Wednesday, January 28, 2009

HARITH'S TRIP PART II


The Mid Valley Mega Mall is just 15 minutes away from our residence. More than half an hour if the traffic is heavy.

10.40a.m. 25th January, was a perfect day for an outing. Many city folks went back to their hometowns for the Chinese New Year festive season.

We decided to do some shopping for Aunt Dee. She would be starting college very soon. Some new clothing, new shoes and pants are needed.

As usual , getting ready for this young prince aka Harith, would need everyone's combined effort. Where is my milk bottle, lunch, hot water, plain water, juice, nappies, wipes, shirt, long pants, bag and ME, Harith? Stroller and car seat? Where are they? Oh okay, they are already out of Papa's car.

What next? Oh look, who is that getting ready at the front door? ME again! I was so afraid I would be left behind. I was overly anxious... that's not very unusual at all... especially when everyone appeared so dressed up.

Anyway, ladies! Make sure you have the car keys, house keys, see to the back door, locked! Kitchen door, locked! Done! Okay, everyone's handbags, purses, room keys, sunglasses? Checked, roger and out!

Papa was at the door smiling at all of us...
"Going for an outing, again Harith? "
Now who is to sit in front? Aunt Za was at the wheel, Wan must be in front...she's big. Mama was to sit at the back with Aunt Dee and Harith on my car sit. Two thin people were at the back... and this little prince...was comfortably strapped and buckled.

There were not many traffics and the parking lots were still empty... but not those nearest to the entrance. We found our way up and into Jaya Jusco. The lady's department did not attract me so much. Luckily there was this huge mirror near the long bench. Wan could sit and watch over me while waiting for Aunt Dee and Mama trying some outfits in the fitting rooms.

Here goes... ready? Smile....
"Hello, I am Harith (introducing myself to this giant mirror)...How are you? I am fine thank you. And how do you do? Fine too. Nice outfit? Ya, yours too. Your shoes...Mr.Clarks? Mine too. I have two hands. So have I.

Looking to remind AZ, "Aunt Za, make sure you take pictures of the both of us , okay?"
Wan, aren't you joining me and my pal here?
How about you? Aren't you interested to play with me? Nope? It's okay, go on. Choose what you want.


Okay, have you any ideas ? YES? NO!

WHAT? Did I hear right?

No! I don't think so. It does seem right. What? Here you mean?

Okay, give me a second. Let me think.


OH! It's okay MAMA, the mirror is clean, so is my firend. MMMMMMMMMMMMMMM



Okay Aunt Za, have you got every shot for my short sketch? Thank you.

After this, I went to find a seat and had my lunch. Aunt Dee took so long to try her outfits... tra la lala lala!


pst! wan did not take any pictures... her cam turned red... out of batteries... hahahaha.


Saturday, January 24, 2009

A TRIP... HARITH'S PERSPECTIVE


Early morning, I was shoved into Mama-Wan's car. What, without breakfast? That was odd! People must be in a hurry to go somewhere. Never mind, as long as I am included, I don't quite mind. Going for a drive must be fun. I get to see more colors than the white walls in our house.

Up the hill Mama went. Taking a right turn... Ha! Must be going to the campus. Then I knew my guess was correct. As she was maneuvering to the left, I saw the campus gate which was only five minutes away from where we live. The guard was at the gate. He let us in. Along the short journey, I noticed lots of greens on the hill to my left. Mama made two more right turns. Now I was beginning to see buildings. They must be the Language Faculty. Down the hill she drove, this time stopping at the junction. After the traffics cleared off, Mama made her second right turning. Passing through and she stopped at this huge building called Perdana Siswa.

Aunt Dee got out of the car and into the building she went. Soon, she came back and talked to Mama. I guess there was something that was urgently needed to be done. What? So soon we were already home. Wan was in her bedroom. Then I saw they both went out without me... I tried to protest but they simply disappeared out of my sight. Wan must be sending Mama to work.

