Haiyo! Suddenly I'm freaking out about Japan. I was surfing the internet reading other people's blogs on Japan trip. Then I saw this picture: someone landed in Narita with a suitcase and took the airport transit train to central Tokyo. There was a picture which she had to drag her suitcase on stairs from the subway tunnel to the road. Oh My!
I plan to travel with suitcases (like I did for Bali & Krabi) and that picture really disturbed me. It's not a good idea traveling with 3 suitcases, is it?
Then I read about Takuhaibin, a delivery service commonly used in Japan to deliver stuff from point A to point B. Costs about RM70-RM80 per suitcase weighing not more than 25kg.
I might consider to use the service, only that my suitcases will reach me the next day.
Another option is to use bag packs instead of suitcases. Hmm....
Or else just pack light! I personally think it is impossible when you're traveling with 4 kids!
Read Things To Consider Before Packing for Tokyo here
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Estimating 'Total Damage'
The difference in costs of flights between UK and Japan is about 3k when we surveyed during MAS offer (last on 15th Jan). However, the decision to choose which destination to travel was not made then.
AirAsia vs MAS
If we were traveling by MAS to Tokyo, the flights costs around 13k. I would prefer MAS, at least on the way back (if not return ticket) because the journey is 7 hours and I'm bringing all my kids. MAS has something to entertain them and has bigger seats. Unfortunately the booking is done way too late so the flights originally costs less has climbed up to 16k. Thus we'll be traveling by AirAsia which I don't really mind (no point to whine on things that are meant to be). This means money saved on flights can be used elsewhere.
Accommodation and Ground travel
It's a 5 day trip in the most expensive city in the world, Tokyo. With 4 kids....
Accommodation is charged on per head basis. Food apparently is expensive. Main mode of transport is train and subways. Lots of attractions with entrance fees.
This trip is a last minute decision so I didn't get to even save my February salaries for the trip. I will have to use my savings. Reluctant at first but I tell myself I can cover it back by diligently spend less and save more on monthly basis this year (I hope).
Due to limited budget and time, this trip will only focus on Tokyo. In Sha Allah, if Allah SWT permits, we shall repeat trip to Japan and visit scenic places including Mount Fuji. This time, it's all about 'Ultra Modern Tokyo and Kids'
I'm still calculating because I haven't finalized the itinerary yet. Where I plan to go will affect the amount I need to fork out.
AirAsia vs MAS
If we were traveling by MAS to Tokyo, the flights costs around 13k. I would prefer MAS, at least on the way back (if not return ticket) because the journey is 7 hours and I'm bringing all my kids. MAS has something to entertain them and has bigger seats. Unfortunately the booking is done way too late so the flights originally costs less has climbed up to 16k. Thus we'll be traveling by AirAsia which I don't really mind (no point to whine on things that are meant to be). This means money saved on flights can be used elsewhere.
Accommodation and Ground travel
It's a 5 day trip in the most expensive city in the world, Tokyo. With 4 kids....
Accommodation is charged on per head basis. Food apparently is expensive. Main mode of transport is train and subways. Lots of attractions with entrance fees.
This trip is a last minute decision so I didn't get to even save my February salaries for the trip. I will have to use my savings. Reluctant at first but I tell myself I can cover it back by diligently spend less and save more on monthly basis this year (I hope).
Due to limited budget and time, this trip will only focus on Tokyo. In Sha Allah, if Allah SWT permits, we shall repeat trip to Japan and visit scenic places including Mount Fuji. This time, it's all about 'Ultra Modern Tokyo and Kids'
I'm still calculating because I haven't finalized the itinerary yet. Where I plan to go will affect the amount I need to fork out.
Japan plan_revisited
Since the idea of going to the UK in June is scrapped, I asked my husband 'What about Japan?'
He's going to these 2 places (conference/work related) for 2015 and I personally feel it's a sign that I should follow because I've mentioned this in my previous post here. UK is scrapped because the estimated costs is around RM30,000. Equivalent to going for umrah as a family. Actually Japan trip is roughly estimated at RM20,000. Although less than UK by RM10,000, it is still above RM10,000.
