1st October 2011 was the BIG event I organized since before Ramadhan. I orhanized almost everything including caterer selection, hall, decorations of the hall as well as hantaran and other tiny stuff except for the appointment of a so called 'Wedding Planner'.
I think as a sister to their customer, I have the right to at least give a sincere opinion to the team from Rias Chanteq Bridal Gallery on their job performance during the wedding especially on the 2 most critical days 30th September and 1st October 2011.
Before I elaborate further, I must say that their 'Pelamin' was impressive. Looks really romantic and sweet and it suits the color selection tht we have decided - Pink + Blue.
I am however, unhappy for the fact that the Bride (my sister in law) had to buy her own pair of shoes to suit the blue songket which was supposedly a new sewn pair of attire as per the package they have paid for. "New sewn attire comes with a standard size 6 shoes' is really not a good idea for an excuse. My brother (groom) had to buy his own shirt and tie to match with the white suit they are preparing and it was not CLEAN white.. there were smudged here and there! I have my good reasons to be cross and I shall give you my reasons for that later.
On 30th September 2011, we were at the hall cleaning, preparing and doing what's necessary. After the team finished putting up the 'pelamin' we were told that there will be someone coming tomorrow morning at 10am to decorate the main dining table for bride and groom and putting up the arch which both were also included in the package. Later in the afternoon, after calling the team we were told that WE will have to prepare the 'ingredients' for 'tepung tawar' ceremony ourselves.. I was like WHAT??!
1st October 2011 - The Big day.. this was what happened..
1. The team who came to the hall supposedly to decorate the main table only put 2 'bird cage' on the dining table and left with nothing else done to decorate the table. We did most of it.. I was puzzled!
2. The team who were up to makeup the bride did not bring enough hair pins for the hairdo
3. The hand bouquet for the Bride looks horrible! I have never came across hand bouquet with 'chrysanthemum'! So not my taste! and to make the matter worse, red roses paired with blue chrysanthemum + PURPLE tiny flower.. wonder where they get those hand bouquet??
4. The arch was not put up. We requested it 3 times. 1st time, I called, my brother told them and and ask us to PUT IT UP OURSELVES! Who are the clients here??! We reach home to change, again, asked them to put up the arch, they kept quiet. 3rd time being the last time, the bride asked them to do it they just easily said, not to worry its easy anyone can do it.. I think they are missing out the point here.. how easy it was it was suppose to be THEIR JOB!
5. Remember I said one of the team member of the so called 'Wedding Planner' came to the hall later to just leave 2 bird cage. She did not even check if there was any ingredient in the container for the 'Tepung Tawar' ceremony.. we only realize it when the family members went up to the stage for the ceremony. Lucky enough, we put some spare 'bunga rampai' the day before if not all of the container would have been EMPTY and our family would have been wondering what to do!
I am not saying this to make them look bad but I think as a client, We have the right. As a so called wedding planner, YOU should Buck-up Man! Big time! coz u know what.. U are not talking to a person who have not been married.. These are my points!
My Wedding Planner was a MALE and he work ALONE but my wedding was tip top.
It was 10 years ago, I paid 3k but u know what I get?
1. 6 pairs of numerous kind of traditional attire
2. A NEWLY SEWN TO FIT SONGKET (I choose the fabric) WITH MATCHING SHOES MY SIZE 9!
3. A wedding gown and a matching suit for my husband (no need to even buy his own shirt nor tie!)
4. Fully FRESH FLOWER Pelamin with a hand bouquet white ROSES nicely done.
I think if the price were to go up they can still get goos service and the same fresh flowers pelamin why not? The bride n groom paid RM4300.00 for this package
1. Artificial flowers Pelamin
2. Songket (Store bought coz it was not their size) with NO shoes
3. A pair of Pink n White lace attire. was told this was tailor made.
4. A wedding gown with matching suit BUT need to buy the shirt n tie
5.Decoration for main dining table consist of 2 bird cage and later I saw some white artificial roses on some pink satin fabric.
6. An arch they never bothered to put up at all!
Ya, I think that about it.
To make the matter worse, the service was not up to our expectation and it certainly not worth the price we paid for.
My Male wedding planner, not only did my makeup, upon finishing that went to the pelamin to check all the containers, went up to my mother's place, 4th floor on a walk-up apartment, to prepare the ingredients i.e some rice with turmeric powder and water mix with talcum to substitute rose water.
I wonder how this wedding planner of my brother, who worked in a team of at least 2 person or more at one time could not even ensure that all are in order?!
At the end of the event, one of our guests broke thier spotlight and I was told by my brother that the wedding planner is charging them RM15.00 for the broken spotlight.
Dear Rias Chanteq Bridal Gallery, do you know that if we were to FACTOR IN the price we paid for the pair of shoes which was supposed to be provided by you + the Shirt and the Tie for the white suit, It is only JUST that we BREAK ALL OF YOUR SPOTLIGHT..
My sincere 2 cents worth, If you guys plan to be in this biz long enough and to prosper, You should BUCK UP BIG TIME!
And if you asked me am I gonna recommend them to my friends, the sincere answer is 'NO'
Monday, October 3, 2011
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
I Kept My Promise
I was so quiet lately.. even during the month of Ramadhan as well as Syawal. I hardly post anything here about my fasting and my Aidilfitri celebration. Alhamdulillah, all was well and I was given the opportunity to once again celebrate Hari Raya as well as my 32nd birthday! Most of the time my facebook will be most active. I was kept busy.. busy with all the preparations for my brother's wedding on the 1st of October, insya-allah.
Yasmeen wasn't my first 'baby'. I have another 'baby' whom I cared for since he was a few months old. At an age where mother could not bear to stay even a few hours apart from her child, this mother left her son to the babysitter. Following her disappearance, many other things have happened.
When his mother left, this 'baby' cried almost every night. He cling on her mother's 'sarong' and cried to sleep. Soon he was attached to me. I carried him everywhere I go. I was then 9 years or so.. I feed him, bathe him, care for him, did everything a mother should do for a child.
When my late father brought us to Melaka, we go through many other tough times together. This little boy was almost 'sold' to a Singaporean parent. I was against the idea and was hugging him every night from the day I was told he was to be 'sent off' to Singapore.. I beg and beg and beg and finally, my father changed his mind and he too could not bear sending his child off to a foreign country.
When we were staying temporarily at a double storey home belonged to the Welfare Department, my father was then a security guard and he works on shifts. When he was on his night shift, he will only be back at home after I left for school. So, this little baby, then 1+, sleeping soundly was left at home with a bottle of milk by his side. There was once when we (myself and another brother going kindy) came home from school and our father was working overtime, the baby was not in the living room. I found him standing outside at the balcony hands holding on the big black tank of water coz his diapers was all soiled. God knows how long he had been standing there under the hot sun.
I remember on my 12th birthday, my father bought me a cake and after I cut the cake he lying on his back predicting what will be 20 years later. He said that 'baby' will be pampered and well taken care of as myself and our brother will be working already. He made me promised I will take care of 'baby' and never send him away no matter what. In his letter to my mother, in the same year, he asked for the same promise. We never knew why..
Though he was a very very well behaved 'baby', no one really hold him, cuddle him as we normally see people would do to babies. He was most of the time alone.. playing on his own. When I went to school, he will sit still and play on his own at my grandparent's house and I will settle him when I come home. He will be all happy and cheery when he's with me. And since I stay with my mother, I will send him back to my grandparent's home at night.
When my father passed away, (Al-fatihah to him) my 'baby' has no one else left for him except me. At that point of time there weren't much I can do except hoping that he could stay with me. My mother was asked, who would take care of 'baby' from now on?? My mother took up the responsibility. Why? maybe she remembered the content of the letter and maybe she silently promised my father. She feed him, schooled him, gave him clothes, home and love he never gets from his own mother.For a Woman to take in the son of another woman who came between her husband and herself to me is not easy and yet, My mother did it with her own free will.
I remember one of our relative tried to take 'baby' to be their adopted son and my mother came and took us all home! My mother knows how much I love the little boy and for that she said that I should care for him.
Now, today, as the wedding date approach and I have much to do, I found joy in doing each and every bit of it knowing that someday, when my then 'baby' now handsome young brother look at his wedding album, he will tell his children that I did all of it..
More than that I always keep in mind, close at heart, the hope, the promise, the vision my later father once told me over and over again.. To take good care of 'baby', don't let anyone harm him and make sure he is not sent off..
I pray for your happiness as I have always did my 'baby'. May your life be filled with love, joy, may you find peace and content in your other half and share a lovely life together.. to my ever loved brother Khairil Adnan Ibrahim.. you are my brother, my son, my baby and I love you!
Yasmeen wasn't my first 'baby'. I have another 'baby' whom I cared for since he was a few months old. At an age where mother could not bear to stay even a few hours apart from her child, this mother left her son to the babysitter. Following her disappearance, many other things have happened.
When his mother left, this 'baby' cried almost every night. He cling on her mother's 'sarong' and cried to sleep. Soon he was attached to me. I carried him everywhere I go. I was then 9 years or so.. I feed him, bathe him, care for him, did everything a mother should do for a child.
When my late father brought us to Melaka, we go through many other tough times together. This little boy was almost 'sold' to a Singaporean parent. I was against the idea and was hugging him every night from the day I was told he was to be 'sent off' to Singapore.. I beg and beg and beg and finally, my father changed his mind and he too could not bear sending his child off to a foreign country.
When we were staying temporarily at a double storey home belonged to the Welfare Department, my father was then a security guard and he works on shifts. When he was on his night shift, he will only be back at home after I left for school. So, this little baby, then 1+, sleeping soundly was left at home with a bottle of milk by his side. There was once when we (myself and another brother going kindy) came home from school and our father was working overtime, the baby was not in the living room. I found him standing outside at the balcony hands holding on the big black tank of water coz his diapers was all soiled. God knows how long he had been standing there under the hot sun.
I remember on my 12th birthday, my father bought me a cake and after I cut the cake he lying on his back predicting what will be 20 years later. He said that 'baby' will be pampered and well taken care of as myself and our brother will be working already. He made me promised I will take care of 'baby' and never send him away no matter what. In his letter to my mother, in the same year, he asked for the same promise. We never knew why..
