What is Gâc?

{Sponsored Post}

I chanced upon Gâc on PPP, and the first thing on my mind was "What is that?". Naturally, I went to the site to read up about this exotic fruit. Excerpt from the site:

"Gâc is a bright-red fruit that grows as large as a cantaloupe and abundantly on vines all over sub-tropical Asia, especially in Vietnam. A fountain of antioxidants, as recent research unveiled, this fruit is grown in home gardens and valued for its medicinal potentials. In Asian households, the red oily pulp is often cooked with rice. The bright red color generates the visual effect that represents good luck and joy."

I am surprised that having lived almost all my life in Asia, I have never heard, let alone seen this fruit. Perhaps, it is not grown in abundance in my country of birth, Malaysia? How about cosmopolitan Singapore? Surely, such an exotic fruit would be available on the supermarket shelves? Okay, the excerpt did indicate "sub-tropical". But having lived in sub-tropical Thailand for one and a half years did not expose me to this particular fruit. Has Vietnam kept this SECRET fruit from the rest of the world? WHY?

Recent scientific research shows that Gâc is rich in beta-carotene, lycopene and other potent antioxidants, essential nutrients for cellular rejuvenation throughout the body. The carotenoids in Gâc is in a highly bio-available form which helps support healthy skin and the body’s own defense mechanisms from free radicals.

Is that why Vietnamese ladies are so much more youthful and better looking that 'ole me??

As I am now well-informed about this fruit, I will seek forth its benefits to obtain that elusive smooth youthful skin. And with all the Gâc nutrients concentrated into the R.G. Skin Revitalizer capsules, I can just pop them into the wrinkled body of mind. Easy, and hassle-free! Besides, I am not really a fruit person. Capsules, please!

Nice Matters Award!

YAY! Another AWARD!!! This award is from Misha's Mum. Thank you! Thank you!
*Takes a bow, and walks up to the podium*

"Ahem. Ahem. I want to thank my mommy, my daddy, my husband, my sons, my sisters, my friends, blah blah blah..... Huh? Everybody sleep liow, ar??"

Heheheh...

And I want to pass this AWARD to two people.

1. Laundryamah - For listening to all my grumblings, naggings, cries as well as my LOUD laughters all these years. Being there whenever I needed a listening ear. Thank you, Amah!
2. Very Vera - For doing all my donkey work down in OZ, as recent as yesterday! Thank you very muchy!!!!
   

Old Habits?

Am so used to working on the Microsoft Windows platform that I have partitioned my MacBook, to run on Windows Vista in addition to the original Mac OS. Plus have installed the new Office 2007 too. Waaaaa....have to say the tools and icons on the Office 2007 very "kheng"! So, even running on familiar old Windows, Vista is slightly different. Still have to learn some new tricks. :-)

Update: Aiyo... Get latest software BUT then my current HP All-in-One Printer Scanner NOT so Hi-tech wor. Cannot use the normal HP software, have to use some other canggih software to get the scanned stuff.

Sprucing Up an Old Cabinet..

I had a small cabinet that was purchased when S1 was born. Needless to say, the condition of the cabinet had deteriorated through normal wear and tear, plus the occasional torture by the kids. Although it didn't look that good, it was still quite sturdy. Rather than throwing it out, I decided that I would fix it and give it to my then-maid. I purchased some cabinet hardware off-the-shelf at a DIY store. I changed the drawer knobs, replace the hinges and stuck-on some adhesive cover on the top. It did look rather presentable after this cosmetic make-over!

"Cucuk"

Yup! All three of us... went to get ourselves cucuk today...aiya... immunized lah.

Started off with the receipt of a letter from school indicating that S1 needed a booster shot of MMR to keep his medical records in order. Somehow, this is a requirement in this country and the US. In Malaysia, the first MMR is given at about 15 months, and no booster shot is required. So, of course I never really peduli (care) lah. But because S1 has a Residential trip to Bali in early November, I need to get his records straight. Otherwise, he will be denied from going on the trip. And this of course is a BIG NO NO!

As for S2, he needed to get his BCG vaccination. In Malaysia, this is normally given at school. But here, BCG is not a requirement at this age. Funny, yeah? But I want to get it done lah.. just to be in accordance to Malaysia's medical regulations.

H had a golf game with his customer this morning, and thus did not go with us. The night before, we had a chat about this.
Me - Do you think I can handle S2 myself?
H - It's sooooo big! You want me to DIE??? *LOL*

H was actually emulating S2. With great success, I have to say. The last time, we took S2 to have his DTP jab. Waaaaaaaa... it was MEGA difficult. He was thrashing and kicking. And YES. He did screamed out "Its sooooo big. You want me to DIE?" when he saw the syringe! Hahaaaahhaaa.. Yeah. I know. Bad mommy. But it was kinda funny. Sooooo dramatic. H calls him our DRAMA KING!

I didn't want to wait another day, and decided to brace myself and go forth to the clinic on my own. S1 as usual....like hero lah. Took his two jabs (oh... the second jab, I decided that we should have too... for Typhoid), one on his left arm, and the other on the buttock. I insisted on the buttock, so that the right arm can still be UN-hurt for doing homework. *Evil Laugh*

Then it was S2's turn. Aiyo..... started screaming and crying when the nurse was just filling up the syringe. But luckily, he did calm down and the first jab on the buttock went in without a hitch. Once he felt the 1st was okay, the 2nd one on the arm was quite a breeze through. But the commotion PRIOR to taking the jabs was enough to invite STARES and GRINS when I exit the consultation room. I just casually said "he can be heard loud and clear out here, huh?", and this ang-moh guy grinned at me and said "Uh-Huh!"

