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.