A few minutes later, Wan came home. I heard her talking to Aunt Dee. I was given my breakfast and drinks. Wan then prepared their breakfast. Aunt Dee went upstairs to change her clothes. Wan did the same. I saw something else was ready for me... a pair of long pants and baby blue colored T-Shirt (my smart attire for outings) from Doha, Qatar... a gift from uncle Zamin. HA! We are going somewhere now!

Wan was at the wheel and Aunt Dee was seated at the back with me strapped to her lap. My baby chair was in Papa's car. And Papa was at the Selayang Hospital since early morning. Uci was to be operated for he liver cancer. Wan prayed hard for her... she is like a sister to Wan. Wan is actually having soft spots for everyone in her life.

Through the Parliament House we drove. On reaching the Lake Garden and National Monument area, there was massive traffic jam. Wan maneuvered through but soon was in the queue to reach the traffic lights. People grew so impatient. The yellow box was not empty. There was a bus, vehicles and vehicle...all jammed up. It suddenly looked like some "undisciplined" drivers were at work!

Patiently, Wan trudged along. I was busy looking at the tyres, big and small. Little ones from the motor bikes, big ones were from the car and huge ones were from the buses. Above, the sun was shining brightly . The sky was clear. No rains! Thank God, Alhamdulillah. Otherwise the jam would have worsened.

We continued the journey. On the right, I saw a huge colonial-looking building, it was the Civil Court. As Wan took a left turn, I saw The City Municipal Council Building. Newly renovated... perhaps at least two years now... I did not know for sure because I was not born yet. Wan might have known.

Further down, passing few more office buildings, I saw SOGO shopping complex. Next to it was Pertama Shopping Center with face lifts done since a couple of years back. Was turned to the right. We reached MARA Building. Driving through very narrow lane, I saw lots of huge cars. People were having a meeting , I was sure. They were big shots' cars. At the end of the building I saw a red cone and a sign board that was printed with "Car park FULL". The Security Guard, just walked passed it. Wan smiled broadly and talked to him. Then I saw him removing the cone and let Wan drove through and down to the underground parking area.

To the basement we went and basement three was Wan's choice. She knew the secret parking space that not many people knew in that building. She used to be a contractor supplying furniture and uniforms to this organization. NO wonder! 

As soon as we got down, I felt warm and there was nasty smell coming from fumes of those vehicles including ours. Quickly we found our way to the lift. I was allowed to press the lift. Great! That was my first time ever... ever in my entire one year life.... to get the chance to do it. Hahaha!

We reached the ground floor. There were not many people there... but of course, the reception counter was shifted elsewhere. We found our way somehow. Got into the queue and I was in Wan's arms. I could imagine the hurts she got from carrying 11 kg.-weight in her arm. I could walk. But the place was so strange. I was not sure whether I wanted to walk. I had my birthday shoes on but without any socks, it was called Clarks. Papa bought it for me.

We waited for the lift again. This time I did not get any chance to press the button. There were many people. Then our lift arrived. Up to the third floor we got. When the lift opened, I saw so many young people of Aunt Dee's age. All of them were carrying bright yellow scholarship forms. Aunt Dee was delivering her letter of acceptance to the counter. It took quite a while to settle there. 

A young man offered his seat to Wan and me. So polite of this uncle. He got up, signaling us to seat and he stood by the wall. Then Wan said to me:

"Harith, say thank you to that uncle, He gave us his seat". I then turned to him, (as though understood Wan's words) and smiled... giving him my sweet smile...handsome smile perhaps? He smiled back. Probably he too, understood Wan's message to me a little while ago. He was in pale blue long sleeved shirt.

When Aunt Dee finished her business there, down we went returning the name tag to the counter. I was allowed to walk freely there. I made little noises. The guard was trying to touch me, but I resented. The floor was newly refurbished, the place was brightly lighted and very posh looking. The renovation must have just been completed ... there were signs telling such a thing.

