Pre-Birthday Celebration For Dad

Thursday, 8 August 2024

This past week, my family gathered in Kuala Lumpur for a special occasion: my dad’s 81st birthday. It was a rare opportunity for our family to come together, with my parents traveling from Ipoh and my older brother’s family joining us from Singapore. They arrived on Thursday, ready for a few days of celebration, great food, and cherished memories.

For our first dinner together, we went to Fatty Chun Restaurant at Old Klang Road. Known for its “tai chow” style cooking, this semi-al fresco restaurant never failed to deliver delicious dishes. The ambiance might be casual, but the food tasted like it came from a high-end eatery.

We ordered eight different dishes:

1. Steamed Village Chicken 

2. Steamed Egg 

3. Deep-Fried Yam Basket 

4. Stir-Fried Stinky Beans 

5. Steamed 

6. Stir-Fried Green Vegetables 

7. Stir-Fried Lala 

8. Braised Egg with Prawn Meat and Broccoli 

To top off the meal, we had a unique dessert of deep-fried yam sticks with caramelized sesame seeds. The dessert was not only unique but also incredibly delicious, providing a sweet and crunchy finish to our meal. This dessert came on the house.

Our favorite steamed village chicken with ginger paste dipping sauce.

Deep-fried yam basket with koo lo yoke (sweet and sour pork).

Steamed chicken egg + century egg.

Stir-fried stinky beans

Stir-fried lala

My favorite braised egg white with prawn and crab meat alongside broccoli.

Steamed fish.

On the house dessert - deep-fried yam sticks with caramelized sesame seeds.

Friday, 9 August 2024

The next morning, we headed to Bread & Brew Café for breakfast. This newly opened café in Taman Desa has a sprawling layout and a menu that caters to various tastes. We indulged in a range of breakfast items:

• Sourdough Toasts with Caramel Kaya and Butter – The caramel kaya was rich and aromatic, a delightful way to start the morning.

• Scrambled Egg with Sourdough Toasts – Classic and comforting, this dish was a crowd-pleaser.

• House-made Mushroom Soup – Creamy and flavorful with plenty of chopped mushrooms in every spoon, perfect for the slightly cooler morning.

• Caesar Salad with fried chicken breast – Fresh, crisp, and flavorful, a light option among the heavier dishes.

• Cinnamon French Toast with Raspberry Puree and Bacon Served with Pistachio Cream – A unique mouthwatering combination of sweet and savory.

• Avocado Toast – Toast served with pureed avocado, baby spinach, sunny side up, and feta cheese.

• Coffee – Rich and aromatic, a perfect accompaniment to our breakfast spread.

We thoroughly enjoyed the food and the relaxed atmosphere at Bread & Brew Café. It was the perfect setting for a leisurely breakfast with my loved ones. 

Our dinner was at Haidilao hotpot in Bangsar. Hubby chose Haidilao as he wanted my parents to experience the top-notch service of the waiting staff with an element of surprise each time, something that Haidilao is famous for. Their crew singing and dancing for the birthday boy or girl with a slice of complimentary chocolate cake is also why many people choose Haidilao to celebrate their birthdays. 

Sourdough toast with avocado puree, baby spinach, sunny side up, and feta cheese

Crispy sourdough toast with caramel kaya and butter. Simple and satisfying.

Sawadeekap omelette with sourdough toast. This is a Thai-style omelette. 

Caesar salad with crispy fried chicken breast.

Cinnamon French toast with raspberry puree and bacon with pistachio cream.

House-made mushroom soup with croutons

My younger brother treated us!

Simple Tips To Keep Your Face Free From Acne and Breakouts

Adhering to a good skin care ritual can keep your skin healthy, blemish-free, and glowing.  If you do not have the time for intensive skin care, you can still pamper your skin by acing the basics. Get started with these six simple and no-nonsense tips.

1.  Wash your face twice daily, and again after sweating

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends people wash their face twice daily and wash again after sweating.

Sweat left on the skin and left to dry can worsen acne as the combination of sweat, oil, and bacteria may increase your risk of developing acne and lead to more severe breakouts. Thus, it’s best to wash your face as soon as possible after sweating.

