The Day My Car Refused to Budge

Yesterday as I prepared to head out to hubby’s shop to collect food, I was greeted with an unexpected ordeal - my car's engine refused to start. Little did I know that this day would turn into a series of unfortunate events.

As I turned the key in the ignition, all I heard was a feeble choke. Panic set in, and I immediately assumed the car's battery had gone flat. Since I had faced similar issues in the past, I felt relatively confident that it was nothing more than a routine inconvenience.  I informed Hubs who was busy at work and he told me to call our regular mechanic, Ah Heng.

Ah Heng sent his son who’s almost the same age as Alycia (aged 20-21) over to our condo. He’s currently pursuing a degree in electrical engineering. Very quickly, he managed to replace my car’s battery with a new one.  But still, my car wouldn’t budge and only let out a feeble click.  I called Ah Heng and he told me to get my car towed to his workshop for him to check.   

Ah Heng informed me that many car insurance policies provide free towing services as part of their coverage. I have been driving for years but had never utilized this benefit or was even aware that such a benefit existed. He suggested I contact my insurance provider to arrange for the towing, and that's exactly what I did.  It turned out my policy did indeed cover free towing, saving me the extra expense during this stressful situation.  The waiting time for the tow truck to arrive at my condo was pretty fast,  i.e. in less than an hour from the time the call was made this morning. 

My heart sank. If the problem wasn’t the battery, what could it be?  Just last month, my car needed a replacement for a major component of the electronic unit which cost Hubs quite an amount. This new problem would undoubtedly put a dent in his finances as his own car got discharged from the workshop just last week. Again!  The last thing I want is another hefty repair bill, especially after he had spent a significant amount on car maintenance on both our cars over the past three years.

So I guess it’s time to get ourselves new cars to prevent all these problems from regularly (monthly issue, to be precise 😥) creeping up on our cars!  🤑💸💸💸

My car is being towed out of the condo basement.  I also found out from the tow truck operator that charges for basement towing are more expensive than roadside towing as it's trickier to tow a vehicle out from the basement via the narrow, winding ramps.

Cassandra’s Heartwarming Grab Ride Encounter

In this fast-paced world, small acts of kindness often go unnoticed amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life. However, Cass’ Grab ride today shone a spotlight on a remarkable Grab driver who went above and beyond to make her ride a memorable one.

After a long day at school, Cassandra was eager to unwind and make the most of her free time at the skating rink to practise her figure-skating moves, followed by class at 8 p.m. With the Grab fare at its lowest at around 4-ish p.m., she quickly booked a ride to the mall, where the skating rink is.  Earlier today, I bought her a teriyaki salmon don bento for her to bring to the skating rink to eat.

As Cassandra settled into the Grab car, she had a small favor to ask the driver. Hungry from almost the entire day in school, she inquired if it would be possible for her to have her meal inside the car.  To her astonishment, the Grab driver responded with an unexpected gesture. He graciously allowed Cassandra to eat her meal inside his car. This act of kindness touched Cassandra deeply, as she was well aware of the potential inconvenience from the fishy smell of the teriyaki salmon or accidental spills it might cause.

Overwhelmed by the driver's generosity, Cass captured the precious moment on her phone. She took a picture of her yummy teriyaki salmon don in the Grab car and Whatsapp-ed me the photo. 

When Cassandra sent the photo to me, I initially couldn't believe that the Grab driver would allow her to eat in the car.  Hubs and I would not allow our girls to eat in our cars knowing that they may drop or spill food/drinks in the car. Moreover, the smell of the food is sure to stink the car for days.  What's more, it's salmon fish!

The thought of a Grab driver allowing a passenger to eat inside the car seemed too extraordinary to be true. However, when Cass reassured me that she wasn’t pulling my leg, I realized that the Grab driver’s act of kindness was, in fact, real.

In today's fast-paced world, where time is of the essence, it's easy to overlook the little things that can make a significant impact on someone's day. The Grab driver's compassion was an extraordinary example of how a small act can leave a lasting impression on a person's heart. Every act of kindness has the potential to create a ripple effect, touching the lives of many.

Do you have a heartwarming story to share too?

Embracing the Air Fryer Revolution

In the realm of kitchen appliances, there is one particular gem that has captured the hearts and taste buds of my family: the Philips air fryer. This revolutionary device has become an indispensable part of our daily cooking routine, bringing a delightful touch of crispiness and convenience to our meals.  

Here’s why I love my air fryer and why it has become an essential addition to our culinary arsenal.

1.  Versatile: 

The air fryer has become our go-to kitchen companion for a wide variety of dishes. Whether it's warming up bread, cakes (crispy chocolate brownies and crispy Swiss rolls!), and pastries to a golden perfection or creating crispy delights like fish, chicken chops, and pork chops, the air fryer consistently delivers outstanding results. Its versatility extends to cooking vegetables, including mushrooms, ensuring they retain their natural flavors and nutrients while acquiring a delectable crispness.

2.  Oil-Free Wonder: 

One of the most remarkable aspects of the air fryer is its ability to produce crispy goodness without the need for excessive oil. By utilizing hot air circulation, this ingenious device creates a similar texture and flavor to traditionally deep-fried foods, but with a fraction of the oil. The reduction in oil intake makes our meals healthier, while still maintaining the satisfying crunch we crave.

3.  Splatter-Free Cooking: 

Gone are the days of battling with stubborn oil splatters on the stovetop. The air fryer's enclosed cooking chamber ensures a clean and mess-free experience. No more scrubbing oil stains off the walls and countertops! With the air fryer, we can enjoy our favorite fried treats without the aftermath of a greasy kitchen.  I love how crispy my lobak (aka meat rolls) is when fried in the air fryer without oil splatters. Even my MIL who is an anti-modern gadget person loves using the air fryer to fry her favorite spam meat and bacon.

