What is Worse?

Itch or Pain?

For me.... think Itch is worse!

My feet are still giving me problems. I have spurts of itchiness that comes and goes. And when there is an ITCH ATTACK, if there is such a term.... I will be scratching like there is NO tomorrow. Most times to the extent that my skin comes off and some bleeding occurs. H of course always screams at me, and says that this is liken to those "Self-torture fanatics that whip themselves until they bleed".

I have tried using all sorts of creams, moisturizers to steroid types, but to NO avail!!!

Am I allergic to something in my food? drink? air?

H wants to ship me off to Singapore to get it sorted out. But I told him to give me another couple of weeks. I will see an allergy specialist ....hopefully sometime this week to sort out what the f#@k it is that I am allergic to. *sigh* This is really affecting the quality of life ... I would literally spend 1/2 an hour sorting out my feet! Such a waste of time!!!

Scratch until it bleeds? Pain?

Pain. I can handle. I remember when I had S1. Caesar. I was put on morphine for the pain. But I had an allergic reaction to the drug which caused itchiness ALL over the body. I was so blardy irritated as scratching didn't alleviate the itchiness. I couldn't sleep either. And the worst of all, H was SNORING ZZZZZZ so nicely in the pull-out sofa-bed next to mine. It really p!ssed me MAX when he was sleeping so comfortably while I was suffering. I just couldn't stand the itch that I declined further dose of the morphine. I really did prefer the pain!!

Youth Today

Why is it that these days, one hears so much about drug addiction and abuse among the youths? Is is because that there is no parental guidance? Or is it that societal morals have diminished? Or is it today's everyday stresses have driven our youths to seek refuge in drugs? To have that moment of calmness or feeling of utopia?
Whatever the reasons may be; drug addiction is detrimental if NOT curbed. Should you find a loved one, relative or friend in this whirlpool of addiction, do seek professional help from drug rehab clinics.

Sydney....

{Sponsored Post}

Have you been to Sydney, Australia?

It is the largest and oldest city in Australia, and constantly mistaken to be the capital city. It is blessed with many attractions, notably its twin famous landmarks: The Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.








There's other attractions such as Bondi Beach, Taronga Zoo, The Rocks, Darling Harbour, Sydney Observatory and the list goes on. There's something for everyone in Sydney.

The last time I was in Sydney, I had a 14-month old in tow. But we still managed to have fun. We stayed in a serviced accommodation in North Sydney, right across from the Opera House and bridge. The view was absolutely spectacular. We also strolled along the Sydney Harbour, had lovely seafood lunch at Darling Harbour, visited Tarango Zoo, took a lazy afternoon cruise around and much much more.

Would I want to visit Sydney again?
DEFINITELY!
But this time, as we would have to pay for our own accommodation, I'll need to look for Cheap Sydney Hotels that are clean, convenient and affordable.

TAG - 3 IN 1??!?!?

This 3-in-1 Tag is from Laundryamah... Will do this as best as I can...

Shopping Tips??

~ Start copy ~

It’s very simple. When you receive this tag, copy the whole list and add your own shopping tip to the bottom and pass it on.

1. Wear comfy clothing when you’re shopping. You don’t wanna fuss with too many laces and buttons when you’re trying clothes on. http://rinnah-marketplace.blogspot.com
2. Choose stores offering some kind of reward program, e.g. purchase points, rebates or store coupons. Knowing how the program works and when to use them will save you a lot of money in the long run. http://kakishopping.giddytigers.com
3. Don’t wait until sales if you really like that particular piece of dress or shoes, as your size could be sold out sooner than you realized. Just buy if you really like it, cause there is nothing much we can do once it’s gone, especially when you shopping abroad. Everyday health and beauty
4. Make sure you bring your credit card/cash la! If not how to shop lei? http://laundryamah.wordpress.com/
5. Never bring hubby or kids with you on your shopping trips!! They are a hassle and will stress you out!!! http://nomadic-mom.blogpsot.com
   

~ End copy ~Who to tag??

