I remember the time when...I devoured at my wedding...
Last 29th of January was our 4th wedding anniversary. Both me and wife had been wanting for a quick getaway. So, this year's surprise from me to wifey (and kiddo) was a quick getaway. More on that in a separate entry.
In some places, it is impolite or improper for a bride or a groom to be eating so much. In other words, we need to control our behaviours while eating in front of the guests. Not only do the newlyweds are forbidden to be chewing so loudly (obviously), we are also expected to be eating only in small portions. This means, no bone crunching or shell crushing or soup slurping is allowed. Despite how hungry the newlyweds may be, our plates should only have some rice, with some gravy and a few pieces of meats (which preferably be stripped down from the bones by the maid of honours).
Looking back on the day I got married, I kinda' forgot about these 'rules' (despite having received a few reminders from my aunties beforehand). Because of that, I ate like nobody's business. It only hit me when my cousin's wife, who sat across the table, raised up a bowl of rice and said to me insinuatingly, "Nak tambah?" (You want some more?) before she laughed.
Yikes, that was embarrassing! It became talk of the town for quite a while. I got teased even to this day (if somehow, a related topic is brought up). My cousin even said that he had never seen such a hungry groom in his life before.... Hahaha... well, what to do? I'm not really good at following rules plus, I like to eat!
Anyway, I realise that I've never really shared my wedding photos before, so here are some:
Full name is Abdun Nizar Ahmad. With the exception of few relatives, everybody else in the family and at schools (primary and secondary) called me Nizar. A couple of relatives call me Abun, while all three cousins from my mother side call me.... guess what - John McKeterk, or in short, John. Since it's a made up name, I don't really know the spelling to the second name, but judging from sound, that should be it. To this day, they still call me John, their spouses also call the same, and their children - Cik John (Cik is the short for Pakcik, which is Uncle). As for my uncle and auntie (my cousins' parents), they sometims call me Nizar, and sometimes John.
Ever since I began my college/university years, everyone there called me Abdun with very few who prefer Abun. I remember a joke made by a housemate back in the UK - he said Abun Sabun (sabun is soap). Issshhh.. of all the names, but I didn't take it seriously :)
Now, if I meet someone new, if they are relatives (like in the case of my wife's side whom I never met before OR from my side, who may not remember my name), I'd introduce myself as Nizar. But, if they are not (going to be my) relatives, then it's gonna be Abdun. Don't ask me why. I'm comfortable of introducing myself that way.
The address book in my phone
Due to most people calling me Abdun, although I may not be the most important person in their lives, my name usually happens to be the first one in their phone's address book. This has a disadvantage. People had been accidentally calling me/sending me empty messages. What really annoying is that sometimes, the calls/smses caught me at the wrong times like in the wee hours of morning (if they are going to sleep with the phones by their sides, why can't they lock the phones, dang it!) or after rushing to get to the phone, only to hear people's conversations (the case of phones in their pants' pockets or handbags and the calls accidentally made) or kids' voices (obviously their kids are playing with the phones).
There was one time, my phone kept beeping due to receiving almost a dozen of empty messages, one after another, to the extent that it started to attract the unnecessary attention from people at the office. The smses were all coming from a person I met at a seminar.
Guess, I was in the wrong mood to be disturbed like that. You know what I did? I texted her, "since you hardly know me, you might as well remove my name from your phone book." Pretty nasty huh?
There was another incident where after picking up the phone, I heard a friend's conversation with another....and they were talking about me. Luckily, all I heard were compliments about me.I was smiling ear to ear....it took me a while before I hung up the phone :))
All these incidents had taught me something. In my phone book, I put 'abdun'and 'zzzdun' as the first and last names. The numbers behind those names are invalid of course, so those in the 2nd and 2nd last list are spared from any accidental pressing on their numbers.
My nature
I have stint eyes, but without my glasses, people perceive my eyes as rather big (especially if I roll my eyes). Well, so many people had said so, guess that is true. Wife said, my bulging eyes must be the reason why Ikhwan gets so excited whenever I do some acts in front of him.
I am a quiet person and shy by nature, ahaks.... I mean, seriously.. throw me into a social gathering packed with 'strangers', I'd definitely feel very uncomfortable. I think because I hate the fact that I have to put on a (fake) smiling face, and having to think what to say most of the time.
But once well acquainted, you will probably see my bubbling nature. Heck, some even said I was naughty.
On precaution steps
1. Before entering a lift, as the doors open, I always double-check that the lift floor is of the same level as the floor where I'm standing at. Why? Because stories about people who fell to their deaths when they entered the lifts which were not there (after the doors were opened) scare the crap out of me!
