What I learn from 'King Eddie Hospital' - Ep 2.

Please click here for Episode 1.

KEMH, Perth

July, 2005 & April, 2007.

KEMH Birth suite

Post-delivery: Educate, educate, educate

I remembered waking up looking at the puffy wee baby in the wheeled-cot, smelling beautiful fresh lilies (feeling impressed at the same time because my husband knows my favourite flower), looking at my not-so-big-anymore tummy and feeling very hungry. I buzz the pink button, and there comes Tamara, a familiar face from the Aqua team. She beamed and congratulated me for the long hard work (so she knew what happened the day before). After a quick check of my chart and other things, she said, 'You need to stretch those legs, come for a short walk around the ward, and I'll reward you later'. I was lucky that I was properly dressed, another crucial information given by the midwives during my final pregnancy visit, which were to pack comfortable dark coloured skirts and buttoned blouses to ease breastfeeding process. 

So I hopped (hahah) out of bed, while Tamara pushed the bub, who was sleeping dreamily in the wheeled-cot. She showed me the pantry, where the labels and marker pens were so that I could label my food to put in the fridge, then the 24 hour guarded nursery, where she left my baby there, then back to the pantry, where she grabbed a tray and filled it with an apple, an orange and mango juice popper, another popper of Brownes' fresh milk and a plate of tuna and egg sandwiches, with a small halal sticker on the cling film.'Let's go, and when you feel hungry, just grab anything in the pantry which has no owners, i.e, no stickers attached to food'.

As I sat on the chair in my room to eat, Tamara explained to me a few things (and this is at 4 in the morning!):

1. Since I was on epidural, it was essential to check that my legs were still in order and out of the pain killers, that was why she wanted me to walk.
2. As I walk, there were no gush of 'clean' blood out of my body, it was a good sign because I was in a very very long labour, blood loss might be one of the complications. 
3. I could never leave the baby alone, at any time. If I need to have a shower, or even to the loo, send the baby to the nursery, or buzz the front desk. Though the bub was wearing the security tag (just like the tags on the clothing at Jusco/Parkson, just a little bit smaller), KEMH didn't want to take any risk.
4. If the baby is too cranky, doesn't want to sleep even after feed and nappy change, please send him/her to the nursery, so that I can sleep and have a rest.
5. No formula allowed. Breastfeeding only! No excuses accepted. 
6. Nappies, towels, and mom's pads and baby's clothing will be supplied by KEMH. (Yes, nappies too! High quality ones!)
7. My lunch and dinner will be halal meals, while breakfast, morning and afternoon tea as well as supper will be tea/coffee/milo + fruits +milk+biccies (and weetabix + toast and jam for breakfast). Sandwiches will always be available in the pantry, if needed. 
8. The baby should always be with the mother, that's where he/she should be. 

And at the end of the information absorbing processes, I completed most of the things on the tray! Tamara then gave me a new baby pack gift from King Eddie, as well as 'My Baby Diary'.

Bathing

Another new thing learned in the morning, just after my husband entered the single suite ward, another midwife came with cheery spirit and announced, 'Are you ready to give the baby the first bath, Dad?' Yes, not me, the ummi, but Abi! Then she said that bringing up a child should not be one-sided, both parents should participate actively. Breastfeeding is the most precious way to connect to your newborn, and the other would be during nappy time and bathing. And so, Abi was taught how to bathe the one-day old baby, from testing the water temperature using the elbow till bundling it with a thin blankie. He beamed with pride, the red sticker on his chest, and I'm very proud of him, too!

The sticker 'I bathed the baby' still in the scrapbook!

Both Al Fateh and Alwani's first baths were conducted by Abi, yes, their FIRST. There were still blood in between their fingers and sticky hair! King Eddie's staff educate us to connect, they want the baby to know that they are loved by Abi and Ummi!

Breastfeeding

A breastfeeding officer visits me frequently, to check my techniques, ensuring that it wouldn't be a painful experience and the baby would be full and satisfied. I learn that it's all in the mind, including your milk flow. The officer told me to think positive, send messages to your brain so that the brain will produce enough milk for the baby. It works, even after my third.

A bit of flash back...

