28.9.08

nothing to DWELL about...

My firts encounter with a 'lembut' Arab.

That was funny.
We went to Sahara Centre yesterday.
The main attraction was the 70% discount at Home Centre.
I woke up at 10am. We went out at 11.30am.
NIce.. spend DH200 and get a chance to win a Hummer H2.
Ok..im in! ehehe

So..we went rounding.
I went to see some abaya.
Thinking of buying one for Eid and of course, for work.
Expensive stuff. But they are at the same price anywhere anyway.
Didnt buy any.
I bought a capri and pants at Marks and Spencer.

And then went to DWELL.
Was thinking of buying another bath towel.
Hey.. the pillow cases are on sale.
I might as well buy a few, for my future home.
DH19 per pillow case.
Got two. One without price tag, but should be the same price, i tot.

Went to the counter.
Is this the same price as this one?
The guy, i think didnt speak much English, nods.

Scanned and enter. Its DH29.
29? I dun want it then. No point.
And scanned another one, DH19.
Ill take two of DH19.
He looked at me and say i cant do that.
That i need to pay for the 29+19.
I said, NO. i dunt want that.
And he said no...cant refund (and pointing at his large till machine).

Persistence Aida (trying to use her consumer power). No. U must find a way to do refund.
I will not pay for this (he got my DH50 on his hand, by the way).
He made a call.
He was explaining the incedent, i know-of course i am to blame-.
Wait 1 minute ok.
Waited.
Haleema is standing besides me and loudly whispering 'this man didnt know what he is doing'.

Another man came.
The soft arab explained again.
The man bz scanning...and the soft guy been barked at.
Payback..ehehee

Got my change.
Waited for my two pillow cases to be packed.
The soft guy took his time doing that, he went to serve another cust first.
I almost walked off with two pillow cases unwrapped.

Learnt a few things.
1. Be a tough cookie, dont always nod your head
2. The soft guy might be a new clerk, let yesterday be the day he learnt that everything can be reversed out
3. Soft Arab guy is yuckie...
4. The pillow cases are lovely..lovely (sing using Kooala's strawberry song)

When outside, we agreed.
The shop, theres nothing to Dwell about.

And we spent DH600 alltogether.
Got 3 chances to win the Hummer... cross your fingers baby!!!

26.9.08

20th Ramadan... finally

Sept 20,2008.

Its funny.
At 4am, during suhur, my friend asked me.
Did the guy called you yet?
He meant Christopher.I rolled my eyes.
Yesterday was Friday-rest day.
And he rolled his eyes back at me... 'So?'.
No answer for that, mister!

Its a lovely morning.
Its Saturday, the family's favorite day of the week.
Being the 'baba' not working, means we can go out the house to the malls.

Did my morning ritual - the shower, pray,dishes,kitchen floor sweeping-.
Then went online. And my phone rang.
Its Christopher!
Do you have any plans today Aida?
No..
Nothing exciting?
I am excited now, that i am getting a call from U.
He he
So if you didnt have any plans, can you come again to DKV to meet one of our Managing Director, Mr Mohamed?
Oh! What time?
1pm?
Ok.. i think that should be no problem.

So...here's the address - Glomacs LLC, Block 2B, Office number F08, Dubai Knowledge Center. Be prepared, ok. Check our website at www.euromatech.com
Rite. I will.
Ok.. I will call the DKV's office to tell them that they will be seeing you at 1pm then.
Ok Christoper.
Ok Aida.

So i asked my friend's wife.
Is he at home?
No.. he went to Abu Dhabi this morning?
hah?
Yes, and he is telling me that he will be bringing 4 men home for iftar.
oppss.... Im going to DKV for another interview! And i only have DH80.
Woooo...Ok..its 10.30. I need a plan B!
Where can i find a money changer?
Sahara Center.
Ok.. zoooommm...

Browse the webpage, jot down a few crucial info, and then ironing my hijab, shower, and by 11.10, i am at the lift.
Of course Hashem-their younger son- is crying and asking if he can come along.
Im sad to leave him too.. If only my friend can send me, ill bring the whole house with me :)

So.. with brave heart -u know i hate Dubai's taxi- i walked out.
Alhamdulillah... i didnt have to wait long.
Sahara center pls. 5 minutes drive. Dh6.25

In i go.
Guard, can you tell me where is the money changer?
Straight this way, to your right, walk straight.
RIte.Found it.
RM1 = Dh1.
Ok.. Changed some money, went out, and alhamdulillah, another cab came.

Im following one of the taxi driver's advise (the driver for my first trip to DKV, he told me to just go in the cab, shut the door and tell the driver where to go. I dont have to open the door, ask if they will send me. As the driver shouldnt refuse any location. The cabs in Dubai is under RTA -Road And Transport Authority).

So... in the cab.
I said - DKV-
The cab driver is a bit taken aback.
Yeah, its far, and the traffic is so heavy.
He asked me which road i wanna use.
Told him, well..this is my third trip there, and i wasnt driving that three time, so humour me.
He used foreign roads.
But alhamdulillah, i arrived at 12.05. Dh69.50

Block 2B.
Phone rang. Its Christoper again.
Hi Aida, how r u?
Im good, thanks, how are u?
Im ok. Say...where are you now?
Well, just arrived at DKV. Searching for the office.
Wow, you are super early!
Yes, i am, as i am cabbing, so better early than late.
Yes, yes. So.. you found the unit?
No... theres no F8 here..
Its to your left, and its on 1st floor.
Oh..theres the stairs. Great!! Is there any reason why you are calling me, Christopher?
No.. no reason. I just want to know where you are, if you are able to make it..
Ermm... Christoper, you are just so considerate! Tell me, is Mr Mohamed as nice as you are?
No.. he is much nicer. Hahahahahaha...
ok.. i am now in front of Glomacs.
Great. Let me call the colleague there and tell him that you are here and if Mr Mohamed will have you now, instead of 1pm.
Ok..thanks a million Christopher.
No problem Aida, bye.

Now.. thats what i call as a super future boss!

