Palettes of Love and Hues of Sheer Promise

The Commandments of Post-Natal Encounters.

2011-03-23T19:09:00.002+08:00

1. Do give your FULL support to the new mom. We are extremely exhausted, terribly emotional, extravagantly moody, FAT, and in immense pain. Please UNDERSTAND. Please HELP.

2. No matter how stressed up you are, never show your concern to us through anger. It does not solve a thing, makes us cry, and worsens our emotional stability. Face it: No matter how stressful you are, it's nothing compared to the stress of the new mother.

3. There is no need to burn extra calories and waste 5 seconds of your time just to comment on how huge the new mom looks like. We have mirrors. We know how fat we are. It's about time you knock your own head for a wake-up call: A spanking new human being has just popped out of her body!

4. Do not give any comments (positive/negative) on ANY of the new mom's body parts, especially when they are pretty private. It's awkward. After all, we have had more than enough strangers looking at our private parts during pregnancy, labour and post-labour. The only response I can give is "hrmmm..."

5. Staring at my chest when I'm breast-feeding isn't cool either. It has been a sacred, holy, and noble area of my body for the past 26 years. Giving birth does not change its status to a public display.

I'm also not comfortable having a chat while breast-feeding. It's a highly intimate experience between me and my child ONLY (Husband is an exception).

6. Please do not complain that you are damn bored just living in the house. In normal circumstances, new mothers can't go out of the house for freakin' 44 days!!! Wanna compare?

7. Don't dwell on how bad your skin texture looks like. Wanna see my stretch marks???

8. Also, talking non-stop about how concerned you are about your body shape with me isn't helping. Wanna see my flabs??

9. There is no need to ask me the same questions over and over again every time you see my face about why my mom was not around when I gave birth and why I live afar from my baby. Is it to difficult to fathom that there's no sane mother who would intentionally do that to her daughters/sons?? So, there must be a good reason why that happens/ed.

If you ask that for first time, that is simply a normal human reaction. If you ask too many times, it either means you are trying your best to annoy and sadden me, you are trying to make me feel like my mother doesn't love me and I'm also a bad mother, or you simply have an acutely dysfunctional memory system, worse than mine.

10. Whenever you feel like showering us with less-than-respectful words and "kerek" body and verbal languages, being angry with us, or simply ignoring us, please remember our sacrifices, both physical and emotional, in your life. We are mere humans. LOVE us...

~~'Coz you really don't know how much time you have left to show her your appreciation & love. And make her smile & laugh.

xoxo

The Mating Season is Back!

2011-03-10T17:37:00.001+08:00

Oh yeah. School holidays = mating season.

But for me there's only one reception I could attend this Saturday, which is Intan's.

I really2 look forward to the wedding.

Not just to celebrate the love of a newly married couple, but also to meet my fellow IPBArians!!!

I haven't talked to some of them for years!

I hope many could make it.

Will be bringing Awish.

The first wedding ceremony attended by Darwish of course. hehe...

PD here I comeeee!!!!

The Kingdom of Love

2011-02-24T13:53:00.007+08:00

I am currently in a retrospective mood.

It is thus justified to recall back how the kingdom of saiful-azrin-hood was built.

2003:

End of 2003 [End of Foundation programme].

1) It all started from a short and an innocent message (I'm not sure how innocent it is on his side tho') sent on Friendster. Thanks to this pic:

2) Continuous replies on Friendster. Non-stop chatting on YM. No real face-to-face conversations yet.

3) One of the later YM conversations involved the man confessing his feelings.

4) The girl said: "Let me think first... why don't we become real friends first at least? Come on, we haven't even talked to one another in the real world. Gimme some time please..."

2004:

Early 2004:

1) January 2004: First 'date'.

2) March 2004:

Girl: "Ok I've decided!" "Tapi tunggu la dia tanya btui2 dulu, I don't wanna do this over the phone or virtual world"

2 weeks later...

[Setting: Food Court Level 3, Mid Valley.]

Boy: "Boleh cop ko???"

Girl: "Errr, ok...."

Ok dah couple! hahahahah....

March 2004- December 2005:

* Di alam fana chenta...

January 2006 - June 2009:

*Stealth & teman-tapi-mesra mode.

2009:

1) 6th June: Engaged!

2) 11th December: SOLEMNIZED!

3) 12th December: Reception Kedah

4) 19th December: Reception Muar, Johor.

5) 30th December: Honeymoon - London & Paris (til 5th Jan)

2010:

1) Somewhere between 1st and 4th Jan: Conceived (I was unaware of this) and lost it! Blame it on Disneyland Studio's Tower of Terror)

2) Jan 2010: Feeling all funny and sluggish. Conceived (again, didn't realize it & didn't even know when exactly the conception took place.)

3) February 2010: Double line appeared on home pregnancy test kit. Went to the doctor to confirm pregnancy."Yippeee! I'm pregnant!" Darwish was the size of the full stop here.

4) August 2010: I was VERY pregnant.

5) 15th October: Delivered Darwish safely. Alhamdulillah.

2011:

1) 15th February: "Darwish is 4 months old!"

2) Current: Happy and contented with our life although we are not living together yet.

3) Mr hubby is just as sweet as (or sweeter than) he was before marriage. Alhamdulillah. May Allah bless us always with lotsa rezeki and true happiness.

Hopefully the hubby will always remember our journey together from the beginning too, and cherish the sweet memories we have lovingly shared.

And love me unconditionally even when I am all wrinkly and suffering from all sorts of menopausal symptoms in the future.

With a smackin' new product of our love who had recently popped out of my body, this journey will perhaps be even more peachy as days go by, insya Allah

Aminnn...

;D

* I may upload more relevant pics later, especially those taken before 2005. The piccas are in Kedah. Need to scan them first.

Fitness Frenzy

2011-02-17T23:02:00.002+08:00

Caution: This entry is pretty tactless. It might thus have reverse effects on unhappy unmarried people, unhappy child-less married couples, and happy brides-to-be.

"~ A baby is something you carry inside you for nine months, in your arms for three years and in your heart till the day you die ~ " (Mary Mason).

And I could not agree more.

BUTTTT!!

No matter how beautiful and meaningful people say pregnancy is... there is one thing for sure:

IT MAKES YOU FAT!!!

Sorry lil Awish, although you are cute and cuddly like nothing else in this world, truth be told, you and your daddy had made me fat. huhu...

Being fat during pregnancy is natural and cute.

What isn't so cute is the post-pregnancy round and unfit figure.

Team this situation up with emotional instability due to sleep deprivation, constant pain, and mental exhaustion, you'll actually see a HUGE ball (with arms and legs) with words on it saying "Here comes trouble!"

Yes you'll lose tremendous weight in about a month after delivery.

You'll be monkey-jumping in joy when sometimes you lose up to 1 kg per day.

But for most people, that's the limit
(unless you are fully breastfeeding from the beginning and for at least 6 months onwards).

It is as if the weight loss process has gone tepu.

I am one of those unlucky beings who are not bestowed upon with immense volume and fast flowing 'tanks'.

So I have said bubbye to breastfeeding for the past 2 months.

The location between me and Darling Darwish has made the dream even more difficult to be realised.

(But I still provide some ... on a fortnightly basis).

I am so sorry Darwish...

I'll try to make it up by giving u lotsa supplements later... although they are nothing compared to the mother nature's gift.

Thus, here I am. Stuck with 5 more kilograms to lose.

What do I do?? Nothing???

I have made a resolution (Thank God)... to be slimmer and fitter.

And of course healthier.

My biggest motivation?? : My hundreds of clothes that I could not fit into!!!!

Fortunately, with the "yo-yo" self-discipline but constant motivation from hubby, I am now on my way to fitness lifestyle.

I am more cautious of what goes into my tummy.

And to my surprise, I exercise!!! I go to the gym daily for God's sake!

I want to increase my metabolism (coz i want to eat BIG!).

I aim to do as much cardio as possible now.

So far, I am burning around 250 calories each day on gym equipment (mostly treadmill).

Aiming to lose around 1-2 kgs a month.

So far I'm lovin it... I mean going to the gym and walking, cycling, & whatnot (like a hamster) with other like-minded people of all walks of life and of all sizes too..

It has just been 2 weeks, but I'm already feeling better than ever!

Thanks abang...

I hope I could keep this up for at least 3 more months.

What's gonna happen after that??

We'll see... ;P

Ciao.

P/S- Here are some sweet pregnancy quotes I like, to neutralize things up. hahahah...

~ Before you were born I carried you under my heart. From the moment you arrived in this world until the moment I leave it, I will always carry you in my heart ~ (Mandy Harrison

~ Before you were conceived I wanted you Before you were born I loved you Before you were here an hour I would die for you This is the miracle of Mother's Love ~(Maureen Hawkins)

~ Feeling fat last nine months but the joy of becoming a mom lasts forever ~(Nikki Dalton)

~ If nature had arranged that husbands and wives should have children alternatively, there would never be more than three in a family ~(Lawrence Housman)

~ Life is tough enough without having someone kick you from the inside. ~(Rita Rudner)

~ A mother's joy begins when new life is stirring inside... when a tiny heartbeat is heard for the very first time, and a playful kick reminds her that she is never alone ~

~ There is no friendship, no love, like that of a mother for her child. ~(Henry Ward Beecher)

~Mr Darwish Bieber (BIbir BElah & besaR)~

aka

~ Mr LLLL (Little Lollipop with Luscious Lips)~

My Darling Darwish

2011-01-22T16:55:00.005+08:00

Salam all,

I am fully aware that I left the story of my labour experience halfway in my last entry. So here I'm back, blogging on my post-natal experience after I had delivered my darling Darwish.

To be frank, even after enduring all sorts and levels of pain in the labour room, I am more apprehensive about my post-natal experience, both physically and MENTALLY...

One of the challenges I faced in the beginning was in terms of breast feeding. I had NO MILK at all for the first 3 days!! How depressing can that be?? I was supposed to supply the important colostrum to my baby for his immune system, and yet I was utterly helpless. I know that some people say that babies can survive without consuming anything for the first 3 days buttt kalo dh tgk anak melalak gila2, who would have the heart to just let the baby cry endlessly kan?? So I had to curi2 give Darwish some formula milk.

I was only discharged the next day, 16th October 2010.

During my stay in the hospital, Kay and Syuhada came to visit us.. Thanks girls!!! and of course other relatives too.. A lil sad that my mom was not there to see her first grandson. What to do... isk2...

I stayed in Muar for 2 weeks after delivery. I can tell you that taking care of a baby is everything but easy. Well, at least for me who's a dummie when it comes to babyhood. It was such a struggle as every single thing was my first time experience. It was my first time holding a newborn, changing diapers, bathing him, putting on his clothes, breast-feeding him, making him sleep, playing with him, etc.

And not to forget, all of the above were done as I was enduring the episiotomy pain. Jalan pn slow cam siput and tekepit2 cam penguin. And I looked like makcik indon basuh toilet (eh dorg lagi lawa kottt) for the first two weeks. This was due to a number of postnatal massages that must be done and all sorts of ointments that must be slathered on perhaps every single part of my body. And experienced friends had warned me earlier of the 'engorging pain' I would endure. Thanks for the warning. It was definitely hellish...hahahah...

Then, berbekung lagi and had to bring a thermo flusk every time I went to the toilet because aparently every inch of my body could only be washed with warm water. And my hair was VERY unruly, it had to be rolled into a hideous looking bun macam nenek kebayan dlm crita ulik mayang tuuuu... Yes, it was THAT horrible...

AND to spice things up, my lil Darwish suffered from Jaundice. It was mild in the beginning but became worse in the second week. Kesian sangat Darwish kena cucuk kaki every day for blood tests. Imagine me going in and out of the clinic looking terrifyingly disgusting like that!!!

Darwish was warded on the 12th day for 2 days. Only God knows how painful it was looking at your lil helpless baby being jabbed here and there and stripped half-naked for the photo-therapy.

After 2 weeks, I went back to Kedah. I thought Darwish's suffering had ended. Boy I was wrong.

At about 1 month old, he was diagnosed as having allergy reactions to cow's protein. This resulted in breathing difficulties, terrible coughs, and wheezing sounds from his chest. I could not fully breastfeed as Darwish ni kuat minum sangat2. And it seemed that my supply was not enough to accommodate his needs. I think he was just trying to catch up really fast because he has low birth weight. I know breastfeeding supporters would bark at me saying that I am just making excuses. But seriously, I just couldn't manage it. Sapa taknak fully breastfeed. Anak sihat and save duit. But it seemed that I could not even go to the toilet if I fully breastfed. Agaknye bila supply tak cukup asik bergantung je budak ni. Sian kelaparan... Even medications to boost milk production didn't help me much. So although I breastfed Darwish for 80% of the time, we switched to Soy milk when I couldn't, based on the doctor's advice.

Darwish was warded for about 10 days because of that problem.

Again I thought our misery was over. After about 2 weeks, he was then diagnosed as having infection pulak. Another 2 days in the hospital.. Phewww.. I think for the whole of my confinement period, we spent our time in the hospital more than we did at home. It's alright, as long as Mr Darwish is all fine. Alhamdulillah...

All the above stress, exhaustion, speed learning, trials and errors, recovery process, worries, and dealing with too many clashing do's and dont's were definitely overwhelming. Too overwhelming in fact. Suffice to say that I was on the verge of depression.

The experiences made me wonder whether I was really ready for motherhood and capable of being a good mom. I wanted to give everything and the best for him, but I just didn't know how. I had no knowledge, no experience. Everything was my first-hand experience.

But then again, as I looked at Darwish's face, my heart cooled down. Zillions of people are trying hard to conceive but God has bestowed upon us this beautiful gift only after a month being married. Thus I should just be grateful and accept any challenges, coz all of 'em will be worthwhile, Insya Allah...

Now Darwish looks ravishingly healthy and his weight gain is sooo good. He's catching up fast and his weight now is almost at par with others who were born with healthier birth weight. His crying is also isn't as terrifying as before. Still LOUD but sedappp...hahahah.. and he looks cute even when he cries, unlike before. He's truly active now, has strong limbs and giggles and smiles endlessly.

It's such a blessing to have Darwish in our lives.

Lesson learnt: Love your moms coz raising a baby requires a great deal of investment in terms of energy, willpower, emotional and mental states, and finance of course.

Lucky me, I have a helpful and supportive husband. Without emotional support, things could be a lot worse.

So, do I want another baby??? YESSS, BUTTTTT not anytime soon... Perhaps in 3 years or so.

As happy as I am now with Darwish, my nightmarish post-natal experiences are still haunting me. (fobia wooooo) Hehe...

Ciao.

2010-11-04T16:58:00.002+08:00

Introducing a new earthling:

NAME: Darwish Irfan

SEX: Male

DOB: 15/10/10

PLACE OF BIRTH: Hospital Pakar Sultanah Fatimah, Muar, Johor.

TIME OF BIRTH: 5.45 am

BIRTH WEIGHT: 2.3 kg

THE SON OF: Norazrin Zamri & Saiful Izwan Zainal.

So, that's the basic info of our new lil hero.

It still feels like a dream, yet it has been almost 3 weeks that I've become a momma.

Looking at his moving limbs and chest, his smile and listening to his cries snap me back to reality.

Yes, I have a son! WE have a son!!! How miraculous is that???

Although I have endured it all, still the feeling is quite alienish..hahah..

I was warded earlier, on the 13th of Oct because of spotting, i.e. one of the many signs of labour.

That morning, after noticing the spotting, I called the hospital, asking what I should do. The nurse said that I should come immediately to Dewan Bersalin! Gila seram! But because I felt OK in every sense, sempat lagi bedal soto kambing before sampai hospital! Hahah...

Sampai2, they checked me....A few young doctors checked me. One male doctor then said to me, "Akak, sorry yer, kite kena "check jalan"".

Dalam hati, apasal lak nk sorry2, aku leh je jalan ni... naper nak check2 plak..huhuh... Skalik terus soh org bukak kaki...! At that point I understood what "check jalan" means. Those who've given birth would know what it means. Hehe. And since then agak fobia bila any doctors said the same thing again...

Then, they said I should be warded, although "jalan belum bukak lagi". Terkejut beruk, tak ready apa2 pn utk masuk hospital...

Still, I didn't feel any pain yet then..

Punyela eksyen, siap dok berinternet atas katil whilst other patients were struggling, enduring terrible contractions or post-natal pain.

I was waiting nervously for the pain to come, wondering how on earth it'd feel like. One by one other patients in the ward gave birth to cute babies and being discharged, but I was still stuck there, feeling pretty stupid.

My blood pressure, temperature and baby's heartbeat were measured every 2 hours.

Ultrasound scan was also done, and at that point the doctors made me feeling worried that I might have a pretty small baby.

I was like, what the heck??? In the last scan, it was reported that my baby weighed 2.9 kgs! That sounded fine to me!

Asal datang katil je, ntah berapa ramai doktor tah dok tekan perut..saying the baby might be around 2.6 kg.

Then on the morning of 14th Oct, I started to have irregular period-pain kinda cramps.

I thought, are these what people call contractions??? Of course no one could gimme me a definitive answer. I told the doctor, but he said not to worry. In fact several doctors felt like I should be discharged since I didn't feel any real pain.

That night, I asked my hubby to bring PizzaHut Royal Masala to the hospital. Haritu makan rasa cam sedap pulak, cam tak puas... Mr Hubby, being his usual sweet self, of course entertained my request. Masa tu dh rasa makin kerap stomach cramps tu, tapi dok wat bodoh ja... Rilek je bubbye abang balik..huhu...

When he was gone, I was alone in the room in the ward. All the other 3 patients had been discharged. Feeling a lil worried, I started to record the time of each cramp. Mula2 cam every 10 mins or so... I wasn't sure if they were contractions, so I alleviated my worries by watching Project Runway and Models of Runway at the TV lounge. Hahah..

After the show ended, I decided to sleep. But the pain came every 5 mins. I tried to sleep for an hour, and I couldn't. At that point I felt "OK, these ARE real contractions...". I couldn't really go down the bed to even walk to the counter. So the only thing to do was to press the emergency button.

Nurse cakap kena jumpa doktor dulu "check jalan". URGH! Terhegeh2 la lagi jalan p check plak.. Then dia cakap dah 3-4 cm, so I was instructed to pack one set of baby stuff, and be ready to go to the Labour room. Waaaa!!! The time has come!!!

I called Mr hubby right away. It was about 1 am. Lambat jugak dia nk jawab. I was feeling a lil worried dah.. Ada kang aku beranak sorg2 ni....

Once he answered, the only thing I could say was "Datang lah bang..."

