Forever.

After a long thought,

#FForever

Brunei is family

Postponed entry: August 2018

We celebrated our raya haji this year (read: last year) in Brunei! My sister is going to UK this September. Thus, we desperately need one last vacation while everyone is here. We listed one long list -which Brunei is not included, but then the cheapest ticket was to Brunei at the moment....... so there we go!

We actually have family in Brunei. My aunt (My father's little sister) lives there. I can't recall when was the last time she comes back to Malaysia for raya, so this time we are bringing raya to them (My mother brings all good food from Malaysia. Know what, she even brought lemang & kerutuk daging. amazing. I want to be my mother one day. She brings happiness to everyone).

Raya morning with Malaysia families in Brunei

Surprise! Another aunt joins the trip too. My another aunt with her two daughters arrive in Brunei on the first day of raya. So, three out of eight in Brunei. Can we start the hashtag #teamrayaBrunei now?

When the girls team up. Full house!

****

To be continued, later.

I deserve better.

Last year, I had a major heartbreak. The man I planned to marry - has gone. It was too private to talk. We both ended it regardless of who ultimately pulled the trigger. After all, none of it matters. I am all good now.

My parents are the most affected by this event. They were frustrated. Plus, they were worried about me too -They might think I 'll end up not married for the whole life. I had nothing to say to my parents. During that time, what I did was trying to analyze all the past mistakes among us. I accepted one job offer in KL (The best thing I could do at the moment. I believed). 

I moved on.

Eventually, I came up with realizations that helped me to make up with myself. Both of us liked each other honestly -But like alone is not enough. If I were married to him last year, I won't come out from Kelantan. I won't be staying with my sisters (This is one of our childhood dreams). I won't be living my dreams now.

Gradually, things got better. I started to understand what my friends and family had been saying all along: "You deserve better"...

Update:

I won't be meeting my man today.

Retirement is expensive.

I am a financial advisor, specialized in providing financial planning, investment management, and life management services for people across Malaysia ----- I am very sure that I've told everyone, but I never write anything regarding this here. 

Does anyone tell you this?

Retirement is EXPENSIVE.

Example: My monthly commitment is RM3,000 / month (exclude debts). Assume after including the inflation rate, in 2034 I need two times higher to fulfil my commitment (RM6,000). And I also assume the life-span of people is 75 years.

Now, let's calculate :

75 - 55 = 20 years (w/o any income)

20 x 12 = 240 months (w/o any income)

240 x 6,000 = RM1,440,000 (total money that I suppose to have after my retirement. which. I can't imagine how can I have that one million. with my cashflow condition now. omg)

Nope. this is not meant to create fear. It is just something to ponder. Picture yourself as a retiree in the next 10 - 20 years? These are two things for you to consider:

1. Have you diversified your income & investing for growth?

It is always a good idea you know, to diversify your income. If you want to enjoy financial independence, this should be on the top of your list. Most important, you have to know and understand where to diversify your money? (Current account / Fixed deposit / Unit trust / etc). I heard about this once. An investment plan is like a job description. Once you know the job you need your money to do for you it becomes easier to make the right hire (select the most appropriate investments). In need of further explanation? Roger me.

2. Have you ever calculated your likely retirement income?

Yes? No. You should try this because it actually helps you to see how long your money will last. Just play around the retirement date, the rate of return & inflation and see how these things may affect your retirement income. Need help about this? Roger me.

If retirement is something you look forward to, start preparing for it today. If you’d like to find additional resources on managing your students loans, debts or your retirement savings, just roger me.

______________________________________________________________________________

It is never too late to get started

Source : google

Roger me.
017-9248099

Moving on.

*Postponed entry*

I am in Malacca now. Another week to go to finish the course before I get to know where I 'll be attached after this (I 'm rooting for Kelantan, of course. haha). It was a nice program, so far. I enjoy meeting all the people.. it feels like, back to college again :)

I have no friend in Malacca.. not until one of my friends married to a Malacca guy. Well, there you go! Now I have more than three Malacca friends. And at least one that I click on. hihi. Thanks to him, I get to eat a lot of good Malacca food :D 

If you are wondering where to eat in Malacca, here are some of my recommendations!