Last minute decision
This is a very last minute decision made on 17 February 2015, less than a month (26 days) before estimated date to fly i.e 14 March 2015. My husband asked me, 'Are you sure?'... Because I'll be alone handling the kids as he'll be busy attending meetings in Yokosuka/Tokyo/Yokohama.
I said 'Definitely!' without thinking, only to sweat after giving some thoughts. Exploring Tokyo with kids? One of the busiest city with 35 million population and rather complicated subway system, in Japanese? Alone? I must be kidding...
Facing challenges, whatever it might be
I did doubt myself at first. But I still feel strongly for Japan. I thank Allah SWT for giving me strengths and reasons to believe in myself. Regardless of the circumstances, I shall face the challenges and gain something beneficial from it.
Different expectation
So my expectation towards this trip is slightly different from Krabi and Bali where those two were purely a leisure vacation. This time, the trip is for the kids i.e focus will be more on kids attractions. All I want is just to experience Japan, appreciate its culture, attitude and ultra modern city. By that I would imagine living in a small house, a lot of walking and climbing stairs in the subway. Maybe try to speak simple Japanese sentences. And visit cheapo shops....
My husband has paid for the flights just now. So there's no turning back. Gear up kids! Let's fly to Japan!
He's going to these 2 places (conference/work related) for 2015 and I personally feel it's a sign that I should follow because I've mentioned this in my previous post here. UK is scrapped because the estimated costs is around RM30,000. Equivalent to going for umrah as a family. Actually Japan trip is roughly estimated at RM20,000. Although less than UK by RM10,000, it is still above RM10,000.
Last minute decision
This is a very last minute decision made on 17 February 2015, less than a month (26 days) before estimated date to fly i.e 14 March 2015. My husband asked me, 'Are you sure?'... Because I'll be alone handling the kids as he'll be busy attending meetings in Yokosuka/Tokyo/Yokohama.
I said 'Definitely!' without thinking, only to sweat after giving some thoughts. Exploring Tokyo with kids? One of the busiest city with 35 million population and rather complicated subway system, in Japanese? Alone? I must be kidding...
Facing challenges, whatever it might be
I did doubt myself at first. But I still feel strongly for Japan. I thank Allah SWT for giving me strengths and reasons to believe in myself. Regardless of the circumstances, I shall face the challenges and gain something beneficial from it.
- I did say 2015 is year for my kids. So handling them alone in Tokyo would be a precious experience.
- Japan is in my travel wishlist since secondary school.
- Husband has been traveling to Japan since 2004 (10 years) but never once I get to tag along. Since this year I need to use up all my carry forward leave by March, this trip will be a fun way to utilize the leave.
Different expectation
So my expectation towards this trip is slightly different from Krabi and Bali where those two were purely a leisure vacation. This time, the trip is for the kids i.e focus will be more on kids attractions. All I want is just to experience Japan, appreciate its culture, attitude and ultra modern city. By that I would imagine living in a small house, a lot of walking and climbing stairs in the subway. Maybe try to speak simple Japanese sentences. And visit cheapo shops....
My husband has paid for the flights just now. So there's no turning back. Gear up kids! Let's fly to Japan!
Monday, February 16, 2015
Power Brain Workshop
Last weekend, Irdina attended the Power Brain Workshop by Smart IQ at Seksyen 7.
It is normal the older the kid, more time is needed to activate the midbrain. Irdina was the eldest and other participants were around 6 to 11 years old. She was not as fast as the others. She still working on shapes and colours whereas other kids were already colouring blindfolded. She even say she didn't like the workshop. I guess because she felt like a failure.
As a parents this may sound frustrating. However, to me this shows me something. Deep in my heart I know Irdina is intelligent remembering how she was when she was a small kid. So I know she can because midbrain activation is natural to anyone. Anyone can do it. We just need to know how because by age of 5, the midbrain will be put to sleep if we don't use it.
Irdina just need motivation, encouragement from me. I need to help her to get rid the negativity in her. I may be part to blame because I did show a lot of skeptism to her when we watch ads on the television.
My challenge is to find a 10 minute in my day for her. I would prefer in the morning when the brain is refreshed but she is not an early riser. Still, I need to ask her the most suitable time.
