Lockdown diaries, May 2020

If you’re following my website via RSS or subscription, please note that this is just a “seedling” or a post where it is a work in progress.

May 1, 2020
OMG DO YOU KNOW HOW LONG I’VE WAITED FOR THIS https://t.co/DS2vGZV2k8

May 1, 2020
I am just supremely glad this is allowed now. But heck, everything else feels vague. https://t.co/PIrX0OxhQT

May 1, 2020
Feeling the pressure to be productive during #COVID19 lockdown? Here’s a daring idea: Do nothing. https://t.co/bxKlGZhdsl

May 2, 2020
The Malaysian dilemma on Monday. Some companies are already asking their workers to return to the office https://t.co/Lgd4Cr49PZ

May 2, 2020
Yes community gardens are allowed to open. Oh, finally I can visit my dear spinach https://t.co/wFhCIL5K9a

May 2, 2020
I managed to see Tuxie, the cat I rescued weeks ago. He’s doing well and (ahem) still looking for a home. PM me if you are keen. He is a sweet boy! https://t.co/j1PFvSH8d6

May 2, 2020
Don’t dick around with Ginger, pup. https://t.co/hbZYWuSisU

May 2, 2020
Er … how? https://t.co/YYDxUkCDQc

May 3, 2020
Was browsing photos in Google Photos and while it was heckin expensive, I was glad I gallavanted around Adelaide and then Melbourne with @evelyn_teo – especially since we have no idea when international travel will resume! https://t.co/3lqcku4jS7

May 3, 2020
Feel like kneading bread today. So I shall.

May 4, 2020
Throwing out your food scraps with your garbage isn’t good for the environment. So what do you do? Some tips: https://t.co/i3F5OLxzJv

May 7, 2020
Tuxie is ready to be released. I am desperately looking for someone to foster or adopt him as I live in an apartment that does not allow pets. So if you know where Tuxie can go to live safely, whether it be a foster home, shelter or better, adopted, please let me know. https://t.co/QBHTLcmVPr
Embedded image permalink

May 9, 2020
Finally could focus enough to watch something and I lucked out with While You Were Sleeping. It hit all the right notes for me Now I am on the hunt for more like this @kfangurl any suggestions? https://t.co/cH7VHtAbIK
Embedded image permalink

May 12, 2020
I don’t know about quick, but these are solid steps https://t.co/P7tc1oUKnl

May 13, 2020
I resisted #TheKingEternalMonarch for as long as I could but gave in after seeing this scene. Sure, Lee Min Hi is pretty as heck but Woo Do Hwan being able to play two completely different characters so flawlessly is way sexier. https://t.co/ym82SBuPOo

May 13, 2020
The product placements in #TheKingEternalMonarch is so obvious

May 13, 2020
Made another batch of steamed buns. I feel terribly accomplished as a homemaker today. Cleaned the bathroom, mopped and swept floors and made batches of steamed buns. https://t.co/CO8WLQBK5q

May 14, 2020
I have to say I am pretty fanatical about cleaning my floors. I would sweep 2x and mop 2x. I would not stop until the floor is squeaky. I suppose that’s the least you would expect from someone who takes great pleasure in cleaning the bathroom tiles with a toothbrush

May 14, 2020
Realised I don’t much like my Twitter feed, what with all the negative news. So I cleaned it up. #sorrynotsorry

May 14, 2020
This is totally a sign from above!! https://t.co/0C1w0bXZCc

May 15, 2020
Are there any Asian bloggers who write about sustainability, minimalism, permaculture, and zero waste living? Please let me know as I want to follow!

May 15, 2020
Was given this by an aunty at the community garden today. Anyone knows what it is? Apparently it’s incredibly bitter and I have to do all kinds of things to make it edible. Curious to know it’s name. https://t.co/0VE5HbNU8g
Embedded image permalink

May 16, 2020
Just when you thought that human intelligence hasn’t reached rock bottom yet https://t.co/gptY2qTxkI

May 17, 2020
Unpopular opinion: I prefer Massimo over Gardenia

May 17, 2020
I’ve been inundated with numerous free webinars & while I am grateful for them, I am concerned about the message that we should be productive during #COVID. There’s more than 1 way to make use of the time we have – how about we rest & reflect? https://t.co/bxKlGZyOjT

May 17, 2020
Preach! https://t.co/X5U5RXqFsd

May 18, 2020
Love this article by @NomadNumbers. The message: Life is short, do what you love. Or rather, live the life you love and never want to escape from. https://t.co/KGWiMtNMun

May 18, 2020
“We’re only worth something if we’re productive” – that’s the message of our times. But recovery time is key to innovation and output.
https://t.co/IGKi865pbQ

