A Gift of Flavor: Cooking Beef Bone Siam Soup for Iftar

There’s something special about cooking with ingredients given from the heart. It was the afternoon of Tuesday, 24 February 2026, and I was the lucky recipient of a generous food gift from a friend: a hefty 1.1 kg of beef bones and two packs of Adabi Siam Soup Condiment.

The look of cooked beef bone soup.

Packing the cooked beef bone soup,

With the condiment in hand and iftar approaching, the menu was decided. It had to be a warming bowl of beef bone soup. The instructions on the pack were simple and clear: first, boil the bones, then sauté the spices before bringing everything together.

The look of all ingredients for boiling stage.

To save time, I pulled out my trusty 6-liter Elba pressure cooker. I set it to the "Meat" function and let the bones simmer away for a solid two hours. The rich, savory aroma slowly filled the room; the first sign that something delicious was on its way.

The best part of cooking is sharing it. A friend of mine was in a rush, heading back to KL right after a meeting that ended at 4 pm. We managed to pack a container of the hot soup for her to enjoy on her journey. It was the perfect traveling companion for her iftar.

A little while later, I received the best kind of feedback: a text message saying the soup was delicious. The best compliment? She enjoyed it as-is, without needing to add any sambal kicap. That told me the flavor was perfectly balanced.

I didn't actually got to taste the final soup myself after it is cooked. Since I am fasting. And my lab mate who wasn’t fasting unable to help to taste. As he does not eat beef.

So, if you’re looking for a quick and flavorful way to cook beef bones, give the Adabi Siam Soup mix a try. It’s a simple route to a heartwarming meal. Until next time, happy cooking.

The used freshly harvested herbs for boiling stage.

The look of beef bones.

The look of used condiment from two packs of Adabi Siam Soup.

Ring Update: A Sleek Upgrade for My Solitaire 💍✨

On the evening of 20 February 2026, I finally upgraded the "security system" on my solitaire ring. My old spiral tightener had become brittle and cracked, it was officially time for an executive replacement.

The Audit: Out with the Old

The old plastic coil was past its prime. Not only was it breaking down, but it also looked too bulky for a dainty solitaire. As senior Engineer, I needed something more elegant and professional.

The Solution: The Solitaire Clip

I swapped the old spiral for a new discreet clip-on tightener.

• The Pro: It’s hidden inside the band, letting the stone truly shine.
• The Con: It doesn’t grip as tightly as the old version, so it’s a bit of a "diva." I have to be careful as it could slip out if I’m too rough.

Jewelry Tips

• Gentle Hands: Be careful when washing hands or dressing so the clip doesn't slide off.
• Stress-Free Fit: A snug ring prevents the constant fiddling that leads to shoulder tension and headaches.
• Sanitizer Alert: If you’re sneezing and using sanitizer, be careful. Alcohol makes these plastic clips brittle faster.
• Safety First: Always remove your Moissanite for heavy work; the clip helps the fit, but it won’t save the prongs from damage!

Despite the slight "slippery" risk, I’m loving the new, clean look. Keep your rings snug and sparkling! 💖

The "Softergent" Audit: My Sakura-Scented Laundry Strategy 🌸

As a Senior Lead balancing high-pressure briefings at work and the hormonal "internal climate change" of my 40s, efficiency is my best friend. Lately, my "System Optimization" has moved into the laundry room. I’ve officially joined the Softergent movement. Because who has time for a two-step wash and soft process?

Here is my field report on the "Battle of the Sakuras."

🏛️ The Timeline: A Tale of Two Detergents

My testing phase began earlier this month, and the results are quite distinctive for my daily "Executive Maintenance."

Phase 1: Breeze Silky Sakura (Started 3 February 2026)

I kicked off February with Breeze. It’s reliable, cuts through the Johor humidity, and offers a gentle, sophisticated scent. It’s been my "Daily Driver" for the bulk of my wardrobe.

