Adam Iman at Day 1 in grandpa's arms
Friday, October 7, 2011
Adam Iman's Debut
It was an excurating wait for us all. Calls kept criss-crossing between the house and the hospital for the 5th upto late morning 6th for us to be kept updated of the hospital happenings. We could only heave our relieved breath after 1:20 pm, October 6, 2011, with news of 3.2 kg bundle safe delivery. He chose to arrive via vacuum suction. He is our Adam Iman.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Awaiting a new addition to the family
There were gentle knocks on our bedroom door at about 2:55 am this morning. I was half-awake, more asleep. What finally jerked me up was when mentally reminded that our eldest was with us in the house. She has taken leave from work while awaiting her delivery due date, expected on the 7th. But looks like NOW is the time!
Woke up my husband and rushed to the door. Sure enough, my girl was at the door. "Think my water just broke!". That announcement got us into motion. There was no labour pain though but we rather not risk it. Woke up my youngest. She chose to join us to the Serdang Hospital. By 4:30 am we were in the car driving to the hospital, less than 10 minutes away. The normally jam-packed road was eerily twilight zone in nature, with the approaching dawn.
We checked the expecting daughter into the maternity clinic and called the son-in-law. He was then about an hour away at their house in Banting. The plan was that their school going son should not be missing school, but he will need to today. We changed shift with his arrival and head for home. A good rest is needed to prepare for the new arrival.
We waited for news should there be some new development. Nothing changed much even after our evening visit at about 6:30 pm. My daughter was admitted to Ward 5F, Bed P03.
Woke up my husband and rushed to the door. Sure enough, my girl was at the door. "Think my water just broke!". That announcement got us into motion. There was no labour pain though but we rather not risk it. Woke up my youngest. She chose to join us to the Serdang Hospital. By 4:30 am we were in the car driving to the hospital, less than 10 minutes away. The normally jam-packed road was eerily twilight zone in nature, with the approaching dawn.
We checked the expecting daughter into the maternity clinic and called the son-in-law. He was then about an hour away at their house in Banting. The plan was that their school going son should not be missing school, but he will need to today. We changed shift with his arrival and head for home. A good rest is needed to prepare for the new arrival.
We waited for news should there be some new development. Nothing changed much even after our evening visit at about 6:30 pm. My daughter was admitted to Ward 5F, Bed P03.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Kak Noriah's Farewell
Malaysians' big heart has to be expressed. Words do not suffice. After the many goodbyes baded Kak Noriah, it's her turn to bade us all. We were invited to her abode this morning for breakfast as a way of saying her goodbyes to friends who cared to be there. I never expected such a big crowd. She really really has a BIG heart. Friends from all walks of her office life were there; from the corporate planner, budget manager, accountants, engineers, auditors, economista to her tea lady friends and many more. Even I could not claim friends of her number. I felt so humbling to be with the crowd and to top the cap of our friendship.
Kak Noriah, we wish you the very best in your retirement, may you be in good health and the Mighty Allah be blessing you always.
Kak Noriah, we wish you the very best in your retirement, may you be in good health and the Mighty Allah be blessing you always.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
The Office Seminar
We have this monthly office seminar where we have everybody in the office, irrespective of their position, a chance to share a subject they fancy. Consequently, we hope there'll be knowledge sharing and idea fusion. We have two topics scheduled for each session and we made it mandatory for all to attend, except should critical office matters arise. I have also been using this gathering to share the latest news from the management. Attendance had been improving lately.
A variety of topics were presented this year ranging from concern for the body cholesterol level, the computer DOS, operations of the technology pre-commercialisation fund, our achievements in the recent 5-year development plan and what it takes to be a Public Relations (PR) personnel. Indeed these make for interesting discussions after each presentation. The PowerPoint slides will be made available to others in the organisation through EDAMS.
