One year on...

I can't believe it's been almost a year since I last wrote. I could come up with so many excuses but none of it is valid. I mean, how hard it is to scribble a few words each day, to say thank you for the experiences, thank you for living yet another day?

Cutting the long story short, here are 3 highlights of what I thought was worth putting down in words:

1. Day trip to Tai-O with Mama and Yipo.

I am determined to spend more quality time with Mama and Yipo after Yeye's passing. The void is hard to fill but in their remaining years, I want to create more happy memories for them and with them.

I took a few days off during Chinese New Year and flew back early to stay with them at New Territories. After doing some research, we went on an 'adventure' to Tai-O by taking the 1-hour ferry ride at Tuen Mun Ferry Pier. It costs a mere HK$25 per pax but it turned out to be the ride of our lives because we had to carry yipo and her wheelchair up and down the slippery steps and bobbing boat.

Thank God for helpful passers-by who helped keep the boat steady while we embark and alight. I received half-amused and half-bewildered looks when I explained to them that I'm trying to bring these two elderly sisters (one on a wheelchair) out on a fun trip. Mad, they must be thinking.

Risks aside, we had a fabulous day on the island. God gave us perfect weather and we explored the nooks and crannies of Tai-O's old streets and stilt houses. We even walked 30 minutes to Tai-O's Heritage Hotel to enjoy the view and the beach.

Mama enjoyed herself so much, she already asked me when's the next trip on our bus ride home.  (Yes, we opted for a bus ride back to Tung Chung instead of taking the return ferry, to be safe).

2. Family trip to Perth

Our family trip finally, finally took place in March this year. I didn't realise how much effort it takes to have everyone's schedule synchronised - even if it's only for 5 days!

To be honest, Australia wasn't my favourite country. From past experience, some folks can get really nasty. But perhaps, Western Australia is different. It changed my perception.

This trip was thoroughly enjoyable despite the smothering heat. The food was fantastic, the people are friendly, and the farm stay, especially, was surprisingly fun. I had expected myself to be sulking and cooped up while the rest of the brave hearts go feed the animals (especially the fowl - ugly, evil creatures, in my opinion.)

But in an effort to act brave in front of my nephew, I took his hand and ventured out, squirmy and unwilling. Feeding was still out of the question, but at least I stood less than 10 feet away from the feisty emus and greedy chickens. Achievement unlocked.

Target for next family trip is New Zealand. No more feathery fright for me, I hope.

3. The passing of Gong Gong

I put this last as I wasn't sure how to approach this. For the uninitiated, we Cantonese call our paternal grandpa, Yeye, and our maternal grandpa, Gong Gong.

So yes, I lost Yeye last year.

Exactly a year later, we lost Gong Gong, too.

Amid all the sadness, the closeness in timeline to which we lost two of our dearest family members made me ponder: Who's going next? Whose eulogy should we write? Whose memorial book should we make? Or, does it matter?

Gong Gong has been fighting prostrate cancer for years, and despite the pain he felt in his bones, he insisted on going about his daily life for as long as he can. The resilience he showed in his life and his old age reminds me of 2 Timothy 4:7:

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.


And I know he is resting in God's arms now, together with Yeye. Or maybe, they are enjoying a game of chess at this moment?

Rest in peace, Gong Gong. We will take care of Popo too. God will keep her safe. Till the day we all meet in heaven again. 

That very, very short but awesome Bangkok trip

The good thing about this job is that... it's so easy to just hop on a flight for a weekend getaway right after work. And where else but BANGKOK! Heart, heart, heart.

Our tired but excited faces on Friday night. Bangkok is the place I miss the most, after two years of staying in the States. Can't wait...

After a short flight, just enough to complete Chocolat, we touched down in the Land of a 1,000 Smiles. For some lucky reason, the flight attendant of Thai Airways gave me her fresh flower brooch as we left the air craft. Sweet gesture.

And the taxi queue has improved since the last time we were here, three years ago! They now have a machine to issue tickets to direct you to the proper taxi berth.

Couldn't resist calling room service after we checked in at the hotel. Mr. Jang wanted to go downstairs to buy some food and water, but I thought it was too late, too unsafe. Better spend a bit more to buy more comfort.

Saturday was the only full day we have in Bangkok. Shopping was the only thing on my mind, but I have learnt that you've got to feed the man first. So we had brunch at Chatuchak Weekend Market. 

Jeed-Jard was the store we loved from our last trip. We went back - their grilled pork neck and fried chicken hip are still as good. 

Mr. Jang caught a monk buying meat?!




And then the crazy shopping begins. I love this place. They have everything at a bargain!

Paper mate was giving out free pens. Grabbed two. 

A portion of the loot. Resisted decking myself with everything I've bought on the spot.




After a fruitful shopping trip, we headed back to the hotel for a short rest. It started raining as we reached the Mo Chit BTS. By the time we arrived at Chit Lom, it was pouring.

We ducked into Amarin Plaza to hide from the rain. On our way to the rest room, we found a massage parlor which looked clean and decent. It's 400Baht for a 60-min traditional Thai massage session. Very affordable.



In the evening, we took a cab to Sortrel Cottage for dinner and live music. The air was fresh after the day's shower. I love the ambiance - it has a dempsy feel at half the price. And I made a new friend - the lab puppy who was prancing around.