Though he was a very very well behaved 'baby', no one really hold him, cuddle him as we normally see people would do to babies. He was most of the time alone.. playing on his own. When I went to school, he will sit still and play on his own at my grandparent's house and I will settle him when I come home. He will be all happy and cheery when he's with me. And since I stay with my mother, I will send him back to my grandparent's home at night.
When my father passed away, (Al-fatihah to him) my 'baby' has no one else left for him except me. At that point of time there weren't much I can do except hoping that he could stay with me. My mother was asked, who would take care of 'baby' from now on?? My mother took up the responsibility. Why? maybe she remembered the content of the letter and maybe she silently promised my father. She feed him, schooled him, gave him clothes, home and love he never gets from his own mother.For a Woman to take in the son of another woman who came between her husband and herself to me is not easy and yet, My mother did it with her own free will.
I remember one of our relative tried to take 'baby' to be their adopted son and my mother came and took us all home! My mother knows how much I love the little boy and for that she said that I should care for him.
Now, today, as the wedding date approach and I have much to do, I found joy in doing each and every bit of it knowing that someday, when my then 'baby' now handsome young brother look at his wedding album, he will tell his children that I did all of it..
More than that I always keep in mind, close at heart, the hope, the promise, the vision my later father once told me over and over again.. To take good care of 'baby', don't let anyone harm him and make sure he is not sent off..
I pray for your happiness as I have always did my 'baby'. May your life be filled with love, joy, may you find peace and content in your other half and share a lovely life together.. to my ever loved brother Khairil Adnan Ibrahim.. you are my brother, my son, my baby and I love you!
Friday, August 12, 2011
Norma & Talib - Battle in the name of Love
I have not the slightest idea how many people have been reading this. I do not know if I would be able to help spread the word but it certainly worth to TRY. In this holy month of Ramadhan, ever since I seen the MHI clip on Norma, whenever I wake up for sahur, or break my fast with the kids, husband and mum.. Norma is always on my mind. What would she be doing? how is she feeling? not able to taste the food or drink like any other people around her, not being able to hold her own cup, spoon let alone to put food into her own mouth.
When I had to raise my voice to my girls (for whatever reason), and sometimes kinda like lost my patience, I thought of how Norma feels, not being able to kiss her son not even to hold his tiny hands let alone feed him, bathe him or dress him. How would it feel to be so helpless and there is nothing you can do for yourself. I know how painful it is not be able to hold your baby like other people do. It has happened to me before although its not even 10% as bad as what Norma's been facing now.
Norma married Mutalib in March 2010. She was then a teacher in Pontian, Johor. When she was 7 months pregnant, she started experiencing terrible headache, went to several clinic and hospital and all Dr. said was that its just normal headache maybe due to her pregnancy. She gave birth to healthy baby boy on 21 January 2011 and that's when her headache became more severe.
She was still in confinement when she was wheeled into the emergency room of Hospital Putrajaya and after all the checking and scanning, she was diagnosed with a stage 4 brain tumor when her son was just only 1 month old. She was then transferred to HKL (Kuala Lumpur Hospital) and Dr. attach a device to channel out the excessive liquid from the back of her head, after which she looked better, could respond, have a chance to hold her son and chatting away.
Sadly after 5 operations and 2 cycles (15 times) of radiotherapy the tumor in her head which originally was 5.5cm have grown to 7cm.
Today, Norma is still battling her life and the fight against the tumor continues with her beloved husband by her side.
Norma's monthly expenditure for diaper, medication and milk cost more than 3k.
Now, To all of you who are reading.. followers or not, Please do this one thing.. to forward and link this (or if you would like to follow up on Norma's progress go to http://miera301.blogspot.com/search/label/Norma )
to your friends and family.. a little goes a long way and during this holy month of ramadhan, spread a little kindness a little further i.e. to someone you have never met, never speak to.. who needs help.
Please channel your contributions to
CIMB: 01070068677528
NOORMAWATI MOHD RASIF
When I had to raise my voice to my girls (for whatever reason), and sometimes kinda like lost my patience, I thought of how Norma feels, not being able to kiss her son not even to hold his tiny hands let alone feed him, bathe him or dress him. How would it feel to be so helpless and there is nothing you can do for yourself. I know how painful it is not be able to hold your baby like other people do. It has happened to me before although its not even 10% as bad as what Norma's been facing now.
Norma married Mutalib in March 2010. She was then a teacher in Pontian, Johor. When she was 7 months pregnant, she started experiencing terrible headache, went to several clinic and hospital and all Dr. said was that its just normal headache maybe due to her pregnancy. She gave birth to healthy baby boy on 21 January 2011 and that's when her headache became more severe.
She was still in confinement when she was wheeled into the emergency room of Hospital Putrajaya and after all the checking and scanning, she was diagnosed with a stage 4 brain tumor when her son was just only 1 month old. She was then transferred to HKL (Kuala Lumpur Hospital) and Dr. attach a device to channel out the excessive liquid from the back of her head, after which she looked better, could respond, have a chance to hold her son and chatting away.
Sadly after 5 operations and 2 cycles (15 times) of radiotherapy the tumor in her head which originally was 5.5cm have grown to 7cm.
Today, Norma is still battling her life and the fight against the tumor continues with her beloved husband by her side.
Norma's monthly expenditure for diaper, medication and milk cost more than 3k.
Now, To all of you who are reading.. followers or not, Please do this one thing.. to forward and link this (or if you would like to follow up on Norma's progress go to http://miera301.blogspot.com/search/label/Norma )
to your friends and family.. a little goes a long way and during this holy month of ramadhan, spread a little kindness a little further i.e. to someone you have never met, never speak to.. who needs help.
Please channel your contributions to
CIMB: 01070068677528
Thank you very much..
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Endless Love..
Have you ever think about something so much, it makes u kinda have a slight insomnia and its the first thing that came into your mind the moment you open your eyes. Most likely it will be something to do with you, your family and perhaps your work but what if its about someone else? Someone you have never met before? No, its not someone you has a major crush on ok.. Seriously..
I have this habit.. If something I read or see, hit the deepest of my heart.. it took me days sometimes months trying to put it behind my mind and most of the time it became part of my daily life.. I sit around thinking about it, I think about it each time I eat, play with my kids, watch tv.. practically most of the time..
My dear Marina Sulaiman first told me about this lady called Norma, a young lady who was diagnosed with a stage 4 brain tumor with a newborn baby. That was it.. I didn't search, google, so no pictures no further info, thats's that...it just goes to describe how disorganized I was this past 2 months after resigning from Zain & Co but well.. excuses liza!! pangggg! I should get a good slap on the face for this!
Then I learn about this little boy of my very very long time ago primary school friend Masrite Shafiee who was also diagnosed with a very rare kind of tumor in the brain that makes the lil boy having 70% of her body covered with birth mark (melatocytes). I only announce in the Charity group I am leading with a few other friend at the beginning of Ramadhan to raise fund to aid the family of Masrita and this was also came a bit late when the boy passed away peacefully on Monday night. Pangggg! there goes another slap!
Yesterday, Marina wrote on my FB wall that Norma's story was in MHI. I quickly google it.. couldn't find then I remember I did 'liked' MHI so click it and watched it from there. I was speechless.. I could talk.. I sat hours in front of the laptop. It stuck neatly in my head.. I linked it to the group and my head starts spinning for ideas for another charity sale!
Yes, I went to read the blog of her sister in law. miera301.blogspot.com. :'(
I was bedridden for only 2 weeks, my exclusive breastfeeding of my 3rd child then, about 1 year old stopped abruptly, my 2nd child was in an induced coma and I spend more than 2 weeks in the Hospital, crying, praying, hoping for a miracle to happen so that Sarah will be out from her coma as I know I will be doing fine as long as the girls are ok. The heartache, the sadness, the constant worrying and the high hopes didn't end even after Sarah was discharged as she was on epileptic medication and here eyes we abit 'juling' but I reminded myself, my husband and my very very worry mother (who called me a few times crying, and felt sorry as she felt she was suppose to calm me and now its the other way round) that things will be ok and I am thankful enough tht Sarah is no longer in an induced coma and whatever side effect she is having at that point of time, we'll deal with it.. We'll find cure insya-allah..Alhamdulillah, Fendi was very supportive, caring and he hardly think about himself even after all of us were back at home. I was sad, yes, but I never gave up and I know I have to be strong.. Day by day, after a year, I always told myself that what ever happen to me in life since young till the time I am writing this, some other people out there is facing much greater challenge.
This GREAT CHALLENGES and TEST is much greater to this 2 person I mentioned earlier in this post. Masrita lost her youngest son and Norma fighting for her life against brain tumor and by her side is a very very loving, supportive husband and a 6 months old baby boy, Rafiq and both Masrita and Norma receives lotsa support from family, friend and people they don't know, people they never met.
They have 1 thing in common, both received the same remark from doctors from the Hospital that 'they gave up and there is nothing more they can do'. Makes me think is it our doctors and medical research that is not upto date or is it just the way doctors talk? The least they could have said is, Lets all Pray really-really hard.. Miracles do happen.. rather than 'There is nothing more we can do".
I used to have cupcakes sales, cupcakes made by Marina to raise fund for Qistina Balqis Maisara and really hope Allah made my path easier this time to have another sale for Norma and Masrita as well.
Readers, If you would like to support our charity fund raising activity, you can do so by contacting me at lizamasrina@gmail.com and place your oders of cupcakes, oreo cheesecakes, macaroons, cookies from Marina - http://marinasulaimantaha.blogspot.com/ or my handmade items from http://allgirlzstuff.blogspot.com/2011/08/personalised-toiletries-bag.html and a portion of the sales will be for the charity campaign. More information on the campaign, you are welcome to join our facebook group :- http://www.facebook.com/groups/GiftOfLoveGroup/
If you wanna read more about Norma :- http://miera301.blogspot.com/search/label/Norma
I have this habit.. If something I read or see, hit the deepest of my heart.. it took me days sometimes months trying to put it behind my mind and most of the time it became part of my daily life.. I sit around thinking about it, I think about it each time I eat, play with my kids, watch tv.. practically most of the time..
My dear Marina Sulaiman first told me about this lady called Norma, a young lady who was diagnosed with a stage 4 brain tumor with a newborn baby. That was it.. I didn't search, google, so no pictures no further info, thats's that...it just goes to describe how disorganized I was this past 2 months after resigning from Zain & Co but well.. excuses liza!! pangggg! I should get a good slap on the face for this!