Oh yeah..I had a Typhoid jab too. Aiya...of course I didn't cry lah.....

The London Pass

{Sponsored Post}

Going to London?
Current exchange rate of USD 2 ~ GBP 1 a Worry?
Fret Not!

London CAN still be affordable!
With the London Pass!

What exactly is the London Pass?
It's a cool plastic card offering free entry to 56 of the best tourist attractions in and around London. All you need to do is simply pay one affordable fee, and the card can be used to enter many participating attractions. Some popular participating attractions are: The Tower of London, London Zoo, Kensington Palace, Windsor Castle, London Aquarium, Shakespeare's Globe, St Paul's Cathedral, Chelsea FC Stadium Tour and the Tower Bridge Exhibition - and many many more.

And you wanna know what's the best perk about the London Pass? Queue Jumping to many of the attractions!!! Can you imagine yourself just breezing in through the Entry? Whilst others are in the looooooong zig-zag queue? Ooooooh! Won't you be snickering inside?

For added convenience, unlimited travel on London's tube, bus and train network can be incorporated into the London Pass for an additional fee. More queue avoidance at the ticket counters!

Jiozi and Gyoza

Wanna eat some dumplings?

Click here for the Recipe.

Started out making the dumplings with the pleats, but it was quite tedious. So decided to just make a semi-circle shape like "suey kow" instead. Soooooo much easier!!!

Weekend Breaks Awaaaaay

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Mondays to Fridays... You work like a DOG! Your IN-Box is filled with papers to the ceiling. Your boss screams at you. Your colleagues back-stab you. What do you do for a reprieve? To preserve your sanity?

Take short breaks away, of course! No matter what your desire is, be it shopping in the fashion capital of Paris, sunning on the beaches of Nice or being serenaded on a gondola ride in Venice...... Well-planned weekend breaks can do wonders to de-stress and rejuvenate the body and soul!

With the availability of cheap flights and holiday offers to many great European cities, a city break over a weekend would not break the bank! So...Fret Not!

I am LOVED by Firehorse!

Waaaaaaa.....so happy to get this AWARD from Firehorse aka Kopi-Soh! Thank You! Thank You! *muaks* *muaks*

And now, I'm supposed to present this Award to the the blogs I LUV....and actually I do have quite a few now. BUT I'll like to present this Award to the new blogs that I've just started visiting regularly this September. They are bp - back to basics , mama pumpkin, shern's mummy, sasha bla bla blah and sweetpea.

Vacancy for an Electrician

VACANCY FOR AN ELECTRICIAN IN INDIA

Salary: Negotiable

Working hours: till the job is done

Anybody in for this CHALLENGING job?

Home Office Furniture

{Sponsored Post}

With my new part-time job, I would be working from home. Thus, I would need to convert the study room into a real home office. Would need to head out to furniture stores to get some Home Office Furniture. What do I need? A comfy swivel chair that looks like the ones shown here from FurnitureFromHome.com. Would need to get some shelves too!

Kid's Work

Was clearing out the study room, and found some of the kid's work stashed in the cupboard. Was gonna throw them away...but thought it would be a waste. So, decided to put it up on the wall of the study room to spruce up the white wall.

A Hiking We Will Go...

Hi Ho The Merry-O, A Hiking We Will Go....
When your beau says "Let's go hiking, hon!", what do you say?
Would your answer be:
a) ARE you out of your mind?, or
b) Oh! I would love to!

I'm sure your answer depends on the length of the relationship. My Canadian friend said that when her boyfriend asked her to hike up to the ancient Aztec ruins, she bit her tongue and chose answer (b). Why? The relationship was only 3 months old then and she was dying to impress. What would you do? Go with answer (b), and take this opportunity to shop for a stylish North Face jacket such as the one shown here? Plus matching hiking boots and backpack?

Some Updates

More on Musical Instruments
S2 brought back a FLUTE today, and announced "The saxophone is too hard". Apparently, no more Alto Saxophones are available for loan, and S2 had to use the Medium Saxophone instead. It's bigger than the Alto, and he found it quite big to be carried and to blow into it. So, he's learning to play the flute instead. He demonstrated blowing, and said the note must be held for at least 4 seconds. Errr...from what I hear, it's not exactly a note YET. I tried to blow too, and I almost ZERO sound came out. S2 tried to teach me "First, you have to put your lips like that, and then smile, and then blow"... Don't ask me why have to smile one!

S1 also wants to take up an additional instrument. He's already doing the guitar. He now wants to try to learn to play the Saxophone. So, I'll have to write a letter to school to request for it. The thing is ....somehow, my kids are always "poon thonng sway" one (half pail of water OR, half past six) ...do things halfway all the time instead of truly completing something. Hope they will really and truly want to be music stars! Okay..Stars abit of exaggeration!

Consulting Job
Got myself some part-time work as a CON-Sultan hahaha...
Okay. Serious now. It's an engineering consulting job for a Singaporean company, to help them liase with their client over here. Went to my first meeting with the client today, who happens to be my friend's hubby! Don't know if this will make the job easier or not, but the meeting today was pleasant enough.
Work will be on a flexi-basis, and I can work from home MOST of the time. Hope I don't have to get out to their plant too often. I will be paid a daily rate plus out-of-pocket expenses. And I think I may have to go to Singapore to open a bank account, and to see another doctor for my problematic foot. Will see when I go lah...

Another Earthquake
Another earthquake occurred off the coast of Sumatera this evening. According to my MIL, Malaysian news has indicated that a Tsunami will hit South Thailand at 11 pm tonight. Think the fault along the Indonesian Archipelago is undergoing massive activities...with so many earthquakes happening in recent times. But what can be done? Nothing, I guessed......

Formula ONE Driver!

