Amazing feat these 2 days.

That is, to have total silence and freedom by 9pm.

So quiet that it's freaking me out, need to turn the TV on even if I don't watch it.

The hub went on a business trip, I am trying to set a new routine for the kids and working hard to look into their revision as well. Hence, our routine... we have lunch together and get them to gobble up quick instead of talk, yak, talk, argue when they should be munching their food. Homework time followed suit and when they are fast enough, there would be some "incentives" like chocolates.. yumyum!

After having chocolates, they acted like they were high on dope and went on active mode again, so I gotta tie them down to the chair and make them do some more work. Didi has 2 chapters in BM to finished up before 2 weeks is up for his final exam. And what I mean by 2 chapters, I only mean reading it together with him, identifying the words he don't understand, explain what the whole phrase means and that's it! I also make him write down those words and its English word and would tell him to read the words every once in 2 days. I know I should work harder than just that, but what the heck with it.

Cook dinner by 4 or 5 and dinner's served at 6! Still so bright and early. But they finished up the meal anyway by 7. Half an hour later, I shoo-ed them to brush teeth and get dressed in jammies, and that process usually takes 30-40 mins, depends. Don't know why, they get overly active again at this time usually. Sometimes I think could it be, that they didn't have the chance to be a kid the whole day? It's pathetic to see them busy at school for half a day and then the other half just doing homework and more revision work. But I tell myself, it's just for these few weeks and after that, they would be playing pretty wild again.

But bedtime can't wait. They really ought to be in bed by 8.30 the latest and usually konked out before 9, they are SO TIRED! Even when korkor comes home after co-curriculum and rushing the few hours with his homework, I just tell him to go to bed even if he has not done any revision yet for the day. We shall use the weekends for him to catch up on that.

School going kids, real hectic life.

But I say, having 9pm onwards as me time is not so bad.

Let's look at some pictures for now.

The hotel we stayed in Phuket is called Phuket Marriott Beach Club. It's an exchange program from Interval International from our membership points to a local Sarawak hotel chain.

It's our first exchange, and we had chose this hotel not because we wanted to visit Phuket but that was the only available before it expires in Dec this year. That's the thing about doing things last minute.

I have to dig the records how much this exchange in total costs, as it encompasses our fees for club membership, annual maintenance, II membership and exchange. Overall, we both gather that as long as we do not let the entitlement expires, it does offer quite a good value for money.

Well, at least this resort didn't let us down. Our first exchange made us decide to continue with II. The not so good part is its location. It's really too far off from everything! For folks who likes to sunbathe all day, eat in the hotel lavishly and do nothing else other than that, the location certainly doesn't matter at all.



Two super single beds in the other room. Meimei happily watching her cartoon channel without having to fight with her dad or brothers anymore.

But as there were only 2 beds, so they fought as to who shall have the whole bed. I had to be the referee and ordered them to take turns. Even on the last night, they had to argue for it.

A very nice towel folded elephant standing on the glass round dining table in the middle.

Our very comfortable king sized bed. Oooh.. how I missed the soft fluffy pillows. It's them which always make me jump into the bed and sink the head in, just like a little child again.

Both of us are not very greedy people. If our next home has this kind of bathroom, there would be nothing else I would ask for.

The foyer outside our 1 week "home".

The view from the front desks.

An over-dressed sunbathe-r. See the iced water? Sooo simple pleasure. The staff would come and serve you these iced water or fruits when you chup a beach chair.

The little stream which runs from the beach to the hotel. *scratch head*

Open air massage parlour.

Posing yang amat hiao. Untuk kalian pembaca yang setia. Go vomit now!

For the record, they had endless fun time just being teased by the waves. So, if you (korkor, didi or meimei) are reading this, remember we took you there and you had loads and loads and loads of fun, ok? Be good to your parents. Always.











I have more, I'm gonna post bits by bits after selection process, editing and resizing. When I am bored.

A taste of her own medicine.

And we were on the way back from school, in the car. I asked meimei about school, she answered the standard answer "fine".

"So what was it all about this morning when I see all the children going to the hall?"

"We played some games, then the stayback children did the drama"

"Oh, you were in a drama?"

"NO laaa.. only the stayback children, I said !!!" *in an irritated tone*

"Okkiee.. so what was the drama all about, anyway?"

"I don't know laa, you always ask, ask, ask... I give up already" *more irritated*

Stifling giggles, I probed further what games she played.

She then proceeded to tell me it was a ball-passing game. Then whoever pass the ball the fastest wins!

So I played stupid and asked "oh oh! So I stand next to you and pass the ball to you and then I win?"

