Annual Home-coming to Rantau Panjang

It was tough. We had planned to go back to Rantau Panjang, our 'kampung' just at the border of Malaysia Thailand. However, Iman and Inas both had extra tuition classes right up to the day before Eid. It was exam year for both of them. Finally I relented.

The girls stayed behind with my mother, their Tok Wan for Hari Raya. Bik went home to Indonesia for a week. Her mother is getting old.

Still, it was a marvelous trip. As soon as we left the busy bustle that is KL, all stress levels were lifted from my shoulders. I wasn't even aware I was so stressed out until I felt stress free!

We took the Simpang Pulai - Cameron Highland way and stopped in Cameron Highland for strawberries and tea - a must every year!

It is a a pity the girls were not with us. Inas loves animals and in Rantau Panjang, they are everywhere. This goat was a firm favourite.

Don't mess with our goose - the official neighbourhood security guard!

My father in law has goats and cows which the girls just adore. Ikesha talked goat cow and monkey for three days...

Bouquets
Every morning, Ikesha asked for flowers.
There was no point telling her they looked better on the trees.

To her they are supposed to be gathered into a little bouquet...

Or on her shoes...

Thank God it was time for a rambutan feast!

Running free
Irani said something profound. "Here it is safe to run about..."

Bicycle Time!

The Museum
The day before Aidil Fitri, we went to Kota Bharu
the capital of Kelantan. I visited an old friend. And we took
the girls to places like the Museum!

Ikesha was quite a handful and I was fasting...

A century old barge

Beautiful carvings

The Old staircase at the Museum

At the beach

After the museum, we dropped by the beach. Its official name is Pantai Cahaya Bulan (The Moonlight Beach) but to me it is always Pantai Cinta Berahi (The Beach of Passionate Love)

Iman would have lovvveeeedddd this.

Ilena - waiting

Irani - soaking in the sun

Daddy and Ikesha at the beach

The skies light up

Fireworks all the way from Kota Bharu to Rantau Panjang

The girls catch the action from the car rooftop

The skies - the journey back to Kuala Lumpur

Lights of my life

Whippee!

It was my birthday...

We had candles in the garden

Daddy lighting firelights. He's shy...

My Iman. We love books...

My Inas

My Irani

My Ilena

My Ikesha

Firelights in the garden

Terracota pots

Terracota pots are not as easily found as before.

Many urban folks prefer the glazed pots, the bigger the better in glossy blacks, whites and even red! Not me. I'd like my pots to grow gracefully with me...not remain glossy and new while I slowly slide into the wrinkled patinaed land.

So when my terracota pots get broken, I keep all the pieces until that fine day I have the time and energy to put it back together again - like humpty dumpty.

We love mermaids

When I was a little girl, I loved mermaids. The tragic Little Mermaid was my favourite fairytale, and while I was not happy about its ending, I loved Disney's Ariel. I soon noticed that my little girls love mermaids too.

Ikesha, who loves to doodle drew a mermaid a few weeks ago. She also asked for a mermaid cake for her fourth birthday next month.

Here is my batik painting - a mermaid beauty in silk.

The youtube clip above is one of Irani's favourite.

And this is another.

Rudi And I At The Movies

Titanic was one of the first movies Rudi and I went to see together. We were quite enamoured with each other - enough for me to ride pillion on his big red motorbike throughout the night after the movie. With me exclaiming to the world at the top of my voice - I love you Rudi!

One day, Rudi showed up after work and said,'Let's go for a movie." He did not tell me which movie. Finally, he told me he wanted me to watch Moulin Rouge. I loved it to the max and Rudi for taking me to see this wonderful musical.

Rudi brought home the DVD Malena. He thought it was an Italian movie I would enjoy. Here is the inkling that my husband knows me very well, almost better than I know myself. I loved Malena - and I think Rudi wanted me to be his Malena.

I was extremely busy when Puteri Gunung Ledang finally made it to the movies and I missed it. I actually sobbed my heart out. When the DVD came out, Rudi bought it for me. He is such a sweetie at times. I loved the movie - and the musical production in Kuala Lumpur too.

