Sherilyn's 19th Birthday

On 16 February 2024, Sherilyn turned 19, marking another milestone in her journey of growth. Our celebration this year held special significance as we gathered in Ipoh on the first day of Chinese New Year on 10 February 2024, to commemorate her birthday in advance. This is the second time that Sherilyn celebrated her birthday in Ipoh with my parents and brothers. If Chinese New Year happens to fall in February, we would be able to have a double celebration in Ipoh when my brothers return to Ipoh.

Sherilyn's birth on the 8th day of Chinese New Year in 2005 remains etched in my memory with vivid clarity. On the eve of Pai Ti Kung day, Sherilyn made her grand entrance into the world at noon, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts.  Her spirited nature became apparent from the start, as evidenced by her feisty behavior even during those early breastfeeding sessions.  

I recall the thunderous sounds of fireworks at midnight on 17 February 2005 as the Hokkiens celebrated and prayed to the Jade Emperor.  That midnight, the infant, not even a day old yet, bit off a small part of my teat as she was trying to suckle milk. I was shocked to see blood in her mouth and then the double shock when I realized that it was a tiny part of my teat in her tiny mouth 😬. I will never forget the pain I endured that night and the subsequent times that she latched onto a badly wounded teat. 😂 I am so proud of myself that I survived those days.

A yummy cake from JJ Swiss Roll.

Fast forward to Sherilyn's 19th birthday celebration, and we found ourselves indulging in not one but two joyous occasions. The pre-birthday and Chinese New Year festivities in Ipoh, surrounded by family members, including my brother's family from Singapore, set the stage for a memorable celebration. 

With my fam bam.

Sherilyn received a birthday and CNY ang pow from my parents.

Pandan and chocolate flavor this time as the popular cempedak flavor was sold out.  The pandan and chocolate flavor was superb too, with a strong pandan aroma.

On the eve of her birthday, Sherilyn treated herself to a decadent sirloin steak infused with sage butter, a gourmet delight that reflected her refined palate and culinary skills.  With meticulous care, she pan-fried the steak to perfection, accompanied by creamy mashed. She wolfed down the entire piece of steak herself and shared just one small bite with me as I requested to try it.

Lip-smackingly delish steak and mash, both meticulously prepped by Sherilyn for herself - her present to herself, bought using her ang pow money.

Now, as Sherilyn embarks on her 19th year, I am filled with gratitude for the privilege of being her mother and witnessing her growth every step of the way. Though the years may pass, Sherilyn's vibrant and unwavering spirit, thirst for competitiveness, and boundless energy remain unchanged.

Monday, 19 February 2024 ~ Haru's Annual Vaccination and Homemade Siew Yoke

Sherilyn doesn't have to go to college today, so I jumped at the opportunity to get her to accompany me to bring Haru to the vet's clinic.  Haru's due for her annual vaccination and bi-yearly deworming pill. As I'm the one driving, I need someone to carry Haru in the car.

Inside her usual tote bag, snugged under Sherilyn's armpit.

Haru behaved really well, wasn't trembling as bad as the previous time, and only hissed briefly at the vet. She didn't cry when jabbed on her thigh.

Back home, Sherilyn spent the entire afternoon in the kitchen, whipping up a big pot of Korean pork and kimchi stew and making Siew Yoke (roast pork) for the first time.

Super delish Siew Yoke with crackling crispy skin.  

I'd give Sherilyn a 100% rating for her Siew Yoke. Excellent job for someone making it for the first time. She randomly googled for a recipe and tweaked the recipe with whatever spices she could find in the larder.

CNY 2024 - Chor 4 and 5

Tuesday, 13 February 2024 (Chor 4)

Hubby made an impromptu whim to go to Ikea at My Town early today - to get a new shelf for Cass and a workstation for me.  We had our brunch at the Ikea cafeteria as it was my choice.  I've not eaten at the Ikea cafeteria for ages (easily more than 7 years) and I missed the Swedish meatballs and grilled salmon. 

The quality of the meatballs has somewhat degraded. In fact, everything that we ordered tasted meh. I knew that hubby would surely be having a second round of lunch after shopping at Ikea.

Long queues at the cafeteria

The most expensive dish was the roast beef ribs at RM46.90.

After we left My Town, hubby took us to a famous seafood noodle shop in Cheras for a late lunch. While we waited for the noodles to arrive, he walked across to another coffee shop to get takeaway roast duck. 

The seafood noodles tasted way better than the Ikea food 😆

Wednesday, 14 February 2024 (Chor 5)

The Ikea workstation that hubby bought for me was delivered to our condo at 8.30 a.m. the next day.  The logistics guys were supposed to deliver between 12.30 to 4 p.m., but they called early in the morning to ask if they could deliver it to us at 8.30 a.m. 

