When It Rains, It Pours: My Month of Mishaps

Ever have one of those months where you feel like you should just stay in bed? You know, the kind where the universe seems to be testing your patience with a series of unfortunate and bizarre events? If you nodded yes, then pull up a chair. Let’s have a virtual coffee, because this month, I’m right there with you.

It all came to a head last Saturday. I was doing a regular routine: driving my MIL to the pharmacy. As we parked and got ready to cross the road, the unthinkable happened. The loud, heart-sinking BANG of metal crunching metal.

I turned to see a bulky pickup truck reversing right into the front of my car. My stomach dropped. This wasn’t just any car; this was my precious 2.5-month-old new car! The right front bumper was crushed, and so was my spirit.

The driver, a clearly distressed Indonesian man, got out. In the ensuing conversation, a small-world twist emerged. He is the husband of the Indonesian lady whose fruit stall I frequent. My weekly source of apples, oranges, bananas, and kiwi was now connected to the source of my car’s new crumpled aesthetic.

He was apologetic and honest. A construction worker, he explained he could only afford to pay RM1,000 for the repairs. My mind immediately started racing with calculations and worst-case scenarios.

The Insurance Dilemma: A Headache in Itself

This is the modern driver's quandary, isn't it? We pay for insurance precisely for this reason, but the thought of actually using it was overwhelming.

• Losing my No-Claim Bonus (NCB): A huge financial setback over time.

• The tedious process: Police reports, endless paperwork, appointed workshops.

• The inconvenience: Being without my new car for up to a month and possibly longer!

The bumper alone could cost nearly RM1k to replace. If the headlight was cracked (from the look of it, I think it wasn't), that would be another RM1,300-1,500. His RM1k offer suddenly felt very insufficient.

I had to sit on this anxiety for days. With the public holidays, I couldn’t even get the car to a workshop for an assessment. It was a long, frustrating wait.

Finally, today (Thursday), we took the car to my husband’s trusted mechanic. I held my breath as he inspected the damage.

And then, the news I’d been praying for: the headlight cover was not cracked! The total repair cost? Around RM800. The relief was palpable. My car would only be in the shop for 2-3 days, not a month.

Now, the final step is to present the receipt to the driver and hope he honours his promise to pay in full. I’m choosing to be optimistic and believe in his good character.

But Wait, There’s More… (Because of Course There Is)

If this was an isolated incident, it would just be a bad week. But this month has been… special. This car accident was merely the headline act in a festival of minor misfortunes.

• I’ve been accidentally cut by a knife—not once, but twice—by someone else. Two other unrelated knife incidents also occurred. Imagine being cut by a knife (twice directly, twice indirectly caused by her carelessness) four times this month by the same person!! Thankfully, the cuts were superficial.

• The day after the car accident, I slammed a heavy wooden door directly on my left third finger, which left my finger throbbing with pain for days. Someone had left their big, bulky shoes right in front of the door entrance, and I was arranging them when the door slammed on my poor finger.

It’s been comical in its consistency. So much so that someone, well-versed in Chinese metaphysics, mentioned that in Bazi (Four Pillars of Destiny), a clash of elements in one's chart during certain months can manifest as exactly this kind of accident-prone energy. It could be a clash in your own charts or someone in the family clashing with yours.

And you know what? Right now, I’m inclined to believe there might be some truth to it. When life lines up this many random mishaps, you start looking for patterns in the universe!

Now, I’m just counting down the days until I get my car back and this "clash of elements" passes. Here’s to a safer, smoother, and decidedly less dramatic month ahead for all of us!

What about you? Have you ever had a string of bad luck that felt cosmically coordinated? Do you believe in these astrological or Bazi influences on our daily lives? Share your stories in the comments—I’d love to know I’m not alone!

Surviving the SPM Silence: A Parent's Guide to (Quietly) Losing Their Mind

If you’ve ever lived with a student preparing for a major exam, you’ll know the household transforms. Normal rules go out the window. The air changes. In my case, the air has literally come to a standstill.

My littlest daughter, Cass, is in the thick of her SPM Trials. Two weeks down, two to go. But that’s just the warm-up act. The main event—the actual SPM—looms in early November, meaning our household is operating under strict martial law until December 23, 2026. I have the date circled on my calendar, not just for her, but for my own liberation.

The past fortnight has been a masterclass in sleep deprivation (for her) and sonic deprivation (for me). Cass survives on a patchwork of rest: a few hours of frantic studying at night, followed by a 2-3 hour coma in the afternoon after school. I watch this erratic cycle with a knot of worry in my stomach. Her sleep hygiene is, to put it mildly, non-existent. But as every Malaysian parent knows, during SPM, you pick your battles. A nap is a victory. A completed chapter is a cause for celebration for the student.

My battle, however, is fought in absolute silence.

