Greeting Ramadhan

Alhamdulillah, tadi dah settle kat dapur after our sahur.

With the exams looming so near, I thought my reaction towards greeting this year's Ramadhan would be lukewarm than usual. However, it's totally the opposite.

The sense of excitement and euphoria in greeting the holy month this year is definitely different. I don't recall being so "semangat" to cook for sahur last night after spending most of my Sunday in revision class and walking about in Pavi jalan-jalan with Hubs. Somehow I managed to muster some energy to do so after an hour of chilling in front of the TV once we got home.

This will be our third year greeting the Ramadhan and Insya Allah, Eid, as husband and wife. Hoping for more Ramadhans and Eids together in many more years to come, Insya Allah with our own family soon.

Wishing everyone a blessed Ramadhan Al-Mubarak. May our Ramadhan be filled with peace, blessings, forgiveness and enlightenment. Please forgive my family and I for any wrongdoings we might have committed to you, knowingly or unknowingly.

Happy Ramadhan everyone!

Looking forward to 2016

Soon we'll be greeting the new year. 2016 peeps. Wow!

You'd hear the usual " How time flies" and "Here's to a better year ahead" greetings. Of course, not forgetting friends and families sharing their achievements, or lack thereof, of their 2015 New Year resolutions and setting new ones for 2016. I too am one of those guilty for carrying forward a few of my own personal as well as those listed as HusbieWifey 2015 new year resolutions into 2016.

The year 2015 has been tough to most people I am sure. Especially with our country's current political and economical climate, one will surely have been affected one way or another. However, I will leave my personal views, distress, future hopes and everlasting love for my Malaysia another day. After all, my blog is not the appropriate forum to debate on the matter. I do, however, wish that things will improve a lot more for all of us this new year and that, we the Rakyat of Malaysia will be presented with more opportunities to increase our own ability to pave our own success on our own soil.

There are plusses for the year for all of us too I'm sure.

Bear in mind to have ups and downs are our lot in life.

For me personally, I would say I wish 2015 would have been better for me but nothing can change that. All I can do is learn from the experiences gained this year and try not to repeat them.

I look forward to 2016,with excitement and just a dash of anxiety. Cliche' as it sounds, "Here's hoping for an awesome 2016"...oh, and here's to crushing my enemies and seeing them quiver before me...LOL...NO NO...kidding...or was I?

Welcome to the Family, Valorie!

Since I've come on home,
Well my body's been a mess
And I've missed your ginger hair
And the way you like to dress
Won't you come on over
Stop making a fool out of me
Why don't you come on over, Valerie?

Valerie [x3]

This was the song which ran through my mind as soon as I walked out of the boutique. Well, to be honest, just the chorus bit alone. Physically, I was swinging both our held hands and couldn't stop smiling away like what we Malays would term as "kerang busuk".

I absolutely am crazy for clutches. Once, right after our honeymoon, Husbie thought I could spare two of the three Indonesian Batik clutches I chose from one of the Batik factories in Bali for his mum and sister-in-law as he thought the Bali shirts we gave as souvenirs weren't enough. 

My response was a dead stare. No way!

Anyways, enough side-tracking.

Crazy for clutches. Some might easily dismiss it as impracticable or only reserve it for special events (Well, I'm partly guilty for the latter. Won't be doing this anymore as much). A clutch is an excellent and awesome way to spice up the wardrobe instantly without having something slinging on your shoulders and taking away the attention from you and your clothes. It can be worn with anything including jeans. 

Behold, say hello to my Valorie Rainbow!

Anya's Valorie is always an instant hint. A year or two ago, I remember holding one of them in my hands and contemplating between the multi-coloured, dark blue and black Valorie. In the end, I didn't purchase either. Only later, when I heard it ran out-of-stock, there was a twinge of regret in not purchasing it earlier on. Oh, nothing to worry about. Just a teeny-weeny bit of regret. Though they were beautiful, they didn't exactly stopped me in my tracks. Unlike this Valorie Rainbow.

We knew that Anya was having a 50% storewide sale so we intended to just pass by and view their collection from afar. Zero intention of buying anything. The moment we passed by their window display in Pavi, I had to back-track. Even Husbie, who usually prefers the classic look and designs, couldn't deny that this is one piece that I must absolutely get. 

Hell yeah!!!

Before this, the only 'near-funky'/fun design bit in my bag/clutch collection is my Anya Valentine clutch which he gave as part of the hantaran for our akad nikah, with my initials and the date of our akad nikah engraved in it. My most 'favourite-test' of them all. Yes, not enough with stating it as the 'most', must add the "est" in my expressions too. Still is my ultimate fave and forever will be.

Next to it, will be my new Valorie Rainbow. Just a dash of "fun" with elegance and class. Arghhhh...just writing about it makes my heart go "dup-dap". Hahah!

For all those other Anya fans out there, you better get it fast. It's not on sale but I heard other regular customers have booked it in the hopes of buying it later at a discount or maybe buying them later with their next paycheck. Don't know how that would work. Don't think you can pre-book and wait for a discount. By then, it would have all flown off the shelves, even at full price. 

