Beyond the Dates: Remembering Ayah and the Quiet Ways Fathers Love Us
Did you know that Father’s Day is celebrated at completely different times around the world? Some countries honor it as early as February or March, others in May, and many later in the year. Here in Malaysia, it falls on Sunday, 21st June this year.
When it comes to celebrating the men who raised us, food is almost always the universal language. Gathering around a table is how we say the things that are otherwise hard to put into words. If you are looking to treat your dad to a special meal in the city this weekend, a couple of wonderful spots are hosting dedicated celebrations:
- Royale Chulan Kuala Lumpur: They are hosting a wonderful Hi-Tea Buffet at the Warisan Café—perfect for a relaxed afternoon filled with a wide variety of local and international flavors.
- Premiera Hotel Kuala Lumpur: They are putting together a special buffet complete with fun family activities and a dedicated photo corner to capture those precious memories.
But as these calendar dates roll around, I find myself reflecting on a different kind of father-daughter relationship.
I wouldn’t describe myself as having been physically close to my late dad. Growing up, ours wasn’t a household of frequent hugs or kisses. In fact, the only time I ever intimately touched his hand was on the first morning of Hari Raya, holding it tightly while asking for his forgiveness. Instead, my affection took a different shape: I usually bought his Hari Raya outfits for him. And every year, he would wear them so proudly.
My dad absolutely loved food. He didn't just know the best spots; he knew every single restaurant in town and the owners who ran them.
When I was little, he liked to take me along on his outstation day trips, always making sure to treat me to a nice restaurant for lunch. Whenever his travels took him towards Kuala Lumpur, he never failed to stop by Tanjung Malim to buy the famous Yik Mun pau to bring back home for us. As I grew into my teens, our routine shifted—he loved bringing me to the cinema to watch movies together.
Even after I grew up, moved away, and started working, his quiet ways of caring never stopped. Whenever I traveled back to my hometown, I would find my favorite desserts waiting for me—putu perak, bubur gandum, and nasi lemak daun pisang. And when it was time for me to pack my bags and head back to the city, he would always buy freshly ground coffee for me to take home.
Sometimes, Dad would come to visit me at my home here in the Klang Valley. He was incredibly fond of my cats, and my space offered him a sense of peace, quiet, and pure relaxation.
When he passed away in my hometown, I wasn't by his side. It’s a loss that I grieved deeply for years.
What I’ve learned is that grief doesn't follow a calendar. My dad is always in my thoughts, woven into the fabric of my everyday life, completely independent of commercial dates or June deadlines. I miss him when I smell fresh coffee, when I see a vintage cinema, or when I look at my cats resting in a quiet corner.
To everyone celebrating with their fathers this weekend, cherish every bite of food and every photo taken. And to those who are remembering a quiet, fiercely loving father from afar: you are not alone.
I miss you, Ayah. Always.
TESSA YUSOFF
18 June 2026
Contact aeedaoli@gmail.com
#FathersDay #RememberingAyah #MalaysianFoodie #GriefAndHealing #FamilyMemories #RoyaleChulanKL #PremieraHotelKL #KualaLumpurEats
From Horse Carriage to High-Speed: Why I Still Miss the Era of Handwritten Letters
Remember the thrill of hearing the postman’s motorcycle pull up outside, wondering if a stamped envelope with your name on it was waiting in the mailbox?
Before our lives were ruled by instant notifications and endless refreshing, communication took time. If you wanted to reach someone, you sat down with a pen, poured your thoughts onto paper, slid it into an envelope, and sent it off. Depending on where it was going, that letter traveled via trains, airplanes, or—if we go back far enough in history—horse-drawn carriages.
And if it was an absolute emergency? You didn’t send a "ping." You used the telegram service. You’d walk into a local office, write down a fiercely condensed message, and watch it get translated into Morse code over telegraph wires, only to be hand-delivered by a courier on foot at the other end. Every single word counted (mostly because you were charged by the word!).
Then came the digital revolution. Rumor has it the very first email was sent all the way back in 1971 by Ray Tomlinson. Fast forward a few decades, and we were all jumping onto the internet train.
My own email evolution feels like a walk down memory lane:
The Early Days: Starting out with Hotmail (the ultimate classic).
The Transition: Moving on to Yahoo, then upgrading to Gmail and Outlook.
The Nostalgia: Anyone else remember having a local @myjaring.net address? Jaring was a true Malaysian internet pioneer, and when the service finally closed its doors in 2015, it really felt like the end of an era.
Today, email makes everything instantly fast. Business, catching up, planning—it all happens in milliseconds. But if you ask me? There is still something unmatched about the old ways.
