103~ Our Eleventh Monthsary

: He Proposed! :

Let’s have it at the Palm! We both broke into the same suggestion at the same time and since then it was official that we were going to have our 11th Monthsary at the Palm Café and Restaurant. We had gone to the Palm’s for a couple of meetings already before this with its manager; Robert, to discuss our Engagement Party plans. Being Malay, all our major events are made through a whole manner of disciplined mutual agreements hence likely missing the greatness of moments like getting proposed- like in the movies. As usual, before deciding anything, everything must be in line with every elder. Thus, since everything about Our Engagement was all settled already, NorMala had no idea what she was in for this Monthsary, except her mention that it was one of her dreams to have a proper proposal for her engagement.

On that afternoon, Syazwan picked NorMala up all suited up smart and handsome. NorMala found it a bit strange at first but let it go by reassuring her suspicion by thinking perhaps he had just wanted to make the extra effort. We made our way to The Palm’s and ordered our lunch meals as soon as we were comfortable. We decided to have our Monthsary there mostly because we wanted to have a try at its food and service. So far, it was all good and up to our standards. The place is compartmentalized into two dining areas; one hemmed with wide clear glass windows and doors, there is a bar in the middle and just outside sits a charming pool. The pool is mostly used for the fitness facility above the restaurant but private function hosts are allowed to use it to their advantage too. We had never been to the pool area and NorMala suggested that perhaps it would be a good idea to check it out after Our lunch. At first, Syazwan rejected the idea, afraid that we didn’t have time since we had a previous engagement to attend after. But, as soon as he started to notice that there were a quite a number of people coming in, he abruptly changed his mind and took NorMala up on her offer. Then she had begun to realize that something was really up; judging by how her finace- to- be was acting so differently. She asked him why the weirdness? He replied nonchalantly that he merely wanted to see the pool and take some pictures there. NorMala just played along with his plans. We got up from the table and walked outside to the pool, it was empty. We watched the ripples on the water and stared through it looking at the patterned mosaic tiles. We noticed a seating area with umbrellas on a leveled veranda and Syawan requested we take Our pictures there. After we were done, we sat there for a bit just enjoying the noon breeze and that’s when it all happened.

Syazwan called out NorMala for her attention as he took out a small red box and got down on one knee beside her chair. NorMala just smiled and covered her mouth with surprise, realizing what it was all about now. She laughed shyly and Syazwan took her hand and uttered the words, “Siti Normala Binti Haji Awang Damit, will you be my wife?” gleaming a wide smile while holding out a ring. It was her old ring that he had given to her from the beginning of their relationship. NorMala had given it back to Syazwan for safe keeping to bare her fingers from any rings which was just another self preparation for their coming engagement rings. She smiled excitedly looking at him and replied “Yes! I will”- followed with a giggle. It was really all quite funny how everything was played into the whole proposal especially being in broad daylight, this didn’t help in making the moment more romantic than it should’ve been she thought. She had always pictured a romantic scene to be at night view rather than day light. Syazwan did think the same too and actually did plan for Us to have the celebration that night but since unavoidable circumstances forced us to move it up to lunch time, it was inevitable. Furthermore, since it is never in our hands that things take a change in plans sometimes, it is nevertheless considered to be the norm. Syazwan carefully took the ring out and slipped it on NorMala’s finger. After that, he led her down the steps of the veranda and we left for home to prepare to go to the football field. Syazwan had a family game to participate in. We all then went out for dinner for some good local ‘soto’ soup noodles after and as soon as we were washed up from the days’ events, we cribbed in for a dvd the rest of the night just resting ourselves or perhaps preparing energy for the next months big day! Oh Boy, we can’t wait! :D

With special thanks to Syazwan for wanting to make his fiancé-to-be, NorMala’s dream come true~ and know that it did, just because it was you at the end of that ring :) Also for making the 11th Monthsary mean so much more than just another Monthsary to Us.

103~ Our Tenth Monthsary

: We Are Our Own Lobsters :

There goes a saying that every lobster has one for itself in its whole life- no matter how long lived, like a soul mates, these couple of lobsters will always be and stay together everywhere as if in love. So as the saying goes, Syazwan is NorMala’s lobster and NorMala is Syazwan’s- We are Our own lobsters for life!

However, disregarding the saying, another thing about lobsters is that they make fine sea food. As we picked up the menu, we noticed the extravagant seafood section. We swooned over the dishes that we had never ordered, which was the lobster and crab. The pictures looked so good and tempting, so in our excitement we decided that we were going to go for them. Nothing else looked better to eat at that moment. And it was official that we were having a seafood celebration this Monthsary.