1) Pak Putra Tandoori & Nan

Source : google

Surprisingly, the naan cheese & tandoori chicken was as gooood as in Penang! However, do expect the service is a bit slow as there are a lot of people. Other than that, everything is so good. Nora bagi empat bintang!

2) Daily Fix Cafe

Source: google

This is my most favourite place, so far. Located in the jonker street, this cafe is hidden behind a souvenir shop (KK sdn bhd). Passing through the shop, as you enter the cafe..... it feels like you are entering into another world. Regarding the food... I swear their carbonara is the best in the world! (I am not a fan of dessert. hihi).

3) Satay Kg. Jawa

 Source: google

Source: google

We came here for breakfast! And, too bad didn't manage to try the satay (The satay is served after 12 p.m, we were there at 10. huhu). People say their satay is always a hit and everyone is willing to line up for it. I had mee rebus, it was ok la. haha. But, the location is crazily beautiful!! I love it.

4) Coconut Shake Batu Berendam

Source: google

Malacca is so hot! So, coconut shake ftw! 

Got to go now, I 'll update more later. Insya Allah

Unit trust

Postponed entry : January 2018

After one month, I'm still alive! Haha. I am so grateful that I still can pay for my car on my own, despite of not having any official job last month. My pudding business works so well. I have big dream about this business. I want to expand it to other states, but for now, alhamdulillah.

Unit trust industry - A rising industry

I've never dreamed about this.

I think long and hard about it, since I never thought I would end up in the sales job. Well, no one has ever explained about career opportunities in sales before this until...... I meet my lecturer (who is now one of my good friends). She invites me to join her team under Public Mutual. I read one article that keeps saying those who work in this industry are all people who can't make a living elsewhere. This is so not true. Most of us are educated enough to pursue a traditional career, but it 's just..... not our choice.

As for me, I want to try.

I am so attracted on how Kak Su & Abg Mie (The agency that I joined) trained their team. They did a really good job of training their employees from scratch that have no selling experience and whatsoever. All you need to prove is you want to learn!

In need of financial advice?

Whatsapp (+6)017-9248099

I 'm ready to help!

Stage of life

This post is written in January 2018 (I was stressed about my job, in the meantime, happy that I'll be moving to another stage of my life). But, who knows? We plan. Allah also plans. Things have been toppled down.

I think for a million times before deciding to post this entry, but one thing that I know is I can't run from the reality. As if I don't post this entry, parts of my life diary 'll be incomplete. huhu

______________________________________________________________________

I really want this to work out

That's my plan. earlier. 

After six months, I stuck -__- Working in the manufacturing industry is so tiring (physical & mental). I don't know, I might be exaggerating here, but I think I can't tolerate it already.

---------------------------

Good news.

A & I have started to plan for the next phase of life.

Before this, I've always been a bit of sceptical when it comes to marriage. huhu. I don't know, I am just curious. How can I possibly agree to spend my life with this one person?

But, as the time goes, I know he is the one. We have been friends for nearly 8 years and things have started to become serious since last three years (kot?). He is with me. All the time (even virtually).

Alhamdulillah. His family has come to my house and after all the dung dang dung dang about date & whatever, all have been decided. I believe my parents are the happiest now. Pray for me. Insya Allah.

OK

I need a new job. Desperately.

A teacher

(April 2017's post)

 I was on my way to deliver butterscotch puddings to my customers when I received the job offer. I had never dreamed that I 'd be ended as a school teacher since I was graduated from business school. Knowing that in today's world, experience comes first before certificate, I guess I should not be fussy. Just follow the flow, let's try with this one first.

Since I had no experience of classroom teaching, I was more than a little worried. But now, I began to really enjoy it. I still remember last two weeks when I walked into the first class, I just introduced myself, asked each one of them to do a brief introduction, and directly got down to business (just like robot. haha). So far, everything is ok. All I had to do was some preparations on the worksheets; so that I know what to teach in the class.

