Tiara Beach Resort : Day 1

On Friday, I booked the room online. Normally I booked the two-room apartment but since there's only the 4 of us, I just booked the family junior, with 1 Queen bed and 2 single beds in one room. My husband 'directed' me to bring Mamud along...sigh. At first he didn't want to go but on the morning of departure, he said he wanted to follow us. So, I had an extra driver on hand...hehehe

We arrived a bit early. By 2 pm, we're already there, actually the check-in time was 3 pm. It was quite hot so, we relaxed in the room. I watched a Hindi movie (which I haven't watched in years...hehehe), while the kids did their free puzzles. Actually they were jumping up and down to be in the pool but their mother was much scarier...hehehe

Aliah on her bed...

Amir and Hadi busy with their puzzles...

Hadi finished first! Good boy!

Hadi's trying to sembahyang...hehehe

At 5.30 pm, we hit the pools (there were 3 or 4 pools, I'm not sure). I was testing my new swimsuit so, I didn't bring the camera with me. I wish I did because there were so many funny moments...hehehe. Amir tried to tag along with his brother but Hadi was very individualistic. I remembered when Hadi was small and afraid to get on slides, Aliah would always 'carry' him along with her.

But for Hadi, if Amir's too scared, just don't do it...I tried to find Aliah but she was busy playing the giant jumping slide...sigh. Later I brought Amir to play in the big pool with Kak Long, we had fun with the balloons acting as our float! Hehehe. I really wish I could capture those moments...hehehe.

I bought 2 can drinks at the pool cafe and was surprised at the price. It cost me rm11.00 for those 2 sprite! When the kids had had enough of the pool and they started to feel hungry, we went back to the room for a shower before going out for dinner. We ate at a roadside stall and it was not bad. After dinner we watched the variety show at the Pavillion Stage. The kids were more interested in the toys sold in that area...sigh... 

Amir's quiet...

Kak Long happy...

A duet by two Chinese girls...

A drag show...

Impressive acrobatic!

She's so flexible!

They're playing with their toys...

Hadi was concentrating....

Petronita AGM (Induk)...

Last Friday, very, very early in the morning, I started my journey to KLCC (I started my journey at 6.30 am, okay?!!). The kids were excited to be able to spend some time at Kak Normah's house...hehehe. They were wide awake, all the three of them! I dropped them off at Tmn Sri Rawang and continued my journey to KL around 7 am.

I didn't want to use the highway because knowing me, I would get lost somewhere or missed a turning or whatever...So, better be safe than sorry, I used the old road. Getting to Selayang was not that bad but after that, I crawled...sigh. There're just too many cars on the road! Anyway, I reached KLCC just slightly after 8 am. 

Bumper to bumper crawl...

I was really early as the registration would only start at 9 am. I called K.Jas and K.Aishah and since they're still on their way, I decided to have breakfast at DeliFrance. I could just imagine my husband having his breakfast there...hehehe. Oh yes, the night before my husband gave me the directions on how to get to Tower1 and also a warning not to wear my slipper...hehehe. 

Later K.Aisyah joined me and after that we joined K.Jas at the lobby. I was a bit impressed with the security because we had to go through the metal detector (like at the airport). We're among the early ones at the hall. But I was a bit pissed when my name was not at the list during registration. Actually, there're supposed to be three reps from Sudan (the chairlady and two committee members) but the ladies refused to put my name in, saying that's supposed to be only 2 reps from Sudan?!! Hello, if I'm not needed, I'd rather not be there ok?!! They didn't even want to give me the coupons for lunch?!! Oh, I was really pissed off, I tell you!

But well, I remembered my promise to Kak Husna to attend the meeting, so I did. The meeting started a bit later than planned (I thought Petronas's as a corporate body should already discard this idea of Malay timing?!!). I was a bit disappointed to note that Puan Sri's was not there (only her speech was read out). I thought since that would probably be my first and last time attending the AGM, I would be able to salam with Puan Sri...hehehe. Takde rezeki...

During election...

