Our First CNY Gift

As with previous years, our first Chinese New Year gift this year is from the same friend - a lady boss of a Chinese restaurant in our hood.  We started off as her customers over 15 years ago as we loved her shop's signature wanton noodles (and still do), various roast meats, and  'tai chow' dishes.   From regular patrons, we soon became her friends.  After I gave birth to Cass 14 years ago, the lady boss gifted me an expensive confinement gift.  Every year, she would gift us goodies during Chinese festivals such as Mooncake Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, and Chinese New Year.  She would also give our girls a big angpow every year.  During the start of the lockdown 2 years ago when hubs' catering business was affected badly, she would give us complimentary roast chicken whenever she saw us around. What a great friend she is, ain't she? 

Everyone thought that this was a box of Mandarin oranges but got a big surprise when we unboxed it.  It is a set of 6 CNY-themed bowls and chopsticks!  No wonder it felt like I was carrying a 20kg bag of rice. I had to walk from her restaurant to my car, which was a 5-minute walk. My poor Carpal Tunnel Syndrome hand acted up so badly that I had to buy a wrist splint to wear the next day. 😐

BFFs

Last Friday I had a mini gathering at my childhood friend, SF's house. Jo, my friend since primary school was back from San Francisco to celebrate Chinese New Year. It's so good to meet her again. The last time we met was four years ago in Ipoh.


We definitely don't look like we're almost reaching our big 5 in three years, eh? 😎
Jo and I stay in the same neighborhood in Ipoh and still do.  We used to go everywhere together from school to tuition, cycling, trips, parties, shopping, camping, mountain climbing to even dating 😁



Friends for over 30 years.  Jo's little girl (in red) is oh so adorable!

Grandmother In Her 40s

Last week I had a chanced encounter with an ertswhile classmate's sister who is 2 years my junior at the supermarket.

Our eyes met and then that stranger who looked terribly familiar smiled at me and asked if I was Shireen. She then introduced herself as KF, KL's sister. I was so happy to be able to reconnect with a long lost friend and we jawed away incessantly for about 15 minutes.

The two sisters used to car-pool with me in my parents' cars almost throughout our secondary school years.  We lost contact after leaving school when we were 17 years old. That's 29 years ago!  And to think that she still recognizes me after almost 3 long decades, I must definitely be still looking the same! 😊😉 ahem!!  She looks almost the same too, except a little plumper, but still as pretty.  And she has 4 kids - 3 grown kids studying in college and university and the youngest daughter is in primary school.  She got married young and now at 44, her eldest has graduated from university already! How envious of me!

And then the shocker. She told me that KL, my former classmate is already a grandmother to 4 grandkids! Her eldest child is 26 years old.  I didn't ask how old her grandchildren are but being a grandmother in your 40s is something that's uncommon in our country in this generation. I think she must be the youngest grandmother amongst our group of classmates. WOW, I am so happy for my friend! The Chinese would call this 'good life' when you have grown up and independent kids and you're still so young. I can't imagine myself being a grandma now or even 10 years down the road when I'm 56 😂  though my mum was already a grandmother at 57.    Today I finally have the time to send a Whatsapp message to KL to reconnect with her and we've been chatting just like how we used to back when we were teenagers.

Here's what Sherilyn whomped up during the recent public holidays. I know it's totally unrelated to this post but I realized that my blogs have inadvertently morphed into a food blog 😄 and my readers are liking it as I've been receiving many messages from them asking me about restaurants and food.

Chocolate cookies made with sugar-free dark chocolate:






Strawberry smoothie with strawberry yogurt, fresh milk and fresh strawberries.

I Found Her!

For years I have been searching for my erstwhile roomie, CC on Facebook but to no avail.  I first met CC when I was 18 and she was 19. That was in early 1991. We both stayed at the college hostel along Jalan Yap Kwan Seng for a week but the environment in the hostel was so terrible that we packed our bags and looked for another place to stay.  We both shared a tiny room in a double storey terraced house in Jalan Ipoh.  If you have been following my blog, you would have read my stories on my 6 years stay with Madam Yap, the landlady of the house.