Just after giving birth, though super-tired, the midwife in-charge put the baby on my chest. She said, '10 seconds photo session and feeding time.' Huh? Feeding? How? So, snap-snap-snap, then Lorraine, one of the midwives on duty, stood next to my bed and taught me how to feed my baby, for the first time in my life! It was a magical experience, subhanallah!

After the baby (we didn't have a name yet at that point) was contented and detached himself,  Lorraine told my husband to perform any religious ritual before she started her routine check-up. While my husband recited the azan, she served all three of us a cup of hot chocolate! We didn't expect such courteous and fantastic understanding from King Eddie's staff, but masha Allah, they deserve proper recognition for that.

Before Mak and my husband left for home, they sent me to my suite. In hand, Lorraine had a plastic container, similar to the 1L ice cream tub; she then asked my husband to sign some papers and handed him the tub. In it, cleaned placenta (uri). Mak said, Al Fateh and Alwani's placentas were the easiest to clean since the hospital had done a great job, in a great sealed package, too!

A snap from Alwani's baby scrapbook. Just above Al Fateh's head was the sink where my husband bathe Alwani for the first time. The family photo was taken in Room 28, King Eddie's.

Thank you King Eddie staff, especially the midwives of Aqua team who have been educating us, young parents, with beautiful new knowledge using fantastic gracious methods. I applaud you!

What I learn from 'King Eddie Hospital' - Ep 1.

April, 2005.

Perth.

I was sent by Dr Bong (our GP) to do a thorough check-up of my pregnancy since the papers and data from Malaysia was insufficient. That was the first time when my husband and I entered King Edward Memorial Hospital For Women (KEMH), or better known as King Eddie Hospital. It was my 32nd week of my first pregnancy and I was truly amazed with the 3D ultrasound, especially when we could actually see the exact features of the baby in the womb a.k.a Muhammad Al Fateh about 10 weeks later (yes, he was born 11 days later then the EDD). 

Al Fateh, seconds after he was born at 25.7.2005, KEMH, Subiaco.

Pro Professionals.

It was not just the machine that I was impressed with, but also the warm attitude and professionalism that the radiologist  portrayed to us. It was the first time when someone explained to me that the procedure would be a little bit uncomfortable since the ultrasound gel was cold and she'd be wiggling the ultrasound torch on my protruding tummy (most Malaysians GPs that I met just slap the gel and the torch and do their work, silently.) Well frankly, it was not uncomfortable at all, especially when the flat screen TV monitor above us was showing a movie show, starring our unborn hero in the tummy! She guided us all the way, showing us the spine, all the different bones, labeling them with colorful tags; asking us whether did we know/ do we want to know whether would it be a prince or a princess. All these small gestures helped both of us experiencing beautiful little steps in our journey to become young parents. 

What I learn from her was that I must do my job well, enjoy doing it and ensure that my customer is fully satisfied. That's trust (amanah) in your job.

Patience & Passionate

 

All patients were taken care by midwives and the midwives were divided into groups. I was in the hand of the midwives of Aqua group. At first, I was not sure what difference does it make but after experiencing hard-long-painful-uncomfortable-15 hours labor, with contractions every 2-3 minutes, I do realise that meeting the familiar faces that you meet during your pregnancy as well as the same faces in the labour suite do help you to be calmer and more confident since you know that you're in good hands.   

During the whole birth experience, there would always be a midwife in the room, taking care of us (my husband and myself, Mak came in around 2 hours before the birth of Al Fateh & Alwani). Yes, there were many of us in the room, but it's not cramp because the suite is HUGE with linked shower & toilet! It was easy for us the perform our solah and they even supply Halal food for us. When one of the wild contractions came while my husband performed his prayers, the midwife would be ready with her fancy massages which worked wonders to the aching back, offered me fresh hot water bottle and taught me ways to dilate faster using the big gym ball, sat with me on the chair, telling stories of her family and experiences. I was just fascinated with their passion and patience, like I was too special to be alone during the pain. I must salute their warm professional work etiquette. Triple salute!

