You Think You Own a Cat… But She Owns You

Haru is slowly feeling more and more at home. It’s been almost two months since we moved back from KL to Ipoh, and the change in her is so obvious.

In the early days, she would hide under my bed in my room, too scared to explore. Now? Miss Freedom has discovered the whole house and refuses to be “room arrest” anymore. The moment I lock her in, she scratches the door, tries to pry it open, and meows so pitifully like I'm torturing her.

She’s gotten braver (and cheekier) too. In the wet kitchen, she somehow jumps all the way up to the highest boxes above the cabinets where my mum keeps her containers. And the outside world looks extra tempting — she loves sitting on the sofa, staring out at the porch like she’s planning her next escape.

Yesterday afternoon, I accidentally fell asleep while typing. Suddenly I jolted awake with this strong gut feeling: “Where’s Haru?!” I rushed downstairs… and yup, my dad had opened the front door. This naughty girl had slipped out and crawled under my car, refusing to come out — not even for treats!

After much coaxing and drama, we finally pulled her out.

Honestly, she’s becoming such a spoiled brat and total queen of the house. I’m pretty sure she thinks she owns the place now and we’re just her tenants. Everyone has to give in to her whims and fancies, even my dad!

Life with Haru = chaos… but also the cutest chaos ever. 

Watch the video here - https://www.facebook.com/HealthFreakMommy52

42 Years of Neighbours, Now My Makan Buddies

From kid next door to joining my parents’ morning walk gang — 40 years of neighbours, food, and laughter. Life comes full circle.

I’ve officially been inducted into my parents’ neighbourhood “Morning Walk Kaki” makan gang.

My parents have lived in Ipoh Garden East for 42 years — we moved there back in 1985 — and some of these neighbours have been part of our lives for over four decades. Not just neighbours, really… more like extended family.

Their morning walks aren’t just about exercise. They come with local trips, overseas holidays, and of course, plenty of makan outings. Food is always the main event. 😄

Earlier this week, on Lap Chun day, we had our pre–Chinese New Year dinner and loh sang together at Wah Kee Dim Sum restaurant. Most of the group are close to 80 years old, a few in their 60s… and then there’s me, the baby of the gang at 53.

They may be seniors on paper, but honestly? Young at heart, super funny, and full of stories. The laughter never stops.

After dinner, we continued round two at Douba Ipoh Bean Bar for dessert (because there’s always space for dessert). It felt so nice reconnecting with familiar faces — some neighbours I hadn’t seen in more than 30 years. So many memories came rushing back.

Growing older has its own kind of sweetness. Slower walks, longer chats, good food, old friends… and a sense of belonging you can’t buy anywhere.

I guess I’m now officially one of the morning walk kakis too. ❤️

Watch the video of our pre-CNY dinner on my Facebook page >https://www.facebook.com/HealthFreakMommy52

Homegrown Pineapple In A Flower Pot From Our Garden

My dad finally harvested his homegrown pineapple today, and it felt like such a small but meaningful victory.

He started growing it more than two years ago from nothing but a pineapple crown, tucked into a simple flower pot. Day after day, he watered it faithfully, fed it with kitchen scraps like fruit peels, and gave it plenty of sunlight and quiet attention. Just simple, old-school care and patience.

Today, all that love paid off.

The pineapple grew into a huge, beautiful fruit — almost 2kg! We were all so excited holding it in our hands, amazed that something this big came from a humble pot on our little home garden. We honestly can’t wait to cut it open and taste it. Somehow, homegrown fruit always tastes sweeter.

After harvesting the pineapple, Dad also picked some lady’s fingers (okra). His plants produce two or three every week, and with a few pots growing steadily, there’s always something fresh for the kitchen. Nothing fancy, just honest, fresh vegetables grown right outside our door.

Moments like this remind me that you don’t need a big garden or a farm to grow your own food. Even a flower pot is enough.

With daily watering, some sunlight, and kitchen scraps turned into compost, nature will quietly reward you — sometimes with the sweetest surprises.

