Mismatched Socks: The Latest Fun Fashion Trend!

Mismatched socks have become a quirky new trend, and thanks to Alycia’s recent shopping spree in Korea, they’ve made their way into our household too! Known for her love of unique styles, Alycia brought home a bunch of trendy finds, including an adorable pair of mismatched socks.

Socks are a bit of an obsession in our family. With all of us being sock lovers, especially when it comes to pairing them with our everyday sneakers or workout shoes, we go through quite a variety. Whether it’s for outings or exercising, socks are a daily must. So, when I pulled Alycia's latest mismatched pair out of the washing machine, my first instinct was to go hunting for their "missing" partners. It didn’t take long for me to realize—these socks were intentionally mismatched. It was pretty cute with prints of cows grazing grass in rolling hills on one side and cow fur print on the other.

The mismatched socks trend brings back that youthful spirit and carefree style. For younger folks, it’s a way to add a bit of fun to their wardrobe, but I think it’s something not anyone can pull off. Imagine an almost 52-year-old mom wearing mismatched socks? Still looking cute? Perhaps what I can try rocking is socks of different colors but with the same design 😜

Alycia's Korea Adventure

Alycia has just returned from a memorable 7-day trip to Seoul, South Korea, with her friend and colleague, L. This trip was special for Alycia and L, as L will be migrating overseas next month. As a likely farewell journey, the two made the most of every moment, exploring the beauty of South Korea together and capturing a collection of stunning memories.

L, who is Alycia’s age, took charge of the trip planning and did a fantastic job arranging a perfect itinerary. From the photos Alycia shared, I can see that the trip was a wonderful mix of sightseeing, hanbok photography, delicious food, and meaningful time together. They enjoyed authentic Korean BBQ, kimchi, and hearty dumplings. Each meal looked and tasted amazing,

Their adventure included a trip to the breathtaking Nami Island, famous for its stunning fall foliage. They took a shuttle bus and ferry to reach this serene haven, where the golden and crimson leaves of fall seemed like a scene from a painting.

Of course, Alycia couldn’t resist a little retail therapy. As expected, she brought back more denim—pants, jackets, you name it! Her wardrobe is already bursting at the seams (she’s a true clothes-shopping enthusiast!), and now there’s even more denim to make room for. I might need a crowbar to close her wardrobe doors at this rate!

And what was her souvenir for me? Three pail-loads of dirty laundry, mostly thick denim pants, denim jackets, and fall wear. It’s a “gift” that only a mother could appreciate! I told her that the next time she travels overseas, she has to settle all her dirty laundry herself, and not stress me up with them! 😑

Souvenirs from Korea for me! 😓 I told her that for her next trip - send all her dirty clothes to the laundry shop and pay for it herself!

Unwelcomed Surprises: A Week in the Life of a Mom

This week has been another whirlwind of unexpected events for our family. It started with Alycia’s unplanned visit to SJMC to see her hand and microsurgery doctor. She had developed a cluster of blisters on her post-operated finger, though thankfully, they weren’t on the operated part of her finger but rather on the lower part. After examining the finger, the doctor referred her to a dermatologist, who reassured her that the issue wasn’t serious. She was prescribed a topical cream, and the cost of the bill was RM203, which, unfortunately, isn’t claimable from insurance.

Just when I thought we could put Alycia’s finger issue behind us, Sherilyn had a sudden allergic reaction after eating prawns. Sherilyn’s strange allergy to prawns has always puzzled us. Most of the time, she’s perfectly fine after eating them, but once in a while, she develops hives, as she did this week. We suspect she’s allergic to the chemicals used in certain prawns, as this reaction doesn’t always happen. 

That night, her dad had to rush her to the Accident & Emergency department at our neighborhood hospital, past midnight, to get anti-allergy medication and steroids intravenously. She now has to take oral steroids for a week, but being the resilient girl she is, Sherilyn went right back to university the next day.

Last year Sherilyn was warded in the same hospital for a night to treat a severe allergy after eating prawns.  After the latest hives incident, I told Sherilyn that she should steer clear of eating prawns to avoid another unwanted allergy flareup.

Reflecting on this year, it seems like life has been filled with one unwelcome surprise after another. From Alycia’s freak kitchen accident in June to these health scares, it feels like we’ve been on a rollercoaster. Yet, I’m grateful that nothing major has happened—aside from Alycia’s accident, which we’ve slowly overcome.