So..Mr Mohamed. He is nice, but i like Christoper more. hehehe
Talked with Mohamed for 20 minutes or so. Egyption, i think.
And he told me that the fact that i was called to meet him is just a formality.The job is mine, and they already like what they saw in my resumes and the two interviews that i went thru.
And so.. we talked about his company and Kuala Lumpur.
he told me that he went to kuala lumpur 14 years back and did a training at PWTC, stayed in Pan Pacific.
Half of the time i just smiled. He mummed his words!

Anyway.. after talking, he told me that i can start working as soon as tomorrow, or after Eid. Of course, the sooner i join them then better. I will be stationed at Aztech, one of their sister company that deal mostly with KL and SEA trainings.

We talked about logistic, as DKV is very far from Sharjah, and may be Deira's office - Christopher's place- is better for me. But the Aztech is better-career wise.

Im fine with anything.
And theres transport from Dubai to DKV..now i will only need to find a room in Dubai town now..

So Aida, tell me when you want to start. We will work it out from there.
Ok Mr Mohamed, i will call you before 3pm today to tell you when ill join. If i am joining you.
Ok, ask for my name card from my assistant outside and call me, okay.
Thats it. Im done with you.

Ok.. i am happy.
Finally i can rest my resume sending activity.
Gone down. Called my friend. He is not picking up his phone.
Called Christoper.
Im done with Mr Mohamed. He told me that i can start tomorrow.
Reallly? Ok.. so u still in DKV? Did he told you to go to any other place for anything?
No..
Ok.. give me a few minutes. Let me make a call to check.
Ook.

He called again. And told me i can leave DKV and to call Mr Mohamed before 3pm.
Walked out.
Alhamdulillah..theres a cab!
Sharjah At Tawaaun.
Ok.
Arrived home at 120pm. Another DH70.
My friend was suprised, as i am supposed to be interviewed at 1pm..how come im homed at 120?
Lol.. told her all about it, and basically, all are happy.

So called Mohamed at 330pm. Talked about benefit. The benefit is as usual - Basic salary, accommodation allowance, annual return ticket to KL and annual leaves. Bonus, of course.
And i told him ill join him after Eid.
So he said, ok.. join us on 5th Oct.

So ok.
I dont have to go out of Dubai to change my visit visa to residence visa, as my sponsor already extended my visa till 6th November, they will change it from here, need not me go out from Dubai.

So..there goes my ticket with Qatar Airways.
Whats im going to do in the remaining 14 days of jalan jalan cari pasal are:

1. Find out where is the pickup station for the transport to DKV's office
2. Find a room nearby
3. Shopping..ehehe
4. Register for Driving License

Thats it.
After 41 days in Dubai.
After almost 400 resumes.
I landed a job.
A good one.
I hope ill enjoy it. I know i will.
I mean, i have a good feeling about this job and the people.

Happy happy lah? Alhamdulillah...

19.9.08

m|sadventure |n the sand

Its supposed to be my favourite day of the week.
Thursday.
I am a Thursday die-hard fan.But today, its somehow become the longest Thursday ever!

18 Ramadan.
I went to an interview at Dubai Knowledge Village (DKV) on Wednesday.
That was, well.. a nice experience, minus the expensive Taxi ride (DH127 to and fro).
I wont be talking about it, as i managed to get a second interview today.

Did the same thing as Wednesday.
Woke up for sahur at 3.50am, iron my clothes, Fajr, nap for an hour, and went off with my friend. Except, today, the interview is at 11am. Julie, the Philippines woman who interviewed me gave me the landmark - Silver Building, behind Abu Hail Centre (AHC), in front of Automatic restaurant, office number 3, Mezzanine floor. When asked the name of the road - she said "I think its Abu Hail Road mam... and if u are lost, please call me at this number and i will guide you there". Fair enough.

Out of home at 7.30am. Arrived at Prosecution Department of Dubai (PDD), same place as Dubai Court - my friend's site office - at 8.50am. I planned to kill my time here till 10am by eye balling Arabs/expart in the PDD. :)

Everything goes ok. I spoke to my friend before i went off, he gave me a few interview tips, and off i go... finding a cab. Not too long (+-15 minutes), as PDD is a 'popular' place, hence cab isnt a problem. "Abu Hail Centre" said Aida. "Naam" said the taxi Driver - "Maktoum Bridge of Floating Bridge?" "Whats the different? Maktoum pls"" i love the Shaikh" - The last statement i said it in my mind, of course.

5 minutes drive. Ok.. cool.. ample time.. now.. where is The Silver building? On my mind, of course, im searching for a silver coloured building. Hmm.. BEHIND AHC eh.. ok.. lets walk.. sigh..i have my 3" heels..why???

Anyhow.. walked to the side of the building. Ok..theres a door saying its "Silver Home Building". Stepped in. Saw the directory board "HR consulting -M06-M07". Is this it? Where's the Automatic restaurant? Lift..to M floor pls...One round...no number 3!

Second round, i heard "Yes my sister".. erkk.. the guard is talking to me. So... politely "Im searching for Office No 3, for Euromatec?". Hmm... guard look confused. Bad sign..wheres the lift just now?

Alhamdulillah, guard is a nice one. Stopped a woman (another Pinoy), and asked if her office is somehow called Euromatec, any staff named Razeef? Pinoy look confused "We have too many staff mam.. i dun think so, but we are not Euromatec". Fair enough... i am ready to go searching again.

Guard asked - U got the phone number sister? Of course. Here it is. Come with me. ooo... walked behind good Guard. He took his phone, and asked me for the number. I gave him my handset (i am not known as a person who remember numbers). He rolled his eyes. "This number in Dubai sister, this is Deira". I make my eyes smaller and said "yes, i know. This number belongs to the other office, I am here for an interview with the Head office".

Ok. Understood. He called Julie and la la la la.. He made notes. Put down the phone and asked me, "are you familiar with the place?". What a question. I kept my smiling face anyway. Thinking that i didnt need his help. I am so ready to go and explore. Cant he see my heels?I said "Not really". Ok.. good guard looked at his colleague and then to me "go to the reception area. I will come in 3 minutes, ill bring u there". Ok. Why not, ek?So happen that he finished his shift, that is.