A trip to Zoo Negara- Our 2nd Wedding Anniversary

Alhamdulillah, both Husbie and I recently celebrated our 2nd wedding anniversary. We were both stumped to how we would like to spend the day together without having to venture out of state or country. Between work, house chores and classes, we couldn't afford to take too much time off.

So, we decided to go to the Zoo.

Yes, you read right, THE ZOO. OUR NATIONAL ZOO.

After 10 years of being together with 2 of them of being married together, we finally got a date at the zoo. I remember requesting a visit to the zoo in the early years of our relationship. Well, better late than never!

The last time I went to our zoo was when I was 9 or 10 years old. Now, with my love and better appreciation for animals, I got to enjoy the visit even more. 

Here are some highlights and dislikes of my visit. The 'dislikes' had nothing to do with the special date but some observations I had of our National Zoo and some tourists' attitudes and behaviours.

Highlights

1. The entry fee, including for access to the Panda sanctuary, is in general, affordable. I don't mind contributing to our zoo. 
2. I can see some improvements are being done at the moment. A good sign perhaps that the zoo is looking into improving enclosures for the animals and efforts are underway to make visits for tourists even more memorable.
3. We got to ride a PINK tram, to Husbie's dismay.
4. LOVE the picture souvenirs. There are different types of frames to go with your polaroids. My ultimate fave would be the Panda frames. RM30 each.
5. Many of the animals are generally well taken care of with some exceptions. Further elaborations on the matter will be under my 'Dislikes'.
6. Staff are super helpful and friendly.
7. Mid-way during our visit, my feet were hurting so bad I just had to go back to the car to change into my FlipFlops. The security marked my ticket, allowed me to go to the carpark and come back in to continue with our day. Wohooo!
8. I got to feed the Orang Utan which was good. However, my actions raised some minor confusion with one Australian couple. They thought I was feeding them on my own accord for our own entertainment. The person even narrated it in her video cam for the folks back home! NO WAY OK!!! I know better. They didn't see the caretaker standing next to me and passing me the bananas to feed Maya and Rukiah (the names of the female Orang Utans). The caretaker was not as fluent in English so I had to explain to them that the zoo has a very strict policy in feeding animals and the caretaker next to me was the one who gave permission and passed me the bananas. Hmpphh! Perhaps, the caretakers and staff at the zoo should update their uniform to a green coloured shirt with khaki pants. The black staff shirt clearly doesn't work!
9. We almost got Hippo Poop splattered on our persons. Yes, this is a highlight I guess cos' it was funny. We escaped of course but the Hubs couldn't stop laughing.
10. We got to spend a whole day at the zoo! Due to the rain, we had to take shelter in one of their restaurants. I think it is the only restaurant there ala-ala KFC. Hmm...I remember a KFC or was it an A&W in the zoo when I was little. What happened? Sayangnyer!

Dislikes

1. Finding out that tourists continue to disregard notices and throw ciggies, plastic, aluminium cans and rubbish into animal enclosures and feed the animals junkfood. 
2. Tourists not respecting animals. There was this couple who posed for pictures with their foot on top of the Galapagos Turtles' back. Shame on you!!! 
3. The male lion looked old or sickly. I mean it's well enough and I know the Zoo is trying their best with limited funds. 
4. I observed for myself, for the first time, how animals in the zoo, specifically the Malayan Tiger and the Grizzly Bear in our National Zoo, are suffering from what they call stereotypy. You see, this happens a lot to captive animals. The animal would pace back and forth or in circles continuously. Some may even proceed to self-harm or injury and even excess self-grooming. Major factors to the cause of stereotypy include small enclosures, artificial environments and lack of mental stimulation. There are solutions to stereotypy. Just hope the zoo's veterinary team is in the midst of identifying the best method to help the animals or execution for a solution is already underway. 
5. The food and drinks in the zoo are too expensive. A drink can cause up to RM5. Haiyohh!
6. Repetitive types of animals in different enclosures. I think there were three separate enclosures for tapirs alone at different areas in the zoo.

So, here's a picture of the corny picture with the Panda frame we took at the Zoo. Currently residing at the Hubs' office, hopefully making him smile everyday when he gazes at it.

Do visit and support our National Zoo. It is worth it! In fact, if you can spare the time, they even have volunteer programmes for those interested.

World Handbag Day

Did you gals know that today is World Handbag Day? I didn't know that it even exists in the first place! 

I generally would categorise myself as one of those ladies with a minimal to moderate collection. Nothing to the point of filling a room to the brim. Among them, I of course have a few that I favour over others. This is referring to handbags alone ok? Excluding my fave clutches and minaudieres.

To commemorate my own personal recognition of World Handbag Day this year, thought I'd dedicate a posting on one of my most precious and cherished handbag, on what I'd like to think as an heirloom. An heirloom usually entails a precious item that has been shared and passed down through several generations. However, for this item, I'm not really sure it has reached that level as yet but Insya Allah my future daughters will take it upon them to appreciate and keep it nicely among their collection.