2. Do not touch your face with dirty hands

Dirt, oil, and pathogens can be deposited on the face with your hands, leading to breakouts, so it’s best to avoid touching your face, especially when your hands are dirty. Do not prick and pop zits even though it's tempting, and do not rest your hands on your face.

3  Never go to bed with makeup on

Going to bed with a face full of makeup can clog the pores on your face leading to bacterial growth, acne breakouts, and inflammation. Use a makeup removal towel to wipe off the makeup on your face before washing it with a gentle cleanser and rinsing it clean with water.  The Ditoi disposable makeup removal towel is a great choice for cleaning your face as these paper towels are soft, gentle, and made from 100% biodegradable natural fibers to help leave skin feeling soft and smooth. These cleaning cloths towelettes with no fragrance and no added chemical or fluorescent dye are suitable for all skin types.

4.  Watch what you eat

What you eat can affect hormones which in turn, could worsen acne.  For instance, dairy products and foods high in sugar can spike insulin levels, altering other hormones that can impact your skin. Some studies have linked milk and whey protein with acne.  Fast food, deep-fried food, ultra processed foods, greasy food, and junk food may trigger and exacerbate acne in some people.

5.  Shampoo regularly

The oil and dirt from your hair can cause acne on your forehead and the sides of your face.  If you are prone to acne breakouts, shampoo your hair daily and keep your hair away from your face.

6.  Use a clean, soft towel to wipe and dry your face

Towels can harbor bacteria, which may transfer to the skin and cause breakouts or exacerbate acne if you already have acne. Using the same unwashed towel repeatedly can cause breakouts on your face.  The rubbing motion can also irritate already problematic skin and may contribute to further breakouts. Using a clean, soft cloth or disposable face towels from Ditoi Beauty and patting your face gently, rather than rubbing, can mitigate these risks.

Conclusion

Having a clear complexion and maintaining it is not impossible. It takes practice, time, effort, discipline, and persistence to achieve smooth and clear skin. If you do not see any improvement, consider switching to a new skincare product or visiting a dermatologist for professional advice.

Sunday Lunch at Mitsu By Two Chefs

Two Sundays ago, we indulged in a truly sumptuous and luxurious lunch at Mitsu By Two Chefs Japanese restaurant. This outing was a much-anticipated treat, especially because it's one of the few times hubby gets to unwind and enjoy a meal with us during the weekends. His busy schedule means he doesn't always have time to dine with us, so he makes sure our weekend meals are enjoyable.

Hubby is always generous when it comes to treating us to good food. After a week of hard work, he loves to reward himself with his favorite dishes, and trying out new places and cuisines is one of his passions. This Sunday was no exception.

Here's a glimpse of the delectable feast we enjoyed:

Unagi Don Set - The Unagi Don Set is our family’s favorite as all of us love grilled eel. It came with perfectly grilled eel glazed in a rich, sweet sauce served over a bed of fluffy rice and accompanied with an onsen egg and pickled radish. 

Saba Set - The Saba Set featured succulent grilled mackerel that was both savory and satisfying. The fish was cooked to perfection, with a crispy skin and moist, flavorful flesh.

Bara Chirashi Set - The Bara Chirashi Set offered a vibrant and colorful presentation of assorted marinated sashimi pieces over sushi rice. Each bite was a burst of fresh, delicate flavors. Alycia chose this set. She mixed too much wasabi into her rice and each spoonful made her eyes and nose watery 😂

Mitsu Chirashi Don - The Mitsu Chirashi Don was another delightful bowl of assorted sashimi, but with a unique twist that only Mitsu By Two Chefs could offer. The quality and freshness of the fish were outstanding.

Tsukune and Charcoal Grilled Chicken Thigh - The Tsukune, or chicken meatballs, and the charcoal grilled chicken thigh were both deliciously smoky and savory. The Tsukune was juicy and perfectly seasoned, while the chicken thigh had a wonderfully charred exterior and tender inside.