So i followed good guard, for the second time of the day. Julie dear, of u are reading, no way on earth the Silver building is behind AHC. Automatic restaurant is not opposite of the Silver Building. Its in the South East of the building. Help Julie, Galileo! Thank you thank you good guard.

So far so good, so nice, i so in love with Thursday still. Went to M floor. Renovation! But ok.. lots of ppl. Arab guy asked me "come for interview?" What else? Heh.. Yes, with Razeef pls. To his subordinate - Call Razeef. Pls sit. OK. Can u stop drilling? Hehe

Razeef came (i think he is Razeef). Commented on the renovation process with the Arab guy. Said to the wall, eyes on me "We have a Malaysian Candidate coming for an interview today". Aida said "U can tell from my attire?" "No..i have your resume on my desk". Arab guy come to the conversation "Malaysia? Where at?" Kuala Lumpur. Nice. Which part u stay? U know Ampang? Ampang, yes... ha ha ha. Ok.. so uve been there, big deal.

Razeef, one hand on Arab's shoulder - Kuala Lumpur is our second Dubai. Ok.. Dubai is my second Kuala Lumpur (on my mind, again, of course..i dun wanna fail my interview at the reception area). Theres a few other candidates there, and they were looking at me. I smiled. Kinda telling "the job is mine babies...". Ha ha ha ha

After waited for 40 minutes, i was called.
A Philippines guy, by the name of Christopher came in and we talked. Was a nice one. He asked a lot of questions, and i answered, well, since its ramadan, i cant lie, told him a few half truth.

Interesting new job. I had an opinion that they are an HR Consulting company, u know, the one that interview people and then send them to other companies and gain commission. Well, i am wrong. I am interviewed for a position in that company. Whoooppyy!! I like... Their main business is in HR Trainings, and i am interviewed for the Administration Dept. Cool! I love being a planner. Theres chances of travelling too.. and ahem.. be a trainer later on? :)

1 hour with Christopher. Charming. He said he love (ahem..love, not like) my smile. And my confidence (he made me feel like im his friend) and so on. Anyhow, if i manage to get an offer, ill know next week, insyaAllah.

The 1 hour-ended at 12.30noon, is a good Thursday that i love. The remaining of the day - a complete mess.

There's four MAJOR thing that i hate about Dubai and they are all related.
1. Traffic Jam
2. Taxi
3. Bloody drivers
4. Road constructions

12.30noon.Dubai. Ramadan. Its HOT. Jammed. The drivers is honking like mad.
And Aida is hailing for a cab home. Sharjah? No.. too much traffic.
Hailed another cab, no Sharjah, ok.

Walk, try another locations. 2 hours, blazing sun, walked and try to figure out of i am at the right side of the road.2.30pm. Called my friend. Going home soon? No aida, today ill go home may be at 9pm. Fine, ill try again.

Ahh.. Ramada hotel. Go in. Walked like i own the place. Sat down at the good fluffy reception sofa. 10 minutes, Aida, dont fall asleep. Times up. In front of the hotel now.. try to hail a cab again. No avail. Ok..lets walk. I realised i came back to the Silver Building. I feel like i am filming the Blair Witch Project!

Called another friend. What should i do? Bus? Where? How? I never bus here. Sigh, i dont want to talk to you, you are not helping (yeah, he was on his way from Abu Dhabi to Dubai, no hope).

Saw a masjed. Cool. I need to pray. Went in.. air cond..alhamdulillah. Prayed. Toing..idea... lets stay in here at least till the honking stopped.

3.53pm, Asar. Prayed. My Abu Dhabi friend called. Where are you. Still here. Here where? Behind AHC. Ok.. Im at Bur Dubai. Wanna come for iftar?Why not. The honking hadnt stopped.

Ok.. Taxi or Bus to Bur Dubai, ill wait. Ill try.
God, i really tried. Called my friend. I am still here. Its 4.40!
OK.. i will take taxi to u at AHC.
Ok, now, ill wait.
5.30pm - Aida, still no taxi.
6.00pm - Aida, im still at Bur Dubai. If its iftar time, go buy some drinks, dont eat, wait for me. Ok.. Coke pls!! In my beg it goes, and to the Masjed again.

6.27pm, azan. Break my fast.
Maghrib.
7pm. My friend called. He is still there!!
Can i just go home? No. Please wait.

A guy approached.U need taxi? (Taxi drivers in Dubai wear uniforms and they dont do this asking, its the other way around).

No, im waiting for a friend. Ok.One round. He is in front of me again.Aida is tired and hungry.
How far is Bur Dubai from here? Are u driving a taxi?
Yes, Bur Dubai is not that far.
Ok, im calling my friend to ask if they managed to get a taxi, ok.
U still there? Ok, ill come to u, i have a cab, now talk to the driver on your location.

Ok.. so it is not a taxi. Just a pakistani man wanna make an extra income, doing 'car lift business'. Ok. No hal.
Went to Bur Dubai, of course, some conversation (background check is more appropriate) with the driver.
Im arrived. How much?
Free sister, i like talking to u. Here is my number, if you finished here and want to go back to Sharjah, call me, ill send u.
In your dream.

So free ride..kinda like Thursday again.
My friends. How pity us are.I waited since 12.30noon for a cab.U guys waited since 4.40pm. What should we eat to celebrate?

Briyani. Yum Yum. HUGE portion. We should just order one, share among us three.

8.25pm. Let us send you home. Let us find you a cab.
Gosh.. again? Should i show the taxi driver my tight this time?
3 cabs. Sharjah? Too much traffic (again).

Bus Aida!But i never bus here. What if i get lost?
You wont.So ok. Ill try.

Cute small bus. Reminds me of Bali.
The best thing? DHs5 and ladiesssssssssssssssssss firts. No need to Q ladies.Woohoo..

So...bus i go.Till Sharjah City Center.And guess what?I still need to hail a cab home.
But of course, alhamdulillah, it is better.