He arrived like 5 mins later... I didn't even reach Labour room yet. Only God knows how fast he drove. Huhu...

He wasn't allowed to go into the labour room just yet. I was thoroughly checked first. And the third "check jalan" procedure was done. URGH!

Then the doctor said tak cukup lagi ni.. She even said that sometimes expectant mothers might be stuck in the room for half a day! Dalam hati "Gila ka?? dah sakit ni...bagi jela aku beranak...!!!"

So she said, ok, she'd come back in 2 hours. I was like "What???? 2 hours lagi nak endure this pain??" Tapi bertahan je la..I was sweating like a pig in the super-airconditioned room. sampai tertido2 2 nurse yang tunggu kat sebelah.. huhu.

I was so laloq, but of course I couldn't really sleep if the contractions were felt like every 2-3 mins.

Around 3 am ++, The doctor came back for another "check jalan" procedure. But at that point dah tak rasa ngeri sangat check jalan..Coz contractions lagi sakit dari tu...huhu... The doctor tried to break my water, tapi masih tak leh. Only an hour later she came back to do that. Alhamdulillah lepas...

One of the unbearable things to endure was to "pee". Badan drip water, so every few hours, the water had to be released. Seksanye guna tube tu tuhan je tau...

Mr Hubby mula2 masuk labour room, but then he was asked to leave when it was said that it'd take a few more hours for me to deliver. Pastu rasanya masuk lagi, tapi cam tak sure. Laloq lah katakan... In fact I couldn't really remember and digest whatever he said or asked at the moment. But I remembered la bila dh 5am something tu, he came in right at the moment when I was asked to PUSH!!!

There were 2 female doctors (Thank God), and one of them, "Eh dah 10 cm ni, Kamu tak rasa sakit ke?" Answering doctors' or nurses' questions in the labour room was such a pain-in-the-ass (almost literally) experience. Dalam hati: "Memang la sakit, tapi takkan aku nk terjerit telolong, baik aku baca doa dlm ati, ada gak faedah..."

The teran-meneran process took about 15-20 mins. At first I didn't really have the energy since I was dozing off, but when the doctor said that the baby's heart beat rate was getting weaker, I used all my might to just PUSH! "Pandai kamu push pandai2...curi lagi nafas curi2..."

Dalam ati: "Mana nk tau pandai x pandai... hentam jela... mana lg nk curi nafas ni..dh habih dh!!!"

Betul2 masuk je subuh, n maybe habih je azan subuh cmtu, at 545 am, Mr Drwish Irfan was born into this world!

The doctor put him on my chest, but I was still blur as to what had just happened...

I had delivered the baby!! Yeay!!! Although I was blur, but looking at his face, I felt so relieved!! and he distracted me from the process of taking out the placenta and other horrible 'cleansing' procedures that had to be done.

There were stitches since episiotomy was performed. Although the baby is small (I was pretty shocked to know that he was merely 2.3 kg!), but episiotomy had to be done since it's my first time and the baby's heart beat was weak then. I hate the stitching process! It felt like forever!

Ok, this is too long... I shall continue this story: my quest as a freakin new (dummie) momma in a different entry ya!

Still searching...

2010-10-11T22:47:00.006+08:00

It has been 10 months...

10 full months of being a wife to my love.

I can't find the words to rightfully express my happiness and gratitude. ;)

There are tremendous changes in endless aspects that I have endured so far: physically, spiritually, mentally, emotionally, you name it!

And at the same time, though I'm obviously a full-fledged adult now, I'm still struggling... searching for my true identity.

I'm still in the dire process of finding my own self: Who I wanna be; What do I want to achieve; How do I want to look like; How do I want to live my life; What are my dreams; What is my ultimate goal, ...Oh it's surely endless...

But I'm absolutely sure of one thing: I want to be a better person, in all aspects, this life and the afterlife.

And thus, the changes.

And they take place one by one, gradually.

I try my best to change into a better person in a number of aspects.

Some can be seen. Some can't.

And to others, it's pretty clear that one of the most obvious and visible changes I've made so far is regarding my image.

I choose to don the image of a Muslimah... and so far (tho' it ain't easy), I'm contented, and there are no regrets.

One of the earlier changes I faced was to get used to wearing a hijab everywhere, without feeling like stripping it off. Well, I'm one of the few people who sweats a lot, especially around the neck area.

Thus wearing a hijab in this tropical country sure poses a great challenge for me. However, as time went by, I've got used to it, and do not feel like it's a burden anymore.

Well, I guess this is made easier by the fact that this change, this decision is made my ME, voluntarily; was not being forced by any third parties.

Second, though ain't that pretty, I LOVE my hair!!! And I had always been misled to believing that I looked a lot better without a hijab on. Well, maybe that's not entirely wrong... But maybe I just look A LITTLE better without hijab.. But is that the point??? NO!!!

It has dawned on me that life isn't just about the now and the present. It's not about how pretty you portray yourselves to other people. It's not about expecting the endless praises our friends might shower us with.

Eventually, the most important thing is, how pretty you are in the 'eyes' of our Creator.

and for those who are married, the essence of happiness is how pretty you are in your husbands' eyes and hearts.

The third challenge for me would be to still be fashionable and trendy whilst still carrying the image of a true Muslimah, without grabbing unnecessary attention from others.

One thing about me, I don't think I can live without makeup and the inner desire to feel pretty.

Oh what a challenge! I see a pretty top or a pretty dress, but it's either too tight or too short, or too see-through!

Then I proceed on a much safer choice; longgar, labuh, etc... and I end up looking like a Makcik!

And I'm not exactly good in tying up my hijab neatly, what more stylishly.

I want him to feel that I'm the prettiest woman he's ever seen.

I don't want him looking at other women, and says "I want you to look like that and that...not this way"

That would surely hurt...

I do not want him to feel embarrassed introducing me as his wife in public either.

I want him to feel proud walking hand-in-hand with me in front of others.

I don't want to look like his older sister, what more his mother!

I want to look like his girl!

Well isn't that hard???

Thus, I'm still searching...

Searching for the best way to dress up...that isn't too ke-makcik-an, or ke-ustazah-an, but also ain't skimpy and not defying the purpose of covering aurat in the first place.

A month after marriage, I found that I was pregnant. It's a sublimely good news but in a way, has limited my quest for searching the right image that I would want to carry as a 'new person'; still young and trendy but a married Muslim woman. Inevitably, I would just grab anything that would fit the FAT me.

But as months went by, I realized that I must change. Yup, again...

I will try my best to revamp my wardrobe after my confinement: getting rid of all unsuitable outfits, and replacing them with younger-looking ensemble that still do not go astray from what is allowed in the religion.

I just need to find and strike the right balance.

Perhaps, with a slimmer body, the quest wouldn't be as hard. Insya Allah...

I will also need to find matching hijab for all my clothing, so that I will not end up frustrated every time before going out simply because I can't quite find the right matching outfit and hijab to wear.

I want to feel happy wearing hijab. This process, by right, should not at all be accompanied with a long sigh.

This should be fun, not burdening... just like Islam...

I am just still in the process of adjusting things here and there...

And surely, there are many more important changes that I need to face.

Especially in terms of becoming a mother, and a better wife, and a better servant to God.

May Allah ease this journey, coz these changes are for the betterment of my life, OUR lives...

I should NOT feel afraid of enduring changes and challenges anymore...

Oh it's such a relief to pour all of this out...

I really should motivate myself more often huh???

Waiting to Exhale....

2010-10-09T17:35:00.006+08:00

Pushhh...Pushhhh..Pushhh...

No Not yet...just imagining how it'll be like... huhuhu...

Gosh, it just dawned on me that waiting to give birth is a lot more nerve-wrecking than waiting to get hitched!

Not only it'll be painful, but a spanking new human being will come out from my body!!!!!

I know zillions of women have given birth, but I still do feel like an alien at times.

Also, after giving birth, comes a life-long responsibility to raise the baby to become a useful human being in all aspects as h/she grows bigger and becomes more mature each day.

But I'm sure this challenging responsibility will also be fulfilling at the same time.

I'm just a lil freaking out coz I think I'm sooo not well-equipped with all the baby info that I believe I need to know (and I accidentally left the 'Dummies Guide to Pregnancy' book in KL...haissshhh). Also, I have zero experience with newborns.

I hope hands-on experience will be my best teacher...

OK, worrying won't get me anywhere...

Gonna sort all the baby stuff NOW!!!

Taaa...!

In Muar... waiting...

2010-10-04T13:43:00.007+08:00

I feel like a time bomb now...

I had my last prenatal checkup last Sunday.

Based on the ultrasound scan, my baby already weighs 2.6 kgs! That is quite a relief. Meaning h/she is not too small and not too big. hehehe..

So far, no complications have been reported. So I am expected to have a normal delivery, not far from the due date.

But still, we will never know what can happen right??? I hope everything will just be smooth. Aminnn....

All baby stuff has been brought back to Muar (but all of 'em are still in the car!), including the items that my students had given me!! Yerp, they are sooo sweeet to give lotsa baby gifts like a whole set of baby bolsters, pillows, mattress, and also a very cute baby outfit set for my lil munchkin! Thanks!!!

Oh anyway, yesterday, both hubby and I went to 'Kursus Rakan Suami', a course specifically organised by Hospital Pakar Sultanah Fatimah in Muar (in which I plan to deliver...).

In order for husbands to accompany the wives in, perhaps, the most critical moment of the wives' lives, the husbands need to attend this short talk, and obtain a 'ticket' to enter the labour room.

This course is simply organised to ensure that both husbands and wives fully understand what can and cannot be done in the labour room, the procedures, location of wards, etc.

It's quite useful but I was a lil disappointed that the Ustaz who should have given a talk on the verses that can be read to ease the labour pain and what the husbands are supposed to do (according to Islamic view) after the baby is out, didn't turn up yesterday.

Looks like I just have to google up everything lah!

But, with the stamped ticket, I feel soooo much relieved... At least I know that if I am lucky to have a normal delivery (aminnn), my husband can be right beside me, witnessing everything.. hehehe...

And I can deliver my baby anytime now without feeling that I will need to do all of this all alone...

Hubby and I would be together most of the time now, except for the day on which he needs to attend classes in UM, i.e. Saturday. But still, there are a lot of people in Muar here to help me out, should anything happen. And he could hop on a bus or drive back right away should I start experiencing any labour symptoms.

But I kinda pity him that he doesn't have a place to stay now in KL when he has his classes. Sorry yer bang... hotel je la nampaknya... Let's just wait till November comes ya...

Ok, I can't think of any more craps to rant about.

Ciao!

THE EURO TRIP

2010-10-02T09:17:00.019+08:00

I am wellllll aware that this is a reaaaaallllllyyyy delayed entry. But it has been in my draft folder for months! I had written about our honeymoon halfway and somehow lost interest for a while (dun remember why, but I think I may have written some parts, and some were lost as they weren't saved), and totally forgot to continue writing it til recently.

After all, I was quite free for the past few days in UiTM. and Facebook couldn't be accessed there. You know lahh when you are too bored, you may end up noticing things that were missed before. That was how I noticed this 'unfinished' job. And since my baby is popping out soonish, and it'll be toooo late to write about honeymoon when I'm already a momma, I'd better do this now... or NEVER!

So I'll try to finish up this travel entry based on my unreliable memory, with the help of endless photos. heheh..

*These pics were taken before I seriously decided to change my image. So please excuse my 'uncovered' pics ya...

We bought our tickets to London a few months before our wedding. U know lah how cheap flight tickets are if you buy them months before your trip. So dun go waaaaahhhh as we decided to have a trip to London and Paris together.

Believe me, it didn't cost that much and we stayed in the most budget accommodation we could possibly find. And we cooked! So it was a budget honeymoon for us. After all, it's the travelling that matters most. So that's what we did. We travelled!!! From 7 am til midnight almost every day!

Day 1 (30/12/09)

We departed to London from LCCT, KL at 3.35 pm. Everything was smooth. and it wasn't a bumpy ride (Thank God! I have terrible flying phobias lately). But it was soooooo long.. The longest flight I'd ever taken, i.e. around 14 hours.

We arrived in Stansted Airport London at almost midnight, the same day. We could already feel the terrible chill outside the airport. We took a shuttle bus to the city, to the 'nearest' stop from our accommodation, Pemberton Gardens House (Hostel). Still, it wasn't that near, we needed to take a cab (which was sooooo expensive; it was our first and last time!) to get there. At around 1 am, we arrived there. The hostel looked like a gloomy Harry Potter's castle from the outside, but from the inside, it looked quite dodgy, to be frank. Huhu.. But what to do, that was the only hostel available for the holiday season. We were lucky to even have a place to stay. We stayed there for 3 nights.

I remembered asking when booking that we wanted a queen bed. But maybe they didn't have any. So we ended up getting a room with a bunk bed! A newly married couple and a bunk bed??? Gila ka... hahahaha.. so we brought down one of the single size mattresses to the floor and slept there for the rest of the nights there. Thank God we were born midgets! hehehe.

Sorry dear that your first experience in a youth hostel wasn't that fabulous...

No piccas at all on the first night there. Lupa lahh...

Day 2 (31/12/09)

We planned to make full use of our time there, so we went out really early in the morning to experience London for real! Fortunately, the underground train station was not that far from our hostel. The station is Archway. We bought unlimited day-pass tickets to travel all around London at a fraction of the original price. It was quite oklaaa... Just don't try converting the amount to Malaysian Ringgit or else we would go bonkers!

Here are some pics of us that morning:

-I couldn't have looked any more lost, could I??-

Then, we went to the famous Buckingham Palace, Wellington Arch, Hyde Park, and in conjunction with X'mas and New Year, a special theme park called Winter Wonderland was set up at Hyde Park. It felt sooo magical! Although Christmas was over, the spirit was still there, and it was so fun to experience real X'mas in the northern hemisphere. Here are some pics:

-Buckingham Palace area-

-Hyde Park & Wellington Arch area-

-Winter Wonderland-

That afternoon, we continued our journey to the famous Harrods store. I bought a handbag and a number of souvenirs. We also strolled along Oxford St, but just for window shopping...:

And before the sun set, at around 4 to 5++, we went back home for prayers and went out again to have a look at London Bridge view at night. It was spectacular! and we continued our journey near the London eye for new year celebration. BUT, I HATED the new year celebration.

Well, even in Malaysia, I am not the kinda person who like to celebrate new year as it is always crowded with crazy people. That's what I assumed. Although I can't compare, but London celebration may be even crazier, as the place was sooo soo packed with drunk teenagers, criminal-looking foreigners, and it was dead cold!!! People peed everywhere in public, and there was a loooong line to get into public toilets! Thank God we had some pennies, if not we couldn't even enter the toilets! There was this one drunk and almost insane old lady who was so pissed off that she couldn't get into the toilet because she didn't have enough money. I was sooo afraid of her coz she babbled non-stop, yelled like a maniac, and looked as if she could kill anyone at that point! Well women always have bladder and menopausal issues huh....

Gosh, I swear not to go to any new year celebrations ever again! Ingatkan nk seize the opportunity je.. But haisshh.. I just don't fancy such 'entertainment'. Dapat tgk fireworks sikit pun jadila.... Here are some pics snapped that night:

Day 3 (1/1/10)

It was a more relaxed day for us on the New Year. The last day in London city before we went to Paris. It snowed the night before, and the city was covered with a thin layer of snow flakes. I loved it! Here are our jaqun faces:

We then went to the London Bridge area again to snap more piccas there, in daylight. On our way there, we bought extra scarves coz it was soooo cold. I bought two. Mula2 cik abang eksyen...but then he stole one..huhhuu. As we strolled along a number of streets, we always had several pit stops at several shops, just to feel the comfy warmth of the heater! hahhaha..kena buat2 macam belek barang macam nk beli la...huhuhu

Then we went all around the London city again, Big Ben, and whatnot and returned back to our Hostel at night. Shopping was postponed til we returned back from Paris. Pheww... tiring for sure!

Day 4 (2/1/10)

Day 4 was Paris dayyyy!!!! Very2 early in the morning we walked quickly to the Eurostar station to take the fast speed train to Paris. It took about 2 and a half hours to get there. and it seemed like we were the only Asians on board! hahaha. Although we were quite skeptical about the train system (just a few weeks earlier, the Eurostar train was stucked under the sea for hoursss), we just prayed that everything would be ok. Alhamdulillah, we arrived safely in Paris in the afternoon. It was snowing a bit when we arrived.

-icy view from the train-

We then arrived at the budget hotel that we had booked online earlier. It was strategically located as it was just within 10mins walk from the train station. What a relief! There was, however, a lil bit of misunderstanding about the booking at first, but once it was settled, we were very happy. The place looked much2 better than Pemberton House!!!

To walk around Paris city, we only had about 4 hours before the sun set. Definitely Eiffel Tower was our first destination. We hopped on a bus and wallla, the famous tower was before our eyes. It was like a dream!!! We even had real French crepes with Nutella there!

We later stopped at the famous arch 'Arch de Triomphe' for some snappings too!

-Arch de Triomphe-

It was really2 cold that night... I needed to keep controlling my body heat psychologically coz I felt like I could suffer from frostbite at any point, even with 5 layers of clothing and double layers of socks! The temperature on average in London and Paris during that week ranged from -3 to 2 degrees Celsius!! Imagine!!!

I had a terrible cold , sneezing non-stop, but still we managed to indulge in a real succulent pizza at a cafe in the city that night. After all, I had lost hope in finding the right words, gestures, and facial expressions that could possibly make the French workers understand that I needed medicine to ease my cold!! They kept giving me tissues!!!!

Language barriers still posed a serious problem amongst travellers in France, I think.

-THE pizza!-

We slept like babies that night....

Day 5 (3/1/10)

Day 5 = Disneyland day!!!!

Yeah, we are still kids at hearts. We took the train from the city. Disneyland is located about 45 mins train away from the city. We bought our tickets online. They are much cheaper online. The tickets were meant for entrance for both Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studio. Here are some pics from the Disneyland Park:

We really looked like kids huh? huhu...

We were even willing to wait in a long line just to take photos with Pluto!

Mr Hubby enjoyed his rides and I enjoyed the atmosphere and the magical feeling typically associated with Disneyland. What a splendid feeling! I shopped for souveniers a bit while he went all ga-ga with his rides. Hehehe..

