JPO Haul!

You know my love for bargains..
And perhaps you know my love for outlets too.. heh!

It's been a while since I've been to any factory outlets. I have not stepped foot in Citygate (Hong Kong) for God knows how long. I missed out on Rinku (Osaka) earlier this year because I was unwell. Can't remember when I last went to Watertown (Perth) and since Rebecca Minkoff left Shisui (Narita), I just didn't feel like paying the ¥700 bus fare to get there.
I did have a look around in Mitsui (Sepang) in January but there wasn't anything much to get then.

So when I'm rostered for a day off in JHB, all I could think of was Johor Premium Outlet!
And the hotel we're staying offers free shuttle to and fro the outlet so, hooray!

Apparently the last time I was there was May of 2014! A lot has changed. The place seemed a lot livelier and there were a lot more interesting brands on offer!

My first purchase was from Kate Spade New York. I'd been coveting the Zodiac Pendant Necklace since I first saw it sometime last year, but I really couldn't justify the price. So as all of the Kate Spade accessories that I own, I only get them on sales. It was luck really, that they had my sign!
It was originally RM230, but after 60% discount I paid RM92!

Then I went into The Cosmetic Company Store where I got the Origins Superstar Minis which was a 2014 gift set. I am quite critical when buying beauty products to be honest. I mean, I am well prepared to wait for the gift sets coming up in the next few weeks but I love Origins. And I love minis. Plus products manufactured two years ago didn't seem TOO bad, in my head. I mean, they are unopened! But that's where I set my limit; no more than two years.
Anyway, I paid RM116 for the set. I'll probably chuck some of these minis into my emergency toiletries kit.

I also got a Bobbi Brown Long-wear Cream Shadow Stick in the shade Greige from the same store. I think it's RM110-ish(?) from a Bobbi Brown store, and CCS sells them for RM88.
Pretty good, I think. You know how I owe my lazy days to cream eyeshadow sticks!

I also went to the Levi's, GAP and La Senza outlets, but I really don't need anymore denim and I'm all stocked in the lingerie department all thanks to the Independence Day Sales almost two months ago.

So next I headed to the Bath & Body Works outlet. They mostly had their normal priced items, but a few off-season scents that were half-priced!
Which was PERFECT and annoying at the same time.
Side story; last month I ran out of my favourite wallflower scent, Watermelon Lemonade. So I purchased some other scents for the rooms in my home. Last week Bath & Body Works had a sale where you get "RM50 off with RM150 purchase, RM100 off with RM250 purchase." Knowing that I'll probably only see my favourite scent next summer (B&BW changes their scent range according to the seasons, in case you didn't know) I decided to stock up on the scents I like now.

Since the B&BW outlet in JPO has off-season scents, guess what they have at 50% off..
Watermelon Lemonade wallflower refills!
Of course I got a few of them.
Of course I got some other things that were half-priced as well; Leaves in the Scentportables refills and Concentrated Room Spray.

Just as I thought I was done and was heading to Coffee Bean to wait for my shuttle back to the hotel, I saw the Cosmetics & Designer Fragrance store.

Said I wasn't going to repurchase Giorgio Armani Si perfume. (Well, technically.. I didn't.) Then I saw it in deodorant spray (n.p. RM233.20 - crazy!) on display. On its right was Si shower gel (n.p. RM169.60), while on its left was the body cream (n.p. RM349.80 - nuts!).
I caved like I never caved before, I was such a sucker! hahahaha
My actual total was RM335 but I got an extra 10% off so I paid RM301.50 for all three items, which was cool!

That was a total splurge so I feel kinda bad for that one. At the same time, I'm also SO excited to start using them! My armpits are going to smell oh-SO-good! HAHAHAHA

All in all I had an awesome shopping trip in JPO! Clearly I was feeling spendy, but I think I made pretty awesome purchases there!

Not looking forward to work tomorrow though. Wake up call is at 0400!

#WvsStdby

I HATE being on reserve.
I understand the necessities; understand the importance of it.
But I HATE it with a burning passion.

Few days ago I was scrolling through my Instagram feed and saw a colleague post a picture of herself holding a cup of Baskin Robbins in front of a big mirror in either H&M or Forever 21 or the likes, with a caption that she wasn't called up during her 0600-1400 standby period.
I thought, cool.. I'll be on standby on that period as well! Maybe I too, won't get called up.

Then I looked again at my roster.
My standby starts on a Saturday..
And with my track record -- sure enough, I got called up at 6:02 AM two days ago for four sectors.

I don't know why, but I keep flying with arses.
Sorry, maybe not really arses. They were "nice" enough. But I'd categorise them as "bajet best". Which annoys the hell out of me, and I'd always end up heading home exhausted and cranky. Hating work.. hating life; because I'll nitpick every random things I see.

