Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts
Tomorrow's the last day of the school holidays. It has been a week of pure leisure. We hardly ever have school holidays exclusively to ourselves. School holidays are usually spend with family and friends back in Peninsular but this time there is no one else but the four of us.
The first day of the school holidays was also the first of Ramadhan so I decided to do some extra cooking. For the first time in my life I made traditional kueh. Mr. A helped of course. We made buah melaka. One of my favourite traditional kueh. I would say it is an easy sweetmeat to make. That's why I chose to make it! Our buah melaka turned out quite okay except it was kind of too green haha.
On the fourth day, Mr. A and I went to KK to do some shopping. We didn't bring Kakak and Adik because of the H1N1 situation. We came back quite late - around 8.30 p.m. We broke our fast in the car on a roadside.
This school holidays I love how we got to sleep in in the morning. Everything was done leisurely. We got to watch movies - The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Brokeback Mountain, The Bucket List, Thick as Thieves, and The Notebook. How I wish we have billions of ringgit in our bank accounts so that we never have to work anymore! Haha such wishful thinking.
One horrible thing did happened though. Adik fell from a sofa he loves to climb just this late afternoon. There was a small gash that almost an inch long. We rushed him to the ER and his small gash was sewn three stitches. It was heartbreaking to see him wailing and screaming while getting the stitches. The funny thing was when we arrived home from the ER, he could merrily danced and jumped to Jojo's Circus' song, Jump For Joy. He even ended it with a huge clap. Boys will be boys *sigh*
After that, he even wanted to ride the motorcycle with Mr. A. Mr. A had to ride and ride because Adik wouldn't let his father stops even though he was really sleepy. He ended up sleeping on the motorcycle haha.
Sorry for this long break. The Internet was down for a few days last week; and the weekend before that was spent in KK. This post is really long so I’ve divided in into six parts. If you can’t finish reading in one go, please come back another day =)
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Part 1 – Our first furniture
I was so looking forward to our two-night trip to KK the previous weekend (11 – 13 July) but Mr. A ruined it to some degree when he forgot to bring the camera! I was so geram but we were already 30 minutes on the road when we realized it so we didn’t turn back. The trip to KK from our home would take a minimum of 2 hours.
It was a shopping trip… plus we need to do some banking on the 13th. As soon as we arrived in KK (and after we ate lunch), we went shopping in Parkson Grand in Wawasan Plaza. And we were done clothes-shopping! Suprisingly I can get all that I wanted in one place (and mind you that Parkson Grand was only a one-floor shopping haven).
One of the things on our shopping list was teak furniture. We wanted to buy our first set of dining table and some other things. We went window shopping for them mostly at Seri Jati (both in Penampang and Sadong Jaya) and Jamilah Furniture (both in Wisma MUIS and Putatan). We wanted modern wooden furniture. Like I’ve said in one of my previous posts, the decoration concept I’m going for is resort concept.
We were so happy to find exactly what we wanted. We bought two pieces of furniture – a dining table set and a sideboard. Both in dark natural colour. The dining table is huge for a six-seated. It actually fits eight. We are planning to purchase another pair of dining chairs when we get back in Selangor. And I am so in love with our sideboard. For now it acts as what it is but in our new home it will become our TV cabinet.
Our first very own dining table!
Isn't it gorgeous?
My mum hearing that we were shopping for teak furniture quickly placed her orders! One of them was a daybed. I wanted one for myself and I found only one (in the exact design I desired). But of course we didn’t have the budget for it so we bought it for my mum. I didn’t mind at all. Besides, we are the ones who got to use it first haha.
My laundry-folding station for now.
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Part 2 – Hotel review: Grand Borneo Hotel
We spent the two nights in KK at Grand Borneo Hotel (a four-star hotel). A hotel adjacent to 1Borneo – a hypermall. I booked a standard room for us. The room was really really small. I knew about the size but I didn’t know it could be that small! There were only mere spaces around the bed. It became much smaller for us because Kakak and Adik conquered the bed most of the time.
