Wifehood & Motherhood are not the way to Paradise

Why are you majoring in that field?” I asked a sister in college. She sighed, “To be honest, I just want to get married. I don’t really care about what I’m studying right now. I’m just waiting to get hitched so I can be a wife and a mother.”

“It’s awesome that she wants to be a wife and a mother, but why would she put her life on hold?” I wondered. Why would a skilled, passionate young woman create barriers to striving for self-improvement and her ability to be socially transformative when she doesn’t yet have the responsibilities of wifehood or motherhood? Being a wife and a mom are great blessings, but before it actually happens, why exchange tangible opportunities, just waiting for marriage to simply come along—if it came along? I didn’t have to look far to find out.

“I’m already twenty-six,” another sister lamented. “I’m expired. My parents are going crazy. They think I’m never going to get married and they pressure me about it daily. My mom’s friends keep calling her and telling her I’m not getting any younger. She keeps crying over it and says she’ll never be a grandma. It’s not like I don’t want to get married; I’ve been ready since college! I just can’t find the right guy,” she cried.

Why, as a general community, are we not putting the same pressure on women to encourage them to continue to seek Islamic knowledge? Higher education? To make objectives in their lives which will carry over and aid them in their future familial lives, if such is what is meant for them? Perhaps it’s because we’re obsessed with the idea that women need to get married and become mothers and that if they don’t, they have not reached true success.

We all know the honorable and weighty status of wifehood and motherhood in Islam. We all know that marriage completes half your deen1 and that the Prophet ﷺ (peace be upon him) has told us about the mother, “[…] Paradise is at her feet.”2

But getting married and becoming a mother is not the only way to get into Paradise. And not every grown woman is a wife and/or mother, nor will ever be. Some women will eventually become wives and/or mothers, if Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala (exalted is He) blesses them with such, but for others, Allah (swt) has blessed them with other opportunities.

Allah (swt) did not create women for the sake of wifehood or motherhood. This is not our first goal, nor our end goal. Our creation was to fulfill our first and most important role—to be His SLAVE. As He tells us in Surah Dhaariyat (Chapter of the Winnowing Winds), “And I did not create the jinn and humankind except to worship Me.”3

Worship comes in such a variety of forms. Being a housewife (a.k.a. domestic engineer!) can be a form of worship. Being a stay-at-home-mom can be a form of worship. Being a working wife and mother can be a form of worship. Being an unmarried female student can be a form of worship. Being a divorced female doctor, a female journalist, Islamic scholar, film director, pastry chef, teacher, veterinarian, engineer, personal trainer, lawyer, artist, nurse, Qur’an teacher, psychologist, pharmacist or salon artist can each be a form of worship. Just being an awesome daughter or house-fixer upper can be forms of worship. We can worship Allah (swt) in a variety of ways, as long as we have a sincere intention, and what we do is done within the guidelines He has set for us.

Unfortunately, however, that is not the message our community is sending to single sisters – both those who have never been married, and those who are now divorced. When I speak to many women and ask them about the ways they want to contribute to society and the ways they want to use their time and abilities, a number of them will tell me that they have no idea and that they’re only going through the motions of school or work while they’re waiting for Prince Muslim to come along and with whom they can establish parenthood.

However, Prince Muslim is not coming along quickly or easily for many awesome, eligible Muslim women. And for some, he has come along, and he or the institution of their relationship turned out to be more villainous than harmonious. Single and never married or divorced — very capable and intelligent Muslim women constantly have to deal with the pressure of being asked, “So…when are you getting married? You aren’t getting any younger. It’s harder to have kids when you’re older.”

The amount of tears, pain, stress, anger and frustration which these awesome women are constantly dealing with because of a social pressure to get married (especially when many already want to, but are just not finding the right person!) and have children is not from our religion.

Islam gave women scholarship. Our history is filled with women who have dedicated their lives to teaching Islamic sciences. Have you ever heard of Fatimah Sa`d al Khayr? She was a scholar who was born around the year 522. Her father, Sa`d al Khayr, was also a scholar. He held several classes and was “most particular about [his daughters] attending hadith classes, traveling with them extensively and repeatedly to different teachers. He also taught them himself.”4 Fatimah studied the works of the great al-Tabarani with the lead narrator of his works in her time. You know who that lead narrator was? The lead narrator of Fatimah’s time was not named Abu someone (the father of someone, indicating that he was a male). The leading scholar of her time was a woman. Her name was Fatimah al-Juzadniyyah and she is the scholar who men and women alike would study under because in that era, she was the greatest and most knowledgeable in some of the classical texts.5 Fatimah Sa`d al Khayr eventually married and moved to Damascus and eventually to Cairo and she continued to teach. Many scholars travelled specifically to her city so they could study under her.6

Fatimah was brought up in a family that valued the education and knowledge of a woman to the point that her father was the one who would ensure she studied with scholars from a young age. Before marriage, she was not told to sit around and be inactive in the community out of fear that some men would find an educated woman unattractive or intimidating and would not want to marry her. She was not going through the motions of studying random things in college because she was stalling until she got married. She sought scholarship and Allah (swt) blessed her with a husband who was of her ranking, who understood her qualifications and drive, and who supported her efforts to continue teaching this religion even after marriage. She left a legacy we unfortunately have most likely never heard about because we rarely hear about the over eight thousand female scholars of hadith who are part of our history.7

Why do we never hear about Fatimah Sa`d al Khayr and the thousands of female scholars who were like her? I think that one of the reasons—and it’s just a personal theory—that as a community, we are so focused on grooming our women to be wives and mothers that we lose sight of the fact that this is not even our number one role.

Servitude to Allah (swt) is our number one role. We need to use what He has given us, the means that we have at the moment we have, to worship Him in the best of ways.

We call for revival of the Sunnah through encouraging marriage and populating the Ummah—let us follow the sunnah (tradition) the Prophet ﷺ has left for us through his wife, Aisha (may God be pleased with her)!

Who was Aisha? Was she a mother? She was never a mother. She was a scholar. She was versed in medical affairs. She was the commander of an army. She was a leader, an educator and a devout worshipper of Allah (swt). She was not known to be a great cook—even though she was the wife of the final Prophet of God! And where do we see the Prophet ﷺ admonishing her because of that? He loved her and he trained her in scholarship.

Islamic history is filled with examples of women who were wives and mothers, who focused completely on their tasks of being wives and/or mothers, and produced the likes of Imam Ahmed rahimahu allah (may God have mercy on him).8 We take those examples as a community and we reiterate the noble status of such incredible women.

But we also have examples of people who were not only wives and not only mothers, but those who were both of those, one of those, or none of those, and still were able to use the passions, talents and skills Allah (swt) blessed them with to worship Him through serving His creation, through calling His creation back to His Deen and leaving legacies for the generations to come. Some of these women were wives and mothers and dedicated their lives to focusing on their families completely and some of them continued to serve the greater society at large. It is possible to balance both; it just needs drive, stamina, support and planning.