Grilled Tebasaki Wings - The grilled Tebasaki wings were another hit. These chicken wings were crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, with a subtle seasoning that left us wanting more.

Grilled Sweet Corns - The grilled sweet corn provided a nice balance to the savory meats, offering a slightly sweet and smoky flavor that complemented the other dishes beautifully. We liked it so much that hubby ordered another portion.

Hamburg Don - The Hamburg Don featured a hearty hamburger patty served over rice, topped with a rich sauce. It was a comforting and satisfying dish, perfect for a hearty appetite.

Ikura Salmon Don Set - The Ikura Salmon Don Set was a feast for the eyes and the palate, with vibrant salmon roe and fresh salmon slices arranged beautifully over sushi rice. The burst of flavors from the ikura was particularly delightful.

Sushi Platter - Finally, the sushi platter was a true masterpiece, showcasing a variety of expertly crafted fresh sushi pieces.

We thoroughly enjoyed this luxurious meal, savoring each dish's unique flavors and textures. The only downside was that Sherilyn couldn't join us again, as she was busy rushing to complete yet another assignment. 

Dining at Mitsu By Two Chefs was a wonderful way to spend our Sunday afternoon, and we left the restaurant feeling satisfied. If you're looking for a place to enjoy authentic and luxurious Japanese cuisine, Mitsu By Two Chefs is definitely worth a visit.

Mitsu By Two Chefs

Address: Tower D, 01-10, Millerz Square, Megan Legasi, 357, Jln Klang Lama, 58200 Kuala Lumpur, 

Phone: 011-1633 2534

Mitsu Chirashi Don

Charcoal-grilled skewered meat and sweet corn.

Unagi don set - all the set meals came with appetizers of a bowl of super crispy deep fried fish, refreshing salad, and purple dragon fruit.

Hamburg don.

Bara Chirashi Set

Saba set

Ikura Salmon Don Set 

Aesthetically pleasing sushi platter.

Add on RM8 for a cup of coffee.

Tofu cheese cake - light and not too cloy or too sweet.

A Rewarding Monday: From Bonus Link Points Redemption to Delicious Japanese Curry

My Monday kicked off on a high note as I managed to redeem RM50 worth of petrol using my Bonus Link points. Along with that, I also redeemed 6 stick ice-creams for my girls. Despite a minor hiccup caused by the Shell staff asking for the wrong password type, which led to my Bonus Link account being temporarily blocked, I managed to unblock it after being on the phone with Bonus Link for almost 20 minutes. Walking out with free ice creams that my girls love (Magnum almond and Cornetto) worth RM26 made me one very happy mom. The joy of these small rewards set the tone for the rest of the day.

Feeling uplifted by the successful redemption, I decided to cook something special for dinner – Japanese curry. With julienned cabbage and carrots, a quarter pumpkin, a pack of marinated Beacon chicken breast, and two packets of Shemeji mushrooms, I whipped up a large pot of delicious Japanese curry using the Philips pressure cooker

Sherilyn came home very early yesterday, but unfortunately, she didn't get any sleep again as she was rushing to complete yet another assignment. Her relentless schedule worries me deeply. She barely drinks enough water, eats enough fruits, and gets very little sleep. Don't get me started on other areas of her life.  Her health is a constant concern, and I can only pray for God's protection over her and my other two daughters. As a mother, it’s hard to see her push herself so hard, but I admire her dedication and resilience.

Here’s to appreciating the small wins and making the most of every day.

Cass' lunner - a big bowl of Japanese curry with a teeny bit of Japanese rice and salad.

I deep-freezed a big tub of Japanese curry for Cass's dinner for this week.  

Our favorite brand of curry powder and Japanese curry roux - S&B brand from Japan. I used an entire box of curry roux (two blocks) and added a teaspoon of S&B curry powder for a spicier kick. 
Cooking instruction: sear the marinated Beacon chicken breast in the pressure cooker in Bake mode, add pumpkin, cabbage, Shimeji mushrooms and carrots, and finally add the curry roux. Then add 1500ml of water and let simmer.  I didn't set the pressure on.

