2017 In Retrospect: Review of My Year

December 31, 2017


While scrolling the news feed of my Instagram, I came across an instastory of an ex-schoolmate of mine. She shared these 12 questions which are quite interesting for me to reflect and to make a review of my 2017.

I don't really have a personal diary to keep this, so I am taking the risk to share it here. Nothing much for you guys to read, it is more to my own memory. Just hoping that things you've read will be kept exclusively here, especially those who knows me personally.

:)



1. What were your top 10 greatest achievements in 2017?

Seems like I can't recall them. But, let me try.

  • Being in 3 countries for new year 2017. (Travel)
  • Finally graduated from a medical school. (Education)
  • Survived 6 years of living in a foreign country which now I miss it so much. (Life)
  • Europe trip 2.0 with my parents. (Travel)
  • Solo winter hike to Morskie Oko - 1,395 meters. (Travel)
  • Successfully help my family to organise my brother's wedding. Hello, my sister in law. :) (Life)
  • Managed to save money for future. (Financial)
  • Maintaining my body weight. (Fitness)
  • Ran my fastest 5km in less than 30 minutes. (Fitness)
  • Performed my first umrah with my parents. (Life)

Wow, not that bad :)


2. What were your top 10 greatest lessons in 2017?

Since I usually share life lessons I learned on the go on my Twitter, let me copy and paste them here. Some of them are my own thoughts, while the rest are either retweeted or quoted :)

  • "Procrastination is your enemy. It doesn't kill you. It destroys your future." 
  • "It is okay to make mistakes, but not repetitive mistakes without any attempts to change them."
  • "The real test of your character is when circumstances don't go the way you want. Will you then remain a kind, caring & good-hearted person?" 
  • "The hardest decision you'll ever face in life is choosing whether to walk away or try harder."
  • "Always make time for your parents and treat them well. Because one day, when you look up from your phone, they won’t be there anymore"
  • "It's about trust. They gave freedom and please take care of it. Jangan rosakkan nama family. They will always trust you." 
  • "Do you still remember those days you prayed to have something you have now?"
  • "Don't just be good to others, be good to yourself too."
  • "Never have I dealt with anything more difficult than my own soul, which sometimes help me and sometimes opposes me. - Imam Al-Ghazali"
  • "Remember Allah in your time of ease and He will remember you in your time of difficulty."

Love!



3. What was the biggest risk you took in 2017? 


I took a huge step to involve myself in a relationship with the goal of marriage. Wow, such a confession. T_T But, it did not end well. It was complicated and confusing enough but I guess it ended for our own good? 

Just please pray for me that I will totally let it go (still on my way to, I can do this!) and refresh my mind that I will met someone better for me. 



4. What was the smartest decision you made?

Backing off from anything that will hurt me more, before I continue sacrificing my self-worth.



5. What three important relationships that have improved the most?


With my parents. Well, I've stayed away from home for quite a long time. It was a bit hard to adapt with the fact that they are growing older. But, this is something that I have improved and still need to improve myself - taking good care of them. 

With my brother. Haha we never go a day without sibling arguments. Biasalah, setiap masa ada je benda nak annoy each other. :D :D But, I think this improved so much than before.  

With my long-lost friends. I tried to reconnect with friends whom I've not contacted since ages. Alhamdulillah, it feels great to be able to reach each other and talk about random stuffs and life.




6. Who are the three people who have had a huge impact on your life in 2017?

  • That someone. I can't say I regret knowing each other. One of the impressive people I've met, but luck was not on our side.
  • Ayah. The moment when he can keep calm and be diplomatic much when handling issues involving emotions, I mean if it is me, I might turn into a hulk.
  • My cousin. She is strong enough to face A LOT OF CHALLENGES before her wedding ceremony! Serious sprained ankle. Chickenpox. Job problems. 