2. When driving, if the light is green for me to drive straight or make a turn, I will always make sure the light is really green - to the extent I have to verbally say it sometimes, for example I'd say "terus...hijau" (translation: straight...green). Sounds like I'm too safety conscious huh? Hmmm...despite of this, I still beat the red light once in a while, huhu...
3. I make sure I do these things before leaving the car (after parking it) - the gear is at PARKING, the handbrake is pulled, the aircond is off and the steering is locked. If say, I also need to switch off the headlights or the wipers or the rear window demister as well, I'd do those other things first, followed by the four, starting with PARKING, and the rest in that order. I would also sing them (the four things) in my head or hum them just to make sure they are done.
4. If there are routines that I do in the car, I also have own routine before leaving the house, especially where travelling is required, using the Power of 2 'formula'. Two things in my right pants' pocket - car key and hanky; left pocket - house keys and card holders (that hold credit cards, shopping reward cards and Touch N' Go card); elsewhere around the waist - small comb and wallet AND phone holder with phone in it; and upper body area - wrist watch and glasses. I hate forgetting things which may cause unnecessary strain to the brain. Even with having these routines, I still forget sometimes, usually involving bringing the phone holder but without the phone.
I'm a sucker for......
zombies. Movies have portrayed zombies to be moving so slow like....errr, the dead (but somehow still able to catch and eat the survivors, like in Shaun of the Dead), or can still run so fast, you might s*it your pants while trying to escape (like in 28 Days Later). Fast or slow, the zombies are either undead (Dawn of the Dead) or they are not yet dead, just infected with some kind of disease (I Am Legend). Either way, they are hunger for flesh and blood. Don't let them catch you, as they will devour you alive. If only your certain body parts are eaten or you were bitten or scratched by zombies, be prepared to join the zombies club soon. Movie-makers always come out with fresh storylines and some horrific/gory scenes never before seen involving zombies being killed or zombies killing people. Apart from zombie movies, as I also love horror and slasher movies. Hmmm.. maybe I should just say, I love movies. Period.
Friends and The Simpsons. I can watch all Friends episodes over and over again until I throw up (I've never actually done that, hehe). So far, no other sitcoms can beat Friends in terms of great storylines, and along with them, come those funny lines (Joey and Phoebe gets the best lines), outrageous acts (like Chandler's quirkiness), memorable characters (Monica's constant urge to clean) and unforgettable scenes (like the one where Rachel and Ross had a big fight when Ross, who thought they were on a break, had slept with someone else). Some favourite episodes would be (among others): the one with the wedding in London, the one where Phoebe tried to seduce Chandler who had been secretly dating Monica, the one with Brad Pitt as a guest, the one where Joey learned French from Phoebe, the one when Joey confessed to Rachel that he's falling for her etc etc etc.
With regard to The Simpsons, just like Friends, I've been a fan since school time. The longest ever running sitcom received its well-deserving airtime last Halloween with a dozen episodes shown back to back. I had a great time, especially since for some of the episodes, I've never seen them before.
I believe in...
respecting other people, regardless of differences in ages, ranks, races and faiths. Say, for example you have a kid niece or a nephew, it doesn't mean you as an adult can easily look down on him/her, because when they grow up, they can easily strike back at you. So how does it feel to be at the receiving end for a change?
good personal hygiene, which I think, should be taken seriously. It's understandable if after a long day, you still haven't gotten the chance to freshen up. What I can't tolerate is those who constantly disregard their personal hygiene. Heck, their bad body odour foul the environment and public places very early in the morning and they expect us to talk or be around them? I also can't stand those who spit in public. Sadly, we Asians are well known for this bad behaviour (other than generally being bad drivers and like to talk at the cinemas). I remember reading how the New Zealand government was trying to educate the Asians not to spit on their sidewalks. Wonder how that went...?
