Life : Randoms

1. I feel disconcerted reading the news today about the "Christian militia". Why not calling them Christian Terrorist instead? Why we Muslim always label as terrorist? I still could not understand why American has to invade other countries looking for their enemies, whereas, it is obvious that the enemies are hiding under their own skin....they do not admit it. Country full of conspiracy. They creates their own enemy!

2. I feel contented and proud when I know a few Malay parents can afford sending their children to US universities without getting funding from Malaysian government. I'm impressed on their willingness to spend money on education rather than building huge house, whereas in the end none of their kids will live with them. To those parents, I salute you. I know the Chinese has been in this position long time ago, investing their money in child education. I hope one day I can afford Zara's education.

3. It's getting warmer in West Lafayette, around 70ish Farenheit this week. I should make plans for Zara. Probably take her to the park and some gardening.

Life: Good Mistakes

I think I have done something good but bad.
Something that stands in the middle.
I do not know how to put it into words.
Anyhow, what I means by this is that I have done some good mistakes in my marriage.

Firstly, I have unintentionally blunted my husband cooking skills . He admits it. Back in college, he used to be a good cook. What do I mean by good cook is that he can prepare decent Malay dishes. Name it, from scezhuan chicken, chicken curry, chicken kurma to sate..all could be prepared by him easily..And he was consistent in terms of cooking frequency in a week. But, that era has passed. Since we got married, no no..since we MOVE to the State, he seldom get his hands on the raw chicken or even blending the onion. I'm not complaining by the way. I know he has no time to do this and since I'm around, it is my duty to prepare the meal for the entire house. But it is ironic on how people can change over time and how someone can be so dependent on you. What would happen when you wont be around anymore? Will he get back in the kitchen or will he get someone else to replace you? hmmmmmm...I opt not for the number 2..ahahhahaha.... Anyhow, I'm doing a good job right for making my husband looses his cooking skill.

Secondly, I can't remember when was his last time making the bed voluntarily..I repeat voluntarily. Hmm pretty sure it was long time ago..Oppsss...i cant blame him coz i will always be the last person to get up in the morning..kikiki. yeah yeah..zara wake up ealier than me :P

Hmm, there are more things that my hubby and I have changed over time. We always compensate with each other. For example, I hate to do laundry eventhough I know it's easy..just load them in the washer and push the button. That's it. But the fact that I have to go down to the basement just make me think twice. I would prefer to fold them though it takes longer time :P

So, what I am trying to convey here is that marriage does change people even a tiny part of your life!

Life: Post-spring break

It was a nice break.
Went to Chi-town again.
This time, trying out new activity besides SHOPPING.
The weather was nice and welcoming.
So, we headed to Lincoln Park Zoo. Mind you, it's FREE admission.
The animals and conditions were not that bad at all.
Definitely hitting it again in the summer, when trees are green and animals are happy sun-bathing.

Zara has started to show her interest in gardening.
So we bought the kids tools for gardening.Look how happy and focus she is ...

Life: malam

zara and hubby off to sleep

and i'm hugry

need food

open fridge

get cream cheese

take bagel

eat them..

now, sleepy and full :)

Life: My own recession

I searched wikipedia for the meaning of recession and it tells me that recession is the general slowdown in economic activity over period of time.

Yeah, pretty much of what i'm in now. I want to put it into my own definition here.

The general slow down: Less time spending at mall, less time queuing at the cashier counter, less time dragging Zara to the mall, less time trying clothes and shoes and the most important thing is less time swiping credit card and counting my cash!

Economic activity: I can say as my shopping and money spending activity for luxury stuff.

Over period of time: Hmmm, this has been awhile since I got married and hopefully it will end another 2 or 3 years.

Yup, it has been years since I spend my own penny without feeling guilty.

There are so much psychological affects of recession in my life.

1) I'm getting more stingy and calculative. For example, if I ever go to Walmart, I willl try to find cheap and discounted stuff. If we love to eat dessert for the weekend, we would normally go for the "Manager's special". Which means you buy it today, you have to finish it up by the tomorrow. Hahahaha...but, it's cheap though. Almost 50% discount.

2) I become very comparative. Let say if I badly wanted to buy a cup of Starbuck Frappucino for a USD4. I start to compare with what I can get with same amount of money. I could get 1 big bottle of Arizona Green Tea or I can get 2 bottles of juices. Sometimes getting a cup of tapioca milk tea can be distressing coz I'm so accustom to comparing stuff. Even the price is as low as USD4. Dont ask about higher price. It will takes me 1 week to think of whether to buy it or not.

3) I start to shop at second hand shop like Goodwill. Dont be surpised, sometimes I could get nice shirt like really new one for USD2.

4) And finally, I know how to appreciate every single penny that I have. :P.

Even though living under poverty line in US (yup, we receive the food stamp), I'm grateful that I still have my loves one around me. And I'm thankful to Allah for giving me this lesson of life.