Return of The Princess (Poopyhead)

Hellooooooooooo - I am back! 

I was supposed to take some time off to clear my blog (because seriously who needs to be reading the musings of a 15 y/o when you're 25..) and one thing led to another, suddenly I do not know what happened to my 2017! It just flew by so fast and the next thing I knew, I was on a plane ready to usher in the new year with (one of) my bestfriend(s) in a (not so) foreign country!

Which actually is the reason why I decided to blog again - solely because I want to document the trip somewhere and well it is >2 months since the trip ended but I will try my best to recall everything as if it happened yesterday.. 

But as that would require quite sometime to finish (still haven't truly decided on how to best write it down really) - so I shall leave my 2017 highlights here as a "catch-up" :) 

 Went to London with Mummy end-Jan as some aspects of #kulilife is beyond my credit limit.. 

About 2016

Dear my 2016-self, 

I'm writing to you from a year ahead, and let me tell you - you will be just fine. 

Right now things might be a bit restless, you might think that you need to do this, have that figured out and settle those other things. Let me tell you, you don't. A year later and you still haven't quite figured much out, but you'll be okay. In fact, you now feel much lighter when you don't always need to plan a few steps ahead. 

Don't force a square peg into a round hole. Things will fall into place when it's the right time. "Not upon you (Muhammad) is (the responsibility for) their guidance, Allah guides whom he wills" - Al-Baqarah [2:272]. You reap what you sew and sometimes the fruit takes a little longer to grow. Believe. 

Believe in Allah's will. He indeed is the best planner. "But perhaps you hate a thing that's good for you, and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah knows, while you know not" - Al-Baqarah [2:216]. You've always been a little bit slow in life, so it's okay if you need some time to figure things out - don't beat yourself up about it. 

In 6 months time you'll be making a trip that is the best trip in your 23 years of living. Know that whatever happens in between is only to prepare you for this trip, to cleanse your heart, to make you surrender because you know you haven't been doing that. You will make a promise that you'll try to always forgive and watch your words more - try to keep that promise, 6 months later you're still struggling but you'll have better control. Baby steps. 

Forgive - some days you'll feel like some people don't deserve your forgiveness, and I'm not gonna tell you to forgive them anyways, because you are stubborn and you do live your life how you want to. But all I'm gonna say is that you are no matter what a big hearted girl who will eventually find it in you to forgive them and let it go. 

Your anger in 2016 will reach a whole new level, but the workouts will sorta help. But mostly, when you've gone through all of the above, you'll learn how to let go of your anger. Anger is like a coal, you'll only burn yourself holding on to it. 

For the first few months you'd be struggling to assume the best of people, to believe in people. You'd think life is unfair, like I said, wait. By mid-year, your year will turnaround. It may be temporarily (who knows) but as of now I can tell you that you are perfectly okay! All those things that bothers you may still bother you, but you'll have control on how you react to them. 

You'll want to hurt people, wish the worst for them when you're hurt. But eventually you'll learn that the best thing to pray for when you're hurt is protection. Protection from people with ill-intentions towards you, your family and your loved ones. At one point your favourite doa will be "Ya Allah, I seek shelter from worries that saddens me, thoughts that make me restless, information that bothers me and people that intend bad for me", remember to use it when things are bothering you! Most of the time it is worse in your head than it actually is. 

Even if they're hurting you, make doa for them - make doa that Allah opens their eyes/ heart to stop hurting you, and to never hurt anyone else like how they hurt you. When you truly love someone, make doa for them too. Allah is the best listener, the Creator, the Almighty - you may be powerless to help them, but if there's anyone who can do absolutely anything, it is Allah. Put others before you in your doa - one doa you make for a person, an angel will make the same doa to God for you. 

2016 will be a trying year for you, but I assure you, it is all worth it. Sabar, believe and hold your head up high. The storm will pass and you will look back at 2016 as a year that will shape you, you will (re)discover a few sides of you that you (forgot) never knew was there. 2016 will be your bootcamp (professionally, spiritually and emotionally), and in some areas you may excel than another but just like how you survived your workouts (even with some breaks/ Ventolin at times), you will be just fine :)

Two Zero One Seven

It is 2017! It is so crazy!!

I don't even remember what I did to welcome 2016 - but that picture above is literally me welcoming 2017. 

I have never been a "party girl" (contrary to popular first impression of me) so obviously I spent it indoors, with my pyjamas and big fluffy comforter. At one point I was watching Angels & Demons (I now feel like I wanna re-visit Rome) and The Force Awakens (I swear I had a theory regarding who could Rey be, but I can't recall it now and it's been bugging me since this morning. Urgh!). 

After 12AM the movies got boring (I guess they expected people to be asleep/ out partying by then) so I resorted to playing the Avengers in the background as I "walked" my PokemonGo (I love it when the GPS goes haywired when you're in a building and the wifi isn't on!) and ate mee goreng mamak. 

I also planned to finish at least a couple of my posts that are currently in Drafts (I have 6 apparently! x.x) but with the TV, PokemonGo and food, I got distracted and only managed to finish one, hehe. But I still have one more day before my "holiday" is over (boo!!) - so let's hope I become a bit more productive. 

But all in all I was rather happy with my New Year's Eve, doing something that I feel like represents the complete hermit that I am. I mean I was well fed and I caught like so many Charmanders, I can almost have my "Syarizard" :D Also the hectic two-three days, it was nice to just be able to chill and do stuff without rush.

So here's to hoping that my 2017 will be as calm and fulfilling (at least emotionally and spiritually) as my NYE. Aminnn!

