In Economics, it's known as opportunity costs

In the morning while driving to work, I love listening to radio. I don't really have preferred radio stations, it depends on my mood. When I am feeling youung and hyper, I will tune to Flyfm or Hitzfm. When I'm feeling a bit relaxed, I listen to Mixfm. And when I am in my better half's car, I am forced to listen to Sinarfm. That is a separate entry all together.

Today, Mixfm is the choice. And every morning they have different topic they speak about. Today, the topic is have you pawned anything in your life. This topic brings back a memory, or more specific a good experience in life.

It's not a secret, the first few years of our marriage was really tough. Not only trying to get used to each other(when you are courting and when you are married to the ma you are courting, trust me it's not the same), the main constraint was financial. Making ends meet was really tough challenge.

I remembered after I delivered Ilham, the finance situation got worse. Since we were at this stage of trying to proof ourselves to our parents, showing we are independent, asking help from them was never an option. After all, my parents were against me getting married at young age. Diapers, milk formula, babysitter to name a few costs that we need to consider. We fought a lot, perhaps due to tremendous pressure. At times, I cried in the middle of the night looking at my kids sleeping, wishing I can give them a better life.

Come to a point, a week before salary day, we were totally broke. Main reason was due to our car insurance and road tax have expired and that cost us a bomb! We have to spend most of our money to cover for that and we only have diapers and formula to cover 3 days. Imagine my worry, what do I feed my precious the next 4 days.

I have no choice and have to do what I need to do. I pawned my wedding and engagement rings to get some cash. Those items are important to me, but not as important as my kids. They are my life. When I asked my better half for permission, he didn't agree. I know he felt bad for making me going through this hardship. I kept on reminding him, we're in this together! (tiba2 teringat lagu High School Musical, *singing -We're all in this together* ok Liza snap!)

We managed to get some cash and I was relieved to be able to get the supply for my kids.The day salary was out, the first thing my better did was to get the rings back. He went straight to the pawn shop in Sungei Way and pay every single cent for it.

Those were the days. Yes, life was tough but I believe that made me the person I am. Those kind of experience made me different from everyone else. I value money more and I know I worked very hard to get every single ringgit I earned. And I save a lot. I am not a compulsive buyer and most of my money are either in the bank or spend them for my kids. Occassionally, we spend for family vacations. Branded stuff is really rare occassion.

And the best thing is, this experience made our marriage much more stronger. We have been through a lot over the years, and that make us love and appreciate each other more....

Of course, in Economics, this experience is called Opportunity costs, susah2 dahulu. Senang2 kemudian....

Alhamdulilah, semua kejadian ada hikmah nya.

Have an awesome day peeps!

Signing off,

liza365.blogspot.com

Liza got taste ~ Pulai Terrace, Pulai Spring Resorts

Despite being married to someone from Johor, I don't really get to see much of Johor besides Batu Pahat. Yes, I go to JB quite often, but it's more due to work. First flight in, evening flight out. I see only airport and meeting rooms and nothing else.

One weekend I had to go to Skudai for work and since it was school holidays, I thought of dragging the whole family with me. We stayed in Pulai Spring Resort, one of the resorts in JB I love so much. We arrived very late that night, have to wait for my better half came back from work. Usually, I am driven by cab driver to this place, this time we have to get there and relied on GPS to get to our destination. Ended up, it stopped in the middle of nowhere, and the clock was showing 11.45pm. Scary!

Finally, we found the resort. I know I don't get to enjoy it that much the next day, Mama has to go to work. But, I am glad the kids get to enjoy the food and had fun.

My sister in law stayed near the resort so we thought of calling her and hubs for lunch. I have never tried food at the resort except for breakfast, which is by the way, nothing impressive. So, we decided to have lunch at the Pulai Terrace, place where typically golfers have their meals.

The menus were quite extensive, from local flavours to western delight. The prices were not too bad. Slightly lower than typical hotel food prices. Some items we ordered.

How do I rate this place?

For ambiance, I was so close to give it a 4/5. The view is so green and windy. Love the fresh air but ended up giving it 2.5 due to flies hovering the area where we eat. Easily, there were nearly 10 of those causing discomfort. I have to request for some candles from the waiter.

Service was great. Better than average, so I give it 4/5. Food was so-so. Suit the price well. So 3.5/5 fit the ratings.

Will I come here. Maybe, if I am too lazy to leave the resort.

Signing off,

liza365.blogspot.com

Liza on the map ~ Ada Apa Dgn Ipoh

Caution : This entry has significant number of food photos. For readers out there who have this thing about seeing food pics on blog, please click on the x icon on the top right of this page

Right after we came back from Europe early June, we felt guilty for not taking the kids anywhere. We arrived few days before the school holidays started so I asked my better half, why don't we take the kids on a train adventure to Ipoh. We have always wanted to take the kids on train, this is our chance.

I booked the tickets via KTM Careline which I think it's really not that convenient. You can only book via phone, then you need to go to KTM counter to pay and collect your tickets. No online payment, etickets whatsoever. Weird considering it's just simple technology. I was told they only implemented the real definition of online system few weeks back so I was one of the those who is have to get the tickets manually.

 

 

We tickets price were not too bad. And the train is really comfortable. They sold food on board and Wifi service is also provide. The total journey took us about 1.5 hours. The train stopped at few stations but very briefly. The moment we arrived, we collected the car which we have pre-booked earlier. We stayed in this hotel called Regalodge, a 3 start business hotel. The hotel was ok, they even provide free mini bar with some can drinks and snacks.

 

 

 

What is there to see in Ipoh? Many people responded the moment I told them we are taking kids to Ipoh. Let's go through the lists one by one.

 

For one, it's the food and we had loads of it

 

Mandatory - Nasi Vanggey which was about 3 minutes drive from where we stay. It's located in Greentown. Don't worry chances are you'll not get lost, just ask for directions, practically every one knows where Nasi Vanggey is.

 

 

We also enjoyed the popiah goreng SS Ali, sold at the Medan Selera where night market called Gerbang Malam is located. This night market has practically everything, from clothing to used items.

 

 

 

I was recommended to go to this halal dim sum, also in Greentown Ipoh called Greentown Dim Sum Cafe. Oklah, but stil prefer the one in Holiday Villa.

 

 

One interesting thing was where we enjoyed cendol made the traditional way. It's located at Cendol Padang Kilat @ Pasir Pinji, Ipoh.

 

 

 

Who says there's nothing to see in Ipoh. We took a short boat ride at this place called Gunung Lang. The area is so beautiful, so green. Too bad it was not commercialised.

 

 

And that my friend is our one day in Ipoh. There's actually much more to see, caves, water park and markets, but our stay was too short. We shall be back one day.

 

p/s - Baby left her pouch which has her phone and camera in it on the train back. In normal situation, sure gone one. But, Alhamdulilah, KTM called us and we collected the stuff few days later. Good job KTM!

 

Signing off,

 

liza365.blogspot.com