7. What are the three compliments you would have liked to have been given to you in 2017?

  • "You have done a good job, in mostly everything. It is the effort that counts. Nevertheless, you did great! :)"
  • "It is okay not to achieve that something right now, your time will come and you will shine!"
  • "You are a strong girl, I know. But, please know that it is okay to cry. Let it out, let it go."

Credit - http://notsalmon.com/2015/06/24/positive-quotes/



8. What are the three things you are most grateful for? 

  • A brand new day, every time I wake up in the morning. Another day to explore.
  • Never ending support from my family. 
  • Feeling of contentment somehow despite the struggles. 


9. What one word sums up your entire 2017?

Vigorous.

Quoted from my cousin -
"2017? A year with the most challenges, with the most rizq (rezeki), with the saddest events and with the happiest moments."

Agree with that :)


Credit - http://notsalmon.com/2015/06/24/positive-quotes/


10. What are the three biggest necessary endings for you before 2017?

  • Procrastination.
  • Disagree in childish manner with parents.
  • Overthinking. 

11. What are the three habits that you would like to develop entering into 2018?

  • Consistent with amalan sunat.
  • 5km run at least 3x a week. 
  • Berlapang dada, be more grateful.

Credit - http://www.gravetics.com/40-beautiful-smile-quotes-that-brighten-your-day/

12. What is the one word/sentence that describes your theme for 2018?

Embracing uncertainty.


------------------------------



I am looking forward for another amazing year. 
Hello 2018! :)


Credit: Jeevan Sahadevan

SS, Perak, Malaysia
171231

A Beautiful Way to End 2017

December 30, 2017


2017 has been good to me so far, despite some challenges here and there where I literally lost myself and approaching the end of year, I think I am slowly recovering and getting back to the real me. Not 100% as things changed, incidents happened - life will never be the same again. But, I guess it is time to re-brand myself and be better in another way. 

Maybe to conclude a year needs a special blog post and I will try my best to write one.

But, this one is to reserve memorable experiences I gained with my parents in Makkah and Madinah. Alhamdulillah, finally I had the chance to go there after years of planning.

It was beautiful, in its own way.

People.
Buildings.
Scenery.
Food.

Pre-Maghrib


The most beautiful is obviously, 
the A T M O S P H E R E.

That can never be found anywhere else.

May I have the chances to be there again, and again. Ameen :)

Umrah 18th-29th December 2017
SS, Perak, Malaysia
171230 

50 KM in 21 Days Done!

December 5, 2017


This challenge ended weeks ago and I already received my medal before December :D


This post is just as appreciation and to congratulate myself on trying my best to be discipline in keep running for a total of 50 kilometers within 21 days. :) It was hard, honestly - from time management, energy, laziness, other priorities, other attractions etc but alhamdulillah while doing this, I manage to maintain my weight since I returned home for good. Yeay!

Well, not to gain weight at home is such a bless!
Despite all these yummy food.



Alhamdulillah!
Towards more medals and most importantly, towards good health and healthy lifestyle. Ameen.

SS, Perak, Malaysia
171205

Comeback Giveaway by Raydah Alhabsyi

Fuh fuhhh, inhale exhale. Deeply.

I've been away from blogging world for quite some time (not that long to be honest), I am so sorry I have other priorities right now and trying to do blogwalking tonight seems like quite overwhelming. Many bloggers' posts to catch up, not to forget to write my own blog posts. HAHA

I am trying guyssss :D

And here we go, another giveaway :) We are really approaching the end of 2017, let's live this year to the fullest with few days remaining. Ewah ewahh, ramai bloggers buat giveaways sekarang ni nampaknya. 



The rules are simple (Malaysian only):

1. Follow her Blog, Google+ & Instagram. (This one is compulsory)
2. Create an entry titled "Comeback Giveaway by Raydah Alhabsyi"
3. Copy the banner and backlink to this entry.
4. Don't forget to leave your link that entry's comment.