Remember I told you that my first labor was a long one? Guess what, Alwani's was long too, 13-hours, shorter by two hours though from Al Fateh's. (So lassies, if some say that the 2nd labour will be easier for all, it's a myth!!) But during both labours, I was not being 'pushed' to give birth as soon as I could. The patience that they have made me feel comfortable and not being rushed, which was super! Though both were long labours, since I always got stuck at 3cm for 5-6 hours, they waited for me to dilate (normally). When a shift were near the end, the hand-over the case process was clear and informed. As I said, the faces were familiar since I've seen them during my pregnancy check-ups, but still, the introduce themselves (again) very well, and the midwife leaving would whisper her good luck wishes to my Mak, my husband and myself. I experienced a full circle shift during Al Fateh's labour, because we checked in and delivered during Lorraine's shift, after 5 shift changes! On the other hand, Alwani was delivered by RMW Eve, who's originally from Aviemore, Scotland, another full circle!

From Aqua Team, Registered Midwife (RMW) Eve,
with  bluish-purplish-pinkish Alwani on 16.4.2007.

 And Alhamdulillah, the results were, I didn't suffer from any tear. Furthermore, their soothing encouragement on how to breathe, demonstrating the correct techniques while I was doing 'it', and giving clear instructions to my husband and Mak on how to help were fantastic in making the birth experiences phenomenal. This was when Mak asked both of us to be grateful to Him for the rare experiences, having passionate professionals working with me through the incredible pain. Alhamdulillah.

Why can't us Muslims be like that?

On another note, HAPPY 67th BIRTHDAY MAK! Thank you for being with both of us during our two labours in King Eddie. WE LOVE YOU!

                                                              

 

What I learn from 'a 90 year old lady'.

I received an email from Uncle Aziz this morning. I learn alot from it.

----------------------------------
Written by a 90 year old, Regina Brett of the Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio .  

"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:  

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.  
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.  
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.  
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.  
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.  
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.  
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.  
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.  
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.  
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.  
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.  
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.  
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.  
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.  
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.  
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.  
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.  
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.  
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.  
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.  
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.  
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.  
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.  
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.  
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.  
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'  
27. Always choose life.  
28. Forgive everyone everything.  
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.  
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.  
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.  
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.  
33. Believe in miracles.  
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.  
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.  
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.  
37. Your children get only one childhood.  
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.  
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.  
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.  
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.  
42. The best is yet to come...  
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.  
44. Yield.  
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

I agree.

What I learn from 'Newsweek ranking'.

TV3 newscaster was beaming proudly as he announced that Malaysia sits at the 37th spot of the best countries in the world, and 3rd in Asia after Japan (9) and Singapore (20). The ranking was based on five set criteria - education, health, quality of life, economic dynamism and political environment.

Number 37, not bad I reckon, but after looking at the list again, I started to ponder; living in Israel (22) is better than Malaysia? Where Hamas' bombs and rockets will explode on you anytime? I'm not so sure.

So, what I learn from the Newsweek ranking is ultimately, be greatful to Allah's blessings - wherever we are. Saudi Arabia is at number 64, but it does consist of Mekah and Madinah. So, is Italy (23) the home to Pope is better than Tanah Haram (the holy land)? Our choice and judgment do depend on our values - all the time, everytime. I might think the handmade beads that I sew on Alwani's dress is fantabulous, but others might think it's horrendous! So, don't be offended when others say negative things, remember this: they have different values than us.

Another point that I learn from this is that though we are at a good spot, reflection is needed. Let me ask you a question. Are we really better than Pakistan(89)? Though our spot in the Newsweek ranking is way better than them, at least, babies in Pakistan perished because of the aftermath of the raging big flood, not because people dumping newborn babies as if they were discarded thrash in the sewage, river or drains.

Yes, the Pakistanis are scrambling for food crumbs since they do not have animals to slaughter for food; but even with the abundance of food here, especially in the Ramadhan bazaar, a father actually slaughtered his own 3 year old son, for whatever reason. Ironic, isn't it just ironic? The main point learned here is that, as parents, it's essential to educate Islamic knowledge to our children and live our lives according to the Quran and sunnah as best as we can. Lead by example. Don't leave it all up to the teachers at school to teach them all, please...

I personally agree with the closing note in the Newsweek article, "There are plenty of different ways to look at it".. and the above are just the quick samples. Hence, wherever we are, urge ourselves to seek positive perspectives of looking at life. Insha Allah, we will always be contented, though we are in Burkina Faso (100).

Wallahu'alam.

What I learn from 'Al Fateh: Tadika Mindaku Experience'.

