Week 42: Saying goodbye to Japan and back to life

Finally an end to my prefect vacation.  I don't think I will have another vacation like this in my lifetime. Maybe one day who knows Inya Allah. Allah is always giving me up surprises when I least expected. Other than that getting back into the groove of classes is going to take a while.

Oct 11

• Did some classes in the morning and then we decided to take the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) to the neighbouring town

• We took the subway to the central station and bought a return ticket to the next town which cost us around 8700 yen. I manage to eat a family mart sandwhich before going. They gave us two tickets and we assume that the tickets was one to keep and one to give. But it turns out you need to put two tickets in the machine when you are using it. 

• The Shinkansen was very fast. It was going 300 km/h and we reached Kitakyushu in 19 minutes. From there we walked around the area until we reach Kokura castle. It is a standard Japanese castle but we go inside 

• After that we walked near the riverbank and saw a lot of people doing a flea market on things. We decided to staop at a 7 11 for lunch again. Fish, rice and veggies. This time mom got a spoon. We sit beside the riverbank. Eating with my mom realised that this is going to be one of the last memories I am going to have travelling with her. I don't know if she is ever going to bring me again and I really am going to cherish this. She is 72 so she is not as active as she was before. I can see she is struggling when she walk. The heavy breathing and the weak joints. Hopefully she won't push herself

• We rode the Shinkansen back and then we went to art musuem near our house. It was free and there aren't a lot of art shown. After that we went to the hotel and mom was tired so she took a nap. I did some classes until 6pm

• After class was finish mom ask me to buy dinner at 7 11 again. This time I got some salad dressing as well as a miso mackeral which is good. After dinner took a shower and went to bed early. Quite tiring day. 

Oct 12

• Today is the last full day in Japan so lets get started 

• Did my monring classes as usual and then me and my mom went to the Hakata central station. First to get a refund on the bus tickets and second is mom wanted to buy some gifts for my brother and his kids. She ended up buy stuff from the Nintendo store. 

• After that we made our way to a Japanese curry place. That plce is so pack with only 8 seats and we were the first ones there. We order a chicken katsu and fried chicken curry. I took level 3 spice which is not that spicy in my opinion but my mom was sweating with the level 2 spice. 

• Then we went home, I took a short pit stop to pray after that I left mom at home while I went out again. This time my wife wanted me to find something unique from Pandora. 

• While I was walking there I got a text and call from Nd. First of all she is not okay. From the sounds of it, she sounds like she got kidnapped by her stalker and that person demand some money to release her. That isjust borderline a crime but she refuse to go to the authorities for it. Oh and her friend block me because I was pestering too much. She needed 1500 to settle the debt and I paid it. Hoping that this will all be over but no idea what will happen next 

• Bought the Pandora for wife. Japanese girl with Kimono and got a 1000 yen tax rebate. Came back to the hotel and did some classes before sending mom to the her hotel for her function

• I on the other hand had a date with ramen. This ramen is made entirely out of veggies. The way to restaurant is far and sometimes when I was walking there were no light. I wonder weather it was the right place that we went to. Eventually after taking 2 trains and walking I finally arrive only to find out that I need to wait in line behind 8 people. The wait took around 25 minutes and finally I got seated down. I got seated down at the bar and I can see the chef cooking the meal. I ordered the set meal which comes with sushi, ramen and a dessert as well as tea

• The sushi was made with vegetables. There is two tofu, one eggplant, one zuchinni, one mushroom (this one is delicious) and one carrot with mentaiko sauce. Everything was the chef grandmother's recipe. After that my veggie ramen arrive . Itwas granished with mushrooms and ginger and a very unique broth. It was delicious and ended the meal with a tofu matcha tiramisu. The whole meal cost 4800 yen. I was so full that I decided to walk 35 minutes + 7 minutes to my mom

• Reach my mom at 925 and then we came back. Took a shower and pack my clothes for tomorrow. Tomorrow is going to be another busy day 

Oct 13

• Started the day off with some classes and during a 30 min break I went to get my last sandwich from Family Mart and eat it at the park 

• We left the hotel at 830 and we checked in around 930am. There is nothing much we can do but just wait 