We went into the Islamic Bank on the same floor. As we entered, the bank's security guard asked Wan, where were we going. Perhaps we looked more like people who wanted to take a seat in the air conditioned bank than to do any transactions. Anyway, after telling him our intentions, he let us in. Aunt Dee was already inside before us.

We took a seat on a gray settee. There was something that caught my attention. The voice called out for some numbers. It sounded different each time it made that loud sound. Wan repeated the number to me. Something else was there too for me...to pass my time. The arm rest of this settee was moving freely. I moved it round and round and round and round. I was sure Wan was ever so glad I found something to play with.

Then I saw Aunt Dee went to the counter. Once her transaction was done, we decided to have our snack. Up the escalator we got. It was not my first time up on it. But when I was in my stroller, Mama and Papa always took the lift. We found a cafe' and comfortably settled there. Aunt Dee prepared my milk... ha! Was I hungry?

Then I heard Wan suggesting we go next door, to the Maju Junction Building. It was a huge shopping place with some government offices located there. Next to it, was Open University Campus. But after much deliberation, they both aborted the idea. WHY? Because there was only one milk supply, which I have just finished and there was no nestum in my bag. So, there you are! Next time don't forget to bring extra food for me if you decide to bring me along.

Anyway, after almost two hours in the building, we went down to the car park. I got to press the lift 'button...again? YES I did! Hooray!

As Wan drove out, I dozed off and therefore, there was nothing else to tell. I did not get to see anything anymore. My eyes were shut, closed. I was in Aunt Dee's comfortable arms.

When the car stopped, I opened my eyes, blink, blink,  and where were we? OH, we were already home! The pillows, comforter and cushions looked so familiar to me... BUT of course! They were my buddies... during the day time that's where I took my rest and sleep.

Well... until the next scribe from Amir Harith, do visit my Wan's blog often and please leave comments. Don't just leave silently without traces... OH! Feedjit is there... to tell where you came from....but there was nothing to read ..only footsteps were seen.


Friday, January 23, 2009

Thanks and Gratitude...


I am humbled to find that Grandmak - A Bit of the Blarney thinks I deserve this gift. So I say thank you to Grandmak of Newburgh, IN, United States.

Her blog is exceedingly charming. This kind blogger aim to find and be friends. Many bloggers are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award.”

So I offer this award to: (oh this is the hardest part... every blog has its own uniqueness)






More tea please?


To all bloggers who are not listed above, you are as wonderful and your blogs are amazing!
Enjoy this award game...

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

BIRTHDAYS FOR ALL


this was RTL's first banner 
 
16TH DECEMBER 2007 marked the birth of this blog ..
.
From the beginning it was named TLady. When my elder sister, Faridah commented about thousands of tladies in the blog, I took a peep in the Google to discover what she really meant. OOOOOOOO very saucy indeed. Hence, I changed to RTL simply to distinguish them and this other Tlady.

TO DATE, I only have 206 posts inclusive of few drafts. I failed to reach the 366th post before the year of 2008 ended. Since last August... I dared myself to venture into this blog sphere through Here In The Hills. Meetings with Cyber Friends  in this blog sphere were tremendously enjoyed. More scribes were shared and read across the continents and comments were exchanged with pleasures. Some silent visitors  did drop by, without leaving a single word but trails in the Feedjit. I appreciate every single tapping from your key board to reach my blog. Amazing pictures were shared with so much joys and all I could conclude is MOST OF THEM are "eye opening to me"
10th January 2009 marked the first birthday to my first grandson, Amir Harith. It was two days in advance celebration thrown by Mama and Papa and US. Here are some snap shots of Harith's guests... babies, toddlers, overgrown babies and grannies.

Harith's youngest guest, a 4 month old boy next door who was so lovable.  Harith admired his socks...
Birthday Cake cutting with Mama and Papa assisting. It was presented by Aunt Zaza.  The cupcake glass tray is older than Granny's age.  It was a passed down the memory lane item from Great Granny...
 