Movies that I watched this year and can't seem to get enough of:
Cloverfield and Bridge to Terabithia. Read my reviews on the movies here and here. While, here's the theme song to the latter. An excellent attempt from a cute-cum-excellent young actress:
I really feel like going.... to so many places in the world. One of them would be New York - probably influenced by how NY is portrayed in TV shows and movies, like in Heroes, Cloverfield, CSI:NY etc etc.
am mostly awed by... God's given gift - the human intellect. How babies develop physically, mentally and spiritually, starting from not knowing anything; new inventions are discovered numbering thousands every year;new catchy songs keep coming out, each sounds usually different from the other, considering there are so many singers for so many years and each album has at least 10 songs; ideas may be repeated but brilliant writers always know how to make the stories fresh and interesting.
scenic places - whether it involves beaches, mountains or lakes/lochs. Top that with a peaceful friendly neighbourhood and nice weather (the latter is open to your own interpretation). I always love to travel. I may no longer be able to travel extensively like in the past, but whenever opportunity to travel comes along, I always take some kind of memorabilia home, and it can be as simple and cheap as a nice looking paper/plastic bag that I get after buying a magazine. I still keep those bags, some, for 10 years now, that I collected from travelling. Now, I shall leave you with this beautiful photo that I found from the Net. Not sure where the place is, but it looks like Bergen in Norway.
As much as I want to start a tag on this, I've learned my lesson that people are not going to do it. But you are welcome to share whatever little things about you that you don't mind other people knowing.
So some say I'm rather different and weird - if that is so, then why do I feel like I'm so..... ordinary? .... and I feel like I need to break out of this norm, break away from this commonness, this.... comfort, stagnant and mundane life. Yes, being a family man and having Ikhwan around have tremendously enriched my life, but I'm talking about personal achievement and satisfaction here....
I obviously need some thinking to do. Hmmmm.... talk about thinking, just recently two people said in one day, that I think too much. I sure heard such a comment thrown at me before. If only I could be as impulsive - doing whatever I want to do, like.... errr... Matt.
Several routes have been laid, and more, may probably be laid upon us (me and wife). Ya Allah, show us the best paths that we should take, and please, please do ease up our journey as we thread on them, Aaamiinnnn......
Guess this blog is called Boulevard-Ijab for a reason huh?
Movies that I (and possibly wife too) can relate to right now - Ratatouille and Surf's Up. Ok, I know, both are cartoons - but heck, I'm young at heart remember.... or should I say, I'm a big boy ? :-)
When I was at the hospital the other day, attending to Ikhwan who had been sick, I stumbled upon an old friend whom I have not met since like, more than a decade ago. She shared with me a story about a little problem she's facing at her work place. Apparently she had brushed against an office boy the wrong way when she first joined the company some six years back.
From then on, this office boy holds a certain grudge on her. To this day, he still intimidates and taunts her (I'm not really at liberty to elaborate how), talks bad about her behind her back (he has a favourite pal to do this with), including to people who have nothing to do with either one of them, like the security guards for example. Intially, she thought that after these many years, the guy would just back off and each one could mind own business, but apparently she was mistaken. It really stresses her out sometimes, to the extent that she gets carried away, and becomes all moody and temperamental at home. Reporting to her superiors didn't seem to help. In fact she felt that the company took his side. She said, with her qualification background and job position, she really deserves to be respected and not treated this way...
Here's my advice to you sis - get the hell out of there! Quickly....
I'm sure his mindet and IQ are so low, that he still contemplates on a trivial matter that happened between you two. Obviously, you are so much better than him. For example, you did help bring in money for the company before, didn't you? This shows you worth more than him. The amount may not be in millions of ringgit, but compare that to him.... he's just an office boy, a servant, who brings in letters for other people. You may put in a pile of s*it into your letter envelopes, he'd still send them for you (knowing so or not). Now, do you see how pathetic this guy is...?
I am ashamed to call him a man. His mouth sure is a c**t...
This may sound condescending, but I'm just trying to boost your spirit up ok! What I'm trying to say is that, this world is soooo big than just the two of you. There are other better and wonderful things that you can explore out there, than to be cooped up with this piece of trash.
Case 2
I really don't get it, why is it for some, after resigning, they'd still come the 'old' office for occasional visits? If it were me, I wouldn't 'plaster' my face all over the office again, as though I were some kind of celebrity who had to go back to my roots to see how other people are doing. I mean, even if meetings with ex-colleagues were unavoidable, I would surely avoid coming back to the old office, at least not during working hours. There's always an option to meet up outside instead.
This is not to be mistaken as, say, after resigning from a company, they joined back the same company. I know of some people, including a couple of blogger friends, who did so. That's a completely different scenario which is perfectly fine by me, in my opinion.... coz, surely you can't work at the old office, unless you ARE back at that office now, can you?
ON ROAD SAFETY
Why is it that some people go all the way in modifying their cars' headlights and signal lights without paying attention to safety and other road users? I mean, using white bulbs asheadlights can be really annoying to the eyes since they are more glaring. Meantime, otherpeople may fail to realise when you give your signal since the lights are in red colour (this is the reason why they shouldn't be in the same colour as the brake lights). Guess, to these people, yellow is not their thing... but how about safety? Hello????
