March 18th, 2013 by Karmun

Aiya, you know I really didn’t mean to be emo in the previous post, but the boyfriend was nearly some 6000km away, all the way in India for a magic performance, and coupled with the fact that my period came (albeit on time; see, positivity! hehehe) I just felt like a beached whale all weekend long. Have you ever felt like you’re being consumed whole even when you’re just lying in bed doing absolutely nothing? I was vividly aware of the big gaping hole I was very quickly spiralling downwards into but equally so, I felt as helpless to do anything about it. My arms, legs, chest, even my head all felt like they were made of lead and to even lift a finger to begin getting out of bed was exhaustively strenuous.

I hate my period =(

So yea, India.

The Ninja Rabbit finally got his big break and was sent all the way to India to perform at this 3 day technological fest in Agartala, North India. Think of it as the Indian version of our Future Music Festival haha. Only Indians apparently aren’t too keen about music, not as much as they are about a robotics and technology festival! They have this festival that lasts 3 whole days every year, just to group together the greatest minds in robotics engineering and showcase each other’s works, man! I don’t think I know anyone who’s more passionate about engineering lol. So they were looking for a magician (which is ironic considering these are very big science people — engineers and such, you get the drift) and the Ninja Rabbit got the gig. WHEE!!! As much as I as happy for him, it also meant he’s gonna be away from me for nearly 5 days =(

I don’t even remember the last time we were parted for more than 24 hours =(((

So what do you do when your boyfriend’s not around?

Go for IKEA meatballs with your best friends!

HAHAHAHAHA I have the bestest friends in the world. They were afraid I wouldn’t cope okay without the Ninja Rabbit around, so almost everyday they’re calling or texting me to ask me out for food. I guess their concerns weren’t completely baseless cuz if I hadn’t gone out with them, my diet would have consisted of nothing but instant noodles and packet Mac n’ Cheese LOL. I’m sorry but it’s not my fault those are the only things I can cook without burning down the house. More importantly though, being with them lifted my spirits incredibly. My mind has this nasty habit of wandering to grovel in nothing but sad and morbid thoughts when I’m left too much alone.

Thank you guys for being the sweetest and most thoughtful bunch of support system a girl can ask for =)

I’ve always found exercising a good way to help take my mind off things. Nothing a good solid 15km run can’t do to instantly help me feel better. But the weather has been erratic at best lately so a dry evening was as hard to come by as a blue moon. Under normal circumstances, I hate stepping foot into the gym — that small confined space with its crowded walls and low ceiling always make me feel so suffocated and those weight machines?? I’m pretty sure their designs were taken from those olden days medieval torture device! — but one of those evenings I had no choice. So to the gym it was no matter how hard I try to keep from walking through those cold glass doors. While the work out did help a little, the elliptical machine was really condescending. I imagine that is how race car drivers must feel when made to drive go-karts lol. Now I know why runners call those indoor running machines “dreadmills”. Every minute spent on it consists of nothing else.

I have a suspicioun that if I were a single girl, I’d be a lot fitter and in shape than I am right now HAHAHAHA. In the boyfriend’s absence, I’ve hit the gym and ran more frequently and further in a week than any other weeks. After the embarrassing episode of being caught on the elliptical machine, I laced up my running shoes and ran all of 20km the following evening. My running shoes give me wings, did you know? Everytime I put them on, I feel like I can do the impossible. This particular pair of Climacools have counted over 500km with me can you believe it? Nyehehehehe. It’s endured 7 half marathons and countless other training runs.

