Reflections on the Attention of Youth: A Journey Through Twenties

The twenties are often a time of self-discovery, boundless energy, and, sometimes, attracting the attention that comes with being young, attractive, and vibrant. Looking back at my own twenties, it’s a mix of good, bad, and downright strange memories, some of which still make me chuckle or shudder.

The Good, The Bad, and The Uncomfortable

In my twenties, I seemed to attract attention wherever I went. Some of it was flattering, while some of it was the kind of attention no one ever asks for. The most uncomfortable experiences involved unwanted encounters with flashers and perverts on the streets and public transport. Those were situations I wouldn’t wish on anyone and ones that taught me the importance of being vigilant.

In another scenario, I also attracted the attention of this dirty old man who’s now a Datuk who used to jog at the park where I jogged. He would often tease me, though he knows my hubby quite well. That was over 20 years ago before I had children. Recently I bumped into him and he again, teased me in the presence of other men, saying that I still look young with a teenager silhouette.  

Professional Challenges and Jealousy

One of my earliest jobs was as a secretary for a husband-and-wife-run company. The job didn’t last more than a week, not because of my lack of skills, but because of the wife’s jealousy. She couldn’t stand the idea of someone younger and, in her eyes, prettier, working in close proximity to her husband. While it was a tough experience at the time, it taught me the importance of standing my ground and knowing when to walk away from toxic environments.

Opportunities and Admirers

My second job in a bank brought a mix of professional and personal attention. One memorable moment was being scouted by a headhunter from Citibank while walking from the bus stand to my office. My boss, who knew the headhunter, called him and jokingly told him off for trying to poach me.

The workplace also had its fair share of admirers. A charming head of a big division frequently visited the HR department where I worked, persistently asking if I’d join his team. He even convinced me to model for the bank’s magazine—a cringe-worthy experience when I look back at the photo!

One of the most flattering encounters was with a young, handsome doctor from the clinic on our bank’s panel. It’s moments like these that make me ponder: what if I had pursued those connections? Would my life be different? Better?

The Road Not Taken

Life is full of crossroads, and it’s natural to wonder about the “what ifs.” But I believe every decision I made, every road I took, was part of God’s greater plan for me. While it’s fun to reflect, I’ve learned to cherish where I am now, knowing that the past shaped the person I am today.

That's me in my late 20s. How I wish I could turn back the clock and look young and vibrant again!

Wednesday, 4 December 2024 ~ Unexpected Encounter Again

This morning’s cool and overcast weather was perfect for one of my favorite indulgences: a piping hot bowl of bitter gourd pork soup at the kopitiam. I have a rule—I’ll only eat at the hot kopitiam when the weather isn’t sweltering, and today ticked all the boxes. Off I went, securing a comfy seat and savoring my bowl of warm, flavorful soup.

While enjoying my meal, I ordered two Char Koay Teow for takeaway—one for Sherilyn and another for my mil. The plan was to have a peaceful breakfast, finish my errands, and head home. But as life would have it, there was a twist to my simple morning.

Just as I was relishing my soup, I spotted a familiar figure walking into the kopitiam. Oh no—it was MC! For context, MC is someone I often bump into, and he never misses a chance to invite me for lunch. He’s brazenly open about his intentions and liking towards me, and while I’m polite, I’m also cautious. I’ve known MC for over 10 years at our condo gym.

It was too late to make a graceful exit, and the moment he saw me, his face lit up with excitement. “What luck!” he exclaimed, adding that he had a “sixth sense” he’d run into me today. He chatted animatedly for a few minutes before heading off to order his chap fan.

But, of course, he came back. MC sat down at my table, and we chatted again. From our conversation, it became evident that he’s a lonely man. He's a divorcee and he's not close to his grown children who are married with kids.  It struck me that his constant invitations for lunch stem from a longing for connection.

While we were at the kopitiam, he kept telling the CKT seller and drinks seller that I was a ‘leng lui’ (pretty girl)! And these sellers know me and my hubby pretty well. Can you imagine how awkward I felt!!