When Mel Ija tagged me to do this, I commented to her that the tag contains so many questions (which I found to be rather annoying). But, to show my appreciation for inviting me, I shall do it then. Well, it's a Sunday early morning at exactly 1 am, and I hope I can complete this tag today, which I began answering some questions last Thursday.
Anyway, as I said this before in this blog, now that my life revolves mainly around my wife and Ikhwan, it's difficult not to include them in any of my entries, and for that, I've deleted some questions, while the remaining ones will be answered by me (text in blue colour) and my sweet baby Ikhwan (text in green colour). Yes! I can read his thoughts, and yes! he is THAT intelligent in communicating things with me ;-). Here goes folks…
1. Name of a person who made you laugh last night Ikhwan Rasydan of course, not just last night but every night and every day. His attempts of saying things to us or trying to follow what we say; his face expressions; his laughters; his giggles.... tickle us, every time... Ayah and Ibu of course... Ayah's antics just excite me, and the sight of Ibu is enough to make me smile :-))
2. What were you doing at 0800? Rushing off to work. Now that the school has started its new year term, the traffic is back to its usual jam. Today, at 0800, I found myself lagging behind and still at route that I would have already passed if it were still school holidays. Hmmm.... I was already at Auntie Anna's house. Usually, Ayah sends me here every morning around 7.30am. This morning, I woke up at 3.30 before going back to sleep about 2 hours later. So, when Ayah woke me up before we left the house, I was still so sleepy, I could hardly open my eyes.
3. What happened to you in 2006? I lost my ........ heh heh... My mother got pregnant... okay, I know it happened to Ibu, but it sort of happened to me too, right? :-0
4. What was the last thing you said out loud? Can't really recall... I usually say things quietly in my head with occasional mumble and murmurs that may or may not be heard by those who are near me at that time. Oh! yes, I remember now. I have this new neighbour - some bachelors living together. One of them (at least) always bang the doors (the grilled and the wooden ones) everytime he enters or exits the house, even at odd hours like at midnight or whenever he comes home very late like 3 or 4am. Sometimes, all those banging startle me and wife of course, but what really infuriates me is that, if memory serves me right, he had at least 3 times awoken my baby and made him cry. Understandably, any father would be cursing loud enough for him to hear right? But unfortunately, it was likely that my baby heard those curses too. Dang that neighbour... Does squeak out loud count? ...Hahahahaa...
6. How many beverages did you have today? If I answer this, will I get a prize? Years of free supplies of baby milk is great enough. Well, I can't really measure now, can I? All I know is that if the milk is enough, I will either resume playing or will go straight to sleep. But if it's still not enough, people will surely hear me squeak...
7. What was the last thing you paid for? A laptop. Me, paying? Can I have a credit card please...
8. Where were you last night? At home of course.... waiting patiently and eagerly for my wife to reach home. At home of course.... waiting patiently and eagerly with Ayah for Ibu to reach home.
9. What excites you? Well, the three photos above should give you a hint - beautiful sceneries never fail to amaze me (Subhanallah...). They just really excite me! If certain scenes of a movie can have that jaw-dropping effect on some people, well, breath-taking sceneries can do the same to me. Whether the multi-colours of plants and flowers you get to see during spring seasons, or the cool breeze of wind as you spend your day on the highlands, such relaxing moments can make you wanna sing your heart out. The third photo was taken from the inside of a moving car when I was in Scotland, almost a decade ago. Luckily, the photo came out fine, just as perfect if it were seen live. It really looks like a dummy model of a mountain and a house with trees and sheeps, doesn't it? You can read more about my traveling experiences here. The sight of Ayah, Ibu, foods and milk... Hope I'll get the chance to experience like what Ayah had one day... and more!
10. Do you want to cut your hair?
I just cut it on the New Year's day - army cut style, very short. Been getting mixed reactions to my decision, but one thing I know, my wife prefers me having a little bit more hair (on my head).
Never had my hair cut before.. but been getting compliments from Ayah and Ibu over how soft, smooth and manageable my hair is.
11. Do you talk a lot?
Wife is surprised over how quite talkative and friendly I am even towards women - contrary to what her first impression was..
Haha..talking a lot? You bet, and learning to improve every time..
12. Do you watch the O.C? The first time I watched that show was only for a few minutes, and immediately, I hated it. Stories about some spoilt rich brat who have no other problems to worry about other than their own, is not really my cup of tea. Borrrringgggg.... thankfully, the show is no more on Earth.
