Behind the Wheels Again

A month post delivery I am driving again after getting the green light from my gynae. On the first day I just drove around Seri Putra, but the next day I ventured out to Kajang to pick up Zade from kindergarten. Although I'm still in pain at times, and I need to walk at a slower pace than I'm used too, I'm so happy that I could drive again. It was so frustating not being able to do anything or go anywhere on my own. I'm so used to being independent that I couldn't bear for anyone else to go out of their way for me. Now I'm slowly feeling like my old self again. The only thing that worries me is that I am still having pain from the operation. I don't remember that it took so long to recover after delivering Zade via c-section more than 5 years ago. Maybe it's old age catching up with me.

I have less than 3 months left to enjoy my time with my family. My routine now is picking up Zade after school. Sometimes I leave home early and drop by the lab to check on my student's experimental work. Since the end of semester is less than 6 weeks, I need to ensure that they get all their results before submitting the thesis. I don't mind going to the lab and observe them doing the experiments. It keeps my mind from getting rusty.  Other than that, I'm just letting life goes by slowly while I watch my little darlings grow.

Jaundice

Poor baby has tinge jaundice. After going back and forth to the clinic to monitor her tsb level, she was finally admitted to Az-Zahrah to undergo phototheraphy. Since I was nursing, I stayed with her and held her the whole night under the light. Alhamdulillah, she was discharged the next day as her tsb level dropped significantly. And 3 days later, after follow up with the pead, she has been given the all clear.

First Week Post-Ceasarean

I have forgotten how painful it was. I'm writing this down to remind myself that recovery after ceasarean is extremely painful!!! Moving from one position to another is so difficult and walking takes so much effort. Breastfeeding is also hard especially at night when I need to sit up. However, I am thankful that I am able to fully breastfeed my baby. And all the pain I endure is worth it when I hold my baby in my arms. I am so blessed, Alhamdulillah.

Zade's Baby Sister

Alhamdulillah, I've delivered my daughter today via c-section. She was born at 2.29 pm and weighed 2.98 kg. I was hoping to have a normal delivery but my ganae at Az-Zahrah advised against it after my traumatic delivery 5 years ago. Whatever it may be, I am just so thankful and blessed for the safe deliver of my baby.

Apple Streusel Cake on the Last Day of CNY Holiday

It has been a wonderful break for me. Even though I didn't travel anywhere, I had a relaxing time at home. Managed to cook, bake and spend some quality time with Zade. Today I  made spaghetti carbonara for lunch and for afternoon tea, apple streusel cake and keropok lekor. I have been craving for the apple streusel cake for the longest time. I stumbled on the recipe from an old Better Homes and Garden magazine while I was living in Melbourne. I've never seen this cake being sold at any bakery or cafe. So kalau teringin nak makan kena buat sendiri.

Tomorrow I will go back to work, but Zade has an extra day of holiday, lucky boy. So I don't have to rush to pick him up during lunch time. Hopefully can get significant amount of work done because I don't have much time left.

Chinese New Year Holiday

Everyone has been looking forward to this long break, especially Zade. All of us are tired and need a good rest. Zade has been bugging me for new LEGO to add to his collection. Since I've promised to buy him a new set during the next school holiday, I suggested that he uses his own money. He got some ang pow money which was enough to buy 1 mini figurine. After some thought, he decided to get 2, so he turned to his coin collections i.e. mine ad Danial's loose change which he kept in a jar. Tapi tak cukup 3 ringgit, so I decided to help him out. So on the first day of the holiday we went to Alamanda. The highway towards KL was smooth, but on the other side heading to the South the traffic was bad. Jam dari Kajang. Once we reached Alamanda we headed straight to Toys R Us. Nasib baik ada mini figurines. Zade was very excited! I am quite surprised that he didn't ask for anything else. Then we headed for lunch at Zade's favourite sushi place. As for me I am excited to start baking again. Uncle Nasir came and clean up my stove and oven earlier this week. Sekarang dah tak tersumbat lagi, almost good as new. So the first thing I bake was a simple bread. I feel so satisfied. Can't wait to do more baking.