I’ve never been able to explain why running empowers me so much. Even more so, I can’t understand why others don’t feel the same way about it. It boggles me when people ask me why I run. The question I have for them is, why don’t they? There are no tricks. Run because you have to. Run because you love it. Run because you want to be fast. Run because you want to be skinny. Run to find some quiet time. Run to sweat. Run to eat. Run to hear your heart pound in your ears. Run because you’re a runner. Run because you gotta keep the streak. Run because you don’t know why the hell you’re running. Run because you fought with your partner. Run because your job is shitty. Run because you got no money. Run for the sunrise. Run for a race. Run because it’s impossible. Run because it’s easy. Run instead of doing the laundry. Run instead of watching TV. Run because no one else understands. Run because the cool kids do it. Run because you’re tired of talking. Run for numbers. Run for feel. Run to prove something. Run because it hurts. Or don’t run. If you got something better to do. Only for me, there’s nothing better than being in the middle of another runner’s high and knowing that for every km more you leave behind, the more powerful you are from when you first start out.

Boyfriend being away also means a lot of experimenting in the kitchen, hohoho. I’ll be the first to admit that I’m the furthest thing away from a domestic Goddess. There are only two things I have the confidence to properly make as mentioned before — instant noodles and packet Mac N’ Cheese. Those are hardly what you’d consider healthy food I’m sure, so to add at least some form of nutrition into my instant meals, I often turn to frozen vegetables heheheh. It’s genius I tell you! They add colour and variety to your food, and are also apparently healthier than fresh vegetables! Yuki told me this herself, and it makes complete sense. Frozen vegetables are usually packed off and frozen immediately after they are harvested so they are not subjected to all those preservatives and insecticides fresh vegetables are laden with to make it to your morning market. Win-win situation, anybody? Sides, my Mac N’ Cheese actually looks rather wholesome, doesn’t it? =P

Yes, I’m kinda proud of my kitchen rendezvous because it’s very rarely that I ever step in there xD

Other times, it’s just me being a total girly girl. You know, I was dreading being alone all weekend because for the life of me I can’t remember the last time I was completely on my own, but now that I’m blogging about it and reviewing it in rather precise detail, I think I had quite a bit of fun. I was left to my own devices to do whatever I please, there is a small kind of joy to that sort of freedom. I took my time to read the instructions and beneficial properties of the my facemask off the back of the package, I laid in bed and just indulged in the cold tingling feeling it left my face in. Me-time is good time =D

I would go as far as to say I went away on a little weekend retreat from the world. I hardly went out and did only things that were pampering to the body and soul. Things that made me feel good, you know. I painted my nails, cleaned out my make up drawer, left treatment cream in my hair for a bit longer than usual… If you’re a girl, you’ll understand the fulfillment in those little seeemingly unimportant things, too ;]

Before I knew it, the Ninja Rabbit was home!

He touched down at 7.25am just this morning and quite instantly, everything was back to normal again. Yayyyy!! Sin Mun was nice enough in offering to accompany me to the airport and I cannot be more grateful. I was rather apprehensive about making the trip there alone, so having a friend along on the 40 minute trip was truly a blessing! The Ninja Rabbit didn’t even know the guy was back in Malaysia so it was all a very nicely planned out surprise for everyone whee!! I figured he’d love to see his best friend (whom he’s not seen in more than half a year btw) upon reaching home. His smile when he walked through the Arrivals gate confirmed my intuition! =D

You know, I think this is the main reason why I rely so much on this blog. Many times has it happened — episodes when I feel a little less than my usual happy self, but the moment I document it out nonetheless here in this little space of mine, everything looks clearer. Better. Brighter. This weekend was one of them. Admittedly, I was feeling quite a big downer in my system, but right now, at the end of this long but also rather incumbent rant, it all seems so trivial.

It’s proven itself so many times, this little blog of mine. The more happiness I key into it, the more happiness it gives back. And in its trail, I am left with the will to look even harder at the most unsuspecting places for little nuggets that may not look like it at the time, but are happiness in disguise themselves.

OK enough talk! I’m sure you’re bored of reading by now anyway haha!