Doneeee with the first three, once I published this post, I will settle the last one :D



The gift is quite interesting for me - a jar of Organic Hair Removal by Norah (pick either Hot or Cold Norah) I've been reading that using wax is another good alternative to get rid of our body hairs instead of shaving. So, looking forward to this. 

Click the banner above or simply click HERE to know more details :D

SS, Perak, Malaysia
171204

Duck Giveaway by Blog Nadiaizzaty.nia

December 4, 2017

Wohooo, it is time for another giveaway :D

After becoming one of the winner for Siqah's giveaway, I am hoping the best for this one as well. HAHA. Saya seorang yang memang jarang sangat-sangat menang lucky draw whatsoever tapi I should not stop trying. Efforts - is what I am currently looking forward to apply in my daily life. :)




The rules are:
1. Follow Blog Nadiaizzaty.com [ LINK ]
2. Follow Instagram @nadiaizzaty.nia [ LINK ]
3. Follow Bloglovin' Nadia Izzaty [ LINK ] ( whoever have the account )
4. Copy the banner and write a post with the title " Duck Giveaway by Blog Nadiaizzaty.nia " ( Please backlink to this blog ).
5. Most importantly, publish the post and leave your post link in the comment column below.




To fulfill all the rules is an easy task for me as I've done rules #1, #2, #3 ages ago, I am sure. But I am so sorry Nadia as I join this giveaway this late. My life is quite time-demanding right now for me hoho. 

Anyway, here I am, one of the participants! :D


Pray for me :D

"Semoga Hanis Amanina jadi first winner dan menang Duck Scarf!"

Ameen!
Hihihi :D

Click any of the pictures above to see more details on the giveaway, or simply click HERE!

The giveaway will end on 25th December 2017, be fast guys!
SS, Perak, Malaysia
171204

Thoughts on Bismillah by Ikhwan Fatanna

November 17, 2017


I rarely listened to Spotify for the time being. Ever since I stopped subscribing to its Premium plan, I am no longer able to listen to it offline while running, on the road etc. Trying to save a bit, I don't want to sacrifice my data on musics. 

And I can say, I am always on the road since I returned home for good - to the north, south, east, west. Just Sabah Sarawak I haven't step my feet yet. *laughatmyself*



While in the car, Mak always remind all of us to pray, "dah baca doa belum?" Haha I don't understand why, every time I drive the car on my own, automatically I will recite the prayer - on my own. But, when ever I am with Mak, I only remember to recite it after she reminded me to.

Manusia pelupa T_T

To prevent sleepiness, I listened to radio - it depends on which signal the car received, I have no specific favourite fm. As I struggled to listen to Klasik Nasional when ever my dad is driving, I hope he does not mind with fly.fm, hitz.fm, era.fm etc. Hahahaha.

One lovely song I love to focus my ears to every time it goes on air is this - Bismillah by Ikhwan Fatanna. It was released for quite some time, but me being me, I am not that up-to-date with new songs.



LIRIK:
Ada yang sedang berjalan
Ada yang sedang berlayar
Ada yang juga di angkasa
Ada yang baru belajar
Ada tengah temuduga
Ada yang bosan dengan kerja

Tak kisah kita di mana
Kita mula dengan nama kebesaran-Nya


Chorus:

Bismillah...
Walau sekecil mana kita langkah
Bismillah...
Walau dunia sering bermasalah
Bismillah..
Usaha dan doa usahlah lupa
Sebutkanlah bismillah
Sebutkanlah bismillah

Sebutkanlah bismillah
Bila kita menyebut nama-Nya
Nawaitu jahat pun jadikan kita
serba salah
Bila kita menyebut nama-Nya
Semoga yang dilaksana
semuanya terjaga

Tak kisah kita di mana
Kita mula dengan nama kebesaran-Nya

Chorus

Tidakkah kita percaya
Dengan hikmah yang ada pada-Nya
Sempurnakanlah
segala hela nafas yang ku hembuskan
Setiap amalku
Hanyalah untuk-Mu


Chorus 2x

------------------------------------



Such a simple song with good messages. 
And catchy beat too, don't you think so?