The room would be more suitable for honeymooners. But if you have room service you definitely will eat on the bed. There was a working desk but not enough space to sit two. The bathroom is A-okay to us except for the full length window facing the bed. The problem was the blind was situated outside so Kakak and Adik were always peeking inside. Haih. There was no bathtub but the power shower was great.
The room has all the usual amenities – flat-screen TV, kettle, small fridge and a safe. You could borrow a set of iron and ironing board and keep it in your room as long as you stay. And the towels are so nice and fluffy.
We upgraded to a superior the next night. I couldn’t bear the smallness of the room anymore. Superior was roomier in fact. The bathroom had a bathtub (but not a separate shower) and no more window facing the bed hehe. What luxury comparing with kids always peeking in while I were busy soaping. The same amenities applied.
I really like the breakfast buffet at the Soul Out Coffee House as the foods were delicious. The ambience was really nice. Most furniture were white and there were huge windows looking out to green mountains. There were the usual egg/omelet station, noodle station, bread and pastries, fresh and canned fruits, cereals, etc. The funny thing was I love the most basic food – their fried rice. By the way, this is the first hotel restaurant that I saw with a Jakim halal sticker.
The staff were nice and well-trained. The swimming pool is situated indoor. We didn’t have time to swim but we managed to visit it. The size was okay, it was not really big nor it was small. The hotel parking space (situated outdoor in front of the hotel) was very limited. However, the jockey service was really cheap – only RM5 for the whole day!
Unfortunately we didn’t have the camera so I have no picture to include here. Please visit their website for more information and of course to see pictures of the hotel.
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Part 3 – Camping
And last weekend, my school had organised a camp – Perkhemahan Integrasi Unit-unit Beruniform. We camped for two nights at a nearby Pusat Kegiatan Kokurikulum. I was one of the AJK Keselamatan committee members. I was there most of the time even though I didn’t sleep at the camp site. I just had my period. I know I’m the lemah semangat type so it’s better to be safe than to be sorry right?
We did nothing much. Just the usual school camping routine – setting up camp site, LDK, exercising in the morning, marching, cooking, Kembara activity, Malam Kebudayaan, etc. I’m with the Puteri Islam. My kids won the cooking competition.
Part 2 – Hotel review: Grand Borneo Hotel
We spent the two nights in KK at Grand Borneo Hotel (a four-star hotel). A hotel adjacent to 1Borneo – a hypermall. I booked a standard room for us. The room was really really small. I knew about the size but I didn’t know it could be that small! There were only mere spaces around the bed. It became much smaller for us because Kakak and Adik conquered the bed most of the time.
The room would be more suitable for honeymooners. But if you have room service you definitely will eat on the bed. There was a working desk but not enough space to sit two. The bathroom is A-okay to us except for the full length window facing the bed. The problem was the blind was situated outside so Kakak and Adik were always peeking inside. Haih. There was no bathtub but the power shower was great.
The room has all the usual amenities – flat-screen TV, kettle, small fridge and a safe. You could borrow a set of iron and ironing board and keep it in your room as long as you stay. And the towels are so nice and fluffy.
We upgraded to a superior the next night. I couldn’t bear the smallness of the room anymore. Superior was roomier in fact. The bathroom had a bathtub (but not a separate shower) and no more window facing the bed hehe. What luxury comparing with kids always peeking in while I were busy soaping. The same amenities applied.
I really like the breakfast buffet at the Soul Out Coffee House as the foods were delicious. The ambience was really nice. Most furniture were white and there were huge windows looking out to green mountains. There were the usual egg/omelet station, noodle station, bread and pastries, fresh and canned fruits, cereals, etc. The funny thing was I love the most basic food – their fried rice. By the way, this is the first hotel restaurant that I saw with a Jakim halal sticker.
The staff were nice and well-trained. The swimming pool is situated indoor. We didn’t have time to swim but we managed to visit it. The size was okay, it was not really big nor it was small. The hotel parking space (situated outdoor in front of the hotel) was very limited. However, the jockey service was really cheap – only RM5 for the whole day!
