Crazy love

Just last Friday I drove down to Singapore in my husband’s car. Actually last weekend, I was supposed to stay here in KL while Abi over there because I am already flying over to the Lion City this evening. Apparently, it was our first weekend apart.

However, afraid I would miss him that weekend; I sneaked in my passport in my handbag and turned off all electrical switches in the house before leaving for the office on Friday morning. The Autopass card and disembarkation form were ever ready in the car just in case a prompt decision like this should take place.

Anyway, I went to Singapore without a single dollar or cent for that matter, in my pocket. I left the office about 7.20pm and I made three stops along the way. The first was Air Keroh where I bought myself a drink to prevent me from dehydration and snack to keep me alive.

Next was the Pagoh stop to find the ATM machine. I took out some cash although I know for the fact that RM would not matter in that neighboring country. My third was Gelang Patah where I filled up more fuel for the car so I would have enough by the time I drive back to KL.

Crossing the Second Link was not a problem as there were no visible cars, literally. It is just that the night was really dark I had to turn on the high beam until it hit the light of oncoming vehicles on the other side of the highway. Although I had a smooth drive, the silence surrounding me was somewhat creepy.

Nevertheless, getting to Pasir Ris was a bit tricky for me as I did not have a look at the map on the Internet before I began the journey. I just followed my husband’s direction over the phone. I was only guided halfway through and my phone was dead.

I was left with only one choice: to get home safely by myself. I knew Abi was worried sick waiting for me. I was determined to find the way on my own without any help. After all, I could not get lost even if I want to. It is a small country, for God's sake!

At exactly 12am, I arrived in front of the three storey apartment. I made it, phew! We went out to a food joint as my husband and I promised to have dinner together. It was a very late dinner and I ate like there was no tomorrow.

On the weekend, we did not do much. We just went grocery shopping, ate home cooked dinner and breakfast and said “I love you” in each other’s face for a hundred times. Ah, life felt better with Abi around. By the way, spending a weekend apart was not my keen idea in the first place.

My husband said I was crazy to come over but I guess sometimes it is okay to be crazy in love. At least I still have my health and strength to express my crazy love to him, for now. What if one day I do not own all that anymore? Will words be enough to tell how much I love you, Abi?

Hari Raya

It is another working Saturday. It sucks, I know. What is more, there is nothing in this whole wide world can beat the pleasure of waking up late on a Saturday. I really miss that now!

However, did I tell already? I had the best Hari Raya week ever! It was tiresome but it was all worth it. The delicious food, the nice relatives and the understanding family members, they were the reasons I enjoyed the long break more this time around. Here is what my hectic Hari Raya 2008 looks like:

Raya eve
Singapore –> Kuala Pilah (Abi’s maternal grandmother’s home)
First Raya
Kuala Pilah –> Seremban (Abi’s parents’ home)
Second Raya
Seremban –> Gombak (my mother’s home) –>
Kampung Baru (my maternal grandaunt’s and granduncle’s homes) –>
Cheras (my maternal grandaunt’s home)
Third Raya
KL –> Kepala Batas (my paternal grandmother’s home) –> Sungai Petani (my father’s home)
Fourth Raya
Kepala Batas –> Gombak (my maternal aunt’s home) –> Batu Caves (my paternal aunt’s home)
Fifth Raya
KL –> Port Dickson (Abi’s maternal aunt’s home) –> Tangga Batu (Abi’s maternal uncle’s home)

It was crazy but my husband and I braved through it all. Truth be told, I had a bit of a breakdown when nearing the end of the fourth Hari Raya. I was so darn tired and all I wanted to do was be alone with Abi. I thought that was what holiday is supposed to be about. You know, about how we should be spending more of our time together instead of with many other people.

But then again, I realized that any festive occasion defines the meaning of togetherness on a bigger scale, literally. In fact, festive occasion maybe the most common reason that brings people together since the beginning of time apart from childbirth, funeral and wedding celebrations. I am talking about massive amount of same believers around the world gather with their families at the same time to enjoy the same event.

Therefore, after having a good night’s rest, I was more refreshed and before I knew it, my husband and I were on the road again the next day. They did not say the more the merrier for nothing, right? So that was what exactly we were doing: making sure our host had their Hari Raya open houses full of fun partygoers like us!

I am looking forward to celebrating another Hari Raya next year. It does not matter whose family I get to celebrate with first. I do not mind about it so much because my in-laws love me and my own family has never been more supportive of the decision Abi and I make. Most importantly, as long as my husband is around during such festive season, other things just do not matter.

Traveling weekend

So I began my journey at five in the evening after office hours. Wait, what kind of loser still went to the office on a Saturday until five o’clock preceding a long festive break? Well, that would be me! I guess this is the price to be paid if my colleagues and I wanted the whole week holiday for Hari Raya. Anyway, we are still losers for having worked on that day.

My husband suggested I fetch him in Singapore before we go back together to Kuala Pilah this coming Hari Raya and I agreed with the plan. I packed our stuffs the night before and brought everything down to the Lion City including Raya clothes, shoes, blanket, pillow and some biscuits and cookies (talk about balik kampung). The journey took me three hours just like I hoped it to be. However, it was a hard journey for me. I was driving alone and fasting, that is why.

6.10pm

After the first hour of driving I started to lose focus. I felt the need to strech because my muscle got stiff from just sitting down. I had already passed the Alor Gajah exit by this time.

7.03pm

At the end of the second hour I began to sing and talk to myself. I was so darn bored! I switched on the radio for break fast announcement and when I heard the azan I ate some dates and drank lemon tea straight from the can. Luckily, I saw the exit signboard for Machap so I believed the driving should be over in the next hour.