During the presentation...

Some of those who attended...

These ladies came from Miri if I'm not mistaken...

During the presentations by various committees, I noticed one thing. There's a drop in the number of activities done at Induk level but the bulk of the money was also spent by Induk?!! Anyway, the matter was raised by the Perak delegate that Induk seemed to cut the budget given to branches while expecting a lot of activities done at the branches also. It became a vicious cycle in the case of Sudan because they gave us less money but expecting activities to be carried out. We ended up using our own money for Petronita activities and became self-sufficient! Which meant that less money will be given by Induk?!!

Anyway, it was not all serious business throughout the time because by then I already switched off! Hehehe... I had fun watching the election because what kind of election was it if the names were nominated beforehand? Only certain posts were nominated there and then. If that's the case, do not waste people's time and money to come all the way from Sabah, Sarawak etc. just to watch a cartoon-like election and had a measly lunch.

After that I was busy taking pictures for my blog and making friends...hehehe. I remembered that there was only a 17% participation of ladies in Petronas Induk itself! The hall was not even full, ok?!! Very sad indeed! I raised a question of whether the minimum number of 60 members for branch overseas would mean that Sudan's branch would be closed?!! Luckily the answer was 'no'...hehehe. I thought I could escape my post...hehehe

My husband reminded me not to 'embarrass him' by laughing so loud...hehehe. Sorry husband, that was a bit much to ask of your fun loving wife...hehehe. But I did have fun, nonetheless. Enjoy the pictures...

Others were busy in the meeting, we were busy posing...hehehe

The coupon that they refused to give me?!!

The coupon for lunch... macam kat sekolah, kan?!!

K.Aishah and K.Jas...

Faizah's bracelet given by Puan Sri...

K.Aishah taking the gifts on behalf of chairlady and secretary...

One for Kak Husna and one for Faridah...

Kitorang gayakan dulu...hehehe

Posing outside the hall...

K.Jas with her lucky draw gift...hehehe

After lunch, the three of us went window shopping. Kak Aishah wanted to buy a handbag but when I told them about RNR2U and Nek Rock's Boutique, they were excited...hehehe. So, we decided to window shop in all the designer's galleries. Adoi! they were so expensive! There's hardly anything below rm1000 even after discount?!! We went into Coach, Chanel, Aigner, Fendi and lots of other boutiques. Chanel was the most expensive with items as high as rm10,000?!! My eyes nearly bulged out of its sockets! Hehehe...

I think if I'm not with the other two ladies, I'd never walk in those stores, ever! Dear husband, don't worry, I'll never be crazy enough to spend so much money on one handbag...hehehe. I remembered making the remark that if you just add a couple of thousands and you'd be able to go for your hajj...sigh. These people must be making lots of money that they do not know what to do with it. Anyway, after that excursion, we parted ways and I went to Kinokuniya and bought myself two cook books, Nigella's express and Gordon Ramsay's book. Yeay! After that I bought the kids pretzels from Auntie Anne's and went home. I had to pay rm20 something for the parking! Sigh... How I missed the kids... 

For teachers...

When I was in Dubai airport in May, I spotted a beautiful fridge magnet. And I instantly remembered my friend Nora who's teaching in KL. I would also liked to dedicate the beautiful saying to klcitizen, Che' Su, Nini and other teachers out there. You guys are truly awesome and thank you for sharing your time and effort to 'educate' our youngsters out there... Keep up the good work and hope you'll have a 'wonderful' life, now and hereafter, insyaallah...

A week in summary...

Last week was full of activities, except on Monday. Actually I couldn't remember what I did on Monday...hehehe

Last Tuesday, (after thinking hard and after consulting my friend), I finally made the trip to Tabung Haji to deposit the cheque. I went to Damansara Uptown for lunch with the kids and later dropped by my MIL's house to get Amir's milk powder and rushed back to Rawang for the kids' tuition class which started at 4.30 pm.