As the sun set, we went to the Walt Disney Studio next door. We didn't have much time, so we just snapped as many photos as possible there. To make it worthwhile, I agreed to follow Mr Hubby to enter the Tower of Terror. I thought "tak terok sgt kotttt". Damn I was wrong. Little I realized that entering that place was like committing suicide. The concept was: the lift in the haunted hotel was not functioning, so as we entered it, it just terus jatuh menjunaaammmmm!!! Rasa cam nk mati!!! I just closed my eyes all the way, regretting every second why in the world I entered that 'hell' in the first place. And it turned out that my voice was not the only thing I lost that day. ;(. Well, it was meant to be...i gez...

Then we went to Disneyland Village, just nearby. It was full of restaurants and cafes, which were mostly expensive. I don't remember what we ended up eating that night...huhuhu

Day 6 (4/1/10)

Bubbye Paris.... told ya it was a budget trip. If we had enough money, we would have extended the length of our stay.... Tapi oklaaaa.... So that morning, before the sun rose, we went back to London via Eurostar. Here are some of our last pics in Paris:

We arrived in London that morning at around 8 am. We checked in our new budget accommodation in London, named Vegas Hotel. Believe me, there's nothing Vegas about it. Even the worker at the reception were Indians! heheh.. But better than Pemberton Gardens. It's also near an underground train station, i.e. Victoria. It's like a Bed and Breakfast accomm. Doesn't really matter. We were out most of the time.

That day we tried to cover other attractions in London that we didn't get to go on the first 2 days. We went to British Museum, Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden, and Madamme Tussauds.

Here are some of our pics for the day:

That's all we did the whole day... heheh..

Day 7 (5/1/10)

Oh a few more places to cover on the last day!

First of all, since we were already London, we took the opportunity to visit Greenwich Park, at which there's a line that indicates where time actually starts for the whole world! There was also a little museum there with all sorts of gadgets ever invented to measure time in the past.

Oh anyway, before we reached the park, we were dead hungry, so we bought 2 large lamb kebabs in the Greenwich city. It was the BEST kebab we've ever tasted. Nasib baik tak mengidam ni during this pregnancy.huhu... Only then we realized that there's a Muslim community in Greenwich, and that's why Halal food outlets were abundant there.

Here are some pics:

In the late afternoon, we went back to city centre and did some souvenir shopping at Chinatown. At the city, we took some photos at the Tower of London and I ice skated at the open-air ice rink there! It was sooo soooo funnnn... A lot better than the experience in Sunway! Also, it was a good way to heat up my body.

After that we went to Chinatown. The souveniers there were a lil cheaper. But the most important thing was, there were endlessss choices! No pics were snapped. Too busy shopping maaaa....

We went back to the hotel, took our stuff and hopped on a shuttle airport bus from the Victoria station back to where we first landed; Stansted Airport. As we were walking to the bus station, suddenly it was snowing heavily. Many locals were worried about the danger of thick layers of snow on the roads and at the airport. But I simply cherished the moments as droplets of snow were falling on my hair. ;)

The flight was at midnight. Goodbye London, goodbye Europe!

Day 8 (6/1/10)

We arrived safely in the LCC Terminal KL at around 8 pm the next day. It was fulfilling albeit a lil tiring... Say hello to reality!!!!

Overall, it was a really2 AWESOME trip for us!

It was our dream to experience European culture, walk along Oxford Street, celebrate New Year in a different continent, inhale Europe's coldest mist, cuddle at Eiffel Tower, indulge in a real pizza in a Paris cafe, be kids again in Disneyland, and be smothered by snow on one of London's coldest nights.

In simpler words, our dreams came true!

But, I don't feel like visiting London again. Maybe other places in England, the countrysides or other states in the Great Britain.

One day when we have more money, surely a complete REAL Euro Trip will be another dream-come-true.

Now it's time to materialize other dreams like having one nice happy family, buying our dream house, being good spouses, becoming better people, and travelling to other parts of the world when we have extra money in the future. ;)

May all our dreams come true.

To view ALL the photos, you can check my Facebook photo albums:

a) Facebook-Euro Trip-London City-[Part 1]

b) Facebook-Euro Trip-Paris-[Part 2]

c) Facebook-Euro Trip-Disneyland-[Part 3]

d) Facebook-Euro Trip-Back in London City-[Part 4]

and may there be more travel journals like this about OUR trips in the future.

Ciao!

Ready for Launch!

2010-09-24T20:29:00.003+08:00

The ticker above says that my baby is ready for launch.

I feel like a rocket!!!

So, am I prepared???

Absolutely NOT!!!

I mean mentally la...

There are plans in our heads, there are already a number of baby stuff bought, and a few other things settled.

So, I am just fighting with my own self, about how prepared I am to be a GOOD mom. hrmm...

I hope our plan, i.e. to deliver in Muar hospital, and then go back to Kedah for the rest of the confinement period, will go on smoothly, provided that our baby doesn't pop out too soon...

Every day, whenever I feel funny, I will rub my tummy and console my baby "Please2...dun come out yet..just wait..at least for one more week ya..."

So far, it works!

Anyway, as for updates, last Friday I attended a breastfeeding talk in Klinik Kesihatan, Seksyen 7, Shah Alam, since I didn't have anything better to do that day. Not to mention, my knowledge about breastfeeding can be considered as nil.

It was quite useful...although the info covered was not as extensive as I had expected. Bolehlaaaa... There were soooo many pregnant ladies there, I seriously felt suffocated!

I am 36 wks ++ pregnant now...which means that I have reached the stage at which I am required to have WEEKly prenatal checkups. So far, I went to both Klinik Kesihatan Shah Alam and Klinik Umra, Shah Alam alternately.

But in my last checkup last Wednesday, I kinda vowed not to go again to that KK, coz the service was soooooo bad. I had an appointment at 2 pm.. But I went there at 130, just to take the number, in hope that I wouldn't have to wait too long. Sadly, when the clinic opened back after lunch hour at 2 pm, other numbers (later than mine) were called first, and my name was only called an hour and a half later!!! What the puff!!!

Even though I am always the kind of person who's patient and composed, I almost felt like bursting out that day, out of utter dissatisfaction. KK in Muar is A LOT more systematic. I was so pissed off, I wrote all my anger on a piece of paper, and put it in the Peti Aduan. I hope they'll read it. They really need a wake-up call on how unsystematic they are and that A LOT of changes need to be made. Phew...

So I guess this weekend I will go to Klinik Umra for my last checkup in KL.

Plan to go back to Muar this Sunday, 3rd of Oct. The next day, we will need to attend a short talk, named "Kursus Rakan Suami". My hubby need to obtain a 'ticket' by the end of this course, in order to be able to enter the labour room with me (provided that my tummy won't be CUT OPEN). I really2 need him beside me...

I had obtained a guarantee letter from UiTM last week. This letter certifies that I am a UiTM staff, and that I am entitled to get a first-class room in a govt hospital for the purpose of delivering my baby. Oh it just dawned on me that I have never been hospitalised at all before! Everything will be oh-s0-alienish for me huh...?

I think I have written enough craps.

Ciao!

36 weeks

2010-09-21T21:34:00.005+08:00

Hey all!

OMG, I'm 36 weeks pregnant!!! One more week and if I were to deliver our baby, h/she will not be considered premature anymore...

This means that I can give birth like anytime now!!!

Ok, too many exclamation marks!

Sadly, I still need to go to UiTM back and forth, although the semester for Asasi Law programme has ended.

No more teaching, just keying in marks and other trivial stuff to be done.

I would just go wandering in malls or just sleep in the surau if I have nothing else better to do.

I have applied for a 2-week leave before my due date. This means that by early October, I can already pack my things up, and head to Muar, my husband's hometown.

Yerp, planning to deliver our baby in the govt hospital there. If I were to deliver in Kedah, it will be an awful 10-hour journey for my hubby to endure, just to be by my side for support (or just to have his palms deadly clenched by me...uhuk... ).

Now I feel a lil heavy. Of course I do: I have gained almost 15kgs!!!

It dawned on me that not only I had never reached the 60+ kgs stage, I had also never reached the 50kgs stage before!! So surely this weight gain is way too overwhelming for me.. hehe... BUT, I'd endure anything for our lil baby. ;)

At this stage, I was told that I'd need to have a prenatal checkup every week! Every week looking at those awful nurses' faces in Klinik Kesihatan Shah Alam??? NOOOOOO!!!

Not enough money to have weekly checkups at private clinics either.

Oh I so can't wait to go back to Muar!! The govt nurses there are much nicer!

In the previous checkup, our baby was already 2.1 kgs. That is quite a relief...

And no complications were recorded. Alhamdulillah...

Will update more later peeps!

Ciao!

Stretch Marks

2010-08-10T13:10:00.009+08:00

I hate 'em...

But I know, once I get to see the baby in about 1-2 months, I will be willing to have all the stretch marks in the world...hehehe...

I am now 32 weeks pregnant, i.e. in my 8th month of pregnancy...

Time flies??

NOOOO...

I feel like I have been pregnant forever!!! In fact, I am beginning to forget how I used to look like 8 months ago...huhuhu..

Oh I'd better remember, coz I am determined to get back in shape after the baby arrives. hehe.... only as I browsed through my old clothes recently that I realised how small I was before...! huhuhu... ooh pls peeps, keep me motivated...

Mr Hubby is super-supportive. So Thank you abang! Your support will surely make this new experience and bumpy journey easier and much more rewarding.. ;)

So far, fasting during pregnancy does not pose any problems to me... alhamdulillah... I have only missed one day of fasting so far, due to sickness last week. Instead of worrying that fasting will be detrimental to our health, I'd better focus on the tremendous benefits and fadhilat that fasting can bring to both of us. hheheheh... I should feel happy that I could experience Ramadhan with the baby, and reap the benefits this holy month has to offer.

As the due date getting closer, I can't help feeling a lil scared to endure the labour process. But millions of mothers survived the ordeal, so I am hoping I won't be an exception. :[

Several baby stuff have been bought... I went to the Pureen Warehouse Sale 2 weeks ago in PJ.. Gosh there were an ocean of parents who seized the opportunity to buy baby stuff at cheaper prices. I could not buy that much coz I went alone. The hubby was having his classes then... But still , he was awestruck to see how much I had bought that day. heheh...

Do pray that everything will be alright for us ya...

Cya...

ooouhh, cute and scary!

Ciao..

7 blissful months...

2010-07-20T15:42:00.007+08:00

I've just realised that I have been married for more than half a year!!!

and I am now 6 and a half months pregnant.

I have a loving and supportive husband and I am expecting OUR baby.

I surely couldn't ask for more!!!

Pregnancy so far has been ok...

My 2nd trimester is so joyful that I've almost forgotten the pain I endured in my first trimester!

and in 2 weeks, I'll embark on my 3rd trimester journey.

Takots!

So far our preparations for the baby have been ...hrmmm... NONE!

Not even a single top, not even a single bottle, not even a single nappy for the baby..

WE feel like it's too early...BUT... as time goes by, I come to realize that it won't be too long from now that we're gonna see our first child...

So maybe we'll start buying basic baby stuff by the end of this month..

The feeling???

Creepy I tell you...

In the meantime, I shall just cherish the moment where I could just bring our baby everywhere with me in my tummy and feel his/her flutters, even at the most wrong timing! hehehe...

Coz after the baby is born, and after berpantang, there is a possibility that we are going to be apart from each other. :(

But not sure yet....

I am planning to have a detailed 3D baby scan this weekend. Hope everything will be ok. But the prospect of having to see how our baby actually looks like is a lil scary.

Ok, everything is scary for me now...

Oh and also, I'm pretty disappointed that my intention to go for an antenatal class with the hubby this month may not be a reality. I have called more than 5 medical centres and all of them are either fully-booked...or will only continue the classes after Raya! That's like wayyyy too late!!! I may end up giving birth for real in the class itself!!! :(((

If any of you happens to know any place that conducts antenatal classes on Sundays, do inform me ya. Heard that antenatal classes are very helpful for first time parents, what more a dummy like me...! waaaaa.. Tingin gak blaja hembus2 tu... and to know how my hubby can help in the process of labour... waaaa... Thanx in advance for any info!

That's all peeps, shall update later!

22

2010-06-22T13:37:00.008+08:00

I'm 22 weeks pregnant.

And the baby flutters almost all the time! How fun!!!

When you are alone, such flutters are the only thing that accompanies you and makes you happy.

Thank you baby!

Latest news about my blood density: it's becoming worse!

My hemoglobin reading has gone down below the normal level. So now I'm given double the dose of iron supplements.

Dia tanya, pening tak? muntah tak? Well... very rarely dah lately... so to be honest, I feel absolutely healthy besides the normal pregnancy sluggishness.

So, kerang and hati ayam should be my companions now... haishh...

My hubby was so sweet that right after the checkup, he brought me to Kajang for Satay Kajang. He even ordered extra hati ayam satay. Although beef satays looked a lot more tantalizing, kena telan gakla...huhuhu...

Believe it or not, that was my first time eating authentic Satay Kajang. Tahaper2 kan?? Nama je membesar kat Selangor..huhu...

It was one awesome experience. Thanks hubby! dahla memang tgh lapaq gila masa tu!

Oh I miss school hols! Although I still had to work, but at least there was someone to look forward to everytime I was done with work. So the exhaustion just flew away.

Now, back to the old routine...makan sorg2, makan dalam keta, cakap sorg2..hahahaha...

Pathetic, I know..

OK, enuff of all this nonsense.

Cya! ;)

Babymoon it is ~Preggy Update 2~

2010-06-05T22:25:00.012+08:00

Hrmm... nothing much to update really, but it seems like it has been a while since I last wrote something here.

Changes??

Well I'm becoming rounder and rounder for sure! And no complaints, coz the whole point is not just to create this living being, but to provide a place for the baby to grow and develop (as much as he/she can) until it is time to enter into this world. That's what a mom-to-be's most important job, at this point, I think.

Nausea is almost a history now. Isn't that a good news?? hehe.. Just in time when I've just started working this week. Oh dear baby, what a good timing!!

Oh and yeah, now I'm working and pregnant and ALONE!! Only on weekdays, but it saddens me that there's nothing much to look forward to when I get home from work, besides my bed and the tv. We have just started this PJJ or LDM and I believe we are both strong enough to make things work. At least, we can still find time to see each other on weekends (like now.. I'm in Muar!!). Alhamdulillah...

Now that I'm mostly alone, I hope you guys pray for my safety and health... I really2 hope that I wont have a pre-mature baby. My estimated due date is the 21st of October. I'm fully aware that it's very rare that women give birth on the due dates but I hope it's not that far from the date. Coz, end of October is a perfect timing for labour. Semester for my Pre-Law UiTM students would have ended by then, and the school hols will begin soonish, meaning Mr Hubby will be around (and maybe he'll get the one-week earlier holiday that he deserves. hehe).

I hope everything will work out wonderfully... I believe the house I'm renting now (on the 2nd floor, no lifts) is a good way of ensuring that I get enough exercises during this pregnancy. People say that light exercises during pregnancy will ease labour pain. Don't know la how true that is.

I need to commute every day, driving back and forth Shah Alam and PJ. It isn't that bad for now (well, the new semester hasn't really started, so dun be too happy), it's just that along the journey, as months go by, I hope I won't experience any contractions or whatever other labour signs lah. The thought of driving to the hospital for labour by myself is too overwhelming!

At least if I'm home, my housemate/s would be around, to help me do whatever that needs to be done. Haishh, I have too many worries in my head.

So far I dun experience any other worrying health problems, Alhamdulillah... Everything's smooth for now.And the fact that I've started working means that my workplace does not have anything against pregnant women. Even without x-ray checkup during the medical checkup, I'm still accepted as a part of the team. Betul2 rezeki lah... kalau tak, mana nk cekau duit nk beranak..hahaha.. Whatever that we have so far is already enough, but of course we want to prepare the best for this new human being, and for that, I MUST work. Tolak tepi lah penat ke mengah ke...

Ok lah, tak larat dah nk tulis. I'll update more when anything more interesting comes up.

Can't wait to feel the kicking! (tapi kang x leh tido plak..)..huhu...

P/S- Just got to know this term - maieusophile. The meaning scares me! Hahaha.. -->


	Maieusophile A Person who has a strong liking or a fetish for second trimester pregnant women.

Bumpy Bodayy! -Preggy Update 1-

2010-05-20T19:04:00.009+08:00

As indicated above, I'm 18 weeks pregnant!!!

That is, I'm about 4 1/2 months pregnant...

I'm like half way through, aren't I???

What are the changes taking place?? Let's see:

Body
I'm becoming more 'curvaceous' day by day. It is as if my tummy gets a tad bigger every time I wake up from sleep. And I sleep 3 times a day!! Hahah.. I'm foreseeing that I have a very chubby baby...

Cravings
Still no real cravings. Tension lah! I miss my appetite before pregnancy. I had better cravings then. Haha..

Monthly prenatal check-up
So far, I have had my monthly prenatal checkup in a public hospital, Klinik Kerajaan la... Here in Muar, the Q isn't that bad if I come really early. Ok lahh. The nurses are surprisingly VERY2 nice. They are not at all how I imagined them to be. So far, out of 3 checkups, I have only been checked by a doctor once. And, the doctor was quite moody and cranky. Maybe she was sleepy, so I was afraid to ask her any questions then. So for now, I love the nurses more.

I do go to private O & G clinics occasionally. Especially when only nurses checked me in the public clinic. Well, as much as I love them, they don't have any medical degrees. For now, we plan to go there every alternate month. I'd been to Bangsar Women Specialist Clinic, at the Telawi Street (My first checkup. I LOVE the datin doctor!!). But yeah, it's pretty expensive. In Muar, I'd been to Raja O & G clinic. Quite nice too. Not as expensive, and the doctor did a very thorough ultrasound checkup. Very relieved to know that so far the baby is healthy and has normal body organs measurements.

I still don't know where I'll go for checkups in KL/Selangor later since it seems like I'll start working there soon. Any suggestions?

Supplements
So far, I've been taking Folic Acid, and other supplements like Iron tablets, Vitamin C, and Vitamin B Complex, all provided FOC from the public clinic! This is awesome!!!

I really need to eat right, but sometimes I just forget to! I need to eat more vegies, fruits, and milk. I don't know why milk does not seem that delicious now! I was a fan!! Sometimes, it makes me wanna puke! But I'll try to consume it, for the sake of the baby..

Health
So far, I think I'm ok. My weight does not increase as much as I'd expected. I'm not sure if that's good or not. My nausea has subsided a bit and the gas isn't that bad too... I don't feel 'heavy' just yet. Still normal. But I notice that I could not stand at a particular position for too long. Almost fell in the kitchen last week coz suddenly I felt dizzy.