8.00pm

I arrived at the Gelang Patah rest area at the third hour exactly. I called my husband so that he would know I was going into the Second Link and later cross the bridge. As I drove through it, there was no one else on that road besides me. I thought that was funny because it was also the Formula One weekend in Singapore and I anticipated a heavy traffic at the border. I was glad I was wrong about that. Then I realized it was really dark along that road and I was a bit scared. I truly understand what long and winding road means now. A few minutes seemed like an hour when driving along such surrounding.

Abi waited for me outside of Tuas immigration checkpoint as I have not mastered the way to get to our house. All I know is that Pasir Ris is in the east coast and that is on the other end of the checkpoint. Period. On our journey back home, we passed the F1 grandstand and people looked so tiny from above the highway.There were already many people even on the qualifying night.

By the way, I had promised my husband earlier that I would cook him masak lemak cili api fish for sahur. Abi had bought all the ingredients neccessary in the evening so I prepared the dish before I went to sleep that night. For a first timer, I scored well this time. Even my husband was pleased with the result. Maybe it was beginner's luck but I can cook lah, Abi!

What a day, what a night. My back ached from a three-hour drive. I slept long and not realized when my husband left for work. Anyway, it was all interesting experience for me. I think I did more and more exciting things after we got married. Maybe Abi is the real reason behind all this. It was his plan after all.

Fasting weekends

My work life is as hectic as it has never been. I am as busy as a bee. There were many times I had tried to write a little something, anything at all for the sake of posting an entry but I failed miserably every time. Today I gather all the strength and time I have left to update my so-called life.

It is nearly the end of the third week of fasting month. I am still fasting up to this date although it is the fourth day I caught the colds (without fever, thank God) and sore throat. This Ramadan has a bit different feeling than last year’s because I go through it with a husband. Abi was back in KL for the last three weekends. I was not sure about him but I dined like a queen whenever we broke fast. Everything looked nice and tasted well, pretty much the way they should be.

Not only food that got us excited about fasting but this Ramadan means we have to seriously consider about making our home more presentable. Suddenly, our house being just livable is not enough. So after a lot of discussions we went out day and night to get some furniture. It was tiring to run around buying things but I am glad that we purchased most of them at a fair price. I guess we have completed the house preparation for the coming Hari Raya. It was a job well done, too. Now we only need to prepare ourselves to celebrate the big day for the first time as married couple. I simply cannot wait!

Uh oh speaking of which, we have not picked up Abi’s baju Melayu from his tailor yet. I must find time to drop by the shop before next weekend. As for me, I am pretty much ready to party. However, I am praying that work would become a bit slower since Hari Raya holiday is approaching. I really need this break and spend it with my loved ones.

Another holiday

Sawatdee kaa!

Last Saturday, my husband, his brother, four cousins and I met up at the KLIA LCC Terminal to board the 3.15pm Airasia flight. Destination: Krabi, Thailand! It was the first time that the seven of us went for a holiday together. We chose to go that weekend as it was our last chance to travel before the coming fasting month.

None of us had ever been to a place said to be the filming location of the movie The Beach. We decided to spend four days and three nights without having a plan of what we could be doing during our stay. However, we would expect to spend our time on a beautiful beach over there.

Upon arrival, we chartered a van to bring us to Ao Nang beach where we bought boat tickets to West Railay beach. We got to the pier where the boat was waiting on the back of a pickup truck. From there, we continued our journey on a bumpy ride in a long tail boat. That was four kinds of transportation needed just to get to there!

After checking-in to Yaya Resort in East Railay, we headed straight to the beach. By the way, Krabi time is an hour later than KL so we still got some time for a short dip in. Truth to the matter, Krabi has many nice looking beaches where the sand is clean and the water is clear too.

The next day onwards, we went island hopping and sightseeing where we crossed over to Tub Island, snorkeled near Chicken Island, swam with fishes at Poda Island, watched sunset on East Railay beach, admired the Viking cave, sailed through the cave near Krabi river, shopped at Bond Island, visited Panyee Muslim floating village, showered at Menora waterfall, swam at West Railay beach, got massaged near Yaya Resort and shopped some more in Krabi town. You name it, we did it all in Krabi. So much for a no plan vacation.

I must say that Poda Island's beach has the cleanest water that we could even see schools of colorful fish swimming at just waist deep. I am talking about the fish you normally see when going snorkeling in the coral reef area! It was exciting to watch them though I felt ticklish as they bumped into you.

Like true beach people, we spent our nights by having seafood dinner, walking along the beach and staying up late playing cards. We even invented a coconut nectar soda mix for losers of the card game to drink. My husband and I drank once each, brother-in-law twice but poor cousin had four shots. Trust me it sucked big time!

I always have a weakness for banana split. In Krabi, I had it for two nights in a row. The first was a combination of chocolate, coffee and strawberry ice-creams. While on the second night it was chocolate, coffee and coconut scoops! Although their choice of ice-cream flavors was slightly different from what I would typically have in KL, the banana splits were downright yummy. I have to admit I hated to share those with my cousins. I let them taste just a spoon or two and then sorry guys, the rest is mine!

As far as souvenirs are concerned, my mom got a pearl brooch from James Bond Island. I also bought a Thai silk jewelry box for mom-in-law, a ceramic milk dispenser for sister and a mug for my husband from Krabi town. I did not get anything for myself though. However, I got the beach fun I deserved, the sinful food I craved, the few days leave I needed, the soothing massage I longed, the people I enjoy being with around me and of course the husband I love always right by my side.

I did not realize that a crowd of people could have so much holiday fun. It was the craziest one so far. And guys, for all the precious memories I brought back to KL: Khawp khun kha!

Another birthday

There is another birthday person in the house!

How does it feel to be an expatriate employee, blessed with healthy-although-trying-to-ruin-it body and married to your first love at this age, my husband? You should feel grateful because you have achieved so much up to this day. As your hangout buddy, partner in crime and Mrs. Abi, I am actually proud of you.

