Camping Trip...

1st February is a holiday. I contemplated at first, either to take the kids for a round trip to the east coast or somewhere closer. Then I thought, I've been wanting to go to this interesting place many times before. I even blogged about it last year. Besides, going to Aryani twice a month is mentekedarah namanya...hehehe

For a change, I took the boys and Ayu to a private retreat within the tropical rainforest. I told Raidi that we're going camping. He was excited naturally and wondered whether we should get ourselves a tent. Boy he was in for a surprise...and he wasn't alone in this!! Check out the photos and see for yourself...

our 2 storey glass shed...the upper floor is the sleeping area...Raidi standing at the front

masa siang...

masa malam...

the living area...

The glass shed that we stayed in is perfect. Accommodation is nestled right amongst the trees. Imagine being in the shed and listening to rustling leaves and running stream located just metres away. It's so soothing and relaxing. I've been to camping trips many times before but this place is like a luxurious forest living environment complete with hot showers, kitchen amenities and a swimming pool! It's just nice for a family outing looking for a bit of adventure without sacrificing basic facilities (basic is a huge understatement to my standards).

Atuk Seth and Uncle Harris entertaining the kids...

BEST!!

on the upper floor, complete with kelambu..

the other shed....made primarily of mud...yang ini siap ada aircond..

Our parents, brothers and sisters drove for about an hour from Damansara to join us for BBQ dinner that evening. Ayam, kambing. lembu, ikan, sotong semua kita bakar malam tu. We felt very close to nature. They were all surprised by the serenity of the place. Mak said that it reminded her of my grandparent's pondok tunggu durian jatuh in Muar! ..Momy just geleng kepala when she first arrived at the place and asked me "Apa mimpi buat bbq dalam hutan ni?". Hehehe..

during the bbq dinner...Rizal busy mnaging the bbq pit..

No Astro, TV, no hand phone signal and no Internet. A perfect place to escape from your hectic daily routine. Raidi wasn't really happy as he couldn't watch YouTube and play games. Ayu was skeptical about the place at first and said that even Kutu can mati here. So I told her to bring along Stephenie Meyer the pontianak novel. I can't imagine any other better place for her to read the novel. Seriously, the glass shed reminded me of the Cullens bungalow in the movie Twilight. Zidani went back to Damansara after the BBQ. He was a bit uncomfortable being surrounded by tall and huge trees.

one good reason why I don't go to public pools..Zidani memang suka mandi tak pakai baju

But the boys totally enjoyed the swimming pool. Who wouldn't. The pool setting is bliss. Water is source naturally from a nearby stream, filtered and not treated with chlorine. I think we went to the pool more than 3 times! It's very refreshing!

Before we went back to KL, we stopped by the Serendah waterfall picnic area located 5 minutes drive from the resort. Of course we couldn't tahan. So we had our final dip for about an hour before finally calling the day off.

Serendah waterfall...sejuk gile!

We headed back to TTDI feeling recharged. It's a whole new experience even for me. I'm very impressed with the whole setting of the resort especially the glass sheds. Before we came to this place, I thought Ayu wouldn't really enjoy this type of 'outdoor' excursion. But during the stay, she did asked me this question "Nanti kita buat kita punya anniversary party nak dekat sini?". Strange, maybe she was being sarcastic..I dunno... But if someone like Ayu can value this piece of sanctuary, I wonder who wouldn't?? heheheh..

I can't wait to go back to Sekeping Serendah...

Al-Fatihah...

On 22nd of January, my uncle (mom's side) passed way due to serious head injury from a motorcycle accident. He was admitted to the Putrajaya hospital and was in the ICU for a couple of days. I visited him during the 1st day and recited Surah Yassin. Due to maximum swelling in his head, we were told that the chance for survival was slim. He owns a Jaguar, but he still wants to ride the Honda Cub. I straight away drove to Bukit Setiawangsa from my office after receiving the news that my uncle had passed away.

Fondly known as Pak Sidki, he is very popular among his nieces and nephews. He's always jovial and likes too smile. Very seldom I've seen him frowning or complaining about anything. Many of us considers him a bit 'strange' even by his kids, but that's his unique personality. He lives in his own creative world.

One time, when we visited him during 2nd hari raya, it was raining. I couldn't find him. Then Mak Cah told me that he's outside of the house scrubbing and cleaning the wall in his kain pelikat and t-shirt. "Pak Sidki buat apa raya2 ni kat luar?" I asked him. He said "Tengah hujan..rugi tak basuh tembok..air free!!"..hahahaha... this is just one of his 'weird' character. One other thing that I never forget is how his family never failed to be the last to arrive in Muar on the eve of Hari Raya. That's because Arwah always drove back to Muar via the old trunk road and he likes to do this at night.