I was suspected of having diabetes in my last checkup. Thank God the GTT (Glucose Tolerance Test) proved otherwise. But I still need to be careful with my sugar intake. Mr Hubby has given me long lectures on this matter..huhu..

In the recent checkup, my blood density (Hemoglobin apa tah..kepekatan darah la...) was said to have dropped, almost below the normal level. So I need to shove my mouth with food high in iron. Haisshh...Apparently the supplements aren't enough.

In the Oven
I haven't felt any real kicking from the baby yet, but I do sense some fluttering movements in the tummy (not sure if it's gas or the baby..huhu). I would love to share with all of you the ultrasound images of our growing baby for the past few months, but I don't know.. I'm just afraid too. I don't want to be tooo excited you know. I guess for now, I might just share the piccas with my close friends and relatives. ;)

I will surely put all the pics up once the baby is born, Insya Allah...

That's all peeps!

50 reasons to be glad you're pregnant

2010-05-17T17:34:00.001+08:00

1 Relishing the early weeks when only you and your husband knew your special secret.

2 Knowing you've got nine whole months to plan, dream and fantasise.

3 Choosing maternity clothes - they've never been more practical or more sexy.

4 Now you've got the perfect excuse to pamper yourself - spending hours in a scented bath, enjoying a massage or rubbing soothing lotions into your growing bump.

5 Maternity leave when you will have two whole months (more if you work for a progressive, forward-thinking company) to enjoy your baby.

6 You can join a antenatal class and find a whole new bunch of friends (and don't forget our BabyCenter birth clubs: another great way to meet people due at the same time as you).

7 For once in your life you need to get heavier - pregnancy is Nature's way of making you feel good about putting on weight.

8 If this is your first baby, enjoy the next nine months sleeping late at weekends: you won't get many chances later on.

9 At last you've got the bosom you've always wanted, which means you also have...

10...a great excuse to buy lots of pretty new bras.

11 Finally, you can ask people to get off their seats for you in the LRT, train or bus.

12 At last you'll have something more than pot plants and cats to care for and nurture!

13 Suddenly you'll find you're getting lots of extra attention from parents, aunts and uncles, not to mention your husband.

14 You may find you develop a closer relationship with sisters, cousins or friends who are parents themselves. Congratulations, you've just won free admission to the parents' club!

15 Telling your mum, dad, sister, brother, aunt, dog and seventh auntie twice removed, the good news and watching their faces light up.

16 New talents! Whether it's knitting bootees or assembling a flat-pack cot, you'll suddenly find yourself trying out all sorts of new skills.

17 Suddenly you'll feel a new appreciation for your own mother and all she went through having you.

18 Decorating the nursery: one of the most exciting things you'll ever do.

19 Feeling those first fluttering kicks and thinking, 'Is that what I think it is? Or is it just wind?'

20 Feeling OK for sending your husband out for roti canai followed by double-choc chip ice cream and cendol.

21 Your parents digging out your old cot or pram, which they've kept safely all this time 'just in case'.

22 Going for healthy walks with your husband and getting fresh air in your lungs because it's good for you and good for your baby.

23 Enjoying the extra-vivid dreams you get in late pregnancy - and laughing about them with your friends.

24 Feeling a little pair of heels prodding under your diaphragm and knowing you'll soon be meeting the little person they belong to!

25 Choosing baby clothes and planning what you're going to buy.

26 Writing a pregnancy diary for your baby to read in the future.

27 Getting someone to take photos of you smiling over your enormous bump so that, one day, you can look back and be amazed you were ever that size.

28 Finding out how many people there are out there ready to care for you: grandma, grandpa, mum and dad, great grandaunt Bibi who used to scold you for playing masak-masak with her good china, doctors, nurses, breastfeeding counsellors...

29 Lying in bed with your husband's arms around you and your bump, knowing that love has created a new life.

30 Enjoying indulgences, such as evenings out, weekends away and anything else you might not be able to do so easily once the baby arrives.

31 Knowing that from now on, whatever happens, you'll never be bored again.

32 Making new friends whenever you go shopping - everyone has a pregnancy story to share.

33 You can spend whole evenings debating baby names... (don't forget to try our BabyCenter baby namer if you get stuck!)

34 Imagining what he or she will look like. Your sweet little ears, of course, and his sexy eyes!

35 Dreaming about, "My daughter the prime minister/pop star/brain surgeon."

36 Looking at your growing bump in the mirror and realising there's a person in there!

37 Making out a squirmy outline on the ultrasound monitor. Asking for the pic to take home and pinning it up next to your work station, or just keeping it in your bag to sneak looks at.

38 The expression on your husband's face as he sees the test strip turn blue, looks at your growing bump or feels the baby kicking.

39 Buying that first little cuddly toy for your baby, not somebody else's.

40 Making that phone call to your husband to tell him that - we're off! - labour has started.

41 Trying out all those exercises you learned at antenatal class and finding out that they actually work!

42 Being held and supported throughout a contraction by your husband or labour companion and knowing that you can trust them totally.

43 Finding out, as the contractions get tough, that your repertoire of swear words (in several languages!) is far more extensive than you ever realised!

44 Making an informed choice about pain relief and finding that it's right for you at that stage in labour.

45 That huge rush of pleasure and relief when, suddenly, all the pain and effort stops.

46 Looking into your newborn's eyes and falling utterly in love.

47 Hearing your husband tell his colleagues, the cleaning lady, delivery man and anyone else he can find because his joy and pride are overwhelming.

48 Celebrating! Whatever the time of day or night.

49 Making all those phone calls to announce the arrival. Telling everyone the news and hearing the excitement in their voices.

50 Waking up to see your baby sleeping next to you and thinking, 'Wow! This is real. I'm a mum!'

p/s- For now, I love no.9 the best! Hahaha!

* Taken from the Baby Center website.

Mehndi gone, something else kicks in...

2010-05-08T12:04:00.030+08:00

Mehndi?

I hated everything about it, from its tedious application and to the way it looked like on my fingers. It looked unhygienic, I thought. And parts which didn't turn out right, leaking and whatnot, made me look like I had some sorta skin diseases.

I washed my hands more frequently than I normally would since it seemed like any stains wouldn't come off. I needed to constantly remind myself, "Hey your hands are already clean, it's just the colour!"

and now that it's no longer visible on my fingers, I miss it...

I miss the colour. I miss how it reminded me of the best moment in my life.

And besides, it saved me from judgmental stares on the streets as I walked hand-in-hand with my man.

With the new image donned, I have a feeling that people would be muttering silently to themselves "Hishh, bertudung tapi berkepit pegang-pegang dengan jantan. Tak malu!"

But the mehndi saved that.

Now, not anymore.

People won't notice the tiny 1 cm line of mehndi on my big toe for sure.

Now, I may appear to strangers to be:

i) Pompuan melayu gatai yang tak cukup umur jalan-jalan dengan laki pegang2 tangan. Ish perot dia buncit la, astaghfirullahalazhim....

ii) Bekas minah rempit yang pnah kena rogol, tapi baru insap.

iii) Budak skolah yang ada pnyakit cacing kerawit yang kronik.

Oh none of the above makes sense unless you already know that I'm all knocked up now. Haha...

Yes, the baby is the 'something else', although it obviously should be SOMEONE..Heheh.. and no, it's not kicking yet. ;)

and I'm guessing from my above imaginations, coupled with my baby-face, I won't be offered any seats on any forms of crowded public transportations in Malaysia. huhu.

And if there are still any blinded banglas or school boys stupidly trying to kacau me at this stage of my life, I'm prepared to say:

"Saya ni baru kena tinggai laki. Tau2 lak ngandung. Memang dok cari someone nk tolong sara baby ni. lagi 5 bulan nk meletop. Bagus gak kalau ada orang sudi nk jaga bagi mkn baby saya ni...

I'm sure they'd be gone in approximately half a second.

Don't mess with a pregnant lady. We can be quite an ass...

Oh I'm so full of pre-determined answers and dialogues in my head! ihik..

Sorry Mr hubby, tu hanya dialog utk melupuskan mamat2 xreti bahasa je. I'm sure you won't leave me. Right?

By now, I'm about 4 months pregnant. My tummy is already bulging. Not that obvious if I wear something loose. With something more fitting, I may look like a lady with serious digestive problems.

Maybe in a month or two I'd look more pregnant-like.

I still can't quite believe that I now have a growing human being in my tummy.

The idea is quite alienish to me sometimes.

But most of the times, it's magical!

I don't feel the baby moving yet, so the only time I'm reminded of the reality of the situation is during my monthly checkup in the hospital. Even more real when I get to see our baby's image.

Indescribable indeed.

Morning sickness??? Tell me about it....

It was pretty rough in the first trimester. Now, it's getting mild. Still vomiting here and there (in the car, accross the streets, in any longkang, etc). Toilet bowl is still my best friend though.

But no accompanying pulsating headaches and wind. So it's a lot better. ;)

Still need to stuff my handbag with plastic bags though, in preparation for any unforeseen circumstances.

My appetite has been quite low since early pregnancy, but I'm trying to keep up, for the baby's sake.

But, no real cravings lah! Nak jugak nyusahkan laki kan..Hahaha... kidding2..

Ok enough of updates on my growing body.

Feels much better to let this out. Been keeping this news coz you know, first trimester is simply a fragile stage.

Not telling all this to show-off or anything. Just hoping I'll get your prayers that everything will be alright with this pregnancy.

I'm freaking out every now and then thinking whether I'm really born to be a good mother. So I need any form of prayers I can get. My hubby is super sweet, he bought me this book:

He understands me all too well. I squirm to the very thought of holding a newborn! Takut!

Ok I should stop this. The more I write, the more I sound like Britney Spears! erks!

Will update more later. Insya Allah.

Azzy

Secrets to a Loving Marriage

2010-05-07T22:29:00.008+08:00

Secrets to a Loving Marriage.

1. Sincere.

2. Establish and maintain the relationship with absolute enjoyment.

"Wives and husbands in satisfying long marriages like one another, enjoy being together and enjoy talking to each other. They enjoy each other physically too" *coughs*

(Pamela Wilson)

3. Always contact one another.

"Romance reinforces that sense that there is someone who cares about us, importantly, who makes sure we know it. Romance also creates new memories that become the fabric of the relationship. It creates 'couple time' that is critically important to maintaining the emotional connection."

(Robyn Parker in "Why Marriages Last")

4. Balance between time at the workplace and time together.

"Happy couples achieved a balance between time together and time apart, and that finding such a balance contributed to the sense of intimacy and satisfaction with the marriage."

(Klagsburn in "Married People: Staying Together in the Age of Divorce")

5. Focus on the positive aspect of our partner.

"Looking for the positives in one another, instead of the faults, is one way couples can keep the romance alive."

(Pamela Wilson in "How Romantic")

6. Caring

"We are intensely curious about the other person's life and how the day was. As time goes on, we tend to stop doing that. And that can lead to emotional distance."

(Pamela Wilson)

7. Prayers work wonders.

Most importantly, keep on praying to God. Pray that the love built will continue to last, i.e. dunia dan akhirat.

Well, inspiring quotations and lessons learnt should not be kept only to oneself, right??

*Adapted from 101 Doa compiled by Zahazan Mohamed - Publisher: Telaga Biru.

formspring.me

2010-04-26T14:26:00.001+08:00

Ask me anything http://formspring.me/hairyazzy

I LOVE weddings!

2010-04-19T16:54:00.002+08:00

This year, just as the previous, witnesses more lovebirds being bound by a tie called marriage.

and I am sooooo sooo happy for all of my friends who have just got married or will get married SOOON!

June itself will be a difficult month for me because of the wedding mania.

Three of my uni mates will get married around the same dates. And they all live soooo far apart!

I want to attend all, seriously! I just love weddings, what more... my friends'!

BUT I'm foreseeing that I might only be able to attend one of them, or God forbid, none at all!

You'll understand why...

One of the reasons is my job of course. By right, I should have started working by then. And I won't be working in a school. So NO school hols for me! BUUWWWEEKKK!!

Thus, it's difficult to apply for leave when you have just started working for not even a month!

But I'll see what I can do ya... Will try my best to go against all odds. ;)

Oh I soooo look forward to seeing my friends in nice wedding gowns, flawless makeup, and rich Mehndi.

and most importantly, walking hand-in-hand with the ones they truly LOVE.

xoxo

Azzy

Wedding Cakes

2010-04-13T18:05:00.002+08:00

I had been been frequently asked by many recently of where I ordered my wedding cake in Kedah.

I've just asked my mom, here's the number: 0124949017 (Khairati).

It's not a wedding cake shop, it's a house, according to my mom.

Hope this info helps. ;)

My Promise

2010-03-26T16:49:00.018+08:00

I remember promising my readers that I'd acknowledge some people and services that had made my wedding a success.

So after 3 months, I am fulfilling my promise.

People:

1. Family - Yeah, without them surely the wedding would have been a disaster! Thanks for the emotional and financial support, especially you momma!

2. Bridesmaid - Ain! The most helpful non-family person that had lessened the burden on my family's shoulders. Mende2 tak logik cam tolong boh inai again on my fingers an hour before the reception pun dia tolong buat without complaints! hehehe.. (masa tu inai makin pudar. As a bridezilla, petty things like that pun drove me bonkers!).

3. Best-man - Although Saiful might be the one yang should do this dedication, tapi takpela, kira skali la since kenduri Kedah pon kan..heheh... Thanks Elyas for helping out.. Jauhhhh datang! Thank you3...!

4. Guests - Of course lah kan? Thank you so much for attending!

Services:

1. Caterer - Encik Zaini, thank you so much for being super efficient days leading to the BIG day. Semua puji makanan sedap2.

Initially we were dead worried that dia macam lengai2 ja, but alhamdulillah things turned up wonderful in the end. Dah almost canceled dah dia sebab lengai sangat,. Agaknya dia layan betul2 kalau Datuk2 je kot..huhuhu... Mau tak risau, makanan adalah antara mende paling penting untuk hari kenduri kan? Tapi xpela, okla tu...best2.. Cuma M/C you provided ja kurang puas hati..hahahaha.

2. Wedding invitation cards (The Kad Kahwin) - Memang superb service dia..although a few times kami tersilap pandang typo errors, dia tetap sabar ikut kerenah kami... Thanks a zillion!
3. Photography (White Group) - Best nak mampos!! hahaha.. One of the best experiences of our wedding. Will surely recommend your team for my friends' weddings. Oh yeah, custom album dah siap, but haven't had the chance to go back to Kedah to have a look at it yet. Will do soonish! Tak sabar!!!

4. My laces (Jakel & First Impression) - Sangat2 puas hati. Especially layanan kat Jakel. Bargain punya bargain plus muka sposenku, dapat turun harga almost rm 200 from the original price. Phewwww... Tu pun menggeletar bayar... We even bought the fabric (laces and satin) for our reception in Muar at Jakel, with the same salesgirl lagiii! hahaha...

5. Tailor (Fesyen Ria Indah, Sungai Petani) - Hurmmm, yang ni ada love-hate relationship sket.. I don't remember whether I had mentioned earlier about dia salah buat my reception dress. Only God knew how my heart dropped bila dia wat baju tu lain dari what I asked her to do!!! Tapi being a perfectionist and perhaps customer yang sedikit keji, I asked her to alter it jugak the way I wanted.. Tak kira!!! It's my wedding!! it MUST be perfect! hehehehe... Thank God it finally turned out ok.. Phewww...

6. Spa (Coco D'Spa) - Best gila!!! and affordable! ntah bila lagi la I'd pamper my body that way...huhu... The best thing of all, it was where I found my perfect makeup artist! Cam miracle je! Thanks Kak Sha. Dahla murah, sanggup datang umah lak tu... And she even did extra work, like buat rambut my bridesmaid dengan rela hati without buat muka or extra charge. hehehe..

7. G. Glamour - Oh yeah another beauty stop, where I should be getting my makeup done. In the end, only my hubby yang bersiap kat sana.. I only rented some of their accessories. Although awal2 cam nyampah gak, muka diorg tak enthusiastic masa kita datang kedai dia (yelah, selalu mak2 datin n artis2 je kot dia layan), but in the end, my hubby said the service provided was tip-top! ok lahh kot!!

8. Wedding cake - ntahla sape buat, my mom yang handled.. But it was soooo nice (to me lah!). Sangat2 puas hati although on the BIG day itself semua org lain dah tengok dulu baru I got the chance to see it. Pandai dia tiru gambar provided, siap tmbah2 lagi decorations.hehehe.. Thanks! Dummy pun dia bagi balik, yeah!

9. Wedding bands - Mine from The Diamond Boutique and his from Goldheart. Dua2 layanan ok.. recommended2! Jangan pi PohKong MV yang kat bawah tu. Muka2 minah2 tu semua cam terpaksa keje je, pastu tengok orang semua macam takde duit je..hahaha...Walaupun mmg takde duit, tapi mesra la sket kan?...hahaha...

Tu je kot? Remind me if I forgot to mention anyone ya.. Yang lain2 banyak DIY.. So thanks to MY MOM and I je lah..hahahahah..!

Hadiah2 from both receptions masih terbengkalai kat Kedah and Johor. Most of the stuff will only be of use when we have our own home. Maybe later, when we have settled down somewhere for real.

For that to happen, I must be employed first. Haisssshhh.. slow betul lah UM ni... !

Ok, penat dah. kena baring. Ciao guys!

3 +

2010-03-26T13:00:00.003+08:00

I am so used to being a housewife that I feel that this has been my all-time job ever since the T-Rex age!

As I browsed through my wedding photos on Facebook, I realised, heyyyy, it has only been 3 months plus plus!!

Well I guess, if all you do all day is sleep, eat, wash the dishes, occasional sweeping and arranging the shoes, cooking rice, and nganga, life could seem like FOREVER! huhuhu..

Why haven't I been blogging actively for the past 3 months???

Simply because I don't have anything interesting to share! hahaha..

Ok, maybe you fellow readers can help me come up with ideas on what to write, I mean, relating to weddings and marriage.

Coz, I feel soooo sayang to terminate this blog account although my wedding is clearly OVER!

Or should I??

The number of my followers for this blog are surprisingly more than my initial blog account of almost 5 years!

haishh..

Azzy

Post-wedding thoughts

2010-01-29T15:09:00.029+08:00

Hey... I've been married for 1 month and 18 days!!!

and yes I admit, the frequency of my blog entries now is getting lower and lower! hahaha...

Sometimes I wonder what the heck I've been doing for the past few weeks coz I'm unemployed and I have nothing to study!

Well, time flies...

