In today’s fast-paced, digital-centric world, physical books often seem like a relic of the past. E-books and audiobooks have become the go-to options for many, including university students. My two older girls, Alycia and Sherilyn, don’t even have physical textbooks for their courses—everything they need is in digital format.
Yet, amidst this shift, I’m proud and grateful that my daughters, especially Cass and Alycia, still cherish the joy of holding a physical book in their hands.
Alycia has always been one to take her love for books wherever she goes. No matter the destination, she ensures there’s room in her luggage for a novel or two. She reads them at the airport and on the plane.
Cass’s journey with books started at a young age. Petite as she was back then, she always insisted on carrying thick novels (Harry Potter was her favorite) with her whenever we went out. Her love for stories made her a voracious reader early on.
For a time, her interest in physical books waned, perhaps due to the allure of digital distractions or a busy schedule. But recently, her passion for flipping through pages has been reignited. Her current read? The Lord of the Rings. I marvel at her patience and determination as she dives into a book with such a tiny font that it would make my head spin and eyes turn blurry!
In a world where screens dominate, seeing my daughters choose physical books over their phones brings me so much joy. Holding a book encourages mindfulness, allowing the reader to truly immerse themselves in the story without the distractions of notifications or blue light. Reading is an essential activity for personal growth and development. It unlocks new ideas and perspectives, and improves your cognitive abilities.
Do you and your children still read physical books? I don’t because of my old age sight (‘old flower’) but I subscribe to online news and read them every day on my large screen PC 😁
Two Sundays ago, Cass achieved a significant milestone in her skating journey—she passed her Freestyle 1 (FS1) test! For freestyle tests, skaters must wear their costumes, adding a touch of elegance and excitement to the occasion.
Truthfully, I had no doubt she would pass this test. Cass has been incredibly dedicated, pouring 102% effort into her practices and relentlessly striving to improve. Her determination and love for skating shine through every time she steps onto the ice. It’s inspiring to see her chase her passion with such vigor and focus.
I’m so glad that Cass has found something she genuinely loves. Skating has become more than just a hobby for her—it’s a part of who she is. What’s even more exciting is that this passion could become a freelance job for her in the future. Coaching skating might not only allow her to continue doing what she loves but also give her the chance to inspire the next generation of skaters.
It’s no secret that skating is a costly pursuit. Between lessons, costumes, competition fees, test fees, extra lessons before competitions and tests, and other expenses, it all adds up. But hubby and I are committed to supporting Cass’s dreams. Seeing her joy and fulfillment on the ice makes every sacrifice worth it.
Congratulations, Cassandra —you’ve made us so proud! Keep shining on the ice!
Cass and part of her team mates after the test two Sundays ago. Cass is on the far right. Her coach is the lady and the male is the head coach.
For Cass, the shopping mall and skating rink have become her second home. With a passion for figure skating, she heads to the rink three times a week—even twice during exam periods—for classes and practice. Spending countless hours there, Cass has settled into a routine that not only lets her work on her skating skills but also brings her some unexpected perks.
Cass spends between RM500-600 monthly on ice time (more if she is sitting for skating tests or competing), which has its benefits! The mall often rewards her with complimentary shopping and F&B vouchers for her loyalty. These have allowed her to pick up clothes and goodies, making her weekly trips even sweeter. Recently, she scored two RM50 vouchers for a popular hotpot restaurant in the mall, which she decided to put to good use after a long day on the ice.
Two Saturdays ago, Cass enjoyed a luxurious solo hotpot experience! She headed to the restaurant after her skating session and treated herself to a sumptuous lunch, splurging on wagyu beef and other premium meats, and indulging in free ice cream and desserts. With her vouchers, the whole meal cost her only RM20 extra for the soups—a fantastic deal for such a lavish spread! I can almost feel her joy as she savored each bite, knowing she earned this little luxury through her dedication on the ice.
Have you ever dined in a hotpot restaurant alone? Never for me!
As the mall has become Cass’s home base, she’s also taken on a new role as my personal shopper. Every Saturday, the mall offers buy-1-free-1 deals on triple-washed salads and blueberries, so she picks these up for me during her trips, securing great deals while pursuing her passion.
Seeing Cass enjoy this lifestyle makes me think of my own teenage years. Back then, I couldn’t imagine living my dream every day, surrounded by the comforts of a shopping mall and fully supported/paid for by my parents. Cass’s journey is truly one of blending passion with a taste of independence, and I love watching her make the most of it!
Cass’ lavish hotpot lunch, which she only paid RM20 (cost more than RM100).
Cass’s weekly supply of triple-washed salad, on a 50% discount, from Food Merchant.RM19.80 for 3 punnets of jumbo-sized blueberries. Great deal!RM5 for 3 punnets of Shimeji mushrooms.Sweet basil for our homemade pesto sauce.