Shaykh Mohammad Akram Nadwi mentions in his introduction to his Dictionary of women hadith scholars, Al Muhadithaat, “Not one [of the 8000 female hadith scholars he researched] is reported to have considered the domain of family life inferior, or neglected duties therein, or considered being a woman undesirable or inferior to being a man, or considered that, given aptitude and opportunity, she had no duties to the wider society, outside of the domain of family life.”9

Female scholars in our history were focused on being family women when they had families to whom they held responsibilities, and when able, they also had goals and objectives in life which extended beyond the roles of wifehood and motherhood. So what about someone who is not yet married? Many single women are using their time to the utmost, focusing on improving their skills and abilities to contribute back to the ummah (community) and society at large. They are loving worshipping Allah (swt) through investing in their abilities and using those for the greater good. Perhaps we can all take from their example.

God, in His Wisdom, has created each one of us differently and in different circumstances. Some recognize this, love any stage they are in, and develop their abilities to the fullest. Let us, too, use the time and abilities God has given us to maximize our worship to Him and work for the betterment of society and humanity as a whole. If wifehood or motherhood comes in the process, then at least we were using all of our ability to worship Him before it came and can continue to use the training and stamina we gained before marriage to worship Him with excellence once it comes along.

If there are parents, families and communities that are pressuring women to get married and have kids: Be grateful Allah (swt) has blessed you with daughters, married or unmarried, mothers or not, as the Prophet ﷺ has said, “Do not be averse to daughters, for they are precious treasures that comfort your heart.”10 We are putting more pressure on our sisters than they can emotionally and psychologically handle. Let us give them space, let them find themselves and establish their relationships with Allah (swt).

Allah (swt) created us to worship Him. That is our number one role. Now, let us do our part and figure out how best we can fulfill the purpose for which we’ve been created.

[source: suhaibWebb.com]

5 Things We Learned About Love From Steve Jobs

Learned about love from Steve Jobs [founder of APPLE, iMac, iPod, iPhone, iPad: died at age 56 on 5 October 2011 of pancreatic cancer :

1. Don't give up on love. After getting fired from Apple when he was 30 years old, Jobs was clearly devastated. "But something slowly began to dawn on me — I still loved what I did. The turn of events at Apple had not changed that one bit. I had been rejected, but I was still in love. And so I decided to start over." Don't ever give up on love, even if things go wrong in one relationship.

2. Love can come during times of greatest adversity. Being fired from Apple freed Jobs to enter "one of the most creative periods of my life." During the next five years, he started two companies and "fell in love with an amazing woman who would become my wife." He and Laurene had a wonderful family together.

3. You have to find what — and who — you love. "I'm convinced that the only thing that kept me going was that I loved what I did. You've got to find what you love. And that is as true for your work as it is for your lovers. Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do."

4. Don't settle for second-best. "Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it."

5. The most satisfying relationships get better as time goes on. "And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on."

[source: shine.yahoo.com: Written by Natalie Gontcharova for YourTango]

Tazkirah – Penghayatan Ilmu, Hidayah Bentuk Peribadi Muslim

Assalamualaikum W.B.T. Salam Fitrah untuk semua pengunjung laman web ini. Hari ini saya ingin berkongsi sesuatu yang menarik untuk tatapan semua.

SUATU hari ketika seorang hamba membuka sebuah buku yang membincangkan mengenai iman, tanpa disengaja tajuk taubat menjadi pilihannya. Hatinya bekerja keras untuk menghayati setiap perkataan yang dibaca dan akal berfikir kebenarannya.

Akhirnya dia berkata: “Alangkah jauhnya penyelewengan yang sudah aku lakukan selepas Allah memberi petunjuk kepadaku suatu masa dulu.” Tetapi dalam penyesalan itu muncul satu kesyukuran yang terbit daripada hidayah Allah, bahawa betapa beruntungnya dia mendapat kembali hakikat ilmu yang lama hilang daripada jiwanya.

Ada sedikit kebenaran pada perkataan sebahagian ahli makrifah yang bermaksud, ketika seseorang itu jatuh melakukan dosa, janganlah dia berputus asa dari rahmat Allah, tetapi bersyukurlah kerana daripada perlakuan dosa yang disedari itu, lahirlah penyesalan dan taubat.

Kerana dosa yang disedari ini manusia boleh mendekatkan diri dengan Allah. Dosa itu membuatnya menjadi hamba yang cepat bertaubat dan mengakui kelemahan diri di hadapan Allah. Lalu dia sentiasa berhati-hati dalam segala perbuatannya.

Berbanding dengan seseorang yang berasa tidak pernah berbuat dosa dan sentiasa berasa dirinya betul, sungguh orang seperti ini bertambah jauh dirinya daripada Allah akibat kesombongan melampau atas nama ilmu dan amal.

Selepas menyedari keadaan seperti itu, barulah kita sedar betapa kita perlukan ilmu yang boleh membawa kepada kefahaman dan penghayatan sebenar mengenai diri kita, Allah dan tabiat dunia yang fana ini.

Hakikat ilmu itu, ia datang dan pergi, sehingga Rasulullah SAW pernah mengingatkan sahabat dengan satu perumpamaan yang bermaksud: “Ikatlah ilmu itu kerana ia terlalu cepat hilang berbanding unta yang terikat.”

Maknanya setiap insan mesti menyediakan masa untuk hati dan akalnya berinteraksi dengan ilmu. Sesiapapun yang meninggalkan ilmu dalam masa satu hari saja boleh jadi dia akan mengalami gejala kelalaian hingga mungkin jatuh ke lembah kesesatan apabila hal ini berlanjutan sekian lama.

Matlamat manusia mencari ilmu ialah untuk mencapai satu keyakinan mengenai kebenaran, selepas yakin barulah timbul penghayatan yang membawa kepada ketundukan jiwa.

Ada orang berkata: “Tak payah bacalah, sebab kami sudah membaca dan mengetahui ilmu ini.” Memang benar kita sudah faham dan tahu hal itu tetapi apakah kita sudah mencapai penghayatan yang sempurna? Apakah boleh dipastikan ilmu itu sentiasa melekat di hati dan memacu diri untuk sentiasa merapatkan diri dengan Allah?

Seseorang pasti memahami perbezaan dirinya ketika dia sedang minat membaca atau ketika suka membuang masa. Tentulah berbeza keadaan jiwa dan perasaan orang yang suka menelaah, mengkaji dan membahas ilmu berbanding orang yang suka termenung dan mendengar hiburan.

Mungkin kita perlukan pendedahan tajuk ilmu yang sama pada masa tertentu, seperti saat kita sedih ditimpa musibah, tajuk sabar dan syukur adalah sesuai di kala itu. Jika rezeki bertambah atau naik pangkat, pendedahan mengenai alam akhirat mesti lebih difokuskan supaya diri tidak tenggelam dalam nikmat dan tipu daya dunia.

Apabila kurang nikmat ibadah, tidak khusyuk dan rasa keras hati eloklah ingat ilmu zuhud dan mengingati mati. Namun demikian, segala ilmu berpusat pada induknya iaitu al-Quran dan hadis. Barang siapa menginginkan kesempurnaan ilmu mestilah mendekatkan diri kepada keduanya.

