or maybe they were actually brought up that way. One day I hope I will stop wondering.

Because talks can really be cheap!!!!!!

58 Going 85

The buzzer rang, and I know that my little angel will be walking into the house soon; I was still in the kitchen browning my meat for the beef casserole this evening. I rushed out quickly to open the door and ran back to the kitchen, without greeting her with the normal hug.

She called after me but I told her to come to the kitchen, in a minute she seated herself in front of me, and started telling me how unhappy she was with her French results. This is because she said she deserved a better mark, and that she has also volunteered to be the first presenter. Seeing how frustrated she was, I told her to talk to the teacher tomorrow, and to find out what was really the matter.

I guess that calmed her down, then she asked me, “Guess what did I get for my math?”, she was smiling now, and I was sure that the results must be what she had expected for, actually after the math’s assessment, she came home not too happy as she said the paper was tough. I just told her that it is alright, at least she has given it her all, and she should just leave the rest to the Lord.

It is very normal for them to compare results in class, and there is this funny Indian girl who is in the same class (she was adopted by a European couple), whom no one likes to call a friend, who keeps telling my little angel about how she has everything in life, even a castle, but she said she does not want to show off (hemm). So one day in the math class, she told my little angel that she thinks she will be moving to a higher math class soon, she was just telling her but not showing off ok.

When they got their results today, my little angel asked her what was her marks, instead of answering; she wanted to know first what my little angel’s score was. Honestly, she told her what her score was; the girl paused for a bit then told her that she got 85. My little angel of course feels happy for her, and said “oh you score higher than me then”, and she turned round to tell another girlfriend who were seated next to her.

To my little angel surprise, the girlfriend told her, “No, she only got 58”. Wow, we both had such a good laugh over this pathetic Indian girl. In case you are wondering my little angel scored a 75, but it is alright, I am happy when she is happy.

The poor Indian girl she must be too smart and busy not wanting to show off that she could not make the different between a score of 58 and 85. Ah…. Well, some people do start young.

Something STUPID

I hate it when stupid people call you on your personal number and ask “Is this your number”? No, idiot, this is not my number, this is the funeral parlor. STUPID

I was watching this reality show on TV one night, and the PR guy told the lady who was attending an audition, “I hope you will break a leg”. She was so furious and shouted back, “You go and break your leg too”. Honestly, I thought that was nasty till I realized that break a leg means wishing you good luck………….. I hate it when I have to wonder who on earth will come up with such stupidity ………. Break a leg for good luck?

I remember when I was working before: my fat ass secretary would walk into my room when I was on the phone and typing away at my computer, and yet she can still ask if I was busy and stands there waiting for an answer, despite me talking on the phone. What the fuck! Like are you blind or are you deaf? STUPID!!!

There were times when I was attending a dinner and busy chatting with the person next to me, when suddenly the person opposite me (who was the odd one out) asked, “Are you going to eat that?" Wait a minute, which planet were you on? If you want some just say so, instead of making me feel like a glutton for wanting to eat it. DUMP ASS.

Ok, ok I bet many of us have gone through this most annoying moment each time you go to a new clinic or to visit a doctor. You will have to fill out the Medical forms, then the nurse will come and take your weight, your blood pressure, your temperature and what not, and she will ask you questions; You answer the Nurse's questions; then you wait for at least 15 minutes before you are called to the Doctor’s room. Hold and behold he will ask you the same questions that you have answered on the forms and repeated to the Nurse. So may I asked, what is the purpose of filling out those medical forms and having a nurse screen you, when you have to answer the same questions being repeated by the STUPID Doctor.

I hate when people pretend to look surprised when I say "I am a Grandmother and my eldest son is twenty over years old”. Look if you need a favor from me, just ask, you don’t have to compliment me with that surprised look, and then think OMG she is a Grandmother, no wonder.

Will You Get Me A Camera Please?

They both were begging me to get them cameras, each was interacting with me at the same time, on the same subject but neither one of them knew that they were communicating with me about a similar subject, I like.

Chef Diva wanted me to get for her the Sony Cyber Shot as she read online that this is one of the good cameras, and she needed this before the concert, she so wanted to capture her moments of the coming concert. She told me to get for her first and she will pay me back later (sounds familiar).

Meanwhile, my Medic princess wanted to get a camera to quench her hobby of photography, she wanted the Nikon 5000, however, I suggested that she should try and settle for the Nikon D90 which has got far better features and sharper capture. She went to shop around for the price and discovered that the later will cost her more than RM1000 as compared to the Nikon 5000.