Then I learn about this little boy of my very very long time ago primary school friend Masrite Shafiee who was also diagnosed with a very rare kind of tumor in the brain that makes the lil boy having 70% of her body covered with birth mark (melatocytes). I only announce in the Charity group I am leading with a few other friend at the beginning of Ramadhan to raise fund to aid the family of Masrita and this was also came a bit late when the boy passed away peacefully on Monday night. Pangggg! there goes another slap!
Yesterday, Marina wrote on my FB wall that Norma's story was in MHI. I quickly google it.. couldn't find then I remember I did 'liked' MHI so click it and watched it from there. I was speechless.. I could talk.. I sat hours in front of the laptop. It stuck neatly in my head.. I linked it to the group and my head starts spinning for ideas for another charity sale!
Yes, I went to read the blog of her sister in law. miera301.blogspot.com. :'(
I was bedridden for only 2 weeks, my exclusive breastfeeding of my 3rd child then, about 1 year old stopped abruptly, my 2nd child was in an induced coma and I spend more than 2 weeks in the Hospital, crying, praying, hoping for a miracle to happen so that Sarah will be out from her coma as I know I will be doing fine as long as the girls are ok. The heartache, the sadness, the constant worrying and the high hopes didn't end even after Sarah was discharged as she was on epileptic medication and here eyes we abit 'juling' but I reminded myself, my husband and my very very worry mother (who called me a few times crying, and felt sorry as she felt she was suppose to calm me and now its the other way round) that things will be ok and I am thankful enough tht Sarah is no longer in an induced coma and whatever side effect she is having at that point of time, we'll deal with it.. We'll find cure insya-allah..Alhamdulillah, Fendi was very supportive, caring and he hardly think about himself even after all of us were back at home. I was sad, yes, but I never gave up and I know I have to be strong.. Day by day, after a year, I always told myself that what ever happen to me in life since young till the time I am writing this, some other people out there is facing much greater challenge.
This GREAT CHALLENGES and TEST is much greater to this 2 person I mentioned earlier in this post. Masrita lost her youngest son and Norma fighting for her life against brain tumor and by her side is a very very loving, supportive husband and a 6 months old baby boy, Rafiq and both Masrita and Norma receives lotsa support from family, friend and people they don't know, people they never met.
They have 1 thing in common, both received the same remark from doctors from the Hospital that 'they gave up and there is nothing more they can do'. Makes me think is it our doctors and medical research that is not upto date or is it just the way doctors talk? The least they could have said is, Lets all Pray really-really hard.. Miracles do happen.. rather than 'There is nothing more we can do".
I used to have cupcakes sales, cupcakes made by Marina to raise fund for Qistina Balqis Maisara and really hope Allah made my path easier this time to have another sale for Norma and Masrita as well.
Readers, If you would like to support our charity fund raising activity, you can do so by contacting me at lizamasrina@gmail.com and place your oders of cupcakes, oreo cheesecakes, macaroons, cookies from Marina - http://marinasulaimantaha.blogspot.com/ or my handmade items from http://allgirlzstuff.blogspot.com/2011/08/personalised-toiletries-bag.html and a portion of the sales will be for the charity campaign. More information on the campaign, you are welcome to join our facebook group :- http://www.facebook.com/groups/GiftOfLoveGroup/
If you wanna read more about Norma :- http://miera301.blogspot.com/search/label/Norma
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
OOOOOLA-LA TROPIKA -- The Trio I missed!
Ooh La la.. indah alam tropika...
As I listen to this song and sang along, the memories of my 2 good friends flashed through my mind. Those good old days when we were 3 little girls about Yasmeen's age now (9). Music session was the time we will perform in front of the class and everytime this song came as a favourite among classmates!
Farah Hayati, I remembered her as such a cutie.. she is chubby (just like my Sarah) and when she laugh, she look sweeter than honey! After I left SKCS 1 to Melaka, I only met Farah once, at one of the flats I used to loiter (yes, I lepak till wee hours!) with friends and remembered one of my friend called her 'Samurai Burger' which till today I do not know why.
Malah Devi a/p Manoharan, was a very very close friend. She will come to my house for Hari Raya and I will go to hers on Deepavali. That's how we maintain our good friendship, the understanding and toleration though I remember once Malah shouted on top of her voice to our teacher saying "CHEGU!! Liza Masrina panggil saya orang KOPI!!!" which at that point of time when I was young and silly told her that she is 'kafir' hahaha!!
We separated too when I went to Melaka and I do not know what happen to the trio without me. I met Malah again when I was in secondary school as she was my friend's neighbour.. so we did kept in touch. We bumped into each other when I was working and commuting but I think we lost contact about 3-4 years ago!
I am glad that we met again in Facebook and I really hope to see them and talk to them, hugging them soon! Malah Devi and Farah Hayati... my 2 good friends! May our friendship remains forever!
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Its 'See You' not 'Goodbye'
30th June 2011 was my last day of service in Zain & Co. Many times before when the thought of leaving the corporate world came into mind I think that I will feel great about leaving the company and looking forward to spend more time with the girls apart from doing my part time biz.Until the very last moment when I finally realize that its time, I really thought I would never shed a tear... owh.. so so wrong..
I spend the last 4 days as an employee @ Zain & Co, going around the office knocking on almost everyone's door asking for their spontaneous 'yes' (more like forcing them if not harassing them) to take a last picture with me. I was told that never in the history of Zain & Co did any staff request to have their pictures taken especially NOT with the partners. Partners are like CEO's in other companies. People either 'like' them or 'avoid' them for so many reasons. But to me, for this very last time, it would be really nice to approach them and do something really 'crazy'! So I did!
I first came intohe company as a secretary to Ms. Grace Lim Siew Hua who interviewed me and chose me to be her next secretary. A very kind, soft spoken at all times, sweet, caring, understanding.. The very first Good Boss I had. She left the firm to settledown in London with the love of her life! I still remember the 1st thing I say to her when she called me up (I was in Melaka and it was 4th Raya!) to tell me that she has resigned "Who am I gonna work with then?!" hahaha... at that time I was already working for Mr. Rajiv Vijayanathan and Ms. Juhanna Maneesah. Yup! I worked with 3 at 1 time! After Grace left, I worked with Mr. Rajiv Vijayanathan until the day I finally decide to have an early retirement!
Just like in life, I gain much experience, some sweet others I wish I could just erase it off the memory but came to think about it, good or bad, every experience makes a person wiser and it has.
I have learnt so many things in life while in Zain & Co. I learned to apreciate trust, I learn not to betray friendship, I learn to be true, honesty, I learn to forgive and I learn to love the people I know despite many differences. Often perception became a huge wall that separate the employees from the 'bosses'. Try to 'peek' beyond the walls.. you will find that it is not so bad after all!
About 2 months before I tender my resignation, we were given bonuses. It was such a pleasant surprise and all of us was very Happy! I remember telling my bos (something I always make a point to do each time bonus/increament) that I was proud that the bosses kept their promises to the staffs! Sometimes, we might as well think this "while we work to ensure there's food on our table, bosses are working twice as hard to ensure there's food on ALL the staff's home"! and in Zain & Co. the feeling of working as a BIG family is there.. it is... whether you admit it or not it is there and it is something that will last for as long as you live. Proof is out there.. though we are no longer in the Company, we maintain the relationship and we keep in touch. We offer help and we are always there for each other rain or shine, no matter what and its always just a phone call away!
I wish I could feel happy retiring and staying at home. I will soon but for now, the feeling is 'homesick' and sometimes sad. As I am typing line by line, the sweet memory of 'living' in my 'home' for 8 years came into picture.. the laugh, the smile, the tension, the fight (wink** Jasni!!), the tease, the horror (wink ** Jasni again!) hahaha... and many many many more....
Here is the last email I sent out to everyone and the video I created..
As I make my rounds in the office this week to have my pictures taken with all of you, I finally knows and feel that I am indeed leaving this company and how I would definitely miss the people in Zain & Co. The idea of leaving is something I have been talking about for the last 3 years and that long is fair enough considering the number of years I have been here. 8 years! How time flies!
While the grass is always greener on the other side, I find beauty beyond comparison and how this side of the grass appears greener not only because of the flowers (people) but also because of its roots and origins (Partners and Lawyers). Zain & Co is a place I would want to call ‘home’ and its seriously not easy to choose between the Family I have and this BIG ‘family’ in Zain & Co but I am confident this is what I have to do at this point of time and I do hope you will pray for my greater success!
I am thankful to have such a wonderful, supportive, always encouraging (whilst constantly reminding me not to be a hero) and who were always there for me rain or shine, who I give my highest respect, greatest thank, everlasting love and gratitude to, Mr. Rajiv Vijayanathan and his family.
My no. 1 supporter in everything I do, always very understanding, kind and loving Ms. Rebecca Jeyanthi Selvaraj to whom I owed so much to. Thank you for always being there for me.
To Mr. Joseph Wilfred Durai – Sir, I pray for your good health.
To Cik Salwah – Thank you so much for all you have done and for your trust and prayers for us!
To En. Dzuhairi – Thank you for all the cooperation and support!
To all the Partners and Lawyers in Zain & Co - a big Thank You!
To All my friends in Corporate – Lalitha, Kak Ita, Zauyah, Margaret, Laily
To all staff whom I won’t be able to list down your name here, thank you for always being there for me, thank you for all the support, encouragement, your prayers, your friendship, your trust and most importantly your blessings.
To All, I humbly seek your forgiveness if I have in any way offended you or hurt your feelings or have in anyway taken anything from you. Last but not least, I pray for your greater success in everything that you pursue. Before I pen-off, here’s a compilation of all the pictures taken during my last week in Zain & Co. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I do. :)
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.181667428559335.48092.100001482368016#!/video/video.php?v=10150253155532958
read also - http://lizamasrina.blogspot.com/2010/11/its-life-in-zain-co.html
I spend the last 4 days as an employee @ Zain & Co, going around the office knocking on almost everyone's door asking for their spontaneous 'yes' (more like forcing them if not harassing them) to take a last picture with me. I was told that never in the history of Zain & Co did any staff request to have their pictures taken especially NOT with the partners. Partners are like CEO's in other companies. People either 'like' them or 'avoid' them for so many reasons. But to me, for this very last time, it would be really nice to approach them and do something really 'crazy'! So I did!
