My photos gallery

With celebrities

Hahahaha just wanna show off...............who cares?!!!!







Lim Swee Tin, a well known poet in Malaysia.









Mr Yusnor Ef, is a well known personality amongst the Malay community










S M Salim, singer and master of malay traditional song.










Jorah Ahmad, all time favourite actress.










Singer/actress Uji Rashid and her actor son Cico.









Republic of Singapore First Lady, Mrs S R Nathan

Is Motherhood Boring?

By: Dr James Dobson

When I hear someone comment that being a mother and homemaker is boring, I have a simple response: You're right!

The truth is, almost any occupation you can name - from a telephone operator to a medical pathologist, an attorney or dentist - involves a long hours of tedious activity.

Few of us enjoy heart-thumping excitement each moment of our professional lives. I once stayed in a hotel room right next to the room of a famous cellist that was performing in a classical concert that evening. I could hear him through the walls as he practised hour after hour. He didn't play beautiful symphonic renditions; he repeated scales, runs and exercises, over and over and over. Believe me! This practice began early in the morning and continued until the time of his concert. As he strolled onto the stage that night, I'm sure many in the audience thought to themselves, "What a glamorous life!" Some glamour! I happen to know he spent the entire day in his lonely hotel room in the company of his cello.

No, I doubt that the job of being a mother and homemaker is more boring than most other jobs, particularly if a woman refuses to be isolated from adult contact. But regarding the importance of the assignment, no job can compete with the satisfaction of shaping and moulding, and guiding a new human being.

Tim and Christine Burke

By: Dr James Dobson

What would you be willing to give up for your family?

Your hopes, your dreams, your career, your bank account?

Well, I know a man who gave up all of that and more.

In 1985, Tim Burke saw his boyhood baseball dream come true the day he signed on to pitch for the Montreal Expos. After four years in the minors, he was finally going to get a chance to play in the big leagues. And he quickly proved to be worth his salt, setting an all-time record for most relief appearances by a rookie player. But along the way, Tim and his wife, Christine, had adopted four children with very special needs - two daughters from South Korea, a handicapped son from Guatemala, and another son from Vietnam. All the children were born with very serious illnesses or defects. Neither Tim nor Christine were prepared for the tremendous demands such a family would bring. And with gruelling schedule of major-league baseball, Tim was seldom around to help. So in 1993, only three months after signing a $600,000 contract with the Cincinnati Reds, he decided to retire. When pressed by reporters to explain this unbelievable decision, he simply said, "Baseball is going to to do just fine without me. But I'm the only father my children have."

Heroes are in short supply these days, but I'm happy to say that I've met one of them.

Families around the dinner table

@ HSBC Tree Top Bridge, Singapore

By: Dr James Dobson

Today, I want to share the findings of an interesting study that was conducted by Dr Blake Bowden of the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Center.

He and his colleagues studied 527 teenagers to learn what family and lifestyle characteristics were related to mental health and adjustment. What they found is that adolescents whose parents ate dinner with them five times per week or more were the least likely to be on drugs, to be depressed or to be in trouble with the law. They were more likely to be doing well in school and to be surrounded by a supportive circle of friends. And the benefit was seen even for families that didn't eat together at home. Those who met at fast-food restaurants had the same result. By contrast, the more poorly adjusted teens had parents who ate with them only three evenings per week or less. Now, what do these findings mean? Is there something magic about sitting down together over a meal? No. And those parents who believe that are in for a disappointment. What Bowden's study shows is that family relationships are critically important to the well-being of adolescents. When parents have time for their kids, when they get together almost every day for conversation and interaction - in this case, while eating - then their teens do much better at school and in life.

Study after study has emphasised the same message : Families are critically important to the well-being of children.

Baba's Bday

My beloved hubby's 52nd birthday...... again all times favourites Pulut Kuning...Yum yummmyyyy!!!!!!

Norzlan a.k.a. Ah Boy

This is the boy who used to write his name as : Norzlan Bin Awara. He is every mother's dream boy. Now, he is a father who will be proud to have his name appear in his junior's name : Harris Bin Norzlan

Oh Allah please guide him to be the best father a father can be and led a prosperous and healthy life with his loved ones. Amin

A Bunch of Lovely Kids

A Cure For Underachievement
By Dr James Dobson

One of the most troubling of all problems with children is underachievement in school, where a child refuses to use his or her potential. While there's no simple solution to this laid-back response, there are some approaches that may help.