While I felt some sympathy for MC’s situation, I had errands to run and couldn’t stay longer. I quickly finished my soup, bade him goodbye, and made my way to 99 Speedmart.

But fate—or MC’s persistence—had another surprise in store. As I approached the store, there he was, walking in. Not wanting another prolonged chat, I immediately detoured to another supermarket. Crisis averted! 😅

My bowl of piping hot bitter gourd + pork + egg soup with lots of pork lard. Simply delish. I washed my keto meal down with a glass of sugar-free iced 'cham' (coffee + tea).

Monday, 24 June 2024

Today, I finally decided to see a podiatrist (a foot and ankle doctor), to address a stubborn and painful corn on my left foot. After three months of trying various home remedies with no improvement, I decided it was time to seek professional help and have the corn removed by a doctor as every step that I take now is painful.

I called Pantai Medical Centre in Bangsar and Sunway Medical Centre (both hospitals are on my insurer's panel) to inquire about their foot and ankle specialists. Fortunately, both hospitals have experienced podiatrists available. Given that this will be a busy week for me, with Cass competing in a figure skating competition, I plan to only schedule an appointment with the doctor next week.

My primary concern is the method of removal. I am hoping that the podiatrist can offer a less invasive and less painful solution, as the thought of surgery (whether under LA or GA) is quite daunting. Ideally, I would like a procedure that is the least painful and invasive.

Deciding to see a podiatrist wasn't easy. Like many, I initially hoped that home remedies would solve the problem. I tried everything from over-the-counter corn removal solutions to various natural treatments, but the stubborn corn persisted. I successfully removed a corn from one of my toes last year with a corn solution purchased from the pharmacy. I don’t understand why this time the corn solution doesn’t work.

Now that I have decided to see a specialist, my next step is to choose between Pantai Medical Centre and Sunway Medical Centre and secure an appointment. I’m leaning towards whichever center can offer the earliest appointment, as I want to resolve this issue promptly.

Brunch with hubby this morning at a newly opened kopitiam a few steps from his office. He ordered Hakka noodles, Teluk Anson Chee Cheong Fun and Roti Canai Sarang. Just as he was about to pay, the owner told him all meals were complimentary only for today. So blessed.

Camera Crumbs - Round Up Of The Week

My Tennis Elbow right arm has little progress in healing, making it challenging to perform household chores, cook, and lift heavy items.  Consequently, my cooking routines have been simplified. I’ve primarily relied on the air fryer and toaster oven for meal preparations. Thankfully, we’ve had a steady supply of food from hubby’s central kitchen, which has been a lifesaver, reducing the need for extensive cooking.

I suspect that the pain could be a side effect of Atorvastatin. Last month, my cardiologist prescribed me this statin at 20mg per day to bring down my cholesterol levels. I have familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). My two younger daughters have FH too, which was discovered during blood tests when they were hospitalized for other conditions.

FH is an inherited disorder that makes it harder for your body to remove low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol from your blood.

No matter how hard I control my diet, exercise, and stay away from foods with high cholesterol, my blood cholesterol reading is still very high.

Familial hypercholesterolemia can affect anyone whose family carries the genetic mutation. The biggest problem with FH is that more than 90% of people who have it haven’t been diagnosed, which means you should pay careful attention to your family history.

About a month into taking Atorvastatin, I started to have pain in my right elbow bone. I later found out that I have a condition called Tennis Elbow.  Later, I started to have aches in my right hip and buttock. My doctor has advised me to take a 4-week layoff from Atorvastatin to see if the pains and aches in my right hand and hip will go away. 

My lunch usually consists of salad, with food from hubby's kitchen:

Chicken and beef satay with satay sauce, Mackerel fish cooked Indonesian style, Sayur Lodeh (Indonesian vegetable stew in coconut milk) in a bed of salad.
Dessert - yummy kuih.

