Que Sera Sera...

When I wake up in the morning my duty as a wife and mother begins..
The waking up is always the hardest part *Solat Subuh* as a Muslim encouraging one another to do the right thing, either they listen and perform willingly.. only God knows. But as for the person who reminds.. that is ganjaran, after all... they are the closest to us. But if you are to start your morning in a stressful manner, then your whole day will be spoiled. So.. I am taking it easy and taking a deep breath as I start to wake the kids up. Kalau boleh with the count of three I expect them to be up on their feet...or my pressure will be rising, hikhik.. Yes, I used to do that when they were younger, everything to the count of three. God! I miss those moment with them. Now, totally different, they are all adults. But then the tension is still the same every morning.

Yesterday's dinner, Baked Salmon and Smoke Beef

I hope when they leave their nest or their *bantal bushuk* they' be wiser...

I need to except and enjoy every moment with them.. Sometimes the smallest thing in life changes something forever and there will be times when you wish you can go back to how things used to be, but you just can't.. b'cos things have changed so much...

Tonight's dinner, Spaghetti Peperoni with Prawns

I am trying to cope every possible way to be in a steady mood, to take things in my stride... I do not want my anger to control my mind and behavior. It's easier said than done. I normally failed as my heart controlled my mind. A lot of changes I wish to make in order to be a survivor, as a Mum or a better human. Like.. be prepared when I meet a crooked path along my journey, and how to handle it well. Kalau boleh not blame it on the fate. What the future is like you can never predict. But at least, you could learn from your past.. I never expected I would be in the situation whereby I am stronger than Hb.. I always thought otherwise. Nothing can stop it from happening. So, what come may..


My Hb complaint pain on his right side of his body yesterday...mula lah I gabra! I can't helped it.. It has been close to two years already, still.. it saddened me ever to see him feeble at times or walking wobbly after a long rest. We got through it alright! tho lots of obstacles had come our way.

Cinnamon Rolls for Tea, today.

Beside sending Hb to Physio, I did not have anything much to do, as my normal living space is limited with the presence of the contractors. Happy to see Hb occupied himself with the Indon workers who were busy doing the construction. Like other days, I would normally be in my garden or spending time at the Patio reading, painting or what so ever. But since the renovation took place, I've no choice but to be indoors keeping myself busy with my lappy. Not much left to be done, just waiting for the sandstones to be delivered and by then everything will be completed...insyaallah! I can't really wait for I wanted so much to get some plants for my backyard. And also can't wait to start cooking at my new *open concept kitchen* at the backyard, heehee..

While Hb 1st day at Pantai Hospital... I was at Bangsar Village
at Plan B having Caramel Slice and Flat white coffee.

Meanwhile at home...
While baking my buns, my Sister Liza and Dira came to visit us.



Adios..

What's for Dinner, this time?

My bougainvillea flowering proudly in my garden.

I let down a breakfast invitation from Yatie yesterday morning. A breakfast Treat at Club Subang. It was an unplanned Gettogether until the night before. Yatie dear, selamattt.. diet ku kali ni but still in my mind I cannot forget that delicious Dim Sum..hmmm..boleh rasa ni! By the way Yatie, thank you for the invitation and you know, I would loved to join, but due to certain circumstances..sorry!

Mengaji after dinner...
I invited Mengaji group over to my place on Wednesday night. The normal group was never on time but not my Ustazah, she always arrive on the dot. I had baked them something light for dinner, Quiche, potato salad and Chocolate banana cake. It was a warm and humid night..tak terkata. Linda, my guest had a splitting headache and was in no mood to indulge the food I'd served. Most probably, there will be a break from mengaji until April..a few of them will be going for Holidays.

Quiche and Chocolate Banana Cake. Oh! where is my
Potato Salad...

Abundantly full in calories, requested by the group..

A slice of Chocolate banana cake..the sponge cake was
a new recipe. Somehow, I still prefer my old one which is moist and spongy.

And some menus from last week dinner..

I baked it again for dinner 2 nights ago, Yogurt raisins Bread.
We can't seem to get enough of it..
It's nice to dunk into Mushroom Soup

This guy, who's very particular of what he eats

especially Home Bake Bread. And to my
pleasant surprise, my Son enjoyed the new recipe.

Yesterday's Dinner, Mee Kuah Tulang Tomato.
I substituted Spaghetti instead of Mee Kuning.
Not only it tasted good but healthy too...

The Usual Thursday Outing *Hb's Physio Day*...at Midwalley..

Hb's physio had been shortened from three to once a week since 3 months ago at U Hospital. And by next week he will be going back to Pantai Bangsar at the Hand Unit Therapy also for once a week. Yup..he'll be under the care of two Hospitals this time. And looks like I have extra visiting/wandering Malls again.....

We hang out at Starbucks for a quick coffee.

Have a Productive Weekend, peeps..
Adios.....

Desire for Food is the greatest Human Weakness..

Haish.. not that I am not aware of what I have done to my beautiful figure, hehe.. it's the desire, the crave and the get together, have made me from 57.. 58 going 60 kg.. Adoii!! But at the same time loving every bit as a Food Lover. I know it is not new to me, was born to like it...was taught to enjoy and appreciate Food. Well they say, desire for Food is the greatest human weakness.