Watch the video of how my dad harvested the pineapple on my Facebook page > https://www.facebook.com/HealthFreakMommy52

Alycia's Tokyo Getaway

Finally sharing some photos from Alycia’s Tokyo getaway with her friend, plus meeting her uncle there.

From gigantic snow crabs to sweet giant strawberries, fresh sushi and unagi… every picture is pure food temptation! But she said it was super cold (3°C and below) and had to quickly buy more winter wear in Tokyo to keep warm.

Such a fun adventure — so happy for her, and also secretly very envious of all that amazing food 😜❄️

Follow my journey and get more family stories and updates by liking my Facebook page > https://www.facebook.com/HealthFreakMommy52

Growing Old Together: The Small Changes I Have To Make

Living with parents in their 80s teaches you something no book or motivational quote ever can.

It’s not the big, dramatic sacrifices.

It’s the tiny, everyday adjustments that slowly become your new normal.

And strangely… you don’t even complain. You just adapt.

Food, for example, used to be simple. Now it’s thoughtful.

Vegetables are often steamed or cooked until very soft because my parents don’t have strong teeth anymore. Mum has gum problems too, so everything has to be gentle on the mouth. What used to feel “overcooked” now feels like comfort food.

Meat has to change as well. No tough cuts, no chewy bites. Everything needs to be tender, slow-cooked, or shredded. If it takes effort to chew, it’s off the menu. Cooking isn’t about taste first anymore — it’s about whether they can actually eat it comfortably.

Mum has chronic digestive and stomach issues, so heavy, spicy and sour food can make her miserable for hours. We rarely eat deep fried food these days. Our meals are lighter, simpler, plainer.

Funny enough, my taste buds changed along the way too.

Fruits don’t come sliced on a plate anymore for my parents. They go into the blender. Apples, pears, papayas — smoothie form is just easier. No biting, no chewing, no struggle. Just sip and enjoy. The house sounds like a juice bar every evening when mum makes her smoothie.

Even snacks are different. Hard nuts are out. Walnuts are in — the softest, easiest, and healthiest option for them. Grocery shopping has turned into a quiet calculation of “Can they chew this?”

But it’s not just food.

Safety becomes part of daily life.

Indoor slippers can’t be left lying around carelessly. One wrong step could mean a fall. The floor can’t be too wet after mopping. Even cleaning products have to be chosen carefully — no strong perfumes or harsh disinfectants because Mum’s asthma and lungs are sensitive. I have to stop using strong smelling cleaners downstairs as my parents are downstairs all the time now. I ‘stay’ upstairs and the nice-smelling cleaners are now for upstairs use.

Things I never used to think about… now I notice automatically.

And walking — something so simple — has changed too.

I used to walk very fast. Everywhere. I’m the type who zooms from point A to point B without thinking.

But when I’m with Mum, I slow down.

Way down..

She has to be extra careful with every step. She fell several times over the past few years and broke her right shoulder and wrist, injured her head and broke her teeth. Since then, every uneven tile, every curb, every staircase feels like a potential danger. I match her pace now, step by step, holding her hand, sometimes almost shuffling.

Dad, on the other hand, still walks surprisingly fast for his age — which somehow makes me even more nervous. I’m constantly watching him, worrying he might trip or lose balance. It’s funny how parenting quietly reverses like that. They used to worry about me falling. Now I’m the one worrying about them.

Even the ceiling fan has rules.

Speed one only.

Because of Mum’s chronic lung issues and asthma, strong wind makes her uncomfortable. Meanwhile, I’m sweating buckets thanks to perimenopause and our lovely 38°C weather. Some afternoons feel like I’m slow-roasting indoors.

But still… the fan stays at speed one.

Because her breathing matters more than my comfort.

All these little adjustments might sound restrictive to some people.

But to me, they feel like love in its most practical form.

Not grand gestures.

Just small, quiet choices every single day.