Sambal Sotong, Sayur Lodeh with tempeh and cabbage, and Ayam Masak Merah in a bed of Mizuna salad.

Meehoon Siam, Sambal Sotong and Ayam Masak Merah.

One-tray-grill - green curry chicken thigh with green and yellow bell pepper, Shimeji mushrooms, sweet potato, chopped garlic, and onions, drizzled with olive oil, and seasoned with black pepper, cajun spice, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
To reduce washing and hurting my tennis elbow arm, I bought disposable aluminum trays for my grills.

Reflecting on Another Year: A Low-Key Birthday Celebration

As I celebrated my 51st birthday on 29 March 2024, it was a day filled with quiet moments of joy, gratitude, and heartfelt surprises. This year, my birthday celebration took on a low-key tone, but the love and warmth shared with my family made it truly special.

The day began with a simple yet delightful birthday lunch with hubby at a cozy Japanese restaurant. Little did I know that a sweet surprise awaited me at the end of our meal—a birthday cake presented by the restaurant staff, complete with a rendition of the "Happy Birthday" song accompanied by guitar music. It was a heartwarming moment that filled me with happiness and gratitude, albeit feeling a tad embarrassed at the same time with the loud fanfare and all eyes on our table 😅

Later in the evening,  I was greeted by Sherilyn, who had returned from her part-time job at the café. To my surprise, she had brought along three slices of cake to mark the occasion. With Sherilyn and our beloved pet cat Haru by my side, we shared a cake-cutting moment. Missing from the cake-cutting session was Alycia who was in Hong Kong and Cass who had to rush to the skating rink to beat the after-work traffic jam for figure-skating class.

My three daughters gave me a surprise birthday present a week before my birthday —a Christian Dior lip gloss, a luxurious indulgence that caught me off guard. It turns out that Sherilyn had shared my latest obsession with glossy lips with Alycia, who promptly took it upon herself to find the perfect gift at the mall after class one day. The gesture touched my heart deeply, reminding me of the thoughtful bond we share as a family. This is by far the most expensive gift that the girls have given me.

I super love this Dior lip gloss. The color suits me perfectly and I love the cool minty feel on my lips after application.

As I reflect on another year gone by, my greatest wish remains unchanged: good health and happiness for myself and my loved ones. With each passing year, I am reminded of life's precious blessings and the importance of treasuring every moment spent with those we hold dear. I am grateful to God for another year of life.  Here's to another year of growth, laughter, and cherished memories. Cheers to the journey ahead!

Chocolate lava cake with ice-cream from the Japanese restaurant.

With my middle child and fur baby. Photo taken by Maria, our part-time helper.

Embracing 50

Reaching the milestone of 50 is an achievement worth celebrating. It's a time to reflect on the ups and downs of life's journey and acknowledge the changes that come with age. At 50, many of us, myself included, may still feel young at heart, but our bodies often reveal the undeniable passage of time.  

1. The Mirror of Time: Physical Changes

One of the most noticeable aspects of turning 50 is the physical changes that are inevitably hard not to notice. The reflection in the mirror may reveal the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and for many, a gradual thinning of the hair. While I only have several strands of grey hair, I know that in time to come, I will have a head full of grey hair. I also can’t help noticing that my eyes are now not quite the same as how they used to look when I was younger.  While these changes may be seen as signs of aging, they also carry with them the wisdom and experiences of life that have shaped us.  I wish I could look twenty forever 😁

2. Aches and Pains: A New Companion

As I entered my 50s, I began to experience aches and discomfort that were once foreign to me. Perhaps it's the result of wear and tear on the body or the natural progression of aging. One specific ache that has been bothering me is a dull ache in my left hip. While it doesn't significantly disrupt my daily activities, it raises questions about its origin. Is it hormonal? Could it be related to a fibroid in my uterus that has grown bigger, thus causing me discomfort? 

