My 31st Birthday

There are lots of things to write actually. But yet I've not much time to do it.

Last Sunday meant I'm already 31 years old. This time, I've taken two days leave on Thursday and Friday last week. We went to Melaka. We stayed one in A Famosa Resort and the other night at Hatten Hotel.
Well...as usual, every time I went to Melaka I will never missed to taste Asam Pedas as well as Ikan Bakar near Muara Sungai Duyung.

As for this year birthday, I got a special gift from my wife.
It's something that really want have it and try to play around with it.
Can you guess what is it?
But, frankly I think it will take some time for me to master it and maybe months or years to even dream of taking some part time jobs with it. Just kidding. Not in my plan to do this for part time jobs. I have some better things to earn part time income.Will share about it later in my next post.

Well, this is actually the present and it's good one for a beginner like me I guess.

And for the birthday cake...I did snap it with this new gadget but haven't upload it yet. Maybe later.
As usual, my daughter Adriana will always thinks that it was her birthday and she's the one blowing the candle.

I forgot to mentioned that, I have participated in a contest organized by the company. It's called Fit & Fab Challenge. I almost managed to join it last year, only to be eliminated last minute. This competition is almost the same like Biggest Loser competition. Hehehehhehe.

For your information, I've been losing weight quite consistently from my diet as well all the exercises. And it's almost come to the finale. With original 17 contestants now only left with 11 and proud to say I'm one of it. But, shocking things happen, we have official weight in every Monday. Last Monday I didn't lost weight at all but I increased by 1.2kg. Surely because I ate too much Asam Pedas, Ikan Bakar and the cakes. Now I have to buckle up before the final weight in this 27/6/2012. Wish me luck

U Turn

When you're driving and assuming it was the right way.
All of sudden you realized it was not the right way or perhaps you missed a junction.
Then a U turn would be the best possible way.
Hehehehe...I'm not writing about road signage or how to get to a certain direction.

Remember on my last post, I did mentioned that I got an offer and after deep considerations I have turned down the offer. In case you forgot:

Hi Jefferey,

After further discussions with my wife, I have decided not to accept the offer.
I admit that the offer is quite tempting, but looking at the current perks and benefits that I enjoyed in my current company, I don't think it's worth a gamble.
Again, thank you for the opportunity. 

 On the same day I sent the email, I received a reply from them. But I don't think I can put it here. But part of the email looks like this:

At this current moment, our perks and benefits might not be as competitive as your current company so maybe we can compensate by offering you a bigger amount of salary for now.

I urge you to kindly re-consider as the management, has mentioned strongly on how much they would want to see you on board with us on this journey.

 The first offer was about 35% increase from my current salary. The next offer they tabled was close to 50%. It's definitely an offer that hard for me to resist. Considering the work location just nearby my house, I guess it's a good opportunity. It will take me more than 5 years to get that sort of pay.

In the end, I have accepted the offer and tender my resignation. I have to admit leaving KWAP definitely a tough decision. I feel the same when I left SCAN last time. But I have no choice. Perhaps this might be the one and only opportunity I had. Unless KWAP can improve my current package if not counter offer it. I don't know.....but I think it's almost impossible. Officially, my last day will be 20th July 2012 and I have agreed to start on 24th July 2012.

Result...

Last Friday was the competition day for the poem recitation contest.I can say that I have memorize everything at the first place.

I was told that I would be the last contestant, however it changed last minute.
As a result, I forgot some sentence due to panic. Hahahaha.
I shouldn't be blame for that right.

In the end, I just managed to get a consolation prize.
Here's the prize that I won. Not bad huh?

As the topic of my post - result, there's something I would like to share.
Two weeks ago I got a call from recruitment company. They got an opportunity in of the Telcos in Malaysia.
No harm, I simply went for the informal meet up with the Director of IT (an american guy).
Frankly, it wasn't so hard as all the questions asked are related to my current job.

Surprisingly, the same day I got a call from the recruitment company saying that I've been shortlisted and the section head would like to meet up. I can't afford to take any more leave and they agreed with just phone interview. We had a chit chat and he briefly explain all the jobscope.