Welcome October 2024!! As we step into the last quarter of 2024, I’m reflecting on how fast the year has flown by and how busy life has become for everyone in the family. My three daughters are all moving full steam ahead with their studies, hobbies, and personal goals, each on a unique journey. Here’s a brief update on where each of them stands as we begin this new month.
Alycia and Sherilyn: Deep into University Life
Alycia and Sherilyn are now in their third week of the new academic year at university, and their schedules are as hectic as ever. Both girls leave the house early in the morning and don’t return until late evening, consumed by classes and extracurricular activities.
For Alycia, this is her final year, and the workload is more intense. On top of that, she has evening classes that seem to fill up most of her days. She’s been looking forward to a well-deserved break, and in just three weeks, she’ll be heading to South Korea with her friend/colleague for a week-long holiday. I’m sure it will be a wonderful experience for her to unwind before diving back into the final stretch of her university life.
Last Friday Alycia went for an interview for her three-month internship set to take place next year. A few days later, the company called her to offer her the job. I hope she will enjoy work life and meet people who will uplift her and be helpful to her.
Sherilyn, on the other hand, has an even more jam-packed schedule. As a first-year student in architecture, her course demands a lot of time and effort. Yet, she still finds the energy to be deeply involved in her university’s Barista Club and Dance Club, which are her passions. In addition, she continues to attend dance classes at two different studios late in the evenings. I admire her dedication, but I also hope she’s not stretching herself too thin.
Cass: Balancing School and Skating
Cass is gearing up for her Senior High 1 (Form 4) Final Exam, taking place soon. It’s hard to believe that she’ll be sitting for her SPM exam in just a year. On top of her studies, Cass is also preparing for her figure skating test (Free Style 1), which is an exciting milestone. She’s been going to the skating rink three times a week and training intensively both on-ice and off-ice. There’s a possibility she might participate in one or two more skating competitions next year, even though it will be her SPM year. While I’m naturally concerned about how she’ll balance everything, she reassures me that her skating won’t interfere with her studies. I can only trust her judgment and hope for the best.
As for Me: Battling Tennis Elbow and Juggling Everything
On a more personal note, my own challenges have been catching up with me. The pain in my right hand from tennis elbow hasn’t improved one bit, mainly because I’ve had no rest at all. With Maria, our part-time helper, still out of commission due to severe morning sickness in the early stages of her pregnancy, I’ve had to take on all the household chores. It’s been nearly a month without her help, and I’m feeling the strain, both mentally and physically.
To make matters worse, I’m not sure when Maria will be able to return. Even if her morning sickness subsides, she might not be in full form to work. Plus, she will eventually need to take time off to give birth and return to Indonesia for several months. I’m trying to prepare myself for managing without her help, but it’s a daunting thought.
Looking Ahead
As we welcome October, I wish nothing but success and happiness for my daughters in their studies and future endeavors. They all have their individual dreams, and as a mother, my greatest hope is to see them thrive. As for myself, I’ll have to muster the strength to push through the challenges ahead.
Cass’ recent achievement at the recent Skate Malaysia 2024 is a testament to her dedication, hard work, and perseverance. Winning a gold medal was not just about her graceful one-minute performance on the ice. Behind the perfect one-minute performance is something no one would know if they didn’t ask. It was about the countless hours of practice every day, the sacrifices, the lack of sleep, the tears, injuries, physiotherapy sessions, and the determination that led up to that moment.
The Road to Victory: Daily Practice and Self-Discipline
Behind every flawless performance are countless hours of practice. Cass’ journey was no different. She dedicated herself to daily practice, both on and off the ice. This included self-learning sessions where she would watch videos, attend online courses conducted by accomplished skaters from overseas, analyze techniques, and practice tirelessly to perfect her moves. Her commitment to the sport meant early mornings, late nights, and a schedule packed with skating lessons and self-training.
Overcoming Obstacles: Injuries and Physiotherapy
The path to success is rarely smooth, and Cass faced her share of obstacles. Injuries are an unfortunate part of any sport, and ice skating is no exception. Cass had to deal with injuries, including a lateral sprain on her ankle just three weeks before the competition. This required physiotherapy sessions and a temporary halt to her training. I thought that she would have to skip Skate Malaysia 2024. However, her determination saw her through these tough times, and she managed to recover enough to compete, though not at 100%. Last year she fell during training and injured her back. Off she went for physiotherapy again and after the fall, I bought her butt guard pants. Weeks before she fell, I dreamt that she fell on ice, and in my dream, I saw how she fell – she was spinning when she fell hard on the ice and flipped several times. It was every mother’s nightmare!
