When Wild Visitors Come Through the Toilet Bowl: My Mum’s Unforgettable Encounter!

A few days ago, my parents (dad is 82 and mom is 79) had a shock they will probably remember for the rest of their lives. As my mum walked into her bedroom, she noticed something greyish on the floor. Thinking it was just a rag or shadow, she squinted for a better look.

To her horror, it was a huge monitor lizard!

The poor creature was just as stunned to see her. With lightning speed, it glided across the floor and disappeared under her bed. My mum’s scream echoed through the house as she called for my dad. Within seconds, he appeared with a torchlight, a garbage bag and a long stick with a fork at the head —ready for battle.

For the next two hours, my parents tried to coax, chase, poke and persuade the stubborn reptile out from under the bed. But the monitor lizard was smarter and quicker than they expected. Every time my dad shone the torchlight, the lizard shuffled deeper into hiding. The garbage bag remained empty.

Finally, my mum decided to call 999. To their relief, the Persekitaran Awam Malaysia snake and wildlife rescue team arrived in just 15 minutes. The officers calmly dismantled the bed, asked for a can of Ridsect, and sprayed just enough to make the lizard dizzy—but not harm it. Moments later, they skillfully captured the creature and placed it into a sealed container for safe release.

My parents spent the rest of the evening disinfecting and deep-cleaning their bedroom from corner to corner. The monitor lizard also pooped on the floor!

The officers then told my mum something that sent chills down her spine:

The monitor lizard most likely entered through the toilet bowl.

And believe it or not, this wasn’t even the first time!
Once, a squirrel had popped out of the toilet bowl too. Another time, a lizard was hiding inside my mum’s pants—which she was already wearing—when she felt something moving.

My parents’ house is only a few hundred meters from limestone hills and forest, which explains the wildlife “visitors”… but not the preferred entry point!

After these terrifying encounters, my mum was advised to:

✅ Pour Clorox or bleach regularly into the toilet bowls
✅ Keep toilet lids closed when not in use

It’s funny to think about it now, but at that moment, it was definitely no laughing matter. Still, it makes one unforgettable family story—and a reminder that in Malaysia, you never know what might crawl in to say hello!

My dad tipped the 2 heroes RM50; they were so grateful and helped to assemble the bed back before they left.

Scary but cute. I hope the monitor lizard survived and was released back into its habitat. 

The Hidden Health Threat in Your Home: Why Mould Remediation Is Essential for Family Wellbeing

Introduction

We all work hard to make our homes a safe and comfortable place for our families. But what if something invisible was quietly harming your health — right behind the walls, under carpets, or in your air conditioning vents?

That hidden culprit is mould, and it’s far more common in Australian homes than most people realise — especially in humid regions like Sydney, Brisbane, and coastal towns. Left untreated, mould can cause everything from minor allergies to serious respiratory problems.

---

The Health Impact of Mould Exposure

Mould spores spread easily through the air and can grow on almost any surface with enough moisture. While small patches might look harmless, they can trigger significant health problems, particularly in children, pregnant women, and the elderly.

Common symptoms of mould exposure include:

• Persistent coughing or wheezing

• Nasal congestion or sinus irritation

• Itchy eyes or skin

• Headaches and fatigue

• Asthma flare-ups or breathing difficulty

For families with infants or anyone with a weakened immune system, prolonged exposure can lead to chronic respiratory conditions or infections.

---

Why DIY Mould Cleaning Doesn’t Work

Many homeowners try to tackle mould using store-bought sprays or bleach. Unfortunately, these products often make things worse. They may remove the visible stain, but they don’t eliminate the root cause — moisture and contamination beneath the surface.

In fact, wiping mould can release even more spores into the air, spreading the problem to other parts of the home.

That’s why professional mould remediation is so important. Certified technicians use safe, science-based methods to remove contamination and prevent it from returning.

---

Professional Help for a Healthier Home

Companies like Reztor Restoration specialise in full-service mould remediation — from inspection and air testing to safe removal and prevention.