Again, Rudi brought home this DVD - he was sure I would love it. We watched it silently, I could not tear myself away from the screen. The Thai production was mesmerising, absorbing and full of our Malay culture. Until today, one of my favorite all time movie.

Rudi took French classes early this year and he loved it. He brought home Les Choristes as he felt it was good for the whole family. Today, the girls sing Caresse Sur L'Ocean and la Nuit sweetly. We simply adore this movie.

While shopping for Hari Raya, I bought this DVD. And yet, was too busy to watch. Last Sunday, Rudi prompted me and we happily watched the full length movie with Irani. He declared,"That was a good movie."

There are many movies we watch with the children. Tonnes of them. Happy Feet. The Polar Express. Amelie. LOTR Series. Harry Potter Series. Nanny McPhee. Up. Coco Avant Chanel. Inception. But the above movies remind me of certain moments in my life with Rudi.

I love you.

TITANIC


MOULIN ROUGE


MALENA

PUTERI GUNUNG LEDANG

LANGKASUKA


LES CHORISTES


MY NAME IS KHAN

My Name Is Khan

A couple of months ago, I received an email urging me to watch the movie, My Name Is Khan.

However, I was busy and caught up in work and the girls' schedule and exams, I put the thought out of my mind. Then, this weekend, while buying Aidil Fitri dresses in Jalan Masjid India, I passed by a CD shop and saw the DVD on sale. On a whim, I bought it. But, in the midst of break fast and more shopping (how blessed we are in Malaysia), I still could not find the time to watch the movie. These epic movies are full length and notoriously long. Finally, Rudi came to remind me, "You want to watch My Name Is Khan now?" So we did.

The story is about Rizvan Khan, who lived with his mother, Ammi, a wonderful woman who was determined to help Rizvan overcome his obvious difficulties. She did not know it but Rizvan had Asperger's Syndrome, a form of autism. The movie shows how Ammi taught Rizvan the basic important things in life, wisdom that would guide him later on in life. He met an amazing woman, Mandrai and her son Sameer and married her. She was Hindu and Rizvan's only brother rejected her.

Three scenes strike me the most.

The first, was a scene where Rizvan's village was caught in the crossline of hate between the Muslims and the Hindus. Someone shouted bigotry chants which Rizvan automatically repeated ceaselessly. Ammi took him aside, drew a matchstick man beating a boy, and another giving the boy a lollipop. Then she asked him, "Which is the Muslim and which is the Hindu?" to which he replied," There's no difference. They both look the same." Ammi's lesson here was there was no difference between people, just their good deeds and bad.

The second took place in a church in Wilhemina, Georgia.

[Six year old Ilena just stopped by with her Bouncy and asked me..."Thoughts - what are those?" I wonder where these questions come from. Now back to the story...]

My second favorite scene took place in Wilhemina, Georgia which had a population of 254 people and 734 cows or something like that.

In the aftermath of 9/11,life changed dramatically for the couple. Sameer was killed in a racial fight at school. Rizvan left his cup of happiness with his wife, Mandari on a mission to see the President of America. His new friend Strange Hair Joel and Mamma Jenna showed Rizvan kindness. Mamma Jenna took Rizvan to church and he told everyone how he loved and lost his step-son Sameer Khan. Strange hair Joel sang the song We will overcome after Rizvan became overcome with emotion, the song Rizvan used to sing with his love, Mandari.

And later, when Wilhemina was hit by a hurricane, Rizvan came back to help Mamma Jenna overcome their crisis, back to the crumbling church.

[And here comes Ikesha, showing me her pink balloon...]

And my third favourite scene is in a mosque in Los Angeles.

A terrorist was trying to recruit followers and told the story of Ibrahim who was willing to sacrifice his son as willed by Allah. As such, Muslims should be ready to shed their blood for the cause. Rizvan stood up and in his stunted speech told the story as his Ammi told him, that the prophet Ibrahim was so convinced of Allah's mercy and compassion he willingly followed Allah's instruction, knowing that his son would be safe.

Two sides of the coin to a well known historical incident by Muslims around the world. It hit me what Rizvan said was the truth we often overlook. Rizvan branded the terrorist a liar and the evil satan.

