Nadia Nasira's Graduation

i sent her to Genius Aulad, Bandar Puteri when she turned 3 in March 2009 and after 4 years, she graduated at Genius Aulad Taman Tasik Prima and made her parents proud.  though there were so many challenges initially, alhamdulillah... Genius Aulad was her playground at that tender age and gradually became her learning ground.

I am thankful to Allah that such a center existed for her to acquire the basics in Islamic belief and practice for it was the primary focus while acquiring other skills and knowledge.  Alhamdulillah all praises to Allah.  While i monitor closely her learning, i also had close relationship with her teachers and principal in order to ensure that her path was easy....

came the day that she graduated...bringing tears to my eyes as i believe that the time has arrived for her to explore the real world in schooling where she needs to be independent.  i sincerely pray that she will grow up into a lovely lady with beautiful manners as well as intelligence. Amin.

nadia nasira is going to school

Time has simply slipped by us...the baby I cradled with love has graduated pre-school and is now excited to go to real school. For her, it's a new experience. She has a right to be excited as much. For me, it is a wonderful moment too yet I am so anxious to let her go into the real world. I seem to worry about everything.

This is her being so excited about uniform shopping.

mummy's lazy day's meal

there are days when mummy is so tired or lazy.  and on those days, we either eat out or mummy will simply cook just anything she can think of. all that is important to mummy is that the food has all the nutrition needed.  

this is one of mummy's lazy day's meal...

hmmm...someone is upset about something...

that smile is not genuine...

a journey to the land of the rising sun...

and yes, the world is moving towards sustainable consumption...

i have been working on this element on green procurement as a KPI was set for my division.  i naturally love new subject matter as i get to do it from scratch which means i learn and study the subject matter to produce a piece that is suitable for my company. i love policy making....

while i did some networking locally, i was told to establish international networking... i wrote to many utilities and companies and TEPCO was one of the first to share so much information to the extend that they shared with us the english write up of their policy. 

thus, the journey begins... a silent shrill of excitement went through my body. memories rekindled. i can't believe that i will step into the country that was part of my childhood memories. the stories of japanese occupation of malaya, the shogun miniseries which we awaited every week in the 1980s, the samurai theme, world war 2, geography lessons at school, the literary pieces that i read and did assignments on i.e. the kabuki, short stories and haiku poems, story books with japan as the setting, my best friend's journey many years before mine, the beauty of cherry blossoms that i yearn for, kitaro's matsuri and his other songs that was music to my soul, my love for shigeru umebayashi's works, the acquired taste for japanese food namely sushi and sashimi and of course ken watanabe in the last samurai and memoirs of a geisha as well as Takashi Kaneshiro...oh yes!!! yet, i stayed silently calm for i didn't want to jinx it with my excitement. while TEPCO was the first choice, we were also looking at New Zealand or Australia and then, it was decided when the many layers of approvals came along.  i was going to japan was more important to me that TEPCO.  

japan was part of my childhood, my growing up years were filled with something about japan....i think i was very impressed with the nation...the way they rose up after the second world war...hiroshima nagasaki.  the level of determination they had to rise above the rest to be one of the most powerful countries in the world made me in awe for them.  the more i get to know them, the more i am in awe of them.  there is something about them... 

what it is to be a japanese from the eyes of an author that he portrayed through his work which was part of my literature studies... it was my dream to travel to japan ever since I read that short story in my world literature in english class... literature had somehow shaped my inner self...i love themes like heroism, love, sacrifice, patriotism, loyalty and integrity...im probably a drama queen.  it was my dream to travel to japan... i remembered that story i read once and never did i forget the story though i couldnt remember the title nor the author...

google is my best friend.... i found the short story that opened my door to japan...Patriotism by Yukio Mishima... this is one of the most famous literary piece in japan and a summary of the my japanese love...this is the literature in me! 

the review of "Patriotism": The essence of what it is to be Japanese? http://personal.centenary.edu/~khowell/index4patriotism.html

