Help is here!

Finally, help is here. We got our maid from Indonesia last Saturday, 25th March 2006. Her name is Tuminah. I, personally was a bit apprehensive, having a stranger in our house, what more leaving Danial in her care. But all my doubts were laid to rest after three days. So far, she has met my expectations and more. I'm grateful that my prayers have been answered. Danial was the acid test and she passed the test with flying colours on the first day itself. Danial instantly warmed up to him very much to my relief.

Now, my house looks and feels more and more like a home. Not that it's not home before. It's just that I'm too busy with Danial to do anything much in the house. With Bibik around, the kitchen, bathrooms, floor, and everything she touches is much cleaner. Although we had to cough up a little bit more than RM4,000 to get her in, I think it's money well spent. I just hope that she's a keeper.

Tomorrow will be another milestone. Bibik is going to cook for the first time and we'll leave her with Danial at home for the first time too. I've asked Adik to hang around since he's not working just to keep an eye on them, just in case. I'm sure everything will be OK.

Weekend retreat and new member to Shamsir Clan

Liris and Rizal got married yesterday, saturday, March 11, 2006 at Masjid Wilayah, Kuala Lumpur. The occasion marked a few firsts for Danial; first visit to the mosque, first wedding, first time in the Orchid Room, Lake Club. The ceremony went smoothly. Azrai and I were merely guests. We were there to make up the number and represents mak's family.

I was looking forward for the reception the next day as it's supposed to be a retreat for us. When else can you stay in a 5 star hotel if there's no special package for family members of the bride and groom having their wedding reception at the hotel.

I'm glad we did take a room at JW Marriot. It was very nice. We requested a cot for Danial too. The room wasn't ready when we got there around 11am so we hung around the grand ballroom and watched the rehearsal. It wasn't necessary but Babah asked Azrai to help out with the ushering of guests at the reception. I don't think they needed our help because it looked liked they had everything under control.

We went to Bukit Bintang Plaza and had lunch at Shakey's Pizza. As usual, we had to take turns having lunch. We got used to it after a while, it's not big deal. And Danial is easier to managed as he gets older. It's true what people say, he's at the age where he's more fun to play with because he can respond to you. In his own way, he can tell that he's happy, bored, hungry, sleepy, tired and a lot more. He laughs at the funny faces we make and it's a real treat.

I got myself a new pair of shoes for the reception and a wedding gift which we nearly forgot to get. While I was deciding what to buy, Azrai took Danial to the children's department (our favourite department in any departmental stores, we tend to gravitate around this area) and by the time we teamed up again, Danial got a clip on fan and a rubber ducky that cost 40 ringgit! Kids' stuff sure ain't cheap nowadays.

Danial was really tired when we got back to the hotel. He slept until 7pm. Azrai gave him a bath before getting ready and reporting for duty. I fed Danial and he managed to dozed off during the feed. We went down to the grand ballroom around 8.30pm, just before the reception begins. Again, we have to tag team with Danial. He can't sit still for long so Azrai took him out to the lobby in his stroller while I had my dinner and then I took over. Things parents do to keep their baby happy.

Everything went smoothly and beautifully. Liris was demoure (did I get this right?) and Rizal looked sharp. Ghaz sang for them as a wedding gift. Cheap skate! (did I get this right too?) What I enjoyed most was the short presentation of the photos taken during the akad nikah ceremony. There were candid pictures of the bride and groom of course, as well as other family members. There was one good one of Azrai; and Danial too. Azrai is very photogenic and Danial takes after him. He's a natural in front of the lens.

We didn't hang around after the reception. Danial was a good excuse to get away. We put Danial in his cot initially but he kept stirring once too often, eventually, we let him sleep with us on the big bed. He loved it and slept so soundly. So, at the end of the day, everybody is happy with a good night's sleep.

The working mom

I'm officially back to work as at 3rd March 2006. I've put it off for far too long. Coincidently, I started my first job exactly 9 years ago to the date. Good omen, I hope.

I didn't quite actually plan it through. That friday morning, I thought of leaving Danial at Nenek Damansara's and start doing some calls and fix some appointments for next week. I packed myself a suitable dress for appointment just in case. As I was driving to drop Danial off, I made some calls while Danial is sleeping peacefully in his carseat. I told myself to take it easy and make at least 2 appointments. I got 2 appointments from 2 calls! That's 100% success rate!

Long story short, I saw my regular investor first and converted it into sales. Then, I saw a prospect and also converted it into sales. Hey, I haven't lost my touch after all. Alhamdulillah, rezeki anak...

Danial seems to understand. He was wonderful at Nenek's house. He hardly made any fuss. Thank God for Nenek and Makcik Tini who made it possible for me to work in peace knowing that Danial is in good hands. I just hope that the maid that we're getting for Danial would do just as good a job as Makcik Tini if not better.

Speaking of the maid, we're keeping our fingers crossed for the application to go through at the Immigration Office. These people are really out to make our lives a living nightmare. The officer who's screening our application refused to accept our EA form claiming that it's unacceptable just because we earn commission and the EA form is done in such a way that it's different from a regular EA form. My guess is that this guy is trying to see if we're desperate enough to bribe him to 'smoothen' the procedure. Guess, we'll have to wait a little while longer and see how things turn out.