The PR topic was made interesting when Akmar, the speaker, showed slides of the people they had a chance to meet, enticing those attending with oooos....and ahhhhs, from the popular tv stars to the big guys in town as the prime minister and heads of state. Akmar was challenged with the question of the group state of preparedness in times of PR crisis. She was very articultive in her response as a real case was narrated and how they came about handling it. The case was the massive highland soil erosion due to poor slope management highlighted by the local media happening on our very own land. It appeared on TV3's Aduan Rakyat (The People's Complain).
For Akmar, the high side of the job was upon getting SMSes Hari Raya messages from most directors of the organisation, members of the press and others that she has dealings with. She felt really appreciated.
We thank you Akmar for sharing your experience.
A variety of topics were presented this year ranging from concern for the body cholesterol level, the computer DOS, operations of the technology pre-commercialisation fund, our achievements in the recent 5-year development plan and what it takes to be a Public Relations (PR) personnel. Indeed these make for interesting discussions after each presentation. The PowerPoint slides will be made available to others in the organisation through EDAMS.
The PR topic was made interesting when Akmar, the speaker, showed slides of the people they had a chance to meet, enticing those attending with oooos....and ahhhhs, from the popular tv stars to the big guys in town as the prime minister and heads of state. Akmar was challenged with the question of the group state of preparedness in times of PR crisis. She was very articultive in her response as a real case was narrated and how they came about handling it. The case was the massive highland soil erosion due to poor slope management highlighted by the local media happening on our very own land. It appeared on TV3's Aduan Rakyat (The People's Complain).
For Akmar, the high side of the job was upon getting SMSes Hari Raya messages from most directors of the organisation, members of the press and others that she has dealings with. She felt really appreciated.
We thank you Akmar for sharing your experience.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Floaties in my eye
I have been encountering this problem for quite sometime. At first I thought they were just stains on my glasses. Wiping my glasses did not wipe the stains away. What was more intriguing was that the stains stayed even when I moved my eyes. I notice that I am having this problem with my left eye. During one of my regular medicals, I mentioned the problem to the attending MD. She send me to her nurse for my vision check. Nothing wrong with my vision. She then scribbled a note to the Opthalmology Clinic at Serdang Hospital for me to have a thorough check-up.
I went to Serdang Hospital and was given an appointment date to be seen by the eye specialist. The date was set for 29 Sept 2011. I was told not to come alone as they plan on putting eye-drops that will enlarge my iris to enable my eyeballs be checked. My vision will be temporarily impaired and I am not to drive. Sounds reasonable to me. I need not worry as my other half will always be there for my hospital visits.
Dr. Karim, an Iranian doctor, attended to me. There were eight UPM medical students with him. Wow, am I a specimen here? After listening to my complains he turned to the students, "What do you think is the problem, kids?" His intonation surprised me. Think things have changed for the better in medical schools. Normally specialist doctors just shoot questions at student doctors without much care for their dignity and at times can be intimidating. Good for the students, they are sufficiently stressed by the course, a warm and fun-learning atmosphere would make the course more enjoyable. I for one would want them to diagnose my problem correctly. Dr. Karim confirmed that the problem is only with my left eye.
A cutie student doctor dared answer though haltingly, half-answer, half-question, "Floatie?". She got it right and a with a beaming smile Dr. Karim, explain my case with the students listening intensely. Although without any history of diabetes in the family, but with hyper-tension, cholesterol slightly on the high side and age, 'floatie' is seen as a normal situation. It has to do with the vitreous gel losing its viscosity and impurities finding its way in, thus the floaties. But my case is very minor (Alhamdulillah) and I am told not to be excessively worried. I am to avoid excessive drying of the eyes, so no strong wind as fan or direct air-conditioning flow to the eyes. I was given eyedrops and that was it.
Wow...the sun really got to my eyes. True, no way should I be driving with such a vision.
I mentioned my case to my office mates. Seemed that I am not the only one having the problem. Hahaha.... everybody very much in the same age bracket! My next visit is scheduled in one year's time. I wouldn't know should Dr. Karim be still attending to me but my thanks all the same to the kind and knowledgeable doctor and best wishes to those student doctors.