Did you know that I used to aspire to be a Formula One Driver?

Maybe, F1 Driver is an exaggeration of the extreme sort, but I do lurve to drive fast! Give me a powerful car that goes VROOOOOOM anytime! There was once when I drove my mom's beemer on the North-South Expressway, and was going 190 km/hr with my foot still on the accelerator. If it's not for my mom going "Oi! Oi!', I think I would have crossed the 200 mark. Even with my tiny company car, I used to speed on the highway to Kuantan, albeit at a more decent speed of 130 km/hr. Unfortunately, the speed limit for one particular stretch is a measly 90 km/hr, and I got caught on the speed camera TWICE! *sigh* Although it was a company car, speeding tickets were not covered. Thus, I needed to fork out from my own pocket. Would be great if I have one of those high-tech radar detector that would give me ample warning from being caught! Heeeee

Nautical Bedding!

Who doesn't?
LURVE beautiful bedding, that is..... especially cute kids bedding that comes with matching curtains and accessories. I better not use the word "CUTE", otherwise it will scare my boys! With the older one turning into a tween, the bedding that I choose will have to be anything other than cute. What do you think of the nautical theme? Macho enough for a growing boy?

More on Kids...

Musical Instruments
This afternoon, on our way to the boys' Mandarin class, we were chatting as usual. S2 mentioned that he's also learning to play the Recorder. "What song can you play now?, I asked.
"Don't know any song. Just learn to be annoying", retorted S2. "We just put our mouths onto the thingy and blow. Very noisy and annoying. The people always wash one. Must wash the recorder cause lots of saliva go inside!".
I can IMAGINE the PEEEE PAAAAA POOOO in a classroom full of novice players! Sure si-beh ANNOYING! Don't know how the teacher can tahan!

Math
Made the boys do some Math problems yesterday (before High School Musical 2), and as usual S1 made a helluva lot of mistakes. Terrible me...started to raise my voice and S1 was like "Stop shouting! You are STRESSING me out!". You see lah. A little bit like that, STRESS-OUT wor. And then later, you know what? He said he MUST do some BRAIN GYM so that he can work better and faster, and proceeded to stand and do some funny stance like a standing meditation kind. ALAMAK!! What is this rubbish? Go to British school learn this kind of stuff! (Pardon Me! If I offend any British or ang-mohs here) My time certainly got NO such thing!! Anyway, my kids don't go to KUMON. Am thinking if I should send them or not? Is it really necessary? Will they lose out if they don't go to KUMON? I'm thinking if me tutoring (screaming?) them would be sufficient. Or not? What do you say?

Oh Boxes!

This is definitely NOT Sponsored.

Just want to spread the news around!! This online site has wonderful gift packages filled with the brim with yummilicious goodies. Shown here is the ROMANA, a premium selection of Baklavas, Date Delights and Honey Sweets beautifully packed in an exquisite box dressed with festive ribbon and batik flower. At only RM 155/- inclusive of delivery, it is the perfect Raya gift. Check out the others on offer at www.ohboxes.com now!

P/S This is my very talented and hardworking friend's venture. She is working FULL-time and has two kids!! Put me to shame hor?

London Memories

H came back from London a week ago, and he has been indicating that we should visit London together during the Raya Holidays. I haven't been to London for ages. The last time was in September 2002. London does bring back lots of memories....weekend walks in Hyde Park...feeding the ducks, West End musicals, shopping on Oxford Street, Oodles of Noodles in Chinatown, the V&A and Natural History Museums within walking distance from my old Uni...

What would I do in London this time? Visit the London Eye, cruise down the River Thames, be entertained by musicals such as "The Lion King" and "Mamma Mia", and to visit my dear little sister and her beloved, of course!

Can't stay at my sister's love nest, so...we'll have to book into a London hotel. Where in London? Most likely a hotel along the Picadilly Line as the access to London Heathrow and Leicester Square is easy. How about the 5-Star Covent Garden Hotel? Okay... maybe 5-Star is way out of our budget. How about the 4-Star Radisson Edwardian Mountbatten Hotel?

Update on Kids...

House Captain??
"I am going to run for House Captain", S1 announced as he came down from the bus on Thursday afternoon. I have to say that I was a little bit surprised that my scardy-kat was gonna run for House Captain. He worked on his speech for quite some time that night. The next day, S2 came home and announced that his brother (S1 went straight to T's house for sleepover) didn't win but managed to be the Vice-Captain.
And then he added "B won because he is better looking". Of course I was shocked, and remarked with a "Huh?? Where got such thing one?".
Then, S2 replied "No. Actually. He is not better looking. But he sound good".
I asked "Do you mean that B has a better speech?"
"Yeaaaaaa!!!", was S2's reply.
So...there, my S1 is the Vice-Captain for the RED House.

On the same note... S1 commented "T didn't want me to run for House Captain because he said then he won't be able to see me during lunch time". When I heard this, I actually laughed, and told H that it sounded like a girlfriend whining to the boyfriend! BTW, T is a boy too.

Musical Instruments
It is now compulsory to learn at least one musical instrument at school. And S1 has chosen the guitar. I wonder if he can really pick it up. Somehow, I have the idea that kids need to learn to read notes at a much younger age. As for S2, he'll be learning to play the Alto Saxophone. Hopefully, all the BLOWING will reduce his TALKING AIR! hahahahaa....

High School Musical 2

Both my boys are really crazy over High School Musical 2. They will sing and gyrate with the tunes. Now, their room is filled with posters of the guy and the gal and donno who else.... To watch the show this evening, they gladly did their Maths and clean their room!

What is Important?

