And again

Yesterday was the first day I fasted alone. This year that is. What is wrong with that, you say.

I came in late to the office so when I go back, it would be a matter of minutes before breaking fast. Well, what do you know? Everybody left the office so darn early. They kept saying goodbye and wished me excitedly “Selamat berbuka!” on their way out. Some asked if I planned to eat at the office. Some even instructed me to just go home already. Thanks for the concern, guys! So what could be worse than that, you say.

I thought I had a great plan there. I bought a few delicacies so I could eat them when it was time to break the fasting along my way home. Of course I anticipated the eating-in-the-car-while-driving part. However, what I did not see was, just as the azan was playing on the radio, I recited my prayer in almost (I rephrase, almost) shedding a tear.

Suddenly it felt so hard this time around. I was surprised and laughed at myself for being such a wimp. I got all sensitive not able to break the fasting with Abi when in fact, I really enjoyed dinner with him and my family on Saturday; and his family on Sunday. Maybe I was not that macho anymore (was I ever?). Probably it was one of the effects of getting old.

I hated that feeling. Until I got home. I finished the rest of the food purchased from the canteen at my workplace. I prayed and then watched the Oprah Winfrey Show. Yeah I am that lame, tell me something else.

You know how this program always talks about individuals are beaten down in life but get up to put up a fight for theirs? Well, it was that kind of show last night. And we are talking of people who lost body parts and almost their minds here! They somehow survive and move on with what is left of their lives.

That was when I realized I should not be. Miserable, sad and having all those ungrateful feelings. God has given enough for me. For the both of us for that matter. Weak is for losers and I am not one for sure. Come on, breakdown? Over breaking fast alone?

To my beautiful wonderful husband, you know I love you. As rigid as I may sound, I can take care of myself. You have absolutely nothing to worry about (kiss). If you choose to complete your twenty months of service, bring it on! If I need to wait for you another hundred years, so be it. Whatever that does not kill me, it only makes me stronger.

However, there are two things that I want to ask of you, Abi. This weekend I plan to have these foods on the dinner table. And most importantly, I hope to share them with you (wink). I can hardly wait!

Hectic weekend

Last Friday evening, I waited at the office for my brother-in-law as we were driving down to Singapore to see his brother, my husband, who else? Their mother was also coming with us so we got to fetch her in Seremban, on our way there. The three of us had a good time traveling as the journey was smooth sailing.

We picked Abi up at his apartment and head out to Changi Village. We arrived at this food court to eat dinner where they served probably the best Penyet chicken rice in Singapore. To me it was because the taste adjusted well to our Malaysian palate so we experienced just a mild cultural shock. Besides, they opened until late at night to ensure that we would not sleep on an empty stomach (burp).

We went out on Saturday night for a chili crab dinner at Bedok. Although we ordered four dishes in small size, we had a hard time finishing everything. The chili crab, mix veggie, sweet and sour soup plus tofu were undoubtedly scrumptious but the word small on the menu fooled us all. It was small alright, for a giant! But we tried our best (yawn).

Mustafa Centre was our next stop. As I was sitting down from an aching foot while waiting for mom-in-law doing her shopping, I saw them. A pair of KicKers® canvas pumps! They were dark brown in color that would match my sling bag. Perfect, I thought. So I got up and tried the available sizes and found a pair that fit. And guess what? I paid only SGD14.90 for them! If the word perfect has a superlative, I would say that these shoes are the most perfect buy ever!

We packed up our things as we were going home on Sunday evening. Abi followed us back for he had a training to attend at his KL office. We both checked-in to an accommodation near my husband’s training venue. And the Executive Suite was just what the doctor ordered. It is the kind that I want to live in for the longest time. So I am not going to explain more but let these photos say for the gorgeous room itself. Enjoy!

I sent Abi to KLIA on Tuesday night. By the way, did you know KLIA has a designated parking space for four-wheel drive vehicles only? Well I did not, until that night. How cool is that, huh? Anyhow I must say it was one hectic weekend, and weekdays too! Being mainly on the road for these past few days really wore me out. Lucky my husband’s car has an intelligent mind of its own. Driving around was more fun if you let it do all the work (grin). Love that fine-looking robot. Hmm.

And last night there was a farewell do for a guy from work. We went to Palma Café to have dinner and I chose to eat the chili spaghetti, again. I had it on my last visit but apparently it was not enough, I supposed. Once more, the dish did not fail me because of the mystical power of it has. Okay highly exaggerated, sorry I cannot help it (tongue).

The thing is, it might look simple and harmless but the taste was absolutely heart stopping, in a good way. I actually checked with a girlfriend who ordered the same dish if she was still breathing. Hey just go there and order yourself one serving already. I said enough here.

Rock on, babe!

Last Sunday evening, Abi and I went to his brother’s apartment. Yeah we hang out there like, a lot! His house is kind of a one-stop centre. We would drop by to book bus seats, flight tickets or merely update blog. It is also a pick up point for futsal practice, going back to Seremban or any

cousinly outing.

As for me, I would play with his semi acoustic guitar and annoy everybody with my so-called skill (grin). I could also irritate Abi with my karaoke singing besides watching DVDs he would not buy because he downloads them from the internet. Cheapskate, and I wonder who taught him that. Hmm.It is the place to crash if my husband and I are too tired to drive back to our own apartment. Although our house is just about 10 kilometers away, but to continue our journey home on a full stomach or when Abi drives with his eyes completely shut; is out of the question. However most of the time we crash over there because every night we pay a visit, I would doze off early so Abi just let me sleep.

We would plan a sleepover if my husband feels like watching football or playing PS3 with the boys. Or if we want to eat the best nasi lemak in the world from a stall near my brother-in-law’s place. We have to get up and be there early for breakfast to catch the sambal prawns!

So anyway, last Sunday evening, Abi and I went to his brother’s apartment.
The latest attraction is a new game called Rock Band®! The truth, I pretty much suck at it. Hey, I am just a beginner so you might want to give me more time, huh?

My better half though, was hooked up with the game. I had a hard time making him quit playing so we could have some cake. His birthday cake, for God’s sake! Take a look at him, all smiling trying out the instruments, a drum set and a guitar. By the way, his brother and cousin were kind enough to secretly buy Secret Recipe’s chocolate walnut cake for us to enjoy before Abi caught his flight back to Singapore. Thanks, boys!

Did you like this surprise, Abi?

Well, here is a toast to a funny, gentle, handsome, patient and wise (yeah he is all that, I promise) husband:

Welcome to the Club 30s and believe me, at this point you have already earned everything we need. Just take some time to appreciate it. I trust your every judgment and investment, you freakonomist! Remember that you brought us both here. You know, God has always answered my prayer and you are the best I have ever asked for.

Happy birthday, Abi. May we endure the tests of time and weather in years to come. To health, love, money and many more. Salute!