Never Have I Ever...

I am not surprised that I would get infected with Covid virus again, I have myself to blame for I did not wear masks ever since I came back from US.  But never have I ever expect to get this virus on the day before my birthday!  LOL... 

My kids and I had made plans to celebrate my birthday in a happy poshy style... ahemmm... not exactly posh, just exaggerating on my part here.  But alas, it did not come out as planned, the night before my Big Day, I was feeling kind of lethargic, I couldn't sleep and I had a stinging sensation in my throat.  I did not expect it to the virus, the next morning, I felt very flu-ish, not feverish, it was like my bones were aching and I shivered at the running water from the tap.  I thought it would go away after taking a panadol.... no, it did not...

My son advised me to take a covid test and in less than a few seconds, there were two bright clear lines on the test kit.  Oh no.... what should I do?  My grandchildren were around, and the next thing I knew, my daughter-in-law also had it.  Hers is fainter in color but nevertheless two lines too.  Aiyoh....

Leaving no choice, both of us were confined to a room and the male have to take care of the small little ones.  It was a big project especially the ladies were not around to help.... well, the guy had to do what the ladies would have done, feeding, bathing and putting them to sleep.

As for the infected, both of us just drank lots of lemon and honey juice, ate 3000mg of Vitamin C for the next five days.  That was when we got a negative sign on the test kit and we were freed to go.  The father and the kids were not infected, thank God... 

So I guess Covid virus is here to stay, whether we like it or not.  From then on, mask is mandatory again for me.  This is the second time I have Covid, the first one was two years back.  Since then I have been taking Tiger mushroom and recently started off with cordyceps capsules from Eu Yan Sang.  I guess those helps to strengthen back the lungs, cos this second time round, I did not cough as drastically as the first time.  Anyway, you all take care too... be protected....

 

Our Bundle of Joy

YES... THAT'S THE REASON I AM HERE...

To welcome this innocent angel baby and being here to carry a newborn grandchild for the first time!  

I have two other grandchildren born under the Covid pandemic season and I couldn't be near to them when they were born.  So this is considered my first time being present to hold the newborn baby in my arms.... as the saying goes:  Fresh from the oven... and for this case, Fresh from the Womb!   LOL.... 

Thank you Baby came on the due date, not one month earlier as her brother did.  I flew in two weeks earlier before the date, just in case... praying that the baby wouldn't come out before I reached otherwise the brother does not have anywhere to go when the parents go to hospital.  Anyway, all was good.... the parents were in the hospital with the baby for two days before they were discharged while both of us were in the house waiting patiently for them to come home.

Once the baby came home, no more peace.... LOL.... little innocent baby filled the house with her shrills, screams and cries.  Time flies, Baby now is more than a month old.... transition period.... from more sleeping time for baby to more sleepless moments for adults.  No more peaceful full night rest for the parents...  As for me, I have to tend to the Brother, waking up very early for his first morning milk!

Anyway, Thank God.... All is good and well... for now, at least.... I can go home soon!  LOL... 

Our bundle of joy... 

Plus sleepless nights.... 

LOL... 

 

Pre-Wedding Gifts And Dowry

LOTS OF HAPPENINGS THIS YEAR... and in this post is an auspicious event which took place somewhere in March.  

When I first started blogging in January 2008, my kids were still in their secondary years.... 15 years flew by and now in 2023, I thank God that three of them have now settled down with their own little family.  No more chauffeuring to and from school, to and from their tuition centres, no more sending them to their respective college/universities during the weekends.... all these academic years have passed.... I retired from all these chores, oh, correction, not chores, I would say it is a great blessing to see them grow up into responsible individuals.  All Glory to my Good God!

Sorry, I have digress.... 

And I show some favoritism.... LOL... 

Below pictures displayed are gifts for from the Groom to the Mother-in-Law (ME!) and mostly to my Girl, his Fiancee then.  This is a Chinese tradition for couples who are engaged and going to marry, the groom will send dowry to the bride's parents.  (And this is a tradition I have kept)  LOL... My sons have done their part of giving and now with my girl, I am on the "receiving".... LOL... 

On one fine morning in March....

