A Deux

The Little Girl had been playing up at piano lessons. Pun intended.

Today, we hit a breakthrough by coincidence. She was playing up and excusing herself from class the minute she walked in, citing that she needed the toilet first.

So I yanked her off the studio and told her off while she went for some relief. 

As we were about to exit the washroom, we bumped into the administrator from the music school.

The administrator then suggested that I leave her alone with the teacher, and I need to decompress (totally agree!). She assured me that The Little Girl would be safe. 

So off I went to try on some palazzo pants at Zara. Disappointingly, they didn't have my XS size but had plenty of other attractive items I was not planning to buy. I walked out from Zara empty handed but satisfied. Weird.

Then, I thought I had a few more minutes to spare and went to purchase a hot mocha for myself at Starbucks. I even bought The Little Girl her orange juice for an after class treat!

Subsequently, I went back to the studio at 5 minutes before class ended. The teacher commented that The Little Girl was much better without my presence. She played Mary Had A Little Lamb; both treble and bass! 

Couldn't be more pleased. 

Alhamdulillah, and in sha Allah more independent lessons coming our way! Can you tell I am just excited to have some time to myself? Just me? 

Have a blessed weekend!

One On One

The Little Girl and I have impromptu dates sometimes. They are mostly free too!

Like the time we went to Galeri Petronas at KLCC while Bean was eating his meal with The Other Half. 

We do not include groceries and errands as dates; although we should. Now that the weather is slightly less humid, maybe we should resume scootering and brisk walking at Titiwangsa.

We would escape the norm just for about 15 minutes for a simple exhibition (paintings and abstract) and longer if it is something which interests her (notably, science and architecture).

Her pace, her questions, her hands in mine. 

Just the two of us.

Do you have a one on one with each of your children too? Please share how it feels like and what do you enjoy doing together?

Basic Questions

I am full of shortcomings that need to be made good.

I must learn to put a stop to reading and commenting on "controversial" issues.

It pains me to see others divide fellow ummah using various issues, letting each small nothing spin into an important something.

Honestly, my Ustazah is so patient with me. I must have talked her ears off during our one on one sessions, loaded with questions, admission of my failings and shortcomings; and often asking her for guidance.

Her standard reply to help guide me be an independent Muslimah is simple: as follows:

1. Is this source from the al-Quran? Ignore if it is being misquoted, misinterpreted and being abused. 

2. Is this source from Hadith sahih? Ignore of it is being misquoted, misinterpreted and being abused. 

3. Which mazhab is this from? Keep to only one, or else I may be lost and misguided. 

Note to self: Totally need to work on myself before anything or anyone else.

Mode: back to silent/thinking self for more self-reflection and inward growth. 

Take Two

The Little Girl is 4 years 2 months today and she is moving to her own bedroom. 

It has always been hers, on loan for 11 months to Bean, as she preferred sleeping with me on my king size bed.

I am praying so hard this time she will stay in her room. It was her request and initiative so I hope she remembers her covenant. 

Piano, doll house, personal toys, own bed with favourite sheets and duvet! She even get the privilege to invite two soft toys to cuddle. We still need to add a desk with seat for her activities and later on for studying.

What age do you deem appropriate to allow children to have their own bedroom and space? Are you one who experienced Gina Ford success from birth? Pamela Druckerman? Dr. Spock?

Please do share your valuable tips and experience!

Achingly Sweet Note

I love you too, baby, I love you too!

Note from The Little Girl to me one rainy evening, spent indoors and doodling while I cooked dinner.

Bless!

Pantry

My pantry and storage, post six monthly spring cleaning. 

Feels...neat!

Get Organised

This keeps my life as a work from home mum a little bit more organised. Sure, I have the same app in my devices but seeing the hard copy filled with scribbles saves me having to look at the devices too often. 

Do you use this traditional method too, or am I the only pencil-saurus left roaming in this modern tech and gizmo age?