Love

What drives people to love? It's not something that we can control, yet the kind of faith that we put into loving is really amazing.

Perhaps it's the thought that it'll last forever. Love forever. Or so we thought the ideal is.

Just maybe, the notion that it ends. We stop loving. Hence we love harder, as much as we could, as long (short?) as we could.

Faith, and chance. Those are valuable.

TSDayOut: Kuala Langat

*blows dust*

it has been a while.

anyways, i submitted my name to join this program by tourism selangor. i was selected on my first try! whee~~~ well, i came to know about the activity from twitter, @adameben tweeted about it. this will be a minimal pictures post, since my camera broke down, so had to rely on my slowpoke cameraphone. :(

we were asked to gather by 8am in front of pizza hut bangsar, for registration and where we were supposed to ride a bus to kuala langat. everybody was still shy this early in the morning. even myself. ;P

our first stop was for breakfast. nasi lemak sotong in banting. apparently, i've never heard of it, being a fan of nasi lemak. i really love sotong, that when vanessa offered her portion of sambal sotong, i accepted it without hesitance. LOL!

the rice was surprisingly fluffy, thought it lacked the coconut milk. but well, maybe it was healthier. a plate of rice, a dollop of sambal, ikan bilis, slices of cucumber and egg, also a small bowl of sambal sotong. it was really good that i forgot to ask for another plate. HAHAHA.

there are 3 shops selling nasi lemak sambal sotong here. the one i ate at, a family business for the past 20+ years. the couple who operated it started the business after they got married. they served my teh o panas in a rather old-school clear cup and saucer instead of a mug. very retro.

next stop was a kerepek factory. maybe the engineer in me, i got excited to see all of the machines. who would've thought that something done manually in the past would be commercialized and operated with big machines.

The makciks peeling off the skin of the tapioca. They usually spend about 8 hours to finish about 3 tonnes of fresh tapioca. Yes, 3 tonnes, peeled, by hand. I was wondering why they don't purchase a machine for peeling them, but then again manual work ensures the tapioca already gone through first stage of quality control. The makciks would ensure only the good tapioca gets to the next step, while the bad ones are being rid of. There's also the issue of each tapioca being different sizes, so perhaps, it's faster doing the peeling the manual way.

3 tonnes of tapioca, at least a portion of that attributes to the peeled skin right? They recycle the skin too, dry them off in the sun and use them as fertilizers for their 140 acre (gasps!) tapioca plantation. tapioca on tapioca, tapiocaception!

then the peeled tapioca will be washed and sliced, using this machine below:

it looks like the coconut grating machine, where you put tapioca at the top, and thin-sliced strips come out. the slices are soaked in water in order to remove the starch from them. the slightly murky water is the result of the starch. this is done to avoid residue in the frying oil.

this is the fryer. it can accommodate 5-6kg of sliced tapioca in each fry. it's really huge. it would take about 5 minutes to get them golden brown and crispy.

voila! pretty neat eh?

the staff will then sort the kerepek, looking for burnt ones, tossing them to rid the excessive oil.

don't these look familiar? instead of mixing cements, these are used to mix the sambal mixture with the kerepek to make those kerepek sira. it was really fun to watch, but maybe i'm just fascinated with machines. hahaha.

that was not a vain attempt at a selfie. was just amused that they had to freeze the roll of kerepek bawang before slicing them. things you found out. :)

rows and rows of kerepek, taller than me. i asked the owner, how's the demand for hari raya sounds like? he said it's almost the same like daily production, about 3 tonnes and a half, and production also goes well into the night. he said for now, their kerepek is well-received domestically, for local consumption. in his words,

"kilang kita pun kecik je, pasarkan pun kawasan sekitar, takde pergi eksport lagi setakat ni." humble man. 

another fact i found shocking, though rather expected, when he explained about the purple sweet potatoes. they produced kerepek from two different types of purple sweet potatoes. one is of a higher grade, as it is sweeter and lighter coloured, while the other darker and less sweet. the darker one is easy to source, but with the current weather, it's harder to source for the sweeter one. "kita gali pokok, tapi dapat yang kecik, kadang-kadang takde. macam dah nak pupus."

the owner was rather patient with my sometimes nonsensical question. ;P

in the kerepek shop, i bought kerepek tempe. they produced them in round slices instead of odd rectangles. i forgot to ask the owner about it, but my theory is, they prepared the tempe (fermented soybeans) in long cylindrical forms, like those kerepek bawang, easier to put in the machine for slicing.

