"Enjoy Lungkahwee, Peenang, and the sun in general," said my registrar.

... before I left the ward for my summer break.

So this post could begin with either,

1) I was going through pictures taken over the summer break on my phone and I thought, well, I'm feeling a bit rajin now so let's sort them out. 

2) My phone has been giving full storage warning and I really need to get some pictures out of the way without forgetting them.

I'd prefer the first.

Anyways, here are some of the random things that happened over summer.

1. A trip to Teacher Nila's place with Izleen & her little family.

That one and only time when Adam and I did something meaningful together in Malaysia over summer. I arrived KLIA on Saturday afternoon and we went there on Sunday, which was pretty ambitious I must say. Anything for my yayang! Teacher Nila taught us Maths back in KMB so it was a lot of catching up on what KMB has become these days. College patriotism never dies, I tell you.

2. Renewed my IC and driving license.

Costed me RM25 (I think?) for the IC since I didn't renew it before 25yo. Hmphhh. And I thought I had my old IC picture somewhere but I couldn't find it, although I'm pretty sure I looked more mature in the old one. Also, Adam thought I looked like an egg in this picture. I quite like it to be honest, it could've gone worse. Itu gambar masa muda macam nak cari gaduh.

3. Crammed into the backseat with my younger siblings.

Who knew we could all fit into the backseat of a Kia Forte? Ummi took this picture while we were all asleep, and I thought, "How was it possible that Afiq, the tallest among us, managed to land his head on my shoulder?!??!" I wonder if we could fit another Adam (my Adam) in there. Wait, to be fair we did it once before, going for a dinner from my house and Adam didn't want to drive so we all hopped into the Kia with Ayah and Ummi hahahaha too funny!

4. First car accident, ever.

It was right outside Ampang Point when a motorcycle hit the car from behind. I was driving with Kak Hana when it happened. The cyclist got away, and since I had no experience whatsoever with car accidents and stuff, we ignored it for a while. Until I called Ayah and he asked me to lodge a police report, just in case. I was going to see KN after that anyway, so KN and I went to the Balai Polis Trafik Ampang (specific okay, kena balai polis trafik jugak, where the accident happens). Costed around RM180 to have the lampu cover replaced, splitted between Ayah and I. Pfft nasib baik dah renew driving license.

5. Met Kak Hana and her little one in the tummy!

She's popped a little human now weehoo Alhamdulillah. One of the most positive human I've met in this crazy world of medical field. She was doing ED (Emergency Dept) when we met, at 7 months pregnant. And I shall remember her words, "The best decision I've ever made was to move in with my husband. Things started to make sense then." My life shall, too.

6. Day trip to Terengganu and back.

Took a bus to Kuantan to meet my friend, Iejatt (Iz'aan Sapikoh) then drove up to Kemaman to pick Shud (Amira Suhada) up before heading to Kerteh for Yana's wedding, (my Yana!). These high school friends, haih, how la we never changed. Things felt so good, so familiar, so close to home. On another note, back to KL on the same day, sampai pukul 1pagi hari Sabtu. Sabtu ada another wedding, then Ahad another wedding on my inlaws side. Terus I rasa nak kawen lagi tau.

7. Road trip to Penang!

Just to see Izleen and her little one, Naurah. The initial plan was for me to fly up to Penang then we'd stay in a hotel just to have our 'us' time. Romantik bak hang. Then I managed to convinced Ayah and Ummi (and Syahirah, although she didn't need much convincing) to all go and have a random midweek getaway! I am forever indebted with Ayah for this, since we then didn't have to fork out a single cent for the stay. And Naurah charmed everyone so that was job done. Also, gua buli Naurah macam hantu gua rasa Naurah confirm dah mark gua sekarang. Luls.

Kitorang kidnap Naurah letak dalam kereta lepastu bagi dia coklat, malam tu dia hyper taktidur, mak Naurah yang kena jaga luls.

The ones I'm forever indebted to.

8. Jumpa Abil ku sayang.

Ha geli kan. Wahahah. Took a bus to Kuantan (Ayah suggested I drive, terima kasih kerana masih meyakini anakmu ini walaupun dah accident, sobsob), (although to be fair he asked me to take Wira only wahahah) to meet this girl! (Man that's a long sentence?). Stayed over at UIA and the familiarity was overwhelming! Golek golek bercerita sampai tertidur, shopping tudung sakan, haih bila lagi boleh jadi perempuan sebegini?