I first came intohe company as a secretary to Ms. Grace Lim Siew Hua who interviewed me and chose me to be her next secretary. A very kind, soft spoken at all times, sweet, caring, understanding.. The very first Good Boss I had. She left the firm to settledown in London with the love of her life! I still remember the 1st thing I say to her when she called me up (I was in Melaka and it was 4th Raya!) to tell me that she has resigned "Who am I gonna work with then?!" hahaha... at that time I was already working for Mr. Rajiv Vijayanathan and Ms. Juhanna Maneesah. Yup! I worked with 3 at 1 time! After Grace left, I worked with Mr. Rajiv Vijayanathan until the day I finally decide to have an early retirement!
Just like in life, I gain much experience, some sweet others I wish I could just erase it off the memory but came to think about it, good or bad, every experience makes a person wiser and it has.
I have learnt so many things in life while in Zain & Co. I learned to apreciate trust, I learn not to betray friendship, I learn to be true, honesty, I learn to forgive and I learn to love the people I know despite many differences. Often perception became a huge wall that separate the employees from the 'bosses'. Try to 'peek' beyond the walls.. you will find that it is not so bad after all!
About 2 months before I tender my resignation, we were given bonuses. It was such a pleasant surprise and all of us was very Happy! I remember telling my bos (something I always make a point to do each time bonus/increament) that I was proud that the bosses kept their promises to the staffs! Sometimes, we might as well think this "while we work to ensure there's food on our table, bosses are working twice as hard to ensure there's food on ALL the staff's home"! and in Zain & Co. the feeling of working as a BIG family is there.. it is... whether you admit it or not it is there and it is something that will last for as long as you live. Proof is out there.. though we are no longer in the Company, we maintain the relationship and we keep in touch. We offer help and we are always there for each other rain or shine, no matter what and its always just a phone call away!
I wish I could feel happy retiring and staying at home. I will soon but for now, the feeling is 'homesick' and sometimes sad. As I am typing line by line, the sweet memory of 'living' in my 'home' for 8 years came into picture.. the laugh, the smile, the tension, the fight (wink** Jasni!!), the tease, the horror (wink ** Jasni again!) hahaha... and many many many more....
Here is the last email I sent out to everyone and the video I created..
As I make my rounds in the office this week to have my pictures taken with all of you, I finally knows and feel that I am indeed leaving this company and how I would definitely miss the people in Zain & Co. The idea of leaving is something I have been talking about for the last 3 years and that long is fair enough considering the number of years I have been here. 8 years! How time flies!
While the grass is always greener on the other side, I find beauty beyond comparison and how this side of the grass appears greener not only because of the flowers (people) but also because of its roots and origins (Partners and Lawyers). Zain & Co is a place I would want to call ‘home’ and its seriously not easy to choose between the Family I have and this BIG ‘family’ in Zain & Co but I am confident this is what I have to do at this point of time and I do hope you will pray for my greater success!
I am thankful to have such a wonderful, supportive, always encouraging (whilst constantly reminding me not to be a hero) and who were always there for me rain or shine, who I give my highest respect, greatest thank, everlasting love and gratitude to, Mr. Rajiv Vijayanathan and his family.
My no. 1 supporter in everything I do, always very understanding, kind and loving Ms. Rebecca Jeyanthi Selvaraj to whom I owed so much to. Thank you for always being there for me.
To Mr. Joseph Wilfred Durai – Sir, I pray for your good health.
To Cik Salwah – Thank you so much for all you have done and for your trust and prayers for us!
To En. Dzuhairi – Thank you for all the cooperation and support!
To all the Partners and Lawyers in Zain & Co - a big Thank You!
To All my friends in Corporate – Lalitha, Kak Ita, Zauyah, Margaret, Laily
To all staff whom I won’t be able to list down your name here, thank you for always being there for me, thank you for all the support, encouragement, your prayers, your friendship, your trust and most importantly your blessings.
To All, I humbly seek your forgiveness if I have in any way offended you or hurt your feelings or have in anyway taken anything from you. Last but not least, I pray for your greater success in everything that you pursue. Before I pen-off, here’s a compilation of all the pictures taken during my last week in Zain & Co. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I do. :)
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.181667428559335.48092.100001482368016#!/video/video.php?v=10150253155532958
read also - http://lizamasrina.blogspot.com/2010/11/its-life-in-zain-co.html
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Part 2- Mothers' Day -Old People- Nursing Home
Sorry if I literally kept you waiting for the 2nd part of this post. I have been quite busy organizing things around me and moving into a new chapter of my life which we will talk about it later la huh..
Now, where were we?... oh ya.. The Nursing Home thingy-majigy... Is Nursing Home really that bad? I know some of you will like frown by now when I mention about it. Some even label people who send their parents to nursing home as disloyal/treacherous (derhaka) but tell me this, which is more disloyal, sending them to the nursing home to ensure that they are well taken care off and that there are people always around to attend to them especially when they are ill or keeping them at home with you but leaving them alone when you are at work. I am not against people who choose to care for their parents themselves in fact they have my highest level of respect.
Let me give u some example for you to judge la okay.. I have an aunt who is a journalist and uncle who is a a flight steward taking turns looking after my grandmother who was partially paralized due to hypertension. She could hardly do anything on her own. My aunt will do ANYTHING and I really mean ANYTHING within her means to please my grandmother and make her as comfortable as possible. As a mother I would want my children to treat me the way my aunt had treated my grandmother although I hope I will not be as grumpy as she is! My aunt doesnt cook. I remember we used to come to her apartment to help her finish up her instant pizza and all but when my grandmother said she crave for 'begedil' (its like hash brown w minced meat or like a potato patty) she really tried doing it and though she doesn't know how, she used logic to make up a recipe which at the end doesn't turn out well. When I got to know about it, I made begedil the next day and send it to my grandmothers house. Coincidently, I have extra potato which I have kept in the fridge and I must cook it up while its still good. Mum told me the next day how my grandmother liked the begedil and what others including my grandmother commented about the begedil my aunt did (tht didn't turn out well). I felt BAD! really bad and I must admit I somehow regretted sending begedil there.. maybe I should wait a bit later. Why? because I know why my aunt go through all the trouble. She has made it out of LOVE and I am sure she would be very very very happy if she receives some kind of recognition or acknowledgement especially from my grandmother. How I wish others would see all that. I understand what she feel because I always do the same thing and hope for the same thing and on a few occasion, got mocked or feel unappreciated when all I want was just a simple gesture of appreciation or at least having to say nothing is good enough! My aunt meets the criteria of a child who tend to their parents the same way (or maybe better than) her parents had tend to her when she was young and I must say my grandmother is very very fortunate! Tending to elderly people is not an easy task. It requires patience at a very high level, understanding, love and affection. I have came across many many elderly people who is very grumpy, calculative, bad tempered with very bad habit, just name it but I always keep in mind that people cannot be what we want them to be, If we choose to fight BAD with BAD that makes us equally BAD. I would want to be the most GOOD person.. and I will try my best to be just that and what better way to do it other than to be NICE to people who treated you badly. Having said that, you be able to determine the level of BAD-ness so that you will not be a victim.
I know someone who left his mother and only came back to peep at her once in a while. Why do I say 'peep'? because he came home once in a blue moon and with no intention to see what he can do to ensure that his mother (who is supposedly his responsibility) have all the things she needs to survive. Maybe he thinks that his brother is home every end of the month so he doesn't have to. When you have other siblings it means you get to share the responsibility to care for your mother equally but this person choose to put the whole responsibility to his only brother and practically washed his hands off clean especially after he had married. He has no initiative to even try to come home to tend to his sick mother when she was warded a few times. It didn't even bother him that his mother need someone to help her buy monthly groceries if his brother could not make it back to their hometown by end of the moth for whatever reason. He didn't even care to pay for his mother's medical bills let alone chip in any amount of money for his mother's monthly supply of medicine. On the other hand, this person is the kindest person to his in-laws, including sisters n brothers in laws. He could be an 'Imam' (leader for prayers), He appeared very soft spoken and full of love. He serve food on the bed for his wife when she was sick. He practically hugs his wife and 'lullaby' her to soother her pain when she has high fever. He cried when his grandmother-in-law passed away, and he would do almost anything to please the other side of the family but did nothing for his own mother. What kind of child is that?? I leave to you, the readers to fill in the blanks.
I believe, in life, as a human being, as a child, as a parent, as a grown up and finally as an elderly, we have to be fair and try to maintain the perfect BALANCE in life. One cannot do too much of this than the other the same way you can't eat too much of something.
We grow up seeing what other people do, extract the bad and try to avoid doing the same but to do it better. Take every bits and pieces of things you came across in life as a lesson you can learn and improve yourself. Me? Seeing all this, teaches me to be a reasonable parent, be fair, be just, be open minded, full of love as that should keep the family together. Mother, Father are as important as my Children. I only wish to do anything that will make my mother (and when I say Mother, I do mean My Own Mother and My Mother In-Law) happy, the same I would want my children to do for me. Nothing less, hopefully more.
Thanks for reading.. :)
Now, where were we?... oh ya.. The Nursing Home thingy-majigy... Is Nursing Home really that bad? I know some of you will like frown by now when I mention about it. Some even label people who send their parents to nursing home as disloyal/treacherous (derhaka) but tell me this, which is more disloyal, sending them to the nursing home to ensure that they are well taken care off and that there are people always around to attend to them especially when they are ill or keeping them at home with you but leaving them alone when you are at work. I am not against people who choose to care for their parents themselves in fact they have my highest level of respect.
