Looking back 2013

The topic was 'Flashback 2013' as I was listening to Ikim radio on my way to the office. Apa kenangan yang terindah in 2013? What would be my best experience in 2013?
 Quite a few things happened in 2013 (not in order):

1. I managed to lose 10kg which previously I thought would never happen.
2. I joined Herbalife as a support to my weight management as well as earning side income
3. My kids got on their 1st flight experience and went oversea (although it was just to Krabi :p)
4. Excellent break at Golden Palm Tree, Sepang and Melaka
5. I've discovered myself and somehow I have constantly correcting my thought process, my intentions and my goals.
6. I had a dream about end of the world during Ramadan.
7. Irdina got her 1st period.
8. My brother was in trouble with Along.
9. Longchamp bags from hubby & Coach pink workbag :p
10. I ran for 3.5km in 29min in Bangi Fun Run.

Alhamdulillah, I feel so grateful. Thank you Allah! I learnt that we should be focusing on things we want to achieve. Definitely, there are always obstructions, diversions, unsuccessful attempts... those things happened for a reason. Allah SWT knows better so don't lose hope...stay focus!

Life is too short to worry on things you don't have. Appreciate with what you have and further enhance or improve. Self satisfaction is necessary but don't overdo it! Always, always strive to improve your relationship with Allah SWT for only Him who can grant you the feeling of calmness....

Some random pics I wish to put in this blog with no specific topics....

My mum. Everyone says she looks more like
a big sister than a mum!

Kids' project for Dec holidays. So far they've earned
nearly RM100

Matching colours? This was unintentional!

Look at Lutfi...

Brought them to Taman Botani in Nov

I've always like pictures with kids... They always seems to have
so much fun!

Having a body massage fully clothed at Ao Nang beach side.

One of Ampac activities at Kompleks PKNS, Bangi

Fetched Kakak from school on Saturday.
We walked....

What's funny Lutfi?

Bangi Fun Run 2013

I was thinking to challenge myself physically as part of my healthy living pursuit. Then I saw the Bangi Fun Run advert and my husband noticed it too. We decided to register.....

I never thought I could join a mass run event..I never paid any attention to marathon, walkathon or similar events. 1st, why should I join? I hate running. 2ndly, I'm not physically fit, these are not my cuppa.

I'm still amazed that I participated in the Fun Run. This was so not me! What made me:

1. It would be the prefect way to end 2013, physically. 
2. I've been active this year since I determined to lose weight early 2013. I've walked on treadmill, done yoga and a few hours of aerobics this year so I need something to see how I've done over the 12 months.
3. The short distance of 3.5km. I could imagine myself running/walking that far and my approach would be 'slow and steady' as long as I complete and get to the finishing line.
4. It was held nearby so no need to rush to get there.
5. The entry fee is RM20 (cheap) with a chance to win lucky draw prizes

Hubby's number

Stretching....

How I used to think:
Why should I join? I hate running and I'm not fit enough. Getting to the event would be troublesome (early morning, crowded, parking)

Now that I've done it:
It's fun! Why didn't I have this kind of determination before? I guess because of all the negative thoughts.

My number

Warming up. Don't want to hurt my knee again....

On your mark....
I was so high in adrenalin I just couldn't
wait to run!

Lesson learnt:

1. When you feel like to accomplish something, JUST DO IT!
2. It's not about winning... It's about being able to tell yourself anything is possible.
3. Set a personal goal. Like me, I just want to end 2013 with something physical. For Bangi Fun Run, I just want to get to the finishing line, at my own pace (to me, that sounds doable...)

The reward:

• Felt like I've accomplished something! Managed to finish 3.5km in 29min (my husband did it in 22min). Not bad for a 1st timer!
• The accomplishment has given me the motivation to do my work and keep caring for my family.
• The Fun Run has given me something to measure myself and aim to improve it in future.

For the album...

I looked tired...

What a way to end 2013!

Baju Raya 2013 picture

Found this pic. The only pic with the whole family in baju raya except Jasmin....

Best gi Melaka!

 

My husband had a meeting in Malacca on 10-12 Dec and because the kids were on holiday, we got to tag along. We stayed at Hatten Hotel right in the centre of Bandar Hilir. Dataran Pahlawan & Mahkota Parade is easily accessible from the hotel, heaven for shopaholics. Even the tourist attractions were within walking distance. We could go around although my husband was busy with meetings because everything was nearby.

Love the hotel for it's ample space. Although we took 2 rooms, the one the kids stayed in was bigger than standard hotel room and it could easily fit 7 of us comfortably. I was excited myself because I've been wanting to give a go at the Malacca River Cruise.

We went sight seeing on Wednesday, 11 Dec right after we had breakfast at about 10.00am. This would involved a lot of walking and I was a bit worried Kasyif or Lutfi would get cranky. Alhamdulillah, we managed and I really loved the activity. We actually walked from Hatten Hotel, passed through the new extension of Dataran Pahlawan mall, A Famosa, passed by Menara Taming Sari, the ship museum and lastly the riverside for the river cruise.

By 11 o'clock, Kasyif started complaining because he wanted to get on the 'beca'. I knew he was already tired so I negotiated with him to at least visit the ship museum as the last destination before we head back because the ship museum is next to the river cruise. He agreed. I thought everything went smoothly and I felt..... HAPPY!

