Pretty and Under 40

After her casket was lowered into the hole that was readily dug, flash back of moments with her came. 

I will always remember how she sat near the air-well watching her friends playing mahjong as I walked into her shop. Then when she saw me, she beamed with a smile to welcome me. Then she would always walk out (when she was able bodied then) to send us off when we were about to drive back to KL. From the look on her face, I know she was anticipating for our next return.

We all say it’s a good way to end her suffering, but from the funeral, I can tell none of us really want her to go.  

Why do we cry when someone dies? Is it because we feel a tangible loss and know that we will never see that person again? Perhaps we have regrets that it’s too late to make right? Or is it natural for us to associate death with tears? I don’t know.


My maternal grandma passed away this morning. We somehow knew that she was going. My family were prepared as they see how she was slipping away daily. But I hoped otherwise.


I’d consider myself a hopeful. Like when my hubby’s aunt had a massive stroke, and  everyone knew that she wouldn’t make it, I psyched myself to believe in a miracle. (She didn’t survive though) And when my paternal grandma injured her hip, I thought she’d recover but inevitably she passed on.

As for this grandma of mine, I told myself that she’d survive this time. I wasn’t worried. She was one whom I’ve known had survived 2 heart attacks, kidney failures, and all sorts of other ailments and make it out from the hospital alive. She’d been on the ambulance more times than I’ve been on the plane. When she visited and stayed over at our place, her maid would carry with her a huge box of medication and blood pressure machine. And I thought, this time, she’d be home in no time but she didn’t make it.


My grandma wasn’t popular, neither a scholar nor a national hero. She never championed anything. She was just a lady who brought up 9 children with my grandpa. She may not have left a secret recipe that’d make us rich. But she had shown me how to take life easy. She wasn’t a fussy person, and she gets along well with everyone. Even at her old age, her neighbours and friends endeared her. When she wasn’t fussy, it didn’t mean she was a doormat. She had a sturdy physique and she was a strong woman too. I knew she helped made ends for the family in those days, even when it was socially unacceptable back then.  And through her, my mum, dad, uncles, aunties and cousins showed me how to love. They really showered her with love and the best.


Many would say it’s better this way and she need not suffer anymore. There’s truth in that but I rather not let her go. At least, I’d still have her around to talk to, comfort and love. I’m selfish I know. I miss her.


So why do we cry when someone dies? I don’t know.

Ever discovered a secret place and want to keep it to yourself? I have discovered a place, a place not so secretive. Well, not just a place, but two. It’s Citta Mall and GOURMANDIS Bar & Restaurant outlet 

My hubby brought me to Citta Mall for dinner at GOURMANDIS . We ordered the rib-eye and lamb. The meat was well marinated. Portion was big. The mint sauce was thick and yummy. I’m just no good when it comes to describing food. And sorry, I don’t have any pictures of what I relished earlier. All I can say is ‘go there’. 

What I enjoyed most tonight was the mall itself. There were very few shops that have moved in. But the concept itself is the prize winner. I guess they are opting for a friendly neighbourhood concept. Plus, we find more fans than aircon vents. Love the eco-friendly approach. Love it! Love it!

This place is truly a gem to keep and share. 

p/s: I saw someone cycling IN the mall itself. 

My colleague came to work after a photoshoot for the magazine. She was all made-up. Nice brows and blush. Just gorgeous. So, when we saw her, we had nothing but compliments for her. 

But when she walked into her class filled with 11 and 12 years old. Guess what her students said to her. “Teacher, what’s wrong with your face?”

p/s: see how mean kids are these days. Obnoxious indeed. 

tumblrbot asked: WHAT IS YOUR EARLIEST HUMAN MEMORY?

Me on the swings

My UPSR students were so cute yesterday. One of them came in complaining about the knots in his tummy because his UPSR exams is next week. To cheer him (and the rest of the class) up, I told him that if he shakes my hand, he’ll feel better and more confident.t

So after the end of the class, I asked them if any of them want to shake my lucky hand. In unison, they all shouted NO and left the class in the speed of light… -.-“

Kids are so mean these days.  

To watch Smurfs with any expectation is too idealistic. And I was too idealistic. Growing up humming to ‘la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-laa’, you can’t expect me to remain unmoved when I heard that they were making another 80s babies’ cartoon into a movie.