Humans need reminders, no matter how simple the reminders are.
As simple as bismillah at the beginning of anything we do.

Why?
It changes the values of the activities we do.

Sebutkanlah bismillah
Bila kita menyebut nama-Nya
Nawaitu jahat pun jadikan kita serba salah
Bila kita menyebut nama-Nya
Semoga yang dilaksana semuanya terjaga

As simple as bismillah, it can protect us from going deeper into bad stuffs.
As simple as bismillah, it can help to prevent us from nonsense thoughts.
As simple as bismillah, it can help us to focus.

But, I think it depends on our lifestyle too - to see how the word bismillah can affect our life as a whole. When we expose ourselves with bad environment continuously, we become insensitive towards it. We no longer feel that activities are not good. 

May Allah protect us from evil and devils. 

أعوذ بالله من الشيطان الرجيم

Salam Jumaah, everyone :)
Happy weekend too.
SS, Perak, Malaysia
171117

Hiatus by Budak Tomato | Book Review

November 13, 2017


Another book of Budak Tomato. 

I've read Esc and I totally love it. I have a slight of high expectation on Hiatus ever since I saw the promotion on Twitter. Well, I followed Budak Tomato and Muharikah on Twitter and totally love most of their tweets :D

I even bought the book directly from Imanshoppe haha see how excited I am to look forward to this book.


Title: Hiatus
Author: Budak Tomato
Pages: 307
Publisher: Iman Publications
Publication Date: October 2017

When I read the synopsis at the back of the book, my feeling mixed. It is not like I haven't read it from the promotion tweets, but it felt different - to finally able to read the piece and to be honest, to reflect myself with the lessons from the book. 

"Hidup ini perjalanan yang akhirnya bukan pada mati.

Buku ini baris-baris tulisan pada kamu,
Tapi setiap baris-baris ini ibarat garis-garis luka torehan
pada lengan dan peha aku.

Buku ini sekadar buku pada kamu.
Tapi buku ini dipenuhi rahsia aku.

Buku ini mungkin sekadar cerita menagih simpati pada hematmu.
Tapi buku ini luahan jiwa gersan yang memerlukan cinta, pada aku.

Yang kamu pegang ini lebih daripada sebuah buku.
Ini sebahagian daripada jiwa aku.
Ini luka aku.
Ini kecewa aku.
Ini ubat penenang aku.
Ini cinta aku.
Ini air mata aku.
Dan ini, realiti aku.

Ini mungkin, fiksyen kamu.
Tapi bukan, pada aku."


--------------------------------------------------------

The book is like a novel, sharing stories of Amir Talhah and his life, featuring quite a number of people especially his friends, his parents, his sisters and others - someone he fall in love with, someone who felt in love with him, someone who is going to help him, someone who is going to put him into troubles. Different types of people who actually exist in our own life too. 

Is it a real story?

Don't ask me, I have no idea. -_-'
Only the author and Allah know it.

Towards the end of the book, I read this line saying, "Untuk yang mencari maksud literal dalam jurnal peribadi aku, kau akan gagal cari moral. Percayalah." To be honest, this book puts me into huge confusion. Maybe my imagination is on not that high level to understand but for me personally, this is a heavy book deep inside. T_T


This book also reflects the reality of life - people with histories (that seem to be bad for other people) whose nightmares hold them from changing into a better person. Even, as people who encounter these people, are we going to close our eyes and ignore the facts that they need us? Plus, are we going to accept them to be in our life if they really want to improve themselves? And even if they are not able to change, are we going to keep supporting them?

--------------------------------------------------------

For this book review, not going to share life lessons I learned as wow I felt too overwhelmed to put the experiences into words reading it. 