Although I know that Saiful and I are no longer considered as 'pengantin baru' but still, there are some people and services that I haven't acknowledged on this blog. I'll write a separate detailed entry on that but in general, I just want to thank everyone for coming to my wedding.

To be frank, I only expected very few of you to come, coz I know how far my house is, and that many of you are tied down by sooo many other responsibilities. Thus, I really2 appreciate your kindness, coming all the way to Kedah to celebrate my happy day together. It really2 makes a difference.

You can ask Saiful about how disappointed I was a few weeks earlier when one by one of my friends informed me that they couldn't make it to my wedding.

Thanks for coming, thanks for the gifts and any sorts of contributions. Oh dear, I'm running outta words to express my deepest gratitude. So faham2 je la ye... hehe

Sorry kalau ada yang tak sempat terlayan ke apa ye... harap2 smua ok when you were at my reception.

Anywayyyy, I'd like to share the things that you must expect on your wedding. This list is only based on my personal experience, so some pointers may be truly exclusive to my circumstances, some may be irrelevant or not extensive enough.

PA System :

For my reception, I simply asked the caterer to find the PA system alongwith the MC And it turned out that the caterer chose an under-age hiphop boy to be my MC. Oh, it was horrible! hahaha.. I typed out randomly of the things he could say during the reception, and he ended up thinking that it was a script! My written Malay is horrible, so you could expect lah how terrible it was.

I also prepared a list of pre-determined songs, already burned in a CD in a fixed order. But he ended up jumbling up the order of all the songs!! Although this isn't really a big deal, but it would be better if you choose your own MC and the PA system.

Wedding attire

If you happen to have tailor-made dresses like I had, make sure you iron it daysss earlier.

Ironing your wedding dresses on the day itself can be a lil bit nerve-wrecking..hahaha... Do it when you are relaxed...

Bersanding

Bersanding is pretty embarrassing i must say..hahaha..well, at least for me. But, be prepared to put that feeling aside and pose with your most natural smile!

and also, always be conscious of your posture. Uhhh, I have always had this problem, so there were some photos of me hunched as if there's a Ju-On on my shoulders.

Time-constraint

Time is vicious I tell you. And I managed to survive through my wedding simply because i have a detailed list of to-do things. Thus, no matter how prepared you think you are, a checklist is vital. Coz even with a so-called perfect one, you must expect that you 'd still forget about some other essential stuff. Phewww.... So, always have a back-up plan peeps!

Make-up

This is the only thing that I didn't follow on my checklist. I think most of you knew that I actually booked a different makeup artist in the beginning, and ended up with a different one. I changed my mind 3 days before the wedding. Gila kan?? I dunno why, when i went for a spa treatment, and I asked this one lady if she could do makeup for brides, and she said yes, my heart was saying, GO FOR IT! The reasons I made the decision were: she's nearer, and she could come to my house, instead of me going all the way to Alor Star very2 early in the morning.

With the time-constraint issues in mind, I decided to choose Kak Sha for my makeup. After all, it still cost the same! And wallla, I couldn't be any happier.! Although without any trials, I prefer her style much2 better.

So, my point here is that, follow your INSTINCTS in some matters. ;)

Guests

Expect absence! Yes, you must be prepared to feel disappointed when some of your closest friends couldn't make it to your wedding. People have responsibilities and other things to do. So not all of them can make the time to attend your big day.

As mentioned earlier, I was sooo sad in the beginning, feeling dead worried that no one would come. But in the end, more than expected came, and I was sublimely happy! The presence of other friends managed to conceal the tiny bit of disappointment I had earlier. :)

Exhaustion

Yes, prepare to be VERY VERY tired! and VERY2 stressed! I'm not trying to scare you bride-to-bes but seriously, with all the serious planning I made, still i was VERY exhausted and my stress level couldn't even be measured by words! My menses arrived one week late because of this madness! Oh ok, too much info. I dunno how, but yeah, prepare for the exhaustion and stress that will come along the way, but try not to be too tied down by these elements. Coz, in the end, you'll feel more disappointed when you get your menses at the most WRONG timing! hahaha...

Mess

Expect some mess dear if you are having your ceremonies at HOME!

This one factor was not a surprise for me. I had expected it. But I still want my ceremonies to be held at home, because I know they'll be merrier. Having your reception at home feels more 'genuine' somehow as it's where you live. It has more sentimental value in a way. But yes, it'll be VERY2 messy! yeah, everything has its plus and minus points!

Beauty Sleep

Don't expect it! I slept at 5 am the morning before my solemnization and reception. On average, I slept for 2-3 hours (at most) for the whole week prior to the ceremonies. Unless.... you have a very2 BIG family and HELPFUL family members. That'will lessen the workload for sure. On a related note, thus it is important to choose a very good makeup artist that has the skill to cover up all those eye bags and dark circles! hahahah.. and also, put on 'inai' 2 nights earlier.

Coz you can't do ANYTHING once your fingers and toes are full of inai!! There are so many things to be done the night before your wedding. Oh, and that rose my stress level even further. huhu..

Package VS DIY

It really depends on your priorities. What do you seek for in your wedding? Fuss-free wedding OR originality?? You'll inevitably need to sacrifice one of them. And it's probably clear to all of you which one I prefer. Hehehe..

That's all that I can share with you for now. Will add more later once I remember.

Sorry again for the very few posts I have lately on this blog.

Will try to post any wedding-related entries later based on my experience.

Ciao!

Phew... I'm Married!!!

2009-12-28T22:05:00.054+08:00

1 month...

Yes, I've been married for the past 30 glorious days!!!

I still feel like I'm in a LONG LONG dream... It's so surreal I can barely feel my legs!!!

Ok, I might have exaggerated (as always), but geeez, I'm Mrs Azrin ok! and that makes a whole lot of difference!

First of all, apologies for abandoning this blog for quite some time. I was HYPER busy during the whole week leading to my wedding. and of course busy after the two weddings, preparing for the Euro Trip and other stuff.

For the Kedah ceremonies, AGAIN, I was a superwoman. hahaha... Together with my lovely mother, we teamed up as SUPERWOMEN!!!

We worked endlessly to prepare for the wedding. As many of you might have known, things went pretty haywire for me because WE did many things by ourselves, FROM SCRATCH!

From my veils, to sewing sequins, sewing duvet, decorating the bedroom, decorating the staircase, umbrellas, making direction signage, cleaning the house, designing and making the dais, decorating the hantarans, sewing the curtains, sewing the flowerboy costume, making the flower bouquets as well as the flowers for the flower girls and boy, making the 'tikar sila', inviting the guests personally from house to house (my mom), pakai inai (with the help of ain. thx!), ironing our clothes (baju pengantin pun kena gosok sndiri, tak sapa berani tolg..huhu), ordering cakes and etc, making the wedding favours (the boxes), listing wedding songs to be played (altho M/C hiphop tu sukati ja pasang ikut suka dia..) ...oh, the list is endless!

So although preparations had started months and months earlier, there was always something that needed to be done until the last minute. Phewww..

Oh, btw, when I said 'WE', I meant ONLY my mom and I.

That's the drawback of a small family.

Aren't we superwomen???

The only things that we left for the professional to do were catering, canopy, photography, PA system, and make-up.

Pheww... But I'm glad that most of the things went as planned, or even better! hehehe..

Nonetheless, some of the things that couldn't be materialised were:

sewing pouches for close friends and relatives
preparing a guestbook

But still, alhamdulillah. For the level of madness and sleep-deprivation experienced by my mom and I, I think the solemnization ceremony and the reception went extremely well.

The days after were used wisely to recover my sleeping hours.

And the outdoor photoshoot was done 2 days after the reception, which was on the 14th of Dec. It was awesome! The photographers were so cool and creative! By the end of the session, dah rasa lenguh rahang dah..too much smiling!!!

Then both of us returned back to KL, spent a few days there, and went to Muar on Friday, the day before the Muar reception.

Although there was another reception in Muar, but both of us shared the same feeling: NO MORE NERVOUSNESS!!! Thus, days leading to the second reception were a lot more relaxing than the first one. heheh...

The ceremonies in Muar went great too, for both of the Malam Berinai and the reception.

Glad that it's all over.

BUT, there is of course a tiny bit of sadness, thinking that there's nothing BIG to look forward to anymore.

BUT, wedding is exhausting.

I thus take back my words. hahahaha.

Another important event after both of the receptions was of course the honeymoon.

Shall blog about that in a separate entry! ;)

I shall take this opportunity to thank Ain for her help throughout my wedding weeks. Where can u find a bridesmaid who would help you for 3 whole days before the wedding, sleep at your house, vacuum your carpets and whatnot, help you put on the inai (which is a seriously tedious job), and follow you all the way from North to South of Malaysia (even after her exhausting Hong Kong trip) to be your bridesmaid again for 2 consecutive days?

For that, Thank you, thank you, and thank you Ain. You know damn well I'm running out of words to express my gratitude. hehe..

So.... the commonest question I get lately: "So, how's married life?"

I am not sure if that is just an honest innocent question or is it a cheeky way of digging up the tiny little details of the things shared only between husband and wife. Heheh

I shall entertain the former. So, the answer is GREAT!!! I am sublimely happy with everything in my life now.

So, if you are thinking of getting married, I'd say: GO FOR IT! ASAP!!! hahahaha..

And for those who have decided, who are waiting relentlessly for the big day, or who have just entered this new chapter of life,

I'd say: Welcome to the club!

Ciao!

1 week 1 day!!!!!

2009-12-03T02:09:00.002+08:00

Geeee... that's scary!

What's even scarier is that there are zillion more things to be done!!!!

I think I'm gonna have a serious nervous breakdown anytime now...

It'd be awesome if there are more than 24 hours each day.

Wish me luck and courage to endure all this madness ya!

and surely, pray for my sanity!

3 weeks?

2009-11-20T00:11:00.005+08:00

Oh how time flies!

Now I'm no longer counting the months leading to my BIG day, coz it's just weeks away!

Scary. i know.

So many more things to be settled, but they are rather trivial.

But still, I don't want to have any regrets after the wedding.

I will try to do as much as I can within these 3 weeks to materialize my dreams.

The rest, I shall leave it to God.

Hopefully, everything will turn out as planned, or better.

Insya Allah.

ciao.

post-solemnization registration

2009-11-17T22:48:00.006+08:00

Hahaha...I know some of you might be laughing like mad looking at these innocent pics of mine.. These are actually the photos taken after I returned home from registering my solemnization at Pejabat Agama Kubang Pasu, Kedah last weekend. I wore the same thing on the day before when I needed to see the Imam Jurunikah.

It was clearly stated at the Pejabat Agama that visitors must wear decent clothing and jeans are not allowed at all.

Alhamdulillah everything was settled despite some confusion. *relieved*

So enjoy these 'rare' photos ya...hahahaha...

Oh the kittens were seman and munah...hehehe..

Aren't they just lovely???

More updates

2009-11-16T01:31:00.010+08:00

Things settled:

I am so relieved that I am done with all the hassle of registering our solemnization this morning. My mother and I had to go to Pejabat Agama twice, though, since we didn't know that copies of our sijil kursus kahwin also need to be handed in. I thought the original copies would suffice. *sigh*
Imam Jurunikah has also been booked. Thank God no one else booked him during our time slot, i.e. 11th December (night). So the soleminization will most probably start at around 9 pm.
Most of the wedding invitation cards had been posted and distributed to friends, relatives, lecturers, etc. There are still a few that i haven't posted since I don't know some of the guests' addresses. Will settle this matter this week.
Have bought a long necklace and a diamond pendant to be worn on the solemnization night.
My mom has bought most of the materials needed to prepare the dulang hantarans.
Bridesmaid & Bestman: Thanks Ain & Elyas!!
Baju for flower girls and a cute lil guy: done!
Payung pun dah beli..cuma kena hiaskan ..hehehe..

To-do list:

Received a call from 'Hati Emas' that the groom's band is ready! phewww.. It really took two whole months to arrive!
Get the remnants of the laces for Muar reception dress from my tailor in Gombak.
Distribute a few more cards around KL.
My mother and I have 'drafted' my veil designs, and I will continue to sew the laces nicely in KL next week. Two veils to be exact! phew...
Also, need to sew the sequins on my solemnization dress. Inilah gaya orang2 yang kurang budget yer...huhu
Must buy earings and brooches for both solemnization and reception, and also matching shoes!!
Burn suitable songs on a CD for the reception.
Wat passport!!!
Tempah accommodation
"elect" a videographer..hhahaha..
Do facial, spa, threading and whatnot SOON!
Buy or make a guestbook.

PROGRESS REPORT 3

2009-11-10T13:28:00.002+08:00

Kursus kawen: -done-

Daftar kawin: -this weekend, balik kedah.-

Kad kawin: -settled, but in the process of posting... tunggu ek...-

Wedding bands: -groom's band should arrive mid Nov-

Wedding favors: -kotak siap, isi jela will be ready soon sebab tempah- pouches lom stat wat...

Photographer- -done-

Wedding dresses- -done, tinggal nk jahit sequins je-

Accesories - dah booked tiara, rantai, and brooch. but must buy earings and shoes and jahit veil since takder yg berkenan kat kedai tu...

Dais- -DIY a week before reception-

Hantaran-- DIY soonish-

Room Decor- -my mom is in the process of sewing the curtains. duvet is done-

Hadiah Hantaran- -done-

HIV Test- -done-

Guest list- done.

Catering- booked.

Beauty preparations: NOPE! waaaa

Bridesmaid- confirmed! hehehe. Thanx ain!

Theme colour for bridesmaid and close friends - macam xde je...

Flower Girls- -done-

Wedding songs: tak burn2 lagiii!!!

Passport: -lom wat...waaaa-

what else ya??

Walimatul Urus

2009-11-09T02:55:00.002+08:00

Assalamualaikum W.B.T.

Walimatul Urus

A wedding invitation to Saiful Izwan & Norazrin's wedding.

You are cordially invited to celebrate our BIG day.

Your attendance will be considered the biggest wedding gifts for us. ;)

Jemput datang memeriahkan majlis kami berdua.

Cheers!

Salam,

Saiful Izwan Zainal & Norazrin

P/S- For a bigger and clearer view of the card and most importantly the details, please click on the thumbnails. Thanks.

1 month, 1 week, & 1 day

2009-11-03T00:25:00.003+08:00

Yerp. that's the time I have left before my long-awaited wedding.

Now that I am not burdened too much by endless assignments, research, and two part-time jobs, I have more time to think about THE day...

and the more I think about it, the greater the silent shivers are in my stomach, head, and hurmmm, practically every part of my torso.

Hey you newly-married peeps!! Tell me, is this normal??

Although my preparations are pretty well-organised, why do I still feel that I'm under-prepared??

Why do I still feel that I don't have enough time?

Why do I feel like no matter what I do, the real big day may still not turn out the way I really2 dream of..??

I am seriously suffering from weddingogitis!!!

And in between all those madness, of course feelings of eagerness slip in too.

The prospects of having a life-time partner who (insya Allah) will love me forever and building new family bonds do spark some blissful hope for me to attain a 'normal' life that I have always wished for.

It's just a real funny mix.

Frankly, however, the sense of trepidation creeps in more often than the latter.

What should I do??

I dunno.

Endless prayers would do. I hope.

Amin...

:$

I am officially back on my wedding journey track...

2009-10-31T20:59:00.009+08:00

Helllooo hellllloooooooo -->(trying pathetically to imitate the sound of the lost shrimp in the KFC radio ad about a month ago)

I was soooo sooo busy juggling with my two part-time jobs, my research project, and my assignments that I did not have time to write any entries here.

My apologies to all...

Now, I am only left with one part-time job and one exam paper. That sounds a loooot more manageable, isn't it?

So, let me enlighten you with some of my wedding preparations update (yang tak seberapa pun...)

Last weekend, I went back to my hometown, Jitra, to settle some things relating to the wedding. Upon reflection, I should have gone back this weekend. wrong timing lak beli tiket.

I thought once the exams were over, everything should be ok.. Little that I expected that throughout the weekdays this week, I would be super super busy!!!! I had to mark endless exam papers and submit my research project and work all at the same time!! Thank God it's all over!!!

Tapi takpelah..nk wat camna.. dh balik dh pun.. Things settled were:

1) Amik baju kat Tailor

-There was a lil bit of drama here. At first, as my mom and I were on our way to Sungai Petani, my instincts kept saying that "rasa2 cam tailor ni mesti ada wat salah apa2 jahitan ni"

It turned out to be true. Memang dia salah jahit sket...eh kira banyak gakla coz the neckline style of the reception dress jadi lain trus....I explained clearly before how it should be done..tapi rasanya dia yang lupa kot...

BUT... u know lah..when it comes to baju tempah, I'm VERY fussy, I admit. what more when it's my WEDDING dress!!! apa lagi, I asked the nyonya to fix it in 2 days!! jahat tak?? mula2 igt like in 2 weeks I'd go back to Kedah and get it.. tapi pikir balik, hishhh, I went back to Kedah especially to get the dresses in Sungai Petani and 'book' the matching accessories..mana leh!!!

Thank God the Nyonya tak byk songeh..dia buat je. and it turned out to be fine. I am a practical person. I know it would not turn out exactly like Rizalman's design. BUT, bolehlaaa.

For one tenth of the price, I believe the dress looks decently pretty. hehehe.. alhamdulillah.

Kira dua kali lah pegi Sungai Petani that weekend!! *sigh*

Oh anyway, the solemnization kurung modern turns out ok too. *relieved*

So now, smua baju setel. tinggal nk jahit manik je..hehehe.. save budget nya psl.. tak mampu beli kain yg dah siap bermanik..huhu

2) Rent accessories

For accessories, it turned out that I only rented a few. Banyak yg tak sesuai dengan baju pulak.

In the end,I only booked the tiara, brooch (for Muar reception), and a necklace for the reception.

Kasut dah habih, subang takde yang minat, but I managed to book the whole set for the groom. Lega2...

Veil pun takde yg sesuai. So my mom decided to just buy net kain ela and jahit bunga tampal je from the lace lebihan buat my baju reception tu.. Memang banyak lebih.. n sayang sebab kain tu chantek (to me lah..). So alang2, my mom will tampal bunga2 tu kat veil, kat kasut (nanti beli yg kosong), and kat kain. Phewwww....

What should i do now???: Here's my short-term to-do list:

Call pusat kesihatan Bangsar appointment HIV test.
Balik Kedah lps exam ni, utk daftar kawin..hihihi..
Kutip alamat smua untuk post kad...huhuhu
Post the cards, and jemput face-to-face mana2 yg dekat...
Jemput through Facebook, Blog & Yahoo Group
Burn CD lagu majlis kawin
Figure out how to use the camcorder I bought a month ago, and the person yg bakal menjadi mngsa utk recordkan majlis tu nanti *hint2*
Jahit manik kat baju2..
Buat passport
etc2..