I baked the best Yogurt Raisin Bread for dinner yesterday
(recipe by Yatt Maria)

Fried Salmon, Smoke beef and fried veges.

Talking about food in these Century, Food has becoming a Lifestyle.
Nowadays, we have Food Channels on TV and not to mention plenty of Cooking Magazines to pick. And Chefs are more or less alike Celebrities...they have their own shows with identities, and even kitchen Wares has their name on it. So, how to stop loving Food? Almost impossible...
I remembered those days, nobody ever bothered in what they beat their eggs in(dalam besen ke or any mangkok) and baking cookies using the lid of a pot. Not anymore in this modern days, we have nice colored bowls, all shapes of baking tins and we even have Kenwood, Kitchen Aid and many more selling in the shops.
Cooking with styles! is what you see in Food channel...which I love watching and also dream to have all those utensils. Each time I was at Bangsar I used to wonder at "Pantry Magic Kuala Lumpur" you'll be mesmerized at what's in store. They sells baking pans, and almost all utensils in all colors. What also impressed me are their collections of Tea Towels, Mittens and Aprons. I love to have them..forget the big bucks, you have to pay for the price lol!.
All that has becoming an in thing, beautiful things with beautiful prices.

My dull green *Sri Muka*

The usual simple menu for dinner.

As I was writing about food, melalut entah kemana..to save my beautiful figure (perasan je) I have to eat in small portion gitu.. like the French. Obesity is far less common in France compared to some other European countries. We can take lessons from their eating habits. First, we could begin by serving less food in order to eat less. Eating slowly will help us better taste and savor food, creating more pleasure regardless of how much is eaten. So, since I had written such long paragraphs on Food issues.. Well, let us all especially ladies, do what is best for our figure/body..insyaallah.

*Soto* for lunch on Sunday.

A craved to be quenched by food..

Meanwhile.. Today, Tuesday 21st Feb.
We had lunch at Shogun Pyramid Sunway with Kak Faridah and Abang Fauzi.

I had started to behave.. eating with proper manner, slowly and savoring the
food with pleasure..ahaks!

To end this entry..Do Stay healthy!!
Adios..

Lapse in Diet..

There was no baking in my house this week . We are doing minor renovation to break down obstructing pillar at my porch and making a table top *for heavy cooking* at my backyard. My backyard is soggy due to poor drainage. What we gonna have is a new drainage and have stones or pebbles instead of grass.
Not that I didn't cook at all.. I did, but very basic kind of cooking, that did not mess my dry kitchen as the cabinet is in white. Also..when you're having a maid who has no etiquette and proper kitchen manners on how to take care of the house tho hundreds of times being reminded. Renovation started last week and my! it's only minor as I called it but I can't describe the dust... intolerable. As someone with allergy, I am prepared with Zertec to be taken every morning.


Today, after one week off from Physio, I sent Hb to UM, and me..Well, where would I rather be.. either sipping Coffee or wondering around the Mall. So.. I decided to Treat myself...

I had Banana Pudding with Caramel Sauce and Ice Cream... Slurp! Well, how's that sound? Oh ya, the place was at 'Delicious' Midvalley. I wasn't going window shopping or looking for things this time ...enough!
I had no regrets having this *sinful* delicious pudding which I thought would be pinching my conscience. Hehe, the fact that it is still sinful to my figure.


Honestly guys, it melted in the mouth. The satisfaction I could feel... as it goes down my throat. I always love Banana, anyway..

Anybody I think, would not be guilty if they can or have this two pictures below for dinner every night..would you?

Roast Chicken, fried potatoes, coleslaw and toast

Salmon with some sauteed Veges and toast.

And how about this?

Very high in calories!... We had this, two nights ago.

Cuttoo Gettogether at Plan B, Bangsar Village, Monday, 13th Feb

Our planned was to sent my girl's car for service. Hb had to accompany her daughter and I had to pick them up and bring them along. Hb already made plan with my cousin Megat to meet also at the same Mall that was in Bangsar Village. They refused to be in the same Cafe, hehe, they went to Ben Food Store just a few steps away... whilst Fifa with me, sitting alone doing her assigment.
The Gettogether was at Plan B at 9.30 am.. I was late, reached there at 10.30a.m. Only 7 of us present and the rest?..don't know what happen. Maybe because of the distance or the time? Everyone seemed to order Breakfast Platter which served complete set with whatever coffee/tea you desire and a glass of orange juice.
The next Gettogether will be in T forty two....makan lagi!



And..I wonder, when I wake up to reality, will I be adding more lbs...
Ahh! just a temporary thing....
Adios....

Out of the Nest, to fly in the real world.