My work desk is conveniently—or rather, inconveniently—located next to the dining table. This table has now become Cass’s official Command Centre for Academic Excellence. And the first rule of Command Centre? Total. Absolute. Silence.

My beloved radio, my companion of years with its chatter and songs? Gone. My YouTube playlists of 80s and 90s power ballads that get me through my workday? Muted. Even the gentle, life-giving whirr of the living room fan has been deemed an unacceptable disturbance. Why? Because the wind, she says, threatens the delicate ecosystem of her study notes. 

Even her grandmother has to play her favorite Rumikub on her iPad and listen to the news on the TV, at a muted volume.

And the aftermath of the study each night? Eraser dirt on the chair, table, and floor. Dirty plates and cups scattered on the table. Every morning, I put on my disposable nitrile gloves and clean the dining area, wiping off not only food crumbs but eraser dirt.

Can you imagine? No music. No news. No moving air. In Malaysia. It’s a special kind of torture. But a parent adapts. My remedy? An escape plan.

I’ve decided to invest in a laptop. This isn’t just a new piece of technology; it’s my ticket to freedom. I will retreat to my bedroom, rearranging furniture to carve out a new, tiny sanctuary. I’ll grant her sovereignty over the entire living and dining room. She can have the kingdom of silence all to herself.

This is the sacrifice, isn’t it? The quiet offering we make for their future. We endure the silence, the stress, the weird sleep schedules, and the temporary loss of our own comforts. We do it not for the grades, but for the person.

I don’t expect straight As from Cass. I expect her to look back on this time and know that her home was a place that supported her, even if that support was… quiet. I know she’s trying her best, and whatever that best translates to on her results slip, I will be there, immensely proud of the resilient young woman she is becoming.

After the final paper on December 23rd, the silence will be broken. We’ll finally discuss what’s next. She’s already yearning for a part-time job, to taste independence and earn her own money. I’ll happily let her have that experience. And I’m quietly, curiously excited to see what path she chooses at university.

For now, I’ll soon be in my room, with my new laptop and a fan on full blast. It’s a small price to pay.

To all the parents out there in the same silent boat: hang in there. The exam season will pass, the music will return, and the fans will spin once more. And it will all be worth it.

Sunday, 31 August 2025

This Sunday was not just our country’s Independence Day. It was the eve of the eve of Cass’s SPM Trial exam (1st day). She has been a pillar of dedication, her nose buried in textbooks (and laptop) with endless late nights. The weight of this important milestone was on her shoulders, and she had been carrying it with admirable grace.

But even the most dedicated students need to breathe. And for Cass, breathing means lacing up her skates.

Early Sunday morning, she packed her bag and headed to the skating rink. For her, figure skating isn't just a hobby; it’s her passion, her therapy, her life. It’s the place where stress evaporates with the chill of the ice and is replaced by the pure joy of movement. It was also a chance to reconnect with her teammates and share a laugh and lunch with her bestie from the team—a necessary dose of normalcy before a week of exams.

With Cass in her element, the rest of our trio— hubby, Sherilyn, and I—decided to embark on a small adventure of our own. Hubby drove to Marco Polo for a dim sum brunch.

Stepping into that Chinese restaurant was like stepping through a portal in time. The familiar aromas of steamed dim sum instantly transported me back over three decades. In the 1990s, Marco Polo on Jalan Sultan Ismail was the place to be. I was working in the HR Department of Southern Bank then, and this restaurant was our celebratory sanctuary.

I have such fond memories of those days. When our manager or superiors received a good bonus or we’d successfully navigated a particularly challenging period, we’d all head here. The large, round tables would be overflowing with delicious dim sum, the lazy Susan constantly turning, sharing not just food but laughter and camaraderie. The working hours in the bank were long, but the friendships forged there were built to last. To see that this iconic restaurant is still thriving today filled me with a warm, nostalgic glow. How I miss those days, and the monthly pay and wonderful bank benefits! Imagine earning over 8% interest (plus an additional percentage for staff) on our FDs in the early 1990s! 

After our delicious and memory-filled brunch, we made a stop at Bray for a loaf of their fantastic sourdough bread. And, as is his tradition, my husband couldn't resist adding a few pastries to the bag. But I didn’t touch those – they were for our girls. These days, I’m more focused on less-sweet, or sugar-free, snacks, a conscious effort to lower my HbA1C reading. It’s a small but significant change for my health.

While I am glad that Cass is studying hard, it also means that I have to live my days in total silence! Whenever she studies, I have to turn off my radio, and watch my videos muted.  This is truly annoying, and the torture is going to last for another 4 months, ending only on 23 December – the last day of SPM!!  I already have a remedy to this and I’ll update everyone soon!

Sourdough bread and pastries from Bray.

