Laughter Is The Best Medicine

My darling niece Mya Elisha & Nephew Arif Aamil Hamka with their  ibu (mom),
Sue having fun time during  their Singapore holiday  in 2012

It is common when people said that we will look younger when we laugh. It creates positive vibes & increase happiness in life. Do you think it is true or it is just a theory which has yet to be proven? I believe it is true because laughter makes us feel better and forget all the problems for a while. I have read a magazine sometime last year stated that when you laugh up to 15 minutes then you will burn up to 50 calories. Also for a 1 minute of a hearty laughter, you will reach a heart rate equivalent to a 10 minutes rowing machine. How incredible laughter can be right? So, try to laugh with family & friends at least once a day. Share fruitful conversation & funny jokes to create the laughing moments together. If you were all alone then try watching comedy movie, sitcom or read jokes in books & magazines. It's worth because it will release your stress, create  a joyful ambiance and enjoy a deep sleep during the night. Well, I did & hope will get a good night sleep later....Sweet dreams to all :)

Rice & Shine

Rice is the staple food for most Asian countries. In Malaysia, no matter Malay, Chinese or Indian we love to eat rice that served with dishes of meat, fish and vegetable. Without compromising on the calories, some of us eat rice up to 3 times a day - breakfast, lunch and dinner. So, you will not be starving when you are in Malaysia as we have 1001 varieties of dishes that  served with rice. Let me share with you list of my favorite rice dishes that are considered popular among Malaysian. 

Nasi Lemak (Coconut Milk Rice)

Nasi Lemak

The rice cooked in coconut milk with fragrant pandan leaves. It is  eaten with anchovies, peanuts.  fried chili paste, hard boiled egg or fried egg and fried chicken. This dish often eaten during breakfast or supper time.

Briyani Rice

Briyani Rice

Originally cooked by Indian community using high grade rice Basmati with spices. This dish usually eaten with fried chicken or curry mutton along with dhal gravy  and vegetables. This dish is nice to eat during lunch or dinner time.

Mandy Rice

Mandy Rice
This dish is originated fro the Middle Eastern countries. Similar to Briyani Rice. Using certain spices and eaten either with chicken, mutton or lamb.  Can be eaten with raw cucumber or carrot. Usually served for lunch or dinner.

Local Fried Rice

Local Fried Rice
This dish is usually cooked by mothers at home at any time of the day. Popular during breakfast because the left over rice from yesterday's is fried to ensure no wastage in their daily dish. It is often fried with anchovies and shrimp paste and very spicy.


Owhhh these pictures really make me hungry. They were taken during my meals at different places all over Malaysia. It is worth travelling for good food. Will share you with more food stories on some other days. Good food makes good blood....happy tummy makes a happy me :)

Wedding Bells

My parent's wedding in 1970

In Malaysia, school holidays  are synonym with wedding receptions. Most parents are busy entertaining their children for a short break as well as fulfilling invitations to attend wedding receptions from relatives and friends. For Malay community and being Muslims, marriage is based on Islamic principles with a blend of local customs. The wedding reception is full of colors and blessed by family members whom gather for celebration from all over the country.  

You've Got Mail

Waiting for my mail at Kowloon, Hong Kong in March 2007

Have you ever had a cyber relationship before? Well, it is interesting although it may be very risky because the relationship that  develops through the internet maybe illicit although not in all circumstances. That is the power of internet. It brought people so much closer together despite of the distance from anywhere in the world. At present, cyber relationship has becoming a norm as people are so obsesses with social networking platforms like Facebook, MySpace, hi5 and many more. Well, frankly...I don't really have anything against cyber relationship. It depends on you actually. How capable are you to handle relationship that  is actually don't exist for real. There is some public misconception that finding partners through internet is only for those who are desperate for relationships. But for some, it is the only way that they could find someone according to their criteria without fear of commitment as it creates a convenient atmosphere where busy people can meet those with common interests & lifestyles. Is the question how many succeed building up the relationship till death do they apart? Well Tom Hanks & Meg Ryan had done it.  So, why waste the technology challenge? 