Happy start of the week everyone! New week, new slate! =)

All photos are taken with the Instagram app, free for all iPhones and androids. Follow me if you like @karmun168!! =D

February 25th, 2013 by Karmun

Quick filler post and I’m not even ashamed to admit it =P

So things have been rather quiet on my end, but it had been just what I needed after all the hustle and bustle that was CNY. As much as I love being in the centre of a lot of excitement, I need my down time to gather and collect myself as well. I can’t live without my Me-time =D

So if you’re wondering where I’ve disappeared to lately, the answer is nowhere. I’ve just been locking myself up in my room a lot and catching up on my reading list hehehe.

I finally got my hands on the Ken Follett book I’ve been eyeing since the middle of last year. I love reading but equally as much, I despise the prices books are sold here in our country. So often what I’ll do is I’ll wait till Book Excess in Amcorp Mall begin to stock them and buy them for a quarter of the price. Hah! This hardcover version cost me only all of RM19.90 believe it or not nyehehehehehe, when the normal paperback one in Borders was selling for RM89.90. If Heaven should look like anything, it should be Book Excess =P

When the Ninja Rabbit can’t take being cooped at home anymore, we call up friends for Saturday brunch, which if you ask me, is the best way to spend Saturdays.

Our new favourite spot is Levain in KL, for obvious reasons. I don’t think anyone who has been there has anything bad to say about it. Me, I just happen to love bread and pastry so you’re definitely not gonna find me complaining about a patisserie being our new hang out spot!  See that little tall structure planted in the middle of the pastry counter?? That’s a macaroon tower dammit! Your argument is invalid.

Yuki, Nate and Nelson arrived a little late last Saturday so we started without them ahaha! You don’t expect us to sit there amidst the most glorious smelling breads and cakes and not do anything! Sides, we always go for second and third rounds anyway so I’m pretty sure we’ll still be far from done when they arrive. Plus, there’ll always be room for dessert! ;]

Will you just take a look at that. And that was only our first round hahaha. The Ninja Rabbit made two more rounds for food after this. I gotta admit, the food there is exceptionally good for the rates they’re charging. When I first read of the many amazing reviews from other bloggers, I had my qualms about stepping into the place because obviously, given the decor and the quality of food, it’s gonna cost a bomb. I daresay you won’t spend anymore than you would at Bread History or Lavender here.

See that mushroom soup right there? Best mushroom soup ever. It is thick and creamy and loaded with real mushrooms of three different variety. They’re not all chopped up into pieces you can hardly chew on either. They’re chunky and succulent and you get a full mouthful in every spoon!

May I repeat — new favourite place =D

Obligatory group photo to commemorate the day! =D

Now that I look back on the topics of conversations that had cropped up that afternoon, I am stifling my laughter. Murders and ghosts and the weirdest conspiracy theories were among the things brought up that day over chocolate cake and creme brulee. Yay to intriguing conversations and good company!

Oh I should also mention that I cut my hair! I know, so what if I cut my hair, right? But I don’t ever cut my hair and when I do it’s usually no more than just an inch max. This time however, I gathered up enough courage to chop almost four inches off!! What used to my waist long locks now hovers only slightly above my bra line. Zana was even braver, she went from long hair to shoulder length, I don’t know where she finds the courage. Cut me some slack, this is the shortest hair I’ve had in almost 4 years!

I wouldn’t have done it without some prodding from Zana and Yuki. And you know what? I kinda really love it! Sure I miss my waterfall tumbling down my back every once in a while, but it’s nice to look fresh and neat too haha. And combing through it in the morning takes only all of 3 minutes! =D The boys went off to shoot some zombies at a nearby cyber cafe while waiting for us. Cutting my hair = one of the best calls I’ve made all of 2013 =)

Over the weekend, we also had a small mahjong and manicure session at Yuki’s place. We deliberated over the smallest, insignificant decisions, like would red go with silver, or should we French-tip our turquoise nailbeds with black. It was the funnest night I’ve had in a long while. Sometimes, you just need to let loose and be a total girl.

