.. To The Beach?

Shot using Canon 700D, edited using Adobe Photoshop CS6.

I guess random plans make the best plans?

Saturday night, I texted Syaz telling her I felt like going to the beach - I needed a break, from my so-called boring daily routine. Thus, as usual.. she just went with the flow, lol. The next day, packed some food, picked Suraya and her up and off we went to the beach. Besides being disturbed by three men who gave us a bag of chips (The note that came with said that our beach tent was missing something - which was them, lol I hurled), we just sat and watched people enjoy the waves while eating food. Dipped our toes in the sea water and enjoyed mending our shawls as it was being swept gently by the sea breeze. Though the weather was hot, the breeze and smell of sea was pretty cooling. 

& I finally cured my years of yam wafer ice-cream craving. What a better way to end the week. 

22 Things About The Boy Who Turned 22

Last Sunday was Amir's birthday. He turned twenty two.  So since he turned twenty two, I'm going to list twenty two things about Amir, seen through my eyes.

1. I've known this boy ever since we were thirteen, and we became close when we were sixteen. If anyone were to asked whether the both of us would expect ending up together at that age - both of us would immediately answer, "no".
2. When I was in Form One, a classmate of mine told me about this "handsome" boy who was in 1 Inovative. So one day, since we were both bored, we walked around our school block. We passed by 1 Inovative and she was pointing to the so-called "handsome" boy. It was Amir - and at that time, I was disappointed.
3. It was because at that time he wasn't my type ok (!!) I never found Amir attractive. In fact, I never fell in love with his face - like most kids in school. I only found him to be handsome once I started dating him. Honest here. Some of my friends used to catch glances at him in school and I'd always be wondering.. why.
4. Amir makes the lamest jokes, and he says "cey" after each of his joke expecting people to laugh. However, you can know whether or not your joke is really funny/mediocre based on his laugh. If he laughs in a high pitched tone which suddenly ends with him trying to catch his breath while covering his mouth (usually with a fist), then ma man, your joke was one heck of a funny joke. 
5. He's really good in playing football and futsal. He'll tell you he isn't. But he really is good at it.
6. Bring a cockroach near him, and its equivalent to a near death experience. Once, Pau, Amir and I were walking to a restaurant when a cockroach appeared out of nowhere. The both of them started screaming and pushing me to the middle of the road - I could have died. Don't get me started with flying cockroaches.
7. Amir's favourite radio station is Sinar FM. When you ride his car, it's the only radio station he allows you to listen. Touch the control and he'd change it back to Sinar FM. Regardless of advertisements and long chatty DJ's. 
8. He used to run in high school too. However, during his last Sport's Day, I don't know what the hell happened to him (either he almost fainted or he sprained his ankle), he had to be carried out of the track using a stretcher. 
9. And the fact that he is family oriented. He always, always puts his family first. I think this is trait I like most about him. Yup.
10. He is one of the most humble people I know. He always reminds me to be wise when it comes to spending habits and to only buy when necessary. 
11. Which brings to fact number eight: he is a cheapskate, which is the direct opposite of what I am. He only spends lavishly once a year. And he'll use that item, for one whole year - or until it can't be used, lol. 
12. He is annoyed with my Pinoy obsession. For eg: a few minutes ago, I threw a tantrum at him because he said my favourite pinoy wasn't pretty enough for his liking.
13. But he always knows how to make me laugh. Because after I ended the Facetime call, he repeatedly called me until I picked up. Everytime I did, he kept repeating "Kilig ako" (Kilig is a term used when you feel lovey dovey - yes, in tagalog).
14. One time, I was hungry and Amir sneaked out his parent's car just to bring me out to eat. He got scolded for that - but I was happy, because damn that Nasi Goreng USA was good. 
15. Speaking of food, who needs McDelivery when you have Amir. Regardless of the time, 10PM to 2AM, whenever he's out and I am hungry, he would usually make the effort to send me food. Which is love... food is love.
16. Amir's favourite sushi is Inari. He also likes Salmon Sashimi. He started discovering the beauty of Japanese cuisine when we became best-friends. Now, I'm slowly influencing the little ones in his family to love Japanese cuisine too - Keisya, is adapting well with my new ideology, lol.
17. He likes to complain about my driving. But it's okay, because I like it when he drives. So I don't have to hear him nag. 
18. He likes to steal my pink Pilot mechanical pencils in school and claim it to be his. I stopped buying pink ones after he stole two of mine. 
19. When we were in Form Four, he sat behind me during exams. We were placed by the window which was the best place since teachers never really cared about those who sat at the front by the window. He'd kick my chair for answers and we'd have signal codes for objective questions. For subjective, I'd write answers on an eraser and pass it to him - patut la SPM tak berkat langsung, hahaha.
20. He's good at snooker/pool too (!!) However, I'd always scold him whenever I'm busy blabbing to him on Skype and I'd see the reflection of his laptop screen showing YouTube videos of people playing the sport. I used to not understand the hype, until one night in Bristol, Amir brought Ajim, Syaz and I to a sport's bar to play. I kinda understand why the game is addictive now, huu.
21. He knows how to read and speak Korean. But let's not delve into that topic shall we. My head might be chopped off tomorrow if we did. 
22. Honestly, fact number twenty two: He is honestly the best person to ever come into my life. The many lessons we've gone through together; good or bad, I'm always certain that at the end of the day, he'll be there. And it's the most comfortable feeling, ever. 