Unfortunately we didn’t have the camera so I have no picture to include here. Please visit their website for more information and of course to see pictures of the hotel.
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Part 3 – Camping
And last weekend, my school had organised a camp – Perkhemahan Integrasi Unit-unit Beruniform. We camped for two nights at a nearby Pusat Kegiatan Kokurikulum. I was one of the AJK Keselamatan committee members. I was there most of the time even though I didn’t sleep at the camp site. I just had my period. I know I’m the lemah semangat type so it’s better to be safe than to be sorry right?
We did nothing much. Just the usual school camping routine – setting up camp site, LDK, exercising in the morning, marching, cooking, Kembara activity, Malam Kebudayaan, etc. I’m with the Puteri Islam. My kids won the cooking competition.
Kakak visiting.
My kids.
The kids being "bullied" by their PJK teacher.
The most fun people in my life right now - Kak As and Amir.And of course there were ghostly sightings.
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Part 4 – Hormonal imbalance
I just had my period. Only after the 50th day after my heavy bleeding episode. At first, I thought I was pregnant. I tested twice and both were negative but I still didn’t have my period. I went to a clinic and was told that most probably my hormones are still not stable so I just have to wait for it.
Waiting for it was hell. I really feel that my hormonal imbalance has caused me to gain weight (yet always)! The urge to eat was so bad. Plus Mr. A didn’t let me exercise thinking that I was really pregnant. Now, I have to really work hard to lose kilos again.
I nearly reach my peak and that can’t happen. I already feel uncomfortable with my clothes which is a horrible sign! If only I had speedy metabolism =(
Am i fat or am i fat?Part 5 – My lingerie from US
… was a let-down. It was a size too big (or two sizes too big). I followed the size chart exactly but I guess it was just my luck. So now I have to find somebody bigger than me to sell it off. Yea good luck Ms. W!
Nevertheless, I am satisfied with the service provided by my friend from Beauty Corner. I am currently waiting for another order of mine to arrive (not lingerie). I’ll show it off here once it arrives okay.
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Part 6 – Kakak’s first drawings.
Last week while I was busy folding laundry and Kakak was busy doodling, I heard she says the words ate (eyes), idung (nose), uyut (lips), ambut (hair), angan (hands) and angki (legs) again and again but I didn’t check what she was doing. Later I found four pieces of paper with her doodling and boy I was so proud of them!
She did this all by herself. We have not yet teach her to draw caricature.
Kakak looking proud.
Kakak may be a late talker but I really believe in her kinetic skills. I really hope she inherits my father’s talent in art. I didn’t.
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I have busy weeks ahead of me. Lots and lots of books to mark, paperwork and reports to submit and weight to lose. Yes, my weight bugs me. Tell me yours don’t.
June 1, 2009
Got on the plane at 11.30 a.m. We flew business class. Working with the government in Sabah (or Sarawak) means your family gets to fly home for free at least once a year. This time around Mr. A applied for the free flight so our ticket would fly us to Alor Setar as the free flight will send you to the state you were born in. (Mr. A was born in Kulim, Kedah). We cancel the flight from KLIA to Kedah thus we somewhat get a free upgrade to business class (blessing no. 1).
Anyway, we had our tickets reissued since I wanted to have my endometrial biopsy ASAP. On the phone with one of MAS hotline officer, I was told that we need to pay RM30 for each reissued ticket. (Fine, here’s RM120). But when we went to collect our tickets before the flight the officer in charge at KK’s MAS ticketing counter looked puzzled when I wanted to hand him the money and told me to just go check-in. RM120 saved! (Blessing no. 2).
Golden Lounge in KKIA was small but we got to eat for free and drink café latte all we wanted. Truly comfortable and quiet it got embarrassing when you have these two little brats. So we ended lepaking in the Golden Lounge surau until it was time to board the plane LOL.
As usual, Adik would cry his head off before take-off. Actually it was his nap time. Strangely he wanted to sit on my lap (instead of his father’s like he always did) and he dozed off as soon as he got comfy (we weren’t even flying yet). Kakak was on her best behavior. Playing by herself and eating well. (Blessing no. 3).