next destination was paya indah wetlands. along the way, i was looking at the parits. seriously the parits in banting was really pretty! species of waterlily filled all the parits! if you took a close-up picture of the waterlilies, you wouldn't have thought that they were in parits, prolly some pretty ponds somewhere, instead. my phone's camera didn't support anti-shake, so i ended up with mostly blurry pics of the parits as we were heading towards our next destination: paya indah wetlands.

don't these gigantic pylons remind you of aliens bots treading the green field? okay, maybe just me. LOL!

i was really excited for this trip due to paya indah wetlands itinerary. i've heard about it before but haven't had the time and chance to explore it, so this was really an exciting opportunity.

there are at least two species of ducks here. interestingly, these ducks are the first indicators of bird flu. they take the blow first and die. sad, but really noble. ducks in shining armour. ;)

apart from the ducks, bird watchers would have a splendid time as migratory birds stop here. the management was doing everything they could to divert the birds from going klia-bound since it will cause traffic issues and also hazard if they end up in the fan.

one of the many signs that caught my attention. a hippo's bite can kill! so much for a cute looking animal eh?

facts about crocodiles. didn't manage to snap their pictures, too bad. the management does population control on the crocodiles as the swamp area is rather small. there are 48 crocodiles over there. each time they lay between 40-60 eggs, the mother would take care of the eggs for 3 months. as they practice population control, the management would remove the eggs from the nest, to avoid them from hatching.

i just found out that the crocodiles are nocturnal animals. very informative! they are only fed during the weekends. quite a show too when it's feeding session. they're trained to come near the enclosure with a whistle.

compared to the crocodiles in the zoo, they're more vicious as they're in their natural habitat. larger area to roam.

so, these are the hippos! interestingly, the baby hippo was born in captivity. it was only 2-months-old. apparently, the adult hippos, 2 females and a male were gifts from the government of botswana. so, the management of paya indah is taking care of the nation's prezzie!

the mother's name is juwita, while the baby is yet to be named. didn't see the dad, probably kept apart to avoid him from killing the baby. fact: hippos are territorial, they mark the territory with their urines. hippos spend most of their time in the water. even while lactating!

the name hippopotamus came from greek's hippo - horse and potamus - river, so that literally translates to river horse. problem is, hippos are more genetically related to pigs, so i thought river pigs are more apt. HAHAHAHA!

juwita and its calf looked healthier and friendlier than any other hippos i've seen in the zoo. most probably coz they were kept in an area as close as their natural habitat.

the baby is really cute! don't let these cuteness fool you. they may not be as fast as the cheetah, but they could beat you at running! they can clock 30kmph over short distances. who says short legs and stocky couldn't run? run juwita, run!

interesting fact: hippos produce their own sunscreen.

don't the views of the room make you wanna go sleep? yes, paya indah wetlands also have very nice chalets. it's really a steal at RM120/night. to wake up to this view in the morning? priceless!

oh, i forgot to mention that we did the tour on bikes! the area wasn't that big for you to walk, but it's nicer with bikes. been a while since i was on one.

i even saw a peacock (yes, it was male since it was really pretty LOL!) walking near the office. yes, they let the birds roam free.

thank you tourism selangor for this wonderful opportunity on #tsdayout! i really had fun and gained so much new knowledge. :))

The mythical place

Initially, I don't look forward to go. I even intended to cancel, even though I have paid for everything.

My soul wasn't in it. But I dragged on. And yes, as much as the place is an eye opener, I would rather be home.

note to self;

Don't go, if your heart is not in it.

And prolly, I need to socialize more.

The most important thing I learnt, travel is best done when you have a clear mind. No expectations. And be happy, whatever the place is.

posted from Bloggeroid

Did you know?

Someone else made me smile today.

I was hoping it would be you.

But i guess you were too busy to even say hi.

Did you know that a simple hi from you would make my day?

I guess you don't know that.

Still on my decision.

Just wait and see.

posted from Bloggeroid

How i spent my new year's eve

I was sick since last Tuesday. By Thursday i was sneezing non stop.

And my body gave in on Friday. I was sweating profusely and my head felt like it was gonna split. By night i was already home alone.

