Haru’s Second Road Trip to Ipoh: A Brave Cat’s Journey

This Chinese New Year, our resilient pandemic cat, Haru, embarked on her second road trip with us to Ipoh to celebrate the festivities at my parents' house. While her first trip last year was unplanned and fraught with challenges, Haru’s progress this year has made me one proud cat mom.

Last year, Haru joined us on the road to Ipoh after a failed cat-boarding experience. She refused to eat, drink, or even relieve herself for two days, so I had no choice but to bring her home and take her along for the trip. It was a stressful ride—she meowed non-stop, and I had to let her out of her carrier and let her sit on my lap throughout the car ride to calm her down. Despite the challenges, Haru survived her first road trip like a champ.

Fast forward to this year, Haru showed significant improvement. She stayed calm and composed in her new astronaut backpack throughout the entire two-hour-plus journey, both to and from Ipoh. There was no incessant meowing or restlessness this time, and I didn’t have to take her out of the bag at all. Her growth in handling the trip was truly remarkable.

Upon arriving at my parents' house, Haru immediately reverted to her cautious nature, hiding under the bed—just like last year. For the first day, she remained in my bedroom, her safe haven. However, we gradually introduced her to family members, helping her get desensitized to new faces and surroundings.

By the second day, Haru started warming up to everyone. Sherilyn even coaxed her onto the couch to sit next to my younger brother, Roy. To our delight, Haru sat there quietly, observing my brother without hissing or retreating. It was a huge milestone for our timid cat.

On the third day in Ipoh, Haru surprised us once again by allowing my twin niece and nephew to touch her. While she didn’t permit anyone to carry her just yet, her willingness to engage with others without hissing or running away marked tremendous progress.

Haru’s adaptability and resilience continue to amaze me. This trip showed how far she’s come since her first road trip last year. I’m optimistic that by next year or our next visit to Ipoh, Haru will feel even more at ease in my parents' house and among my family members.

For now, I’m just proud of my brave little cat for stepping out of her comfort zone and making these small yet meaningful strides. Haru, you’ve come a long way, and I can’t wait to see how much more you’ll blossom in the future!

Outside our house, waiting to be brought to the car.

On our way to Ipoh. I unzipped half the bag for Haru to stick her head out for me to pet, but she remained inside the backpack throughout the car ride.

Haru sat next to my younger brother for almost an hour on the couch without hissing or running away. She just sat there staring at Roy while he watched TV 😂. I think she likes my brother.

A big achievement - Haru allowed my twin niece and nephew to get near her and pet her without hissing.

Haru slept between us at night. She first slept on her bed on the floor before jumping up to sleep with us. We were just too exhausted to kick her out and let her be for two nights.

One of the things that I dislike the most during CNY every year is the thunderous fireworks every single night for over 15 days, which would continue until the wee hours of the morning, especially on the Eve of CNY and on the Eve of Pai Ti Koong night. As a result, I've been losing sleep. Haru's been hiding in our room on most nights, sleeping on our bed, as she is terrified of the fireworks. 

A Slightly Different Chinese New Year 2025

This year's Chinese New Year (CNY) was slightly different from our usual tradition. Typically, we travel back to Ipoh on CNY Eve or the first day of CNY. However, with my hubby needing to work on the first day, we only made the trip on the second day of CNY. While it felt a little strange not kicking off the new year in Ipoh, the celebrations were still filled with family, food, and treasured moments.

A Vegetarian Tradition

On the first day of CNY, instead of my mother-in-law preparing her customary vegetarian dish at home, this year, my hubby's Aunt Wendy volunteered to host the gathering at her house. Ever since I married into this family, this vegetarian dish has been a cherished part of the first day of CNY. In my own family—the Yong family—we have a similar tradition but with vegetarian fried meehoon. My late paternal grandmother used to make the most delicious version of it (with a soy sauce dipping of fresh shallots, chillies and sand ginger), and ever since she passed away, my papa has carried on the tradition.

While it was lovely to have the gathering with hubby’s family in KL, I couldn’t help but feel nostalgic for the times we spent in Ipoh on the Eve and first day of CNY. Hopefully, next year we can revive this tradition, though it will depend on the SPM exam dates since Cass will be sitting for her exams. If the dates fall around CNY, we’ll have to stay put in KL.