May 18, 2020
I am totally guilty for having way too many characters in my novels. For one, I give names to my spear holders. lol. But @annerallen has great tips on overcoming this problem: https://t.co/VmJAZb7AJC

May 18, 2020
YESSSS https://t.co/jPsPsDeMpQ

May 19, 2020
If you are given a million bucks today, what would you do with it? #QuestionOfTheDay

May 19, 2020
I couldn’t agree more. I cannot imagine what Americans are going through now. Prayers for all! https://t.co/LldMOLmxCs

May 19, 2020
As a budding entrepreneur, I have to say I’ve got some work to do! How about you – recognise any limiting beliefs you have? Via @TheFioneers https://t.co/QsP5EwTQtu

May 19, 2020
A few years ago, I thought I was dying. I was in constantly in pain & exhausted. Once, during dinner break, I slept in my car – I couldn’t stay upright. My condition left as mysteriously as it came. @esmewang’s story really spoke to me.
https://t.co/Iv8VvehLa7

May 19, 2020
Working hard at being financially independent is prob the best thing I’ve done for myself. But working too hard on being FI has downsides. Somehow, along the way, I lost myself.
https://t.co/ofm9esdLy6

May 19, 2020
This https://t.co/Vngm5gZtPx

May 19, 2020
“I was so vigilant to avoid unnecessary spending that whenever an opportunity came up, I would immediately shut it down.” https://t.co/IjMK3ROpmw

May 20, 2020
Ok I will never drink diet coke at 8pm ever again

May 20, 2020
Do I regret living it up the moment I received a bigger paycheck? Yes & No. What this experience taught me – I enjoyed living frugally more than lavishly. So having experienced it left me with no regrets or FOMO https://t.co/YKMPu5c2NR

May 20, 2020
Yes, ma’am! (And I am so going to use the word doomscrolling from now on.) https://t.co/GyadfHgVHN

May 20, 2020
I am gonna do something exciting today – downgrade my mobile plan. Figured that with me being home most of the time, an unlimited data plan seems pointless. But it’s annoying that @digitelco requires u to go to a specific centre to do this.

May 20, 2020
With BluInc closed down, what remains of journalism in Malaysia? Variety has vanished – I grieve for the demise of long-form journalism.

May 20, 2020
I write fiction with a starship crew & keeping the cast of characters lean has been a challenge for me. @annerallen has great tips on overcoming this problem: https://t.co/VmJAZbpbBa

May 20, 2020
Am going to Sunway Pyramid and it feels like I am going to Langkawi. During a zombie apocalypse.

May 20, 2020
I’ve often wondered this. But wonder if @karenkho’s situation is more applicable in the West where they have more open attitudes about workers speaking up about work not being as rosy. Somehow I don’t picture Malaysian employers being as understanding. https://t.co/mToDQWw8sK

May 20, 2020
First @NAQureshi & now @RaviZacharias? I once had the rare opportunity to interview Ravi & he is a man of great depth & understanding of the scripture. A great loss to Christian apolagetics. So sad https://t.co/ldqjqJMllR

May 20, 2020
Anyone in Malaysia, Singapore or SEA using the @Freeletics app? Want to connect? I need motivation & accountability! Confession: I bought the coach app and have barely used it

May 21, 2020
As I #StayAtHome most of the time now, an unlimited data plan feels too much. Downgraded to @digitelco Postpaid 38 plan & reduced bill from RM106 to RM42. Oddly this plan is available in certain stores & is not online. I did mine at the Digi centre in Sunway Pyramid.

May 21, 2020
This is a new word inspired by 2020 https://t.co/lEKtcWBOJV

May 21, 2020
For my biz, I use mostly online services that are based abroad. Mailing list – @MailerLite, website – @squarespace, ebook distribution – @Draft2Digital. So far I have not found local equivelants that are as good or cost effective. If you know some, do recommend me some.

May 21, 2020
Hi @jessmichaelsbks really yr books! Was wondering if you could make more of them available on @Scribd?

May 21, 2020
Just received royalty payment from @Smashwords for my books. Moments like these give me hope that earning an income from indie publishing could be possible.

May 21, 2020
My #financialindependence goal for 2020 & beyond: to increase streams of income from 3 to 5.