The next day i was still nursing my fever and flu. I stayed in bed the whole day and decided to tether the network from my phone since the house network got no signal.

I streamed love actually and watched it to the end. I was downright sick and was poking fun at all the characters. Maybe i should watch it again.

I told my bestfriends that i was home alone and hungry. They arrived after an hour to pick me up.

We got to the shop just before the fireworks. I was busy stuffing myself with rice so i didn't watch the fireworks.

I was ecstatic that i spent my new year with my bestfriends. In lonely, sick and hungry times, they came to the rescue. Very happy i was and i don't get to be happy a lot these days.

So guys, thanks. I appreciate it. =)

I am still sick btw.

posted from Bloggeroid

What hurts the most

That i can never say goodbye.

That this heart knows you with each beat.

The courage to go on seems harder because there's you tying me back.

What is it that you want from me? There is no so-called friends with benefits. I didn't give you that privilege.

I am not sorry that i offer you all of me. I am in this for you to win me back.

It's all or nothing.

posted from Bloggeroid

Kecil hati

To tell the truth, i didn't remember you didn't wish me for my birthday this year on that day itself. I got wishes from my family and close friends, and i was happy with that.

Then you wished me a belated one. Two days later. You know what i felt? Surge of anger that came out of nowhere.

You never failed to wish me, every single year. And when you missed this year, sighs.

Yes, you had reasons that made me go, you know what, forget it. Maybe it is time to reassess my expectations.

This time, i don't deserve a timely birthday wish. And as much as it saddens me, it is the harsh reality i have to live with since you have other important priorities.

posted from Bloggeroid

Ini aku

Saat ku tulis ini, laju air mata mengalir. Sedaya upaya aku tahan.

Tapi mungkin perasaan meluap sudah tidak mampu ditanggung.

Menangislah. Biar teduh sendu perangkap jiwa.

Hati, usah peduli. Kelak terbakar diri sendiri.

Sayangkan kamu, rindu dendam penuh di jiwa. Kasih yang satu, tegar jangan kecewa.

posted from Bloggeroid

Death and loss

It is indeed a sad week.

Will update the chronological event soon.

Allahyarham my dad,
5th June 1954 - 5th December 2011

posted from Bloggeroid

joy and sorrow

it has been a long time since we last met.

i had fun.

i laughed like nobody's business.

and it kills me.

it kills me coz i have forgotten how it was.

i have forgotten how you are.

i have forgotten how easy it was for me to just fall. again.

i have forgotten how it feels.

i forgot.

but it is all coming back to me now like a huge tidal wave crashing over my body.

please. i beg.

posted from Bloggeroid

indescribable

at times like this, i wish i can paint or draw. coz words have to make sense. i can't write asdkjvdhct and expect people to understand. but i don't wanna be understood. i just want to let things out.

maybe i shall buy that big box of crayon i have been eyeing for a long time.

p/s: i love this camwhore pic of me. i didn't have a choice as i travel alone lest trust people with my valuables. coz i have those ray of light that just made my face sparkly. lol.

posted from Bloggeroid

lonely loner

i am just sad.

please.


la tahzan.

posted from Bloggeroid

segalanya mungkin

segala perasaan yang datang adalah hak milikNya. aku sungguh bersyukur dikurniakan perasaan yang membuatkan aku rasa hidup. marah, sedih, kecewa, sayang, cinta dan benci, semuanya datang dari Dia.

selama dibenarkan bernafas dan menjalankan amanah dan tanggungjawab, pertama kali dikurniakan rasa sebegini suci, yang begitu tulus. takdir telah tertulis, ia hanya untuk orang yang paling berhak setelah akad dilafazkan.

mungkin belum ketemu orang itu. mungkin yang paling molek belum hadir. mungkin sahaja pembimbing dan teman seluruh hidup masih belum bersedia. motivasi diri sendiri untuk terus memperbaiki diri. agar setanding dan mampu berganding bersama di kemudian hari.

lalu doaku hari ini untuk diriku dan untukmu,

moga kita diberikan peluang. moga kita berjumpa satu hari kelak dan diizinkan menghabiskan sisa usia kita bersama-sama. moga kamu memerlukan aku sepertimana aku perlu kamu. moga kamu dan aku saling melengkapi. moga kita diberkati selalu.

moga kamu gembira. aku juga gembira sekarang, kerana aku tahu aku pasti akan jumpa kamu nanti. pasti!

