Convenience Store Woman - Sayaka Murata

Hi everybody, so I’m still sticking to my 2019 resolution to have the one month one book. It’s still going on although I’m a bit behind but as long as I keep moving, please give a credit for the effort k? Actually, this book wasn’t even on my plan to buy but I did anyway when I was at Borders, The Curve the other day while waiting for a friend (she’s freakinglt late!) and I saw this at the counter book stand as flavour of the month. I’ve read the reviews, it seems like a light read and enjoyable, which what I needed right now. I like non-fiction but sometimes I need a bimbo-like/young adult read to get my mind off, and pleasures too. 

Soooo, this story is about a 36 year old weird woman named Keiko who has been working at the same convenience store for the past 18 years. Same place, same position, stagnant with no progress in her life, both career and personal. She’s a weirdo who doesn’t have any feelings whatnot, no empathy, just do her routine like a robot. Everything in her life that she does is for the sake of the store. I mean, she eats balance diet to keep healthy so she doesn’t fall sick , thus no need to take an MC, she sleeps early, so she wake up fresh for her work on the next day. Her life is revolve towards the store, no change, not even the store layout or products arrangement to be altered. She’s like a manual of the store, a straight person, no bends at all. She goes crazy if any workers doesn’t follow instructions or manual, and she just simply doesn’t know how to fit into the society. She’s happily volunteering herself to fill any shift, working during odd hours and never take leaves or sick leave. She even claimed she’s not a part of convenience store but she is the store! She don’t know how to react to certain topics nor emotions to anything. I mean, she’s emotionless, she’s never sad, never happy, never mad, never angry. Then, a man came into her life, which is weird too, and she just get along with it, allowing the man staying with her in her tiny house just to be accepted by society. No love, no friendship, definitely no sex. She just treated him like a pet, feeding him when needed, for the purpose of society thinks that she has one step forward in her life.

At first I thought she might finally have some sense knock in her head or something, that she might developes love or compassion, but too bad, there is notttt!! The ending is quite upsetting, unlike any other fairy tale book, Keiko actually doesn’t change at all! Yes, she resigned from the store, lost for a while, only later to make her realize that the convenience store is actually a part of her life, making her applied for job at another convenience store *face palm*. Yessss, I spoilt the ending, although I didn’t really like the ending, this book is something different from what I have read before, and I would suggest you to enjoy it too. Not a heavy book at all, even the font is quite large, making the reading even faster. Lol! 

I think this book is based on real story as the author herself has worked at convenience store for 18 years, only to quit after writing this book, and become a success. This is an enjoyable read, although I get sick with the character, but this people exist guyss. Guess if she’s happy with that choice, or doesn’t turn into a psycho sort of, then, we just leave them be. 

Ed Sheeran Live in Malaysia 2019

Ed Sheeran is coming to town!!! Like I mentioned in my previous post, this year is definitely a year of a concert for me. I don't know why they are all decided to come down here, making my mission to save money failed miserably! Yes, I'm broke.. well, that's old news isn't it? I like music, I'm more to a universal listener, I do not have specific artistes I like listening to all the time, if they're talented, music is good, I'm enjoying them, what more to hear/watch them live. Ed Sheeran came in 2017 and I didn't managed to buy the tickets; online and offline. So, this time I already prepared myself to battle buying online (which I'm pretty good at). Of course they have to release the tickets sale during office hour...so I excused myself in the toilets to buy.. After an hour trying and putting in the queue, I didn't succeed. In fact I already accepted my fate. But miracle does happen to those who are Sabr, indeed maybe I'm the chosen one, later that day, I managed to secure them!! These days, throughout my experience, you can no longer choose the preferred seat, the system will automatically select the next available seats for you, that's explain why my seat were on top of the stadium , far far far away from the stage. Even the screen looks like a bean from afar. After the success of Ed's last concert here, the organizer chose much bigger venue to accommodate more spectators (even that the tickets were sold out!). This time at Stadium Nasional Bukit Jalil. Last time was at Axiata Arena, the indoor stadium.

Few days before the event, I received an email from the organizer saying that they are selling the pre-sale tickets for the parking, what!!!! The parking ticket costs were RM30 and RM50 respectively! Man, they really effortlessly making money! The due reason because this is a highly anticipated event, the turn up crowd going to be huge and they wanted to encourage people to come by public transport. Jeeeeeeez. So my husband and I decided to go there by Grab which also a good idea at first because we beat the parking problem although the traffic were terrible. Even the Grab driver refused to drop us in front of the stadium and we have to walk a bit from the roadside. (Well, obviously you're not getting a 5 stars from me, duh).