"TSK!! (what la you?!) Noooo.. Like this, I stand here and my friend stand here (thumb and index finger apart) and I pass to her, stand very far one.."

"OH. ok. So did you win?"

"No la. The 5yos win."

"WHAT?? You guys 6yos lost to 5yos?"

"*major* TSK!! NO LA. ONE TIME ONLY WUDDD... "*highly irritated*

I must say, I like the irritated looks on her face. Really fun to kacau her like that.

How to address leh?

About this friend in my previous post (scroll down...) whom we got to know whilst in Brunei, there's this question of how-we-call-each-other that hangs over my head at the time.

This couple, are in their 50s or maybe late 40s? They have 3 teenagers, all very well mannered, pretty and handsome looking. The dad's, let's call him Danny, knew my hubs first through work contact, and is a businessman. Then our families met and naturally, I was introduced to him and I call him Danny, no problem.

Then, his wife, she doesn't have a westernized name, like Mary or Jenny, just a chinese name, like myself. And as we weren't introduced properly, we just smiled and said "hi" with a wave of the hand for the first few encounters.

Funny how we always do that when we meet without properly acknowledging each other. I do not know how to speak Chinese fluently and they were all conversing in Mandarin. Also, at those times, my 3 kids were very young then so I was always busy taking care of them and wasn't part of the conversations mostly.

When it came to a point, we just can't have a "hello smile" and really NEED to address each other, we were totally unprepared. I found out later her name is Hong *something* and she fumbling called me "auntie". A WHAT???

I was totally stunned! Eh, hello? I thought I'm way younger than you?

Like this. When we were about 20ish, little kids 10 or more years younger than us call us adoringly as "che-che". I like. And the name still remained as it is till now, and till when I'm old, I suppose. So when I'm in mid-30s and these teenagers I just knew, it would be weird for them to call me "che-che", so Danny told his kids to greet us "uncle and auntie".

Welllllll....

Reluctantly, but still ooooookkayyy, I think. But I still think a 20yo lady calling me by "auntie" is rather weird la. They probably feel it's rude to call me by my name as well. Che-che yau not right, auntie yau not right, just by the name yau not right, how?

But mama calling me auntie too?? And shall I call her "big auntie"? *pout*

From that experience, I reminded myself that next time, when I meet any new person/people, I should get their name right and make the right greetings there and then! And after further thinking, I think it should be "Hong *something* che" and I shall encourage them to call me by my name! Never mind if they need to ask me several times what my name is! But not "auntie" when they are older than me!

Running like a headless chicken.

Have you been to any embassy in KL before? I'd been to US and Taiwan's eons ago. Today, I was at UK embassy along Jalan Ampang. Boy, I felt like I was in another country between the tall grilles which made the gap between the 2 guard posts. It was so heavily guarded and I was at my toes, being polite and smiley at all times, just in case they aren't happy with me and locked me up as a potential terrorist.

It was a favor for someone in Miri, to collect her passport with her student visa, before her ETD flight on Friday evening. So I had to start the mad rush to collect the authorization letter from her, firstly, from my hubs' office then to the embassy. The embassy, just like the US, doesn't have a visitor carpark, so for peanuts visitors like me today, have to find a way to park the car and go up to the visitor guard post myself on foot, by hook or by crook.

Fortunately, the road opposite has a small little road which I see cars at the side. However, I just geared up to the pavement outside another embassy just right opposite the UK's. I had to brave myself to cross the very busy Jalan Ampang though.

The procedure didn't take very long, I wasn't even allowed to go in, I was made to wait between the 2 guard posts there after handed in my IC and the letter only. After waiting for, like, 3 mins, the envelope was in my hands finally. Took a deep breath again to cross the super busy road. I had to halved it down and cross a side one at a time, waiting on the divider. Jeezzz... I felt so "naked" standing there. It certainly feels like I would be molested, abducted, robbed or knocked down any minute. Oh, I didn't carry a bag, knowing how "safe" our country is right now.

I guess I had been too comfortable in my own cocoon, not exposing to all these open air traffic like this for a long time. I wonder if it's a good thing or bad thing.

Drove back to my familiar mall to look for a courier company to send this package immediately. And I was told it takes 2 working days. *wide eyes*

I wasn't very satisfied so I looked for Pos Ekspres and same answer. Then I walked up to the information counter to ask if they have any other courier companies and the helpful girl told me the 2 that I had already been to. When probed further, apparently there is this new one across the busy road on a new block with DHL and Citylink. I sighed and pushed myself to walk the extra mile for them.

It was still the same answer and do you know? Courier charges for that package I found out -

Nationwide- RM16+
PosEkspres - taktau
Citylink - RM13.50
DHL - bugger RM40+!!!