The Financial Commitment: An Expensive Sport
Ice skating is an expensive sport, especially if you decide to compete. The costs of rink time, coaching, equipment, costume, choreography fees, extra lessons, competition participation fees, miscellaneous fees, and physiotherapy add up quickly. Even downloading a song for her routine had a price tag to it. As parents, we had to make sacrifices to support Cass’ dreams. This meant cutting back on other expenses and prioritizing her skating needs. Despite the financial strain, seeing her passion and growth made every sacrifice worthwhile.
The Transformation: Shaping Character and Discipline
Beyond the medals and accolades, ice skating has profoundly shaped Cass’ character. The discipline required to excel in the sport has translated into other areas of her life. She has become more focused, responsible, better at time management, and resilient. The lessons learned on the ice have made her a more disciplined individual, ready to face life’s challenges head-on.
Cass has figure skating class every Friday. She always eats something that’s not too heavy and low in carbs, yet healthy and yummy before the class. She then skates for almost 5 hours. She’s lucky she has a health freak mommy who supports her low-carbs meals and preps them for her 😁
As usual, Cass loves colors on her bowl, colors that come from the veggies and fruits. Yesterday I roasted pumpkin and shimeji mushrooms in the oven.
Roasted pumpkin and mushrooms on a bed of salad – lettuce, mizuna, raw four angle beans, purple cabbage, long beans and other veggies with roast chicken breast and a poached egg as protein.
I’m bursting with pride and joy as I share the news of Cass’s recent triumph at the Skate Malaysia Figure Skating Competition, Delta Level. Watching her glide gracefully across the rink, executing her routine flawlessly, was a moment I’ll cherish forever. Her performance was nothing short of spectacular, and I knew right then that she had a strong chance of clinching either first or second place.
Cass’s routine was a testament to her dedication and hard work. She moved with such grace and poise, seamlessly executing each element of her routine without a single flaw. The competitor from Kuwait also performed beautifully, adding to the tension and excitement of the event. But as I watched Cass on the ice, I felt a deep sense of confidence in her performance.
After a tense half-hour wait, the results were finally displayed. I could hardly believe my eyes when I saw Cass’s name at the top of the leaderboard, securing the gold medal. The contestant from Kuwait was placed second. It was an emotional moment, and I couldn’t be prouder of Cass. All her hard work, discipline, and sacrifices had paid off in the best possible way.
Cass’s journey to this victory was not without its challenges. Just three weeks before the competition, she suffered a lateral sprain of her ankle, which required her to undergo physiotherapy sessions and take a break from practice for more than a week. Despite this setback, she showed incredible resilience and determination. Although she wasn’t fully recovered, she pushed through the pain and continued to train diligently. This tenacity and spirit are what make her achievement even more remarkable.
What makes Cass’s accomplishment even more impressive is that she only began her figure skating journey at the age of 14. Most figure skaters start their training at a very young age, but Cass has proven that with passion, dedication, and hard work, it’s never too late to start. In just one year and nine months, she has honed her talent to an extraordinary level, showcasing her skills on the ice stage with international competitors and emerging victorious.
Cass’s success is a powerful reminder that talent can be both innate and developed. Her journey shows that while natural talent is a great foundation, it is the relentless practice, perseverance, and passion that truly lead to success. Cass has demonstrated that with the right mindset and effort, one can overcome obstacles and achieve greatness.
Contestants were from USA, Kuwait, Hong Kong, Macau, Indonesia, China, Singapore and Malaysia.Her dad gifted her a bouquet of flowers.Plushies thrown into the skating rink after Cass’ performance by team mates and supporters. Cass still does not know who gave her some of the plushies.Dinner at Din Dai Fung on the day of Cass’ competition. Cass only joined us for a short while before she left to return to her team to cheer for other team mates who were competing.Sunday, 30 June 2024 ~ Closing Ceremony of Skate Malaysia. We had lunch at An Viet.Lunch at An VietCoffee, Dirty Gato (nicely done affogato with a dirty twist) and cakes after An Viet. I love the Dirty Gato.
After desserts, we continued watching other contestants skate, then left Sunway Pyramid. Cass stayed on to watch movie with her team mates before attending the Closing Ceremony of Skate Malaysia.
Today is the long awaited day for Cass. It’s her very first competition after joining figure skating classes for 1 year 9 months. She has put in 100% effort into this passion of hers and 100% into discipline, nutrition, and fitness while not neglecting her studies. I’m really proud of how she’s managing everything independently herself. Whether she wins or not today does not matter at all.
There were a few obstacles stacked against her lately but this little tough cookie since birth will not let them stop her from competing in Skate Malaysia.
