3 months to go..

Wanna know how Mr Bert & I will look like in the future?

Haha.. a lawyer & a teacher..
But of course, we will look waaayyy better than this insyallah! ;)
How's life treating me? Okay.. bearable.
After my 2 weeks leave, going back to work was simply dreadful.
But somehow, even though I have plenty to do, I was able to handle the "stress" well. The next few weeks, it will be all about the concert..my project for the year..and I really hope EVERYTHING will turn out good!
So day time is when I concentrate on the concert, at night I concentrate on the big day.
Penat gak actually.. If only I have more time.
My mom has been bugging me to do my invitation cards.
The only time I can visit that place is either after work, or weekends.
Not much time indeed..
(-_-)
And today, marks the final 3 Months..
*tick tock tick tock..*

the mini

I've finally decided what to give Mr Bert for his hantaran #11..

A mini 10v netbook!
Actually this was Mr Bert's 1st option intially before the i-phone option.
It is ideal cause it is small enough to go on the dulang..plus, it is more affordable & more pratical too.
Since I don't have a laptop anymore, the mini will be 'ours' to be shared! *yeay*
Am still considering.. a black or a pink one? (Yes, he's fine with a pink one! Mengada kan, cause I've always wanted a pink lappy! =p)

When discussing with Mr Bert about the mini, he was okay about it..but he made this statement
" Takpe.. I will buy the hp myself nanti"
Now I feel guilty.
Buying this mini will be for "us", where else buying a hp will be for "him".
So, should I buy it for us or for him..hmm...
(My heart still goes for a mini..lalala... )

post raya

Finally, I've taken my measurements for my wedding dress.
There were some "dramas" prior to this, but that's over now.
Not sure if there will be more dramas to come! *gulp*

The lady was very nice.
She said she is taking my "ketat" measurements..
hence... I still need to lose more!!
"Takpe..sikit aje lagi.."
Gosh, the pressure!

Post raya, I have a lost a reasonable amount of weight. (tak byk la.. skits aje..)
At the moment, I need to lose a minimum of 5 kgs (if not more *gulps*) for the ideal "weight/ look".
Now theres LOTS of work to go with it..
Gotta be semangat! My B-plan must be accomplished!
Go meen go!!

***************************

Raya this year has been rather quiet.
First day, we only beraya at Tuk's & Aunty Haili's house.
2nd day.. I had a major headache, and vomited! Such a lousy day indeed.

Last night was the family gathering in Tuk's house.
There were SO many people.. (although there were absentese).
My fav part was the photo session..especially the cucu & cicit part.
There's too many of us!
Can't wait for my cousins to upload the pics on fb.

This is the latest addition, baby Elayna Dzahra, Tuk's cicit #21.
Congrats to Jaja & Emi! She's so bulat!

At the moment, Aunty Mah is carrying cucu #40.
And Attiyah, Farin & Brenda are carrying cicik #22, #23 & #24.
My family is getting bigger & bigger...

*******************************
I had a stawberry milkshake from McD, and I was a little bit sugar high.
Emer made this statement..

"Meen, you are not darah manis.. you are darah a-little-bit-too manis, a.k.a HYPER bride! hahahaha"

Geez.. thanx Emer.. (-_-)^

********************************
I have another sad episode. Another teacher's leaving.. due to, selfishness again.
Gosh, 2 bumps on the road. What's up with that? :(
I was so bummed. :~(
Mr Bert, who has an in-built "Meen-detector" within him, called at the right time to comfort and to make the sun shine again.
Wish he was here... he's coming back tmrw! can't wait :)

(2)7 dresses

I got inspired to do this entry after watching this movie on HBO.

Yes, I know.. an old movie..(baru sekarang nak tengok).
And I love the movie very much!

Having this particular scene in the movie, where all her "bridesmaid" dresses were kept..

I decided to showcase my 'bridesmaid' dresses too!
I don't have 27.. but I got 7 dresses!