Journey to Ipoh on the 2nd Day

We left KL at 8:30 am on the second day of CNY and were grateful for the smooth traffic on the highway. The drive took only 2 hours and 10 minutes, which was a relief. Alycia and Sherilyn opted to take the train instead—Sherilyn, still nursing her backache, preferred the comfort of a train ride over a car journey.

Upon arriving in Ipoh, we dropped off Haru at my parents' house. After setting up her litter box and making sure she was comfortable, we headed straight to the Stadium food court to hunt for brunch. While many stalls were closed for the holidays, we still managed to enjoy a variety of local delights: porridge with pig innards, meehoon in tomato soup with pork chop, fried fish and pork paste, Pai Ti with braised turnip, Tosei, Indian rice with dishes, and refreshing Ice Kacang.

Family Favorites and Reunion Dinner

After brunch, we collected Sherilyn's birthday cake from JJ Swissroll in town. Then we made quick stops at the famous Woong Kee bean curd stall to get takeaway tau fu far and Yoke Fook Moon restaurant for dim sum for those at home. 

Our reunion dinner that evening was at Exquisite Restaurant again (we had it in this restaurant too last year), where we indulged in an 8-course feast, including the traditional Yee Sang toss. Sharing this meal with my parents and brothers was one of my favorite moments of the day. These family meals remind me how precious our time together is, and I cherish the laughter and love shared around the table.

Reflecting on Family and Traditions

CNY 2025 may have been slightly different, but it was still filled with heartwarming traditions, delicious food, and the company of loved ones. I hope for many more such celebrations in the coming years, where I can continue to share meals and memories with my parents, brothers, and my own growing family. Here's to keeping traditions alive while embracing new changes as life evolves. Wishing everyone a prosperous and joyous Year of the Ssssnake! 

Lunch of 'Jai' (vegetarian dish) on Chor 1 at aunt Wendy's house (two units below ours).

From the Stadium food court - Indian Nasi Padang, chicken chop, tosei and Pai Ti. 

From the Stadium Food Court - Ice Kacang, porridge with pig innards, fried fish & pork paste, tomato soup mee hoon with pork chop.

Stadium food court - many stalls, including all of our favorites, were closed.

At the Woong Kee bean curd stall to get takeaway silky smooth tau fu far with tong yuen.
Address: 32-38A, Jalan Ali Pitchay, Taman Jubilee, 30250 Ipoh, Perak

Chor 2 reunion dinner at Exquisite Restaurant - pan-fried big prawns, suckling pig, shark's fins soup and braised chicken in truffle sauce.

Braised abalone with broccoli, fish maw and mushrooms, clay pot lap mei rice and dessert of snow fungus + red dates + dried longan and lotus seeds.

The Joys and Perils of Being a Cat Parent

Today started off as a typical morning with Haru, our timid cat, until an unexpected incident turned it into a rather painful experience. As I lifted Haru off the floor to give her a cuddle, she suddenly slipped from my hands and landed awkwardly. I still can't quite figure out how it happened, but the mishap startled her so much that her claws instinctively came out, leaving me with some painful reminders of the ordeal.

Haru, being the scaredy and timid cat that she is, had her tail fluffed up in fright as she darted away into hiding. Meanwhile, I was left wincing in pain, only to look down and see the aftermath—bloody tears on my right thigh and multiple scratches across my inner left arm and elbow. The sight of the damage made me quickly spring into action. I washed the wounds thoroughly and applied antiseptic cream to prevent them from becoming inflamed.

Unfortunately, I’m allergic to Haru’s fur, and scratches from her claws tend to itch badly and sometimes become inflamed. However, I’ve learned from past experiences that prompt care is crucial. By applying antiseptic cream immediately and continuing treatment for several days, the wounds usually heal quickly. But for now, I’m nursing fresh injuries and trying to be extra cautious around Haru to avoid a repeat incident—especially on the same wounds. Ouch!

Despite the scratches and the occasional pain, being a pet parent comes with its share of joys and challenges. Haru is such a precious part of our family, and moments like these remind me that even the most loving pets have their instincts and fears. The key is learning how to adapt and be careful while enjoying their companionship.

So, what started as a cuddle session ended with a bit of drama, but it’s all part of the unpredictable journey of having pets. Haru may have startled me today, but she also reminds me every day why I adore her so much. And next time, I’ll be more mindful when picking her up—for both her sake and mine!

No thanks to Haru.

Cheeky girl. I tried to pretend to cry in front of Haru each time she hurt me and guess what? She would get really scared and run away 😂. She's nothing like those loving cats in videos that would comfort their sad and crying parents.