Since my husband is undergoing a course in Taiwan, the kids and I are going to spend a good length of time in Seremban. Thus, we decided that it's wise to find Al Fateh a kindy for him to continue his routine, such in Kuala Terengganu. Alhamdulillah, Ampangan, Seremban offers alot of private kindergartens and after surveying a few, my Mak and I are satisfied with Tadika Mindaku, situated 2 minutes away from my parents' place in Seremban.

What I learn is, as parents, we need to survey the kindy or schools before registering our child(ren). This is because, I had another kindy in mind, but I was pretty surprised to discover that at this particular kindy (during our survey time), the staff were bathing the children (without any single string on the body) at the front tap of the kindy's entrance. I don't think I'll allow my Al Fateh to make a 'free-show', thanks, but no thanks. Hence, making sure that they have proper teachers, syllabus and certified by Social Welfare Department are crucial. In addition, Mom's instincts always work best.

Changing schools is hard, especially for a 5-year old boy. Different atmosphere, new teacher and friends, new routines, new language (Ganu vs Nogoghi... =p), hence, we as parents need to prep his mind set early. We reminded him gently about this move 2 weeks before he left Tadika Nurfa UMT, in Kuala Terengganu. At first, he was agitated, but reasoning with the child and enforcing positive thinking and new fantastic experience helped. He did look forward for the move.

Another aspect that I learn is pre-consultation with Al Fateh's future teacher. I use this meeting to tell Teacher Aishah and Teacher Marilynn on what to expect from Al Fateh, academically and behaviour-wise. I brought evidence of his work from previous school. Why? This is to give the teacher the idea on what work he has/hasn't done, hoping that Al Fateh wouldn't be shocked with a work which could be too hard or complicated, especially on his first few days at school (if it's too easy, it wouldn't matter much). I don't want him to be embarassed in front of his new friends and chicken-out from the entire activities at school, because of my lack of sensivity. And I must admit that Tadika Mindaku teachers are very alert and sensitive on this. A big thank you!

For the first few days at school, I gave Al Fateh some simple tasks daily. Most lingers around the new people and surroundings. After school each day, I'd asked him the tasks questions. He enjoyed (and still enjoy) this sessions. The simple tasks were;

• Remember the name(s) of your teacher;
• Remember 2 friends' names; 
• What did you learn at school today?
• Is there any interesting lesson at school that you can teach adik-adik (the siblings)?
• Compare and contrast with Tadika Nurfa.
• Any interesting 'drama' at school?

Another point that I learn is, the issue of uniform. Though the teacher advised me not to buy the uniform, since he has missed half of the year, I insist on buying him one. The bigger issue behind wearing a uniform is unity. I want Al Fateh to feel belonged. To have him feel 'I'm one of them' and not feeling left out worth more than the RM25 uniform.

Lastly, in regards of post-weekend syndrome. Al Fateh has a BIG issue on not wanting to go to school on Monday (or Sunday in Terengganu). I need to understand that children have Monday Blues, too! Though it's hard not to push him to stop whining and get ready quickly (or both of us will be late), I need to control myself from being extra-pushy and super-angry, since this will make him hate school (and Ummi, too). I try my very best to be firm, and so far, I never give him leeway to miss school.

When the camera is good to take photos, I'll upload some photos of Al Fateh in his pink-maroon uniform, insha Allah.

Toodles for now!

What Iearn from 'Pre-Hajj Preparation'.

Since recieving our waiting list letter from Tabung Haji for Hajj this year, both my husband and I have started reading books as well as asking friends and family members whom are Haji and Hajjah in order to prepare ourselves for this big event in our lives. Talking to those who have performed Hajj is wonderful since they can give a wonderful recount of their experiences and tips of dos and donts.

Tonnes of theoretical books on Hajj readily available on shelves; but one that caught my attention was in Bahasa Malaysia, entitled Haji Muda (Young Hajj) by Ridzwan Bakar. His writing is casual and practical. Masha Allah, I learned alot from him.

Many advise us to mentally and physically prepare ourselves for Hajj, in order to obtain optimum worshipping (ibadah) experience that will give high impact in our lives.