Looks like the colours of rainbow, right?
Well.. I wasn't a bridesmaid 7 times.. only 5 times as some wedding has more than 1 reception.

Dress #1- Man's wedding in 2002, baby blue baju kurung..
I wanted this particular flower detail on the baju. (copied the design from one of the mags)
Emer & I became the pengapits that night.
Being a first timer, I was really nervous!
And look at my make up! Gosh!!

Dress #2- Lan's day reception in 2004 @ Kluang- Gold baju kurung..
There were added golden flower 'tabur' all around the baju..
That's me at the left side of the pic. During this reception, the Sultan Johor came. So kena very formal..I also wore this baju during Kak Long's khatam quran ceremony.

Dress #3- Lan's night reception @ Kluang, a pink kebaya..
Love the button design of the baju..
The night reception was more 'informal' & relaxing..

Dress #4- Kak Long's nikah & day reception in 2006 @ JB, a creme kebaya top & red songket.

I love the embroidery of the kebaya, done by my tailor. The theme of the wedding was red, but I wore this attire to look slightly different from the rest. I wore this attire for my graduation too.

Dress #5- Kak Long's night reception, the 'Tiffany & Co' (Turquoise colour) baju kurung.
It looks slightly greenish, but that's the closet turquoise that we could find.
Everyone in the same shade. Wore this baju during Yaya's nikah too.

Dress #6- Naj's reception in 2007 @ Dewan Sivic PJ, a blue kebaya.
My favourite amongst all!

Naj didn't specify the colour for the wedding, so my mom chose this kain from Surabaya. Love the mermaid-fin like material & the detailing too.
Naj kept her promise for me to be her bridesmaid from high school.. It was such an honour! Dress #7- Finally, Boboy's reception in 2009 @ Dewan Felda,a golden-creme baju kurung.
I wrote an entry about this early this year, where I became an impromptu bridesmaid for the wedding. (The assigned bridesmaid was not well). Lucky thing the baju fits..
Hence, I became the bridesmaid yet again.. Wore this baju during Yaya's day reception.

So there you have it, all my 7 bridesmaid dresses.
I was, after all, a "professional" bridesmaid. hehe..

But now, I am resigning from that status..
I officially declare myself as.. the bride-to-be! (^_^).

ps: One sweet day, I will showcase all my Bride dresses.. Insyallah

**********************************

Updated: When I was taking the pics of my dresses, my mom walked into my room & asked "What are you doing?"
I mentioned about the 27 dresses movie.. and she bursted out laughing..
" Do you want me to take the pics of you wearing each baju?"
We ended up didn't do so due to time constrain. And to find the matching tudung is another thing.
Lucky thing I managed to search the pics via friendster/myspace/facebook.
Gila semangat for this entry! hehe..

Ramadhan & Syawal over the years..

Just a couple of days before Syawal.. woah..
I still remember the good ol' days of Ramadhan & Syawal..

before 2003- I was home with my family. Used to Terawih at Masjid Ghufran, and sembahyang raya at Masjid Wilayah.

2003- My first time berpuasa & raya abroad (without family).

Shahur-My parents came to visit me a few weeks before ramadhan. Mama was kind enough to cook several dishes for me, put into containers & store in the freezer. All I need to do was just to 'heat' up the dishes. Pretty neat huh? I remember I used to shahur infront of my laptop, webcam-ing with friends while eating my food.

Berbuka- This time, I was close with Eeda, who stays 1 floor above me. I used to cook at my apartment, bring the food to her crib, lepak outside her balcony & watch the sunset while berbuka. (She had a nice view from her balcony). I did the terawih prayers in my room, guided by a book for the doas & such.

Raya- Of yes.. I remembered on the day of raya, I had exams! Raya eve, I stayed at this Kakak's house, whose house was very near the exam hall. We had a small thalil, and I remembered all of us crying our eyes out, missing our families back in Malaysia. On the exam day, all the Malaysian (even non-muslims) wore baju melayu/ baju kurung to the exam hall . I wrote 6 essays on that day, and after that went back to the Kakak's place & we went to several open houses. I still had exam the next day too. It was such an emotianal week.