Mishima uses Japanese culture to illustrate his argument for imperialism. He does this in such a proud way, showing his reverence for Japanese culture and traditions. The honor, loyalty and patriotism that ruled the lives of ancient samurais and the soldiers of the Imperial Army on the eve of World War II embodies the true essence of what it meant to Mishima to be Japanese. Love of the government and love of family are almost inseparable, but loyalty to the government comes first.
This story makes much more sense in the context of Japanese culture and tradition. The two main characters commit suicide by mean of the ritualistic samurai death, harakiri. This is common knowledge to the Japanese people, while it seems horrible and grotesque to people of the Western world. Many of the domestic dynamics that are normal in the story are also making reference to Japanese culture from pre-World War II Japan. The traditional dress and bathing rituals seem foreign to members not of the Japanese society. Even the format Mishima uses is reminiscent of the calm, methodical stages that the couple goes through in undertaking their suicides. Each numbered section relays specific information, and each section has a different focus. There is a time and place for all of the information that needs to be relayed to the reader.
Woman's place in traditional Japanese society is illustrated brilliantly in "Patriotism". Paragraph one, with its cold, precise reporter tone, acknowledges the subordination of women to men by the manner in which the names of the suicide victims are listed. "On the twenty-eighth of February," begins the first sentence of the story, where "Lieutenant Shinji Takeyama of the Konoe Transport Battalion" is introduced. The sentence continues on for seven lines, a total of seventy-nine words. Then, we learn of the second suicide victim, noted simply, "His wife, Reiko, followed him, stabbing herself to death." with a total of nine words. More evidence of this is in the second section; "Not once did Reiko contradict her husband, nor did the lieutenant ever find reason to scold his wife."
The tradition of arranged marriageis touched upon in the second section. Reiko thinks of Shinji, "...a man who had been a complete stranger until a few months ago...". There is an age discrepancy, Shinji is thirty-one and Reiko is twenty-three when they are married. The families of the children to be married consult a matchmaker or a go-between. The go-between in the story is Lieutenant General Ozeki. In marrying a man, the wife was expected to take on the responsibilities of occupation of the husband. On their wedding night, Shinji tested Reiko's resolve as the wife of a lieutenant by making sure she knew that she'd be expected to die when he died. Although the arranged marriage was predominant in the past, the proportion of arranged marriages today ranges anywhere from 25 to 50 percent of all the marriages.
Honor, loyalty, intelligence and integrity are the basis of the Code of the Samurai. "The samurai's life was like the cherry blossom's, beautiful and brief. For him, as for the flower, death followed naturally, gloriously." A quote from "Ancient Warriors - The Samurai", The Learning Channel (1994) These ancient ideals and codes contributed to the ethic of the soldier's life in subsequent years. Mishima uses seppuku, or harakiri, to display both the lieutenant's and his own unfaltering nationalism and loyalty to the emperial system. Harakiri developed as an integral part of the code of bushido and the discipline of the samurai warrior class, it is an act of loyalty and dignity and also a means of redeeming failure through an honorable death. The samurai understood seppuku--whether ordered as punishment or chosen in preference to a dishonorable death at the hands of an enemy-as an unquestionable demonstration of their honor, courage, loyalty, and moral character.
Seppuku is not the act itself, but the state of mind reached by the samurai during the ceremonial disembowelment. Mishima makes reference to this in section four, "Was this seppuku? -he [Lieutenant] was thinking."Harakiri was a very formal ceremony, requiring certain etiquette, witnesses and considerable preparation. Reiko and Shinji make these preparations in the third section. Reiko wraps her possessions, such as dresses and small ceramic figurines, and prepares them to be given to her family and friends after her death. Each of them writes a single note to be read by the person who discover the bodies and the mourners. Reiko uses her note to apologize for her "unfilial conduct in thus preceding her parents to the grave". Shinji writes simply "Long live the Imperial Forces", reiterating the dedication to the ruling regime. Through adherence to the ancient customs, they are to be rewarded by the regaining of honor by such an honorable death.
By painting such a vividly dignified picture of ancient, traditional Japanese culture, Mishima voiced his opinion on the governing powers in Japan during the nineteen-sixties. His love of emperialism, unfaltering nationalism and loyalty to the emperial system were in accordance with his political beliefs of fascism and military superiority. This affection for fascism and the resurrection of a romanticized samurai ideal is what Mishima hoped that Japan would recognize and return to the Emperor system. "Patriotism" is an especially important example of the success of his literary works in keeping his opinions alive.

It was through filmography and literature did I fall in love with the land of the rising sun...and today, I shall embrace my love through the eyes of haruki murakami to immerse myself in the memories....

fenugreek

Fenugreek Health Benefits

What is Fenugreek?

Fenugreek (also known as Greek Hay and Fenigreek), is an herb that is commonly found growing in the Mediterranean region of the world. While the seeds and leaves are primarily used as a culinary spice, it is also used to treat a variety of health problems in Egypt, Greece, Italy, and South Asia.

Fenugreek seeds have been found to contain protein, vitamin C, niacin, potassium, and diosgenin (which is a compound that has properties similar to estrogen). Other active constituents in fenugreek are alkaloids, lysine and L-tryptophan, as well as steroidal saponins (diosgenin, yamogenin, tigogenin, and neotigogenin).

What are the Benefits of Fenugreek?

