legoland!

We finally made it to Legoland! We've been putting off the trip for the longest time (a) it's gonna be so crowded coz everybody wants to go to Legoland (b) it's gonna be super hot because there are no trees! (c) is it really worth it?

But those excuses aside, we packed the kids and off we go! Besides, Nana said that there is a hotel 20 minutes away which has a dinosaur theme pool. So okaylah. The boys kept asking why we didn't stay at the Legoland hotel though... er, dudes, because money don't grow on trees?

Rumi, enjoying a quiet swim alone while his Adik remained conflicted whether he should go down the water slides.

The minute we got there we hit the waterpark first because after lunch baru nak check out theme park. I'm delighted by how clean the water at the park is as compared to Sunway Lagoon. Sunway Lagoon's pools can get pretty gross by noon tbh. Legoland on the other hand has clear water and ample safety guards. Too bad I couldn't join because it was the time of the month. Boo.

The boys didn't want to get out of the pool but no choice lah. We paid for both water and theme park you can't stay in the pool forever! Oh btw, it's good to finally meet Elin / Kaezrin there! 

Lego Star Wars exhibition. 

Surprisingly, despite it being the school holiday week with 2 public holidays Legoland wasn't that packed as I predicted. Is it because of the Zika scare? Not too sure about that but if we had more time at the theme park I'd love to go on the rides at least twice.  

The thing I miss most about amusement parks in Japan (eh tetiba) is that everybody who works there are very passionate about their jobs. Even those tasked to be tukang sapu - you can see that they love their job. Why the hell not? Working at an amusement park where only happiness and laughter can be felt is like a dream come true, no? But alas, in Malaysia, you see staff having a chat, laughing away when they really should be concentrating on their job. Hello, is my belt/guard tight enough? I'm about to go on a roller coaster ride here? \o/

Yay a Lego dinosaur !

Tbh, Legoland Malaysia is pretty cool. Rumi is already plotting to come back end of the year because by then the Ninjago ride will be ready. InsyaAllah sayang, if murah rezeki.

A poke stop yay! 

Sightings at Legoland. Bosan.

On Malaysia Day, the boys once again hit the pool. Bagus juga KSL Resort ni, because it's connected to a shopping mall (yay for Starbucks and Auntie Anne's!) but the pool is a dinosaur theme park. Water quality is so-so but nobody's complaining man! I also managed to catch up with Nana who has 3 boys. 

Imaaaaaaaaaaan! a.k.a. Lobster Child

Can't wait to bring Edward here. Heheh. 

Before heading back to KL, we went to JPO to look for some running stuff. I somehow managed to injure myself at Nike (not sure how a massive thumb tack got into the pants I was trying wei) and my poor thumb bled! Terima kasihlah team Nike for tending to my thumb. Bought a perfume for my sister too. 

Ride back to KL was smooth too. Here's to more journeys with my family! 

batman vs superman run 2016

Been feeling like Rob Kardashian lately (fat and hormonal haha) and after looking at my recent photos I knew I need to get back into shape. Fast. 

Yesterday I took part in the batman vs superman run 2016 at padang merbok. it was my friends' idea since the last time we 'ran' together was at the Music Run last year. Here's the deal about running with my friends - we meet up, have a chat, at the starting line we say our goodbyes and "see you at the finishing line". They will then disappear into the horizon while my poor husband pace with my walking. yes, I walk.

I will just say it that I hate running. Partly because I am heavy and with this weight I can only walk and enjoy the view. Okay what? I still sweat nonetheless hehe.

  

Guess it's time to make use of my gym again. Been paying for nothing the past months. I want to go back to dancing! 

Obligatory feet pic with Serena. Also our growing collection of silly selfies. I love her. 

My beloved badass mother runner headband, which I wear to impress people haha. 

This is what friendship is all about guys. GOOD FOOD.
Nasi lemak Tanglin. 

Will write about our short trip to Legoland (I typed LEGOLAS just now) in the next post. 

Brush Calligraphy Workshop 20 August 2016

Last year I bought a water brush and had no clue on how to use it - (because YouTube videos can be deceiving haha). Kononnya nak save budget and calligraphy classes are expensive anyway. So when my friend highlighted that Stabilo will be having a brush calligraphy class with Sharon a.k.a. @ronnycakes (one of my favorite local calligraphists) I just had to take up the class. I literally begged Sharon on direct message because there were so many interested participants (seats are limited to 10 pax only).

My husband probably sighed in relief: "Finally!"

It was worth rushing from Subang (my good friend's wedding) and although I was slightly late (notice how Malays are ALWAYS late? hehe) it was a 3-hours worth. Another reason why I wanted to join this particular class is because the class was held at Cziplee and I've not visited the store since its horrible fire last year. 