Now, we are in the middle of busy handling summer camp. Most of the participants are from Thailand and I 'm responsible to teach the junior transition class (JTC). So challenging. They don't know most of the English words (They only talk Thai. haha). Ah, well at least I know one word now.

When they start talking in Thai with each other, I 'll scream out loud..

MEKOCHAAI!
(I don't understand)

The mysterious NMO

New year.

Another hopeful year (My real post starts here).

Alhamdulillah. People have told me how well I 'm coping and how they couldn't have done the same in this situation. I wonder, did they understand my disease? I don't know. I don't see that way. I had my moments of breakdown too. I researched, and had my moments of thinking about the worst thing.

Last few months were horrible. 

I suppose to start my treatment in few hours when my world started to twist. Both of my eyes began to twitch out of sudden, and the vision became muzzy. That time, I felt like I had to put my face on the paper, just to sign a document. Even the biggest letter on the board, I can't seeee it T___T I started to panic!! My neurologist immediately sent me to the ophthalmologist to ensure my eyes were examined.

Since that moment, I was started at a very high doses of steroids. I got three days of steroids via the IV. After that, 10 tablets of steroids everyday. Ten ok! Ten! Recovery had been very slow. My body weight increased from 44.5 to nearly 57 kgs in a blink (the side effect of steroid). I was in that condition for nearly six months before things slowly getting back to normal (It was so tiring to answer all the questions and plus, to entertain the stupid jokes from everyone during that time).

I have started working since last three months. So far, so good. It has been one year since the first (the worst) attack. I am now can only hope and pray that the chemotherapy that I have to take twice a year do its job, so that my body remains neurologically stable.

Looking through the gallery, I started to complete the puzzle. Just to reminiscing back how does it all started, I finally had the courage to write and post my story.

Another long story after this. I 'll update later.

(My eyes hurt)

So now what?

I rejected the Public Bank offer. They even insist on giving me another offer for the next term (which means I have to postpone my study for one semester), which.... I can't tolerate with that one. I 'm not going to postpone my study now. There is only one semester left. NO.

I 've to set another plan on what should I do at the moment. Most important, the degree must be finished on time. I 'm doing my industrial training in TNB now. Basically, the place is nice. Full of kind-hearted people. In fact, I have started writing my thesis (Thank you to my sister).

Well, so far, I 'm still living my normal life. I wake up in the morning, go to the office, come home at 5, and the list goes... making me consider myself exceptionally healthy. Somehow, the lacking of movement that I felt past few weeks is gone. I can walk properly now.

Whatever it is, I am largely over it now.

Moving forward.

I am so grateful. There has been no moment in these past few weeks that I have felt alone. I am blown away with the support system that I have. My mother is the one who is diligently accompanying me at the hospital. My father who is willing to stay behind after his office hours, coming to the hospital just to make prayer for me. My sisters who are willing to take turn waiting for me. & not to forget, my friends and A that never forget to ask me how I was feeling every day. I feel supported.

Knowing that this entry is very personal, but I as I 'm writing this, I feel the big burden on my shoulder is lifted off. I am hoping that writing and sharing my experience here will help me to go through the process. 

Setting aside the dreams

**Postponed Entry**

Doc: Have you received my email?

Me: The case summary? Yes.
.
Doc: Please come to the hospital. I 'll explain.

Me: ....


I am sick. That 's what the doctor said. There is something in my head, which they too still unsure what 's it. What I remember distinctly, was when the doctor examined me last two weeks, he said it was just an ambiguous case. But now.. he starts explaining how I need to see a specialist from neuro-medical dept. (He confirmed that it was not tumor) and he would put the referral in.

Neuromyelitis optica. Out of all the explanations given by the doctor, the thing that  I only understand is it is something rare. Almost similar to multiple sclerosis. The ratio is 1/2 : 100 000 population in Malaysia. I felt the blood rushed to my head now. My adrenaline pumped so hard, and the fear starts to creep in.

I don't cry. In fact, I can't cry. There are no tears that want to come out of my eyes. The only thing that in my thoughts now is only regarding my place of internship. I am supposed to do my internship in the Public Bank Training Centre. I 've confirmed with them. But, with this sickness, there's no wayy that my parents would allow me to go.