Never mind all the workload, exhaustion and people that you need to deal with along the way. Actually, those add color to your life. Unless you rather live with just orange, red and yellow without the touch of a bit of black, brown or grey; I do not suppose you would be able to appreciate your life painting very much.

As for me, I love the man as he already is. I am happy just the way we are and to have each other. He is my missing piece of puzzle that to have found him has completed another beautiful picture in my life.

So, Happy birthday Mr. Irwan, you deserve this life as you earn it hard. I was there to witness you fell and rose to even more achievements. I am honored to be an audience to your great performances so far. Those other goals that you have been aiming in life, you are getting there. I just know it.

Last night I received a bouquet of half a dozen pink roses and a teddy bear called Furry from my husband. It was delivered late in the evening and luckily I was still in the office to accept it. Well, I must admit that I am not a ladylike (although I recall clearly that my Chinese teacher once told that my name carries this meaning in her language) person and not the flower type of girl too. However, I believe that one’s thought shall be materialized appropriately. So whether it is flower of something else, I am always happy to receive a gift that comes with a deep special thought about me from the sender.

Some people may think that indulging or spending especially on others is a waste and unnecessary. To me, when it comes to the people you care about let alone those who you love dearly, the act is never wrong. Because if you can afford a little luxury, it is really showing something here: that your personal economy is growing and status is improving. Guess who my current economics teacher is. My husband is a genius!

Anyway Happy 4 month, too, Abi!

Birthday weekend

Happy birthday to me! Oops, did I say that out loud? Did I just announce to the world that I am another year older? Anyway, I hope that I have become a lot wiser than I was in the last few years. However, I am not the type of person who plans out her whole life, which is why I have a husband to do that. I am a human who appreciates the essence of living by my own definition:

I never chase or wait for time but I always go along with its pace
I always look up to others and avoid people with potential waste
I pray for happiness thus treasure to the fullest if it approaches
I steer clear of sadness but embrace with tears when it appears

This year, my birthday is especially different because I had the chance to celebrate with my husband, yay! We decided to drop work, escape from everything else and leave KL on my birthday weekend. Yogyakarta was our getaway destination while AirAsia was the choice of transportation. Actually, the sun rises an hour later in Central Java than KL. Because I did not set my watch to local time, I got a bit confused with the time difference between KL and Jogja. I could understand the time zone concept only on the third day. Thank you Abi for being so patient with me!


We checked-in to Delta Homestay where they sent different snacks with coffee or tea to guest’s room at teatime every evening and served bread or toast with egg of any kind as per requested for breakfast in the morning. All was complimentary. We also paid peanuts for a double bedded room with both air conditioner and ceiling fan. Although there was not a TV and the hot shower was not working, I believe we ought to break communication with the world and enjoy nature at its best on a holiday. It is more romantic this way too because no TV means I got to talk and Abi had to listen. Oh, how I love his undivided attention.

The next day our tour started with the famous Borobudur; the world heritage number 592. Abi was so delighted that we actually made it to a historical place mentioned in the Malaysian secondary school Geography textbook. As for me, having the opportunity to see live smoke coming out of an active volcano of Mount Merapi was stimulating. Of course we did get to see it up close but to be on the same land was already thrilling for me. After having nasi padang for lunch, we went to Prambanan; another site of the past. Being a world heritage number 642, no wonder it also received many visitors that weekend.

In the evening, my husband and I chartered a becak; transportation comes in a form of a tricycle to go around town and do some shopping. We managed to buy just three batik shirts and a silk pareo because we hate to let our so-called driver spend longer time waiting for us. When the night fell, Abi took me for birthday dinner where we had grilled pomfret and sea bass with sambal and rice on the side. Delicious.

The next morning we hopped again onto a becak to see yet another historical site. We dropped by an art gallery and Abi purchased a painting for our bedroom wall. We continued our tricycle ride to Taman Sari where the amazing lifestyle in ancient Jogja kingdom was reflected in its grand architecture. Then, we were brought to a shop selling Jogja ole-ole or souvenir and purchased a number of Jogja delicacies to take home. Before checking out and left for the airport, my husband and I had fried rice for lunch and again, complementary tea. Scrumptious.

I must say that this was the coolest birthday so far! There was neither a birthday cake nor gift from my husband. I was grateful that he was by my side this time around. God knows how many years we have left to celebrate occasions like this together. To my darling husband from the bottom of my heart, I dedicate my eternal love to you. May we have such a great time in years to come and many more!

Retail therapy

It was a nice Sunday morning to wake up to. My husband and I had been craving for nasi lemak so we jump off our bed to find one for breakfast. The nasi lemak tasted especially delicious that morning because Abi did not pick on my sambal prawn. Yes, I am pretty disturbed if he steals my special prawn.

Our CARS membership card had been ready since last month but we were just too busy to go pick it up. Therefore, we were already at the Mid Valley Megamall around noon to collect the card. We parked our car at the so-called car studio for washing and off we went into the mall for some shopping.

My husband bought a pair gym shorts. I mean, why bother buying when your gym membership will be expiring in August and you do not plan to renew it, Abi? However, since I forgot when was the last time you treat yourself with anything so I hope you enjoy your shorts.

Then we marched into crocs boutique and Abi bought a cool pair of sandals. Black has always been his favorite color for shoes. He also treated me with a cute pair of sandals. Luckily, pink is the only color left for my shoe size and I love it! Now we both have comfortable footwear to walk in on our beach holidays.

We stepped into a travel gear shop to look for a backpack. It must fit both our belongings because we like to tour light and easy. My husband and I prefer to hand carry our bag so it is not necessary to check-in any luggage every time we board an airplane. The right size is important so it fills the flight’s head compartment nicely. Finally, we found one at a bargain. After all, it is the sale season now.