But, I will share few parts in the book that I can relate and I found them interesting :) 

Haha entah-entah end up akan jadi ala-ala life lessons jugak. Susah sebenarnya nak keep on reading  books dan belajar sesuatu perkara yang baru dan CONTINUOUSLY APPLY life lessons tu. T_T


1. Distances.
"Kadang yang menjarak tak terasa jarak. Kadang yang terjarak terasa sesak. Kadang yang mencipta jarak ingin membaiki retak. Kadang yang retak itu terbaiki dengan menghubung jarak." - Czsull.

2. Give up?
"Andai jalan takdirku menjadi doktor, jadikanlah aku doktor yang tak mudah mengalah. Mengalah pada masalah. Mengalah pada mehnah. Atau mengalah pada tohmah."

3. Happiness. 
"Bahagia itu tak akan didapati dengan ingin bahagia, melainkan dengan banyak mensyukuri karunia yang ada." - Kyai Haji Abdullah Gynmastiar

4. Dosa.
"Bila kita mula tinggalkan dosa, hidup kita akan lebih bahagia. Bila kita mendekat dengan Allah, hidup kita terasa sempurna." Qiden.

5. Hope.
"Harapan itu masih ada, kita hanya harus terus percaya."

Have you realised that it is actually quite easy to change but it is way harder to be consistent in those changes that we have made?

To fulfill 5 times of prayer from not praying at all is easier than to continuously praying 5 times a day.
To stop smoking is easier than to continuously stop smoking.
To stop saying bad words is easier than to keep on not saying them.
To start covering our aurat properly is easier than to continue covering them. 



Well, people are different.
What is difficult to me may be easy to other people. 😅

May Allah bless our efforts. 

SS, Perak, Malaysia
171113



Halloween Virtual Run (Oct 2017)

November 9, 2017


First virtual run :)

Actually I registered the 21Day Challenge Nov 2017 earlier than this Halloween Virtual Run but seems like I need a motivation to run and this one sounds good. 

I targeted to join 5 or 10km for this but I have no idea how it works that time and turned out I registered for 3km. 

3km pun 3km lah :D

The medal.

Just few days ago in this week, Ayah received a letter on behalf of me. A bit confused as I think I did not buy anything online recently. Haha.

But, hey, it was the medal! I have already hung it in my room, not sure to keep it like that or will put it into storage box like all my previous medals too. -_-' Or maybe I should buy the medal hanger?


Halloween Virtual Run
3km   |   6'06''   |   18:21

:)

Anyway, this is my progress on the 50km-in-21-days mission.


Day 9 | 20.54km out of 50km

29.46km to go.

Few points I re-learned so far:

  • My average pace has improved a bit compared to when I was in Czech. It used to be always be above 7min/km back then. 
  • 6-7 minutes for 1 km, so I tried my best to finish 1 km for every two songs I listened to.
  • Zikrullah for every steps. It helps to keep me able to speak while running - it is my benchmark that I am still running fine.
  • The best way to keep running (if indoor) is to watch videos. I gained both entertainment and exercise.


Fighting, Nina!

SS, Perak, Malaysia
171109

Cycling Around My Neighbourhood

November 7, 2017



Still remember my Kelly? :D

Barely use it right now but I am still trying hard to make full use of it. 

I miss cycling along Labe river in Hradec Kralove. Cycling is not that safe here in Malaysia, especially on road. There was one time I rode on the main road, looked like a crazy girl waving my hands every time I wanted to change lanes. Not to mention how ehemmm drivers in Malaysia behave T___T

 Haven't try off road as I don't think Kelly is okay for such routes. 

Just finished reading Hiatus, hence 'Another day'. :)

Let me take you around my neighbourhood.