Cook softer. Walk slower. Mop carefully. Sweat a little more. Rearrange your life gently around the people who once rearranged theirs for you.

And truly — I have no complaints.

At their age, time feels different.

Their presence feels like a luxury.

Every morning I see them at the dining table, every simple meal we share, every small conversation — it all feels like bonus time. Extra chapters I didn’t know I would get.

I thank God for giving them such long lives.

And I silently hope for a few more years… maybe more birthdays, more slow walks, more speed-one fan days.

Moving back to my hometown to be with them is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Because one day, these inconveniences will disappear.

And when that day comes, I know I’ll miss every single one of them.

Simple and soft dishes that my 83-year old dad cooked for us: steamed okra, steamed red spinach, air-fried salmon with homegrown rosemary, chicken feet from soup (collagen for their joints), yacon and radish soup, beet root + corn soup, stir-fried yau mak veggie with red yeast and garlic, and steamed white pomfret with red dates, goji berries and ginger. Very simple yet delish and nutritious dishes.

How My 83-Year-Old Dad Cooks Our Childhood Whole Winter Melon Stew | Traditional Family Recipe

This double boiled whole winter melon is more than just a dish in our home — it’s a family tradition.

My 83-year-old dad is cooking a recipe that was passed down from my late maternal grandmother over 50 years ago. We grew up eating this comforting, old-school Chinese home dish, and every time it’s on the table, it feels like childhood all over again.

Winter melon is considered a yin food in traditional Chinese medicine, known for its cooling and alkaline properties that help balance and neutralize heat in the body. It’s nourishing, light, and perfect for the whole family.

We start by washing the whole winter melon thoroughly, cutting off the top, and removing the seeds. Then we stir-fry garlic, onions, shiitake mushrooms, chicken, dried cuttlefish, and other ingredients until fragrant. Seasoned with soy sauce and oyster sauce, the savory filling is stuffed into the melon before slow-cooking for 3–4 hours until everything becomes tender and flavorful.

The result? A unique, hearty, and deeply comforting dish that tastes like home.

Simple ingredients. Old memories. Timeless flavors. ❤️

Watch the video on how my dad cooks this dish here > https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Ej94AiBcP4c?feature=share

When Editing Videos Is Easy… But Choosing Music Feels Like Taking an Exam

Lately, I’ve been spending a lot of my time editing videos. What started as a simple hobby somehow turned into me sitting in front of my laptop for hours, trimming clips, adjusting colors, adding subtitles, and obsessing over tiny details nobody else probably notices.

The funny thing is — editing itself isn’t the hard part anymore.

Thanks to CapCut (which I have to pay), I can actually create videos pretty fast now. Cut here, transition there, add some captions, done. Everything feels smooth and efficient. I finally reached that stage where editing doesn’t feel scary or technical.

But then comes the real nightmare.

Choosing. The. Music.

CapCut has thousands of nice songs. And I mean really nice ones. Cute, trendy, emotional, cinematic — you name it, they have it. Every time I scroll through the music library, I get excited thinking, “Ohhh this one fits perfectly!”

And then… copyright says hello.

TikTok is pretty chill. Upload, done, no drama.

But YouTube?  Different story.

YouTube is like that super strict teacher who checks everything with a microscope.

So many times, I spent ages converting my favourite songs from YouTube into MP3, carefully placing them into my CapCut video, syncing every beat perfectly… only to upload and get hit with: Blocked due to copyright.

Heart pain, really.

Even worse, not just songs — sometimes even short tunes or simple melodies are protected. Like… how?? It’s just five seconds of music 😭

My latest Nana Vietnam Kitchen video nearly broke me. I had to redo the entire video THREE times because of music issues. Three times re-exporting. Three times re-uploading. Three times hoping it would pass.

In the end, I gave up.

No more nice music. No more trendy songs.

I just picked one of those super safe, super boring, very “corporate slideshow” tunes from the YouTube Audio Library.