Their process includes:

• Identifying hidden moisture sources with infrared and hygrometric testing

• Containing affected areas to prevent cross-contamination

• Using medical-grade air filtration and non-toxic antimicrobial treatments

• Ensuring all cleaned areas meet safe humidity and air-quality standards

“Mould isn’t just a stain — it’s a biological contaminant,” says Matthew Brunes, Director of Reztor Restoration. “Our goal is to protect families by treating mould at its source, so homes stay clean, healthy, and safe.”

---

How to Prevent Mould Growth at Home

While professional remediation is vital for serious outbreaks, homeowners can take preventative steps too:

• Keep humidity below 55% using dehumidifiers or ventilation fans.

• Fix leaks immediately — even small ones behind walls.

• Regularly clean air conditioners and filters.

• Allow sunlight and airflow in closed spaces like wardrobes or bathrooms.

These simple habits go a long way in keeping your home mould-free year-round.

---

Conclusion

Mould is more than an eyesore — it’s a health hazard that deserves serious attention. Protecting your family’s wellbeing starts with understanding the risks and taking action early.

For families across Australia, Reztor Restoration’s Mould Remediation Service provides the safest, most effective way to remove mould and restore healthy indoor air.

Because a healthy home means a healthy family — and that’s something worth breathing easy about.

 

A Hearty Deepavali Lunch and a Frightened Cat at Night

Our Deepavali public holiday this year was spent indulging in food (perhaps a little too much of it!) and comforting our scaredy cat from the fireworks later at night.

Hubby suggested lunch at Happy Mansion @ Section 17, PJ — one of our favourite foodie spots. We had chicken rice for lunch, and just when I thought we were done, we segued to the next café, Dough! Bakery & Café, for what turned out to be a second lunch!

I ordered their breakfast set, which came with a slice of toasted sourdough bread, sautéed mushrooms, scrambled eggs, tomato, and salad — simple yet satisfying. Hubby had sourdough bread with butter and two half-boiled eggs, while Cass went for something sweet: a decadent brownie served with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. We also packed two scrumptious pastas for Sherilyn and Cass’s dinner later.

I’ll be honest—my eyes were bigger than my stomach. The combination of two lunches, no matter how delicious, was a shock to my system. I was so full that the feeling lingered well into the night, leading me to skip dinner entirely. My stomach felt genuinely uncomfortable by the evening, and I was just thankful I didn’t throw up!

It’s a familiar dilemma for me. I guess I’m destined to be forever gaunt-looking. My heart is always willing to join the feast, but my stomach just can't, well, stomach the heavy lifting. It’s a classic case of the spirit being willing, but the flesh (and digestive system) being weak!

And Then, There Was Haru…

As with all major festivities in Malaysia, the Deepavali eve and first day were filled with the deafening, celebratory sounds of fireworks. And in our house, that means one thing: our aloof little scaredy-cat, Haru, goes into full lockdown mode.

Haru is not a lap cat. She doesn’t do cuddles on a normal day and values her personal space. But during fireworks? All bets are off. Her survival instinct overrides her aloofness, and she always ends up bunking in with us.

This year was no different. She didn’t just sleep at the foot of our bed. She burrowed right next to our faces and even tried to sneak under the blanket, seeking security from the terrifying booms outside. It’s both heart-melting and a little funny how these loud celebrations turn our independent queen into a cuddly, fearful furball.

Cass always brings her books along with her whenever she follows us out to eat during her exam period.

Running on Overdrive: When Your Mind Just Won’t Stop Thinking

Lately, my mind has been working on full gear. It’s constantly flooded with thoughts — plans, projects, work, my daughters, and everything else that comes with being a 52-year-old mother, wife, daughter, daughter-in-law, and sister-in-law. It feels like my brain is juggling a hundred tabs open at once, and I can’t find the “shut down” button.

At night, when I finally lie down hoping to rest, my mind refuses to cooperate. It races through to-do lists, family matters, and random worries — everything from what to cook tomorrow to whether I remembered to send that message or pay that bill. The result? Sleepless nights and a very forgetful me.