From 8.30 a.m. till evening, hubby, Sherilyn, and I worked non-stop disassembling my old workstation, assembling the new workstation, vacuuming,  moving all the things from the old workstation to the new workstation, and cleaning up.   I also threw a LOT of stuff that I'd been keeping for years as my new workstation has no cabinets and I had to discard most of the stuff from my old cabinets.

We assigned Sherilyn (the future architect) to assemble the workstation, which was no mean feat, and she successfully set up the workstation on her own. I don't think I will ever be able to do that as the workstation is a huge 52.1kg three-tiered desk. Assembling furniture has never been my jam. I'm lucky that my three girls are pretty good at it, just like their dad.

My new Fredde workstation from Ikea. I wanted white color but it was sold out, thus had to settle with black.

Chinese New Year 2024

The last time we celebrated CNY in Ipoh was in February 2020, the year Covid gripped the world and changed things forever. Exactly four years later, we were back again to have a wonderful reunion with my family.  

This CNY is a little extra memorable as we brought Haru along with us. After a failed boarding for Haru, we had no choice but to lug her along with us to Ipoh. And I have no regrets about it. I managed to desensitize Haru's phobia of car rides and I'm still working on desensitizing her fear of meeting new people.  With Haru in Ipoh with us, I needn't have to worry about her having a harrowing time (hunger strike with no peeing and pooping) at the catsitter's place.

Haru was kept inside my bedroom most of the time. I placed her carrier and bed on the floor but this fella decided to sleep in between us on our bed at night despite me kicking her out of our bed umpteen times till I gave up out of exhaustion.

Chor 2 brunch of Dim Sum at Kok Thai Restaurant with my family before we headed to the Yaps' family house for 'Hoi Neen Fan'

Ang Pow gifting session.

We had an early birthday celebration for Sherilyn and bought a cake from JJ Swiss Roll.  Sherilyn was born on the eighth day of Chinese New Year 19 years ago.

The pandan chocolate cake from JJ Swiss Roll was super delish and not overly sweet or cloying.

Mr DIY Replacement Fan Blade

My Panasonic stand fan gave out rattling sounds a few days ago. Initially, I thought that Maria didn't screw the fan blade securely after cleaning it. So I tightened it but after a few minutes, I got a shock when a piece of the middle section of the fan blade dropped out.  Seconds later, another broken piece flew out!  

A tiny bit of my heart dropped too.  Any breakage of appliances or items in the house means money is about to fly out! We just bought a new washing machine less than two months ago. The ceiling fan in my bedroom needs to be replaced too.

I quickly Whatsapped the customer service staff of Tan Boon Meng electrical shop to ask if they carry the replacement fan blade but I was too early and the person in charge wasn't in the office yet. 

Later, I told hubby and he asked me to look for a replacement fan blade at Mr DIY.  Fortunately, there's stock for the 16-inch fan blade and after paying for it, I prayed that it would fit my Panasonic fan.

Back home, I quickly asked Maria to try putting the new fan blade in.  Maria spent 5 minutes trying to screw the blade in but it just wouldn't move any deeper. Just as I was about to bring the fan blade back to Mr DIY to get a refund, I tried one last time and pushed the blade deeper, and voila, it clicked!  💪🎉

The replacement fan blade from Mr DIY only costs about RM7 (can't really recall the actual price). The quality of the Mr DIY fan blade feels almost the same as the Panasonic one. It's made of plastic, which feels kind of fragile - the type that once you dropped it, it would crack.  So I advised Maria to be very careful when cleaning the fan, i.e. do not drop it on the floor or screw it too tightly, or it would break again.

Broken fan blade.

16" replacement fan blade from Mr DIY that costs less than RM10.  So glad that I don't have to get a new stand fan, as this would set us back at least RM250.

Can You Eat Avocados With Black Spots, Brown Spots and Dark Streaks?

Avocados are renowned for their creamy texture, rich nutty flavor, and jam-packed with health benefits. However, discovering a blackened interior with black veins in your avocado can be a cause for concern. 

Avocados are pretty costly and discovering an imperfect interior with brown spots, black spots, and dark stringy flesh can be very disheartening. Do you throw the avocado away? Or do you cut off the dark parts and eat the green parts?  If you’re an avocado lover, just like my family and me, you’ve most likely been faced with this predicament umpteen times.

Avocado with brown flesh

Natural Ripening Process 

Avocados undergo a natural ripening process, during which the flesh transforms from firm and green to soft and creamy. As part of this process, the color of the avocado can change to a darker shade, sometimes appearing almost black. This change is typically harmless and often indicates that the fruit is perfectly ripe.

Enzymatic Browning

The blackening of avocado flesh can also result from enzymatic browning, a natural chemical reaction that occurs when the fruit is exposed to oxygen. While this process may alter the color, the avocado remains safe to eat. You can simply scrape off the discolored portion to reveal the unaffected, flavorful flesh beneath.