I asked why DHL costs that much, the person told me they used Benzies to send the packages. OH OK!

When it was done, I can finally breathe! It's a favor, sort of like a returned one, since the girl's parents were nice to us when we were living in Brunei. Though not very close, but we had maintained contact so far. Hubs and the pups definitely more in close contact than me.

I was very reluctant to spend the afternoon running like a mad chicken for them like this initially, as I really prefer to stay at home, cozy and safe (I'm not really that a good person, admittedly).

But since my mom was here and I was free, I couldn't have the heart to turn them down too. And after the package was sent out, well at least I comforted myself that I've done a good deed anyway. Heart feels so much better when the papa sms-ed me to thank me very much for this help. okkiiee.. now let's see what I'm going to ask for when he grants me a wish *rub hands and licking lips*

It's the mid autumn festival today so we ought to be joyous. Never mind the hiccups I got in the morning and the mad rush in the afternoon part and never mind the fact I still do not know what this festival really means. Yeah, I admit, so? Happy playing candles and lanterns and eating mooncakes, you all!

Before and after final ekzams.

Finally, the dust should be about to settle down now, I hope. It had been quite a laid back time for us since... I really can't remember. I ought to keep reminding the kids to buckle up for their coming final test in maybe 3 or 4 weeks' time, but I feel so awful lazy myself to do anything for them, or with them.

Last night, I lectured korkor about responsibilities again and gave him a KPI to meet this time. I said I am gonna cane him twice on his buttocks (without pants on) if his BM marks is below 75 and English is below 85. The rest of the subjects, I think he's gonna do fine.

Sometimes I would be so fickle minded if I should be guiding him more on the BM subject or letting him to swim on his own. It's pathetic to see him struggling in it at times. But I feel he really ought to take more initiatives to read BM karangan or books. I think I'm gonna ask for help to polish up his languages subjects soon.

Meanwhile, didi had been falling back on his past habit of not doing his homework again. After all the fun, he forgotten about that part. On Sunday night, I checked his books and found FIVE books with the big red Question Mark. So I made him complete them before he's allowed for bedtime. And some canes on his palm. And punishment no games for him till next weekend. Hope that's enough to make him sit up for good in school.

Part of the encouragement to get them to study is enticing with our year end holiday plans. I am still considering what it will be or where to be during meimei's birthday. As hubs' sis' family are coming back for good soon, it could be nice to have it in down south for a change. (YOOHOO~~~ Jen Mei, are you there? We miss you so much, and your cosy home there)

JM's place has an absolute fantastic bbq area where I think it would be so perfect to hold a little party, for us friends and for meimei's. Problem is, she's asking for a party for herself this time and she wanted to have KIDS HER AGE to be invited. It could pose a problem if I have it it Spore as I would be thinking hard how to collect children her age for a party there. I was thinking the party was more of like my own??

Anyway, I suppose we still could have one party to celebrate, well, we'll think of something out.

Mun Yee yesterday introduced me to this show "Walking with Dinosaurs". She just bought 22 tix to watch it in Expo HK. I so wanna join her too in HK. But that would be more difficult to fulfill.

Later, I learned it's also coming, nearest to us, to Singapore and the dates look good, 1 - 4 Dec. I told hubs about it later at night, and first thing he asked when I asked him "want to watch?", he said "fly to HK to watch ah?". When he knew it was nearby S'pore, I can hear the obvious relief in his immediate response "OK! Let's go!"

Well, shall see who else wanna join us. CK and family, my sil's my brother's, my friends', it could be a whole gang of us! I'm also excited about it after browsing through its website. Go and take a look!

A week for entertaining guests only

Since coming back home from our vacation, we had 3 groups of guests in just this week alone. The Monday was spent (half the time) with my mil and her entourage from Ipoh, having lunch at Sg Buloh. Fancy going all the way in the scorching heat to just have "pun choy". It's not so worth it, but do I have a choice?

Then came the public holiday to celebrate Malaysia Day, we took my hubs' colleague from Bangladesh, with his family, to Bird Park and Aquaria. It was very tiring but pleasant as they felt very grateful that we spent the time with them taking round. As we parted, they just kept on thanking us. I feel so overwhelmed.

And today, we got up early in the morning to send korkor to school for his day tour with his schoolmates and teachers, and off to LCCT to fetch some relatives from Melb who are here for a wedding dinner. After sending them to hotel for check-in, we went back to pick the other 2 and my mom and took them for a" buffet-like" atmosphere of hawker fare. There were SO MUCH FOOD on the table! It was crazy! Nevertheless, they really enjoyed the food so much. They kept saying it's so much better than going for fancy restaurants (I know they were being polite), but I guess it's something different that they won't be getting back in Oz.