In the first year back in KL from the UK, I lost my beloved grandmother. My late grandmother was not a rich lady. She had a tough upbringing and an even tougher life. But what she lacked in financial riches, Allah granted her rezeki in many other ways. From her many hardships, she turned out to be a very independent, resourceful and hardworking woman. She was a very special woman in my life and one from whom I will remember the many knowledge, kindness and advice I've counted on throughout.

From her passing, my late grandmother left her whole cupboard consisting of her precious chinas and other memorabilia to me. Among them, is this beautiful leather handbag and pair of shoes. I think it's Crocodile? Or is it Alligator?  Not really sure what they used for handbags and shoes back then. It has that rustic colour to it. With a combination of a few shades of brown and gold clasps. 

My late grandparents from my mother's side were very poor. So when one day, my late grandfather returned home and surprised my late grandmother with these, she obviously cherished it so much that she even kept it nicely among her collection for family and guests to see, many many years after his passing. Among the few of her luxury items in life.

I keep it in a glass cabinet, on the top shelf. Solely dedicated for my late grandmother's handbag and shoes collection. It's so precious that I'm even scared to send it to a Professional Bag Cleaner. Afraid they'd spoil it or claim it's lost or something. It's a piece of family history kot! No way can I take such risks! 

So for World Handbag Day, I'd like to pay tribute through this blog posting of my late grandmother's leather handbag. May it retain its elegance throughout just like my late grandmother.

Happy World Handbag Day!

Wedding Weekend

It had been a long and enjoyable weekend, with all my nights dedicated to an old friend from Manchester who was getting married to the love of her life.

I just love weddings.

The pelamin, the dresses, the colour themes, the hantarans, the masked nervousness of the bride, the sigh of relief once pronounced as man and wife, plans for honeymoon destinations...the whole package. 

Wishing the newlyweds all my love and may they be happy always!

Photobooth sesh! 

Other than the one, we only just met during Malam Berinai and somehow got along very well.  Semua gediks time bergambar! Haha!

Vintage - (1975) Aged to Perfection

Today is a very special day for both Husbie and I. Especially my dear Husbie.

He turns 40 today. Yes, the big Four-OHHH!

Last night, past 12am, after wishing him the happiest happy birthday ever, he turned to me and asked...

"Am I OLD?"

"Hell yeah, you're damn old! Standing next to you makes me feel old!" 

This was the point he got kinda upset. Don't worry, just one of those gedik merajuk sesh. OBVIOUSLY I had to spend some time consoling him after. Hahahah...

There seems to be a big stigma turning 40. But I say, hey, EMBRACE IT!

So, dear Husbie, here's a continuation of my efforts in consoling your tender 40-year-old feelings. I've gathered some interesting facts and other awesome info on how fabulous being 40 actually is. 

Youth has no age.

You're actually 18 years old with 22 years of experience.

If you have any football ambitions, don't fret. Supposedly, Celtic boss Gordon Strachan played Premiership football until he was 40, while England star Teddy Sheringham still played football at 41. Sir Stanley Matthews played until he was 50. (This was a toughie. I don't know Jack-S*** about footie!)

You're 4 perfect 10's!

1975 was the year the laser printer was invented.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest was awarded Best Film at the Oscars in the year you were born.

In the week you were born, the number one song in the UK was I Can't Give You Anything (But My Love) by The Stylistics.

At 40, you're built for comfort not speed.

All the actors and actresses you used to think were hot now play grandparents.

You're convinced grey hair is cool.

I understand at 40, your eyebrows, nose hair and uh-hmmm, maybe hair in other areas too, will start to grow in weird directions. (I actually think this is more suited for BY the time you're forty but I will include it in this list anyways).

You're older and wiser now. Way qualified to give advice to us young'uns who just won't listen.

At the age of 40, the earth would have orbited the sun XXX times. (I tried to find this fact online but to no avail. Let's just say A LOT of times!!!)

Kidding, kidding!!!

Anyway, Happy Birthday sayaaaang! May Allah panjangkan umur you and both of us bahagia sentiasa di dunia and akhirat. May we be blessed with more rezeki soon. May you age gracefully and be even more wiser in the many many many years to come.  May your mind and wit continue to be sharp. 

Ohhh, and don't worry...

I'll be standing by the cake with the fire extinguisher tonight...unless your parents decide to just buy four tall candles or those cute numbered ones for the cake. 

Mwaaks! Luv' ya sooo much!

It's All About The Beach

Third day of Raya finally arrived.

Both Husbie and I woke up early and took a lovely, long and qualitative stroll along the beach. Oh, not forgetting plenty of photos and selfies too!

Masih Raya so posing kat pantai mesti control ayu.

Husbie's impersonation of a starfish 

Sitting on a bench, contemplating what can we get for breakfast without breaking the bank. I was starving and all Husbie was none too eager to feed me. Hmpphh!

Husbie posing next to the Resort. I still prefer the one in Langkawi! Jom sayang, we go langkawi pulak! 