So yeah… if you ever watch my YouTube videos and think,

“Why the music so old-school ah?”

Now you know.

It’s not my taste.

It’s survival 😂

At this point, editing the video is easy. Fighting copyright is the real full-time job.

Honestly, being a small content creator sometimes feels like 20% creativity and 80% dodging copyright landmines.

But oh well… we adapt, we survive, and we keep posting.

Because at the end of the day, the memories (and the food videos) are still worth sharing — even if the background music sounds like it came from 1985.

Nana Vietnam Kitchen at Festival Walk, Jalan Medan Ipoh

Yesterday my parents and I tried Nana Vietnam Kitchen at Festival Walk, Jalan Medan Ipoh, and it turned out to be such a satisfying dinner.

Opened by a lovely couple (with the lady boss from Vietnam), this cosy little spot serves authentic Vietnamese street food favourites like banh mi, beef pho, Gỏi cuốn (fresh spring rolls), plus a variety of Vietnamese-style rice and noodle sets.

My parents and I ordered their classic beef pho, lemongrass & chilli chicken rice set, and spring rolls to share. The portions were surprisingly big — so big we couldn’t even finish everything and had to tapau the leftovers (no regrets though 😆).

The food was flavourful, comforting, and tasted really homemade. Service was friendly, the restaurant was clean, and the prices were super reasonable too. For 3 adults including tea, the total bill was only RM57.90. Honestly such good value.

Definitely coming back to try more dishes next time. If you’re in Ipoh and craving Vietnamese food, this place is worth checking out!

Watch the video of our dinner at Nana Vietnam Kitchen here > https://www.youtube.com/shorts/j8Xw3ZRtV2g?feature=share

 Follow my journey and get more family stories and updates by liking my Facebook page > https://www.facebook.com/HealthFreakMommy52

Food for the 3 of us.

Alycia's Graduation

Some days in life you simply cannot afford to be late.

Alycia’s convocation day was one of them.

On Wednesday, my parents and I travelled to KL together, hearts full of excitement and just a little nervousness. The convocation for the Faculty of Arts at Sunway University was held at Sunway Lagoon the next morning, and Alycia and I had to report early — really early.

We needed to be at Sunway Lagoon by 7.30am, and inside the amphitheater by 8.30am.

Guess who didn’t sleep the whole night?

Me. 🙋🏻‍♀️

I kept worrying I might miss the alarm. I checked my phone again and again. This was a once-in-a-lifetime moment. After 22 years of raising my girl, there was no way I was going to risk oversleeping and missing it.

By morning, we were both ready and at the venue right on time.

We were transported to the amphitheater by buggy, and honestly, that ride itself already felt magical — passing through Sunway Lagoon’s mini zoo and theme park in the cool early morning air. It felt like a little adventure before the big event.

Everything went smoothly.

Seeing the rows of graduands in their gowns… the proud families… the happy chaos… it was such a beautiful atmosphere.

One of the most memorable moments was seeing Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah, founder of Sunway Group and Sunway University, there in person to present the scrolls. Listening to his speech was incredibly inspiring. A self-made billionaire sharing words of wisdom with these young graduates — it felt meaningful and personal.

And when Alycia walked up to receive her scroll from him…

My heart just swelled.

That tiny baby I once carried… now standing tall on stage, graduating.

How did 22 years pass so fast?

After the ceremony, we took lots of photos around Sunway Lagoon, then headed over to Sunway University for even more pictures. You can never have too many photos on a day like this. Every smile deserved to be captured.

This was the day I had waited for, worked for, prayed for.

And I couldn’t be prouder of the young woman Alycia has become — responsible, independent, and strong.

To make things even sweeter, she already secured her job before graduation. Such a relief and such a blessing for any parent.

And as if life wasn’t exciting enough, she flew off to Tokyo a day later for a week-long holiday before going back to work. She recently got an early confirmation for her probation, thus could take leave for this holiday.

Graduate today, holiday a day later — what a life! 