When I was small, I was very close to Udin, his eldest son. So whenever there's opportunity, I would stay over my uncle's place in Cheras. I envied Din at that time because Pak Sidki bought him many toys for him to play with. Myself and Din loved to play with Lego and we would be building things including Airwolf and the Millenium Falcon. Arwah was an architect, so I like watching him building scaled model houses.

the last picture taken together during last Raya at our place. Arwah is seated next to me. This picture was taken using a tripod bought by Arwah way back in 1976 in Glasgow!!

Arwah will certainly be missed. His smile, his laugh and his antics, he will always be remembered. Semoga roh Arwah dicucuri rahmat dan ditempatkan dikalangan orang-orang yang beriman. Al-Fatihah..

I'm 33, he's 7 and she's 80....

I'm tiga puluh tiga...

Zidani's 7 years old...

My grandma, she's now 80!!

In my family, the month of January means birthday to many people. Too bad we couldn't go back to Kluang to celebrate my grandma's birthday. I heard they all had a great time together. Siap main mercun!

As for my own celebration, Ayu took us out for dinner at the Al-Rawsha restaurant. They serve delicious middle eastern dishes. They brought along a secret recipe cake and I get to blow out candles together with Zidani.

And thank you everyone for the birthday wishes...

The Aryani....

Ibdil wanted to go for a holiday in Terengganu. He specifically asked me about my previous stay at this particular place 6 years ago. Of course based on my own experience, I would recommend this luxurious malay style Aryani resort to him (or to anyone else for that matter).

The thing that I like most about this place is the resort itself and the service. I've been to many places before and The Aryani holiday is by far the most memorable. It's located in a very secluded area in Merang, next to a stunning beach.

The hotel staff were lovely, from the reception, chef, grounds and housekeeps they were all pleasant and friendly. With only 20 rooms/villas available, probably, the place won't ever be busy. Very peaceful and I like this kind of place. The resort is a little gem to recharge your batteries for a few days.

Some photos for proof....btw, these photos were taken recently...last weekend!! Hahaha.. I cannot tahan after talking to Ibdil about this place on Thursday/Friday. So I decided to take the family for an overnight stay at the The Aryani, some 6 hours++ drive away from KL!!! hahahaha..Besides we haven't really gone for a holiday during the school break. So I have to thank you Ibdil (check out his blog later on. He's in Aryani as I'm blogging this..and he's there for a full week!!!)

the villa where we stayed..overlooking the south china sea
it was really windy! check out the hotel staff behind us, in traditional malay outfit..
I wanted to stay at this Heritage Suite initially, but the place reminded me of my grandparents place in Muar! hahaha

our room....with over size bed!
killer view from the bed....
breakfast with a seaview...

indoor bath tub??
or outdoor sunken bath??
outdoor!!
yummyy....
I had to drive 20kms to get these...sedap gila!! seafood goreng tepung!!
time for spa & massage anyone? of course Ayu couldn't resist it...the beach house entrance...
Zidani can't wait to mandi laut! I guess he has to wait for another 6 months for that!
looking at this picture...I know Zidani's future is in good hands..Raidi is ever so reliable
so sad to leave this place...when will we come back??

We enjoyed this quick getaway very much, although it's only for a night. It's also the monsoon season so it was very windy and the sea was very rough. Raidi was on the mend (from food poisoning). So he stayed indoors most of the time. Pity him really. But we'll be coming back here soon, I'm sure of it.

After checking out, when we were driving out of the Resort, Zidani said one of the most unexpected thing to us..."Thank you Abaaaahh...Thank you Mamaaaa...." .....and that is priceless.

Raidi's antics..

We were at the Berjaya Times Square shopping mall couple of weeks ago. There's only one reason why I took the boys and Ayu there. The indoor amusement theme park!

Raidi wants to ride the roller coaster but due to his height, he has to wait for another year I guess. I admire his courage though as he got the stomach to go on the looping coaster ride. Zidani of course likes to play with the arcade games very much.

Ayu went into the haunted house with Raidi with another group of kids. I knew it was bad idea. All the kids were walking closely behind Ayu shielding themselves from the preying 'ghosts'. When they came out, I saw Ayu's traumatic face while Raidi was grinning from ear to ear while saying "takuuutt...takuuttt"..hehehe.