Is it the same as oh, I see....?
13. Do you make up your own words?
Errrmmmm... I'm not sure. But I use a lot of colloquials that had baffled people before, including my wife whose hometown is the same as mine.
Making up words? Most of the time, people don't really have a clue over what I'm saying, though in some occasions, they do manage to make some lucky guesses.
14. Are you a jealous person?
According to a survey, three ways to know if a person is a jealous person - if that person has eyebrows so thick, they meet; he/she is easily tickled and sweats easily. Well, I possess all those characteristics, except that my eyebrows don't meet (though they are thick). But then, the survey is just as a guideline right, because I don't think I'm a jealous person. But I do know that I'm a vengeful person. Remember the neighbour I told you earlier. Well, I've had my fair share of revenge, intentionally slamming my doors (especially the grilled one) and sometimes, like 3, 4 times in a row (bammm, bammm, bammm), in my attempt to disturb their sleep or simply, to startle them.
Time will tell...
15. What's the best movie you've seen in the past 2 weeks? Can it be movies instead of one particular movie. Well, it's been a while since I last wrote a movie review anyway... now that I have other more important priorities. My summary to the movies I recently saw would be:
The Golden Compass - would please children and adults alike. The running time is a bit too short though, making us craving for more. Definitely a different role for Ms Kidman here. Daniel Craig acted with Kidman and Eva Green in 2 different movies before (The Invasion and James Bond respectively), but in this one, he doesn't have a single scene where he interacts with either of the actresses.
I Am Legend - a must watch! Wife almost shed her tears three times while watching the movie. It's a horror cum action all rolled into one! Some say it's a zombie-like movie. Although I have to admit that it's based on the zombie premise, but it has a different story altogether, taken from a different angle and ends with a bang!
AVP 2 - if the aliens and the predators had known in advance how bad the acting of the humans would be, they would have skipped from being cast in the movie in the first place. Putting that aside, I can still say it's a good movie and (unfortunately) fun to watch. Hardcore fans might be disappointed because these 2 monsters are supposed to instill fears into our veins, NOT fun. In my opinion, nothing beats the scariness of the first, second and fourth Alien movies and the first Predator movie.
Ratatouille - I wouldn't be surprised if this movie wins best animated feature in the coming Oscar. Well, it's from Pixar, what do you expect other than to be amazed by its unique and original plots, memorable characters, unforgettable scenes and vivid graphic effects that remain transfixed in your minds for a long time to come.
We entered the Anakku contest a few months ago. The contest required participants to submit either a photo or a video that showed times of intimacy between parents and their kids. The photo (or video) also needed to be titled and described in less than X number of words.
When I found out about the contest, I thought why not I gave it a try, or should I say, two tries to be exact. I submitted two photos - one photo with Ikhwan hugging his Ibu while the other depicted Ikhwan touching my face.
I'd have submitted a video as well, like the one where I sang a song that I wrote for Ikhwan. But the contest rule said the video should be smaller than Y size. Due to not having the technical know-how in video compressing and lack of time to tinker with softwares (plus not sure which is the best software to do the job in the first place anyway), I decided to just go ahead with the 2 photos.
Last week, I received a letter announcing that one of my entries had won Ikhwan a RM 100/- voucher (not a 1st prize though). The voucher needed to be picked up by myself at the Anakku boutique at The Curve. I enquired at the boutique which one of my entries actually won but the sales assistants couldn't help me. I don't feel the need to take the trouble calling up the Anakku HQ, so I guess it's best to just let it stay unknown. All that mattered was that the voucher had entitled our baby to a new stroller.
Actually, Ikhwan already have a stroller - it was a present given by my colleagues, and we are so grateful for it. But the stroller is quite a tad too big. It cannot fit into my wife's car boot and does occupy a large space of my car boot. It's also a bit tricky to fold and unfold it and its weight makes it incovenient for my wife to carry in the event that she travels with Ikhwan alone. Though we still use the first stroller once in a while, we found it to be more suitable to use when Ikhwan gets 'older' (the stroller can take a kid up to 6-7 years old). So, my wife bought him the second stroller - a much smaller one where once folded, it looked like an umbrella. But the stroller is no longer suitable for Ikhwan whose body is now quite big. So, it was time that we got him his third one and luckily, by using the voucher, we managed to find the perfect one that matched the criteria we were looking for.