Yesterday was a good day.. Because I was called up on Saturday, my reserve period on Sunday was reduced so operations didn't bother calling me up.
Encem too, who was on reserve was not called up.
So we decided on family time. Went to see both our parents, and even hung out with my sister at her place.

Today is my last day of standby.
A weekday.
When normally it is less likely to get called up.
But of course.. of course..
They rang at 6 something which I didn't pick up, and didn't call again -- until 8 something.
Pfft!
There should be a bunch of people who starts their standby period at eight, and stiiilllllll.. I'm the one who gets called up to a lousy flight.

I'm trying very hard not to be all negative. Trying.
But I need a loooong break.
I was happy that I am rostered with a little over fifty hours this month. I mean, yes, shitty allowance.. I've got bills to pay. But being this unhappy over a little extra money is SO not worth it!

And I've got another set of standby sometime later this month.
Pffft!

I should be getting ready now.

Lelaki gatal.

I just got home a couple of hours ago and despite having a long list of things I should must do, here I am about to share with you a story about a perverted member of the opposite sex.

A passenger, seated at 2A, let's call him Mr. Idiot; was on my flight to BKI two days ago. He was on the flight with passenger at 2C, whom I assumed he worked for. 2C was a Dato/Dato'/Datuk whom must've been somebody because passenger at 4C worked for them too.

Some time during the flight, Mr. Idiot asked for a pen so I handed him one from my stash of hotel pens. During the flight he didn't say much, didn't ask much, but as we were approaching into KKIA he returned my pen purposefully with a piece of tissue paper stuck to it.
I came back into the galley and had a look -- he'd written his phone number with a short message to call him.

A photo posted by Wanie Idris (@wanieidris) on Aug 19, 2016 at 11:17am PDT

As I was collecting loose items around the cabin during descent, he signed that he'd written his phone number on the piece of tissue he'd given me.
I politely smiled and showed him the ring on my ring finger..

So we landed, all the passengers disembarked, the crew carried out the ground duties and headed out ourselves.
Got into the van that brought us to our hotel and lo and behold! Mr. Idiot was in the lobby!
I suppose I was a little stupid myself, after debriefing I stepped outside to satisfy my craving for a smoke. Not surprisingly, Mr. Idiot joined me and made small talks, asked if I'd like to go out for drinks. Asked for my room number which I honestly replied that I hadn't checked.

He waited for me to get into the elevator with him. He'd pushed the button for his floor and only then I checked my room key.
Stupid on my part again.. should've just let him get in the elevator on his own.
He stayed in the box and said he'll accompany me to my room. Even held my luggage hostage by saying that he'll carry it for me.

I just walked on with him on my tail. Quickly got into my room and about to close the door on his face when he said; "kiss sikit!"
WTF.
My reply?
"Eeeee.. goodnight!" and shut the door.

So my night pretty much ended there. Stayed up 'til quite late because I had access to a Pokéstop from my bed and two people fixed a Lure Module back to back.
I fell asleep around 4AM, completely zonked until wake up call -- or so I thought.

It was Mr. Idiot asking if I was still asleep then asked if I wanted to get drinks. Even said that he liked looking at me.
Told him I was not interested and hung up.
Checked the time at it was 7:44 AM.
WTF.

What the hell is wrong with people, seriously??
A woman has already refused to give her phone number, clearly said that she is married, and STILL some guy goes ahead to try and get what.. lucky??
The nerve!!
What the hell is wrong with Idiot's brains, seriously!?
Might I add, that he's not even good looking!
As if his looks or moves could swoon any woman who laid eyes on him.
SERIOUSLY?!

I should probably mention that Idiot was Muslim. Like.. WTF, man!
Have you no sense of respect for boundaries??

Anyway, I am sharing this here because I haven't told Encem about this story yet. Not sure how he'll take it. He's not even the jealous type; a man who is very secure with himself. A man with a very healthy self-esteem, but a man nonetheless.
He won't enjoy this story, yet I won't know exactly what will run through his head.
He's in Osaka and I really don't feel like telling him through texts.
He'll probably think I was a complete moron for letting Idiot come to my door.

I was a moron.
Things could've gone terrible.
But it didn't and I am glad.
Although I had been imagining kicking his nuts if he tried anything funny. He wasn't that big, I really do think that I could take him. hahahha!

That's all for story-time.
I still have a bunch of things to do before I get some sleep.
And I need to be up and ready in a few hours!
Feels like it's always the one day off when I try to do the most things.

Have a good week, everybody!

Something random.

Home for the weekends.

This time when I say "home", I meant the place where I grew up in -- Shah Alam.