• Nd called me this morning and I was so happy to get a call from her. We talked for a while and it was great. Miss her so much 

• The flight was a bit delayed so that means we arrived in Tokyo later than expected. I did manage to catch a movie (I fast forward the talky bits) 

• Tokyo was a madhouse. We didn’t know where to go and what to do. But due to my quick thinking of using Google translate I manage to ask the train staff to get us a direct train ticket 

• In the train we met another Malaysia girl who in fact was working here in Tokyo. Her Japanese friend help us navigate the train and told us just stay at this line and you’ll end up at the airport

• He was right but the train took close to 2 hours 5 minutes to get to the airport. Mom was really anxious. We were also packed like sardine because it was rush hour. She did told me that she was happy I came. At We finally arrive at the airport at 642pm

• My student Chisaki was waiting for us. We ended up talking for a good 20 minutes and took some pictures before we had to go inside. She did give us some Japanese sweet and tea before leaving 

• We manage to solat and go to the Japanese Lounge. I ate a lot of rice and fish with egg and veggies. Miso soup and mushroom soup with bread. I wish I could eat the curry but that is not halal 

• We made it our way to the gate and we had time to spare . Now we are just waiting to board 

Oct 14

• Ther fight was ok. Very uneventful. The food was okay not as nice when we came to Japan. Probably it is because it was made by the Japanese 

• The plane arrived super early back home. We were at the airport at 4am in the morning and we are the only one there. We needed to walk around 10-15 minutes to the main terminal. To make matters worse the train was not functional so we have to take the bus 

• We got our bag and left the terminal around 440am. Mom had to catch her connecting flight back home in the afternoon so I will have to go back home alone. We hugged and kiss and said goodbye. Mom was really happy I was here with her and the trip was great. Alhamdulilah. 

• I took a Grab back home and arrive at home close to 545am. H1 opened the door ad went back to sleep. I took a shower and then at 630 I was ready for class. Did around 4 classes. 

• After that I got ready for my online class. My student was late 30 minutes so I only could teach him around 45 minutes before ending the class 

• Nd call me twice this morning and it was great catch up. She told me she needs another 1500 because the guy that is blackmailing her needs more money. This is all in a means of controlling her. 

• After class I went to the bank to get 3k. half for her and half the living account since I took that money that day.

• I cooked some butter chicken for the girls. After cleaning the kitchen and doing my laundry I gave the girls my gifts that I bought them. They were so excited especially at the Pokemon cards. They straight away open the packs and each of them 4 rare cards each  

• I took a 2 hour sleep finally and then continue doing classes until the late evening. Played some Forza and then went to bed around midnight. 

Oct 15

• Wake up this morning and back to my normal routine. Did classes and after that cook some leftovers into fried rice

• Went to Itik Salai and ate there while got a some food for the kids 

• Came home took a shower and then did my online lecture. Students were always happy to see me 

• The haze is really bad right now that we can't see anything outside 

• In the evening did a couple more classes before finishing up forza. Callie was stuck in my room so she pooped on the bed. So I had to wash the bed sheets at night. 

• Slept close to 12. 

Oct 16

• Woke up this morning feeling excited because today I am going to meet Nd for the first time. So after classes I cooked her favourite meal which was ayam kicap 

• Nd called me that she was going to be stuck at court till 3-4 and I say its okay just come when you can. But later she called me that she will finish at 7 and said that the person that we supposed to meet will meet her at the city instead. So what turned to be a something excited died down and I can't meet her again 

• Just did classes, took naps, went friday prayers and today I slept super early. I did manage to finish some Forza but I didn't had the mood to play games. 

• Wife was not having a good vacation. Nobody is listening to her on what she want. To make matters worse everyone is complaining that her wheelchair is heavy. She was crying a lot during this trip since she wasn'tt enjoying herself. They were supposed to fly out tomorrow at 6am but I got a message at midnight saying that the flight was delayed at 3pm the next day and they won't arrive untill 10pm. They decided to go to a hotel but they couldn't check in to rest. 

Oct 17

• This morning I did my morning classes. Met a few of my students and they were asking on how my trip to Japan was.