Ok, enough about strollers....I shall talk more about them when it's time to share with you about Ikhwan and his gadgets :-)
Now, going back to the contest we had won, for the fun of it, here are the 2 entries (un-edited) that I submitted for the contest.Which one you guys think won? There's no right or wrong answer of course. Honestly, I don't have any preference, because I like both entries just as much and really enjoyed squeezing my brain, during the times when I tried to come out with catchy photo titles and descriptions.
Photo Title 1: My huggable and adorable boy
Photo description: Ikhwan knows where to focus his eyes on whenever he is photographed or video recorded. He, who loves to cuddle and being hugged, is all set here to be photographed with Ibu. After all, Ikhwan is indeed a very huggable and adorable baby boy.
Photo Title 2: Ikhwan The Explorer
Photo description: My baby Ikhwan is quite a natural explorer especially when it comes to faces. Here, as his hand-eye co-ordination helped him explore my face, at the same time, I was admiring his, envying how soft and smooth his complexion was.
P/S: Now that occasionally, I have more blog visitors (who also read hopefully, instead of just visiting) from the US than from my home country, Malaysia, I find that I need to be aware of my English. Better brush up on my grammar and writing styles huh? Hehehe.... Also, it'd be great if those non-Malaysians can say hi or comment or something... :-)
In this first part of the (more) coming parts to show the many selection of toys, gadgets and educational materials that Ikhwan owns, I shall start off with about 20 of his developmental toys.
The two photographs above show toys that come in three different sets (except for 'triangular' teether and Winnie The Pooh which were sold as individual units). The set with the mother duck and her two babies and the Winnie The Pooh in his buoy, are for his bathing time. I remember how in the first days after Ikhwan was born, he didn't really like the idea of being bathe. But now, bathing is like another play time for him (just like most of us grown-ups? haha). Whenever we place one of these toys in his tub, he'd splash it over and over again.
The Wheel Pals car toys is by Hasbro. The funny looking cars are soft and squeezable with free rolling wheels. Ikhwan's small fingers are big enough to enable him to grasp the cars in his palms, while at the same time letting him discover how things feel and move. I've been demostrating to him the purpose of the wheels and how he can push and pull the car to move. But at this moment, other than looking so intently at the cars, Ikhwan seems to be more interested to bite on the wheels, if not the car bodies. Everything is like a teether for him :-)
(Initially left out) The ball sets consists of, well, balls, of various shapes (tho' still rounded of course), textures and extra features. By features, I mean, one ball has a ringing bell inside it, the other has portions that can be turned around etc etc. We still haven't let Ikhwan plays with the balls without our supervision, to avoid any of them being rolled on the floor unnoticed, and thus risking someone falling over after stepping on the balls.
The teether in the 2nd photo is one of his favourites. He just loves to chew on those tiny ribbons. We left it at the sitter's house so that at least he has something to chew on/play with when he's at her house.
The JAWS toy was given by my sister. She got it from Japan when she was out-stationed there a few months ago.
JAWS is a very boyish toy, you might say? Now when looking at the doll next to it, you might think that, what, I give my baby boy, a doll? In my opinion, it's perfectly fine for boys to play with dolls, so long as the dolls are not too 'girlie'; they only play with dolls once a while and up to a certain age only and they have other types of toys to experience with (to avoid any unwanted attachment that the boys might have with their dolls, like in the case of Calvin and Hobbes).
If baby girls can play with blocks and trucks, I think that (baby) boys shouldn't be denied of playing with dolls too. Remember Andy of Toy Story, anyone? His favourite toy, Woody WAS a doll, plus there was also Bo Peep.
We should open our minds that not only does playing with a doll NOT diminish boys' future masculinity, it actually can have many positive effects on their development. Playing with dolls can help them develop their emotional intelligence and respect for others and gives kids a chance to learn skills of making friends and/or parenting.
The two-eyed toy is by Tinylove. Each loose eye can move from its respective left and right side to the center of the face. I really enjoy how my son observes the movement of the eyes whenever he rattles the toy. Oh yes, again, he likes to bite on those eyes too, sometimes he has both eyes inside his mouth!!
The phone is a cool toy/gadget with different sounds that are produced from each buttons when they are pressed. The clam shell phone also has Hello and Goodbye greetings and some music background that you can hear, when the phone is flipped open or flipped back to close. There are also three different cartoons that appear alternately on the phone screen, everytime the phone is opened (from its closed position). Despite how cool the toy is, I've stored it away since it's by Fisher Price. Although it's not listed as a potential hazardous toy, I prefer not to take chances of my kid's health and well being (unless it's really confirmed that it's safe).