Phase 2: Daia Smart Sakura Bloom (Started 17 February 2026)

Two weeks later, I integrated Daia Smart into the rotation. The difference was immediate: the fragrance profile is significantly more intense than Breeze. It’s a full-on floral "boost" that lingers long after the dryer stops.

🔬 The Strategy: Strategic Scent Allocation

Since the Daia Smart Sakura Bloom is way more fragrant, I’ve decided to "segment" my laundry loads to maximize the sensory ROI:

1. The "Sacred" Load (Daia Smart): I now reserve the Daia for my undergarments and telekung. There is something incredibly grounding about the extra fragrance during prayers or as a base layer against the skin, especially when I’m dealing with perimenopausal mood shifts or a "dry flu" day.

2. The "Standard" Load (Breeze Silky Sakura): My work attire and general linens stay with Breeze. It’s clean, efficient, and doesn't compete with my camellia-scented lotions.

 ⚖️ The "Senior Lead" Verdict

Is it worth the money? Absolutely.By using a 2-in-1 Softergent, I’ve successfully cut down my washing time, which is critical when you’re managing a household and a career. Plus, the psychological "boost" of a fresh Sakura scent helps mitigate the stress of those 2 AM wake-ups and tension headaches.

> Pro-Tip: If you’re like me and dealing with a "sneezing and itchy throat" phase, these Sakura scents are pleasant without being "chemically" overwhelming.

Maintenance Note: When handling these detergents, I always remove my ring. Concentrated Softergent can leave a film on the stone, and I want that sparkle to be as clear as my laundry.

Until then, enjoy your Softergent journey. Find your scent, save your time, and keep your "Executive Presence" fresh! 🌸✨

The 48-Hour Rescue: How My Dehumidifier Saved My Bluetooth Earbuds

We’ve all been there. On the evening of 12 February 2026, the unthinkable happened: my left Bluetooth earbud took a sudden plunge into a pail of water.

The Immediate Recovery SOP:

I fished it out instantly (record speed!) and performed an emergency pat-dry with tissues. To keep everything organized, I tucked the earbud and its case into a mesh bag. But I hit a snag, I couldn't find the charger for my secret weapon: my rechargeable dehumidifier.

The Turning Point:

The next day, I located the charger in the lab (success!). I immediately powered up the dehumidifier and sealed it in a clear container with the earbuds. I decided to trust the science and let the "magic" of desiccation happen.

The Result:

By noon today, 14 February 2026, it was time for the "Power On" test. Results? System fully operational! The audio is crisp and the Bluetooth is steady.

The Lesson:

If you’re a tech lover, a rechargeable dehumidifier isn't just a gadget, it’s an insurance policy. It’s earned a permanent spot in my "Essential Tools" list. Until then, stay dry and happy DIY-ing!

🎓 My Experience Doing Thesis Corrections (Twice!)

I finally managed to submit the corrected version of my thesis on the evening of 17 July 2025. It was a relief, but not without hurdles.

After my initial submission, the admin flagged something crucial: I didn’t use the 2023 thesis format. That one mistake meant I had to go back, revise everything again, and go through the whole process from scratch. I had to do all the corrections myself, check everything on my own, and prepare for resubmission without anyone to rely on for review. I managed to settle it and submit it back to the admin within 1 hour time through email.

Thankfully, my experience in procurement and documentation work gave me a few shortcuts and tips to speed up the process. I knew how to structure files, track details, and meet formatting requirements without losing my mind (completely).

The most amusing part? When I generated the PDF for submission, there was a mysterious blank page with no page number that showed up out of nowhere. I had to manually remove it using Adobe Acrobat DC. Small detail, but one that could’ve caused another rejection if left unchecked.

To anyone going through thesis corrections: double-check your format, review every page, and test your final PDF output before send to print and also before submission. It’s stressful, yes; but doable.

Until then, stay calm and safe during your thesis correction journey. You’ve got this!