As the year draws to a close, I’m hopeful for smoother, more peaceful days ahead. The unpredictability of life has tested us, but it’s also made us stronger. 

Mutton rendang, mixed veggies, and Ayam Masak Merah from Catermate for our lunch and dinner on one of the days earlier this week.

Thai fish cakes and mutton rendang.

Nasi Minyak with fried shallots.

Hospital Tales: A Day of Heartbreak and Hope

Last Thursday was a day filled with anxiety, sadness, and reflection as we navigated the halls of three hospitals after Alycia's accident. The experience was a stark reminder of the unpredictability of life and the resilience of the human spirit. I have often read of parents running from one hospital to another late at night with their very sick or injured child only to be told that all their rooms were fully occupied. Now that happened to us. The helpless feeling that gripped us was real.

The First Hospital: A Heart-Wrenching Moment

I was in the Accident & Emergency department at the first hospital (in our neighborhood), waiting for the Medical Officer (MO) to clean and bandage Alycia's injured finger. As I stood outside the A&E, my mind consumed with worry, I heard a woman wailing in another room. The sound was chilling, but I didn't investigate further. My focus was entirely on Alycia, and I had no desire to intrude on someone else's sorrow.

Later, as we drove to the next hospital, Alycia shared that she overheard the nurses talking about a woman who had just lost her 3-month-old baby. Whether due to medical negligence or an illness, the tragedy was profound. My heart ached for the grieving mother, even though we knew nothing of her story beyond that moment.

The Second Hospital: Our Hopes Dashed 

At the second hospital, which is Pantai Medical Centre, Bangsar, we were told by one of the attending MOs that all the rooms in the hospital were fully occupied. She told us that she had to turn down several emergency cases. We left the hospital crestfallen. I was on the phone calling other private hospitals to check on their room availability.

The Third Hospital: A Haunting Familiarity

Our next stop was the Accident & Emergency department at SJMC. While waiting for the MO to insert an IV catheter into Alycia's hand, a familiar and distressing scene unfolded before me. A young woman, around 20 or 21, was being wheeled into the Procedure Room in a wheelchair, sobbing and clutching her stomach. The sight triggered painful memories of my own miscarriage 24 years ago in the same hospital's A&E.

I noticed her boyfriend's anxious demeanor as I chatted briefly with him, and I couldn't shake the feeling that the young woman might have attempted an abortion. This suspicion was confirmed when I overheard the MO explaining to the young man that she had indeed attempted an abortion, but the ultrasound showed the sac was still in the womb. She was to be seen by a gynecologist the following morning.

My heart went out to her. I hoped that she would make better choices for her future and find the support she needed to navigate this difficult time.

Alycia's Ward: Unexpected Companions

Once Alycia was settled in her ward, she shared a room with a woman in her late twenties who was hospitalized for muscle spasms and a slipped disc. Her boyfriend was by her side most of the time, providing comfort and companionship. Seeing their bond reminded me of the importance of support and love during trying times.

Reflections on Life's Unpredictability

These hospital tales underscore how life can throw unexpected and often devastating curveballs our way. Each story, whether it was the grieving mother, the young woman facing the consequences of her choices, or Alycia’s injury, highlighted the fragility and unpredictability of life.

We must live each day as if it were our last, cherishing our loved ones and making decisions that align with our values and hopes for the future. 

Alycia packing her stuff to go home, finally.

Bangkok Trip - Day 3 (Royal Galaxy Chao Phraya River Cruise)

Embarking on a Chao Phraya sunset river cruise with my eldest daughter, Alycia, was one of the highlights of our Bangkok escapade—a journey filled with exploration, culinary delights, entertainment, and breathtaking views that left an indelible mark on our hearts.

Our river cruise adventure began on our third day in Bangkok, following a morning of mall hopping that took us on a whirlwind tour of the city's vibrant shopping scene. From the innovative design of Terminal 21 mall, resembling an airport complete with a shopping guide resembling a passport, to the modern allure of the new EmSphere mall, we immersed ourselves in the diverse tapestry of Bangkok's retail landscape.

As the afternoon sun began to wane, we made our way to Asiatique the Riverfront, a riverside oasis that beckoned with its promise of unique shopping and dining experiences.  At 4pm, we had to check in for our Chao Phraya river cruise at the cruise ship counter. The cruise would start at 5.15 pm.  We spent over two hours at Asiatique and were sweating buckets as this shopping center with an outdoor concept is not air-conditioned and the weather was very hot in Bangkok throughout our four days there. We had to seek refuge in an air-conditioned restaurant (ordered some food too) and window shop in shops that were air-conditioned. 