There were many little instances that make up the moving movie, many agendas and issues portrayed. But most compelling was the lesson that Rizvan's Ammi taught him early in the movie.

That there are no differences between people, just their good deeds and bad.

******

Lazy Sunday

Irani fights hunger pangs

With a book in hand

In her own little corner

Next to Agatha Christie

and Daphne du Maurier

Ikesha loves her IPad

Her nimble fingers run

Across the screen

Before she ups and dance

A flash of light - Ikesha dancing

Ilena loves to look classy

Theatre plays spill forth

Imaginary lines in
Harry Potter's own English

From her sweet lips

I sang with The Dins!

The Dins, founded in 1979, is the signature all male acapella group from Harvard University. Karen Neoh introduced The Dins to me in 2004, I have organised three performances here in Malaysia for the group during their bienniel World Summer Tour.

Back in August 2009, I emailed Brett Harrison, the President of the group. After months of planning - the permits are the most tedious part - they finally performed at RSGC last night.

And what a performance it was! For starters, the Main Lounge was splendidly decorated by our RSGC team. Maxis was the main sponsors.

I can't really describe the performance - even after three concerts, I am still mesmerised by their sheer professionalism, entertaining acts and most of all the harmonious blend of beautiful voices and rhythm. To say it was a classy act seems inadequate. In truth, it was a joy and privilege to catch these twelve young [they seem to be getting younger every time] Harvard undergrads 'belt it out'.

By the way, the poor lads performed after arriving at KL airport rather late due to their delayed flight. They were caught in a jam for 45 minutes. We had tea ready, packed them off to the Changing Rooms for a shower, completed their sound check before it was barely time to meet the sponsors for cocktail.

And yet, you would not have guessed it. They were as cool as cucumber - their lime green socks helped - everyone had a marvellous time. The Dins took photos with members, signed autographs - they were the gracious ambassadors of Harvard University. And the US.

This is my new Dins CD!


Thank you Dins and thank you Brett for sharing your beautiful music.

Now please come back and do Copacabana for us.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Royal Selangor Golf Club was the only stop in Kuala Lumpur for the Dins. They will be continuing their tour to Sydney next. The Tour which started in June 2010 took the Dins to
Reykjavik, Iceland, London, England, Luxembourg, Saarbrucken, Germany, Strasbourg, France, Berlin, Germany, Ljubljana, Slovenia Cyprus, Seoul, South Korea, Shanghai, China, Hong Kong, Osaka, Japan, Tokyo, Japan, Choshi, Japan, Atsugi, Japan, Bangkok, Thailand, Singapore, RSGC Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
The final leg includes:
8/10-8/13: Sydney, Australia
8/13-8/16: San Francisco, California, USA
8/16-8/18: San Diego, California, USA
-----------------------------------------------------------------
The Dins did not perform Copacabana this year - one of my favourite songs. So after the show amidst autograph sessions, we suddenly found ourselves on stage, snapping photos. Suddenly some of The Dins started humming Copacabana, I couldn't resist and chipped in to sing - "at the Copa... Copacabana...". Those who know me know this was a VERY brave thing to do!

Photos to follow

The weekend for sisterly bonding

The girls were one generation apart - 2 were savvy and popular teenagers. The three younger ones - one was going through that awkward stage and two were kittenish, cute and naughty. Decidedly, I could see they were at odds with each other. What more with no 1 and no 2 often going off with their Abah to meet the other siblings and family.

I could see the divide getting a tad too uncomfortable for my liking. This week when their Abah wanted to pick up Kak Long and Angah for a family gathering, Irani quipped she wanted to go as well. I decided, okay,let's all go!

Kak Long and Kak Ngah quickly called their grandma who was delighted. I regretted my impulsive decision for a moment as I had never visited since I remarried. Rudi could not be contacted, he was white water rafting and enjoying male bonding with the guys, but he always told me he had no issues if I wanted to visit.

In the end, the excited chatter of the girls told me I made the right decision.

So we drove all the way to Kuang - 5 girls, Bik and me.