Next we sat down at a kopitiam before leaving the mall. After drinking coffee, we checked on our car. Unfortunately, the car was not ready perhaps due to many customers on weekend. Never mind that, Abi asked me to go purchase another pair of crocs sandals for his brother. “We never really gave him anything for his birthday,” he said. True. So I went back in and contribute to the last bit of damage. One Sunday is all it takes to burn a hole in my husband’s pocket. Well, blame the Mega Sale Carnival!

Free choice

When I purposely place myself down rather than up, mind you it is not a passport for you to underestimate or even step on my head. Why on earth do you still have to go lower than me? I thought I am the lamest of a person but you cannot help but placing yourself in such a disgusting position! It looks like you are the one with a problem. For me to spend my energy and time to think about you is just not worth it.

That is why I have made up a motivational statement to help myself get through this harsh working life. Thanks to a personal development training that I went for last two weeks. It has inspired me to come up with this. I live by these ideals everyday I come into the office. I make a number of better decisions now. I am more contented knowing I decide for myself first, then for the good of others.

I do not mind people who are still a child at heart but I really pity those who carry a child in their mind. I guess some people merely grow up a lot slower than many other people. Because if I lose in arguments deliberately, these people think they have won big. If I withdraw from any challenges intentionally, they think their success is guaranteed. The point they are missing is that I am saving my precious energy and time doing something else rather than having the last word or proving my potential to people who do not matter.

I am not a scaredy cat! Well, except of my husband because he might not buy me my birthday gift if I were to piss him off right now. I am just frustrated with people who are not aligned with my level of mentality. It is like when I recycle, they smirk at my purpose of doing. So what if I do those for the sake of my children’s children? Many people live only for the day without caring about what the kind of air their great grandchildren will breathe in. Those people fail to cope with my mind level and I feel sorry for them.

To me losing and withdrawing are not such bad attitudes after all. I started from zero. Zero is neither positive nor negative. Zero is a good point to reevaluate character, effort, thus life as a whole. At least I do it now rather than regret when it is too late.

At the end of the day, I still have an endless list of things to be thankful for. For example, my relationship with my superiors is overwhelming. I hear gossip from colleagues but still cool with the victim. I married a wonderful husband who never fails to be around every weekend so far that his time could be the most expensive present a wife would ever get (hint, hint). I write stuff you are reading that I find quite relaxing. And the list goes on.

Anyway, this next song goes out to people out there who are not even worth mentioning. Kindly remember that the world does not evolve around you. Please ditch your me-against-the-world behavior. If I am a nuisance to the world, why are you still reading this? You have been granted the freedom of choice since you were brought into the world. Because I am a very nice person, you deserve to be dedicated a song to. So, enjoy!

Disenchanted by My Chemical Romance

Well I was there on the day

They sold the cause for the queen

And when the lights all went out

We watched our lives on the screen

I hate the ending myself

But it started with an alright scene

It was the roar of the crowd

That gave me heartache to sing

It was a lie when they smiled

And said, "you won't feel a thing"

And as we ran from the cops

We laughed so hard it would sting

If I'm so wrong

How can you listen all night long?

Now will it matter after I'm gone?

Because you never learn a goddamned thing

CHORUS:

You're just a sad song with nothing to say

About a life long wait for a hospital stay

And if you think that I'm wrong

This never meant nothing to you

I spent my high school career

Spit on and shoved to agree

So I could watch all my heroes

Sell a car on TV

Bring out the old guillotine

We'll show them what we all mean

If I'm so wrong

How can you listen all night long?

Now will it matter long after I'm gone?

Because you never learn a goddamned thing

CHORUS

BRIDGE:

So go, go away, just go, run away

But where did you run to? And where did you hide?

Go find another way, price you pay

CHORUS x2

At all, at all, at all, at all

Movie weekend

I must confess that it was an impulse buy. It all happened so suddenly on last two weekends. At first I just intended to go check out Far East Plaza in Orchard Road without planning to get anything. However, I came across this shoe shop called Mondo and the designs are provoking and the colors are refreshing. I tried playing safe by looking for a classic shoe pattern but ended up with orange patent peep toe shoes having white polka dots on red lining. Yeah, it was classic alright but a good SGD9.90 well spent. What a steal, this pair of shoes!

I wish to wear the shoes with my baju Raya but because it is still at my tailor’s, I am not sure if they would be perfect match. If the shoe color does not go with the baju Raya, I will have a lame excuse to buy a new pair of shoes. Well I hope they do match, Abi. Really.

My husband and I also caught the movie Wanted at the cinema near our house (I would say this a few times more until you get my point). We bought the tickets in the evening, went home and walked back out after watching the news on TV. See how close is our home to the cinema? A good or bad new movie is just a few steps away!

The only frustrating thing was the popcorn line being too long that night (never purchase salty popcorn or salty and sweet mix popcorn because it tastes bad). Anyway, my husband was close to falling asleep but he fought the temptation. I guess it was because of Angelina Jolie that he managed to stay awake until the film credit came out on the screen. I am very proud of you so well done, Abi! In short, we enjoyed watching and I must say it is good movie.

Hot chocolate

It is another day of nothingness ahead. I have very little tasks to do yet I must spend nine hours in the office today. In order to let the hours pass unnoticeably, I started my day by coming in early with the intention to leave the office earlier than yesterday at least.

This morning I paid a visit to the vending machine and grabbed my cup of hot chocolate. It may sound weird to some but I have switched from drinking coffee to hot chocolate for a while now. It is amazing how a cup sized about 7cm in diameter by 7cm in height of hot chocolate can do wonder to my mornings.

Of course there is the occasional coffee relief once in a blue moon but I am really trying to give up on this particular coffee. It is because the coffee from that vending machine is highly caffeinated and super addictive. Sure it tastes so good you would crave for it every morning. Even the slogan on the vending machine says You Can Get A True Relaxation. I mean, what is up with that? Any drink to me is supposed to quench thirst but this one promises to relax. It is creepy but almost true.