4.  Effortless Clean-Up: 

The air fryer's convenience extends beyond its cooking capabilities. Cleaning up after a meal is a breeze. Most air fryer baskets and trays are dishwasher-safe or require only a quick wipe-down with soapy water. This simplicity in maintenance saves valuable time and energy, allowing us to focus on enjoying our culinary creations. I usually wipe down the air fryer with chemical-free wet wipes. I buy dry wipes online and wet the wipes with water.

Chicken chop - our top favorite dish prepped in the air fryer. 

As devoted fans of the air fryer, our current model has been dutifully serving us day in and day out for almost a year. It is a hand-me-down from my mom as she bought a new air fryer with a bigger capacity.  However, should it ever decide to retire, we would undoubtedly invest in another air fryer, perhaps one with a larger capacity. 

Do you have an air fryer at home? What are some of your favorite air-fried creations that bring delight to your family's table? Share your love for this remarkable kitchen companion in the comments below!

The Over Supply of Covid Self-Test Kits: From Scarcity to Abundance

When Covid self-test kits first hit the market at the height of the pandemic, there was a frenzy to purchase them. People rushed to pharmacies and online platforms to secure their own test kits, fearing the unknown and desiring peace of mind. Stocks flew off the shelves though these kits were very costly, and shortages became a common occurrence. It seemed like the demand for these kits would continue indefinitely.

Fast forward to the present, however, and the situation has drastically changed. With the passage of time and the decline in Covid-19 cases in many areas, these once-scarce test kits have now become an overabundance, readily and cheaply available in pharmacies and shops. The enthusiasm for self-testing has diminished significantly. People have grown complacent, feeling less inclined to test themselves even when experiencing flu-like symptoms. Consequently, the market has been flooded with an overabundance of Covid self-test kits. This surplus has led to unique marketing strategies, such as offering the kits for free as promotional items or incentives.

One such example is the supermarket chain 99 Speedmart, which recently provided free Covid self-test kits to customers who spent a certain minimum amount on groceries. This initiative aimed to encourage customers to take the test and ensure their safety. While it may have attracted some individuals who were previously reluctant to purchase the kits, the larger question remains: Why have people become less inclined to test themselves when they feel unwell?

Covid self-test kit, given out as free gift by 99 Speedmart recently.

While many people may have grown complacent, it is essential to emphasize the importance of continued vigilance. Testing oneself when feeling unwell can help identify potential infections early on, enabling appropriate measures to be taken to protect oneself and others. Despite the surplus of test kits, it is crucial to maintain a responsible approach to self-testing.

In our family, we continue to prioritize self-testing whenever any of us have flu-like symptoms. It serves as a precautionary measure and allows us to make informed decisions regarding our health. 

Do you still perform a self-test when you feel unwell with flu symptoms?

Sherilyn's Journey as a Part-Time Cashier at a Popular Bakery

After her SPM exam in March this year, Sherilyn landed a part-time job as a cashier at a renowned bakery located in Gardens Mall. In addition to the attractive wages, this opportunity came with several incredible perks and benefits that made her experience even more rewarding. 

One of the key reasons why Sherilyn decided to join this particular bakery was the impressive wage package offered to part-time employees. Despite working only twice a week, she receives a fair salary that exceeds her expectations. Moreover, I am delighted to see that her employer goes the extra mile by providing EPF (Employees’ Provident Fund) and SOCSO contributions, which ensures her future financial security.

1. Delicious Perks: Working in a bakery has its own delectable advantages. Sherilyn is fortunate enough to enjoy complimentary bread, buns, and cakes from the bakery. This not only satisfies her own taste buds but also allows her to share the delicious treats with our family. Additionally, she has the privilege of purchasing bakery products at a discounted staff price, giving us all the opportunity to savor the bakery's mouthwatering creations.

2. Company Dinner: A recent highlight of Sherilyn's experience at the bakery was the company dinner held at a Japanese restaurant in Gardens Mall earlier this week. To ensure all staff members could attend, the bakery closed a few hours earlier. Sherilyn had the responsibility of closing up the shop before joining her colleagues for the event. Not only did this dinner serve as a team-building exercise, but it also created a sense of camaraderie among the staff. The opportunity to bond outside of work strengthened their professional relationships and created a more positive work environment.

3. Surplus Treats: As a cashier, Sherilyn had the privilege of closing the bakery on occasion. This responsibility occasionally resulted in a surplus of unsold bread, buns, and pastries. On those lucky days, she was allowed to bring home the excess products. This meant that our family got to enjoy a delightful breakfast the next day, filled with fresh and mouthwatering baked goods. It was a lovely way for the bakery to minimize waste while simultaneously bringing joy to their employees and their families.

Delicious buns and cannellini from the bakery yesterday.

Sherilyn's part-time job as a cashier at the popular bakery in Gardens Mall has been an enriching experience for her. The combination of competitive wages, essential benefits, and delightful perks has made this opportunity truly special. Not only does she enjoy the financial stability and tasty treats, but she also gets to be a part of a supportive team that values its employees.

However, I’m quite sad that Sherilyn’s days at the bakery are numbered as she will soon resign to begin her architectural studies at Taylor’s University in August this year.  Nonetheless, I couldn't be prouder of Sherilyn for finding such a rewarding part-time job, and I'm grateful to the bakery for providing her with this remarkable experience.