What I learn from my readings and private chats is firstly, have a mental picture on what you are going to do and where is it going to be done. I did a sketch on movements of activities, from home-to-home. It helps to give me some clues of what should be done. I've only been to Mekah and Madinah for Umrah but not for Hajj. Understanding the terms Haji Ifrad and Haji Tamattuk in practical ways will make our sketch differs. Since for now, we're still in the waiting list and wouldn't know about flight details till the 3rd week of Ramadhan, I have 2 sketches of movements of activities, but we really hope that we can manage to perform Haji Ifrad, insha Allah. (I will try to upload the sketches once I have sorted the non-charger issue of my camera, insha Allah)

Secondly, what I learn is to make a compilation of prayers (du'a) to be learned and recited during Hajj (or wherever you are). Since we have ample time to think of what to ask from Him now, find those prayers, preferably in Arabic with Malay (or other) translation for full comprehension of what we asked for and more in depth feeling when we ask directly from Him.

I compile the prayers and put it all in one, single book in order for me to manage them easily. For practical reasons, I dont think it would be convenient to open 3-4 books in the mosque (or even at home, too), so I literally cut and paste (and sticky tape) the du'as onto one book. I also inserted the prayers recited after all the sunnah prayers, i.e, Tahajjud, Tawbat, Hajaat, Ishraaq, Dhuha, Witr, Istikharah; (since I don't memorise any of them!).

The other du'as comprises all, from broad hopes of mine to teeny weeny wishes and dream that I want to ask from Him. I list them all, and I mean everything that I want to ask. When it's on paper, I find that my prayers are more concentrated, since I didnt have to sit and think hard to recall of other du'as to recite (I have this problem of think and think of more du'as while my palms are still at par with my chest!!)

Compiling is an issue, but practice reciting them is another. I find it useful to go through my 'compilation of du'as' book to ensure that I'm fluent in reading the Arabic verses of the prayers. These Ramadhan nights do help in offering fantastic practice sessions. Furthermore, by going through it often, it gives me ideas to add more prayers. What I learn is, when you plan things, and the time is in your hand, you don't find doing anything stressful, insha Allah.

Another matter that I learned from those who have performed Hajj is, rehearse on sunnah deeds as early as possible.  The sunnah deeds includes, sunnah prayers, giving charity (sadaqah), Monday and Thursday fasts etc. This will make the Hajj process more beautiful and less burden as we have learned and 'mastered' those sunnah deeds, and we don't have to start from scratch while we are in the University of Baitullah, insha Allah.

Start a routine exercise. Not a huge, Biggest Loser regime, but only 20-30 minutes brisk walking daily. This is to ensure that we are prepared to endure the many steps that's going to be taken in the events of tawaf, sai'e, stoning of the Jamrah, and even the routine trips from the Masjidil Haraam to the hotel. The lesson is to be prepared.

We dream of a high quality Hajj, filled with fantastic times connecting with The Creator. I know that my preparation may not be as great as others,  but I pray to Allah that He'll accept my prayers and allow us to be His VIP guests at Baitullah... aamin ya Rabb!

 

What I learn from ‘the Hajj Health Check’ – Episode I

August 3rd, 2010 was eventful for Al Fateh and I. Al Fateh entered a new pre-school in Seremban. My Mak was a bit anxious for her grandson, but I know and believe that Al Fateh could carry himself well, insha Allah (and he did, alhamdulillah). Secondly, the event that I’m going to give my mini recount would be the Hajj Health Check session in Klinik Kesihatan Seremban 2.

Hajj health check is a compulsory pit stop for all who intend to go to Makkah for Hajj. For me, after undergoing the session (as well as being a devoted follower of the Amazing Race series), this health check session was an elimination round for few. The Bakal Haji (BH) or the pilgrims of Hajj-to-be went under various health tests i.e. blood pressure level, glucose in blood level, various blood tests, BMI was taken, lung (semput) test and in the end, if you passed all this, a Meningitis jab would be rewarded and your Hajj health book will be ticked either in the yellow or green box.

If the red box is ticked, you’re eliminated. Come again next week for another go, or try again next year.

Yes, it was a daunting experience for some. And I really pity them, a couple cried after leaving the MD’s hub, shaking their heads to another family member. The first lady was given a tick in her red box because her BP was tremendously high, even after taking medication. The second gentleman was still in shock to know that he was diagnosed to have TB.