Went to KLCC twin towers next and took some pictures, sat down at the food court for McD ice-kling to soothe the kids and talk talk talk... almost non-stop! (I mean, us!) It was really exhilirating but can tell they were tired so we took them back to hotel to have a rest. Meanwhile, I tried resting too, but it was so damn difficult to do.

And before that, I had a lovely evening meeting up with 2 mommy bloggers last night and time seems to be just too short, even though 3+ hours had whizzed by. I am glad I made that happen, and thanks to my mom for being here looking after my kids while I just curi-keluar for almost the whole day while the hubs was totally oblivious to my "date" until he was coming home from work. Fortunately all I heard from him was just a "WAHHH!! you go out even later than me when I entertain customers hoh?" and that was just it! *whew* Lucky! That means I can do it again. Yay!

Snorkelling at Khai Island

Back to our Phuket trip, the highlight of the trip (I think!)

We thought of making a trip to Pipi Island this time round, after taking the James Bond tour the last time. When we arrived on our first day, we were quoted RM350 for the 5 of us for that tour. We didn't commit to that, obviously hoping to find better deals from the stiff competition elsewhere.

On that day when we go Patong beach for a stroll and dinner, we came up to this tour operator in front of the public toilets whilst the kids went for a pee. In the end, negotiations and bargaining took place to seal the last deal of RM300 for us 5 for Khai Island instead, while having to tolerate the whiff of stinking urine smell coming out from the toilets every 2 mins. Urgh!!! That totally made me out of appetite for dinner, thinking about it now, sigh... stinking memories!

The girl told us why we wanna go pipi, when Khai offers so much more. Pipi is more for sightseeing (especially made popular by Leonardo diCaprio by the movie "The Bitch" The Beach. So we were diverted to this Khai Nai, Khai Nui, Khai Nuk islands, which gives better value for money where we can see more corals and fishes. That made me very excited and looking forward to it.



Reached the boat pier and hang around summore to wait for a few more tourists.

And off we went on a fast speedboat. Package includes this thrill and bumpy ride on the waters is already worthy, seeing the smiles on the kids' faces. They were so happy to ride on a "real" speedboat.

But rain started falling when we were near the islands, and due to the dangerously choppy water, we had to skip one island for the better snorkelling experience. It was supposed to be jumping off from the boat right into the sea and hearsay there were live corals and more colorful fishes there. Sigh! It was such a big disappointment. Of course, to the kids, they weren't aware of that.
So we went to this other island where we could still go snorkelling from the beach and fortunately the rain started to scale down, albeit it actually made no difference to us since we were going to get wet anyway. Meimei hang on to me most of the time while the boys followed papa around. Too bad there weren't anyone to take pictures of us in the sea, all I can say is, we all enjoyed ourselves. A lot. We went for an hour and I was getting tired while the rain was coming back. We went up on shore and snack on some biscuits while waiting for the boat to take us to the 3rd Khai.

When we arrived, many of them whisked us quickly to our table for our lunch, like so eager for us to finish the food and not hold them up any longer to serve other customers liddat. But they weren't any other wandering customers, the rest of them looked like they were so exhausted and waiting for something. I think they were waiting to go home. Meanwhile, it started to rain again and we just try to take our own sweet time. The food was average, I can't seem to have enough of the tomyum soup only.

After eating, there was still about 2 hours to kill and with the quite heavy rain, it was kinda sad.

We found a spot for the kids to play sand while I sat there, relaxing myself looking over them. Hubs went to hunt for girls in bikinis.

If it had not been raining, we would have been canoe-ing there, as included in the package tour. There went our plan of dumping the 3 of them in a canoe while we both lie down quietly on the beach chair. It had been never ending noise from them, I need a quiet moment!




After sometime, we couldn't be bothered with the rain and went to feed the fishes. Hubs stole some bread from don't know where and it was so fun to feed them. Holding the bread in the hand, the fishes would be swimming all over while the kids snorkel. Lesson learnt! Tips- it's really a good idea to bring some bread to feed the fishes.

When it was about time for the boat to come and pick us up, I got the kids changed and quickly sorted out our stuffs to be ready for it. I myself needed to change too, as I still remembered developing a fever from having a wet suit for a long time. But I didn't want to walk into the stinky toilets so I did it with just a towel. I feel mighty impressed with myself for being able to do that so deceitfully. Wow! (says me to I)

BUT!