So, my hubby and 3 other friends went along with me. The movie started slow… predictable… and too kind. Everyone in Smurf Village is so nice. I’d say the movie lacks drama. No one died. No one cried. My favorite character isn’t any of the Smurfs. But I’d like to commend Katy Perry for her voice as Smurfette. She sounded adorable and ditsy. Oh, and I can’t stand the human characters in the show too. Too kind. I have nothing against people who are kind. It’s just that they don’t help move the movie along. I want drama!

The only character I looked forward to watching is the villain cat, Azrael. The animation of the cat was not flawless but it was fun anticipating his reactions. I guess maybe there’s a small element of vileness in me that I resonate with antagonists. And drama.

But the highlight of the movie wasn’t from the movie at all. We were halfway through an (so-called) intense scene, and the hero came along. When he appeared, a bunch of people sitting right behind us, in unison, chimed ‘Clumm-sy….’ It was uncalled for but funny.

Overall, I wouldn’t pay to watch it again but it’s cute to see how my hubby has been humming the Smurfs tune for the last few hours. 

To think of it, the 10+ hours of sleep I had in the last few days was necessary. The purpose revealed itself today. I think the time and energy expended today is equivalent to at least 3 Saturdays put together. It’s been one of the busiest weekends I’ve had in a long while. And it is one that I enjoyed most. 

It started with my husband waking me up at 7am (and that was like 3 hours after I had zonked out.) He woke me up telling me that he found that rat in the house (which is a story for another time) and wanted me to help him kill it. At 7AM??! That was funny but I couldn’t. (1) Not at 7am (2) I can never bring myself to kill an animal even if it is a rodent. So, to cut the long story short, that rat that had been leaving droppings behind is now in the landfill somewhere. 

Then at 10:30am, I had to make a 30 mins journey to Stephanie’s house to help her with maths work. There’s nothing brainiac about me, it’s Std 5 maths only.

At 12pm, I made my way to Tao Cuisine. Another 30 mins drive. But it was worth every fuel burnt. Food was unlimited. Food was good. Food was fresh. I’d vouch for it many times over Shogun. And the best thing about it was a really great company. And oh, my friend helped got me this: 

I can finally do some clickings. So thrilled!!

Next up, at 2:30pm, I had to rush to a 2 1/2hours course I’ve signed up for. I’m a lil’ embarrassed to reveal what the course is, but trust me, it’s nothing explicit at all. 

Then after that course, I had to rush home for my 2-hour badminton session with hubby and friends. 

(If you notice, each paragraph gets shorter. I think I am shutting down). 

Now, I’m here. I thought I could still hold up for another few hours since we’ve got some friends over and they are in the living room now. I’m not too sure about it… 

And so, at lunch yesterday, I was at Nirvana USJ satisfying my cravings for banana leaf rice. At that moment, I didn’t only have cravings for food but also for shopping. I knew I needed to get something. Like a bag or shoes or anything. You can’t blame me for such urges. It’s been months since I last spent on myself something pretty.

Ok, back to lunch. Then in came this young woman in pinstripes boyfriend shirt. I was seated directly across the entrance and I spotted her shoes. It wasn’t heels. It wasn’t Crocs translucent flats. It was good ol’ penny loafers.  

What was more bizarre is that, last Sunday, I had this sudden realization that I needed to add loafers to my shoe rack. And I guess that young lady’s appearance is a confirmation.  

It also looks like penny loafers are making a comeback to the industry, sporting more colors. These ones are from Anthropologie costing USD$70 a pair. That’s a hefty amount to fork out. But, that’s the price you pay for comfort. 

I personally wouldn’t get one of these though. It’s made of leather. Yeah, I’m an eco-yuppy. Not that plastic or PU is any better, but to think of slaughtering harmless cows for my soles is overbearing.

I’m hoping that Crocs would come up with something cooler than these chunky loafers. They look like court shoes my mum used to wear to work. Pretty sure they have designers who have better fashion sense. And I want more colors!

So, next up… to hunt for loafers. 

When I watched Totoro 10+ years ago, all I remembered was the warmth & love the cartoon generated. And of course, who can resist such plushy friend whom you can sleep on.

And 2 days ago, I saw this pix in my friend’s FB album. I thought my fantasy has come close to fruition. Now, I can not just sleep on him but sleep inside Totoro too. Like a joey in the pouch sort of stuff… if I had it 10+ years ago and also 10+ years younger then, I’d definitely be the coolest kid in school. Sleepover will be reinvented. 

If anyone knows where to get it, please drop me a line. It’s a novelty to have it and show it off too. haha. On the other hand, am I too old for a Totoro bed/sleeping bag?