My furry babies

It has been almost a year that Sister, Angel and Cinnamon have moved out. Things are better for everyone's mental health, as the cats have their own space and Mom is less stressed. Bob sleeps anywhere but his previous prison cell (i.e. my bedroom). Angel has a lovely coat of fur with no bald patches and sleeps in the workroom or Sis' bedroom. He has become very affectionate - he will make a cute sound before rubbing his body against my legs and enjoy me combing his fur or stroking his head and back for a longer time before he stops the session by chewing my fingers :) Cinnamon loves Sis and likes parents and me to give her attention when we visit. I am glad that our pet cats and my family are happier this year.

My shoes collection

I have tried buying shoes in the $20-30 range in the past, but they didn't last long. I then decided to bought from brands like Clarke and Ecco and my current Clark shoes (resoled with natural latex) and red Ecco sandals are still in good condition. I even got a pair of men's brogue shoes from Skechers when I had to travel to cold Tokyo last Jan. I wore then recently to office and a male colleague commented about them looking heavy and he seemed shocked when I told him they are men's shoes. Hee. 

Since last year, I have been more adventurous in buying shoes online from Beyond Skin (peach colour shoes and black sandals with old Camper sandal straps recently sewn on), Luludu crotchet shoes (which are very comfy and provide barefoot walking experience), SoleRebels shoes (almost black shoes with V-design tips, ethically made in Ethiopia with soles from car tyres) and The Root Connective shoes (in cranberry red, ethically made in Guatemala). The customer service staff or founders of these shoes companies were friendly and helpful when I emailed them to return and exchange for the right sizes of a few pairs of the shoes. Even though it was a hassle to go to the post office, luckily the experiences were pleasant. Happy with my current collection of shoes :)

38 years old

As I turned 38 last night, I am glad that mom has been responding well to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Cloud has been back home and his neck wound is healed. Sis is quite happy in her new home with Angel and Cinnamon. I am fortunate to be surrounded by good friends and loved ones. The past year has been stressful at times but it also made me more aware what I can do and the person I have become. Time feels even more precious than before and I try to do the important tasks as well as what I want to do - I feel a sense of accomplishment even if it is just some household chore or cooking a dish for dinner :) Life isn't too bad.

Ah Mei has moved out

My younger sister aka Ah Mei bought her own resale flat in Aug last year before we found out about mom's cancer. She had thought about getting her own place and recent events like the toil of separating the 3 cats and the desire of having her personal space spurred her into action. 

It has been a month since Ah Mei and Angel shifted into her new home. Cinnamon joined them a week later while Bob has returned home with us. I do miss the late night face to face chat with Ah Mei and having the other kitties around. Thankfully with WhatsApp and her staying 5mins walk away, I could still chat with her easily and visit her and the kitties almost every night. She comes home for dinner on Saturday/Sunday and parents will buy things or food to pass to her. Cinnamon loves her new home, while Angel has confined himself to Ah Mei's bedroom and he is happiest when she can rest on the bed with him.

The Graveyard Book & Anansi Boys

The past week, I let my mind be entertained by these 2 interesting books by Neil Gaiman. I enjoy the Graveyard Book on how the occupants of the Graveyard protected and cared for the baby, the adventures and reality when Nobody Owens or Bod learned more about the world beyond the Graveyard. It is my second attempt to read the Anansi Boys. I remember I couldn't get past the first chapter and gave up. I'm glad I decided to give it another shot. I love how Fat Charlie and Spider grew in character after going through betrayal, suffering, and finding love. The details, emotions and words are amazing. They have made me cry and smile :)

Neil Gaiman's M is for Magic

I enjoy reading this book. I like the short stories for their quirkiness, simplicity, the interesting characters. I read this over the past few weeks, picking it up on bus and train rides. I teared a bit while reading "Troll bridge" about a man who decided to switch place with a troll and "The Price" about a brave cat protecting his human family. I can't wait to read more about Bod in Neil Gaiman's other book, The Graveyard Book.

First visit to Great Wall of China

During a recent work trip to Beijing in early December, we did a short walk at part of Great Wall of China. My face, hands and feet were freezing cold when it was windy, even though I was wearing a thick beanie, down jacket, thermal layer, socks and gloves. I felt like an old lady as I slowly climbed up and down the flights of steps at the less challenging stretch of the Great Wall. It was a nice experience to share with my other 3 colleagues being my first time there. I'm not sure when I will next visit it again.