Kathleen wrote an email to Joe in You've Got Mail:

~Sometimes I wonder about my life. I lead a small life. Well, valuable, but small. And sometimes I wonder, do I do it because I like it, or because I haven't been brave? So much of what I see reminds me of something I read in a book, when shouldn't it be the other way around? I don’t really want an answer. I just want to send this cosmic question out into the void. So goodnight, dear void ~

Wonders Of The World

Wondering at Colosseum, Rome in October 2007

My weekend was busy & fruitful with family activities. So, off from my blog for 2 days.Well, now I'm back on track...back on my laptop. While figuring out topic to share with the readers, I've just realized that school holiday has just begun in Malaysia. It is a relief for us as less traffic on the road for 2 weeks!! The holiday mood is on. Parents are busy planning for family getaways either going back to hometown visiting relatives or holiday trip to local destination or even abroad. I believe everybody loves holiday and travelling. If I were ever had the opportunity to travel, I would definitely will take  a 1-year off from work & travel to my dream destinations, to all the Wonders of the World (WOTW). Well, there are many categories of WOTW but the one with more than 100 million votes through internet & telephone falls under New7Wonders of the World initiated in 2001. They are:-

1) Chichen Itza, Mexico

2) Christ the Redemeer, Brazil

3) Colosseum, Rome

4) Great Wall of China, China

5) Machu Picchu, Peru

6) Petra, Jordan

7) Taj Mahal, India

Other finalists include Acropolis of Athens, Alhambra, Angkor Wat, Eiffel Tower, Statue of Liberty, Stonehenge, Sydney Opera House & Timbuktu. Well, let me see....so far I have witnessed & been to 3 Wonders - Collosseum, Eiffel Tower & Statue of Liberty. That's not a good sign...need more travelling & effort to visit those Wonders. Oppssss....yesssss Mak (Mom). I will oblige to perform Umrah (little pilgrimage) to the holy city of Mecca before thinking of travelling to those Wonders....Insyaallahhhhhhh 

TGIF :)

Family birthday dinner at Westin Hotel, Malaysia in October 2011

Friday is the best day of the weekdays because it is the day that gets you into the holiday mood. Everybody is excited & happy especially when clock ticks 5pm. Friday is the beginning of  a fun filled & relaxing weekend. So many things in my mind right now. Later tonight, planning for a belated birthday dinner with a friend, sis Wunny. Haven't decided yet where to eat but definitely to a place that is free from traffic because in Kuala Lumpur, horrible traffic begins on Friday evening. Considering I need to be out on the road soon, I've decided to share some of my favorite jokes for your pleasure reading on this joyful Friday mood. Enjoy reading & happy weekend!!!

Top joke in the world
Two hunters are out in the woods when one of them collapses. He doesn’t seem to be breathing and his eyes are glazed. The other guy takes out his phone and calls the emergency services. He gasps: “My friend is dead! What can I do?” The operator says: “Calm down, I can help. First, let’s make sure he’s dead.” There is a silence, then a gunshot is heard. Back on the phone, the guy says: “OK, now what?”

Top joke in the United Kingdom
A woman gets onto a bus with her baby. The bus driver says, “That’s the ugliest baby that I’ve ever seen. Ugh!” The woman goes to the rear of the bus and sits down, fuming. She says to a man next to her, “The driver just insulted me!” The man says, “You go right up there and tell him off. Go ahead, I’ll hold your monkey for you.”

Top joke in the United States
A man and a friend are playing golf one day at their local golf course. One of the guys is about to chip onto the green when he sees a long funeral procession on the road next to the course. He stops in mid-swing, takes off his golf cap, closes his eyes and bows in prayer. His friend says, “Wow, that is the most thoughtful and touching thing I have ever seen. You truly are a kind man.” The man then replies, “Yeah, well we were married 35 years.”