Let y0u g0.

Let. Go.

take a bow

i am writing this in a solemn mood. i haven't been able to put this out with words, but i finally do.

i might not be able to spin this out like a storyteller, and some things are better kept private, coz even though it hurts, it's still precious, coz it made me who i am today.

believe that every obstacle and the hardship are always to make us stronger. i have always believed in that. but the recent happenings made me believed in that even more.

i have always been a free-spirit, but practical. i flirt all the time, but it was always innocent, so people don't notice much. i don't waste time thinking about the nitty-gritty. i take the plunge, see if it's worth it and dive. if it's not, i get out as fast as i can. simple.

it worked all this while. when i thought about it again, i was downright cruel. yes, it worked for me, my side. i didn't give the other party a single thought, at all. i thought it was for the best. most of the time, i squeezed free, unscathed.

so, this time around, i put my guards down, get hurt in that process, and start all over again. i can be like an angel when i am nice, but i can hurt you like the devil if i am being cold and mean. so much that i wanted no heart feelings, but the logic here is, i go my own way. you want to come along, fine. but i won't take you or treat you nice. being nice period is over and your sorry doesn't mean anything, anymore.

wow, i sound so angry. well, that's after a time of enlightenment after so long being in a state of confusion. any kind of ship baffled me. i just don't get it. or maybe i haven't taken the time to have fun with it.

so, i'm taking a bow. i am not sorry your decisions made me go through all of this, i learned so much and become stronger than i thought. you are just one pathetic idiot who is not worth my time.

rasa em0

dah lebih dari 2 kali tersedar pepagi buta camni dan rasa tak best. yang buat lagi kelakar, sebab yang sama.




moga dibukakan hati, diberi petunjuk dan dijauhkan dari perasaan was was. hanya padaMu aku berserah dan meminta pertolongan.

wheel of activities

i just got back from another kerja gila. i think this was the craziest of them all since it involves 7 hour bus rides. kerja turun naik bas je. T__T

it is going to be a very busy july. just like last year. my weekends are fully booked. till i wonder when can i have a little bit of time with myself.

as of now, i am feeling emo. i am hating something so much, that all i can do about it is sulk. trying my best to forget about it, but having a very hard time. aih.

i think it is time for me to change environment. new opportunities, maybe. we'll see how things go, then.

i am physically drained and mentally tired. so, that's the pretty much the things i am able to write. kthxbai!

tranquille

spending time with loved ones is always a balm for the heart. nothing can beat that.

on another note, my planner is getting more messed up than ever, which means that i have to be booked 6 months ahead! i am that busy.

so, if you're getting married in 6 months, it is already a good time to invite me. for next year, i'm already booked for february, august (if my good friend finally found her other half and that her wali will be back during this month, else i'll still have to keep this month free or she'd kill me for not attending her wedding, haha!), and october (my friend already threatened me with a lot of things if i missed the wedding, so i booked the whole month for it. hehe. )

yep, i still need to get rid of a lot of things. so, currently finding the right places for them. i need to start back on my postcard project.

i will write more soon. toodles~~

perempuan yang baik untuk lelaki yang baik

aku rajin plak surfing skang ni, cari good read. ntah camne aku leh jumpa mende ni, tubelawak, banyak video lawak sebenarnya. pastu jumpa huraian pasal ni. aku rase interesting.

so, kesimpulannya kalo ko keje pegi clubbing, mestila ko akan end up dengan orang yang pegi clubbing gak. unless tetiba ko insaf dan pegi masjid untuk solat terserempak dengan imam muda yang ensem yang sudi nak jadikan ko bini.

memang jodoh itu di tangan Tuhan, tapi kalo ko end up dengan orang yang jahat, dah jadi tanggungjawab ko untuk tarik dia ke arah kebaikan. segala apa yang kita buat ada akibat, so tepuk dada tanya iman.

ok, dah start merepek, gi bace ye. =)

klik sini

something to ponder upon

while i was browsing around to kill time read something, i came upon this thoughtful read from one of the blogs that i follow.

it gave a new perspective to marriage, like a fresh breath after colgate, haha.

dedicated to all of my single friends, we rock!

so, please click on the link and read it, especially the girl who made me stay up late, watched call-girls and overdosing on java chips at pavillion. :P