RMIT Convocation 2012 @ Intercontinental Hotel, KL

Since I was not going to travel to Melbourne, I chose to attend the convocation in KL. It was an intimate but beautiful ceremony. Those graduating with PhD were treated like VIPs with special holding room, before and after the ceremony, front row seats for their guests and the graduates on the stage during the ceremony. For me it was extremely meaningful as I was able to share this moment with my whole family.

Alhamdulillah

I am so thankful, for the news that I've received today. Finally, after more than 4 years and so much heartache, I can put a close to this chapter in my life and move one. I thank Allah for giving me the strength to endure the most challenging obstacle in my life so that I can achieve my dream. And to my late father who gave me the confidence to keep on going.

Zade's 4th Birthday

Celebrated Zade's 4th birthday with family in Gombak. The theme for this year was fireman! Tons of food, presents, games and laughter. Definitely different from the past 2 birthdays.

Invitation card

Thank you cousins for the decorations

Fire engine cake!

Birthday fireboy.

Back At Work

Today I report back to duty. It feels odd to sit in my old office that I've left for so long. I guess it will take some time to adjust to working life. Everyone was surprised to see me as I didn't warn anyone that I was coming back. However it's great to see familiar faces. Not so great to be appointed on the committee for next year's conference. Just my luck the 1st meeting was held today. If only the meeting was yesterday or if only I had return to work tomorrow. Well its too late now. I am back working, so better get use to it.

Bye-bye Melbourne

I'm finally closing a painful chapter in my life. I thought I would be ecstatic when this time arrives, but who would have thought that a small part of me will be filled with sadness. I guess it was bound to be this way. No matter how much I hated living in Melbourne, I will miss the time I spent watching Zade grow from a tiny baby to an energetic and talkative toddler. Not to mention all the wonderful friends that I was lucky enough to have met. So I bid farewell to you Melbourne, till we meet again someday.....

All packed up and ready to be shipped home

More boxes. 3 years of my life fits in 24 boxes to be exact.

Farewell lunch with Aileen, Dean and Keanne. Thanks for being such wonderful neighbours!

Farewell dinner with best gals from RMIT, Deju, Chong and Deju.

Bye-bye to our great companion the Mondeo. We are so thankful that you turned out to be dependable for the past 3 years!

Cour Saleya

The colourful marketplace, with lots of fresh vegetables, fruit, cheese and other food items. Also lots of souvenirs, paintings, artwork, clothing and linen.

Promenade des Anglais

The breathtaking, pebbled beach is as romantic as I've imagined it to be. We came almost everyday to enjoy the beautiful scenery and play on the beach. This main seaside promenade is named as "the walkway of English" because in the earlier time, this beach was popular among the English tourist. Nowadays, it is still popular with not only tourists, but local alike, especially senior citizens. 

Bonjour, we are in Nice

Hati rasa berbunga-bunga. I still can't believe that I am here. Once upon a time, I was so obsessed with French Impressionism after visiting art galleries in US, that I took up french lesson. I've always wanted to travel to France and visit the art galleries and soak in the culture. But after more than 10 years, I have given up all hope. I've spent many years overseas, studying, but nowhere near Europe. Finally, in a strange turn of event, I can practice my rusty French, bonjour!

Crepe and gelato for tea. It doesn't get any better than this.

Berangan while waiting for the food

Croissant and cafe au lait for breakfast at the cafe across the street from the apartment

Old buildings near the tram stop

International Conference of Aeronautical Sciences (ICAS) 2010

After much persuasion from my supervisor,  I finally gave in. Under different circumstances, I would have jump for the opportunity to travel to such a fascinating part of the world and present at an esteem conference. But being far away from home, and with Zade not even 3 years old, the idea of travelling for more than 20 hours in a plane is not really appealing. Money is another issue. Travelling will definitely incur high cost, and I really would rather save then fork out a small fortune for travelling. I don't even travel around Australia, so it never crossed my mind to travel half way across the world at this point in time. However the deal is sealed when I received the news that RMIT will be giving me sponsorship to attend the conference which should be enough to cover the flight ticket, accommodation, fees and food for the duration of the conference.