My mom just SMS-ed me to inform that Pavarotti has succumbed to cancer today. *Sigh* Am overwhelmed with quite a lot of news about friends and relatives getting cancer. My cousin-in-law passed away last week, from lung cancer that has metathesized to her bones. She was only 42. And yesterday, I received an email from my friend in Bangkok. Her ex-husband has just been diagnosed with 3rd-stage liver cancer. He undergoes extensive check-ups for his pilot's license renewal every year; thus the discovery that the cancer is in its late stage was quite a shock. I informed my mom on this, and she reverted with the news that her best friend's (also a breast cancer patient) husband has also been diagnosed with cancer. It brings to light that despite of all the wealth and power, health would still be the most important aspect of life. We should also lead life to the fullest, worry less and be happy always.

Mommy and Son

Yesterday, S2 had a playdate over at a friend's house (err...on a weekday as his friend is moving to Cambodia at the end of this month...so cincai lah). So what do I do? Took S1 out for a mommy and son bonding session. At first, he didn't want to lah... But then agreed when I said OKAY to his request for a Cappucino!! And that fella wanted to go to a fancy place some more! So, we went to a place called Huize van Wely, a Pattissier, Chocolatier, Glacier and Salon de Thè. Yes. S2 had his own personal cup of Cappucino. He was very pleased! Think he felt kinda grown-up. Previously, he's had sips from mine but never his own. But our friend, perhaps tried too hard..he dribbled Cappucino all over his shirt. Anyway, S1 did have a pasta dish, and as for me, had the Afternoon Tea for One....finished with 3 pieces of handmade chocolate. WAH!!!!! The bill came and was about USD 45/-....Almost fainted! Even whole family have a satisfying crab meal also not so expensive. And then S1 said "Let's come again!" and I was quick to answer with a "NO-lah...errr...maybe just for the coffees, Okay?" Perhaps I should look on the bright side that mother and son bonded over a cuppa??? Instead of the $$$ flying away....

Also, further to my Vomit Blood post on S2, and subsequent enlightenment that it's due to hormones, I am striving to laugh at their Off-and-On antics of sorts, instead of tearing my hair out. I mean, soon...they will be so grown up....So, what do I do?

- Listen to S2 burp his ABCs....
- Listen to the boys sing amended songs.. Like? You know the song that begins with "I believe I could fly...I believe I could touch the sky...". Well, it has been amended to "I believe I could die...I've been shot by the FBI..." And the Barney song? It used to have an ending "won't you say you love me too..." and now it becomes "sorry kids but Barney's dead!".
....and the list goes on...

HP Ink Cartridges

{Sponsored Post}

Ever since S2 knows how to use the computer to print out webpages, my printer cartridges get empty pretty quick. We have a HP All-in-One Printer that sits in the study room. For a long time, the kids were using the computer all over the house, except the study room. I thought that the kids, especially S2 would not know how to connect the USB cable from the printer to the laptop. How wrong I was! One day, I wanted to print some documents, and discovered that the ink cartridge that I've replaced NOT too long ago has depleted all the ink! And by the side of the printer, were discarded COLOURFUL pages of Pokemon monsters, Harry Potter and Eragon!! Some Sherlock Holmes investigation revealed that S2 was the culprit. I was surprised that he is more computer-savvy than I thought...which is good. But the downside is that I would have to replace the HP Ink Cartridges, which costs a small fortune!!! It would be great if there's a store that sells original HP Ink Cartridges at a discount over here. But if you are in the UK, look no further than InkCartridgesDirect.

Thirty Five Questions TAG

This TAG is courtesy of Shern's Mom.

Where is your cell phone? Still in my handbag
Relationship? Friendship 22 Years. Marriage almost 11 years
Your hair? Just got it highlighted today
Work? Shopping, Spa-ing, Golfing, ..
Your sister/s? DKSL, MKYM, MKSY, GKSN and VKSS
Your favorite thing? SLEEP!!!!!
Your dream last night? SCARY!! Dreamt that I was preggers with No.3
Your favorite drink? Think would be Watermelon
Your dream car? One that will go VROOOM VROOOM and allows me to ZOOOOOM off in a jiff!!!!
The room you’re in? Study Room
Your shoes? See my two new pairs???? Heee heee
Your fears? Too many. Don't wanna think!!!
What do you want to be in 10 years? One cool svelte momma with ZERO worries!!!
Who did you hang out with this weekend? Aiyo... with my boys wor...
What are you not good at? Managing my worries
Muffin? Haven't had one in ages! But think banana ones would be yummy.
One of your wish list items? Too many. Cannot decide!!
Where you grew up? Petaling Jaya
Last thing you did? Picked S2 up from his friend's house
What are you wearing? Still my Kai-kai clothes... (think I should go shower now!!)
What aren’t you wearing? Now? Shoes lah...inside the house ma..
Your pet? NONE. Or do my two monyets count??
Your computer? IMac and Dell
Your life? Can't complain lah..
Your mood? Quite good except for S2 driving me NUTS~
Missing? My family back home in PJ
What are you thinking about right now? That I must shower soon...*scratch* *Scratch*
Your car? Fortuner ...7 seater so can ferry visiting guests....
Your kitchen? Alright lah.. but needs an island
Last time you laughed?Over latte with S1
Last time you cried? When I watch Ratatouille. Yeah. I know. SEOW!!!
School? Assunta, Princess Helena College, Swansea College, Imperial College...
TAG: WMD, VeryVera, SAHM, Misha's Mum, Dancing Queen

Adaptor Required??

I'm rather appalled at the water quality in this country. The water from our taps are actually groundwater pumped out to a storage tank, that's located up on the roof of my house. I have a ceramic water filter which I want to have fixed onto my kitchen tap. But the fittings somehow does not match. I would have to purchase a suitable adaptor, or in the worst case purchase a totally new tap. I will hop over to Delta faucets to check out on their wide product range.