9. And came home to a bouquet of surprise!

Ini kerja Farah Afiqah yang sweet nak mamp. Girlfriend kasi bunga surprise home delivery, kau hadoo?? We met before I left for UK and I was sooo like, kenaaapaaa kasi kita bungaaaa you don't have toooo!! And she's like, biaaarlaaahhhh. I was like, nangeeesssss, no, I literally cried. This Ara girl, is another friend that we just rolled (literally rolled) our way despite not seeing each other for a long time. Earlier she came to London and I skipped my class just to spend the day with her staying at MARA London doing nothing walking London on foot haha. Gosh gotta love the spontaneity of this girl man.

10. College patriotisme FTW!

Patriotisme lagi, aka memekak berbimbo berjemah kat food court KMB makan mee kungfu. Dengan Ms Yatie lah yang ponteng ceramah agama apa lagi kahkah. Also, acara berkongsi tips rumah tangga dengan Edy, and maybe a bit relevant to the gay KN, luls. Kidding, he's not gay, and he's one of the most gentleman person (right use of adjective?) I've ever known. PM me for number. Wink. Kahkah.

Twas a darn good summer mate.

Quarter century old.

Kena upload sebab nanti boleh guna jadi modal nak sappy dengan Nadd. 

Sebab dedua gila kentang strong women, katanya.

We made a joke how we don't have a circle of close friends here, in Leicester. We have a line of friend, instead. (cause there's only two of us, so it's a line, geddit geddit?)

And we're so contented that we refuse to extend our line into a circle. 

Sigh, what do I do la without her.

I love you too, Nadd.

27 Days of Home: Day eight to eleven.

Day 8: Monday, 03/02/14 - A date with with bebimbos

Decided to meet up at KLCC since Syeeda had to work on that day. An easy pick for Faw and I as well as we are the MRR2 girls lol. Above all my hats off to Afiqah who came all the way from Klang! Effort la sikit nak jumpa sifu ye dak haha.

Remember these girls? They're all grown ups now :')

A little update on the girls: Both Syeeda and Fawani are now engineers working around KLCC at the moment. Afiqah is going to continue her PhD in Sheffield in April. Irhana is now back for good from her Masters but couldn't be kidnapped due to her being grounded lol. Edy is now in Cardiff doing M.Phil. something I vaguely familiar about but definitely beyond degree. Nina is now working with Petronas in KL, on her way to starting a family.

Nabilah? Lagi dua minggu balik UK belajar medic tak habis habis. Haha.

Tangga kejayaan katanya. Sads

Had chicken parmigiana for late lunch at Secret Recipe and I wasn't too impressed.

We had desserts too which were super nice but I ate them even before thinking of taking the pictures lol. They were chocolate lava cake and all chocolate cake if I remember well?

Day 9: Tuesday, 04/02/14 - Catching up with KN

This one is truly a catching up session since the last time I saw him was in Nottingham's Games in 2012. Almost two years back! And we didn't really have the time to chat as it was already closing ceremony and everyone was rushing to go back. But this time.. All the time in the world! Well not really since I had a curfew by Maghrib lol.

We went shopping for his work shirts at Sogo and much to his dismay, our tastes are nothing alike! I hate looking at men in short sleeved shirts, whereas he's comfortable in them. I don't find plain white shirts with coloured stripes attractive, he thinks they're as good. I like a little pop of colour and designs on a shirt, probably around the colar or cuffs but he goes for the super boring plain ones.

But as much as we'd like to argue on our personal tastes, it all came down to prices. Beggars can't be choosy, no? So he bought three shirts with me half-approving. At some point while shirt-hunting we both agreed that I could never really agree on his choice so I'd just settle for what was there haha!

Then we had lunch at Manhattan Fish Market.

Seafood chowder for starter. It had chunks of seafood in it. Nice!

Seafood platter something I can't remember for our main

It is meant to be shared hence the super large portion. Verdict, not too bad. The seafood was nice but it occured to me that I like my seafood done in a more 'traditional' way when it comes to tempura. More 'celup tepung' like than this kind of posh batter whatnot. I know it doesn't quite make sense but I used to live in Terengganu for more than ten years and nothing beats the 'goreng celup tepung' from there.

Chicken caesar salad

Another point which KN and I couldn't really agree on. I have never ever ever EVER ordered salads or anything like that at a restaurant. But KN likes this particular one that he just had to order it. I played along as I've heard somewhere saying Manhattan Fish Market has one of the best caesar salad. Lie. Or at least I don't agree to it. Nothing impressive, especially when you're Manhattan Fish Market. Could have done better.