Cass prepped her skating rink lunch box, which is power-packed with healthy protein - her sister's homemade dumplings, salad, tofu with teriyaki sauce and an onsen egg.

Finding Calm in a Bowl of Teriyaki Chicken

This morning, I woke up with a heavy heart. Something just felt off, and I knew I needed a little break from my usual routine. So I decided to give myself some “me time” — nothing extravagant, just a quiet brunch at my favorite spot, La Juiceria.

I ordered my go-to comfort food: a teriyaki chicken mini bowl. The portion is just right for me, a toddler-sized eater, and I love how satisfying yet light it feels. I even ordered the same for my mother-in-law, who also prefers small portions. And because Cass always deserves a treat too, I got her a takeaway black bean beef rice from the next-door café, Wong Zhi.

Sitting outdoors at La Juiceria, I soaked in the cool mid-morning air. It had been drizzling since early morning, leaving the atmosphere refreshingly crisp and perfect. As I breathed deeply and savored my food, I could feel my stress and heaviness in my heart slowly melting away.

After brunch, I made a quick stop at the supermarket for groceries, carrying with me a lighter heart. Sometimes, when life feels heavy, we don’t need grand solutions. All it takes is indulging in a favorite pastime, enjoying a comforting meal at a familiar café, or simply sharing your thoughts with someone who listens.

For me, that someone has always been my mum — my most trusted confidante. Talking to her always clears the fog and reminds me that even on heavy days, there are simple joys that can lift the spirit.

One of my favorite healthy dishes from La Juiceria - grilled teriyaki chicken.

The Healing Power of Night Walks: Finding Peace in the Dark

For years, my exercise routine began before sunrise. After sending my daughters off in the school van at 6:20 a.m., I would jog through the quiet paths in my condo grounds or head to the nearby park. Sometimes, I would swim.  Those pre-dawn moments, when the skies were still dark and the world was hushed, became my sacred time. It was in that stillness that ideas for my writing jobs flowed freely, and solutions to my endless challenges as a work-from-home mother of three – while living with a mil – revealed themselves.

Then came the pandemic, and like many others, I abandoned that beloved routine. But recently, I’ve found a new rhythm: exercising at night, after the house chores are done and the day’s responsibilities have been met. At around 8 p.m and sometimes even later., I step outside for a brisk walk or jog. Sometimes I head to the nearby supermarket – a 10-minute walk there and 10-minute walk back – before climbing the five flights of stairs to my unit.

Many people cringe at the thought of exercising in the dark, associating nighttime with danger or discomfort. But for me, the dark has always carried peace. Long before I had children, I would rise at 5 a.m. to jog before work. Later, even when I had little ones, my live-in helpers allowed me the freedom to continue that routine. To me, exercising in the dark – whether before dawn or after dusk – feels natural, grounding, and deeply therapeutic.

This practice can be seen as a form of ecotherapy – also known as nature therapy – which emphasizes the healing power of spending time in natural environments. While most people associate ecotherapy with sunny days and lush greenery, the night offers its own unique kind of healing.

The Benefits of Nighttime Exercise and Dark Nature Activities

1. A Calmer Mind

The world slows down after dark. With fewer cars, fewer people, and less visual noise, the mind naturally settles. Walking or jogging at night creates a pocket of calm in the chaos of the day, reducing stress and quieting anxious thoughts.

2. Space for Soul Searching

There’s something about the darkness that invites reflection. Without the distractions of daylight, it’s easier to turn inward. Night walks give us the chance to process emotions, untangle problems, and reconnect with ourselves on a deeper level.

3. A Different Kind of Nature Connection

The night reveals a side of nature that often goes unnoticed. The cool air, the sound of crickets, the rustle of leaves, or even the glow of the moon and stars – these subtle details create a sensory experience that nourishes the soul in ways the busy daylight hours cannot.

4. Stress Release Through Movement

Physical activity is well-known for releasing endorphins, which lift the mood and ease tension. Exercising at night adds another layer of release – it becomes a ritual of shedding the stress of the day before winding down for rest.

5. A Sense of Solitude and Freedom

Unlike crowded gyms or busy jogging tracks during the day, night walks are often solitary. This solitude fosters independence and freedom, giving you space to move, breathe, and just be without feeling observed.

Embracing the Dark as a Form of Therapy

Dark nature activities may not be for everyone, but for those of us who feel at ease in the still of the night, they can be incredibly healing. The darkness becomes a safe cocoon, wrapping us in silence and simplicity. It’s a time to reset, to let go of the noise of the day, and to reconnect with our inner selves.

For me, whether it’s walking briskly to the supermarket, jogging under the night sky, or climbing the stairs back home, these moments in the dark are a form of therapy.  They remind me that healing and peace don’t always come in the light – sometimes, the darkness holds the answers we seek. Even Cass, my youngest daughter, shares the same sentiments, and she’s another avid night exerciser.  