Do I have to set aside my dreams now?

T_____T

My dramatic father.

***Postponed Entry***

Back to campus, finally. As expected, I screwed up my Global Marketing test yesterday. It was so frustrating T___T Regarding my health condition, I 'm still pretty weak. ...it feels like... I can't work hard as before. Two weeks to go before my final examination starts.... and I am soooo worryy now.

Despite of my weak condition, I managed to celebrate my father's birthday last week. It has been planned earlier, so no excuse for not doing it. Plus, my father has a very high sentimental value. Not celebrating his birthday means you have to deal with him, sulking for daysssss. haha.

I have always been excited to throw party to others, but I think I am still not qualified to be an event planner (Not creative enough, maybe). The thing that I enjoyed the most during a party is regarding the props. Ah, don't be surprised if I start a business on selling party props one day! hehe, since it is quite hard to get all the party props in Kelantan. There is only one place that I know, selling party props here, and they are quite expensive! See, I even have my own treasure box (More to recycle box). haha.

 

We ended our party with a dinner together. This maybe the last party for this year (even though Alah's birthday is two months from now. haha) Towards more surprise party next year! Hehe. 

See, my father's status on facebook today. *cries a bucket* #Teamabah

Heart purification

Out of the reasons, I feel empty. It is just like, there is something lacking. And, the weirdest is I haven't shed any tears out since three months ago (?). Not a few drops of salty water from my eyes. I am afraid. Is my heart sealed? You know, a person with a sick heart will never react to the needs of other people. He does not care if his brothers and sisters are afflicted by hardship. The thing that he really care is only about himself. Ah...... Thinking about it, really gives me goosebumps.......

Remembering on what my father always said in his tazkirah, “The heart will be subjected to trial after trial, and there will appear a black stain on any heart that is affected, which will spread until the heart is completely black and sealed, as it were, so that it will not recognize any good deed or denounce any evil, except whatever suits its own desires.” (Reported by Muslim).

Oh forget to mention, I am at home now. Since I am on medication, a lot of changes had to be done on my original plans ie my practical placement and whatever (I 'll update this one in the separate entry. Later). Well, being at home at the moment, so no excuse not to follow the parents rules. Mom used to force me to accompany her to the mosque and I went when I could (when I feel like I want to go. hihi). Plus, looking back at everything that had happened, I think I have to find ways to overcome it.

 And it happened that the particular topic at the class that I had attended was regarding our attitudes during the pain and suffering happened. After thoroughly addressing the introduction of the dimension of the Kitab Penawar Bagi Hati, which he explained that Tasawwuf is the path to self-purification (membersih segala anggota zahir). But, although it focuses on the inner feelings, the other parts of the body also have to be responsible too.

Seven parts of the body that are clashed their upright and evilness:

1. Eyes

2. Nose

3. Mouth

4. Ears

5. Pubic area (Faraj)

6. Stomach

7. Hands & legs

Interesting question that being asked by the ustaz, why does we always go back to Allah when it is already late ? When there is something happened, we will seek for physical excuse, this is because of this, because of that. Yet, we actually know everything that happened is from Allah. Why we are so late to see Allah in everything........ The ustaz even said, to show He is more powerful than you, Allah sends some weird event to test you (The translation of Al-Kahfi: Story of ashabul kahfi), to see how we cope with it. To see if we will turn towards the straight path or away from it.

I was slapped by the teacher's words. Mann, this is me. When I was diagnosed with the rare disease, I am influenced by the people around me, a lot of things crossed in my mind. Because of continuous fever, stress, & even over-striving for excellence (People see me as the perfectionist. Working hard all the way. hua). I never think of Allah at first place. Ya Allah so horrible of me to think that way. It was then that I started truly understanding the ways of Allah, how everything that happens has a purpose (It doesn't matter I know or not what the reason is)..... and that I am supposed to learn from that.......