I don’t think I will be posting photos and videos of her in her costume and dancing in the skating rink as she has requested that I refrain from posting about it. So I respect her decision. Peace to the both of us 🤞
Just a short update for today. I’m going to be busy today.
The past week has been an intense period of dedication and sacrifice in our household. For nearly two weeks, the lights and fans in our home have been working overtime, as they haven’t been turned off at all. This might sound unusual, but there’s a perfectly good reason behind it.
Cass has been burning the midnight oil in preparation for her mid-year exams. She has been studying way past midnight and then rising again at 5 AM to make herself breakfast and continue her revision. Her commitment and drive to excel in her studies are truly commendable. The lights and fans stayed on throughout her study sessions to ensure she had the perfect environment to focus and work efficiently.
Alongside Cass was Sherilyn, who had also been pulling all-nighters, but for a different reason. She has been working tirelessly on back-to-back assignments for her Foundation in Natural and Built Environments course. The sheer volume of work and tight deadlines have been relentless, leading to many sleepless nights for her. Sherilyn’s determination to complete her assignments on time, despite the lack of sleep, her dance classes and part-time job, speaks volumes about her dedication to her studies. However, I’m worried about her health as she’s been losing sleep very regularly ever since she started her Foundation course in September last year. It’s only going to get tougher as she proceeds to the degree in architecture soon.
While the lights and fans have been on 24/7, creating a constant hum of activity, my beloved radio had to be turned off. Cass is the type who cannot focus when there’s background noise, be it music or chatter, which meant that my usual companion—the radio—had to take a break. As someone who thrives on the constant company of the radio, this was a significant sacrifice, but one I was more than willing to make to support my daughter in her academic endeavors.
Amidst all this, I’ve been dealing with persistent pain from my tennis elbow, which has little progress in healing, making it challenging to perform household chores and lift heavy items. Consequently, our cooking routines have been simplified. I’ve primarily relied on the air fryer and toaster oven for meal preparations. Thankfully, we’ve had a steady supply of food from hubby’s central kitchen, which has been a lifesaver, reducing the need for extensive cooking.
Despite the challenges and the seemingly endless nights, there is a sense of achievement in the air. The hard work put in by Cass and Sherilyn is bound to pay off, and I am proud of their dedication. As we wrap up this hectic period, we are all looking forward to a much-needed and well-deserved restful weekend. Here’s to a great and restful weekend for everyone! May it be filled with relaxation, good food, and the joy of knowing that hard work always paves the way for success. Cheers!
Sherilyn’s model is finally ready, after pulling off an all-nighter for several nights.
Below was our lunch at Li Restaurant at Damansara Jaya two Sundays ago, just the three of us – hubby, Cass and I. Alycia was at her weekend part-time work and Sherilyn stayed home to complete her assignment.
Pork shoulder rice bowl, with perfectly cooked melt-in-the-mouth and flavorful pork shoulder.Ginger scallion pesto pasta.Chicken chop, which tasted excellent with crispy seared skin. Smoked fish rice bowl.
A dump of my camera crumbs to document the joyful moments here.
There’s Pang Cha everywhere in Bangkok but mind you, their signature shaved ice dessert is pretty steep (around RM30+ after conversion). I don’t mind paying just to try the delicious-looking cold dessert from this MICHELIN-recommended tea boutique but it looks really sweet too, which made me reluctant to buy. I told myself that I must try their milk tea or dessert but alas, I had to give it a miss as we didn’t have enough time. Another reason is there’s no one to share it with me. Alycia is lactose-intolerant and I couldn’t finish the entire bowl of dessert or entire cup of tea myself. The serving is huge. This photo was taken at the airport on the day of our departure.Pang Cha with condensed milk.Throughout our 3 nights in Bangkok, Alycia had late night supper of junk food in the hotel room while playing with her phone while I was in lalaland. This is what holidays and happy memories are made of – fun and junk food, all rolled up into one happy ball!
Next to go on a holiday with me will be Sherilyn!
I love the buffet breakfast at Novotel Platinum hotel. They have a good spread of quality healthy foods for health freaks like me. Every morning, I went to the coffee house to have breakfast at 8am while Alycia was still asleep. I started my day with some fresh fruits, cold pressed fruit juice, and a bowl of plain Greek yogurt topped with fresh acai berries, cut fruits, seeds, and nuts. This would be followed by the mains of eggs, greens, meat and some desserts. And not forgetting my must-have cuppa coffee. I tried their pulled Thai milk tea but it was too sweet for my liking.Coconut balls (onde-onde) are one of my favorite desserts at Novotel. Mushroom pasta with caviar, by chef Sherilyn during her semester break.Carrot cupcakes made by Sherilyn for Cass’ 16th birthday on 9 April 2024. The orange color on the carrots was made from real carrot juice while the green color was from matcha powder.Happy Sweet 16, Cassandra! May all your birthday wishes come true.