Top joke in Australia
This woman rushes to see her doctor, looking very much worried and all strung out. She rattles off, “Doctor, take a look at me. When I woke up this morning, I looked at myself in the mirror and saw my hair all wiry and frazzled up, my skin was all wrinkled and pasty, my eyes were bloodshot and bugging out, and I had this corpse-like look on my face! What’s wrong with me, Doctor?” The doctor looks her over for a couple of minutes, then calmly says, “Well, I can tell you that there ain’t nothing wrong with your eyesight …”

Top joke in Belgium
Why do ducks have webbed feet? To stamp out fires. Why do elephants have flat feet? To stamp out burning ducks.

Me, Myself & I

Me & my baby on the way to Frasier's Hill, Malaysia in October 2011

Since I started writing, I've shared 14 posts on various topics based on my experiences in life. I am glad that many have read & reached  1000 readers within 9 days. Majority are from Malaysia, USA & Middle East. Thank you readers for your support. Let me share you more about myself. I live & work in Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia. It's more of a love hate relationship. Love the food, malls & hang-out places but hate the traffic especially on rainy days. Like many, I've always look forward for weekends and holidays. Cruising to popular  local destinations with my baby is my favorite past time. To beaches, hills, villages and anywhere just to scout for something different like food, culture & scenery. Hobbies? Well, hard to describe because too little time for my hobby session, scuba diving at my favorite dive spot in Perhentian Island, Malaysia. Just got back from there last month actually & wish I could stay there longer. Sports? Nahhhh....That's the ugly side of me. I avoid activities that make me sweat, unless if I got stuck under the hot sun or the air-conditioner is broken hehehe Well, what matters most is that readers enjoy reading my posts and gain some good tips from various topics. I am open to criticism, comments & suggestions on my writing skills, compelling topics and creativity to improve further on my Eat....Pray....Love.... (watch the movie, then you will see :p) Enjoy reading!!!!

Peace No War

Beautiful Berlin, Germany in February 2009

Malaysia is a multiracial country with population reaching 20 million consists of Malay, Chinese, Indian and other minor races which makes it unique and prosperous. I am Malay myself and I am blessed to have many close friends from other races without having boundaries between us. Language is not an issue because we speak Malay language and English as an option. But in life, those differences are not the main reason why some people or community tend to create disagreement or  argument with each other. A conflict sometimes started from a petty or simple conversation. While some were giving opinions that sadly end up into argument. If you asked me, yes I believed that there is a circle of people who live & make a living by creating controversial or sensational issues. It is pathetic but they do exist. They are pessimistic about life and usually have a poor outlook about themselves. That uncertainty will make them self-centered & unwilling to listen to other people's opinion. Well, to cut short they live in jealousy, dishonesty & infidelity even with their loved ones. So, what's best for us is to keep away from their circle, look for other positive circles that will lead us to peace & harmony. Like wise men say...only fools rush in!!! Peace No War....war is not the answer.....for only love can conquer hate :)

Two To Tango

Happy faces - My bro, Apan, sis-in-law Sue & their darling duo,
Mya Elisha & baby Arif Aamil Hamka at KLCC in June 2011

Husband & wife, father & mother, boyfriend & girlfriend....couples that are meant & deserved each other....sharing their love, pain, joy, sorrow, ups and downs. Every couple dreams of a happy & lasting relationship but sadly too many have failed to resolve the pain, sorrow & downs. What went wrong? I believe couples who managed to stay happy have the tools to keep the love & good feelings alive and work through problems fast before they went down the hill. Let me share with you some tips that might be useful in your relationship 1) Take a break from each other by spending time with good friends. Then you will miss and appreciate each other more 2) Learn more jokes and make your partner laugh till tears. It creates bonding as laughter is definitely the best medicine 3) Say "I Love You" only at special occasions or only when it is necessary to say. Believe me, your partner will sleep with a smile for few nights 4) Surprise each other with something simple yet meaningful on ordinary day. The impact will be greater 5) Listen to your partner's problem without interrupting. Then summarize & advise in a positive manner. Many more tips to be shared based on my experiences but will share them for other topics later. If you have good tips, share with us...after all sharing is caring :)