• After class the cleaner came to do her job

• H1 invitred her boyfriend over to cook lunch with her. She was making something for lunch. I didn't want to join them so I had some Japanese food for lunch at the mall as well as getting mask for wife 

• I wanted to see Nd today but she was not feeling well. 

• In the evening I did my classes and wife plane left the airpot close to 4pm

• I send the cleaner home close to 730pm and then went to pick up my friend because her wife was with the same trip as my wife 

• We arrived at the airport at 930pm and went to eat some McDonanld while waiting for wife to come out of the terminal

• There was a story where wife cousin who was in the trip as well lost her bag. Someone accidently took her bag and left the airport and we had to wait to call hem to send the bag over 

• We left the airpotr and I send them back to their house it was close to 11:50pm. We arrived at hour house at 1230am. 

• Nd called me at mnidnight saying that she needs to be warded because her blood pressure and her blood was not well. But her office GL won't approve her claim. So she needs to pay a deposit of 3K in order to get a room. I had to courier my credit card to her. I trust her enough knowing that she won't screw me over. 

• Finally I got to sleep at 1:30 only to wake up 3 hours later. This is going to be along day   

Next week is back ot normal for me. I have a lot of errands to run this week. Hopefully I can check up on Nd at the hospital but we will see how it goes.                                               

Ready or Not 2: Here I Come

Watch this from Fukuoka to Tokyo 

What is it about?
Continuing the events of the first movie. Now other families are joining in the game of hide and seek 

The Good
You can watch this movie without watching the first. They will give you a good recap of it
The laws on whatever they control is kinda funny since there are things the bylaws do not cover.
The deaths are also very funny and a lot of blood everywhere

The Bad
Too much mellodrama between the two sisters. But they have to build characters. So for every action scene there is a short break scene 

The Ugly
Nothing 

After Credits: No

Verdict: A great brainless action movie, a must watch  

Psych Season 8

The series finale 

It is time to say goodbye: After 7 season they have told all ths stories they need to tell. So this last 10 episodes its time to bid farewell to best feel good show in my book 

Karen and Henry: Karen has only 2 scene this season. Her closure was only less than 2 minutes but there is nothing much add to the story. Henry goodbye is meaningful. He will still be around but probably it is not the same again 

Carlton and Juliet: Both have good career advancement. I love Calrton arc overall. He has change from hating Shawn to being a great friend to him. Juliet was cut short probably due to budget constrain but she did get a satisfying ending 

Shawn and Gus: The best television friendship. It was hard to say goodbye when both of them have to go their seperate ways. But in the end we know they these two are going to be together forever 

Anaconda

A very funny remake that surprisingly works 

What is it about?
2 best friends bought the rights to Anaconda and are planning to shoot it in the same place the original movie take places. 

The good 
The movie has some funny bits 
This is a perfect way to make a sequel that makes is sounds as stupid as we think but in fact still have the values to make a good movie
The Pig scene is damn funny

The Bad
The original characters are there but for a short while 
Which there more funny interactions between Jakc Black and Paul Rudd 

The Ugly
Nothing much

After Credits: Yes

Verdict: It is a funny movie. A must watch 

Week 41: Vacation time in Fukuoka

Oct 4

• Did a lot of classes in the morning and after that had to go to the mall with H2 and mom

• H2 had a picnic with her friends at the park near the mall but before that we ate at an okay malay food shop. Mom didn't like it that much.  

• Send H2 to the park and went to change money to yen and won 

• Came home and did more classes 

• Finish my weekly Forza mission and then went to bed. 

Oct 5

• Did classes in the morning after sending H2 and wife to work 

• After that did my class for the afternoon. My student presention was good but I had to brainstorm with him on his final project

• Pick H2 up and went ate masak lemak that my mom cooked

• Pick up wife in the evening and went to the mall. She wanted to cut her hair but opt to not do it

• Came home did classes, had dinner and went to bed

Oct 6

• couldn’t do much classes in the morning because today I am flying to Japan 

• Had lunch with wife before I went to my last class before a week off. Gave them their final project 

• Came home after picking up H2 and wife. Start packing and fill up H1 car 

• Said goodbye to the girls and left to the airport at 630pm

• Checked in by 730 and straight went to the golden lounge since mom was a gold member 

• Solat and then had a 4 course meal. There were a lot of food to choose from. I ate rice, mushroom soup, porridge, pasta and end it with fruits 

• Boarded the plane after a long line of baggage check. We were in line with a lot of Japanese students 

• Depart at 1025 and by that time I was already sleepy so I went to sleep. 

