Fare thee well!!

My best friend is leaving me!! She got a promotion a few days ago. I have to admit, it is a wonderful offer. What is so not wonderful about it is , if she decides to accept it, she will have to go to Kolej Matrikulasi Pahang in Gambang. Somehow, if she's not here anymore it won't be the same. Sometimes we are so attuned to one another that we don't have to say it out loud. We really can understand each other's thoughts and feelings. That is the degree of our closeness. I know this separation from her husband and  family will make her sad. The word sad is not really appropriate in this context. Is there one word that means sad, devastated, teary eyed and miserable? Does it have to come to this? Why are they so blind to our plight? Aren't they someone else's husband, wife, son and daughter too?

Wedding Anniversary

15 years ago on the 13th of February 1997 I made a solemn promise to myself, my husband and God that I will be a good wife and a good mother to my future children.  Well, if truth be told I might have broken this promise a few times during the 15 years. I lost my patience, I lost my cool and sometimes I succumbed to my childish behaviour, sulking!! However, I have never stopped praying and trying to be a good wife and a good mother! The same goes to my husband, who tries his best to be the best husband and the best father to our children. Reflecting the 15 years that we spent together, I can safely say it's not always a walk in the park. However, I cherish every moment, good and bad. I hope that 15, 20 or 25 years to come will not change the love that we have for each other. I love you bang, warts and all!!

 * Due to technical problems, will be uploading other photos later!!!

Obsessed

It started out innocent enough. I was bored, no good books to read and plenty of time to spare. So, I called my sister Syera to lend me some Korean drama series. She gave me Personal Taste starred by the popular actor Lee Min Ho. Well, I think you know the rest of the story. I was hooked. I don't know why maybe because the storyline is refreshing and the actors are talented and funny. I am the sort of person who doesn't do anything by halves. I will surely go the whole nine yards. So I watched another and another. However, right now, I am taking a break from Korean drama. Not because I want to. I need to keep control of this addiction. I am going to resume my new interest when I am totally free. Right now, it's a big No because watching these series late at night and waking up early the next morning is not working for me. Ermm.. being forty and all......

2012 ( So Far...)

Year 2012 started off slowly for me. No big bangs or  dramatic events. Well, I am fine with that. These are a few significant moments that have happened so far....

• I have recovered from my bout of flu. Not really hundred percent though but I am getting there. 
• Wafi has found his appetite again. He is so skinny. Hopefully he will gain a few pounds.
• What about my weight? I think I gained a few pounds but who's counting! ha..ha..ha..
• Beloved got a new job. Alhamdulillah. Hope this year will be less stressful for him. He has been under a lot of pressure lately so it is really affecting him physically and mentally.
• Both Hazim and Nina are appointed as prefects in their own school. They sure look good in their blue uniforms. (proud mother talking!!)
• My mother is alone again, now that school has started (sigh!). Wish things were different, wish my father is here. Thank God she will go for her Umrah pilgrimage soon. Something to look forward too. You are always in my prayers, Mak!!

Slowly but surely 2012 will make it's mark in my life. Hope and pray for the best!!

A short getaway

Based on the feedback from my friends, Langkawi Island, Cameron Highlands and Genting Highlands (to name a few) are not the places to go during school holidays. They will be crowded with people and knowing myself  I would not be able to enjoy it. However, we did promise the kids that we would take them somewhere. So last weekend, off we went to Penang Island. Both my husband and I took Monday off . We planned to spend the night there on Sunday and leave on Monday. We went to Flamingo Hotel first to book a room. The receptionist said there were no rooms available. Then we tried Tanjung Bungah and Copthorne. Still disappointed! Finally around 1 p.m. we managed to get a room at Hydro Hotel (formerly known as Feringghi Beach Hotel). The kids were ecstatic because the pool was big and just splendid. The rest of of the day was spent frolicking in the pool and watching Dragon Boat Race at Teluk Bahang. At night, we combed Feringghi area to window shop at Feringghi Walk. The next day, again, the kids insisted that the pool was the best place to hang out. As usual, whenever we spend our time around places with water, I will be the keeper of clothes, bags and etc..Check out the photos I have captured.

The view from our room

Watching Dragon Boat Race

Teluk Kumbar

The kids cant wait to dive in the pool

Snake and Reptile Farm-Perlis

When it comes to creepy crawly and slithery animals, I just stay away from them. I dont know why I am squeamish but I am... So, after spending half of our day at Wang Kelian, my husband wanted to make a stop at Snake and Reptile Farm. At that time, I thought ohhh... okay, I would just sit in the car and wait for them. However, my husband managed to persuade me to come along too.After 10 minutes being surrounded by all types of snakes I took the nearest exit because I wanted to throw up!! These are some photos that were taken before my queasiness started, he..he..he..

Wang Prachan and Wang Kelian-Border Weekend Bazaar

 Can you imagine how hot it is?

Padang Besar signboard

some of the things sold there

my little muffin

Panca Sitara

Sweet young things

I couldnt stand the heat

Finally Wafi got his angry bird soft toy

Wang Prachan and Wang Kelian are popular border weekend Bazaar. As we have never been there, my husband and I decided to bring the kids and in-laws there. A few days before going, I googled Wang Kelian. All of the information mentioned have one similar factor, the heat!! The temperature there could reach 40 degree Celcius. Wow! So on that day, I made sure that the kids wear their caps. Wafi made a fuss but I stood my ground. So, he had to wear his cap even though he didnt want to. He..he..he..
My advice to those who want to go to Padang Besar, make a stop to Wang Kelian first because the goods there are relatively cheaper. I didnt spend much but I made a mental note that should I ever come again,  I am going to buy comforter/soft mattress. We left the place around 1.30 pm. Then we stopped at Taman Reptilia. I will tell my experience with the much dreaded reptiles in my next entry.