Missing the beach already.

Second Day Raya

The second day of Raya was a breeze. All of us took the time to just chill at the resort and only continued to visit relatives after Asar. 

Due to the more 'relaxed nature' of the day, the family finally took the time to pose for a decent picture.

After Isyak, we made our way to Padang Kota for supper. Alang-alang di Penang, jalan-jalan ar. Perghhh, so ramai ar. Raya memang orang sekarang banyak berjalan. We were there cos' MIL wanted to bring her cucu to the Transformers exhibition. It turned out to be a big FAIL as cucu didn't like the noise and wasn't enjoying the crowd one bit. Not to mention it was already past his bedtime.

Plus point, I got a taste of one of the best pesembors in town. The next time I visit Penang, I will definitely voluntarily charge through the crowd in Padang Kota for a plate of their delicious pesembor and sotong kangkung!

Nor Your Typical Raya - Part 2

On the drive down to town from Baru Feringghi lar BIL whatsapp'd sebab MIL marah Husbie. Adalah reason MIL yang I thought boleh ajer easily resolved but because of it, my Husband and I got into a huge fight. Sedih sangat, both of us dah lar hungry. Now tengah 'panas' ngan each other. DI HARI RAYA! 

(Big NOTCH there)

Sampai bandar terus gi another relatives house. In-laws were already there but all the men have started driving out to the mosque for Friday prayers. Husbie was lucky that he bumped into one of his cousins and ikut sekali ke Masjid. So, I was left on my own to make my own way up to the flat where his relatives were. 

Masuk-masuk memang muka tebal. MIL was chatting up with her older brother whilst watching TV. Definitely don't want to interrupt. So, the relatives can agak-agak ajerla yer I siapa but of course I was gracious enough to beri salam masa masuk rumah and introduce myself. Masuk rumah orang kot. Walaupun bukan kampung and family sendiri, adab still ada yer. Ingat jaga nama baik suami. Lucky for me, some still recall my face from the wedding.

There, sedara-mara Husbie pelawa makan minum but I minum sikit and makan sebijik kuih dulu. Despite dah banyak kali dipelawa and with my continuous response wanting to wait for Husbie, they continued to invite makan minum. Rather than menyinggung perasaan these nice people, better makan minum sikit lar. Baik sungguh Husbie's Aunt and cousins. I am very lucky to have nice people around me for Raya.

A visit to the washroom, jeng jeng jeng, Bendera Merah berkibar! Lucky for me, I have the car keys, Tapi masa nak turun ke parking lot, time tu lar the men sampai. Husbie dah kasi jelingan maut suruh tunggu and tanya kenapa tak buat tadi. At this point, tahap 'panas' bini kena tamp down puas-puas and bini dok kena explain betul-betul that Laut Merah baru datang melanda and any further delay to take my pad from the car, lagi teruk jadinyer.

Double notch here in the "So Hate Raya" bedpost.

Just Husband and I at the dining table, we only started eating our first Raya meal for the day around 3 p.m. In-laws still kenyang from the first house so we makan lah dulu. 

Another "notch" there. Lebih setengah hari 'berpuasa'.

Masakan rumah Penang best. Ayam piru i.e. turkey masak merah and masak kurma. I find that kurma Penang pedas sikit and with Ayam Piru makan ngan Roti Benggali, perghh, the BEST! Aunty dia baik sungguh, even offered for me to bring some home. I had to graciously decline with many thanks. Dah kenyang and with the plan to visit other relatives takut tak termakan pulak. 

Few hours later, we decided to move on to the next relatives' house. Sebelum tu, sesi menyampaikan duit raya.

The other house is somewhere across the main Penang bridge. Tak ingat aper nama area nih.

It's here where I saw for myself that dua masjid yang berdekatan tapi sebab berparti berlainan dibina. So it's TRUE! I've only heard of them but never believed it. One painted green and the other blue. Supposedly if a person from the other party prays at the other mosque, tak sah! Isssh, tak elokkan tu! Masjid untuk Islam. Party politik set aside.

Sebelum tu, sempat bergambar in my Raya baju. Finally dapat a picture of my full ensemble albeit muka dah melekit and tengah tahan sakit and lenguh.

Please ignore the bag of cookies and focus on my ensemble. 

After makan-makan, smelling like ayam goreng, menahan badan yang lenguh, with my first day of the red flag kaki bengkak and feeling sweaty and sticky, we made our way to two more houses.

Sebelum tu, I got another nice picture with a rustic background. This time ngan suami. Muka sticky and sanggul memang tak ngam, but I don't care. Asalkan dapat gambar elok for options to choose from.

It was at the final house, I broke down. Like tears streaming down hidung merah and all. Cried in the car with Husbie at my side. Memang raya yang berbeza for me. No time to the point tak sempat call my own family pun to wish them Raya. So dissapointed with myself and current circumstances.

Dah puas nangis, finally made the call to my mum. Brief tapi sambil tu ngomel lar.