• Nd had a problem. A friend of hers is getting blackmail and she needs 1.5k. I told her that I really don’t have the money and then the last text from her is that something terrible happened to her. Sigh… the gift that keeps on giving I guess 

Oct 7

• Woke up at 12 for meal service. Mom order the fish and I ordered the chicken. Fish was too lemony but chicken was okay 

• At 1:20am I had a tummy ache and the had explosive poo in the lavatory. It didn’t help since they have small cups to clean myself up. But the cool thing is that the poop was super sucked away. 

• Landed at 450am local time and took us a while to get out of the airport. Mom had to do her visa even though I already did it for her 

• Bought tickets for the bus to Itami Airport and had to wait until 730am for the bus to leave.

• The whole bus trip I was sleeping on and off while enjoying Osaka scenery. 

• Came to the airport and checked in by 9am. Had a croissant and beverage and just hang out while charging my phone 

• Around 1030 mom was hungry so we ordered two tempura sets for lunch. It was okay. She enjoyed it 

• Oh the friend that I lost. Came back so that’s something. 

• We flew to Fukuoka close to 1pm. The flight was a bit delayed so we landed a bit late

• We got our bag and navigated the train system all the way to the hotel. 

• The hotel was nice. You can take as many amenities do you want and they even offer pyjamas.  

• We settle down and then at 6 we went of for dinner 

• Dinner today was a local dish called Motsunabe. It’s basically hot pot dish. Mom didn’t like it because the protien was beef fat. I loved it. Oh well try it once. Good thing I ordered 

Oct 8

• Today woke up early and did class. Since it was the first day I was confused with the time difference 

• After class (I had to cancel two) I had to send my mom to the conference centre. It was a 22 minute walk and we just walked slowly throughwards it

• After that I went shopping. First stop was Family Mart. I got me 2 pairs of socks

• Then I walked all the way to the store that sells the glasses that wife wanted. After a while we looked we found that there were not glasses that wife wanted. 

• So I went to the 3rd store with was the Jump store. There I boght H2 the anime volleyball jacket that she wanted.

• Then I made my way to find the pokemon centre. There I just ask the person to find me the things that they can find. I only manage to get one item each for the girls

• The last stop was the Nintendo Store. There I bought myself 2 shirts. One for me and one for H1. 

• My english student was on her way to meet me. After I finish shopping I met her at another store and then we went to have lunch. She treated me to some grilled hoke and sashimi. It was delicious but eating rice with chopsticks is always a challenge. 

• We talked like we were friends for a while. I listen to her stories while she listen to mine. Hard to believe we just met if feels like we been friends for a while

• After lunch we went to the last stop to get some pokemon cards and then I drop her off at her massage place. 

• I walked back to the hotel and just soak my body in the tub

• At 430 I went to pick up mom at the convention centre only to find that I use all my 5G data. I had to by another 10gb for emergency 

• Went to bring mom to eat some indian food. That place was not halal so we opt to eat it with some veggie curry. The naan was delicious 

• Came home, did some more classes. Got scolded by hotel for me being too loud. And then now it is time for bed

• Nd is not talking to me. So I don't know what is happening with her. Frankly I don't want to care anymore. I thought she was the one but I think after October if the thing I predict won't happen it is time for me to say my goodbyes and probably give her the bill for everything she owe me.