It's true that some underachievement is linked to temperament, learning difficulties, or slow physical development. These are tough problems to resolve. In other cases, the difficulty could simply be a lack of incentive. We human beings are designed to respond to rewards - if there's no payoff for our efforts, we tend to become demoralised and lose interest. This is especially true of children. Underachievers often see no good reason to work and sweat over their books, and we have to give them one. A payoff doesn't have to be money or gifts. In fact, it's probably better if it isn't. A much more effective reward for motivating some children is social reinforcement - a fancy term for simple love and affirmation.

Children want to feel appreciated, and they want to hear compliments, especially if they're true. In fact, some kids will sustain any sort of grind, to hear a parent say, "I think you're the greatest." But when this sort of reinforcement is missing, an unmotivated young student may lack the drive to achieve his or her potential.

My Beloved Family

My Beloved Family!

Raffles Place MRT

11th November 2006, a day that bought smile and a sense of gratitude.

Lunch break from my Shiatsu massage course, I headed to Banquet for lunch but alone, as I prefer to be by myself during this hour. After burpp ....window shopping and ....oh! Charles & Keith! Walk in and out with a pair of shoe for my little mermaid. While in that shop, I strick-up a conversation with a customer lady when comtemplated to choose her pair colour.

Oh No! it is raining cats and dogs now! Have yet to conclude what action to be taken, a young lady asked me 'Kak, you want to go MRT?' I just nodded my head and she stretched out a long umbrella to me. She seemed to read my expression and said 'Never mind, I give you' and hurriedly walked off. Who ever she is, may she be well-liked by everybody and if you happened to read this, a big thank you for your umbrella.

In that split seconds, a man volunteered to show me the way to MRT without getting wet. He made sure that I got my way right that he rushed to me again when I decided to make a detour to the mosque. Whoever he is, I wish him all the best and may he too be well-liked by everybody and be a guidance to the lost.

Ever smiling

Raihanah's maths tutor Mr Gideon Oh, the ever smiling guy......

Birthday Yummy!

My Little Mermaid's birthday.....? what's that?

hahaha that's her favourite pulut kuning

This is my birthday cake....courtesy of my hubby and daughter.

Freshly baked from Mrs Field.

Slow and Sure

By Dr James Dobson.

Teaching Independence - Slow and Sure

How does a child learn to handle freedom and independecne? It takes a precise, calculated effort by his parents. Teaching your child to deal responsibly with independence and freedom is like letting him down from a high window with a rope. You do it little by little, slowly, deliberately, hand over hand. If you let the rope out all at once, he may plunge to the ground in a disastrous tumble.

I remember a test of my own independence when I was 17. My parents were going on a two-week trip and they left me behind with the family car and permission to have some school buddies over to stay at our house.

I behaved responsibly while my folk were gone, but I always wondered why my mother took that risk. When I asked her about it years later, she just smiled and said: "Because I knew in one year you would be leaving for university, where you would have complete freedom and no one watching over you. I wanted to expose you to that independence while you were still under my influence." My mother exemplified an important child-rearing principle. She prepared me for independence.

If you have children, let them test the waters of freedom as they're growing up, rather than thrusting them into total independence all at once. Then, when they're on their own and completely free, they'll know how to handle it responsibly and wisely.

Teaching failure to children

By: Dr James Dobson

One of the best ways to show your children how to succeed may just be to teach them how to fail.

It's not news to anyone that youngsters mimic the behaviour of their parents. And since parents are being watched, they obviously need to be careful about what their children see. This is especially true when it comes to handling failure and disappointment. Do we set ourselves up as models of perfection that never fall short of our goals? Or are we able to say to our kids: "I'm sorry - I really blew it this time."

If we miss out on something that we really wanted - say, a new job - do we mask our feelings by offering phony excuses, or do we simply say: "Apparently the bosses throught Mr. Lim would be better suited for the job."

Our children must see that Mum and Dad can admit their failure and their shortocmings, and that the world won't end because they did.

Some of the greatest times of growth between parents and children can occur when youngsters see Mum and Dad not get what they're going after, and still feel alright about themselves and each other. It tells them that winning isn't always normal or possible, and that even when you fail, life goes on. Teaching our kids to win and succeed is a noble thing. But teaching them to handle frustration and failure may be just as important.

Raihanah a.k.a. Little Mermaid

My Little Mermaid blooming ..........

I love what i am doing!

I am just doing what i think i like to do. I did not ask for credit or whatsoever from anybody. I just love doing it!! I did it without expecting to be acknowledged, as i take it as part of my work. So, why should i inform anybody of what i am doing in the class?

Why? why? why?

Today I am supposed to be on leave, but due to coming school's concert, and i as a 'runner' i felt that i have an obligation to perfom my duty which i had committed. Is that something wrong to do? Why must they felt that i am trying to 'sa ka'? I enjoyed what i am doing, am not trying to hurt anybody in any way or whatsoever. It is just me doing the job, not them! I just cant understand these people. To heck with them!!