Gift-Swipe

Alert: Postponed entry, as well (This entry was written last March)

 Yeay, fifth semester has just started! Which means, this is the final semester in Kedah. & That's it, I 'm done with here after this (Can't wait!). This semester will end in mid-June, and I am going to start my practical in July. After all, I 'll be finishing my degree studies in this December. Ah. Finally. After all the rains and storms, there comes the sun.. My result last semester was pretty good. It was crazily unexpected. My gpa increases! I am in a very high spirit now. But, of course, I still need prayers from everyone (Please include my name in your prayers). 

 Whatever it is, I really want to enjoy this semester. No pressure. 

 Ok. The main entry starts now. (Beware: Quite cheesy you know). This is my first time writing things like this. But I can't help this time! Haha. A's birthday was in January, meanwhile mine in February. As usual, we just wished each other through sms/whatsapp, talked about some little things, and off. Bye. No celebration. No gift-giving. haha. Oh, never use the free phone calls too. hihi. So lame! 

 This year, since his birthday fell in the semester break, we decided to see each other. And, I was just thinking it 'll be quite weird seeing him without bringing something. But, I really don't know what to buy. haha. So, the easiest, I bought him chocolates, add on with a little prank. I cut words in pieces and asked him to solve it. 12 words. haha (I forgot where did I save the photo. I 'll upload later ok). Regarding the puzzles? He is so straight. Obviously, he failed to solve it (even though he actually solved it). huahua. 

 We met three times during these two months of semester break. One for the celebration of the semester break, one for his birthday, and of course another one is for mine & farewell (more to farewell, actually. Since we rarely celebrating our birthdays). huhu. I am not expecting anything, but he prepared something for me too this time. And, it was so funnnyyyy! 

 As I am hoping for something like this:

Reality: He did it like gift-swipes. Urgh this guy, I gave him chocolates, he replied me the same. With add-ons: A planner, Manchester United jersey (tak muat!), a potrait drawing (wuu). And puzzles too. Panjang pulak tu! -___-

If only anyone can solve this, please ?

 I gave up already. Until today, both of us can't never solve the puzzles. He can't solve mine (Theoretically, he replied. haha). Because my words were actually REPLY LA BALIK (12 words. haha!!).

 Tak apa lah kan, it is the thought that counts. Xx

Weak.

***Postponed Entry***

I am at the weakest point now. It has been my fifth day at home, but I do nothing so far. Works are still untouched, books are still in the bag. Argh. So frustrating. & Now, I 'm just trying to find some strength by writing something down here. I was just discharged from ward yesterday and of course would not want to be warded again in the nearest time. But. I don't know how long I can stay.... :(

It was just lucky I managed to reach home safely. Kedah-Penang-KL-Kelate. Phew! I had interview for my internship last Thursday. Thus, I tried hard to hold myself from being flaccid and it was really my rezqi that day as they called me straight away telling me that I 'm accepted for the internship place (They promised me they would call me within 2 weeks). wuhuuu! It was worth to pull my luggage to the office, being interviewed by them for almost 40 minutes...... (surprisingly, I speak no Malay all the way!), and walked alone by myself seeking for the train and what so ever.

At first, I thought I was infected with dengue. The chill feeling and headache were so terrible, but it was impossible as there were no red dots all over my body. I just knew there was something wrong with my body when I woke up during Tuesday morning with one of my worst hangovers ever. Too bad, I had final assessment that evening and my lecturer just didn't want to believe in my excuse. hua!!

I managed to hold myself at home for two days before I asked for my mother to bring me personally to the hospital. I can't stand it anymore. My symptoms included pounding headaches that lasted all day, cold chills in 90 degree weather, can't eat anything as I would like to vomit and severe muscle pain all over my body. I was in a total mess! I even felt that I was hallucinate. Scary.

Hyponatremia. That was what doctor told me. In easier words, disorder of sodium balance. My body lacked of salt. What I understand now is hyponatraemia almost always reflects an excess of water relative to sodium, commonly by dilution of total body sodium secondary to increases in total body water (water overload). In our body, it should be much less 155-160 mg/l of sodium. Meanwhile, as I went to the hospital last two days, there were only 117 mg/l of it in my body, which causing me to have headache, lethargy, and restlessness. The worst was I ate nothing. Everything made me nausea.