Quite a lot kan??? mati laaaaaa.... Please pray that I can retain my sanity throughout this whole journey to bliss. Insya Allah...

Taaaaaaa

1 ++

2009-10-16T01:57:00.001+08:00

less than 2 months left???

cepaaaatttnyyyyyaaa!!!!

aiyooo..!!!!!!!! *dies*

ADDRESSES

2009-10-13T00:33:00.005+08:00

The long-awaited cards are here!!!

So what do I do now??.. [besides the frequent attacks of stupid girly giggles and some semi-acrobatic rolling moves on the bed, ]

It's time to send them to the deserving people, i guess.

and for that, I need YOUR addresses. Just give me your addresses here or through sms, if you think I've known you quite well and we have had at least one meaningful and friendly exchange of conversation before.

I don't want to miss out any one...

So please HELP me.

You may suggest someone who you think I should invite, but you foresee that he/she might have slipped my mind..

Thanks heaps.

;)

2009-10-11T23:26:00.001+08:00

saya sangat happy.

Thank YOU!

Can't hardly wait...

2009-10-07T02:11:00.002+08:00

Argh... in the midst of my piles n piles of assignments, tonnes of lesson plans, and scores of writing exercises to be marked, I still can't divert my mind from not thinking about my wedding card invitations!!! BUT they are all still in Muar!!!

Insy Allah I'll get to see all of them this weekend. ;)

Tolgla cepat sket weekend oi....

In Trend

2009-10-05T00:36:00.005+08:00

Bought In trend magazine yesterday..on the issue of 'Menuju Ijab & Kabul'. Umie Aida is the covergirl.

I must say that this is a must-buy edition for all bride-to-bes...

I bought a wedding-themed In trend magazine before too, with Fazura on the cover. It was an awesome issue too..

So i guess, In trend is quite a cool Malay mag when it comes to wedding articles, fashion inspirations, and bright bride ideas.

I dunno about other issues, coz i didnt even bother buying if it's not about weddings...hehe..

Jangan beli yang majalah Perempuan ke Wanita ke punya wedding issues... unless you want to look like an 80's bride. Penah beli...nyesal... sungguh tak chic skali...hehehe

I wish i could buy Martha Stewart Weddings mag though (leh mimpi la..mahal nk mmpus)

For now, I stick to Brides (by Female), In Trend, and Persona Pengantin by Karangkraf.

What about you???

PROGRESS REPORT 2

2009-10-02T00:13:00.003+08:00

Kursus kawen: settled!

Kad kawin: arrived in Muar. but i havent seen them myself yet... huhu

Daftar Kawin: Kena tunggu si dia dlu la apply...pompuan xleh bergerak slagi lelaki blom... (hint2 nudge2)

Wedding bands: Ordered! satu dh siap..tinggal nk amik je..

Wedding favors: almost done.. tinggal nk chantek2kan lagi ja...

Photographer- Booked and paid!

Wedding dresses- two will be ready mid October. another one for Muar reception will be sent to tailor this weekend, insya Allah..

Accesories - dh generally booked..tapi x pilih specifically lagi..kna tnggu baju siap.

Dais- sendiri buat... bahan dh bli sparuh..

Hantaran- xsiap apa2..sndiri akan buat a week bfore wedding.

Room Decor- sndiri buat gak nnti..bahan pn dh ada sparuh.. mak akan buat n jahit smua...

Hadiah Hantaran- banyak dah settled... nnti wat checklist lain..hehehe

HIV Test- lom.. nak p yang kat Clinik kesihatan kat Plaza Pantai..dh call, dia kata 7th Oct baru ada.. kna wat appointment dlu... n the sijil tahan 6 months...so even if i do the test now, it'll still be valid by December.

Guest list- done.

Catering- booked.

Beauty preparations: NOPE! waaaa

Bridesmaid- confirmed! hehehe. Thanx ain!

Theme colour for bridesmaid and close friends - untuk ain dah...

Flower Girls- dah ada...kain pun dh beli...hehehe. tapi nk beli satu gown kat flower girl yg paling kcik...heheh

Wedding songs: nak finalise kan sket..then nk burn la..hehehe...

Phewwww...

What a Girl Wants, What a Girl Needs

2009-09-28T11:53:00.003+08:00

My wedding dresses for my solemnization and reception ceremonies in Kedah will be ready, insya Allah, by mid October.

I am soooooo excited!!!!

I think I will need to go back to Kedah on one of the weekends by the end of October, after all my assignments have been submitted.

I will need to drive to Sungai Petani to take the dresses, make payment, try them out at G.Glamor to find matching accessories to be rented.

Lambat sangat kang accesories yang chantek2 mesti dh kena kebas kan???

Will also need to 'chop' for my man's sampin, keris, and tengkolok there..hehehe...

Also, we have opted for tailor-made attire for the reception in Muar.

It turns out that the colour of the supposedly rented attire was too bright for our liking.

We have chosen a softer hue of aqua-turqoise; the colour that i believe would make me look a tiny bit fairer. ihik2...

accessories will still be rented though.

And I have just called my tailor in Gombak, and she promised that it will be ready in 2 weeks!!!

Isn't she awesome?? She didn't even ask the date of my wedding!!!

She's like a super-tailor!!!

Oh.i.am.so.happy.

;)

Hati Emas

2009-09-27T10:02:00.009+08:00

Translate it yourself...

Yerp, found THE ring for him... Weeee!!!!

Ingatkan takkan jumpa yang within my frugal budget ni...

Thank God there is a jeweller who has become a godsend for those who aren't living a first-class lifestyle.

You can check out the website, as follows:

Hati Emas

Click 'collections' and find 'Platim'.

It's a mixture of platinum and sterling silver.

As postulated by the jeweller: it is the closest alternative to platinum.

As quoted: "Boasting of a rare beauty of its own, the Platim Collection is the closest alternative to platinum and white gold you will find. Its brilliant combination of platinum and sterling silver is the perfect setting for diamonds and gemstones."

The designs are awesome, and in terms of appearance, Platim bears total resemblance to Platinum (at least to me).

There are a vast array of selections too.

The BEST thing of all, Platim is sold at a freakin fraction of the cost of platinum.

*insert BIG smile here*

And also, if you bridegroom-to-bes happen to be on the meaty side, this is the time to burn those calories.

Why?

Coz the smaller the size of the ring, the lesser the price will be. hehehe.

I am one of those lucky brides. *ear-to-ear smile*

Tapi rasa bersalah gak...sebab rasa cm murah sgt pulak...

But he said that the ring is his orgasmic ring..

So, i shall keep all my sympathetic words to myself and caress my purse with my fingers, guilt-free.

It's a win-win situation. Both of us are happy.. hehehe..

A reminder, however, that if you want it, order it super-early!!!

coz it takes 2 months to arrive. Cheap it may be, but it's imported!!!

Hope this will help all you bride-to-bes (especially Muslims) to get wedding bands for your men, without burning your pockets and losing ur sanity.

He will be wearing something that reminds him of you for the rest of his life, insya Allah.

and, at least he has something on his fingers saying that:
"I am NOT available"!!!

g'luck!

P/S- Many thanks to my silent reader fitrya fitriyah, who was kind enough to email me about Platim and save me from all the headaches and rolled eyes after looking at the ridiculous prices of Platinum. Suasa is out of our options too because of YOU!! Thanks heaps!!

2 months 2 weeks 2 days

2009-09-27T00:11:00.006+08:00

Yeah... that is approximately the time left towards my BIG day, insya Allah...

Updates??

Wedding cards will be delivered to us, probably early October. Will start sending to guests early November.

Wedding bands, for both of us, have been ordered.

Mine will arrive in about 1 month

His, in about 2 months!!! hehehe (patut aku bls dndam ni..wat muka toyer lps kuar kdai..huhu...tapi tak sampai hati... heheh.. ;))

Most of the hantaran items have also been bought.

This weekend, we have settled:

For me:

Telekung
Kain lace utk belah Muar

For him:

Kain satin baju melayu
*order cincin*
Pants
Perfume set (bak kata orang kedai tu... "Ni kalau berpeluh ni, seksiiii tau bau you. *Saiful squirmed to the thought of it* . Eh no no... he squirmed for the fact that it was a semi-guy who uttered those words. I think Saiful likes the idea of sexiness. Only that it should be ME saying it.

Overall I am contented with our puchasessss. Legaaa sket rasanya...

And we have also bought an important online ticket together...over endless inconvenient attempts.. hehehe.. The teh tariks maintained our sanity.

Will return back to the harsh reality.

Without leisure. Without time. Without him.

How sucky is that???

Malay Love Songs

2009-09-23T01:29:00.003+08:00

Help me peeps!

I am trying to make a list of Malay Love Songs that are suitable to be played on my BIG day. But I am running out of ideas. Here's what i have for now.

Tercipta Untukku (Ungu)
Aku Cinta Aku Rindu (Nurul + Ajai)
Kenangan Terindah (Samsons)
Ayat-ayat Cinta (Rossa)
Istimewa (Indigo)
Belaian Jiwa (Carefree)
Sempurna (Andra & The Backbone)
CINTA (Misha Omar + Jacklyn Victor)
Keabadian Cinta (Anuar Zain)

Please add, if you know more. Make sure the lyrics are romantic enough to be played on a wedding ceremony..ehem2... hehehe

No sad soppy love songs plss (although i actually tend to love them..hahaha).

Thankssss heaps!!!

eid mubarak...

2009-09-20T00:56:00.002+08:00

Happy raya everyone!!! Salam ghaya!!

this will be my last raya as 'anak dara'..hahaha.. in singledom...

i am currently feeling excited more about my wedding cards than the raya itself..hahaha..

I can't exactly imagine how my raya will be like next year...

Whatever it is.. Maaf Zahir Batin.. sorry for all my wrongdoings... NO hard feelings ya...

luv ya all!

Weeee!!!

2009-09-18T02:06:00.002+08:00

Again, it's about the card...

Have received the final editing today...

It all seems perfect!!!

I am so soooo happy that I end up smiling to myself all night like a total maniac!

It looks even even more real now with no spelling mistakes and with more perfect maps.

Oh fyi, i share the card with my man, meaning: the invitations to both receptions are using the same invitation card. A way of saving the budget, i think.

Thank God we have similar taste.. Oh well, we Aquarians...hehehe

I was sooo excited that i printed it out on A4 paper and cut it out, and folded it, just like how it should be.

Damn it looks real...

I should really learn how to stop rambling about the card... haishhh.. peghak dh aku jadinya...

Will tell the person in-charge that it's ready for printing already!!

Weeeeeeeeeee!!!!

The Card!!!

2009-09-17T11:34:00.011+08:00

Yeah!!! Finally, yesterday I could view the wedding card template!

Pretty quick huh? considering that we ordered it last Saturday...hehehe...

My first reaction when I saw it was....: "wahhhhhhhh... KAD aku??? boleh tahan chantek!!"

*meremang bulu roma*

hahaha puji kad sndiri lak...huhuhu..

Takdela mahal sgt pn.. bukannya yg grand gila hardcover pn..biasa je..

but, nice enough for our taste and budget. hehehehe...

I could not put into words how my heart dropped when I saw the template...

It looks damn real.. MY Wedding!!!!

With the dates, the maps, our names, our pics.... phewww... It's just an indescribable feeling.

Heartfelt thanks to the card designer for your cooperation and awesome layout.

But there are a few minor amendments that need to be made.

So only then will the final payment be made, and they will send the layout for printing.

After all the printing procedures are completed, only then they will be delivered to Saiful's house. Weeeee!!! Free delivery lak tu!

I foresee that I will only start sending the cards to families and friends in November. If I do it tooo early, people will forget about it (personal experience..hehe).

But if it's too late, people might have made other plans on my wedding dates!

Thus i think November should be perfect, duncha think??

and since I didn't order enough cards to be distributed to every single soul in this world, i might just display the soft copies of the card on Facebook, Friendster, E-mails, and YahooGroup.

Kena budget gak....hehehehe

This might be done earlier than November, especially as a reminder to friends who are mostly having other endless plans during the school hols.

Ok, enough of rambling.

*masih tersengeh2 lagik tgk kad...*

mental ke apa aku ni...huhuu..

P/S- The images above are not a sneak peak of my wedding cards. No resemblance whatsoever. Only for illustration purposes..hehehe..

excited!

2009-09-16T11:42:00.003+08:00

eiiii... tak sabar tgk template kad kawin!!! it should be sent to us today!!

Can't wait to see how it'll look like... OUR Kad Kawin... phewww...with our names and maps n such... teruja nya!!! hahaha... i know i might sound like a moron... Kad kawin pn nk kecoh... huhu...

but i just can't wait to see our personalised wedding invitation...even if it is just on softcopy... leh start berangan dah nnti..hehehe...

ihik2...*girly giggless*

ciao..

Last Weekend...

2009-09-15T16:10:00.007+08:00

He was here... ;D

We did a tiny bit of hantaran shopping during the weekend.

By 'a tiny bit', i meant one item had been bought..hehehe..

Just a watch for each of us.

Takde lah mahal2 cam Tag Heuer (is this the right spelling??) ke Burberry ke... Just typical brands to match with our typical lifestyles.. ;)

Wait til the big day to see them ya... Am not really keen on advertising them... yet.. hehe..

My ring has been ordered. It'll take about a month to get my size. I guess for rings which are not below 1k, they don't really keep all the sizes readily all the time. Sorry luv for the misunderstanding.. :(

Still having problems finding the right wedding band for my guy. hishh... the prices for platinum are beyond my imagination!! Rasa nak tersembol bijik mata tgk harganya... Telan ayaq liuq ja la.... waaaa...

Can anyone enlighten me whether Muslim guys are allowed to wear suasa?? What other options do I have besides Platinum?? Titanium is not sold in Malaysia pulak... haiishhh...

Initially, we planned to go to Jalan TAR to find his Baju Melayu... but he didn't feel like it, so we ended up jalan2 at Pavvy je.. heheh...

During the weekend, we watched two movies together: 'The Ugly Truth' and 'Up'. Both are awesome! hehehe... 'The Ugly Truth' is terribly funny and urmm.. pretty sexual... and 'Up' is surprisingly an uplifting type of cartoon. Glad i watched it with him! hehe.. (tapi dia tido...huhu).

Oh..I have let him try THE shirt for the hantaran. Glad it fits! ;))

So for now...on my side, only the watch and the shirt were settled as hantaran items. Oh and a Quran, that my mom had bought for quite some time.

On his side, only the watch and the ring (ordered) were settled.

The rest of the items will be bought in stages (especially for me lah yang xde2 gaji lagi nih...waaa)...

But one important matter was settled, that is.. ordering our Wedding invitation cards.

We went all the way to Kajang to order them coz we didn't feel confident ordering them online. Despite being a tiny bit lost at first and having to pay the toll twice because of that, we reached the place and managed to settle everything within 2 hours. The person in charge was friendly and everything was crystal clear.

I am glad that i got to see the cards myself and see all the options that i have in the store. The template of our order will be e-mailed soon, and only then it will be sent for printing. Hope everything will turn out perfectly, as expected.

Anyway, sorry to fellow Semerbakians for not being able to join u gurls and guys for Bukak Puasa reunion. Please2 do it again in the near future yaa...

That's all the updates for the weekend.

Will meet him again in 10 days, insya Allah...

Ciao

Bliss...

2009-09-06T15:49:00.000+08:00

Oh he's back!

:D

One Hantaran Item Settled...

2009-08-29T10:33:00.004+08:00

hahaha.. baru satu je pun lepas..

last night, i bought THE shirt for him... without him... huhu

what to do.. the sale period is gonna end real soon, so i just have to grab the chance and just use his sample shirt to find the right size.

Hope it fits.

So now, one dulang is settled, coz I have the shirt and the tie to complete the set.

The All Blacks tie was bought aeons ago, in 2005. hahaha..

bought it with Zira, and both of us planned to use the ties for our hantarans when we get married.

Seems like I'd be the first to do that!! insya Allah...

Ahhh,,,,i can't wait!!! heheh.. tetiba teruja...

Hrm... bila la dia nk balik ni..... :(

Bridazzy

Without him...

2009-08-25T15:44:00.003+08:00

Peeps...

I'm pretty much 'alone' within these 2 weeks....

It has only been one day, and i'm practically restless...

I have no one to listen to my rants anymore...

I've just realised, since i knew him back then in 2004, I had never exactly lost contact with him for more than 3 days... usually a text message from him would make my day. *sigh*

So friends, give me ideas on how i should keep myself busy for the next 12 days...

Hrm.. besides shopping, of course..hahaha..

This is sooo gonna be the longest 13 days of my life...

But i hope he will manage to complete his Umrah sesempurna mungkin, and he'd have the chance to pray for our happiness di depan Kaabah and selamat pulang ke Malaysia by the 6th of September.

Please pray that everything will turn out as planned for both of us... and for all the people whom we love.

xoxo

Bridazzy

3 months, 3 weeks, and 3 days....

2009-08-18T11:58:00.006+08:00

Time is running fast indeed...

A mixture of excitement and trepidation breeds....

May all my dreams turn into a seedbed of bliss...

That will bring us both to all the pleasures life could promise.

Bridazzy

To have or not to have...

2009-08-16T20:58:00.028+08:00

This is an attempt to write less and let the pictures speak for themselves.

~Lovely isn't it?~

~Heart is racing faster....~

~So classic!~

~Awesomeness!~

~Short of breath...~

~Sweeeeetttt....~

~Breathless.....~

To have or not to have???

How's the preparation going?

2009-08-16T01:40:00.006+08:00

That is the question that i hear most often from my friends these days.

And there's nothing much i can say besides: "progressing...slowly..."

Coz i'm in KL now... so there's really nothing much that i can do, except for buying some hantarans, for example...

Even that, I am not ready yet... he's always ready. It's just me who's always having financial deficit problems. hehehe. I guess after August it won't be too bad. ;)

And by then too, he would have already returned back to Malaysia, and we can start doing some serious preparations, like ordering the invitation cards and buying all the hantarans.

OuOuuhhh... Frankly, I kinda looking forward to those moments. hehehe...

Although i am clearly not married yet, i think after i have been rightfully his this December (insya Allah..amin..), the time/s that i will miss most might not be the wedding day itself, but the moments of hardwork and months of rigorous preparations for the Big Day.

Duncha think??