I had my healthier-than-coffee hot chocolate so I should be alright for the rest of the day. I am now in a most calm state of mind (read: sleepy).

Last night I attended a farewell dinner for five colleagues. They decided to leave the company for different reasons of their own. Well, people come and people go. I might take a moment to say goodbye but then life should not stop entirely. That is why you do not see me putting on a sad face at the event, obviously. Peace, Abi!

The dinner took place at the Danau Golf Resort. The food was so-so. Because of the outdoor setting, our food was invaded by bugs from the golf course. Many lights were out too due to lack of maintenance. I actually promise myself not to attend any function to be held there anymore. Thank God I even made through the night.

TV dinner

I had one last week and had it again last night. It did not disappoint me both times. Actually I discovered a burger stall that sells this good stuff when I faced some serious eater’s block (as in writer’s block) last time. The stall is also well-located, just along my way home back from the office.

Of course I prefer to order it “special.” If typical fast food restaurants would layer beef patty, lettuce, cheese, pickles and onions; my “special” beef burger means that the meat pie would be wrapped in egg then sandwiched with carrot, lettuce and tomato. However, the sauces have evolved since I left school. Back then the burger chefs used to squirt just chili sauce or tomato ketchup but now they add mayonnaise and black pepper sauce too. No big secret really but the taste is heavenly that I hate for the feeling to fade away.

I must say that Ramly burger is the most convenient Malaysian dish ever. Most customers would just order for takeaway to eat it at home. The level of messiness from eating it depends on how clumsy you are when handling it. Done eating, you could simply throw the wrapper away. It is fuss free, seriously. Try say that to my husband, he would shake his head feeling sorry for my so-called practicality.

Another advantage of Ramly burger is the sufficient portion. It is not too filling but you will not go hungry for long hours. Therefore, not only could it be a snack for some people but also a wholesome meal for me. Besides, I could use it as a lame excuse to eat nasi lemak for breakfast the next morning! I said I could but I did not, Abi.

So that was my dinner. I enjoyed every bit of it while watching TV. By the way Great Expectations was on STAR MOVIES last night. I enjoyed the film exactly like the last time I watched it. I still cried when Joe came to the opening of Finn’s first art gallery; when Finn made Miss Dinsmoor feel the pain in his broken heart and when Arthur was dying. I am super emotional when it comes to my favorite movies. They sure did a great job on that one.

Tonight I am leaving for Singapore. It is my turn this week. There are no special plans, just checking out the Great Singapore Sale again or what is left of it. It is nearly the middle of the month anyway that I do not have so much cash after paying all necessary bills. Alright, now I feel underpaid (don’t we all?) doing this job.

Maybe I will spend the weekend catching new movies with my husband sleeping next to me at the cinema or watching downloaded old films on notebook-connected TV with Abi still sleeping next to me. Same difference. He finds keeping awake is very hard but I do not blame him because most films do suck. As for me, although the movie is so bad I still got to stay till the end because well, I could not carry my husband out from the cinema on my own!

Whatever happens to good movies, anyway?

Anniversary weekend

This is a photo of my marriage proposal ring and 1st month anniversary band. At the moment I wear them together on the ring finger of my right hand (now, where the heck did I keep my wedding band?) which reminds me that tomorrow is our 3rd month anniversary. Happy 3 Month, Abi! I wish to tell you something that you already knew:

You are so fine a person. A heart I instantly reckon. From you I have yet to learn, of being caring and concerned. Still calm when I am churned. Hence I fell, you did not turn. Never left my life forsaken, knowing it is your love I yearn.

My husband is coming home tonight so I have to be ready to fetch him later. But first I need to get back and do some cleaning up around the house so our home would be as comfortable as possible. Most importantly, I want him to be comfortable as he needs it badly because of his traveling.

Did I tell we went back to Penang last weekend to visit my grandmother? We drove from KL early Saturday morning and the traffic was fine all the way. We dropped by Tapah R & R for breakfast where I had fried rice with sambal prawn. Grilled stingray with air asam was our lunch. Abi enjoyed durian with ketupat palas for tea and it was not even Hari Raya yet. We went to the night market to get char koay teow, ice-kacang, laksa and popiah, My cousin brought mee rebus for my grandmother but we help her finished that too.

By the way, I was raised by my grandmother I call Tok and late grandfather, Wan (may he rest in peace) who I hardly recall because I was just a baby when he departed. It was the first time I brought Abi back as my husband. So he took this opportunity to dig up secrets and stories about me that even I was not told of before. Surprise, surprise. And she was too nice, my grandmother. He tried to find out if I was a pain in the butt back then but failed miserably because hey, I am among her favoriteslah. Nice try but better luck next time.

The next morning we had cucur udang for breakfast. We ordered beef rice with air asam and milk yogurt to go. I could not wait to reach KL and it was the best takeaway lunch ever. Talking about the food we had and no wonder Penang is renowned as food haven. One thing I know, we will visit Tok again definitely because not only we enjoyed the food over there but food also followed us back home.

This weekend, we are going to visit his parents. It has been a while since our last one anyway. Hopefully, mom-in-law would cook something nice for her son and favorite daughter-in-law (there, I have said it, Abi). When there is good food around, there is no chance I am going to miss it. After all, it is our anniversary weekend and dear God, let there be no cooking involved for me.

My hero

I revisited our wedding photographer’s webpage to reminisce about the most blissful days of my life. Anyway, feel free to check out our wedding pictures at my Favorite Links. My husband looked so darn good despite the fact that he suffered from chicken pox three months prior to our wedding. The culprit for his illness? Me, guilty as charged!