Whatever they want, I hope they will get it, I can only make suggestions to the best of my knowledge, but in the end it is important what will make them happy.

Hey, wait a minute, why are they asking for things when it is my little angel’s turn of a birthday wish………… Hemm, I wonder (*wink*).

Two Sisters

Two sisters, they are worlds apart in their characters and behaviors, but one is always the mentor of the other.

Two sisters, one is a natural born selfish, while the other is so tolerant and forgiving.

Two sisters, one is so stubborn and obnoxious, while the other is mild and very understanding.

Two sisters, one is always Cinderella's step mother, while the other Cinderella herself.

Two sisters, though one is black and the other white, but they have one thing in common, they have so much love for each other, the house is always full of their laughter, their whispering and their secrets.

Two sisters that I am addicted to.

She Did It

My little angel completed her 6 days of fasting in shawal for the first time yesterday, Alhamdulillah. So to celebrate her completion of this practice, I asked her what she would like to have for iftar. All she wanted was okra soup, aubergine and anchovies chili. What a simple request, then I decided to also do her all time favorite the plain omelet.

She will always have the duty of putting the rice on the plate for the three of us (as hubby does not eat rice), the first plate will be mine, second will be Chef Diva and lastly will be her plate. Each time she will discover that she will have the least of rice; of course I will give half of my portion to her. This little angel of mine is just so considerate and is never a selfish person.

Each time I look at her, I thank the Lord for His blessing of this wonderful child.

I Don't Want My Father's Name

One evening in our warm kitchen, while watching me preparing for dinner:

Chef diva: mama, can I drop my father’s name from my name?

Mama: (surprise but acting macho), of course you can, why?

Chef diva: (not answering the question) can you tell me how to do it?

So I told her that she will need to take an oath at the court back home, and give them evidence why you wanted to do that, and then you will have to take the court order to the registration and do the formal changes there. However, dropping of a father’s name might need a very strong reason (knowing the sensitivity of the family institution over there).

I took the liberty to tell my little angel of the conversation that I had with her sister, her eyes lighted up suddenly with excitement, and asked me if she can do the same. My jaw dropped at her excitement, and asked her why. Her answer was that she wanted to take my name instead. She was persistence on this, wanting my name to be with her name.

Arr……………………….. I wonder what next they will be thinking of. My wonderful angels.

Wakeup Call

She said, let this be a wakeup call, I just listened and smiled. Who is she kidding, I know her intentions were good, but the storm that is brewing in this system is far too strong, even for her to think that there will ever be a wakeup call. It would be better to command the dead to wake up, but not this one.

As long as he thinks the world is his oyster, nothing else matters. He keeps on treating his mother like a piece of old rug, he has no respect for her at all. But then again, I guess his mother does not mind being treated that way as long as the mullah keeps on rolling. In today’s life nothing else matters except those pieces of mullahs.

Now they are congregating to the next plan, they are the ones who wanted to believe that change they can, but alas they are at their own game again. When they get together all they know is talk, talk and talk. One person will start a story and everyone else will have their version to chip in. Will they ever get tired of such attics?

Anyways, his mother can cry as much as she wants, his eyes are blinded, his ears are deaf and his heart is empty. He likes to be bowed upon, anyone who wants to get into his good book, just be good in the ass licking job, of which I know many of them pass with excellent marks.

Good luck to all of you, ring me next and tell me if the alarm is loud enough for another wakeup call will ya?

My Little Angel Finally Said The *toot* Word

If you look at my little angel, you will not be mistaken to think that she is someone who can be bullied easily, but wait a minute, looks can be misleading ok. She is a tough little cookie, and she knows how to put her stand, and make her voice heard.

There was this boy in her class who came for the science assessment unprepared; he was seated next to her. Before the start of the assessment, he asked her if she would allow him to copy, and she said no, he kept on asking, but she was adamant not to allow him to copy. He went to the point of begging her, but she just told him that he should have studied, and refused his pleas.

However, this boy is not one to leave that episode behind; he took it a bit too far. First he acted like as though he does not know her at all in the next class, totally ignoring her. My little angel was alright if she is being ignored, not a big loss to her.

One day during the PE class, of which the students were required to run around the field for a clocked time, this boy was running behind her and calling her names, she choose to keep quiet and carry on with her running. The boy pursue her and keep on with the name calling, she was both tired and angry being bullied this way, so without much thought, my little angel said the *toot* word to him.