Now, as one chapter closes, another begins.

And me?

I’m already looking forward to the next milestone…

Sherilyn’s graduation ceremony.

Because a mother’s heart never stops collecting these proud moments.

Watch the video of the graduation ceremony here > https://youtube.com/shorts/FFBfdYZL3jo?feature=share

 Follow my journey and get more family stories and updates by liking my Facebook page > https://www.facebook.com/HealthFreakMommy52

My 82-Year Old Dad's Homemade Strawberry Jam

My 82-year-old dad makes the tastiest homemade strawberry jam, cooked the traditional way over low fire for about 45 minutes.

Using only fresh strawberries, the juice of two limes, and reduced sugar, 1kg of strawberries yields three medium-sized bottles of jam. There are no preservatives, no high-fructose corn syrup, and no artificial ingredients — just simple, natural goodness.

This is the kind of jam I grew up with — patiently made, beautifully balanced, and full of heart. Sometimes, the simplest recipes are the most meaningful.

Watch how my dad makes the jam here > 

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/PcgHgFdZQDw?feature=share

Do like and follow my Facebook page for more videos, food finds and everyday life in Ipoh > https://www.facebook.com/HealthFreakMommy52

1kg of strawberries yield 3 bottles of jam.

Strawberries were on sale at Lotus's yesterday. My dad bought 5 punnets.

K10 Claypot Chicken Rice @ Bercham, Ipoh

Earlier this week, my 82-year-old dad brought my mum and me to his favourite claypot chicken rice spot in Bercham New Village — K10 Claypot Chicken Rice.

Food in Bercham is incredibly affordable because it’s a new village. A portion of roast chicken breast is just RM5, and roast chicken costs only RM3 — by far the cheapest I’ve ever seen in Ipoh or KL. In KL, it would easily cost double.

Back to K10. The claypot chicken rice was delicious — not overly salty, dark, or oily. Even with salted fish, the rice was well balanced. The chicken pieces were tender and juicy. I also ordered a freshly made ambra juice with preserved plum (no sugar), which was super refreshing on a hot day paired with a piping-hot claypot of rice.

The total bill for a big pot of claypot chicken rice and a plate of blanched lettuce? Only RM30.

📽️ Check out the video here: 👇

Very big pot of claypot chicken rice - too much for the 3 of us.

Super refreshing fresh ambra juice (no sugar) with preserved plum.

A Little Life Update: My Three Girls, My Constant Prayers

It’s been a while since I last shared an update about my three daughters, and so much has happened in their lives — the kind of moments that quietly remind me how fast time flies and how deeply a mother’s heart stretches, no matter the distance.

In just ten days, my eldest, Alycia, will be attending her convocation. It still feels surreal to write this. My parents and I will be making a trip to KL to celebrate her big day — and yes, Haru will be coming along too, as always. This milestone carries so much meaning for me. Pride, gratitude, relief, and a touch of nostalgia all rolled into one.

Sherilyn, my second daughter, is currently in her second year of an architecture course — a field well known for its intense workload, long hours, and relentless demands. Over time, the lack of sleep and rest has taken a toll on her health. She’s been falling sick repeatedly, and as a mother, watching this from afar breaks my heart.

Last week, she called me and we had a long, honest conversation. She shared that she wants to switch to Interior Architecture. Truth be told, I had foreseen this and quietly hoped for it. Architecture consistently ranks among the most challenging university majors, and I’ve seen how much it has drained her physically and emotionally. She is now in the midst of submitting the necessary forms for the switch. I can only hope the transition will be smooth — and that the cost won’t be too heavy.

Then there’s my youngest, Cass.

She attended her high school prom just yesterday. Although I wasn’t physically there to shop for her gown and accessories, she video-called me while she was out shopping. Together, we weighed the pros and cons, laughed, debated, and finally chose a beautiful gown that truly made her look like a princess.