We arrived about 7pm-ish and this concert like a festival going on! There are so many food vendors inside the stadiums, we are spoilt for choices! A different experience from before, well maybe because this time the venue is bigger and crowd is huger, or simply because Malaysians take their food really serious. Our seat is way up high, at the top of the stadium roof (well, better than nothing lol!). The opening performance is from One Ok Rock from Japan (but their songs are in English), well I gotta say they are not bad! We pretty much enjoyed it, they're like a young Hoobastank.

Ed Sheeran came out at about 9.00pm and we were blown away with his performance. We really enjoyed ourselves. I really like the design of the stage, different and unlike from the stages I've seen before. I checked after that, it's the same set up for all his tour. He is one hell of talented guy, guysssss. He is so funny and really good interacting with his fan! As usual, the concert took 2 hours and what I adored most was, after the encore, he came back on stage wearing the team Malaysia jersey!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OH MY GODDDDD, WHY IS HE SO FREAKING CUTE I CRIEDDDDDD! Turn out, after checking his Instagram page, he's wearing the jersey to every country he performed at. What a humble sweet nice kind lovable gesture.  

And ohhh by the way, like his last concert here, somebody proposed to somebody yada yada stealing the limelight, yada yada but Ed couldn't care less yada yada.. yeah yeah, we get it Ed's song is romantic and such, but... well, I lost for words here, pretty safe to say I'm such a bitter person HAHAHHA. 

So.. after the concert ended, now the real issue here is, how are we going to go back?! This time the organizer sucks big time! The only mode of transportation here is the LRT, and they are cramped, packed and jammed with people, like another concert held here to be honest. To take Grab is impossible because the traffic is also madness and they might took an hour to reach, what a waste of time and it's going to be difficult to determine the pick up point as well. The organizer should really follow like Singapore when we went to Maroon 5 concert the previous month. We took a train to airport and to fasten the process, they given us a paper pass with stamp (like a temporary ticket) without paying for it first and only to pay manually at the destination station by presenting the pass at the counter. It really help clearing the crowd and as result, everybody is happy. I truly amazed by that, a simple gesture but the consequences is difference. It is so so so much efficient. 

We waited for an hour to wait for the crowd to be clearer but it did not happen. Plus, to worsen the situation, they announced that the station going to be closed in half an hour and the last train going to arrive in 15 minutes or so! *slapping forehead*. I mean, if you insist everybody to have paid for their tickets, at least add another pop-up booth for tickets, or at least extend the operating hours when there are a big event held here. I think the organizer forgotten about this or simply did not cooperate with the LRT people. So.. we squeezed ourselves and managed to buy tickets and catch the last train at the Bandar Puteri Station. We were lucky enough that Kak Ngah (my husband's sister) offered herself to pick us up from the station. Ohh, we even bumped to my son's paed doctor at the station though. She asked about the right train schedule/direction and pretty sure we gave them a wrong one...

If you have read about my previous post on Maroon 5 concert, I've mentioned that I don't really like concerts in Malaysia because those so-called high society, rich people or even local celebrities whom befriended with organizer yada yada would get access to meet the artist (some don't even buy the concert tickets though for that matter!!) and then bragged and showing off on their social medias? It really disgust me. Well, and yet you talked about "kroni" and "kabel" getting the privileges *eyes rolling*. 

Anyhow, Ed, it was indeed a great performances, you are such a great performer!!!!!!!!!! I had a best night. Now I'm streaming Ed Sheeran on my spotify for the next 1 month definitely.

Perth Day 6

Assalammualaikum wbt,

Monday, 7th May 2018

Today is the day where we had to bid goodbye to beautiful Albany. 1 day is definitely not enough to explore this beautiful city. Definitely will come back. I don’t know why we didn’t come back again to The Gap, The Wind Farm for our second visit as to redeem ourselves the day before. But, we’re afraid the journey will take longer time like the day before and we didn’t get to catch Watertown Brands Outlet opening hours. The weather is absolutely lovely that day, bright and sunny. Beautiful Australia weather. The journey back home is smooth, and it only take about 4 hours time to reach Perth city. Probably because we took a lesser stops except for breakfast picnic. Along the way, there are not much of service centre but there are parks with bench and table. Perfect for a picnic. However, you gotta brave the cold. We ate our breakfast while shivering in the cold.. As usual, we take turns for driving and navigating because the road is quite easy, not much of turns and junctions, only straight. Well, although it is easy, it could be quite boring and could make the driver sleepy.. There are few memorial marks along the way, and that made me thinking, how can the accident occured in such straight and empty roads? Have you ever heard of microsleeping? Probably the drivers had that.. it’s dangerous guys, please if you feel tired, get a stop and rest or like my husband’s case, drink hell lot of coffee. Australia’s coffees and other drinks in that matter are all delicious that we barely drink plain water here. So much for the constipation..