Kesimpulannyer- SERIK! It was such a stressful time for me. We only returned to the resort 12ish am! Itu pun gerak dulu leaving my in-laws at the final house which they've visited first thing in the morning. 

--------------- END DAY 1, PART 2 -----------------

Not Your Typical Raya - Part 1

Our Raya morning began with my FIL knocking on our door to wake us up.

Or so I thought...

They've actually showered, were all dressed up and ready to drive down to the Mosque in Dato' Keramat for our morning Eid Prayers. 

Looking at my phone, the time was early 6'ish. Say what now?!

So both husband and wife, rushed to get ready for Raya prayers and visits to relatives' graves.

Sampai-sampai, laaaaar, the prayers won't start until 9am. There was even time for us to visit Husbie's relatives' graves next to the mosque before prayers. 

Heading into the graveyard, it was a totally different and humbling experience for myself. Lining all the way along the inroads in the graveyard were plenty of homeless and poverty-strickened people begging. Of course, some you can distinguish from the usual scammers but most I see are genuine people in dire straits. Ya Allah! Aku syukur with what you have blessed me. Walaupun I complain or mumble a lot about my problems and kepayahan or kesukaran, I am still thankful that my family and I are strong and better off to deal with the ujian you've given us.

Done with prayers, and with a few hours to spare before Friday prayers, we went to another area to visit another plot of family graves. There, in a parking lot in front of this cute purple mosque, my in-laws took the opportunity to take pictures. I of course declined a few times with my non-matching tudung and zero make-up. Maybe since my in-laws have only sons, they don't really understand the need for a girl to be pretty on Raya for herself and her husband. Don't get me wrong. I took several pictures with my in-laws but it's not my best. Plus, they prefer taking pictures among themselves anyway and I am better off being the camera man/woman.

Our family baca lah Yasin for loved ones and I kumpul extra pahala by plucking the flowers off its stems in the plastic bag. After our bacaan Yasin and flowers strewn on the already tidied up graves, we made our way back to the parking lot.

We had an hour plus plus before Friday prayers. Everybody was hungry. I was sweaty with no make-up and was in urgent need to use the washroom. To boot, Husbie left the nicely packed Raya money packets at the resort. ADUUUHHH! Whilst getting ready, he mistook my queries about the Raya packets as verification that I've kept them in my bag. Padahal, he was the one in charged of it and I was not even aware of where he kept it the night before.

In-laws proposed that we used their money first but then we wouldn't be able to give the amount of money as planned. Plus, all those carefully laid out raya packets would be better off given to relatives on the day itself rather than main passing-passing for later. Especially when, as Husbie estimated, that the family plan to visit all Penang relatives on the first day of Raya itself. 

So, in Husbie and my case, we opted to go back to the resort...to freshen up and retrieve the Raya packets.

My in-laws went ahead to his cousins' house.

The pro here is that both of us had the chance to freshen up. Kasi jugak I chance berdandan and look pretty for our second Raya together as Husband and Wife. Throughout the rush, we all didn't manage to take a proper Raya family picture or picture of ourselves. Here, I had to put my foot down. By hook or by crook, I nak gambar of the two of us elok-elok and muka tak melekit. Tak kisah lar pun if SELFIE/WEFIE!

Cita-cita for a picture of the two of us on Raya morning/noon tercapai jugak. Albeit, a bit late and baju tak nampak full ensemble. I take what I can get.

*Read about how I cried on Raya evening from all the stress of Raya Day 1 in Part 2 of this post*

~~~~~ Jeng Jeng Jeng~~~~~

------------------------------------ END PART 1------------------------------------

Penang Mali

Alhamdulillah, 2015 is the second year of celebrating Raya as Husband and Wife.

This year it's Husbie's turn i.e. to balik kampung to his side of the family. His parents reside in KL but every year they will return to his mother's side of the family in Penang.

We pushed off somewhere 5'ish in the morning. We had our Sahur in the car on the highway. We weren't surprised to see many cars on the road but the good thing was that the traffic was generally moving.

The worst point in traffic was in Simpang Pulai I think, not sure what's the area called. It is where three lanes converge to two and with high car volume, there was no escaping the traffic. My fast almost went out the window as I was close to puking from being carsick.

Yay,dah sampai Penang. Awesome entrance!

We stayed at one of the Bank Negara resorts in Batu Feringghi. If you've been to Hard Rock Penang, the resort is just right next door. 

Despite not being a BNM staff anymore, having family whom are still with BNM definitely has its perks. Heheh.

A few hours before puasa and visiting his cousins in Jelutong, we made our way to one of the pasar ramadhan. Sorry, I'm not sure where or which road in Penang. 

Recalling my first trip to Penang, I found all the hype about Penang food overrated. However, this time around, I am not sure whether it was because of my fast or my mum-in-law having the know-how on where to go, my initial opinion of Penang food has definitely flipped to the bright side.

The pesembor as depicted in the picture was totally awesome. I was crazy for potatoes throughout my trip in Penang. Husbie's cousins also bought Nasi Kandar Din to break our fast. Writing about it right now makes my tummy growl. Awww maaan!

That night before bed, Husbie and I took some time to prepare the Raya packets. Huawei's raya packets for 2015 are definitely not the conventional cheery colour but I loved how the gold and intricacies of the pattern were nicely reflected against the black base colour.

Read more about my Raya 2015 in my next upcoming post.

Fake Sleeping - The Art of Gifting

On the eve of my birthday, I was determined to ensure that Husbie does not present me with any gifts. I've asked too much already with the recent expenditure for our new supplements (will share more info about our new supplements and its effects in another post).

Even if he plans to, no way will I be tricked with the usual "switch off lights and surprise wife with gift" routine. Nope, nope...NEVAAAA!

As I had it, luck was on my side. 

He had came home late due to evening meeting which only ended at 9 p.m. 

We had our dinner at home together LATE.

He looked super exhausted.

I was already prepared for bed but I forced him to get off the computer and sleep. Both of us have an early morning the next day.

His eyes were already droopy. He was dozing off and got irritated for every little movement on the bed.

It was past 12 a.m. already. Ok, a tad sad Husbie didn't even wish me "Happy Birthday". It's ok. I guess us wives have to understand there are days our husbands are super drop dead tired that everything goes out the window and sleep is KING. *Sniff* *Sniff*

On the other hand, my plan was a success. 