What I learn here is that HEALTH is a big issue to consider if one is planning to perform the Hajj. It is not only our physical health, our mental and imaan as well as bank account health must be healthy, too. We need to have regular exercise and have good food intake in order not to get eliminated. We need to upgrade our wajib and sunnah deeds. We need to make sure that we have the minimum of RM9980 in our Tabung Haji account plus a couple of extra Ks as contingency (please refer to a fab book, Haji Muda for more info). Not to forget, enough money in our CIMB Islamic to support the three munchkins who are going to stay with Nenek and Atok for nearly 2 months.

Hence, the second lesson is to plan your Hajj (account) journey. We registered with Tabung Haji Ampangan a week after our solemnization (akad nikah) which was days after the 15th of August, 2004. I was determined to deposit my husband’s gifts to me (dowry/mas kahwin and part of wang hantaran) as well as all the money collected from the guests who came to our wedding in Seremban to be the basis of our accounts. We had 2011 as the projected year to be Hajj pilgrims. (A huge THANK YOU to all who were very generous in making our Hajj dreams come true! Insha Allah, we’ll make sure your gifts to us are ‘worth it’). Just to inform you, we are actually in the waiting list this year, hopefully with your support and help, we'll be able to perform Hajj at the end of 2010, insha Allah.

Back to the topic; remember the red, yellow and green box? I learned one possible solution on how not to be eliminated at the Hajj health Check pit stop. Plan to perform Hajj at our healthier and younger age. This is not a sure solution, but at least, with His grace, the old-age illness i.e high BP, diabetic, gout, sore ankles and knees, backache etc are far isolated from our health. In addition, our energy level is still high, insha Allah. With the strength that we still have, we pray that we can help others during the pilgrimage which in a way will be the ‘added value’ for us to present to Allah. Furthermore, from my little observations, those who belong in the age group of lower than 40 had a very low tendency of being eliminated. All were granted ticks in the green and yellow boxes, Alhamdulillah.

I’m happy that I am still in His ‘Amazing Grace’ journey. (Ya Allah, please accept my husband and I as your VIP guests to visit Baitullah this year, and please ease our Hajj journey throughout.. aamin ya Rabb).

 

 

What I learn from 'Organising my EndNotes'

EndNote is a fantastic software that I visit frequently. However, I did not find time to actually explore it. I will one fine day, but not today. For now, I'm happy to toss in all the journal articles I've inserted in my small steps of fattening my review and arguments of literature. That's what I promised myself, I need to update all readings on a daily basis. I promised myself that I'll read at least 3 journals and review them using Pat Thomson's methods:

• 
  
  write the argument of the article using 4 bullet points.
• 
  
  write the evidence using only 3 bullet points.
• 
  
  write the epistemological stance - 1 bullet.
• 
  
  identify how is it relevant to my own research.
• 
  
  identify 1 interesting point and 1 point of disagreement (be critical)

I usually type this in Word doc, and then I'll link this doc to my EndNote. I've found this method very useful, because usually, when I first read it, some articles weren't actually-seemed-to-be-useful, but as time goes by, I actually needed those articles to answer my supervisor's query. This is what I learned, the need of Knowledge Management.

This is what I'm 'physically' aiming for.

Rabbi yassir walaa tu 'assir ya rabbi.

For now, I'm contented in using EndNote to be my 'physical' knowledge manager. I use EndNote to use knowledge; label it, place it (systematically), locate it, exploit it and delete it (make sure you have actually received your degree before doing this). I don't really enjoy doing this messy thing at the beginning but being systematic makes my research grow, my knowledge puffed and I thank Allah for that. For granting me clear mind (and a bit nutty to!)

So far, this method works for me since we (the Azza PhD team comprising Dr G and a few nutty researchers) believe I'm not reviewing my journals like the kopitiam menu system - listing all the hardwork of others in systematic way. I'm actually arguing authoritively and writing evaluating statements. I must thank Rosie Douglas and Ruby Rennie of Edinburgh Uni who taught me to do this nearly a decade ago! I have to be frank though, I did not have a clue on what they were talking about during the final year dissertation tutoring sessions, but now I truly do! Truly, badly, deeply do. (I remembered how Ruby gave me a journal to synthesise. I don't even now what synthesise means at that point!)

I'm sorry for other readers who aren't in the research world. Lack the audience awareness, I know,  which is very bad! And I'm sorry. But I learn better when I can explain what I understand to myself in simple words. And I thank you for sharing this platform with you!

p.s: My first entry from Nottingham Uni PhD workroom, which causes the academic-ness of this entry!