Misha's Mum (since Misha always have goodies!!)
Judy (for all the lovely kitchenware??)
SAHM (for all the jewels???)

Mott and WMD might as well sekali-gus lah...

THE END

5 Link to 5 Own Posts

Here are some specifications of the tag:

****INSTRUCTIONS: ****

1. Post 5 links to 5 of your previously written posts. The posts have to relate to the 5 key words given below.

2. Tag 5 other friends to do this meme. Try to tag at least 2 new acquaintances (if not, your current blog buddies will do) so that you get to know them each a little bit better.

3. Don’t forget to read the archived post and leave comments.

***********************

Link ONE must be about family:
Our Long Weekend Trip

Link TWO must be about friends:
My Friend Oyster... :-)

Link THREE must be about yourself:
Four Four Four Four

Link FIVE can be anything you like
WARNING!!! Gross Post

Link FOUR must be about your love:
Count My Blessings

Tag 5 people…but like laundryamah, will tag same people so that can do the tag in one shot.

Misha's Mum
Judy
SAHM

Needs 2 more... Okay, I add the two mommies below.

Mott

WMD

THE END

The Age I wish to go Back..

Must be specific age ar?? No need lah. I forgot what age lah. But think I want to be a kid again. No worries whatsoever. Play. Play. Play oni. Play masak-masak. Make my ice-kachang with my terbalik tri-cycle. Play on my swing. Make mud-cakes and cover them with lumut. Aaahhhh...those were the carefree days!

**************Start copy***************
Instructions:
Title: The Age That I Wish To Go Back To
Requirement: Write about the one age that you wish to go back to and why?
Tag Mode: 5 bloggers
1st - You leave their blog and post link and add to the list below.
2nd - Let the blogger you want to tag know they been tagged by comment in their blog or etc.

The Age that they Wish to Go Back to:
Amidrin wish to go back to age 22 to correct back some mistakes in life.
Lemonjude wish to go back to age 6 to enjoy kid’s life.
L’abeille wish to go back to any year but never return to age 28
Sweetpea wish to go back to, actually, just thinking about 17

Lovelymommy wishes to go back to age 21
Laundryamah wishes to go back to the eve of my wedding day

Nomadic Mom wants to go back to be a kid again.

Ladies on the TAG List.

Misha's Mum
Judy
SAHM
Mott
WMD

Urgh! More Shopping...

We stayed home the whole of yesterday....literally "rotting" in front of the idiot box. So, today...we decided to venture out of our worm hole. And where do we go? Err.. to the shopping mall lor. Where else? The driver is still off, so we had to go to somewhere that we know the roads to and fro... :-D

Wa....the mall was very very packed. Anyway, we had brunch in a fancy food court. S1 had Japanese, S2 Italian, H Chinese and I had Malaysian. Everybody happy!

After that, go jalan-jalan lah. Aiya... DEBENHAMS having a SALE wor... Buy 2 get 3 !!! Sure I gian and go look-see lah. The boys?? H took them to a neighboring mall that has DVDs and Games... so, the boys were all out of my hair. Leave me to shop in peace!

Here are my booty...

Red Herring Knitted Poncho
(that is if that's what it's called. When I wore it to show H, and asked him how do I look? He said "I donno what to say!" Ugly meh? I thought quite nice what...)
Women's Secret PJs
(donno why...but I lurve Women's Secret PJs wor....)
Presence Underwear x 6 Pairs
Debenhams DIVA Key-Chain and Magnets
(err..I used the Key-chain liow so the bottom box empty ...heheheh)

All this costs about RM 220/-. Would have bought more stuff if the boys didn't come back sooooo soon. :-) Also good lah.. Shouldn't spend so much lah..

Oh yeah.. You all sure say I STOOOOOPID one. We were in the Bottega Veneta Shop, and H was already whipping out his credit card to buy me the pair of BV sunglasses, and I said NO. And off we went...OUT of the BV shop... SITUPID wifey, right???

Good Housekeeping???

