Getting To Know Aunty Roopa!

Oh what a maid I had been last week! Wahyan left for her two weeks break last Saturday...but after she had met her family, she had conveyed to the kids that her mother is not well! You know, the same old grandma story that they usually cook up to indicate that they are coming back to continue working for you.

I didn't want to wait longer or until she appeared at our doorstep this Saturday (if she was it would be a nice birthday gift for me!), so, I started looking for Plan B...a child minder or nursery. I went to Hadonah Adni, where the elder boys go for their formal education, there was a long waiting list. Being located in Melawati, it would be very convenient for me!

Then, I went to another nursey near UTM, Semarak, hardly a five minute drive from my office.....with Hajar clinging to my palazzo pants, I looked wearily inside the premises...nah! I haven't the heart to leave Hajar and Muhammad there. The babies were kept together, while toddlers played in their respective groups. There were a few other nuerseries there, but, I dashed to see Auntie Jean, Khadijah's and Yusof's kindi teacher in Jalan Pakat. Kindicare used to have day care!

"Yani, age is catching up, so, we all leave at 3 pm nowadays", uttered Aunty Jean....I love the environment there, it's quiet and the playground definitely was calling Hajar that day. "But then, I know this lady who does baby-sitting......if you don't mind", said Aunty Jean.

Yup, she is Aunty Roopa, a Ceylonese lady who had been baby-sitting children at her home for the past 14 years. I decided to check out Aunty Roopa as suggested by Aunty Jean, and guess what, both Hajar and Muhammad melted into the arms and toys of Aunty Roopa immediately when they saw her! She spoke to me about her vegetarian diet and others, and I thought that was the best that I can do for my babies!

As for ironing and lipat baju, Zira has kindly enough to allow her maid to come in weekly to finish that task with a small fee....I tell you I'm so blessed these people around me! I, in return will fulfil her wish for an order of Chocolate Moist Cake, always!

So, today I'm back at work, picking up the pieces where I left the week before and started toying with new documents! I think I have lost weight a bit, now that I can slip into my jeans that I bought before I conceived Muhammad. I loved doing house work, and Liza and Bad our constant visitors thought that the house was "brighter", too with the floor nicer to walk on!

I have a few options to get a new maid, Cambodian, Indonesian or Phillipinos, but I think despite the dismay and disbelief from my children that we are going to be without a maid for a while and my shoulders felt that they crumbling....I'm giving it a rest from a maid for a while! Let's see how it goes, and we will decide later!

And , my baking...I have decided that I'll take it to a different height! I believe opportunities are applenty during a crisis, and now is the best time to forge ahead and move forward despite this obstacle...afterall, impossible is nothing!

The Devil's Food Chocolate Cake done the way I like it to be enjoyed by me has been a big hit since its debut. Thank you all for ordering and being brave enough to try! I have a few other recipes which I have tweaked to suit my palate...so, TUNGGU! Muhammad and mommy at Cozy GEM (where else!)

Chocolate Moist Cupcakes and Vanilla Cupcakes, thank you Aina!

Vanilla Cupcakes in Baby Pink for a Baby Shower Party, thank you Aisya!

Devil's Food Chocolate Cake for her daughter, thank you Azmah!

Devil's Food Chocolate Cake with Stawberries and Valrhona Chocolate Ganache! Thank you Lina and Hezzie!

Devil's Food Chocolate Cake for a guy celebrating his last birthday as a bachelor...after that I will be baking cakes for their engagement! Thank you Azzara!