Nolobuh: 29 - 30 Dec 2018

Bismillah...

This was our closing trip for 2018 which was actually postponed too many times before due to several reasons. EVJ went there before and he was ecstatic when he got back and said that this is a must do. And after this trip, I definitely second that (^^)/

The starting point is Kg, Teritidon, Kota Belud. We started really early that morning. We were suppose to depart at 4 am but I mistakenly put my alarm clock on silent and only woke up at 3.30 am. All my isi isi steamboat were thawed but I needed to fry them first to make them last for the night. So there I was, with eyes half opened, grabbing the frying pan, turning on the stove, pouring the oil and then deep frying all the items. My dad was already up at that hour, waiting to go for congregational morning prayer at the masjid. I noticed him watching me in a curious look hahaha maybe he thought I was sleep walking or something hahaha

We stopped for morning prayer in Tuaran, arrived at the starting point at around 7am. I think we were on gravel road for about 45 minutes before arriving at the village. There, we registered, did some warm ups, given some briefing about the trail, the activities and safety and off we went!

NK was asking me before the trip whether the trail is strenuous. I confidently said "NO" because EVJ described it as "OK JAK". Truthfully, it was quite a challenge since we have loads on our backs and I  even had cramps (Cis bikin malu~). The first part of this trail was a long climb which I didn't expect. However, it's the clear path type, with no annoying stems and barks on top of you that you have to duck, or any fallen trees that you have to cross. So it was just the inclination that was a challenge. 

We arrived at the base camp at noon. We had with us some packed lunch, but EVJ went to cook some Maggi Laksa as well since he brought like 10 packets. I was surprised to see the facilities are actually convenient for a shed like this.

The water source was nearby, there was a proper toilet, they have a place for bonfire and the guides even have a vegetable garden next to the shed! They have pumpkins, chillis, ladies fingers, lemon grass etc. I enjoyed guessing just by looking at the leaves because most of them are not ready for harvest yet, not a single bud. I'm pretty good at it because I'm actually from a family that loves to garden.I don't like to get my hands dirty, though lol

The water source. I was a bit curious how the source was like and during our hike to the 'peak', we got the chance to see it. I don't have the picture of the 'technology' though but I was awed by the simplicity.

We slept on plastic sacks. No complains, I slept like a baby. I wasn't careful enough with the leeches! They came biting me at night because I didn't spray the repellent!

My favourite would be when we went caving that evening. I wished the activity was longer lol. We wade inside the water, enjoyed ourselves at this small waterfall inside the cave and there was a section where there were birds nests.

Personally, I think the activities were simple (ceyh padahal cramp kan hahaha)

But it might be challenging to those who are not water confident, who are uncomfortable with being  in dark, small spaces and those with weak upper body strength since there were a bit rock climbing involved.

The next morning we went for a short hike to the peak that overlook the majestic Mount K.

I've been keeping this post for too long in the draft, so I keep it short and sweet hahaha

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Short Stories...

Bismillah....

I was waiting for my luggage at the conveyor belt when my phone rang that morning. The phone screen showed an unsaved number. I don't usually answer calls from unfamiliar numbers. But since I thought it was too early for scam or credit card calls, I decided to answer it anyway just in case it was something important.

At the end of the line, I heard a lady's voice that I didn't immediately recognize. It was either because  her voice was abnormally raspy at that hour or I was still blurry from the long flight. The call was actually from one of my best friend, RM, calling me to confirm about our best friend's dad demise the night before. "I have no idea. I just arrived. I'm going to ask around and get back to you." And the news was indeed true.

What happened to JF made me thought a lot about my relationship with my parents. How I've grown so much and at times forgot that they are getting older too. Have I made them happy and proud? Have I played my role as a daughter well? Have I fulfilled their needs and wants? I don't know the answers... Or perhaps Allah purposely have made the answers to those questions immeasurable so we will never stop doing the best we can until the time is up.

******

A best friend in Uni once told me, "When things go wrong, always reflect on the initial Niat. And from there decide whether it's worth choosing the easiest exit or keep going.."

It seems like the path for my career advancement was made easy since the day I decided what I want to do in a long run in this profession. The right courses were unexpectedly offered to me. I was introduced to the right people: inspiring ones, those with good connections etc. I was without any doubt made to believe that I will not be faced with any obstacle that will deter my dream. I was terribly wrong.

What I was facing was something that affect how I feel inside rather than a stumbling block that can be solved and removed. I was demotivated to an extend that I feel like I need to just walk away and try something else. But, Alhamdulillah, I got to my senses and thought that this is just one of the first challenge on this path and if I cant withstand this one, how can I thrive until I get to where I intended to be?


*******

It was a temperate December evening, and she was already late. As she pace hurriedly towards where her friends were waiting, she felt like a pair of eyes were tailing her every steps from afar. She stopped, turned to look if it was someone she knew. There he was sitting alone on the bench with his fingers interlocking, still clad in his office wear. He was someone she knew by name but not in person. Their eyes met. She forced a smile. When it was not returned, she turned in embarrassment and start walking towards where she was originally headed. "Weird guy!" she mumbled under her breath. Little did she knew that night that he was going to be her kryptonite.