May 21, 2020
Finally after weeks of trying to find a home for Tuxie, he’s been adopted. Watch his story here https://t.co/mTXkrB1gyU

May 21, 2020
Oh yes, baby YEAST. I learned how to make my own steamed mantaus thanks to the #movementcontrolorder. They are so cheap to make! I make 8 pieces from a packet of yeast & 350g of flour – about 20c a piece! I can’t buy store-bought mantao anymore cos mine’s yummier & cheaper. https://t.co/1bKfaLIVG2
Embedded image permalink

May 21, 2020
Media: Are you sure you’re a good lover? https://t.co/QHCMRxrkmA
Embedded image permalink

May 21, 2020
I was told that journalism wouldn’t fit me, I would hate it and find it boring. I spent 15 yrs in the no.1 English newspaper in Malaysia, travelled the world writing about cool stuff & interviewing big league players. Listen to yourself first. https://t.co/6Ksf9uh99d

May 22, 2020
Omg this is sci-fi level stuff @tedmahsun https://t.co/KnhIHcgNOA

May 22, 2020
I never understood @Apple mania until I bought an iPhone and MacBook Air. It’s true. They just work. By now, my android phone or Windows laptop would be crawling, riddled with bugs & viruses. If you want more long lasting tech, go apple. Ok, you can attack me now

May 22, 2020
Unpopular opinion: Most Malaysian personal finance bloggers are all about making more money. Making money is great but how about frugal living, simple & debt free living? Sometimes I feel like the lone voice in the wilderness

May 22, 2020
I relate to this cat hard. https://t.co/R2eyDMvIuT

May 22, 2020
“When I came back to Malaysia after being laid off twice in Singapore. I had enough. I had enough with the Oil & Gas industry, and I had enough of being an employee.” https://t.co/ydaXkWRRiW

May 22, 2020
Malatsian #personalfinance bloggers – have you been unemployed before? How did you manage that period emotionally & financially? What did you do to emerge from it? I would to list & share your posts. I think many people will appreciate learning from them now.

May 23, 2020
Have you been unemployed before? Either laid off or quit your job without another? How did you manage financially & emotionally? Do send me your posts so I can list them as a resource for those struggling with job loss now.
PS: you don’t have to be Malaysian!

May 23, 2020
Am I the only one that thinks – that poor cup of soda? https://t.co/HiUliR3HP8

May 23, 2020
As usual, dropped by at the community garden to do some work. Harvested sweet potato leaves & chillies. Growing your own food is one of the most empowering things you can do for yourself. Growing food as a community is extraordinary. https://t.co/DBLzEzyTSt

May 23, 2020
In the 1990s, Cuba had a huge economic crisis. People nearly starved. But they came together & changed their way of life. They planted vegetables wherever they could, changed their diets, walked & biked more.

Watch: https://t.co/bXnjkC4cQY

May 23, 2020
Watching all these documentaries on Cuban organic farming revolution made me think about one of my fav bands ever – Buena Vista Social Club https://t.co/h8jkON9loJ

May 23, 2020
God is creative. And may have watched the Species movies. https://t.co/73aAjbuzDL

May 23, 2020
I am surprised this tweet blew up But am also surprised that some are hostile to the idea of frugality & simple living. Some Malaysians seem to think frugality & minimalism = deprivation & suffering, and the only way out is to earn more. https://t.co/fyB1VM1ypA

May 23, 2020
When your mum sneaks in 6 paus into your bag because she thinks you are starving. Mum, have a look at me. I got lots of “backup food”.

May 23, 2020
Still inspiring https://t.co/uqWXjEY4C3

May 23, 2020
Whoa I am 20 subs away from 1000. So close! Who would have thought? Thank you guys. Somehow my weird thoughts are interesting to you guys https://t.co/Zzb7QfXZzw
GIF

May 24, 2020
She gave up the chance at a corporate career to be an urban farmer in Singapore. “Money is a tool to do things. But people often forget that it’s not the only way to live life.” https://t.co/yDDPsR3uHc

May 24, 2020
SELAMAT HARI RAYA MALAYSIANSSS https://t.co/F2Sd3G8MPy

May 25, 2020
I remember reading a local personal finance book once and the examples she used were people who were earning RM15k per month. I couldn’t relate at all

May 25, 2020
Hello personal finance people! What are your plans today?

May 25, 2020
Realised that I have been freelancing most of my life without realising it. First time when I was 20, then a few jobs here there. When I moved to Australia I managed to find clients too, so I guess I do have the freelancing spirit. Now to hone it!

May 25, 2020
So here’s a cheery question first thing in the morning! Have you prepared a will? If so why did you/did you not?

May 25, 2020
Watching my @StashAwayAPAC investments dance around the graph has been very entertaining.

May 25, 2020
I really relate to @FinancialGory. The moment I feel comfortable, I get restless. Although I spent 15 years in the Star, I changed departments/roles every 3-4 years, learning new skills along the way. At 35 I moved to Australia, & trained to be a nurse.