Angel the only cat at home

Angel seems quite relaxed and happy without Bob and Cinnamon around, as he could move freely around the house, rest and sleep anywhere he wants.

Bob and Cinnamon at Kittycare Haven

Bob and Cinnamon have been at Kittycare Haven at Lim Chu Kang for 2 months. Sia Ping and Binti keep their room clean and the 2 cats are eating well. Sis and I have been driving down every Sunday to spend at least an hour with them. I will bring along wet tissues to clean them and also comb their fur. Bob will happily let me hug him, while Cinnamon will purr noisily as I comb her fur. Hopefully by early February next year, Bob can return home while Cinnamon will join Angel at Sis' new home.

Hearty kale potato carrot pork soup

I love soups that are full of fresh ingredients. A reason why I like having my meals at Real Food and Soup Spoon. I tried cooking a soup for the family using whatever we had in the fridge, and it took more than an hour for the soft bone pork meat to soften. It was very satisfying to see everyone enjoy the soup with rice and other dishes during the dinner :)

I miss Bob

I was looking at these photos of Bob this morning. It has been 2 weeks since I boarded him and Cinnamon at Kittycare Haven at Lim Chu Kang. We have visited them last weekend and will do so tomorrow and every weekend. Angel who is low maintenance stays home. Mom had to go for hysterectomy and be hospitalised. Dad quit his taxi driver job so that he could take care of mom, do housework and cooking. Our worst fears come true when the doctors recommend that mom go for chemotherapy. This also means Bob and Cinnamon have to be away from home for a longer duration until mom is well. I miss Bob sleeping with me, head butting, enjoying my hugs and kisses.

The Chinese Spinach phase

A few weeks ago, I was in love with Chinese Spinach and cooked it a few times for my meals. However it could not be a daily affair as preparing the vegetable for cooking is quite tedious. I need to peel the outer thin "membrane" of the stems so that they will be softer after cooking. Some of the leaves may have tiny white spots (aphids?) so I have to be alert and removed these leaves. I must really crave for Chinese spinach (hoi cai in Teochew) and in the mood to cook it.

Angel our big boy

Angel looked like he had made a mess with the paper balls and went into hiding :) He likes Mom to throw paper balls at him, before she heads out to feed the community cats in the morning, and he will run after them.

Curiosity and comfort

Bob likes to explore new places around the house, sniff them and make himself comfortable.

Angel and loud noises

Angel is scared of thunder, so it is not surprising that he was also affected by the loud noises coming from the singing and music by the band playing at the park in front of the block of flats next to ours last night at 7.30pm. The RC organised the event for the residents to celebrate Mooncake Festival. Poor Angel just rested on his side and stared listlessly while waiting for the celebration to end. I played with him and Cinnamon separately with a toy to try cheering him up. I had to coax him back into Sis' room with his favorite catnip around 9.30pm, so that he can stay in the room and we can let Bob out for a while. Luckily by then, it was announcement of the lucky draw winners, which was not so loud.

Bob's grooming session

Mom and I are always amused by his sitting poses and sometimes he will just lazily rest on his side after grooming himself.

Craving for chocolate avocado cake

Even after a late lunch, I couldn't stop thinking about the ripe avocado waiting for me to transform it into something yummy. I love the chocolate avocado cake I made the past few times, so I measured all the ingredients and toned my arms by mashing the avocado. I waited till after a light dinner and feeding the community cats to try the cake. Eating 2 small slices made me feel satisfied and happy :)

Roasting potatoes and cauliflower

After successfully roasting yummy sweet potatoes, I decided to do the same for potatoes and cauliflower too. They ended up as late lunch for me and Sis. I had to cut, marinate and wash the dishes but I think it is worth the effort to prepare healthy tasty food.

A visitor at the park

This handsome ginger cat will visit the park occasionally and he doesn't disturb Shadow and the other roaming pet cats. He is more interested in chasing after the birds. Recently he displayed some interest in our food when we ordered him some after greeting him and stroking him. We are not sure if the aunty feeder whom we avoid due to some differences feeds him and the other female sterilised cat enough food. Anyway, when my path crosses with these 2 cats, I will do my usual hello with my hand to their nose, and stroking their head, neck etc and feeding them some kibbles.

Surprises from friends

They came in the form of a friend dropping by my workstation with tea and postcards from a friend who was in Yunnan :)