My house is quite far from the main road, so I can say it is a bit quite. When there was not much development around, I could even listen to trains passing by from far away. Now I guess, the sound is absorbed by nearby houses. Maybe. There are many new neighbourhoods right now :)

17 years. 
Years our family have stayed here. And counting :)

Kelly was doing great job despite he was abandoned in the store for quite a while T_T

People haven't build houses in this area. 

Random banana trees along the road.

This is pokok ubi kayu. I was nine when I know there was literally 'ubi' down there. I was so enthusiastic about gardening at that age, especially how to plant trees. :D And I thought people just use the leaves as ulam T__T What is 'ubi kayu' in English anyway?

Pokok petai belalang. This is yummy as well as ulam! :D

There are many more trees around - kelapa, all those serai kunyit temu cabai, mangga, betik. :)



For the time being, I need to jog/run more than cycling as I have 50km to achieve within the first 21 days of November.

So, Kelly you take care of yourself.
I locked you outside so you can be friends with the cats. Haha.
Have fun!

SS, Perak, Malaysia
171107

Secrets?


Secret.
Secrets.

Well, everybody in this world have secrets. EVERY SINGLE PERSON. Secrets that people don't find them interesting to tell others. Secrets that people try hard to hide from the community. Humans are not perfect, nobody is flawless no matter how much compliments other people give to someone.

Truth hurts, I know. 



And another truth, a secret will never be a secret when we share it with other people, no matter how much this person is trusted. Yeah, some people are worth 'dying' for when they kept our secrets hidden from other people. But, most of us tend to share secrets UNINTENTIONALLY. Exactly. They actually have no intention to talk about something that may be quite sensitive to us. They are not planning to. They actually don't want to do it.

Sometimes, thing like this happen. :)

A thing we need to remind ourselves. People share something with us because of one thing.
The trust.

Trust is not something easy to gain, honestly. 
It takes time to develop but once broken, considered sold we are ruined. 

“Whoever conceals [the faults of] a Muslim, Allah will conceal [his faults] in this life and the Hereafter.” - Recorded in Muslim (Hadith 36/40)

The hadith in Malay will be like this,

"Dan barang siapa menutupi rahsia seorang Islam,
nescaya Allah menutupinya dalam dunia dan akhirat."

There are more explanations about this verse, feel free to refer to the book for more details. :)



Just, this is a soft, deep reminder to myself as well.
When people still trust us, don't ruin it.

When we hear bad stuffs about our own friends, don't simply spread because they may sound interesting. If needed, ask the truth from them first and keep quiet. 

And remember the rewards Allah offer us in dunya & akhirah. :)

SS, Perak, Malaysia
171104

Doa Rasulullah SAW Kepada Anas Bin Malik r.a.

November 3, 2017


Maghrib semalam ada kuliah yang disampaikan oleh wakil Jabatan Agama Islam Perak. Topiknya menarik, tentang kekeluargaan dan lebih kepada masalah penceraian yang makin banyak berlaku dalam umat Islam di Malaysia sekarang. 

Mungkin pengisian tentang topik ni akan cuba saya kongsi dalam post lain. Cuma bersempena Jumaat ni, saya nak kongsikan satu doa yang boleh kita amalkan :)



Rata-rata kita tahu siapa Anas Bin Malik dalam hidup Nabi Muhammad kan?

Kalau ada yang belum tahu, mula-mula sekali kalau kita perasan ada banyaknya hadis yang diriwayatkan oleh Anas Bin Malik - bermaksud beliau banyak menyumbang kepada hadis yang kita jadikan rujukan sekarang. Anas Bin Malik ni juga hidup bersama Nabi Muhammad sejak beliau kecil dan menyaksikan sendiri mukjizat Rasulullah. 

Beliau berkhidmat untuk Rasulullah selama 10 tahun (dari hijrah hingga kewafatan Nabi). Anas jugak pernah menceritakan bilamana ibunya meminta Rasulullah mendoakan anaknya, lalu Rasulullah pun mendoakan untuk dibanyakkan harta dan anak-anak. Dan terbukti umur Anas antara yang panjang, hasil tanaman (kurma) yang sangat banyak, anak cucunya juga sangat ramai.