Oct 9

• Wake up early this mornign to do some classes before leaving the house around 9 to go to the fish market. First we went to the central bus terminal to get a bus card to go anywhere

• The problem was we took the wrong bus and we have to take 3 more busses to get on the right track 

• The fish market was a fish market per se it was more a fish offices where they do fish trade. The fish market was at the back and we are can't go in 

• After taking some pictures we left the area and the I ask mom weather she wants to eat some bangaladeshi halal food. The thing was it was 22 minutes away by walking. Mom was up to it but clearly when we arrived there she was already tired

• The Bangaladeshi shop was very unique and quaint. There was a lot of things from the region and they serve our mutton briyani on teracotta (Stone) bowls. They had wooden spoons and wooden chopsticks in order not to damage the bowl. Mom got her meal first and I saw her eating it slowly. My meal didn't arrive until 12 minutes later and I still manage to finish eating before mom. They gave us some tea at the end of our meal

• After that we talked back to the train station to and get home. Mom was clearly tired so she wanted to go to sleep. I on the other hand wanted to go shopping again so I went back to the Hakata station to visit the Pokemon shop and Nintendo shop again. Nf wanted a lightweight umbrella so I got one for her. Her boyfriend is jealous of me and I told her to stop comparing me 

• After that I went home close to 5 and pack everything. Even the pokemon cards I got the girls.

• Mom woke up and was hungry so we went to 7 Eleven to get a meal. But while we are going there, there was the Hakata river festival and there were traditional dances going around

• We bought some salmon and rice and ask them to put it in the microwave. We had our meal at the park and then went back to throw away our trash. I bought some ice cream and then just went for stroll before we went home

• Took a show, did one class, blog about it and I am calling it a day.

• Nd hasn't text me for 36 hours now. I fear she is either a) dead b) in the hospital c) lost her phone d) ghosting me. I hope its not a. I text her friend but there was no asnwer. I pray she is okay.

Oct 10

• Today in the morning I only can do a couple of classes because this morning my student is coming down at 8am to bring me and mom out and about the city

• She came at 745 and said hi to the both of us. I gave her the chocolate I bought and she gave me some grapes

• The first place we stopped at was Daizaifu. It is a tourist area where there is a shirne and people go there to ask for success in anything they want to achieve. The place is covered with 1000 year tress and a lot of places where people hang their hopes and dreams. We also did try a Japanese dessert made from mochi and red bean paste

• After that she drove us to the only mosque in Fukuoka. It was not even a typical mosque more like a 3 store building. We knocked but there was no one inside so me and my mom did some prayers and left

• We walked to our next places which was a Pakistani restaurant. It was packed with Japanese people and their speciality was mutton briyani. I ordered the chicken since I saw the portion of the briyani and it was too much in my opinion. 

• After that my mom wanted to go to something call Teamlab forest near the stadium but when we reached there it actually a kids area where they can go and hunt virtuals things. Mom decide to opt out against it. We walked around the stadium and saw a lot of famous people's hands I shook Micheal Jackson and Paul McCartneys hands

• My student brought us back close to 2 and both me and my mom just felt asleep. It was probably the food coma.

• I tried calling Nd and texting her frined and they didn't gave me anything. After a while she said hello and the call only lasted for 10 seconds since she was not okay. Sigh... I pray that she will be okay and call me back

• Now in the evening, did some classes and then will probably go to bed.

Psych Season 7

The cat is out of the bag

This season: We explore of the relationship of Juliet and Shawn. The most important thing is that Juliet finally knows that Shawn is not psychic 

100th episode: Finally they reach the milestone espisode with a clue style mystery. It was all over the place 

Psych the musical: They also finally did a spiecal 2 part musical episode which was epicially funny. Especially the part of the Jamaican inspector

Cliffhanger: A whole lot of changes are in the department and season 8 will be the last season. 

Week 40: September is over

This week has been a good week for  me. Every week Nd manage to borrow some money but hopefully October wil be the month she pays me back. If not I have to do everything myself. Other than that work is getting better. 2nd week of work and students all understand my style of teaching.