Upgrade Review: Why I Swapped My Deuter for the Tigernu 17-Inch backpack

If you carry a portable workstation like I do, you know the "Bulge Struggle" is real. For the longest time, I relied on my Deuter Radians 25. It’s a great bag for hiking, but when it came to my daily tech load, it was reaching its mechanical limits.

On February 6, I finally integrated the Tigernu 17-inch Laptop Backpack into my routine. After just 24 hours, the difference in "System Efficiency" is night and day. Here’s why this was the upgrade I didn't know I needed.

A Small Swap That Sparked a "Why Didn't I Think of That?" Moment

It was just a simple decision on a Wednesday evening (12 March 2025). I was repacking my daily bag for tomorrow and reached for a fresh toilet roll. But this time, I paused. There, sitting on the shelf next to it, was a simple pack of tissues. On a whim, I swapped them out.

This tiny change has quietly revolutionized my daily carry.

The "Bag" Revolution

For years, I'd jammed a bulky, cylindrical toilet roll into my bag. It took up a prime corner, created a weird, lumpy shape against my powerbank, and left little room for anything else.

Replacing it with the sleek, rectangular packet of tissues was a revelation. It was like urban planning for my bag's interior. Suddenly, there was space. It slid perfectly into side pockets, sat flat against notebooks, and created no awkward bulges. It was no longer an awkward passenger; it was just part of the crew.

More Than Just a Space-Saver

The benefits went beyond simple geometry.

Perfect Portioning: A roll is all or nothing. A packet of tissues? I can easily grab a few and slip them into a pocket for a walk, leaving the main pack in the bag.

Discreet & Dignified: Let's be honest, pulling out a half-used toilet roll at a cafe table or in a meeting is... not the most polished look. A clean, compact tissue pack is socially seamless.

Versatility Unleashed: The toilet roll had one job. The tissue pack? It's a multi-tool. Spill a coffee, fight off allergies, wipe a screen, or offer one to a colleague; it's ready for duty without a second thought.

The Bigger Takeaway

This wasn't just about tissues versus toilet paper. It was a lesson in questioning my own autopilot routines. I had accepted the bulk and inconvenience of the roll for years because "that's what you do." That moment of pause, that simple "what if?"; unlocked a significantly better solution.

It makes me wonder: What other small, unquestioned habits in my daily life are creating unnecessary friction? Where else am I carrying a bulky "roll" when a sleek, efficient "packet" would serve me better?

The next time you're packing your bag, changing a routine, or facing a minor daily annoyance, take that pause. Ask the simple question. The smallest swap might just be the upgrade you didn't know you needed.

A Hands-On Review: Trading Power for Portability with My New Pink Fan

Mission: Survive the heat in style

Date: 16 January 2026

Location: Johor Bahru

As Johor Bahru temperatures continue to climb, my trusty 6,000 mAh aluminum portable fan started to feel less like a savior and more like a burden. Its weight was the issue. So, I decided on an upgrade; a pink, 5,000 mAh model that promised one crucial improvement: portability.

The Numbers Don't Lie

The moment I held it, I felt the difference. Putting it on the scale confirmed my suspicion: 168.9 grams. A direct comparison reveals it’s nearly 50% lighter than my old fan. The secret? A switch from a dense aluminum alloy body to a lightweight ABS plastic construction.

The Trade-Off: Power vs. Weight

This isn't a straight upgrade; it's a strategic swap. The new fan’s RPM and maximum wind speed are roughly half of my old one's. The aluminum fan roared; this one hums. But in the relentless JB noon heat, a consistent, lighter breeze is often more sustainable and comfortable than short, powerful blasts.

Why This Was The Right Choice For Me

The primary reason is fatigue. Carrying the heavier fan became a noticeable drag, especially on long, exhausting days. This new fan disappears into my bag. I bought it as a birthday present to myself; a practical reward for another year. Its value isn't just in cooling; it's in the relief of not having to carry extra weight.