In just two weeks, I left food that I bought from one shop at another shop, left my empty tiffin carrier in a restaurant, and even left my food and groceries in the car boot. Thankfully, I always realize it after I reach home — but by then, I’ve already changed into my house clothes! The frustration of having to get dressed again, go down to the basement, or worse, drive back out during lunch-hour traffic when parking is impossible, is just… argh!

I know things in my life won’t stabilize anytime soon. My mind will continue to be in this “crazy mode” — thinking, strategizing, planning, organizing, and worrying about everything under the sun. But I’ve decided that for now, I need to create small mechanisms to help myself — reminders, checklists, and most importantly, the presence of mind.

When I’m out, I must consciously remind myself to stay in the moment. Not to let my thoughts wander to what’s next or what’s pending. Just be where I am. Easier said than done, right?

Sometimes I joke that I sound like an old lady with early dementia — LOL! But maybe it’s not dementia. Maybe it’s just the mental load of modern motherhood — something every woman who wears a dozen hats can relate to.

Have you been like this before? Forgetting things because your brain is simply too full? If yes, then you’re definitely not alone.

Lately, I've been going through some stuff, and listening to songs from my younger days always gives me joy and light. Here's one of my all-time favorite songs by the Bee Gees - Too Much Heaven. 

 

Learning a New Language at 50-Something: The Video Diaries of an (Aspiring) Auntie Vlogger

Hello from my wonderfully chaotic corner of the world!

This is just a short, mixed-bag kind of post today. Life has been a whirlwind of projects, and my brain feels like a browser with too many tabs open, just like my desktop PC. But amidst the busyness, I’ve been quietly nurturing a little seed of an idea I mentioned earlier this year: creating videos.

Let me tell you, diving into video creation is not for the faint of heart. It feels exactly like learning a new language. There's a new grammar of cuts, a vocabulary of transitions, and a whole dictionary of settings. And as someone who doesn't have the luxury of endless time for trial and error, it can feel daunting.

My strategy? Consistency in tiny doses. I aim for at least 30 minutes a day, but realistically, life lets me sit down with it about 2-3 times a week. Some weeks, I get a bonus session in. And you know what? Those small, consistent efforts are adding up.

Just yesterday, I had a mini breakthrough. I learned how to add captions, change video transitions, and even play with some (free!) AI-generated text on CapCut. (A note to self: after my 1-month trial, the bill comes due!). It’s a small victory, but it felt like leveling up.

There’s still a mountain of things to learn—color grading, sound mixing, importing songs from YouTube, the list goes on. But I’ve made a pact with myself: no pressure. I am not rushing to produce pro-level content. In fact, I’ve given myself a gentle timeline. I think it will be another 4-5 months before I can finally publish my first few reels. And that’s perfectly okay.

A quick tip I’ve discovered for any other beginners out there: learning on a desktop computer is a game-changer compared to the tiny screen of a phone. It just feels less cramped and more intuitive.

Now, here comes the vulnerable part.

My head is filled with tons of ideas for what to post. But a quiet question often whispers in my ear: "Would anyone actually want to watch?"

Would you?

We live in a world saturated with incredible vloggers in their 20s and 30s, producing cinematic masterpieces about their lives. And sometimes I wonder if there's space for a novice lifestyle vlogger—an "auntie" in her 50s, learning the ropes in real-time.

But then I remember why I started. It’s not to be famous. It’s to document, to create, and to connect... and as a bonus, to earn some pocket money to pay bills. To show that learning and trying new things don't have an expiration date.

So, the journey continues, one 30-minute session at a time. Slow progress is still progress. And for now, that’s more than enough.

Thanks for listening.

I can't help but snap a picture of this beautiful sunset view yesterday, during my daily evening brisk walk at my condo grounds. 

The Great Washing Machine Saga: A Flood, A Fix, and A Lesson Learned

We’ve all been there. That moment a trusted household appliance decides to go on strike. In our case, the culprit was the washing machine, and what started as a simple repair turned into a two-day saga involving a flooded kitchen, a lot of hand-washing, and a lesson in water pressure.