Firman Allah yang bermaksud: “Wahai ahli kitab, sesungguhnya telah datang kepadamu Rasul Kami, menjelaskan kepadamu banyak dari isi al-Kitab yang kamu sembunyikan, dan banyak (pula yang) dibiarkannya. Sesungguhnya telah datang kepadamu cahaya dari Allah, dan Kitab yang menerangkan. Dengan Kitab itulah Allah menunjukkan orang yang mengikuti keredaan-Nya ke jalan keselamatan, dan (dengan Kitab itu pula) Allah mengeluarkan orang itu dari gelap-gelita kepada cahaya yang terang benderang dengan izin-Nya, dan menunjukkan mereka ke jalan yang lurus.” (Surah al-Maidah, ayat 15-16)

Bagaimana halnya dengan orang yang sudah mencapai darjat alim yang tinggi? Adakah perlu baginya membaca dan menuntut ilmu lagi selepas kedudukannya itu? Alangkah baiknya jawapan al-Imam Sufyan bin ‘Uyainah, ulama Tabi’in tersohor pada zamannya apabila ditanya hal ini: “Siapakah manusia yang paling berhajat kepada ilmu? Beliau berkata: Orang yang paling alim di kalangan mereka. Beliau ditanya lagi: Mengapa begitu? Dijawabnya: Kerana kesalahan orang yang alim dalam ilmunya lebih jahat dan teruk berbanding orang jahil.”

Orang yang pandai membeza antara hak dan batil tetapi memilih yang batil kerana hawa nafsunya tentu amat besar dosa diperolehnya akibat melanggar larangan Allah. Bukan kerana jahil tetapi ‘terlalu cerdik’ sehinggakan akalnya mahu berdolak-dalih untuk menghalalkan apa yang nyata haram di sisi agama, semata-mata menurut hawa nafsu manusia.

Bukan setakat itu saja, dia pula mengajak orang lain melakukan jenayah sama atas nama kecerdikan dan kewarasan palsu. Jelaslah bahayanya orang alim melakukan kejahatan dengan jenayah ilmunya yang tidak dipraktikkan semata-mata kerana mahu mengikut hawa nafsu manusia.

Sungguh pelik, orang yang jauh dan mendalam ilmunya mengenai Allah tetapi sekelip mata boleh berpaling daripada-Nya. Mereka adalah orang yang mengenal kejahatan syaitan tetapi sebaliknya boleh terpedaya menjadi pengikut syaitan.

Mereka adalah orang yang mengenal tipu daya dunia tetapi rela menjadi hamba dunia yang hina. Di situlah letaknya kelemahan manusia, setinggi mana ilmu diperoleh namun jika hidayah Allah tidak bersamanya maka segala kefahaman agama dan penghayatan hakiki menjadi sia-sia. Dalam keghairahan menuntut ilmu, jangan lupa memohon petunjuk dan hidayah Allah supaya ilmu itu bermanfaat untuk dunia dan akhirat.

Kerana ilmu yang sudah terpahat dalam ingatan dan hati sanubari tidak dijamin dapat kekal selamanya melainkan atas kuasa Allah. Adakalanya seseorang itu tidak mendapat hidayah daripada ilmu yang dituntutnya, belajar mengaji bertahun-tahun tetapi perangai tak berubah-ubah, akhlak dan ibadatnya masih seperti ketika dia tidak berilmu. Jadi untuk apa letih-letih mencari ilmu jika tiada penghayatan?

Ada pula orang yang belajar hanya setakat ilmu Taharah, selama bertahun-tahun diulang-ulang lagi tanpa ada peningkatan. Takkan nak main air saja, bila lagi masa untuk belajar sembahyang yang khusyuk, memahami doa yang dibaca, belajar tafsir al-Quran dan mengikuti al-Hadis? Akhirnya orang ini tak sampai pada tujuan sebenar kerana hampir tiada peningkatan iman yang ketara.

Al-Imam Ibnu Abdul Barri meriwayatkan daripada Abu Ghassan, katanya: “Kamu sentiasa menjadi alim selagi mana kamu tetap menuntut ilmu, apabila kamu merasa cukup maka sesungguhnya kamu telah menjadi jahil.”

Perjalanan mencapai reda Allah tiada penghujungnya. Bagaimana mungkin seseorang boleh berkata: “Telah cukup ilmuku dan telah baik amalanku.” Padahal perkataan itu umpama rantai yang mengikat kakinya ke bumi sehingga dia tidak akan sampai ke destinasi yang dijanjikan Tuhannya.

[source:www.fitrahpower.com]

Falling In LoVe

Once in a lifetime
An angel sweeps you off your feet
And everything I’m about
Dissapears before my eyes

You’re taking me higher when I hear you speak to me
It feels so familiar but I’m caught up in this fantasy

Chorus
Now I can’t seem to find myself
Oh I can’t seem to ease my mind
Oh I think I’m falling I’m falling and I can’t stop falling
I’m falling in love with you

When I look into your eyes
I see your love that comforts me
Even now when I go to sleep
I wait to see you in my dreams

You’re taking me higher when I hear you say my name
I’m trying to tell you that I never want to let you go

Ulang Chorus

Over and over again
It plays out in my mind
I can see it clearly
You give me something new to believe in
Come take me away

Count On Me

If you ever find yourself stuck in the middle of the sea
I'll sail the world to find you
If you ever find yourself lost in the dark and you can't see
I'll be the light to guide you

Find out what we're made of
When we are called to help our friends in need

[Chorus]
You can count on me like 1, 2, 3
I'll be there
And I know when I need it
I can count on you like 4, 3, 2
And you'll be there
'cause that's what friends are supposed to do oh yeah
ooooooh, oooohhh yeah yeah

[Verse 2]
If you're tossin' and you're turnin
and you just can't fall asleep
I'll sing a song beside you
And if you ever forget how much you really mean to me
Every day I will remind you

Find out what we're made of
When we are called to help our friends in need

You can count on me like 1, 2, 3
I'll be there
And I know when I need it
I can count on you like 4, 3, 2
And you'll be there
'cause that's what friends are supposed to do oh yeah
ooooooh, oooohhh yeah yeah

You'll always have my shoulder when you cry
I'll never let go
Never say goodbye

You know you can count on me like 1, 2, 3
I'll be there
And I know when I need it
I can count on you like 4, 3, 2
And you'll be there
cause that's what friends are supposed to do oh yeah
ooooooh, oooohhh

You can count on me 'cause I can count on you

SeNyUm

Senyum senyum senyum
Senyum senyum

Verse
Kacak luar
Kacak dalam
Kacak dengar sini
Kalau saya senyum
Awak mesti senyum sekali
Kalau kita senyum
Semua orang berjangkit
Bila semua orang senyum
Dunia tiada penyakit


Chorus
Senyum
Tak perlu kata apa-apa
Senyum
Tak perlu kata apa-apa
Senyum
Tak perlu kata apa-apa
Senyum
tak perlu kata apa-apa

Akhirnya sempurna tiga album pertama
Bunyi macam koleksi hits terbaik orang lama
Dah ku kata ku takkan henti sampai tua bangka
Kalau habis abjad aku rap dengan angka
Satu dua tiga anugerah diterima
Oh itu tahun lepas tahun ini cuma dua
Tersenyum tiap kali kalah dengan Nurhaliza
Ditertawakan oleh anakku Inca Medina