Arriving and after collecting our bags at the designated carousel we were surprised with “door gifts” handed out by MAS reps. Each of us got one even Adik! (Blessing no. 4).
June 2, 2009
I had my endometrial biopsy today. Ugh hated that I had to spread my legs in front of strangers (or anybody else for that matter; except for Mr. A I guess haha). The gynecologist was witty thank God. I got myself scanned from the inside. Even without the biopsy result she could tell me that I was fine. There were no visible image of any malignant or polyp. I was so relieved and happy. Didn’t mind the RM640 that we had to fork out.
After the visit to the hospital, I went textile-shopping with a good friend of mine Am. She’s an expert on textile-shopping. She’s my unofficial consultant! Got all the kain baju raya my family and I needed. Thanx Am! You’re the best (in pilih kain la haha).
PS: The result of the biopsy will be mailed.June 3, 2009
Went to visit our new house with our back door neighbour. She had asked us to share the cost of a new stretch of (brick) fence (we share) and we agreed. Pleasant lady from Penang she was. Talkative but not nosy.
No. 10
Our street.
Our beautiful neighbourhood.
After that we went shopping in Mid Valley.
June 4, 2009
Morning – Went to visit a maternal cousin of mine who just gave birth to a baby boy (o God can’t remember the baby’s name!). She looks so healthy. And lucky she breastfeeding didn’t hurt! Felt a little bit down remembering my painful experience *sigh*.
Evening – Went to Kiah’s house to collect Kakak 3rd birthday present. Kiah bought it at a Mattel warehouse sale. I accidentally knock down a glass full of water and Kakak had an “accident”. Great. Anyway, I like talking to Kiah. She’s my buddy in the not-so-perfect-mum department haha. No inferiority whatever when with her. Noted.
June 5, 2009
Went shopping in Subang Parade in the morning. Saw a lot of rich people there. Subang Parade has become somewhat exclusive. Thank God that Uncle Lim’s had that JAKIM halal sticker. Was getting really envious when Fidah blogs about eating there. I so miss the Teh C Special! Yum!
After that, we went visit my good-in-keeping-dark-secret friend Shah and her baby girl, Aleeya Zulaikha. Barely a month, I can see that she has her mother’s big eyes.
We had a special dinner that night. Everyone was there (Ayah, Mak, Abang, Ezal and Dilah). Adik seemed to be fond with his Ayahlong. So sweet.
PS: Forgot to take a picture of Ika.
June 6, 2009
But the good news was we were given free buffet dinner that night. Two nights (out of three planned) free stay (first night at another hotel). And we were upgraded to the Club Level without any extra charge (for the one-night rate we gladly had to pay)! Club Level means you get access to a lounge with free food and free drinks almost 24 hours. How lucky we were! We saved nearly RM530! (Blessing no. 5).
Warung Aziz Satar was where we ate lunch.
The big yellow plastic plates!
PS: Went to KB for a wedding and of course we did some shopping! For the first time ever I blew RM145 for a tudung bawal akhbar with a really beautiful sulam and Swarovski crystals. I usually buy the RM25 – RM35 range of tudung bawal. I fell in love with the tudung the first time I saw it.
June 7, 2009
Mr. A's 37th birthday. Happy Birthday Sayang!
June 9, 2009
At the in-laws in Perak for three nights.
June 12, 2009
On the way back to Shah Alam, we stopped at Tronoh to visit Ezal (my younger brother who’s taking a postgraduate course in UTP). Went sightseeing on his campus ground. Damn UTP is beautiful. Note: Must send my kids there. By the way, being there reminded me of those sweet rebellious gatal time LOL.
In front of the library.
June 13, 2009
Last day in holiday-heaven (a.k.a. weight-loss-hell).
PS: Got the biopsy result. No presence of anything not-right shall I say. Alhamdulillah...
June 14, 2009
We flew home. It’s true you know when people say home is where the heart is =)
