Jipinhe Scones

Jipinhe Scones is a small outlet at my nearby mall. I was initially intrigued to try their Hot and Sour Rice Noodles. It is said to taste like the noodles in Chongqing. However, it is said to be spicy, and I am not sure if I can tolerate the heat. Thus, I went with the other set option that has the Tomato Noodle Soup and the scone. I opted for the New Orleans Chicken Thigh scone and a jelly dessert.

Truth be told, I really loved everything I ordered. The tangy tomato flavour was strong and flavourful. The scone’s filling was generous too. I was really full after the meal I shared with my daughter. I was watching over my calories.

I am glad that my daughter agreed to try something new. I am inspired to do this from time to time after watching this movie called The Room. There was a part after the mother and her child managed to escape from their kidnappers and live life. They tried everything together so that they would get to know the things they would like, exploring everything from different foods to new activities, which helped strengthen their bond and filled their lives with joy and discovery. This exploration reminded me that, indeed, that is what we should do as well. While being in a comfort zone makes you feel safe, exploring something different can lead to unexpected experiences that enrich our lives, foster creativity, and broaden our perspectives. Embracing the unknown not only brings about personal growth but also teaches us valuable lessons about adaptability.

My daughter is embarking on a new life experience soon. She will be learning a new skill. InsyaAllah.

More than meets the eye

An experienced photographer would probably have a lot to say about this photo. I always appreciate expert opinion. They are experts because they know more. I took this photo on a bright, sunny evening. It looks dark because it is the reflection of the trees on the river surface. Looking at it closely, you could see the ripples of the water. The image is flipped. I had to wait for a few joggers to pass me by before I whipped out my phone and captured this scenery.

It is normal to perceive something as it is. It takes slightly more effort to understand what is happening underneath. Dealing with human behaviour and emotion is notably tough. We can never be sure of what another person means, despite how literal they wish to portray themselves. There is always another layer within them that they are not comfortable showing the world. Yet, we still make an effort to connect because that is what being human is all about. We learn how to navigate the different personas and difficult conversations. With time, we get better at our soft skills. This set of skills is not limited to communication. It entails emotional intelligence, creativity in decision-making, and body language. I believe there is more to learn as we create a better version of ourselves.

Supporting healthcare professionals

In healthcare services today, we need more advocates who care for healthcare professionals. HCPs are human beings who CHOSE to do medicine with one purpose in common: altruism. It is very unfair to say to HCPs

YOU CHOSE TO DO THIS. YOU SHOULD BEAR WITH IT. IF NOT, LEAVE!!!

Yes, we chose to do this. But it doesn’t mean you should treat us like SHIT.

It’s like saying just because we choose to marry someone, it is OK for the spouse to disrespect us, hit us, or abuse us simply because it was you who chose that person to become your partner.

Sidequest – MEOW Run

I was expecting more from the organisers. It wasn’t entirely disappointing, but it did feel like it could have been better.

I joined this run because I was attracted to its T-shirt design and the medal. My daughter joined in because I know she would love the pink T-shirt and could tolerate the 4KM distance. I read a few Threads that commented on the quality of the T-shirt. Indeed, the sizing was just off. There was hardly any difference between an XL and a 2XL. It was also see-through.

During the day itself, the event emcee failed to bring the crowd together. Obviously, people just want the event to start and finish promptly. Not too much banter, too. I understand that he wants to hype the audience, but sometimes you have to just read the room. The moment people don’t recognise you as a radio DJ, then change the persona and just become an emcee. MEOW run was not a Malay-majority event. It was an event of people coming from various ethnic backgrounds. So, handle it like one.

While I can overlook the fact that the distance was slightly more than 4KM, the so-called “goodies” at the finish line were a complete letdown. A medal and a bottle of water? Really? Most of us were expecting at least a roll of bread or a packet of Hup Seng crackers! It’s shocking that even seasoned runners noted the absence of bibs in their race kits. Seriously, I once participated in a fun run at Bukit Serindit with my daughter, and we got a bib along with a bag brimming with treats. It’s no surprise that countless participants complained, since AEON certainly projects an image grand enough to have delivered much more!

Lakeview Terrace Resort, Pengerang

After the stay at Kluang, we made our way to Kota Tinggi. On the way there, we stopped at this place for a quick lunch. The food pricing was cheap and most importantly, the dishes were prepared deliciously. It is like one of those everyday places people go to for lunch and have their nasi campur.

The Lakeview Terrace Resort

This resort is located at quite an isolated area. You will need to drive a bit to find a restaurant. I believe that this place was promising when it initially opened. A resort is supposed to have everything to accommodate your stay. Visitors rarely have to leave the place. I saw a reel on it, recorded a year ago. It surely gives off a different vibe as to how it is now. It did made me question what could possibly went wrong. Later, I found my probable answer.

Mr Husband booked two rooms. Each room has a double bed and a single bed. Our Family Room is roughly about RM 180/night before the tax and fees. Yup, the price has dropped tremendously due to it’s service falling short. The rooms were located in front of it’s main attraction, the swimming pool. My husband enjoyed the gym. He was on the treadmill for at least an hour in the evening while watching over the kids swimming in the pool. I was able to get my 10K steps in as well by walking around the area.

Most of the area has been shut off with tapes surrounding the units. The ones open were situated much closer to the pool and cafe. I thought it was a shame that such a beautiful place is quietly becoming out of business. Until I figured out why. I saw a tiger toy on one of the bins and in front of one of the units, that is probably rented out to long term tenants working at Pengerang. I knew that some people use these toys to deter monkeys. Indeed, I saw the monkeys. But they were further away from where the guest were staying.

I suppose before this, wildlife imposed a threat to visitors. By going into the rooms and going through the trash.

Find the monkey

Breakfast was included in the room rates for 3 pax/each. The options were very sad though. The basic cereal and milk for kids were not even there. Only sausages. I felt sorry for the staff though. It was only one lovely lady who had to manage the front desk and also setting up the breakfast buffet. I hope she is paid well and is allowed her time off if she asks for it.

We had lunch at Dee Pondok Desaru cause it looked pretty from the roadside. This place serves the usual lunch dishes. I ordered nasi penyet with ikan keli. I believe the rest ordered the chicken dishes. It was OK for a family lunch. Most of the time we just lounged around in the room and played in the pool. We checked out after a 2 night stay and went back home to Melaka. The road trip was what I needed after a few hectic weeks at the workplace. I ws ready to return to work after my leave. Looking forward to my next long break in December. Insya-Allah.