It turned out to be simply lovely. The 5 girls always enjoyed the company of the other 2 girls, my ex's daughters and they got along famously. I chit chatted with my three brother in laws especially the youngest one on everything, catching up. Mak Tok was evidently happy I had come to the house finally [they had visited us throughout the years so it wasn't really all that strange after all]. Irma, my ex's wife is a very nice lady - we never really had problems chatting and stuff so that was no problem.

It actually felt very pleasant.More importantly, where Kak Long and Angah disappears to some weekends is no longer a mystery to KakChik, Ilana and Ikesha, and that is important to me.

To continue the sisterly bonding, I took them all out, Bik too, to a movie on Sunday night. To find a movie to suit all five sisters was quite challenging - first choice Nanny McPhee 2 was still not showing - we decided on Despicably Me which turned out to be a lovely no age barred choice. Ikesha looked super adorable in her 3D glasses.

A lovely weekend again! And today, Rudi is home so I took leave so that we can stretch the weekend to include him for a bit...

We live from weekend to weekend - an island of respite in our busy daily lives...

Bik Een Part III

I heard Irani’s voice on the telephone.

“Mak, Ira ni...Mak, Bik pengsan. Dalam bilik air. Kak Ngah cuba kejut.”

Images ran through my mind. I heard Inas trying to revive Bik in the background. For a split second, I panicked.”Mak?” Irani’s voice was calm with a hint of urgency. I said, “Good girl. Now, call Cikgu. Now. Tell her what happened. Then come back to the phone.”

“Okay.” I heard her calling our neighbour, Cikgu Rohani. I heard her telling Cikgu what happened followed by Cikgu Rohani telling her husband to come over quickly. Nine year old Irani came back to the phone. “Irani, call Cikgu to the phone.” I told Cikgu I was coming home. She felt we needed the ambulance so I told her I would take care of that.

Rudi called the ambulance then he picked me up. We drove home. I had no idea what was happening, but I knew Cikgu would do her best. She was that kind of neighbour to the whole neighbourhood. We were so lucky to be staying next to her.

A year ago in 2008, Bik had fainted in Mid Valley Mall after a movie. The shopping complex security quickly took her to the clinic and she was quickly revived. What a scare. But for days after, she was plagued by fever and pain in her abdomen. She lost weight. Finally, the doctors ruled that she suffered from a very bad case of infection and gave her an equally strong regiment of antibiotics.

Bik recovered then.

When we reached Hospital Sg Buloh, the hospital was in full H1N1 alert. Cikgu had followed the ambulance to the hospital and we met them there. I called the girls and Kak Ngah said all the sisters were fine. In the Emergency ward, Bik regained consciousness. But she spoke Javanese and had no idea who we were. She was clearly afraid. We quickly read Ayat Kursi and spoke to her calmly. Then I mentioned Ikesha’s name. Immediately, Bik looked at me and cried, “Ya, Ikesha mana, Bu?”

Bik was warded that night. But the battle was not over.

Over the next three days, she was pumped with antibiotics. There was an infection in her stomach and uterus and it was poisoning her system. But Bik was in good spirits. She was quite a novelty apparently at the ward. There were no other maids. Certainly no other maid who read the newspaper and the stackful of gardening magazines we brought her. The nurses would be combing her hair and chit chatting with her when we arrive to visit. When the girls – all five - came over, Bik cried with happiness. The neighbours came to visit too!

Finally, the specialist asked to see me. There was no choice. Surgery was required. Otherwise, Bik would get weaker and weaker and eventually succumb to the infection. Rudi and I were shocked. And secretly terrified. We were responsible for her. The doctor explained, it was quite a major surgery. However, after discussing it with Bik we quickly agreed.

On the day of the surgery, Rudi and I went to see Bik. It would take many hours, I can’t remember now how long. All I know was that after that we did not see Bik for 1 ½ days for she was held back in ICU – no visitors allowed.

She finally made it.

Bik came home after 12 days in hospital. After she came back, we did not allow her to do anything for a month. Ikesha did not leave her side. Then Bik went back to Jawa for Hari Raya.
When she came back , Bik’s family sent us so many gifts. It was wonderful to have her back. She was as strong as ever after her two months of rest.