I guess he must have been shocked, that he quickly apologize and left her alone. Bravo to my little angel. I am so proud of her. Of course she felt bad using that word, but I guess when she is being tested too far, the wrong suddenly becomes right. (he he he).

My little angel finally said the *toot* word………………………….. yeah!!!

Be Wise In Making Your Choice

Searching and waiting for the right man to come along may take you to the end of time. Kissing a thousand frogs no longer guarantees you of a charming prince. I guess this is better than having to go through many years of hell.

One day I heard my little angel and Chef Diva make a pack,

Chef diva: If I don’t get married by 30, I will adopt a child and go on with my life

Little angel: Oh, I don’t want to get married, I will help you to take care of the child and we can always live together, forever

Chef diva: that would be cool

As a mother, I can only wish them the best that the world has to offer. I would rather they be independent by themselves than being treated badly by a man that they would like to call husband. It would be such a waste of their life.

All I can advise them is that be wise in your choice where sharing your life is concerned.

The Crocs Inspector

At Crocs, while we were busy inside checking out the winter shoes, I noticed that she was amazed by something else outside the shop. Following her with my eyes, I could see the usual curiosity on her face.

Parking her butt on the comfortable Crocs’ chair, she began to lift one after the other the number of Crocs that were attached to the chair. I can’t help but feel the innocence of my baby, though she is already 20 years now.

Chef Diva's Mousaka

On Saturdays sometimes Chef Diva will take over the kitchen, and we will all be happy to try out her inventions. Last week her hot kitchen Chef taught her a new dish called Mousaka (this is a Mediterranean Dish), she has been telling us that she would like to cook this for us, and she did.

I had my first taste of Mousaka when I was in Casablanca, I liked it then, but it is a tedious dish to make. However, Chef Diva takes it all in own strike and cooked the dish by herself. It was marvelous and lip smacking.

The ingredients for Mousaka : minced meat, aubergine, zucchini, potatoes, canned tomatoes, tomatoes, cheese, flour, butter, milk, salt and pepper.

Methods: you can either fry the potatoes, aubergine and zucchini, but in our case, Chef Diva boiled the potatoes, roasted both the aubergine and zucchini. Make bolognaise sauce with the minced meat, and also make the white sauce.

Assemble the entire ingredients one layer on top of each other and finish with white sauce and cheese. Bake the dish for 30 to 40 minutes, and serve it warm.

What You Really Know About Islam

To all my children, please take time to listen to this and reminisce in the turth about Islam. Mama loves you

Try If You Dare

Chef Diva decided that she is going to attend the concert in the first week of November, the tickets bought, however her passport does not have enough validity to allow her to travel, except to go back to her own country. Oh poor thing.

Took her to the Embassy to renew her passport, it cannot be done here but have to be sent to UK, and it will take at least a month to have that done. We still have time, no problems.

Look at her face of boredom while waiting for the formalities to finish. She only laughed her heart out, when she saw how scared the person doing her papers were of me. Yes, he should be. How dare he tell me that I cannot come to the embassy at the time that I have chosen. Well, it is just not his lucky day. Putting my foot down, raising my voice high, I got my way.

He was so intimidated by my presence that he kept running in and out between each interval of the form processing. It was so funny, and I kept asking him more questions and finally he left and was not to be seen for a couple of minutes.

Note, don't try it with me, unless you are pretty sure that what information you are divulging is the truth and nothing but the truth.

Corn On The Cob

Corn on the cob is a delectable dish that should be enjoyed no matter where and how it is served. I am very concerned at the way I eat my corn as I do not want anything to get stuck on my teeth, which is of course is near impossible, so to avoid embarrassment in public I choose not to eat this at all.

Have I told you that my little angel has a big appetite for a tiny body, she can eat anything that you put in front of her. During our KFC outing, she actually finished the left over chicken and yes also the last remaining corn on the cob. She is not near so neat where this is concerned.

Eating corn on the cob can be a tricky thing, it is not so easy to be efficient without part of the kernel sticking in between your teeth. Have a look at the picture, this is how my little angel ate her corn, one will not be wrong to think that she may not have the right set of teeth. The corn looked so pathetic and more messy when she was done.

Who cares right, as long as she enjoyed her food, and there's only the family around to laugh at her if her teeth looked messed up. By the way, it is really important to go quickly to the wash room and use a toothpick to clean your teeth, and rinse your mouth of any excess kernels that can still be there.

