Read, in the name of Allah

I am happy that my daughter could read. She knows her numbers and alphabets. And she can read the Quran.

My father-in-law passed away recently from the complications of his kidney problems. It was an anticipated death as we knew that his condition had deteriorated and that his prognosis was grave. It was only a matter of time before he succumbed to his illness. He died on a Wednesday evening at 625pm in his own home in the presence of his family members.

We called the ambulance and requested a paramedic to come and confirm his death. A police report was made and the necessary rituals were in order. His death was open-heartedly accepted. His grandchildren also understood that their grandfather was not with them anymore.

While waiting for the Jemaah from the masjid to come, my daughter picked up a Yasin booklet and began to read. It was comforting to see her focus on the words and recite the Yasin independently on the chair. I was beside her reading my Yasin but I could hear every single word being read and it was accurate. Her ability to read not only allows her to learn new knowledge but also portrays comfort to the adults as a 6-year-old kid. She is also doing her bit to help her grandfather go through the Afterlife in the realms of Barzakh.

Indeed kids that read are such a blessing.

CTDK – Cinta di awan concert

A million thanks to this SitiZoner who shared her moment at CTDK’s concert at Genting Highland. The concert lasted just over 2 hours and it definitely showcased CTDK’s strength as an experienced performer. There was never a moment of boredom. The songs were sung beautifully and putting lyrics on the big screen was a genius touch!

I had no idea that I still remembered some of the song lyrics on top of my head although I haven’t listened to it for quite a while.

CTDK’s cute personality came through which is why she is Malaysia’s songbird, loved by all. Including those who were born past her prime times. I hope that one day I get to see her in a live concert again.

K-skin, Korean Express Facial at AEON Bandaraya Melaka

I went for an impromptu facial at K-Skin yesterday. On my day off, I brought my daughter to have lunch at Aeon Bandaraya. I was intrigued by their selling price – RM58 for a 15-minute facial. I could choose between 3 service options: Cleanse, Glow or V-lift. However, they also have another option which is the Combo treatment at RM98 for 30 minutes. I went for the Combo since they throw in a box of mask sheet as well. I chose Combo A.

Unlike other facials I have been to, they don’t pick on your blackheads and acne. I was very thankful for that because the last time I went, my face was really red the next day. It was so embarrassing coming into work like a lobster. I liked that the beautician was not excessively chatty too.

The facial area had private curtains around it and since my daughter is very well-behaved, my beautician loved having her sit near me. She was as quiet as a mouse. The facial was very cooling and relaxing. Maybe because I was the only customer during that time. Anyway, I believe it’s a good place to go if you have a long lunch break on Fridays. It does not require an appointment and you could easily go for lunch afterwards.

I wished I could say there was a glaring difference in my complexion – before and after. Unfortunately, I did not feel that way. Perhaps I could opt for the Pigmentation Service next time. My face did feel fresh though after the 30-minute pampering. And since I did an immediate Google Review afterwards, I received an extra sheet of Vitamin C mask sheet.

Celebrating husband’s birthday at Rest Haus, Melaka

We’ve been to Rest Haus a couple of times because of its good food and general ambience. The restaurant is air-conditioned with calm music playing in the background. My personal favourite dishes are the Salai and the Rib Eye. I was actually hoping to order the latter but now the menu has changed. There is no more rib eye. So I ordered the salmon dish instead. It was equally delicious. My daughter had the macaroni and cheese whilst Mr Husband ordered the chicken grill. He was disappointed that they didn’t list Mac and Cheese as an adult option. Ha ha.

I bought 2 slices of cake from Secret Recipe but we had that at home. I parked my car at Rest Haus but I walked to Secret Recipe so that I could get my steps in. Managed to get 5K in by walking inside Lotus itself. Makes me feel better devouring the cake afterwards.

I bought an Obermain laptop bag for my husband. I made a really quick trip to Freeport Famosa Outlet Park last Friday during lunch hour just to get it. The salesperson was amusingly inaccurate in her sales pitch and product description. She said things like ‘PVC’ instead of ‘PU leather’. Then she was so confident saying a 14-inch laptop fits in a smaller bag I was looking at just because another customer could fit his. I had to measure the bag in front of her and said nicely, “Look, this bag wouldn’t even measure up to 13 inches, how could you say it fits a 14-inch laptop. That customer must have had a smaller laptop”. And yes, I asked her for a ruler and demonstrated it in front of her.

Thankfully I knew what I was aiming for and got a nice one in brown as opposed to a classic black.

Ramah Tamah

More than 30 years ago, ramah tamah or open houses during festive seasons were uncommon. They were around but mostly organised by public figures or workplaces. For the rest of us, it is mostly just coming up to the house that we’re planning to go and pay a visit. Rarely there was a formality of giving a call first, announcing the arrival and whatnot. Simply because cell phones were not invented yet and to own landlines is a luxury. Instead, it was a culture where, when a guest shows up at your door, you honour them accordingly and serve them food and drinks with anything you have.

Memuliakan tetamu

That’s the word. The great thing about this is that the visits are personalised. You get to give your full attention to those who make time to see you because they want to. Thus, the house is always at its best. Always polished and clean as you never know when someone is coming to say Hi. The not-so-fun part is that you’d end up receiving guests every single day during a festive occasion. In modern times, it can be a hassle because you’re tied up with other commitments – family and job. Hence, we see more people organizing ‘open Houses’ where they can entertain their friends and family in one session. Convenience trumps it all. You still love the idea of meeting everyone but you need your own peace of mind as well.

Datanglah ke rumah

A phrase that is understated nowadays. People are just not sure anymore if it is a sincere invitation or small talk. I do know I rarely say it to others because I don’t want it to happen. Ha ha. I will be ready to receive unexpected visitors once I clean my porch and fix the bathroom at the end of the aisle. Even then I still look forward to entertaining and hosting – not now, one day. Ironically I’ve got all the props, knicks and knacks to make it happen. It’s the energy that I don’t have.

Attending Ramah Tamah

It is almost compulsory that every organisation holds their own Ramah Tamah. My workplace has one too with a different concept every year. This year we are doing it outdoors and although I was not part of the committee, I was keen to contribute. I bought a huge banner that has a picture of a wooden house to be put up as a decoration. The same banner was recycled by my sister for her Ramah Tamah at school. I thought it looked amazing.