Actually, I caught the virus on New Years Eve of 2008. It was the first time for me and not a nice way to celebrate New Year I would say. I was on a two week medical leave and we had already begun planning for our wedding by then. My concerned future mom-in-law had prepared a traditional remedy so that I would heal faster and the post recovery scar would not be so obvious. Knowing the fact that her son had already caught the disease when he was little that chances were he would not catch it again, she requested him to send the remedy to me from Seremban to KL.

So all of us thought he was alright. Convincingly enough though, there was exactly a week grace period before his symptoms started to show. I recalled my then future husband, mom-in-law and I were looking for our guests’ souvenirs in Nilai when he complained about feeling unwell. The next thing I knew, Abi was on a very long medical leave due to chicken pox. I was secretly glad that he was sick because he would stay longer in Malaysia. However, I pitied my future mom-in-law when I should be the one taking care of him, but we were not married yet so all I did was just accompany him to the clinic.

Ah the things he did for love. Apart from traveling back and forth between KL and Singapore, Abi had risked his health for me. Well, I must say that was not the only thing he risked. I owe him my life that my eyes are teary just thinking of it and while writing this right now. How could I not marry him? He is somewhat super, this man. My husband is my real life hero.

As far as heroes are concerned, Abi is a good looking one (aren’t they all?). Of course the chicken pox was ruthless but he survived. Just take a look at the photo above taken in the end of January. The scars were clearly visible then but today, who would have guessed that his skin was traumatized very severely? It has improved a lot and I wonder what kind of superpower he has, hmm.

Breaking spell

Remember the Sentosa Island visit? We had to forget it due to time-consuming shopping.
Remember my husband’s best man duty? I ironed his pants and sampin but left them at home.

What do all of the above have in common? They are the plans that I announce to the world before but fail to accomplish. I admit that half of them were my own fault but I blame it on the too much excitement I got from the idea of pursuing them.

This is one of my pet peeves. Actually, I already realized it since I was younger. Back in the university, if my girlfriends and I got too excited planning to go out and have fun, things could end up the other way around if not ugly. In short, we did not have the expected fun!

There is a certain kind of jinx to announcing plans. I should have never ever told anyone about any plan until it is realized. I kind of believe this and my own wedding is evident enough to prove it. My husband and I agreed that we must not tell anybody that we were engaged thus getting married. By keeping low, we hoped that our preparation would run effortlessly. Of course my husband did it for other reasons too, like to give everybody a pleasant surprise! So after working hard in creating a memorable event and with God’s will for sure, we managed to pull it off.

Now coming back to my plan announcing habit, I really think it has got to stop. Maybe I wish so hard for things to happen that they do not come true. The thing is I am not very upset that I could die if these so-called plans failed. I believe that God has better plans for me that I should just let go of plans that God wants me to pass. It is the people who are affected by my loud mouth that I am worried about. I cannot go on hurting my husband, family and friends anymore.

So I guess it is safer that I announce less about anything here from now onwards. Maybe I will keep on sharing past and present news but need to reveal less of my future hopes and dreams. Anyway, life is too short to waste and worry. I refuse to live it in haste and hurry. I will take one step at a go. My new motto to live by shall be: show and then tell but never tell when cannot show.

Shopping weekend

Funny thing happened at the office today. Two female colleagues from different other departments asked if I am pregnant. Their reason: I look chubby (a nicer way of saying that I am fat!). Yes, I think I put on weight (the nicest way of revealing the fact that I am fat!) and I blame it on the food I consumed last weekend in Singapore.

When I was there for two nights, I recalled having eaten fish fillet burger, nasi lemak, penyet chicken rice, roti canai, chicken nuggets, and almost everything from a Korean steamboat buffet spread. Oh, I also did not forget the in-between snacks like apples, char kwai and green tea ice-cream. You could say that I am a serious eater and believe me I did not just end there.

While on my way back to KL with my cousin and her friend, we stopped at the Gelang Patah R & R area. I ate fried rice for breakfast. I had two cut guavas, one sun melon slice and tambun biscuits as travel snack.

We dropped by Salak Tinggi to pick up my cousin’s son at her sister’s place and guess what? I had white rice with fried bean sprout, oxtail soup and sambal anchovy for lunch! They send me back home fully loaded and I wonder why I was so sleepy that I had to catch a nap.

One weekend is all it takes for me to gain this much but I need longer time than that to shove the fat out from my spare tires. So now I have a mission: must go check out that swimming pool back at the apartment by today. Even if I do not make it into the water, at least I know the access to that facility.

By the way, all I got from the Great Singapore Sale were just bags due to time constraint; in which my husband would not agree because he managed to finish a book while we girls shopped. I bought a sweet pink canvas with white polka dots tote bag. Because my husband and I go everywhere, I should pack all our short travel essentials in there.

I also purchased myself a hot chocolate corduroy shoulder bag from Charles & Keith. The space is large enough that could put in everything from documents to even spare clothes if I want to. I bring this one to the office and I think it looks alright on me.

Anyway, fret not for I will be back to Singapore before the sale event is over. Well Abi, you better think of another book to buy.

Good morning!

Alright I admit it: work is very boring nowadays. This is because my job is of project basis that for this round I had already completed it some months ago. Since then I have been coming into the office not knowing what to do. Please God, do not let my boss read this.

Which is why I am in Singapore now! I could use some retail therapy for having worked so hard this year. I heard (thank you for the useful information, Abi) the Great Singapore Sale started last month and will be going on until end of July. Maybe I could look for things that I have always wanted to own. See if they are worth buying now than they were a few months back. I have a list, you know.

I arrived early this morning. As usual, Abi fetch me at the terminal in a cab. We dropped by McDonald’s to get me pre breakfast at 4am just in time to witness France losing to the Netherlands in EURO 2008. There goes another favorite team of mine.