On Wednesday, I brought the kids to see 'Night at the Museum 2' at TGV OneUtama on its final day of showing...hehehe. At first Hadi whined and refused to get in the cinema but he ended up saying the movie was cool...hehehe

The next day, we had fun in Pizza Hut and later dropped by at Kak Normah's house. Throughout the week, I fasted 4 days because I skipped Friday and the weekend...hehehe. So, the total so far would be 14 days. Yippee!

On Friday, I attended the Petronita AGM Meeting in KLCC, no less... I think I'll blog about this some other time...hehehe. Had fun with my friends and later felt guilty enough to my kids that I surfed the Tiara Beach Resort website just for fun. I was a bit surprised when there was an availability and just jumped at the idea of a weekend in PD! 

My brother followed us to PD. The kids and I had a great time during the weekend! Yeay! Today, I'm hibernating... We've had a great week and another 'full' week's coming up! So, bear with me while I take a breather, if only for a few hours...hehehe

When there's a will...

I'm still in the mood to share...hehehe. 

Last Wednesday, on my way back to Rawang, I saw this cute car and scrambled to take the amazing sight! The car's really old but the beautiful thing was the fact that the owner had a luggage strapped onto its roof! No thule for this car, no sir!! Hehehe. It just goes to show that when there's a will, there's a way. I salute the ingenuity of the driver! Way to go, sir!

At first sight...huh?!!

Clearer...hehehe...

Just to share...

I just got back from PD, feeling very tired and sleepy. So, I'll just share this words of wisdom taken from one email from a friend, Zana. I love it and would like to share with everyone. Enjoy!

Life Is a Gift

Today before you say an unkind word - Think of someone who can't speak.

Before you complain about the taste of your food - Think of someone who has nothing to eat.

Before you complain about your husband or wife - Think of someone who's crying out to GOD for a companion.

Today before you complain about life - Think of someone who die too early on this earth.

Before you complain about your children - Think of someone who desires children but they're barren.

Before you argue about your dirty house someone didn't clean or sweep - Think of the people who are living in the streets.

Before whining about the distance you drive - Think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet.

And when you are tired and complain about your job - Think of the unemployed, the disabled, and those who wish they had your job.

But before you think of pointing the finger or condemning another - Remember that not one of us is without sin.

And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down - Put a smile on your face and think: you're alive and still around.

Yeay! I got my handbag!

About a week ago, anak Intan told me about this shopping blog, RNR2U. I've never bought anything online before and especially not a handbag! Anyone close to me would laugh their heads off if they know that I've started using one for the last couple of months...hehehe

Imagine me, wearing a handbag...hehehe. For the last 3 decades, backpack was my trademark, even when I was teaching and later worked in Majlis. But recently, I got tired of lugging a backpack around. The bigger the bag, the more things I 'need'. So I decided to buy a handbag, when my husband's around of course. In fact, I dragged him to the mall straight from the airport! Hehehe... 

Now, I have a handbag, to carry everything I owned around. I'm still getting used to it. When anak Intan was in the US, I asked her to buy one for me but sadly it didn't materialize. She had a lot of other things to buy, understandably. And so when she told me about RNR2U, I was a bit excited.

Looking through her blog, I discovered that there's a way for us commoners to own a designer's handbag. To tell you the truth, I've never even set foot in any of the designer labels' boutiques in Malaysia. I would feel out of place immediately plus the fact that the salesperson would follow you around when you desperately need to look at the price tags. It was normally awkward and I totally hate it...hehehe

Just for fun, I tried buying one from Rose's blog. It was not that expensive, less than rm300 plus postage. So, today, I received the bag! Yeay! Thank you, Rose. If I'm not mistaken, Rose's currently in the US with her family and she'll try and get bargains for their customers. Another shopping blog that I like is Nek Rock's Boutique. She'll act as the intermediary, buying the item for you. Don't worry nek, I'll try and buy something from your Boutique, soon. Dear husband, don't worry, I'll try not to bankcrupt you...hehehe

The parcel...

The bag...

Yep, I'm definitely going to collect handbags...hehehe