Deng, when the boat came up, we were supposed to walk to it in the knee-deep water! Not only knee deep, the water level came up to my panties and I had the skirt wet from hips down and the panties soaked a bit. Then again, it was still better than drenching in the wet swimsuit since it was blardy cold riding in that speedboat home. The 2 younger ones were rescued from getting wet as the guides carried them, bless them! While korkor had his pants soaked and had to walk in wet pants all the way for dinner and home. Poor thing, he could have spared the agony if papa had allowed me to buy the RM15 pants for him at the Patong beach.

The day was a memorable one nevertheless.

Oh, who are you, little girl?

Amidst the fighting, bickering, teasing between the 3 of them, it's nice to see the soft side of them once in awhile.

Just like yesterday when shopping for groceries, meimei and I were playing on a "joke" which had her pretending she's someone else''s dotter. After awhile, it was didi who pleaded with me with his worried eyes to stop the joke with her jor. I asked him why and he put his arms round my neck and just asked me to stop. I thought that was such a simple yet sweet act of him, probably saddened by the thought that he would not have her as his sister anymore.

Then the rest of the time at the mart, it was just a pleasant time. I wonder if I can pull this trick on them the 2nd round?

A rare moment to remember

Ever since I can't recall when, hubs and I rarely had the chance or mood to go pak-tor hand in hand like newly in love couples do.

That day when the kids were so happy just to hang out in Kidz Club, we took off for once, leaving them with the staff there who had several activities lined up for them to be busy in. Those who were not interested, there are still the Wii, Psp, movies to keep them occupied.

We just walked around, checking out the different restaurants and their menus, figuring where we would take them for dinner the next day, strolling hand in hand in the serenity of the environment with the soft breeze blowing on our faces and skin. That felt good. I so wanted to freeze that moment for another hour longer.

My 2 other boys I so love in my life now.

And we are home.

Safely touched down at about 10+am today and back home sweety home at around 12+. So, I guess the will I made leaving my most priceless belongings to you guys can be scrapped now, you know, just in case. If I can't make it home, so just for the record, if you really like to know, there's this bantal busuk for goolypop, first Valentine teddy bear for jessylee, "diary of a whiny mom" for dawn, first g-strings for mun, first porno dvd, and many other firsts, all clearly spelled out for so and so. gum toong leh???

Getting on an early flight home is not too bad after all. At least I have the rest of the day to clean up the home and unpack the luggage and backpacks, knowing very well the floor would be dusty and dirty especially after a week away. Worse when some buggers sneaked over and left all the empty coconuts and used condoms all over the place on my balcony, you-know-who-you-are!

During check-in, I had a slight scare of my life though. As hubs was busy returning the rented car, I went to the check in counter with the kids and luggage first. Funny how the luggage weighed more than before we came over since we bought nothing and in fact, should have cleared up some space with food! I hurriedly opened up the lock and took my toiletries bag out without 2nd thought and right when the rush died down, I only realized the horrible mistake!

That's because, as you all may well know, any liquid hand carried should be 100ml and below and all my skin care regime together with my Chanel perfume are all above that! Jeez Christ! I was so worried they will throw them away for me! I was prepared to roll down on the floor and start kicking a fuss, I tell ya!

But really, count my lucky stars, I wasn't about to be famous yet on youtube with that vid of me "crazy woman crying like a baby in Phuket airport". So, coast clear and didi just need to tug another few kilos of baggage in his backpack for me.

I was so tired that I managed to catch a few catnaps on the plane and on the bus home. It should be a refreshed self from a very relaxed vacation, but the last night totally spoiled it. My hubs and I watched "The Crazies" and I was frightened out of my wits right one after another scene. Right when I was dozing off at the last part of it, I thought we could finally go to sleep when HBO was showing Deep Blue Sea from 1999 and we were both fixing our eyes on the TV screen still. By the time it was over, I can't get to sleep anymore and I was tossing and turning in my bed until the last I saw the clock, it was 3.30am. How nice?! The alarm was set at 5.50am and I counted I only had about less than 2.5 hours away. Heiz..

The last day of the trip was very, very, very easy. We woke up only at about 9 or 10, I can't remember and we had the rest of the food for breakfast, clearing up the stock as much as possible. Then I told the kids that they could run off to Kidz Club to hang out and with korkor leading the way, I didn't worry about them at all.

Took my time to wash up self and while hubs ran off to see to them, I logged in for awhile to lurk around. When hubs called to hurry me up, I only went out to enjoy the sunshine. Lucky the timing was just right, as when I was about to reach the pool, suddenly I heard someone calling "mommy, mommy...". I saw meimei running over to me from somewhere by her own, in sobs. Goodness, she was alone trying to find her way back to the room as she told me she wanted to change into her swimsuit and go to the pool. Not knowing where her bros and dad are, she attempted to find her way herself. I was so stunned yet so proud with her attitude!

