An experienced photographer would probably have a lot to say about this photo. I always appreciate expert opinion. They are experts because they know more. I took this photo on a bright, sunny evening. It looks dark because it is the reflection of the trees on the river surface. Looking at it closely, you could see the ripples of the water. The image is flipped. I had to wait for a few joggers to pass me by before I whipped out my phone and captured this scenery.
It is normal to perceive something as it is. It takes slightly more effort to understand what is happening underneath. Dealing with human behaviour and emotion is notably tough. We can never be sure of what another person means, despite how literal they wish to portray themselves. There is always another layer within them that they are not comfortable showing the world. Yet, we still make an effort to connect because that is what being human is all about. We learn how to navigate the different personas and difficult conversations. With time, we get better at our soft skills. This set of skills is not limited to communication. It entails emotional intelligence, creativity in decision-making, and body language. I believe there is more to learn as we create a better version of ourselves.
I was expecting more from the organisers. It wasn’t entirely disappointing, but it did feel like it could have been better.
I joined this run because I was attracted to its T-shirt design and the medal. My daughter joined in because I know she would love the pink T-shirt and could tolerate the 4KM distance. I read a few Threads that commented on the quality of the T-shirt. Indeed, the sizing was just off. There was hardly any difference between an XL and a 2XL. It was also see-through.
During the day itself, the event emcee failed to bring the crowd together. Obviously, people just want the event to start and finish promptly. Not too much banter, too. I understand that he wants to hype the audience, but sometimes you have to just read the room. The moment people don’t recognise you as a radio DJ, then change the persona and just become an emcee. MEOW run was not a Malay-majority event. It was an event of people coming from various ethnic backgrounds. So, handle it like one.
While I can overlook the fact that the distance was slightly more than 4KM, the so-called “goodies” at the finish line were a complete letdown. A medal and a bottle of water? Really? Most of us were expecting at least a roll of bread or a packet of Hup Seng crackers! It’s shocking that even seasoned runners noted the absence of bibs in their race kits. Seriously, I once participated in a fun run at Bukit Serindit with my daughter, and we got a bib along with a bag brimming with treats. It’s no surprise that countless participants complained, since AEON certainly projects an image grand enough to have delivered much more!
I was downgraded to being an acquaintance recently. I had my suspicions, but it was only known to me a few hours ago. As disappointing as it seems, it’s one of those life lessons we come across from time to time when relationships fall apart. It’s where human beings remain civil to each other out of work duty but have no obligation to participate in personal social relations. It’s part of adulting.
This is not the first time it happens. But it almost always happens for the same reasons. That is either when personal ideas just do not align with each other or when intentions were misinterpreted. Even then, the autonomy to choose who gets to be part of your life has to be respected. There should be no ill or bitter feelings.
When this experience happened to me the first time, meaning I was cut off, it hurt me really bad. I was confused. And it got me thinking about it for a long time. The scenarios were played out in my head several times. My chest felt heavy. I was wounded. Now, it doesn’t hurt that much because, well, I learned psychology. Ha ha ha. However, I still make dua for my friends and colleagues. My prayers remain for those who still don’t understand. I know differing opinions can stir feelings. It is supposed to. So that if they were in that other person’s shoes one day, they would be able to recall this moment and see that the pain caused by any conflict affects everyone.
A wise person once told me, “We are always a villain in other people’s stories. But we are also heroes in some”. Being human is about embracing the fact that we are a blend of both good and evil qualities. What is good for you may not be good for others. We are not characters in a drama where we play a saint all the time. We have different sides that we show to different people. Depending on how much access they have. In certain situations, sometimes we have to make difficult decisions with the ugly choices we have. This strains relationships. People may think they know our choices, but only we know what dice we have in our hands. Ketidakadilan happens. Grudges surfaces. This is what I call unfortunate consequences. Having said that, casting votes or picking out a lucky name out of a box does not make it equal. Which is why Allah gives us a brain to think and a mouth to speak. So that we could communicate, work out our differences and negotiate some form of dignified solution. When all is said and done, we actually hope for a Shakespeare ending: All’s Well That Ends Well.
When I was at my daughter’s current age, I don’t remember a life where we would go to the mall and just stroll. In fact, going out to the mall is considered a rare luxury experience. We spend most of our time at home. Even on weekends or school holidays. My dad was busy with his work, and the only time we got to see him was during dinner. It was my mum who played the traditional role as the housewife, who shuttled us to school and extra classes. Even then, if Dad came back from his outstation trip, he would bring back gifts like dolls and plushies. We really loved that. I don’t really remember what he brought back home to Mom.