After a trying 2016 (don't you feel like 2016 was a tough year just in general and world wide?!), may 2017 brings us all lots of happiness, rezeki and peace. InsyaAllah. 

Have a great year everyone! 

xx, A. 

Happy Jesus' Birthday Everybody!

Today I read something that made me happy. Today the Wilayah Mufti announced that we Muslims can wish people "Merry Christmas" and just because we do, doesn't mean we acknowledge the fact that Jesus is God's son. 

Alhamdulillah!

Finally! A news about Muslims/ Islam that shows progress - it's about time!!

I have never seen any wrong in wishing people Merry Christmas - it's a day of celebration for Jesus's (i.e. Nabi Isa A.S.) birthday, why can't we wish people for that? We believe in Nabi Isa too! In fact, we believe in him so much that there's an empty tomb next to Muhammad S.A.W.'s tomb specially for him. 

When the news of Muslims can't wish "Merry Christmas" to others came out, I was enraged. I was like "What stupidity is this?! Just because I wish someone 'Happy birthday' it'll shake my iman?!"
-___-

I won't say I am a forward thinking Muslim, because I still do think I'm quite traditional in some sense - but I don't believe in how some religious bodies in Malaysia prefers to put out blanket statement to "curb" the problems rather than educating our people. 

It is in the Quran that Jesus was birthed by Mary - and if they wanna mark December 25th as the day, why not? It was not mentioned in the Quran exactly when Jesus was born. To me, December 25th is nothing more than a symbol, a point of reference used for a celebration of the birth of someone equally as important in Islam as he is in Christianity. Every year we celebrate 12 Rabiul'awal as our beloved Prophet's birthday, why can't we mark 25 December as a day to celebrate someone who's tomb is ready to be placed next to our beloved Prophet? 

It is just a day. And okay, maybe they didn't want people to get confused with the whole Christian thinks Jesus is God's son - then educate according to what was written in the Quran. 

Like about the hotdog and rootbeer issue -_____-

Macam tuh usage of "cider" and "ale" also should be prohibited and marked as haram no? 

Educate people on what makes a ale/cider/ beer/ dog halal or haram. Not just because of its name! 

*rolls eyes til I can see my own brain*

I had this conversation with my dad about the ban on the hotdog and rootbeer name. He thinks its was done to avoid confusion for all those "less educated" who studies/ travel overseas. 

"They'll question, hot dog dekat Malaysia halal, overseas pun halal lah? Rootbeer boleh jer minum, asal beer cannot?" 

Ayam dekat Malaysia also halal but not necessarily in UK! -____-' 

It is about time that Malaysian religious authorities review back their statement/ rulings. In current time where Muslims are put on such a spotlight, we don't want to be appearing as a regressive and restrictive religion that we are not. 

As a child I was always educated that even though I am in church, does not mean I can simply run around and make noise because I wouldn't do such a thing in a mosque. I was thought to respect all religions just like how I'd respect mine. Respect doesn't mean believing in. 

And this wasn't because it's my parents' own teachings to their kids, it is an Islamic teaching or more of a requirement as even our Prophet wont demolish a holy site during wars. 

Therefore I shall end this post on a happy note, wishing all a very Merry Christmas and 2017 to be a more progressive, peaceful and united year for all humankind, especially us Malaysians. 

The Torture Session

This evening as I was starting my Pilates class, my Trainer (a.k.a. Fred the Torturer) said,
"Whoa, you're really into Bollywood huh?!"

Fred, you have no idea just how much into Bollywood I am.. 

See, I've this huge crush on Deepika since like 2013 right? About a few weeks back I saw Deepika doing her usual Pilates workout (1 point) while wearing the same sports bra that I have (1 more point for Aisya)!!!

So now I'm like 2 points similar to Deepika, I feel better about my workout clothes choices now guys. #nikealltheway

Today also I've unlocked a whole new achievements of doing 60 squats in total. Normally it's 7-10-12 reps for each set of workouts, today I did 20-20-20 guys!!! Aisya feels very good about herself, she decided to have a burger after that (hi Fred, see you next week!) 

Seeing how squats didn't affect me as much (I have my off days okay), Fred decided to swap my legs/ bum work out to some "unilateral work" as he calls it and that.was.a.whole.new.level.of.torture - my butt is still feeling it eventhough Im laying down on my stomach guys!!! As I was doing the butt workout, I thought "Hrmm, I think Deepika did this kind of workout too......" (I needed a distraction in class okay!!)

So of course I went home and stalked Deepika's trainer.. Nope, completely made that "scene" up in my head :( No extra Deepika-wannabe-points for Aisya today :(

Oh well, here are some of the workouts I've done in class
(to make myself feel a lil bit more accomplished)

A video posted by Yasmin Karachiwala (@yasminkarachiwala) on Aug 2, 2016 at 9:39am PDT

A video posted by Yasmin Karachiwala (@yasminkarachiwala) on Jul 13, 2016 at 10:00pm PDT

A video posted by Yasmin Karachiwala (@yasminkarachiwala) on Jun 23, 2016 at 6:07am PDT

A video posted by Yasmin Karachiwala (@yasminkarachiwala) on May 31, 2016 at 2:15pm PDT

Some of the workouts I'm just waiting for Fred to ask me to do and that this is gonna go into my fitness "achievements"... >(

A video posted by Yasmin Karachiwala (@yasminkarachiwala) on Jun 13, 2016 at 9:56pm PDT

I await for the day til I get on this "bed" and that's when I'll make damn sure that Fred records me working out