Due to its estrogen-like properties, fenugreek has been found to help increase libido and lessen the effect of hot flashes and mood fluctuations that are common symptoms of menopause and PMS. In India and China it has also been used to treat arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, improve digestion, maintain a healthy metabolism, increase libido and male potency, cure skin problems (wounds, rashes and boils), treat sore throat, and cure acid reflux. Fenugreek also has a long history of use for the treatment of reproductive disorders, to induce labor, to treat hormonal disorders, to help with breast enlargement, and to reduce menstrual pain. Recent studies have shown that Fenugreek helps lower blood glucose and cholestrol levels, and may be an effective treatment for both type 1 and 2 diabetes. It is also being studied for its cardiovascular benefits.

Uses of Fenugreek

Home Remedy for Balancing Cholesterol

Studies have found people who took 2 ounces (56g) of fenugreek seed each day had significantly (around 14 percent) lower cholesterol levels after 24 weeks, and had lowered their risk of heart attack by more than 25 percent. Therefore, a recommended remedy for lowering cholesterol is to take 2 ounces of seeds throughout the day. The seeds can be sprinkled onto prepared food, or they can be consumed with water if they are in capsule form.

Treating Diabetes and Lowering Blood Sugar Levels

Studies have shown that participants with type 2 diabetes had significantly lower blood sugar levels after eating fenugreek. Therefore, a recommended home remedy for treating Type 2 diabetes is to consume 500mg of fenugreek twice daily.

Herbal Cure for Skin Inflammation

Research has shown that Fenugreek is an effective topical treatment for skin problems such as abscesses, boils, burns, eczema, and gout. Therefore, a simple skin inflammation remedy is the following:

• Take a spoonful of fenugreek and grind it into a powder.

• Mix the ground powder with warm water.

• Take a simple piece of clean cloth and soak it into the mixture.

• Apply the soaked cloth directly onto the affected skin as a poultice.

Natural Cure for Heartburn and Acid Reflux

Fenugreek seeds contain a lot of mucilage, which helps sooth gastrointestinal inflammation by coating the lining of the stomach and intestine. Therefore, for an effective remedy against heartburn or Acid Reflux, simply sprinkle 1 teaspoon of fenugreek seeds onto your food. Another option is to take one teaspoon of seeds and swallow them with water or juice before any meal.

Home Remedy for Fever

The Fenugreek herb has been known to help reduce fever when taken with lemon and honey, since it nourishes the body during an illness. Therefore, to treat a fever, simply consume one to two teaspoons of Fenugreek seeds three times a day along with an herbal tea (such as green tea) with a teaspoon of honey and lemon juice. Some health food stores also sell herbal Fenugreek teas, which can be used instead of the green tea.

Breast Enlargement

Fenugreek is often used in many teas and other products that help balance women's hormones and/or enlarge the breasts. Therefore, a simple home remedy for breast enlargement is to make Fenugreek a part of your regular diet. A common suggestion is to consume up to 3g of Fenugreek per day.

Remedy to Ease Child Birth for Pregnant Women

Fenugreek stimulates uterine contractions and can be helpful to induce childbirth. However, pregnant women should only use this remedy for inducing labor after consulting with their doctor.

Remedy to Aid Milk Production in Lactating Women

Fenugreek has been known to increase milk production in lactating women. Research has even shown that milk production can increase by over 500 percent within 24 to 72 hours after consuming this herb. Although it is not known why this happens, researchers speculate that the oil contained in fenugreek seeds plays a role. Therefore, a recommended remedy to increase milk flow is to consume one capsule of fenugreek seed (at least 500mg) three times a day.

What are the Side Effects of Fenugreek?

While Fenugreek is generally considered to be safe when used moderately, there have been reports of a few minor side-effects. Nausea is one common side effect, while other people have reported gastrointestinal discomfort (diarrhea and/or gas). Also, when using this herb topically on the skin, it is important to watch out for skin irritations and rashes.

Fenugreek use during pregnancy is not recommended, since it has the potential to induce labor. If you are pregnant and wish to take it, you should do so only after consultation with your doctor.

If you are currently taking any oral medications, you should always use this herb at least 2 hours before or after these drugs. This is important since Fenugreek fiber has the potential to interfere with the absorption of oral medications due to its mucilaginous fiber (which gives it a moist and sticky texture).