Let me give u some example for you to judge la okay.. I have an aunt who is a journalist and uncle who is a a flight steward taking turns looking after my grandmother who was partially paralized due to hypertension. She could hardly do anything on her own. My aunt will do ANYTHING and I really mean ANYTHING within her means to please my grandmother and make her as comfortable as possible. As a mother I would want my children to treat me the way my aunt had treated my grandmother although I hope I will not be as grumpy as she is! My aunt doesnt cook. I remember we used to come to her apartment to help her finish up her instant pizza and all but when my grandmother said she crave for 'begedil' (its like hash brown w minced meat or like a potato patty) she really tried doing it and though she doesn't know how, she used logic to make up a recipe which at the end doesn't turn out well. When I got to know about it, I made begedil the next day and send it to my grandmothers house. Coincidently, I have extra potato which I have kept in the fridge and I must cook it up while its still good. Mum told me the next day how my grandmother liked the begedil and what others including my grandmother commented about the begedil my aunt did (tht didn't turn out well). I felt BAD! really bad and I must admit I somehow regretted sending begedil there.. maybe I should wait a bit later. Why? because I know why my aunt go through all the trouble. She has made it out of LOVE and I am sure she would be very very very happy if she receives some kind of recognition or acknowledgement especially from my grandmother. How I wish others would see all that. I understand what she feel because I always do the same thing and hope for the same thing and on a few occasion, got mocked or feel unappreciated when all I want was just a simple gesture of appreciation or at least having to say nothing is good enough! My aunt meets the criteria of a child who tend to their parents the same way (or maybe better than) her parents had tend to her when she was young and I must say my grandmother is very very fortunate! Tending to elderly people is not an easy task. It requires patience at a very high level, understanding, love and affection. I have came across many many elderly people who is very grumpy, calculative, bad tempered with very bad habit, just name it but I always keep in mind that people cannot be what we want them to be, If we choose to fight BAD with BAD that makes us equally BAD. I would want to be the most GOOD person.. and I will try my best to be just that and what better way to do it other than to be NICE to people who treated you badly. Having said that, you be able to determine the level of BAD-ness so that you will not be a victim.
I know someone who left his mother and only came back to peep at her once in a while. Why do I say 'peep'? because he came home once in a blue moon and with no intention to see what he can do to ensure that his mother (who is supposedly his responsibility) have all the things she needs to survive. Maybe he thinks that his brother is home every end of the month so he doesn't have to. When you have other siblings it means you get to share the responsibility to care for your mother equally but this person choose to put the whole responsibility to his only brother and practically washed his hands off clean especially after he had married. He has no initiative to even try to come home to tend to his sick mother when she was warded a few times. It didn't even bother him that his mother need someone to help her buy monthly groceries if his brother could not make it back to their hometown by end of the moth for whatever reason. He didn't even care to pay for his mother's medical bills let alone chip in any amount of money for his mother's monthly supply of medicine. On the other hand, this person is the kindest person to his in-laws, including sisters n brothers in laws. He could be an 'Imam' (leader for prayers), He appeared very soft spoken and full of love. He serve food on the bed for his wife when she was sick. He practically hugs his wife and 'lullaby' her to soother her pain when she has high fever. He cried when his grandmother-in-law passed away, and he would do almost anything to please the other side of the family but did nothing for his own mother. What kind of child is that?? I leave to you, the readers to fill in the blanks.
I believe, in life, as a human being, as a child, as a parent, as a grown up and finally as an elderly, we have to be fair and try to maintain the perfect BALANCE in life. One cannot do too much of this than the other the same way you can't eat too much of something.
We grow up seeing what other people do, extract the bad and try to avoid doing the same but to do it better. Take every bits and pieces of things you came across in life as a lesson you can learn and improve yourself. Me? Seeing all this, teaches me to be a reasonable parent, be fair, be just, be open minded, full of love as that should keep the family together. Mother, Father are as important as my Children. I only wish to do anything that will make my mother (and when I say Mother, I do mean My Own Mother and My Mother In-Law) happy, the same I would want my children to do for me. Nothing less, hopefully more.
Thanks for reading.. :)
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Mothers Day - Old People - Nursing Home (Part 1)
Mothers’ Day has always been in my calendar of event ever since I could remember the date and it was especially important after I became a mother. But I rarely celebrate it seriously with a cake and fancy things for both my mother and mum-in-law.
Year 2011, as mothers day coincide with the week I am going back to my hometown, I suggested to Fendi that we buy a cake on our way home to his village and celebrate mothers’ day with Mak and Nenek. He looked somehow excited. This is the first time we really buy a cake and celebrate it for some occasion in relation to them (Mak n Nenek and not the usually grandchild’s birthday). I let him choose the cake. He carried the cake into the house with a wide smile. Mak and Nenek asked what was that in the big box? A red big box with ‘Secret Recipe’ written outside the box means nothing to them. Fendi said its a cake to celebrate ‘Hari Ibu’ for them as well as for me. Of course the kids get all excited about cake cutting! Just to share it here some of the pictures taken on that day.
Mak and Nenek is just a normal, ordinary, illiterate, kampung ladies. Their lives has been dedicated to raising their children (Nenek has 4 sons and 1 daughter-Mak whilst Mak has ONLY 2 sons). Being ‘orang nogori’ (people from Negri Sembilan) their ‘sense of belonging’ (i hope i describe it right) is very strong. I remember the first day of our wedding day, after our reception, all of them were sent home by Fendi’s friend. Knowing them, Fendi gave them a call that evening just to ensure they arrive safely. The next few days was our early days as husband and wife but a call from Mak and Nenek ruins everything. They were upset because Fendi did not call the next day and the day after. They said he must’ve forgotten all about them now that he got a wife! Not to mention other various issues they highlighted during my reception. Fendi had a tough time explaining and trying to calm them down.
It was then that I realize the truth behind what a very close ‘Kakak’ to me once said. ‘Always make your in-laws feel that they did NOT lose a son instead GAIN a Daughter’. Though that was my goal, I cannot avoid feeling frustrated, upset, angry and the list continues whenever things goes wrong especially when I have done my level best. But holding on to the statement above, I always leave to house (to come home to KL) with a feeling this statement = LETS PUT EVERYTHING BEHIND. Reason? Simple.. Nenek, she is just too old to even change the way she think, the way she do things, her perception, her style of anger basically everything.. ignore her as much as possible. Having said that, it does not mean that I hate her. I respect and love her as a grandmother and I still treasure those sweet memories we had. Old people have 1 thing in common. They don’t jump up for nothing. They are like a can of Coca-Cola.. Its only if you ‘shake’ them that they explode and splash onto your face!
I must say and admit that it is not always easy to please old people. Shantee said one day that no matter how good your relationship is with your mother in law, you can never stay together. True enough.. its already difficult enough to stay with a different person (spouse) when we first get married let alone to stay with the person who ‘created’ it! But I am satisfied that We (Fendi and I) am able to tend to her basic needs, treat her when she is ill and make things easy for her every month. If you ask me what are the ‘divine intervention’ that saved us all when the accident happened last year it was nothing but the all the good things that we have done for our folks and the fact that they still need us around!
A few hours after we cut the Mothers’ Day cake with Nenek, I was with Mak in the kitchen. She was telling me about one of Fendi’s uncle who plan to build a house after his retirement next to this house Mak is staying with Nenek now. I was jokingly telling her like ya la.. like thats gonna happen.. what if it became abandon project like the cow’s barn he was planning to build. Mak, calmly said.. ‘then its ok.. I have my plans.. I wanna go to a nursing home.. its sure nice staying there’ I was like ‘WHAT??!’ inside.. I was taken aback I feel she is saying like Fendi n I cannot take care of her. I then said ‘how do you know its nice.. u haven’t been to 1’.. and Mak, still in her very low voice said ‘I know la.. I’ve stayed in the hospital before.. nice having people around me to chat’. I then realize that I should just shut-up. I don’t wanna upset her.
I kept it to myself but keep on thinking what is going on in Mak’s mind when she said that. I took me quite sometime to realize that maybe Mak just doesn’t to trouble her son. She knows that she has only 2 sons and being a woman she will need a women to care for her. Also, having the experience tending to Nenek who sometimes can be a very grumpy old lady, fussy n what not, she knows and she understand the pain and the challenges way too much to put it to another person who is most likely to be her daughter-in-law. Most importantly, she doesn’t want to be the reason for whatever misunderstanding and eventually shaken the stability of the household and also to void having heart feeling towards her son I guess..
2 days after that, back in KL, we were in the car when I brought up this matter and talk discuss it with Fendi. When I said we will never know for sure what is in Mak’s mind and heart, what is she thinking and what is she feeling.. Mak can be very secretive at times especially when it involves feelings. Fendi said, if Nenek is no longer here, he will honour whatever Mak’s request even if it means sending her to a nursing home if that is what she wanted. He keeps on emphasising on ‘If that is what Mak wants’ but of course we shall come to decide about it when it really happens. He said, sending a mother to a nursing home if so requested by the mother does not mean that the child disown the mother but to honour a mother’s request. Some old folks wants to have friends. If at all Nenek is no longer around that leaves Mak alone in a big house with no one to chat with. She has spend so many years of her life tending to Nenek’s needs and she might just want companion.. not a husband but just friends. A child whose parents opted for Nursing Home should ensure they send their parents to a place with proper care, a paid one, with nurses and attendants to help them if needed. Visit them regularly and once in a while bring them to stay over at their home especially during festive season. What is the point of keeping your folks at home with you but leave them all alone when you’re at work? Which makes sense to me. Certainly this is not something that we already plan ya.. its just contemplating.. I don’t wanna end up having people saying ‘Liza is sending her parents and in laws to rumah orang tua2!’ tsk tsk tsk! So derhaka!
Year 2011, as mothers day coincide with the week I am going back to my hometown, I suggested to Fendi that we buy a cake on our way home to his village and celebrate mothers’ day with Mak and Nenek. He looked somehow excited. This is the first time we really buy a cake and celebrate it for some occasion in relation to them (Mak n Nenek and not the usually grandchild’s birthday). I let him choose the cake. He carried the cake into the house with a wide smile. Mak and Nenek asked what was that in the big box? A red big box with ‘Secret Recipe’ written outside the box means nothing to them. Fendi said its a cake to celebrate ‘Hari Ibu’ for them as well as for me. Of course the kids get all excited about cake cutting! Just to share it here some of the pictures taken on that day.