A video posted by Yasmin Karachiwala (@yasminkarachiwala) on Jun 7, 2016 at 4:16am PDT

Until then, I present to you, my Queen:

A video posted by Yasmin Karachiwala (@yasminkarachiwala) on Nov 6, 2016 at 11:05pm PST

A video posted by Yasmin Karachiwala (@yasminkarachiwala) on Nov 1, 2016 at 1:29am PDT

A video posted by Yasmin Karachiwala (@yasminkarachiwala) on Oct 7, 2016 at 6:59am PDT

A video posted by Yasmin Karachiwala (@yasminkarachiwala) on Sep 30, 2016 at 9:27am PDT

A video posted by Yasmin Karachiwala (@yasminkarachiwala) on Aug 28, 2016 at 1:17am PDT

A video posted by Yasmin Karachiwala (@yasminkarachiwala) on Jun 21, 2016 at 11:21pm PDT

A video posted by Yasmin Karachiwala (@yasminkarachiwala) on Jun 19, 2016 at 4:19am PDT

A video posted by Yasmin Karachiwala (@yasminkarachiwala) on Feb 3, 2016 at 3:20am PST

Do You Recall, Not Long Ago..

Hello!

Lately I feel like it's harder for me to sit down and pen my thoughts here as most of the time my mind is all over the place (#scatterbrain), and I fear as I write, it's just gonna jump everywhere! But let's try anyway because Pisang (*waves*) said if I don't update my blog, she starts to "wander".

1. I have discovered the joy of Google Sheets.
   
   It all started when spendthrift ol' me decided that in 2017, I wanna go on not one, but two "big trips". Then one day my colleague, Manda, told me how she just created a scenario planning (so consultant) to buy a handbag and the new Macbook Pro and said she's now broke.. Lol.
   
   So I thought, I should do the same thing tooooo!
   
   After taking account of all my monthly expenses and commitments, and projecting the monies coming in on a monthly basis, this is what I managed to come up with - an "annual budget" for my 2017 salary.
   
   Now I just have to monitor the monthly spending against the budget before I decide..
    
2. I've started reading Malay novel
   
   There's no plural in there because really, it's only 1 novel so far (and by "so far" I mean in the last 24 hours - because this really is a new thing), hehehe.
   
   It all started with the Suri Hati Mr. Pilot craze that was going on. My mother been asking me to get a copy of the book (because she's an even book worm than I am) since the beginning of the show (and now it has ended after 16 episodes). So occasionally I've been popping in to bookstores trying to see if they're in stores - but nadaaa! Damn this craze is real!
   
   So on Friday, my friend was nice enough to buy me (gotta keep to that budget guys! :p) another Malay novel instead - Isteri vs. Tunang.
   
   
   
   I can't comment on the show as I didn't watch it, but I think I would've enjoyed it because I thoroughly enjoyed the book! I finished the entire 437-pages in one sitting (sampai pukul 3 pagi.. Talk about a "wild" Friday night)! I even cried at certain parts as I can thoroughly understand how it feels to be Alana Sofea's (Scha's character) position.
   
   Though there were some parts that I thought tak masuk akal (actually its the trigger point of the entire story) but who am I to question logic after years and years of Bollywood movies?
    
3. I was in Bangkok earlier this month/ end of last month
   
   
   Spent about 3 days 3 nights in Bangkok which was filled with mainly shopping.. That was very satisfying for my wardrobe and soul. I mean how can you not enjoy spending when on average, every clothing item cost me around RM25?!
   
   I love Bangkok!!
   
   On the first day Amanda & I returned to work, we wore the clothes we bought from Bangkok and we gave each other the "I know where that's from :p" look. Throughout the entire week our colleagues would be asking "is this from Bangkok?" (we've monikered the first week we were back as "''Bangkok Fashion' Week") and even my mother is going "baju baru lagi?!" almost everyday.
   
   Would definitely try to make this into a yearly thing - I mean, my wardrobe would need a refresh no? I promise no more ZARA til at least March!
    
4. I got promoted!!
   
   After 2 years in EY, and effective from 1 October, I am now a Senior! It feels so surreal that I have remained in my job for 2 years and more.. I mean, according to Gen Y's statistics, it's time to leave my job now, but then again I don't really strongly agree with the view of most people have for the working "millennials/ Gen Ys" #rebel. Out of the people who started the journey with me back in September 2014, only 6 of us are left :(

Okaylah, I suppose you're updated with my life now.

Til next time! xx, A.

p/s: Guys, I discovered mash-up covers that combines hit English and Bollywood songs(!!!!!!). My playlist is gonna be complete now with this (it's currently 90% Bollywood songs I swear.. I need some balance..)

Energy Burst

When we were in Uni, Zayana would go to the gym 3 out of 7 days a week, so that's like every other day. I used to think she's crazy, so I'd just sit at home and laze around waiting for her to come back to we can continue our #DiorellyandChanelaadventures. 

Being a girl, you can't run from those days of "I feel fat", especially when it's that time of the month. But, I know that I am very blessed with having a relatively okay metabolism. I don't gain fast (nor do I lose fast), and somehow or rather a breakup is just around the corner and I'd be back to losing more weight than whatever that I gained.. I always say to God, "Dear God, I wanna lose weight, but can we skip the heartbreak or any diseases and just let me miraculously just lose weight?" teehee!

Also, thanks to my cheerleading days, I know how skinny I can get if I work out a lot and as nice as having toned legs and arms, I know I don't look good being that skinny, in fact I look rather sickly. So I try to keep my body normal. 