Working non-stop on back-to-back assignments without getting any sleep.  She left the house for college at 8am this morning and she's going straight to the dance studio after college today. 

Meals For Cass

 Meals for my health freak youngest daughter:

Air-fried wholemeal bread with hard-boiled eggs, avocado, salad with sides of homemade hummus, air-fried ribeye steak, cucumbers, and Nacho chips (made with only 4 ingredients). 

Cass made the hummus herself, using canned chickpeas (Garbanzo beans).  Kimball and La Diva (product of Italy) canned chickpeas taste great with a soft texture, and not too salty.

La Diva canned Garbanzo and kidney beans are available at 99 Speedmart and online. I bought the Kimball chickpeas from Shopee Supermarket and the La Diva kidney beans and Garbanzo beans from 99 Speedmart. 

Air-fried ribeye steak, roast chicken breast, steamed pumpkin, blanched broccoli & cauliflower, La Diva canned kidney beans (product of Italy) and salad. 

Air-fried ribeye steak, stir-fried lean pork with ginger, air-fried shimeji mushrooms, canned kidney beans, and stir-fried assorted veggies (from Daddy's kitchen), topped with half an avocado.

Our simple dinner today as today has been a busy day. We had boiled dumplings (minced pork with chives and cabbage made by a Taiwanese housewife), blanched broccoli, and steamed pumpkin. Cass also had leftover air-fried marinated Beacon chicken tenders.

I was with Alycia at SJMC today.  The hand and microsurgery doctor removed the splint from her injured finger today -- finally, after 6 weeks of having her badly injured finger in a splint and wrapped with a huge bandage!

Sunday, 14 July 2024

Today is Day 4 post-laser surgery of my left foot to remove a viral wart.  Even though the doctor told me that I only need to keep the wound dry for two days, I am still keeping the wound dry for a few more days as I can't risk getting the wound infected. The hole from where the wart was removed is big, like a crater with oozing blood!

Walking on the tip of my toes is tiring as the wound is on my heel. Putting pressure on the heel/wound will cause bleeding and pain. My calf is also achy from tip-toeing for weeks, as is my entire body as I have to do some acrobatic stunts when I shower to prevent the bandage from getting wet 😅.  

On a more positive note, the bleeding is not as bad today, even though Alycia accidentally kicked the wound with her hard sneakers yesterday on our way out for dinner.  And why did she kick my wound? She was playing with her phone while entering the lift! 😣

That was so painful! And she got an earful from me for playing with the phone while walking.

Lunch today is at Seoul Korea, our favorite authentic Korean restaurant. Sherilyn did not join us because she stayed home to work on her endless assignments and then went to the dance studio. She's now learning how to draw floor plans and site layouts. Her assignments are also getting tougher now.

Our lunch at Seoul Korea. They serve the best Banchan (appetizers).

I brought a tiffin carrier and soup container (for the Korean ox tail soup) for the takeaway food for Sherilyn. 

Sherilyn's dinner of takeaway Korean. She also air-fried a piece of ribeye steak that I marinated yesterday.  Did I tell you that air-fried steaks are delish? And it's almost mess-free and free from scary oil splatters. I marinated the steaks with Lea & Perrins sauce, black pepper, soy sauce, garlic powder and spices.

Random Thoughts

I just found out that one of my very, very old posts dated back to 8 July 2013 (exactly 11 years ago) has garnered 5,700 views as of today.  The title of the article posted on my other blog is "How To Dilute Crystalized / Thickened Homemade Marmalade Jam" and I still remember vividly the sequence of events on that day when the mil made the jam. 

When our girls were younger, we used to eat bread almost every day. Homemade jams were always finished off in days. I used to prep sandwiches with jam or kaya for their school lunch boxes. The girls loved Gardenia white bread or grandma's homemade milk loaf when they were younger. Having bread for lunch or dinner was also a norm back in the day. Fast forward to a decade later and the girls don't eat bread as much now.  Alycia doesn't like to eat bread with jam now while Sherilyn and Cass prefer sourdough breads. 

As for me, I've always preferred sprouted wheat bread which is flour-free bread and lower in carbs. I like my sprouted wheat bread air-fried and spread with light Lurpak butter and homemade lemon curd.