We arrived at Watertown Brands Outlet about noon and without further delay, starts our shopping! Well, given the current currency exchange at AUD1 = MYR3, shopping here could be heaven! There are brands cheaper even compared to the premium outlets in Malaysia like Fossil, Oroton & Adidas. I went crazy here, if I hadn’t thought about our limited luggage, I would definitely buy them all because it’s totally a great dealllllll!! Bought myself Oroton handbag which is pretty compulsory as Oroton is Australian based brand. We bought Hanif Aiden shoes at only $30! And my husband also bought himself a Fossil backpack which is wayyyy cheaper than Malaysia. Both my parents bought a pair of watch each. The Watertown Brands Outlet isn’t as big compared to our Premium Outlets especially Perth is not really a city for shopping unlike Melbourne. Perth is more for sightseeing activities and place to relax. Indeed it is, felt so relax and calm throughout our stay. 

We had our light brunch here, eating Gozleme, a traditional Turkey snacks. It is so so good, I ordered Spinach and Cheese Gozleme. I’m not sure if we have that in Malaysia, pretty sure it does. Besides the branded stores, if we have last minute souvenirs shopping, you can do that too here although the price might be slightly expensive compared to Freemantle. We spent about 2-3 hours here, well we could do it longer.... if we have more money hahaha. 

After that, we went to Corica Pastries to buy the famous Apple Strudel. This is another must buy while you were in Perth. I’ve read the tips from the Facebook group, seriously, that group is super helpful and full of information. If you’re planning to go to Perth, please join that group and you would realized, even a month is not enough to fully exploring Perth! Hahaha. The Apple Strudel costs about $24 each and can be shared up to 4-5 people. It is seriously good, the best I ever tasted, even writing this making me salivating over it. The crisp and soft pastry against the cream and apple slices making every bite is a piece of heaven. You can actually buy them upon departing home and request for a box to be placed at Airplane’s cabin. The carrier box costed $5. It isn’t difficult to find this place in Perth really, if you have Waze, it is best enough. The only downside is that, Waze consumed so much of your phone’s battery. 

After that, we went for lunch at the famous Charcoal Chicken at Daniella Express. This is another famous restaurant outlets among Malaysians because of its Lamb Rack. True enough, almost 80% of the occupants are Malaysians! Haha. This is an Indian themed kind of restaurant/fast food chain. Besides the famous lamb rack, it also served beriyani chicken and rice, and some other condiments as well. I ordered 1 set of beriyani rice to be shared with my husband because the portion is big. And although we shared them, still not finish though. For Hanif Aiden, since he was sleeping, we take away some Mac & Cheese. Lamb Racks here are absolutely delicious guys. Totally recommended, perfectly grilled, meats are succulent, falling from its bone and the glaze, sweet tangy and spicy. If you couldn’t finish your food, worry not because you can actually purchase a food container to pack them.

Then we went to our 4th accomodation in Perth, a homestay in Inglewood. This homestay isn’t so far from Daniella Express. Most of our homestay except Mak Long’s were made the booking through Booking.com. This homestay price is reasonable, 2 nights for $330. The house is lovely, I fell in love with the design and absolutely love the kitchen. It has complete facilities and two bathrooms but only 1 toilet. The kitchens are well equipped with ovens and microwaves, cutleries, cooking utensils, wine glass, tea cup, normal drinking glass, mugs, cellophane tape, garbage bag, scissors, yada yada. The interior is looking classic and it even have a fireplace. We rested for a while and cook dinner. Tentatively, we did not have any night activity because at first we wanted to take picture at the famous Blue Boat House earlier but were too tired from the Albany drive, so we skip that. 

So that night, we went to the city for sight seeing at Elizabeth Quay, it’s not in the initial itinerary anyway, last minute decision. In fact, for the throughout Perth itinerary, I didn’t put much of activities during night time because most stores are closed at 5pm. But, before anything else, we went to Chemist Warehouse first. This is my favourite store ever in Perth and we went there for few times. There are just so many things to buy here .. I did a last round of perfume shopping again.. and even that, I felt it still not enough haha! I shopped like I would bathe in these perfumes! 