As I age I realise this is getting harder and harder to do, but I was not named Potato for nothing :P #thankGodforgoodmetabolism

Earlier this year I took up Pilates in an act of "Let's try something new!". I have always wanted to try Pilates and I loved it immediately. Not only it helps with me keeping in shape (to this date I still have a love-hate relationship with my trainer which I've nicknamed "The Torturer") but it really did help me with my self-diagnosed depression (think Elle Woods' "Happy people just don't kill their husbands"). 

Then the Flycycle craze hit town. I think about 5 years ago I went for my first RPM class in my gym back then - I swore to never go back because my legs just couldn't take it!! Lesson learned: Never swear on "never". 

I ended up loving Flycycle, the sweat, the soreness, the I-feel-good-about-myself feeling and the burst of energy you get after!! I just keep coming back!

Never in a million years I thought I'd be a person who'd willingly workout (all I have to do is just look at my jiggly arms and I'd make an appointment with Fred and drag my sorry ass to class :p) but honestly, for anyone who is looking for something "fresh", try working out! My body just feels much better for the week with all the workouts slotted in for me afterwork. 

p/s: If you think this post was written after one of my workout sessions, you are right! #energyburstatmidnight... 

I know it's mid-week, but still, have a good week everybody!! 

xx, A. 

My Country

I love my country, I really do. 

Its shameful that people try to create a racial divide amongst Malaysians (and the rest of world actually..) whereas what made us unique to the world is the fact that we have so many different cultural backgrounds all blending in so well with one another. 

I am born with 1/2 Chinese and 1/2 Javanese/ Malay blood and I always add on that I am Indian by choice - considering all the Bollywood movies I watched, I might as well y'know, otherwise how am I gonna integrate a Bollywood Dance Party into my wedding?! What excuse am I going to give to my grandmother?

I love my country, with all its little quirks - the night market every weekend, the fact that you can get hot & warm roti canai no matter what time of the day it is, the halal yong tau fu and dimsums, pisang goreng for tea, all the colourful traditional wear that comes out during festive seasons and many many other things. 

Sure, like any other country in the world, there is always a room for improvement - because we are all humans anyways. But Malaysia is tanah tumpahnya darahku you know?

Plus, Malaysia blends my name in so well... 

That's right ;) Thanks Manda!

I don't think I said this yet - but Happy 59th year of independence Malaysia!!! And Happy 53rd birthday to the Federation of Malaysia.

May Malaysia be prosper and free for the rest of its life.

xx, A. 

Faith

I am an avid reader of Proudduck - eventhough my discovery of it was a bit late (back in 2011/2012?). Today, while reading Vivy's latest post, the last paragraph really hit me. 

In my many years of living, alhamdulillah, I don't think I've been tested that severely. That being said, it's only because I view my tests as so small compared to what I see and hear about others' test. I have cousins who are around my age or younger going through things you can't possibly imagine would happen to an average Joe.. So if you ask me, my rejection from my 1st Uni of choice, my troubled relationship, those are very, very, very light compared to what they had/ have to go through. 

But still, that does not mean I do not think that my story is not worthy to tell - afterall it is my blog you are reading

--

I can't remember if I wrote it here, but my first Uni of choice was Liverpool. I already had a classmate (from college) who was going to Liverpool and I thought, "Wonderful! We can apply for the same accommodation", Daddy's favourite team is Liverpool, he can visit me and we can go to the games together and all other things planned out. But when my A-Levels results came out, I missed the grades by 3 points - and with that 3 points, Liverpool slipped out of my hands. In 18 years of living, I can honestly say that this was the biggest blow (then) to me. You see, I was a good student in school, not amazing, but everybody knew I would score. I scored in all my major papers from UPSR up to SPM and I thought I would score A-Levels too. Alas, God brought me back down to Earth and I remember just crying for days because going to UK was a life-long dream.. 

But of course, God listens, and God is the best planner - God sent me to Sheffield. A place that I literally had to do research about and couldn't even begin to imagine how it looked like because I've literally never had any interest in it.. But it turned out to be a place where I left a piece of me and a place that is special to my heart. I cannot look at Tescos now without thinking about my random Tesco trips. I cannot have fried rice now wihtout thinking of Yummy's Fried Rice. As for friends that I was so scared about not being able to make any - well, not only that some of my highschool mates eventually made their way to Sheffield too, but I also made friends there than so happens to live within 5-20 minutes radius from me in KL.. God is the best planner, He listens to your every doa - even the silly ones like "Dear God, please grant me a Malaysian friend so Mummy would be at ease". 

My second greatest test in life (so far) I would say is about my turbulent relationship. Just like my studies, with relationships I have always been the one to leave it unscathed. Not to say that I was completely unfazed by it, but more like the sadness wouldn't have put me in a state of depression. 

After 5 years long of a relationship, when it ended early this year, nobody at work knew about the break up, until I had to gradually "announced" it because people were asking "Aren't you going out with him tonight? It's the weekend!", that kind of thing - and this was about a month afterwards because I was finally able to talk about it. They never knew about my silent cries at work - about how I'd cry alone in the surau while praying and immediately try to wipe it or stop it when someone else walks in to pray, about how I faked "my eyes are itchy" to explain why I'm "yawning a lot to wet my eyes". 

None of my friends (besides Zayana and Zoe) fully know what happened (some even til today perhaps) because all they got from me was "I don't want to talk about it". The most they got was "We broke up - please don't ask me anymore about him".