1. Sharjah to Sharjah - what heavy traffic at 9.30pm?
2. Shopping centre - taxi line..superb

So.. i counted. My turn was at the 17th taxi. Not bad. No hailing required.

At Taawun road pls. Pakistani again, so little english.
U turn, sister?
Fly if u can please.

Arrived at 9.52pm. Its a 10 minutes drive.Dhs7.25.
I only have a DH100 note.
The cab driver only have DH40 change.
What worst can happen now?
I go change. U wait.

I know the driver think - there goes my fare.
But i am tooooo happy to be in his cab that i ran cross the road to a shop, changed my money and gave the driver a Dh10 note, with a sweet smile and two sorries.
One by me, one by him.

And now.. hot showered, sipping luke warm water and tired eyes, blistering foot, aching shoulders.

And Thursday is o.v.e.r.

1.9.08

1st of Ramadan

Its 1 September 2008, 1 Ramadan.

Alhamdulillah.. the happy month is here, at last.
Say Alhamdulillah...thank you Allah!

Went for an interview yesterday. 31st August. Was a very long, frustrating day.

The interview was supposed to be at 1.10pm. I went out the house at 12noon.
The interview place is supposed to be like 15minutes away from home. We've been there before.
Waited for a cab for about 10 minutes.
An indian guy. I said Deira's Al-Kabalaya. He nod.
I jump in. And woooo... he brought me to Sharjah's Al-Kabeeya!

MasyaAllah.. and its 12.45pm.. and the traffic was slow!
I told him he got me to wrong place. He looked worried (he didnt know much english. I didnt know any hindi, my arabis is bad). I asked him if he can send me to Deira.

He said can..but he was worried with the cab fare.
Nice of him, but i feel like giving him a slap.
He even asked if i wanna take a bus. It will only cost me Dh5.
Well... I am late. I dunno how to get down from the bus at the correct location.
The heck?
So i told him to just drive. I will pay him, even if its Dh100.

He pitied me, i guess. He drove rounds, short cut, he said.
I called the interviewer office and told them ill be a bit late.
The traffic to Dubai was soooo bad.
Dizzy for all those rounds, worried about my interview.

We made it at last. 1.15pm. Not that bad. Dh41.75. I gave him Dh50, and took out some coins.
He said. "U new here, i give discount". He gave me back DH10. Im so happy lah!

So.. interviewed.
It was with an admin firm. Sorta recruitment agency.

Anyhow.. went out of the building at 2pm.. and guess what...
Tried to hail a cab in the blazing sun for 1 and half hours, to no avail.
I almost cried with frustration.
At 3.30, called my friend. Ask - if there any chance ull be coming home soon?
He said yes. Where are u.
Im still at Al Kabayan.
He said.. ok, wait, ill get u. But i need about 30 minutes.
Ok.
So i went in the Al-Kabayan building and browse along.
It took him 1 and half hours to get me.
Heavy traffic and he was frustrated.
We stopped to buy some dinner and went home.
Both of us tired. Frustrated. Hungry. Both only have light breakfast that day.

Last nite went to the 1st tarawikh.
Was ok, minus the small women's section and a lot of jamaah.
And the crying of the babies. Goodness...

The masjed i went for Tarawikh

Anyhow.. hope this year's Ramadan will be better then last year, insyaAllah. It was a bad long day, but i was happy when i arrived home. I missed the kids :)

Its now 12.14pm.. time for zuhur.

Till next entry!

Ramadan Kareem everyone!!

26.8.08

What's uP?

It's my 18th day in UAE.
So far i've been relaxing and enjoying the sand for the most part of the day.
Basically, i woke up at 5am to pray fajr, and then will come online on gulfnews to check for appoinments and send resumes.
Will be online till around 8am, pray, and then will take a nap till 11am.
Then i will see what ill do for the day.
Usually will help with the dishes, and cleaning the house, the kids and a nice chat with my friend.

I went to an interview on Saturday.
It was with Samsung C&T, and if i managed to get the job, i will be one of the team in building the tallest building in the world - Burj Dubai.

I am positive that it was a good interview, but they are negotiating my salary demand. :)
Another interview was on Sunday. I went alone, to Deira.

Waited for a cab for about 10 minutes under the blazing 1.30pm sun, when finally one cab stopped. Confidently said "Al Mahtoob Road, Deira?".
The cab driver was looking at me like i am an alien, and slowly nod his head.

Sigh... The cab fare was suprisingly low, only DHs14.50. One of my friend said it might be DHs50. Well.. there is not much traffic and i was suprised as Deira is not as far as what my friend told me. Anyhow, i was super early (the interview was supposed at 3pm, i arrived at 2), made it to the right building, done the interview and try to find my way home. Well.. it was a long wait for a cab tho :)

The way home cost me Dhs24. That was because of the traffic, and ahem... i kinda didnt remember my way home. Hehehe... So i asked the cab driver (who is a Pakistani, 3months old in UAE and started to drive the cab 5days back-just my luck) to just drop me at Al TaaWun Mall, and i walked home.

so what else?
Mom and ziqi is in Medan. Hope they enjoy their vacation.
Wish i can tag along.. ehehehe

I have a long day ahead of me, being alone at home and planning to cook dinner.
I guess, if i didnt receive any call for interview today, i will go to the mall and jjcp.

May be i can lepak at the Starbucks for a while... will see...

Till next entry!

14.8.08

its |ate!

Its 9.36pm, UAE.
I know its still early...but im sleepy.
I think i am still on KL's time. ts 1.36 am KL by the way..

Sleepy...and i woke up way too early..and took nap in the afternoon.

Sigh...

I need to do something about this. I dun want to turn lazy :)


13.8.08

Meet Wooly, everyone


Salam.


First post from Sharjah, UAE.
After a few days, finally i got the chance to update my blog.
Im here in Sharjah, UAE. Dubai is just a few minutes away, and i am yet to tour the whole of the town.