As we boarded the vessel and settled into our seats on the upper deck, we were greeted by a sumptuous continental buffet dinner that catered to every palate. From fresh seafood to Korean, Chinese, and Western cuisine, the spread was as diverse as it was delectable. Despite my initial concerns about motion sickness, the calm and tranquil waters of the Chao Phraya River provided a soothing backdrop for our evening of indulgence. I didn’t eat a lot as I was worried about having motion sickness. I had forgotten to put the motion sickness pill into my handbag when we left the hotel in the morning! Thank God, all was well and I did not feel queasy or dizzy at all as the river cruise was very calm and relaxing.

As the cruise set sail, we were treated to live entertainment and mesmerizing views of Bangkok's ancient and modern treasures illuminated against the night sky. From majestic temples to towering skyscrapers, each sight was a testament to the city's rich history and vibrant energy.

One of the highlights of the evening was a lively performance by trans-women entertainers, whose charisma, beauty, and talent added an extra layer of excitement to our cruise experience. Capturing memories against the backdrop of Bangkok's glittering skyline, we couldn't help but marvel at the beauty and diversity of this enchanting city.  Another highlight of the cruise was the breathtaking sunset views.

After bidding farewell to our floating sanctuary, we continued our adventure with a visit to Icon Siam, a river-side shopping mall, where we indulged in window shopping amidst a vibrant display of Thai street food and the festive atmosphere of the Songkran water fest. We wanted to try so many Thai dishes but were quite full from our earlier dinner at Asiatique and on board the ship. But we ended up trying grilled stuffed squid, a refreshing avocado smoothie, and coconut water.

As Alycia and I reflected on our day filled with exploration and discovery, we felt a sense of accomplishment and gratitude for the memories created and experiences shared. From the bustling streets and shopping malls of Bangkok to the tranquil waters of the Chao Phraya River, every moment was a testament to the beauty and diversity of this enchanting city. 

Enjoy the photos!

Shops at Asiatique the Riverfront Destination. We had to check in at a counter here.

Asiatique the Riverfront Destination

We sought refuge from the scorching hot sun at an air-conditioned Thai restaurant. We ordered mango-sticky rice and pan-fried Aussie steak.  We indulged in mango-sticky rice every day throughout our stay in Bangkok.

Waiting to board the ship. It was SO hot!

Everyone was so excited

On the upper deck of the ship

Wefie with Alycia.

Inside the cruise ship

Me, a few shades darker after all the walking under the hot sun!

The Korean dishes were pretty good.

Generous servings of prawns and oysters but we dare not eat them for fear of getting food poisoning as we had a flight to catch the next day. Alycia has a very sensitive tummy.

Desserts counter.

So much food. I love the braised salmon.

Beautiful view of an ancient Thai shrine.

Icon Siam is on the right. We took Grab to this mall after our cruise ended.

Love the sunset colors.

Lovely colors of sunset. Love the atmosphere on the ship 💗

Read about our Day 1 in Bangkok and how we had a huge culture shock when we were caught right smack in the middle of the Songkran water fights!

The Scam That Taught My Daughter a Valuable Lesson

Today Alycia had an unfortunate encounter with scammers that left her feeling vulnerable and taken advantage of. I’m sure she had read about such a modus operandi masterminded by scammers yet she got lured into it.

This morning, while I was out, Alycia received an SMS claiming to be from J&T courier, stating that there was an issue with her delivery address. Coincidentally, Alycia was expecting some parcels to arrive. The message requested her personal and bank details to verify her identity as the intended recipient of the parcel. Without realizing the potential danger, Alycia clicked on the link provided and unwittingly shared her personal information with the scammers.

Fortunately, I arrived home just in time, and Alycia confided in me about what had happened, realizing that she may have been lured into the scammer’s trap. Recognizing the signs of a scam, I immediately assured her that she had indeed been targeted. We wasted no time in taking action to protect her finances. First, I advised her to call her two banks to cancel her debit cards. It took some time and patience, but she successfully canceled both cards before any significant damage was done.

After canceling the debit cards, Alycia visited the bank branches to obtain new cards, incurring a fee of RM12 for each replacement card. Though she was fortunate that the scammers had only managed to make a minor purchase of RM4+ on something from Google using her card details, this incident served as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance in the face of increasingly sophisticated scams.