My stock of walnuts and hazelnuts from Signature Market arrived! When buying nuts online, Signature Market on Lazada is still the best place to get them. I've tried buying from other sellers but their nuts never satisfied me as much as those from Signature Market.

I like to add my favorite nuts from Signature Market to my Lazada shopping cart and then monitor the prices daily. When the prices are reduced to the lowest, I quickly check out and pay for them via Boost. That's how a housewife with no salary gets more bang for her buck -- by grabbing the cheapest nuts to earning points (free money) from eWallets 😁

Our Sunday Dim Sum Brunch at Elegant Inn Hong Kong Cuisine

This Sunday, we had dim sum brunch at Elegant Inn Hong Kong Cuisine, located at Menara Hap Seng. For once, we managed to have brunch before 12 noon as Cass didn't go to the skating rink for practice. Instead, she went on Monday morning, as the next day was a public holiday. What made this brunch even more special was that our three daughters were able to join us, making it a rare family gathering on a Sunday.

It was only when we reached the restaurant that I found out that Elegant Inn Hong Kong Cuisine was included in the Michelin Guide's Point of View list for the years 2023 and 2024. This recognition added an extra layer of excitement and anticipation to our meal. Knowing that we were about to dine at a Michelin-recommended restaurant heightened our expectations.

Hubby took the lead in ordering and went for the usual suspects that we all love: char siu pau, char siu so, egg tarts, siew mai, har gau, fish paste, stir-fried radish cake, Zha Leong (Hong Kong-style fried Chee Cheong Fun), Hong Kong-style shrimp toast, Malaigou, custard buns, steamed pork ribs, pork and century egg porridge, and lotus leaves rice. One dish that stood out was the deep-fried unagi spring rolls. Each dish was a delight, showcasing the delicate flavors and expert craftsmanship that Elegant Inn is known for.

While the dim sum spread at Elegant Inn was impressive and the quality of the food was undeniably high, I have to admit that I still prefer the dim sum at Xin Cuisine at Concorde Hotel. We found that several of the dim sum dishes tasted rather bland. 

Nonetheless, our Sunday brunch at Elegant Inn Hong Kong Cuisine was a wonderful experience, enhanced by the company of our three daughters and the relaxed atmosphere. It was a treat to dine at a Michelin-recommended restaurant and enjoy such a delicious spread of dim sum. 

Elegant Inn

02-01, 2F, Podium Block, Menara Hap Seng, Jalan P. Ramlee, Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, 50250, Malaysia

Kind and Generous Parents

Cass has been incredibly fortunate to meet some wonderfully kind and generous parents during her figure skating classes. These parents have not only supported their own children but have also extended their generosity and kindness to Cass and the other team members, creating a warm and encouraging environment for everyone.

On the last day of Skate Malaysia 2024, an incredibly thoughtful gesture touched everyone's hearts. One of the parents of Cass' teammates gifted a beautiful fruit basket to all the team members under the same coach who participated in the competition. This generous act was from the mother of one of Cass' teammates—the same lady who helped Cass with her makeup on the day of the competition using her Dior makeup. This kind lady also treated all the girls to a movie on the last day of Skate Malaysia.  Being wealthy is one thing, but being generous and kind is another. Cass is fortunate to have met such a kind lady who goes out of her way to help others and share her blessings.

Two weeks ago, Cass was invited by another teammate to a birthday party celebration at Jungle Gym in Times Square. Despite being one of the oldest team members, Cass enjoys hanging out with her younger friends. The invitation to the birthday party was another testament to the camaraderie and friendship within the team. The kids had a fantastic time, and Cass loved being a part of the fun celebration.

After every level of test, other parents would organize small parties to treat all the teammates. These gatherings are a great way for the skaters to relax, celebrate their achievements, and bond with each other. The effort these parents put into making each occasion special is heartwarming and greatly appreciated by all the kids.

Cass not only loves skating but also enjoys being part of a team with friendly teammates and kind parents. The support system within the team has made her skating journey even more enjoyable. Cass is truly fortunate to be surrounded by such wonderful people in her figure skating journey.