This long weekend, have no maid... so have to be the "maid"... Err...not that I did any cleaning... Told boys to tidy up their own mess, and luckily toilets also not busuk. So... live with it lah...

But have to make the chicken pie since the filling already done. S1 helped out.. I rolled the pastry and put it in the pastry cups. He filled it up with the chicken filling, I cover it with more pastry. He used a fork to create those ridges at the side of the pie, poke the top of the pies and then brush the tops with beaten egg. Looks okay, right???


Also, to bought some heliconias to decorate the house... H said "laeng, meh??? All hanging out like that??" I thought it looks okay what!!








Also bought some gerberas...and arranged them in a little glass. H said "luckily you studied to be an engineer and not a florist!!!". I know my arrangement looks a bit sad!! What to do???

Holiday Spending

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Drug Rehabilitation

What is Drug Rehabilitation?

You hear it in the news. You hear it in movies. You read in the gossip magazines.
But what exactly does drug rehabilitation mean?
Drug rehabilitation is the medical or psychotherapeutic treatment for the dependency on prescription drugs, "recreational drugs" such as heroin or cocaine, and alcohol. The treatment objective is to enable the patient to stop his/her addiction on these substances.
If you have a loved one that requires drug rehabilitation, always seek professional help.

Kashmir Carpets...

Fickle mind little 'ole me....

Today IS the day for us to return one of the silk carpets. Originally, I said that I was keeping this particular piece... But then hor.... just as we were getting out of the door, I decided that I want the other piece more.. So...this piece went back to the shop.

And I kept this piece instead. Nicer??

And at the shop, I saw another piece I like. Aiyo....told H that we better fast fast walk out of the door!!!

Happy Birthday!!

Today is my nephew's 4th Birthday.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, B!!!
Did you receive the gift that I sent? Should have a box of yummy Lindt chocolates, lovely stuffed plush animals in the shape of a cute little bunny, a floaty Helium balloon and some beautiful flowers.

Do you like your gift?

Tua-Ee wanted to get you a Thomas the Tank Engine toy, but it was rather difficult to order online.

Share your chocs with mommy and daddy, okay??

Chicken Pie?

.....More like Chicken Sai!!!

Another BOO-BOO by my maid today.

Showed her how to make chicken pie the other day. And she confidently said that she knows how to make it, and proceeded to do it. She has the recipe with the measurements right in front of her. When I checked on her. She said that it was difficult to make the dough. I asked if she put in the water already. She said yes. I was also scratching my head as to why the whole thing was so dry. Then something caught my eye....the whole new 1 KG bag of flour was EMPTY! The recipe calls for only 500 g....BUT she has used the WHOLE packet of flour. Of course cannot jadi lah!! And you know what she said? She said she didn't look at the recipe!!! Waaaaa....think she sooooooo expert that she don't look wor!! How like that?

I was not mad. In fact, I was still rather smiley when I gave her a lecture.... like how I lecture my sons. Hahaha.. think she also thought that I was MEGA cheong-hei. It's her lost. Actually. I think she was also rather disappointed that she made such a BOO-BOO. Because I told her that she could take half a dozen of pies back to her son when done. What did I lecture her about?? Wah...lots lah...told her that it's for her own good to learn extra skills, to upgrade herself so that she can demand more pay in future, blah blah blah... that she is already earning more than most maids of similar skills....etc etc...

So how? Told her to throw away her mess lah. I would have to make it myself.... no flour some more... Got to go out and buy... No driver today and for the next few days... So, H be my driver lah!!!

Bedding for Teens

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Did I mention that my S1 is growing pretty fast? So fast that he is behaving very much like a teen. Think they call these kids "tweens"? Currently, he is still sharing a room with his younger brother. In no time, I am sure he will be demanding his own bedroom, to have his own private space. We do have an extra room that we can convert to a bedroom for S1 when the time comes. How would I decorate his room? It would have to be a theme that S1 likes. At the moment, he is into soccer and pirates. We'll have painted blue walls. Perhaps in two different shades. It'll be great to have coordinated bedding in either soccer or pirate themes. And I know just the place. VisionBedding has awesome Teen Bedding designs that are attractive to today's teens. And guess what? They do have bedding in the themes that S1 likes. See how attractive the designs are?