Oh Inca Medina orang secantik nama
Cantik luar cantik dalam cantik macam mama
Hati macam grandmanya anginnya macam papa
Kalau dah merajuk nampak muncung sampai sana
Sebelum jadi drama dah tahu nak buat apa
Nyanyi balik lagu ayat lama ayat mama
Wanita hari ini jaga sensitiviti
Kalau buah hati merajuk boleh cuba ayat ini

Ay cantik luar cantik dalam cantik dengar sini
Kalau cantik senyum cantik mesti cantik lagi
Senyum sikit nak tengok ada tak lesung pipit
Kalau tak ada pun aku masih mahu cubit

Ulang Verse
Ulang Chorus

Ay buai tinggi-tinggi sampai ke puncak awan
Dengan kumulus dan nimbus aku berkawan
Aku bukan rupawan aku bukan jutawan
Tapi aku punya satu senyuman yang menawan

Baru mukadimah nampak macam sudah tertawan
Dengar kata hati perasaan jangan dilawan
Kalau takut mula-mula kita boleh berkawan
Duduk dulu biar ku belanja kopi secawan
Apa rasa sentiasa jadi bahan perhatian
Apa rasa jadi cantik kacuk cina pakistan
Apa rasa jadi seksi suka tak diperhatikan
Apa rasanya terima bertubi-tubi puji-pujian

Tu boleh pun senyum cantiknya gigi
Sepuluh markah penuh seharusnya ku beri
Wanita hari ini harus pepandai puji
Kalau dia jual mahal boleh cuba lagu ini

Ay cantik luar cantik dalam cantik dengar sini
Kalau cantik senyum cantik mesti cantik lagi
Senyum sikit nak tengok ada tak lesung pipit
Kalau tak ada pun aku masih mahu cubit

[song by: Najwa & Malique]

Resipi Pilihan: Kentang Bakar Berempah

Bahan-bahan:

2 biji kentang - dipotong dadu
1/2 bungkus kecil rempah kari - dibancuh dengan sedikit air
Sedikit ikan bilis
2 ulas bawang merah - ditumbuk lumat
1 ulas bawang putih - ditumbuk lumat
Kertas timah (aluminium foil)

Cara menyediakan:

1. Perapkan seketika kentang dadu bersama bancuhan serbuk kari, ikan bilis, bawang putih dan bawang merah.

2. Bungkus bekas berisikan kentang dengan kertas timah.

3. Bakar pada suhu 200 darjah Celcius hingga masak.

4. Setelah masak, angkat dan hidangkan bersama nasi dan sup panas.

[source: Saji Online]

Resipi Pilihan: Laksa Sarawak

Bahan-bahan:

1 kg kelapa parut - ambil santan pekat secukupnya
500 gm mihun
120 gm tauge
300 gm udang bersaiz sederhana
60 gm sambal laksa
Garam dan serbuk perasa secukupnya
350 gm timun
500 gm ayam
2 biji telur
1.5 liter stok ayam
15 gm daun ketumbar

Rempah Laksa:

(Dikisar halus)
2 ulas bawang putih
50 gm bawang merah
60 gm belacan
10 hiris lengkuas
6 biji buah keras
30 gm cili kering
2 batang serai
30 gm kacang

80 ml minyak masak
5 gm asam jawa - ambil airnya

Cara Menyediakan:

1. Didihkan stok ayam, masukkan sambal laksa dan masak selama 20 minit. Tapis dan buangkan stok ayam yang berlebihan (tinggalkan secukupnya untuk dicampurkan dengan santan). Panaskan kembali sambal laksa, campurkan santan tetapi jangan sampai menggelegak. Perisakan dengan garam dan serbuk perasa.

2. Sediakan rempahnya dengan cara panaskan kuali bertangkai, goreng semua bahan rempah hingga garing dan tuangkan ke dalam kuah laksa. Panaskan kuah semula sambil dikacau supaya tidak pecah minyak.

3. Rendam mihun dalam air panas mendidih hingga lembut. Toskan airnya.

4. Celur udang kemudian buangkan kulit serta urat belakangnya. Rebus ayam hingga masak dan siatkan isinya.

5. Bahagikan mihun kepada 6 mangkuk hidang. Begitu juga dengan tauge, ayam dan udang, celur setiap bahagian dengan air panas mendidih berasingan, kemudian letakkan ke atas mi. Sendukkan kuah dan hias dengan timun, telur dadar serta daun ketumbar.

6. Hidangkan segera. Makan ketika masih panas.

[source: Saji online]

Five simple and sexy hairstyles

Half-Up Hair

The key to this look is to give the top section of hair a bit of texture before you pin it back. The texture will add volume and sophistication so you won't look like you're in grade school.

The Perky Ponytail

I love the contrasting textures of this one. You want to slick the hair back tightly before you tie it into a ponytail. (Think Kim Kardashian.) Use a comb to make sure there are no fly-aways and some hairspray to keep the hair smooth. Then, take your comb and tease the roots of the tail to give it height and heft.

Sexy Tendrils

For polished waves, get out your curling iron and wrap small sections of hair around the barrel starting mid-shaft. When the curls are in place, do not use a brush! Instead comb through with your fingers.

A Textured Bun

Start with a side (or middle) part. Twist sections of your hair back into a low ponytail. Backcomb portions of the ponytail for texture. Twist the ends of the hair around the ponytail elastic and fix in place with bobby pins. Leave the bun loose and messy as opposed to ballerina-bun perfect.

Mermaid Braid

First of all, don't brush your hair — the messier it is to begin with, the better. Section your hair into three parts and start the braid on one side so that it falls on top of your shoulder. Once you've fixed the end with an elastic, you can pull out strands to give a relaxed, imperfect look. A tip: do your braid the night before and sleep on it to get the ideal roughed-up effect.

[source: shine.yahoo.com]

Lets warm up!!

Walking Lunge

Do this routine twice pre-WOD to prime muscles. Stand with feet hip-width apart, arms overhead. Lunge forward with left foot so left thigh is parallel to floor, knee over ankle, right knee touching floor (as shown). Return to standing for 1 rep; repeat on opposite side, traveling forward. Continue, alternating sides. Do 20 reps. * works abs, butt, thighs, hamstring.

Scorpion Kick

Do this routine twice pre-WOD to prime muscles. Lie facedown with arms extended out to sides, palms down, legs together, toes on floor. With hands planted, rotate torso to right, reaching right foot to meet left hand (as shown) for 1 rep. Return to start; repeat on opposite side. Do 10 reps. * stretches shoulders, hips.

Hand Walk

Do this routine twice pre-WOD to prime muscles. Stand with feet hip-width apart. Keeping legs straight, bend forward, place hands on floor and walk hands into push-up position. Inch feet toward hands (as shown) to return to standing. Do 5 reps. * stretches shoulders, abs, hamstrings, calves.