Thinking of attending another class in September or October. InsyaAllah if time permits. 

My name! Sharon wrote that of course but the calligraphy practice on the left is mine. Not bad for a newbie eh?

Sharon! Such a lovely and patient girl.

My fat quote, also a favorite quote. 

Sharon's masterpiece. Lawaaaaaaa

Also her work here.

My handsome husband, catching  Pokemon. 

Blegh

One after another. After so many dugaan since I started my new job, I'm hoping this will be the last. Slight inflammation of the tendinitis - dalam erti kata lain, my wrist was hurting so bad that I couldn't take it anymore. I suspect it's the non-ergonomic laptop I'm using but I danna.. I'm getting old. 

That was last week. I'm feeling better now except the painkillers that I've been taking are giving me gastric now. Haih, macam-macam!!

;p

I hate scene office drama Melayu and it's stupid ABBA files.

the confused bee

this is so random but yesterday I wore a flowery baju kurung yesterday and a bee started buzzing around me.

it probably found heaven. 

:)

the anello bag

The Anello bag

Stumbled upon these Anello bags while shopping for husband's hipster snapback few weeks back at Sunway Pyramid. Cinta pandang pertama! 

I guess the odd shape attracted me - it reminds you of a boston bag, yet you can carry it as a knapsack. The inside is pretty spacious too! Then I keep seeing people wear this bag, so I'm guessing the anello bag is the new in thing la kot. Upon googling it seems that the bag is the IT bag in Japan right now. Awesome-des!

Can't wait for my first pay next week. Gonna treat myself with this bag. It'll be a good bag to carry for my occasional public transport commute anyway.

:)

MT ex KL

Is it okay to be passionate with things that I'm not really good at? Hehe. Really enjoyed the washi tape / journalling / wrapping workshop organised by Stickerrific few weekends back. Next up, brush calligraphy this weekend! Can't wait.

The 3 Rs

I have this on my office wall now. But I'll probably change it later because one of my colleagues asked me: "Release apa? Kentut ke?" #shitmycolleaguesays

Yell less, love more

It was a whirlwind weekend and I felt like a monster. A couple of times I lost my cool with the boys to the extent I played the "you both don't love me" card.

So I told Rumi, I'm gonna try my best to not yell at you both so you have to try your best not to misbehave okay.

Rumi replied, "5x kali Ibu jerit".

My eldest remembered how many times I yelled at them over the weekend! :(

I promise I'll try to change. It's just mind over matter.

Now to figure out how to make them keep the house clean...

Boo stories

From Merah, by Amir M and Seno A - available at http://maplecomics.com.my/

So apparently the Malay community at my apartment are pretty tight - with whatssap group and all. And we just found out haha. So few nights back I had no choice but to attend their (our) Raya dinner get-together. I would have avoided it if I could (because I'm very bad at socializing ) but the kids want to hang out with their friends -_- so terpaksalah.

But paling tak best is when they shared ghost stories with me. At our blocks!
Block B ada toyol. FML.
My block, Block A, er ada nenek tua yang refuse to leave my neighbor's house. AND SHE LIVES 2 DOORS DOWN FROM ME.  wtf wei. but now dah takde, she said, "tapi i dah biasa sangat dengar bunyi guli and perabot bergerak dari unit atas".

Ha Ha Ha tak kelakar haaaaaaaaargh!

Alhamdulillah so far I've not had any bad experience in our home. Just ada few times I felt something heavy on me and the inability to move when i sleep. Which is fine because it has been scientifically proven already (yes it's true! this happens if you're too tired ok). Guli berbunyi, only once, and one guli only. I was with my husband and I don't think he noticed it though.

So anyway, the Subuh after hearing the ghost stories, I swear I heard someone said something to me. So close to my ear. It was more like a question (non creepy) and I couldn't figure out what she was saying at all. *shrugs*

I tell myself "I ain't afraid of no ghost*" but nevertheless tetap berhati2 bila nak tidur and bila masuk bilik gelap hahaha. 


* Saw Ghostbusters! It was okay although plot-nya so-so lah. 

Pins and pins

Er, I think I need more jarum peniti(s) and brooches.

Currently I have 3 tiny brooches (beli 3 for RM10 at Jaya Shopping Centre) and a small diamond hearted brooch - I think I stole this from my niece's room LOL.

Jarum peniti... I don't like the fancy-fancy once. Just the usual slim one will do. But where the hell do I buy them? The ones I currently have were given by my ex-colleague Rai. The other day punya lah excited dapat beli jarum peniti from the mart downstairs my office but when I opened the box it's those short and fat harum penitis. 

