Humpty Dumpty

May 11, 2020.Reading time 6 minutes.

I had a Humpty Dumpty moment a while ago. I tripped over my own foot, fell hard on my right bum and hit my head against the wall. This happened in my living room. The floor in my condo is flat. I had on my reliable Nike trainers. I was doing my morning aerobics exercise. […]

Wash. Clean. Repeat. Wash. Cook. Repeat.

May 4, 2020.Reading time 6 minutes.

Wiped all surfaces. Dusted rugs. Vacuumed floors. Scrubbed sinks and bathroom floors. Cleaned toilets. Repeated the sequence at my mum’s unit. The following week – washed, cleaned and repeated the routine at my unit, and then my mum’s. Hard work these. I like a clean house and bathroom just like the next person. But, I […]

Different generation

April 27, 2020.Reading time 6 minutes.

My mum wears sarees. Cotton sarees at home. Nylex or silk for social and important outings. All six yards of fabric, wrapped around the lower body, with the patterned end pleated in the front and lying loosely over the left shoulder. Worn with a matching blouse and under a petticoat or ‘pavada.’ Now, her homewear […]

Back to normal…

April 20, 2020.Reading time 6 minutes.

I have written three posts related to Covid-19. Two more than I had intended. And, here I am again writing about it. I didn’t want to for obvious reasons. The deluge of coverage in the print, electronic and social media is more than enough. Everyone has an opinion – right, wrong, ambiguous or self-serving. Politicians, […]

My mum’s recipe 2: Muruku

April 13, 2020.Reading time 6 minutes.

I like my mum’s ‘muruku’ best. Of all the savoury delicacies at Deepavali, ‘muruku’ or crunchy crackers is my favourite. Golden brown with little ‘mullus’ or spikes. Twisted, like a pretzel but not quite. A textured consistency with just the right snap. Yummy and flavourful. Not biased. Just honest. My mum’s ‘muruku’ should come with […]

Safe from Covid-19…

March 23, 2020.Reading time 5 minutes.

My hands are so dry. My already brittle nails are more brittle and splitting now. I wash my hands so many times in a day. I have lost count. I have always washed my hands, particularly before eating and/or doing stuff food related. But never these many times. I wash my hands the minute I […]

Sad but hopeful

March 9, 2020.Reading time 6 minutes.

I was sad. I was disappointed. How did this happen? From February 23, 2020 to March 1, 2020 – the government that I had voted in was no more. In just one week, the political landscape in Malaysia underwent a radical make-over. Although not quite the same, it reminded me of Project Runaway’s oft-quoted line, […]

Mum’s recipe 1: Nai urundai

March 2, 2020.Reading time 6 minutes.

I decided to start off my mum’s recipe series or category with one of my top favourites. ‘Nai urundai’ or ghee balls. I am not a great fan of Indian sweets but this one is quite exceptional. I didn’t always like it. I acquired a taste for this melt-in-your mouth roundish yumminess in my latter […]

Eating out, and together

February 24, 2020.Reading time 6 minutes.

Eating out is mostly enjoyable in Malaysia. The choices are plenty. Food is usually delicious. Prices are generally reasonable. But, expecting meals to be served together, at the same time, is not always a given. I am not referring to food courts or mamak stalls, where synchronising is a little difficult. Because we are likely […]

My kampung

February 17, 2020.Reading time 6 minutes.

I have lived in Kuala Lumpur city for more than a dozen years now. I know Kampung Baru. I know where it’s located. I never visited it. Not until sister number 4, who is here from Brisbane, expressed an interest to go to a nearby kampung or village. I quickly read up on Kampung Baru. […]