Malacca Trip

Assalammualaikum wbt,

This post has been pending for a month now. I don’t know man, I always find myself not enough time to write. Life’s been so busy, with work especially because we have a new boss now. Yeap, my 6-year boss is leaving.. thus, this entry.

This Malacca trip is our office annual family day, and coincidencely, our customer own a hotel there, so we had quite a handsome price. We stayed at Imperial Hotel, Melaka. Most of the itinerary were arranged by Talib as he is from Melaka and he knows the place better. But, mostly this trip are free & easy, we didn’t really tied up to the plans, because well, some are coming as single without commitments, some with toddlers and babies, and some with grown up children.

For this trip, again I borrowed Mak’s car as our car couldn’t handle long journey. We met up at KFC R&R Seremban. We had a breakfast there and after that, continued our journey straight to lunch place haha. Told ya, it’s free & easy trip and involved mostly makan-makan as our main event 😜 We met at Restoran Asam Pedas at Melaka main town. We arrived kinda late as we were kinda lost on our way there. But, that’s ok because all the lauks are already on table, save our time in ordering though, well, that was part of the plan haha. The dishes there, well ok lah. But I read reviews, many put remarks that this restaurant charges is expensive while the lauks are only so-so. We were hungry man, I just eat whatever in front of me. 

After lunch, we went to check in at our hotel. This Heritage Hotel in Melaka is quite a famous hotel as it located in the middle of the town and all the local attractions are within walking distance from this hotel. Some of my colleagues (the singles group) went to jalan-jalan after checking in and those with toddlers like me, spent the rest of the evening in the room, sleeping. 😜

That night, we met up at Restoran Erra Roti John for dinner. It’s quite haywire for a large group like us to get seats, but we managed anyway. Most of us ordered of course, Roti John and the rest Nasi Putih set with Asam Pedas. I’m not a big fan of Asam Pedas but my husband is. Asam Pedas here is the bomb! The portion is bigger than earlier restaurant we went and price is cheaper. Less than RM10 per set and the fish cut is bigger! Roti John is delish, being their main specialty. It’s crunchy as it fried first. A bit oily from the frying but who cares, hahaha. The total price is about RM190+ for more than 15 pax and all of us ordered fruit juices, cheap isn’t it?! 

Next we went to River Cruising along Melaka river. It’s fun really, because we get to see the old Malay Malacca houses, beautiful old shops (behind Jonker walk) while listening to the history played on the boat. If you want to do this river cruise, I think it would be better to do it at night as there are many decorative lights along the way. We then went to Jonker Walk and man, this place is crowded butt to butt. I didn’t buy anything here except for hand-held fan for Hanif Aiden (which was broken that night as he brought it for shower 😐). Most of the stuff sells here like normal Pasar, food, jewellery, accessories yada yada. 

After that, some of my colleagues went to Hard Rock Cafe. We wanted to join along but it was 10pm already and kids were not allowed. Jeezz. We then took a beca ride to Jonker Walk entrance as we did not want to go through the crowded place all over again. Well, it’s my first time riding a beca anyway despite 3 years of study in Penang 🤣 The trishaw that we picked was decorated with Minions and boy, they look real creepy!! Hahaha. We went back to hotel afterwards, the perks of traveling with a toddler, no wild night activities, such fun. 

The next morning, we didn’t even went to in-house breakfast because we woke up late. I didn’t even see other colleagues as everybody doing free & easy activities. Some already left home, some walking around Malacca town while me checking out and straight for lunch. We had lunch at the famous Chicken Rice Ball restaraunt Ee Ji Ban. This restaurant is located behind this hotel and within walking distance. Boy, this restaurant is packed with people and the queue is looooooong. There were 2 types of queue, one to in house dining and another queue is for take away. We finally had a table but because there were only 3 of us, we had to share. And, Hanif Aiden decided to throw his tantrum here. He was shouting, crying and throwing cutleries, in the middle of full house restaurant (-__-).