Sunday morning was dedicated to Platinum mall - the wholesale mall. As usual, we ate breakfast at the shopping place (saves time!) Pad thai in the food court, at less than 100Baht. Yum.

Alas, I didn't find anything I fancy after an hour of looking. I must have been too spoilt for variety and price at Chatuchak. It was only at Mr. Jang's warning that we are running out of time that I dashed around trying to find items to buy.

And then it was feeding time again! Mr. Jang likes live music so we chose the alfresco area of Baan Ying Cafe and Meal at Central World. Obviously, I was more interested in the food. Comes in really small portions, though.

And then coffee and dessert at Simply W, just a floor down. I love these pretty cafes in Bangkok.

And then it's time to say goodbye! It's always too short, too soon to say farewell for Bangkok.

But at least, I am bringing home awesome memories and goodies!

That quarter-of-a-century mark!

It's my family's 25th anniversary of moving to Singapore! Yep, we basically 'celebrate' this day every year but it's extra special this year because we have spent a quarter of a century in this sunny island.

Before Mom flew back to Hong Kong on Sunday, we had an early celebration by having seafood at East Coast. We stayed at Bayshore Park when we first came and we would walk across the underpass to eat black pepper crab and sotong youtiao. Reminiscing our early days.






On Tuesday, Mr. Jang and I went to Parkway Parade to have steamboat dinner. I was looking for Mini Steamboat Delight at the basement food court - our love for Tom Yum soup base started right there. But it has closed down. What a pity!

So we settled for JPOT, which was almost as good as Hai Di Lao. And there was a promotion of 30% off for $100 spent. We stuffed ourselves silly just to get this discount.

And then to end off the celebration, I had a scoop of chewy Mocha ice-cream at Scoopz. Brown for all my ice-cream please. If not chocolate, then Mocha, or Coffee, or Hazelnut. 

To another 25 years in Singapore!

Breakfast on Sundays

Woke up on Sunday to this scene in the kitchen.

I've got an elf in the house who does housework and cooks. Woohoo!

Another weekend in the east

So lazy to head out to town these days, especially since my new work place is also in the East. (Gasp, I have been working for more than two months now, and I haven't blogged/grumbled about it. That's a very good sign.)

Our afternoon snack at the balcony. That is, after we came back from a baby's full-month celebration and meeting a buyer from Carousell at Bedok. We waited for the buyer for half an hour but at least she turned up, unlike the last one who stood us up. 

While I got busy in the kitchen, Mr. Jang vacuumed the house, mopped the floor, cleared the laundry. Bless this man. He doesn't mind doing housework.

Since we are still full from all the junk we ate, we decided to burn some calories. Cycled to Blk 85. More junk. I am still living in the 80's era; I thought satay costs 30 cents a stick. It costs 60 cents. What?! For that tiny strip of BBQ meat?

No wonder the man said bringing $20 for hawker food is NOT enough these days.

Back home, forcing the husband to take a selfie with me in my hippie look before going for a shower. Not having kids means I can still act like one. Awesome.

More than a blow

Was feeling lazy last evening and asked Mr. Jang if he could please help me blow dry my hair before I sleep. I suddenly missed those days in my childhood where grandma would do that for us.

And I was thinking it'd be fun getting the hubs to do it. Like, "Welcome to my world where make-up, hair dryer and manicure is a matter of life and death!"

I demonstrated the right way to use the hair dryer, but half-expected him to get my hair all tangled up, or give up halfway. He didn't. In fact, he got all serious and did a good job on the first try. Hair is nice, soft and smooth.

But the end result is not important. What I want to say is that, while I sat there hugging my knees and waiting for him to be done, I thought "give me all the branded bags, new gadgets, exotic vacations or expensive dinners in the world, but I wouldn't exchange it for this experience!" 

I have a husband who doesn't mind blow drying my hair (or doing the laundry or washing the dishes or... the list goes on). More importantly, he does all this with a cheerful heart. 

I think I'm really blessed.

Thank you

I went to bed last night feeling extremely lousy and when I woke up this morning I sent a text to Mr. Jang just to let him know I'm awake.

All of a sudden, I heard pounce, pounce, pounce. Then a big flop.

It was Mr. Jang landing in a heap on the bed next to me.

He must have sensed my depression since last night and decided to work from home today. Despite my acting normal and expressionless face, he took the initiative to speak to me about what was bugging me. What followed were sobbing and wailing (on my part) and bear hugs (on his part).

I hate acting like a child and crying. I look stupid with puffy eyes and a red face. And I wanted to push this big bear away.

Two hours later, after calming down and having lunch, I thank him silently for being the bigger person, for putting down his pride and being honest with me too.

Thank you, Mr. Jang. I don't know if you are the best husband in the world, but I know you are that precious tree that protects and comforts when the rest of my world gets tough.

Third wedding anniversary!

How time flies! Mr. Jang and I have reached the 3-year milestone!

It's going to be a 2-day celebration again, as with all important dates here because of the time zone difference. Today it's just a simple dinner at home with his favourite 嫲嫲鸡粒 (yes he ate that two days in a row and he is still not sick of it for some reason) and I received a pair of gloves as a surprise present! Haha! It's the colourful ones that I saw at Mollie Stone's, and the pair of gloves made this house-elf very happy.

It's gonna be dine-out celebration tomorrow. Can't wait! :)

Burnt veggies which nonetheless taste ok!

My new cleaning gloves.

One of my funny poses... and I just realised I'm in my PJs. Oops.