Break The Wall & Stand Tall

Graceful peacock at Avillion Port Dickson, Malaysia in July 2011

As a human being, we sometimes feel scared out of our wits & think of  how other people will perceive us. This happens when we have lost our self confidence that affected us beyond our control. I have been through that stage before. It was the beginning of my career. Well, at the of early 20s, just graduated, no working experience, bus ride to work, spending that little portion of salary to buy clothes only during Sale. Life was simple & moderate. I really enjoyed myself. But at work, adjusting myself to the new kind of environment was quite tough especially adapting myself to fussy & quick-tempered boss. I realized that when you faces that kind of situation, you will loss your self-confidence. Well...time flies...I've gained so much through my various companies in building up my self confidence. Let me give you some tips 1) Always dress-up sharp to work because it will carry your personality well 2) Walk fast with good heels shoes for ladies & leather shoes for men 3) Sit up straight with good posture, head up & make eye contact 4) Compliment your co-workers because by looking at the best in others, indirectly you will bring out the best in yourself 5) Always choose to sit in front & speak up by making effort to speak at least once in every group discussion or meeting. These are just some tips that you may think a bit cliche but trust me, it will help you to be noticed by your boss & co-workers in the positive manner. Girls....I think point no. 1 should be executed ASAP.....let's go shopping for some clothes at Zara and M&S  :)

Been There...Done That...

Diving team at Perhentian Island, Malaysia in March 2010

When I got stuck in the bad traffic, I've always imagine that I was actually somewhere else. A place that I can breathe the salty air, listen to the wave splash & get wet in the deep blue sea. How I wish I got stuck in an island rather in the bad traffic. Your mind will feel at ease at all time without worrying about the hustle & bustle of the busy city. Taking a break off from work twice a year  for at least a week is a smart thing to do. I don't usually plan. It will take me just less than a month to decide where to go for the next vacation. I even took  a short notice to travel on solo vacation to LA for about 3 weeks just to ease my mind. It was adventurous & fun travelling alone across the globe but not as exciting as diving in the deep blue ocean. You will be fascinating by the sea creatures & corals that welcome you anytime time of the day and night. Hundreds of colorful fish swimming along with you, turtles waving hello, sharks giving their best teeth smile, octopus dancing with the waves.....too many to tell over this little post. Come on just pack your bag, get a flight ticket & fly to your dream destination. Travelling solo this year perhaps????

Fat...Fast...Figure

Forville market at Cannes, France in October 2010

You must be thinking what on earth those 3 words relate to each other. For me they do jived well. Fat to those think that they gained weight & don't look good in their old dress or shirt. That's why to some especially the ladies are very selective in food and sometimes willing to go on a crash diet. No...no...no ladies....that's not the best solution to get in shape. Well, put aside your yoga, treadmills or whatever gym activities that can make you sweat. Let's try other options like the greatest natural healing therapy - fasting. It may sounds difficult to some but yes Muslim practice it once a year throughout Ramadhan month, no eating & drinking from sunrise to sunset. Yesss...purely breath the air for that almost 13 hours. But what I want to suggest here to is Juice Fasting.  It is a mild & effective cleansing plan as it requires minimum digestion while it supply many nutrients & stimulates our body to clear its wastes. It is also safer than water fasting because it supports the body nutritionally while cleansing produces better detoxification &  increase our natural resistance to disease. Let's try out this Juice Fasting for at least twice a week & you will feel the difference in a month & check out your figure....see the difference :)