Sea Gull Lighting

Our expat Ladies Group was having our regular gathering in the penthouse apartment of one of the members. The apartment was tastefully furnished befitting of a penthouse. The pièce de résistance was the lighting over the dining table. It absolutely enhances the dining space exquisitely. I wished I could have a stylish chandelier like the one from seagull lighting over my dining table!

H's Trip

Do you know what is the WORST thing about a hubby who has flown around the world and back????

His JET-LAG!!!!!

Aiyo...3 AM in the morning, and he is AWAKE. Awake nevermind.... some more will wake you up to KACAU you wor... How like that???

Aiya...since he brought back so many goodies for the boys and I, cin-chai lah.... Let him KACAU lah...hahahaha..

p/s Didn't manage to take a photo of the secretary's Coach Wallet. But...have to say, not very nice lah... heheheheh...

City of Edinburgh

Looking for a job?

But don't know which city is best?

Have you ever thought about working in the City of Edinburgh, Scotland's capital?
Located only about 45 miles from the largest Scottish city of Glasgow, Edinburgh has the largest economy of any city in the United Kingdom outside London. Jobs in Edinburgh are plentiful, primarily in the service sector, i.e. education, health, finance and tourism. What's more is that Edinburgh is a city vibrant with festivities, top-class restaurants and wonderful museums and galleries. After a hard day's work, there's loads of after-hours activities to help you unwind. So, what are you waiting for? There's bound to be an Edinburgh job that suits you best!

"Foot-Lou"

H is on his way back from the airport now, and he called to have a chat. And he mentioned that he bought a COACH wallet for his secretary for her birthday.... WAHHHH!!!!! So "foot-lou"!!!!!! What can I say??? Just keep quiet while he talks lah. This fella ar... talk to secretary so nice one...talk to me, like want to eat me up!!! I told him so, and he said "secretary will run away , but you won't". @sshole, or not? Hanky-Panky? No lah.... It's the women that he don't tell or mention then I would be worried....Will see if I can manage to take a photo of the wallet....Later..

Computer Table...

This one NOT Sponsored... Funnily, I actually did buy a computer table yesterday.... But of course mine NOT STYLO-MYLO as the ones from FurnitureFromHome lah. (I WISH!!!) Mine is the conventional type lah. Bought my set from Ace Hardware. It was ON SALE. I mana will buy non-sale stuff one. The table and swivel chair only costs RM 130/-. Quite good deal, huh? Yes. Our computers are all laptops...but like I said, at least the boys are GLUED to one place rather than moving the laptop here there, everywhere....which resulted in very loose hinges between the screen and the body!!

Home Office

{Sponsored Post}

These days, every home would have a computer. Be it for the home office, or for the kids to complete their school work. A home computer desk would come in real handy, even if you own a laptop. Why? Because "IT" is the designated area for the computer, and the kids would then at least be rooted down to that spot, rather than carrying the fragile laptop to wherever they wish! You would think that computer desks are ugly looking pieces of furniture. But check out the stylish ones from FurnitureFromHome!

Rush Hour 3

Took boys to watch RUSH HOUR 3 at the cineplex this afternoon. They enjoyed it tremendously with all the action-packed stunts, and simple humour. I thought it was okay...except for the ending. Felt it ended too abruptly and with no real logical explanation (i.e. how come they don't have to prove that the Head of the International Court is the bad guy, and they are the good???). But as my mom would say "choe hee siow, khwa hee gong" (Best translation I can think of is "acting is mad, watching is silly" or something like that. Anyone can help with a better translation???)

Refrigerators Wanted!

{Sponsored Post}

Imagine... You've just returned from the supermarket with bagfuls of groceries. You load the grub into the refrigerator. And you discover the worst...... the refrigerator has spoilt! But you think "It can't be! My trusted 'ole refrigerator has been working faithfully for more than ten years!!" You call the repairman, and he says "Sorry ma'am. I don't have the part. I can order it, though. But it will take 4 weeks and costs $$$$.". What do you do? Wait for weeks or purchase a newer, more energy-saving model? Many people would choose the latter. But which brand to buy? There are so many brands in the market these days, from KitchenAid Refrigerators to Maytag, to Samsung. And where to buy? This is where Krillion can assist with its unique Krillion Localization Engine™, which would deliver relevant search results that are specific to your town or city of residence. Do check the site at www.krillion.com!

Pink Ladies?

No lah. Am not trying to be like Michelle Pheiffer in Grease.

Bought a pair of Mizuno PINK golf shoes that was on sale few weeks back. Am not really into pink, but thought the pink golf shoes look kinda cute, and matches my pink gloves. I bought my gloves first...actually wanted to have a black or grey pair. But the choices for ladies were limited, so was somewhat "forced" to purchase a pink pair. But after using it for a couple of months, pink is quite becoming.

Anyway, wore PROPER golf shoes for the first time on Friday, and hit a 130 yard. I was pretty PLEASED! And you know what my instructor said? He said it's because I am wearing proper shoes now and NOT SHOPPING SHOES! Heheeh.. Previously, I kept on wearing my Timberland walking shoes lah..which he took a look and poo-pooed it. Aiya.. I have to wait for SALE ma.....

Anyway, this is the view from Bay No. 50 at the Driving Range...

Reino de España

Better known as Spain, to you and I.

It has been more than ten years since I last stepped onto Spanish soil, in Barcelona to be exact. Ahhh... Glorious tapas, fragrant paella, Flamenco dancers, Picasso Museum, Gaudi architecture (famous Sagrada Familia, Casa Mila etc), La Ramblas... I should have gone to Barcelona with H, when he was there in February. As it's for work, he stayed in one of the fancier, more luxurious Hoteles en Barcelona. If we were to go by ourselves, we will definitely look for affordable Hotels in Barcelona.