Both the fiance and fiancee started to decorate....

Nothing too elaborate... 

We DIY the deco on the basket... 

These are not boxes of gold... LOL...

They are wedding biscuits...

Traditional biscuit, one red and one yellow...

Depicting the couple.... 

My girl's iconic cartoon.... 

By now, everything is Winnie in her their bedroom.... 

The golden box is for the fiance....

A wallet and a belt...

Wallet must be filled with money...

The belt is to hold on tight to the husband.... 

And a pair of ear-rings for the bride signifies her to be obedient to the in-laws! 

Am I right or wrong? 

Most definitely I am wrong!

LOL....

My First Dose Of Sinovac At KPJ, Ipoh

VACCINATED.... on the same day I was discharged from the hospital.  My doctor gave an OK approval for me to be vaccinated, he even arranged for the hospital staff to give a pre-discharge the night before so that the bill would be ready before noon.  My appointment for the jab was at 3.30pm at KPJ Hospital but I was there even before 2pm.....

There was an auntie before my turn and that was it, no long queue and crowd.  Everything was done within half an hour, the hospital personnel were so helpful and friendly.  It was like VIP treatment... LOL.... 

Checking my Sejahtera... 

Another section... 

Till it was time..... 

To JAB...... 

Then it was a 15 minutes rest in the waiting room.... 

I was the only one by then....

And my first dose is done!

Another two weeks from today.... 

I will be here again!

EMCO IN IPOH!!!

 OH NO.... EMCO IN IPOH STARTING FROM TOMORROW!!  

This is the most drastic movement order, I started to think of barbed rolls of wire encircling my residence and being "imprisoned" ... my imagination ran wild the moment it was announced that IPOH among few other states are going to be put under Enhanced Movement Control Order.  

When we heard the news last night, phone calls and whatsapp messages coming in continuously... Questions like we going to be distributed food by the government?  My friend even joked about the distribution of two chickens to each house, etc etc.... Should we go out to store up our pantry?  Do we have enough food in the house if we do not go? And the list of questions went on and on.... 

I guess we should not be too "worked-up" or paranoid about food, more importantly, we should be concerned about the safety and abiding to the standard of procedures.  We can still go for online delivery where food, groceries and essentials are concerned... No need to join the crowd in rushing to buy anything in the malls, convenient stores, sundry shops.... Mind safety measures... no crowding please... 

These were received last night.... 

Last minute shopping before EMCO on Saturday....

Even Speed99 were crowded... tin cans all finished... 

Sundry shops were having brisk business too....

This morning we received the SOP for EMCO in Ipoh...

Only one person can go out for essentials...

That is fine... 

So that also means there would be no free chickens after all!

Canning Cluster And Morning Salad

I SPOKE TOO SOON.... Ipoh is now back in red zone again!

This time there is a cluster and isolated cases involving at least more than 50 people and messages keep coming in citing the danger zone places.  Canning Estate cluster is the latest one.... 

Guess I have to stay inactive for the time being and start filling up my empty freezer again.  This morning the market was more quiet than usual, shops were closed around my area, maybe Tuesday is the usual off-day for the eatery stalls.  Done up two dishes this morning and they will be my lunch and dinner for the day..... 

My last batch of salad for the morning.... 

This packet of salad has a small container of quinoa... 

And as usual, I added in grapes and assorted peanuts....

Drenched it with Kewpie roasted sesame....

Toasted two pieces of bread with garlic spread....

And one meal is accomplished.... 

Chinese New Year Eve 2021

ON THIS DAY...

This year is the first time in history that I am actually quite "free" when it comes to cooking for reunion dinner.  A very quiet time on this day, not only in the house but in Ipoh as well.  No traffic jam for the first time in history in Ipoh at CNY Eve!  Even the road in front of my house is empty, a rare sight, normally it would be filled with cars parked along the road and we always have to "chup" a place for my in-laws' cars when they come visiting.  Well, I guess this year is kind of Special... 

 

Received some flowers from Camerons last night.... 

Other than that, nothing much, nothing special...

As long as we stay safe, we are Good!

Have a Safe And Healthy Chinese New Year!!