It took me all the way up to May to finally be done with it and close the book. And even then it literally took my dignity away because at one point I was at the stage of begging for mercy and it was never given and simply taken away from me. I had my mother not knowing what to do with me anymore and had to text Zayana, "Can you please talk to her? Aunty tak tahu nak cakap apa to her anymore". 

So you can imagine the amount of anger/ pain I was carrying with me all the way to Mekah. During my first few days there I remember praying to God telling Him about how hurt I was and begging for my pain to be lifted up. 

And of course, God listens, He protects you.. Remember about my incident with the grapes and the kids in Masjidil Haram? There was more to that story.. After berbuka, while performing Maghrib prayers, the boys actually prayed next to me (with their sister next to them). And for some reason, their innocence just got to me and the next thing I knew tears were falling down my cheeks and suddenly my heart felt light (and touched by the kids' innocence). That very moment, in prayers, I knew - whatever pain, hatred and anger that I felt and was holding on to, it was "lifted up". Weirdly also I remember having this conversation with God, "God, I want children of my own - children who are innocent, who appreciates the smallest kindness that people show them. I want to build a family with someone that You have written for me, and I know I can't find that happiness unless I let go of this pain". 

SubhanAllah and Alhamdulillah, I was able to complete my umrah and returned to Malaysia 10000x happier than when I left. Of course the sadness was there, it is only natural to be sad about something that has been with you for years, but I was no longer depressed. I no longer had the "I don't feel like doing anything" and spend waking moments with a constant pain in my heart. I was able to go places that brought back memories and I was just, content. 

--

God is great. He is the best planner. He listens and He knows just what you need and when you need it. 

I have learned to not put your trust in humans, but instead put your trust in God. Because God can change a human's heart in a beat (whether in your favour or not).. But believe that whatever happens, it is always the best for you.

Sheffield was the best for me because it let me to find another best friend and gave me my degree and a job I very much like. 

The break up was the best for me because it allowed me to feel God's grace, warmth, greatness and so much more!

And I know of course as I age, there will be more tests for me.. (Hopefully God take it easy still on me cause urm as you read, I really was tested lightly.. But God never put you through something He knows you wouldn't be able to handle) but I believe, insyaAllah I will be alright (at least on Earth..). 

Put your faith in no other but Allah S.W.T - and without faith, you'd go crazy. 

Monkey Business

I know how when you just got back from a long day at work, you just want something to make you laugh... 

Did it work? :D 

Happy long weekend everybody!

xx, A.

Only God Knows

These days, we are too quick to pass judgement on others. 

It is very saddening to see people fighting on some celebrity's Instapage - as if whatever you said made an impact on them. They receive thousands of notifications in a day on their page, very rare would they be able to sit and read your comments. So really, why bother?

People make fuss about someone who choose to open their hijab - while when they were wearing it (due to the fact she doesn't "behave" as how a tudung-wearing Muslimah should), you told her to take it off.. 

People make fuss about someone who can go to Hajj while she just registered for Hajj this year - you accused the managing institution of being biased, you accused of her of bribing them.. 

Why is there so much hate in this world until we are so quick to pass a negative judgement instead of just being positive and be happy for someone? 

If you've walked in their shoes, if you know their trouble, even for your worse enemy, you wouldn't wish the same ill you went through. 

We live in a world of social media, we are quick to judge what we see on social media - which mostly 9/10 times we post happy things. Nobody is going to post pictures of their puffy eyes after crying all night, nobody is gonna tell a story about silently crying during a meeting after receiving a heartbreaking news, nobody is going to be posting pictures of them pouring their heart out to God while in their prayers asking for God's help to ease their burden.. 

You see only good things and yet you want to condemn them not even knowing 1/10th of the real story. 

I as a person am very "judgemental" - Because I like clarity so much, I try to make everything black and white. I really hate grey areas.. But, everyday I too have to step back and tell myself "Aisya, don't be too quick to pass judgement, you only know as much as the projected truth that was put on them. The real truth you won't know unless you walk in their shoes".

I cannot look at people performing Umrah/ Hajj and post pictures about it and say "They're just showing off".. You take a picture of what you eat in a day, why can't you take picture of God's house?

I cannot read about a wife ranting on and on about her cheating husband and say "No wonder he cheated, she airs her dirty laundry to the world.. Serves her right!".. Eh hello, you have not been in their shoes, you don't bear her pain, you don't know her thought process.. Maybe she just needed an outlet. 

What goes on in a person's mind/ heart, their intentions, their niat, that's only between the person and God - hence why the term "Only God knows". Just because we are given a brain to think and we thought of why a person might do this and this, does not mean it's true. 

Let's just stop passing and judgement & let's just spread happiness. 

When you see someone taking off their tudung - of course you can't go "ALHAMDULILLAH", but the bare minimum is you should just pray for that person to find strength in at least maintaining her 5 daily prayers and abstinence from all the haram things.. Maybe one day they'll find the strength to put the tudung back one - because I know, this is not easy. 

When you see someone posting pictures in Mekah/ Madinah or of places they just travelled to - just say "Alhamdulillah, their rezeki. InsyAllah one day my rezeki will come and I can go there to". 

When you see people posting pictures while performing umrah & hajj - instead of saying "Alaa, showing off. Bukannya baik sangat dia tuh", remember whether they are nice or not out of the other 50/ 48 weeks of the year, God called them there.. And only God knows. 

And if even doing this is too much for you, there is always the option of just exiting the page. Don't look at it - out of sight, out of mind.

Remember,

xx, A. 