To address the concerns about the ache in my hip and rule out any underlying issues, I've decided to consult my gynecologist soon. An ultrasound scan of my abdomen and pelvic area will provide insights into the possible causes of this discomfort.  I actually dread going to my gynae’s clinic as I am afraid of being told that I have something really bad brewing inside of me.  But knowing the truth is also about finding peace of mind.  And if there was really something nasty inside, at least it's still at an early stage.  The last time I did an ultrasound scan at my gynae’s clinic was in February this year for my annual medical checkup and pap smear.

3. Navigating Minor Skin Disorders

The journey through the 50s isn't just about physical discomfort and changes; it also comes with some unexpected surprises. In my case, minor skin disorders have made their appearance. In future articles, I'll delve into these skin concerns and how I have explored ways to manage them effectively.

Eczema (oozing and painful kind) behind my ears. This is something that is new to me and it is triggered by sleeping on my sides. 

Turning 50 is a significant milestone that brings with it a unique set of experiences, challenges, and rewards. While the physical changes and aches may be part of the package, they are a reminder of the fullness of life lived and the inevitable journey of aging. The decision to address these changes head-on, whether through medical consultations or personal care routines, is an empowering step on the journey of embracing 50.

My Careless Daiso Purchase

We've all experienced those moments when we make a purchase that leaves us shaking our heads in disbelief. Today, as I strolled through Pavilion Bukit Jalil after Cass successfully passed her figure skating tests, I found myself in one such situation – a tale of a seemingly innocent Daiso purchase that turned out to be quite a costly lesson in assumptions.

The day began on a high note as Cass triumphantly conquered not just one, but two figure skating tests. Celebratory spirits were high, and after a fulfilling lunch at Grand Harbor restaurant, I decided to make a quick pit stop at Daiso to pick up some household essentials. Among the items on my list was a new stainless steel bowl for my beloved cat, Haru. Little did I know that this seemingly straightforward purchase would lead to a lesson in mindfulness and attention to detail.

Our sumptuous lunch at Grand Harbor, Pavillion Bukit Jalil

As I perused the array of stainless steel bowls neatly displayed, one particular option caught my eye. A double-layered, lightweight, matte-finished bowl seemed like the ideal choice for Haru's dining needs. Pleased with my find, I made my way to the checkout counter, paid for my items, and continued my leisurely stroll through the mall.

It was during this leisurely stroll that reality came crashing down. A nagging feeling prompted me to review the total on the receipt against the number of items I had purchased. To my dismay, the numbers didn't add up. Panic ensued as I closely examined the Daiso receipt, and that's when I discovered the source of my mistake – the stainless steel bowl I had chosen for Haru was listed at a staggering RM17.70, not the RM5.90 I had assumed.

The RM17.70 double-layer constructed stainless steel bowl from Daiso. It is heat-proof on the outside, which makes it perfect for putting hot soups.

At that moment, my heart sank as I realized the gravity of my carelessness. The bowl intended for my furry friend, which I had purchased without properly scrutinizing the price, was now three times more expensive than I had anticipated. My initial assumption that all Daiso items adhered to the familiar RM5.90 price point had led me astray.

Although I contemplated rushing back to Daiso for a refund or exchange, time constraints and a husband eager to depart held me back. As I weighed my options, I decided to chalk this up to a lesson learned. This wasn't just about an unfortunate purchase; it was a reminder to never underestimate the importance of clarity and attention to detail.

Toilet selfie, as usual 😁

Upon reflection, it became clear that my lack of reading glasses had played a significant role in this mishap. As age has caught up on me, I now need reading glasses to read small prints. But I don't bring my reading glasses out. The seemingly ambiguous digits on the price tag appeared to resemble the familiar "Yen" symbol rather than the Malaysian Ringgit. This experience underscored the value of taking the extra moment to ensure I had the proper information before making a decision.

In the end, the stainless steel bowl that was meant for Haru has found its place for my own use, serving as a tangible reminder of the importance of mindfulness in all transactions. The bowl will always make me chuckle to myself each time I use it, reminding me of my oversight.