I've not been to Madrid, Spain's capital city. So we'll have to add this city into my list of "Places to Visit". We'll have to visit the Royal Palace, watch a bullfight, and as a treat for H, go to a Real Madrid football match. Any good, clean and affordable Hotels in Madrid you would recommend?

Hormones are the Culprit!

As mentioned in my last post, took boys to a birthday party today. Had little chats with some of the moms, and one of them mentioned how her son (S2's classmate) was "testing" and "teasing" the teacher, and ultimately got punished for not following instructions. And of course the topic veered to how S2 has been making me "Vomit Blood". Apparently, she said that it's due to testosterone that are being released into their system at this age, i.e. 7 - 8. They would be TESTING and exerting their "power" on things when this gush of hormones happens. The next gush would happen when they are about 14 years old. She was also tearing her hair out with her son, until someone advised her to read the book entitled "Raising Happy Boys" which is written by a man. It hopes to give mothers an insight into the growing minds of boys. :-) I'll have to go borrow it from the school library.

Actually, am halfway reading a book called "Sibling without Rivalry". When I was just into the first chapter, I was laughing away because the screaming lady in the book sounded so much like me, the the fighting kids sound just exactly like my two monsters. It made me feel soooo NORMAL. Haahahahaa...

Party by the Lake

S2's Friend had his birthday party today at a club. It was held on a shady garden by the lakeside. It was quite pleasant. Boys had great fun on the bouncy castle. There was also face painting, kite painting, T-shirt painting, magic show, balloon sculpting. Kids could also make their own personalized cups. The party ended with a "SpiderMan" piñata. As usual, all the kids CHARGED like bulls the moment the piñata broke and revealed the sweets within! The birthday boy then gave out the party bags to the guests. I have to say that quite alot of money must have been spent on the party. The party planner, the food, drinks, cake, piñata, materials for the activities and the party bags. Each party bag is filled with a box of "Spiderman 3" Stationery, "Spiderman 3" DVD Pocket Storage, "Spiderman 3" Badge, Sports Water Bottle, Box of Colour Pencils and a matchbox-sized car. My party bags for my boys' birthday parties pale by comparison!

New Gardener

FINALLY!!!

I managed to hire a new gardener. He is going to start this Saturday, 1st September. His work days will be Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 8 am to 12 pm. No lah..my garden is not big. He'll also be mopping the terrace floors, the garage and cleaning whatever that needs to be cleaned (external of the house only). Hopefully, this guy will be better than the last one. And I would have a nice garden soon. At the moment, the bamboo by the pool is really "all over the place". The grass is also kinda long. Some plants dying and my rosemary also like gonna go too.

TutorVista

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Vomit Blood!

Since I've been on the topic of S2...might as well continue with this naughty fella. Lately, he has been really really getting on my nerves. Kept on doing the opposite of what I tell him to. Ask him to stop, he will purposely do it. Always waiting for me to SCREAM at him!!!

Eat rice also one kind. The chair will be "senget" (crooked) to one side, or balancing on two legs resulting in a LOUD Bang as the chair falls to the floor. And eating all over the place. As it is, I got him a rattan chair to sit so that he would not WIPE his filthy hands on my beige dining chair.

Put him to bed, kiss him goodnight...5 minutes later, will run to my room and announce that he needs to "pang-sai" (sh!t) , or that his butt is itchy, or there is itchy, or that he needs to drink water. Just last night, put him to bed, and then it was "pang sai" lah, and then after that he wants to drink water. Spilled water all over the floor. *GRRRRRRR*

Tell him to do homework. He'll be feeling sick or feeling tired or headache. Again, told him to complete his Mandarin homework yesterday so that he could go to his friend's house for playdate today. He told me DONE already. I wanted to check his work, and he quickly answered "Wait. Wait. I forgotten. I haven't done it". You see lah! This fella is terrible. When we were in Malaysia, he even HID his homework under my car seat so that he don't have to do his homework!!! Mana boleh???

And now, he is in Year 3.. no more brown bags (in the infant school, I used to order and pre-pay Brown Bags for his lunch) so now he'll either have to bring lunch from or PURCHASE lunch at the cafeteria. Gave him about USD 2 yesterday, and he came back...told me he lost USD 1. How? He said "I run run run"... *sigh*

My Head Pain!!!

When S2 was little, he used to have bad headaches. He would scream and cry "my head pain!". Of course, I was really worried that it would be something worse than a normal headache. I took him to our paediatrician over at SJMC, and requested that S2 undergo some tests and scans. However, our paediatrician advised against it, as he felt there was no severity in his symptoms. I came home and scoured the internet for topics on "headaches" and "headache treatment". Read and read, and the info did concur with our paediatrician's diagnosis that S2's headache was nothing more than a regular headache. Yes. Kids do get headaches too!

Dining

Know what would be good in a house?

Two dining areas! A formal and an informal one.

See these two beautiful sets from Powell furniture?

This set would be for informal meals.
Breakfast.
Snacks.
Chats over a cuppa.





And this set would be for proper meals.
Primarily for dinner, ... as it's the meal that we eat together as a family.


"A family that eats together, stays together"

Worst WebPage!

Did you see the comment left by asdfd in my Cbox?

Apparently, my webpage is the worst that he/she has ever seen!!

What do I have to say to asdfd?

1. Mou yan kiu lei lei touk
2. Bo lang kio der lai thak
3. Mei yo ren chio ni lai tu
4. Mai mi khon riak khun ma arn
5. Tidak ada orang suruh kamu mari baca

What else? Mmm....