Just for kicks I would just say, "I'll see you in a year's time".
I went to Serdang Hospital and was given an appointment date to be seen by the eye specialist. The date was set for 29 Sept 2011. I was told not to come alone as they plan on putting eye-drops that will enlarge my iris to enable my eyeballs be checked. My vision will be temporarily impaired and I am not to drive. Sounds reasonable to me. I need not worry as my other half will always be there for my hospital visits.
Dr. Karim, an Iranian doctor, attended to me. There were eight UPM medical students with him. Wow, am I a specimen here? After listening to my complains he turned to the students, "What do you think is the problem, kids?" His intonation surprised me. Think things have changed for the better in medical schools. Normally specialist doctors just shoot questions at student doctors without much care for their dignity and at times can be intimidating. Good for the students, they are sufficiently stressed by the course, a warm and fun-learning atmosphere would make the course more enjoyable. I for one would want them to diagnose my problem correctly. Dr. Karim confirmed that the problem is only with my left eye.
A cutie student doctor dared answer though haltingly, half-answer, half-question, "Floatie?". She got it right and a with a beaming smile Dr. Karim, explain my case with the students listening intensely. Although without any history of diabetes in the family, but with hyper-tension, cholesterol slightly on the high side and age, 'floatie' is seen as a normal situation. It has to do with the vitreous gel losing its viscosity and impurities finding its way in, thus the floaties. But my case is very minor (Alhamdulillah) and I am told not to be excessively worried. I am to avoid excessive drying of the eyes, so no strong wind as fan or direct air-conditioning flow to the eyes. I was given eyedrops and that was it.
Wow...the sun really got to my eyes. True, no way should I be driving with such a vision.
I mentioned my case to my office mates. Seemed that I am not the only one having the problem. Hahaha.... everybody very much in the same age bracket! My next visit is scheduled in one year's time. I wouldn't know should Dr. Karim be still attending to me but my thanks all the same to the kind and knowledgeable doctor and best wishes to those student doctors.
Just for kicks I would just say, "I'll see you in a year's time".
Friday, September 23, 2011
Our very own Hari Raya do - Corporate Affairs Division
We have our office very own Eid celebration today. The practice is that we would throw in other celebrations in a gathering normally attended by most in the department. For today's gathering, apart from the Eid, we'll also have a new child celebration (should recommend that a grandchild celebration be also held), birthdays and partings for those going into retirement. The KP made time to grace our gathering and he has the Datin accompanying. Thank you Datuk and Datin.
For the on-goings, I'll just let the pictures do the talking.
For the on-goings, I'll just let the pictures do the talking.
The food spread. These pictures has to be taken as a bahan
bukti to make the CSI a much easier job later.
The Baryani rice has yet to make its entry
The Baryani rice has yet to make its entry
The food at the main table.
The best tasting peanut sauce I've ever taken,
prepared by Lynn's 70 year old grandma.
prepared by Lynn's 70 year old grandma.
Lynn should ensure that she masters the recipe to keep the tradition alive.
Joha, our club president, welcoming us.
Datuk KP reminding us to spare a thought for the Somalis.
Datuk KP and Mr. President enjoying the spread.
Zul, the past President, playing host to Datin.
Patiently queing for the spread.
The birthday boys and girls.
Datuk congratulating Zaher for his new born.
Part of the family.
With Mama Leha (retired), Ven (the Club Treasurer),
Kak Noriah (scheduled to retire soon) and yours truly after our satisfying fill.
Like mother, like daughter. Lina and mother,
Kak Lang who retired just two days ago.
With the retirees. I'll be next (O...la..la)
Our busy cameramen.
Caught a reflected frame.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Our Big Hari Raya (AidilFitr) Organisation Do
As the saying goes, you fast for a month (Ramadhan), you'll need to celebrate hari raya (Eid) over an equivalent period (Syawal). This Syawal open house is very much a Malaysian culture. Believe me, but some would even have their open house do way past Syawal.