Arghhhhhhhh

Yesterday was just not the day for my maid. She kena soooo many times from me.

I was clearing up the study room, and I saw that she has literally chucked everything into the cabinets. Definitely not in an organized way. As a result, everything was everywhere. And when I tucked at one thing, the rest of the cabinet's contents all fell on me. Of course I was not a happy girl. Called her in to tell her (No. I was not screaming. Just informing her in a nice sensible way) to NOT do this again. When in doubt, ask me where to store things. Not just dump things into any cabinet.

Whilst still on my cleaning spree, I wanted to stow the toolbox into the store under the stairs. Opened the door...Waaa...like World War Three like that. My golf bag was opened. Some of my clubs were strewn over the floor. The boys' badminton bags and rackets were literally all over the floor. Looks like she just opened the door, and throw in all the stuff. Of course, i called her in again lah. I mean I don't need a maid to "throw stuff into storage", right? I could do that!! Again, told her to stow the things properly. There are hooks in the store and she should use those to hang the badminton bags, rackets and my yoga mat. That would free up so much floor space. Also told her to stow my clubs properly lah...not just throw my clubs in.

Still on this subject, told her that she should WIPE WIPE WIPE the furniture in the house. Not wait till there is a layer of dust, and me having to tell her to do it. H was moving one of the standing lamps from the dining to the living room the day before, and he was appalled that the thing was covered with thick layer of dust! Everytime, I have to tell her to wipe this to wipe that. Well, also asked if she wants me to get another maid to share the task. And if yes, I will have to CUT her pay, and my tolerance level for dirt will be zero. I can still close one eye with one maid. With two maids, I have ZERO tolerance level. Everything must be perfect lah.

Okay, then come dinner.... Earlier, I told her to parboil the jiaozi and then pan-fry them. When I came down to the kitchen, she has parboiled my jiaozi until it looks like "sai" like that. Most of the skin was almost falling off, and worst, she dumped all the jiaozi in the colander and they were all sticking together. I was really sooooooo upset that I went ballistic and starting ranting lah. Got sooo fed-up that I told her to get out of the way, and I COOK dinner. (Kids and hubby ate happily lah....I cook one, taste better wor....)

And later that night, I was already comfy in bed...getting ready to watch telly with H...and then the phone rang. It was for the maid lah... And that meant I had to go all the way down to call her. I don't like to use the intercom, and H was like saying "no need to call her". Aiya..but I did lah. I told the caller not to call this late next time, and she replied that she is the sister. I don't care sister or what...calling at this time is an inconvenience to me!! Anyway, when I handed her the phone, I told her to stop ppl from calling her at this time of the night.

Well...when I told my friend, she said "aiyo...you scold your maid so much, after she don't want to come back after the holidays!". Don't come back also I cannot do anything what. The fact of the matter is that even after working for one year for me, she is still doing silly things...

Selling Online...

Recently, a friend of mine started an online store selling gourmet gift packages. Of course, I went over to her site to have a look-see. I have to say that the webpages looked pretty professional and attractive. I have full admiration of my friend, as she managed to launch this ecommerce business despite working full-time, and have two little kids. I wonder if the site was set-up with a particular ecommerce software.

With any online business, a professionally crafted website is a must to entice shoppers to visit, to browse and ultimately to spend their hard-earned $$$. If I were to start an online business (Okay...I have been saying that for eons, and I need a BIG kick to get me started!), I would enlist the help of Ashop Commerce. They are a leading US Provider of hosted shopping cart software. The software allows you to build your online store the way you want it.

Now, what would I sell? Do you have any ideas to help me to be the online entrepreneur of the year?

Sponsored By:

Fishiessss

These are the fishes that S2 caught (don't ask me how) at Saturday's party.