What I learn from 'the walk: KLCC-Chulan Towers'

I walked. It was a rather long walk. I took the LRT from Wangsa Maju to KLCC and determined to find my way to Chulan Towers, by foot. Alhamdulillah, I found the seminar room in Nottingham University, KL Campus, the destination for the day, and alhamdulillah, I arrived on time.

I learned a few lessons during the walk:

1. It's not near! I thought the walk would take around 10-15 minutes, but I actually walk, from KLCC LRT station, across Suria KLCC, heading to KL Convention Centre, across Jalan Pinang and using Pavillion and Royale Chulan Hotel as landmarks, I arrived at Chulan Towers after 25 minutes of brisk walking (with drenched and soaked blouse!). The lesson is, do wear good shoes which wouldn't kill your feet. And from my 'little' experience of shoe shopping, good shoes will usually cost more. So, invest in buying good shoes, and wear it. Those shoes which are expensive and comfortable are meant for wearing, not collecting dust on the shoe rack!
2.  If it's a new route, PLEASE make sure that you have ample time for your 'experiment'. Please bear in mind that difficulties in finding the place and getting lost or hurting your feet or even out of breath might be some factors that could make you late (or verrry late). Thus make sure that you spare some minutes for those circumstances. 
3. I learned that the guards working in KLCC do have good instructional discourse. If I didn't meet the first man who actually had given me a precise set of instructions on how to reach Pavillion, I might have changed my mind and took the cab during the peak-and-crazy traffic jam hours! But 'Latiff' (name on the shirt) and his other two mates that I met near Aquaria and another one, at KL Convention Centre lobby were very helpful in giving clear and concise directions. Well done. Plus, they helped me with genuine smiles on their face. Fab isn't it?
4. Don't be shy to ask. Since GARMIN cannot help me in finding directions that morning, I asked, and asked (4 times) anyone sensible.
5. On my way, I saw office workers in their working attire changed from high heels to sport shoes to jog and brisk walk at the beautiful KLCC Park. I applaud these ladies since they took an initiative to take care of their health, though they lead pretty hectic lives in KL. Bravo!
6. That brought me to point number 6. I need a regular exercise regime to stay healthy and in shape! If they can do it, why can't I?
7.  The other great thing that I learned from my walk that morning another healthy lifestyle of some city citizens. Two young ladies took out two Tupperware containers from their tote bags and gave it to the hawkers at the side of the road and said 'Macam biasa, ya Mak Cik. Terima kasih.' (The usual please, thank you). And the street hawkers packed her breakfast (or lunch) in the container and said 'RM2.50 please'. It was RM0.50 less since she uses her own container! I knew this because I was standing near the hawker, waiting patiently for the 'walking green man' so that I can cross Jalan Pinang safely, and the other friend said, 'Aisey, need to pay RM3 today, left my Tupperware at the pantry!'

I learned 7 things from my 25-minute walk. I enjoyed the walk!

 Alhamdulillah.

What I want to share for my Al Fateh's birthday..

Slowly slow my child - Zain Bhika.

Slowly slow my child

The world waits for you

And your window of time

Will come shining through

Slowly slow, don't rush you know

It'll all come easy

There's some things you can't take back

No regrets for what you wanna get

Needs some thinking down the line

Slowly slow my darling

I'm here for you

And every stumble, every fall

Breaks my heart in two

I only want the best for you

And every step makes up the mile

Even though it takes a while

And God will always smile on you my child

So have faith, have faith

Just like the bird who feels the sun

And sings before the dawn has come

Have faith, have faith

Slowly slow my boy

I see you're strong

And everybody wants to find

A place where they belong

But don't you find yourself someday

In a cold and dark and lonely place

And you wonder how you got there

I know it gets clouded in your mind

And you wanna move faster

It seems that you're running out of time

But I love you

Together we'll get through

Don't you know

Slowly slow

Slowly slow my son

You wanna be a man

And I guess those days are gone

When I used hold your hand

Cause this is the age of winks and smiles

And butterflies deep inside

But you'll always be the coolness of my eyes

Slowly slow my child

The world waits for you

And your window of time

Will come shining through

Slowly slow, don't rush you know

It'll all come easy

Our love, smooches, hugs, and most of all, our du'as;

Abi & Ummi.