My neighborhood and condo grounds have guards on patrol 24/7, so I feel safe to exercise outdoors in the dark.

Caveat: Only exercise in the dark outside your house if the environment is safe. 

Dim Sum, Doting Grandparents, and a Well-Earned Holiday

Barely 20 hours after returning from Singapore as a champion, my daughter Sherilyn was already on the move. Her dance team had just won first place in the Contemporary Dance category at the 27th Asia Pacific Dance Competition, a well-deserved victory for all their hard work. But instead of resting on her laurels, she hopped on the ETS train with a university friend, heading straight for Ipoh.

For my daughters, their grandparents' home in Ipoh is more than just a place to visit; it’s a holiday retreat. My parents absolutely love to pamper them. At 82 years old, my dad still plays the role of their personal "Grab driver" every time they visit during their semester breaks. The girls are treated to their favorite foods and have all their wishes catered to, including getting pocket money from my parents! 💖

Today, their Ipoh holiday began with a lavish dim sum brunch at Dimsum Paradise in Ipoh Garden. My papa, in true granddad fashion, ordered a feast for everyone. My mom told me the dim sum was "very, very good." Looking at the photo of Sherilyn, her friend, and my parents all enjoying the meal, it's easy to see why. The spread looks incredible!

I can't wait to try it myself the next time I visit. It fills my heart with joy to see my daughters so happy and cherished by their grandparents. After all her hard work and success, this quiet, loving retreat is the perfect way for Sherilyn to celebrate.

Dinner yesterday. Sherilyn's uni mate looks like her twin, don't you think so too? 😁

Sumptuous dim sum at Dimsum Paradise today.

Sherilyn with granny.

Sunday, 17 August 2025

This past Sunday was a day of early morning, athletic feats, and delicious food.  Cass was up bright and early, but instead of her usual figure skating practice, she was off to the Universiti Malaya sports arena for her school’s sports day (Semi-Finals). She competed in two events: the 800-meter and the 4x400-meter runs. Finishing 4th out of 20 runners in the 800m and 3rd in the 4x400m is a fantastic achievement, and her hard work has earned her a spot in the Finals at the Bukit Jalil stadium this coming Saturday.

After picking her up from UM, we headed to Bangsar for lunch. This time, we ate at Hong Kong Garden Restaurant, formerly known as Man Kee Hong Kong Beef Noodle. We feasted on our favorite dim sum items, a comforting bowl of Hong Kong beef noodles, and their signature white chicken, which came with the most delicious ginger and homemade chili dips. The braised radish and a cup of classic Hong Kong milk tea perfectly rounded out the meal.

After a satisfying lunch, we took a short walk to Bangsar Village 2 for a treat. Nothing says "Sunday" quite like a scoop of Häagen-Dazs ice cream. I was torn between my two favorite flavors, coffee and matcha, but in the end, the rich matcha on a crispy cone won me over. All four of us enjoyed a scoop, and my husband even bought a tub of his favorite macadamia brittle nut flavor to take home. It was a special treat to have Cass with us for Sunday lunch, as she's usually at the skating rink.

While our family was a little smaller—Alycia was away in Ipoh with her university friends, and Sherilyn was in Singapore for a dance competition—we were all connected by a wave of good news. The day ended with a text from Sherilyn with some amazing news: her team had emerged as Champions in the Contemporary Dance category at the 27th Asia Pacific Dance Competition, held at Gateway Theatre in Singapore.

I couldn’t be prouder of Sherilyn. This is a testament to her dedication and talent. Her team flew to Singapore for the competition and, to save on costs, will be taking a bus back home. Her hard work paid off in the biggest way. It was a Sunday filled with wins, big and small, proving that dedication, whether on the track or the dance floor, always pays off.

Hor fun with delicious handmade sotong balls.

Love the fried radish cake.

Simply delicious!

A pink minibus inside Bangsar Village, and it was no. 10, the very bus that I used to take from Jalan Ipoh where I rented a room, to college in Jalan Ampang, and later to my workplace in Jalan Hang Lekiu over 3 decades ago!  The minibus is now an antique, and seeing it again after more than 30 years filled me with many fond memories of the past.

Our Sunday Lunch - From Dosa to Dessert

Last Sunday, hubby took us to Brickfield’s Little India, for a lunch at the world-renowned Indian vegetarian restaurant chain, Saravanaa Bhavan. This restaurant’s global presence—from the US to New Zealand and beyond—speaks volumes about its popularity and authentic flavors.