A friend posted on Facebook, “What do you deem as happiness?”.

I may not know the exact or correct answer to that, but I’m gonna ahead and hazard a guess that it has something to with all this. Friends with whom you can discuss horror movies and chick flicks alike. Girlfriends who wouldn’t judge you if you can’t paint within the perimetre of your own nails because you have shaky hands. Boyfriends with whom you can discuss the different levels of smelly of your respective farts (HAHAHAHA!).

And sure being away from home sucks, especially after so many weeks surrounded by family, but this, having friends who are like family, more than make up for it all.

February is coming to an end! Make the last few days count before we are forced to embrace the inevitable arrival of March!

What have you been up to lately? =)

All photos are taken with the Instagram app, free for all smartphones. Follow me if you’d like @karmun168 =D

April 30th, 2012 by Karmun

Today is the birthday of the most important man in my life. He was the one who taught me how to ride a bike, the one who checked my Math homework back in primary school (although it was much to my chagrin back then, heh) and the one we all ran to when the lid on the jar of jam was stuck again. Back then, Daddy was the strongest person there ever was, and if we ever got lost trying to get anywhere, Daddy would find the way. He sent us to school and was there to pick us up every afternoon. He spoon-fed us our lunch because we were unfortunately very picky eaters and would’ve taken 3 hours to finish our meal, if at all we touched the icky beans or yucky vegetables. He was the one we conveniently turned to for a second opinion when Mummy said No.

There were only three rules when it came to Daddy. We had to make our beds in the morning, shower twice a day, and eat whatever he put on our plates. If you obey those rules, you may watch however much TV you like, and pick whatever you toy you fancy when we make the monthly trip to the toystore. It was simple: if we behaved, we got rewarded. If we didn’t, we stand to endure Daddy’s death glare which was warning number one. If we continued the bad behaviour, then we can’t say we’ve not been warned. Let’s just say most times, we stop being bad the moment we see the death glare.

Daddy was the man who gave us everything we ever wanted without once asking for something in return (except maybe for an extra hug or two). He works long hours, getting up in the morning long before we even wake up for school, and coming back only after we’ve all showered and had our dinner. He works hard and untiringly, yet always has a smile reserved for us when he got home. There are four of us, yet he’s always got the time if ever we needed anything from him. He may get a little cranky sometimes, but there’s nothing some chocolate can’t do to help calm him down.

Today is my Daddy’s birthday and I want the whole world to know just what a great Daddy he is. He taught me the value of hardwork if I wanted something, the importance of showing kindness  if ever a fellow human being needed help, and the vital lesson of always sharing my sweets. (People don’t like kids who wouldn’t share their stuff, you know. Then no one would wanna be your friend and you’ll never have any friends.) He is the most selfless man I know, and he never judges; he’s friends with literally everyone he meets – our newspaper delivery man, the uncle who sells Curry Mee at his favourite coffeeshop, our neighbour from eight units away. He lives his life in the simplest manner and finds contentment in the smallest of things. And he always manages to find the humour in the downest of situations.

If unconditional love had a face, it would look exactly like my Daddy. He doesn’t say it often because he’s too gruff and tough to say mushy things, but I know he loves my siblings and I down to the smallest bit. And because he’s such a great Daddy, we all love him to bits too. I wouldn’t trade being me for anyone else simply because I have him in my life. He is my biggest wall of support, my warmest hug, my strongest safety-net. He’s always been there for me and I know he’ll keep his word when he said he’ll continue being there throughout.

So Happy Birthday Daddy, the best-est Daddy in the world. I’ve never been prouder to be Daddy’s Litte Girl. After all, if you hadn’t already noticed, inheriting 50% of my good looks from this man is only one small part of what makes me this awesome ;]

Note: yes, that little coconut-head of a baby is me, if you can’t see it. Worry not, she will eventually grow up to be less rounded in basically every area of the body hahaha!