Day trips

February 20, 2023.Reading time 6 minutes.

My husband and I have become resourceful. We are rediscovering, and finding new places to do day trips. Not too far away, between 2 to 5 hours. In place of nights away at hotels or resorts. Not doable due to my mum’s situation/arrangement. After more than a year, I finally have a caregiver, Kalyani. She […]

Thaipusam

February 13, 2023.Reading time 6 minutes.

Thaipusam was last Sunday. I got into the mood by playing Thaipusam songs on the eve. Just like Christmas carols for Christmas. I didn’t require prompting. Astro, the satellite-TV broadcaster that my mum subscribes to, promoted its programs and live coverage of the event on its Tamil channels. There were articles in the media on […]

Trying harder to be mindful

February 6, 2023.Reading time 6 minutes.

It was only last week that I had written about trying to be mindful. Sadly, I failed. I forgot to focus and be in the present. Instead, I got myself into a tizzy. And, mistakenly posted ‘Compos Mentis,’ a draft post that still needed editing. It was a work-in-progress meant for this Monday. Why? A few […]

Young old

November 21, 2022.Reading time 6 minutes.

I’m not despondent. I’m not negative. But… growing old generally sucks. Yes, I know there are upsides. I am aware of the many wonderful things old or elderly people say about growing old. I am one. I also espouse some similar views. They are not untrue. They are also not wholly correct. Not for all […]

Half-siblings

November 14, 2022.Reading time 6 minutes.

My mum has been chattier of late. Sharing stories with sister number 3 and me. Some people, some events I was already familiar with. Some not. I knew my mum is the first born in the family of three girls. Her parents, my grandparents, were Tulasi and Sandrakasan. I also knew that my grandmother was […]

In the air

November 7, 2022.Reading time 6 minutes.

The 15th General Election or GE15 is in the air. Literally on air on BFM every day. And, in all the other mainstream and social media. On streets, bridges, buildings, vehicles, and trees – banners, buntings and billboards of various political parties abound. The more the resources, the higher the visibility. In cities, towns and […]

Worry pattern

October 31, 2022.Reading time 6 minutes.

My worry pattern has changed in recent years. Now, I seem to worry more about people I care for, and situations and events I cannot control or have no influence over. The latter makes little sense but what to do. I am on a constant worry mode with regards to my mum. An unusually high […]

Different things

October 24, 2022.Reading time 6 minutes.

My husband and I had a nice send off after our holiday at the Tanjong Jara resort last week. Some staff gathered to wave us goodbye and wish us a safe journey home. I chatted with Chef Ann while my husband walked over to collect our car. Tanjong Jara’s designated parking area is situated close […]

Ordering food

October 3, 2022.Reading time 6 minutes.

I use food delivery platforms. Mainly to order vegetarian meals for my mum. Convenient, yes. But, not always straightforward. Like most things, I guess. My mum is the end user. I place the orders. She knows nothing about ordering online via a mobile phone or computer. She doesn’t want to know. She’s never been one […]

Turning 89

September 26, 2022.Reading time 6 minutes.

My mum turns 89 tomorrow. A milestone, and an achievement. Especially considering the tough year the old girl has had. Gratefully, through most of it, she has managed to remain curious, chatty, and alert. Yay. I like birthdays. Cake or cakes, presents, balloons, decorations. Fuss and focus on number 1. What’s there not to like? […]