Harry Potter & The Cursed Child

So if you're a BIG Harry Potter fan you'd have known that the 8th book came out about 2 weeks ago - concurrent with the start of the play in London (SO JEALOUS!!). 

Since I've been reading Harry Potter since my age was still a single digit basically, of course I was one of those who put in a pre-order for the book. This was back in March. 

About two days before the launch date - I got a call from Borders informing of the pick-up time (this was also the same day as my first Flycycle class btw). So I was super excited to pick it up (they said between 7AM - 10AM, hence why I woke up at 8AM). 

That night when I went for dinner I started reading, but I went thru it too fast and decided to stop and save it for my (then) upcoming PD trip (which is a story for another day). BEST. DECISION. EVER. MADE. 

THIS was my view for the entire time I was reading the book (well I also read in between lunch - and who says no to food?!).

That Sunday I carried the book everywhere - to the pool, to the restaurant and back to the pool, until I finished it. 

I basically told my friends "Guys, for the rest of the day, I'm going to be in my own zone, until I finish the book". And I did so in 4 hours :"( I WISH THE BOOK NEVER ENDSSSSSSSSSSSS!

By the time it ended, I was itching to talk to someone about the book and fangirl all over it. I even went to work the following week and asked if anyone had read the book (no one finished it yet.. pfft!). Finally, after 4 days, Cik P caught up. 

p/s; Spoilers alert. For those planning to read it, please turn away NOW.

Haaaa... Legaaaaaaa!

Now, to restart everything back from book #1!!!!!!

Endorphins Make You Happy

Remember like 15 years ago (mhmm, it has been that long) when Elle Woods said: 

It is so true!! 

I mean, besides the pilates I do since these past few months, I really don't exercise much. As much as I complain of the soreness that comes after, I actually like my trainer (even though I nicknamed him "The Torturer", but sometimes you just need one of those you know) and I feel more tired and my body just feels blergh when I don't go for my classes.. 

After the fasting month, I was like like rearing to go for Pilates or just any form of exercise really and I ended up registering for two spin classes in the car on my way to beraya for me & Cik P. #PisangandKentanggoFlying

The last time I went to a cycling class (which was years ago) I didn't really like and promised that was my first and last time (my legs were like jelly immediately after the class okay!!). So naturally after the excitement of finally being able to work out dies down, I was dreading to go for spin class this morning - and the fact that it's at 9AM on a Sunday and I got out of the house even before 8AM does not help either. 

Anyways, long story short it is now 11PM and I am still pumped up guys!

My mind is so awake (despite my muscles slowly deteriorating, I can just feel it!) and I have figured out what Phase 2 of my room makeover shall be like. I have even planned out what to do tomorrow (besides work of course)! Maybe I should plan my outfit for the week too.. 

HAVE A "FLY" WEEK EVERYBODY! xx

My First Saree

I told you the story of how I joined a Bollywood dance class right?

Well, now that my manager (Fana) knows that I am a HUGE fan of Bollywood (in fact Mummy recently agreed to my wedding being a Bollywood themed one.. #score!) she told me that she'd take me saree shopping one day - during one of our kain shopping trips (all for the weddings she has to attend for the year - which is a lot!) 

Months passed and finally we decided to go on the 3 July, which for me is like peeeeerfect because it's like part of my birthday celebration. Can't have a Bollywood themed dinner, let's just shop for a saree instead! #aisyaslogic 

___________________________________3 July 2016___________________________________

Aly decided to join the trip also as she had (an actual) Indian wedding to go to in August. 

So after my super tiring birthday, I woke up the next day rather late and got ready just in time as Fana texted "I'm outside". We picked up Aly and off we went to the shop (which wasn't too far from her house, thank God). 

The shop was in Klang and omg - I have tremendous respect for those who live in the suburbs outside of the city/ the state (especially!!) because honestly, the dedication you guys have to commute to work every day.... #tabikspring!

Anyways, we arrived at the shop about 1.30PM and by the time I got back it was 4PM.. Mhmm, we took thaaaaat long to decide. When we first got in the shop we were each asked "What's your budget" and after hearing stories about sarees are not cheap, I thought RM300 is a reasonable amount to spend on the cloth. To my surprise, I only end up paying slightly more than RM200 for the saree, cloth for the inner top and its lining, and the lining for the saree itself.. #score!!!

Also, the saree I chose was found by accident - it was hidden under a pile of saree on the table. 

Penatlah the guy suggested one saree after another to me but nothing made me fell in love with it immediately until I saw "the one". 

I asked to try it on and the lady kindly helped me wrap the saree around me (cause I'd have no idea how to otherwise) and instantly knew that this is the one for me #sodramatic :p 

(p/s: I am not kidding when I say that I've literally gone two shades darker on my face post umrah. Look and the difference in colour of my hand and my face!!) 

I said yes to the saree and prayed that it's not gonna cost me RM700 or something cause the guy refused to let me know how much it is! He said "nanti kira" every time I asked. I was so shock when it ended up being the cheapest among the lot!

_________________________________10 July 2016_________________________________

Aly & I decided to get our saree tailored at Bangsar thanks to Fana's recommendation. So despite the tiring week I had post Raya, I still woke up "considerably" early that Sunday as I had to meet Aly at Bangsar by 12.15pm. I thought I'll have quick brunch by myself (cause initially brunch was not part of our plan) but sleep was much required and I only ended up arriving in BV at 12pm. Teehee! Thankfully Aly needed coffee too and I'm like, let's get food to go with that drink too! (It's so funny how at work if they wanna eat also they always end up having me to teman them makan cause well, I like eating!!) 