Mak and Nenek is just a normal, ordinary, illiterate, kampung ladies. Their lives has been dedicated to raising their children (Nenek has 4 sons and 1 daughter-Mak whilst Mak has ONLY 2 sons). Being ‘orang nogori’ (people from Negri Sembilan) their ‘sense of belonging’ (i hope i describe it right) is very strong. I remember the first day of our wedding day, after our reception, all of them were sent home by Fendi’s friend. Knowing them, Fendi gave them a call that evening just to ensure they arrive safely. The next few days was our early days as husband and wife but a call from Mak and Nenek ruins everything. They were upset because Fendi did not call the next day and the day after. They said he must’ve forgotten all about them now that he got a wife! Not to mention other various issues they highlighted during my reception. Fendi had a tough time explaining and trying to calm them down.
It was then that I realize the truth behind what a very close ‘Kakak’ to me once said. ‘Always make your in-laws feel that they did NOT lose a son instead GAIN a Daughter’. Though that was my goal, I cannot avoid feeling frustrated, upset, angry and the list continues whenever things goes wrong especially when I have done my level best. But holding on to the statement above, I always leave to house (to come home to KL) with a feeling this statement = LETS PUT EVERYTHING BEHIND. Reason? Simple.. Nenek, she is just too old to even change the way she think, the way she do things, her perception, her style of anger basically everything.. ignore her as much as possible. Having said that, it does not mean that I hate her. I respect and love her as a grandmother and I still treasure those sweet memories we had. Old people have 1 thing in common. They don’t jump up for nothing. They are like a can of Coca-Cola.. Its only if you ‘shake’ them that they explode and splash onto your face!
I must say and admit that it is not always easy to please old people. Shantee said one day that no matter how good your relationship is with your mother in law, you can never stay together. True enough.. its already difficult enough to stay with a different person (spouse) when we first get married let alone to stay with the person who ‘created’ it! But I am satisfied that We (Fendi and I) am able to tend to her basic needs, treat her when she is ill and make things easy for her every month. If you ask me what are the ‘divine intervention’ that saved us all when the accident happened last year it was nothing but the all the good things that we have done for our folks and the fact that they still need us around!
A few hours after we cut the Mothers’ Day cake with Nenek, I was with Mak in the kitchen. She was telling me about one of Fendi’s uncle who plan to build a house after his retirement next to this house Mak is staying with Nenek now. I was jokingly telling her like ya la.. like thats gonna happen.. what if it became abandon project like the cow’s barn he was planning to build. Mak, calmly said.. ‘then its ok.. I have my plans.. I wanna go to a nursing home.. its sure nice staying there’ I was like ‘WHAT??!’ inside.. I was taken aback I feel she is saying like Fendi n I cannot take care of her. I then said ‘how do you know its nice.. u haven’t been to 1’.. and Mak, still in her very low voice said ‘I know la.. I’ve stayed in the hospital before.. nice having people around me to chat’. I then realize that I should just shut-up. I don’t wanna upset her.
I kept it to myself but keep on thinking what is going on in Mak’s mind when she said that. I took me quite sometime to realize that maybe Mak just doesn’t to trouble her son. She knows that she has only 2 sons and being a woman she will need a women to care for her. Also, having the experience tending to Nenek who sometimes can be a very grumpy old lady, fussy n what not, she knows and she understand the pain and the challenges way too much to put it to another person who is most likely to be her daughter-in-law. Most importantly, she doesn’t want to be the reason for whatever misunderstanding and eventually shaken the stability of the household and also to void having heart feeling towards her son I guess..
2 days after that, back in KL, we were in the car when I brought up this matter and talk discuss it with Fendi. When I said we will never know for sure what is in Mak’s mind and heart, what is she thinking and what is she feeling.. Mak can be very secretive at times especially when it involves feelings. Fendi said, if Nenek is no longer here, he will honour whatever Mak’s request even if it means sending her to a nursing home if that is what she wanted. He keeps on emphasising on ‘If that is what Mak wants’ but of course we shall come to decide about it when it really happens. He said, sending a mother to a nursing home if so requested by the mother does not mean that the child disown the mother but to honour a mother’s request. Some old folks wants to have friends. If at all Nenek is no longer around that leaves Mak alone in a big house with no one to chat with. She has spend so many years of her life tending to Nenek’s needs and she might just want companion.. not a husband but just friends. A child whose parents opted for Nursing Home should ensure they send their parents to a place with proper care, a paid one, with nurses and attendants to help them if needed. Visit them regularly and once in a while bring them to stay over at their home especially during festive season. What is the point of keeping your folks at home with you but leave them all alone when you’re at work? Which makes sense to me. Certainly this is not something that we already plan ya.. its just contemplating.. I don’t wanna end up having people saying ‘Liza is sending her parents and in laws to rumah orang tua2!’ tsk tsk tsk! So derhaka!
To Be Continued....
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Songket Restaurant - The Real Malay Flavour in Asian Wonders!
I first heard of 'Songket Restaurant' from my brother Khairil who suggested that we all go and have a great meal together. That was about a month ago. Last 3 weeks, I met my good friend Shantee, who coincidently mentioned about her gathering with old friends she had known 10 years ago (wink-wink *_* yeah right!).
Shantee strongly recommended this restaurant to me. I was so excited to try out their food, long story cut short, we were eventually invited to Songket Restaurant to have a taste of what Shantee mentioned to me as a TRUE Malay food.
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| The Owner Mr. Tony Wong |
A little background of Songket Restaurant, Mr. Tony Tan, together with his Master Chef En. Mawi (whom we haven't have the chance to meet) are partners of this lovely decorated, nicely tuned with Malay classic and pop yea2's restaurant opened in March 2011. Yes, very new restaurant. All dishes are strictly MSG-free (bukan free2 taruk msg okay.. NO MSG at all!) and believe me.. they don't because the food tasted really natural and you don't feel thirsty.. I had to force myself to finish my iced lemon tea instead of ordering another glass like I usually do if I dine out.
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| Main Entrance |
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| Right in front of the main entrance.. Reception? |
This restaurant is located behind Tony Roma's in Jalan Yap Kwan Seng. I had never dine in any of the restaurant along Jalan Yap Kwan Seng as I always have a perception that this stretch of restaurants there must be very expensive considering the fact that they are located at an area full of fine dining restaurants.
We reached there at about 12.45 pm on that day. Thanks to Maya who drove like an F1 driver. I kinda control myself from freaking out each time she 'break' :D. We were greeted by Mr.Tony Wong. Very friendly, very cin-cai punya taukeh!
Here are some pictures of the place.. cozy.. I especially adore the songket teddies displayed in the glass cupboard. If you are coming for dinner, you will be entertained by traditional Malay dance performance. Ok la.. I know you would be more interested to know about the food.. To tell you the truth, there are wide variety of dishes.. you will be spoilt for choices. But what we had on that day was a very fulfilling meal and a very nice one.
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| This is where they have traditional Malay dance performance at night. |
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| one corner of the restaurant |
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| Display area.. cute teddies.. |
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| From the end of the restaurant where we sat. |
First dish arrived and this is something Mr. Tony Wong has insisted us on trying. It was Mee Kari. I always received compliments from people for my Mee Kari but this one.. is a Simple Mee Kari but the special part is that it is not too spicy yet full of flavours. You can really taste the fresh spices and the gravy is thick but not too milky (coconutty sounds pelik isn't it?) There is a choice of Mee and Mee Hoon, we had Mee and its nice. If you fancy noodles, this is a MUST Try!
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| Mee Kari |
We also had :-
Set A- nasi ulam with ayam percik, acar, sayur lodeh, keropok.
Set B- nasi minyak, rendang daging, acar, sayur lodeh, keropok.
The ayam percik - the chicken is tender and it has the flavour of 'percik' gravy through the meat. This is unlike normal ayam percik that only has the gravy coating on the chicken meat. This one its like the chicken has been soaked in the gravy..
Nasi ulam/kerabu. The rice blends very well with the finely chopped herbs and vege making it taste very natural with no apparent taste of raw vege in it.
The Nasi Minyak. Is very much different from what we usually have. It doesn't taste too oily like the normal nasi minyak cooked with ghee. If you ask me what is the different.. honestly, I don't know.. you really have to try it yourself.
The Rendang Daging. This particular dish, all of us.. Shantee, Maya and Myself really enjoyed it. Its a bit spicier compared to the ayam percik but for those 'rendang lover' out there.. this is to fall for ('to die for' macam too hardcore hehe!) I did mentioned to Mr. Tony that it will taste even better with lemang or ketupat daun palas.. One might say it will be a hit during Puasa or Hari Raya season but it will be a GREATER hit if you have this out of puasa or hari raya season.. coz its hard to get this out of its season rite??
This is my first time eating Rusuk Panggang. The meat is certainly very very tender it just practically falls off from the bone.The best part is the flavour of the dark-soya like- sauce on the meat that has a unique flavour. Not too sweet as I thought it will be and no apparent saltiness too. It taste just right. Nothing was overdone, no flavour is overpowered. Just like how the Malay describe it as "Sedang Elok, Sedang Cantik". If I am eating with my family of 5,I would have licked clean the bone as well.. hehehe! (not gelojoh okay.. enjoying every bit of it that is...)
This dish is very new to me. Shantee mentioned to me earlier that this is one of her favourite the Pucuk Paku Goreng Taik Minyak. One might say well, its just pucuk paku (fern shoot/sprout) stir fried in taik minyak (coconut milk simmered till it turns oily and turned into 2 parts, the oil part and the lumpy dark brown substance a.k.a taik minyak). Its unique taste of taik minyak gives the whole dish a distinctive sweet / milky (lemak) taste. If you are wondering as much as I was before trying this dish, you surely would want to try just to find it out yourself!
After trying all of the above, Mr. Tony Wong suggested that we try another of their unique stir fried vege. Pucuk Keledek goreng ikan masin (sweet potato shoots/sprout stir fried with salted fish). It may taste like a normal stir fried vege but its not overly done. Not too salty, no apparent spicy taste. This is what chinese say 'Cheng Chau'. Naturally stir fried.
Yeahhhh.. of all things of course we're waiting for the dessert.. We were introduced to Tapai Pulut (fermented glutinous rice), Durian Tiramisu and Pandan Pudding.
Tapai Pulut served with ice-cream. I don't take tapai pulut (nope, certainly not because of its fermented, I just don't enjoy the taste.) Maya, the tapai pulut lover said there is something really special but she couldn't tell what it is.. She keeps on frowning while finishing almost 1/2 of these all by herself.. hehehehe.. I jokingly said.. if you can't walk straight after taking this then we know what it is.. hahahaha!