The paint roller is another of his boyish toy. The roller has beads in it that rattle when it's rolled and has a light that lights up for a while. The soft texture of the handle, whether the one that can be grasped by Ikhwan or the one that connects to the roller, makes it suitable for Ikhwan to bite/chew on.
Stay tune for more of Ikhwan's toys, gadgets and books.... Ooohhh, I'm soooo enjoying buying and playing with those toys (not to forget, writing about them), just as much as Ikhwan is :-))
I had been tagged (twice) by Ryzah and Ija, to write about the 6 weird things about me... The thing is, as I examine myself (in my mind, I mean - no funny ideas ok, hehe...) I found out that I actually have more than 6 weird things that I do (talk about over-eccentric huh?). But then, not wanting to down-grade myself from eccentric to a total wacko/weirdo, I think I should just stick to six, don't you think, and the six weird things involve various of my body parts/organs.
Me Weird No. 1 - Nose
I always find myself pinching my nose. It's not that I want to make it look like David Copperfield's nose or something, but my self-conscious over how my nose looks like was probably started when I read this email many years ago, that nose never stops growing (is this true?). Being an introvert person just makes the habit becomes worse. Sometimes, I pinch so hard, it triggered a sound like how you snap your thumb and middle finger. But now that I have my wife to accompany my time, I have gradually managed to control this habit, and with our son growing up, surely I don't want him to witness this particular weird habit of mine.
Me Weird No. 2 - Mouth
Sometimes this mouth just can't stop humming and singing, and most of the time, I do this when I'm by myself or when I'm sure nobody is listening. While singing, this mouth can also create music and sound effects (remember how I used to imagine having own tv shows while taking a shower). And when I say music effects, is not that I can do like what Blake (of American Idol 6) and Jamaroqui can. But still, it's fun!
I also tend to talk to myself, for examples, like when I'm looking for something or figuring out what to do (more like thinking out loud kind of thing). Also, when I'm reading, especially if I find it hard to concentrate, I will start to read out loud...
Me Weird No. 3 - Face
Be careful over who's behind you while you are in the elevator........ especially if that person is....... ME! kik kik kik kik..... When I'm at the back side of the elevator and there are other people in front of me, I tend to make funny faces behind them, like rolling my eyes or (slightly) sticking my tongue out, etc. I don't know how I catch this habit, but the idea that they have no idea what I'm doing behind them excites me. Of course, I won't do such a thing if the elevator has mirrors as its walls. I will also probably stop this weird habit if one day, I'm caught in the act.
Me Weird No. 4 - Hands (Wrist, Fingers and Elbows)
When I'm singing to myself, if not 'accompanied' by mouth creating the music effects, I would start banging on the table like drums, using combination of my fingers, wrist and elbow. Not that it's a masterpiece or anything, but the real music would play in my head while I'm doing this. You might also probably see me banging on the hand rail while taking the escalator or on the steering while in the car (real music from car stereo usually triggers this and I'd do so when the car is not moving of course).
I also like to break knuckles especially after a while of typing or behind the wheel. Sometimes, I don't need one hand to break knuckles of the other. I can do so with one hand only (sounds like proud huh?).
Hmmm... one other thing. Talk about elbows - until today, I still rub and slightly pinch my elbows to help me get to sleep or until I fall asleep (while lying on bed or a comfy sofa laa, not while sitting down or talking to somebody hehe...). This (cute?) habit amazes and tickles my wife 'coz sometimes I was so engross with my elbow, I don't realise my wife is looking...:)
Me Weird No. 5 - Mind
I don't know whether it's age or it's habit but I always find myself forgetting things and over-panicky. My wife said menyanyah (a Malay colloquial for err.... half-senile?). Like the other day, after picking my wife up from the hospital the day after Ikhwan was born, it was raining. So, I dropped off my wife, our baby and mother-in-law in the basement parking of our condo before I went parking the car somewhere else. There were so many stuffs in the boot at that time and you know what, I went straight upstairs carrying nothing home. Then when my wife asked for one of her things, I was having a hard time recalling did I bring them up or I placed them somewhere in the house already... Hmmm...
Me Weird No. 6 - Overall self
I'm a safety freak - I would check on the locks and switches of all the rooms in my house at least twice especially if we are leaving the house for a few days. If you try to enter my lane while on the road without giving any signal (despite it's quite apparent that's what you try to do), chances are you'll hear me honking at you, or see me flashing high beam lights at you.