So anyways, post  brlunch we went to the tailor and it was our super lucky day because we got parking right in front of the tailor's.. At Lucky Garden!! Susah gila kot nak cari parking there!

After discussing with the tailor about the materials I have and the design I want, I ended up making two saree tops to go with the saree I bought. And I am beyond excited to see how it'll turn out this weekend.. If I'm lucky, no other alterations will be required and I can pick it up right away! :3

(I'll probably update this post with a sneak peak of my saree after this weekend). 

_________________________________23 July 2016_________________________________

How my saree turned out! This is actually a screenshot of the Boomerang I took, complete with wind blowing the saree all #totallyBollywoodmaterial, but boooooo me I have no idea how to insert Boomerang here.. 

#CikKentangTurns24

For those of you who didn't know, I was born on 2nd July 1992 - so that makes me 24 this year. 

Every year I would host a birthday dinner amongst my friend and it's normally very laid back and just chill kind of dinner. In fact, I won't even bother with cake (because I am not a desserts person - but somehow a cake would just come out of nowhere cause someone would always surprise me with a cake just cause what is a birthday w/o a cake right?).  p/s: To this very day, this is the best birthday cake I've ever received, just cause the faces on it x)

This year, while I was in Mekah and was talking to Zayana.

Me: Idk what to do for my birthday.. Do I have a "pizza & chill" kind of gathering or do I go "fancy dinner party"?

Zayana: You always "pizza & chill", I think it'll be nice for you to be festive..

Me: I suppose, I do enjoy planning stuff..

And that's how I decided to have a "fancy" dinner party!!

Days leading up for my birthday was spent going through the details of my dinner - from sending out the usual invite through "You've been summoned" (I generally think this group should just remain active so my invites can all come through here, they said they want me to be more green!), designing the placemats and place cards, finalising the cake and the flowers, and other stuff.

It was so much fun going through all this and I thoroughly enjoyed myself that I am thinking of making this a hobby (cause I will not charge my consultation fee, but you will pay for the stuff)  - so whoever wants an event planned, call me up! :D

___________________________________1 July 2016___________________________________

I wasn't expecting it to be a hectic Friday for me, but somehow it ended up being one x.x From lunch (even though I was fasting, I still followed them to One Utama for lunch as I needed to get few things sorted out both personally and for work) all the way til 5.30PM I was busy.

So I guess that was why I didn't notice there was a card going around the table being signed, lol. It took me completely off guard when they (my wonderful colleagues) presented me the card just as I was about to leave for my week long Raya holiday. 

Isn't the card so cute?! I love it!

Coincidentally on that day I was wearing a polka dot baju kurung too!! 

The messages inside was so damn funny/ sweet! I can't remember whether I shed a tear, but I swear it was very touching (the sweet parts) and I remember laughing at the funny ones. I showed my Dad the car, and one of my manager calls me "Ais" at work, so his message to me was "Ais Ais Baby ...." and even my Dad laughed at that, lol.

It was definitely a great way to kick-start my birthday weekend (which was the start of a very loooong tiring, but fun week!)

___________________________________2 July 2016___________________________________

My actual birthday!! 

I woke up for sahur that morning replying to my birthday wishes (as I slept immediately after terawih the night before) and then while having sahur this happened:

I went with Beauty & the Beast and I swear, I forgot how enjoyable and easy-going the movie was! See I've been having Disney reruns once in awhile and Jasmine/ Iago/ Abu from Aladdin can sometimes be annoying, but with Beauty & Beast, there was no annoying character! So it was a good way to kick start my morning. 

Considering that I was going to have a long day that day, I decided to sleep after Subuh. When I finally woke up to start my day, I saw a name on my Whatsapp that have never personally messaged me before - my ASEAN Advisory Leader or as I like to call him, "my biggest boss" O.O

Was so surprised he even had my number!! I won't lie, I did have a mini shock when I saw his name on my notification and jumped out of bed to read the message (I mean duh, what if it was work?). And then I also stunned for a moment thinking "Omg, what do I reply. Do I just say 'thank you!'? That's too simple right.. He wrote me a paragraph..". 

After that was sorted out, I got ready and followed Daddy to the workshop to pick up his car and then met Pisang at Bangsar - for reasons I can't remember but when it's Bangsar, I'm sure it was errands. 

I quickly rushed home afterwards because initially mother said that we're going to Starhill. As soon as I parked my car at home, she called and said she was lazy to go suddenly -___-' After 5 minutes of trying to convince her that we have to go today (cause I had other things planned for the next day), she still ended up saying she has other plans for herself too so I gave in and said okaay. 

I got out of the car and re-confirmed with her whether we were going or not. She was in the toilet and said "Yeah" when I asked her "So, we're NOT going rightttt?". I told Pisang that I'm no longer going to Starhill and she decided to come over and hand while she wait for 3PM to collect my cake. 

As soon as Pisang arrived, suddenly Mummy called me and asked "Are you ready?" 

-__________________-''

Thankfully Pisang also had to leave for another errand after she prayed therefore we all left the house at the same time. Upon reaching Starhill I had to arrange for Min to pick up my cake as Pisang had to send her cat to the vet suddenly. 

After about 1-1.5 hours of being Mummy's handbag consultant, we drove to KLCC to pick up dinner/ buka puasa for the house. 

Reached back home at 5.30PM and I rushed like craaaaazy to get myself ready. 

Left the house with Min at about 6PM and thankfully for the empty KL roads nearing/ during Raya season, I managed to get to Pavilion within 15 minutes. Pisang was already there and helped me ordered the food and got the balloons. We set the place up before everyone else arrived and I swear, I was so filled with glee!

