Empangan Sungai Selangor, Kuala Kubu Baru, Feb 2012

Dear Diary,

With full tummies we continued our day trip heading Kuala Kubu Baru. Since we didn’t really have a fixed plan, we just took our own sweet time exploring the countryside. We made a lot of impromptu stopovers along the way.

One of them was at Empangan Sungai Selangor. We just parked our car by the roadside, got out and soaked in the tranquil scenery.

Yik Mun Restaurant, Tanjung Malim, Feb 2012

Dear Diary,

During Maulud Nabi’s long weekend holiday, Hubby said let’s make a day trip to Kuala Kubu Baru. He just blurted his intention out of the blue that very morning. In a dash, we got ready and hit the road.

In about an hour, we were already cruising along Tanjung Malim-Kuala Kubu Baru old trunk road. First, we stopped by our favorite food joint in Tanjung Malim where else but at Yik Mun Restaurant.

Hubby savored Bihun Hailam

I indulged in Kueyteow Goreng

Imran snacked on Pau Ayam & Pau Kaya; while Zarra enjoyed Roti Kawin. Irfan had a little bit of everything ;-)

Adam

Dear Diary,

My firstborn is named…

But how come he is called…

There’s a story behind it. It’s quite funny actually.

Imran was born in 2004. He is the first grandchild on Hubby’s side. Everybody fawned over him and dotted on him. Sarah, my youngest sister in law, loves watching Akademi Fantasia 3 and likes Adam so much. She keeps calling Imran as Adam. She’s the one who bestows that nickname to Imran. Ever since then Imran is more fondly known as Adam among family members and close friends.

Azura

Dear Diary,

I’ve mentioned before that Hubby does not like to watch Malay movie in cinema. Tunggu masuk tv je katanya. That’s why I have watched movies alone before. Imagine my surprise when he wanted to watch Azura on the silver screen. Ni sure sebab Neelofa! I was not fussy so I just agreed.

Azura, a film directed and produced by Aziz M. Osman, takes quite a risk in introducing two young and upcoming actors in leading roles; Shahz Jaszle as Zack and Neelofa as Azura. They nevertheless are not too disappointing and portray convincing acting as foes, lovers and finally husband and wife. Besides them, there are also Afdlin Shauki as Tan Sri Putih, Erma Fatima as Mak Su, Marlini or Nini as Wanda and Afida Es as Nek Wan.

Revolving along the same storyline as a previous movie with the same title but this movie adds some twists using modern lifestyle scenario. Its storyline is basically like this boy meets girl, falls in love and pursues her. The girl resists at first but gives in to her heart finally. Coming from two different backgrounds, they complement each other and their love grows stronger.

In the film, Azura is an intelligent strong will woman who has principles. Being an orphan does help molding her into an independent lady and becoming a survivor. Zack, on the other hand, is a typical spoil brat snobbish man. He lives his life carefree disregarding his responsibilities. Among all casts, there is one lady who attracts my attention, Marlini or Nini. She is Wanda (Zack’s sister), acts convincingly as an arrogant scheming bitch!

One can’t help but comparing both films. This is strictly my opinion. The previous Azura (1984) was a trendsetter i.e. rempit culture and fashion sense. It triggered phenomena in the society. While current Azura (2012) portrays what’s presently happening everywhere. Personally, this Azura is boring for me. It’s just a simple remake of a glorious film but without the extra oomph like its predecessor.

Ps: Neelofa is one beautiful actress! With striking eyes and perfect body cutting, even I cannot take my eyes off of her (^__^) …sekadar mengagumi ciptaan Allah.

Delicious The Marc Residence, Kuala Lumpur, Jan 2012

Dear Diary,

I wanted to go to Cameron Highlands since forever but Hubby is not so keen of going there. As an alternative, I bought vouchers for Afternoon Tea for Two from www.everyday.com.my. Konon berangan ala-ala having tea kat Cameron la ni. Occupied with moving houses and everything related, we nearly forgot about the vouchers. We finally made time to redeem them as they nearing their expiring date.

First, let’s talk about the vouchers – Afternoon Tea for Two. I paid RM34.70 instead of RM59.90 and I got to indulge in these treats namely scones with jams and cream, sandwiches, duck confit, strawberry chocolate dip, chocolate truffles, rosemary and cheese cookies, a slice of desserts on display and cups of coffee or tea. For clearer explanation and more gorgeous pictures, click here.

Next, let’s move on to the restaurant – Delicious. I really like its ambiance, cozy and relaxing. It features nice set ups for customers to dine and unwind.  With birdcages hanging everywhere above your head, the restaurant is smarten with white and turquoise colors. The theme color not only graces the interior but also the employees’ attire and menu. I guess birdcage is its signature item. There are many branches scattered all over Klang Valley.

Last but most importantly, let’s focus on the star of the day - the food. Since we went there during teatime, we mainly savored desserts. I don’t even know where to begin. The array of desserts on display was very impressive. We had a very tough time choosing what to order.  After much deliberation, these were what we put our bets on:

Afternoon Tea for Two

Mama’s Spaghettini Bolognese

Macadamia Cheesecake topped with Crunchy Macadamia Nut Brittle & Caramel - #1

Red Velvet with Cream Cheese Frosting - #2

Chocolate Brownie with Chocolate Sauce & Vanilla Ice Cream - #3

Tiramisu in a Glass -#4

Tea, Coffee & Coke

Aah, what could I say about all the cakes? Just one word to sum them up – HEAVENLY! The cakes that we tried are to die for. As you sink your teeth into the sweetness, you can’t help but falling in love at the first bite. Furthermore, staffs are courteous and service is good.