Life Is Like A Roller Coaster

Enjoying rides at 6 Flags Magic Mountain, USA in July 2011

I love roller coaster ride. It gives me the thrill before, excitement during & satisfaction after the ride. I know not many have the guts to ride on but they should at least try once in  their life time. You can really scream as loud as you can & even cried till you drop and yet nobody cares. The thrilling part is the big drop then ups an downs all over again. Just like part of our life. We do have our ups & downs in our job, relationship or marriage. The worst part is when the big drop emerge in our life but it will definitely make us stronger & wiser as a human being. I've been through that roller coaster ride myself. But I believe mine is not as terrifying as others. At certain stage we may have to accept the downs with in an open mind & part of our sacrifice in life. This will lead us to be a better person, appreciate one another & value life before its too late. So, grab your ticket, wait in line, jump in the front seat & enjoy your roller coaster ride....SCREAMMMMMMMMMM

I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues

With Elton John at Madame Tassauds Las Vegas in July 2011

Monday Blues...everybody is grumbling & groaning about Monday, not willing to let go the Lazy Sunday. Thinking of what to wear to work, waking up early in the morning, going through the bad traffic, dealing with new stacks of work and so on and on. I was in that circle of society whom hates Monday...yessss no doubt but it turn out to be different since I work in my new office early this year. It's funny to find myself looking forward for Monday & excited about the loads of work that need to be done. When I lay back & think of why there is no more Monday Blues for me, then I realize of one good reason....I am Stress-Free!!! Great boss, friendly co-workers, healthy working environment, interesting job and yessss....the most important thing is that surrounding with great choice of food. Talking about boss, oppssss he just came down to see me personally to say hello & how are things been doing (while I am writing this notes hehehe)...wowww...he seems to smell something fishy here...hahaha....it's ok boss, my work is done for the day....Nevertheless, Monday has always giving the heartache to most of us. If Mondays still kept on torturing you, then may be it's time for you to switch your career...believe me, you may be better off to new career with better pay & better prospect....I've done that & happy with my decision. So no more Monday Blues for me. Let's cheer everybody up today & sing along Elton John's I Guess That's What They Call It The Blues.....

Unconditional Love

City of Love in October 2010

Do you believe in love? I believe most of us do. True love is unconditional. This means that we love that person exactly as who they are, before and after no matter how they will change in future and we will always be there for them. Loving someone through their flaws and all, accepting and embracing each others differences and compromising with their offerings. But it is easier said than done, right? For me, loving someone should comes in package - honesty, compromise, respect. These three words should always be applied in a relationship - with parents, siblings, partners, husband, wife, children and those we care so much. I remember when I was little, I started believing in love when Mak (mom) sees Abah (dad) smelly & sweaty after his football game and still hugs him & says that he is the most good looking man & makes her the most luckiest person in the entire universe. It touches my heart & believes that I will find that true love someday...found one actually hehehe.... So why wait??? Let's cherish your loved ones with a hug a day from today...it won't cost a thing :)

Sweet Tooth Sweet Life

My new addiction to dessert - Meringue Sunday @DELICIOUS

Sunday is resting day. For some, it's cooking day where family members gather at mom's place enjoying her home made cooking. Yes...it's a simple but yet a fruitful lunch meeting for family members. But wait...something is missing. Trying to figure out what is not right here. Tummy is happily resting. Eyes are slowly getting heavy. But there is something to fill up the needs of satisfaction. Ahhaaaa...we  missed out the dessert. I believe most of us love dessert. Dessert has been a culture even in Malaysia after meal consists of sweet food. For Malay community, desserts are quiet exceptional, using ingredients such as santan (coconut milk), fresh grated coconut, palm sugar and a unique palm leave called pandan. One of my favorite local desserts is Kuih Lopes. It is made of glutinous rice, coconut milk, pandan leaves & grated coconut and to be eaten with palm sugar syrup....a delicacy that should not to be missed!!! So why wait, let's go out & scout for some sweet, delicious dessert on this hot, sunny day...if too full, sundae ice-cream perhaps??? 

