How Our CNY Changed Over 40 Years

My parents no longer do elaborate CNY preparations like they did in the early 1980s, when my late maternal grandmother was still around. Back then, pre-CNY preparations meant trips to Ipoh Old Town to buy dried goods and waxed meat. My parents and grandmother even made their own Chinese sausages. I still remember vividly how…

The 10th Day of CNY: Health Checks & Family Lunch In Menglembu

Today is the 10th day of Chinese New Year, and was my scheduled yearly medical check-up and Pap smear. This year, instead of visiting my usual gynae in KL, I did it at Pantai Hospital Ipoh. After Googling for female health screening packages, I found that Pantai was offering one of the best deals. I…

Rethinking Retirement at 53

When I was in my early twenties, I had a very clear picture of life.By age 53, I imagined I would have retired — bags packed, passport ready, slowly traveling the world with no deadlines and no responsibilities. Then I entered my forties. Reality gently tapped me on the shoulder.I began to realise that maybe……

CNY Day 7 – A Bowl of Yan Yat Memories

Today is Yan Yat — the birthday of all humankind, the 7th day of Chinese New Year. Growing up, this was a day I quietly looked forward to. My late maternal grandmother would cook a comforting pot of fish and chicken porridge topped with fresh lettuce — Yue Sang Gai Jok. She would fry fermented…

My 2026 Chinese New Year

CNY felt different this year — in the best way. For the first time in years, I’m celebrating the entire 2 weeks of CNY back in my hometown, and with that came something I didn’t realise I had been missing so deeply: family reunions. For so long, I missed gatherings with my dad’s siblings —…

Our Unexpected CNY Eve Food Hunt

On the eve of CNY, we did something a little different.My dad insisted on staying home to cook our reunion dinner, while my older brother and his family opted for takeaway Japanese bentos at home. So my younger brother, mum and I went out on a food hunt instead. It was a scorching afternoon and…

Reunion Season, A House Full of Joy

With my younger brother back from KL and my eldest brother returning from Singapore, almost everyone is home for Chinese New Year. The last few days have been spent over long restaurant meals, laughter flowing as easily as the conversations. My brother’s 9-year-old twins (a boy and a girl) have made the house even livelier….

Haru’s Vet Day

Yearly vaccination + deworming day for my brave little girl yesterday 🐱 She was so scared and trembling the whole time… that barking giant German Shepherd before her (having wound treatment) didn’t help at all. Home is her safe place — knocked out the second we got back. So proud of her 🤍 I’m also…

How I Calm My Mind When Anxiety Hits

The six months before I moved back home from KL…my panic and anxiety attacks were at their worst. Some nights, I would wake up gasping for air.Even in the daytime, my heart just wouldn’t rest —constant fear… constant palpitations. I was exhausted.And honestly… I was scared.I kept thinking, I can’t go on living like this….

Best Stores Where You Can Buy Engagement Rings

Buying an engagement ring is one of the most meaningful purchases you will ever make. It’s a symbol of love and a promise of a future together, so it’s important to choose a retailer that offers not only beautiful jewelry but also trust, transparency, and craftsmanship. Today, you don’t have to limit yourself to traditional…

How This Tiny Cat Controls My Whole Family

Haru is slowly feeling more and more at home. It’s been almost two months since we moved back from KL to Ipoh, and the change in her is so obvious. In the early days, she would hide under my bed in my room, too scared to explore. Now? Miss Freedom has discovered the whole house…