Archive | December, 2024

Adieu 2024!

31 Dec

It is the last day of 2024! What a year it has been for me. There were more travels than ever, more memories made as the year progressed, and sadly, a new injury. Let’s recap for the record.

My DIY crafting and building miniatures waned and came to a complete halt when my travels kicked in. It’s unfortunate after four years at it, project after project. Well, maybe come 2025, the interest will return. Only time will tell.

At the beginning of the year, I went to Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Singapore, for golf and leisure. My flight distance and time increased dramatically with an app I downloaded to track these things. In October, I added Japan to round up my travels abroad. I figured I had reached a milestone, so I should travel more. In total, I flew 19,768 km with a flight time of one day, six hours, and 38 minutes. I’m wondering if I can top these stats with the new year. We will find out!

Wonderful memories are created with the travels and truly cherished. We played at new golf courses in Vietnam and Indonesia, and I savored the time with my golfing friends. What more can I ask for? My best memory is meeting up with an old college friend in Hanoi! The precious few hours we had is something I will never forget. We talked as if we were never apart for the last few decades that flew by.

The family trips were all about food, sights, and new experiences. Bangkok was all about walking, shopping, and eating. Likewise, Japan, but more. Wonderful, wonderful time together. I hope we can do such trips come 2025!

My golfing ability has been up and down for the year. The top highlight was being crowned the Overall Champion for my Tuesday Group’s annual game in August. I guess I peaked at the right occasion! I hope I can rediscover my momentum for the new year because I picked up a new injury right after that game.

The right tennis elbow sucks. As such, the golf has been on a downslide. But I’m not upset by this disability because hubby and I picked up pickleball to stay active! And I play with my left hand, thus preserving the right side from further aggravation. I wear an elbow guard, just to be safe, though.

Toward the end of the year, I reconnected with another old friend who migrated and was visiting. She’s my bestie’s older sister and an ardent golfer, so it was wonderful to host her. Despite the elbow woes, the time together was more important.

As 2024 winds down, I reflect on what has happened and look forward to the new year ahead. I’ve stopped making resolutions but tend to keep a positive mind as I believe in ‘you are what you think you are’ to face what’s ahead. Attract the good vibes and keep the bad ones away or at bay.

On a global scale, sports, politics, war, world peace, and climate challenges share the headlines. I’d rather not elaborate as details on these issues are available freely online. I am thankful I survived the year.

I take this opportunity to thank all my readers and supporters who have kept me going in my blog and to wish everyone a Happy New Year! May 2025 bring peace and prosperity to all.

Cheers and adieu 2024, it’s a wrap, and thanks for the memories!

Saying goodbye 2024 and hello 2025 with Chandon!

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Merry Christmas 2024!

24 Dec

Tis the season to be merry, fa la la la, la la la la! Every year, we have our family Christmas Eve dinner, and it’s a time to be together and be thankful.

This year, I’m baking my version of meat pies to add to the menu. I have become better at preparing a meat-based dish for the occasion.

In the past, I used to buy ready-to-eat ham from the butcher. Then I progressed to making ribs and meatloaf. This year, meat pies. And they look good and smell good!

Here’s wishing all a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Be safe wherever you are celebrating Christmas.

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Monsoon Season! Part 2

17 Dec

The threat of the monsoon rain last week did not materialize drastically to affect the golf games when I hosted a visiting friend. We were most fortunate to take in another two games. In total, we played three and a half rounds, the half being the first game that lasted only nine holes due to the downpour.

While it was fun to be playing so many games in good weather, the game performance went from bad to worse. Hahahaha. Could it be we were talking so much? I do admit the tennis elbow did act up now and then. Sigh. However, it’s not like the course was hard to handle – it’s my home course, and I play there week in, week out, three times a week!

I do notice that when I talk and laugh a lot during a round of golf, I don’t play well – the focus is not there. Oh well, it was more for the company, which was great. And we were fortunate the weather held up for the bonding time.

I’m glad I could host my friend for several games, rain or shine, and she has plenty of good memories to bring back when she leaves Malaysia. I look forward to future golf games with her on her next return trip.

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Monsoon Season!

10 Dec

It has been a wet month as we wrap up the year. We are facing a second phase of the year-end monsoon rain. Last week, the weather had its moment and washed out an afternoon golf game when I hosted a visiting friend for a round. We completed only nine holes, which was a blessing in disguise because my tennis elbow was acting up! Bummer.

Three days after that wet round, we played another afternoon game. Thankfully, Mother Nature was kind to us despite the rain forecast. We completed the game in good weather, with only a slight drizzle that did not disrupt the momentum. And somehow, the tennis elbow pain was manageable. Phew. The weekend games after that were also fortunate, without any threat of rain or pain. 

However, this week may not be as good. The Weather app on the iPhone shows rain forecasted for the whole week. Golf will have to take a backseat if the forecasts are accurate. We will find out.

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Fiery Flavors!

3 Dec

Once in a while, some spicy food is good. Day in and day out, we eat the same thing – it can be mundane and predictable. Even when I don’t cook and eat out, we go to the same restaurant and order the same thing! Life is such when you are a creature of habit.

Over the weekend, we decided to be more adventurous and try something new. A different location from our usual spots to a new restaurant with rave reviews. Why not? Let’s be a bit more adventurous, right?

The Indian curry house turned out to be a gem of a discovery! But goodness me, the fiery spicy flavors had us sweating profusely and our mouths burning! Everything on the table was oh-so spicy.

So many bowls, quite a spread, isn’t it?

Luckily, the four types of curry were served in individual bowls instead of the typical method of dousing the rice on the banana leaf. I think we wouldn’t be able to take the heat! Despite it all, the best discoveries were the crab curry and fried lamb, not grilled. Both were very flavorful and, of course, spicy!

It was good to be adventurous with the pleasant discovery, and we look forward to returning.

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