This is my plan and schedule for Irdina:
6.00 - 6.25 Wake up & solat Subuh
6.30 - 6.45 Brain training
I have to remember, the session should be done in a fun, loving manner. I have to encourage her and my objective is to help her throw away the negativity and skepticism in her.
Bismillah.......
It is normal the older the kid, more time is needed to activate the midbrain. Irdina was the eldest and other participants were around 6 to 11 years old. She was not as fast as the others. She still working on shapes and colours whereas other kids were already colouring blindfolded. She even say she didn't like the workshop. I guess because she felt like a failure.
As a parents this may sound frustrating. However, to me this shows me something. Deep in my heart I know Irdina is intelligent remembering how she was when she was a small kid. So I know she can because midbrain activation is natural to anyone. Anyone can do it. We just need to know how because by age of 5, the midbrain will be put to sleep if we don't use it.
Irdina just need motivation, encouragement from me. I need to help her to get rid the negativity in her. I may be part to blame because I did show a lot of skeptism to her when we watch ads on the television.
My challenge is to find a 10 minute in my day for her. I would prefer in the morning when the brain is refreshed but she is not an early riser. Still, I need to ask her the most suitable time.
This is my plan and schedule for Irdina:
6.00 - 6.25 Wake up & solat Subuh
6.30 - 6.45 Brain training
I have to remember, the session should be done in a fun, loving manner. I have to encourage her and my objective is to help her throw away the negativity and skepticism in her.
Bismillah.......
Saturday, February 14, 2015
Rumah Persekutuan Morib
On 10 Jan 2015, we went to have an overnight at Rumah Persekutuan Morib. My husband managed to reserve a spot since October 2014 for RM50 per night (government staff rate).
Morib is in Banting, only about 45 min from Bangi. It's a small town and we've been to Morib but stayed somewhere else not far from the Rumah Persekutuan.
The accommodation is some sort like 'rumah kampung' because of large verandah and made from wood. There's a kitchen, 2 bedrooms and large living room.
Our accommodation is next to a mini playground. Among other facilities include indoor badminton court, BBQ pit, wakaf, giant chess and direct access to the beach (although the beach is a little to be desired).
The place is serene and clean with well maintained landscapes. Definitely would come again if we don't know where else to go because it's near, cheap, clean and the kids love the giant chess!
Morib is in Banting, only about 45 min from Bangi. It's a small town and we've been to Morib but stayed somewhere else not far from the Rumah Persekutuan.
The accommodation is some sort like 'rumah kampung' because of large verandah and made from wood. There's a kitchen, 2 bedrooms and large living room.
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| The hugeverandah |
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| The huge living room. We ended up sleeping here instead in the bedrooms |
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| Well equipped kitchen with basic utensils. Like! |
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| All are single beds in this unit |
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| The living room from the kitchen |
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| Tried to enjoy the place although he was sick :( |
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| Direct access to the beach |
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| But the beach is little to be desired. |
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| Usually they can't wait to take a dip.... But not this one. |
The place is serene and clean with well maintained landscapes. Definitely would come again if we don't know where else to go because it's near, cheap, clean and the kids love the giant chess!
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| What they like about the place. Playing the giant chess! |
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| Dropped by at Morib's famous hang out.... |
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| before heading home |
Monday, February 9, 2015
Back to Senior Consultant
Very sad.... But it's a fact. I've regressed to Senior Consultant today. A few reasons why:
So, I guess I deserve it.....
- I didn't make any sale last year to maintain the Supervisor position. Not sure whether can make one this year either.
- I didn't attend any training to develop the marketing plans
- I'm not ready to make investments in buying the products first
So, I guess I deserve it.....
Friday, February 6, 2015
Herbalife revived?
Last year was nil
Could not focus on Herbalife last year because could not find the time to promote the brand and product. However, I do intend to continue consuming Herbalife.... but at discounted price. So I need to maintain my Supervisor status to purchase the products at maximum discounts. In order to maintain, I need to make 4000VP within 12 months. And last year was nil.
I was about to give up. Accepting that I couldn't make any sales and far from making 4000VP per year because it would cost me around 20k. I could only achieve and not costing me so much if I was able to sell. I was about to accept that I would have to purchase the products at 35% discount this year.