Everyone had a personalised place cards - with my own messages for each of them inside, a coaster which had my favourite SRK quotes (from his movies) on it, a gift from FAWN, and a placemat that was so pretty I had extra printed out just for my keeping, lol. 

Flowers was from Petit Petals. I swear, I love it so much that I've decided my wedding shall be hydrangeas, peonies and roses only (with antihistamines for me..). After the dinner I gave Mummy the flowers and she was so happy!

Food was from Celadon at Pavilion (the sister to Busaba @ BSC/ Sunway Pyramid). We had, seabass in sweet & sour sauce, garoupa in thai chili sauce, chicken green curry, black pepper beef, thai fish cakes and some mango salad thingy. What's missing from the pic was their awesome tomyam! It's the best ever in my opinion. 

Cake was from Kek and Co. It was such a moist chocolate cake inside despite all the decorations outside. Everybody was so intrigued with the decoration.

See... 

It was however very hard (literally) to cut the cake... 

It required some proper analysis (of its weak point) and two guys to carefully maneuver the process of transferring the cake to a plate - there is a video but iMovie is being annoying right now *rolls eyes*

We also played games (Know It All and Catchphrase), so no guesses we were the noisiest bunch in the restaurant. It was so hilarious, but it's a you-have-to-be-there kind of moments, so there's really no point to blog about it. Unfortunately, since I prepared the flashcards for Catchphrase, it was so easy for me. So next time (yes, we've agreed to have a full Games Night - so I do get to have my "pizza & chill" party afterall! - sometime in August) I'm going to "hire" someone to do this... #fulldedication. 

All in all, everything turned out so beautiful and I was the happiest birthday girl on the planet! So here is a special shoutout to my "birthday maids" - Yasmin and Pisang! THANK YOU!!! xx

Also a great thanks to those that came too! It made me realise (as I was writing each of their cards) that I've been friends with these people quite long! Some have seen me since even before I became the loud, confident person that I am today (I was very timid in primary school). Some I've known for a shorter period of time but they've stood by me time and time again during my "low season". And then there are some who has seen me both in between the two phases.

Nevertheless, so grateful that I still have them around even after >10 years of friendship (for some).


#squad

p/s: Missing a few key people, but you know, they haven't #Brexit yet. 

My "Control Ayu" girls.. "Crazy" pictures with them always end up with my looking like the person who had too much sugar and them looking descent macam perempuan melayu terakhir *rolls eyes*. 

And then there are these people who I somehow have a "trademark" pose with:

Est. 2010 

 Est. 2010 (the pose, not the friendship)

Est. 2013 #pestlifesince2011

Est. 2011 #meadowhalldays

My night ended with a really horrible traffic jam (inside Pavilion) and by the time I got home I was so knackered I just went straight to bed. To this very day (13 July) I still have not open my birthday cards - I told myself, that they are to be treasured so I need to properly sit down to read it and not do it while I'm in between stuff. #aisyaslogic

_________________________________10 July 2016_________________________________

In between 03 - 09 July I was busy with other stuff - so that'll be in a separate post. Anyways, the party continues post Raya!

It all started when of my ex-colleague asked for a get together cause he wanna cook for us (and of course to catch up - but you know food first!) and to celebrate my birthday. Actually it was supposed to be before Raya, but considering that I couldn't find an even night that was free and thankfully all others weren't free either til that Sunday... So yay me, cause Wan Li made salmon that night and I swear it was super delicious! It had the crispiest skin!!

Maybe I was super tired from the Raya-dash (I swear, it passed by so fast that 1 week) that on that day I wasn't really myself. I wasn't so inquisitive about things (I mean, Wan Li asked if I was allergic to nuts out of the blue.... I thought, "Oh maybe his cooking ingredients included nuts.."), I lost tracked of time (I was supposed to be ready by Maghrib so I can run out after Maghrib but 7.30PM I was still texting Zoe, til she asked me "Whatchu doing?" and I thought "CRAP, what am I doing still sitting down here!?"), I didn't even caught a hint of Yeoki's insincere interest in my Instagram! This guy, who is like world's least bothered about other people suddenly asked me "Eh, got any pretty girls in your Insta? Come show me!" and sat next to me as I scroll down my timeline........

Suddenly the next thing I knew they started singing "Haaaaaaaappy biiiiiiirthdayyyyy...." *blush*

My reaction once they finished singing: "So you mean you WEREN'T actually interested in my Instagram?! It was all a lieeeeee?!" #betrayal!

Second year together now, so blessed with awesome colleagues!

(MIA: Carmy - not real name, fyi - who so unfortunate wasn't well on that day)

Boys being boys well... Basuh pinggan pun I yang kena ajar :p And even after most of the dish washing done by me, when it's time to eat the cake, they refused to take plates cause they don't wanna do the dishes.... *roll eyes til I see my brain*

This is their desperate attempt of refusal (the cake in the plate obviously belong to the only girl present. I couldn't stop laughing!! They all had to sit on the floor to use the table as a flat surface.. SMH.

_________________________________________________________________________________

I truly enjoyed my #CikKentangTurns24 celebrations even though I've not received any presents. Mummy asked me while we were spending time together, "What do you want this year as your birthday present?" and my reply (which will be the same to anyone else) was: 

I wish for nothing other than you prayers that all my doas, especially those I made in Mekah/ Madinah would come true. 

I wish for good health, happiness and good wealth. 

That is until #CikKentangTurns25 - by then I may start wishing for a husband. Lol.