Veining in Avocado 

Veining or string-like structures in an avocado may be a result of its variety or the presence of undigested fibers. This occurrence is not uncommon and is generally considered safe for consumption. The veins themselves are harmless and can be consumed without adverse effects.

Dark streaks within avocado flesh

Signs of Spoilage 

While discoloration alone does not necessarily indicate spoilage, it's crucial to be aware of additional signs. If the avocado emits a foul odor, has a sour taste, or displays mold growth, it may be an indication of spoilage and should be discarded.

Don’t try to salvage any part of a sour-smelling or moldy avocado, as it has the potential to make you sick.

Health Considerations 

Consuming black avocado flesh, even with veins, is generally safe for most individuals. However, those with latex allergies or sensitivity to certain proteins found in avocados may experience allergic reactions. If you have known allergies or concerns, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before consuming avocados.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the blackening of avocado flesh, accompanied by veins, is often a result of the natural ripening process and enzymatic browning. These occurrences are generally harmless and do not pose health risks. By understanding the reasons behind these color changes, you can confidently enjoy avocados while ensuring their quality and safety. Remember to rely on additional signs of spoilage, such as odor or mold, to determine the overall condition of the fruit. 

Through smell, taste, touch, and visual inspection, you can determine whether an avocado has spoiled, and whether to eat or discard it.

My Middle Child’s Culinary Ventures, Academic Triumphs, and the Road Ahead

Life for Sherilyn, my second daughter, has undergone a transformation since she embarked on her pre-university studies. From passionate baking and cooking sessions during the pandemic to juggling college, dancing, and part-time work, Sherilyn's journey has taken an academic turn.

Amidst the demanding schedule of college life, Sherilyn found a moment of respite during her semester break recently. The kitchen, a space that witnessed many culinary creations during the pandemic and lockdowns from 2020 through 2022, once again came alive. Sherilyn took the opportunity to craft a large batch of kimchi, showcasing her culinary finesse with radish, napa cabbage, and cucumber variations. Additionally, a big yummy pot of Japchae, a family favorite, graced our dining table on her free day recently.

Cucumber kimchi

Refreshing radish kimchi

Napa kimchi

Japchae

As the semester break concluded, Sherilyn dove headfirst into her second semester, resuming the rigorous routine of early mornings and late nights. With the demands of her Foundation in Natural & Built Environments program escalating, her focus shifted from the kitchen to tutorials and assignments. Her time in college and dance studio often leaves our interactions reduced to brief hellos and goodbyes, a sign of the academic challenges she navigates daily as well as her passion in dancing.

Today, Sherilyn shared a delightful surprise with me via Whatsapp —a glance at her results slips and a letter from the college. The revelation that she had secured a coveted spot on the Dean's List for her good performance in the first semester echoed her commitment to academic excellence.

 

As Sherilyn progresses through her studies in Architecture, one of the most demanding courses at university, the road ahead promises lots of challenges that demand unwavering commitment. With a four-to-seven-year study period ahead, I can't help but harbor hopes and aspirations for her. My prayer is for her to persevere, graduate with flying colors, secure a fulfilling job, and, above all, lead a life brimming with happiness and good health.

Saturday Chronicles: Of Breakfasts, Lost Wallet, and Gratitude

Today, our Saturday unfolded with a mix of delight and tension, from a lavish breakfast to a heart-stopping search for a lost wallet. 

The day kicked off with an impromptu decision by hubby to enjoy breakfast at a nearby café. The trio, consisting of Alycia, hubby, and myself, indulged in a sumptuous breakfast featuring chicken sando, chicken katsu rice bowl, scrambled eggs, and smoked salmon toast. The breakfast tableau was completed with delectable desserts—cream brulee burnt cheesecake and taro butter cake—accompanied by the comforting aroma of coffee.

Post-breakfast, hubby and I departed ways. He went to his office while I brought Alycia to get tau foo fa with sweet potato balls at a new tau foo fa dessert stall.  When we reached home, a shadow loomed over our cheerful morning. Hubby told me that he couldn’t find his wallet. Panic set in, prompting a frantic search throughout the house, condo car park, and even reaching out to the café staff and our ever-helpful guards at our condo.

In a bid to solve the wallet mystery, our guard went above and beyond, delving into the condo's CCTV recordings. Tension heightened as we eagerly awaited news from the electronic detective work. The clock ticked, and each passing moment intensified our worry.  Hubby and I could only imagine the trouble and inconvenience of having to go to the police station to lodge a report over the lost wallet with IC, driver's license, credit cards, cash, and other important documents inside.

Just as the prospect of a visit to the police station loomed, a wave of relief swept over us. Hubby discovered his wallet wedged behind the office printer. Gratitude washed over him, realizing the potential inconvenience avoided—the hassle of police reports, canceling cards, and the arduous process of replacing identification.