Durian Tiramisu. OOi! this is WONDERFUL! I can really taste the fresh durian flavour in this. I could not believe it would taste so good and I am sure my lil girl Sarah will love it.. She is a durian fan! This is 5star recommendation and a MUST MUST Try!
Pandan Pudding. This is another new thing for me.. I am a picky eater of sort. There are food that I know I will not like/take especially those made from tapai, evaporated milk with very2 milky taste and soft things like pudding. But occassionally, I will give it a try. This pandan pudding dessert though looks very ordinary taste even better. The milky taste complemented very well with the just nice sweetness of the gula melaka. Heavennnn....
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| from left Maya, Me, Mr. Tony Wong, Shantee and Kelly |
Here is the BEST-est part. If you are wondering (as much as I do) and really would want find out what is so special with Songket Restaurant and their dishes, make your reservations and if you would kindly mention that you are a reader of lizamasrina.blogspot.com or blogmaya.com if you are also reading hers, you will be treated with a 'complementary' dessert specially from Songket Restaurant. Remember to mention either one of our blog to get the complementary dessert ya.. ;)
Please call to reserve your table to avoid disappointment. They could cater for large crowd in case you are looking for a place for a farewell dinner/lunch.
For further information and price list, do visit http://www.songketrestaurant.com/ and for another review from my blogger friend Maya visit http://blogmaya.com/
As I am writing from Penang (holiday ma...) pictures are courtesy from Maya of http://blogmaya.com/.. Thanks for sharing the pcitures Maya!
Thanks also to Mr. Tony Wong for his hospitality. We certainly enjoyed the food.
Thanks to Shantee for introducing us to Mr. Tony Wong and Songket Restaurant.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
'Never Fail' Pizza Dough.
Wonder how I always manage to have pizza for breakfast on weekdays? I stick to this best, never fail pizza dough recipe and as always I used my shortcut ingredients for the sauce.
I prefer mozzarella cheese for my pizza. Get those good premium mozzarella cheese from Cold Storage.. really nice leh!
For the pizza base sauce. You can either make your own sauce by simmering your de-seeded tomatoes add a dash of oregano or just use the bolognese mixed herbs I've shown you in my easy grill chicken chop recipe, add 2-3 tablespoon full of tomato paste (not puree ya, PASTE. its thicker and better flavour n colour compared to puree) and of course salt and pepper.
Lets start making the dough shall we..
2 cups of plain flour
1 packet (11 grams) of dried yeast
In a cup combined 3/4 cup of milk (I usually mix 1/4 of hot water to 2/4 of fresh milk to make it warm)
1/2 tablespoon of cooking sunflower, corn or canola oil.
a pinch of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of sugar
More useful tips :-
I usually keep the dough in a warm place. If I am not cooking, I will heat up my burner for a few seconds, turn of the burner, place my non stick pan and my mixing bowl on top. The heat will make your dough rise faster. Or alternately you may use the same method with your oven. I've used both ways.
I prefer mozzarella cheese for my pizza. Get those good premium mozzarella cheese from Cold Storage.. really nice leh!
For the pizza base sauce. You can either make your own sauce by simmering your de-seeded tomatoes add a dash of oregano or just use the bolognese mixed herbs I've shown you in my easy grill chicken chop recipe, add 2-3 tablespoon full of tomato paste (not puree ya, PASTE. its thicker and better flavour n colour compared to puree) and of course salt and pepper.
Lets start making the dough shall we..
2 cups of plain flour
1 packet (11 grams) of dried yeast
In a cup combined 3/4 cup of milk (I usually mix 1/4 of hot water to 2/4 of fresh milk to make it warm)
1/2 tablespoon of cooking sunflower, corn or canola oil.
a pinch of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of sugar
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| Dried yeast approximately 11 grams |
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| Look out for this Fresh Milk @ your local supermarket.. Yasmeen said it tastes better than other brands! |
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| I use sunflower oil. Other options are corn/canola |
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| Mix flour and dried yeast in a mixing bowl |
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| Warm milk, oil, salt n sugar in a cup |
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| Make a well @ the centre of your mixing bowl n pour in the water a little at a time.. |
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| Mix your dough with your fingers lady! its time to get messy and mushy! |
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| Sprinkle a little flour in between to make the dough easy to handle. Its done when its no longer sticking on your palm |
Some useful tips :-
Dough are meant to be soft, it must have enough moisture to allow to dough to rise nicely.
You may want to wash your hands after mixing the flour with the warm milk mixture and wipe your hands clean before kneading the dough a bit while dusting some flour on top.
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| Wrap your dough with a cling wrapper and allow dough to rise double the original size. It may take up to 90 minutes |
I usually keep the dough in a warm place. If I am not cooking, I will heat up my burner for a few seconds, turn of the burner, place my non stick pan and my mixing bowl on top. The heat will make your dough rise faster. Or alternately you may use the same method with your oven. I've used both ways.
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| After the dough have risen, give it a good punch! to let out all the excessive air .. :) |
At this point, you can either use the dough and start making your own pizza or, you can keep it in the fridge (if you're making the dough late in the evening and plan to use it the next morning) or keep it in the freezer if your're planning to use it much later.
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| In a plastic bag.. |
My storing method will be in a clean plastic bags (those plastic bags use to 'tapau' food lah~!). I believe you would wanna avoid keeping the dough in a tupperware.. I think it will explode considering the fact that the dough will still rise a bit while in the fridge.
If you're keeping it in the freezer.. well, of course you will need to thaw the dough before using it okay..
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| Give it a nice pat! pat! pat! |
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| Hand tossed.. not really tossing it up high la.. just tossing around with fingers or alternately you may use a rolling pin.. easier way out.. |
The 2 pictures above were taken in the morning.. around 5.30 am and I was frantically rushing to finish this for the girls' breakfast b4 school so.. I missed taking pictures while preparing the topping..
Anyway, you start with brushing some oil onto your base, then the base sauce (tomato).. the oil is to ensure that your tomato base stays moist after the baking session.
Then, you may have whatever topping you want.. Sometimes, when I have leftover sambal after our nasi lemak days, I will use that as my base sauce (for this you don't need to brush oil onto your dough coz sambal itself is already oily), pan fried some anchovies and use it as a topping alongside with generous amount of onions! best!! a must try.
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| Picture of my wonderful pizza |
If you fancy pepperoni, you can find it in Sogo supermarket. It costs about RM14 the last time I bought it.
I like my pizza thin crust.. how about you? Try this and let me know!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Grill Fish.. ala Salsabilaa..
Nur Salsabilaa a.k.a Kok Mee Lee is my schoolmate. We were in the same class since Form 3. She now lives in Singapore, have 2 girls and is juggling both work n home just like me. Recently, I came across one of her pictures in Facebook with a simple recipe of grill fish with eggy sauce..
On Saturday, after being jilted by friends who have last minute change of plans, Our family had a blast @ the international book fair in PWTC. (See, sometimes though things doesn't goes well as plan, there are still good in it as long as you keep an open mind). I heard they have a wonderful time meeting up too!
After going through ocean of human @ the book fair, We went to The Mall, have a cuppa @ Starbucks and enjoy our fav Auntie Anne'e pretzels, I popped the fav question "What's for dinner??" and Yasmeen quickly replied "Chicken Chop!". Myself could not have any more chicken, I suddenly remembered Nur Salsabilaa's grill fish recipe.. I took pictures of the process and after getting the 'green light' from her.. I am proud to present to you......Grill Fish inspired by Nur Salsabilaa
I used a non stick pan, melt some butter and grill the fish. U know that the fish is done when there are no more frantic sizzles hehehe..
Nur Salsabilaa used some pickled, a dash of vinegar and blend it with the eggs..
Put everything in the blender and with blend it well..
I gave it a bit of a twist.. I also added some pepper, some finely chopped onions and pickled.
I saute' some brocolli with carrots and fresh button mushrooms as the side dish..
Here's how tha dish looks like..
Thank you Nur Salsabilaa for sharing this and allowing me to blog it.. Its yummy..
The Verdict :-
Mr.Husband said he prefer my tangy home made tar-tar sauce which is just mayo mix with finely chopped pickled.. To me, the original recipe taste great... just personal preferences.. anyway.. try both sauce lah!
On Saturday, after being jilted by friends who have last minute change of plans, Our family had a blast @ the international book fair in PWTC. (See, sometimes though things doesn't goes well as plan, there are still good in it as long as you keep an open mind). I heard they have a wonderful time meeting up too!
After going through ocean of human @ the book fair, We went to The Mall, have a cuppa @ Starbucks and enjoy our fav Auntie Anne'e pretzels, I popped the fav question "What's for dinner??" and Yasmeen quickly replied "Chicken Chop!". Myself could not have any more chicken, I suddenly remembered Nur Salsabilaa's grill fish recipe.. I took pictures of the process and after getting the 'green light' from her.. I am proud to present to you......Grill Fish inspired by Nur Salsabilaa
I choose Dory fish fillet, no choice for brand.. its quite cheap as well RM9.99 at Cold Storage supermarket.
Seasoned with salt, pepper and a bit of turmeric powder for that golden colour...
I used a non stick pan, melt some butter and grill the fish. U know that the fish is done when there are no more frantic sizzles hehehe..
Then in the same pan, I melt more butter, put in 2 eggs and scrambled it.. I don't wanna overcooked it.. just nice to make a sauce.
Nur Salsabilaa used some pickled, a dash of vinegar and blend it with the eggs..
Put everything in the blender and with blend it well..
I gave it a bit of a twist.. I also added some pepper, some finely chopped onions and pickled.
I saute' some brocolli with carrots and fresh button mushrooms as the side dish..
Here's how tha dish looks like..
Thank you Nur Salsabilaa for sharing this and allowing me to blog it.. Its yummy..
The Verdict :-
Mr.Husband said he prefer my tangy home made tar-tar sauce which is just mayo mix with finely chopped pickled.. To me, the original recipe taste great... just personal preferences.. anyway.. try both sauce lah!
Friday, April 22, 2011
Good Deeds goes on no matter what.
People said that there will always be obstacles when 1 intend to do a good deed. Simply because the 'devil' doesn't want us to do good things.