Yesterday, my horrible fever was gone.The headaches were gone. I felt better. In fact I felt so good I decided to accept visitors. I even managed to call the internship offices and settled some of my works, which making a concrete reason for doctor to discharge me. 10 bottles of sodium water had been injected in, but why my body starts to ache back today............ I don't want to be warded anymore...... I haven't read anything until now.. If things are continuously like this, I am going to screw my global marketing test this Wednesday T___T Pray for me guys!!

Homes to hotels

This is my mother's apartment. A gift from my father. Rather than let this place dust (Nobody lives here), we decided to start a guest house. In the name of our grandparents, from both sides (mother & father), the name of ChekMek is chosen. Besides, the name has Kelantanese value too. hehe. This apartment is situated strategically in front of the famous open-air night market Wakaf Che Yeh, and just only 10 minutes from the Kota Bharu city. Therefore, this place is very suitable for those travelers or even the businessmen that are looking for a reasonable place to stay.

So, there is no anxious feelings anymore after this! You guys can come and stay here as you come to Kelantan. This studio-suite apartment is at the 8th floor (Uh don't worry guys, there is lift that will bring you there. hehe). It is accommodated with two big single beds & bar counter also.

For any inquiries, you can directly contact this number: 

(+6)0179248099 (Strictly whatsapp only)

So far, since its opening last month, the celebrations are quite good. But, no worries, there is still empty slots for this month. They are on promotion now! Book faster to get the good deals! 

Can everyone does me a favour? Please like & support Chekmek Homestay instagram page :)

Back into the game (?)

Alert: Another postponed entry (More postponed entry is coming up!)

After promising myself that I 'll never join anything here, I decided to join events, again. And, what is more surprising than that is, the event is sport events. Haha. My campus organized Inter-faculty Bachelor Sports Assembly last week, and there were some teams that have no enough athletes. Well, as a supportive member, I wrote my name in the volleyball team (The only sport that I am confident with. huhu).

Lesson learned: Sports is the best thing to unite people

In line with the tagline: Play & Unite, the event organizer achieved its main objective with flying colors. Bravo! You know, I never know people from another batch & really have no interest to know others here. But, this event really made us together. There was a problem occur at first, and since I was the only final year student that played for the volleyball team, .....of couuurse, I have to settle it. We have to accept that everyone on the team almost never all agree or like each other, but when push comes, we know that we have each other. It is normal guuuys, we have just only get to know for two days, and then, boom! Play!

It was very unexpected that we managed to go to final. It was more disappointing when we lost to BAFIN at the third set during the final, but to be as one of the medal contributors to our course, the feeling was awesome! Ah, finally I have something to show to everyone apart from my academic record. hehe.

......Wait, MUBIN WHY YOU SLEPT ?!!

Welcome-home celebration

Alert: This is a postpone-entry

 I have just come home (for nearly a week)! *phew* Last semester was crazy. For the first time, I stayed awake for studying all night! I don't recommend you doing this (Even though A did this, yes. All the time), but when pressure comes, sometimes.. you just have to do it. hehe. International investment turned me into an efficient all-nighter. Out of sudden, I don't afraid to stay all night in the house (Everyone went home a week earlier, there were only Sya & I left). Started at 9 p.m. and finished revising all the calculations part (with the help of Master-jie via whatsapp) around 6 a.m., crashed the bed at 6.30 a.m. after doing the Subuh prayer..... & woke up at 2 p.m. haha. All-nighter is really not my style. I couldn't even go to the library that day. So tiring. Whatever it is, let's hoping for the good marks now.

Since parents were not at home, siblings & I had our time together this weekend. It is soooo hard to find time that everyone is freeeee nooow! Today is the only time that we have, since Ayu is not following us to Kuantan next week. Everyone is growing up :( 

Instant skill.

Instant skill needed: Video editing skill

Oh God, how did I get here. I am so terrible with computer and video T___T When my entrepreneur lecturer assigned us to do an individual video project, I have started to worry. I have no skill in doing this, and I have always run from this job. To tell you the truth, I have never do the video editing part. I paid my friends during the diploma years to do the assignment (Of course, the concept and idea were all originally from me), and the video projects last semester were all done by another friend (He has the skill. I have the idea. So we are in the win-win position, isn't it?). Hehe. Well, I manage to run, so far. Seems not this time.

