Gold Medals, Matcha Lattes & Midnight Assignments

Yesterday marked another proud moment for Sherilyn — she and her dance team clinched a Gold Medal in the Contemporary Dance category at the 12th Malaysia Dance Competition, organized by CSTD (the Commonwealth Society of Teachers of Dancing). It’s yet another glittering win to add to their growing list of accomplishments, and I couldn’t be prouder of these hardworking, passionate dancers!

But Sherilyn’s life isn’t just about competitions and choreography. She’s currently juggling the intense demands of her university degree in architecture — a field known for its relentless stream of assignments and projects. Her days (and nights!) are packed, leaving her very little room to breathe, let alone relax.

Yet, in true Sherilyn style, she still finds ways to carve out small moments of joy. This week, during a short break from her hectic schedule, she whipped up a delicious cucumber and tomato salsa to pair with air-fried salmon belly — her version of a quick, nutritious, and satisfying meal. And of course, no Sherilyn meal is complete without her signature café-style matcha latte, which she prepares with all the finesse of a trained barista.

Speaking of barista skills, she also went to work at her part-time Saturday café job today — yes, even after competing and dancing the entire day before! Her energy and drive never cease to amaze me.

As I type this, Sherilyn is getting ready to join us for dinner at Mid Valley Megamall — a rare treat, as her packed schedule usually keeps her too busy to dine out with us.  After dinner, she and Cass are off to the cinema to watch  “How To Train Your Dragon”.  It’s these little family moments that I treasure so much, even more so when she manages to make time for them.

Another gold medal to her collection.

Sherilyn's wholesome lunch - air fried salmon belly, salsa and creamy scrambled eggs.

Sherilyn's matcha latte with homemade mango syrup.

When One Word Nearly Gave Me a Heart Attack

Yesterday afternoon, just as I was expecting Cass to be home from school, I saw a missed WhatsApp call from her. Naturally, I tried calling her back immediately, but the call didn’t go through. A little worried, I waited, thinking maybe she was on the way home and would call again soon.

Then came a single WhatsApp message from her: "Accident."

My heart literally dropped to my stomach.

I froze. What accident? Was it the school van? Was it her? My mind raced through every possible horrible scenario in a matter of seconds. I called her back again — no answer. I messaged her, asking whether it was her school van or she who got into an accident. But no reply.

That short window of waiting felt like an eternity.

Finally, after what felt like forever (but was probably just a few more nerve-wracking minutes), she messaged back. Guess what she meant?

She accidentally called me.

Yes. Accident = accidentally. That’s it. She shortened the word “accidentally” because she was too lazy to type the whole thing. Just like we always do when we’re texting – abbreviating, cutting words, and assuming the other person will know what we mean.

Well, this one-word shortcut nearly gave her mother a heart attack!

Of course, I was immensely relieved. My heart gradually climbed back to its proper place. But the emotional rollercoaster that little word sent me on? Not something I want to repeat anytime soon.

I know teenagers like Cass are always in a rush and type fast, but I told her that next time she must be clearer — especially when it comes to sensitive words like "accident". Don’t just assume your mum will decode it correctly, especially when I’m waiting for her to get home safely.

We all shorten our messages out of habit – LOLs, BRBs, TTYLs – but sometimes, a few extra letters can save someone else a whole lot of unnecessary panic.

Lesson of the day: next time you mean “accidentally,” please just say “oops” instead.

Haru’s Love Language: Bites Over Pats

Haru, my four-legged furry housemate, is not your typical clingy lap cat. She’s fiercely independent and aloof—and very selective with her affections. While I long for those sweet moments of her rubbing up against me like she does to my hubby and Alycia, Haru makes it crystal clear that I’m not her preferred leg-rubbing human. Apparently, she gravitates toward those who are not head over heels for her, like me and Sherilyn are (guilty as charged!).

I recently read that some cats actually prefer showing affection to the humans who don’t smother them with attention. That explains why she rarely showers me with a leg rub. But make no mistake—Haru has her own unique way of showing love to me: biting. When I give her too many pats or interrupt her royal nap, she responds with a gentle (sometimes not-so-gentle) nip. And during her crazy zoomie episodes? Watch your ankles! She’s quick to sink her teeth in for no apparent reason.

My allergy to her fur and saliva has reduced significantly over the past four years since we rescued her off the street. I like to think my body has started to recognize her as family too. Though I still have to wash my hands after every love bite and patting, I wouldn’t trade her quirky cat love for anything in the world.

Painful love bite on my ankle, by Haru!