Address: Marc Service Residence, A-G-01 Ground Floor, No. 3, Jalan Pinang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur. Telephone number: 03 – 2166 9099. Fax number: 03 – 2166 7099. Operating hours: 11.30am – 10.00pm daily. Website: www.thedeliciousgroup.com

Maths

Dear Diary,

A friend posted this picture on her Facebook. I requested her permission to share it here. Permission granted.

Enjoy the picture!!

Don't Quit

Dear Diary,

DON'T QUIT

Is that what you want to do?

Quit?

Anybody can do that.

Takes no talent.

Takes no guts.

It's exactly what your adversaries hope you will do.

Get your facts straight.

Know what you're talking about.

And keep going.

In the 1948 Presidential election, the nation's leading political reporters all predicted Harry Truman would lose.

He won.

Winston Churchill said, "Never give in."

"Never. Never."

Sir Winston stuck his chin out and wouldn't quit.

Try sticking out your chin.

Don't give up.

Ever.

Ps: It's easier said than done right? Nevertheless, just believe Allah wouldn't bless us with anything that we couldn't handle. Just have faith...

* A message as published in the Wall Street Journal by United Technologies Corporation

Batu Giling

Dear Diary,

 

This is another family heirloom that my grandmother left. As a child, I remember using this to grind chilies when helping her. It was fun.

Batu giling surface down

With modern technology, this batu giling is now left out in the cold. Just a reminder of the days gone by in which life was so much simpler…

Hello, anybody home?

Dear Diary,

Hello, hello! Anybody home? After an over productive March with entry posted twice a day, April has been a relatively quiet month. The reason was I've been occupied with my sister in law's wedding. Alhamdulillah, it went beautifully smooth.

After the wedding was over, I was hooked to iPad playing Angry Birds (* o *). GUILTY for abandoning this blog!

F A M I L Y

Dear Diary,

I received this email ages ago. I kept it so that I can reread it as a reminder to myself. So, here goes…

Aku terlanggar seorang asing semasa berjalan, “Oh maafkan saya, saya tak perasan.” Katanya, “Maafkan saya juga. Saya tak nampak saudara.” Kami amat bersopan-santun dan saling menghormati. Kami saling melambai sambil berlalu pergi.

Tetapi di rumah lain pula ceritanya. Bagaimana kita melayan orang tersayang, tua dan muda. Lewat petang tika memasak makan malam, anak lelaki kecilku berdiri di dapur secara diam-diam. Bila berpaling aku hampir melanggarnya jatuh. Jerkahku, “Jangan buat kacau di sini. Pergi main jauh-jauh.” Dia berlalu pergi, hatinya hancur luluh dan beku. Aku tak sedar betapa kasarnya kata-kataku.

Sedangku berbaring di katil mendengar muzik, terdengar suara halus datang membisik. “Bila bersama orang tak dikenali, begitu bersopan dan merendah diri. Tetapi ahli keluarga tersayang sering dimarah dan dicaci. Cubalah kau pergi lihat di lantai dapur. Kan kau temui bunga-bungaan berterabur. Itu adalah bunga-bunga dibawanya untuk kamu. Dia memetiknya sendiri, kuning biru dan ungu. Dia berdiri senyap agar jadi kejutan buat kamu. Kamu tak pernah sedar airmatanya yang datang bertamu.”

Pada tika ini, aku merasa amat kecil sekali. Airmataku mencurah ibarat air di kali. Senyap-senyap ku ke biliknya dan melutut di katil, “Bangunlah anakku. Bangunlah si kecil. Apakah bunga-bunga ini dipetik untuk mak?” Dia tersenyum, “Adik terjumpanya belakang rumah di semak. Adik memetiknya kerana ia cantik seperti ibu. Ibu tentu suka terutama yang ungu.”“Maafkan ibu, atas sikap ibu hari ini. Ibu tak harus menjerkah kamu sebegini.” Katanya, “Oh ibu, itu tak mengapa. Saya tetap sayang ibu melebihi segala.” Bisikku, “Anakku, ibu pun sayang kamu. Dan ibu suka bunga itu terutama yang ungu.”

FAMILY

Adakah kamu sedar, sekiranya kita mati hari ini, syarikat tempat kita bekerja akan senang-senang mendapat pengganti dalam hanya beberapa hari? Tetapi keluarga yang kita tinggalkan akan merasa kehilangan kita sepanjang hayat.

 

Dan sedarlah, sekiranya kita menghabiskan masa kita kepada kerja melebihi keluarga kita adalah merupakan suatu pelaburan yang tidak bijak. Bukankah begitu? Jadi apakah maksud yang tersirat? Tahukah anda makna “FAMILY”?

FAMILY = (F)ATHER (A)ND (M)OTHER (I) (L)OVE (Y)OU

Anak-anak Mama,

 

Ada masa Mama marah-marah, Mama tinggi suara & Mama pukul korang even. Maafkan Mama ye. I know that’s not a good way to raise children but I’m only human. And I also know I’m not the best mother but believe me that I’m trying every minute of every day to be one. Above all else, Mama mau korang tahu korang la nyawa Mama. Nothing else compared to you. Dan yang paling penting sentiasa ingat yang Mama sayang sangat-sangat kat korang.

Irfan's Busy Following

Dear Diary,

There’s a saying that goes: A child does what a child sees. Children are like sponge. They absorb everything around them. They emulate whatever happens in their surroundings.

Imran has started praying since he turned 7 last November. Alhamdulillah, he’s getting better at it. There are times when he’s diligent performing it and there are times when he’s lazy. I dedicated an entry about this matter for future remembrance.

 

I also have posted about Zarra’s imitating me praying here.

 

Now, what I really want to jot down here is about Irfan. How he’s also busy praying while his brother or me is praying. He does it with humming sounds from his mouth as if reciting verses.

Hope their passion to pray stays until the day they die, Amin.