We ordered all our usual favorites to satisfy our Indian food cravings. The table was filled with a variety of dosa (tosei / thosai), including the classic ghee dosa, a crispy and flavorful dosa rava, and a decadent cheese dosa. We also enjoyed a serving of cheesy naan and a fragrant nasi biryani. A trip to an Indian restaurant is never complete without my favorites: the creamy Palak Paneer (spinach with cheese) and a comforting bindi curry (lady’s fingers). To round out our meal, we added chickpeas curry, lentil dhall, and deep-fried cauliflowers.

Despite being a completely meat-free meal, every dish was bursting with intense flavors and spices. The ghee dosa was a particular standout—a long, paper-thin, and incredibly crispy creation with a rich aroma of ghee that reminded us of buttery cookies. We loved it so much we even got takeaway for Cass and my mother-in-law, who couldn't join us.

As usual, my husband had to end his Sunday lunch with a good cup of coffee and some delicious cakes. Our next stop was a familiar and beloved place: Front Room, the very café where Alycia and Sherilyn work part-time during the weekends. The owner, a very kind man, greeted us at the door with a joke, saying that Alycia and Sherilyn missed working for him so much they came in on their day off. They had just worked the day before!

We ordered their signature scones, two slices of banana coconut bread, and a rich salted chocolate cake. The owner, as a treat, also gave us a complimentary slice of their famous pineapple upside-down cake. The scones and cakes were absolutely divine. We couldn’t finish everything, so we doggy-bagged the remaining cakes for Cass to enjoy at home. We also got extra scones for my mother-in-law, who adores them.

It was a truly wonderful Sunday. With Alycia and Sherilyn usually busy with work or other activities, it was a rare treat to have them both join us for lunch. And while Cass was, as usual, at the skating rink, our little family get-together felt complete.

Ghee dosa - very crispy and aromatic, reminiscent of my mum's butter cookies during CNY.

Love all the curries, dipping sambar, and chutney for the dosa. I especially love the lady's fingers curry.

Cheese naan, in the foreground

Crunchy deep-fried cauliflower florets.

This map shows the countries with a Saravanaa Bhavan restaurant.

SB's menu, which is very extensive. We had no idea what some of the items were, but the waiting staff was very helpful and explained them to us.

Decadent cakes and coffee at Front Room, the cafe that Alycia and Sherilyn work part-time during the weekend.

Saturday, 9 August 2025

Last night was a bit out of the ordinary for us. A typical Saturday evening usually finds us at our favourite tai chow restaurant, but yesterday, we found ourselves at The Gardens Mall for dinner. The reason? A mission-critical trip to the money changer.

Sherilyn is heading to Singapore this week for the 27th Asia Pacific Dance Competition. Her team made it to the finals, and they'll be there for five days. This is an incredible achievement, but it comes with a hefty price tag. The current exchange rate for the Malaysian Ringgit against the Singapore Dollar is… well, let’s just say it requires a significant sum of Ringgit to get a "pathetic" amount in SGD. And unfortunately, this entire trip is self-funded.

After the money was changed, we were all ready for a good meal. We decided on Canton-i, and my husband, ever the enthusiast, ordered our usual favorites. His all-time favorite, the roast duck, was a must-have. We also enjoyed stir-fried beef noodles and wantan noodles, along with some delicious sui kow (dumplings) and perfectly roasted cha siu.

The highlight of the meal, though, was an incredibly unique dish. It was a variation of the traditional confinement dish, where Yong Tau Foo pieces (stuffed brinjal, red chili, and bitter gourd) were cooked in a rich rice wine broth with fried egg and black fungus. While this dish typically uses chicken, the substitution with Yong Tau Foo was a revelation—unique and absolutely delicious.

We left the mall feeling satisfied. The whole experience made me think that maybe swapping our usual Saturday night tai chow for a dinner at the mall isn’t such a bad idea after all. It was a nice change of pace, and the food at Canton-i was fantastic.

As for Sherilyn, the competition awaits. I wish Sherilyn and her team the very best of luck in Singapore this week, hoping all their hard work pays off on the big stage.

The First Service and a Frightening First Fill-Up

My new car had its first service last week, and it was quite an experience. Despite the odometer not even hitting 100km, the dealership staff were persistent with calls and messages. It's part of their standard procedure to get the car in, even before the 1,000km mark. I finally caved and went in, only to wait for nearly an hour for a "service" that was little more than a quick check-up lasting less than 30 minutes.

So far, I'm pretty happy with my new sedan. The security features are a big plus, and it handles beautifully on my neighborhood drives. However, the keyless feature has already proven to be a bit of a challenge.

Today, after my very first time filling the tank, the car refused to start. My heart sank. I feared I had overfilled it. I kept pressing the "start engine" button, but nothing happened. Panic began to set in. After five long minutes of trying and a silent prayer, the engine finally roared to life. What a relief!

My husband later explained that with these keyless systems, you can't just keep mashing the button. A quick, single press is all it takes. It was a funny moment after the fact, but it certainly gave me a good scare. It just goes to show there’s a bit of a learning curve with new technology, and sometimes a simple press is all it takes.