Credit: http://wanhassan.com/doa-rasulullah-pada-anas-bin-malik/


Allahumma aksir maali wawaladi,
wawasi’ li fii daari,
wabarikli fima a’atoitani,
waahsin aamali, 
waghfirli.


Maksudnya:
Ya Allah banyakkanlah hartaku dan anak-anakku,
luaskanlah rumahku,
berkatikanlah semua yang Kau beri kepadaku,
perbaiki amalanku, 
dan ampunkan untukku.


Nah, boleh tengok video ni jugak untuk lebih faham tentang doa ni :)


Digalakkan untuk amalkan selepas solat Dhuha.



Selamat beramal :)

SS, Perak, Malaysia
171103

Here's The Truth, Ladies

November 2, 2017


Wow, maybe this is the first time I am sharing something related to relationships. :D Hahaha maybe I have before, can't recall though.

First of all, this is not mine. My friend shared it on Facebook and well, since age of 20s is mostly the phase of this kind of stuffs, I always see posts like these on my social media. And please let me copy and paste it here for reference.

Reference.
For my own and yours :)



---------------------

Here's the truth, ladies.

Being pretty doesn't keep a man.
Being honest doesn't keep a man.
Being loyal doesn't keep a man.
Treating a man good doesn't keep a man.
Being there for a man doesn't keep a man.
Caring about a man doesn't keep a man.
Making an effort doesn't keep a man.
Paying attention to a man doesn't keep a man.
Spending time with man doesn't keep a man.

You could have the best intentions.
You could have the most sincere feelings.
You could be a good woman and still wouldn't be able to keep a man.
Because the only way to keep a man is if that man wants to be kept by you.

You can't force a man to be with you.
You can't beg a man to stay with you.
You can't love a man into loving you.

With a man, you could tell he wants to be kept when the relationship gets hard,
And he does everything to fight for you.
Because a man only fights for a girl he wants to belong to.

So if he isn't fighting for you when things get hard,
Then that means he doesn't want to be kept by you anymore.

The moral of this?

Don't hold on to a man who doesn't want to be kept by you.
No, you're not giving up on him.
It's him who gave up on you.
And it's you who shouldn't waste any more of your time than you already have.

Know when it's time to let go,
Know when it's time to walk away,
And know when it's time for him to be unkept.

Credit:
Story via onsizzle.com
Music by Peder B. Helland

---------------------




The thing I learned from this video is... similar to what I've shared before, 

"If we can't even control our own hearts, do you think we can control others?"

And, I think this video is not just for girls, it can be actually seen in general.

Another point to be taken into account is "hati manusia memang selalu berbolak-balik". Kan? Pray hard that Allah guides us through anything similar. Relationships, friendships, working life, social life and even anything to prepare us to be better. 

The most important thing, pray hard that Allah will stick our hearts to this deen. Ameen.



p/s - anyone here loves to read IIUM Confessions? Hahaha

SS, Perak, Malaysia
171102

Dropping by Blackwood Coffee & Chocolate

October 31, 2017


Just about 5 years of services, it has lots of franchises in Northern parts of Malaysia - like Kangar, Arau, Alor Setar, Sungai Petani etc. The first thing that came across my mind when my friend told me about this place was Bukit Kayu Hitam. Haha maybe the founder came from this town. 

Blackwood = Kayu Hitam? :D



Blackwood: Coffee & Chocolate

Check out the website for more details and prices of menu.

This is not a full review of this cafe, just to share my own experience. I just ordered a drink and a slice of cake, so can't say much about the other menu. But, the interior designs of the cafe are nice, calm and cozy. Plus the service was okay, not that long to wait for our drinks.

The menu.

Part of interior design #1. Coca cola - different styles of packaging etc.