The trip here has been smooth, alhamdulillah. The line at KLIA was long, but there is no glitch, alhamdulillah (my cargo was 30.5kg, by the way!). Had a bad time lining up to go to the transit lounge at Doha International Airport, what with my shoulder bag, and two carry ons. But things only gets better when i arrived at the Dubai International Airport. No lines, and everyone is smiling, alhamdulillah.

My friend and his daughter came to fetch me and ive been shown part of Dubai, Sharjah and Deira on our way home.

I started to miss my sisters when i was in Dubai International Airport, but i kept on telling myself that i will see them again, insyaAllah.

And i bought Wooly, third day i was here. We found her at Magrudy's, Festival city. She is so cute.. and here is a picture of her with her best friend, Flower Foot (Haleema's fav toy).

5.8.08

the few |ast days in msia

Well...
Bzbzbz with my preparations.
All been well and smooth last Friday, alhamdulillah.
The IDP only took me less than 10 minutes to get it done, even i wont comment much about the degree of sourness of the face of the JPJ clerk. What is wrong with me wanting an IDP? Jealous? ehehee...

And EFP has been very nice...alhamdulillah.
Managed to go to Jusco for some groceries and cooked for the kids.

Saturday was a blast!
Went to the fitting with patreena at 12.30 (promised time was 12..sowey babe).
She look gorgeous! Ill upload the picts when have sometime tomolo k..
Then we went to Sogo, she shopped for some towel, and i got myself a nice, slim travelling steam iron. :)
Then lunch at maju Junction's Deli France.
Fat called and said that he is at that area, was excited, may be he will join us for lunch, but he cancelled and went back to Damansara... hmm...

Then we went to TAR's pasar malam and search for some anti-allergys keronsang, which was a non-existance last weekend.. bumped onto Ita and Taj on our way home..

Took LRT and nisa picked me up, and we went to Jusco with Ina and Nani, to be joined later by Ita, Taj, Ammar and Joe. Had fun shoppings for some necessities... thanks Ina for the shoes!
Sat at food court and had dinner, layan si ammar and picture snappings.

Went home at 9 something, and aisyah dropped by to give me the oreos bought by Eva fr Spore and she shows me her new toy.. a 10megapixels canon.. wowieee... :)

Sunday... went back to Ipoh. that is another story... another entry...

Need to stop now.. im pretty tired. and looking forward for a date come morning! InsyaAllah..

till tomolo then.

1.8.08

|ast day of work

31July2008

Last day of working with cimbaviva.
Was a hectic day, from 3pm onwards.
Handover and teaching ppl things.
Im not sure why they wanna learn when its my last hours... way ppl work are weird for me, sometimes.

Sent my farewell email at 5.45pm, when almost 70% of the staff has gone for the day.
Was touched when Kavita, Ganga and Rohit came up from level 4 to 8th, to bid me farewell.
Didnt expect that the Head of Corp Strategy, Zaleha was so suprised that she spent almost 10 minutes talking to me.

Anyway, i said my goodbyes, i kissed some cheeks.
I think i made some marks in cimbaviva, i dunno. I think only la. :)

So.. what to do now... since i got only 8 days remaining till the trip?
Getting bz. My daily schedule is already packed.
Hope i can do what i wanna do without major glitch, insyaAllah.

Today- to JPJ to get my IDP, KWSP to rename my benificiary and HSBC to close an account.
Then Lunch with Anansa. Dinner with Yoke Munn.
Theres a lot of similar activities this 8 days.

Counting down to yet another adventure.
A clean break, i hope. I believe. InsyaAllah.

20.7.08

What a weekend!

If only i am not sick like a dog, the weekend has been a real blast.

Bad flu, night time fever and coughing. Not to mention the sore throat.

Took half day medical off on Friday, went to lunch with my x colleagues from Pru in Pavilion's Food Republic. Came home at 2.30 and slept my afternoon off.

Q came to KL. Picked him up and went supper. Went to Kuala Selangor with Aisyah on Saturday morning, despite of my weak body. Went to bukit melawati and had fun riding the tramp.Had to come home early when i was so sick after lunch.

Came home and slept like a log till almost 6pm. Went out with Q, to puduraya to get his ticket back to Lumut, then to jalan tar, the pasar malam. bought me a bottle of ayurveda tea for my cough. The thing is, i am not sure how to consume it. LOL

Went to watch Hellboy II at klcc. Sent him back to UTM at 1 something, arrived home at around 140.

Supposed to go for a BigWalk this morning, but i had high fever. My collegue called to check if im there, but i was still on my bed. ehehehe

And now, babysitting Ammar Farhan. Bitter mouth..nothing is tasty for me today...

18.7.08

akh|ran

18 July 2008... hey...it's my 100th post!!!

akhiran, i made my payments for my ticket to a far away land.
i am positive that this will be an interesting new journey for me, insyaAllah.

alone at home now. Ita at work, the two girls went shopping spree @ klcc.
i cant go as i feel tired. sick again, yeah. too easy to get sick these days.

tonite, i will go fetch a friend of mine at puduraya.
been waiting for this for a while. wanting to meet up, that is.

my time is running out, and theres a lot to do. a lot of promises, a lot of details.
i hope i wont drop like a fly when im finished. hehehehe

tomorrow i will go on a day trip to Kuala Selangor with Aisyah. She wanted to do this too much, and theres no one to go with her.
we will go see the kunang-kunang tomorrow. I hope it wont rain...insyaAllah.

Sunday i will go to Dataran Merdeka for a BigWalk (MII's organised charity walk). Gonna have fun!!! (Fun? 7km walk..fun?..ehehehe)

cik dien...isya nak dengar lagu AZ! cik dien is listening to AZ now dear one!!! :)

9.7.08

the date|line

9 July 2008.
2.10pm.
Received an offline message.
My friend said "Going to the relevant office.. Make doa please".
Was speachless.
Went Zuhur. Prayed Hajat.

4.07pm.
Was in a meeting room for FCRF meeting.
My phone rang.
Pick up and he said he is finished with what needed to be done.
He will call/sms when he got the news tomorrow, around this time.