After the prom, she barely had time to rest — waking up early this morning to head straight to the skating rink for her figure skating test. I’m incredibly thankful that she passed. This year will be especially hectic for her. She has signed up for two figure skating competitions and will also be starting her Pre-U/Foundation course in April.

Of all three girls, I worry about Cass the most because of her ongoing urinary tract medical condition. As much as I want to shield her from every hardship, all I can do is place my trust in God and pray daily for His protection over all three of them.

Even though I’m not staying with my daughters, we remain closely connected. We chat on WhatsApp every single day. Distance may separate us physically, but a mother’s heart knows no such boundaries.

Every day, I carry them in my prayers — grateful for who they are, hopeful for who they are becoming, and trusting that they are always watched over.  💛

Homecooked Fried Meehoon By My 82-Year Old Dad

My 82-year old dad has never learned cooking formally, but his fried meehoon always tastes like home 🤍. 

Simple ingredients, familiar movements, and a lot of love in every step.

Watch how he makes it on my YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/-A_Fx9nu31c?feature=share

Adopting a Stray Cat During Covid Changed My Life | My Soul Cat Turns 5

Celebrating my soul cat’s 5th birthday with cake and roast chicken 🎂🐔

She came into my life in early January 2021, during the darkest days of Covid lockdown, when everyone at home was struggling. Saving her from the streets and adopting her was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. She doesn’t need to do much — her presence alone eases my sadness and brings a smile to my face. An angel in the shape of a cat, truly God-sent 🤍🐱

You can watch the video of her birthday celebration here:

https://youtube.com/shorts/C3R7afWRY0U?feature=share

My mum baked the Castella mocha cake but of course Haru couldn't eat it. Dad bought roast chicken for Haru 💓

Why Polo Is Emerging as One of the Most Complete Sports for Young Girls and Boys

For many parents, choosing a sport for their children has become a thoughtful decision rather than a routine one. Beyond keeping kids active, families increasingly look for activities that shape character, confidence, and long-term skills. In that search, polo—often perceived as an elite or niche discipline—is quietly gaining recognition as one of the most complete sports for young girls and boys.

A Sport That Trains the Body From the Ground Up

At first glance, polo looks fast and demanding—and it is. But beneath the speed lies a sport that develops physical abilities in a remarkably balanced way. Young players learn to ride, control, and synchronize with a horse while simultaneously handling a mallet and tracking a moving ball.

The result is a natural improvement in balance, coordination, posture, and reflexes. Unlike many youth sports that emphasize repetitive movements, polo challenges the entire body and encourages symmetrical development from an early age.

Where Gender Is Not a Limitation

Polo is one of the few sports where mixed-gender play is the norm, not the exception. Girls and boys compete together under the same rules, and success depends on technique, awareness, and teamwork rather than brute strength.

This structure creates an environment where young girls grow up confident in their abilities, and boys learn respect and collaboration as fundamental values. In a sporting world still largely divided by gender, polo offers a rare model of equality in practice.

Learning Responsibility Through the Horse

What truly sets polo apart is the presence of the horse—not as a tool, but as a partner. Children are introduced early to the responsibility that comes with caring for an animal. Grooming, preparation, and understanding the horse’s behavior become part of daily training.

This relationship fosters discipline, empathy, and emotional intelligence. Coaches often note that young players mature faster, developing patience and a sense of accountability that extends beyond the field.

A Game of Strategy Disguised as Speed

Often described as “chess on horseback,” polo is as much a mental game as a physical one. Young players learn to read the play, anticipate opponents’ moves, and make decisions in real time—all while moving at speed.

These cognitive demands sharpen concentration, spatial awareness, and communication skills. For children, this translates into improved problem-solving abilities and teamwork, both on and off the field.

Outdoor Sport in a Digital Age

In an era dominated by screens, polo offers something increasingly rare: extended time outdoors. Training sessions and matches immerse children in open spaces, fresh air, and a natural rhythm dictated by animals rather than technology.

Parents often highlight this aspect as one of polo’s greatest benefits—an activity that reconnects children with nature while providing structure and purpose.