 Harith's special corner for his invited guests
 OOOOOOOOO An upset birthday boy ...
Entertaining a guest with Mama
Harith's extra talent...pushing a chair
Overwhelmed with gifts
When every guests left, Harith's Mama, uncles, aunties and grannies shared theh joy of opening the presents.
SOOOOOooooo exhausted... Harith is down and outttttttt...nighty night....

 
11th was Aunt Zaza's, 12th was Harith's actual birthday and 21st was UCI's (Papa's beloved Mom)...
May Allah Bless all of us with pleasant health, prosperity, stronger Iman, Taqwa and Patience.
 

PRESIDENT BARRACK HUSSEIN OBAMA

THE WORLD IS WATCHING YOUR INAUGURATION IN AWE!!!!!!!!

Obama pledges new start with Muslim

Featured Topics:
Obama becomes 1st black U.S. president, seeks new era
Reuters – U.S. President Barack Obama gestures while delivering his speech after taking the Oath of Office to become …
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – President Barack Obama promised to improve U.S. ties with the Muslim world in his inauguration address on Tuesday, after tensions that followed the September 11 attacks and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect," said Obama, who became the first black president of the United States.
Obama, a practicing Christian, spent several years of his childhood in Indonesia, the most populous Muslim nation. His American mother, Ann Dunham, married Muslim Indonesian Lolo Soetoro after the end of her marriage to Obama's Kenyan father.
"To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist," Obama said.
Under President George W. Bush, U.S. relations with Muslim nations have often been fractious, particularly after the September 11 attacks.
Many Muslims were angered by the U.S.-led wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and the opening of a prison for foreign terrorism suspects at the U.S. military base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, widely seen as a symbol of human rights abuses of mostly Muslim prisoners carried out in the name of the "war on terrorism."
The Council on American Islamic Relations welcomed Obama's promise on seeking better relations with Muslim nations.
"We hope this encouraging statement, coupled with a change in America's previous policies toward the Muslim world, will help improve our nation's image and promote a safe and prosperous future for all of humanity," said Nihad Awad, executive director of the council.
The first Muslim to be elected to the U.S. Congress, Minnesota Democratic Rep. Keith Ellison, said Obama's words were an important signal of goodwill to Muslims in the United States as well as the rest of the world.
"I do believe it could undermine recruiting for al Qaeda," he told Reuters, because "their message depends on trying to demonize the United States as a country that is somehow hostile to Islam and the Muslim world."
Ellison said Obama's outreach would make it hard for al Qaeda to sustain its anti-American message.
Many Muslims are already excited about Obama, he said.
"If you were to go to Damascus, or Cairo, or Jerusalem today, you could find an Obama tee shirt. People are excited about the possibilities for what this means around the globe."
The population of Ellison's district is three or four percent Muslim, he said. Since his election to Congress in 2006, another Muslim has also been voted in: Democrat Andre Carson of Indiana.
About 300 young Muslims from 76 countries signed a letter published in the Washington Post on Tuesday, urging the new president to make policy changes that could improve relations between the Muslim world and the West.
(Additional reporting by Susan Cornwell; editing by Patricia Zengerle)
President Barack Obama gestures from his reviewing stand during the inaugural parade in front of the White House in Washington January 20, 2009.

Obama Look-Alike Becomes Indonesia TV Star

A Indonesian magazine photographer who bears a striking resemblance to Barack Obama is now collecting paychecks as a president-elect look-alike.