Ya Allah, my heart racing like crazy.

This is exciting, and been waiting for it since last year!

Tomorrow, i will know. Ya Allah, please make this a reality. Please....

Shared this news 1st with the one that matter. He didnt take it well... in fact, still sulking now :(

5.7.08

Adam and Ammar Bday Party

5 July 08.
2.30pm.
I went to Nani's in-law's home for the two cute boy's birthday bash after i sent Ita to her campus.
Adam- 4 years (12.6.08) and Ammar - 2 years (19.7.08).

The theme was blue.

Almost everyone donned blue at the party. Was fun for the kids. Lots of food and goodies. And the 'party organiser' has been very creative.

The party organisers

We will have another birthday bash this month, for Azriena and Ammar again. This time, we planned picnic (at nite). Lets see if thats possible.

Some pictures of the party (more to see at the slideshow on the right panel. And the video too.

The cake

Adam's T


Ammar's T
Blow the candles pls boys


Ammar has never been fond to 'big toys'
Exhausted. Nap time!!! :)

4.7.08

4th ju|y

Rise up this mornin',Smiled with the risin' sun,Three little birdsPitch by my doorstep
Singin' sweet songsOf melodies pure and true,Sayin', ('This is my message to you-ou-ou)

Its July 4th.
Sathi's birthday.

In 2002. 4th July 2002.
When i first came to kl.
He called me and said
"Aida, u didnt wish my birthday. I was expecting you to be the first one to wish me this year"

I cried.
And i never forget 4th July anymore.

I called him today.
And i was so happy.
And i know i miss him deeply.

My 'anne'.
That has been so close when i was in GPI.

Hope to see him again soon, insyaAllah (of course, he will never stop sayin how fat i am now when i see him... lol)

Sathivale.
Happy birthday.
More years to come, my friend!!

29.6.08

pag| yang sejuk

Sunday.
I went to Chow Kit market today.
Drove Nissa's Gen2, and took a long way home.
Snapped pictures of my way home.
The phone's cam is superb.. no shaking effect at all..

Such beautiful sceneries.
It was cloudy and drizzling and cold...


Ill miss KL one day...







a|ways b my baby?

27.6.08

tazk|rah Jumaat


‏خَصْلَتَانِ من كَالم يَكْتُبْهُ الله شَاكِرًا ولا صَابِرًا من نَظَرَ في دِينِهِ إلى من هو فَوْقَهُ فَاقْتَدَنَتَا فيه كَتَبَهُ الله شَاكِرًا صَابِرًا وَمَنْ لم تَكُونَا فيه ى بِهِ ونظر في دُنْيَاهُ إلى من هو دُونَهُ فَحَمِدَ اللَّهَ على ما فَضَّلَهُ بِهِ عليه
Maksudnya : Dua perkara yang sesiapa dapat perolehinya akan ditulis dirinya sebagai hamba yang bersyukur dan sabar, sesiapa yang gagal dalamnya, tidak akan ditulis sebagai orang bersyukur dan sabar. Iaitu sesiapa yang melihat tentang agamanya kepada mereka yang jauh lebih baik darinya, lalu ia berusaha mengikutinya, dan dalam hal keduniaan mereka melihat kepada orang-orang yang kurang darinya sehingga ia memuji Allah atas nikmat yang diperolehinya
(Riwayat At-Tirmidzi, 4/665; Hadis Sohih menurut Tirmidzi dan Albani)

Ulasan Hadith:

Hadith di atas menerangkan tentang ciri-ciri orang yang sabar dan bersyukur iaitu orang-orang yang sentiasa meningkatkan kualiti amalan kebajikan yang dilakukannya dengan mengambil contoh yang baik daripada orang lain serta sentiasa bersyukur atas nikmat yang Allah kurniakan kepadanya jika dibandingkan dengan orang-orang yang lebih susah.

Rasulullah s.a.w mengajar kita, dalam hal keagamaan untuk sentiasa mencari dan memikirkan amalan dan kehebatan mereka yang lebih dari kita, manakala dalam hal dunia melihat mereka yang lebih kurang bernasib baik, dengannya kita akan sentiasa mensyukuri nikmatNya.

Namun adalah malang kerana ramai yang mengamalkan hadis ini secara terbalik. Dalam hal dunia sering kita dipengaruhi oleh mereka yang lebih kaya dan berharta sehingga nafsu keduniaan meningkat dan tidak mementingkan aspek hukum halal haram.

Dalam bab akhirat pula ada yang sering melihat orang yang lebih teruk darinya, lalu mengganggap dirinya agak lebih baik. Antara perkataan yang dikeluarkan mereka ialah “ sekurang-kurangnya aku telah memakai tudung, lebih baik daripada orang yang tidak pakai tudung” atau “ aku tetap bersolat walau pun tidak pernah cukup 5 waktu, dibandingkan dengan orang yang tidak pernah solat, aku jauh lebih baik”.

Kenapa dalam soal ibadah kita sering membuat perbandingan dengan orang yang tidak melakukannya atau tidak sempurna melakukannya. Alangkah indahnya jika kita membandingkan dengan orang yang melaksanakan perkara tersebut dengan sempurna sebagaimana yang selalu dilakukan di tempat kerja? Sudah tentu amalan kita akan bertambah baik kualitinya dan memenuhi piawaian yang telah ditetapkan oleh Allah s.w.t.

Biarlah kita mendapat kebaikan dan kecemerlangan di dunia dan akhirat. Jadikan dunia sebagai ladang yang hasilnya akan kita tuai di akhirat kelak.

Wallahua’lam.

25.6.08

Craz|ly lazy

Arghh.. lazy lazy lazzzyyyyy...
I cant type anything for my blog.

mental blockage....for hours trying to type something...
I have a lot of drafts... really a lot!! sigh....

12.6.08

oversens|t|ve

Dunno what happened.
Found myself to be oversesitive these days.
Hmm... offended over such small things.
Getting annoyed over something that i never cared before.
Senile? Loosing it? Oh Aida.. do get a grip!!!

Lost!!!!