CC was my best friend for almost 2 years. She was my confidante.  We did everything together. We would walk to the bus stop on some mornings to catch mini bus no. 10 to college. On some afternoons, we would take the same mini bus back to our rented room.  Our favorite mini bus song then was 'Joyride' by Roxette.  Every evening, we would walk to a nearby stall to eat 'chap fan' (mixed economy rice). We shared our fruits, our junk food, we laughed, we did homework on a small rectangular foldable table together every night and slept on two mattresses on the floor every night.   CC is amiable and easy to confide in. It is not easy to live with a stranger but we just hit it off and hardly fought.

The last time we met was in December 1992.  I had taken a bus to Kluang, Johor to visit her. We then took a bus to Singapore and had a short holiday there. That was it - 24 years ago. I can't recollect if we had met or contacted each other after that.  All I know is that she went to the UK for further studies.

In recent years, I often thought of CC.  I remembered our bitter sweet 2 years staying together. I really missed her.  Whenever I had time on hand, I would type in her name (in all order that I can possibly think of) on Facebook to search for her but it was like searching for a needle in a haystack.

Last night, one of my customers informed me that she had sent me a Facebook friendship request. These days, I am not sure why I don't receive email notification anymore from Facebook each time someone sends me a friendship request on Facebook. When I went to my Facebook page setting on friendship requests, I saw a name very similar to CC's.  I clicked on the name but could not find any familiar photos.  CC ain't active on Facebook, thus the lack of update on her page.  I accepted the request anyway. Within minutes, I received messages from CC.  We were both SO SO SO overjoyed and excited that we had found each other!  CC had also been searching for me for years.   I am not going to lose contact with her anymore. Good friends are hard to come by and I'll treasure this one forever.

A Gift From A Dear Friend

I got a big surprise when Chanel gave me a call on Xmas Eve. She told me that her hubby was on his way to deliver pressies for my girls for Xmas, oh wow!

My girls could not contain their excitement and quickly ripped off the wrappers and were really happy to see a musical box for them each.

How sweet and thoughtful of Chanel. Thanks very much for thinking of us, muaks to you!! You're really a great friend to have!

Someone Visited Me

This young and pretty mum from Ipoh visited me yesterday. When she told me earlier that she could not bring baby Maine along as she's having a cold, I was disappointed. But when I saw her in the car, I was so excited. Baby Maine is such a cutie.

Agnes is such a thoughtful friend. She knows I like swiss rolls and she got me a loaf of the famous JJ swiss roll that many bloggers have been raving about.


There are many flavors to choose from and Agnes got me one that's filled with durian. She even knows I like durian. I tell ya, the swiss roll indeed is DELICIOUS! It's soft, fluffy and most importantly, not sweet to the pit of my stomach, unlike other swiss rolls. Not 'jelak' at all. I polished off half the swiss roll all by myself!

Agnes also got 2 pretty head bands for Sher and Baby...


and some wall stickers for Alycia. She knows Alycia does not fancy girly stuff and hair accessories. She's so thoughtful isnt' she?


But when Alycia saw the headband with pretty butterflies on springs, she fell for it and put it on her head immediately. The outcome was disastrous coz Sher bawled for a good 15 minutes before I successfully pleaded to Alycia to give it to her sis!


Thanks SO much for the lovely gifts Agnes. You're such a great friend to have.

Do hop over to my online store to check out some new stock!

Visitors

We had visitors to our house 2 days ago. Can you recognize them?



For once, Baby wasn't shy or afraid of them. She would normally be afraid of strangers but not this time. She extended her hand to Philip boy and wanted to make friends with him. That was so cute. But Philip boy was very cranky and clung on to his mummy, Rachel like a koala bear. BTW, he calls his mummy "mum" and laughs very cheekily. When I played a Barney VCD on TV, Philip boy loosened up a little, warmed up, started to giggle and wasn't afraid to play with his 3 little new friends anymore. Baby kept tugging at Rachel's leg and each time Rachel carried her, Philip boy got jealous and whined and wanted his mum to carry him too! We had a great time chatting. Thanks Rachel for the cakes!

Our Sunday

On Sunday, we brought our maid to Paya Serai Coffee House @ PJ Hilton for lunch. That's our treat for her on Hari Raya. Despite what she is, we still bought her a nice lunch. Hopefully she felt touched and will change over a new leaf.