-_-

last week's hari ini dalam sejarah

I think my heart dropped when I read this message from my husband. I was in a meeting at the time. Mind you, it was only my fourth day at work and I can’t afford to be losing my focus.

To back track a bit, the day before, my car won’t start. It happened on Wednesday evening last week, while I was all geared to go home. You know what’s the irony? The car is scheduled for servicing the next day! I managed to restart the car when the service guy came (FML) and drove home. We knew the car will not start the next day and Roy can just call the service centre to get the car fixed.

To cut a long story short, tow truck was called and I was already having a bad feeling since the day before. I don’t know why, it was just instinct. You know how your heart palpitates for no reason? I even dreamt that I cried the night before. I digress. So yeah, the car.

It slipped from the tow truck.

My husband, the superhero in disguise however managed to jump into the car and pulled the hand brake. The damage? Well the driver’s door is damaged and along the way it scraped our neighbor’s car as well. Thank God the tow truck company will pay for everything (hey why don’t you guys just get me a new car please) and hopefully we’ll get our car back by end of the week.

That aside, I’m grateful that:

1. No one got hurt (imagine if my husband was standing in the way or our other car was behind the tow truck)
2. This gives me a chance to take the public transport. It’s tiring but hey I could use some exercise! 

   Talking about public transport, it has been an exhausting journey so far. Well, perhaps because it’s been a while since I last had an (any) exercise and I guess my body just refuse to cooperate haha.  I don’t enjoy being pushed but when the train is slightly empty and I get to sit, I find it so enjoyable to immerse myself in reading. Trying to sleep gracefully in the train has been a challenge so far though! 

i

Unique Seafood PJ

I think with the new job I am able to blog more now, or at least do more scheduled posts than before. Not because I don't have much work to do here but I'd like to make more time to write and journal. They are still by far the best way to de-stress (oh, that, and squishing my babies) Besides, I have so many food posts that I want to write about! Or rather, slap some photos and post. Haha.  

On 20th June, I had iftar session with the (now ex) colleagues from the (ex)Company's Islamic arm. When Rai announced that we're having fatty crabs I just couldn't say no! TBH I've never heard of Unique Seafood but when googled I read so many good reviews about it so yay!

I let my colleagues do the food ordering - I don't really mind - as long as I get to order fried calamari with salted egg yolk!

Just look at the gorgeous venison. I was told that they can make your body heaty, but I walloped almost half of it anyway. The meat is so tender, how can you say no to that!

The salted egg yolk fried calamari was pretty good. I'd say it's in my top 2 list, alongside husband's EWA favorite. 

Don't forget to eat your veggies!

Me and my nasi goreng can never ever ever be apart! Didn't quite like it though. Crab meat and udang kering overload. Meh. 

The (5) star of our buka puasa. I was expecting it to be super duper spicy, but this is one is more on the sweet side. 

The only  thing I didn't touch. Never been a fan of lemon chicken.

For the life of me I can't recall the name of the bread! So crispy and cicah with the fatty crab - HEAVEN. I ordered this twice haha. 

I hope to see you again my crustacean friends. xoxo

Currently...

Currently...

reading: All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr 

playing: We Don't Talk Anymore by Charlie Puth x Selena Gomez. So addictive this song!

watching: I never miss Masterchef US. Does anybody in my universe watch KUWTK? I watch the Kardashians from time to time (and I'm not shy to admit it!)

trying: to get used to this new office, job scope, travel time etc. A lot of things to learn OMG you can do this Nate!

cooking: not sure yet what to cook for the weekend. Most likely plenty of chicken again for the boys, and me. :)

eating: nasi lemak Petronas near our house. So spicy but so so good. I can eat this everyday.

drinking: coffee, water, coffee, more water, coffee, water, all day. 

calling: the kids. missing them terribly!

texting: family and friends, the usual suspects. 

pinning: hijab at work ideas. lol. 

tweeting: depending on what's hot at the moment! Dean is coming to town in September...

crafting: nuthin'. this ain't my forte! 

doing: research for our next family trip and learning about the tricks and trades of the new office! 

going: MT EX workshop this weekend! For washi tape freaks like me... 

loving: just being home with the family.

hating: my zero confidence. not something that i need right now especially when i need to get to know new colleagues and stuff. 

discovering: that taking the train to work is not so bad after all. i just need to master the art of sleeping in public transport gracefully.

enjoying: the good vibes here at work. 

hoping (for): our poor car to be ready by end of this week. long story. will probably write about this later. 

celebrating: that I'm still getting full pay from the previous company. 

nasi minyska

So two weekends back I had this incredible urge to eat nasi minyak and made nasi minyak I did! Okay lah so I was kinda stressed out because Giant ran out of 'pewarna kuning telur' but tawakal sajorks. Made ayam masak merah (both recipes courtesy of aziejaya) and topped it with my SIL's delicious acar buah - you can reach her at @kulinari_umijune if you wanna order!