National Day 2006

My first National Day Observance Ceremony since I left school....hahaha what a loyal citizen!

Moulana Mohamed Ali Mosque

As stated earlier, this is the mosque which I came across at Raffles Place's vicinity.

She is a lady....

How time flies....she is a lady now. May Allah shower her with all the love in this world and may happiness be her constant companion. Baba and Mummy will always love you

My Little Mermaid

My very first school.

Raihanah first school in Nursery till Kindergarten 2

Isn't she cute??

Eunos Primary

Eunos Primary, Eunos Primary, together we endeavour!

Cedar Girls'

Something to remember after making her identity card!!!

Meridian Junior College

My Little Mermaid in Meridian Junior College.

She's my girl!!

A Level

Today 2nd November 2006, my daughter's first paper for GCE 'A' Level General Paper.
Oh Allah, please help her to overcome any difficulties which she may face during the examination. As no other sources which is greater than you to grant my wishes. Amin!

No, No, No, YES!

By Dr James Dobson.

"No, you can't go out.
No, you can't have a cookie.
No, you can't use the telephone.
And no, you can't go to Susie's house!"
No, no, no, no.
How many times each day do we use that small, but powerful word with our children?
As parents we could say "yes" to most routine requests made by our kids. But we often choose, almost automatically, to respond in the negative.

Why?
1) Because we don't want to take the time to stop and think about the consequences;
2) because the activity could cause us more work or physical effort;
3) because there might be danger in the request; and
4) because we know our children ask a thousand favours every day and it's just
more convenient to refuse them all.

It's true that every child needs to be acquainted with denial of some of his more extravagant wishes, but we must not fall into the habit of turning down reasonable requests from our kids. There are just so many "no's" in life, that we should say "yes" whenever we can.

And it's good to ask ourselves every once in a while:
1) How do my children view me?
2) As an oppressive judge and jury?
3) As a demanding boss?
4) Or do they think of me as a loving parent, who is, above all else, fair and just in our daily
interaction?

One way to build a healthy relationship is to say "yes" unless there is a very good reason to do otherwise.

Tok Ayah's Bday

Hahaha i admit that i am meannnnn!!!!!! Sorry!!

Hari Raya Celebration.

Three generations, grandmother, mother and daughter during Hari Raya Puasa 24th October 2006.

Hari Raya Eidul Fitri

A pose to remember on Hari Raya Puasa.

Anna and her grandmother Nani Jan.

Three Things That Made Me Happy Today

1) Going for my shiatsu Massage at Raffles Place.
2) Found an underground mosque at Raffles Place, gonna take a pic one day!
3) Being interviewed by NTU students on 'Yellow Ribbon Project'

Canberra North Zone One Retreat

My very first retreat and enjoying it very much.

Anna & Her Kakis

Made me smile by looking at their cheery faces. Love all of them!!

Three Things Made Me Happy

1) My daughter said 'Thank you' when I helped her to read her
biology text.
2) Watched 'How to bake Cheese Cake' one of my family
favourites.
3) Having late dinner with my beloved hubby and daughter -
Berbuka Puasa

Those were the days

Those were the days my friend.
We thought they'd never end.
We'd sing and dance forever and a day.
We'd live the life we choose.
We'd fight and never lose.
For we were young and sure to have our way.La la la la...
Those were the days, oh yes those were the days.

My Linked Name in Photoshop

Trying to show off... for my own satisfaction. A knowledge which I acquire via internet.....hemmmm pretty handy and it is FREE. I go crazy with all the sample works and gonna try more soon!

Cup of Tea

By Dr James Dobson

Have you noticed that children sometimes try to be helpful, but it only makes your life more complicated?

I heard a story about a mother who was sick in bed with the flu. Her darling daughter wanted so much to be the good nurse. She fluffed the pillows and she brought a magazine to read. Then she even showed up with a surprise cup of tea.

"Why, you're such a sweetheart," the mother said as she drank the tea. "I didn't know you even knew how to make tea."

"Oh, yes," the little girl replied. "I learnt by watching you. I put the tea leaves in the pan and then I put in the water and I boiled it, and then I strained it into a cup. But I couldn't find the strainers, so I used the fly swatter instead."

"You what?!" the mother screamed.

And the little girl said: "Oh, don't worry, Mum, I didn't use the new fly swatter, I used the old one."