But the one thing that I really like was the drink. Or drinks.

My bubblegum something. 

I think it's just sprite with a zest of pineapple syrup and lime. And probably some bubblegum colouring/flavour? Refreshing. Yums.

KN's apple pandan something.

I don't find it too interesting but KN thought it was nice and I thought he was just justifying his choice lol.

All in all, it was a good lunch.

Next we went for prayer and stopped by at CIMB nearby to resolve my suspended online banking. Had a good time laughing at each other's noob-ness since we both couldn't remember our username/password. My case was easily justified since I hardly used the service but his? Just noob, plain noob. Kahkah.

Came home completely knackered, only that night I had to teman my sister at the hospital. 

Hence,

Day 10: Wednesday, 05/02/14

Day 11: Thursday, 06/02/14

Another do nothing day!

Well not really because both Ummi and Syahirah had been ill so I did most of the house chores myself and if I didn't warn you I HATE HOUSE WORKS. Chores. Lipat kain. Masak. Sapu lantai. Basuh pinggan. I am never the housewife material I'm so sorry! And it doesn't help that we have a twelve-year-old boy who changes his clothes three times a day - baju sekolah, baju sekolah agama, baju main bola, baju swimming (if I'm unlucky) baju tidur, you name it! God helps D:

How I spend my winter break in one picture.

So it's officially our winter break! A winter break that lasts til end of February 2014 (hopefully) with a gap of exam week somewhere in the middle, say whaaattt..??!? Anyways..

Before the start of my winter break

Remember these girls from my Sheffield post some ancient months ago? So yeah, half of them were here in Leicester last two weeks. Wait not even half.  Just the two of them - Ana and Edy. But never estimate their capabilities to run down a house. I had to apologise to my housemates in advance just in case we make weird noises in the middle of the night. Well these two can giggle like nobody's business with just each other's company, and now there was me, what do you expect? A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do man. Which is giggle all the way. And take loads and loads of selfies haha! There isn't much to say, really. It's just pictures of us. Yes, literally, just US, a bunch of giggling girls.

Don't say I didn't warn ye.

Clock Tower and all its glory of Christmas!

It's pretty obvious when it comes to our height. Also, Ana's reaaaaally good with selfie!

Seems like a pretty serious conversation for a mango, don't you think? Lol.

Notice how Edy's batting her eyelashes to the young seller. Haha!

They went all ooh-aahing at how cheap fruits and veges are at the market. And yes, it's our pride - the market. It seems quite dodgy lol to some extent, but here you can get a bowl full of clementines and oranges for £1, where you pay the same amount for 5 pcs in Tesco. Win!

Whenever you see pictures taken using self-timer, it's actually part of a series of pictures. I usually use timers in burst mode, say 10 captures at one time, hence all the weird poses lol. But for the sake for these unmarried ladies (thank you husband!), I'll save the worst for ourselves. Not gonna post any 'gambar tolak jodoh' as they claim it. Gambar tolak jodoh, how funny is that! Lolol.

Then we took it to the next level, to my bedroom. Double bed redefined, check.

Ana: Kau takde remote ke Bella? DSLR dah canggih dah, beli la remote pulak. Kata gadget freak.

Bella: Well, aku maybe gadget freak, tapi aku bukan selfie freak.

LOL.

This was when Ana got excited over my hairstyler that she decided it would make an excellent prop for a photoshoot. Dear Ana's future husband, bertabahlah. Kahkah.

And I just have to post this ---

This is usually how it looks like at the end of the burst mode - us rolling all over the place giggling laughing like mad. I couldn't even hold myself when I was going through the pictures - we were so ridiculous!

Ahh good times good times. Now I wish the rest of the bebimbos (haha) were here. Missing you guys. Sigh.

After the start of my winter break

Endless revision. Winter break at its best.

Of NMG 2013 and a friendship lost in time.

Had my third dose of Nottingham's Malaysian Games last weekend. This time I went there as a player rather than to wander around and have fun because I was so disappointed with last year's food stalls that I told myself I definitely wouldn't go to Nott's Games if I wasn't playing. But surprise surprise, life has its own's way to play trick on people (or rather, me?) because this time the food was pretty awesome. We got nasik kerabu, some nasik ayam masak merah, char kuay teow, apam balik etc. AJ's sister tagged along so she bought those food for us while we were stuck at the netball court. How nice :')

But then, it's also kinda annoying because last year when I went there for fun, the food was disappointing. And it's this time when I went as a player that the food was all cool. How fun.