Alhamdulillah it turned out good! Well the rice was slightly bland (needed more ghee it seems) but ayam masak merah was delicious. Invited my brother over - who eats ayam masak merah almost on a daily basis - and dia tambah 3x! 

So last weekend I decided to make them again for husband's pot luck. While the nasi minyak menjadi (finally found pewarna and threw in raisins as well) but the ayam masak merah was blergh. Probably I shouldn't mix cili giling with the rest of the blended items. I danna. Felt such like a failure. Eceh.

Maybe I should attempt to do nasi beriani from scratch next. Still have a lot of beras basmathi at home anyway. :)

uokatsu opposite plaza damas

Wow this is a really old post that's been in my draft inbox since forever. This place is owned by a Japanese couple and I remember liking this place for its authenticity. Their operating hours a bit off tho 'coz they are open on certain hours only.

Address:

B-0-7, Plaza Damas 3, Jalan Sri Hartamas 1, Kuala Lumpur. Across the road from Hartamas Shopping Centre.

Bakar

We celebrated our 8th anniversary last month. Since it's puasa month, it's definitely buka puasa option for us. Not wanting to go for those overpriced Ramadhan buffets, Husband suggested Bakar, over at Lorong Kurau near NST.

Place pretty small, so imagine my surprise when we had to sit facing the kitchen. So much for an intimate anniversary celebration. -_-

But that's okay, 'coz at least I get to see the cooks at work and give them the death glare if the food comes late.

Alhamdulillah the food came on time. Below has got to be my favorite appetizer. That's ox tongue y'all! Served with egg Benedict and the gravy is just to die for. Or to order a second round.  

Husband's roasted duck. I'm not a big fan of ducks, but I'll make this one an exception.

I ordered spring chicken. If you eat the chicken alone, it will be quite salty. Hence why you need to combine everything - the white sauce thing, chilli, that pinkish radish (kinda sweet), pita bread. The result, heaven in your mouth.

Below is the much talked about charcoal pavlova. It's a bit too tangy for me, but great nonetheless. 

We will definitely come again! 

Bakar Restaurant
11A, Lorong Kurau, Taman Bukit Pantai, 59100 Kuala Lumpur.
Phone: +60 3-2280 0073

Last day of leisure

I have a pile of forms to be filled up for my first day of work tomorrow but I'm just lounging right now refusing to do anything (yet).

I have a faint headache thanks to the musang king cheesecake made annually by my banker-baker extraordinaire friend, Nic. It's really good guys. It's like eating durian really, with a bit of cheese hehe. So satisfying though.

I also went for a last minute baju office shopping today for you know, more Shariah-compliant ones. Bought 8 pieces and I think I may have bought 2 of the same ones...

Wish me luck for tomorrow. No turning back now!

Imaan the Faithful

They fight like crazy but times like these they will always be there for each other. 

So blessed.

Early reminder

Not sure why my posts via email not showing pulak. Haih seksa betul nak jadi blogger berdisiplin ni! Maybe I need a new laptop - no wait, a workspace, or maybe a Mac... oh nvm.

Anyways, the husband told Rumi today:

"Kita tak boleh ada tattoo tau"

Kelakar.

A bit too early for a warning but cute anyway.

Ice Age 3

Was craving Wendy's so we might as well throw in a free movie as well. I still have a few free movie tickets from previous job so okay lah, let's make the boys happy before the start of the school again this week.

The movie was okay, I somehow managed to stay awake (almost) throughout the movie. Beats watching Finding Dory!

Monday dah today. Sent Rumi to school then gonna send Emre later. A week off before I start my new job! Mak nak buat apa ni? :D

Farewell

This is my office farewell email.

+++

Dear colleagues (or better, family & friends),

"A nice goodbye makes it too hard to leave."

Not sure why is it so hard for me to pen my last 'write-up', probably because I hate goodbyes. It was a difficult decision to make, having been here for close to 9 years! A lot of memories & laughter made, tears shed (hehe), friendships forged but after some serious thinking I have made up my mind to start a new chapter in my life.

I have grown so much here and from the bottom of my heart, thank you & terima kasih for teaching and inspiring me, and allowing me to do the same to you. Our paths will cross again, sooner or later, I'm sure of it (I never say no to lunch/dinner/wedding invites). ☺
Don't be a stranger!

Take care and don't ever lose sight of your dreams.
Selamat Hari Raya and Maaf Zahir & Batin.

xoxo,

Nate.