For the first time, we travelled on Emirates. I found it to be much better than Malaysian Airlines. Better service, food and movie selection. And they give out a lot of goodies to little kids to keep them occupied during the flight.

So of we go, Danial, Zade and I. It turned out to be one of the most wonderful and memorable trip that I've taken. Alhamdulillah, I am thankful for having the chance to participate at ICAS 2010, and getting feedbacks about my research work from delegates around the world. And more importantly to travel to a beautiful place, which never in my imagination that I thought that I would ever reach here.

Opening ceremony at the Acropolis Convention Centre

Delegates from RMIT at the ICAS 2012, Australia booth

ICAS 2010

NGV International

I've wanted to visit the galleries in Melbourne and enjoy the art and culture that the city has to offer. Today I decided to go to the city and visit NGV International. I took a train and got off at the Flinders Street Station. There are 2 NGVs, one is the NGV Australia which is across the street from the station on Federation Square. The other one is NGV International which is about 10 minutes walk across the Yarra river. It is located next to the Arts Centre and across the street from the NGV is the Queen Victoria Gardens. Since it is now autumn, the garden was filled with brown and orange hues.





NGV International has several permanent display exhibitions which are free and temporary exhibitions which sometimes charge admission fee. The admission ranges from $15 - $30, depending on the exhibition. After browsing through the current and future exhibitions, I saw a few which I definitely want to see, so I decided to become an NGV member. Becoming a member provides discount up to 50% off the admission fees and also free previews at certain dates. I also get one free ticket which I can use for any of the exhibitions. On top of that I get free magazines from the gallery, an orientation tour for both NGV, discounts at the gift shops, restaurant and cafes, and access to the NGV member's lounge. The benefits apply to both NGV International and NGV Australia. Since I'm a full time student I have to pay only $50 for a year membership instead of the individual fee which is $90.







After setting up my membership, I proceeded to the exhibition on the ground level. The first one is the Love, Loss and Intimacy which I thought was interesting. I found some of the pieces were lovely and pure but there are a number which I thought were quite disturbing. Then I went in search for the European exhibitions. There was one on Level 1 and another two on Level 2. I managed to browse through two of them this morning, and I must say my favourite is the European exhibition for 17th and 18th centuries on Level 2. There were a few pieces by Rembrandt on display which were stunning. I also had a chance to view a special exhibition entitled 'Drape' by Myer which was on fashion and textile. Beautiful gowns by Christion Dior, Dolce n Gabbana and other famous designers were on display.





After a few hours walking through the gallery, I was tired and needed to take a break. I went to the members lounge to rest and relax before heading back to Bundoora. The members lounge is located on the ground level at a secluded area at the end of the gallery. It is tastefully decorated with paintings adorning the walls. It’s very quiet which makes it a perfect place to unwind after enjoying a long day at the gallery. Members can read magazine and newspaper while enjoying tea or coffee with some biscuits. I made myself a cup of cappuccino which was very lovely that I decided to have a second cup while I browse through a magazine. I did truly enjoy myself and looking forward to my next visit to NGV.

An Autumn Morning at Fitzroy Gardens

Since it was Good Friday, we decided to go to the city knowing that it's going to be deserted. We drove to Preston and went on the train to Fitzroy Garden near the Jolimont Station. Zade was very excited to ride the train again. He was full of energy, and as soon as we got to the garden he ran and ran especially when he saw birds flying low wit the hope of catching one. It was such a beautiful autumn morning. The garden was quiet and peaceful that we were able to relax and enjoy its beauty.