Gives me a topic for my filler post!! kekeekekek....

Christmas Pressies...

When I was a little girl, I absolutely LOVE Christmas time. The wonderful Christmas feeling, the tinsel-decorated tree, yummy roast turkey and chestnut stuffing, Christmas crackers and last but not least, presents for me!!!

These days...the thought of Christmas not only brings the above to mind.....but costs as well. Why? Expenses during the holiday season add up bit-by-bit and can be astronomical. How can we spend and still be prudent? By using online coupons that offer discounts on our purchases.

For the boys, will get them some Playstation things using EToys.com coupons. For H, it'll be books and DVDs from Amazon. There's still presents for my parents, in-laws, siblings, friends... GOSH....It sure is a long list!

Mahjong Lesson...

Now that kids are in school, the mommies are all back to their NORMAL routine, i.e. coffee mornings, brunches, lunches, spa visits, golf lessons, scrapbooking, beading classes and what nots.

So...had our regular Tuesday brunch (I made "ngau-lamm", i.e. braised brisket), and after that, our host offered to teach mahjong to those that don't know how to play. I belong to this category. Have to say that it requires both skill and luck. And also concentration. If you are dreaming, your tile may be gone before you can say "poong". ME? Forever dreaming one..... But since we were all rookies, we didn't play money lah...

Blog Directory

{Sponsored Post}

I have been blogging for almost a year, and I have to say that I am somewhat addicted!! Okay. Maybe not excessively but it has become a routine thing that I do. When I first started blogging, my hubby was rather nonchalant about the whole thing, but once he saw that I was really into it, and earning some money writing sponsored reviews, he was all for it. Even got me a new notebook so that I could blog better! :-)

Initially, blogging helped in providing updates of our life here to my family, friends and relatives. Soon, I was making new friends on the net. It was great! In addition, I have been getting parenting tips, recipes and other useful information. 120

I am so into blogging that I am contemplating in listing my blog on a blog directory. Heard from the grapevine that the new Alive Blog Directory offers a comprehensive selection of blog categories, deep link submission options, and much more. What do you think?

Would you steal your friend's Maid???

Would you?

I feel it's quite a terrible thing to do!!! Although my maid is not perfect, I would be very upset if my friend tries to do that! Who wouldn't???

This topic came about because a friend, whom I shall call A, attempted to LURE friend B's maid by offering to pay the maid about 50% extra. A also told the maid to quit, and only go to her house after two weeks, and not to tell B. Think the maid did contemplated to leave B's household, but decided against it, and told her ma'am.

Is this what a friend would do??

Positive Thinking!

Back in Malaysia, I used to attend a Yoga class every Saturday. The yoga instructor was very different from the others, as he would always end the class with an inspiring quote. Many times, he successfully lifted my spirits and I would leave the class with a more positive outlook on life. Now, living in a different country, I no longer can attend his classes. Nor listen to the inspirational quotes. Although many of these quotes are "common sense" and we all know the merits; somehow we have "forgotten" about them in our busy 21st century lives. I believe we need a little reminder now and then. Karl Moore, a best-selling author and entrepreneur, has been kind enough to post inspirational messages on his blog daily . It can serve as our little reminder. His recent posting entitled "Life Attitude Toward Us" is a good one, as it reminds us that having a positive attitude can create positive experiences. Do read more at Karl's blog. You will definitely agree with his words.
<---------This is Karl! *wink* *wink*

Banoffi Pie...

Made Banoffi Pie last Saturday (yeah...abit back-dated). Got the recipe for this easy-to-make pie from Judy. It's a tad too sweet for us so think next time must reduce the amount of the condense milk :-). Looks okay lah... I know it don't look too good. My sons say "give mom a 6 for looks, 8 for smell and 10 for the taste!" ...H said "taste is good. But the presentation not good enough to bring to office lah..". Anyway, the dark brown stuff is not "sai" okay??? :-P It's chocolate shavings!!!

The State of Arizona

Did you know that recent census figures indicate that Arizona is the fastest growing state in the United States of America? This population growth is primarily from migration from other US states. Are you keen to be one of the many new "Arizonans"? To seek forth in Arizona's "Five C's" economy? If YES. You probably are looking for quality Arizona real estate to set up your new home. Do seek out expert assistance from Sonoran Properties!

All the Boys are Off ....

YUP!.. Boys off to school starting today... S1 in Year 6 (he says they are the "king" of Primary School wor... next year will be Secondary School. So fast like that!!) and S2 in Year 3.

Even my BIG boy, i.e. H also gone off today. At the moment, still en-route to London Heathrow. If he can worm his way out, then he'll be back by end of this week...otherwise, he'll have to fly to Dallas from LHR and then back...completing one circle round the globe. Heard him talking to his boss, negotiating his way out from the Dallas trip.... donno the outcome yet..

H not around, I have the car all to myself lah....So, took kids to school this morning.. Waaaa ..traffic was horrendous. Left the house at about 7 am, and only reached the school at 8.15 am. Sent them to their respective classes, then had a cup of coffee whilst chatting with some other moms (the school had set up tents for coffee morning for the parents to meet and chat etc), and then went to my friend's house for morning coffee... Then we both went to do our nails at the Nail Bar, had lunch at Penang Bistro... Only got home at about 3. 15 pm. In time to greet the boys' school bus. :-) Then at 4.00 pm..left the house again. Drop boys at their Mandarin class, and I went to the gym... Came back home also 6.30 pm...