It's not often that I get the weekend off! And I could only see my family during the weekends, pretty much. Dida works crazy hours during the weekdays (and on the phone most weekends too, to be honest) and the parents are in Bangi during the weekdays to look after their grandchildren.

So yeah, since Encem isn't around.. Weekends are my #familytime now.

And while I sit here in the bedroom that I share with Dida, I find myself irked that I forgot to throw in my lip balm and body moisturiser into my duffel bag. Ughh! Those stupid little things that irks so much!

I came back from Kansai last night where the average temperature was 9°C so naturally, my skin is as dry as a desert and itches like hell!!

It's been a long week. Safety recurrent on Monday and Tuesday (passed and free to fly for another year!) then followed by KIX trip on Wednesday.

It's annoying that I adore the cold weather (a perfect excuse to whip out my boots and jackets!) but my skin disapproves of it so much.

Anyway, I had a pretty good time in Kansai. Mostly shopping, since Rinku Premium Outlet was within walking distance to the hotel we were staying in. I accidentally spent a small fortune at Nike and GAP. heh!

Then of course.. The 100¥ shop! gahhh!! I swear I can never go into one without buying something! This time I got my hands on some Washi tape dispensers! One that holds six tapes for 100¥ (108¥ including tax) -- a BARGAIN!!

I was SO excited about getting those that I began to arrange my Washi tapes as soon as I got home (Bukit Jalil) instead of packing my bag for Shah Alam and making sure that I had my moisturiser and lip balm were included!

HAHHAHAHA!

There you go.. A totally random, and pointless entry for you to read this week.

Have a good week ahead!

Two days off.

Time for recuperating, catch up on blogs and YouTube videos I've missed and work on my Moleskine. I say "work" because I hadn't been writing much in it (even though this past few days have been pretty exciting) and I'm dying to paste some photos in it!

Thought I'd do some "admin" things today; pay my bills, get the laundry done, properly unpack -- to be honest, I can't remember the last time I really unpack my bags. There's always some kind of trash at the bottom of my bag and I just.. leave it there. Couldn't be bothered. Old receipts, hotel bills, pamphlets of sorts, catalogues..
I should unpack.

But it's half past one and I just had breakfast! Yoghurt, muesli, blueberries and chia seeds.. my kind of breakfast at the moment. Of course I'd love a good batch of pancakes but I came home to an empty apartment last night, I'm in no mood to prepare a hot meal.
I still wonder what's the big deal with "breakfast" sometimes.. but knowing me, and knowing that I have those things in my fridge to just throw together, it's better for me to have breakfast when I really can't say when my next meal would be.

The thing about not having Encem around, I feel like wasting away most of the time. It's icky to depend on one person in your life, really. But normally he'd fuss about whether I've eaten or have had enough sleep. Two things that are massively screwed whenever he's away. I simply don't care. It's nice to have someone who cares about/for you.
Hmm.. I miss my Monkey.

I woke up this morning practically jumping out of bed; thinking that I was late for work! I thought I was over that. And as I tried to get more sleep, my neighbour decided to do some drill-works, thanks!
So here I am typing this blog.. thinking of doing all those boring admin stuff that needs to be done.
I still haven't showered..
Or sort the clothes that I want to send to the laundry.

At least I got the last bits of Bestie's birthday presents wrapped! It is funny how big birthdays are with us. Just for the presents, really. hahaha

I should get a move on if I want to get things done today. I swear I'm barely human when being left alone for too long!

Coming down with something..

Started to feel a tad under the weather two nights ago, but I am ignoring it. heh

I am currently on a 5-days trip; did BKI/PVG/BKI last night and heading to Perth tomorrow! A pretty simple trip and even better, I am flying with friends!

Since we arrived pretty early this morning, three of us decided to hit Sapi Island. The two were keen on snorkeling while I just wanted to be out of the room. I suppose if I was prepared for an island trip I would've packed a more appropriate outfit -- but I wasn't. Oh well.

Still glad to be outside and sort of under the sun. (Currently I am sitting under the mercy of some trees.)

Life's been good..

Whoops!

I've been silent again.. Sorry!

Feels like I've been giving myself excuses to not blog, but really.. I've been kinda busy since my last update.

I was on leave from 6th to 11th and on 12th I flew to Taipei. Came back from that and headed to Sydney the day after. Came back from that and did one of my longest flights ever -- turnaround Manila that got delayed because the airport was closed at the time we were supposed to land as the pope was travelling!

I was pooped beyond words. I don't know about you but whenever I get a long break from work, it's really hard for my body to get accustomed to working again!

My everything just ached and it was no fun at all! Two days off, and here I am in Dubai!

The last time I was here was yeaaars ago! Now apart from my cousin, I also have an aunty who works here. We got together last night and had a wonderful dinner. Chatting and catching up, said our goodbyes around 11pm -- which was 3am back home!! Hahahahaha

I felt kinda bad for having "dinner" at 1am.. Oh well.