Joining us for lunch were my brother and his wife who came up from Singapore and also Jeff and Shir Lin, Joshua's daddy and mummy. Jeff and Shir Lin were previously Alycia and Sherilyn's volunteer Sunday School teachers at our church. They are now staying in Singapore. I kept yakking and yakking with them so much that I had forgotten to snap some pix. Joshua is such a cutie. Though younger than Baby C by 5 months, he looks like the kor kor as he's tall and chubby, towering over Baby C!

Shir Lin also bought these gifts for my gals:


Animal biscuits from Organix and 2 hard cover books for Baby. The panda book is really cute. At the squeeze of the panda's nose, there will be a squeaky sound, which Baby really likes.




Some cool stickers for Alycia and Sherilyn's room....



Shir Lin also gave me a tub of Organix beef with parsnip mash for Baby to try as this is not available in KL. The next time my brother comes to KL, he'll get a few tubs for Baby. This is such a convenient and tasty fast food for toddlers and great when dining out or traveling.



Thanks Shir Lin for all the gifts. We hope to see you guys in December!

I had Visitors

I had some visitors at my place on Saturday. This Miss Congeniality who is ever so hark hei, so nice and such a good buddy, who despite feeling weak from taking her meds, came to visit me and brought along gifts for my gals.

Barb with Baby, the ever cheeky and sociable Ashley and Sherilyn.

As expected, Ashley and Sherilyn, the 2 Social Butterflies hit it off instantly and were playing with each other like long-time buddies while Barb and I yakked and yakked. Baby who initially cried when she saw Barb, got along really well with Barb after she had warmed up to that warm lady, kept tugging at Barb and allowed Barb to carry her.


While we were all busy yakking and the kids playing, Baby was busy looking at the cheese cake, hoping to dig her fingers on it.


Recognize the Bumbo boys? At one glance, they really do look alike but at a closer look, they look different. Thanks once again Chin Nee for baking the chocolate fairy cup cakes. I wonder how you manage with your plate full to the brim! You're a supermom!



And this lovely gift for Baby is from Elaine. Barb passed it to me. Thanks very much for thinking of Baby. Would love to have you coming to my place one day. I'm very sure Amber will enjoy herself playing with her new friends and new toys.

Goodies From My Cousin

My cousin Su Zan (who was my bridesmaid) came to visit me last week. I've not seen her for a very long time and we finally reunited in Facebook several months ago. This generous cousin of mine brought along so many gifts and goodies when she visited:



She got me my favorite super soft Japanese cheesecake from Bangsar Village...

A fresh-from-the-oven banana cake also from Bangsar Village...

She knew I love multi-grain bread and she got me a loaf, also from BV.....

... beautiful cupcakes from Bijoux, a newly opened bakery in Bangsar Village....

... a sweet frock for Baby C and Princess stationery sets for Aly and Sher. Baby kept running and climbing and this is the best shot I could snap, with her in the new frock, with part her head cropped.

Thanks cuz Su Zan for all the gifts. It was really good meeting you, your baby Alicia and to catch up. The next time we meet, no need to bring so much goodies k? I'll get you the UCC coffee k?

A Gift For Baby C

I received a parcel of surprise last week. This lovely mummy sent some very pretty hair clips for Baby C and a get well soon card. How very thoughtful of her. Thanks very much Chanel!


The hair clips did not manage to stay long on Baby C's hair... in fact nothing stays on her head or hair for she will be pulling off every single hair accessory that's put on her head.

Guess who got really excited to see the hair clips and can't wait to put them on her hair? I think you would have guessed it right if you've been following my blog.

An Act Of Kindness From Friends And Stranger

Money aside, another priceless gift that I've gained out of blogging is friendship. I've made new friends with many great mothers in the blogosphere ever since I started blogging almost 2 years ago. When one blogger mum read that Baby C has to undergo a surgery, she emailed me and offered financial assistance to pay part of the hospitalization bill. She said she really wanted to see Baby C get well once and for all. Since her company pays the medical expenses for her and her kids in full, she felt really thankful. In return, she wanted to do something to help me and Baby C. I told her that though the hospitalization is not covered by our insurers, my hubs will nonetheless find the means to pay the bill, which is expected to be over RM10k. I then told her to donate the amount of money that she intends to help me to other people who are in a similar situation as Baby C but need the money much more than me. This will definitely help save someone's life.