Learning Polo in the Heart of the Sport

Argentina has long been considered the global reference point for polo, and learning the sport in this context carries a unique weight. Argentina Polo School has positioned itself as a place where young beginners are introduced to polo through a structured, safe, and educational approach.

With experienced instructors, well-trained horses, and programs designed specifically for children, the school focuses on fundamentals, confidence-building, and enjoyment. The goal is not only to teach polo, but to cultivate respect for the sport, the horses, and the values that define it.

More Than a Sport

For young girls and boys, polo is not simply an athletic activity—it is an education. It teaches balance, equality, responsibility, and strategic thinking in a way few sports can replicate. As more families look beyond conventional options, polo is emerging not as an exclusive pastime, but as a powerful developmental experience.

And for those discovering it in Argentina, at institutions like Argentina Polo School, the journey begins at the very source of the game.

Our 1st Day of 2026

Starting 2026 the best way I know how — with my mum. Breakfast at the coffee shop, a DIY cupboard she ordered online and proudly assembled on her own, and her looking for a cake recipe just because I was craving cake. Love looks like this. She's a supermum 💕

Check out my video here: https://youtube.com/shorts/_mMQeaR6190?feature=share

The popiah is only RM7

Char Koay Teow (less noodles, more bean sprouts, without cockles and prawns) only cost RM5. This would have cost RM10 in KL.

Chicken stew that my papa cooked.

2025: A Year in Review

As 2025 draws to a close, I find myself sitting quietly, looking back at a year that felt like a full lifetime packed into twelve months. It was a year of milestones, tests of faith, emotional turbulence, and hard-won peace. A year that stretched me in ways I never expected — and yet, by God’s grace, I am still standing.

Alycia: A Proud Milestone

The year began with one of my proudest moments as a mother. Alycia finally completed her four years in university and graduated with First Class Honours.  Those four years were not easy — they demanded discipline, resilience, and sacrifice — and she rose to every challenge with quiet determination. Her graduation felt like a shared victory, one that marked the closing of a long chapter and the opening of a brand new one.

Sherilyn: Growth, Grit, and Gold

Sherilyn stepped into her second year of Architecture, a course that is as demanding as it is unforgiving. Balancing studio work, deadlines, and critiques is already a challenge, but she did all that while continuing to pursue her passion for dance.

This year, her hard work paid off beautifully. She won gold medals in several dance competitions, affirming not only her talent but her perseverance. Watching her juggle both worlds with such grit reminded me that passion and discipline, when combined, can carry you very far.

Cass: Strength Beyond Her Years

Cass finally completed her high school journey and sat for her SPM, with her last paper on 23 December 2025. I thought that day would simply mark the end of a long academic chapter — but it turned into one of the most frightening mornings of the year.

At 6am, my phone rang. Cass hardly ever calls me, and when she does, it is almost always because something is wrong. My heart sank before I even answered. She told me she was having UTI symptoms and asked me what to do.

Long story short, she went to school and pushed through her Chinese papers with incredible determination. In between papers, her dad fetched her from school, took her to the clinic, and sent her back again so she could complete her exams. I told her that it's OK if she didn't do well in the paper. What's most important is her health and I reminded her to inform the teachers of her situation.

I thank God deeply for protecting Cass. Thankfully, it did not turn into a full-blown UTI attack. She is still recovering and not fully out of the woods yet, and I continue to guide her from a distance — day by day, step by step. Her strength humbles me more than words can say.

A Year of Clashes and Tests

For me personally, 2025 was a year of severe clashes — emotionally, mentally, and even physically.

From September onwards, I had a minor car accident every single month for three months straight.

• When I didn’t hit anyone’s car, someone hit mine.
• When no one hit my car, my husband grazed my car.
• And when nothing else happened, a nail punctured my tyre.

Can you believe it?!

It felt relentless, as though the universe was constantly testing my limits and patience.