I suddenly feel lonely, deserted and Old'... As a Mum, I had been with my children all their lives. And never been separated from them only when they had to leave to varsity, and that's never more than a year. Never would I in my past would simply leave them for my own pleasure. Nope, never!.. I guessed if I would do that I'd be sulking away during the holiday. Until to a certain extent, when they 'd grown up and until I had a reliable maid to watch over them, I started to leave them for short trips with Hb. I had taught myself not to rely on others when comes to my kids. I love doing everything for and with them *but, the normal whining and groaning, that Mum usually do, can't be helped*

Pecal

Looking back, how I was over protective, and so unlike Hb. He had wanted the kids to grow up with confidence and not to be overbearing. To be outspoken on reasons in the right way,with no regrets in the future. But, it's all up to them, to decide which ever way they choose their lives to be..of course the path taken is guided by God..God willing...

Scones for Tea on Saturday afternoon.

Ehh! what about being lonely, deserted and Old got to do with all this?? Well, I got so emotional today and broke into tears sob,sob.. when I implied in a subtle tone to my eldest son that he can move out for his personal convenience *traveling to and from his office on top of irregular long working hours. He had suggested a few times ago and now Hb and me understand his stand and will support his actions. Well, not that I do not want to let him go..No,No.. but this time with blessing, my Son. It's just that hard for a Mum to let go of her baby *ask any possessive mum they would feel the same* But honestly, one day.. or, the time has come for him to leave out, with no Mum to look after his needs.
Yes, my son he's matured enough, has a steady job and financially sound. So, why on earth should I be crying my heart out.. huh! He's not leaving me or not coming back at all. And not to mention how late he came back every night due to work load and the traffic. And what about friends? he needs that too. We only speak to him in the morning..just for a few minutes then off he goes to work. Anyway, he's just a few miles away from home and he will be back on Weekend, if not so whenever we need him and keeping in contact with us...hope to God. And this I hope would be a good training in lives for both of us. My son was deeply touched when he saw me sobbing and I realized how much he loves me and I guessed it's also difficult for him to leave his Nest..or maybe shouting with joy inside him, whatever...
But I have to accept.. this is real live. Well Son, I would be able to cope this changes in a matter of time. Whilst the love between us is strong and everlasting...Insyaallah. All we need is a lot of patients and understanding. And when you're out there, be sensible and remember what is taught according to a good Muslim..insyallah!

Simple Kayteow Soup

Meanwhile...
Saturday morning 10.30am.
'Maulidur Rasul Do' at Rita and Nizam our neighbor

The ceremony to be remembered by the family. Taking advantaged of the special month to celebrate their daughter's Qattam Qur'an. And to me, I enjoyed the Nasi Briani Gam and the unforgettable desserts...yes,...it's to die for!

The Goodies we took back

That night my other neighbor Kak Faridah and Abang Fauzi
had Usrah at their house...

Kak Faridah, Rita and Zan and I baked chocolate slice for the host.

Oh, what a treat! Breakfast lunch and dinner all had been taken care of..

A break from the kitchen!

Till we meet again in the next entry...Adios!

During the holidays...

Salam..
The weather is rather gloomy and humid for the past weeks, but from what we understand in the other parts of the world also gloomy but cold and freezing. Here and there we hear people downed with illness due to the weather. Either it's cold or warm, that's the course according to some people like me especially. Either we take less care of ourselves or we forget that God is showing sign! Dunia ni has come to it's end...*dah tua, dah sakit2* macam kita juga. So, what are the preparation do we take? Jaga diri, or jaga iman? Both are important in our life...not making a chaos out of nothing. So be practical ok, do what is best for us according to the Holy book of what we believe in.
As a Muslim, a wife, a mother a daughter, and a sister.. to be someone who has lots to offer in time of happiness and sadness...bukan sombong when I'm on top and humble when I'm down..No! insyallah, humble at all time. What else can I offer to my family, the least is to give my unconditional love. We want unity among us...tak gitu. Of course not always we are in the best of health or wealth and in terms of anything..we still need others to guide us. Be humble!! And one little thing.. learn how to GROW UP!! Life is not about blaming on weather or someone else..Life is about togetherness!!

Ice Cream to indulge on a Hot day.

Saturday: 4th Feb.
Quality time we had with my eldest at BSC. The three of us clinging to each other and having to breath Bangsar air after a few days stuck in the house. My son hardly spent time with us except weekend. As an eldest big responsibilities towards the parents but that does not means no social life for him..of course he must have. And me, got a tremendous gift which was way out of my expectation..*wink* We hang around having a cuppa of Flat white Coffee.

My daughter's pals slept over.

Curry Mee for lunch that day
and

for our favorite guest for the evening..

Sunday: 5th Feb
In this Month of Maulidur Rasul we celebrated it in our Surau with Uztaz Idris to preach about our beloved Muhamad nabi salam, 1 an half hour and followed by Qattam Quran. We were served Nasi Arab and grilled Lamb by Bayou later around 10.00pm... well, it's rather late with thunder storm and heavy rain. Cold night alright, but it did not last long for the humid temperature to reappear..ahh! melekit. No pictures at the Surau


Monday..CNY at Linda and Steven, our neighbor..

Something I baked for Linda

Tuesday..
Waking up with the best Pancake served with fruits.



And later for Tea..Popiah.


Alhamdullillah, Thank you Allah for the blessing you give us with plenty of food
to share...
Have a pleasant week peeps! Adios..