----------

I'm happy that I get an extra part-time job to help me sustain my potentially over-flowing spending in the months leading to the Big Day.

I was told before that if we plan to get married, along with the obstacles that might challenge your sanity along the way, we will also be awarded with a lot of rezeki, in unexpected ways, through twists and turns.

Well for now, yess, these really apply to me..

----------------------

On a totally different note,

I must make sure I khatamkan baca buku 'Gerbang Perkahwinan' bought 1 month ago, during our Marriage Course.

Hurmm..I'll start reading in October i guess, coz now...

I NEED to finish up writing my research, FAST!!!

I need all of your prayers, to ensure that I can complete my Masters studies this December, and thus, getting married in a clear state of mind. *Amin...*

Macam2 dalam kepala... research lagi... kawin lagi...

Do i have enough ilmu to get married in 3 months' time?? Will i be a good wife? Will i be the kind of wife he dreams of?

I hope so...

Clearly, I feel so underprepared in terms of this.

hrmm....

ciao!

No. 2

2009-08-12T00:24:00.009+08:00

I don't really understand why I did it... but, I DID IT!!!! Today!!!!

Jangan pkir bukan2... hehehe...

I'm referring to my no. 2 item in my list of things to do before getting married: To get a haircut at a reputable salon.

I had some spare time today after my job interview and before going to UM at 4pm to meet up with my supervisor.

Sunway Pyramid was clearly the nearest place I cud waste my time before driving off to UM.

Dh smpai2... i was thinking: "Heck, try jerlah kat tpt ni... bila lagi... kalo tak potg skang..lambat2 kang, rmbut xsempat panjang utk hari kawen plak...." (bisikan2 syaitan...hahahaha)

So that thought triggered me to just make an appointment and get my hair cutttt!!

Gila kan??? I know...

The verdict??:

I'm glad I did it!!!

Yes, I could feel the vast difference between my experience getting a haircut from Nyonya Siam Chokia in Kedah last May and this one. The stylist explained to me every single rationale of why he did this and that, and gave me tips on how to maintain my hair on a daily basis.

But I was terribly distracted several times as my hair was washed and cut, because......

OMG, the dirty scenes from Don't Mess With Zohan suddenly crept up to my brain!!!! Why laaa!!!!! Dhla citer tu gila nk mampos... !!!

It's not that i was aroused or something, like the makcik2 gatai in the movie... Tak mungkin la!!!!!

Nothing was wrong. It's just that I needed to try soooo hard to conceal the stupid grin on my face as my brain uncontrollably and vividly recalled all those stupid scenes in that movie!!! Hishh... sabaq je la...

I can't really fathom out how my brain has the capacity to handle such imaginations.... just like when i couldn't stop grinning in my tutorial class in Wellington, imagining how my gay lecturer actually spent his winter break with his boyfriend (I was actually visualing them walking hand in hand in front of Eiffel Tower singing lalalalala...).

Ada la ni wayar putus kot kat mana2... huhuhu..

Anyway, this haircut looks a lot nicer when blow-dried. So seems like I need to do that lah every time I go out after this... Hehehe..

I was so happy after i left the shop.... a totally different feeling compared to the time I realised that I looked like Rod Stewart, not long ago.

The stylist in the end said : "Ok, see you in 3 months ya for your next haircut".

Dalam hatiku: "This is probably my first and last haircut at a hair salon like this... Yeah it's super-nice, but realistically, I can't really afford to make this a regular affair.."

But I said, with poise: "Ok, See you later..Thanks!"

OK, one pre-wedding dream materialised... how many more to go??? *GULP*

Ciao.

4 months???

2009-08-11T01:52:00.004+08:00

Oh dear! Exactly 4 months away!!!! *gelabah mode*

Oh nway, for your info (esp My Man), I finally collected the certs for Kursus Kawen last Friday after 3 weeks of delay. Phewww...

But they spelt my name wrong!!! chis bedebarh!!! Nurazrin jadinya plak... haiiishhh...!

Thank God my I/C number is also typed on the cert. That may save all the trouble.

Ok, gnite!

Boxes???

2009-08-10T20:10:00.018+08:00

Deciding on wedding favors can be one pain-in-the-ass process.

Thank God I don't have to do that anymore!

I choose not to reveal in detail how the favors gonna look like for my reception.

Suffice to say that they consist of English-themed D-I-Y boxes and/or pouches. hehehe.

When i say D-I-Y, bukan stakat lipat2 sndiri je ok..

It means the boxes and pouches will be made from scratch!!

Wanna see in detail?? Come to the wedding lah! hahahaha!

I am always fond of pretty boxes!!! Here are some fab boxes that i found online:

For sure my D-I-Y boxes won't be as awesome as these. But pretty enough for my budget! ;)

Ciao

Pameran Pengantin '09

2009-08-07T03:22:00.007+08:00

Phewww...

Didnt really plan to go to the exhibition on SATURDAY at MID VALLEY!!!

I think it was just 3 weeks ago when i vowed that i wudnt ever go to MV again on normal 'cuti'-less weekends! (Penyiksaan gila ok nk smayang kat MV on weekends!!! but i discovered today that there's a surau at The Gardens..dunno how long it has been there!)

But that was exactly what i did just now!

My schoolmate suddenly asked me to accompany her to the exhibition today. So i guess, why not?? I was thinking of going anyway, although i have nothing much in mind to book, coz i have everything booked already.

I simply love feasting my eyes on the beautiful wedding decor, stealing any pretty ideas, and inhaling the wedding feeling!

So we both went to Midvalley at around 4pm ++. Oklaahhh, getting a parking space wasn't as bad as i thought (nk smyg pun x susah sgt cm slalu).

We first watched the Fashion Show, with the popular makeup artist (i swear it was AmyJanz!) and all the popular models, showcasing perhaps some of the most glam wedding dresses i have ever seen in life. But i could detect the price tag, so... just forget it!!!

Such a turn-off right???

Then my friend was surveying all the things she needs for her wedding. There were hundreds of booths, and at one point, i felt like throwing up coz there were just too many things to see!!!

Promotions dia mmg macam2 la... but dun be fooled by some photography agents who claim to provide free honeymoon deals for example. From the price, I could clearly see that you are actually paying for the honeymoon as well. So be wary of the free items that they kindly promise to give you all ya...

Macam2 lah ada.. catering? dewan? make-up? photography? videography? honeymoon package? set gendang? dresses? favours? gambar studio? pelamin? or even a super-complete wedding plan where everything is lumped into a BIG package. smua ada... pandai2 je lah pilih ye... sediakan duit je la!...hahahaha.

By the end of it, I didn't feel all that overwhelmed by all this wedding madness anymore. I just felt sick.

I bought takoyaki and an egg tart and drove back home.

So the verdict is...

The Pameran is good if you really need to book a number of things for your wedding and get some rare deals. But just make sure you ask around first for the quotations and such, and make sure u did some homework so that you won't be cheated and end up believing that you've just gotten urself the best deal in town. Pikir dalam2...and don't book in a rush!

If you are just thinking of menyemakkan tempat tu, like i did... dun spend more than half an hour. ahahahaha...

But i had fun helping out my friend for her BIG day! ;)

Ciao

Dreaming of the dress...

2009-08-07T03:22:00.002+08:00

I couldn't wait for October...

Coz by then, my wedding dress/es should be ready (insy Allah...)!!!

Of all things prepared for the wedding, of course, by nature, girls tend to prioritise the dress.

After all, it's the thing that will be most showcased on the Big day.

Once the dress/es is/are ready, i can go back to Kedah and try them out with all the accessories altogether at G. Glamor.

For now, i still can't imagine how i'll look like on that day...

Hopefully everything will turn out beautiful, as i have always dreamt of.

ciao

Translation: Marriage Course!

2009-08-04T10:22:00.009+08:00

I'm soooooooooo clever!!!

I attended Kursus Kawin about, hurmm... more than 2 weeks ago...

and only last night, it occured to me... I HAVENT TAKEN THE CERTS YET!!!!

Bodoh gila ok... i cud have taken it about 3 days after the course ended.

Well, what can i say... this is just ME!

I'm sure the man felt like waxing my hands when he heard this..huhuhu

Ok... so how's the Kursus Kawin?

Out of 5 stars.. i think i'd give 4.

90% of the speakers were informative + entertaining. and i was surprised that i didnt fall asleep, coz i had the worst sleep deprivation that weekend.

And although i felt dizzy at many points when they taught us about the 'cara permohonan berkahwin', with perhaps tooo many details, i'm glad coz i know these things will haunt me back when the time really comes for me to start the application process.

But hey, there's another thing i forgot to do. I shud have called Cikgu Md Noor to ask what the heck is soooo weird about applying in Kedah??? it's the only state that he didnt explain much during the course. He just said that those from Kedah needed to see him personally, and he would explain.

Hurm, perhaps i shud give him a call to set the time to get the certs and to clarify about that particular issue. *sigh*

I'm glad, however, that some of the speakers gave us their contact numbers. You know lah how complicated it is to make marriage legal in Malaysia (Islam x susah pun, undang2 malaysia je payah..). Borang here borang there, Go here go there... ish!!! (pastu bila ada mslah sosial, itu ini, nk play the blame-game plak!). So it's essential that we have reliable people to contact, should we face any problems along the process.

Anyway, i was so surprised to see the place yg kununnya artis suka pegi sgt for kursus kawen tu... the building is daif ok...! The layout of the building..the structure... are just sooo 70's and 80's! I think, with the profit they get from this business, they should really change the location or at least make sure it's refurbished soon!

nway, overall, i enjoyed the Kursus Kawen, despite a few minus points along the way.

It's just once in a lifetime thing to do, and i was glad that it was funny and informative. Many speakers left me teary-eyed, not just because of the funny anecdotes and stupid dirty jokes they talked about (to the point i was so embarrassed to even face my man)..
but also because of some familial account they gave, that evoked my emotions on the reality of my life.

I also made friends with the girl next to me... and her bf-cum-fiance (they were engaged last Saturday!).

And i'm glad i stayed till the end of the course, although the last few parts were not that important.

Nonetheless, i wish it cud have 'ended' better.

For some of you bridezillas who are tempted to check this place out, here are the websites that perhaps would help you decide:

Kursus Kawin di Zura's Akademik

Zura's Akademik

Hurm... it's over and all i need to do now is to get my heavy ass off to the place again to collect the certs and the 'borang akuan dara'..hahahha... it just sounds wrong aye? it reminds me of the forms/letters that some IPBA students needed to fill in during the foundation years confirming that they were virgins... uhuk...

ok, ciao!

PweeTy PeektureS!!!

2009-07-25T02:05:00.000+08:00

"Akak nk tempah sapa utk amik gmbaq?" my mom asked.

"Sapa2 ja la.. soh kawan2 ja ka amikkan... xpun cari lah mana2 yg murah below rm 500 ka..." I replied.

That was roughly my conversation with my mother initially, once the wedding plans were confirmed.

Obviously wedding photography was not the thing that we were willing to splurge on....

The IRONY is...

It is the thing that we splurge most on.

Huhuhuh....

I had browsed a wide range of wedding pictures on the Internet, from numerous websites, photoblogs, and also from some promotional wedding websites. Some were pretty, some were above average, some were merely mediocre.

But none of them managed to make me silently scream in lust: " I NEED to hire you!!! "

None ok....

I did not see the point of spending too much on photos.

And in Kedah, obviously the choices aren't plenty.

Until my mom and I went to one photography studio in Alor Star.

It was unintentional... We were on our way to Alor Star town, and we could see a small bungalow with big signage, indicating that it's a photo studio.

"Jom stop tgk" my mom said.

"Biaq btui maa, bukan kita nk tempah pn..." i replied.

"Alaaa.. tgk ja...." my mom responded.

So we went in, and the owner greeted us nicely with thick Kedah slang:
"Masuk la... jgn malu2... mai tgk dulu... Tak berkenan takpa... Takat ni ja la kami mampu buat... lebih pada ni kami tak dapat la nk janji... " (How modest is that???)

Once I flipped through the first page of the custom album, I was like: " OMG, wedding pictures can be THIS awesome??? "

My mom was silent while she's browsing other custom albums. Then she looked up at me, and gave me this 'look', that I interpreted as " We are sooooo gonna stuck here..!!! "

Then the owner let us browse through the most recent pictures on the computer. Even the bride and groom whose pictures were taken had not seen the photos yet. There were thousands and thousands of photos!!!! and he showed every single one of them. Honestly, at one point I was dizzy, coz I couldn't digest all of this madness.

I was giving this look to my mom " Mama, we better not waste this man's time if we are not going to hire him... " But my mom buat bodoh ja... and continued feasting her eyes on all the undoubtedly pweety pictures.

My mom asked about the different types of packages they had, and we both like 'GULP!'..hahahah...

So quickly, after viewing the infinite number of pictures, we smiled our thanks and left feeling " waaaaaaaaaaaa... we WANT youuuuu ".

But both of us were silent.

Once in the car:

Mom: "Chantek lah gmbaq tu..."

Me : "Sangat... tapi akak xdak duit lah..."

Mom: "Mama cam nak lah dia..."

Me: "Akak pun... share bolehlah..."

Mama: "Boleh2...."

Me: "Kita pkiaq dulu lah.... "

About 2 weeks after that, my mom went and made the first deposit payment there. Phewwww.... I still couldn't believe I have hired the photographer from that studio...

No, I couldn't believe i'm willing to pay THAT much for pictures.

We fell in love with the pictures and their hospitality. But after a while, i'm convinced that i have made the right decision to splurge on wedding photos.. Why do i think so??

Wedding pictures last a lifetime (unless u lose them or throw them away in fights). Come to think of it, wedding ceremonies last for, at most, 5 hours.

Wedding is short.But photos will re-live your memories every day for decades after the wedding. Besides the memory and the emotions plastered to your hearts, photos are the sole reminder of the most memorable day of your life.

I asked a few married friends of any tips they'd like to offer on weddings, and hiring good photographers would definitely be in their lists. Many voiced out their frustrations that they did not place emphasis on wedding photos, or did not spend enough time choosing the right photographers.

So, point taken peeps! Thanks!

Here's a piece of advice from an expert wedding photographer (taken from Martha Stewart's website):

How can a bride save on her photo budget?

She shouldn't do it! You're better off skimping on other areas. This is one thing that will showcase your wedding day for the rest of your life. Of course, I'm biased, but it's wiser to have a shorter wedding and a better photographer.

Here are some tips on wedding photography, some of which are paraphrased from Female Bride magazine and Martha Stewart website, and some others just crossed my mind while I'm writing this entry:

Tips for awesome wedding photos:

1. Select the right photographer.

What do I mean by this?

Three things must be mainly considered:

a) The photographer's experience & quality of equipment

b) YOUR budget

c) What style of photography do you love? Shortlist only photographers whose work meets YOUR criteria. This is subjective. What appears awesome to some, may be despised by others. So dun kutuk my wedding photos later. I'm saving my butt here. hahaha.

Like the photographer I hire, the studio isn't advertised well i guess. I was so surprised to see such quality photos from a studio which i have never heard of, unlike a few others in Kedah, which are more popular, but overrated judging from the quality of the photos.So do your homework!

Also, it would have been a plus-point if there's recommendation by word of mouth. It feels zillions times better to know that others have had positive experience with the photographer/studio. Wouldn't that lift kilos of burden and stress off your shoulders coz there are just soooo many other things to worry about leading to your wedding??? hehe.

2. Verify their work -

-You may go to the studio yourself, check their past work before your own eyes, see and feel the quality (tgk orgasmic ke tak kan..hahaha), and this surely will help u to better decide.

-If that is not possible, a common alternative is to check their websites. As advised by an expert Malaysian photographer, Scott Wong, "Good photographers normally update their website with their recent work, so check for consistency."

3. Meet the photographer and Confirm booking FAST!!!

Meet, or at least call, to ask as many questions as you want regarding the payment, the package, the photographer's policies on change of dates/cancellations and how all these reflect on the overall payment.

Usually you can pay in installments: first deposit during booking, after the ceremony, and after getting all the prints and album/s.

Be wary of the packages, and only choose the package that you really need.

Things to consider:

- Freebies??
-How many hours of service??
-How many photographers??
-How many prints?? or develop yourself? how many enlarged prints?
-Unlimited shots??
-Are all the shots edited?
-Outdoor portraiture session??
-Custom or normal sticky album??

Select someone who gives you a good vibe: Someone you think you can easily negotiate with, you feel at ease with, and someone you think you won't be too shy to give stupid poses. Rapport dear, RAPPORT!! ;)

And when i said book fast, i mean FAST!!! Just like men, the best are always taken!

So do make a wise decision as quickly as you can as soon as you are confirmed with your wedding details. Plus, trust your intuition!!!

4. Plan the shots with the photographer.

Do tell the photographers of perhaps the venues you'd like for your post-wedding shots (outdoor, if any). Your photographer needs time to research and survey the location prior to the shoot.

Set the date and time you'd like to have the outdoor portraiture session. The photographer would probably advise you to set a separate date for this, since this will allow ample time for both the bride& groom and the photographers to take great shots! You will also not be running out of time, and terkejar2, just because you want it to be done right after your reception.

The most ideal way to make your photographer's life easier, as well as getting what you want is to compile a checklist of the shots that you want. For example, pictures with friends from school, pictures with in-laws, pictures with close families, gambaq balik tiang, gmbar time mekap, etc.

So the list should contain all the shots that he/she MUST snap. heheh. I found one checklist before, online. I was so clever, i did not save it, and now I couldn't find it anymore coz I've forgotten the URL. It's so handy! If i find it later, I'll put the URL here. *sigh*

Don't forget to make the necessary payments before the wedding. Money is undeniably a great motivation to anybody. Photographers are mere human beings. They'll be more motivated to take great photos of awesome clients. So, do pay them or else you'll pay for the consequences. hahaha.

Don't forget to remind them prior to the wedding of your wedding venue, date, contact details, and other essential details. Brief your photographer in as much detail as possible. To know that your photographers forget about your wedding, coming late (or not coming at all) is truly disastrous. So, do your part. REMIND them!!!

And treat them nicely. Jangan dibiarkan depa mati kelaparan on your wedding day, just because you need to instruct him here and there to take your precious photos. Feed him/her before the ceremony, and also after. Be patient. You don't need to be all bridezilious just to show that you are 'ratu sehari'. Be patient and give your sincerest smile all day. ;)) Other tips would be:

clocking in a good night's rest. Puffy-eyed, sallow skin, panda eyes, zits??? a BIG NO-NO ok???
be relaxed! (boleh ke aku ni?). and be yourself. "Enjoying the process is the only thing you need to do that day!"
NO suprises! all last minute changes must be communicated well to the photographer. Unexpected surprises mean less special captures for you.
Don't constantly annoy your photographers after the wedding to get your wedding photos ready (unless lambat sgt la dari yang dijanjikan..hehe). This will affect the quality of the editing.