So, the next time I find myself amidst the charm of Daiso's aisles, I'll be armed not just with my shopping list but also with a renewed commitment to careful consideration. And I must remember to bring my reading glasses out or just use my phone's camera function to enlarge small prints 😛

Old Treasure

I found some of my old photos taken when I was working at Southern Bank (now CIMB Bank).  These photos are over two decades old.  They were taken circa 1994 ~ 1997 during my tenure at the Corporate Human Resources Division (CHRD) where I worked as a HR Officer.  I spent 8 years at CHRD and created lots of memories and friendships as well as gained tons of invaluable experience in this department.

Taken at our bank's annual dinner and dance.  If I remember correctly, that was in 1993/1994.

The Corporate Human Resources Division team.  I'm seated fourth from left. Irene, on my left was my supervisor and she's now living in Australia.  The lady wearing glasses in green baju kurung was the HR Manager.

I'm the one in a yellow blouse.  On my right is Shareefa and we still keep in touch.  On my left is Ayu, my assistant. We were in charge of staff loans that year before I got rotated to the Recruitment section where one of my duties was to interview candidates.  The girl on the extreme right is from the Kelantan royal family and she's in charge of the Training Dept.

My 45th Birthday, 29 March 2018

On my special day today, I did what makes me happy most ~ retail therapy!  Even if it means a short 1.5 hours at the mall.

I left the house with Drama Queen and the mil at 10:30 a.m., bearing in mind that I only had a max of 1.5 hours to shop including having lunch at the mall as I had to drop Drama Queen in school before 12:30 noon. She has a dance practice with her friends for a dance competition audition.

I don't know about you but shopping or window shopping is therapeutic for me.  Don’t laugh retail therapy off.  According to a research, 52 percent of people used retail therapy to improve a sour mood. Buying a new item or going to a thrift store can help with mild depression.  If it works for you, you should not feel guilty. Do it, enjoy it and don't overdo it and that's just what I do. I buy stuff that makes me happy but I don't overdo it or splurge. 😊

Lunch was at Pho Vietz again. We love the food here. It's delish and most importantly, the price is very reasonable considering that it's at a shopping mall. But I didn't really enjoy my meal this time as I was swallowing down my food hurriedly with Drama Queen rushing me off with her constant reminder of "mum, hurry, I'm going to be late!"  😠 🤬 I ended up choking on the beef noodles soup and felt like I had something stuck in my throat for the next couple of hours.

Dinner was at Taste And Memories, a Chinese restaurant that serves MSG-free home-cooked type of dishes.

We had steamed tofu with otak-otak; braised yam with pork belly, sauteed vegetables:


Pork lard claypot rice, pork knuckles black vinegar:




Assam fish with vegetables. This is everyone's favorite dish, albeit it's too spicy for me to handle.




Braised kampung chicken with ginger and sesame seed oil and sauteed bitter gourd with canned black bean fish:


Just when we were about to leave the restaurant, hubs surprised me with a birthday cake from one of his favorite cafes, Front Room.   It's a Black Forest cake and the owner brought the cake over to the restaurant. I'm never a fan of Black Forest cake though I grew up eating it at almost every birthday celebration at home as my dad loves it.  I was disappointed that my favorite pandan gula Melaka cake wasn't available and he had to settle for Black Forest. But just one mouthful of the cake and my whole perspective on Black Forest cake changed. My liking towards Black Forest cake was taken to a whole new level!  But that's only for Black Forest cake from Front Room Cafe and no other.

Check out this cute little boy eyeing the cake. After cake cutting, I brought two pieces of cake over to the next table and asked the little boy's mum if he could eat the cake. But the parents turned down the offer politely and thanked me. And the little boy went bawling away as he had no cake to eat 😁








The hubs has been too tied up with work that he hadn't gotten the time to get me a present. But I am not letting him off the hook.  We're going to the shopping mall again on Saturday night to get my gift!

Moments Before The Surgery

My mum the paparazzi snapped many pictures of me while I was being wheeled to the OT of SYMC on 29 May 2017.