An email is efficient, but a handwritten letter is art. It carries the sender's personality in every loop of the ink, capturing a specific moment in time. They sound deeply personal, brutally honest, and unapologetically romantic.
We’ve gained unmatched speed, but sometimes, I think we lost a little bit of the soul.
What about you? What was your very first email address? And do you ever find yourself missing the slow charm of pen and paper? Let’s reminisce in the comments!
TESSA YUSOFF
15 June 2026
Contact aeedaoli@gmail.com
The Great Operating Hours Mystery: Are Eateries Opening for Us, or for Themselves?
We’ve all been there. It’s a random Tuesday, your stomach is rumbling, and you have your heart completely set on a specific meal. You drive over, pull up to the shop, and… the shutters are down. Or maybe you check online, and the hours have suddenly shifted. Again.
Lately, I’ve found myself wondering: do eateries open according to their customers' needs, or just their own?
Lately, it seems like more and more spots are pushing their opening times later and later, simply because footing traffic is light in the early hours. On one hand, I get the business logic—why pay for staff and electricity when the dining room is empty? But on the other hand, it feels like a bit of a gamble.
And don’t even get me started on fast-food chains. You’d think the big corporate giants would have a locked-in, predictable schedule, but even they seem to be constantly shifting their opening and closing times lately. One week they're 24 hours; the next, they're closing at 10 PM.
Here’s my take: consistency is everything in the food business.
When a restaurant keeps changing the rules, they risk losing customers for good. Human hunger isn’t an algorithm. Customers don’t eat on a strict corporate schedule; they show up based on mood, random cravings, or a sudden change in their day. If a craving strikes and a customer can't trust that you'll be open, they’ll simply find somewhere else to go—and they might just form a new habit there.
Sure, staying open during slow hours costs money upfront. But being reliable? That builds long-term loyalty. Once a customer associates your sign being on with comfort and consistency, they’ll keep coming back.
What do you think? Have you noticed your favorite spots changing their hours lately? Does it drive you as crazy as it drives me?
TESSA YUSOFF
10 June 2026
Contact aeedaoli@gmail.com
#malaysia #foodie #eatery #fastfood
Beyond the Algorithms: Why We Still Need the Human Touch in Malaysian Elections
The political temperature in Malaysia just shot up again. If you’ve been keeping up with the news, you’ll know that Johor dissolved its state assembly on June 1st, and Negeri Sembilan followed right after on June 5th. Snap state elections are officially on the horizon!
I don't actually vote in either state, but like most Malaysians, I’m watching closely. Elections carry so much weight for local communities, and I truly hope the voters in Johor and Negeri Sembilan make decisions that bring long-term stability and progress to their states.
But let’s be honest for a second—election season on social media is absolutely exhausting.
The Endless Online Noise
Log into Facebook or scroll through TikTok right now, and you’re instantly hit with a wall of political campaigns. It’s the usual scenario: Party A throwing shade at Party B, and Party B clapping back with something worse. Because of how social media works today, the drama gets amplified ten times over. It becomes a massive headache trying to separate actual facts from clever political spin. Who are we even supposed to believe when everyone claims to have the absolute truth?
Missing the Open-Field Ceramahs
It’s hard not to feel a little nostalgic for the days before smartphones ruled the political landscape. Campaigns used to feel so much more human and personal. Candidates would actually walk the ground, hang out at local warungs, and look voters in the eye. The best part was always the evening ceramah in an open field—the atmosphere, the local food stalls, and the feeling of community. It felt real.
High Tech Meets the Ground Game
But if you look at how things are playing out in 2026, social media hasn't killed the physical campaign—it has just forced it to evolve.
Instead of replacing face-to-face politics, online platforms are pushing parties to be way more creative on the ground. Because voters can spot a fake, overly polished video from a mile away, our expectations for real-life interactions have actually gone up.
We don't want to just sit quietly and listen to a distant speech anymore. Today’s electorate wants:
Real Conversations: Two-way dialogues where politicians actually listen instead of just broadcasting.
Relaxed Spaces: Town halls, casual community meetups, and informal settings where everyday people feel comfortable speaking up.
A Chance to be Heard: Real opportunities to share our personal hopes and aspirations directly with the people running for office.
At the end of the day, the toxic online feeds will eventually quiet down once the polling stations close. But the need for genuine, accountable, and human leadership never goes away. To everyone voting in Johor and Negeri Sembilan—look past the digital drama, demand real substance when they visit your neighborhood, and make your vote count.