When kids try their hardest and get it all wrong in spite of themselves, what's a parent to do? What mothers and fathers often do is prevent their children from carrying out any responsibility that could result in a mess or a mistake. It's just easier to do everything for them than to clean up afterwards. But I urge parents not to fall into that trap. Your child needs his mistakes because that's how he learns. So, go along with the game every now and then, even if the tea you drink tastes a little strange.

The Walleyed Pike

By Dr James Dobson

Let me tell you a story about a walleyed pike, which is a fish, for those of you who aren't fishermen or fisherwomen.

Some interesting experiments have been done in laboratories where the walleye is placed in a big tank of water, and minnows are then put in the tank, which the walleye very quickly consumes. At that point, a large piece of glass is slid down the center of the tank, with the walleye on one side and the minnows on the other. Now the fish swims after the minnows and inevitably hits the glass and bounces back. He makes a U-turn and he tries again, but crashes into the divider again, time after time. Very quickly, the walleye will get discouraged and even quit trying to get the minnows. At that point, the researchers slide the glass out of the tank and let the minnows swim in and around the pike, but he knew what he knew - the minnows couldn't be had. Believe it or not, a walleyed pike will starve to death in a tank filled with the kind of food that he loves best, simply because he's become discouraged in his efforts to feed.

So it is with children who fail in their early school experiences. If their efforts to read, write and compute only bring frustration, some of them just quit trying. And ten years later, they'll drop out of school. That's why early educational intervention is absolutely critical for the child with a learning disability. You have to reach him or her before the paralysis of discouragments sets in.

Words of Kindness

By Dr James Dobson

I remember sitting in my car at a fast-food restaurant eating a hamburger and french fries. When I looked in the rearview mirror, I saw the most pitiful, scrawny, dirty little kitten on a ledge behind my car. I was so touched by how hungry he looked that I got out, tore off a piece of my hamburger and tossed it to him. But before this kitten could reach it, a huge grey tomcat sprang out of the bushes, grabbed the morsel and gobbled it down. I felt so sorry for the little guy who turned and ran back into the shadows, still hungry and frightened.

I was immediately reminded of my years as a secondary school teacher. I saw teenagers every day who were just as needy, just as deprived and just as lost as that little kitten. It wasn't food that they required; it was love, attention and respect and they were desperate for it. And just when they opened up and revealed the pain inside, one of the more popular kids would abuse and ridicule them, and send them scurrying back into the shadows, frightened and alone.

As adults, we must never forget the pain of trying to grow up and the competitive world in which many adolescents live today.

Taking a moment to listen to, care for or direct such a youngster may be the best investment of a lifetime.

What's a Grandmother?

By Dr James Dobson

Some years ago a nine year old girl wrote a wonderful essay called "What is a Grandmother?" and whenever I read it, it reminds me all over again just how perceptive children can be.

This is what the child said:

'A grandmother is a lady who has no children of her own." That's an interesting definition.

"She likes other people's little girls and boys. Grandmothers don't have to do anything except to be there. They're old, so they shouldn't play hard or run. It is enough that they drive us to the market where the pretend horse is and they have lots of coins ready. Or if they take us for walks, they should slow down past things like pretty leaves and caterpillars. And they should never say 'hurry up.' Grandmothers don't talk baby-talk like visitors do because it's hard to understand. When they read to us they don't skip or mind if it's the same old story over again. Everybody should try to have a grandmother; especially if you don't have television, because they are the only prownups who have time."

How's that for sheer wisdowm from the pen of a child? Not only has this young author given us a marvelous picture of a loving grqandmother, but she tells us in a few short words what children are really looking for...an adult who fully recognises the finer things of life.

Battleship and the Lighthouse

By Dr James Dobson

In the official magazine of the Naval Institute, Frank Koch reported on a very unusual encounter at sea.

A battleship was coming in for maneuvers in heavy weather. Shortly after the sun went down, the lookout reported light in the distance, so the Captain had the signalman send a message,

"We're on the collision course. Advise you change your course 20 degrees."

Minutes later a signal came back, "Advisable for you to change your course."

Well, the Captain angrily ordered that another signal be sent, "I am a Captain. Change course 20 degrees."

Again came the reply, "I'm a Seaman Second Class. You'd better change your course."

Furious by this point, the Captain barked a final threat, "I'm a battleship! Change your course!"

The signal came back, "I'm a lighthouse."

The Captain changed his course.

I don't care how big and powerful a person may become, it's foolhardly to ignore the beacons that warn us of danger.

They take various forms: symptons of health problems, prolonged marital conflict, rebellious children, excessive debts, stress that ties us in knots. These are the warning signs of approaching danger.

It matters not that we're successful and influential and busy. A little Seaman Second Class sits in a lighthouse somewhere and signals, "Change your course," and the wise Captain does so with haste.