The next day, the recruitment company came back with the offer. And to surprise me, they offer me 35% increase from my current salary. The work location will be just 10 minutes away from my house. Until now, I haven't come out with any decision or result for the offer. So what's your thought?

Update 4/5/2012

An email received yesterday
Hi Wan,

I hope that it will be a favourable response on your side as we are really looking forward to having you here.
I will be awaiting your response tomorrow.

My response today
Hi Jefferey,

After further discussions with my wife, I have decided not to accept the offer.
I admit that the offer is quite tempting, but looking at the current perks and benefits that I enjoyed in my current company, I don't think it's worth a gamble.
Again, thank you for the opportunity.

Little Apartment

Taman Desa Batu Caves.
This was my first house. I bought it back in 2008 when I got shares from SCAN Associates. I still remember when I sold some units of my shares and managed to put a 10% down payment for it. During that time, my budget would be a house below RM100k and I managed to buy it for RM91k. During that time, with an income of less than RM2k per month, it's definitely a big sacrifice. I have to control all my expenses.
The house always remain in some chapter of my life. It is where I stayed for almost two years plus together with my wife and my eldest daughter Adriana. Since we moved on to our new house, this house I rent it out. Alhamdulillah, I can easily get a rental for the pass 3 years. The location is quite strategic - walking distance to Giant Batu Caves, easy access via DUKE, Sentul Link, MRR2. Rental goes up from Rm500 to RM600 a month. Some people also rent it out at RM650.

Last year, I've decided to sell the house. Reason being? I plan to upgrade my current house. But I'm not too sure about it now. A bit regret actually. The price for new properties is totally crazy nowadays. I was wondering what would be the price for a house by the time our children wants to buy it in the future.

I advertised the house for RM115K. Few months have passed, now the entire process almost comes to an end. I will surely miss my little apartment.

5th Anniversary

7th April 2012 marks the 5th anniversary of our wedding.

On the eve of my anniversary (Friday 6th April), I was planning to go and buy for something which I've been thinking about it earlier. Unfortunately, all of sudden I was hit by a high fever. I was shaking quite badly. And my wife brings me to see the Doctor. My body temperature reach 39.1 degrees. Doctor immediately gave me an injection to lower down the temperature.

The next day, I felt a bit OK and I bring my wife for some Arabic / Yemeni lunch at Hadramawt. But that night, my body again feels uncomfortable. The doctor did remind me to do some blood test should my fever does not improve. And alhamdulillah, as at today the temperature is down just that I still feel some pain on my muscle.

This morning, I received a card from my wife. Thank you so much dear. Love you so much.

Poem Recitation......Again?

Did you guys remember one of my post last year?
You can read it HERE.

Actually, I thought I managed to escape the session last time. Unfortunately, today I received an email from my Head of IT to represent IT for this year contest.
Eventhough the email from him sounds like this:

"Azhar, Can you take this role?"

Does it sound like a I have a choice to turned it down.
Huhuhuhu....

Looks like I have to start all over again. Seriously, now I can only remember the first sentence.
Not even the first paragraph.

Summary Update

Just noticed that I haven’t posted anything last month. Well, I was damn so busy with all meetings, audits and deployment. In fact, in February there are a lot of things happen and to share about.

Last month was my eldest daughter birthday. Her 4^th birthday. We decided to organize some “kenduri” for her birthday as well as aqiqah for my baby. Alhamdulillah it was a successful event eventhough the number of turn up was not too high since during that day it was raining heavily. A picture of Irdhina (take it from Saufi blog)

Last month as well I received my bonus. Hehehehe. Alhamdulillah. Even though it was just on a pro rated basis. Last year I missed out the bonus from Bank Muamalat. So to receive it this year, really excites me. I managed to settle my credit card debts and spend some for my wife and two of my daughter. Not to forget for my parents as well.

Earlier this month month KWAP organized their annual dinner. And the themes are The Great Gatsby (1920's). I rented out a suit from a costume shop. I didn’t plan to buy one since I’ll be using it for only once. Lots of prizes were given away. Unfortunately, I didn’t get any of it. The guest artist during that night was Flop Poppy and Dayang Nur Faizah. I was lucky enough to get a special pose with Dayang.