Over the years, our office Eid celebration has evolved into a big do. I remember we started with polystyrene packed food in the early 90s, to cart laid out with several food picks in the parking lot, to simple tents with the majority of the crowd crowding under the tree sheds of the parking area (the sun was merciless and the asphalt parking lot offers no respite), to elaborate Arabian tents with equally elaborate food spread. Wish I've kept photos of all those events. You never know when you are part of history until it is all over (and years later).
Later we have the advantage of the fully air-conditioned MAEPS (Malaysia Agriculture Exposition Park Serdang) at our disposal. First MAEPS only offered us the not-so-fantastic Level 1 of Hall D. The many pillars were too much of an distraction. For the past three celebrations we were offered the fully carpeted Level 2 and a live band to go with! We have moved on, and with it the escalating cost.
But anything good has its lifespan. The recession hits everybody but being the only get-together that has been cultured as a must, it has to go on albeit on a much smaller scale. Being pampered over the years, I wondered should anything less be acceptable. It was really a struggle for us, the organising committee, to manage such a big event on such a limited budget. Nothing was coming from the organisation and it's a 'crime' to be seeking external sponsorship for something construed very much an internal matter. Should we go for the asking, there would be willing sponsors, more than we could possibly manage. But as said, that option is no option at all. Further, taking that option would draw too much attention where you least want it, and the flacks too.
We had our first organising committee meeting during the fasting month itself. The prospect was gloomy. However, we had what we won for the IDB S&T award and a per head sum was promised. That is some relief. Then our Cooperative Society pledged us 5K (Thank you Mr. YDP, Sir). Our subsidiary company promised to take care of the mutton grilling cost. The Dorper sheep come from our very own farm. We enticed MAEPS management to write-off the venue cost, which they agreed (Thank you, Dato'). Alhamdullillah, we are back in business.
The celebration proper was today, 22 Sept 2011. Due to our present constrains I took to reminding the staff via e-mail to please have their fill but just take (the amount) what they need and to refrain from wasteful food piling. Hope the message would not be taken out of context.
We did cut back on a few items (which we considered as extras) and the amount compared to last year's. But things that make what Raya is were not compromised. The ketupat, lemang and rendang; the roti jala and chicken curry; the laksa Johor; the satay and peanut sauce; Bukhari rice with chicken in red sauce; and of course our iconic grilled mutton were retained. Apart from the normal kuih raya; we have our minimally processed fruits, fermented rice (tapai) using our very own yeast culture, and jelly coconut for dessert. The teh tarik (bubbled tea) top it all. The more adventurous ones would go for ginger flavoured teh tarik. A new addition replacing our ABC (shredded ice concoction) is the cendol. The cendol is the KP's pick. I've never tasted cendol that good Datuk!!!
The merriment was accompanied by our very own live band, though nothing official. They are just a few guys who loved jamming and were given the opportunity to go public. They have a few aspiring singers accompanying. Had only they knew that the band offered to us my MAEPS would make us poorer by 10K! Thank you guys. We love the spirit.
I'll let the pictures tell the full story once I have them from our cameramen. I was too busy entertaining the guests to be clicking away myself. Furthermore, it's better to have 'professionals' attending to that job.
The photo shots are finally here......
Many thanks to Khairol Azhar for them all.
Receiving staff and guests.
You'll never feel left-out with this kind of welcome.
The crowd, spoilt for choice of what to start-off with.
The satay stop.
Over the years, our office Eid celebration has evolved into a big do. I remember we started with polystyrene packed food in the early 90s, to cart laid out with several food picks in the parking lot, to simple tents with the majority of the crowd crowding under the tree sheds of the parking area (the sun was merciless and the asphalt parking lot offers no respite), to elaborate Arabian tents with equally elaborate food spread. Wish I've kept photos of all those events. You never know when you are part of history until it is all over (and years later).
Later we have the advantage of the fully air-conditioned MAEPS (Malaysia Agriculture Exposition Park Serdang) at our disposal. First MAEPS only offered us the not-so-fantastic Level 1 of Hall D. The many pillars were too much of an distraction. For the past three celebrations we were offered the fully carpeted Level 2 and a live band to go with! We have moved on, and with it the escalating cost.