Tomorrow.. also another Coffee Morning/Brunch at a Malaysian lady's house.. Pot Luck lah.. so will make a braised beef stew (chinese style lah) ... Maybe want to go colour my hair if got time.. :-)

Maine, USA

Maine, ....the northernmost state of continental USA. It is well known for it's beautiful scenery of jagged coastline, seaport towns, rolling mountains and flowing rivers. Their world famous MAINE LOBSTER is absolutely divine when freshly cooked and served with melted butter!!! For a true and unique experience, stay in rustic Maine bed and breakfast inns that are located off the beaten track. You'll absolutely love it!

School Starts This Monday!!

FINALLY!!!
I can get the boys out of my hair for at least half a day !!
This morning, while helping both boys organize their stationery for school, I was continuosly nagging at them. These boys ALWAYS seem to misplace their pens, pencils, erasers etc etc. *sigh* Think I have to start purchasing custom pens that has their full name and class imprinted! That way, the missing items will eventually be returned!

More Stuff...

Went out grocery shopping this morning.....But bought these too...

Huge Flat Pan

To make what?
Roti Canai, Popiah Skin, Large Crepes, Fry 4 Eggs at One time, etc etc..
(It was 50% Off lah....)

Two Sizzling Plates
To Make Sizzling Steak for Dinner tonight!!

Life in the Sun....

Do you dream of retiring in the warmth of the sun?
The tropics seem too far away?
How about a great Mediterranean island that basks year round in the sun?
Where?

CYPRUS, of course!

It's a modern country rich with ancient history, fragrant citrus groves, wonderful beaches, friendly people and much much more.

Tempted? Check out on the cyprus property available. Whether you are looking for a villa, an apartment or a grand mansion, there is a dream home for you!

Reading Material...

This will be what I will be reading for the next few days. Actually, I already know who died or didn't die, and the ending, BUT I still wanna read it. After all, I did read all the other 6 books. So, of course must read the last, right?

I didn't Q to buy the discounted version of this book, and neither do I want to pay the real retail price. So, I wait until I could borrow from someone.

And since I took S1's friend T for ice-skating today, he has graciously lent me his book (according to his dad, I must be someone SPECIAL, as he is very particular about his books, and would NOT lend any of his books to anyone.....hehehehe...perhaps it's all the junk food that I've fed him today. He had KFC, 2x Pepsi, McDonald's ice-cream and 3 donuts!!!)

Will post a video of the boys skating later...

Orlando, Florida

That is our ultimate holiday destination for the kids!

Where else would you find 52 theme parks?? There's Disney World, Sea World, Universal Studios, Busch Gardens and the list just goes on and on.....Boys will have a ball with all the adrenalin-pumping roller coasters. Especially S1. He just gets so charged up!!

Plus, Kennedy Space Center is less than an hour's drive away. The last time I was in Orlando, H and I witnessed the launch of a space shuttle. It was awesome! I would love to plan our vacation such that the boys can witness a shuttle launch. It would be a unique experience for them. Don't you think?

As flying to Orlando would be quite expensive, we'll have to hunt for Cheap Disney World Vacation Packages that would include our accommodation, car rental, park entry tickets.

"Yau Mou Kau Chor"!!!!

This H and the boss arr... "kau woo loong" (blur blur?!?!?) and went to wish CONDOLENCES to a colleague. Don't know where these silly guys got the news that the colleague's father passed away.

WRONG INFO!!!!!

The colleague had to inform them "errr...actually my father is still alive".

ALAMAK!!!....duh....

G'Day, Mate!!

Australia has long been a favorite holiday destination for my family and I. Though we have been to Australia countless times, we still find new and exciting things to do Down Under.

One of the things that I want to do in Sydney is to climb up the Harbour Bridge. The last time I was in Sydney, I had S1 toddling about with me! As the minimum age for the climb is 10; this time, S1 can actually accompany me for the climb. :-) We'll scale over ladders, catwalks and arches all the way up to the summit. It would be a real exhilarating experience! Which Hotels in Sydney will we be booking? This time, I would like to stay at The Rocks.

And....we are going to Melbourne for a Wedding! Whose wedding? My youngest sister's wedding! My little baby sister is getting married!!! ....And since it will be a whole BIG gang of us, we'll have to find suitable Hotels in Melbourne that would accommodate the whole clan that would be flying in from the UK, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia!

And we might hop over to Brisbane. Though I've flew into Brisbane a couple of times, I've yet to really explore Brisbane. We had always driven straight down south to the Gold Coast. It would be nice to stay a day or two to explore Brisbane. Know any great Hotels in Brisbane?

The Sad Thing...

..........about being an expat is that your friends start to leave when you are just getting to know them better.

It's the same for the kids as well as for the adults. As it is, almost a third of S2's classmates left...
- 1 girl went back to Australia in Dec '06
- 1 girl moved to Dubai, also in Dec '06
- 1 girl moved to Hong Kong in March '07
- 1 boy moved back to Canada in July '07
- 1 boy moved to Miami in July '07
- 1 boy moved to the American School in Aug '07

And just today, I heard that another girl will leave in Dec '07 to go back to Malaysia, and another boy might leave to go back to Singapore at the same time.

As for me... most of the kids' moms are also my friends...and it is quite depressing to continually "lose" friends. Even friends outside the school realm are also leaving.... found out a friend is leaving for Surabaya, and another for Australia, and another for Malaysia in Dec '07.

That's GLOBALIZATION for you!!!

And us? H said that the most he'll stay here is another year..... so, that means we'll be leaving in one year's time. Where to? I don't know..... it'll be up to wherever the job takes H. And we'll try to retain H's expat package...for boys' education sake. It will be rather difficult for them to revert back to the Malaysian education system. Go to international school in Malaysia? No Way! As we absolutely cannot afford the school fees ourselves!

Anyway, we'll see in one year's time...

One day at a time, right?

With globalization, really don't know what would happen one....