Then we went to South Perth Foreshore to take a ferry ride to Elizabeth Quay along the Swan River. It’s only a 5 minutes ride to see the beautiful night view of Perth city. Like I mentioned earlier, Perth is not really a ‘happening’ city, thus the place aren’t so many people except at restaurants. We just took a walk around and taking pictures at the famous Elizabeth Quay ‘shell’. We cut short the visitation as it was too cold, too much to bear, we didn’t even go to the famous Perth Bell Tower although it’s quite a distance from Elizabeth Quay. 

We went home after that, to rest and gaining our energy for the next day’s activity. 

Maroon 5 Live in Singapore 2019

This is my 3rd time watching Maroon 5 liveeeeee in my life. Only this time, in Singapore because I don’t know why most of the artistes do not want to make Malaysia as their stop. Oh wait, think I know why but I better not to disclose them here, most Malaysians would understand why though. So, my second visit to Singapore would be another concert to attend to as a sole reason. And, it’s getting shorter stay, this time less than 24 hours and I didn’t booked any accommodation in fact! 

We almost didn’t make it to the concert though because Hanif Aiden were hospitalised from 2nd March and discharged on 6th March (after our persuasion with the doctor). Earlier that week, I even sold my Blue Live In Malaysia tickets at half price because of this (don’t get me wrong, I didn’t regret it though, family is always a priority). So, we took a noon flight, touched down an hour after and headed straight for lunch at Zam Zam Singapore restaurant using MRT. The tickets buying process is quite tedious I must say, we were departed from the Airport, and in my opinion, they should’ve prepared more self-service counter being it is kind of a major stations. The queue is long, but the machines weren’t working well though.

After the hearty lunch (Singapore Murtabak and Nasi Beriani, no less), we headed straight to the Singapore National Stadium, this time by Grab. The weather is super hot and I’m so lazy to find the train route or made another walk under the blazing sun. We arrived there at about 3pm and gosh, the queue is madness. We’re holding the priority standing tickets and the concert organizer brought us to the designated gate. But it’s so funny because we were brought to walk aimlessly, getting in and out malls, taking escalators up and down, before getting into the stadium gate where we were at earlier (face palm). Once the gate open, everybody were running to the designated entrance as per assigned number on the tickets. I of course, as much as I wanted to run too, I stop to buy the original merchandises first. Priority. From my previous Britney concert last time in Singapore, they don’t sell fake/imitate merchandise here. I spent about $90 for the T-shirts and lanyard. 

Then, we queued again in for another torturous hour at the front of the gate to wait for it to be opened at 6pm. This concert is the most anticipated event in Singapore, the crowd is huge. I spotted many Asians from Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia mostly. That is why the website were super lagging and even crashed during the tickets buying process months earlier. The gate opened at 6pm, and again, frantic fans were screaming and running to get the best spot possible near the stage. Even the crews reminded the people timeless times to not running. I too, were running but of course I had to make a pit stop to buy drinks while my husband went for his toilet breaks. The dilemma about this standing concert is that, you have to drink a lot to keep hydrated and at the same time you also don’t want to risk losing the spot when we went for toilet breaks. Singapore being the environment friendly country, the rules has become stricter from the last time I was here. No more water bottles allowed!! All bottled water or beer were transferred into a tall cup instead. Definitely they will be spilled even before the concert started. True enough.. the floor were wet from the spilling though..

I didn’t get the spot near the stage though, but lucky enough to secure a place at the end of the runaway as I tried much as I could not to stand in the middle of the crowd. Well, as a preparation to hold at something in case I’m about to faint lol! And it does help though because at least I have a room to breathe. I was a bit upset at first to be standing there because it was quite far from the stage, but little that I knew it was the best decision everrrr. Tell you in a later bit ok. So, inside the stadium, another 2 hour waiting game. We killing time by sitting, talking and myself playing candy crush. Ample space for everybody to roam. It was all relax and calm until at 7pm when the normal standing ticket holders entered the stadium. The crazier group of people. They started pushing and squeezing themselves among the earlier access spectators to get the best place for them. What a selfish act and totally totally bullshit arrangement from the organizer! If they were to charge the priority entry tickets and normal standing at $100 difference, have some decency to place a gate/divider to separate or else, there’s nothing special for the priority entry despite paying a huge differences for the tickets. Totally unfair!!! Like there’s no difference between these two ticket holders though. Might as well I bought the normal standing and pushing my way in to be near the stage or claiming the right as a standee. Jeezz. That is one thing that really pissing me off.