Where and How to Buy Fenugreek

Fenugreek is often available in capsules, seed, and powder form at many health food stores. The seeds can also often be found at Indian/Pakistani grocery stores. You may also be able to find packaged Fenugreek herbal tea bags.

source: http://www.homeremediesweb.com/fenugreek_health_benefits.php

i am a blind blogger

hello everyone!!!! i am so excited.  and i am back...

i made a decision today to upgrade my blog regardless of how much it costs. i tried setting up a blog on other platforms but i think nothing is as user friendly as blogspot.  i looked up on how to do so and started looking at my google account details as well as my storage limit.  i have no idea since when the 1 G became 5 G.  i can blog for another 20 years i think...that is because a conservative calculation shows that my 5 year of blogging took up only 1 G. i dont know how it works but all i know is i love google and blogspot..

so i am back to blogging... and that is 5 months back log....

migration to a new blog

if you had noticed, i have been blogging less and since december 2012, i have not been uploading pics.  well, it is because i have used up the space allocated for this account. 

this blog is very special to me for various reasons.  it is my first blog, it carries accounts of my motherhood journey, my career advancement, my children's early years... since january 2008 to december 2012 is a long period of time and i am glad to have recorded precious moments here in this blog.

it is time to migrate to a new blog to continue to keep those accounts though i have not identified a platform as user-friendly as this is.  i need to do that fast otherwise there will be backlogs, catching up will be an uphill event....

so, migration is upcoming very soon....

a lonely desert in the mind

yes, i am feeling depressed...  everything seem to depress me...

when i was younger, i didn't know why but when it happens time and time again, i tend to be able to point at the reason for my depression.  i am recovering from viral infection that caused high grade fever and flu. i am not completely out if it and the effect of the medication i took is probably lingering... im rarely on medication, thus the result, i assume. 

it adds to the depression as the memory bank where unhappiness of yester years were tucked away assumed to be lost is being triggered effortlessly.  what is the relevance i failed to reckon.  it is probably that when i am in similar condition, the melancholic feeling floods the thought, the smell and surroundings bring me to an isolated space in this crowded world...a self created world in my mind, lonely as it is as there has no entrance for anyone except me when i am lost in my own thoughts...

thus far, i never understood the reason for this depression but today, i decided to write about it so as to dwell further into the feelings that haunts me.  i wanted to understand, know myself and the reasons and above it all, the need to conquer it all.  this has become some sort of root cause analysis. 

i guess i was mostly alone when i was ill.  i deal with sickness and unhappiness in silence.  there is silence in my own world and i hear nothing except for what i say in my own thoughts.  one thing i learnt about myself is that loneliness is my worst enemy....a reminder of the days when i sailed my journey on a choppy sea trying to survive the errors and mistakes that only resulted in unhappiness.  a reminder of  time and time again the mess i created and yet, coming out clean with the least bruises.  God has been nothing but kind to me.  i guess the depression is caused by the fact that i am rarely sick and when i am, those memories gushes out to stay a little longer.  moments like this i am alone in a hot desert....being a desert rose.

it is times like this when i start feeling claustrophobic of the future and all its possible issues.  there is no need for me to think about those nonexistent issues but is it surreal what the mind can do.  it can bring me to where destruction was and suffocate while it drowns me like what the open sea can...

i shall swim ashore, gasping for air while grasping the many little feel good factors i managed to find in life with God's kindness and blessings to break this depression mode.

telling it straight - marina mahathir

somehow i feel like i am slowly beginning to being my old self again.  i have started reading again... not that i had ever stopped reading but i had only read parenting stuff the last many years.  i have started reading again... adding mind intriguing materials to the collection.

recently, i got myself a book, telling it straight by marina mahathir.  one of the reasons i chose this book is because i find it interesting the way the author questions and challenges the society which enable the readers to think through the fabric we put over the social issues and turn a blind eye.

the book helps to make the mind think objectively and self criticize... not that i agree to everything the author said as i am as opinionated as she is but the way she presented her case makes me want to thank her for the enlightenment. 

her opening chapter is on youth and education, of course very relevant to me as a mother of young children.  only read 7 pages and she got me into thinking what is the value i shall bring about in my children who will contribute to the mindset of the future society. 

basically, she got me into thinking... or is it the reading that got me thinking critically and i believe it makes me a better person.  a thinking society is bound to be a progressive society.  lack of thinking renders one complacent and such complacency hinders progression. 

read is God's first command to mankind and that in itself is an exaltation...

blessed birthday 09012013

here is wishing myself a blessed birthday. may this year brings nothing but the best and all the wonderful things in life...

happy new year 2013

fireworks lit the skies...

 and it is only a little more than an hour into the 2013 year.... on this auspicious day, i would like to wish everyone a happy new year...may they year we so welcomed with such festivity will unfold gracefully pleasant surprises and as well ensures peace and stability around the globe... may happiness be the umbrella the angels hold over the globe.. over my heart as well...

have a blessed year....happy new year...