Sept 27

• Did a lot of classes in the morning 

• Took a long sleep after that 

• Ordered some food since I was too lazy too cook. Ate some noodles 

• After lunch, cleaned the back and did some laundry. Washed the floor and change the cat litter to be a new one 

• Nd called and talk to her for about 10 minutes. She seems ver tired 

• Did my notes for this week classes and as well as the quizes. Hopefully it will all go smoothly 

• Made some egg sandwhich for dinner 

• Went to bed around 1130. Can''t quite sleep well which is very annoying 

Sept 28

• Did classes in the mornign and went to class later 

• Today lecturer was 3 hours since next week will be my vacation and I need to make sure I have the class covered

• In the middle of the class the school call and H2 fainted at school and now need to picked up home 

• H1 was free so she helped but not after nagging to wife about H2 

• Pick up wife after school and went back home to get some rest 

• Bring wife back to uni because she had class and did my lesson in the car 

• Nd called me from a friends phone and said her phone was completely broken. She wants a loan of 5k to buy a phone. So yeah… I’ll say okay. Why not… I’ve gone this far with her. Ya Allah… I trust you with my life 

• Afrer class we went to q bistro for dinner and I did some more classes before going to bed 

Sept 29

• Today did morning classes. H2 was not feeling well so after classes I took her to the clinic where she got some medication and an mc

• Went to do some groceries and cooked some ayam kicap. Wife was not feeling well so she decided to work from home. 

• After lunch I head to class and it went quite well. Students were very sleepy. I am assuming it's because they are sleepy after lunch

• Came home and took a short nap before cleaning the back and did more classes

• Slept close to 11

• In the morning I transfered 5k to Nd. She needs it for a new phone. She didn't contact me this whole day. Kinda miss her. Hope she is okay.

Sept 30

• Today I was super busy that means I didn't get to blog the next day. Probably due to exhaustion 

• No time to cook and H2 was still not feeling well so she stayed home. I have 5 hours of classes today. Came back home close to 6pm

• H1 came back home with her boyfriend. I ordered some Ramen for them

• In the evening had to stay back for a while because wife was busy at work. Came back close to 6. Manage still to do a couple of classes before eating late and going to bed.

With that September comes to an end. Nd still manage to borrow money but I told myself that this will be the last month. Next month I have to start grinidng back and lets see if she promise to pay me back for whatever she borrowed. So this October will tell. Other than that I am happy I got a new job. Love teaching students and they seem to enjoy two weeks of me. 

Oct 1

• After class this morning send H2 to school and wife to work. After more classes when to get groceries. I plan to make some chicken rice today 

• After cooking I had lunch with wife at uni. She had subway while I had some rice with fish.

• Did some evening classes and then went home 

• Did more english classes in the evening and after that had to clean the kitchen, hang the clothes and take a shower. Slept close to 1130 because I was watching Weapons (5/5)

Oct 2

• Did morning classes and send H2 to school. Wife decided to work from home today so that is fine 

• Helped wife clean mom room before she comes back. 

• At 10:30 I have to move myself to the airport. This weekend is F1 weekend which means the roads are packed with a lot of people. Looking at what has happen today this is literally a shit show. Everything was unorganised and everyone was queuing non stop to get everything. The FOMO is real I guess and I am glad I am not a part of it 

• After picking up mom, when and got her some lunch. I straight went to the mosque at the uni to pray. Hang out with my best friend Arf. We got a 30 minute catch up and he told he that he is unavailable for the month of November due to go having a classified mission. It's so cool and annoying that I have Spy as my best friend. So that means I don't have anyone to go with to MCR. 

• Came home and try to do some classes and there was no one around. So ended up taking a nap and continue doing classes in the evening. 

• Ate leftovers and call it a day.

Oct 3

• Did classes in the morning but need to take a break because mom and her friend had a religious course somewhere in Putrajaya 

• After finish classes took a long nap. Woke up with McD for lunch 

• The plumber came to clean the tanks and install a water filter. The tanks were filty since it hasn't been cleaned since 20 years ago. The total cost for everything is 1500. Had to clean the toilet as H2 called it 'explosive diarrhea'

• Pick up mom and send her friend back home

• In the evening mom ordered grab (for the first time) for all of us. We ate some Mr Mee. 

• H1 friend came down to sleepover. I think she needed that 

• Did some work for class and then playe some Forza before going to bed 

Next week will be my Japan Vacation with my mom. I am so excited going to an overseas trip but also scared since my wife will be going for her own trip to Korea with her friends. I am going to meet up with a couple of my students so that is going to be an amazing experince