The concert started with opening from their DJ, Mr Mailbox at 7.30pm, until 8.00pm. And after that, the crowd were put into hiatus until 8.30pm before Maroon 5 make an appearance. People were screaming and frantic and crazy, the crowd who already packed earlier became even more packed, butt to butt situation, that you even breathe into someone else’s backhead. Like literally eating their hair. Couldn’t even move a finger, let alone to dance along or enjoying the concert!! Luckily that we’re standing next to the fence, so I could at least turned my head to gasp for air. If you asked me know, I can’t even remember what is the opening song because I am too busy figuring out to stay alive rather than focusing on the concert. That bad! Hahaha. Although I could remember their opening song from 2011 concert though.. 

Remember when I told that I was standing at the end of the runaway? It is indeed the best place to be at, or God answering my prayer or doing me a favor, but Adam mostly standing there. I swear he even made an eye contact with me!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh myyyyy!!! He literally standing right in front of me and I can even smell his sweat (or maybe the person next to me, can’t tell really). Best nighttttt ever, I can tick off the bucket list guysss. Well, we can listen to the songs on the radio/Spotify at any time, but to see Adam right in front of our eyes, it took lucks of all universe. Damn luck. Too bad, because of the frantic crowd pushing, it really annoyed hell out of me, I secretly wish the concert ended sooner though. I had the screenshot of the set list, my husband and I were counting down the song desperately Adam would sing it faster and end the concert soon lol! Too bad, my husband couldn’t take it anymore, when he’s down to another 4 last song he escaped himself moving towards the clearer area. And he said it was the best decision he made because the space is bigger, with free flowing water and you can even chill read: sitting or dancing. But I didn’t regret any of that though, because I can enjoy my private moment between me and Adam without him being the third wheel lolololo Hahahaha! 

After like hours of torture in sweat and the hugest body odour festival, the concert end though. I couldn't believe it's finally over but at the same time I'm glad because I made it through alive! First thing first is to find my husband. Now only I remember his name after Adam is out of my sight haha! When people started making move clearing the stadium, I spotted so many people were laying at the corner, a group of the fainted people! My decision to stand near the fence indeed the best. After we were reunited, little did I knew he's actually watching me from afar how I adoring (read: Adam) and enjoying the concert. At first I thought he's giving up and waited for me somewhere else but he claimed that would be a waste of expensive tickets though. Haha. After the concert, we are still indecisive where to go to, at first we wanted to enjoy the night city view of Singapore but, we have to surrender to our wobbly jelly leg. After hours of standing, we've given up. Singapore could wait for us another time. So, we decided to go straight to airport and spend the night there since our flight is the earliest one in the morning. 

I was overjoyed myself I managed to catch Maroon 5 Live again, and this time being the closest to the stage, less than a meter away from Adam, I am more than pleased and satisfied. Been a fan since 2003, watched them live twice before but this is the best one and best experience everrr!! (despite the sweat odour, yuck!). Secretly, I prefer to watch concert in Singapore though, because it's pretty straight-forward, touched down, perform and off to another destination. Unlike here, where these celebrities have to meet those so-called high-society people or local artiste, showing off other people that if you have money or connection, you can have the access duh. Till next time Maroon 5, hope to see you again soon, but maybe next time I would choose the seated area (or not!).

Self Reflect

Have you ever crossed a situation where when you think God is testing you and forgetting you, but at the same time He is watching you and care for you?

That is exactly what I am facing right now. I am currently in a shit right now, feeling all fucked up, and helpless. I thought I was alone, but little by little, there are people comforting me, giving me hope. Even everything that surrouding me, the nature even, are like watching me. I’m scrolling through my social medias and most of the friends are sharing motivational quotes, or a beautiful surah/ayat with deep meaning. Making me feel, Allah swt testing me but at the same time He loves me and looking out for me. He doesn’t let me drown with my emotions and sadness by sending these people (family & friends) to be near me, cheering me up. Even people I least expecting. 

I cross over so many posting on positive thought today, motivational quotes people sharing on my timeline, without me needing to look for it. Isn’t that a sign of love from Him? I felt ashamed when I think about it, about how I forget about Him sometimes but He always be there, looking out for me, even MashaAllah how much I’ve sinned as His servants. 