Everyone in the house, except for someone sitting for a major exam soon, had to hand-wash their own clothes the past two days.

It all began when the technician arrived yesterday. He was efficient, diagnosed the problem quickly—a faulty motor—and replaced it with a new one. RM350 later, he packed up and left, and I was left with a sense of relief. Problem solved! Or so I thought.

Eager to get back to normal, I immediately started a load. But with just 8 minutes left on the cycle, my hope turned to dread. The machine had frozen. It was just… hanging.

A frantic WhatsApp message to the technician followed. He guided me through a "simple" fix: remove the cap at the bottom to let the water out. What he didn't mention was that this would unleash a tidal wave in my kitchen. Long story short, I spent the rest of the day hand-washing a mountain of clothes, hauling the heavier items to the dobi shop, and mopping up what felt like a small lake from the floor.

Round Two: The Technician Returns.

The technician came back this morning, presumably with a little more determination. He did his magic, and this time, he did something crucial: he waited. He stayed for the entire 15-minute cycle to ensure it actually finished. Victory, at last!

After he left, I confidently ran a full load. The cycle completed perfectly. The clothes were clean. But as I went to retrieve the clothes, I saw a new puddle of water on the floor. This was exactly the same problem that had plagued us for the past few weeks.

Another message to the technician. His explanation this time? Our own water pressure.

Apparently, our machine has a ‘U’-shaped drainage design, which is meant to slow the water flow. But our home's water pressure is so strong that it fights against this design, causing water to splatter back out from the detergent drawer. The solution? I have to lower our water pressure.

So, here we are. The machine is (fingers crossed) fixed, but with a new domestic variable to manage. This washer, which will only turn two years old in December 2025, has already put us through the wringer. It’s a stark reminder that modern appliances these days aren't always built for heavy use.

And with at least six rounds of laundry a day in our household, I’ve reached a conclusion: the next washer I buy won’t be a standard model. It’s going to be an industrial-grade, heavy-duty workhorse built to handle the chaos of real life.

For now, I’m crossing my fingers, turning down the water pressure, and hoping this one can survive another year. Wish me luck!

Throwback food pix from two Sundays ago - our lunch at Yat Yat Seng @ Megah Rise, Taman Megah, PJ. 

I grew up eating Yat Yat Seng, Ipoh's famous 'kai si hor fun' (chicken floss noodles) and curry noodles.  Fast forward several decades,  and there are now several branches in KL and PJ. 

Hubby is a huge fan of Yat Yat Seng's curry noodles.  The owner, Datin Seri Denise, is also a friend of hubby's.

Kai si hor fun

Curry noodles.

Steamed chicken and Ipoh bean sprouts.

Wantan filled with juicy prawns.

Pork belly in rice wine.

When It Rains, It Pours – My Washing Machine Woes

After the unfortunate car accident about three weeks ago, life decided to throw yet another challenge at me today—my washing machine broke down! And to think it’s not even two years old.

The problems actually began a few months back when water started leaking from the door. At first, I brushed it off, thinking it was a minor issue that I could live with. But today, just minutes before the washing cycle was supposed to end, the machine came to a sudden halt.

And here I am, staring at a mountain heap of dirty laundry. Later, when Cass comes home from school, I’ll be heading to the laundry shop with her school uniform tucked inside the already overflowing bag of clothes. It feels so frustrating when the one electrical gadget I rely on most in the house decides to give up on me.

Thankfully, the washing machine technician is scheduled to come tomorrow. Fingers crossed that the problem can be fixed quickly. If not, I foresee many more inconvenient (and costly) trips to the laundry shop in the days ahead.

I really hate it when the washing machine breaks down—it’s truly the backbone of my household chores. Without it, everything feels so much more difficult.

Please, October—just be a little kinder to me, and to my wallet.

My soul cat, chilling in Alycia's room. Alycia had been away for 2 weeks, holidaying in Hatyai and Bali.