Malaysia’s Ministry of Health has been giving the HPV immunization for free for all girls in Form 1 (aged 13). However, the HPV vaccination program in schools was suspended since 2021 due to the lack of global vaccine supply. Thankfully this year, the supply has been replenished and the free vaccination program can be resumed.
The HPV vaccine helps protect against human papillomavirus (HPV). It’s recommended for children aged 12 to 13 years old and people at higher risk from HPV.
Today I accompanied Cass to a government clinic for her first dose of government-sponsored HPV vaccination. Little did we know that what started as a walk-in medical appointment would turn into a memorable adventure exploring the newest lifestyle hub in Kuala Lumpur, The Exchange TRX.
Our journey to the government clinic at Jalan Hang Tuah was not without its hiccups. It took us almost an hour to reach the clinic, even though it wasn’t very far from us. After encountering a canceled Grab ride and a Grab driver who lost his way, we arrived just in time, breathing a sigh of relief as we beat the lunchtime rush.
At Klinik Ibu Dan Anak Hang Tuah for Cass’ free HPV vaccine.
Surprisingly, the vaccination process was super swift, with almost zilch wait time. Everything was done within 10 minutes, plus a 15-minute observation period post-vaccination. However, I couldn’t help but question the logic behind filling out a detailed form as a parent when it’s the child receiving the vaccine. The form required me to answer questions such as whether I have any diseases, allergies, depression and easily get upset. Shouldn’t it be the child who has to answer these questions instead of the parent? 😂
Post-vaccination, Cass eagerly suggested a trip to Petaling Street aka Chinatown, but my concerns about the scorching heat (as Cass had just taken a jab which I wasn’t sure would have any adverse reaction) led us to The Exchange TRX instead.
Entrance of The Exchange TRX.
Our first stop was the food court, where Cass was drawn to a Yong Tau Fu stall displaying a wide assortment of fish balls, noodles, tofu, mushrooms, etc. Despite the hefty bill of RM42.40 for just the two of us and lackluster taste, we pressed on, determined to make the most of our outing. We didn’t finish the Yong Tau Fu as some of the items were sour and tasted funky.
Our RM42.40 bowl of Yong Tau Fu liu, which tasted MEH. The items that were supposed to be fried were not fried. They were just blanched and added into a bland tasting chicken soup.
Fortunately, our spirits were lifted by indulging in Hey Tea’s strawberry jasmine tea and All About Chew’s heavenly chocolate cookie. Despite the steep prices, the delectable treats made it worth every penny. The Big Ass Softy (BAS) dark chocolate cookie at RM15 per piece was so divine that despite the hefty price tag, I bought another piece to bring home for Alycia and Sherilyn to try. The Big Ass cookie was love at first bite for both Cass and me. It has everything that we look for in a cookie.
The Big Ass Softy (BAS) chocolate cookie (RM15/piece) was da bomb – soft chewy buttery cookie with bits of dark chocolate and walnuts.We waited for almost half an hour for our jasmine tea strawberry drink. According to Alycia that night, Heytea (a China tea chain) is the newest tea craze amongst Gen Zs. Her friends waited for 1-2 hours for their tea. Heytea opened its first store in Malaysia at the Exchange TRX shopping centre in Kuala Lumpur in late 2023.
Energized, we ventured to TRX City Park, a verdant oasis atop the mall, braving the sweltering heat for a glimpse of nature in the heart of the city. With its array of attractions including playgrounds, water features, cave play, and alfresco dining, clean walking treks, TRX City Park offers a welcome respite from the urban hustle. After exploring the park and satisfying Cass’s curiosity at Kinokuniya bookstore, we headed home, cherishing the memories made during our impromptu adventure.
The Exchange TRX is a blend of unexpected twists and delightful discoveries. While the mall itself offers a typical shopping experience, its rooftop park provides a refreshing escape.
SEIBU, the luxury department store from Japan, has made its debut in Malaysia for the first time at The Exchange TRX.Zones at TRX City Park. Very nice park for people of all ages. Would be enjoyable to stroll at the park when the weather is cooler in the early mornings or evenings.Many eateries, cafes and restaurants with alfresco dining at the park.
As a parent, ensuring the safety of our children is always a top priority. With the rapid advancement of technology, we now have access to innovative solutions that can provide us with peace of mind even when our children are out and about. One such tool is the Life360 app, which my friend Barb introduced to me recently. She uses this app to track her daughter’s whereabouts too.
When Cass recently expressed her desire to go to the skating rink alone as her figure skating classes and practices are getting more frequent now, I couldn’t help but feel a mixture of excitement for her independence and concern for her safety. However, instead of forbidding her from going, I decided to leverage the power of technology to keep an eye on her without intruding on her freedom.