I told my husband about this, and he replied that, “Now you believe many people love you. That is why no matter what people do, always always be kind. Allah swt will only tests those who can bear it”. Kindness wins E.V.E.R.Y.T.I.M.E. There’s nothing wrong to be sad or emotional, but you don’t allow yourself to be drown by it. Emotions and sadness are what makes us humane afterall. After that, get up, standing up and if it’s worth the fight, fight! If it’s not, then just let it be, and move on. There’s no use to fight for something that doesn’t make your worth or make you even unhappy. 

P/s: There’s a special place in Hell for them anyway HAHAHAHA, MashaAllah sisterrr. 

China Rich Girlfriend

Soooo.. this is a sequel book from Crazy Rich Asians series. Oh man, I’m hooked! Finished reading this in 3-4 days. Man, I could finish it in a day if I don’t work or staying in bed all day but somebody has to work for a living, got bills to pay, and there’s a little one I need to feed. 

Basically, for China Rich Girlfriend is a continuation of Nick & Rachel’s love story, they got married anyway at the first chapter of the book (spoiler alert!). Andddd apparently her long lost father (originally from China, another crazy rich billionaire) , made an appearance in this book. She is brought closer to her step-brother, Carlton by Nick’s mother (Eleanor, not surprised since Rachel’s father is rich people, duh), wonderful reunion but bitterly accepted by Carlton’s mother (Rachel’s father current wife).

Here, it shows on how the Chinese Mainlanders and Hong Kong crazy rich lifestyle brings an even more eye-opener to Rachel and apparently Nick’s too (despite he’s also crazy rich). With everybody owing the private planes (with a FRIGGING Koi’s pond inside it) and first access to everything. (No wonder the commercial planes in China always delays, due to this private airplanes cutting queues and stuff). Of course, a little drama building along, with Su Yi still doesn’t accept his dearly grandson, Nick still and Astrid’s marriage at the brink of ruinage despite Michael finally made a success. Her friendship with ex-boyfriend Charles Wu become closer and without realizing it, Michael knew all along, that’s become the reason of the collapse of their marriage (another spoiler!). 

Then, somebody tried to poison Rachel, with her near-death incident reveal another secret after secret, which I am enough with my spoiler, gotta read it yourself! This book is so worth reading, I mean, you just can’t wait to flip pages after pages to know the continuation. Each chapter end hangly with wonders and Kevin Kwan starts new chapter with a new set and different characters each time making us uneasy with what happened to the current one, forcing us to sit still and read everything to know the next. Arrghh. Haven’t read such a good book like this one for so long. He’s definitely my favourite author at the moment. Usually, I got bored reading a book along the way, but not this book when he starts a new chapter with fresh grasping story each time. 

I’m currently of my third book of this Crazy Rich Asians series, Rich People Problem. Finishing all my house chores, feeding my child, cooking for husband and everything before I can sit comfortably digging in this book, uninterrupted (impossible, but I’d like to be optimistic, thank you). I highly recommend for you guys to read this book and taking a glimpse of how these freaking billionaire live although some of the brands are so aliens to me (because I’m simply a peasants, duh). Once you’re hooked, you never look back. 

Crazy Rich Asians

Assalammualaikum wbt,

I haven’t done any book reviews for a while now, that’s because I love buying books but to find time to properly read them are almost impossible. Because I like to read my book indisrupted and of course with a 5 year old rascal demanding attention, it won’t happen guys.. He’s just being my biggest fan right now, what can I do.

So.. after possessing this book Crazy Rich Asians for almost 2 years now, I finally finishing them in a week! Can’t recall when was the last time I read a fiction genre book. My taste is into non-fiction nowadays but sometimes a good humorous, light content book is all I need after a hard long day at work. I know I know, I am behind those hoo-haa about the phenomenon, I just can’t find the time! I watched the movie recently (thank God for Astro Best), and it’s pretty good I must say. But, of course to read it would be the best, much detailed and even the movie can’t really portray it as much as the book. The richness of the people described in the book are much much more extra grande, transported us into the world of the unthinkable richness of these societies, unlike those showing-off starlets on Instagram, these are much classier. 

Of course, the story line as more or less like the movie with some different ending and the plot twist. It’s funny, and close to my heart because of the familiar language and places of Malaysia/Singapore included in this book. I’ve read a book Princess by Jean Sasson series which telling us about the Arab spending but the Chinese Mainlanders are taking us to another level of how people would spend their money just like that, hundreds of millions to buy a painting and not they really into art or anything but to buy them a fast track to social-class climbing and put them certain place into the sought-after the socialite group. The theme and story plots are like any other fairy tale where the rich fall in love with the a girl who is middle class and being the traditional Chinese (and some Asians royals who cares too much on the bloodlines), this girl isn’t accepted by the boy’s family as it would tarnish the good names and disrupt the next generations lineage because different blood outside their good family might inherit the generations of fortune. 