Bik is really part of our family. We tell the girls everyone in the family has their part to play. Mak and Daddy work hard to earn a living for all of us. They need to do homework and wash their own shoes. Bik takes care of them and the house. In fact, I remind the girls Bik is also the richest in the family. She has three houses, lots of sawah padi and orchards. In her kampung, there are dancing horses and gamelan. But there are also earthquakes sometimes. Once when Bik went home, she had to sleep in the open for two nights because of an earthquake. Another time, Bik called the gardeners all the way from Indonesia to remind them to come and cut our grass.

Sometimes, when I come home, the younger girls would be playing Old Maid and Happy Family with Bik. Remember Mr Bones, Mrs Weeder and Master Plod?

Now, don’t you think we have the best Bik in the whole world?

Conversations with my daughter

Don't be fooled by the angelic Kodak moment...

- Everybody in school loves k-pop [korean pop].

- Stop blogging Mak. It's teaching you more than you should know.

- To understand teens, Tumblr is the way to go.

- Makkkk, Daddy...not in front of the children.

- Why can't I wear this?

- I know I can always count on you, Tok Wan.

- Wok happy sangat ada Mak and Daddy Wok.

- I am not crying [tears rolling down].

- Nana buat....

- Wok dah siap homework.

- Can I drive?

- Nina Bobo pleeaaase....

[One-to-one, hence daughter, not daughters]

Bik Een Part II

Bik Een arrived on a hot January 2006. The whole family including little Ilena waited anxiously at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Rudi went to look out for her. And came back worried because he could not locate her. Suddenly, two Indonesian ladies appeared next to us. Bik Een was here! Her agent had brought her through. She looked very happy and we responded to her cheery disposition. Ilena reached out to her. It was quite amazing.

On the way back, we did not want to overwhelm her, so we let the children ask her the innocent questions children put forth. Bik shared the room with Ilena and Irani and quickly settled in.

Our life was never quite the same again. Ilena was 'little boss' and we never thought we would find someone really 'Mother Goosy'. Our priority were the children and family areas, we would take care of our own rooms. But Bik Een quickly took charge of the younger children, cleanliness and a bonus - the garden. Passionfruit, ciku, guava, herbs and more bloomed. The neighbourhood commented how Bik made sure the children got on their buses everyday and faithfully waited for them every afternoon when they finished school.

Bik, in turn, was very proud that she was a maid with full legal papers, and treated like one of the family. She went to the surau and followed us on outings. Nanny Mc Phee was the first movie we took her to. Life was tranquil. In the beginning we cooked together, then gradually I cooked on weekends and Inas took over desserts. Bik became more and more adept and creative in the kitchen. The garden herbs worked wonders! Bik's sambal became her trademark!

Eight months later, Ikesha arrived, a healthy bouncing 3.3kg baby! And she became the apple of Bik's eye. She could do no wrong, was totally pampered and adored by Bik. It was up to me for all disciplining. While I assigned and made up homework for Irani and Ilena, Bik made sure they completed all of it. The girls learnt to count and throw rubbish the right way from Bik, Bik learnt English from the girls. We welcomed all the girls' friends with strict rules, which Bik enforced and reported any possible incidents! Bik immediately chided kids who were a tad rude and the kids from the neighbourhood complained to the girls especially Irani about her strict Bik, and I liked it that way.

Then suddenly, in 2008, Bik often became ill. And one day she fainted at Mid-Valley mall.

Doctors were baffled by her condition and weight-loss.

To be continued.

A Lovely Weekend doing our own stuff

Happy to report that we do have weekends when we all

just go our separate ways and enjoy ourselves.

Rudi in Raub - surviving the wild
He needed to be with the guys for awhile

Irani at school for three days and two nights
At Camp - reading books under the torchlight

Inas at BTS - shopping shopping shopping
Buying her costume for the MSR thing
(I am trying to keep up with the acronyms)

Iman sleeping at Alysha's place
Instead of being together on MySpace
(Alysha just came back from Bahrain!)

Ilena furiously doing puzzles, her brain
loves them - she does them again and again
(For her - the tougher, the better)

Ikesha colouring mermaids and hearts
Dolphins, sea-lions and stars

And I am blogging playing catch up
I have seriously caught the writing bug!

Bik - busy planning her holiday this Raya
What to bring home - an electric toothbrush!