My last option ? Of course, Amirah the genius. I know, I should not suppose to disturb her, she is having her SPM now. But, I am totally desperate. The submission date is within 3 days, & I don't know who can I ask for help. I did make deal with one friend before this, but his laptop, unfortunately broke down. Huaaaaaa!! Why now!! After all, Amirah agrees to help (she has no right to decline, actually) with one condition: She will only monitor my work. I have to do it on my own. huhu. We started the recording part since three days ago. We recorded all the scenes using Imovie and edit it there before transferred the video  to the laptop to  be edited with power director (The hardest part).

Sneak peek of my entrepreneur video. Wuhuu, after nearly 2 days, it is almost done! Amirah has started to feel bored, she needs to stop her study to just only teach me; click here, click there. Drag this here & there. haha (Please understand me, I am soooo slow at IT thingy!!) My video is not that boom. But, I am quite satisfied because it is my first video-editing ever! I am really hoping there will be no other video assignments after this. It tortures me very much T______T

...

Sisters for life! Thank you!!

Nasi kerabu gathering party

Postponed entry.

This is my second time fasting far away from the family (The first one was in Puncak Alam, during my foundation years). Just like others (Read: students), the culture of eating outside are something my friends and I have already getting used to. But, this time is quite different. As my housemates are all finished their examinations a week earlier than me: which means only Sya & I are left in this house, we decided to invite our close friends over for iftar. 

We never expect that we manage to host a nasi-kerabu gathering party (As requested by Fami & Chombee). Everything is cooked on our own, following the recipes & numerous phone calls with the master-chef at home. haha. & to be honest, we are quite nervous (We eat nasi kerabu, but we have never done it before). You know, with the long list of the ingredients....... T__T Everyone knows that one of the key ingredients of Nasi Kerabu is the fish, but both Sya & I are all not specialized in recognizing the fishes. So, we just went to the market......but, too bad we really have no idea which one to buy as everything looooks so familiar to us! 

De-bone the fishes to make the fried coconut. Phew! This work is really no joke, man. We spend one whole night to boil & de-bone the fishes (We personally asked the pakcik kedai at the market & he recommended ikan kembung for us). Sya does the frying part of the grated coconut (1 skinned coconut that has been grated is more than enough. We buy 3! Haha). This part involves frying the grated coconut without oil until it turns into slightly brown color. Don't forget to add in some seasonings and adjust it accordingly.

Perhaps, we can say that kerabu of the nasi kerabu is the Malay version of salads. It is the mixture of various types of vegetables and spices. We use long beans, cucumbers, torch ginger bud (bunga kantan), and bean sprouts as the kerabu. Without all these spices, the recipe of nasi kerabu will never complete. With the basic nasi kerabu, we served it with the turmeric fried fish (I use Gogi instant flour), fried chicken, fish crackers, and salted eggs as the side dishes. Not many people know that nasi kerabu comes in a few colors other than blue. Since our classmates are mostly from the north part of Malaysia (Kedah & Penang), they are all very surprised to see the rice in yellow (We put in some turmeric to make it yellow).

As nasi kerabu requires a very tedious preparation, we are very lucky to receive help from our classmates. Some of them even come earlier to our house in order to help in preparing the food and setting up the place. You know what did I learn from hosting this party ? Get help. People love to help. In my experience, this is so true. We get other friends involved in the preparation of the food (we ask Zarep to bring tupperware from his house, get help from Huda & Nisa in frying the fish crackers & turmeric fried fish, and even ask for help from other classmates in doing some simple things). The point is: no one is expecting you to be perfect. Everyone just wants to have a good time together!

As for the overall, I guess everyone is very happy that day! We even teach almost everyone on how to really eat nasi kerabu. "Put some rice, pile on some desired amount of the fried coconut, some sauce, and the salads. You can choose any side dishes that you like to eat with, and don't forget to mix it well with the rice". REPEAT. haha. Till then, back to study-mode, guys. Another paper to go T__T