FOXNews.com
Tuesday, January 20, 2009


That's not Barack Obama selling heartburn medication.
It's Ilham Anas, an Indonesian magazine photographer who bears a striking resemblance to the president-elect. The 34-year-old is now collecting paychecks as an Obama look-alike.
"At first my nose and eyes made me self-conscious, but now I think they are God's blessing," Ilham Anas told the Associated Press.
Like Obama, Anas is of American and Kenyan descent. His new life as an Obama double started after the November 2008 election.
"My colleagues played a practical joke on me -- they made me wear a suit, a tie, and took pictures of me posing as Obama," Anas told Reuters.
From there, his notoriety soared.
"The pictures spread very quickly on the Internet, he told Reuters. "It was phenomenal. Then TV stations and an advertising agency got in touch with me."
Now, Anas is making public appearances around Asia, and even appeared in a heartburn medication commercial in the Philippines. While he won't be present in Washington, D.C., as Obama is inaugurated, Anas will be playing the part on Indonesian television.

US FIRST LADY


U.S. first lady Michelle Obama waves after dancing with President Barack Obama at the Neighborhood Inaugural Ball in Washington January 20, 2009. Obama took power as the first black U.S. president on Tuesday and quickly turned the page on the Bush years, urging Americans to rally to end the worst economic crisis in generations and repair the U.S. image abroad.

REUTERS/Rick Wilking (UNITED STATES)

Melissa Margarita-DiStefano - LET'S EAT CAKE for Children’s Research Hospital


a chain blog from Our Scented Cottage


Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Blogging For A Cause...St Jude's Hospital

[lkj.jpg]



Please take a minute to help spread the word. It feels so good to help a cause that is worthwhile. Let’s Eat Cake, an amazing fundraiser hosted by the equally amazing Melissa Margarita-DiStefano, is coming up soon. Tuesday, February 17th the Plaza Paramount Hotel hosts "Let’s Eat Cake." Let's Eat Cake is a cake decorating competition with all proceeds going to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. In an effort to make sure we get the word out to everyone (and raise money), we are starting this chain-blog. Here’s what we need you to do…

Repost this post (or create your own new version) on your blog and ask others to post it on their blogs. Melissa will donate one dollar to the fundraiser for EVERY BLOG that posts on Let’s Eat Cake this week! With the power of the blog sphere, that can QUICKLY add up! Let’s make Melissa pay! Once you have re posted it, leave a comment letting us know that you posted it along with the url to the blog. It’s for a great cause and it will be fun to see how far it will go! So lets do it… Lets blog it forward and raise money for a great cause!!!

**Kudos to Unique Designs for creating this fun chain-blog effort!**P.S. Ok, Melissa… time to kick in another $1!P.S.S. If any business wants to help out with a matching challenge, Melissa would love to hear from you!

Sunday, January 18, 2009

QUNUT NAZILAH

Assalamualaikum dear Muslim Brothers and Sisters... something for everyone. Please copy and amalkan selagi umat Islam ditindas, dizalimi, dikhianati, dilanda musibah & bencana (spt.Tsunami, gempa bumi dll.) . Dibaca ketika 'iktidal dalam rokaat akhir didalam setiap solat fardhu tetapi jika susah nak hafal, boleh dibaca selepas solat. Wallahu'alam.





Tolonglah sebar-sebarkan untuk yang belum terima QN ini. Semuga Allah selamatkan bumi Palestin dari kekejaman Zionist la'anatullah. Amin ya Robil a'lamin. Allahuakbar, Allahuakbar, Allahuakbar!

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Birthday Preparation for HARITH


mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
With all the hustle and bustle, preparing for his guests of 50 including over sized babies (the parents of course)
... Harith could afford an hour nap up in his favorite hide out... Wan's bedroom.



Meanwhile downstairs, Papa was busy getting the kids table mats neatly arranged on the meal table. That was two hours before the guests arrived.



While Mama...what did Mama do? Ow! Mama was busy preparing the drink - orange cordial mixed with red syrup


This fried bee hoon (thin rice noodles) was our breakfast - Wan prepared it earlier on.