Deadlift

Time priority: 10 minutes; do AMRAP Stand with feet hip-width apart, a weight on floor between feet. Bend forward, knees bent, pushing hips back; pick up weight (as shown). Stand; return weight to floor for 1 rep. Do 5 reps. * works back, abs, butt, thighs, hamstrings, calves.

Burpee

Time priority: 10 minutes; do AMRAP Stand with feet hip-width apart. Crouch down; place hands on floor under shoulders. With hands planted, jump feet behind you, landing with entire body on floor. Hop feet (hands stay planted!) back to hands, then jump up, clapping hands overhead (as shown), to return to standing. Do 10 reps. * works shoulders, arms, back, abs, butt, thighs.

Butterfly Sit-Up

Time priority: 10 minutes; do AMRAP Lie faceup with a folded towel under lower back, soles of feet together with knees open to sides and arms overhead on floor (as shown). Sit up, touching fingers to toes. Return to start. Do 15 reps. * works abs.

Squat

Task priority: do 3 rounds Stand with feet hip-width apart, toes pointed out slightly, body weight in heels; hold a weight with both hands, arms extended at eye level. With chest lifted, sink down until hips are below knees (as shown). Return to start. Do 30 reps. * works butt, thighs

Wall Drill

Task priority: do 3 rounds Place hands on wall, wrists aligned with shoulders, legs straight, heels slightly raised. Keeping hands planted, quickly alternate driving knees toward chest in a high-knee run (as shown). Continue for 1 minute.

Push-Up

Time priority: 7 minutes; do AMRAP Start in push-up position with arms slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, legs extended behind you with feet hip-width apart (as shown). Bend arms to lower body until chest and thighs touch floor, then push back up to start. Do 5 reps. * works shoulders, triceps, chest, abs.

Hollow Body Rock

Time priority: 7 minutes; do AMRAP Lie faceup with legs together, toes pointed, arms extended overhead on floor, palms facing in. Engage abs and lift shoulders and feet off floor, creating a banana shape with your body (as shown). Rock back and forth for 1 rep. Do 10 reps. * works abs.

[source: shine.yahoo.com]

Top 10 Things You Never Want to Hear at Work

1. We've got a crisis on our hands. Don't be fooled by the implication of shared responsibility. That's just a euphemism. Make no mistake; you're on the receiving end of the message because you're the one they're counting on to handle the crisis or die trying.

2. There's no easy way to say this. Guess what? There's no easy way to hear it, either. This can precede any number of events, from you're about to get fired or your top employee is quitting on you to your biggest customer is bolting for your top competitor. It's all bad.

3. Why don't you take some time off? This particular question can either precede or follow some really unpleasant news, like one of your employees has filed a sexual harassment claim against you or "I'm afraid you're burning out and I don't want to have to fire your butt."

4. All your meetings have been cancelled. This is where you say, "What do you mean all my meetings have been cancelled?" to which your admin replies, "What can I say, nobody wants to meet with you." They could be customers, the media, employees, whatever, you're now officially insignificant. Never a good thing.

5. Did you really just say that? Lots of people, especially public figures, have heard that one right after they think something that wasn't supposed to actually come out of their mouths, usually while the mic is on, the tape is rolling, or the boss is on the receiving end.

6. I accidentally deleted it. It's gone. You may not have pulled the trigger but the fact that you're on the receiving end means that, whatever it was -- probably a pitch or report you worked on for weeks -- you're the one who's going to suffer because of someone else's screw-up.

7. Do you really think your presentation went well? That's when you ask, "Was it really that bad?" and the other person replies, "Um … sorry to tell you this, but you'll be lucky if they don't cancel your whole project."

8. Can I have a word with you in private? Not that good news is always delivered in public, but even when someone wants to chat with you about something innocuous, he won't say it like that. He'll opt for something like, "Where can we talk?" or "You're not gonna believe what I heard."

9. Um … how long did it take you to do that? That's usually followed by something like a recommendation that you do it over and way, way better if you want to keep your job.

10. You've been served. Not much you can do about this one, considering you've already blown it by answering yes to the magic question, Are you [your name]? Whether you're served at work or not, it really doesn't matter. You're going to wish it never happened.

Momento ~ KRU ~

KRU

sebut pasal KRU, semua pasti dh terpandang2 muka 3 beradik ~ Norman, Yusry & Edry. Entah apa aura diaorg bertiga, smpai sekarang aku masih lagi jadi peminat setia diaorg. Tak sabar nk tunggu album baru KRU akhir tahun 2011 ni "KRUNOMENA" [baru tgk tadi kt FB]. Tabik spring mereka bertiga, dlm sibuk2 bikin filem n bina KRU Studios, sempat jugak buat album. Lama dah aku suka lagu TiGa KaTa ni, cuma ini ari je dpt upload. Very da sensitip one, download cetak rompak ni..huhu. Anyway, sbg peminat setia KRU, aku nk postkan kt sini sumting about them. Sempena hampir 21 tahun KRU (since 1992) bertapak di Malaysia & berjaya menambat hati peminat2 dgn cara mereka tersendiri. Teringat masa KRU road tour, i think tahun 1994 @ 1995 (masa kat ITM Jengka), me n Mek Daa pi Kuantan, jmpa depa & KRU dancers also met my skoolmate Nizam (Indigo). dari sekolah dulu mmg aku minat giler dgn KRU, smpai arwah dad pun tk bleh blah ~ poster tampal sana sini, ada satu ketika KRU promo kat Kotaraya JB, me pujuk dad hantar pi sana n snap few pics, aku ada simpan tp tak tau la kt mana. Setau me dlm album lama me, ntah2 mom dh bakor..aduyai. Ada jgk buat scrapbook utk KRU & tulis all those lyrics, beli kaset? sudah semestinya, tk prnah miss. but all dh kena bakor jgk kot? hehehe. nanti nk rikki CD lagu KRU, tk pun terpaksa la aku upload thru net (cetak lompak lagi...ops!) nk buat collection semula lagu2 KRU ni, bleh tunjuk kt anak cucu, aku bangga anak melayu yg berjaya mcm diaorg bertiga ni. Ok la guys, njoy reading abt KRU n u can surf thru their website http.krustudios.com
----------------------------------------
[source: Wikipedia & Google]

KRU is a Malaysian pop group that was formed in 1992. The group comprises three brothers: Norman Abdul Halim, Yusry Abdul Halim and Edry Abdul Halim. Apart from revolutionizing the Malaysian music scene with their unique blend of Pop, R&B and Hip hop, they have successfully established their own entertainment company named KRU Studios specializing in the entertainment and media industry.

EARLY HISTORY:

Their interest for creating music sparked when they were very young, when one of their aunts bought Norman a keyboard which also attracted his other brothers. They spent their teen years in London, where they were exposed to various genres of music, in contrast to the Malay music scene at that time which was dominated by classic rock and ballads.

The brothers were loyal supporters of the Selangor team and so decided to write a rap tune for their favourite team back when they were originally known as Selangor Rappers' Unit, writing Viva Selangor.

