Joys of 2025

1. KC and I went to the morning market in Klang to get the CNY decorations. It has become a CNY tradition for our small family. The feel at the market was already full of festive cheer. So many things and food in preparation for CNY. Makes me feel light and happy. After that we went to buy bak-kwa and had chee cheong fun. I used RM4 to buy toto too 🤪 (18th Jan)

2. I turned 46 today. I had breakfast at RBB followed by lunch with Spectrum at Grand Imperial. Dinner was at Sip Sip with Wei and Shan. There were lion dance at the office from Astro this afternoon. There were few wishes from closed friends and family. I was especially touched by the message from my mother. I thought she won't remember. It was a nice birthday 🎂 (23rd Jan)

3. We had reunion dinner with my parents in BP today. My brother didn't make it back this year. The dinner table would be quite quiet if it's not for Reiley. She enlivened the atmosphere with her usual chatty and bossy self. After that she helped to clean up. She also opened the 2 cans of abalone when I was hopeless with the can opener. She even helped to hang the banner by climbing on the ladder. Later she showed me a little cat she folded out of a RM100 dollar note, just by referring to YouTube. She has great talents and strong organisational skills. I am glad to have her around this CNY 💕 (28th Jan)

4. We spent 2 nights in Desaru after BP. The hotel room was big enough for the girls to play badminton in it. We have the usual squabbles, but now I appreciate them as something you go through when you spend time with family 💖 (31st Jan - 1st Feb)

5. I had a quiet lunch alone at Matcha & Co. I dined on the terrace. Weather and food was good. I had time to reply to messages on my phone. Nice lunch 😁 (6th Feb)

6. Today is Thaipusam. I am thankful for this mid week break. I walked for an hour followed by brunch at Thong Kee. After that I went to Bookexcess at Sunsuria to buy books using my birthday discount 😁 (11th Feb)

7. Today I harvested my first ever cucumber from my garden. I didn't even know it was growing until today. I also received my birthday present from my hubby. The Panasonic nanocare hair dryer that I have been eyeing since last month 🎊 (27th Feb)

8. March was travelling to new places : Beijing and Sekinchan

9. I went to Moiitea after eating lunch at office. I wanted to try the Rasa Bersama set again. It was quite nice. I discovered hot drink can stop brain freeze immediately. Which is what happened after I drank the orange 🍊 Americano right after red  bean 🫘 slushie. The osmanthus jelly was nice too 🥰 (14th April)

10. I finished 食南之徒 today. It was an enjoyable experience. In fact I am happy whenever I read a book that I can't put down 🥰 (26th April)

11. I was in a bad mood today after an argument with my hubby. When I parked in the back lane, a small trash truck was behind my car. It was difficult to reverse out. The Indian uncle - the truck driver - helped to direct me out patiently with a big smile. It lifted my spirits immediately. Kind souls can make one's life better. Even if it's a brief encounter 😜 (26th May)

12. A lovely morning at Cafe Veloce in Tokyo while waiting for the laundry. It's great luxury 😁 (1st June)

13. I drove to PERKESO Klang on my own today (yay!) I was very nervous and kept chanting prayers. I reached the destination within 32mins as predicted by Waze but spent another 20 minutes looking for parking. I even drove up to the warehouse of Lotus and got stuck. It was a narrow spot, I couldn't reverse my car out. Thank God there was one kind Abang who helped me. He drove my car out. I am so thankful to meet someone like him. And also deeply thankful that I made it safely home 🏡 (16th June)

14. I drove to Ara Damansara to meet Ayu and Wan Lih today. I thought Waze will take me through the route I used before. However I used the 'backdoor way' from Glenmarie to Ara Damansara. I even passed Subang Airport on the way back. I realise finding parking is more difficult than driving there itself. Still I am glad I made it home safe and sound 😁 (17th June)