I can't believe it's over / I watched the whole thing fall / And I never saw the writing that was on the wall / If I'd only knew / The days were slipping past / That the good things never last / That you were crying/Summer turned to winter / And the snow it turned to rain / And the rain turned into tears upon your face / I hardly recognize the girl you are today / And God I hope it's not too late / It's not too late / 'Cause you are not alone / I'm always there with you / And we'll get lost together / Until the light comes pouring through / It's when you feel like you're done / And the darkness has won / Babe, you're not lost / When your world's crashing down / And you can't bear the cross / I said, babe, you're not lost / Life can show no mercy / It can tear your soul apart / It can make you feel like you've gone crazy but you're not / Things have seemed to change / There's one thing that's still the same / In my heart you have remained / And we can fly fly fly away...

6.6.08

What feng shu| sa|d about a|da?

You are conservative and aggressive. You have a lot of love and friendships in your life.

You will have a strong love relationship that will not last long but the memories will last forever.

Your life will take on a different direction, it will seem hard at time but will be the best thing for you, you will be glad for the change.

"4", This is how many close friends you have in your lifetime.

You are a laid back person. You are loyal to your friends and your lover and are very reserved.

True? Some are... i am not sure on the '4' anyway, as i dun think i have a 'close friend' by far.. :)

4.6.08

newest add|ctIon

I know i am easily distracted, easily influenced, and easily get addicted to something.

And last two weeks, when i went to MPH - Jusco Maluri, i saw this very nicely covered book, titled : Twilight - by Stephenie Meyer (http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/). And i got hooked!!!

I fell in love... so deeeeeeply with Edward Cullen (more a reason to call Q - Osmond now).. LOL..


Now reading the second saga, New Moon.

Can't wait for the last one - Eclipse!! (I already seen the book - will buy it when i finished New Moon.. gugugugu)..


And the most anticipated Novel of 2008 - the grand finale of the epic : Breaking Dawn (will be released on August 2nd, 2008).. oh wooww.... this should be in my wish list..

3.6.08

s|ck aga|N!

Sick again.
Not sure why I always fell sick these days.
One friend said that may be its because of my mind is not that clear these days, and its effecting my system. Another said, simply coz I am not taking care of myself.

Well… i said... may be its because of the weather :)

Anyhow, I went back to ipoh last weekend.

Met Adam Danish for the very first time. Cute boy, look very much like the daddy, as her sister did before. I tried to snap pictures of him, but I think the most beautiful pictures has been taken by 4 years old Alisya. Alisya is a camera freak. She snapped so many pictures the two days I was baby sitting her and Adam!! Of course, the pictures are shady, some are very good, but hey.. i think we will have another Malak Karsh in the family.. LOL

Pictures of Adam Danish...taken by Alisya...




30.5.08

30 on 30th

Seems like it only a few days back when i last blogged about my birthday.

And here it is again, another day when it's a special day for almost everyone. Of course, its a normal day for me.

Im typing this at Seoul Garden, having dinner with my sisters, joe and ammar.

its almost 930 and i am due to catch a bus at 1030. going back to ipoh for the weekend.

ill blog more when im home. This is so that i can have this significant birthday on my site...

Aida is 30, on 30th May 2008. More years to come? May be... InsyaAllah.. :)

27.5.08

m.a.n.j.a?

I received an sms from a friend in the USA today.
Telling me that the package that i sent him arrived at his parent's place.
We exchanged a few smses, with his last sms asking me this :

"And Manja Aida is....?"

It took me so long to reply him this. Let see... Manja....

MANJA: Derived from the Malay word meaning "to pamper", it describes gooey, childlike and coquettish behaviour by women designed to elicit sympathy or pampering by men.
Example : "His girlfriend is damn manja, one. Hear her speak only can kena diabetes."
Source : http://www.talkingcock.com/ (The Coxford Singlish Dictionary)

It's not a word to desribe me, i can assure you that, as i didnt see myself as a 'manja girl'.
Of course, being a child before, i sometimes wanna be pampered by my parents, but that didnt
come as a usual thing for me, not that i long to be manja by my parents, i know they have hard times so i usually will not want to be in their ways.

I wasn't even be a manja girlfriend.
The very reason was because i am- i think- was always dominant.
My bfs before, was either too childish, that i have to manja-ing them, or too firm, that ill have to be on my toes all the time.

So... is Aida manja? Hmm... i need more time to think about it.. LOL...

and finally.. my answer to his sms was ...

"Manja Aida is the one who wanna be spoiled, cuddled, basically being loved like a child she is."

Yes? No? May be.... i wish lahh...

25.5.08

Ammar and |bu's 1st v|s|t to Malacca

Last long weekend (due to Wesak Day), we went to Malacca.

It was a day trip, and its not planned. Nani suddently wanna go eat 'ikan bakar' in Malacca and called to ask if we wanna tag along.

So off we go to Malacca at 12noon. Of course, ikan bakar is a dinner thingy, hence no ikan bakar for Nani. But theres a lot of running around and fun for little Ammar. With his 'hidung berbelang' - this 'nose job' was his latest injury, due to he recently 'kissed' the side walk at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa.


In the car..Ammar nak beyoon..

See his "hidung belang".. so cute!

"What to order, Ibu??????"

Wooohooo... Hello Malacca!!!

Tired. Wanna sit down la............ Getting advise from ayah on how to pose


Ada fish tak cik Yoon?? ..............................Tr y to get him to pose for a pict


But he have somewhereselse to go................. Finally!!!


Ammar with ibu n ayah

24.5.08

ma makna haza?

Makna ayat ayat yang kita baca semasa solat.

Understanding d meanings make a better solat. Hope it brings manfaat, insyaAllah.


Doa Iftitah
Allah Maha Besar dan segala puji bagi Allah dengan banyaknya.
Maha suci Allah sepanjang pagi dan petang.
Aku hadapkan wajahku bagi Tuhan yang mencipta langit dan bumi,
dengan suasana lurus dan berserah diri dan aku bukan dari golongan orang musyrik.
Sesungguhnya solatku,
Ibadatku,
hidupku,
matiku
adalah untuk Allah Tuhan sekelian alam.
Tidak ada sekutu bagiNya dan kepadaku diperintahkan untuk tidak
menyekutukan bagiNya dan aku dari golongan orang Islam.