On that Sunday afternoon, we thought we’d celebrate the Monthsary early in daylight during lunch time and thought that it would be nice to just have it somewhere close to home. We went to the newly opened WYWY restaurant branch nearby and when we arrived, there weren’t that many people, a perfect solitude for us, we notioned. After the waiter took our order, we took some time chatting away and telling jokes to each other. It did take quite a while for Our food to arrive as our orders where quite the complicated ones, but when they did; it was all worth the time. They looked spectacular, dressed just like in the photos. And fortunately enough, they tasted just as good. We had the Chili Lobster and Black Pepper Crab. When we started with the Lobster, we thought that we had to roll up our sleeves for it, like what we did for the Crab but it didn’t require any of that hassle at all. It was already skinned off from the flesh and its meat was just hidden under its shell which was by now, cut into small pieces and made into tiny fillets. No wonder it took a while to cook!? The Crab was as usual, required some work and we were very blessed to have sat secluded from the rest- hence reducing us getting embarrassed by our jovial eating habits hehe. We must admit, our lunch did take some time and it was definitely wasn’t the type of dishes to order in a hurry. Luckily, we had time to spare until our next appointment. But being large portions, we just could not devour all of it; we settled for perhaps a little bit more than half and decided to take the rest home. It was great food for a great occasion and we certainly hope to do it again some time.

After our lunch celebration, we picked up Syazwan’s little bro, Anz from home and headed of to his Aunt’s to welcome her home from her hols in the UK. In between, we met up with NorMala’s BFF n fiancé; Farisha, and purchased a movie to relax to after, one of Our Fav things to do together (if you hadn’t already noticed that). And as we unwounded the days’ events, we still could not forget the sight of the lovely red delisc Lobster we had, reminding Us again to the start~ how We Are Our Own Lobsters for Life and Beyond! :D

103 10th Monthsary at WYWY

103~ Our Ninth Monthsary Overseas!

Spot the 9?

: On Cloud Nine :

It was in our greatest fortune to have our 9th Monthsary fall very close to our second holiday in Kota Kinabalu. We flew there on the Thursday and our Monthsary was on the following Monday, so we decided to celebrate it on the weekend in KK. It was going to be our first overseas Monthsary celebration and indeed in its own self respective way would be one of the most special. We were there with Syazwan’s Family and were on a role to attend his relatives wedding. But before that, we went wild on shopping and enjoying the scenery and more distinctly the Islands they have. We went snorkeling to experience the spectacular marine life and visited its sandy blue beaches. It was certified fun. Specifically for our 9th Monthsary, we dined in the infamous Secret Receipe at the new Square. Syazwan being a ridiculous Hot fan, ordered the Chicken Noodle Tom Yam Soup and NorMala opted for its famous Beef stew. While waiting, we chatted about how wonderful the holiday had gone and how we loved our snorkeling experience. We took several pictures of experimental ways to form the number nine with our food and appreciated our newly bought matching watches. We thought it suited the occasion very well. Once our dinner was over, we headed off to the water front to meet up with the rest and later shared coffee at the nearby Star Bucks. A celebration we will always remember-Snorkeling, Secret Reciepe and StarBucks all wrapped up in a day! :)

HarmonyUs Watches

103 9th Monthsary in KK

103~ Our Eigth Monthsary

HarmonyUs Sovereigns

: A Traditional Affair :

That Saturday afternoon, Syazwan picked NorMala up from work like every other Saturday. We have been doing this since we started going out; Syazwan sends and fetches NorMala on every Saturday so that we can spend more time together and go out for lunch straight away after work. Besides this, we also think that this would be good training for Syazwan in the long run ;). When he arrived, NorMala surprised him with a small tiny love letter. Since it was his first, he wasted no time to open it. It said, “Happy 8th Monthsary, I love you & I can’t get enough of you! Hugxoxo”. He thanked NorMala and greeted her back lovingly.

On this celebration of our Monthsary we decided to go traditional. We had been craving for ‘Ambuyat’ for quite a while now and thought that it would also suit well with the months’ monthsary since we have never celebrated it traditionally. We went to The Aminah Arif Restaurant (a restaurant specializing in ‘Ambuyat’ packaged menu deals) and ordered a bowl of the traditional delicacy. Along with it, was Syazwan’s Fav Kang Kong Vege Stir Fry, Beef Stir Fry, Steamed Fish and some raw veges with chilli salsa. There were a moderate number of people there, all enjoying the Bruneian dish as well. When everything arrived on our table, impatiently, we dug into the steamy bowl with our ‘candas’ ( thin long slender wooden tongs) and yanked out a stretch of the rubber-like glutinousness, then expertly coiled it to our tastes and dipped it in its hot sauce. Delicious! We must admit that those couples who can’t share this delicacy together, it’s really a waste because its one experience we recommend not missing, after all sharing is always best with your loved ones. Another thing about ‘Ambuyat’ we think is that it’s addictive. When you start with your first taste you just can’t stop. Perhaps it’s the after effect you get when you swallow it down, the warmth of it sliding through your throat or the aftertaste of sweet sour hot chili that releases explosions in your mouth and head; but either way it’s awesome! If you’re lucky enough to get it hot enough, you’d get a runny nose and start sweating. We think this a sign of really enjoying it. Syazwan is so much more of a hot craze than NorMala, perhaps a trait descended in his fam.