 

Goodbye To Mr. Covid 2020

BYE BYE 2020.... no, we won't be missing you... 

This whole year has been in a turmoil and still is... due to the arrival of Mr. Covid-19.  Many of my hopes and plans are dashed for this year and I dare not decide on what to do for 2021.  "Come what may" or "play by ear" as I told my friends, tentatively is like that.... no promises made.

What are we looking forward to for 2021?  

Though it is meant to be hilarious....

but I guess this is going to happen.... 

I only can pray for a Better 2021....

This has become History of our lives....

As we begin the year 2021, we would love to bade goodbye....

Goodbye to 2020 ...

Goodbye to Mr. Covid and its friends....

AND I WISH UPON ALL OF YOU TO HAVE... 

GOOD HEALTH FOR THE COMING DAYS

AND STAY SAFE ALWAYS!

Blessed Christmas 2020

MERRY MERRY... CHRISTMAS....  

Ordered a fruit cake to welcome Christmas into our home, in fact I ordered two... one to be given away to my sister-in-law.  On that very day, she came into my house, bringing a whole cake tray... and what was it inside?  Fruit cake!!  hahahaa.... I gave away one and received one back!  What a laugh we had!

Yes, Christmas is about loving, giving, caring and sharing.... and this goes round...  

This year I have my kids with me, though not the whole clan, nevertheless, it is good to be together for this year.  Working at home seems to have its benefits after all!  

We opened a lot of presents this year.... I will post about that soon!  Meanwhile, I am enjoying my fruit cakes and getting drunk with them!  LOL... 

Ordered from my friend who is a specialist in Fruit Cakes....

Yummy in my Tummy....

She told me that I can put into the freezer if I couldn't finish it...

What? 

The cake is half gone already...

By tonight, it might be finished! 

Yes, we share it around...

One for you... one for her... one for him...here.. there....

Caring is Sharing.... LOL... 

Have a Blessed Christmas, Readers!! 

Wedding Event At The Marina Forest City, Johor

WALKING AROUND.... From the hotel room, we walked to the lobby and on the left side of the hotel, there is a small shopping area.  There was no crowd and it was nice walking around.  I was surprised to see two shops selling duty free goods but the sign there written, "whatever bought must finished within in Forest City."  So I did not end up buying anything.  I should have cos they never really checked our car when we drove out from the Forest City.  LOL.. Next time, perhaps!

After attending the wedding function at 5pm near the beach, we left Forest City around 7pm... Of course, we took numerous pictures here and there as if we were the special guests! LOL... Very nice ambience and location to hold a beach wedding.  Just too bad that Mr. Covid is in season otherwise this Forest City would be very popular.  

We walked around the garden wedding just in front of the beach...

Very nice venue to hold a wedding... 

Putting final touches...

A simple white cake for decor... 

The dolphins from near... 

They are actually "red grass".. is there such a word?

At another area of the beach front...

The tourist walking here and there.... 

Happy Mother's Day's Gifts 2020

MOTHER'S DAY DURING MCO.....

Last night my neighbour asked me what I want to eat on Mother's Day.  He told me that his daughter has ordered his favourite chicken rice online and he just have to go to the shop and collect it.  "Wahhhh... so nice of your daughter.... I wanted the same as yours too, half a steamed chicken with two packets of rice.  I think my kids have forgotten it is Mother's Day.... "  He laughed when I told him that....

And this morning....

I had this simple healthy breakfast....

Two half boiled eggs, crackers with kaya and blended passion fruit with orange.... 

At 11.30am, my furry member barked and barked.....

A man in a car delivered this.... 

He said "from Andy"

Into the freezer they went after having their pictures taken... LOL... 

In less than 5 minutes, my furry member barked again!

Another delivery by car.... 

How come today no motorbikes?

And also elderly people too.. not the young chaps on bike...

Maybe today is special?

Three Big Giant Pieces.... 

I gave a piece to my neighbour... 

And some ice cream....

In return, she gave me two giant fishballs... LOL... 

Oh, I forgot to take picture of my steamed chicken!

Can't blame me... so much food...

I just want to eat and eat!!

Cos today is Special...