What I remember the most from this trip was what Raidi said while riding this ride called Dizzy Izzy together with his mother.

"Ooohh..aaahhh...geletek.. geletek... hahaha..hehehe.. geletek..geletek...geletek"

Hahahahah. I know he was trying to express this tingling sensation from the ride but geletek would be my last choice of word! I corrected him "It's geli la raidi..not geletek!" Hahahahahah

Welcome 2009...

Despite the economic slowdown, despite the expenditure cut down from various agencies, this year's firework display to usher in the new year is way louder!

We live very close to the Curve shopping mall. The mall operator organises this new year's count down cum street party. By the stroke of midnight, they lit the sky with fireworks. I can't really describe this fireworks display simply because I've never seen them before! Every year, I do plan to see the fireworks with the kids but each time, I'd find myself watching TV at home instead.

So judging from the loudness of the fireworks, the number of cars and house security alarms being triggered and from the vibration that I felt, they definitely fused more gunpowder this year!

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009!!!

Larian Malakoff 12km

selesai sudah....

It was the last run for the year. What's more interesting, the event was held in our own 'backyard'. Initial plan was to run from Taman Rimba TTDI to Sri Hartamas via the KLGCC route, run through the Penchala link tunnel and back to the finishing line in TTDI. Unfortunately, there was a last minute change. Instead, we had to run the TTDI-Sime Darby convention centre route in 2 laps. Quite a 'boring' route, at least on paper.

But it turned out to be fun! Azad and Ruslan had this challenge between them to finish ahead of each other. They've been having secret training and they wanted to end the year with a high note. Adrenalin were pumping but Azad had a bad start. When he was at the parking lot, he realised that he accidentally left his running shoes at home! The vision of Azad running with his slippers, is just too ridiculous. So I loaned him my Crocs! At least it's not slipper jepun! Actually, the Crocs is more expensive than some of the running shoes that we were wearing! hahahaha

Crocs at 1 o'clock!!

The run itself was satisfying. With 2 laps to complete, we get to see how far back we were from the pros. By the time I finished the 1st lap, the African runners had already lapped me heading for the finishing line. I don't think they were running, they were sprinting! It did have a physco effect on me, pushing me to be a bit more competitive..macam bagus..hahaha

I didn't properly clocked my run so I'm depending on the organiser to do this (I'm gonna get myself a proper runner's watch). We used the timing chip provided by them so the timing should be accurate. I felt good running this time despite the lack of preparation. Perhaps it's the final run for the year so I tried pushing my self towards the end. The downhill section really helped me to pace faster than usual.

After the run, we head to the Mohsein restaurant and had roti canai for breakfast. What a way to close this year's 'account'. Fun run, great friends and good food. I'm looking forward for 2009. We've targeted to participate in at least one run every month. Next stop, January's Great Eastern 20km!

kumpul banyak-banyak, boleh jual besi kati nanti! hahahaha

Maid dah balik..

Hhhmm...we just can't live without them can we? Our maid decided to quit last weekend (she gave us a 7 days notice). After working for us for 11 months, we send her back to her relatives house in Pandan Jaya. If they want to leave, just let them leave. No point trying to persuade her to stay in any longer. Wiwi was our 3rd maid for the past 7 years.

Fortunately, we managed to get a new helper quickly. Just a day after Wiwi left, Ayu picked up this new maid from the agent introduced earlier by my aunty. It's her second day now and I hope she can handle the boys especially Zidani. As long as she can get along and understand his condition, I'm ok with her. I'm also thinking of sending her to Zidani's school so that she can learn how the teacher's there cope with him.

Personally, if I have a choice, I wouldn't want to hire a maid. I think you understand why. In my case, we've been lucky so far that no unwanted incident occurred with our maids. Even so, the thought of having a 'stranger' in the house makes me somewhat uncomfortable. I feel more freedom when only us the family is in the house. Besides, I love to see the family doing the house chores together.

But we just can't live without them can we? Me and Ayu, we both have a hectic schedule and we do alot of travelling too. We can't be bothering our parents too often when both of us are on our working trips. So hiring a helper eases our already heavy burden, especially with the house chores. I just hope that they value the trust that we put to them and realise the responsibility that they're carrying.

Transformers outing...

Raidi's favourite music...

I was helping Raidi to setup his blog. Yes, I'm teaching him how to blog (both the kids spend too much time on YouTube). He's really excited about it. I filled up his profile details, his favourite movies, cartoon and so on...