~~~~ SNOOOOOOOREEE~~~~~~

Ok, he's asleep. Another half hour or more to make sure then I can go to bed.

~~~~~~~~ SWITCH OFF LIGHTS~~~~~~~

Ahhh, blissful sleep.

"SURPRISEEEEEE!!!"

For those who don't know, I have difficulty sleeping. So when you actually just started to doze off and somebody interrupts your sleep, the feeling is so not nice.

So, my husband faked his sleep. Even had the gall to complain he had to fake it for a long time and was anxiously waiting for me to switch off the lights. 

"Lama giler I kena pretend berdengkur. Dok pikir biler bini I nak tido nih!"

Even more amazing was that he was able to replicate a very convincing string of routinely encored snores.

Hmmm...baguslarrr...Good for you! The Award for Most Convincing Set of Snores goes to you my love!

I was truly happy though albeit a bit disgruntled from my lack of sleep. 

I love clutches and at times whenever we pass a certain section in Isetan, I do browse the corner displaying Moniko a bit longer. To finally own one and add it to my collection is AWESOME! Thank god my husband has nice taste. 

This brand basically reuses vintage kimonos and turns them into gorgeous clutches. You can even go online and enter your Moniko code to get further details on the kimono used for your clutch. 

Isn't that an amazing concept? 

Mine supposedly originated from the 1970s.

I can imagine myself with a white top and jeans and just this clutch for a dash of colour.

Thanks Husbie! Mwaaks! XOXO!

Holiday Mood

Harloo peeps...

Most of you would still be at work today, like moi'. Some dah balik Raya dah pun.

How's your Raya prep? Ok? So-so? Bolehlaaaaa...

Mine? Boleeeehlaaaa

Very important meeting this afternoon but my head is already in the clouds thinking of the things I get to do over Raya and my days off. Fuuuh! Aper-aper bab makan kena control sebab taknak perut mengejut. Also, taknak gemuk terus after Raya. There will be a whole month of feasting at relatives' and friends' open houses. Baru ajer text my Tok Muna. Since dah lama tak jumpa and dapat jumpa balik time kenduri Aunty Zah before Washington, mestilar nak visit Tok Muna and Tok Nyang. Tok Muna is my late grandma's stepsister and Tok Nyang pangkat great grandma lar. Ingat nak pay them a visit soon.

Pagi nih pulak, ada message from old school flame (gedik bebudak sikit time nih). Don't worry yer, no scandal here. Memang generally semua kengkawan and takder aper-aper. Masing-masing happy ngan hidup sekarang. I'm stupid crazy in love with my husband and he and the world know it.

Aper jadi nyer, masa zaman study kat college in Cambridge dulu, ada banyak gambar scenery cantik-cantik and of course, gambar ngan kengkawan college and bf dulu. Hantar balik kat Malaysia, photoshop hilang semua. Dengar kata Baba masa dapat tau, nak saman terus photoshop kat OU dulu. So pagi nih, entah kenapa, bf lama nih godek-godek album lama, jumpa gambar lama and terus message and share.

Masuk tahun nih...gambar tu 13 tahun dulu! Adoi, dah rasa berumur terus. Perasan ajer muda. Hahaha! Tunjuk Husbie, comment macam-macam!

"Macam Pinoy!" (Kughaang asaaam)

" Orang study you bopren mat salleh " (To which I responded and clarified I was TOP STUDENT in college yer... so don't play-play. Study tetap study)

Both of us came to the conclusion maybe my parents took one look at the pictures and just threw them away. Hahaha...sedeyyy...

Ini sidetrack sikit, a bit of a tip and sharing session to segelintir of my readers whom I know are sorting through some issues in their lives. I'm not talking about those yang ada everyday problems and stress situ sini sikit. Those yang faham, bagus lar yer. I hope by me sharing and how I deal with 'it', boleh membantu some of you.

Generally, Raya is not one of those holidays I'm excited for. Too many painful and 'perit' memories. Let's not get into that. My blog is supposed to be a living document of my happy and joyful memories kan? The memory of my late grandma's jelly keras, raya cooking and her famous bubur with different kinds of sambals gets me through. Tapi, memang time nih I akan solemn sikit. Of course, I will get wrapped up in all the excitement i.e. bab shopping, baju raya baru suami etc.

Yes, there are those more unfortunate. Ramai sangat! You can take the whole world and universe's problem in and compare it to yours. It doesn't change the fact that you are going through what you are going through. To each his and her own struggles. I have the right to feel what I feel and to deal with it. Key here, identify and DEAL!!!