Interior design #2

Interior design #3

Interior design #4

Interior design #5

Oreo pancake? haha totally forgot the name. But, it is quite unique and new for me but not my taste. 

I ordered Green Tea Latte (costs RM 15). Yummy.


Not really a fan of hipster cafes but I am okay if friends invited to hang out in these places (minus if I am on tight budget) :)

Maybe for the reason I can't tolerate coffee much or I am on my weight maintenance, I rarely go to hipster cafes in Malaysia. Plus, my parents are from different generation so these are definitely not their cups of tea, they can't accompany me.

Not to forget, the prices. A cup coffee worth 2 big meals at food court and even 3 at normal warung haha

But, once in a while, maybe why not :) 



Okay, dah, ikat perut.

SS, Perak, Malaysia
171030

Gua Kelam, Perlis - Mission Dismissed

October 30, 2017


Right after Padang Besar, we went to Gua Kelam with the aim to walk in the cave. This plan reminded me of my experience with Postojna Cave, Slovenia in which I didn't know before that caves are peaceful places to enjoy. 

Gua Kelam, Perlis - located at Taman Negeri Perlis (Perlis State Park), it is about 20 minutes away from Padang Besar. 



Once you approached this area, you would be greeted by this big signboard. 

Welcome to Gua Kelam.

:D :D :D

Syair Gua Kelam.

I am not that good with poems but I love reading them.


-Syair Gua Kelam-

Di Kaki Bukit tempat letaknya,
26km dari Kangar jaraknya,
Lombong bijih timah zaman dahulunya,
Jadi laluan rakyat melaluinya.

Dikenali sebagai 'Jambatan Gantung',
Asalnya dibina oleh pelombong,
Jambatan kayu sebagai penghubung,
Jasa utama Datuk Loh Ah Tong.

Tahun sembilan belas empat puluh lima,
Kerajaan Negeri membina semula,
Jambatan kayu bertambah sempurna,
Mudahkan pelancong menikmatinya.

Program pembangunan sekitar gua,
Surau, gerai makan dan cenderamata,
Taman Orkid, kolam ikan, Taman Rusa,
Tempat rehat di dalam gua juga selesa.

Tepian mandi sejuk sekali,
Airnya jernih menenangkan hati,
Sesiapa yang datang melawat di sini,
Pasti ingin datang sekali lagi.

Karya: Siti Esah Musa (Harties)
Persatuan Penulis Perlis


From this syair, we can get rough idea about the history of Gua Kelam. :)

For summary, Gua Kelam was originally a tin mine that produced high quality of tin. This area was also used to connect people in Wang Kelian and Kaki Bukit. Here, there was a famous guy named En. Nayan (known as Tauke Nyan) - you can see his name for road as well. He was the pioneer of this mining activity in Gua Kelam before selling this area to Kong Fatt, a Chinese. 

The process of mining was done traditionally - through 'mendulang'. And there were some deaths noted there when the workers were unable to save themselves during raining season. Rain will cause the hole used to mine the tin to be flooded.

Only in 1988, this place was rebuilt up as taman rekreasi :)



Seems like there is hiking route here. 

RM1 for entrance fee (Malaysian adult).

The funny thing about our experience at Gua Kelam was.... we ran out of cash here! Like, I don't have any money notes left in my wallet. -_-' Simply because I forgot to withdraw money from the ATM and I already used mine to buy souvenirs. I even borrowed some from Puteri hahaha. End up, they had the same situation as well T_T

Korek punya korek beg beg tu, cukup laaa RM 3. Two pieces of RM 1 notes and few coins. 

The climax was when we found out later that the cave was closed to public (for now). Hahahaha. Punya lah gigih cari RM 3 sekali tutup. 

The cave was closed on that day because the pathway was a bit damaged due to previous flood. 


Loving this.

Us :D


Going to repeat Perlis for this place, insyAllah.

SS, Perak, Malaysia
171030

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