Lately, I’ve been receiving quite a number of calls from recruitment company offering some job opportunity. I’m not sure where and how they managed to get my details. Funny thing, I did receive a call for the same position from 3 different companies. I’m not sure whether I should move on or not.

Last but not least, I have been in KWAP for one year on 15 March 2012. Now my immediate supervisor is doing my confirmation. Surprise? Yes. The probation period here is one year. Once I got my confirmation, the notice period will be 3 months. That’s the only difference. Hahahhaha

Decision

This post is related back to my last post.

Remember that I did mentioned that so far the company didn't get back to me.
Surprisingly, last Thursday I did received a call from them.
They did improve on the terms and perks based on my concern before.
In fact they offer me a higher position than the previous offer. But the minimum expected base salary still short of my request.
I have to admit, it is the toughest decision to made.

After some discussions with my wife, my parents and some solat istikharah, I have decided to turned down the offer. Perhaps, I was not destined to join them.

Opportunity????

As the title say, it was an opportunity I think.

It all started end of 2011, I went for the Hackers Halted conference (which I got it for FREE thanks to EC Council Academy). I did met one of my ex colleague in SCAN Associates. He did mentioned that his company was looking for someone and he asked me to submit mine.

I just submitted it and the next day they call for an interview.
To make it short......I got the job. Seriously it really surprised me. Not that I don't have the confidence it just that from the story that I heard the "boss" have been interviewed few other candidates but none was selected. From there I conclude that surely it is a tough position to be filled in.

I have to admit, for learning and improve my skills it's definitely a good place to go. However, the offer and the perks offered slightly below my expectations. After some deep thinking I have to reject the offer but they are willing to negotiate and surprising, the boss itself give me a call try to persuade me. They were hoping to come out with a good package for me but until now, I haven't heard any news from them. Perhaps they can't meet my expectation or even come close to it. Maybe I was not destined to join them. By the way, thanks to my ex colleague for the opportunity.

New Year 2012

Its only 5th day of the new year. So i guess it wasn't too late for me to wish Happy New Year 2012 to everyone.

Well....as usual every year, definitely we will come up with some resolution. And whether we achieved it or not is another thing.

So a quick recap from my last year resolution.

1) Lose weight – Achieved. I did managed to lose some weight. You can refer it here

2) Save extra money – I will contribute extra to my ASB and tabung haji. I guess I need to focus on gold investment right now - Achieved. Extra contribution in ASB and bought some gold

3) Performing Solat eary. Not delaying it - This one I think sometimes a failed

4) Travel – at least one oversea trip - Achieved. Went to Hong Kong and Singapore

5) Buy a motorbike – my new workplace located in the golden triangle area. Public transport is quite far. I’ll try first driving there - Achieved. Buy Modenas GT128. One year left to settle the loan

6) New family members perhaps. since Adriana nearly 3 years old - Achieved - New baby Wan Alya Irdhina.

7) Debt free especially on credit card - Failed. Quite hard since there are times when credit card always to the rescue.

As for this year. Nothing much actually. Most of it almost the same like last year. So this year I plan not to mentioned on it again

Irdhina Not Feeling Well

It was really a hectic weekend. Not that we went to travel anywhere. It just that my baby was not feeling so well. She was hit by a heavy cough and flu.

It all started on Friday night. When she was asleep....all of sudden she had a cough. At first we thought it as choking while breastfeeding.
The next day, her breathing sounds a bit weird. Still we (both me and wife) did not realize anything yet. So sorry my dear for taking too long to react. I noticed that there's a lot of mucus inside her nose.

First I took the conventional tools or method to suck the mucus out. Unfortunately it does not really work. I'm not sure because the tools is hard to use or I'm the one who don't know how to operate it.
Since the above tools did not give the satisfied end result, I decided to use the more traditional method. And it is using my mouth to suck it direct from my baby nose. And it really works. Just that I have to taste the mucus. But for the sake of her....I'm willing to do anything.

At the same time, my wife remember that her sister did mentioned that she did bought a modern tools that works really well. That Saturday night, I drove around my car from one pharmacy to another looking for the tools. And at last, I found it at Manjaku. It's involved the traditional way (sucking) but this time I don't have to taste it. On Sunday morning, we bring Irdhina to the clinic. And the doctor suggest to get the nebulizer. And the doctor also recommended us to get it 2-3 times a day. On Sunday itself we bring Irdhina for Nebulizer twice....once in the morning and the other one at night. And alhamdulillah she did feels much better.