My husband is sleeping at the moment. I just let him since he had cleaned the house until late last night. Am I a lucky wife or what? I wonder if other husbands fetch, feed or clean their wives like he does (why do I sound like I am a cat?). Although I already had fillet o’ fish (oh no, I do sound like I am a cat!), we are still going out for breakfast in a bit.

By the way, my cousin whose husband stays in Bahrain because of work; is also coming but she will reach here around noon today. She is bringing her long time friend. When three women get together, you could guess what is going to happen. There will be much gossiping, some shopping and maybe cooking. Yes, we will be like a bunch of girls having so much fun!

However today, we will only have time to go window shopping if not shopping shopping. My cousin requests us to bring her to Sentosa Island in which we have never been to, too. I think we can do that tomorrow morning when we are a lot fresher. I hope my husband would bear with us this weekend.

So I am going shopping. I wish to pay nothing. My husband buys everything. Do I hear “ka ching?” I see his head shaking; about to be aching. Do not worry darling. You know I love teasing.

Shut up people, I am happy!

Travel together?

So my husband had been coming back to KL for five weekends in a row now. Last two weekends he was here to attend a friend’s wedding in Shah Alam. Actually Abi could never turn down many invitations from our families and friends simply because he is a courteous gentleman. Besides, other people do expect us to show up at their special events and we kind of enjoy turning up especially when there is good food involved.

Next weekend, another school mate is tying the knot and my husband has been given the honor to be the bestman. This means that I get to play dress up with my husband, yay! Although Abi would normally wear anything I put on him, these invitations do help bring us together as a married couple somehow. Hey, if he does not complaint about his costume at all, I feel loved already and our marriage is far from over definitely.

My question being is there really a point for me to go stay with my husband in Singapore now? You see, Abi is always coming back home to me! What I am trying to say is if we were to move over there, we both would still have to travel back to KL attending these events.

Although it is good say, for us coming back to KL as we could do some grocery and furniture shopping, it is all so darn exhausting! It breaks my heart to watch my husband sleeps flat tired on weekend nights. Poor baby! In fact we sleep at every chance we get even during the day after running around getting stuffs for our house.

Once, a friend suggested if the couple is away together, other people would be more considerate thus the obligation to fulfill their invitations is not as much as before. Well I have to try it first to see if it works, right? What if it does not? Has anyone else tried this?

As for me, I guess it is better things stay the way they are, for now. If we take turn traveling, one could stay alert and cheery while the other is tired and cranky. There is a complement in that. Like the other weekend, I drove the car and Abi took a nap on our way to Port Dickson attending some family matters. We are still together but we just need to help balance each other.

Anyhow, I cannot accept the idea of us both traveling back and forth yet. We might just kill each other along the journeys out of boredom and fatigue.

New lesson

Recently I learnt something new from a meeting at work. At least it is to me and proves that my brain still runs well though it shuts down most of the time. So, have you ever experienced that when you buy a technical product only to feel that it is not user-friendly? I have encountered such products so many times and it sucks.

My husband would say the reason I was feeling like that is because I have not got use to the product yet. Of course, I also believe that practice makes perfect but I do not think that it is always the cause for feeling such. By the way, Abi is a by-the-book person while I am a spontaneous kind of a person. He would normally study the instruction manual while I would well, spontaneously operate a technical product. You know how stressful it is to operate everything just by trial and error. This is why I always treasure user-friendly products.

Let me share with you the ugly truth about technical products especially the nonuser-friendly ones. Actually, nonuser-friendly products are an effect of cost down activities. Ever wonder why when many hand phone brands are flooding the market but their prices become cheaper and cheaper?

When competition gets tougher, manufacturers are pressured to cut down their production cost to win market share. With cost of materials increasing over time, how do they manage to sell cheaper? Well, cheapskate companies would buy low-priced materials they result in products with yucky appearance and sucky performance and they still sell as cheap. However, renowned companies are smarter; they would purchase the same or slightly low-priced materials and delete some of the features (and call it improvement) but they get to sell as expensive.

For example, I remember a hand phone feature that recorded your every call’s duration and time but now it just records time. Get it? They make you believe that they have improved the feature but the truth is they simply delete it.

The product usage learning cost is in fact born by the end consumers, you. Yes, you pay for a nonuser-friendly product and have no other choice but start practicing until you get use to it. See, practice does make perfect!

So if you find that a product is nonuser-friendly, then it is an effect of cost down activities by the company producing it. You just do not realize it until it is already too late. Do not blame yourself for not being a technology savvy person. A good technological product should adapt to and help ease your life, not make you adapt to it and stress your own life. Moreover, earning decent money to pay for the product is already time consuming, therefore mastering the product usage should not be.

Wash or not?

There I was standing in front of our newly bought washer. Actually I was trying to decide whether or not my smelly never-been-washed-throughout-the-year shoes go into the washing machine. I am talking about my work shoes that I worn day-in and day-out for a year now. Because I am entitled for a new pair every year and I had already collected a pair last week, so last night I had the chance to wash the old shoes.

These are no ordinary shoes as they are ESD-safe shoes which avoid me from causing damage to electronic component or device failure at work. I like to see them as cute white sneakers which I could match with cute multicolored socks. I am always happy to wear them but only in the factory because I know I would feel safe in them. In short, they are special shoes, really.

However, I do not know if washing them in the washer is a good idea. I had never tried doing it before so would this ruin the machine if not the shoes? You know what they say, there is always a first time for everything so should I just do it?

So I stood there in front of the washer for many minutes and I did not have the courage to put the shoes in. Maybe I try to decide again next year. Or maybe I will beg my husband to wash them for me this weekend since he usually wash his football boots after playing futsal. Maybe the latter is the best idea!

Working weekend

It is Saturday evening and I am still working in the office! This is what I get for working in a manufacturing company in which the working calendar normally follows the production schedule. Darn!

