Turning 42

I’ve realised this year that I enjoy celebrating birthdays, both my own and others. The celebrations don’t have to be big, in fact I like them small and intimate with just family, but I love the occasion of spoiling someone, of letting that special someone know that we love them and care for them.

This year there were three birthday cakes because ah Pa, M and my birthdays all fell on the same day, pretty cool.

My sister brought me out for lunch, skewers which is my niece’s favourite food. I think she enjoyed herself a lot.

The kids went on to play at the challenge rooms and I went home back to work. They had lots of fun and I was glad the cousins had such a fun time together. It was busy at work even though I was working from home, but a productive day with some great outcomes, things that we’ve been working on for a long time have finally come to fruition. It was a good way to end the work week. I told my boss that the outcome was my birthday present from the company, she had a good laugh.

We seem to have Korean fried chicken for our birthday dinner every year, I think we will try something else next year.

The birthday traditional meal that never gets old. It’s a labour of love and I appreciate it even though I’ve never been a fan of long life noodles. My kids love it though.

Birthday boy and birthday girl.

Ah pa and his grandkids minus little Theo. They all love him and like Saitaomei said in the card she made for him ‘you are one of my favourite person in the world’, in my card she wrote ‘thank you for cooking me good food’ 😅. But I agree with her, Gung Gung is also one of my favourite people in the world.

I love it that her card has me running on the threadmill. Why did you draw mummy running I asked. ‘Because you love running and you run all the time !’ she replied. I had a chuckle because I don’t love running, but I have been running almost daily for maybe half a year now. Perhaps it’s become such a usual sight that my kids now think I love it. But that’s a good sign, I want them to see me active and up and about. I’ve been actively trying to go outdoors and bring our family for walks etc since last year and I think it’s become a norm. I like it that this is our new norm and I want this to become our daily habit and our lifestyle.

My birthday wish is for our collective good health, for my family to be happy and healthy, for my health and happiness, in a way, health equals happiness doesn’t it? To be physically and mentally healthy equates to happiness for me.

At 42, I surprisingly don’t feel that old even though I always lament that I am old. I feel like there’s more to come for me, and I see growth and development, I see myself wanting to become stronger and pushing myself forward, so there’s lot in store for me and I’m excited for life ahead.

To be loved and celebrated by such great people around me must mean that I’m doing ok in life. Birthdays are a great reminder that life is good and today I am once again reminded that I have so much to be grateful for. Happy birthday me.

Singapore trip 2025

I should really do a long post about our Singapore holiday because I think it was a great one. Halfway through the trip I received sad news about a friend from a friend, it did affect my thoughts and keep me awake at night some nights, but I don’t think it dampened my holiday spirits in that I was wanting to make the most of it and enjoy my time with my family.

Three of them had so much fun together, playing new games, eating treats, shopping, swimming.

They don’t hang out with their cousin a lot during school days, so I know this will be a cherished memory.

It’s fun for me too, I get to be with my girls, and despite both of them kicking me in bed at night, I loved spending time with just them. And I also relished hanging out with my parents and my sister.

A highlight was also meeting all my Singaporean relatives after a long long time. They are a lovely bunch. But everyone has grown old sigh.

My favourite mornings were mornings with Yakun kopi, kaya toast and eggs with my mum. We had kopis almost every morning, not being able to sleep well was a blessing in disguise because I could hang out with my mum.

My sister and I enjoyed kopis by the pool too. Lazy afternoons by the pool were glorious.

Singapore food was so so good. I enjoy it more than Kuching food nowadays because in Kuching, I don’t get to go everywhere I want to go and eat everything I want to eat. Singapore is great because there’s so much freedom.

I know they liked being in the hotel the most. Watching their iPads and eating yummy takeaway food. That was my favourite part of the day too, aching feet after trekking up and down Orchard, clean after a shower, yummy food in hand and settling for the night. Most relaxing part of the day.

We ate lots of Tori Q. Gosh I miss Singaporean food so much. Sobs. I think Singapore will need to be an annual getaway.

Delighted to be seated next to Gung Gung on the flight home. These two are so good for each other.

Another memorable Singapore trip, a good one. Let’s hope there are many more to come.

Singapore birthday

5.35am. My second night waking up repeatedly in Singapore. The disrupted sleep makes me less energetic throughout the day, which is not what I want during our much coveted family getaway.

I was hoping the trip would melt away the stress of work and family life. It’s only a day in and it hasn’t happened yet. If anything, at night I lie awake and perhaps it’s my troubled thoughts that is stopping me from a deep slumber.

The hotel surprised us with a birthday cake. We also received a cake from the first hotel. Amongst our group of 7, three of us have birthdays in January, this year, they all fall on the same day. I hope this is a sign that for us three, we will have a year of celebration and cheer.

Because this cake landed at our door, the girls sang me a birthday song, I cut the cake and they had a slice each for dessert. I think they are enjoying the holiday so far, I hope this continues.

Every year I always start my birthday wish wishing for my family, and then myself. Every year it’s mostly for our collective health and happiness. This year I only wished for my father’s health and happiness. If I am less greedy, does this mean my wish is more likely to come true? One can only pray.

Day 2 of our holiday has only just begun. It’s still early days, there is still hope that all my worries can dissipate and I can truly enjoy the holiday in earnest.