The food is good. It’s basically a chicken rice and you can opt for a normal rice or rice ball. We ordered a plate of rice ball which consist 10 balls but of course, it weren’t enough, we ordered another plate. We ordered half chicken, roasted and steamed and didn’t even finish them. Since Hanif Aiden being misbehaved, we ate in a hurry. After lunch, we took a walk in Malacca town, the weather was super hot that we cut it short. Seriously, Hanif Aiden was super cranky, he frowned all the way. Man please, you were in a covered stroller, comfortably seated while we pushed you around 🙄

We then decided to go back, as we wanted to stop at the famous Sabak Salai restaurant in Pedas, Negeri Sembilan. This restaurant sells various smoked meat/poultry/seafood either cooked or uncooked. I bought the famous Masak Lemak Cili Padi Daging Salai and some uncooked meats as souvenir to my family. Seriously, those who feed people are the happiest. True enough. The price here is rather pricey compared to the one in Batang Benar, Negeri Sembilan which nearer to my hometown, but I don’t mind paying actually when the taste is real gooooooood guys!! We thought to drop by at my hometown visiting my grandparents but it was raining heavily and we straight went back home instead.

This trip is a memorable one because the last time I visited Malacca was years ago, when I was still in school. Although this time we were not really visiting as the weather was hot and the places aren’t really stroller friendly but it’s good enough to see the development from the last time I been here. I might return one day when my child is big enough to climb the fortress on his own and appreciate history. What more, it was my last trip with my beloved boss, make it even sweeter and to cherish forever. 

Becoming 30

Assalammualaikum wbt,

On the last 15th October was my birthday.. I’m gonna spill it here, the 30th Birthday was it. I feel so old and I have mixed feelings on me becoming 30. I feel proud, happy, sad but happy again when I don’t look actually 30 hahahaha. It’s scary guys, because the 20s era has ended.. the time to explore, being silly, doing stupid things, make mistakes and learn from it is finally... over? When I thought about my achievements and comparing myself with others, I feel I was way underaccomplished, like I haven’t done enough. But they are all Syaitoonnnnnn guysss 😂 That is the downside of social media, we keep comparing ourselves with others thinking their life is perfect and their achievements are great. Don’t ever let this influence you!! I’m speaking for myself by the way, because I always feel insecure seeing all those Instagram rich kids, so called successful people on social media and how I felt I was a loser not having what they have. What an Idiot I was. 

A lot of things happened to me and I know I am wiser, because being wise is not measured by age. I love to reflect myself everytime especially in crisis. How I handled things, how I control my emotions, how do I speak and how I judged the situations. Then, I would compare to my younger self and what would I do if I were my old self, and I realized I am so much matured and calmer these days. Please don’t think I am smart or as your role model, as I have flaws and these reflections is for my personal measurement. 

There are a lot of factors determine how one self reacts to certain situation. And I would say, mostly my job taught me really well and taught me hard sometime. It doesn’t matter to make mistakes or life knocking you down hard but most important thing is how you back up and learn from it. If don’t learn anything or take the lesson from it or reflect yourself, then it just simply being stupid. Everything happen must have its impact on you. Like the wise say, good people give you memory, bad people give you experience. For those you don’t know, let me fill you in, I’ve been in customer service for almost 7 years now and tell you, it’s tough because you can’t be yourself! 

You have to put your poker face on daily basis, draw a smile everytime despite cursing all the possible swears in your head. It really teaches me how to be patience, calm and making critical thinking. What more, I am dealing with money, any silly mistake would cost you fortune. As years go by, I realized I’ve become more appreciative to little things surrounding me. Even the littlest thing or simplest human act would make me thinking and grateful for this life and to breathe another day.