The Faux Leather Fiasco: A Lesson in Fashion and Laundry

Alycia has a love for leather jackets—their cool and classy look has always captivated her. However, genuine leather jackets come with a hefty price tag, so she opted for a more affordable alternative: faux leather jackets bought online. While they look stylish, faux leather items require special care, such as hand washing with mild soap or dry cleaning.

This is where the challenge begins in our household. My girls, particularly Sherilyn, are not keen on hand washing their clothes. Sherilyn’s schedule is perpetually packed with assignments and dance practice, leaving her little time for laundry.

The other day, Sherilyn borrowed Alycia’s faux leather jacket for an event. True to form, she didn’t hand wash it afterward. Normally, I would have asked Maria, our part-time helper, to take care of delicate items like this. But Maria hasn’t been coming recently due to her difficult pregnancy.

Left to figure it out myself, I decided to put the jacket in the washer on the hand wash cycle. Big mistake. When the cycle finished, the jacket came out a complete mess. The cheap faux leather had torn, and the material disintegrated into tiny black debris that scattered everywhere—on the floors, the balcony, and even in the washer. Fortunately, I put the jacket into a fine mesh laundry bag and most of the debris was left inside the laundry bag. It took me nearly an hour of vacuuming, dry wiping, and wet wiping to clean it all up.

As expected, Alycia was furious. She blamed Sherilyn for not taking proper care of the jacket and insisted that Sherilyn pays for it. Sherilyn agreed and reimbursed her. Thankfully, the jacket wasn’t an expensive one, but it served as a hard-earned lesson for all of us.

Never buy faux leather clothing unless you’re willing to invest in dry cleaning after every wear. It’s impractical, expensive, and not worth the hassle. I’ve learned my lesson too. Years ago, I bought an expensive faux leather skirt from H&M, only to have the fabric start peeling after a few wears. Since then, I’ve sworn off faux leather clothing despite loving their look.

Sometimes, the appeal of an item isn’t worth the headache of maintaining it. This little episode has reminded me to prioritize practicality and quality over fleeting style. And for Alycia and Sherilyn? Perhaps they’ve learned a thing or two about responsibility and the true cost of fashion.

Moments before binning the faux leather jacket.

The mess the faux leather jacket caused on the floor.

Haru, Our Happy Pill

Haru, our adorable pandemic cat, has an incredible ability to comfort and help us unwind, even though she doesn’t really do much. Her mere presence in our home is a source of joy and calmness that we cherish every day.

Sherilyn has been pulling all-nighters recently to prepare for her exams. The lack of sleep had left her feeling drained and blah. But then she saw Haru next to her early yesterday morning. Without a second thought, she picked Haru up for a cuddle. In no time, the two were taking silly welfies and Sherilyn was laughing. That simple interaction was enough to lighten Sherilyn’s mood and ease the stress that had been weighing her down.

Pets like Haru are truly precious. They don’t have to perform grand gestures or tricks to bring happiness into our lives. Just being there, curling up beside us, or letting us hold them can work wonders. Cuddling with them, feeling their soft fur, and hearing their soothing purrs can melt away stress and put a genuine smile on your face.

Haru is more than just a pet; she’s a little bundle of joy who brings warmth and peace into our home. And for that, we are endlessly grateful.

Tears and Hope Amidst the Ashes on the Palisades Wildfire

The past few days I’ve found myself teary-eyed, deeply moved by the stories of survival and loss from the Palisades wildfire. Each time I watch survivors cry—whether reuniting with their beloved pets or standing amidst the ashes of their dreams—my eyes turn watery too.

One video showed a man jumping with joy when he found his cute dog alive, lost in the rubble for five days. Another heart-wrenching video captured a man sobbing uncontrollably as a firefighter brought his distressed cat out of the fire. The sight of him gently wiping his cat’s paws with water was both tender and heartbreaking. Then there was the video of a man standing in disbelief and crying as he realized his house was the sole survivor in a sea of destruction. It’s a miracle his home remained unscathed while everything around it turned to ashes.

These videos are so powerful, so raw, that I’ve told myself I shouldn’t watch them anymore. As I reflect on these stories, I can’t help but hope for a big thunderstorm to sweep through the area and extinguish the raging flames. The wildfire has already claimed many lives—human and animal alike—and caused immeasurable heartache.

To all those affected, my thoughts and prayers are with you. May your pain find solace, and may hope rise from the ashes of despair.