Returning Home to Ipoh

This year also marked a major turning point: planning and finally moving back to Ipoh.

As I mentioned in an earlier post, this was not a sudden or impulsive decision. I had wanted to return to Ipoh for a very long time. I will not go into the details here, but I can say this with certainty — I am glad I am finally back.

I am home, in my birthplace, with my soul cat by my side. And I know, deep in my bones, that Ipoh is where I will stay for the rest of my life.

Choosing Peace, One Step at a Time

2025 was a year of roller coaster rides and emotional turbulence. I still have many inevitable hurdles to cross, and I am under no illusion that the road ahead will be smooth.

But I will deal with them one at a time.

Baby steps. One step at a time.

I will no longer allow anyone to rush me, pressure me, or make me feel terrible for doing what I need to do for myself. I am learning to find peace — with myself, with my decisions, and with the understanding that I do not have to please anyone anymore.

Gratitude and Looking Ahead

What a year 2025 has been.

It was tough, painful, and exhausting — but I thank God that I managed to live through another year. I am grateful for protection, for lessons learned, and for the quiet strength that carried me through even when I felt depleted.

Upwards and onwards, I look forward to 2026 — a year of changes, new experiences and the unknown. I step into it with cautious hope, grounded faith, and a heart that is slowly learning to rest.

I wish everyone a Happy New Year.

May 2026 be a better year for all of us 🙏💝

Evening Runs, Simple Meals & a Quiet Life in Ipoh

Evenings in my hometown are quiet and grounding.

This video captures my daily evening runs through a peaceful neighborhood surrounded by limestone hills and lush greenery. On some days, my 79-year-old mum joins me for a gentle walk — slow, steady, and full of presence.

Back home, Dad cooks a simple pot of porridge for dinner, and we end the day together. The video closes with Haru, my soul cat, happily climbing the stairs — slowly settling into her new home.

Nothing fancy. Just movement, family, nature, and a calm life I’m learning to love again.

Check out my video here: 

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/q8vn7Z1u6l0?feature=share

Health Freak Mommy Facebook Page

 As promised, I’m really happy to finally invite you over to my Facebook page 😊

This blog has always been a place where I share my thoughts, stories, and little moments of life, and I’m so grateful you’re here reading along. To make things more personal and interactive, I’ve also created a Facebook page where I’ll be sharing more photos, short videos, and day-to-day updates that don’t always make it onto the blog.

Over on Facebook, I get to chat with you more casually — comment, reply, and interact like friends rather than just writer and reader. It’s a space where we can connect in real time, exchange thoughts, and enjoy the journey together.

If you’ve enjoyed reading my blog, I’d love for you to head over to my Facebook page, give it a like, and follow along. Your support truly means a lot to me, and I can’t wait to see you there 💛

👉 https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584314924561

See you on Facebook!

2025 Christmas Eve Dinner at Hakka Yin Signature, Ipoh

 Our Xmas Eve dinner was at Hakka Yin Signature.

Hakka Yin Signature is our family’s go-to restaurant for authentic Hakka cuisine. Being Hakka ourselves, we truly appreciate the flavours here — especially the abacus yam seeds, which are fragrant, well-seasoned, and you can really taste the yam in every bite.

The black vinegar pig’s trotters are rich and satisfying, while the braised duck with preserved black beans is packed with deep, savoury flavour. On our previous visit during CNY, we also tried the yellow wine chicken, which was excellent.

Prices are very reasonable, and the restaurant is almost always fully booked — so do make a reservation before you go!

Check out my video on YouTube here: 

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/-p5vVx9qFoQ

Braised black bean duck, black vinegar pig's trotters, stir-fried cabbage, and fried fish.

Abacus yam seeds, our family's favorite and by far the best we've tasted.

My loving parents; dad is 82 and mum 79 this year.

Hakka Yin Signature 

54, Jalan Medan Ipoh 4, Taman Ipoh Timur,

31400 Ipoh, Perak

Phone: 017-447 7624