I've also been busy from actively writing in my Moleskine again. I haven't got the chance to share with you my year's "resolution" but among it was to record my daily life in a sort-of scrapbook form. I'll explain when I get around to write about my resolution but basically, January isn't over yet but my Moleskine is significantly thicker! -- and I LOVE it!

My sleep-pattern is still crap. Last night my aunty asked how I get use to "jetlag" or if there's a way around it. I told her that I'm a bad sleeper wherever I am so I am not the best person to answer that! Like last night, I got back at the hotel just before midnight, fell asleep around 2am (6am back home!) woke up around 5 for whatever reason and told myself that it was ridiculous to have enough sleep then. Went back to sleep and woke up again around 8!

Sometimes I worry myself when my body does this kind of crap.

Flying home this evening, another turnaround on Friday and then off days during the weekend! Really looking forward to that!

2014 Round-Up : Life *cough*

--or lack thereof, really.

It's times like this where I'm glad that I have a Moleskine. Honestly I have no idea where this year has gone or what I did throughout this year! I can't have been working so much that I've lost track on everything, can I?
Well, I probably did work a lot for the first half of the year. Or for the most part of the year, even. Not until recently do I get loose rosters -- which is perfectly fine by me!

I don't think anything really extraordinary happened this year -- except that my *big* thirtieth was pretty much poop! (Yes, I'm still bitter!) Can I stay twenty-nine, pretty pleaaase? hahahha!

Suppose it's fitting that I am writing this in Kathmandu, as this place was among my first nightstops this year. *Nothing* much here really. Not that there isn't anything to see, but I haven't been anywhere much around here. It's a good thing that the hotel where we're staying is within walking distance of among the holiest Buddhist sites in Kathmandu. I thought that was something..

Some other firsts were Sydney and Darwin. I've probably been to Australian cities more than Johor Bharu this year! More Sydney now than JB, even!

Then there was the first time in Narita -- where me and two boys took the bus to spend the day in Tokyo! Man, that was a long bus trip but a good one! We hit the Hard Rock Cafe for the merchandises (typical!) and visited dear Hachiko!
I also went to Adelaide for the first time this year and I must say that it's my favourite Australian city so far. There is that chill vibe that I just fell in love with. Can't really explain it. Also, I find that Halal food is even more easier to find there!
And though I've flown to Incheon before (a few years ago, I believe) this year I got the proper chance to look around some bits of Seoul. Managed to even go to the N Seoul Tower and leave a padlock there. *ehem* I wonder if it'll still be there the next time I go -- or if I'll be able to even find it! heehee

I operated more Airbus flights this year, compared to previous years.
I love seeing the new places, but I'm not stoked by the fact that it only happened after the two tragedies that hit us this year. You know which one. I don't want to talk about it. But I will say that I'm not too keen about work after what happened. The constant worry about everything is just.. too much, sometimes. Who would've thought that being an air hostess would be among the most dangerous occupation in the world?
And after what happened to QZ.. honestly, I just.. I can only barely feel anymore.
So I'm moving on..

I was also more keen on writing in my Moleskine again. Somehow it got me to "plan" things out a bit better. Also remembering things like where I've been to so I could write that big chunk up there! heehee
This year Dida and I got to catch the Formula 1 after missing it last year.

My family wore orange for Eid, and despite being pregnant, Kina wouldn't miss our annual jump! (She gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, Amni Madihah on the 20th of September.)

Because I've been to Australia a LOT, I got myself hooked to Pods; one of man's greatest creation! hahahha! I've mentioned that I'm not a huge chocolate fan.. but I am all over this stuff! (The Snickers is my absolute favourite!) You could sometimes find it at Cold Storage back home but at extortionate price! So yeah.. I shall note here that I am at my heaviest -- EVER. Thanks to Encem for introducing them to me! pfft!

My NARSism blew into a whole other level this year. Having them follow me on Twitter and being sent some nail polish even, just got me fangirling like never before! hahahaha

Being away for too long from Encem does not suit me very well. Before the first time he left, the longest we had ever been apart was, what? Nine days? Two weeks, max! So yeah.. I've been out of it whenever he's away for too long. Like I said, worrying gets a little too much.

Can't imagine my life without that twit. Can't imagine a world where there's no him, really.. the asshole.

I am blessed to live another year, have friends and family to pull me through the hard times.. Thankful for still having things to laugh about, smile about. Glad to still have my sanity -- or at least something like it.
Dear God, I hope 2015 will be exciting as hell (not literally, of course; I doubt "exciting" would be the word to describe hell! ha!) and that I wouldn't cry as much! heehee