How High Can You Go?

Living in the rough and with very limited accessiblity to the minimal requirements of everyday needs, had somehow taught me to entertain myself in order to survive. While working at the hydro project years back and being the only lady management, I had no choice but to quickly blend in.

The nights were normally very very quite except for the sounds of the strong mountain winds, as well as the millions of singing crickets. To kill time the expat staff and me will normally challenge each other over some very well stupid games, but it kept us going. It was never an easy task to have to work hard and cater single handedly for four growing up kids. (No regrets, I will do this all over again for them).

Anyways, back to the game, there were times that we will start collecting empty cans of drinks (no liquor allowed at the project site) and stack them up on top of each other. We will cheer on for the top most can to be put without toppling the rest of cans (by the way the looser will have to pay for the drinks). We can do this over and over again, laughing and teasing each other till past mid night.

Last Saturday while we were eating at KFC Chef Diva did just that, stacking the empty coke paper cups on top of each other, while hubby challenged anyone who can blow them down. It just brought back memories of those times not too long ago.

Let's see how high can you go!!!!

Three Is A Crowd

Excuse me, can you tell me how did you get your husband? Oh, it is indeed none of my business, but since you have become so shameless of late, and such a show off, I think you need to be reminded that home wreckers like you should burn in hell.

You were just a stupid ticketing staff when you offered yourself to him on a silver platter, well that is no surprise because you only have peanut for a brain, and of course he has a wagging dick. You strike it right at the right time. Then when you feel that he wanted to back out, you went further, you go to the hokes pokes black magician to ruin a happy marriage. You succeeded, congratulations.

The divorced, a home is broken, you became the winner, oh wait a minute........... I forgot, where did you solemnized your marriage? Was it at the border? I think so, arrr................. there is where bitches get married to other womens' husbands anyways.

I only want to tell you one thing, I don't know what is it that you are breathing, but you are a filthy person. You are even denying her the least of a contact. Laugh now bitch, while the world is laughing with you, and I sure hope that they will be there too when you start crying. I wish you nothing bad, like I said before you are none of my business, but she is, so please STOP hurting her.

Don't forget while you think that those around you are friends, you might be surprised that they will be the same people arranging those daggers behind you.

Good luck, enjoy while it is still yours.

The Tram, The Tram

Realized that I have something super urgent to do before the weekend, controlling my mind from panicking I decided to take one step at a time.

This morning I left the house together with hubby and my little angel, as usual on the day that I am out of the house, it has to rain with all the cold winds, and to make matters worse, the tram was not in sight at all. People were piling up at the station, there were announcement after announcement (which we have no clue at all) about the delay.

When the tram finally arrived it was packed and near impossible for all three of us to board at the same time. My little angel has to be priority as we don't want her to be late for school. The next tram was not much better than the first one, but time was no on our side, so hubby and me just squeezed ourselves in.

The next tram change was to take us to the destination, it arrived on time, we boarded it quickly. The tram suddenly made a detour without any announcement, looking at each other, we started to contemplate but carry on the journey. Little did we realize that the tram was going on the opposite direction. Oh my God, it has to happen today....................!!!!!!

It is no point dropping off, so we decided to just go on with the journey, till the tram turns back. In all what would have been a 10 minutes ride to our destination, we took an hour today. Hubby can't wait with me, so after dropping me off he left.

I waited for my number to be called at the queue, butterflies in stomach, throat all dried up, hoping and praying that the news will be good. Finally, I was knocking on the designated door number, to be greeted by an over excited lady, after checking all the papers, some questions here and there, I got what I had journeyed to take. Alhamdulillah.

Thank you Lord for yet another of Your blessing..................... *smiling*

Not Too Hot About Hot Kitchen

The requirement of her industrial training is to cover all the kitchens. For nearly 2 months she was spoiled in the cold kitchen under the supervision of two wonderful chefs. Then she was transferred to the hot kitchen, also under a kind chef, but she discovered that it was not all cozy in the hot kitchen, of course being an apprentice, she was made to learn all the tricks of the trade, learning from the basics, among others the constant cutting and chopping of vegetables.

This is something that is not a favorite of hers, hence, one day while cursing under her breath over the amount of veges to be chopped, she decided to well...................... did I write that right to cut her right thumb too (she's left handed you see).

One hell of a kitchen Diva this one will be.