1 packet bee hoon
1 clove garlic
2 large red onions (one sliced, one blend with garlic)
1 cup anchovies or dried prawns
10 stalks of dried chillies
Fish balls, squids, fresh prawns or any additional ingredients you desire
Cabbage or any green leafy vegetables
Salt and seasonings

1. Prepare the wok. Put in oil. Fry blended garlic, onions, chillies and anchovies till cooked (approximately 20 minutes...> this is to avoid getting tummy ache with chillies).
2. Add fish balls, salt, seasonings and other fresh ingredients. Cook for another 15 minutes. Adding sufficient hot water.
3. Add bee hoon. Do not stir so too much else, the strands breaks easily.
4. Add vegetables.
5. Gently stirring the fried noodles till they get softer.
6. May add beaten eggs if you like.
7. Once cooked, garnish with sliced fresh red chillies, spring onions and fried shallots.
8. OR sliced boiled eggs OR omelet, thinly sliced and use as garnishing.





Meanwhile Papa prepared this sandwiches for the kids in town...Wan found this in the fridge...



Aunt Dee did the decorating work since last night. She and Aunt Zaza blew the balloons manually... then Aunt Dee put them down in kid's corner, up on the walls AND she also prepared fancy menu cards.




This is the food corner...the table was still empty at the time I took pictures...



Food Labeling was done by aunt Dee.



Harith's most favorite glass paintings... painted by Wan aka RTL...





bAKED cURRY pUFFS - prepared by WAN aka RTL
Using short crust pastry - 1 kg plain floor, 500 gm. butter (salted), 1 glass iced cold water
Method - cut up butter in the floor, using finger tips work the floor till it becomes bread crumbs like. Add cold water all at once. Using metal spoon mix the dough well. Form into balls and leave to coagulate.

Prepare the fillings
1 tray of minced beef
1 can mushrooms- chopped or diced
3 big Russets potatoes - diced
3-4 large red or Spanish onions - dices
1 cinnamon stick
3 cardamoms
2 cloves
1 star aniseed
5 garlic - chopped
5 shallots - chopped
3 Tbsp.Curry powder
1 tray minced beef or chicken
1 Tbsp.Tomato sauce
Salt &seasonings

Method
1. Heat oil in the wok or pan.
2. Add in sliced ingredients, dried spices and fry till lightly brown (not burnt). Add curry powder.
Cook 15 minutes.
3. Add mince beef or chicken. Stir well. Leave to cook.
4. Add mushrooms and cook for 10 minutes.
5. Add seasonings and lastly diced onions. Stir for only 5 minutes.

Prepare the pastry for curry puffs - sizes as desired. If you do not want a tedious work, use bigger circle cutter and cut pastry. Put just sufficient filling so that the edges are secured and not smeared with fillings. Remember to remove spices. Arrange on baking tray. Brush surfaces of curry puffs with eggs.
Bake at 180F for 20 minutes or till done.

Fried RICE - Papa's Recipee
Align Center
1. 6 pots rice - ready cooked.
2. 1 clove garlic
3. 2 big red onion
4. Prawn or fish balls, or chicken - cut up in to small size.
5. Mixed vegetable - frozen.
6. Seasonings.
7. May add black pepper or, salted fish or dried chillies to add color and taste.

Boil rice. Leave to cool. Fry onions and garlic in a wok. Add wet ingredients. When cooked, add mixed vegetables. Add salt and seasonings. Ad rice, stir for 15 minutes. Serve.

Spaghetti Bolognes - Mama' delight
1. Boil 1 packet spaghetti. Drain.
2. Prepare the sauce using ready made sauce mix.
3. Add mushrooms, paprika, carrots, tomatoes - diced.
4. Serve hot with dried herbs and cheese generously sprinkled.

UCI (Harith's granny from Papa's side) has prepared Chicken Curry with Roti Jala
(pictures may be uploaded later...from another camera)

Cik Zaza bought birthday cakes and cup cakes - she went so far to fetch the cakes...

Quite disappointed with Thomas's face that did not turn out so well.... But cup cake's faces turn out quite well.





The Birthday Baby...so peaceful....Happy birthday to you...