The only thing hiccup was Rudi and Irani quibbling over the sleeping bag. Of course Daddy gave in without much fuss!

Bik Een Part I

After my divorce, the two girls and I lived like nomads, moving from place to place. First we stayed with Auntie Yah on the third floor of a shoplot. It was a twenty by twelve studio and had a twenty by ten balcony overlooking a hugh magnificent tree. Inas told me earnestly she saw fairies flitting from branch to branch in the mornings. On occasions, the girls had a hot bath on that balcony under the stars! Iman loved our studio room, she called it the penthouse. But soon after, the landlord increased the rent so we found a 2-bedroom apartment on a hill for the same price. We slept in one twin bed and watched tv on a 9" b/w tv, and Tok Yah and her son, Shahrul stayed in the other room.

All the while, the girls went to stay with a trusted family babysitter, Auntie Fauziah, after school. She lived a few houses away from, my mother, the girls' Tok Wan. If I was working late, Tok Wan would pick the girls up. It was a great arrangement for Auntie Fauziah was the best of babysisters. She had 6 daughters of her own who all grew up to be lovely girls, she was strict and spoke the loveliest English in the neighbourhood, after Tok Wan of course. The girls loved her.

Rudi and I were married in 2000. We continued to stay in the apartment on the fourth floor after Aunty Yah moved to Terengganu. Then I was in the family way, with Irani. Rudi did not like the prospect of me walking up the stairs and him having to carry Iman and Inas up 4 floors up after a long day's work if they were asleep so we looked for a new house. And finally 2 house moves later, we decided that getting a place of our own was the best solution.

So we did, but we had to wait another two years before we could move in. Then in 2006, we got the green light. It was daunting, moving so far away from Tok Wan and Auntie Fauziah, and all that seemed familiar. By then, Irani and Ilena had made us a family of six. After having Auntie Fauziah for 6 contented years, it was tough trying to trust another to care for the girls.

Finally, a friend suggested a maid. Not just any maid - Bik Een had just returned from Arab Saudi, and came highly recommended. Frankly, I was desperate. So we filled in all applications and waited patiently for Bik Een to arrive.

Have you watched the movie Nanny Mc Phee? We dedicate that movie to our Bik Een. In fact we took Bik to see that movie in the theatre.

To be continued...

A Wizarding World Of Harry Potter Dream

Inas was busy planning a trip to the WWOHP with Iman.

Here is her budget plan so far:

Destination: Universal Themepark (WWOHP)

Hotel: Wingate By Windham

Budget Sheet (Per person)

Airplane ticket: RM5000 ($1500)

Accomodation: 5 days (2 Queen Beds Room) ($700 per room) ($175/RM615 per person)

Themepark tickets: 4 days ($150/RM525 per person)

Shopping: ($1000/RM3500) ($250/RM875 per day at the themepark)

_________________________________________________

Total: $2825 (RM9888-RM10000)

24 months of payment (RM1000-RM550): RM10800 ($3086)

They plan to work at Borders part-time for two years saving RM450 a month.

Frankly, I was not this industrious at this age.

I was oogling the cute gymnasts in our Selangor team and cramming for Perdagangan miserably. The concept of budget and profit and loss accounts were just subjects to pass in school.

Watermelon Day

Our Ghost Chair in the garden looks lonely...

Irani comes to eat her watermelon...

Yummy!

Oops..watermelon seeds...

Digging in!

Later, the girls played with Kak Ngah's fans in the living room...

Nina Bobo

Nina Bobo ooohhh Nina Bobo

Kaluai Ikesha digigit nyamuk

Mari ...

Ikesha Ilena Irani Inas Iman

Hi Anakku sayang...

Marilah Ikesha... anakku sayang

Repeated with other daughters' names

Nina Bobo is the lullaby all of us in our family grew up with. My mother sang it to me when I was a baby. presumably because she called me Nina. Then she continued to sing it to all my sisters and brother.

The tradition stuck and I sang Nina Bobo to all my daughters. Today Ikesha sang her own version...

Nina Bobo oooohhh Nina Bobo

Kaluai Puan Zalina makku sayang...

I couldn't help but smile in the dark...