They continued to write original songs, but little did they know one of Norman's college mates sent a demo to EMI. The International Label Manager by the name of Calvin Wong (now Vice President at Warner Music Asia Pacific) was very impressed by the song and called the brothers to audition. Thus, KRU was formed on May 19, 1992. KRU means "team / squad" that cooperate, and there is no meaning behind the letters of K-R-U, but it is also the Malay spelling of the word "crew". Though it is pronounced "K.R.U." and not KRU.^[1]

The brothers are now venturing into various types of other businesses that are nevertheless still related to their musical roots. They began KRU Records, a record label and music publishing company, releasing their own recordings as well as those of other artists.

They also produce movies, corporate movies, music videos, publish books etc.

Today, KRU Studios is one of the biggest names in Malaysia. Cicakman, Duyung and MySpy are some of the movies that have been produced by KRU. These productions have received great success in the Malaysian Entertainment Industry. One of KRU's films, Magika, won Best Film at the Malaysian Film Festival. Their other mega project which is the Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa or its international title, The Malay Chronicles : Bloodline was sold to 72 countries worldwide, making it one of KRU's greatest achievement ever. The film also became the highest grossing Malaysian epic film after only 5 days of shows.

ACHIEVEMENTS:

• 1994
  • Anugerah Bintang Popular - Most Popular TV Entertainer (Male)
• 1995
  • Anugerah Industri Muzik (AIM) - Best Engineered Album (Artiste/Producer/Album: KRU/KRU/Awas); Best Pop Album (Artiste/Producer/Album: KRU/KRU/Awas)
  • Anugerah Bintang Popular - Most Popular Group
• 1996
  • Anugerah Industri Muzik (AIM) - Best Group Vocal Performance in an Album (Artiste/Album: KRU/Awas da’ Soundtrack)
  • Anugerah Bintang Popular 1996 - Most Popular Group
  • EMI Achievement Award - Earning 10x platinum for sales exceeding 1 million
• 1997
  • Anugerah Industri Muzik (AIM) - Best Engineered Album (Engineer/Album: Edry/Izan/Jon Gass/Martin Horenburg/Steve Hall/Ooh! La! La!); Album of the Year (Artiste/Producer/Album: KRU/KRU/Ooh! La! La!)
  • Anugerah Video M 1997 - Best Music Video, Best Performance by an Artiste, Best Editing, Best Photography, Best Art Direction, Best Direction
  • Malaysian Book of Record (MBOR) - First Artist To Duet With a Departed (Late P.Ramlee - song "Getaran Jiwa"); First Malaysian video clip nominated for the MTV Video Music Award, Fanatik
• 1998
  • Anugerah Industri Muzik (AIM) - Best Music Video (Director/Song: Saw Teong Hin/Fanatik)
  • Anugerah Bintang Popular 1998 - Most Popular Group
• 1999
  • Anugerah Industri Muzik (AIM) - Best Music Video (Director/Song: KRU/The Way We Jam); Best Engineered Album(Engineer/Album: Edry Abdul Halim/The Way We Jam); Anugerah Kembara(special jury’s award to recognize local acts who have made an impact regionally or internationally)
  • Anugerah Bintang Popular 1999 - Most Popular Group
• 2000
  • NTV7's Most Popular Video Clip - Most Popular Video Clip, Jangan Lafazkan (chosen by public through polls)
  • Anugerah Planet Muzik (APM) - Best Asian Group
• 2001
  • Music Authors’ Copyright Protection Bhd (MACP) - Most Popular English Song (The Way We Jam)
  • Malaysian Book Of Records (MBOR) - First Virtual Artiste KRU created Tyco, their virtual alter egos with 3D characters named Tylo, Yiko and Psylo.
• 2002
  • Anugerah Industri Muzik (AIM)- Best Nasyid Album (Artiste/Producer/Album: Rabbani/KRU/Intifada)
  • Malaysian Video Awards 2002 - KRU's video Impak Maksima won SILVER in the Best Music Video category
• 2003
  • Anugerah Industri Muzik (AIM) - Best Music Video (Director/Song: Virginia Kennedy/Impak Maksima); Best Nasyid Album (Artiste/Producer/Album: Rabbani/Edry, Archie & Ustaz Sohibul/Qiblat)
  • Anugerah Juara Lagu (AJL) 18 - Winner of the Pop Rock category for Ezlynn's Hi Hi Bye Bye
• 2004
  • Anugerah Bintang Popular 2004 - Most Popular Singer - Male (Yusry)
• 2005
  • Anugerah ERA 2005 - Choice Music Video (Terhangat di Pasaran); Choice Vocals - Duo or Group (Terhangat di Pasaran)

ALBUMS:

1. CANGGIH (1992) ~ Fav. Songs: Canggih, Hanya Kau, U Make My Day, Generasiku, Sekali Lagi (Gadisku), Cherrina, 2020

2. reKRUed (1993) ~ Fav. Songs: Mengerti, Inikah Ertinya Cinta?, Terima Kasih, Janji Tinggal Janji

3. AWAS (1994) ~ Fav. Songs: Awas, Untukmu '94, Mengerti (live frm Life Centre), Di Dalam Dilema

4. Beware: Awas da Soundtrack (1995) ~ Fav Songs: Salah Siapa, Malam Kita, Emilia, Awas (LP Mix)

5. Oh La La (1996) ~ Fav Songs: Oooh! La! La!, Apa Saja, Semuanya OK, Freaky G

6. Krumania - compilation (1997) ~ Fav. Songs: Semua kat atas & Di Pintu Syurga, E'nuff Eez E'nff, Getaran Jiwa

7. The Way We Jam *first English Album (1998) ~ Fav. Songs: The Way We Jam, lain2 ok2 je..

8. Formula Luar Biasa (1999) ~ Fav. Songs: Jangan Lafazkan, Luarbiasa

9. Tyco - as Tyco, Malaysia's first animated artiste (2000)

10. Krujaan (2000) ~ Fav. Songs: Impak Maksima, Ucapkanlah

11. Empayar Krujaan V 2.0 (2002) ~ Fav. Songs: Perpisahan Terasing, Impak Maksima, Ucapkanlah

12. Yusry *First album solo (2003)

13. Relax *compilation (2004) ~ Fav. Songs: Babe, Di Pintu Syurga, Apa Saja

14. KRUnisme (2005) ~ Fav. Songs: Terhangat Di Pasaran, Selamat Datang, Sampai, Seksa

15. Di skala Richter (2006)

There's few albums, not included here.

SYABAS KRU!!! Semoga sentiasa bersemangat utk menerbitkan lagu-lagu & maintain imej RAP smpai bila2. Peace u ollzzzz!

