is my room a freezer now?

I was in a hurry this morning, so I didn't have time to throw away the milk carton.

Guess what I found when I came back and started clearing the kitchen top? I saw some milk solids at the bottom of the carton. I should put a thermometer in my apartment!

年賀状 new year card

I was pleasantly surprised to find a bunch of stuff in the mailbox when I arrived.

It's nice that the number of New Year cards increase every year, I can't help but count my blessings. For the Japanese to slowly open up, and include you in their rituals, I think it means something. It may not seem like a big thing, but it's nice to be thought of.

Just a snapshot of the cards that adorn a corner of my room. I like how it's still so traditional, and that there are still bits and pieces of the Japanese culture which are still preserved.

despite

Its funny how some things have changed, but they remain the same at the same time.

I'm grateful for friends that remain as friends despite changes in seasons, for friends that seems like sisters especially when you have none, and for friends who remind you not to take yourself too seriously.

Of course, they don't realise it, and sometimes I don't too. So pictures are a good reminder.

thai for memories

We finally met. Through a series of unexpected events, I managed to pull along Cindy and Eva who were her former dance students.

After paying respect to her husband, we brought her to Busaba at BSC. This was one of her favourite dining places with her husband. I can just imagine them dining here as she regaled us with tales of how they met and what she liked about him. Couldn't help but coo over the fact that she married her middle school sweetheart.

We found out later that she had been feeling depressed over his death, and was intending to take her own life. This might have been a reality if not for a mutual friend's friend who found her walking around on her own. She was seen carrying a picture of her husband, going around to the places they had been together.

I cannot begin to imagine how that must feel, but I can sympathise a little with the fact that being a foreigner alone can be daunting especially when there's language barrier, and no closed family members around.

I didn't get to take up her offer of using up their massage vouchers, but I was glad I got to spend time with her a few times over lunch and friends. She seemed to be in better spirits when I called before leaving for the airport. I hope she finds her true purpose for living, and leaves Malaysia with fond memories.



On a separate note, I found Busaba pretty posh but approachable enough for a nice meal amidst plush interior. Food arrived promptly and service was good, but perhaps we came on a weekday past regular lunch hours. Though this was not on my list of must-eat-when-back-in-Malaysia, I wouldn't mind going back again.