The Life360 app, which is a comprehensive family locator tool designed to enhance safety and communication among family members seems like the perfect solution to alleviate my concerns and allow Cass to explore her newfound independence while still providing me with real-time updates on her whereabouts.
Tracking Cass on the Life360 app on my android phone.
Yesterday was the first time that Cass embarked on her solo trip to the skating rink. After she got into the Grab car, which she booked using the app on her phone, she shared the ride details with me. I immediately started tracking her journey through the Life360 app on my phone. Simultaneously, I could also view the car’s location through the Grab life tracking system, giving me an additional layer of security. Being able to monitor her route and progress in real time offered me reassurance, as I knew I could quickly respond in case of any unforeseen circumstances.
Tracking the Grab car that Cass was in using the Grab app real-time updates on my desktop PC. It was pouring heavily at that time.The Grab app showing me that Cass was dropped off at her destination. Once she arrived at the skating rink, she sent me a photo of herself in the location, which is my requirement.
The combination of Life360 and the Grab life tracking system provided me with unparalleled peace of mind. I could view Cass’s location, estimated arrival time, and even get notified when she arrived safely at her destination. The sense of security that came from knowing her exact whereabouts was incredibly comforting, especially during those few hours when she was out of my direct supervision.
While tracking Cass’s movements may seem like an overbearing act, I firmly believe that it is crucial to balance our children’s freedom with their safety. By using Life360 and the Grab life tracking system, I was able to strike this balance. Cass felt empowered to explore the world on her own, knowing that I was just a click away if she needed me. This experience allowed her to build a sense of responsibility while giving me the confidence to gradually expand her boundaries.
Tracking our children should never replace open communication and trust. It is essential to have conversations with them about safety, independence, and responsible decision-making. The Life360 app and similar tracking tools serve as a supplement to these conversations, providing an additional layer of security and facilitating open dialogue about our concerns and their experiences.
The Life360 app, combined with the Grab life tracking system, has become an invaluable tool for me as a parent. It allows me to give my teenage daughter more freedom while still keeping a watchful eye on her well-being. By embracing technology responsibly, we can foster independence, responsibility, and trust, all while maintaining the peace of mind that comes with knowing our loved ones are safe.
This past week has been an eventful one in our household as we rallied around our youngest daughter, Cass, who has been tirelessly preparing for her mid-year exam. Her commitment to her studies was unparalleled as she immersed herself in rigorous preparation. Late nights became a norm as she burned the midnight oil, going above and beyond to revise every topic thoroughly.
Witnessing her unwavering dedication was truly inspiring. One of my sacrifices was to ensure that the house was silent as Cass is one who finds it hard to focus when there’s noise. Her sisters and I had to talk softly 🙄 and I had to turn off the radio the entire day. Music is life to me and being in silence throughout the day was hard on me.
The intensity of Cass’s exam preparation led to sacrifices that were both humbling and heartwarming. We had planned a pre-Father’s Day dinner on Saturday, but Cass chose to stay home and prioritize her studies instead. It was a selfless act that showcased her determination and the seriousness she attached to her academic goals.
On Friday night, Alycia accompanied Cass to the skating rink at Pavillion Bukit Jalil for her class. While Cass practiced her movements, Alycia diligently worked on her own assignments on her laptop at Starbucks.
Studying for hours on end can be mentally exhausting, and Cass understood the importance of taking short breaks to rejuvenate. During these breaks, she would engage in her passion for figure skating, practicing her movements with precision. Additionally, she would play her favorite pieces on the piano and found solace and relaxation in the company of Haru, our lockdown cat. These moments of respite allowed Cass to unwind, destress, and return to her studies with renewed focus.
As Cass’s mid-year exam journey unfolded, it became apparent that her perseverance and commitment were unwavering. From her late-night study sessions to her sacrifices showcased the strength and determination of a young student driven to succeed. I am sure Cass’ hard work will pay off.
Not one who would eat breakfast before going to school, today Cass requested to have oats with milk, a banana, and chicken essence at 6.30 in the morning. She believes in a satiated tummy for the brain power to unleash. In her lunchbox for recess today were four pieces of Auntie Anne’s cheese-stuffed nuggets / pretzels.Sunday lunch with hubby at Chatterbox @ Bangsar Village. Just the both of us as everyone else had their own activities and Alycia was at her weekend part-time job.After lunch at Chatterbox, we went to Tan Boon Meng (lower ground floor of Bangsar Village) to shop. Hubs bought an air conditioner and stand fan for his office and kitchen. And I got a new toy too – a juice extractor!I used to have this classic Panasonic juice extractor more than two decades ago and loved how it served me for many years. The new model comes with slightly enhanced features and only costs a little more than RM200. I bought this juicer so that I can make my own carrot milk at home.