I’m currently on the second book of this series, China Rich Girlfriend and it’s also pretty good so far. If you’re looking for some light read, funny, and maybe want to learn a little about the traditional Chinese family practices, this book is perfect for you. 

Boyzone Farewell Concert

Assalammualaikum wbt,

Haven’t write for quite sometimes here, even I am still owing my Perth trip story for the remaining 3 days. A lot of things been going on; life, work, work, life. Haha. My life basically revolves around that two things though. I’m currently in the process of moving house that I bought years ago in Shah Alam, so I’ve been busy going back and forth there to settle things to prepare it as much as we could so it is comfortable to move into. Nothing fancy yet, just a basic stuff, well because of budget constraints really. Lol.

Soooo, last year in August I went to Boyzone concert! As usual, with my usual suspect, Fadhlina. My husband are ok to join but I know Boyzone genre isn’t his cup of tea, so yes, to my girlfriend instead. Bought the tickets month earlier, luckily it was still around for me to purchase as I heard they were sold out after. Didn’t buy the fancy seat this time, again, budget constraint hahaha, such cheapskate. This concert is conjunction with their 25th anniversary in the industry! That long gosh. This is not a thing I want to miss definitely. 

I took Grab car from my office and arrived there slightly early. So, I just sat outside of the venue reading and watching people. It’s quite enjoying being alone and observing because I can see and try to understand the other side of story. I mean, I never knew the life of event merchandise seller. They actually knew each other and would be at every concert/event in Malaysia selling merchandise like T-shirts, lanyard, stickers etc. I don’t know whether they are doing it full time or part time but they definitely an opportunist taking chances for this kind of event. Maybe this is different at other places because I’ve been to Singapore for Britney concert last time and there were no this kind of sellers because selling fake/imitation/unoriginal stuff is illegal there. I mean it is illegal everywhere but the law enforcement here kind of .. mess. There are a lot of people selling snacks/drinks too and apparently doesn’t have proper license, like I said earlier, an opportunist. So when the guard/officer chased them away, moments after that, they came back again. So.. who’s to blame? The seller? Or the buyer? Or the law execution? So much to think. 

Ok... that’s what happen when you are alone, you become a thinker and drowned in my own thoughts. Back to Boyzone again, Fadhlina arrived quite late, due to traffic (Friday and KL is perfect combo anyway), moments before the concert started. Luckily, this is a seated numbered concert, so the place is secured. The concert opening with their most famous worldwide hit, Picture Of You and continues along with their famous ballads and pop. Ok, to be frank, although most of Boyzone hits are ballads, surprisingly the concert was indeed enjoyable (despite Ronan’s handsomeness, duh) compared to all the concerts I had been to. I love how they interacted with the spectators, making you really part of the conversation and your attendance that night are mattered. They genuinely showed how appreciative they are to their fans, making me touched. I mean, I’ve been to few concerts and I can tell the difference really.

I actually surprised myself that I remembered most of their hits lyrics, such a hopeless romantic. Enjoying myself a little bit too much.Well, I did buy their cassette way back when I was in high school, so that explains. 

However, above all, the most unforgettable moments were when the tribute to the late Stephen Gately. They played a video/footage of him as background and when they sang ‘Everyday I Love You’, I’m getting so emotional. I bet the whole stadium were too. They sang live but when it’s Stephen’s part, they played the recorded original voice of Stephen. So so so emotional, making me almost cried. I think some are crying too, luckily the space is dark so you can’t spot any hahaha. 

The concert ended with Ronan’s famous song, Life Is A Rollercoaster and an awkward moment for Malaysians when some got the lyrics wrong during the sing along session hahahahahah. Can’t blame though, the song was like when I was in Form 1, and that was 18 years ago (Ok, you can do the Math for my age, lol). Afterall, it was again best moment of my life and I’m glad to be part of Boyzone farewell tour and thank you for making Malaysia as one of your Asia’s stop when other celebrities didn’t. Fyi, there are only about 4-5 Asian countries that were part of their tour. Now, I’m gonna put Boyzone as my Spotify list for the next few weeks. Yes, from Incubus to Britney to Ruth Sahanaya to Boyzone, I am an universal music listener. 