This morning my husband sent me to work. He then went back home to sleep some more as he was still tired from the traveling, I guess. I fetched Abi late last night and we went for supper before I went straight to bed and he watched Spider-man 2 on TV. I knew he would eventually doze off in front of the TV so when I awakened from my sleep, I had to wake him up at 4 in the morning and led him to bed. Poor thing!

Because today is his off day, I already had a task for him to complete. I have been begging him to buy me a washing machine for our house so I could stop going to the laundry shop every other week. If we had a washer, I could save my energy dragging two people’s dirty clothes, my money (yes, I paid for them myself) and my break time at work just to drop by the shop sending and picking up our garments.

So Abi went to a few electrical shops to find a good washing machine and he had called my hand phone at my office nearly ten times! Of course he wanted to buy the perfect machine and he needed some expert’s consultation and that would be me. It was difficult for me doing shopping through his eyes but we managed to purchase a washer that I have not yet have a look at. I trusted his judgment on this one.

It is now time to go back and my husband is on his way now. So I have to go. I cannot wait to see him and the washer.

Watching movie

I always thought that my two girl cousins are the smartest wives I have known. This is because they moved to a happening Damansara commercial area once they got married. I am talking about Ikano Power Centre, IKEA, Tesco and The Curve being just five minutes drive from their homes. Don’t you get it? Ladies and shopping, hello!

However, guess who recently turned out to be smarter? That is right! In fact, I am a genius! Because when I got married, my husband got a house near a commercial area which is only two minutes away on foot. I am not kidding! I have evidence to prove this.

If you look at the photo above, I am standing on the inside of our private apartment’s gate. The building in the background, which has blue and green lights is Singapore’s first 24-hour lifestyle and entertainment complex called e!Hub. It has FairPrice supermarket, Cathay Cineplex, a bowling centre, restaurants, shops and even an indoor mini Ferris wheel! Just imagine, I could do grocery shopping in my pajama, how about that? Or Abi and I could catch a movie at 4 in the morning, how cool is that?

Just last Saturday, my husband and I went out for a movie. We bought the tickets in the afternoon for that night’s show. Of course I cooked dinner for us as promised. We took our own sweet time to eat and you know what? Abi said dinner was OK. OK is good. At least good enough for me. I will cook better next time. After cleaning up the dining hall and kitchen, I hit for the bathroom for a quick shower. We only left our house five minutes before the movie started. How convenient!

We watched Iron Man and speaking of the movie, it sucked actually. If it was not because the respect I have for Robert Downey, Jr. and Gwyneth Paltrow, I would have left the cinema and walk straight home, literally. Besides the predictable lame storyline, repeated jokes that are not funny really boring me. Plus, I would not know how to appreciate special effects because they always look unnatural to me. Luckily I have a husband for me to seek comfort while watching that. Anyway, that is how my weekend night was spent.

Running some errands

Last two nights, I went to KLCC. There is a café that serves Penang food and I ordered rojak and red ruby for dinner. For those who are not familiar with these; rojak is a fruit and vegetable salad dish commonly found in Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia (according to Wikipedia) mixed together with shrimp paste sauce and nuts while red ruby is a dessert of shaved ice, coconut milk, chestnut and jackfruit. So those were what I had, if you can call them dinner.

Then I went to see my tailor in Kampung Baru. One of Abi’s aunts had presented me a pretty piece of silk fabric on my wedding. So I asked my tailor to make a long kebaya as I plan to wear it to a cousin’s wedding reception next week. I hope it will turn out nice so I could snap nice photos in it.

Anyway, I offered to cook dinner for my husband this weekend. He had already made up his mind on the menu. He requested I cook him spinach soup and sambal fish. Would that be all, sir? Well, it is not too big a challenge for me. I can manage that or at least I think so. However, the verdict will be in Abi’s hand so I am hoping he will eat more and comment less.

Boots, checked. Passport, checked. Return tickets, checked. Sing cash, checked. I am all set to spend this weekend with my husband. I will be leaving KL this evening at 6. Lion City, here I come!

Weekend: The Beginning

Happy 1st Month Anniversary! Thought I would begin this blog with a cheery start as today marks a month living as a married couple for my husband and me. Yes, we tied the knot exactly on this date just last April. My husband, who I fondly call Abi is the love of my life. I have known him since our university years. He was there for me and me, him to get through a lot of things.

I particularly remember when he needed to study in the library; I would sleep in the car. When he played football, I would join the committee organizing the match. When he attended job interviews (just two, anyway), I would iron his shirt the night before. When I was in-between jobs (which were many times that my current GM took note about it), he would support me financially. We dated for eight years before he bought me that “Will you marry me?” ring, finally.

Although we got married, more tests do still come for the both of us. Abi has been working for a year in the Lion City now. Meanwhile, I am still holding onto my job in Bangi. Actually, I wished I could be there for him more once we are together officially. I want to cook him meals (though I suck, big time!), do his laundry (he nagged about it yesterday) and take care of our private apartment that he rents in Pasir Ris.

Right now I am trying to be rational and not freaking out just yet. I mean, Singapore is not that far I could always cross the border to get to him. Abi would come back every other weekend to our serviced apartment which he bought in Serdang. In addition, he seems to be doing well in his work over there and I am supportive in his career. So I do not want him to come back to KL just for me alone.

However, there was something Abi said yesterday that had put me deeper in this whole dilemma. He said, “I never push you to work, you know.” Well, I know my husband can afford a good life for us. Yet, I have to really hate my job to quit. It is not that I really love my job also, but I can still stand it this far. So my husband’s so-called offer will be KIV until the right moment arrives.

Last night before Abi left for Singapore, he had bought me another gold band that would be my 1st month anniversary gift. That said, now I need to think of a gift for him. Then again, I have a whole week to do that.