Me waiting for my car, in my Uniqlo bra dress with matching Nike sneakers 💃

One Month to SPM Trials — A Mother's Heartfelt Observations

Exactly one more month to go before Cass sits for her SPM Trials. The countdown has begun, and the pressure is clearly mounting, but Cass continues to push herself with an admirable sense of discipline and determination.

She studies late into the night, often at odd corners of the house — at the dining table, in the kitchen, and sometimes even just outside the bathroom. There have been nights when I’ve woken up to check on her, only to find her fast asleep at the table, her notes still open and highlighters scattered around her.

Despite her intense study schedule, she still makes time to exercise daily — her willpower is unshakeable. Her passion for figure skating remains strong too, although she has started to scale back on her practice sessions to focus more on the looming exams.

The actual SPM begins in early November and ends on 23 December 2025 — a long and grueling period. All I can do now is to support her in every way I can. Nutritious meals, moral support, and little comforts here and there — if her requests are not too pricey or overboard, they’re my command.

I often remind her to sleep more, to take breaks and care for her health, but like most teens, she just brushes me off with a pissed-off "I know what I'm doing" look 😒

As her mother, I can only hope and pray that she stays physically strong and mentally resilient throughout this crucial time. She’s given her all — and no matter what the outcome, I’m already so proud of the incredible discipline and drive she’s shown.

Hang in there, Cass. You're almost there. ❤️

Cass's school lunch box - often fruits, cherry tomatoes, boiled eggs, last night's soup or a flask of thick coffee. Sometimes she adds matcha powder to her thick coffee to have a double-caffeine effect to stay awake in class 😔.  

Cass sits next to the school’s Head Prefect in class — so dozing off might just earn her a gentle nudge or a polite reminder?  When you're seated beside the top role model of the school, you’ve got to stay sharp and be on your best behaviour too, right?

Cass's lunner - air-fried shimeji mushrooms with black pepper, garlic and olive oil.

Air-fried chicken chop, tomatoes, shimeji, and salad.

Miso soup with napa cabbage, shimeji mushrooms, big onions, and foo pei.

Air-fried saba fish, roast chicken breast and salad.

Life Lately – A Whirlwind of Assignments, Skates, Soul-Searching and My Silent Therapist

Life lately has been… full. Everyone in the family seems to be moving in different directions, each immersed in their own responsibilities, stress, and goals. While the house isn’t as noisy these days, it certainly hasn’t been quiet in my heart and mind.

Alycia has been caught up with her final semester — the last lap of her university life. She’s barely home these days, staying over at her coursemate’s dorm so they can work on group assignments late into the night. Recently, she hurt her hand, possibly from overusing it. We suspect it might be due to the heavy lifting and movements during her part-time gig with Astro’s Xiao Tai Yang road show last month, which took her all over Malaysia. She went for a tit tar treatment last week, and on her dad’s advice, she’s now going for physiotherapy too. I just hope she recovers soon — physically and mentally. Final year stress is no joke.

Sherilyn is just as swamped. Her days are a blur of architectural drawings, model-building and dance rehearsals. Her commitment to both her studies and her passion for dance amazes me. She’ll be heading to Singapore next month for the Finals of a dance competition. I know how much this means to her and I’m praying everything goes smoothly. She's worked so hard for it.

Cass is hunkered down with her books, prepping for her upcoming SPM Trials in early September. At the same time, she’s squeezing in practice at the skating rink to gear up for next year’s Skate Asia. Her plate is full, but she’s handling it with her usual quiet determination. SPM will be held in early November, only 3 months left to D-Day!!

As for me, my mind has been heavy. Lately, I’ve found myself doing a lot of soul-searching, thinking deeply about life and what lies ahead. There are days when the weight of my thoughts feels overwhelming, but I’m grateful I can still talk to my parents, especially my mum.  She will turn 79 in September, and has been my sounding board — my best confidante for as long as I can remember. Her calm, grounded wisdom helps me see things more clearly when everything feels like a storm.

And then there’s my fur baby. She doesn’t say a word, but somehow her presence is healing — a soft reminder that love doesn't always need words.

So that’s us — navigating assignments, dance dreams, exams, self-healing, and everything in between. Life lately may be hectic, uncertain, even emotional at times, but I know we’ll get through it, one step — and one purr — at a time.

This is what happens whenever we eat roast chicken from our usual chicken rice stall. Haru is a big fan of roast chicken breast and she gets her treat almost every day 😸

Goodbye Pinkie, Hello New Ride: A Bittersweet Car Farewell After 11 Years

After 11 faithful years, I finally said goodbye to my beloved hot pink Hyundai i10. This little hatchback had been with me through thick and thin — school runs, market trips, errands, and countless everyday journeys with my daughters. It wasn’t just a car; it was part of our family, holding memories of laughter, school chatter, and occasional drama in traffic jams.