Anyway, I consoled her and we went to look for papa who was basking in the heat under the big umbrella on a beach chair with a book. We joined him and later, meimei said she wanna go back to Kidz Club again. So I said ok and I took my book out to read while sipping cold ice water. It was a perfect day!

At about 2+, we gathered the kids back to the room to have a simple lunch of toasts, eggs and sausages and left them to go to the beach for a Thai massage. It's no sweat, korkor in front of the lappie, didi playing on the Ipod touch, meimei's eyes fixed on Disney channel, I knew I had nothing to worry about leaving them for an hour like that.

It's something different having a massage with the sea breeze blowing and the sounds of waves splashing on the shore than in a dimly lit creepy room. Wonderful!

After the massage, we took the kids to beach and pool again until sunset and drove a distance away to Thalang for dinner, all sponsored by Laguna Vacation Club for listening to their presentation on their membership program. Yeah, we lost some few hours sitting there listening to them, but that night, looking at the few variety of dishes we had on our dinner table, it was certainly well worth it.

And that was our last league of our vacation. I wonder, my story got good flow anot?

The first 2 days.

Arriving at the airport, we took a moderate time bargain-hunting for a car to use for this duration of our time at the island. It was a short drive to the place where we were staying and no problem getting there.

As we turned into the resort lobby driveway, it was almost 10+pm (I think) and it was very very dark. I can't make out exactly how the place looked like, it was all so mysterious and well, dark. The staff welcomed us nevertheless, with a (whaddaya called that? a necklace of flowers?) Idunnowhatdatiscalled. The kids were already asleep at the back of the car.

While the hubs went in to check in, I moved the car over to park and then woke the kids up.

It took quite a long while to have the check in process done, and whilst waiting, I walked around to check out the place, but still yet to find how the place really looked like. There seemed to be a big pool in front of the lobby, and didi asked me how deep the pool is.

When we finally got our keys, oh wow, the place was astonishing enough as we excitedly check out everywhere in the little apartment we've got. There are 3 TV's, large and comfy beds with many soft pillows to plunk ourselves in, a very well equipped kitchenette, even a washing machine with supplied detergent and a big master bed-restroom with a large bathtub with 2 sinks and attached rooms for big business and separate shower-room.

We were very very happy and satisfied with the place we are going to stay in for the coming 7 nights and excitedly emptied our luggage to put in the respective corners. I usually leave the things in the luggage, but this time, it was an exception.

Had to hurry the kids to bed as it was wayyy past midnight (Malaysian time) and just leave everything else when we wake up the next day.

The sky turned bright soon and everyone woke up bright and refreshed. Finally managed to see how the place looked like in broad daylight. Decided to have a good hearty breakfast at the hotel though it was the most expensive one we ever had. Costs us Rm200+ for 5 of us. That was a real bomb!

The rain came and joined us very soon, it spelled big disappointment as that meant we would have to be indoors most times though I was secretly partially happy about it as it meant no sun and hence, no darker shade of tone for my skin. Small yay!

We drove around after that to check out what else we can get at that secluded area, far far away from the most happening place. Nothing much to see or do, except rot at the resort, albeit in a luxurious way.

The kids had been bugging to go to the beach and pool like forever, and so we finally hit that target when late afternoon came. They finally was having fun! Dinner at some so-called "Best local food" restoran within a short drive away but it was so over-rated.

The 2nd day's breakfast was self-cooked instant noodle, at the little balcony outside. It was bliss, really. After that we charged the beach and pool again while I just laze around on the beach chair watching like a hawk over them. The pool staff serves ice water, which tasted superb, that kind of environment!

Then, we headed to the town, straight to Tesco to change some currency and have our lunch. Lunch was good and cheap at the food court, cooked by locals. I am having tomyum goong, like almost everyday while the kids just adore the pineapple fried rice.

We bought stuffs to feed ourselves for the next few days, for mainly breakfast and lunches. Then we went to Patong beach to take a walk and look for island hopping tour. Found one and decided rain or shine, we are going to take them snorkelling, as promised. Wooppee!

I thought I have remembered very well a seafood restaurant we patronized the last time we were here and tried to locate it again. Drove all the way to Kata beach, but only saw the Dinopark place. I was confused and very well remembered it was there but gave up since it was getting pretty late. When we finally settled in an eatery, I remembered I had mixed it up with Langkawi! Boy! What a fine time for hubs to humiliate me finally.

It was a very long drive back to the resort and on its way, the kids were getting me fumed again with their nonstop bickering by now. Why do they just love doing it, I wonder? I only console myself that it's how they build a close sibling relationship and they would be better connected when they are all grown up. Hence, it's a very mixture of feelings with this vacation. relaxed and indulged but furious and irritated, all at the same time. Oh well.