One negative factor about being in a long distance relationship is being unable to spend special occasions physically together - and honestly, being seeing him, face to face, is the thing I miss most. Last year, I managed to collaborate with his family and friends to send him a huge care package. I asked a friend of mine in the UK to help surprise him with it, but to do that again this year would be costly and he strongly rejected the idea. So I guess I'll just wait for him to come back.. before we celebrate.. or do anything.. cause honestly, so many birthdays spent together, my brain is slowing down of ideas on what to do, leuls.

Always, always, anticipating the days till he comes back and some nights, missing his annoying face can be worse than others. Hopefully, this is the last year we celebrate any special occasion miles apart. Lots and lots of love. Happy birthday, bie ♡. 

Talks Over Bowls of Ramen and Plates of Sushi

Hellu. So I had dinner with Filzah and Faa today! I haven't seen Faa in two years (yes.. time has no chill) where as Filzah, boleh dikatakan selalu jugak lah jumpa. Lols. We had sushi, because I love sushi and I have been craving for Sushi Zanmai for soooo long. So my tummy is very, very happy right now. Anyway, whenever I see Filzah, besides having the normal light conversations, there will always be conversations which make me realize, reflect and learn from them. Soo, I decided to share them here, you know just as a reference for myself and for anyone reading.

1. It's normal to feel stagnant.
I expressed to them about how I felt like I wasn't progressing or going anywhere where as the people around me were achieving things. I felt lost and in a way stuck, pondering what about me? What will I achieve? Will I catch up? Filzah said, that it's normal to feel that way. In fact, she says that feeling stagnant will be something that I may face numerous times when growing up. Something like levels, just for you to buck up, gather back all your confidence and strength to face the world again.

2. Sincerity in actions.
We talked about Filzah's friend, someone who is currently fighting for the betterment of our nation and our country. His sincerity in doing so, despite having to put his future and reputation on the line made me question, "what have I done for Malaysia?". Honestly, I was always the girl who wanted to leave my own country as I have never saw myself being put to one place. But tonight's conversation made me feel like I should be part of the change. Filzah's friend doesn't earn anything for doing so and I applaud him for his pledge to save the nation. I adore his bravery and I am pretty sure, 95% of us, "golongan belia" are behind him and his fight. Hearing his story made me motivated to put 100% in whatever I do, or plan to do. It inspired me to hopefully one day, have as much influence to make a positive impact and change the world, one day (InshaAllah).

Syaz came over around midnight to just chill at my driveway. Again, I discussed with her some of the topics which I had gone through during dinner with the girls. It was nice to hear her input on some of the topics since we were basically on the same page about everything. Although, I was disappointed I did not get my Burger Ramly as promised (!!!) it was nice to see her even for awhile.

Like I've said on Snapchat, I'm blessed and grateful for the company I surround myself with. It's nice to be around people who speak their mind, and are open towards criticism and other people's opinions. I appreciate having friends those who make to see me and those who spare a few minutes of their day to make small conversations with me; asking how I am, or what I have been up to. Friends who genuinely care, to be honest, are the best type of friends and I couldn't be any happier with the ones I have now.