I'm organised and disorganised at the same time. All the necessary things that I need to carry with me everytime I leave the house like keys, handphones, wallet, card holder (with cards in it of course), handkerchief, watch etc. are all placed together. All my (paid) bills and documents are easy to find. I have files for different matters - articles on marriage and raising children; health tips and excercise routines; Islamic articles etc etc. I also bring all the medicine wherever I go. Not that I have a terminal illness or anything like that, but you know the usual ones like paracetamol, Vitamin C, medicine for diarrhoea and alergies etc. Heck! I'm so well prepared, even my wife comes to me at the time in need, hehe...
But the thing is, I can also be disorganised when it comes to 'planning' things to do. Like for example, I come across an interesting book to read, pick it up and buy it. Then a few days later, another book grabs the attention of my eyes (and wallet), despite I have not started on the first book yet. The same goes with buying DVD's or how about that book I write, that has been put on hold for so long now? I guess, I try to accomplish so many in a short period of time huh? This rather disorganised habit may have probably lead to my menyanyah habit?
On my previous Birthday, I referred myself as a big boy for a reason.People (including my wife) have commented that I (now) look (more) matured and can make adult decisions and opinios. However, there are times when I'm still a big boy and all cheeky. Think Joey of Friends and Hiro of Heroes, then you'll have some ideas.
You've seen my work-cum-play area before, now here's a glimpse of the inside of my car. On the front windscreen, at the front passenger side, I recently stick up Spider-man on his web (see photo above). When the time comes, my son would enjoy that of course . But at the time when I bought it, I was actually thinking about pleasing my inner child... hehehe...
I don't really want to tag anybody on this topic. Everyone is welcomed to write about their own weird sides of course, whether in the comment section or in your respective blogs (so long as you lemme know about it laa ok!). Meantime, here's parts of the lyrics Unwell by Matchbox 20. Enjoy...
But I'm not crazy, I'm just a little unwell I know right now you can't tell But stay awhile and maybe then you'll see A different side of me I'm not crazy, I'm just a little impaired I know right now you don't care But soon enough you're gonna think of me And how I used to be...me
The Oxford Dictionary says "boulevard" means wide city street, often with trees on each side. As for me, "boulevard" is the path that I thread my way through in life. At times, the trees give me protection from the hot sun above. While at other times, no amount of trees can comfort me when it pours. Come rain or shine, the road continues to provide me with the journey of life until it reaches its destination.
People say I'm sweet, kind, a gentleman, caring, romantic and observant (let's just concentrate on the good attributes). I love those who matter to me, and care about things that count. I'm a Malay Muslim and proud to be one. I DON'T think Islam should be judged by those nasty followers. Islam should be judged by the religion itself; its teachings and the purpose behind them. I mean, humans will still behave like humans right? Usually, regardless of religions that they embrace. It is also in my nature to please, since I believe that TO PLEASE EVERYONE IS AN IMPOSSIBLE FEAT, BUT NOT TRYING TO PLEASE ANYONE OTHER THAN ONESELF IS A POSSIBLE DEFEAT (own quote). Apart from sharing the things I read, watch and listen to, I'd also share my thoughts and feelings, and express my views on certain issues. Last by no means least, I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM EVERYONE OF YOU OUT THERE ABOUT ANYTHING! If we knew each other 'in the previous life' and had lost contact, or we hardly contact each other nowadays, do email me or comment on my entries. Feel free to explore my blog & website (http://members.fortunecity.com/abdunmy/). Cheerio & Wassalam.
Sometimes, to boldly go (where no one has gone before) at warp speed may cause you unnecessary troubles.
Own quote, based on Star Trek
Lesson from the quote: Rushing to reach your destinations or goals may get you there fast, but may not always be the smartest thing to do!
"Note The Quote (Malay translation)"
Kadang kala, perjalanan (ke tempat yang tidak pernah ditujui) pada kelajuan maksimum boleh menyebabkan kesusahan pada diri sendiri.
Rekaan sendiri, berdasarkan dari Star Trek
Pengajaran: Terburu-buru untuk sampai ke destinasi atau matlamat hidup mungkin boleh membawa kita ke sana dengan cepat, tetapi langkah itu tidak semestinya yang terbaik!
You have to find something that you love enough to be able to take risks, jump over the hurdles and break through the brick walls that are always going to be placed in front of you. If you don't have that kind of feeling for what it is you are doing, you'll stop at the first giant hurdle.
George Lucas (Film Director and Producer)
"Favourite Note The Quote 2"
A sign in a mosque on the need to switch off handphones:
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Penguin Rush