After we settled our tanks and paid the bill, we headed of to the grocery store to get some ingredients for the nights plans. Every Saturday Night we like to get together with some friends and hang out. This Saturday Night we thought that it would be nice to stay in for some cooked dinner and watch a dvd. NorMala cooked her special wet noodle pak choy chix dish (always promoting her greens to Syazwan) (and friends!) hehe. Then, in the middle of the movie we had a short warm milo n cake break, feasting on some cakes that we had bought earlier from a Fav bakery, Bakerlyn. Celebrating on work days are always made simpler just because we always fall exhausted fast at the end of the day. But, we felt the celebration went really well and was more than satisfying, there would’nt be anything more left to ask for than just to have a great time together ;)

103~ Our Seventh Monthsary

: A Fasting Celebration :

103 7th Monthsary in Fasting Month

Today marks our first Monthsary celebrated in the fasting month. We both realized this from the beginning and exchanged opinions in excitement to what we would do for it. After our sixth month, we had been preferably making our decisions together, always checking with one another first with every single thing, perhaps a trait followed on after choosing matching colours for our Hari Raya clothes. And perhaps the best thing ever since thinking is just half the run hehe. Since it is the fasting month, the celebration only started after the break. NorMala thought that it would be nice to break our fast at a hotel for a big buffet and Syazwan made the bookings. We tried many hotels, looking for table vacancies and choosing menu deals at the same time. Eventually, we managed to book a table at the Orchid Garden Hotel where they were serving a spread of Western dishes. We made our way there that evening and hurriedly found our parking space after hearing the ‘azan’ start. We made it just in time to our table and quickly nibbled on our dates, we didn’t even get to see who were sitting on the other tables. In no time the buffet tables were completely flooded with people waiting to get their share of bites and we joined in at the appetizers stall. We took almost everything, an attempt to taste all the dishes but as usual, it didn’t take much to fill our tum tums. As soon as we were having our desserts, we started noticing everyone around us. We spotted many acquaintances including NorMala’s Sister, Liza whom on our way to out, managed to call Us to run by some last minute errands for the coming Hari Raya celebration. After that, we bought some decoration light bulbs and retreated home. We both worked on Hari Raya preparations together for the rest of the night putting up the decoration lights. It was a bit like decorating a house of our own, we fantasized, Syazwan with his white Haj hat hammering away and NorMala with her hijab holding on to the ladder, a sight worth remembering for nostalgia. With Lots of Love and Appreciation to Syazwan for having such a generous helpful heart! The lights look great!:D

The First 6 Monthsary

103~ Our Sixth Monthsary

Half AYear!! Sssuuuurrrprriiisee!

NorMala was excited to host our 6th Monthsary and did itinerary the days’ events knowing that it would be marking our half-year monthsary. However, as excited as she was to see it all pan out as planned, the day also coincided with Syazwan’s Fam BBQ in Lambak. So, the plans were all forcibly in for a change. Because of its special occasion, NorMala decided to surprise Syazwan with a gift. She hurried off after work and got them at the last minute, luckily there were two little helpers who made the surprise feasible. Thanks! As soon as everything was ready and possible, she sneaked into Syazwan’s room and left it on his bed. NorMala has noticed how Syazwan has been moaning all week about how difficult it has been at work and thought that this would cheer his spirits. Since Syazwan started his attachment, he had been complaining about the long hours, the work load, the difficulties of juggling time and traffic during the rush hour and many others. We also noticed how it lessened our meet- up time and it was all a bit of a shim sham in the beginning really. Fortunately, we eventually learned how to get by it. That day, Syazwan made his daily weekday return home; turned into the drive way, parked up his car, took his keys out and made his way to his room to change for the BBQ. Then as soon as he opened the door, there laid a bouquet of red roses endorsed with one of his most Fav colours; green. And beside it was a heart shaped box with red rose imprints that enclosed some of his Fav Hersey Kisses. Syazwan smiled at the surprise and wondered how it got there, but he suspected a few details.

Syazwan picked NorMala up and drove to the BBQ but he didn’t utter a word about the surprise. NorMala just pretended that she knew nothing. Then before they left the car to harvest the sizzling lamb chops on the grill, NorMala couldn’t wait another minute to know what his reaction to the surprise. We both started talking about it at the same time! We cracked out with laughter while wooing each other of how we knew that we both were pretending not to know anything. Syazwan loved the gift NorMala gave him and thanked her for it guiltily confessing that he hadn’t gotten her anything. Remembering that he had gotten NorMala a gift just recently, which were a pair of work shoes to replace the old worn out ones, NorMala assured that he didn’t have to anyway. We celebrated the rest of the day sinking our teeth barbarically on lovely delicious BBQed meat..yumm!