2004
Shahur- This time, I had my gila2 housemate, Emma, with me. If I am not mistaken, most of the time I woke up alone. Kaka (our cat) would be so menyibuk to makan shahur as well.

Berbuka- The first 2 weeks, our dear friend, Abu, was nice enough to 'sponsor' our berbuka meals. He bought fresh fish, squids, prawns, chicken.. for the first time, our fridge was full! " All I need you both to do was to masak, then we'll eat together". Best kan? Emma & I also attempted our first choc cheesecake for berbuka, and it was a success! I enjoyed cooking for the boys. Terawih prayers was done alone in my room.

Raya- I think this time, I was already at home in Malaysia. I was still fasting when I was on the plane. And boy it wasn't a good idea. I was SO dehydrated, and ending up fasting longer than I should. The last 30 minutes before landing was when I berbuka, so I had to 'speed' up my eating! Never again will I fast during long flights.

2005
Shahur- I can't recall actually. I think I woke up solo.

Berbuka- This time, I was super close to Emma Spore, Miza & Suci. We would take turns to berbuka at each other's place (most of the time in Miza's room). Usually we would berbuka watching 'Home & Away', proceed with Australian Idol. Then I will continue doing my terawih prayers solo in my room.

Raya- On the day of raya, I had my prac in Murray Park Kindi. I decided to have a show & tell about Hari Raya, and Adil & Haz was nice enough to participate as well. We all wore baju kurung/ baju melayu, and the kids managed to have a role play session too. After prac, we went to Mai's place for our Hari Raya lunch, then I went back to my crib to have Hari Raya dinner with Miza & Emma. We played bunga api at the balcony.

2006
Shahur- At this time, I moved to the city. That time Mai slept over most of the time. Shahur was rather simple, just cereal & breads.

Berbuka- Miza loves to cook, so she will cook a variety of dishes for us, and all we needed to do was to wash & clean up. For the first time, Mai & I walked to the City Mosque to pray terawih. I enjoyed having this routine.

Raya- This time, I managed to go back home for Raya. But for a change, we beraya in Johor this time. Kak Long announced that she was preganant.

2007
I was already back in Malaysia for good. This time, we were at the Hartamas Apartment for transition while waiting for the new house to be ready. Mr Bert used to sms during Shahur & Berbuka times. (courting period mah. :P). Duirng one of the berbuka session, he came over to meet my parents for the first time. Terawih was done in the surau of the apartment, Dad being the imam. Sembahyang raya was done at Masjid Wilayah, nearest from the apartment.

2008
First time raya in our new home! Terawih was done at home (cause it's just too far to go anywhere else), and Dad imam as usual. Sembahyang raya was done at Masjid Shah Alam.

2009
Same as 2008.. but this time, I managed to accomplish the Lailatulqadar appropriately as I took a week leave before raya. It was really fulfilling, as I am able to concentrate on my prayers. I hope all my prayers & doa diterima Allah Insyallah.

And this time.. it will be my last raya as a bachelorette.. :)

Anyways, since I will be busy the next few days, Selamat Hari Raya everybody.
Maaf Zahir & Batin.
May you have a blessed & wonderful raya ahead. (^_^)

bulan tak ada madu..

After months of deliberating, I guess it has finally come to this..
There will be no honeymoon.. :(
Due to circumstances, we won't be going anywhere anytime soon.
"We'll go eventually..."
Sighh.. reality sure bites..
*Ouch*

Mr Bert will be leaving for New Fort tmrw morning.
Am missing him already.. :(

Okay, such sad entry.. I better stop.
Later peps..

Fafau..