We brought back 7 fishies at 5 pm, by 8 pm....... H came upstairs after his smoke in the terrace and announced "we have a confirmed floater!". I've just put them in my blue & white bowl with NO oxygen bubbles. See how long they will survive... Previously, did have a proper tank with filter and pump, but it was such a hassle that I gave the whole thing to my maid.

On a different note, we have been asked to look after friend's pet rabbits whilst they are away. At first I said YES, but then I forgot that my maid will NOT be around during the holidays. Don't want to be cleaning rabbit sh*T on top of my household chores. Friend would still have their security guards looking after their house...so they could look after the bunnies. I'll just pop by to see that they are all okay, and have not become BBQ dinner....hahahha.. Friends are a little scared to leave the bunnies solely to the guards because the last time, the hired help ate up their koi. T came home, opened up the fridge and saw his pet, scaled, gutted and ready to be cooked!!!

Need a New Cellular Phone?

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I'm sure you do!

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Rubbish meh?

Would you consider these as RUBBISH??

H says these are the rubbish that I buy wor...
These are actually for tealights. Nice? Or Really Rubbish?

New Sofas?

{Sponsored Post}

With my recent weekend makeover, one can't help but think if my current beige Sofa set needs to be changed too. Well, Sofas are really important in any living area. It could make a simple cold house into a real warm comfy home. What type of Sofas do you fancy? Leather sofas, fabric-covered types or otherwise? If you are the cool bachelor, I would suggest that you go for trendy black leather sofa for your living space.

Weekend Makeover

Not on myself....but more of the living room in our house.
Well, the living room in our rented house is rather large as compared to my house in PJ. Naturally, the furniture that we shipped over could hardly fill up the empty spaces. For the longest of time (okay..about a year lah), I've refrained from buying furniture as it would mean that I have to get rid of them when we leave this country for a different posting. As I mentioned previously, boys had a birthday party on Saturday, 6 Oct at T's house (T's brother's birthday). And every time we (either H or I) go to their house, we would have this decorating streak in us as their house is very FULLY-furnished with cupboards, shelves, ornaments, carpets etc etc. So, on Saturday...we actually left the boys there at the party and both of us went shopping for furniture. And on Sunday, it was for carpets... Move mouse over to see Caption

The ornaments on top of the shelves, I simply put them there so that it's not so bare. But have to change them to something else. It looks kinda pathetic at the moment.

The Turkish Carpet is machine-made so is considerably much cheaper than the other two Kashmir hand-woven carpet that we are keeping. The last piece of Kashmir Carpet, we are returning it back to the shop. Brought it home to sort of "test"it against our decor. It does look good..... All the three Kashmir-made ones are of silk/cotton mix. So the colour changes when you look at it at different angles. Nevertheless, returning one of them as we need to take it sloooooow.

Dashing Through the Snow....

...in a one horse open sleigh...over hills we go....laughing all the waaaay...

Well, you are right, Mate!

Christmas is just round the corner!

Have you thought of what you are going to give to your loved ones?

Would it be a new PC for the kids, clothing for your siblings and a packaged holiday for dear 'ole mom? Is the thought of the cash register RINGING scaring you into a corner?

Fret NOT! Coupon Chief discount coupons can help to bring your Christmas budget go a longer way.

Don't believe me?

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Next Week a Breather...

Have not been posting much lately as I have been busy. Busy doing what I also donno. Anyway, next week would be better, as people will all be going away (it not already gone) and my activities will be more manageable, i.e. No Tuesday coffee mornings/cooking class. No golf lesson, nor Wed beading class. Why? It's the Eid Holidays. In Malaysia, you call it Hari Raya Aidil Fitri. Only thing is that boys will not have school. But they are quite easy to manage these days. Put them in front of the TV or PC, they can keep themselves entertained. What would I do with the maid going off too? I will get the boys to HELP out in the house!!! What can they do? For one, they can keep their room clean. Maybe clean the dishes and such. :-)

Anyway, we went to this NEW shopping mall yesterday. It was rather difficult to jalan with 3 guys tailing behind you. I wanted to do some window shopping in the new SEIBU department store, but H was like "let's go already lah.." Boys had a birthday party to go to...and of course, were also hurrying me. But we did have lunch at the food court. It was one of the nicest food court that I've been. See the photos? The first photo, the wall and table and chairs were trimmed with bamboo (my phone camera not so clear lah... :-( Think need a new one??? hahahha) And the second is more of perspex type of material. All very canggih. There was another section which was woody but didn't take photo lah...)