Al-Fatihah
Dengan nama Allah yang maha Pemurah lagi maha Mengasihani.
Segala puji bagi Allah, Tuhan semesta alam.
Yang maha pemurah lagi maha mengasihani.
Yang menguasai hari pembalasan.
Hanya Engkaulah yang kami sembah dan hanya kepada Engkau kami mohon pertolongan.
Tunjukilah kami jalan yang lurus.
Iaitu jalan orang-orang yang Engkau kurniakan nikmat kepada mereka, bukan jalan mereka yang Engkau murkai dan bukan jalan mereka yang sesat.


Bacaan ketika rukuk
Maha Suci TuhanKu Yang Maha Mulia dan dengan segala puji-pujiannya.


Bacaan ketika bangun dari rukuk
Allah mendengar pujian orang yang memujinya.


Bacaan ketika iktidal
Wahai Tuhan kami, bagi Engkaulah segala pujian.


Bacaan ketika sujud
Maha suci TuhanKu yang Maha Tinggi dan dengan segala puji-pujiannya.


Bacaan ketika duduk di antara dua sujud
Ya Allah, ampunilah daku,
Rahmatilah daku,
kayakan daku,
angkatlah darjatku,
rezekikan daku,
berilah aku hidayah,
sihatkanlah daku dan
maafkanlah akan daku.


Bacaan ketika Tahiyat Awal
Segala penghormatan yang berkat solat yang baik adalah untuk Allah.
Sejahtera atas engkau wahai Nabi dan rahmat Allah serta keberkatannya.
Sejahtera ke atas kami dan atas hamba-hamba Allah yang soleh.
Aku naik saksi bahawa tiada Tuhan melainkan Allah dan aku naik saksi bahawasanya Muhammad itu adalah pesuruh Allah.
Ya Tuhan kami, selawatkanlah ke atas Nabi Muhammad.


Bacaan ketika Tahiyat Akhir
Segala penghormatan yang berkat solat yang baik adalah untuk Allah.
Sejahtera atas engkau wahai Nabi dan rahmat Allah serta keberkatannya.
Sejahtera ke atas kami dan atas hamba-hamba Allah yang soleh.
Aku naik saksi bahawa tiada Tuhan melainkan Allah dan aku naik saksi bahawasanya Muhammad itu adalah pesuruh Allah.
Ya Tuhan kami, selawatkanlah ke atas Nabi Muhammad dan ke atas keluarganya.
Sebagaimana Engkau selawatkan ke atas Ibrahim dan atas keluarga Ibrahim.
Berkatilah ke atas Muhammad dan atas keluarganya sebagaimana Engkau berkati ke atas Ibrahim dan atas keluarga Ibrahim di dalam alam ini.
Sesungguhnya Engkau Maha Terpuji lagi Maha Agung.


Doa Qunut
Ya Allah, berilah aku petunjuk sebagaimana orang-orang yang telah Engkau tunjuki.
Sejahterakanlah aku sebagaimana orang-orang yang telah Engkau sejahterakan.
Pimpinlah aku sebagaimana orang-orang yang telah Engkau pimpin.
Berkatilah hendaknya untukku apa-pa yang telah Engkau berikan padaku.
Jauhkanlah aku daripada segala kejahatan yang telah Engkau tetapkan.
Sesungguhnya hanya Engkau sahajalah yang menetapkan, dan tidak sesiapapun yang berkuasa menetapkan sesuatu selain daripada Engkau.
Sesungguhnya tidak terhina orang yang memperolehi pimpinanMu.
Dan tidak mulia orang-orang yang Engkau musuhi.
Telah memberi berkat Engkau, ya Tuhan kami dan maha tinggi Engkau.
Hanya untuk Engkau sahajalah segala macam puji terhadap apa-apa yang telah Engkau tetapkan.
Dan aku minta ampun dan bertaubat kepada Engkau.
Dan Allah rahmatilah Muhammad, Nabi yang ummi dan sejahtera keatas keluarganya dan sahabat-sahabatnya.

hmmmppphhh

A conversation (on email) with a friend on Man United's winnings and my sleep that was awoken by a sreaming of one of my neighbour. I am now wondering how it will be like when Euro 2008 starts... sigh...

Me : Happy coz man U won?

My friend : yes yes yes Champions of England and Champions of Europe. Man United
are number one. Was crying am so happy!.

Me : Fanatic!
I was woked up by a screaming of this crazy neighbour of mine early this
morning. He made me grumpy the whole morning!!!!
I hate man u. LOL

My friend : i know ur just one of jeleous chelski supporters...
hehehhehe

Me : no lah..me kaki bangku.
sokong Iran je.. ehehehe :P


My friend : i know iknow...all chelski suppoters are kaki bangku..hehhehehe

Me : Cissss...malas nak layan fan-a-tic nih.
baik i pura pura bekerja.. LOL

My friend : baik u pretending sokong Man U..hehhehhe

Me : ehehehe..tamau lah.
its very corny.. when someone asked u which team u support and a woman say
(with gleaming eyes).. man u!!!! when asked who u like most in Man U?
David Bechkam..... (tahun berapa la pompuan ni tengok bola.. kahkahkah)
hmm.. i bet u have a picture of u taken in old trafford stadium? :)

My friend : probably u gonna like this pic..hehehhe



Me : nice one!
U know, i dun HATE man u like i hate snakes.
I hate the FAN that screamed on top of his lung (i think he want Ferguson to
hear him from KL) at 530 in the morning, bloooddy hell?
no respect whatsoever. But then again, thats how 'england fan' always are
anyway, rite? :)
this year euro, i hope they got banned from entering the stadium.

Eh... i dun need to worry... England dun even qualify. Kahkahkah...

And then i think he was upset and started a new topic altogether. LOL!!!