This morning, I took a time slip to bring her to the clinic again. And the doctor confirmed that her lungs is Ok now. While she recovers, my wife taking an EL to take care of her today. Too bad that I can't take any leave right now since I'm the only one left in my team. Well the team of two. My boss is on leave until next year....so I have no choice to take care the unit.

As for my wife.....I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and sorry for the late birthday present. Heheheheh....I only bought her the gift on Saturday 24/12 eventhough her birthday was on 3rd December. I had to wait for my December salary since last month my tenant give one month notice. Btw...hope you like the gift. Love you my dear.

Adik & Kakak

As the title said "Adik & Akak" refers to both of my daughter. Just a quick update on my life routine and adventure lately.

Starting on Tuesday 29th Nov 2011 officially the end of my wife maternity leave. And it also marks Irdhina two months old. It's also marked the first day of her at babysitter house.
I've been asking around my neighborhood one month before my wife deliver for a babysitter and alhamdulillah I managed to find one. It just 10 doors away from my house. I'm sweating a bit everytime I need to send her since the babysitter house is up on the hill.

My daily routine so far:

7.15am - packed all the breast milk

7.30am - send Irdhina to babysitter house

7.45am - depart to the office

6.30pm - pickup Irdhina

Talking about my eldest daughter "kakak". She's been too sensitive. Maybe because she's jealous with the attention given to her "adik". However, I'm glad that we can really depends on her especially when we need to take something such as diapers from our room upstairs etc. There are times in which your patience was truly tested but in the end I always need to admit that she's still a kid. A 3 years old kid. I'm sorry dear if you feel a bit neglected. But I do really love both of you "Adriana & Irdhina".

Not to forget, my wife who will be celebrating her birthday tomorrow. Happy birthday my dear. Love you all

Wan Alya Irdhina

Alhamdulillah....

Irdhina has already one month old.
This post was actually meant for last week but I'm quite busy lately and only now I can update my blog.

Last week, as usual every Friday I will go back to my in law house to see my wife, my daughter and my baby. In one week time, Irdhina looks so different. She's so chubby. You can see it for yourself later.

Since she's already one month old, we decided to bring her for "sunat". Sorry no time to find out the correct translation. On top of that, I do the shaving of her hair as well.


And my mother said Irdhina looks exactly like Ardiana last time especially after we shave her hair. Coincidentally, last time we did wear adriana a same orange colour shirt as this one.

Today...I received MMS from my wife.....A nasty mosquito has bitten the chubby cheek of my daughter. Here's how it looks.


See...how chubby she is now. And my wife said that she drinks a lot of milk everyday. It's actually a breastfeed milk.

New Family Member

I guess it wasn't to late for my entry on my newborn baby.
Let me start with the chronology.

29 September 2011 3.30am

My wife went to the toilet and then realized that there are some blood together with the urine. She quickly woke me up. And after some checking, we decided to go to the Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital (APSH) immediately. But before that, i did take a quick shower.

4.30am

We depart from our house in Gombak leaving my eldest daughter Adriana. She was still sleeping during that time. Before that, we quickly grab minyak selusuh to bring together with us. Thinking that if it is just a false positive than we can go back to our house before 7.00am.

5.00am

Reach APSH and straight away went to the emergency area. Once O've done with the registration, the nurse take us to the maternity ward. And as usual they will put on the CTG machine. Surprisingly my wife already had contraction but she didn't felt any pain at all. From that time, I knew that definitely I'll be longer than expected there.

5.30am

I quickly give a call to my parents in Ipoh. Hoping that they can come over and look after my eldest daughter Adriana. Hehehehe... They depart from Ipoh after Subuh prayer and reach KL around 8.00am.

6.15am

I had my Subuh prayer inside the labor room together with my wife. Surprisingly she still didn't felt any pain at all. She just had some feel of going to toilet regularly. According to the nurse that's normal before delivery - Consider myself and my wife as a first timer (our first daughter was born emergency ceaser).

