II VI

Another year has gone by.

No cakes,
no presents,
no blowing the candles at midnight,
no countdown.

Another year has gone by.

More than ever, I wish for health. This year, more than ever.

Happy Birthday, dear heart.


♥

XXV

1/4 - Hitting the quarter mark.

As I lay in bed last night reflecting on the things that happened since the last time I penned (or rather, posted) my thoughts here, I realised, I am not the same. Indeed, we change in many ways as time passes but I actually feel the contrasting change this time.

In April this year I decided to take on a different perspective in life. The path that led to that was not easy. At all. Despite the pain and hurt, I put up a fight but I was ready to give it up for others to be happy. The choices have been made and I have come to realise that everything happens for a reason.

Since then, I have been trying to be more patient, appreciative and I am happier. Happiness, is that a myth? A state of mind? I'm not quite sure but let me enjoy this while I can.

This year I chose a more muted celebration, in my own way. No frivolous trips out of town, no demanding wants. Just me and him. Just my own way of being thankful for what I have.

And I realised, I have a lot.

Happy birthday to me. This time, I am happy.

♥

A Day of Reflection

Looking at last year's lesson learnt, I was supposed to want less and do more. Saying is easier than doing and I can say that I veered off track a few months after making that resolution. But, all is not loss as life steered me back on track. The past year has been eventful, what with my first general election (voting and covering) and celebrated two years with being with the company (time flies!)  I'm still on the way to achieving self-actualisation.

There are things to figure out still and there are also things that I have learnt unintentionally. That being said, this year, I hope to be able to think with a clearer head.

♥

Pastel Bites

In conjunction with my birthday month (WTF) a few friends brought me out for dinner then for cake and desserts. We decided on The Sugar Pantry, a sort-of new dessert bar located in Permas Mall (opposite Maybank) in Permas Jaya. I normally am not a big fan of desserts or sweets but when the cakes are this pretty, who can say no? The owners (friends of my friends) heard we were coming over and were sweet enough (pun intended) to close the shop just to let us enjoy our desserts! I felt so special lol, never have I had the whole cafe to myself before.

I had the Ichigo, a strawberry shortcake with the lightest vanilla cream paired with peach nectar tea. The desserts are heavenly and the owners gave us complimentary pastel-coloured macarons to share. The others had the Nutty Putty (brown square cake) - peanut praline milk chocolate cake with a yummy cookie base, chocolate and orange truffle creme cake and a rich chocolate cake drizzled with warm caramel.

 The cafe is operated by a couple - the husband tends to the floor and is a barrista and the wife is the pastry chef who learned the craft in Paris. :) On weekends its bustling with families looking to satisfy their sweet tooth so I recommend going on weeknights because it is less hectic and you can really enjoy a chat with your dessert in the quiet cafe. I'll blog more about the cafe soon, stay tuned! :D

Love,
xiang yun
♥