A recent incident I witnessed while ordering carrot juice with milk left me deeply concerned and compelled me to reevaluate the importance of personal food preparation.
As I approached the drinks counter at the coffee shop to order my usual carrot juice with milk, I couldn’t help but notice the foreign worker handling the preparation. It quickly became evident that hygiene was not a top priority. To my disbelief, she retrieved two carrots from the fridge, gave them a cursory rinse in a large basin of water without bothering to remove the carrot skin, and proceeded to feed them into the juice extractor.
My concern heightened when one of the carrots slipped from her hand and landed on the dirty and wet floor. To my astonishment, instead of washing the carrot thoroughly, she nonchalantly retrieved it, dipped it back into the same basin of dirty water, and then proceeded to add it to the juicer. This blatant disregard for hygiene shocked me to the core.
Witnessing this incident left me feeling deeply disgusted and concerned about the lack of hygiene standards at coffee shops. It was a wakeup call, prompting me to reflect on the potential risks associated with consuming food prepared in unsanitary conditions. With this experience fresh in my mind, I made a vow to prepare my carrot juice with milk at home, ensuring cleanliness and safety in every step of the process.
Thus, I got a cheap and good fruit extractor, just to prep carrot milk and beet root juice 😁. I still prefer to eat fruits like apple and orange as it is or made into smoothie using our Blendtec where the fiber is eaten as well.
Cass turns 15 today! This girl has come a long way to where she is today. Cass’ journey has not been easy from day 1, as she’s born with a rare congenital disorder in her urinary tract but she has persevered through countless hurdles along her way. I credit her strength, resilience and stubbornness to her unwavering determination, optimism, and unbreakable spirit.
Hubs surprised both the birthday girl and me with a hotpot dinner at Haidilao Hot Pot @ Bangsar Village 3 today, just the three of us – hubs, Cass and me. Alycia and Sherilyn are in Ipoh with my parents and the mil is currently in Hong Kong.
As we entered the restaurant, we were greeted by the friendly staff who welcomed us and led us to our table. The ambiance of the restaurant was warm and inviting, with cozy seating arrangements and tasteful decor. The menu offered a wide selection of hotpot ingredients, including meat, seafood, vegetables, and noodles, all of which were fresh and of high quality. While patrons wait for their tables, packet snacks, titbits and drinks are available in abundance at the entrance of the restaurant for patrons to munch.
Our dining experience began with a selection of dipping sauces and condiments, including peanut sauce, sesame sauce, and spicy sauce and a wide selection of condiments such as spring onions, parsley, chopped raw garlic, fried minced beef, etc, These sauces added an extra dimension of flavor to our yummy meal and were the perfect accompaniment to the hotpot ingredients.
As we waited for our hotpot to arrive, we enjoyed a variety of appetizers, such as wakame seaweed and fried peanuts. For the two choices of soup for our hotpot, hubs chose golden fish maw soup (RM47) and peppery pig stomach + chicken soup (RM20).
Part way through the meal was show-time for us (and for every table as well). A noodle performer came to our table and showcased his skill in the art of noodle-making while dancing. A minute into throwing the flying noodles, a part of the dough touched the floor and the performer quickly went into the kitchen and brought out a new wedge of dough and started the performance again. After the noodles were churned out by hand, the staff gently placed them into our hotpot of two variety of soups.
What really came as a big surprise to Cass and me was when the Haidilao staff came out with a slice of birthday cake, along with a birthday banner and lo and behold, sang ‘Happy Birthday’, vociferously with clappings and all!
Cass who doesn’t like to be in the limelight, have her photos taken, or people singing birthday song to her in public was gobsmacked, stunned, embarrassed, and yet happy all at once 🤣
The delicious food, exceptional service, warm atmosphere and loads of freebies made for a perfect evening of enjoyment and birthday celebration.