1 thing sucky about not having a laptop..
is the "sharing" part with your other family members..
"Oh, I need to check this mail.."
"Excuse me, I need to scan something.."
I don't have the 'privacy' like before.. and I have to 'choose' my time well.
So here I am, after terawih, 'chupping' the computer first. :P

****************************************

My mom met her good old friend from her working days.
Her name was F.J, who happens to be Farah Fauzana's mom!
Anyways, my mom ordered some kuih raya from Aunty FJ's sis.

So, my mom ordered this..

My favourite, most mouth-melting KUIH ARAB!!!
It has been 14 years since I tasted this!
I remembered cause when I was in my old home in Shah Alam, my mom would order this kuih. Once we've moved, and somehow, she lost contact with Aunty FJ, so she doesn't order them anymore..
until this year! hehe..
It wasn't easy finding this kuih. Over the years, the ones we've tried taste NOTHING CLOSE to this particular one.. Glad the search is over..
Definately.. my favorite kuih raya of all time!
I already ate 20 of it! opssyy!

Oh yes, speaking of the famous Farah Fauzana, also known as Fafau,
Aunty FJ mentioned to my mom..
"You know, I told my daughter that I am gonna meet up with you, she asked 'Oh, Aunty Faridah.. yg anak dia Oh-shin tuh?"
Wahh.. she 'remembered' me!
You see, when I was younger, my nickname was 'Oh-Shin', after a Japanese sitcom, about a lady with the same name.
And the fact that she could relate it to me.. wahh, am honoured.
Aparently when we were younger, we used to play with each other. (Family day, Birthday parties).. but I can't recall her!
I wish I can meet up with her & say "hey, I'm Oh-shin! Remember me?"
That will be the day..

***************************

I got my Raya card from Mr Bert today.
It was one of the sweetest card ever..
*melt melt melt*
Hmm, I think I stop here for now.. *sigh dreamily..* (^_^)

my pre-wedding spa

Yeay.. I am officially on my 2 weeks annual leave!
(My AL is 7 days, plus 3 days school close, and the public hols & weekends of course) .

Anyways, after work just now, I dropped by at this fantastic place to view my pre-wedding package (the bday prez from my parents).

The atmosphere was SO relaxing. I thought I was in Bali or somewhere equivalent! I can still 'smell' the aroma of the place. And guess what, my pre-wedding package includes 4 spa treatments, 2 facials, 2 cream bath (for the hair) & 2 medicure + pedicure too!

So now, the dates are sets.
Am having 2 sessions each, from November onwards, every fortnight.
I wish I could start my session now...Thanx Ma & Dad for this wonderful prez! (^_^)

9.9.09

nine nine nine.
Today is Radio Day, in Malaysia that is.
Today also marks my 6 months engagement anni.
Time sure flies!

This is actually our very first pic taken together. Our 3rd meet up actually. 04.09.07. Despite being quite 'shy' with me initially, but he was pretty cool to take a pic together.

Okay, am off to bed. 2 more days until my 2 weeks leave! yahoo~

sweet 26..

"Go go go shorty..
We're gonna party like it's your birthday.."

Here are some pics from very simple birthday celebration with my loved ones.
It was a joint bday celebration with my big bro, who's bday is a week away.

The masks were my idea.. very impromptu.. :P

our funny faces.. :P

The cake was given by one aunty as a 'kuih raya'. I decorated the choc moist cake with M&Ms :M26 29. Cute kan Dzhofier's mask?

The bday boy & bday gal..

Presents! Ikea Mirror from Man, Small teddy mirror from Emer, a Pre-Wedding Spa from my parents (One of my wishlist! yes!), MC Parfum from Kak Long..

And what Mr Bert got for me? A bouquet of red roses, (awww.....) and a Thomas Sabo Charm Bracelet! (minus the charm).

"Nanti bila ader rezeki lebih, we'll add to your bracelet kay.."
"Can that be every once a month dia?" :P
I've chosen my next few charms:- Letter M, a pink butterfly, a pink heart, a cookie... and more to come.. *winks*

Nih mcm practice aje for our nikah... hehe..