The teary and red eyed ones are omitted here.

Below is the picture of me being pushed to the OT Complex.  My loved ones were prohibited from going beyond the door. But my dearest papa managed to barge in to check on me 2 hours after the surgery as there were still no news on me from the doctor or the nurses. 😆




Below - a hospital staff waiting to push me into the lift to bring me to the OT and I was trying so hard not to burst into tears again.  I had gone through this bloodcurdling events 5 times in my life. While waiting for the lift to arrive, with my baby girl next to me, I suddenly felt like it was the year 2002, when I was waiting to be pushed to the OT to undergo the very first surgery in my life, which was a laproscopic Ovarian Drilling. I was desperate to have a baby then and tried ALL means to get pregnant.  15 years on, I have the same spine-chilling and nervous feelings all over again but this time, I have my 3 grown up babies by my side. 💗💓.  Please GOD, let this be the LAST surgery I ever have to go through, amen.




Time really flies. Two weeks ago, I was up to my eyeballs worrying over everything about the surgery and the biopsy result.  Now everything is over and I am recovering well. My prayers now are for the insurance company to approve the two unapproved items - the power morcellator and the morcellator bag costing a whopping RM5k+.

Fear Of Death And Drawing Up A Will

For years, I procrastinated in having a Will drawn up.  Death comes unannounced and at a time when you least expect it. Having my hard earned money channeled to the Government by default upon my death where there is no Will in place is the last thing I want.

If not for the surgery that I would be going through, I guess I'd most likely still be procrastinating in drawing up my Will.  I am such a dawdler in such matters.

About 2 weeks before my surgery, I started asking around for quotations. The fee ranges between RM400 - RM600 for a basic Will if prepared in KL, which I find too costly. The Will is just a 2-page signed and stamped thingy, nothing fancy and I didn't want to spend too much on it. My mum then recommended her ertswhile student to me, who now owns a law firm in Ipoh.  Her fees are cheaper and I engaged her immediately.  Everything was done via email and Whatsapp and I then couriered the signed Will to her for stamping.  Easy peasy.

When I read the draft Will, I was overcome by emotions. Such words as 'upon your demise' and 'the money in your banks will be used in your funeral expenses' cut me like a knife. Asking a certain someone to be my first witness in the Will was chokingly emotional for  me too.  I told my 3 girls about the Will and what they would be getting upon 'mummy's death'.   Suddenly, I felt like I was preparing for my death.  I was overwhelmed by emotions the week leading to the surgery. I felt like it was my 'last week' around with my loved ones. I can get this negative at times.

But Cass was very, very confident that the surgery would be successful and that I would live very, very long 💕

Cass to me: mummy, I don't know why, but I have this feeling that you will be ok. I know you won't have cancer. I just have this feeling that you won't die so soon! Think positive mummy. Remember mummy, DO NOT be negative. Being negative kills you ok!

😪💗




My Will


Have you drawn up your Will yet?  If you're a procrastinator too, don't wait, just do it.

Carelessness Or Jinx?

This looks like someone who had attempted suicide by cutting her wrists but it's pure accident, thank God not a freak one! But there was a pretty deep cut on my left wrist and some superficial cuts on the right wrist.




I had wanted to wash a bowl and while bringing it to the sink hurriedly, I accidentally tapped the bowl against a bottle that was sitting on the counter top. It was not a hard bang but the bowl broke into half. Maybe there was already a hair line crack on the bowl, which no one realized, else it wouldn't have broken into half so easily.  As I was trying to catch the two broken halves of the bowl from dropping, the unforgiving sharp edges of the broken bowl cut both my wrists.  There was blood  seeping out.  Cass who heard me screaming ran to the kitchen. She screamed too on seeing the blood on my wrists. She then darted to the bedroom, took a piece of tissue paper with Melagel antiseptic gel and three band aids and came to my aid.  She wiped off the blood, applied the Melagel on the wounds and helped to put on the band aids. Then she said this "luckily the bowl didn't cut your veins, else you will bleed to death mummy. You already don't have enough blood!"  😲😨

Super proud of my baby girl.  👏

This is the second time in a week that I had broken something.  Last week as I was cleaning the kitchen sink, my elbow nudged a tall glass off the counter top and it broke into a million sharp pieces!