Then it came to his favourite music. In the past, I've not seen or heard him listening to any kind of music as he always watches cartoon on Astro. He's only 8 years old, so who would expect him to have any musical orientation. Even if he does have preference, I would think it's from his favourite cartoons or movies.

So I asked him about his favourite music. What he said later really made me numbed and speechless. For the first time, I didn't really know how to react to this. He said, "Emmmm....Black Sabath". Hahhahahahahahaha

Raidi told me that he got hooked on Black Sabbath after watching Iron Man movie repeatedly. He loves playing his favourite super hero on PlayStation (which plays Black Sabbath tune in the background).

Washing my car..

It's either you wash the car yourself or you send it to the car wash. I try to wash the car myself once a month. By putting some labour into it, it strengthen this 'bonding' we have between car and driver. Not only that, I usually let the kids join in the fun for some quality time (although they're more interested in water play). Remember the movie Karate Kid? Wax in...wax out?? Character building I tell you...

Anyway, we all have our own favourite car wash centres. My personal favourite is located at the Caltex petrol station in Tmn Tun. I go there almost every week. Here are the reasons why:

1. Location - Very close to where we live. I'd leave the car there in the morning and pick it up in the afternoon after I finished doing my weekend chores.

2. Service - The main reason why I like this place. The wash itself is very good. Sometimes, they put 6-7 people attending to the car and each one of them has specific job to do. It speeds up the whole process, but with more manpower, they have smaller area to clean. This allows them to be more thorough and detail inside out.

Before they hand over the keys, the boss would circle the car for final inspection. I like this part. He does it as if he owns the car. Only after the car is squeaky clean, he'll pass the keys to you. By the way, only the boss has the authority to carry the keys and drive the cars. That gives me a piece of mind knowing that the car is in trusted hands.

Once, I was picking up all the rubbish from the car, the bos quickly came and offered to throw them away for me. I was surprised to say the least. Most other car wash centres are 'operated' by foreigners and they couldn't care less. They don't go the extra mile. This place at Caltex, the business is run by passionate people. It's no wonder why you get to see Ferrari owners send their cars here for a little TLC.

3. Price - Wash and vacuum for a sedan will cost you RM14. I know it's a bit pricey, but I got nothing to complain really.

The best part of all is when you drive out of the car wash. Every time, the feeling is fantastic, your car look fantastic. I would drive back slowly, letting others to have a good view of my car..hehehe..kasi jeless sikit...hahaha. To me it's not just a car wash. You don't believe me? Send the car there this weekend.

Closer...and closer...and closer...

MMBBUAAAHHHHH.... J.CO DONUTS IS NOW IN KOTA DAMANSARA!!!!! ....SSLLLUURRRRRP...YUM YUMMMMMM YUMMYYYYY..... HOHOHOHO .....HAHAHAHAA...DAH GILA NI!!!

Servicing my car

Sending the car for service is something that I always look forward to. I'm not really a grease monkey, but maybe it's a habit that I picked up when i was still schooling. Back when I was in secondary school I love dismantling my BMX bike, wash, clean and polishing the parts, grease them and put them back together. It's something that I would do on a weekly basis. That's why I always go to the carwash center every Sunday, come rain or shine (I'll blog about this carwash experience one day).

I get excited every time I had to bring the car for service. I love to drive and making sure the car is in tip-top condition, gives me the confidence that the car is safe and perform well to expectation. When there's a major trouble shooting to be done, I'm willing to stay at the workshop the whole day and just watch them doing their thing.

pantry with bottomless kopi and milo

I'm actually blogging this entry at Mazda service centre in PJ. They provide free wifi service and individual workstations. The waiting lounge is huge and very comfortable equipped with a 50 inch TV. That's not all, I get free flow milo, coffee and biscuits as well! Unfortunately, here, the service bay is a restricted area. I'm not allowed to 'disturb' the mechanics which is a major letdown for me.

It's already 11am..dah 2 jam! Haiyaa...bila nak siap keta ni!! perut dah kembong dengan milo!!

"What to do with RM10k?"

Nor asked me this question one day through google chat. I said I would like to clear off my credit card bills! Hehehehe..

It turns out that she was actually writing a cover feature for the December08 Personal Money magazine. She inquired whether I would like to be interviewed and I said no problem.

To me it takes some guts to make public that you are debt-ridden. But to Ayu, this is one heck of way to perli her spending habits!!

p/s: Nor, maybe you can feature the rest of the geng for future issues..hehehe..boleh buat magazine friends and family! mmbuuuaahhh