Testing the waters

February 23, 2026.Reading time 6 minutes.

My husband and I had a four-night, five-day stay at Tanjung Jara recently. It was the longest holiday that we’ve had, locally, in a very long time. We usually do two nights. By the third day, we are ready to go home. And, the last holiday was only for one-night in Malacca, which we thought […]

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 […]