What is wrong with me?! I am usually very careful in the kitchen and hardly ever break things. Perhaps I have been working too hastily to accomplish more but this is definitely counterproductive.

Note to self - I really need to SLOW DOWN, smell the roses, live in the moment and not rush off each day trying to over achieve my targets. 😵

Post Tooth Extraction

This is how my 'what tarn hor' noodles (flat rice noodles cooked in egg sauce with meat) looked like yesterday.





Yesterday was the second day post tooth extraction and my mouth and affected site was still painful. I could not chew well and had to cut up all my food with a pair of scissors.


When Cass saw the bowl of noodles, she exclaimed that it looked like her baby food. Yalor, what to do, tiger mom has no more fangs and has to swallow down her food in semi-liquid form and all chopped into really tiny bits so that I needn't have to chew much and exert the wound.

Today is the third day and the pain is still nagging me the whole freaking day! The affected wound, the teeth adjacent to it, my lip (grazed and bloodied by the dental plier), my chin and my jaw still hurt :(

I really feel shitty that my mouth has been in pain for 5 days now.

I am hungry and I feel like chomping down a whole roast chicken but I can only look at the glorious food that my mil cooks, salivate and wait for the wound to heal completely.

Multi-tasking Aunty

This is the aunty who wants to accomplish a lot in under an hour in the morning but does not have enough hands to do so like an octopus.

With  no hands to press on the button of the car key, no hands to hold the card to swipe on the door scanner and no hands left to open the house door,  this ah-soe has to clip the car keys, house keys and access card to 3 card holders and hang them on her neck.  Like soh por or not?


This aunty bought breakfast for the kids, bought newspapers and has bags of veggie and meat to whip up a warm and healthy dinner for her family tonight!

That is why this aunty has strong arms and muscles on her hands. No flabby auntie underarms, earned from years of hardcore training holding weights like a kuli to her 3 kiddos!

Deep-Freezing Kueh Ang Koo

My mil traveled up north last weekend with her daughter from HK and told me that she would make a pit-stop in Ipoh. I jumped at the opportunity and quickly messaged my mum in Facebook for her to get me my favorite black glutinous rice ang koo from Ipoh Garden South. When we went back to Ipoh last month, we stopped at this kueh stall twice but luck was not on our side, the stall was closed. This time, my dad bought 30 pieces of ang koo in a variety of flavors - black glutinous rice skin, red skin and pandan skin.

I was so happy when I saw the boxes of ang koo and gobbled up 3 ang koos immediately.  I may be a health freak but I have my weaknesses to some very fattening stuff like kueh and durians which I can never resist!

There were so many ang koos that I squirred away some and stashed them nicely in an ice-cream container in the freezer.  That can satiate my crave for another month *burp, oops!* LOL!

Spin In My New Pink Car!

Last Sunday, the hubs finally had the time to bring me, along with the 3 brats for a spin in my new car, with me driving it for the first time. And it was the first time I drove a car in almost 6 years! Thank God, my driving skill ain't completely lost. The moment I started the engine and hit the wheels, memories of myself being the dare devil on the road 6 years ago took over me instantly! I was really glad that I can still remember how to maneuver a car! Driving a car is like riding a bicycle. You will not lose the skill completely. If you were once good in it, you will always be. And I was equally surprised that I did not lose touch of my parking skill just yet, albeit I admit that I have to improve on my L or side parking.

This morning, hubs brought me for my second refresher course. After dropping Cass in school, we went for breakfast at Ficelle Boulangarie and then went to the mini market. He suggested that we should do this every morning for at least another week until he gives me his stringent 'pass' LOL!