She already seen it too many times, still it felt the same. There was never fast heartbeat, just a sudden rush of happiness and calmness every time she sees him smile. A mystery, she thought. That evening, as she gazed at the horizon before her where the icy mountains met the blue sky, her thoughts drifted to him. "Where ever he is right now, O Allah, may he always be well in Your Protection and be prosperous in what he does..."

Kryptonite...

"So tell me, what is it about him that makes him such an exception?" her best friend provoked.
"I can't come up with a single reason, actually. Is that weird?"

She had the right reason to be mad that night. But when she had the chance to, she asked "So tell me, how was it..?" instead

To her, it is love that blooms out of nowhere and without a clear reason. To her, he is not obliged to reciprocate. She knows very well, at this point of her life she wants a man who wants a future together, who sees her as a mother to his children and nothing less. Perhaps this love is another gift that she has to cherish. Everything that is meant for her, will finally be hers and if this is not it, it will fade.. Eventually..

As she walks away.. she still wonder.. How can she love so selflessly...
What a mystery~

******

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Kaka GG Favourite Products

Bismillah...

I think MR will find this post cute hahahaha she has been receiving free products for review so I'm kind of inspired to make one post on my current favourite products too. I've always been one of the most beauty conscious among my friends since school years. It's just not obvious because I played it cool (I think..) Unless you spend at least one night in the same room with me, you will never know kahkahkahkah OK here goes...

1. Nella Honey Snail Ultra Moisture Cream (100 g)

THIS IS MY HOLY GRAIL!!!! I was searching for a good night cream after I finished using my Innisfree Green Tea Sleeping Pack and I didn't know which one to choose. I prefer a product that is cheap because I usually don't find buying a more expensive one is of any additional value. Snail based products are generally well known for their excellent moisturizing effect and this one was cheap, the size was relatively huge than others in the market and the reviews were promising.

It cost me RM 39 in Althea. I'm very satisfied with the result. It kept my skin moisturized until the next morning I woke up. And even though it is quite thick and slimy at first, but once you apply it evenly on your skin, you barely feel anything because it is so well absorbed. The thing is it doesn't come with a spatula and of course I have my own. But I'm not very comfortable with opening the container too frequently while there is still a lot of it inside, so I transferred a small amount into a 30g container and will only top it up once it is finished. To minimize contamination, kunun hehehe

2. Misha Perfect Cover BB Cream

Yes, I wear make up in the morning and will look horrific after Zuhur prayer because I wont reapply it hahaha This is actually my second purchase; I bought the first one in Seoul last year. I wasn't looking for anything in particular at that time. I just need a BB cream to replace my old one which was a French product I got from SaSa. MR was the one who told me this one was one of the reviewers favourite so I gave it a try.

Depending on my mood, I usually will apply the make up base first before the BB cream. This way, it will be more even, doesn't caked in air conditioned room and lasting. The coverage is okay but not as good as the Naturactor. I manage to compare because my BFF uses that. I like the natural look it gives that's why I thought this is here to stay!

3. The Falsie Push Up Angel, Maybeline

I don't wear this every day, of course. It's waterproof. I only wear this during 'that time of the month' because if I don't it will just expire on my shelf. I don't have good mascara wearing skills so this one gets its plus point because it does not clump no matter how clumsy the user is hahaha. And it doesn't feel heavy and sticky on my lashes which most mascara do.

4. It's Skin Face Serum

My all-time favourite serum. It's really cheap. It used to cost only RM 25 (30 ml) but I guess due to the high demand now it is RM 30 to RM 35, depending on the type. I tried quite a number and I loved them all! Currently the one on my shelf is the GF type for moisturizing and brightening effect. And I use the VE type at night which is for antioxidant anti aging effect. Takut betul la bha kan aging hahaha

5. Mise-En-Scene Perfect Hair Serum

I don't know how others who wear hijab take care of their hair, but I'm the pretty obsessed type even when my hair is actually covered most of the time. One time, I went to this hair saloon that had a Muslimah area and the price they offered was cheap. A few people recommended so I was influenced. But, that end up with the worst haircut I ever got.. EVER.. It was such a sore sight that I went to a proper hair stylist the next day to get it fixed immediately even when that meant I had to pay 3x the amount I paid for that WORST HAIRCUT EVER..

The first thing I do when I wake up is.. Fix my hair~ That's what I answered in one the IG story template thingy..

So back to the product, it claimed to have 7 kinds of oil; Argan, Camelia, Marula, Olive, Jojoba, Coconut and Apricot Oil. So what it does is it smoothens and strengthens the hair. I find it really does as what was claimed. and I think the best part would be it doesn't leave your hair greasy.

6. CP 1 Raspberry Hair Vinegar

This one is one of the most best selling item and is always out of stock whenever I want to purchase one. I finally get to purchase it in October! 

The key ingredients of this product; Raspberry vinegar extract, peppermint leaf extract and olive oil. It is used exactly like a conditioner. Apply after shampooing, massage to get it evenly spread (not sure if that's a correct term) and leave it for a few minutes before washing it off. It strengthen the hair, makes it more elastic and lustrous and yasssss it works the magic for me!


I think I posted before, I've been pretty adherent with my regime so that's the reason why I can see the results hahaha so kalau tidak istiqomah, nda jugak tu ada effect :p


"Biar 30s and single.. Yang penting Gorgeous~" Haziah Salleh, Dec 2018

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