Definitely one of the most "sempoi" bday ever.
Thank you to all for your kind wishes..
It's great being 26..and fabulous! (^_^)

selfish

It happen the night of my flyfm debut.
I got an email from one of my teachers, stating that she'll be resigning from my school. Her last day was today.
I was terribly in shocked.
I called her immediately, pleaded her to re-think her decision. But her decision was final.
"I've already considered the consequences. I know, I am being selfish here, but it is for my career. I hope you understand".
That's the word. Selfish. It was very hard for me to accept it.
I couldn't sleep well that night. All I could think of is the poor children. And the unsatisfied parents. The concert day. The report card day. The final 3 months of school. So many things were in my mind.

The next day, Boss came & spoke to her, she was affirmed with her decision.
Her penalty: 2 month salary to be transferred to the management's account.
The entire day, I somewhat avoided her. I couldn't face her. We only spoke when needed.

The day after, she happily gave everyone a present. She gave me a pink pursue. It was thoughtful of her.
She even stayed on for her final staff meeting right until the end.

Today was her last day in school.
Another teacher took the effort to buy her a handbag, and a farewell card.
I didn't even give her a hug. I just waved her goodbye, and I quickly went for my HOS meeting.
I know.. I was being very cold towards her.

It was quite emotional writing a farewell msg for her in the card.
I didn't know what to write.. I was speechless.

If I could, I wanted to beg her to stay.
She is such a good teacher. Very efficient. Very organized.
I was quite close to her, one of the teachers that I could rely on.
But..she chose to move on unexpectedly.
It would have been different if she were to leave end of the term. But she chose now, right smack in the middle of the term.
It was hard for me to let go.
That's why I acted the way I did. I had to be professional.
If I were to be a friend, I would have cried and hugged her tight.

Selfish? Yes, we both were.

" I wish you all the best in the new school.
Am sorry for the way I acted. I wish you could stay.
Thank you so much for everything that you've contributed for the school.
You will definitely be missed..."

FlyFM's Rush Hour Rocks!

I was driving back from work today, listening to FlyFM's Rush hour, and the topic of the day was.." Who would you want to perform at your wedding?"

Somehow, I had this urge to call.. And I went on air with Prem & Jules!!!
The conversation went like this:-

And Helena, are you married?
No.. am getting married on New Year's Day..
Oh Wow.. Congratulations.. nice nice...
Yeah.. one one ten..
Okay so, you must be planning for your wedding now..
Yes I am.. I am in the midst of planning..I have like 4 months from today!
Anybody in mind who you would like to perform at your wedding?
If say I have all the money in the world, I want Danny Gokey to come to my wedding.
Danny Gokey?
Yes.. I fell in love with him when he sang Endless Love.
Endless Love huh?
So image him singing that song when I am walking down the aisle..woohoo..

[I can't believe I actually said woohoo on air!]

How bout if he sings you this song?

[Prew actually played 'You are so beautiful', sang by Danny Gokey of course.. I melted & screamed on the spot!]

Yes, that too. Yes !Yes! Hehehe..

[I was smiling from cheek to cheek..]

How much would you pay to have Danny Gokey at your wedding?
Well.. the cheaper the better!

[Everyone bursted out laughing at this point]

That is a true Malaysia spirit!
Well btw, congratulations on your upcoming wedding.All the best.
Thank you so much.

Actually,the conversation was slightly longer than that.
I had lotsa "Umm...." & "Ermmss" in between, but they deleted those parts (Thank God!)
I was SO happy to hear myself on air..woohoo..........

Actually, this topic was significant to me.
I had a conversation with Mr Bert about this not too long ago, and if we could, we wanna invite Afgan or Danny Gokey.
I didn't mention Afgan earlier cause FlyFM is an English radio station right? So tak sesuai...
And, when Prem played "You are so beautiful", it meant a lot cause Mr Bert dedicated that song to me before.. *blush*

This whole incident really made my day! (^_^)