Back then, I lived in a city called Bangsar. If I were still staying there, I would probably call myself a Bangsar babe. I loved my school. I participated in several competitions as well. Perhaps my peak moment was when I entered a National Storytelling Competition in 1992, got second place and got featured in the Kuntum magazine. I only learned about it when a girl in my class, who was a bit well-off and could afford the magazine, showed it to me. I did not dare ask my parents for money to buy the magazine as well, but seeing my name in there was a profound experience. My story was about an owl that missed the moon. I had this beautiful costume with colourful cloth as feathers. First place was won by this boy who told the story of the shepherd who cried wolf.
Nowadays, for our family, window-shopping at the mall is just as normal as going to school. We can just go there after work or during the weekends. Thankfully, my daughter understands the term window-shopping. Save money. Heh.
Once my husband and kids came back from their holiday in Aceh, we went on a road trip to Kluang. On the way there, we stopped at one of the best asam pedas place in Muar, Asam Pedas Kak Yah. They had a lot of dish options with thick, flavourful gravy. Despite its bright reddish hue, it was not spicy at all. If you haven’t tried a dish called asam pedas before, now is the time.
After a hearty lunch at Kak Yah, we continued our car ride to Kluang. Since it was the school holidays, Kluang seemed like a good choice for a low-key family getaway. The main objectives of this road trip are to enjoy good food and a swim in the pool, especially for the kids. We soon reached Prime City Hotel. Mr Husband booked one room for us and another for his mother and nieces.
Prime City Hotel
This is a 3-star hotel that may look non-promising from the outside. However, it gets really cosy and hospitable once you step into the room. The air-conditioning was working fine, and it had the basic amenities. Though the swimming pool area may not look luxurious, the kids still enjoyed it. Just make sure they are under adult supervision. Check-in time is 3 PM. We managed to get our room at about 230PM. The bus station is just beside this building, and there are plenty of places to eat nearby. This place reminds me of Jasin.
The breakfast buffet has an adequate spread. It was very basic, yet we are thankful for the great food that was offered. As long as the nasi lemak served is delicious, nothing else matters.
We stayed here for 2 nights. The hotel is located near Ngepot Kabin, an outdoor eatery that’s like a food court. It has a variety of food stalls. I did not take any pictures there. Basically, you scan the QR code and tap in your order. We had dinner quite early on the first day, as we needed a good night’s sleep after that drive from Melaka. Even as a passenger, it is still tiring. Ha ha ha.
Kluang Rail Coffee, Bandar Kluang
What is a trip to Kluang if we’re not going to visit at least one of their viral restaurants? Initially, we went to the Kluang Railway Station itself. The authentic, OG place where everything starts. The winding queue seemed impossible to wait in. After taking a few photos at the station, we headed to their other branch in town. We still had to wait, but it was more bearable. I ordered their Laksa Johor. And of course the coffee. I had an iced cham. It is a drink that blends strong black tea with coffee and milk. You could find it in any good kopitiam.
The portions were acceptable. Not too huge. I also ordered their Kaya Toast. I mean, how could you not order Kaya Toast when you’re in a Malaysian kopitiam? It is almost disrespectful. Ha ha.
Nasi Lemak Wak Kentut
After a scrumptious brunch at Kluang Railway Coffee, we had dinner at Nasi Lemak Wak Kentut. I get that people are saying, ” It’s just nasi lemak, how special can it be?” Indeed, it is just nasi lemak. But if you’re looking for a delightful staple dish worth your money, this is the place to go. The place is tucked in a quite isolated area. A friend told me that I should go to the one at Kota Masai. Even then, the food is still good, although the owner appears a bit nonchalant in his business approach. The rice portion is huge. I could actually divide the rice into 3 portions. The sambal and the fried chicken were nice. The chicken was super crispy and juicy at the same time. My MIL was unable to come with us as one of my nieces was already fast asleep, so we tapau-ed one for her to eat in her hotel room.
Apart from eating, swimming in the pool and sleeping in the room, we did not do much at Kluang. That was pretty much the point of our staycation. We certainly did not plan for a trip to a nearby zoo or theme park. Everything was just low-key, and I pretty much enjoyed it too. I did have to complete my 10K steps in the hotel room, but it wasn’t an arduous task. It forced me to become creative in finding ways to achieve my goal. After 2 nights in Kluang, it was time to hit the road again. Our next destination was Pengerang.