TESSA YUSOFF
8 June 2026
Contact aeedaoli@gmail.com
#MalaysiaElections #PRNJohor #PRNNegeriSembilan #BorakPasalPolitik #SuaraRakyat
The Ghost of Harry: On Bees, Birds, and the Pets Who Become Family
The other morning, I caught a snippet of a conversation between two of my neighbors. They were talking about a beehive that had nested itself comfortably in their mango tree, discussing what to do about it. It was a mundane, everyday neighborhood interaction, but it hit me with the sudden force of a tidal wave.
Suddenly, I wasn’t standing in the present anymore. I was looking back, remembering Harry.
Harry was my cat. I adopted him when he was two years old, and he graced my life for six beautiful, unpredictable years. Harry wasn’t your typical, bird-stalking, bug-hunting feline. No, Harry was a pacifist. He was a gentle soul who, quite literally, befriended the birds and the bees.
I’ll never forget the time he took his hospitality a step too far. He somehow convinced a swarm of bees that our outdoor shoe compartment was prime real estate. I woke up to a makeshift beehive right where we kept our sandals! Terrified that someone would get stung, we had to carefully chase the bees away. Looking back, I can only laugh at the sheer absurdity of it. Harry wasn’t trying to cause chaos; he was just hosting his friends.
But loving Harry also came with a lot of worry. He was a sick kitty, and our lives were punctuated by regular, anxious visits to the vet. We poured everything we had into caring for him because to us, he wasn’t "just a pet." He was family.
Yet, despite everything we did, nothing could save him.
He passed away one morning. The hardest part—the piece of grief that stuck in my throat for so long—was that I wasn’t by his side when he drew his last breath. I moped and mourned for over a month, swallowed by the quiet emptiness he left behind. Anyone who has truly loved an animal knows that the grief is real, heavy, and valid.
A few days after he passed, a remarkably colorful bird flew into our yard, perched nearby, and just looked at me. It felt so intentional. I looked back at this vibrant little visitor, my throat tight, and whispered, "Are you looking for Harry? He passed away."
I like to think the bird knew. Maybe Harry sent a messenger to tell his friends he had to go, or maybe it was just nature’s way of offering a little comfort to a grieving heart.
Overhearing my neighbors talk about bees brought Harry right back to me this morning. He’s been gone, but memories like the shoe-compartment beehive remind me that love doesn't vanish when a pet passes. They leave paw prints on our hearts, and sometimes, they leave a few bees in the shoe rack, too.
Rest out there in the garden, Harry. You are still so missed.
TESSA YUSOFF
7 June 2026
Contact aeedaoli@gmail.com
#PetLoss #CatLover #MemoriesOfHarry #RainbowBridge #Family
Post-Op Cat Care Is No Joke (Or: How My Cats Outsmarted Me and My Sanity)
Six days ago, I did what every responsible cat parent does: I took my two one-year-old cats to the local vet to get neutered. I thought I knew what to expect. A little groggy behavior, some quiet resting, maybe a bit of extra cuddling.
I was so, so wrong.
Let me tell you something: taking care of a cat after surgery is exactly like looking after a human post-major operation—except the human actually understands English when you tell them, "Please do not climb the curtains."
The last six days have been an absolute whirlwind of exhaustion. I have been running on pure adrenaline and coffee, trying to prevent two energetic teenagers from jumping on tables, scaling bookshelves, and tearing their stitches.
To keep them safe, I thought I’d be smart and cage them. But cats? Cats are terrifyingly intelligent. They didn't just tolerate the cage; they studied it. They figured out the latch. They pulled a full-blown prison break while my back was turned!
It turns out that trying to control a recovering cat is like trying to hold onto water. They are fast, they are stubborn, and they apparently have zero concept of "resting for recovery."
To all the pet parents out there who have survived the post-neutering phase: I salute you. To those about to go through it: prepare yourselves. The sleepless nights and constant monitoring are exhausting, but at the end of the day, we do it because we love our chaotic little furballs.
Have your cats ever outsmarted you during a vet recovery? Please tell me I’m not alone in this!
TESSA YUSOFF
4 June 2026
Contact aeedaoli@gmail.com
#CatLife #CatOwnerProblems #FelineHoudini #PetParentDiaries
The 5KG Wake-Up Call: My Post-Festive Home Reset Plan
The festive season has officially come and gone, leaving behind beautiful memories, full hearts, and in my case... an extra 5 kilograms.
I’ll be honest: seeing that number on the scale wasn't great. It’s amazing how quickly a few weeks of extra rice, sweet treats, and long hours of sitting can impact our health and energy levels. But instead of spiraling into frustration, I am choosing to look at this as a gentle, necessary wake-up call. Our bodies are incredibly resilient, and they always tell us when it's time to slow down on the indulgence and start moving again.