Maybe its true but with great intention comes great challenges. I have been trying not to elaborate too much on what is happening but come a time I think others might have figured it out or might even have predicted it way before I took any action. It no longer about whether I should or should not but its more to I have to. I have to do something to at least protect those people who are sincere enough to lend a helping hand, people who do not know who I am trying to help (and never mind who) for as long as it is Liza Masrina Ibrahim's project and that basically is a TRUST, I want to keep and I am accountable for.
I have done my level best to be transparent and I have done my best to ensure other people be as transparent as I want them to be but I must admit that whilst I have every intention to help a helpless 'life' I forgot to set a limit and proper guidelines before we even begin.
I will not know she needs help unless she make it clear to me or to my friends that she is in need of money.So, I hope the word 'I never ask for help' doesn't come out from her mouth by now. I can understand a mother's dilemma when handling a sick child what more with critical ilness. I can tolerate the ups and downs of her emotion and the stress she is facing but just because I am understanding enough doesn't mean that she can walk all over me.
I never ask for any recognition, I never ask for any word of thanks. What I ask for is just to be honest, transparent, accountable to the people who doesn't even know you @ first place but is willing to help you go through tough times. Just behave and be a real mother at least one who doesn't leave a critical child in care of other people while you go on a hideout @ a place even I as a good steady income person won't go for a holiday. Spend on luxurious unnecessary items after you portray yourself as being financially unstable for having to support a critically ill child.
I do not accept excuses as being bogged down with other personal problems and stress as being the reason for acting the way a mother or even a right thinking adult should NOT act or do. At least being the least thankful and grateful to others, acknowledging their good advice (though you might not be able to do what they suggested) is something any 'polite' person would do.
I have had enough of this and I think it has gone too far in preserving what is suppose to be preserved - "Positive Thoughts" for all of the commotion and all of the unnecessary remarks plus the reluctant to reveal what I was hoping to be transparent and truthful resulting in me revealing my part of the story so as to ensure that I have done my part in protecting the interest of people who came in for the sake of 'good deeds'. I do not want to be responsible if the person we have helped decided to make a wrong turn when the funds is no longer in my control.
This to me is just another hiccups along 'the road leading to the end' of everybody's life. When we do something it is only while realizing the mistakes that we learn to improve.
Just like any other things in life, every single things that has a beginning whether its bad or good must have an end. This is indeed the END of a Chapter... We shall open a new Chapter of 'Good deeds goes on no matter what' and hope it will have a loooooonnnggg good story to share before it finally comes to the end.
I believe, while you want people to sympathise, you must always remember that god's sympathy is greater than human. If you have hundreds even millions of test lying along your way, others have TOO. Its just that they don't tell that to the whole world and they at least would not say "WHY ME?".
Before I pen off, know that I do not have any intention to tarnish anybody's reputation as it might have been done by the person herself.
I have every reason to start (what I think is) something I should do for a good cause and I have every GOOD and VALID reason to disclose what I think is not right.
I do not wish to count what I have done, my contributions are nothing.. as I cannot do all this alone.. This particular person owes me NOTHING but she owes the people who have gone an extra mile, people who in need of help themselves but brush it aside to help her BIG TIME! And I wish to thank everyone who has spread the words, chip in big or small and most importantly people who have spare their time and contributed their effort in helping a helpless kid.
I shall pray that one day this person would realize what is the true meaning of motherhood and all the pain, struggle and challenges that this tiny little kid have gone through will not be in vain. I hope she will be loved and whatever that we have intended for her is being carried out properly.
Liza Masrina Ibrahim
Maybe its true but with great intention comes great challenges. I have been trying not to elaborate too much on what is happening but come a time I think others might have figured it out or might even have predicted it way before I took any action. It no longer about whether I should or should not but its more to I have to. I have to do something to at least protect those people who are sincere enough to lend a helping hand, people who do not know who I am trying to help (and never mind who) for as long as it is Liza Masrina Ibrahim's project and that basically is a TRUST, I want to keep and I am accountable for.
I have done my level best to be transparent and I have done my best to ensure other people be as transparent as I want them to be but I must admit that whilst I have every intention to help a helpless 'life' I forgot to set a limit and proper guidelines before we even begin.
I will not know she needs help unless she make it clear to me or to my friends that she is in need of money.So, I hope the word 'I never ask for help' doesn't come out from her mouth by now. I can understand a mother's dilemma when handling a sick child what more with critical ilness. I can tolerate the ups and downs of her emotion and the stress she is facing but just because I am understanding enough doesn't mean that she can walk all over me.
I never ask for any recognition, I never ask for any word of thanks. What I ask for is just to be honest, transparent, accountable to the people who doesn't even know you @ first place but is willing to help you go through tough times. Just behave and be a real mother at least one who doesn't leave a critical child in care of other people while you go on a hideout @ a place even I as a good steady income person won't go for a holiday. Spend on luxurious unnecessary items after you portray yourself as being financially unstable for having to support a critically ill child.
I do not accept excuses as being bogged down with other personal problems and stress as being the reason for acting the way a mother or even a right thinking adult should NOT act or do. At least being the least thankful and grateful to others, acknowledging their good advice (though you might not be able to do what they suggested) is something any 'polite' person would do.
I have had enough of this and I think it has gone too far in preserving what is suppose to be preserved - "Positive Thoughts" for all of the commotion and all of the unnecessary remarks plus the reluctant to reveal what I was hoping to be transparent and truthful resulting in me revealing my part of the story so as to ensure that I have done my part in protecting the interest of people who came in for the sake of 'good deeds'. I do not want to be responsible if the person we have helped decided to make a wrong turn when the funds is no longer in my control.
This to me is just another hiccups along 'the road leading to the end' of everybody's life. When we do something it is only while realizing the mistakes that we learn to improve.
Just like any other things in life, every single things that has a beginning whether its bad or good must have an end. This is indeed the END of a Chapter... We shall open a new Chapter of 'Good deeds goes on no matter what' and hope it will have a loooooonnnggg good story to share before it finally comes to the end.
I believe, while you want people to sympathise, you must always remember that god's sympathy is greater than human. If you have hundreds even millions of test lying along your way, others have TOO. Its just that they don't tell that to the whole world and they at least would not say "WHY ME?".
Before I pen off, know that I do not have any intention to tarnish anybody's reputation as it might have been done by the person herself.
I have every reason to start (what I think is) something I should do for a good cause and I have every GOOD and VALID reason to disclose what I think is not right.
I do not wish to count what I have done, my contributions are nothing.. as I cannot do all this alone.. This particular person owes me NOTHING but she owes the people who have gone an extra mile, people who in need of help themselves but brush it aside to help her BIG TIME! And I wish to thank everyone who has spread the words, chip in big or small and most importantly people who have spare their time and contributed their effort in helping a helpless kid.
I shall pray that one day this person would realize what is the true meaning of motherhood and all the pain, struggle and challenges that this tiny little kid have gone through will not be in vain. I hope she will be loved and whatever that we have intended for her is being carried out properly.
Liza Masrina Ibrahim
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Lasagna.. Ooh Lalla..
Yasmeen really loves western n Italian food.. Her all time fav is lasagne. She really enjoy what I cook for her.. every single day.. Breakfast,lunch n dinner!
Since I have to postpone my plan to make lasagne, I have set my mind to do it this morning before I go to work.. for the kid's lunch
This is how I do my lasagne:-
I have San Remo Instant lasagne sheets ( I do not know how others do it but I actually boil the sheets before I arrange it in my dish)
Minced Chicken or beef ( With a little oil, fry garlic till fragrant, put in the minced chicken, add some black pepper, mixed herbs (refer to my grill chicken chop recipe for pic) and cook till its well, COOK.)
White sauce [melt butter, add in 2 tbs of flour, stir, remove from heat, add in 2 cups of fresh milk, a bit of salt n pepper, bring to boil, when it thickens a bit, remove from heat n stir in some cheese (any cheese)]
Then arrange next sheet of lasagne on top of that and this time pour in your white sauce.. and continue with the sheets and alternately arrange it with the spaghetti sauce + minced chicken n END with the white sauce.. depending on how many layers you have but the TOP part must be the white sauce n your cheese.. GENEROUS amount of cheese ya.. Here's how mine looks like..
and before I get it into the oven, I pour in more milk at the edges and corner of my lasagne dish.. let it soak a bit.. enough moisture is the key to your tender lasagne..
Oven bake @ 180 degree celcius till the top part turn brown... I like it brown n crispy just like this..
IF you have any other ways of doing it.. Please share.. I would love to try! Again.. Happy Cooking!
Since I have to postpone my plan to make lasagne, I have set my mind to do it this morning before I go to work.. for the kid's lunch
This is how I do my lasagne:-
I have San Remo Instant lasagne sheets ( I do not know how others do it but I actually boil the sheets before I arrange it in my dish)
Minced Chicken or beef ( With a little oil, fry garlic till fragrant, put in the minced chicken, add some black pepper, mixed herbs (refer to my grill chicken chop recipe for pic) and cook till its well, COOK.)
White sauce [melt butter, add in 2 tbs of flour, stir, remove from heat, add in 2 cups of fresh milk, a bit of salt n pepper, bring to boil, when it thickens a bit, remove from heat n stir in some cheese (any cheese)]
I also use Prego spaghetti sauce as I have to chase the ticking clock u see.. (I will try and give you recipe for the base sauce for pizza n lasagne later la ha..)
Then here is the fun part, I start greasing my dish with little bit of oil. then I arrange my 1st lasagne sheet. Looks like this
 |
| 1st sheets of lasagne |
 |
| Then the prego spaghetti sauce n the minced chicken |
 |
| With minced chicken |
Then arrange next sheet of lasagne on top of that and this time pour in your white sauce.. and continue with the sheets and alternately arrange it with the spaghetti sauce + minced chicken n END with the white sauce.. depending on how many layers you have but the TOP part must be the white sauce n your cheese.. GENEROUS amount of cheese ya.. Here's how mine looks like..
and before I get it into the oven, I pour in more milk at the edges and corner of my lasagne dish.. let it soak a bit.. enough moisture is the key to your tender lasagne..
Oven bake @ 180 degree celcius till the top part turn brown... I like it brown n crispy just like this..
IF you have any other ways of doing it.. Please share.. I would love to try! Again.. Happy Cooking!
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