Unfortunately, scams have become increasingly prevalent in recent years, targeting unsuspecting individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Even the savviest of individuals can fall victim to cleverly orchestrated schemes, as demonstrated by my friend, a seasoned businesswoman in her 50s, who lost RM7k to online job scammers. Her daughter had applied for some part-time online jobs after her SPM  exam and she deposited over RM7k into the scammers’ accounts!  Even my own mother, a cautious individual, was scammed recently (albeit for a very small amount) while attempting to purchase a piece of cooking equipment on Facebook which requested her credit card details.

For Alycia, this experience was an eye-opener. She has now learned that scammers are relentless and use various tactics to exploit innocent people. We cannot afford to be complacent in the digital world. It is vital to educate ourselves and our loved ones about the common tactics used by scammers, such as phishing emails, fraudulent calls, and misleading SMS messages cleverly orchestrated to lure unsuspecting victims.

While the incident was disheartening, it provided an essential lesson for my daughter and our family.  As parents, we must continue to educate and support our children in navigating the digital landscape safely. Scammers may be getting smarter, but with awareness and caution, we can protect ourselves from falling into their scheming traps.

My Life In Photos This Week

As Alycia's last night at her grandparents' house in Ipoh approached, my parents decided to treat her to a special dinner at a Korean restaurant.  It was my parents' first time dining in a Korean restaurant in Ipoh as they usually dine at Chinese eateries.  

Alycia Googled Korean restaurants near my parents' house and found Seoul Maru Korean BBQ restaurant.  Alycia is a big fan of Korean food, and my parents knew that this would be a perfect way to end her visit on a high note.

Alycia ordered mostly non-spicy food as my mom can't stomach spicy food.  The ginseng chicken is specially ordered for Mom.

The food at Seoul Maru was delicious, the atmosphere was welcoming, and the memories that my parents created with their eldest granddaughter will be cherished for years to come.

A father's love for his children is unconditional, and it never fades away. Such is the love of my papa, who always goes the extra mile to make his children happy. 

He knows that I've been craving ground peanut cookies (aka Kacang Tumbuk) and he went to the confectionery to get them for me before sending Alycia to the train station. He always puts his family's needs before his own and never hesitates to go out of his way to make us happy.

During our growing-up years, papa was as fierce as a tyrant and he mellowed down considerably after my brothers and I left our nest.  Distance does make the heart grow fonder, eh? And age has mellowed him down too.

My favorite ground peanut cookie.

Alycia at the Ipoh train station to catch the ETS back to KL after spending a week in Ipoh at my parents.

While Alycia and her grandparents were enjoying a Korean dinner in Ipoh, we had a second round of Haidilao hotpot for dinner at home! We doggy-bagged quite a bit of leftover soup base along with several plates of unfinished food from Haidilao on Saturday when we were there to celebrate Cass' birthday.

I added lots of radishes, carrots, veggies, Beacon seaweed chicken wanton, crab balls, foo pei, mushrooms, and spinach konjac noodles into our hotpot.  

Our Wednesday brunch - yummy Ipoh Hor Hee, fried turnip cakes, and fried foo pei from Ipoh Sedap

Thursday, 1 December 2022 ~ Random Updates

Hello December! 

We're on the last leg of our journey in 2022, yo! We survived another year of the pandemic, even though every single member of our household got infected by Covid this year. Alycia got infected twice within a span of 4 months. Thank God she's spared from getting infected the third time when almost everyone at home was down with Covid recently.

Sherilyn is still having a dry cough and had to skip school this morning when she felt nauseous.  She's supposed to sit for her SPM Trial Biology paper today as she missed a week of school last week due to Covid and now has to sit for the paper tomorrow instead.

Alycia returned from yet another short vacay in Ipoh and Penang with her college mates on Monday.  This girl can really play hard and study hard as well. I hope she'll succeed in getting another year's scholarship from the university for her second year of studies next year.

Cass came home from school today and gleefully told me that she fared better in all her papers in her recent final exam. She dug out all her old papers from this year's Mid Term Exam as well as last year's Final Exam and compared the marks and proudly showed them to me 😁

After I'd cooked lunner for Cass today, I suddenly realized that I had forgotten to cook rice for her! So I  quickly blanched some soba noodles for her. It was already 3-ish p.m. and Cass would be back by 3.40 p.m. and cooking noodles is always the quickest.

Oven grilled wingettes and drumettes.