Additional birthday meals

As always when birthdays fall on a weekday, the birthday person gets to pick a weekend meal as well.  I remembered this in time to claim my additional pick heh.  Well my original choices were derailed by free birthday stuff from various places - perks of joining loyalty programs.  Wataiwan was offering a free Taiwanese chicken chop - sure, I'll bite!

With said free chicken hehe

JE wanted this milk tea bingsu which I was expected to share.  Quite nice, just that it was a lot for only the two of us.   

This one is yummy

The next weekend happened to be my turn to pick.  Chose 103 coffee which was offering a free slice of cake.  Picked the alcoholic kahlua tiramisu - oh this was very good.

Our lunch spread

Purposely took pictures as I was already planning to post onto my blog.

My birthday 2026

Right after CNY 15th day was my birthday.  I have always been emotional on this day.  The uncertainty whether colleagues would arrange lunch or I would somehow be alone (possible when colleagues happen to be stuck at meetings).  The uneasy anticipation of a birthday cake and when the cake-cutting would happen.  I take leave if possible to avoid that kind of stress and to do whatever I want on my 'special day'.

This year marks my first birthday after hubby passed.  I kept thinking of this day back in 2025 - my disappointment when hubby couldn't be discharged yet from hospital post-surgery, my annoyance that he continually requested things to be done for him until I had to have a dismal dinner due to food having run out at the shop downstairs.  I told myself that it was ok, I would make up for it in 2026.

I never expected 2026 to turn out like this.  No more hubby to pamper me with food, a massage, sometimes presents (I often don't want anything).  I tried, but still spent most of the day in tears.  Walked past CBTL and decided to redeem my birthday cake voucher because why not.  

 

Me with cake

I had considered going out for dinner but our area is predominantly Malay and I figured shops would be packed for Ramadan month.  

That evening, got a text that my parents had decided to go out for my birthday dinner.  I bawled some more.  I am so grateful to have my parents around during this dreadful chapter in my life.  We went to a nearby place which was empty (because food isn't great heh).  

Me with sponsor of dinner

I have much to be grateful for, must pick myself up and continue this journey.  

CNY potluck

The best day for our CNY potluck turned out to be on Chap Goh Meh (15th day of CNY).  Food was a mixture of bought and home-cooked.  My mother prepared many items as usual - the yee sang, her signature bak kien/pork rolls, vinegar pork trotters and punch. 

I refuse to smile

Get ready for yee sang

I had sauce left from my Dragon-i 'poon choy'.  Decided to make our own as it can't be that difficult right?  I made sure it had an even number of ingredients.  Bought fried chicken feet from the market and braised that together with mushrooms - #1 and #2.  #3 pork belly cooked till tender, #4 cooked chicken, #5 prawns and #6 broccoli.  Arrange everything in a pot, pour the sauce over and heat up at the stove.  Tadahh!!  Turned out very well indeed! 

Home-made 'poon choy'

We ate outside this year - good also as the temperature was lower!  (I have to record this in case of any future questions on who/what/where/how haha)

Pause eating short while for camera

We remembered to take a group photo this time.  The first one had my father's tummy showing, that's why the cushion is there as the solution.  We had a good laugh over this!

Much better!

All right, done and dusted for this year's CNY.