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 […]

Trying to be mindful

January 30, 2023.Reading time 6 minutes.

I stubbed my toes against chairs, beds and doors. Repeatedly. It wasn’t like I didn’t know the furniture was there. I just didn’t have the ability to avoid bumping into them. I also managed to slice the skin off the top of one of my fingers trying to open a can of peaches. Why I […]

Happy, happier and less stressed

January 23, 2023.Reading time 6 minutes.

I finally finished watching Jane the Virgin. All 100 episodes from 5 seasons. I started last November and completed the finale in January. It was my go-to cheerer-upper. It made me smile, laugh and be happy. It helped me forget life’s bothers. It melted away anger and frustration. It made me think less about the […]

Year 2023

January 16, 2023.Reading time 6 minutes.

My husband and I went to sleep just after 10.30pm on New Year’s Eve. Yes, on New Year’s Eve. I was unusually tired, and going to bed seemed the only sensible option. And, despite the Malaysian government’s decision to cancel this year’s New Year celebration, there were still some loud light and sound displays in […]

Finding a caregiver

January 9, 2023.Reading time 6 minutes.

It was on 7 November, 2021 that I started emailing nursing and care homes. I remember the date. My husband and I were in Zenith Putrajaya for a 2-day holiday. Sister number 3 was home for Deepavali from England. She was caring for my mum. Fast forward to now. Or should I say after a […]

Go-to convenience

December 26, 2022.Reading time 6 minutes.

They are everywhere. I recognised the changing landscape. I just didn’t spend too much time thinking about it. At least, until now. Convenience stores and mini-markets. There are four located a stone’s throw from my condominium. Within a one km radius, there are too many to count. They are either standalone or housed inside shopping […]

Back home already

December 19, 2022.Reading time 6 minutes.

Here today and home already in less than two months

Sister number 3 left for home the previous Friday. No extension. Last year amidst the pandemic restrictions, particularly on cross border travel, she extended her visit three times from the original date of departure. Staying for almost 120 days. She arrived on 3 November, 2021 and flew out eventually on 1 March, 2022. This time […]

Longevity

December 12, 2022.Reading time 6 minutes.

Longevity. Life expectancy. I have been thinking of mine and my loved ones. Since my mum became unwell last year. And, since my siblings’ increasingly worrying illnesses. My mum’s double whammy COPD and heart failure combo have resulted in chronic problems with her kidney. She has arthritic fingers and needs support to walk steadily. Topped […]