Because life is busy and I love the comfort of my own space, I’m skipping the gym pressure and focusing entirely on a practical, at-home wellness reset.
If you’re feeling a little sluggish after the holidays, here is exactly what I’m doing to get my health back on track:
1. Embracing Home Workouts
Thank goodness for the internet! I am committing to daily video exercises. Whether it's a 20-minute low-impact cardio routine, a quick HIIT session, or some deep stretching, the goal is simply to get my heart rate up without having to leave the living room.
2. Turning Chores into Cardio
We underestimate how much energy it takes to keep a home running. I’m turning my daily cleaning routine into active movement—scrubbing, vacuuming, and organizing with a bit more intensity. It’s the ultimate win-win: a sparkling clean house and a great calorie burner.
3. Re-thinking the Plate (Less Rice, Less Sugar)
The festive season is a carb and sugar wonderland, so it’s time to recalibrate. I’m drastically cutting down my portions of white rice and consciously swapping out sweet drinks and desserts for water and whole fruits. It’s not about starving; it’s about giving my body the clean fuel it actually needs right now.
4. Breaking the Sedentary Cycle
As someone who spends a lot of time sitting down for work, I need to break the cycle. I'm setting timers to stand up every hour, stretch, or just walk around the room while taking phone calls. Every step counts.
Final Thoughts
Gaining weight during celebrations happens to the best of us. The goal isn't perfection; it's consistency. I'm excited to see how my body responds over the next few weeks as I reclaim my energy and health.
Are you currently working through a post-festive reset too? What are your favorite ways to stay active at home? Let me know in the comments below—let's keep each other accountable!
TESSA YUSOFF
2 June 2026
Contact aeedaoli@gmail.com
#HealthJourney #PostFestiveReset #HomeWorkout #HealthyLifestyle #MoveMore #MindfulEating
The Rhythms of the Night: On David Gray’s ‘Nightjar’ and the Elusive Burung Tukang
There is a distinct playlist that belongs entirely to the night.
If you live anywhere near the green pockets of the Klang Valley, you’ve likely heard one of its most faithful nocturnal musicians. I have never seen it with my own eyes, but I know its voice intimately. To us, it is the burung Tukang—the Nightjar.
True to its Malay name, its call is a piece of eerie, beautiful craftsmanship. It doesn't sing so much as it builds; a rhythmic, mechanical hammering sound that cuts through the silence like a tiny carpenter at work, or the steady, mesmerizing chime of a distant temple bell. It is a creature that socializes only when the rest of the world goes quiet.
It feels incredibly poetic, then, that singer-songwriter David Gray chose this very creature as the title for his latest archival release, Nightjar (March 2026).
A Treasure from the Shadows
Much like the bird itself, this album is something mysterious pulled out from the shadows of the past. Released as a companion piece to mark the 20th anniversary of his seminal album Life in Slow Motion, Nightjar is a massive 19-track collection of previously unreleased songs recorded during that incredibly prolific period around 2004 and 2005.
For those who fell in love with the sonic warmth and emotional weight of that era, this album feels like coming home. It captures a time when Gray was balancing his signature acoustic-and-piano heartbreak with textured, experimental studio elements.
Standout Moments in the Dark
Stepping into this 19-track universe can feel daunting, but a few pieces immediately anchor the listener:
"When I Fall in Love": A stunning opener that immediately wraps you in that classic, rich singer-songwriter depth.
"The Easy Way Out": A track carrying that signature emotional urgency and driving rhythm that defines Gray’s best work.
"Nightjar": The title track itself, which perfectly mirrors the moody, reflective, and slightly haunting atmosphere of its nocturnal namesake.
"Laughing Gas" (2004 Version): A raw, fascinating alternative peek into a fan-favorite history.
Final Thoughts
There is something deeply comforting about music that waits for the right time to be heard. These songs sat in a vault for two decades; the burung Tukang waits all day in absolute stillness just to speak to the night. Both remind us that some of the most beautiful rhythms are the ones that take their time to emerge.
If you’re looking for something to accompany your late-night writing sessions, your quiet evening commutes, or a rainy afternoon, put on your headphones and let Nightjar play.
Have you listened to the new album yet? Do you have a favorite track that stands out, or a nocturnal sound that inspires your own creative space? Let’s chat in the comments below!
TESSA YUSOFF
1 June 2026
Contact aeedaoli@gmail.com
#DavidGray #Nightjar #BurungTukang #MusicLovers #NightThoughts #LifeInSlowMotion #NewMusic