A beautiful fruit basket with all Cass' favorite fruits, gifted by Cass' teammate's mother.

A Week Filled with Hospital Visits

This week has been a whirlwind of hospital appointments, and tomorrow marks the start of it with my visit to the podiatrist at Sunway Medical Centre. For over three months, I've been battling a stubborn corn on my foot. Despite diligently applying Duofilm corn solution and corn removal patches, this tenacious corn has refused to wither and peel off. The persistent pain has become unbearable, making it difficult to walk properly, let alone exercise for over two weeks. The corn removal patches were also totally ineffective in removing the corn.

Recently, the corn has started to peel off (finally!!), but the pain at its center remains a significant issue 😭. I was hoping to cancel the doctor's appointment, thinking the worst was behind me, but the pain has convinced me otherwise. I'm preparing myself for the appointment tomorrow, praying that the podiatrist won't suggest surgery. The thought of undergoing a procedure is daunting, but I trust that the doctor will provide the best course of action to finally relieve me of this persistent pain.

As if one hospital visit wasn't enough, I have another appointment lined up on Friday. This time, I’ll be accompanying Alycia to see the hand and microsurgery doctor at Subang Jaya Medical Centre for her cast removal. Two weeks ago, she endured the painful procedure of having her stitches removed from the injured finger. Watching her withstand the pain with such courage was both heart-wrenching and awe-inspiring. I’m hopeful that this visit will be less painful and that it signifies the end of her recovery journey.

Reflecting on these hospital visits, I can't help but hope for a respite from emergency hospital visits and medical procedures. Scheduled routine check-ups are manageable, but the unexpected trips and the anxiety they bring are exhausting and stressful.  I long for peaceful days without the looming presence of hospital appointments, where we can focus on healing and moving forward without interruptions. I am looking forward to resolving my own health issues and seeing Alycia fully recover from her ordeal.

Here’s to a week of healing, strength, and hopefully, the last of our hospital visits for a long time.

Stainless steel fan-shaped food storage containers with lid and steaming rack, all ordered from Lazada (shipped from China).

Since the freakish kitchen mishap almost a month ago, we try not to use glass dinnerware now. Alycia is still having a phobia of using glass tableware. Instead, we have switched to using stainless steel plates and bowls.  I still use glass Pyrex though, but only for myself.

I recently ordered these stainless steel food storage containers with lids. The set of three containers fits nicely into a round steaming rack.  It's great for storing leftover food or dinner for the girls. When they come back from school and uni, I just pop them into the wok briefly to reheat the food. 

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.

Saturday, 15 June 2024

It will be a long, late night for Cass and hubby today.  Cass has a figure skating rehearsal at the skating rink from 10pm to 12 midnight. Fortunately hubby is free tonight to do the chauffeuring, otherwise, I'll be waiting at the freezing skating rink until midnight. 

Cass has been eating clean and healthy lately. These is what her meals look like these days:

Salad with kimchi, Korean marinated pork, half an avocado, broccoli, cauliflower, and scrambled eggs with cheese. After her main meal, she ate a slice of air-fried sprouted wheat bread, low-fat yogurt with granola, an apple, an orange, and a few slices of papaya. 
 I also air-fried a slice of quiche, which was given to us by Alycia's bosses at the cafe that she works part-time at. When Alycia's bosses heard that she injured her hand, they passed some goodies from the cafe to her.

Steamed marinated spicy chicken chop, an ear of whole corn (I sliced out the kernels from the cob), sauteed assorted vegetables (from her dad's kitchen), steamed sweet potato, and sweet cherry tomatoes. I love the colors on her bowl, and so does Cass. I'm glad my years of training her to eat vegetables have paid off well.

After Alycia's terrible mishap in the kitchen last week, resulting in shards of broken glass cutting her finger badly, we now have a phobia of using glassware. I've since switched to using stainless steel bowls and containers.  Moreover, our microwave oven died on us yesterday, so we have no choice but to reheat our food using stainless steel dinnerware in the wok 😁

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.