Wear A Smile Today

My darling niece, Mya Elisha when she was 1 year old in 2009

I was out the whole day today organizing my office event outside KL. The weather was hot & humid. Everybody was sweating & longing something to cool off the thirst. From the many faces of eagerness, there was this girl at one corner giving her sweetest smile to everyone passes by her. From her smile, I realized how sincere her smile that can make boundaries to melt, hearts to warm up and distance to reduce. How powerful a smile can be. It is a simple act for us but sometimes we realize a lot of effort to create that simple smile. Why is it hard for us to smile? The answer lies in our attitude towards life. If we accept situations accordingly, then we will be able to smile easily. Always wear a smile. Remember, without your smile, your attire is considered incomplete. Smile .... even to your own reflection in the mirror .... believe me, it will not cost you a single cent :) 

Bye Work....Hello Weekend!!!

Nena, kakak Mya & little Hamka strolling by the beach during our
family barbeque picnic at Blue Lagoon, PD  on 11 April 2012

Everybody is rushing back home once the clock ticks 5pm especially on Friday evening.... of course including me, happily singing while driving  & listening to Red.Fm despite of massive jam. That doesn't bother me at all. Weekend is spelled out HAPPY for everybody. You can do all those fun & fruitful things with family & friends. Put aside those house chores & spring cleaning. Of course you can't escape it especially those with families. Like me being single, it's not my first priority...at the moment I guess!!! Weekend for me means doing activities apart from office work. Believe me, staying in KL nothing much you can do except movies, karaoke, bowling, shopping & dining. You will be spending extra money surrounding with crowds of people which later makes you uncomfortable & looking forward to be back home & rest. How about this weekend, we spend time with our family for a barbeque picnic by the beach. Sounds fun right? You will feel at ease listening to the sound of waves, witnessing the blue horizon, touching the soft white sand....but what most important of all is the bonding between you & family....talking, laughing & touching each other hearts....the most precious gift that will always be valued, priceless..... Happy Weekend!!!!!

SYUKUR ALHAMDULILLAH!!!

The happy faces of Sea Gypsy children
during my visit to Sabah, Malaysia in 2008

Be honest to yourself. How many times a day you remembrance the word Syukur Alhamdulillah....have you ever count it? Or perhaps it probably popped out of your mouth only when you hear happy news? Let's rejuvenate our self.....lay back & think how lavish Allah has given us....happy family, good life, good job & most important of all, a good health that enables us to breathe & live our life to the fullest. So dear friends, beginning today....holy Friday, be blessed with Alhamdulillah.... in our prayer, our conversation, while driving & at all times whenever you can. We thank you Allah for the blissful Friday!!!!

Mak...You Are The Queen Of My Heart

Beautiful Mak, me, Apan & Ojan at West Hartford, Connecticut in 1980

13 May 2012 was Mother's Day. A day where we appreciate our mothers in extra special way. It was a bit tough for me to decide on how to surprise Mak with that X-factor in celebrating her special day. Last year, we went for breakfast at Shangri-La & surprised her with bouquet of flowers & her favourite Issey Miyake perfume. This year, I finally decided to bring her for a day-trip to East Coast (sounded strange right hehe). Well, nothing is impossible for Mak. Treated her with ikan patin masak tempoyak at Temerloh, picnic at Telok Chempedak beach & tea at the famous Kemaman Kopitiam. It was fun & enjoyable trip. But what matter most is that Mak was happy & our love blossoms each day in our little secret garden. Love you Mak with all my heart & soul!!!!!

Hello from Cik Yat

Finally I've decided to create & share my thoughts through my own blog. May take a while for me to make this blog looks & feels good. Nevertheless, what matter most is the thoughts that count. Sharing travelling tips, places to eat, motivational quotes and love advice. All based on my true life experiences... it's all about Eat...Pray...Love....