Happy Mother's Day to all my readers!!

Birthday Celebration

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION...

No, it is not my birthday, too early.... It was a last minute planning surprise birthday for a sweet young girl.  Initially we had planned to go out for dinner in a Chinese restaurant, however two days prior to the dinner, someone suggested why not have the birthday celebration in the house instead.  More people can join in, more fun, more food and of course, put in some singing and dancing... that is more special, right?  LOL....

And so we had the party right in the garden.... we cook some, we bought some, friends brought some.. started off with grilled burger, barbeque ribs, salad, fried noodles, chicken, desserts and ended with a birthday cake.  Then the singing started... followed by dancing exercises!

He really loves doing the burgers for everybody here...

Snacks after meal...

The best burger in town! LOL...

Then the singing started.. I think we were doing Dancing Queen... LOL....

Not sure what song we were rendering...

 

And the party lasted till darkness fell...

I hope everybody enjoyed the celebration...

I definitely did!

LOL...

Chic 40th Birthday Party Theme Ideas

Stepping into the 40s is amazing and things are about to get really good at this age! If you are coming closer to this age, it’s high time to plan your 40^th birthday. This is a great date and you should celebrate it the best way possible, so first of all, choose a theme for your party and the colors you want to use for the décor and food. You may even want to hire an event rentals Los Angeles specialist to help you make your big day a truly memorable one.

If you're a woman turning into the fantastic forty and want your 40th birthday party to be classy, glamorous, sexy, and cool, check out these fantastic party themes below:

1. Glamorous

Glam parties are the most popular ones for girls of any age, so many women choose Chanel, Diva and just sparkly glam décor for their 40^th birthday parties. These are usually black and white with addition of hot pink or sparkly gold and silver.

2.  Boho Chic

You can also rock boho chic and casual rustic theme, they are also extremely popular and the décor is super easy to realize yourself. Hang some of your photos on the balloons, cover the tables with sequin tablecloths and enjoy your party with some champagne with your besties and loved ones! 

3.  Pink Party

If you're looking to celebrate your 40th birthday in a more demure way, how about throwing a feminine pink birthday party with everything pink from food to drinks, décor and door gifts! 

5. Superhero

Every woman is a Wonder Woman in her own right! Celebrate your 40th in true superhero style with a smashing superhero themed party.

6.  Denim Themed 40^th Bash

From blue denim table cloths to denim print plates and cups, blue cup cakes and rugged denim jeans, a denim themed 40^th bash definitely doesn't lack style and is sure to impress in a casual, chic way.

Happy birthday to you! Whatever the theme you choose for your 40^th birthday party, you will need an awesome party venue to add to the fun factor. Check out party rentals Palm Springs at the link here to help you find the perfect location to host your big day.

Gold Note Of Hope

TWO DAYS AFTER VALENTINE... we were window shopping at AEON Falim when we saw a crowd in one of the goldsmith shops in the mall.  No, there was no robbery, we were surprised that the shop was filled with people inside on this special evening.  On normal days, it is a common sight that the staff are looking out for customers or ushering them to come into their shop, but on this particular evening, all the staff were busy and had their hands full with the customers instead.  Out of curiosity, we approached the shop too... wondering if there were some free gift or what.... LOL...

We walked one round in the shop, no one was free to entertain us.. LOL.. "Ok, we come back later, I told my friends" and went for our groceries.  An hour later, we passed by the shop again, Poh Kong is the name and this time there was one lady staff who was finally available.  She told us that it is a normal sight during Chinese New Year that the chinese like to purchase gold, it signifies "prosperity" and that means "Ong" in cantonese.  No wonder... and another reason is that there is this Golden Note which is made of 0.1gm of pure gold, limited edition of our present reigning Prime Minister with his signature on it.  This Gold Note Of Hope is a token of appreciation to our PM's battle for reigniting Malaysia's hope, so it says in their website. 

The Golden Note of Hope cost RM160, out of which part of the proceeds will go to the Tabung Harapan .

At Poh Kong while stocks last... 

There is also a certificate for each Golden Note... 

It comes with a nice red box.... 

A perfect gift to give... 

And a nice souvenir to keep for life...