How about videography???, some may ask...

To me, photos are my priority. We typically have tendency to browse pictures more often. We can flip them any time we want. If I have more money to splurge on, YES, I would surely splurge on videography too, anything that will ensure that the memory lasts forever.

But with my budget, I have to choose.
So I will ask any unfortunate soul to do the recording for me (note: Friends, don't run away!!!). Im my circumstances, it would have been sufficient to have a low-budget one! hehehe.

So, all bride-to-bes, do what you can to materialise your dream wedding.

Nonetheless, there's no point paying so much for an album that claims to last for three decades if your marriage won't even last as long! (Mintak simpang...).

So, set your priorities right and tawakkal je lahh...

Happy preparing all!

Love,
bridazzy

p/s- do browse my orgasmic dose of peektures:

http://fotoimpresif.com/

PROGRESS REPORT 1

2009-07-21T12:30:00.000+08:00

Kursus kawen dh settled. alhamdulillah. but i dun want to ramble about it yet. need to re-build the mood for it first.. hehehe..

Kad kawin, insya Allah will be ordered after he comes back from Umrah. pretty much around 3 months before the big day. ok lah kan??

Wedding favors- my mom is still in the process of preparing them. so far, one third of all 600 ***** have been done. hahaha.. Malas cakap what the wedding favors are. Wanna know? Come to the wedding la!!

Photographer- Booked and paid one third of the whole amount aeons ago. Will blog particularly on this topic soon. hehehe. ;)

Wedding dresses- dh hantar tempah aeons ago as well in Sungai Petani. Will only be ready in October, after Raya.

Accesories - dh booked at G. Glamor, but need to try out everything once the dresses are ready. hihi..

Dais- xyah book2.. coz my mom and I will be doing it, close to the wedding day. Insya Allah. nk save nya psl kan...hehehe

Hantaran- same lah... if my mom can do hantaran for other ppl, why not for her own daughter, kan??? But of course i will be involved too! So far, whatever that my mom can do, I can too! hehehe.

Room Decor- DIY too...

Hadiah Hantaran- satu haram xbeli lagi.. eh ada gakla yg dh bli tanpa niat.. like Quran, and a tie which was bought..hurmmm 4 years ago..! hahahah..

HIV Test- not yet..

Guest list- half way done. hehe

Catering- booked aeons ago.

Beauty preparations (e.g. spa, facial)- not much. wait till i get my salary. :((

Bridesmaid- confirmed! hehehe. Thanx ain!

Theme colour for bridesmaid and close friends - waaaaaaaa, belum!

Flower Girls- errrrrr....

That's all for now.. phewwww...

Kursus Kawin

2009-07-16T21:59:00.000+08:00

I dun understand why, but suddenly i'm really2 looking forward to it. hehe..

Will be attending the course this weekend with him. ;)

Actually wanted to attend it much2 closer to the big day, coz knowing me, I'm afraid I'll forget all the important information when the time really comes.

But something comes up, so we just need to attend it soonish. hehe.

Guess I need to re-charge my jotting power and refrain myself from falling asleep during the talk.

Tapi mesti buhsan kan? It's not that he'll be beside me and I have someone to talk to. I hope I'll be making some good new friends. hehehe.

eh, kena pakai baju kurung eh? aiyoo, tudung pn xde, selendang xpe kan? hehehe..

I'm sure I'll look like a makcik selling Pisang goreng. hahaha..

I don't know why, but people say I look VERY2 different when I'm wearing tudung.

I guess I must have looked like a totally different person coz when I attended BTN in 2007, i wore tudung for the first 3 days, and took it off on the last day. Suddenly, this KPLI lady from my LDK group for the past 3 days said to me:

"ehhh, adik ni ke... slalu nmpak kat IPBA rupanya... akak tak pasan langsung adik org yg sama selama kita satu kelas 3 hari lepas..."

huhuhu... n many people say I look like ustazah when wearing tudung..hahaha...

but i guess that's no biggie deal. Will need to deal with it sooner or later. ;)

eh apsl ckp psl tudung lak ni??? hehehe

k lah.. will update how the course will be like this weekend. Hope it'll be fun!

Too Fast !!!!!!!!!

2009-07-16T00:40:00.002+08:00

The wedding ticker seems to be ticking too fast and sometimes too slowww...

Just have to remind myself " Azrinnnn, stop looking at the wedding ticker!! It'll drive u nuts!"

It seems to be ticking too slow when i'm just tooooo eager to get married. in simpler words, when the 'gatai mode' is on. Hahaha...

It seems to be ticking too fast when:

1. When i browse through my checklist and feel: "waaaaa... so many things have not been settled yet.... die2..."

2. when i feel : " waaaa... so many things i wanna do before getting married.... nanti dh xleh dahh...waaaaa...!!!!!"

What are the 'things'...??? macam banyak je kan.. sdangkan nothing much pun. But still, let me try to make a random checklist:

Things i wanna/need to do before getting married:

1. Buy and wear all the nicest dresses and tops that are perhaps just too revealing to be worn after marriage.. hahahahaha..

2. Have the first and the last expensive hair cut at a reputable salon (mana nk cari duit??? hahaha..berangan).

3. Hangout with friends like crazy every weekend or anytime i get the chance!

4. Wake up late every morning and eat a piece of stale bread. hahaha.

5. Learn how to cook Masak Lemak Ketam Cili Padi. mati2....

6. Cherish the time when I could just cook anything stupid, like fry an egg and nuggets and eat them with rice with chilli sauce and kicap kipas udang.. hahahaha.. and actually feel good about it... hahahaha. feeell weyyhh...

7. Exercise!!! and try for the last time to make my body fit like megan fox's. hahahaah..

8. Go to U.S (dun ask me why...hahahah)

9. Get a job that requires midnight shift or something... Hurmmm.. but i guess 'that' dream was shattered by this one bitch and another male bitch..hahahahah.. (aren't i supposed to be sad?)

10. Paste anything vintage and girly on my bedroom wall.. Pasni xleh dah.. hahahaha.

11. Upload all nice photos I have on facebook... and view them everyday.. hahaha.. cm orang gila lak..

12. Start reading Dara and Nur magazines.

13. stay up late at night to watch stupid movies, take Facebook stupid quizzes, and write something stupid on blogs.

14. Buy a cute makeup/skincare/clothes range, the type which if u use/wear after marriage, people will say "hang pakai mnda alah kanak2 ni??? pakai la estee lauder ke, YSL ke, SK II ke, carlo rino ke, blabla..." and whatever 'mature' brands you cud think of...

15. Check my cellphone's inbox every 5 mins, and giggle around, and golek2 on my bed smpai jatuh...

16. Buy a pair of Charles & Keith heels

17. Buy one item from Coast, London boutique/

18. Read 'Gerbang Perkahwinan' book, religiously...

ok, penat dah pk... i'll update later when i think of more stupid things to do..hehehe

p/s- to the man, all this does not mean that i'm not looking forward to getting married to u tau! hehehe.

Trial makeup

2009-07-05T21:59:00.000+08:00

Try asking any experienced wedding planners, and they'll say: Do a trial makeup before your wedding!!!

I choose to take up that advice, and did a trial makeover at G.Glamor, Alor Star.

Quite a number of my happily married relatives recommended this place, so I thought, why don't I just give it a try.. Mmg takde kerja pn ms cuti sebulan kat Kedah haritu..

Initially, I was thinking of doing the makeup myself, but judging from how bad i was trembling while putting on my makeup on my engagement day last month, I started to understand the need of a makeup artist.

Paid RM80 for it...

What do I think about it???

OK lahhh...

For RM 80 I think it's pretty OK...

So I booked G.Glamor right away for the wedding.

For the real wedding I just need to pay RM 150 for both makeup + hair.. ok lah kann??

Kalo ikut hati memangla nak Amy Janz, makeup artist betul tu.. but I believe it'll be 1k ++

For a struggling Masters student who doesn't even have a full-time job, I must be realistic.

Here are some pics that I'd snapped after I got home, just so that I have a record of how I actually look like with the thick makeup on, in pictures...

Approve x? hahahaha...

Nasib lahhhh...

Wedding Preparations?

2009-07-03T22:18:00.000+08:00

Most of the times, I am a well-organised person.

And for my wedding, it's all the more reason to be SUPER2-organised...

What have I done??

So far, whatever that needs to be rented or booked, is done. alhamdulillah.

Other things are progressing, slow but steadily...huhu..

Especially when you are so gatai to get married on the sought-after dates like 12.12, the earlier your wedding bookings should be.

But still, although I have booked most of the important things, that doesn't mean I can be all relaxed.

Wedding entails on-going preparations, and it ain't easy when what you regard as fabulous for your wedding keeps changing day-by-day.

One of the hardest things is to come up with one idea, one inspiration, one concept and STICK to them til the BIG day.

This is especially the case when you choose to do many things on your own, without the help of a wedding planner (which is TOTALLY my case!! nak save lah katakan...)

Some adjustments are surely inevitable.

But to ensure that everything will run smoothly without any MAJOR changes, all bride-to-bes need wedding checklists.

Humans are humans, we tend to forget even the most obvious things, when it comes to something as important and nerve-wrecking as a wedding.

I've done mine.

Besides this blog, I also create a wedding portfolio. A file that I can flip through everyday, with the hardcopy of checklist in it, to ensure that I won't forget any important details.

Also, I suggest you make a separate list for things to be done closer to the wedding, like a week or days, or 1 day earlier from your BIG day.. Stuff like ingatkan Tok Kadi, ingatkan caterer (penah jadi caterer lupa masak hari kawin tau!), sediakan lilin (in case blackout tgh2 nikah mlm2), amik fresh flowers, etc..

And, don't solely rely on other brides' checklists. Make one on your own!!!!

We all have different needs, different preparations, different priorities: so make it PERSONAL!

What else could you do??

Check out other bridezillas' blogs!!!

There are so many fabulous ideas from different bride-to-bes accross continents and u'll be reminded of things that are important but did not even slip your mind before!

Also, pay frequent visits to some wedding websites like Martha Stewart's or Vera Wang, to name a few... They provide professional, handy and practical tips for brides based on their years of expertise.
Phew, now I'm talking like a wedding magazine editor, aren't I?? hahaha *pasan*

Maybe I'm just stating the obvious. I dunno.

This is after all written as a reminder to myself too.

Early preparations are essential to avoid any unnecessary zits on your lovely anticipated day.

As you browse through your wedding pictures later, a gigantic RED pimple smacked right at the middle of your nose will surely spark horrid memories of your wedding day kan??

haiii mintak simpang...

Ok, happy preparing all..

Ring..ring...ring...

2009-07-03T00:52:00.000+08:00

I know it's too early for that...

But just want to ramble a bit bout it...

My engagement ring is simple, small, and elegant.. and that's the way I like it...

I know many makcik2 would say: "Ya Allah..keciknyeee... tak nampak la..." *sambil meragau2 cari spek dlm bag*

But heck I care! I'm the one wearing it til I die what! hahahaha...

The same goes to my future wedding ring, insy Allah...

I just need something simple, just a tad more extravagant than the engagement one..hahaha...

But still, not something that people can see from 1 mile radius.

I've fallen in love with one ring in Poh Kong-The Diamond Boutique. In KL, there's only one of such branch, that is at the Sunway Pyramid.

The man knows about it, and perhaps has been having nightmares ever since! hahaha..

Nahh.. it's not that expensive for a wedding ring actually...

I'm the kinda person who's usually easily attached to one thing, and one thing only.

Too loyal perhaps??

So, for now, I can't seem to fall in love with other rings yet...

Harap2 xberubah dhla pasni..mls la nk cari2 cincin ni..

It was one hell of a tiring journey finding the engagement ring that I could be orgasmic about. I believe the man would have wanted to throw me into the nearest minefield then..hahaha... kan kan??

Harap2 ada lagi lah THAT ring before my wedding nanti.

Ok, enuff of this fairy-tale dream...

When the day comes, you'll get to see it jugak kan...

Taaa...

Wedding Plans note.

2009-07-02T01:14:00.000+08:00

From my Facebook:

Rules: Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with d wedding plan!=) At the end, choose d people u want to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know about u!=)

(To do this, go to “notes” under tabs on your profile page, paste these instructions in the body of the note, type your wedding plan, tag d people (in the right hand corner of the app) then click publish.)

1. how old are you?
= 25

2. are you single?
= nope. strings attached!

3. at what age do you think you'll get married?
= end of 25..i hope..thts d plan..aminnn...

4. do you think you'll be marrying the person you are with now?
= mestilaaa... harap2nyelah..insya Allah...

5. if not, who do you want to marry?
= errrr... AS.. hhahahaha..

6. who will be your bridesmaid & bestman?
= masih menjadi dilemma diri ini... org yg ditanya tak confirm2..hahahaha..

7. do you want a garden/beach or traditional wedding?
= beach wedding mmg xmoh! a mixture of garden n traditional please... totally garden pn tak sesuai kot..bpeluh2 melekit2 kat msia ni kalo outdoor...hahaha

8. where do you plan to go on honeymoon
= eh sebok ja...

9. how many guests do you think you'll invite?
= 5-700..

10. will that include your exes?
= Do i really have any? as far as im concerned the ex wud be the one i'll b marrying..hahahaha. *confused*

11. how many layers of cake do you want
= 2-3 dh kot... not important... but i want it to be cute!!!

12. when do you want to get married, morning or evening?
= evening.

13. name the song/tune you'd like to play at your wedding.
= i am still doing the list..hahaha..

14. do you prefer fine dining or just normal spoon&fork?knife?
= pkai tangan baru syok!!! hahahah.. xmoh fine dining kat hotel for sure.. aku rimas!!!

15. champagne or red wine?
= uih..juice2 biasa dhla..

16. honeymoon right after the wedding or days after the wedding?
=daysss after the wedding.

17. money or household items?
= money please. hahahaha.. cm mntak derma lak.. kidding.

18. how many kids would you like to have?
= at least 2 [ who can talk to one another ]

19. will you record your honeymoon in DVD/CD?
= uihh.. which part of the honeymoon?? be clear!!! kna ke record2? xmohla... ada yg jadi DVD guru terlampau kang..

20. whose wedding plan would you like to know next
= everyone pls..

Phew...

2009-06-29T21:55:00.000+08:00

Quite a few important things were settled.

First is the registration for the Kursus Kahwin. The man and i registered in Bangsar today, and will be attending the 2-day course in about 3 weeks.

Credit to Leila for helping us find the place (thru the phone...ahahah).

Tempat tu kunun glemer habis (not that this is important), tgk2, mak aii, agk dodgy gak the building!! hahahah... The only reason why we choose this place is because it's the only place we know so far from my friends. Malas lah nk buat2 homework utk mnda2 alah cmni kan..

Asal dapat pegi kursus sudah..n tgk org yg bagi ceramah pn ada kelayakan dan pengalaman yg spatutnya..itu yg pnting..

2nd- Accommodation for the future in-laws in Kedah pn finally dh settled.. alhamdulillah.

3rd- And my cool mom has slowly started doing the wedding favours for the reception. rajin kan dia? ni lah jadinya kalo nk save n nak2 jugak buat mnda ikut taste sndiri. Love u momma!

4th- Dah pilih baju utk reception di Muar.. alhamdulillah ada yg bekenan... Thanks to the Man and the whole of his family for the support! hehehe.

Other preparations are done bit by bit. I wish i could help my mom with all the preparations. But my studies, location, and new job will surely limit my involvement. *sigh*

Tapi x kira, nk jugak be involved with the preparations sbanyak mana yg termampu. I have told my mom to save some work for me. hehehe..

Oklah, enuff of updates. mrapu jer byk..

Taaaa

Colour Palette

2009-06-26T01:07:00.000+08:00

Let me start my wishful thinking with the theme colour of my wedding in Kedah.

After several fights with my mom over which colours to be chosen as the theme of the wedding, we decided that we go for light green, light pink, and off-white.

Yerp, 3 colours altogether. Something that is pretty rare in a Malay wedding huh?

Yeah, i like a touch of distinction. And also, the practicality factor.

It's rather hard to ensure that EVERYTHING is green in a wedding, for example. A range of colours as the theme would allow some room for flexibility and experimentation (for the bride, groom, family, friends, and guests), but not at the expense of uniformity and elegance, duncha think?

So there shouldn't be any dissatisfied faces, rebelling against having to wear the colours that they hate to the bone! hahaha.

This was decided a while ago actually.. But recently, I found this website: The Perfect Palette. Amazingly, i found that light pink and green combination is one of the latest perfect colour palettes for a modern wedding.

Isn't it lovely??

Well, i just let you read the following on your own.

Inspiration Board # 264: Pink & Green

{Pink & Green}

Pink and green have always stood out to me as being the perfect color combination for a spring or summer wedding. Looking for a soft and pretty palette? One that your guests will really be impressed by? One that is sweet and romantic? Well you may want to consider this lovely pair. In my design, I incorporated the most pretty pink dresses! Aren't they lovely? The ladies carried bouquets of pink and green & centerpieces were designed to coordinate. In addition, a gorgeous arbor was designed for the ceremony which took place outside on a perfectly manicured lawn. Groomsmen wore khaki suits and had green striped neckties on to match. Guests were treated to a gourmet menu which started off with shrimp cocktails and pink champagne. Guests went home with pink candies and a bottle of pink lemonade.

Click to Enlarge

Details We ♥

Lovely Bridal Party

Hurmmm....

*berangan mode*

Welcoming note....

2009-06-25T23:19:00.000+08:00

Hey all...

I would like to welcome all of you to my newly-built blog, specifically focusing on my wedding details, preparations, as well as dreams (most of which I am fully aware would never materialise).

I've read other brides-to-be's wedding blogs, feeling inspired (and jealous) and then think:

"Heck, why don't I set one for myself too? I'm getting married soon after all right?"

I don't wanna get married and then look back in retrospect with regret: "Why didn't I create my wedding blog?? TOO LATE for that!!!"

Anyway....

At any point, please don't puke n hurl ya... I know my dreams are BIG, GIGANTIC, and unbelievably FICTIONAL.

My mom and I are trying our best to achieve OUR dreams that look expensive but at a fraction of the cost.

AMBITIOUS??? I know...

So feel free to comment or just browse through my bridezilla moments here.

May this journey be a bliss to all of us.

C ya!