15. Wei needed to get the x-ray done at a clinic in Built Jelutong. I made the decision to drive there. Waze had the duration of the journey doubled that of Google's- because Waze had a default option of avoiding tolls. I took the toll road back. I am glad I took the chance to drive there 😀 (5th July)

16. I had breakfast alone at Kenko Cafe. Hojicha latte with egg mayo sourdough. And with a book. Just me and another 2 customer at the cafe. Quiet and nice 🙂 (14th September)

17. I attended the opening of the exhibition of my calligraphy teacher at Klang. I went with my classmates. We had dinner together before going to the event. I am glad I reached out to them to ask if I could join them. The exhibition was good too 😀(18th September)

18. My calligraphy teacher gave me one of his works after the opening. It was a double. I was just kidding when I asked if I can one of the doubles, he agreed at the spot. I didn't expect him to really brought it for me during class today. 山川龙🐲蛇🐍 🥳 (20th September)

19. RT Pastry finally brought my favourite edamame quinoa bread back after a few months🥳 (21st September)

20. Today Rowanne gave me a papercup of water. We were at Klinik Chew, she took water from the water dispenser - 1 for herself, 1 for me. Something she seldom did for me, tats why it felt special 🥰 (30th September)

21. Today I helped a Taiwanese couple get to matcha&co. They were having problems with their tokens at the MRT station. After I helped them to clear the tokens at the counter, they asked me how to get to a 茶馆. It turned out to be matcha&co. The lady had a cup of tea which was unforgettable that she had to have it again this trip and she brought her husband along. I think it's just Chai or some fragrant teh tarik. They seemed to be nice people. I am glad I managed to help them 😁 (2nd Oct)

22. After days of heavy rain in the evening, my chili plant finally bear fruits! And I saw them this morning! I was concerned that there were no fruits after all the flowering. What a nice surprise 🌶️❣️ (18th Oct)

23. I watched the Chinese musical - 南孔 - at DFP today. It was quite nice. I think I can appreciate it more than Western musical. Before that I went Kinokuniya and bought an interesting book entitled If you live to 100, you might as well be happy. I went to Eslite during lunch time too but walked out empty handed. Ah.. how lucky it is to be able to visit 2 major bookstores in 1 day. As I was leaving KLCC, I looked up and saw the Twin Towers beaming proudly in the night. They were really stunning 🌃 😘 (28th Oct)

24. I went to Bangkok with Kiat and Lee. It was a 4d3n trip. We stayed at the Royal Orchid Sheraton which was beside the Chao Phraya river. We went on a food tour and a dinner cruise. Short and sweet. I am glad I took time to go on a trip with my childhood friends 🎉 (31st Oct - 3rd Nov)

25. I was in Singapore for 4D3N for business trip. It was the first time since I stayed more than 48 hours and really walked around. I stayed at Mercure Icon Hotel. Nice and comfy, comes with breakfast. I spent the day time meeting colleagues and business partners. Had dinner with Rahul and Sze How. Good to meet up with them after so long. I also had the chance to visit a few independent bookstores. Some had quite good selection of books📚 (18th - 21st Nov)

26. I went to tapao at 九五至尊，took the wrong turn and ended up in Kapar. A short drive of below 10 minutes became a joy ride of 45 minutes 😂 thank God I reached home safe and sound 🙏🏻 (5th Dec)

27. Today I bought a Spiderman Miles Morales from the Lego outlet in Setia City Mall. It costed RM 339.50. With the amount, I was qualified for the lucky draw. I chose from a set Christmas squares. The retail assistant gasped when he opened the slip I drew. I won a F1 Garage and Mercedes Alphine Cars. It was worth RM381. It's the 2nd best prize for the day 🍀 (22nd Dec)

28. We spent 6D5N in Penang. The highlight was Bukit Bendera and Peranakan Museum. Those were 2 places I enjoyed. It was a relaxing time to spend with my family 😘 (23rd - 28th Dec)