Ok, enough about the deep thought. I’m not really good with words and before I went further rambling things that would make people even more confuse, let’s write something simpler then 😂 So.. for my birthday, I’ve got few surprises, in fact which some I least expected it. First one, was from my colleague and my boss. They were so kind gifted me a very lovely, very pretty and expensive Pandora necklace and charm. Oh my, I really loved it!! It is so pretttttty and I would wear it 24 hours if I could. I almost cried when I received it because it is that beautiful ❤️

Then, I went to my mother’s house and she bought/ordered a Pavlova for me and my husband’s birthday. This is where I least expected because usually, in my family, I always be the one whom arranging event, buying gifts yada yada for everybody and nobody would done it for me. I even went merajuk last time because of this 😂 So, when my mother did that, it really touched me because I know she is kind of introvert person and doesn’t really favor in social interaction especially with strangers. Thank you Mak & Abah. 

My mother in law also is the sweetest as she always bought a cake for us on yearly basis. I think it’s easy for everyone to celebrate our birthday as ours are only 2 days apart, so they just need to buy one cake and we get to share our names on it. Yes, my husband always stealing my limelight *roll eyes* 

I am happy now that I am 30 and although I may not rich or surrounded by luxurious stuff everyone would dream of, I am extremely happy. Everyone’s happiness is define differently. And my definition would be the basic needs in my hand, air to breathe, a job to keep, health to move, food on table and everyone I love are always be there. 30 is definitely ROCKS!! 

The Parenthood Playland

Assalammualaikum wbt,

Yesterday we brought Hanif Aiden to The Parenthood Playland in Sunway Pyramid. This place has been opened for years now and although it is in my neighbourhood, only yesterday we had a chance to go there. Well, main reason because being a paranoid parents we are, we thought he is still small for this kind of playland, what if he fall, what if he catch diseases from other kids, what if he puke out of excitement.. 

We always brought him to Kidszoona at Empire Gallery, it’s a pretty much straightforward play area for small kids, like 6 years and below. Even the toys are for the sensory development and enhancing the interaction like balls pool, kinetic sand, role-play stalls, trampoline, ABC, puzzle etc. However, at Playland, this place is more like a big boys area, and I guess Hanif Aiden is ready for this. The entrance fee is RM53, different from what I read from the website was RM50. My husband said that include the GST 6%.. yeah, that makes sense. Each kid ticket allows one adult in, with additional adult at RM5 if I’m not mistaken. 

Oh boy, this place is huge, I mean for a small kid like Hanif Aiden. He was frantic and excited running here and there. I was so freaking tired and I do not need an exercise like serious. I was running here and there, climbing and bending to chase him. This place is complicated, like maze and built so low that I have to bent all time. Jeeeeez. Hanif Aiden played slide, I played slide too. Hanif Aiden get into the tunnel slide, I too get inside too. It’s kind of fun really, God knows when was the last time I played the slide weeeee. But I am not ashamed guys, there are a lot of other parents doing the same as I do too. Following their children and exploring/climbing this castle maze too. I even spotted a father who stuck at the slide because he is way too ‘healthy’ lol 

We spent about 2 hours there, Hanif Aiden had a lot hell of fun I think he would pass out. He was uncontrollably active and for a moment we kinda lost him. He ran so fast, squeezing himself in those tiny holes/mazes and I can’t keep pace. He lost from our sight and we were panic trying to look for him. When we saw him, we can’t reach him as the place is separated by wall/maze and he is laughing as he thought he played hide and seek with him.. jeez this kid. I don’t know how to explain this but the place is huge, well maybe not that huge but for sure confusing where there a lot of corners and hidden spot where our adult eyes sometimes might miss it. Call me paranoid but that’s who I am lol. 

But, you no need to worry to let your kids running around the place because every designated areas, they will place one guide to watch your children. I also spotted one guide kind of block and warned big kids bullying smaller kids. 