But anything good has its lifespan. The recession hits everybody but being the only get-together that has been cultured as a must, it has to go on albeit on a much smaller scale. Being pampered over the years, I wondered should anything less be acceptable. It was really a struggle for us, the organising committee, to manage such a big event on such a limited budget. Nothing was coming from the organisation and it's a 'crime' to be seeking external sponsorship for something construed very much an internal matter. Should we go for the asking, there would be willing sponsors, more than we could possibly manage. But as said, that option is no option at all. Further, taking that option would draw too much attention where you least want it, and the flacks too.
We had our first organising committee meeting during the fasting month itself. The prospect was gloomy. However, we had what we won for the IDB S&T award and a per head sum was promised. That is some relief. Then our Cooperative Society pledged us 5K (Thank you Mr. YDP, Sir). Our subsidiary company promised to take care of the mutton grilling cost. The Dorper sheep come from our very own farm. We enticed MAEPS management to write-off the venue cost, which they agreed (Thank you, Dato'). Alhamdullillah, we are back in business.
The celebration proper was today, 22 Sept 2011. Due to our present constrains I took to reminding the staff via e-mail to please have their fill but just take (the amount) what they need and to refrain from wasteful food piling. Hope the message would not be taken out of context.
We did cut back on a few items (which we considered as extras) and the amount compared to last year's. But things that make what Raya is were not compromised. The ketupat, lemang and rendang; the roti jala and chicken curry; the laksa Johor; the satay and peanut sauce; Bukhari rice with chicken in red sauce; and of course our iconic grilled mutton were retained. Apart from the normal kuih raya; we have our minimally processed fruits, fermented rice (tapai) using our very own yeast culture, and jelly coconut for dessert. The teh tarik (bubbled tea) top it all. The more adventurous ones would go for ginger flavoured teh tarik. A new addition replacing our ABC (shredded ice concoction) is the cendol. The cendol is the KP's pick. I've never tasted cendol that good Datuk!!!
The merriment was accompanied by our very own live band, though nothing official. They are just a few guys who loved jamming and were given the opportunity to go public. They have a few aspiring singers accompanying. Had only they knew that the band offered to us my MAEPS would make us poorer by 10K! Thank you guys. We love the spirit.
I'll let the pictures tell the full story once I have them from our cameramen. I was too busy entertaining the guests to be clicking away myself. Furthermore, it's better to have 'professionals' attending to that job.
The photo shots are finally here......
Many thanks to Khairol Azhar for them all.
The management waiting to receive staff and guests.
The staff made them wait as they trickled in very slowly.
In-line to receive the guests.
Yours truly with Dato' Masri, the DDG
Yours truly with Dato' Masri, the DDG
.......receiving Dato' Arif, CEO MAEPS
Feeling welcomed....the happy faces.
Feeling welcomed....the happy faces.
Receiving staff and guests.
The iconic grilled lamb has to be shown...
Hjh. Rahila at hand to ensure fair distribution...
seconds are allowed, even thirds
but you'll need to repeat your position in the que.
Hjh. Rahila stood by that ruling...
The crowd, spoilt for choice of what to start-off with.
The satay stop.
The hi-topped cendol 'dishers'.
Teh tarik (bubbled tea) that goes by the distance from the
spout to the cup. These guys were really getting good at it.
spout to the cup. These guys were really getting good at it.
Dishing out the Bukhari rice.
Nearly always, the guys are out-numbered...,
......with exceptions....
Having a photo shot with Datuk KP.
YB Dato' Wira Jo, the deputy minister (MOA) gracing our celebration.
Thank you YB.
The band entertaining us with their sad melancholic songs.
Com'on guys...it's supposed to be raya remember, happier notes please.
Our deep-felt appreciation to everybody for making the celebration a success. It started with much apprehensions but ends well. Thank you all.
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