May 25, 2020
You can reengineer sidewalks, tiny spaces of dirt into edible land. https://t.co/e6scogrjZO

May 25, 2020
Lol say it sister https://t.co/QjApU2eG0U

May 25, 2020
Start cutescrolling instead! https://t.co/yzlZPLdUmU

May 25, 2020
Baptisms in the age of #COVID2019 can be a tad confrontational https://t.co/p076LBspNm

May 26, 2020
Yippee I crossed the 1000 subscribers mark. Thank you, friends! https://t.co/ZZVyAEiTr3
GIF

May 26, 2020
One of mymost important projects this season is to grow food for myself. I am now planting spinach, sweet potato leaves & kangkong in my parents’ house and the community garden. If all goes well, I will have a healthy supply of organic greens in 2 months (hopefully less!) https://t.co/uH7QeAByNm

May 26, 2020
This is so politically incorrect but yet I am Forgive me https://t.co/almD60VDDl

May 26, 2020
I am fortunate that, unlike some professions, I have the power to create my own projects without asking for permission. As a writer, I can write until I am in my deathbed and no one can say, “you are too old to do this” or “you need this cert to show us you know this stuff.”

May 27, 2020
Well this tweet blew up. But really, I stand by it. When healthcare workers are literally melting into a puddle of sweat every day to protect us, we can wear that dang mask to ensure we don’t spread infection to each other. https://t.co/rqDCHuCoxj

May 27, 2020
Happy to see the spinach seedlings grow around the lone ginger in this space. May I get bountiful harvest soon. https://t.co/GsMQZG1qEo
Embedded image permalink

May 27, 2020
Also started adding mulch. Was getting tired of the weeds and wanted a way to ensure they don’t go out of control and also prevent the ground from drying out too quickly. Made the mulch from tree leaves, twigs and coconut leaves. https://t.co/T7wnNAJGNA
Embedded image permalink

May 27, 2020
The American stock market is being totally weird. https://t.co/3ry9YyGlV2

May 27, 2020
Mine’s consistently 36C. But apparently there are undead in Malaysia, because I have seen those with temps of 31-33C https://t.co/wg2asEjksT

May 27, 2020
Ok what is this Fortnite thing and why is it so awesome?

May 27, 2020
People in Malaysia are quickly forgetting the importance of this. https://t.co/5GpZaSl6hA

May 28, 2020
I am so obsessed with making steamed mantau that I may end up being called Ms Mantau one day. https://t.co/ausx3LnkoR
Embedded image permalink

May 28, 2020
Confession: I have not dared to look at my unit trust investments. Probably will only dare to look end of next year

May 28, 2020
Went to mall. My temp is 33C today. Apparently I died and no one gave me the memo?

May 28, 2020
Malaysians need to start Victory Gardens too. They are amazingly reassuring during times of crisis. Am inspired by @TreadLightly_RE https://t.co/6liHvKPKad

May 28, 2020
Ok what in the world is going on America https://t.co/A2jrIOPqUb

May 29, 2020
Warning: Cerita panjang! Recently, I come to realise tht many Msians think frugality = deprivation & that the only way to have a better life is to earn more $. Poverty is real but Frugality + Good Money Habits + Self sufficiency + Relationships = Awesome life. 1/6 https://t.co/aVXs5zDVeb
Embedded image permalink

May 29, 2020
Yeah, that ONE day I had to drive to office, it pours like it had not rained for weeks.

May 29, 2020
I’m addicted to @Refinery29’s Money Diaries where folks detail their spending habits for a week. Can we do a Malaysian version?? https://t.co/WrhVHT9tQt

May 29, 2020
OMG I DON’T THINK I CAN DO THIS.
I still have my high school journals ;D
https://t.co/I3Xea7DMsL

May 29, 2020
But why?? https://t.co/eRnRgzppXW

May 29, 2020
My commute to and from the office used to be over 2 hours a day. I am at work 9 hours a day. It all seems extremely long now.

May 30, 2020
The only things I miss from the office: free flow coffee & all-day aircond. I don’t use it most of the time at home except at night and I am a puddle of sweat every day

May 30, 2020
My love for permaculture was sparked in Australia, when I met people like Yin who taught me how to grow your own food and live sustainably: https://t.co/XzPsQagKfr

May 30, 2020
So very sad Subang Parade MPH has been in the neighborhood for decades. It is my fav hang out place to chillax with books. Now…? https://t.co/tccpZpBgcy

May 30, 2020
Me reading the #MinneapolisRiot thread https://t.co/e03kNLIzK8
GIF

May 30, 2020
I made my own bubble tea https://t.co/KzL9xs0nnF
Embedded image permalink

May 30, 2020
This is so beautiful. We need this Malaysian residential streets https://t.co/ZOS0mShnAM