We met Cardiff in group match, AGAIN. Sigh. I don't know what is it with us and Cardiff. It's been three years in a row that we were in the same group. And they were sooo good! We came close to beat them last year with a draw, but this time around, we lost completely. Blegh. But then again, they got bronze so finally Cardiff went home with a medal! Yaaayyy!! The gold went to, guess who, yeah, LSE. Don't tell me I didn't warn ye.

Okay I'm a little bit biased here because I know most of the Cardiff people and of course, there's Edy, the sharp shooter. Haha!

Leicester's netball team

Because I'm so kind and I love my team, I'll introduce you each and every one of us.

From left - Nana, Kak Fasya, Bella, Haifaa, Pei, Lynn, Intan, AJ, Ze Lyn

And I look sooo tiny D:

We got quite a few compliments saying how smart we look with our pink and black outfits. If there was a Best Outfit Award for netball team, we'd probably already bag it haha!

But then, nothing beats the feeling of seeing a good friend you haven't seen in six years..

Amira Suhada aka Shud

I hardly tell people about my high school life. Truth is, I went to two schools - one in my lower form, and after PMR I left to another school.

Shud is a friend from the latter. There are actually five of us in the 'gang', and I was the only new Form Four among us.

For some reasons, we keep very minimum contact with each other after leaving school. And it doesn't help that I shut myself almost completely after high school, allowing very few people in my life.

When I met Shud, we just had to tell each other what exactly happened in those six years that are lost in time. Some part of me that has been repressed all these while was, for some reasons, awakened. I was scared. I was reeeeally scared to remember again. I have always been a firm believer that some things are best left unsaid. And to be honest, I was expecting some fresh cut and bleed from those memories, but to my surprise, it actually felt good. It felt so good to finally remember again. To reminisce it with someone who understands. Someone who knows. To feel again. To know that you're not the only one who have been feeling the way you're feeling now.

It felt like someone just lifted a huge burden on my chest - a burden I had to carry all these years all by myself.

However scary it might seem, despite everything that happened, us - the five of us, are still one of the best memories I hold close to my heart until now. We defined friendship in our own way. In a way I could never find in others.

And towards the end, Shud said this,

"Remind me how you're such a good listener Bella. You've always been one."

Babe, I love you too.

Mutual.

I'm not good at saying those three words. Dulu mungkin ya, hari hari nak love you segala bagai. I guess I grew up saying "I love you" to my parents (and brother, romantic yaw) so tak malu nak leb leb dengan orang dan kawan kawan. Auwh.

But not anymore. Somehow along the way I lost that romantic side of me (as if I ever had any). I don't know how to say I love you as frequently. Not even the word "sayang".

So when someone said they love me, I can easily blush, segan sorang sorang, terus senyap taktau dah nak cakap apa. HIKHIK. *gelak mintak kaki*

Like the other day, I mengadu to a friend that Nadd was being garang to me, jokingly. Nadd was there too, so she immediately said, "Garang sebab sayang you la tau tak?"

SPEECHLESS. DIA CAKAP DIA SAYANG KITA OHMAIGOD. DEPAN ORANG PULAK TU. OHMAIGOD.

Hahaha yes I was stumped! Sengih sorang sorang je la lepas tu. Syok sendiri mak hai.

And there was one time when Teacher Ima said "I love you" and I was blushing like mad, and just had to tweet about it because I couldn't contain my excitement!

And when Kak Hana replied my text some time ago saying "Sayang awak!"

OH OH BREATHE, BREATHE. *gasping for air*

Over gila I know. But I have come to a point where love is so precious, that when I say I love someone I mean it as hell. Nevermind if others say it just as casually. Nevermind if they feel it's just another word, another expression. I take it to heart. STRAIGHT TO HEART. Sometimes the most I could say would be "Loves!" or just the lame ♥ thing. Even if I do love them, I just don't know where to start.

Then there's this girl.

 I still remember the first time I actually said I love her, I was like, WOW I FINALLY TOLD HER.

Not that I didn't sayang her before, but I couldn't bring myself to tell her. So when I finally did, I was like, WOW. Another milestone in this friendship.

Mutual. Sounds good to me ♥