Last year efforts to meriahkan Raya tak berjaya. Keluarga tak cooperative. Takper lah, we make the best of things kan. Sejak kahwin, Alhamdulillah Husbie adalar attempt to inject some joy and excitement for the holidays. Tapi macammana pun, memang deep down, ada that 'feeling'.

For those experiencing the same, for one reason or another, either a lost of loved one(s) or other negative incidents, tabahkan hati yer. Embrace that feeling tapi jangan lupa to make the effort to join in the festivities too. Memang susah and kekadang rasa liat, but better try than lay dead. You are still breathing and alive and well. I didn't watch the whole movie but I'd like to remind myself of the Yes Man movie, alaaaa..yang Jim Carrey berlakon tu. Bagus concept dia to make positive and drastic changes in his life.

The key to resolve this...TRY!!! Jangan buat derk and harap everything fall in your lap.

Insya Allah, the festive season will be good for you too.

To my readers, if ada tersalah post, terkasar bahasa or kekurangan, maaf zahir dan batin yer. Kosong-kosong!

Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Here's my favourite picture turned meme of last year's Raya! Hahaha! Enjoy! Stay positive and well!

When the wife forgets...

What do you do when you forget your anniversary dates?

Ummmm...

I'm not that bad you know. I remember birthdays and wedding anniversaries. Well, there was this one time in our first year of marriage I was sooooo busy with work I didn't wish him, not even a peck on the cheek on the way to work for our monthly anniversary. That morning Husbie 'monyok' on the way to work...Hahaha

However, it seems Husbie even jotted down our engagement date. I jotted it down too just that I got the wrong date. I thought it was tomorrow when it was actually yesterday. So all the while we were watching Game of Thrones, petting the cats or watching re-runs of Saturday Night Live Jeopardy laughing our heads off, he didn't say anything???!!!

Until today...

Only when I watsapped to remind him that tomorrow would be our engagement anniversary he countered to say it was actually yesterday. I hurriedly scrolled down my old FB invites, FB messages and FB pictures to verify the dates... DEMMMM... all hail the power of FB.

So now, what do I do?

Should I try and make it up to him or turn the tables and play the 'Wifey Upset' game? Why upset? Cos' he too didn't wish me anything despite being fully informed that yesterday was our engagement anniversary!!! What was he thinking???!!! He is sooooo not getting away with this...

You owe me Husbie....yups, you heard me.

Happy Engagement Anniversary sayang. I'm not sure if people celebrate them but I don't care. I love you nonetheless and the date serves as a reminder of the ups and downs we had to face head on before embarking on matrimonial life.

Pictures for my engagement ceremony were taken by EDM Events and Photography. Those interested, do contact Yusry, he is on my FB. Otherwise, you can always check out EDM's FB or Blogspot. Services are spot on!

Valentine's at D' Paku Little Malaya Kitchen

With the busy week we both had, we were too tired to get stuck in traffic jams and definitely not in the mood to spend money needlessly out and about with prices being hiked up like crazy. Not wanting to be another of the countless victims of the commercial clap trap of Valentine's, we enjoyed our Saturday just doing our menial chores, chilling in front of the TV, catching up on our reading, keeping the house clean and having breakfast together. However, we both agreed to have dinner nearby minus the jams, frustration of finding parking and hiked prices.

The chosen place for the night was D' Paku Little Malaya Kitchen. We've passed this place many times. In fact, right after the Aussie Dinner I previously attended a few weeks ago, I accompanied my husband to have his dinner here. He was pleased with his order hence worth another visit, this time with his hungry wife in tow.

D'Paku is a family-owned restaurant located in UP1/8, Ukay Perdana which serves Kelantanese food during the day and western dishes at night. They close on Sundays. 

It's one of those places I would deem as a family oriented place and people can come and go in a relaxed manner. No need to dress up or anything. Very much a laid-back and chilled place. 

The food is excellent and definitely pricing is reasonable. We both had the black pepper steak and were happy with the serving. It's another place where I find the black pepper sauce does not overpower the palate.

Service is good and the people are friendly. So come over and sample their selection of dishes.

ASAS Annual Dinner 2015 - Shangrila Hotel, Kuala Lumpur