Spending almost the whole day packing.

Packing luggages made simpler now that the kids are bigger. Just bark some orders on some to-do and to-bring stuffs and that gets them scooting round like on a treasure hunt. I then just arrange them nicely in the bags for them. Each of them will be carrying a backpack each, stuffed with a jacket, tumbler, snacks, slippers, and hat/caps.

As for me, I kept reminding myself at the back of my mind, MUST bring - sunblock lotion for face and body, sunnies, hat, porn movies, dvds, cameras, recyclable batteries and chargers... the rest, the norm stuffs.

All set now! Ready to go off. Have a great week, everybardy and don't miss me (coz I won't bringing any souvenirs home for you)

Learning time zone difference.

Korkor laan-lek gum, gave a maths problem for the younger 2 to solve over dinner. He asked, if our flight to Pukit is at 8pm and the flight takes 2 hours, what time will we arrive there?

Meimei complained its too difficult for herwhile didi was busy eating dinner. He asked korkor to repeat it later. Instantly, he answered 10pm! Korkor with his smug face, said WRONG ANSWER!

And he later gave a short lecture on why it should be 9pm instead of 10. To which I think, he really needs to slow down with his speech! I do not hear what he was rambling, but of course I do know his point. Meanwhile didi still maintained he is right.

Merdeka fireworks at Genting

The last post I mentioned about the Genting trip over the Merdeka eve. Well, it was quite the usual routine. But this time the trip was specifically arranged from the kids' kungkung to watch the fireworks display at countdown with them. So there was something little different to look forward to.

After dinner at Theme Park Hotel, we went into the outdoor park. It was opened for that night, entrance for free while a tag to the rides were of discounted price. Hubs quickly bought 3 tags for them, and rushed them in to enjoy themselves.

After a boring time at the merry-go-round, korkor wanted to go for that thrill round and round swing, which can go real high. Hub pushed didi in as well, and meimei not wanting to lose out the fun, quickly joined in, while popo, waipo and me *GASP*ed!!!!! It was definitely a first time exhilaration for them and us (except korkor, since he did it in HK's Ocean Park) and I could only breathe when they came back down on earth safe and sound.

The 3 of us, grown up women, were so eager to hear their review when they ran out. Meimei proudly exclaimed "I'm NOT SKED" and nodded her head when asked if she wanna ride again. As for didi, he said "not sked" too, in a minny teeny voice and shook his head when told to ride again. Kakaka... can see the funnily obvious difference.

Then it started to drizzle and the rest of the gang wanted to go "home" while hub waved his hand over and said "let's go" (to more rides). So, keeping close to the covered walkways, we weaved through and they had several more fun rides. A stage was done up and some performances were underway and the crowd was even handed raincoats to keep them to stay.

On the antique car ride, it was just the 3 of them alone, taking a joyride round the big pond in the middle of outdoor theme park. For the longest time, I was so worried for them, as it's really quite a first time they were out of my sight alone on their own. What if someone jumped out and dragged them away? What if the car broke down middle of nowhere? What if a snake came up and bit them? What if.. what if...

Then I saw them and I could breathe again. Man, this is so equally thrilling for me, in every other way. I asked for their reviews, as usual. Korkor admitted shyly that he was scared of the dark (hehe) while meimei said that she took care of didi wor. *roll eyes*

We thought the fireworks display would be cancelled, but hey, came 11+, the rain stopped and everyone was hurrying to get close to the area. Hub asked for my opinion to go down or to go to his parents' room to watch. As usual, knowing my vote doesn't count, I said up to you lor. He decided we shall go down all the way, watching the fireworks from the ground, with the crowd. Meimei was already in her own wonderland so only the boys followed us through.

Walked down from the lifts to the lobby, crossed the road, oopsy wrong direction, find our way to the theme park entrance, then back to the lift and square one and then we were back up again, scurrying to his parents' room finally to countdown and watch from some floors above. what the...

Anyway, the fireworks, undeniably, is spectacular. We had sound effect of oohs and aahs from the grandparents, seeing there wasn't much excitement within the boys. After around 10 to 15 mins, we rushed back to the room to join meimei in her wonderland world.

I wonder if it's because of the thin or smoky air, I seem to be always gasping for air in the middle of the night in Genting. It would be a bad hairday for me the next day as I would be so so exhausted.

This time, the kids were treated to a whole day unlimited day rides in indoor theme park. After numerous countless times banging cars, we managed to pull the kids away to check out and have our lunch. After lunch, we went silly riding those lame boring family rides and decided that really, no more first world indoor theme park. It's just too boring. Except meimei still harping on banging cars.