Lelaki Seperti Aku ~

Memang tak ada lelaki seperti aku
Tapi yang lebih baik banyak

Memang tak ada lelaki sehebat aku
Tapi yang lebih hebat banyak

Maka tak perlu kau susah hati
Banyak lelaki yang bisa kau pilih
Untuk kau jadikan sandaran hati

Memang tak ada lelaki seseksi aku
Tapi yang lebih seksi banyak

Memang tak ada lelaki setampan aku
Tapi yang lebih tampan banyak

Maka tak perlu sedu sedan itu
Jangan sampai kau rendahkan dirimu
Memaksa aku menjadi pacarmu

Oo baby baby
Jangan kau marah sebab ku tolak
Ku tahu kau cantik
Ku percaya kau baik
Ku yakin pasti ada
Lelaki yang tertarik
Oo baby
Jangan kau dendam sebab ku enggan

Bercinta aku mahu
Tapi tidak denganmu
Ku sudah ada satu
Kekasih yang menunggu

Ceritanya aku sedang belajar setia
Makanya dari itu kamu jangan memaksa
Kerna aku memang tak suka mendua

TiGa KaTa ~

Yeah..lagu ni ditujukan kepada mereka yang sudah lupa erti cinta

Hanya 3 kata sahaja

cukup besar maksudnya

Wo ai ni
I love you
Aku cinta padamu
Tiga kata paling bermakna
Tapi jarangnya didengar

Naan unnai kathalikaraen
Saranghaeyo
Aishiteru
Tiga kata paling menyentuh
Tapi jarangnya disebut

Mungkinkah kerna kita dah terlalu selesa
Keintiman seolah semakin hambar
Dari gerak gaya
Hingga ke tutur kata
Tak menggambarkan cinta

(chorus)

Wo ai ni
I love you
Aku cinta padamu
Tiga kata paling bermakna
Tapi jarangnya didengar

Naan unnai kathalikaraen
Saranghaeyo
Aishiteru
Tiga kata paling menyentuh
Tapi jarangnya disebut

Katakan ci..cinta ci..cinta kamu
Katakan ci..cinta ci..cinta

Walaupun kita saling

Sayang satu sama lain

Tapi kenapa sukar meluahkan rasa

Berikan mereka tahu

Andainya hari esok
Di takdirkan berpisah

(rap)

Dalam kesibukan

Kita seringkali mula hilang kemesraaan

Dengan mereka disisi

Tak rasa bersyukur

Tak rasa berbangga

Mempunyai bahu setia untuk kita bersandar

Pejamkan matamu

Lihat lah di hatiku

Semua kasih terhimpun,

Dibiarkan terkurung

Jadi keluarkan

Sekarang luahkan

(korus)

Katakan ci..cinta ci..cinta kamu
Katakan ci..cinta ci..cinta (aku cinta padamu)

Resipi Pilihan: "Spanish Tapas-Inspired Mussels"

When you think "mussels" you may not instantly think "chickpeas," but the two are joined in tasteful union in this delicious, bistro-style dish. You'll want some crusty bread to sop up the sauce.

Recipe Nutrition

Per serving: 370 calories; 10 g fat (2 g saturated fat, 5 g mono unsaturated fat); 48 mg cholesterol; 39 g carbohydrates; 27 g protein; 7 g fiber; 619 mg sodium; 730 mg potassium Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin C (130% daily value), Vitamin A (50% dv), Iron (45% dv), Folate (36% dv), Potassium (21% dv).

ingredients

• 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 8-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed (3/4 cup)
• 8 cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 4-ounce jar chopped pimientos, rinsed
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• Pinch of saffron
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth or reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 1/4 cup dry sherry
• 2 pounds mussels, scrubbed and debearded (see Tip)

directions

1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add chickpeas, tomatoes, onion, garlic and pimentos. Cook, stirring frequently, until softened, 6 to 8 minutes.
3. Stir in oregano, pepper and saffron. Cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
4. Pour in broth and sherry, stirring to scrape up any browned bits. Bring to a simmer.
5. Add mussels and stir to combine. Return to a simmer. Cover, reduce heat and simmer until the mussels open, 6 to 8 minutes. Stir; discard any unopened mussels before serving.
6. Tip: To debeard a mussel, hold the mussel in one hand. Firmly pull out the black fibrous "beard" from the shell.

Resipi Pilihan: "Salmon au Poivre"

A dream dinner, ready in 25 minutes, is accomplished by simply cooking salmon, then serving it on a bed of greens with strawberries. Experiment with other fish or even grilled chicken in this entree to build a repertoire of super-fast, super-nutritious meals.

ingredients

• 4 6-oz. salmon fillets, skin removed
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 2 to 3 tsp. cracked black pepper
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 5- or 6-oz. pkg. torn mixed salad greens
• 1 cup halved fresh strawberries
• 1/4 cup bottled balsamic vinaigrette salad dressing
• 2 Tbsp. honey

directions

1. Sprinkle salmon fillets with salt. Lightly coat each side of salmon with cracked black pepper. In a large skillet cook salmon for 1 minute in hot oil. Turn salmon over; carefully add chicken broth. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes or until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
2. Meanwhile, divide salad greens and strawberries among 4 plates. Drizzle greens with vinaigrette salad dressing. Remove salmon from cooking liquid and place on greens; drizzle salmon with honey.

Resipi Pilihan: "Grilled Chicken with White Barbecue Sauce"

Ingredients
1 Tbsp. dried thyme
1 Tbsp. dried oregano
1 Tbsp. ground cumin
1 Tbsp paprika
1 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
10 skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs (about 3 lb.)
White Barbecue Sauce

White Barbecue Sauce
Stir together 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise, 1/4 cup white wine vinegar, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 Tbsp. coarse ground pepper, 1 Tbsp. spicy brown mustard, 1 tsp. sugar, 1 tsp. salt, and 2 tsp. horseradish until blended. Cover and chill 2 to 4 hours. Store in an airtight container up to 1 week.

Preparation
Combine first 7 ingredients until blended. Rinse chicken, and pat dry; rub seasoning mixture over chicken. Place chicken in a zip-top plastic freezer bag. Seal and chill 4 hours.

Preheat grill to 350° to 400° (medium-high) heat. Remove chicken from bag, discarding bag.

Grill chicken, covered with grill lid, 8 to 10 minutes on each side or until a meat thermometer inserted into thickest portion registers 180°. Serve with White Barbecue Sauce.

Relax! Its your first pregnancy

Are you excited to have your first baby? As a mother, you’re responsible for preparing yourself and the baby’s need for birth. Being pregnant is stressful to the mother. You become moody and irritated. You fear about giving birth. You ask so many questions to your doctor, family, and friends about pregnancy.

Physical changes occur to a pregnant woman. You gain weight and you usually experience fatigue and pain that can cause too much stress. The best way to do is to implement comfort in your daily activities to prevent pre-mature birth and to keep your baby healthy.

Physical and mental changes are not the only stressors when it comes to pregnancy. Financial need and education are also factors of stress to pregnant women. With less income, you are problematic about your hospital expenses, your needs like vitamins and milk, and your baby’s future.

Anxiety in Early Pregnancy

According to researchers, women who undergo anxiety in the early stages of pregnancy and hyperactive children ages 8 to 9 has similarities. This shows that severe anxiety experienced by the mother on the early stages of pregnancy can affect the baby’s mental health and has a great percentage of experiencing emotional disorders as he/she grows old.

The fetus inside the mother’s womb will also feel what the mother feels. So if the mother’s heart rate increases, the fetal heart rate also rises. The fetal development is a crucial stage during pregnancy. Emotional health by the mother will likely affect her baby. As much as possible, mothers should avoid severe stress.

To avoid high risk pregnancies, maintain a healthy lifestyle by taking nutritious food, drinking plenty of water, enough rest and sleep, exercise, and intake of supplements for the baby and mother.