6.45am

The nurse checked my wife and told us that it's already 5cm open. It was quite shocked for us by looking at my wife current reaction (cooled). The nurse did mentioned that the doctor which was supposed to be our doctor - Dr Fauziah was on leave as her daughter just given birth. The standby doctor will be Dr Arizza or Dr Ashar.

7.30am

I went to the cafeteria to take my breakfast. hehehehe.... I better get myself full knowing that i'll definitely be in the labor room longer. However, they didn't allow my wife to eat anything to avoid the baby from suffocation. Too bad. But I did smuggle some bread into the labor room.

10.30am

The nurse start to break the water bag. I did asked, why can't we just let it broke by itself. They did mentioned it will take until tomorrow for that. Before that, they did asked whether my wife would like to take epidural or not. We refuse to take it and only take some pain killer. Half an hour later the Doctor came. And it was Dr Ashar since Dr Arizza was out bringing her mother for checkup. Looks like....again...same like my first daughter. A male doctor will be handling my wife.
The Dr did mentioned that latest by 3.00pm the baby should be delivered.

12.00 - 1.00pm

The pain has started slowly until the time has come. I did saw the head of the baby. I keep on helping my wife and Alhamdulillah...about 4-5 push...my wife safely delivered a baby girl weight 2.65kg at 1.21pm. Here's a picture of her...fresh from the oven.


And we have named her Wan Alya Irdhina....with the meaning "ketinggian penghoramatan kami".

34 weeks

Last Monday, I bring my wife to Ampang Puteri for her first checkup. It was the first time we went there as normally we did the checkup at a clinic just nearby our house.

My wife now 34 weeks of her pregnancy. I still remember the same time about 3 and half years ago. During that time....Adriana was born. Premature. 34 weeks with a weight of only 2kg. The stories can be refer HERE.

Three and half years has passed....this time our new baby weight already passed her sister Adriana with a weight of 2.1kg. Alhamdulillah....everything looks good.

The expected due date was originally on 22 Oct 2011. But from the last scan it will be on 16 Oct. Right now, i'm always on a standby mode. All the bags have been packed and put inside the car. I don't want the same situation happens when Adriana was born before.

As for the name, we have yet to pick the name for the new baby. Oh...the gender....well....we'll see later. I'll definitely update again soon.

Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri

Well, I guess it's not really too late for me to wish Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Maaf zahir dan batin.As usual....during this festive seasons....definitely there will be lot of open house, cookies, hampers etc. However, as per my previous posting on Biggest Loser ....I have to be cautious of my daily intake. Surely sometimes we can't resist the temptation. Hahahhaha

Just wanna share something.....i didn't disclose it in my previous posting.
When i first joined the company....my weight was about 80kg. Trust me...that was the heaviest ever weight that I've ever reached in my whole life.

I did mentioned...I've been actively control my calories and involve in lot of exercises and managed to lose 3kg. Three months have passed since my posting.....here's my BMI calculation

First one - 80kg 170cm

Clearly states....overweight. With BMI=27.7. Only 2.2 to reach the obesity level.

After 2 months....reduce by 3kg. 77kg 170cm.
Still...overweight....BMI=26.6

One week before hari raya my weight already 74kg 170cm.
Still....slightly overweight. Just over the line by 0.6. BMI=25.6

So my next target.....to achieve the normal BMI. In order to achieve that i need to lose another 2kg at least. Hope that I can succeed. Wish me luck.

Singapore Trip Part 2

The next day of my trip to Singapore starts a bit late. Since we are just going around for some sightseeing and some shopping.

As usual....we started our day with breakfast. This time at the same shop but with the so called famous Mee Rebus in Singapore. Then, straight away we went to Marina Bay using the MRT. It's quite convenient just like Hong Kong. We'll see how does Malaysia MRT will looks later.

There we just enjoy the view of Esplanade Theatres, Singapore Flyer (the same like Eye on Malaysia) and Sands Skypark.

Next we went to Orchard road. My aim - perfumes. It can be considered cheap during this time around. I bought myself Bvalgari and Versace. And we can redeem bax the tax exemption at the airport. And I managed to redeem about SGD16. At orchard road, my daughter was so excited to take picture. One time, when there's a lot sclupture with different colors, she insisted to take picture with all of it one by one. Here's some of it


Guess, that's all for my trip. We departed back to KL the next morning flight around 7.45am.