Chicken katsu rice bowl

Katsu sando

Scrambled eggs and smoked salmon sando

Creme brulee burnt cheesecake and taro butter cake.

Haru's Sibling

This is Haru's sibling, born from a different litter about a year after Haru was born. I think she's a female. She looks very much like Haru and has a very pretty face.  

Haru's sibling now loiters outside hubby's shop. Hubby told me that an office staff next door feeds this cat. She really needs a forever home to avoid a premature death from being mauled by stray dogs, flattened by a vehicle, or swallowed up by phyton snakes.  Haru's baby siblings from another litter were all swallowed up by a phyton snake last year.

This little kitty is very 'manja' towards me. Every time she heard me calling her, she would run towards me, and follow me around, as if begging me to bring her home. She always followed me back to my car and would try to jump inside.  I'm so tempted to bring this cutie home. My heart hurts to see such an adorable and friendly cat living on the streets, begging for love and pets. 

2 January 2024 - Bak Kut Teh Brunch

My impromptu brunch on the second day of 2024 was Bak Kut Teh - with only hubby and Alycia. 

Hubby had a sudden craving for Bak Kut Teh, so we went to this unassuming shop located next to our neighborhood, just 5 minutes drive away.  

Hubby likes the Bak Kut Teh. The broth is the thick kind with a mild Chinese herb aroma and not the usual thin and soupy kind with strong flavors of Chinese herbs. As for me, I like both types of soups - thick and thin, mild and strong herby taste. However, I can't overdo on BKT because of the herbs used to boil the soup. I've been advised by my gynae not to eat too much Chinese herbs because of my fibroid.

Chicken feet - Alycia's order. I'm surprised that this girl who goes "ewwwwww" whenever there are innards on the dining table loves chicken feet.  

Tua Bak Kia Bak Kut Teh

BLOCK D, 3, Lorong Jugra

Jln Klang Lama 

58100 Kuala Lumpur

Telefon: 03-7988 0251

Farewell 2023: A Month of Celebrations, Family Bonding, and Hopeful Beginnings

As the final pages of 2023 turned, our month-long journey of festivities, family gatherings, and joyous celebrations came to a close. From weddings to birthdays, Christmas to New Year's Eve and New Year’s Day, December was a tapestry woven with moments of love, laughter, and the warmth of family bonds. 

Relatives from distant corners of the world—New Zealand, England, Taiwan, and Hong Kong—graced us with their presence, turning our gatherings into reunions filled with laughter and love. 

Hubby's birthday on 30th December marked a highlight of our December festivities, celebrated at his favorite hotspot, Haidilao, Bangsar. The exceptional service and delectable hotpot offerings made for a memorable birthday feast.

This time we opted for a 4-variety of soup base for our hotpot at Haidilao.

Hubby's favorite marbled beef slices. 

New dessert spotted (so happy!).  When we went to Haidilao a few months ago, this DIY boba and jelly ice dessert wasn't available yet.

Boba and jelly bar with so many different types of boba, jellies and toppings.

Another new dessert spotted - soft-serve ice-cream in 3 flavors (vanilla, chocolate, and 2-in-1 vanilla and chocolate).

On New Year's Eve, our makan-makan journey continued at Teowchew Lao Er, a Michelin Guide-recommended Teochew porridge restaurant. Post-lunch, we indulged in desserts and drinks at Xiao By Crustz—a haven for pastry and dessert aficionados. The delicacies, almost too pretty to eat, added a sweet note to our year-end celebrations. The owner of this café is a good friend of hubby’s cousin.

Porridge at Teochew Lao Er, a porridge restaurant listed under Michelin Guide's Point of View.

Teochew desserts from Lao Er

Desserts comprise a variety of Entremets and pastries at Xiao By Crustz.

These two cuties are frozen ice-creams.

New Year's Eve dinner unfolded as a small yet heartwarming gathering at hubby's uncle's house. Relatives from near and far convened for a final celebration in 2023, sharing a feast of pizza for the younger generation, porridge, and pig stomach soup for the elders, and a variety of desserts for everyone.

As the clock struck midnight, the skies lit up with fireworks from our housing estate, creating a fitting farewell to the challenges of the past year. Though KLCC chose not to host its traditional display of grand fireworks because of global challenges, there were still fireworks in and around our neighborhood, which can be seen clearly from our unit.

I had to battle with insomnia on New Year’s Eve / wee hours of New Year’s Day as I went to bed way past my usual bedtime and also had too much caffeine circulating in my system from the endless cups of tea drank at Lao Er and at Xiao By Crustz. 

Looking ahead to 2024, my fervent prayer is for a year of better health, greater prosperity, and boundless joy for my family and yours.

May this new year be a chapter of hope, resilience, and dreams fulfilled for us all. Happy New Year!