Facts about Pregnancy and Stress

Women are able to surpass stress because of support systems like family, friends, and the health care team. Researchers believe that long period of stress in the early stages of pregnancy are likely to cause psychological effects in the baby than stress experienced in the late stages of pregnancy.

Traumatic events like loss of a loved one and serious personal problems are considered as major stressors to pregnancy. Other risk factors include your weight, age, and pre-existing health conditions.

How to Fight Stress

Our body’s system should fight against stress. The key to control stress is based from our lifestyle. One of the most important aspects of a healthy pregnancy is having the right diet. The baby consumes what you eat. Nutrients from your body will be used by the fetus for development. Take note that eating too much can’t be tolerated because you might be overweight- a factor for high risk pregnancy.

Are you used to smoking and drinking? These vices are very dangerous to the health of the unborn child. Too much consumption of alcohol might cause birth defects or pre-mature birth. Another way to avoid stress is limit traveling. Pregnant women usually are exhausted when traveling. Focus more on relaxation and getting enough rest and sleep.

Don’t forget to have a weekly check-up with your gynecologist. They know what is best and they require you to take laboratory tests for early detection of UTI (Urinary Tract Infection), anemia, gestational diabetes, and other pregnancy related conditions.

Share What you Feel

During times of distress, your family and friends are always there to comfort you. Stress in pregnancy is crucial to the mother. Have someone to talk to. Share your problems, concerns and feelings. You will surely feel relieved after sharing your concerns. Instead of worrying too much about your baby, divert your attention to other activities like reading a book, breathing exercises, or pregnancy classes.

[source: healthy-lifestyle; dedicated to my luvly fren who jst knew dat she's pregnant! congrats Sara]

Kisah di bulan Syawal [Suka & Duka] - Part 1

Salam aidilfitri semua, masuk hari yg ke-4 seluruh umat Islam meraikan kemenangan setelah sebulan berpuasa. 4 hari terakhir Ramadan aku upset sgt, tk dpt berpuasa lg, aduyai..ckp 10 hari thn ni kena ganti puasa [letih!]. Ada yg menangisi kepergian bulan Ramadan yg mulia (cukupkah doa & ibadah2 tmbhn ku? adakah aku telah menemui mlm lailatulqadar yg ku tunggu2? masih ada kesempatan utkku bertemu Ramadan thn hdpn? = Ya Allah, hanya padaMu ku berserah, aku hnya mampu berusaha & berdoa. Semoga sgala doa yg ku pohon diterima olehMu ya Allah. Aku mohon agar Kau ampuni dosa2ku ya Allah, di atas sgala khilafku & prbuatan yg tidak baik selama ini trhadap kedua ibubapaku, adik bradik ku, seluruh ahli keluargaku dan sahabat2ku.. Sesungguhnya aku manusia yg berdosa, selalu lalai & terlupa atau sengaja meninggalkn kewajipan ku sbg seorg muslimah briman & bribadah kpdMu, terimalah taubatku dan ampunilah segala dosa2ku ya Allah...amin ya rob.)

1 Syawal; seawal jam 4pagi aku trbangun, senyap je kt dapur, mak dh settle masak ke? alamak...sayur blom potong nk masak lodeh, haru biru betol aku. Kelam kabut bangun terus pi dapur. Aiks! itu ayam kari blom masakla...aduyai. Jengah bilik mom, tdo rupanya. penat kot..tkpela. kalau tk bngun jgk, trpksala I masak (mcm teror konon, stalkat jd assistant Chef ok la..hhehehe). Semasa azan subuh brkumandang barulah mom bangun n along balik dr kedai jahitnya. I dh sempat potong2 smua sayur n bahan2 nk masak pagi tiu, menu Kari ayam, lodeh n smbal kcg. Alhmdulillah nearly 7.30am smua settle, cepat kan? Tgh bz kt dapur tetiba fon aku brbunyi. Kak Long ila' call,"aku nk britau, alang zaini msuk hspital - HSA, salur pembuluh darah besar ke jantungnya pecah." Ya Allah, anjat boboi... Terus nbilang mom, lps ziarah kubur n umh Pak Anjang, kita terus ke HSA ya mom. Angah tk sedap ati la... Then I call hfon pak lang (dgn hrpn dpt bual2 dgn dia) hampa...alfie anaknya yg jwb. Bila ditnya keadaan ayahnya; "mcm tu la kak, tk tau la nk wat apa lg". Nasihatku padanya, jgn tinggalkn ayah, duduk brsama2 dia beri semangat, baca yassin, doakn smoga dia cepat sembuh ya dik.
Spt biasa tiap2 tahun, kami sekeluarga akan menziarahi pusara arwah ahli keluarga yg telah pergi meninggalkn kami (dad, Tok Abah, Nenek, Mokteh, Yayi). Kemudian pasti akan menziarahi rumah peninggalan arwah Tok Abah di Taib Andak. Kbetulan semasa di pusara arwah dad, adik2 dad dtg jugak [mak itam, mak dik & mummy wit their family]. Ramai yg menoleh tgk, ramai btul sdara mara kami..hehe. Akhirnya kami brkonvoi ke umah Tok Abah. Sempat sms mak anjang & call umh - 5 families are coming thru! Seketika riuhla rumah arwah Tok Abah dgn suara anak2nya & cucu2nya. Me as 2nd eldest cousins, sronok tgk kazen2 yg kecik2. Dgn beberapa duit raya [dgn bajet ala kadar, ini saja yg I trmampu] diedarkn pd smua kazens. Sapa cepat, dia dptla. Kalau kehabisan, sorryla ya sapa yg lmbt trjumpa di hari raya. Dlm kami nk beredar ke umah atok, I dpt call lg dr kak long ila'"babe, alang zaini dh meninggal" innalillah... Jom kita terus ke Sri Pulai. Kalau ke hospital, tkde gunanya, jalan pasti jem. Kami sekeluarga terus ke umah Pak Lang (nearby je dgn umah sewa me). Rasa menyesal pun ada tk jumpa dia di bln Ramadan lps..hurmmm. Redha saja la. Allah lebih sygknnya.. Even Pak Lang ni cuma cousin my mom, tapi kami mmg rapat. Agaknya dr kecil dulu kami diajar supaya menghormati, menyayngi & menziarahi sesama kita. Thanks to both our moyang. Alhamdulillah, jenazah smpai di rumah dlm 5.15ptg, telah dimndikn & dikafankn oleh pihak hospital. Keluarga & rakan2 berkesempatan melakukn solat jenazah sbg penghormatan terakhir. Ramai saudara mzra, rakan taulan hadir. Alhamdulillah cuaca kembali tenang setelah hujan lebat, kilat & petir sejak tghri. Cuma rintik2 hujan mengiringi jenazah ke pusara. Sedih hati tgk mak lang meraung n lemah, aku peluk n pujuk dia, mak lamg tk payahla ke kubur. Ya Allah, kasihanilah keluarga ini, berilah kekuatan n tenangkan hati2 mereka supaya redha atas apa yg mereka hadapi skrg..

[lmbt post wpun dh lama mengarang. bz braya...huhu]