a mum's diary

The drive to Penang was I would say a rather LONG and TIRING one (yes even passengers feel the exhaustion) but one that opens one’s eyes to nature and its surroundings. There was no shortcut to Penang unless you take the plane that is. It was a neverending drive. After conquering tunnels and steep corners and turns, we finally saw the bridge. The beautiful bridge that seperates Penang from mainland Malaysia.

Main aim to Penang? To get to the legendary most talked about Hard Rock Hotel, fill our tummies and relax! No shopping too this leg of the trip. Well not too much shopping. Why I say so? Because during the duration of our stay we did not even venture out into the city. Just thinking about the infamous traffic jam makes me sick. So our stay throughout was just atop Batu Feringgi which I’ve since dubbed as the O.C slash Miami of Malaysia because of the tall and beautiful apartments facing the sea. All modern and chic apartments mind you. Names too were super canggih. There was Miami Green,Mar Vista,Island Resort just to name a few.

So Hard Rock Hotel did not disappoint. The facade itself was breathtaking. Staff? Excellent service from the bellboy right up to the managers. There was never a time you do not see a smile on their faces. Ok so back to the facade. Truly modern and a fantastic view of the sea. Even have their own private beach.

We were whisked to the  Kings Club Lounge for our check in as we booked a club room for 2 nights.

Service was prompt and within minutes we were ushered to our rooms. Like any other Hard Rock Hotel, every room comes with its own balcony. Ours overlooked the pool and the beach. I did not know why I did not take any pictures of the room! Too excited I guess. The only picture that I took was this. A cosy part of the room. My favourite part of the room. A so called lepak place.

We hit the pool soon after. The kids and the grown up men frolick in the water while me and mum just took in the sights.

I love the deco on our floor. Very chic and classy. Feels like home.

And there is also a photo kind of booth where you can take wacky pictures of yourself like these people did. Yes all on the floor’s landing.

Nasi Kandar was what we had for dinner. A must or so I’ve heard if you come to Penang. Although it wasn’t the place that friends have recommended but it was good nevertheless. Fingers and hands still smell of curry the day after. That is a sign of a well made curry right?

We then went to the Feringgi Night Market. Reminds me of Petaling Street in KL? Loads of fake goods and touristy souveniors. I am widely surprised that it’s sold freely here. The house of Vuitton and Chanel will die of a heart attack if they ever come here. Haha.

Breakfast was at the Starz Diner. It was named exactly like the one in Bali. Food wise? Bali has a more extensive range. It was also bigger. Quite a disappointment actually. Was hoping for more traditional Malaysian fare.

After breakfast we dropped the younger kids off at the Kids club and the older ones at Taboo (teen club) and off we went hunting for the perfect spa place. Pampered myself with a manicure,pedicure and a foot reflexology. My second time in my life doing the foot reflex and it sure ain’t the last. Too shiok! 

More swimfest then after before dinner plus pool activities with the friendly Hard Rock Hotel staff. Spot ili dancing?

We had dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe on our last night courtesy of Mr Zahrin Ali our BFF. Food was heavenly and fantastic. Thank you so much Zahrin!

Pre dinner activity..Let’s colour!

And so this concludes the second leg of our holiday. Till we meet again Penang!

After 6 years, my one and only son finally graduated. Bittersweet memories but for him those memories will be forever etched in his heart. I am so proud of him for doing well in his PSLE. Now’s the next phase starting. Teenage hormones! Well done Aedil. You made me and daddy very proud.

Proud mummies!

Yes yes it has been awhile. Mojo’s not very good these days. So what I have been up to? Apart from preparing for THE WEDDING OF THE YEAR aka the sister’s wedding, trying to cope with the stress of my son’s impending PSLE results and possibly trying to keep the house as sane as possible.

October was a trying month for us. Me and the husband that is. The dad-in-law’s condition became delicate and the hospital was where we spent most of our time. But Alhamdullilah now hes back home and recuperating amongst his loved ones. Cancer is not a thing to be trifled with. It can be good at one point and it can make your life miserable the next. It spreads like wildfire and when it really hits you, you can’t just shut it off. And family plays a huge part. We’re all rallying around trying our best to keep him as comfortable as possible right now. We’re all praying for you abah..please don’t give up.

In October too, our precious Ivi underwent an operation to remove a demoid cyst from behind her left ear. The worrying just doesn’t end. Thankfully enough the histology report came out negative.

A very relieved and bubbly Ivi after the anaesthesia wore off.

So I guess that’s about it. Some major events that happened by far. Right now I’m just waiting for the wedding to commence in 2 weeks! I’m just so stressed out thinking about it. It’s as if I’m the one who is getting married! Well you can’t blame me. I am the wedding planner. Hah!

Forgotten uploaded pictures to be updated and its wayyy past raya. I have been busy yes I have what with the father in law in hospital, the son racing against time for his PSLE, the endless housework (which I dare not and shall not complain), the many many tasks to do pre sister’s wedding and plus the occasional ‘M’ syndrome.

The last few visitings were mostly to friends homes. It kind of wrapped up the whole raya thingy as in thats the end and now you have to lose all the fats gained as most of these houses were all about eating! And it’s REALLY good food which you cannot attempt to even say no to.

First up was to Rozza and Jai’s new palace. Lovely place they had. Love the smell and feeling of a brand new house.

Thanks for welcoming us to your new abode guys!

Rendang Ayam, satay goreng, lontong and Shepard’s Pie await us at Norfa and Bai’s on our next raya visiting. Had multiple servings of Norfa’s awesome pie. Too delicious especially when it’s piping hot!

Few nights later it was Sharinna and Shahid’s place. This time it was home-made pizza done by chef Shahid and baked pasta. Totally delicious! Love love love the home-made pizza.

Oh and in between we had some guests over our place too!

We’re priveledged too to get invited to 2 housewarming cum raya open houses. The first was at my cousin’s place in Punggol. Thank you Rina and Faisal for the invite. Lovely home you have there and I love your desserts!

The second housewarming cum raya open house was at Sabrina and abang Kassim’s abode. Lovely spread of food. The usual kecohrable people. Camwhoring all the way. Thank you Sab for the delicious and the abundance of yummy food!

And last but not least an invite from my favourite chum mummy Annie! Thank you for inviting us to your first ever rumah terbuka ya!

Overall it was indeed a great Eid. We the husband and I are indeed fortunate to have such wonderful friends and family rallying around us. Here’s praying that we’ll get to see Eid next year insya-ALLAH