2nd chance
Then, as if I was given a 2nd chance I found my status is still as a Supervisor this year i.e I can still enjoy the maximum discount. And to my surprise 2 persons contacted me regarding Herbalife this week. I take this as Allah SWT is giving me signs not to give up and to try my best to continue this effort.
Objective has changed
I just want to enjoy the max discount. Income from this is a bonus. So my target is not makings sales. My target now is to make 4000VP. Which means around 334 per month (roughly about 1.5k per month)
Could not focus on Herbalife last year because could not find the time to promote the brand and product. However, I do intend to continue consuming Herbalife.... but at discounted price. So I need to maintain my Supervisor status to purchase the products at maximum discounts. In order to maintain, I need to make 4000VP within 12 months. And last year was nil.
I was about to give up. Accepting that I couldn't make any sales and far from making 4000VP per year because it would cost me around 20k. I could only achieve and not costing me so much if I was able to sell. I was about to accept that I would have to purchase the products at 35% discount this year.
2nd chance
Then, as if I was given a 2nd chance I found my status is still as a Supervisor this year i.e I can still enjoy the maximum discount. And to my surprise 2 persons contacted me regarding Herbalife this week. I take this as Allah SWT is giving me signs not to give up and to try my best to continue this effort.
Objective has changed
I just want to enjoy the max discount. Income from this is a bonus. So my target is not makings sales. My target now is to make 4000VP. Which means around 334 per month (roughly about 1.5k per month)
Something for Irdina
I've decided to focus on my kids this year. What does this mean?
It means I want to provide my kids essential skills to survive in life when they reach adulthood. Below are skills I learnt when I was a teenager and I find has benefit me:
Typing
Learnt how to type fast. Back then in 1980s, the course was more for secretaries but my mum sent me anyway (I was a teenager). We learnt to type using typewriters, not using PC or notebook. Didn't think it would benefit me in this modern age until I realized no one at the office can type as fast as me. Hoho... The skill really helps me to finish work on time, if not earlier.
I only managed to learn typing because I had to enroll for my A-Level studies. I was this close to learning shorthand which could be another advantage.
Cooking & Sewing
I never cooked at home when I was in primary or secondary schools. However, I took Home Science subject in secondary school for 3 years and it was my first experience learning to cook. The subject also had Sewing module and I made a cloth pencil case and a house coat all by myself. I find the cooking and sewing knowledge very useful. Saves money too. I wish I have a spare time to indulge in cooking, sewing and craft projects.
Same motive for Irdina & other kids
I was fortunate to have a caring mum visionary enough to encourage and enroll me to skill classes. I want to be as visionary as my mum, if not better.
I'm still looking skill classes for young ladies like Irdina. Recently, I've registered her to Smart IQ workshop on brain training. I hope it will increase her confidence and help her to focus on what she wants in life.
It means I want to provide my kids essential skills to survive in life when they reach adulthood. Below are skills I learnt when I was a teenager and I find has benefit me:
Typing
Learnt how to type fast. Back then in 1980s, the course was more for secretaries but my mum sent me anyway (I was a teenager). We learnt to type using typewriters, not using PC or notebook. Didn't think it would benefit me in this modern age until I realized no one at the office can type as fast as me. Hoho... The skill really helps me to finish work on time, if not earlier.
I only managed to learn typing because I had to enroll for my A-Level studies. I was this close to learning shorthand which could be another advantage.
Cooking & Sewing
I never cooked at home when I was in primary or secondary schools. However, I took Home Science subject in secondary school for 3 years and it was my first experience learning to cook. The subject also had Sewing module and I made a cloth pencil case and a house coat all by myself. I find the cooking and sewing knowledge very useful. Saves money too. I wish I have a spare time to indulge in cooking, sewing and craft projects.
Same motive for Irdina & other kids
I was fortunate to have a caring mum visionary enough to encourage and enroll me to skill classes. I want to be as visionary as my mum, if not better.
I'm still looking skill classes for young ladies like Irdina. Recently, I've registered her to Smart IQ workshop on brain training. I hope it will increase her confidence and help her to focus on what she wants in life.
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