Last week, two second-hand car dealers came to our condo to valuate Pinkie, and eventually, I let her go. She was sold at a painfully low price — but that’s the reality of car ownership. Resale value is a myth for most cars, which is why hubby and I never splurge on fancy models. Cars depreciate, and we’d rather be practical.

My new ride is a local full-spec sedan — sleek, comfortable, keyless, plenty of security features, and powered by a Toyota-engineered engine despite being locally assembled. After more than a decade of driving a compact hatchback, switching to a sedan felt like a big change. It took me a few days to get used to the size — especially the longer rear — and I’ve had to be extra mindful when parking. Thankfully, the reverse camera and on-screen guide make things much easier.

I’m already thinking a year ahead — if Alycia, our eldest, can manage the monthly instalment after she starts working, I might just pass this car on to her. And that would mean me going car shopping all over again! Maybe next time, I can finally go green and get an electric car… though our condo doesn’t have charging stations yet. One can dream, right?

For now, I’m just grateful for the memories Pinkie gave us — and excited for the new adventures this sedan will bring.

Yummy bak kut teh lunch with hubby last Friday at Tua Bak Kia Bak Kut Teh. This bak kut teh is slightly different from the usual BKT as the broth is more 'kaw' (thicker) and the flavor is more intense.

As usual, hubby tapau-ed a big pot of BKT for his girls and mum at home. I even brought along my tall stainless steel soup container carrier for the takeaway.

My BKT lunch the next day, sans rice. I added quail eggs and shimeji mushrooms to the pot of BKT.

From Blogger to Vlogger?

Lately, there’s been some gentle (and persistent!) nudging from my hubby and eldest daughter, Alycia. Both of them seem to think I should step out of my comfort zone and become a vlogger — a TikTokker or YouTuber. “No one reads blogs anymore,” they said. “People only watch videos these days.”

And they’re not entirely wrong.

I, too, enjoy watching videos — especially ones of cats doing silly things or folks living simple lives in the countryside, cooking over open fires with breathtaking mountain views or a waterfall in the background. These videos calm me and inspire me.  But the thought of me being the one behind the camera, let alone in front of it? That’s a whole different story.

I told them my honest concerns.

First: I have absolutely no clue how to shoot or edit videos. All those jump cuts, background music, captions, transitions — it all seems so technical and overwhelming.

Second: Who would want to watch an “old lady” like me talk nonsense or film mundane things? I don’t have the glowing skin, polished background, pretty face, or influencer vibes going on.

Third: I haven’t found my niche. What would I focus on? What kind of videos could I make consistently without running out of ideas?

Fourth: Our home isn’t exactly “Pinterest-worthy.” It’s lived-in, cluttered, filled with memories, random things, and… more things. Not exactly a minimalist aesthetic.

And the biggest hurdle of all — I feel super awkward about showing my face or talking on camera.

But Alycia wasn’t having any of it. She showed me videos of aunties and uncles in their 50s, 60s, and even 70s cooking bizarre and “crappy” (in her words!) food, and they’ve got hundreds of thousands of followers! She reassured me that I don’t have to show my face or even talk — many creators film only their hands cooking or their cats lounging, and they still manage to draw an audience.

So what could I do?

I could start by filming my cooking — healthy meals, oil-free air frying, Cass’s figure skater diet, and my newfound obsession with arugula salads. I could film Haru being Haru — our adorable pandemic cat with a sixth sense for family tension. I could capture snippets of my everyday life — the chaos, the calm, and the unfiltered in-between.

But the question is — how long could I keep it up? Content fatigue is real. I’ve followed plenty of creators whose content grew stale or repetitive. Some recycle old footage just to keep the algorithm happy. Would I fall into that trap too?

Still… I must admit I’m tempted. There’s a part of me that’s curious. Maybe even excited. Could I really start a little channel, document my days, and earn some side income while doing it?

First things first — I’ll need to learn the basics of shooting and editing. I’ll need to brave the world of hashtags and captions and maybe even record a voiceover or two (without cringing at my own voice).

Alycia and my hubby keep saying, “It’s simple.” But I say — “Wait till you try it yourself!”

So tell me, dear readers (if there are still any blog readers out there!) — would you be interested in watching my videos if I started a channel? 😄

Let me know. And who knows… maybe the next time you see me, it won’t be in words, but in video.

Cass’s Public Transport Adventure and a Mother’s Reflection

Today was a school holiday for Cass’s high school, given that Parents’ Day fell on a Sunday yesterday. Since she didn’t get to skate at all last week due to the Zamboni ice resurfacing machine breaking down at her usual rink, Cass finally got her wish — to skate at the Olympic-sized Icescape Ice Rink at IOI City Mall, Putrajaya.

