.. 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.

For You, Samlyn Patch

Yesterday was a sad day. My twelve year old cat, Sam, passed away. We never considered Sam as a pet. In fact, Sam was treated as a little brother in the family. He used to be fat, and lazy. He loved to play hide and seek. Perhaps since my legs are like twigs, he'd chase me all around the house. I loved to annoy Sam. Sometimes, I think he hates me because all I ever do is disturb him.

But Sam was always there, for all of us. Especially when I was sad. I would just curl up next to Sam, and he'd lay next to me as if he understood how I was feeling. All my friends knew Sam because he had been in my life for so long. When people came over, they'd always ask where Sam was. When he was around, they'd laugh at him for being fat, pet him, and even say good bye.

I guess, every living thing has its limit.

We noticed Sam's body slowly deteriorate when he lost so much weight. A sight I would never want to remember would be Sam, skinny to a point we could see his ribcage. My dad told me to let him out one day, just so he could escape being confined indoors and my neighbour's never ending renovation noise. Around evening, I went out to check on him and he was gone. He only came back that night, patiently waiting at the driveway for my mum to open the gate. My dad said he thinks Sam miraculously took up all his energy to climb up our tall backyard gate because he may have wanted to see the outdoors for the last time - I think so too.

The next morning, Sam was in his worst condition. He didn't make a fuss when we lifted him in the cage to bring him to the vet, nor did he react negatively when the vet checked his bladder and gums. We prepared for the worst since the it was all up to whether Sam had the will to fight, or not. We were certain that if it was too painful for him, we'd let him go. But with little hope, we decided to put him on IV drips for a day to see if he could fight for one last time.

27th February 2016, at around 10AM, the doctor called my sister. She said that Sam's body was reacting well with the drips and meds. His state was deteriorating, and she told us that the best option would be to end his pain and put him to sleep. We scheduled the procedure to be done around 3 PM.

2.15 PM, my sister, Thoriq and I, were on our way to the vet. That was when we got a phone call that Sam had passed away naturally, due to kidney failure and apparently a tumour. I guess he didn't want us to see him in pain. I guess that was why he never showed any signs of sickness. We took his body home, closing his eyes, and buried Sam beneath his favourite bench in our backyard.

Sam, I miss you. I always thought you'd at least see me in my graduation robe. Remember how I'd usually complain to you how I hated having to drive in the morning? Or if I was struggling with my assignments, you'd bug me, beside my laptop, sleeping - just to rub it in that you're a cat, and you don't really have responsibilities.

But you know what I miss most of all?

Waking up in the morning, going downstairs and saying good morning to you. I'd kiss you, and sometimes I'd pick you up and dance with you just to annoy you. How I'd kiss your pink tummy because to me, no matter how old you were, I'd always consider you as a baby. And whenever it was time to feed you, all I would have to do is call your name and you'd come running like there's no tomorrow. Every night, I'd wish you goodnight - and how, sometimes when I come home late or go down for a midnight snack, you'd be there on top of Ayah's chest watching TV.

Thank you Sam. I love you. Rest well up there, I'll see you again one day. ♡

20 Random Facts About Me

1. In high school, most of my friends called me Cha. Some people still call me that nickname, however most of them have reverted to just calling me Aisyah - and I cringe whenever someone who doesn't know me calls me by my nickname.
2. I majored in Public Relations and Marketing and my convocation is in May. A lot of people ask me how I can finish early compared to my other peers. I joined my foundation program using my trial results which meant by the time my SPM results came out, I was already almost done with my first semester of foundation. 
3. I have a sister who is five years older than me. We're exact opposites. She's currently doing her PhD in Bioengineering. She has a First Degree and Masters Degree in Biomedical Sciences.
4. I'm a mixture of Negeri Sembilan and Singapore. My mum's a Singaporean while my dad's hometown is in Bahau. However, I was born in Kuala Lumpur. 
5. I grew up in New York. My dad worked as correspondent journalist for a few years, so the whole family moved there. We came back after 9/11. While we stayed there, my best-friends weren't native New Yorkers. One was from Slovakia (whom I still keep in contact till today), one was a Columbian and one was from Senegal.
6. My favourite food would be gulai daging salai and gulai telur itik -- and telur dadar. I'm a sucker for Malaysian food, I need to have my rice fix at least once a day.
7. My favourite colour is grey. This includes all shades of grey - although, disclaimer: I have never, ever, read 50 Shades of Grey (lol). I watched the movie halfway though, and it just bored me.
8. After I finished my SPM, I was clueless as to what I wanted to study/become in life. Some of my choices include to become an aerospace engineer and to become a lawyer. My arwah Wan (grandmother) said I'd make a great lawyer because I always had an answer to everything - even when it didn't make sense, hahah.
9. My favourite subjects in school were English (no shit Sherlock), Sejarah and Physics. I was not a pure science student, I was an LK student. I ditched Biology and took Engineering Drawing instead - best decision ever.
10. My least favourite subject in school was Chemistry and Maths (yes, this includes both Mod Maths and Add Maths). See why my sister and I are opposites? 
11. I can easily cut people off my life. For eg: usually when I know someone has been talking behind my back or accusing me of things I don't do, I'd just disconnect with them and act as if they've never existed in my life. If you're close to me - you'd know how good I am with this.
12. I dislike people who are bitter. I find that every experience which happens to you good/bad serves as a lesson for you to become a better person. If it has caused you trauma/paranoia/anything else related, never blame another person. I always blame myself for allowing bad things to happen to me even when it wasn't caused by me.
13. My guilty pleasure is watching Keeping Up With The Kardashians. I don't care what people say about them, I find them entertaining. Plus have you guys seen how organised Khloe is?!
14. My favourite snack is kerepek pedas. I once chased a Mak Cik Kerepek with my car because I wanted to buy them. She laughed of course, but I made her day because she said it's not often that people were willing to chase her just for the sake of kerepek pedas, hhehe. 
15. I have trust issues. It used to be easy for me to open up to people but as the years have passed, I became more reserved and tend to hold things in.
16. Speaking of holding things in, its a habit which I dislike about myself. I can explode anytime and feel empty towards things easily because I keep a lot of things bottled up inside my heart/head.
17. Oh, I got accepted to my dream university a few weeks back. It's the same university which my dad went to study journalism. Though I'll be studying a different course. Someone once told me there's no point in having a Masters Degree but no work experience and that I'll end up on the streets despite my qualifications. I don't really care, I don't want to work yet and I feel like studying. You should always respect and motivate a person's dream and not condemn them just because you think differently.
18. I enjoy late night drives while listening to my playlist called "Chill & Termenung" on Spotify. I like having alone time every night while listening to music and just reminisce the day and have my thoughts ponder around. Its therapeutic. 
19. I fell in love with my high school best-friend. There's nothing much to explain about that although let me clear it off - he made the first move, even I was weirded off about it in the beginning lol.
20. I love to prove people wrong. My most favourite person to prove wrong would be.. myself. I'm used to disappointment that I challenge myself to overcome low expectations. It's a sort of motivation, and let me just say, I've happily surprised myself this past year.