I really like this place, kind of remind me where I had been to once when I was small in One Utama. I don’t know whether that place still exist there. This kind of place could let your kids to explore (on their own, you paranoid mother). But, make sure you have lot of energy and suitable dressing to chase after your kids. Maybe if your kids are big enough, you can just sit there and relax while letting them playing. There are also hair saloon & massage shop located outside if you are irresponsible enough to leave your kids unattended and treat yourself HAHAHA. 

I might want to repeat the visit again soon. Maybe when I had a good rest a night before and fit enough. 

 

Hanif Aiden first movie experience

Assalammualaikum wbt,

My husband and I are quite a movie goer where we would just buy the tickets and made a sudden decision to watch it. After Hanif Aiden came into our life, the activity lessen a bit because we have Astro Best and we still go watching movie occasionally but that involved a very carefully well-planned decision making like picking up movie that finish no later than 9pm, be back home before 10pm, not including the guilty feeling throughout the movie session thinking Hanif Aiden waiting for us at home.. 

So, I've read about the kids friendly cinema lately and the closest to us is TGV Family Friendly cinema at Sunway Pyramid. I know many parents bring their kids to watch movie at normal cinema, but I am too scared and would not take the risk taking Hanif Aiden to one because I am such a freak mother. What if the cinema too dark? What if the sound too loud? What if he's never stop crying? What if he kick somebody's head? What if he fall while we finding the seats? What if he eat too much of pop corns? And many many other possibilities I created in my mind. So, I am pretty excited when I read about the Family Friendly hall especially the part where crying baby and running kids are allowed woot woot! 

So yesterday my husband and I went to Sunway Pyramid by Grab (we were too lazy to drive lately..). The tickets are quite cheap compared to normal hall, adult is RM10 and kids is RM5 each. We chosed a movie The Son of Bigfoot. The cinema is not too dark and if you bring a baby, there is a changing diaper station as well. The sound system also not too loud. There weren't so many people during our session.

This is one good movie I must say. At first Hanif Aiden were excited and sit behavely on his seat. The sound and big screen shocked him at first but after a while, he managed to take them all in. But, towards the end of the movie, he started to get restless and wanting to go out. He played with the diaper changing station, jumping off the stairs, throwing the pop corns and playing with the seat's side light. The only downside I didn't like is the intro advertisement took too long about 10-15 minutes before the movie started. I understand that is the standard for normal cinema, but I guess they could make an exception for this Family Friendly hall. It's not like the kids understand anyway.. 

We left when Hanif Aiden started rolling on the floor and kept on pushing the door wanting to go out. That is almost the end of the movie son.. He kept on pulling down his pants saying 'Berak... berak' (-___-) Thank you Hanif Aiden for humiliating Mommyyyyyy. By the way, he DID NOT berak, he purposely saying that so we could take him out *rolls eyes* Luckily there is only like 5 to 10 minutes towards the end of movie and we pretty much know the ending, so we left. Overall, it's quite an experience for us. We might want to repeat that again, but next time, we will get into the cinema a little bit later. 

Then, we went to Dip N Dip and again, he's having a meltdown, he ran the whole restaurant back and forth, rolling on the floor and knocking the cutleries on the glass table.. I don't know how your mothers do it where your child could sit still, acting all angelic, walking side by side and following orders. But I bet he's probably sugar rush from the pop corn he had earlier. Eating Dip N Dip definitely not a good idea as we added up more sugar that he already had.. And I am wearing WHITE that day. I don't know what I was thinking. Hanif Aiden has already had chocolates all over him and we just don't bother to change him. We thought to go jalan-jalan riding the LRT but we were too tired chasing him and going home instead. 

But, one thing for sure, no matter how tired I was attending to him or a mess I look at the end of the day, one thing for sure, I would do it again and again. Seeing his smiles and happiness are truly a satisfaction to me. I will surely gonna miss this moment as he's growing up.. I hope by documenting this, it would be a memory for me to read it again in the future and reminded me how much fun my motherhood journey was.