Another mummy (who is not a blogger but a frequent reader of my blogs) from Australia offered to help me buy cranberry capsules and mail them to me after reading from my blog that I was looking for them. I turned her offer down but this kind lady took the trouble to get the details of the cranberry capsules from the local pharmacy and emailed the details to me. I finally got the cranberry capsules when another reader of my blogs told me that I could get them from GNC in KL.

Then there is another blogger who sent a gift to Baby C when she read that she was hospitalized for another UTI attack. And there is another good blogging pal of mine who visited Baby C and me when baby was hospitalized the first time. Am I blessed to have so many people who are so concerned for me and Baby C?

I'm really grateful and thankful to everyone who had offered their help, gifts and comforting words to me in times when I really need them. Thanks to YOU... you know who you are :)

Guests At My Condo

I had some guests at my condo yesterday. They were none other than Barb (Chumsyashley.info), her cutie and social butterfly daughter, Ashley and Andy. Ashley was just smitten by Baby C and she kept touching her face. Barb, I think it’s high time you consider giving Ashley a baby brother or sister *wink*! Too bad you could not stay longer. I’d love to have you over for coffee or perhaps wine of the month some other time. We can do that at the pool side of my condo next time k? I don’t mind cooking some simple dishes so that you can stay for dinner too. We’ll do that next time k? You can hop over to Barb's blog to view pix of Ashley and Baby C.

Surprise For Baby C

I had a big surprise when the courier delivery guy rang my door bell yesterday. I received a gift. I had expected this gift coz 2 days ago, SkyNet Courier called me informing me that someone has sent a parcel, addressed to Baby Cassandra. I was guessing and guessing away who that could be.

When I ripped open the gift wrapper, I saw a colorful educational toy for Baby C. It was from this wonderful mummy, who is my childhood friend's sil. I am really speechless. She is just so thoughtful and sweet to have sent this toy to cheer up Baby C who was recently hospitalized for another bout of UTI attack. Thanks Phaik Ling for your kind gesture. You're really one hellavu friend!

Tag : Friendship Award

I'd like to say a big thank you to my good blogging buddy, Elaine for giving me this friendship award. Just want to let you know that I really appreciate your friendship and all the help that you had rendered to me.

True Friends

True friends are really God-sent. They are willing to offer you help in times when you are desperate. I have discovered another true friend yesterday when she offered me something that even money can't buy (well, maybe money can buy, but she did not ask me for money). Thanks Miche for everything! I truly appreciate all that you have done for me.

Gifts For Baby C

Would like to say a BIG BIG thank you to all my internet friends for these lovely gifts for Baby Cassandra :


My very first gift from the daughter of the former deputy bank governer.

From Elaine, my blog sifu.

From this wonderful mum with 2 lovely girls in Canada - Vien.

From my very first few loyal blog supporters - Mamabok.

From my good blogging buddy, Barb. Barb also gave me a very wonderful gift, i.e. the Avent ISIS manual breast pump.

I would also like to thank my eldest sil from HK for the big ang pow, my dad and brother in Singapore for the big ang pow and Avent baby bottles and Leena for the generous ang pow.

Thanks peeps from the bottom of my heart for these lovely gifts. You all are the best!

Thank You Leena

When I was at the hospital, this pretty mum visited me with Baby Shern and Marcus. Baby Shern looked even cuter in person and is so handsome! Thanks for the visit Leena and for the ang pow too.

Homegrown Starfruits

These are some very juicy and sweet homegrown, pesticide-free starfruits given to me by mamapumpkin all the way from Kota Bahru. They are grown by her parents-in-law in their large 'home orchard'. Yes, her PILs have a garden so large with so many fruit trees and plants that it does look like an orchard. It was so thoughtful of mamapumpkin to think of me and to bring these juicy organic starfruits for me all the way from KB. Thanks Patsy!

Finally I Got A Taste Of Her Curry

After months of just smelling the aroma of my Sikh neighbor's curry whenever she cooks them and salivating whilst I whiffed the aroma, yesterday she finally gave me a small bowl of her chicken curry to try. And boy, it tasted so good. Authentic, homemade Sikh curry. If only I had some tosei or roti canai to go with the curry, it would even be more satisfying! Finally my crave was satisfied!

She also gave me a huge packet of fish keropok from Terengganu. My maid deep fried some and they tasted really good too!