Another thing that made me satisfied is I actually exercised! I went to the gym twice and took Herbalife every morning (I brought the blender along!)...

Back from the trip, I feel fortunate... blessed with loving husband and adorable kids. It made me think what have I done for them... I hope to improve the following:

• Spend more time with the kids. Cook for them, listen and be attentive to their needs.
• Serve my husband more. Pay attention, provide his needs and always tell him how lucky I feel to have him by my side



Waiting to check in



In front of Dataran Pahlawan mall backed by Hatten Hotel.

The A Famosa

Next is Muzium Pengangkutan Melaka.

 

Check out the map.

Moving towards Menara Taming Sari.

The famous Taming Sari. I assumed the view would be similar to
our view from the hotel so decided not to take on the ride.

 

Nearly there....

The Ship Museum

What's on show.

On the river cruise. The cruise is rather inexpensive, 6 of us for RM40

 

 

 

The market next to the Ship Museum, where we bought our packed lunch.

What Kasyif had been waiting for, 'beca ride'!
(he's not seen! He was next to Irdina!)

Pool never failed them!

 

Options

I've started to lose my focus on property hunting because I was occupied with kids, parents and kenduri. I've been watching Mudah for property sale but now I've slowed down.

Previously I was looking into high rise in Kajang due to MRT. After a while, I kind of get a general feel the type of property that I can afford in Kajang. I want a serviced apartment for young families but not sure whether I can get within my budget.

Last week, my hubby and I went to Bukit Mahkota to have a look at a bungalow lot my husband was eyeing. The area is potential as it is near to coming soon Bandar Puteri Bangi (under IOI). The downside are it is near to factory area and the lot is at T junction. If I have the money, I would just buy :-)

My visit to the area has changed my target search on property:

Bandar Seri Putra/Bukit Mahkota
Now I'm also considering Bandar Seri Putra area. I think Bandar Seri Putra is potential but I need to save more as the area has limited high rise, meaning to buy there I may need to consider landed property.



Auction Property
Previously I didn't consider auction property because I think it is time consuming: background check, only can be viewed from outside, attending the auction, depending on luck/rezeki....

But now I do because of the lower price....I might set a target to buy an auction property in 2014. Just to have an experience.

Kajang is pack and I'm a bit concerned on the security aspect...

I need to do more research!

Felt like 2nd honeymoon

I was here

Somewhere in June, a salesperson contacted my husband regarding a Gold Coast Sepang vacation club card package (soon known as Avani once it's under new management thus the promotion and sales campaign). We didn't buy but as a courtesy for the time we made to Sepang, they gave a complimentary stay at the resort. So I booked a date on 11th Nov telling my husband we should make use of the free stay as definitely we won't spend our money on the resort because it's too near & expensive.

I admit I like the place so I was quite eager and look forward staying at the resort. They provide visitors with buggy to get to the accommodation which I know the kids will love. The infinity pool overlooking the sea horizon would be great for me to take pictures. The accommodation is not a typical standard hotel room so this 1 night stay would be a great beginning for the kids' school holiday.

The complimentary stay is for Traveler Palm, some sort like a standard/deluxe room among the type of accommodations there. Fair enough because it's complimentary i.e. free. My husband checked in at the Sales Office as it's lobby was under refurbishment, while my kids and I waited at the buggy station/queue. I could see the kids were quite excited seeing the buggy and appreciated the place while waiting for their father. After 1/2 hour, my husband done with the check in and we were ready to go. Then my husband whispered to me 'they upgrade the room to a villa'...

What! Come again? Are you sure? I was already jumping up and down.... Did I hear you right? Impossible! The villa has two rooms and ample space which we saw during the visit in June right? The one I said suitable for a couple on honeymoon. 'This can't be true'....

He then showed me a map and where the staff circled our accommodation. 'Never mind, I don't want to get too excited. I'll know once we check in...' I said to him.

This rarely happened to me. Getting something better than I expected. It really was the Canary Palm Villa! Even the kids was excited seeing the room! Thank you Allah! I felt so much joy and happiness. Not sure what made me feel that way:

Was it because of the surprising upgrade i.e. something better that what I expected? Or the place was really nice that it just can make you feel happy?

I smiled and whispered to my husband, 'feel like I'm on a honeymoon.... with the kids'...... It truly was. This will be one of the nice moments in my life.....

While waiting for their father

Visitors from dunno where

Villas above waters of the sea

Waiting

While waiting

The accommodation bird's eye view thus the name, Golden Palm Tree

What the kids looked forward to

Our bags

Ready to go

We're there!



Our room number

When Irdina smiles for the camera, means she's happy

The living room

The mat same as at home :-)

Welcoming their guest

Our side of the room. King bed. Fluffy duvet & pillows

The roof is what makes the place feels special

This is something.... by the poolside. Thumbs up!

Good for photographers

Trying with my Sony small auto camera

Not bad eyy...

Dinner at the usual spot, HM Bagan Lalang.

The small feast...Yummy..

Pepahat in chillies

Kerepek ubi, complimentary from the restaurant.

Giving him a shot at buggy driving

Breakfast at the balcony



View from the balcony

Roti canai & instant cup noodles

Another view from the balcony

Heading home

Bamboo walk

Another feature the kids love... Free bicycle ride!

The kids love this too!

Bye! Thank you for the memorable stay!