Ahlan Wasahlan Ya Ramadhan

Singapore Trip Part 1

My next vacation trip for this year is Singapore. I booked the flight in November last year. As usual…Airsia free tickets. This is not the first time I went to Singapore actually. Last time, when my grandmother stays in JB, we usually went to Singapore as well. But that was 10 – 15 years ago. Hahahahha.

I’m not really enjoyed going for a country in which I’ll become poorer. The last two countries that I visited was Hong Kong and Indonesia both has a lower exchange rate. The currency rate there was quite high. During that time it was RM2.46 = SGD1. But considering that my main destination is Universal Studios, so why not spending. Maybe it will once in a lifetime visit only.

I went there from 14^th July – 17^th July 2011 and we stayed in a budget hotel around Geylang. Forgot to mentioned, I went there with my wife, daughter, father, mother and two of my younger brother. Geylang is an area which can be consider as black area. But our hotel is Emerald Fragrance Hotel located in Lorong 6. The black area is around Lorong 20. And our hotel is just a walking distance to Kallang MRT station. On top of that, it is also within distance to two restaurants. One we always drop by for breakfast and the other one for our dinner.

We arrived at night on 14^th July. So the next day, around 8.30am we went out for breakfast and took the MRT to Universal Studios.

We reached there around 9.30am. It only opens at 10.00 am. So while waiting for it to be open, we just snapped some pictures.

By the time it's open, its already crowded with people. We have to queue up quite long before entering the USS. I was told that if we come on weekends, the crowd is much more than weekdays. So Friday for us, was not really a bad one.I found that USS is not much different from Hong Kong Disneyland. Except that Disneyland is slightly bigger than USS. I did managed to cover everything in USS not like in Disneyland which i missed some of the show there. I don't think i can upload all pictures here. I might put it in my FB later. But i really frustrated with the picture i took with Marilyn Monroe....the cameraman shakes a lot and in the end resulting a blurr image of me. Was thinking of posing only with her, but my wife did not agree with the idea. Heheheh



So we spent the entire day in Universal Studios. We went back around 7.30pm.
I'll continue my posting later on our sightseeing and shopping tour around Singapore.

Mass Web Defacement

Yesterday, 15/6/2011 was a big event or should I say I as disaster to .gov.my sites. Earlier, it was informed that they will be a mass hacking or defacement to the Malaysian government websites in protest against the Government's censorship of the Internet and because Malaysia had blocked 10 file sharing sites.

Here’s the reported news and some other info that i have added.

Source from: http://thestar.com.my

PETALING JAYA: Local websites have been hacked ahead of the deadline set by a foreign-based hacker group, Anonymous, that said it would attack the Malaysian Government portal at 3.30am today.

On the micro-blogging site Twitter yesterday evening, there were reports that 27 sites in total had been hacked.

But these were not named and there was no confirmation from the authorities as to the accuracy of the tweets.

Among the sites known to have been hacked was the Sabah Tourism website, www.sabahtourism.com. The defaced site was spotted early yesterday by the chief executive of a company that organises security conferences.

The Sabah Tourism website has since gone offline.

The data that was posted online were e-mail addresses and passwords.

On the webpage where the hackers posted the data, they claimed they had the details of more than 3,400 users from the Sabah Tourism site, but they were only exposing the 392.

The hackers also claimed to be Anonymous members and that they meant no harm, and only wanted to show the vulnerability of this site.

The www.tourmalaysia.com.my site was also hacked and defaced yesterday. He had checked the site after viewing the hacked Sabah Tourism website. It was defaced with words that included “Deface by Kambeng Merah: Credit to DarkJawa.”

Another website hacked was www.cidb.gov.my, which belongs to the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB).

It was defaced with a long message that scolded the Government for censoring the Internet. However, a while later, the site was back to normal.

Anonymous had threatened to hack the www.malaysia.gov.my portal to protest against the Government's censorship of the Internet and because Malaysia had blocked 10 filesharing sites.

These sites were among the most visited by Malaysians to illegally download movies.

Here's the full list of yesterday event:

Uitm Penang websites also has been defaced. The questions? Is it done by the ex student. Hehehehhe