Immigration runs.

7 days prior to departure, korkor and meimei's passports are still not renewed yet. Theirs had expired since early this year. In case you were wondering why the procrastination, it's not, really. It was, quite a contrary, on purpose. Well, since we weren't going anywhere, why waste the money as the expiration dates on the new passports would start ticking, right?

So. Having the experiences that this process takes no more than half a day (under normal circumstances), we felt there's really nothing to worry about.

On Sat morning, we went... finally. Had to chase hub to hurry up and get up from bed, but he was really hoe-mor-tuck. Took forever to get his butts up from bed and make his dump and all. He thinks it's ok to reach there at 9, why am I rushing him at 8??

When I jumped out from the car with the 2 to get their photos done first, and hurried to rush to the Q number line, it was like searching for the tail of a weaving long snake. Damn! It was so so crowded.

We missed the day by just 1 person who took the last number, they only limit to 150 people on Sats. So do you need to wonder who I was blaming that whole day?

Well, in any case, he said "no worries laa.. we still have 4 more days to do that, more than enough wattt". And he promised me that he would take some time off on Monday after school, before we drive up to Genting to get it done. Sure can do one, he swore.

So. Monday came and we hurriedly packed our luggage for a night stay in Genting and shoo-ed the boys to have their showers asap when they came home from school. It was a mad mad rush.

When I arrived the familiar place for the 2nd time, it was very crowded yet again. The counter for the Q number was closed, though we were told there aren't any limits to the number of people they serve on weekdays. I went to ask and was told "Hari ini manyak orang la. Skarang ni, nombor q pun 200 lebih, nak bagi nombor kat you pun tarak guna". My heart like, sank to the bottom of the ocean. Watudo, pray pray that Wed would be ok lor, right? Takkan pigi Shah Alam or Sobang to do it, right? After all, there are VIPs waiting for us in Genting right at that moment.

Wed.

This time, had to tell korkor to skip his afterschool activities and come straight home. When I arrived for the 3rd time, the line was still there (like forever, dammit!) but the counter was closed. I asked around again, and this time even worse news! System DOWN! OMG!! And being 1Malaysia, I was told the whole of Malaysia, system also down. There's no way to get it done that day. Sharks! Tell me I wasn't pissing in my pants yet.

So both hub and I held an urgent meeting, to discuss the next step.

As there are only 2 days left by now, we had to take no more unnecessary risks and get 2 of them to ponteng school. Hub was even suggesting maybe we could get it done before 10 and then still send him to school. Or pull him out from school when I managed to get a Q number. Sottplak! Ponteng jiao ponteng la, do so many monkey acts for what, right?

I was fiddling how I should go about the plan, as the only uncertain thing is if the system would be up by Thurs morning. The last I checked at 5pm Wed, they still said it's down.

At the last minute before I go to sleep, I had a lightbulb moment and told hub that I head straight to immigration after sending didi to school. Then if system is up and I managed to get a number, I would call him to send the kids over. It's going to need precise timing, since we have to tackle 2 uncertainties at the same time, i.e. the overflowing crowd and the unreliable system.

The moment of truth came. My heart sank for the 2nd time when I, again, was told, system still not having any erection yet. Then someone told me maybe Seremban branch is working perfectly fine. I asked for the number and called. My line wasn't picked up. I then asked for the number of Ipoh branch! Ipoh branch! Can you even imagine the anxiety I was feeling that time?? The dem hansem bugger at the back of the counter also laughed. (Well, apparently I wasn't THAT anxious since I was still checking out some guys, eh? Guess it is natural instinct, this one)

And so, I was told by the person on the other line that Ipoh's branch is working perfectly fine! Even yesterday! Bugger! Who was that moron who told me 1Malaysia whole system down?

I hurried home and both hub and I furiously calling several other branches to find somewhere nearer than Ipoh to get it done. We found one, finally! Guess where? I google-map the directions and map it to my head, and hurried off with the kids, quickly grabbing some buns in my backpack and off we went!

By 1pm, I could finally breathe a sigh of relief when I held the newly out-of-the-oven passports in hand. It was certainly worth the drive, seeing the Q wasn't that long either and the system really was working! What la, of all places, the heart of the nation's immigration is having an erectile dysfunction. Anyway.

Yippee! Korkor and meimei are going with us for vacation!

Which was the other option in mind, if really, sui-nya. Thinking maybe just I go with didi or send the kids to Ipoh with the grandparents and we have wild sex, just 2 of us there. Ah well, now don't have to revisit that option anymore.

Meanwhile, it's still schooldays, but I myself don't have the mood to push them to study. Ah well, let them have fun till the holidays over.