Golden fish maw soup and peppery pig stomach + chicken soup.Counter for sauces, condiments and desserts.Disposable aprons for all the dinersAppetite whetting appetizers – pickled turnip and carrot, wakame seaweed and fried peanuts.My glorious bowl of condiments for the hotpot, composed of dry fried minced beef, loads of raw minced garlic, spring onions, coriander, toasted sesame seeds and peanut sauce.Trays of hotpot ingredients were brought to our table by robots.Potato strings. We were too stuffed to eat this and doggy-bagged this home.Birthday girlWatermelon yoghurt drink.Noodle performerFreshly made noodles gently placed into the soups.Soy pudding for dessert. There was red bean sweet dessert as well but I forgot all about taking it from the counter.Free to take from the drawer at our table – wet wipes for lenses (for phones & eye glasses), hair ties, disposable gloves, sweets and chopsticks. Chopsticks are for dining use only, yeah.More freebies in the washroom – lens wet wipes, hair combs and cotton buds. You can even dry your hair with a hair dryer here and clean your eye glasses in a special glasses cleaning box.I have no freaking idea how to use this thingy. I suppose it’s to disinfect your eye glasses.Cass was super awkward coz a troupe of staffers came over and sang her a birthday song vociferously with clappings and all. All eyes were on us 🤣. It was hilarious to see the mixed reaction on her face.As there was still a LOT of soup left in both the pots, we had the soup doggy-bagged home, which the staff gladly helped us to pack and seal in thick plastic bags. We also doggy-bagged several plates of unfinished food. We can now have 1 more round of hot pot at home, when Sherilyn comes back to KL!
To cap off the meal, we were given complimentary chilled Roselle drinks, which was very refreshing and soothing for the throat after a hot meal.
Luckily we went early as when we left the restaurant, there was a long queue outside.
After our hotpot dinner, hubs brought the birthday girl to get Häagen-Dazs ice-cream for dessert.
Then we went to Sports Direct @ Bangsar Village 3 for Cass to get her birthday pressie from her dad, which is a hoodie sweater for her to wear at the skating rink.
My Sundays for the past one month has been like this – lunch with hubs and Alycia, just the three of us while Cass attended her figure skating lessons at the skating rink, the mil has her own activities on Sundays and the SPM girl stayed home to study. Our life was pretty much like this about 20 years ago when Alycia was just a baby and there was only the three of us, with a live-in maid. Everywhere that we went, it was just the three of us and the live-in maid.
Now our big baby girl is an adult and will turn 20 in December. But she’s still very much like a little girl in our eyes and still behaves like one 😁.
We first had a light lunch at Dai Cha Dim, a Chinese restaurant that serves a variety of delicious cha-chaan-teng (or Hong Kong style café) delights. Hubs wanted to eat sushi and sashimi but I want Dai Cha Dim (again). So we had lunch at both a Chinese restaurant, and then later at Koi Sushi.Alycia sipping on watermelon juice.
After lunch at Dai Cha Dim, we went shopping at Uniqlo. Both mom and daughter bought cropped bra tops coz cropped tops are in vogue now.
After shopping at Uniqlo, we had our second round of lunch at Sushi Koi.
Very fresh sashimi – hubs was very pleased and satisfied. He commented that this is even better than the sashimi at Rakuzen.Chawan Mushi and tamago sushiTempuraDelish spider roll sushi (soft shell crabs).Grilled teriyaki squid.Someone caught her paparazzi mom stealing a snapshot of her at the skating rink and wasn’t too pleased.Cass’ coach.
This week will be Cass’ last lesson on a Sunday. Effective next week, her figure skating class will be on a Friday night. It’s going to be a new routine for us, more hectic for Cass when she returns to school with CoCo activities back in full swing this year and a UEC exam to sit for this year. She still wants to compete in figure skating competitions this year but I told her that she’ll have to wait until next year.
Cass sat for her first figure skating test today. It’s the Basic Level Test (Pre-Alpha).
She had to be at the skating rink by 7.45 a.m. for two hours of lessons from her coach before the test at 10 a.m. Her dad sent her to the skating rink.
Off the skating rink, Cass has been practising and training really hard. She goes to the gym every day, does running, does lots of stretch exercises and off-skating rink exercises. She even takes part in online figure skating classes provided for free by some European figure skaters.
Besides watching figure skating competitions on You Tube, Cass has been reading up and researching quite a bit on this sport. She even eats like a sportswoman.
Cass passed the test!
And the damage for this test? RM225 for a 2-hour pre-test lesson by her coach, RM65 for the test fee and RM200 for a 2-year membership fee at the Ice Skating Institute Asia.
This is only the first test and there will be a few more tests coming up this year! Cass is even gamed to compete but I told her that this year is not for competing yet. As it is, her classes and tests are already very costly and it’s going to cost even more with competitions.
A light snack during her break at the skating rink. This is what Cass usually packs in her tiny lunch box every Sunday – a banana and some walnuts and almonds. She eats rice with dishes or a sandwich at home before leaving for the skating rink. She skates for 3-4 hours on Sundays and begs for more hours on the ice each time.Cass’ lunch box for school. She packs her own lunch box. It’s usually filled with fruits, sweet potato, some nuts and her homemade energy balls.
Cass even makes her own energy balls and it’s low in carbs. The ingredients are organic instant oats, some butter, vanilla essence, bananas, peanut butter and nuts.
Our lunch at Money’s Corner Food Court @ Brickfields after hubs sent Cass to the skating rink.