Verdict:

If your priority is raw, maximum airflow for short periods, stick with a heavier, metal-bodied fan. But if you, like me, value all-day carry comfort and consistent cooling in a brutal climate, this lightweight champion is a worthy investment. Sometimes, less weight truly is more.

The Great Photo Migration: My 22-Hour Quest to Rescue 19,241 Memories

It’s noon on 19 January 2026, and I’ve just declared war on digital clutter. The mission? Transfer 19,241 photos from my phone’s gasping SD card to the safety of a backup hard drive.

It all started with a warning. My phone, in its infinite wisdom, suddenly switched to saving new pics to the internal storage. A quick check revealed why: the trusty SD card was down to its last 10.3 GB. It was time to evacuate.

Plan A: The SIM Ejector Pin Fail

My first move was the obvious one—pop out the SD card and use a reader. Simple, fast, done. Or so I thought. After jabbing fruitlessly at the tiny port with the phone’s ejector pin, I admitted defeat. That little tray refused to budge. Was it sealed shut by time? Dust? Pure stubbornness? We’ll never know.

Plan B: The Cable Lifeline

Undeterred, I pivoted. USB-C cable to the rescue! A direct lifeline from phone to hard drive. I connected everything, selected the mountainous DCIM folder, and hit Transfer.

The initial estimate was… optimistic. “2 hours and 50 minutes.” I could live with that. I made coffee, mentally patting myself on the back for my efficient digital housekeeping.

Oh, how naive.

I checked back an hour later. The estimated time remaining had ballooned. The progress bar was crawling. My computer, faced with the sheer scale of 19,241 moments—from blurry pet photos to vital screenshots—was having a existential crisis.

Current Status: 22 Hours Remain.

That’s right. What began as a sub-3-hour task is now a day-long saga. We’ve moved from a quick coffee break to a “check on it tomorrow” operation.

So, What’s the Takeaway?

1. Don’t Wait Until the Last 10 GB. Future me will definitely back up in smaller, more frequent batches.
2. The SIM Tray is a Fickle Beast. Maybe clean it once in a while, or have a backup plan (thank goodness for USB-C).
3. Time Estimates Are Fiction. Computers look at 19,000 files and make a wild, hopeful guess. They are almost always wrong.

For now, the transfer chugs on in the background, a silent digital marathon. Each ticking hour is a lesson in patience and the surprising, immense weight of memories we carry in our pockets.

By 1.07 pm, left 6 hours and 10 minutes. However my laptop battery left for 45 minutes for 27%.

At 1.13 pm, have successfully copied 6,180  pictures. Which is 32%.

Need 2 hours 40 minutes after continue back transfer copy by 3.03 pm.

Need 2 hours 50 minutes when continue to transfer back copy by 11.07 am, 20 January 2026.

By 11.19 am.

Cancel transfer by 11.54 am. As laptop Lenovo battery left 7%.

By 5.33 pm of 20 January 2026, I get free space of 105 GB in my SD card.

Glad for being able to safely transfer all my pictures from my SD card to my external hard disk. Until then, make sure to remember to back up and clear up your phone storage💪.

🧼 My Self-Made Glass Cleaner, Surprisingly Good for Windscreens and Toilet Stalls!

📅 Evening of 23 June 2025

Today’s little experiment turned into a surprisingly useful discovery.

I brought along my DIY glass cleaner. It is originally made to keep my car windscreen spotless. And I gave it a try on a used public toilet stall door before using it. Honestly? I didn’t expect much. But it really helped remove the urine stench. ✨

It’s bleach-free, smells fresh (thanks to essential oils), and doubles up as a quick spray to make awkward public toilet situations a little more bearable.

I’m now planning to make a bigger batch for tomorrow’s errands. This little bottle may just become a new handbag essential.

Until then, have fun making your own DIY glass cleaner. It’s safe, simple, and multi-use from windscreens to bathroom survival.