2019

Assalammualaikum wbt,

It has been almost a month since we step into 2019, and I guess it is still not too late for me to wish Happy New Year to those who are reading my blog. Well, if there is any? Haha. Well, Alhamdulillah, I am still alive and breathing and working towards my happiness. 2018 has been hard for me especially at my workplace with me adjusting to the changes of management and adapting to new environment. Well, still same place, same position but environment sure does play important role doesn’t it? 

2018 also taught me hard to really see the true colour of people. People who we are thought to be our friends turn out to be the backstabber , and rather doesn’t even care if we are happy or sad. It is true indeed, you will feel like you’re having a thousand friends when you are happy, but when you are sad, turn out you only have.. you. 2018 taught me to re-evaluate myself on what really is important in my life; family and self happiness. I tried to eliminate those toxic people out of my life, less gossiping, keeping my circle small, and the most drastic I even do is to block some people in my contact. I just do not want these people to haunting me anymore invading my privacy and personal space.  I also learning to say no and being more firm which I still working on that. It’s just in my nature to become to obey and it’s killing me especially at workplace because people take advantage out of it. 

But of course, 2018 wasn’t all baddd. Even they are, we’re still learning something, taking the lesson out of them aren’t we? That’s how we know ourself better and to fix whatever we are lacking of. The highlights of 2018 for sure was my Perth trip to my family, which I valued the most and to which I still owing my blog entries to that! Haha. Hanif Aiden also started schooling this year, how time flies, he’s a big boy already. The routine become more pack, sending him school, fetching him back on daily basis. I’d even cooked early in the morning for his breakfast and lunch boxes. Tiring, but I hope they’re all worth it. Of course I did cheat sometimes, just reheating the food or so, but whatever. We are all can try to be supermom, but if we don’t succeed, don’t put the blame and trying too hard. We are all humans afterall. 

Besides that, we also moved to our own house, finally! After bought it for 4 years, and after crashing my in-laws place for 4 years! Well, can’t believe myself that I survived living with the in-laws, of course with some dramas, joy and tears included. Such bittersweet memories, and now we have place of our own, something we can call home. Although it is small, 1000+ sqft to be precised and wayyy incomplete but my husband and I feel happier. Yeah, we still sleep at the hall with our mattress, can’t afford to buy the bed yet. Unfortunately, my son, having such major withdrawal from this moving out process, no other people he can run into if he’s angry with us parents. No friends to play with anymore and he’s behaving distantly. Sign of boringness of course. Poor him, we tried our best to entertain him, like bringing him to swimming pool and taking him out frequently. No doubt he misses my MIL, as she’s the one who raised him, sleep together at night, and the cousins too which he literally growing up together at my in-laws house. That’s why we’re trying our best to do a frequent visit which always ending up a battle to bring him back home again. 

Next, my youngest sister, Ecah is getting married. Alhamdulillah all went well. Despite many challenges but we finally see the truest color of some family members that could ditch own blood because of small issues. I mean, some are even unrelated to it but being the ‘unpopular’ side, trying to put Ecah’s wedding as victim. Well they tried to, but we just couldn’t care less, as long as the event went smoothly and settled. The bright side is that, it’s a good thing to see this really, so we will not fall into some people fake kindness and maybe to even distance ourselves from these species. As long as we can live on our own, not relying from people, I don’t see the point to be nice anyway. I mean, we can be nice but at the same time, not to give a room to being taken granted for. Again, the aim is to remove the toxic people out of our lives, always always remember that. I’m happy that my sister finally found the one after her struggle and the pains she had gone through from her previous unhealthy relationship. I’m happy that she is who she is again, escaping from the dark chapter of her life’s that she was haunted from. 

So again, after all, I’m looking forward to have a good start of 2019 and the rest of it. I will stop chasing, stop expecting more and want to focus more on myself and my small family. I just will not care to please people and hoping for the return. I just need to be happy with what I have now and cherish them. Not that I stop being ambitious but, I’m afraid I’d lose something I treasured in pursuing the wealth or success. I don’t want to try too much, I just want to pause and enjoy what I already have and living the life ahead of me. I have witnessed that some people are losing their values, crashing every principles and ditching what made them humane in order to chase fame, wealth and influences. I wish not to be like that. I’m older (although physically I tell people I’m in my 20s haha!), and I’m trying to be wiser too. I’m tired making enemies, whoever I felt unworthy to have argument with or furious about, I just avoid them. I don’t want any confrontation, it’s just drowning and sucking up the energy. So.... as Sandra Bullocks puts it; World Peace.