Another Busy Week in Full Swing

The first week of school and university in 2025 is officially in full swing, and life has been nothing short of hectic. With Maria, our part-time helper, still unwell, and my mother-in-law battling Influenza A since New Year's Eve, I've taken on all the household chores—cooking, washing dishes, and cleaning. While it's been a whirlwind, I’m counting my blessings, grateful for health and strength to keep things running. The only thing that I am complaining is my chaffed hands. And my right Tennis Elbow is still lingering there, with pain in almost every movement, after 9 months.

The Flu Bug Strikes

This flu season hasn’t spared us either. Cass caught the bug from her grandma earlier this week but, thankfully, bounced back after just a day of rest. She still has lingering phlegm and the occasional cough, but she’s on the mend. As for me, my body has been in battle mode. Two weeks ago, I felt the first signs of my immune system fighting the virus, and now I’m starting to feel off again—dizziness, headaches, and phlegm are creeping in.

I’ve learned how to tackle these bouts effectively: avoiding sugary and junk foods, prioritizing nourishing meals, and, most importantly, getting a solid seven hours of sleep each night. Sleep is my ultimate remedy, and with it, I’m confident my body will come out victorious.

The Upside of the Weekend

The weekend is fast approaching, and while I look forward to dining out (a welcome break from cooking), my day will still start bright and early at 5:30 a.m. Despite the grind, there’s no room for complaints. Being busy, active, and healthy is a privilege—far better than spending days confined to a hospital bed.

Each task, no matter how mundane, is a reminder of life’s blessings. Here’s to conquering the rest of this week with resilience and gratitude!

Pix taken from our condo - A huge bright rainbow with a faint one next to it greeted me on the evening of 7 January 2025. Such a beautiful sight to behold.

The beautiful rainbow forms the backdrop to KL's iconic landmarks: KLCC, KL Tower, and Merdeka 118

Kicking Off 2025: Challenges, Blessings, and Gratitude

Happy New Year, everyone! How have the first four days of 2025 been for you? I hope they’ve been smooth sailing so far. As for me, it’s been a mix of highs and lows—manageable for now, but the start of the year has already brought its fair share of challenges.

Unfortunately, my mother-in-law fell ill on the penultimate day of 2024 and is still battling Influenza A. Her symptoms are significantly worse than when she had Covid two years ago. To make matters worse, Cass started showing similar symptoms yesterday, though thankfully, hers are much milder and her appetite is still good. She's been stuffing herself with lots of fruits and veggies and gulping down bottles of plain water to help her body counter the virus.

For now, I’ve been spared from this dreaded infection, which allows me to take care of the sick ones at home. Despite Cass sleeping in my room since her grandma got sick, I’m holding on to hope that my body can fight off the virus. Sharing an air-conditioned room for four nights likely increased my exposure, but I’m staying optimistic.

While caring for the family, life for the rest of us has carried on. Sherilyn has jumped back into her demanding architecture course, which, as always, involves meticulous model construction. For the past two days, she’s been camped at our dining table, working tirelessly on her project with Josh Johnson’s videos playing in the background. Meanwhile, Alycia has been busy with her assignment since New Year’s Eve, creating a book from scratch. From writing and photography to printing, she’s been fully immersed in the process.

Cass, on the other hand, is gearing up for her final year of high school—a crucial year as she prepares for the SPM exam. It’s a milestone year for her, and I’m both excited and nervous for what lies ahead.

Adding to the busyness is our household help situation. Maria, our part-time helper, returned briefly but fell ill after just three days of work. She hasn’t come for two weeks now and, with her upcoming trip to Indonesia to deliver her baby, she won’t be available for the next eight months. By the time she returns to work, it will already be August. While this adds to my workload, I’ve come to embrace the chaos. Being busy is a blessing in disguise.

Lately, I’ve seen friends battling serious illnesses, some even succumbing to cancer. These sobering moments have made me appreciate my ability to stay active and busy. I’d much rather have my hands full than be bedridden or spend my days in a hospital. Life is unpredictable, and being able to run around and do so much is something I no longer take for granted.

As we step into 2025, I wish all of you a year filled with health, happiness, and smooth sailing days. Let’s tackle whatever challenges come our way with gratitude and resilience. Here’s to a fresh start and a wonderful year ahead!

Today I cooked pumpkin + sweet potato + pork porridge for everyone. I also microwaved an Ipoh salt-baked chicken to go with the porridge.