She planned the entire journey herself, taking a Grab to KL Sentral, followed by the KLIA Express train to Putrajaya, and then hopping on a bus to IOI City Mall. I’m proud of how much she’s improved at navigating public transport, something not many teenagers are used to doing these days, especially in a sprawling place like the Klang Valley.  According to Cass, most of her classmates have taken public transport to school since they were in Form 1. 

I couldn’t help but reflect on how much public transportation has evolved since my own younger days. Back in the 1990s in the Klang Valley, we had mini buses and Len Seng buses with no air-conditioning. I still remember wearing long-sleeved tops to work during heatwave season, and by the time I reached the office, I’d be drenched in sweat and needed to freshen up with a bidet shower in a squat toilet — thankfully clean ones!

If you had gone through those hellish rides on sardine-packed mini buses back in the 1990s, you would know how torturous it was to hop onto one during peak hours. You could forget about getting a seat and even when standing, you didn't need to hold on to anything. The buses were so packed that you wouldn't be thrown off the ground even during emergency brakes. Have you experienced hopping onto a jam-packed bus and standing just on the step of the bus door? I had gone through all these and survived! 😅😆

Things became a little more bearable after I bought my first car in 1997 — a red Kancil. My daily routine back then was a feat of endurance: driving to the Seputeh Komuter station in the dark before it turned 7 am, taking the train to Bank Negara, crossing the long overhead bridge (which was an exhausting long walk due to the slope), hopping onto an LRT opposite Sogo Mall, alighting at the Masjid Jamek station, and finally walking 15 minutes to my workplace at Southern Bank on Jalan Hang Lekiu. I was in my 20s — full of energy and hustle.

So seeing Cass navigating her way around the city with so much courage fills me with pride. While things have changed so much, one thing remains: the value of earning independence, understanding the city's landscape, and managing money wisely.

I believe it’s important for my daughters to experience public transport before they learn to drive or own a car. They’ll appreciate the freedom of having a vehicle so much more and be more aware of the costs and trade-offs between driving, public transport, and e-hailing services.

Public transport today is a far cry from what it used to be. Air-conditioned buses, LRTs, MRTs, and shuttle services have made getting around more comfortable, accessible, and safer — a great step forward for urban mobility in Malaysia.

And for Cass, today wasn’t just about skating — it was also a day of growing up, gaining confidence, and slowly learning to stand on her own two feet, both on the ice and in life. She’ll be 18 in less than a year, and I can’t believe how fast time has flown past us.

Cass prepped this tuna pasta salad with kimchi, cherry tomatoes, and butterhead lettuce, and brought it along with her to the skating rink this morning. 

Alycia’s Foodie Adventures in Ho Chi Minh – Now I Want to Go Too!

Alycia’s recent trip to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam turned out to be such a wonderful and delicious getaway. She and her university mates had a fantastic time digging into authentic Vietnamese food — and from the daily photos she sent me, I could tell they were truly enjoying every bite!

What amazed me most was how affordable the food is in Vietnam, especially when compared to KL. From beef pho to banh mi and other street food, the dishes looked not only mouthwatering but also generously portioned and beautifully presented.

Honestly, with every photo Alycia sent — some showing hearty bowls of pho, others featuring crusty banh mi bursting with fillings, and the prettiest Vietnamese jelly desserts — I found myself saying the same thing over and over again:

“I need to go to Vietnam soon!”

Our family has always been big fans of Vietnamese cuisine. We often dine at Vietnamese restaurants and order our favourites through ShopeeFood online delivery.  Our usuals include banh mi, lemongrass grilled chicken noodle salad, and of course, a comforting bowl of beef pho from Pho Viet.

But there’s something about enjoying these dishes right at the source, where the flavours are bold, fresh, and authentic — and the prices are a steal!

Alycia and her friends each spent less than RM2k on this trip, which included flight tickets, hotel, food, and souvenirs. The Maison Marou (Vietnam's famous artisan chocolate) dried coconut coated in dark chocolate that Alycia got for us from Vietnam was very delicious.

So for now, I’ll let Alycia’s food photos do the talking in this post. I’m pretty sure they’ll make you salivate and perhaps even inspire you to book your own food-filled trip to Vietnam soon!

Vietnam, you’re officially on my foodie travel bucket list!

Supper of chilli crabs in the hotel.

This delicious crab salad came loaded with crab meat and cost around RM30+ a plate. The four girls ordered two plates.

Bánh Mì (Vietnamese Baguette) loaded with meat from a street vendor.

Wagyu pho at a Michelin restaurant on the first day.

Delicious Viet jelly ice dessert.

On the second last day, they visited Tan Dinh Church, an over-150-year-old pink church in Saigon.