A better choice

March 31, 2025.Reading time 6 minutes.

My confirmed and paid for birthday beach holiday didn’t happen. Although initially disappointed and a little peeved, the alternative was so much better. Mangala Estate (ME) Boutique Resort in Gambang, Pahang was not a consideration, this time, only because my husband and I were there in January. Yes, just over two months ago. That said, […]

A good, better or ok 2024

January 1, 2024.Reading time 6 minutes.

I hope 2024 will be a good or better year. Peace on earth, friendlier weather, people-centric governments, equitable social and economic growth, and all that. Ok is also alright. If the new year’s generic wishes for good health, happiness, successes, steady/true friendships/relationships and fun holidays are somewhat realised or enjoyed by one and all. Good […]

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 […]

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 […]

Learning

August 22, 2022.Reading time 6 minutes.

I Googled the respiratory, pulmonary and circulatory systems. I think I learnt a fair bit from various websites about how the three systems keep me ticking along. Nothing warranted the online search. I did it out of interest. Strangely, that made me think about my school days, and biology. And, other subjects that I studied […]

Flying again

June 20, 2022.Reading time 6 minutes.

Last week I wrote that I hadn’t flown anywhere outside Malaysia since Dec 2019. I didn’t know then that I would be getting my new yet-to-be stamped passport stamped this soon. Yay. Hmm. My husband and I will be leaving for England tonight. It was all very last minute. We have a more or less […]

Perceptions

March 7, 2022.Reading time 6 minutes.

I haven’t met up with my friend in over two years. I thought about her recently. Realised that despite having worked with her, and knowing her for more than 15 years, I knew very little about her husband’s home country, Azerbaijan. Our conversations usually focussed on what we have been up to, our mutual friends, […]

One night holiday

November 29, 2021.Reading time 6 minutes.

My husband and I had a perfectly enjoyable one night holiday recently. Even my mum, who hasn’t left her condominium since the pandemic except for her vaccine appointments, suggested we stay a little longer in order to have a real break. She is right. It usually takes a day to sort of unwind and relax […]

QR codes

October 25, 2021.Reading time 6 minutes.

My first encounter with a QR code was when I subscribed to Fave, a platform that offers deals at several restaurants. I downloaded the Fave app on my mobile phone. Scanned the image of the QR code displayed at participating restaurants. Voila. Discounts dutifully appeared on my mobile phone screen. Next was QR code menus. […]