The Serpents Scared The Sh*t Out Of Me This Morning!

I got a major scare of my life the first thing when I woke up at 5:15am this morning as I was being greeted by 3 slimy ssssssssssssssnakes !

Hubs was the culprit who scared the sh*t out of me. He placed these 3 creepy crawlies on top of the cupboard beneath the light switches and these switches are the first thing that I touch when I wake up at 5:15am every morning. The moment the light was turned on, I almost jumped out of my nightie when I saw these creepy serpents just under my arm as I thought they were real coz they do look real, LOL!!





The snakes were the newest addition to the hubs' collection of decor and he had just used them for a client's CNY open house function last night.

And this cheeky mummy placed the 3 snakes on the dining table just to see how Alycia and Sherilyn would react... and also to wake them up totally but my 2 dare devils had almost zilch reaction when they saw the snakes! I guess I am getting old!

Juggler Of Many Tasks

I guess most mothers are very good in juggling  many tasks at a time. I am definitely one.  Now that I am a WFHM to 3 kids, without the help of a live-in helper, every minute is as precious as gold to me! I stretch every minute I have on hand to the max.  Thus, in the morning when the kids are all in school, I try to accomplish as much as I can before they are home as that's when havoc breaks out again!

How I juggle multi-tasks...

1) I usually eat my breakfast / lunch and work on my computer simultaneously. If the food is the messy type with sauce or soup, then I will eat at the dining table and will read the newspapers or a book.

2) I fill up my watering can and water the plants while making calls on my cordless house phone on loudspeaker mode

3) I hang out laundry while talking on the phone, in loudspeaker mode.  Thus, I love phones with loudspeaker function as my hands are freed to do something else when I am talking on the phone

4) While I take my shower, I put Cass on the throne. Once I am done, she is usually done too. Then I bathe her and I only wet my body once haha!  Oh yes, I wash the bathroom too when I have my shower, everyday.

5) I read the newspapers while working out on the Air Walker in the gym

6) While something is cooking in the pan / wok (frying fish / chicken / braising a meat), I wash   the dirty dishes and mop the kitchen floor

7) While waiting for my friend to pick up Sherilyn for ballet, I reply to emails and messages from my customers on my handphone.


The list is endless. Would you like to add to the list? I am sure we busy mothers are very good at maximizing our precious time. Let's share how you ladies juggle your time :)

My Choice

If you have been a regular reader of my blogs, you may be wondering how I am still thriving without a live-in helper, despite the fact that I still have an online business running, online assignments to write and have to cook for the kids everyday and manage them.  The fact is that I have engaged a part-time helper who comes in for 2 hours everyday in the evening to help me clean the house and wash the dishes.  I know some of you will probably say that you'd rather save the RM30 and do the work yourself but for me, if RM30 can buy happiness and keeps me sane, why not?  Or some of you may prefer to eat out everyday or have catered food delivered to you to save the hassle of cooking and washing up.  But I want my kids to have homecooked food, even if it means more work and stress for me.  Some of you spend RM30 a day on luxuries like a cup of coffee and a slice of cake from coffee boutiques or on a nice nail art or on a stylish coiffured hair-do.  I can live without those luxuries and be happy without them.  Having them is icing on my cake.  I prefer plain cakes as a matter of fact ;)

My choice is that I have decided to keep my online business running and continue with my online assignments.  To see the figures in my bank accounts growing  everyday gives me a lot of self-satisfaction and security.  And I know I am just not cut to be a full-time housewife who cooks, washes and drives the kids around for activities. This is just too mundane for me.  I need a certain level of stress to keep my brain alert ;P

Updates...

I'm still around, pretty busy as usual and even busier for the past 2 weeks as it's the school holidays plus my youngest SIL from Hawaii with her hubs were here. So there were lots of outings and entertaining.

Today, the girls and I are taking the ETS train to Ipoh. It will be the girls' first ever train ride and my first after over 15 years!  Just a short update for this blog before you, my dear reader thinks that this blog has shut down lol!