Today's post will be written in Manglish. Trying it out for today. Before this, sikit-sikit ajer campur BM. Nih full on Manglish mode. My dear readers, I welcome any feedback, k?

Ever since we got married, asyik nak berkepit ajer. Ok, masa bf-gf pun nak berkepit, but after marriage if tak berkepit bak kata Husbie, the other half "jadi bodoh/blur/tak tau nak buat aper". Example, when I was away in Auckland, NZ for my negotiations, pesan to sapu the house sikit, balik KL lantai berdebu seinci. Alasan? 

"Without you at home, I just didn't have the mood." 

Haiz... sah sah I married a panda...tau makan and golek-golek ajer (Not taking into account the sexy stuff yek).

So, I granted Husbie the honour of having his HOT WIFE by his side for his old school's annual dinner. Malam tu theme dia baju batik and lengan panjang. Nasib baik jumpa dress hitam lengan panjang, cover bontot and fulfill all the syarat-syarat about a week ago. I accessorised with a gold necklace and bangles and Batik clutch...lepas lar. 

As I understand it, initially none of his old schoolmates' wives were coming along. In fact, a few times Husbie warned me that I'm the only girl on the list. I never minded it much, dah biasa dari sekolah until the work place to be in a "man's world" and I believe I thrive in every one of them. Yang selalu buat hal, kalau banyak sangat pompuan...sikit-sikit drama (kuat dengki, ant to molehill situation, arghhhh...you name it... ada ajer). Serik doh...

Anyway, that night, a few managed to break through their initial BOYS ONLY dinner. Some of Husbie's friends openly admitted that they lied to their wives saying that none of their friends' wives were going to the Annual Dinner. Oh? Takper, soon I kenal bini masing-masing I will bocor all the RAHSIAs...keh keh keh...

His ASAS batch are a friendly lot. Since the day I've met them, takder yang I rasa sombong. Mulut ringan nak bercakap and smile.

I have to tabik spring to all bebudak ASAS lar. Semangat sayang to their old school evident from all the friendly hugs, chatter and speeches. Siap ingat lagi lagu sekolah weii...Old headmasters and teachers were given a standing ovation and the rightly deserved honour and tribute. Even the old odd job worker at school who did the gardening and jual burger seringgit every night was invited to join the Annual Dinner. Did you know in the school's early days, ASAS ada batch pompuan?

I was happy seeing Husbie happy. Bukan tak selalu jumpa, but with the Annual Dinner setting, masing-masing macam little school girls. Regaling on old school stories, jumpa senior lar, jumpa junior lar, jumpa Cikgu Sexy lama lar...haiz, kesian jugak when in all boys school, sampai tahap kena usha cikgu untuk cuci mata. Hahah...

Talking about acting like school girls...tengah-tengah makan, before main entertainment, we were entertained by hired band and former ASAS students. So, adalar mamat nih naik stage nyanyi... 

"Oh, suara sedap. Another budak ASAS ker?"

"Oh...dia memang nyanyi sedap. Dia kan former Ruffedge."

Fuuhh...Almost got whiplash turning my head towards the stage. You see, I nih generally kurang minat lagu/artis Melayu. Taste lagu orang putih ajer. Now, sejak kahwin adalah diverse sikit. Itu pun memilih. Masa sekolah dulu pun, kenal a few sebab kengkawan yang share the songs yang I pun boleh terima. So I recall one of them was from Ruffedge.

Termenuuuuuuuung kat stage....

"Lar, you tak perasan ker. Dia junior I setahun. Tu, dok kat meja belakang kitaorang nih."

"Oh, I see." Agenda school girl to be continued...

Malam tu Caliph Buskers and Ramli Sarip were the piece de resistance. Memang best ar. Caliph Buskers pun pandai tone down some of the music yang originally ROCK-ON for the older generation. Tapi, Ramli Sarip still the best ar. Nyanyi rilek jer. 

Unfortunately, tak sempat pun nak take pictures with them. Cissss...

Tapi, after mintak Husbie's permission, to Husbie and his friends' amusement, I dapat lar gambar ngan satu artis... (nih lar sambungan ala-ala gedik school girl).

Lepas Annual Dinner, boleh diaorang sambung sesi Boys, yang tak berapa Boys, night out kat Pelita, Ampang. Haiz...memang balik rumah muka stone penat lar gamaknyer. Dress pun kena terus handwash sebab bau mamak.

Eh eh, biler tengok gambar nih balik baru perasan ada artis "photobomb" this picture...heheh

The stage for the night. Kesian MC banyak kali mintak masuk dewan and duduk bebudak ASAS tua muda buat derk ajer...hahah

Sejak AJL, memang popular...dah memang berbakat. Keep up the good work!

Awesome. Kalau merokok pakai lighter dah confirm wave it macam kat rock-concert.

Husbie with his old Cikgu Seni

I ngan former Ruffedge member formerly known as Mode...heheh...Rasa dia lagi hensem when older...