On a different note, bought this flower arrangement the other day...was at the florist getting some flowers for a friend's birthday...but then, I just couldn't resist the flowers.. So, bought these for myself. Only RM 40/-. Nice???

Sound System Freak!

Did I mention that my H is a stickler for audio perfection? He would spend loads on high performance sound systems, that comprises of amplifier, multiple speakers (think there is a speaker that woofs like a dog? Think he calls it a woofer or something like that!) and specialty cables. According to him, the specialty cables provides minimal signal attenuation hence true quality sound can be experienced. Perhaps I should get him monster cable for Christmas then!

Cepat! Cepat!

I've been soooooo lazy lately that I have been neglecting to do my assignments. As the deadline is tomorrow, I have to cepat cepat complete the paid posts. Have to say that I feel a little stressed out. Heee heee... Donno why...but lately also macam tidak ada drive untuk menulis lah. Nope! It's not PMS. Just feeling mega mega tired. Want to go to bed early also tidak bisa. Summore have to wake up at 6 am tomorrow...SCHOOL day ma. And I have to be in school for a talk at 10.30 am. Been asked to "volunteer" (asked also NOT volunteer liow lah...duh-duh) for the school's emergency cell system. So...got to go tomolo lah.... So sleepy...but still got one more post to write...

A Million Dollars

What would you do if you have a million dollars?

That was the TAG that I received from a friend. Now, let me see...WHAT would I do with a million dollars? Would love to go on a luxury holiday, pay-off some debts, give some to my parents and invest in some prime real estate!

Will a million dollars be enough to do all of the above? I doubt so... Guessed I need to go out and buy the Lotto? Or perhaps find Daddy Warbucks, who is known to have ten zillion dollars??

Rio Las Vegas

I've always been fascinated with Las Vegas. There's always something new. Be it a new themed hotel or theme park or other attractions. It's a great holiday destination for everyone. I particularly like the hotels in Las Vegas. They have a way of being opulent without being too garish. And the same goes for the newly-renovated Rio Las Vegas. It has 5 wonderful swimming pools plus a lagoon with a sandy beach! World-class restaurants, spa, casino and much much more, including the customary entertaining Las Vegas Shows. Check it out for yourself now!

Duh-Duh

This morning......happily dressed up, put on my blue beads and matching earring. To top it off, even put on blue mascara. *blink* *blink* .. Took a wad of cash from H to spend spend spend at a bazaar.... one that was organized by the AWA @ Marriot Hotel. Went down town ....after 40 minutes and almost reaching my destination. Then my phone rang. Guess what? We ALL pai-oo-loong already. There's NO bazaar wor... So how?? Got to kwai-kwai-tei turn back lor... What to do?? Apparently it will be on the 23rd. *sigh* When I told H, he was like "give back the money!!" Summore I was soooooo looking forward to buying some stuff from the bazaar!! Now got to wait. Geeeezeee

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Striving to be Pals...

....with my kids, especially S1 at this stage.

One thing good about S1 is that he doesn't hold his grudges against me even after a LOUD YELLING session from me. At that moment, of course he'll be angry and cry and perhaps yell back. But he cools down and behaves as normal pretty quickly too. Much much faster than I. This is actually a really good thing. I've seen other kids holding grudges at their parents for a long long time, refusing to speak or acknowledge their parent. Therefore, I have to be thankful in this sense, as it enables us to kiss and make-up easily.

Despite our recent shouting matches, and my nagging with regards to lost lunchboxes (AGAIN!!!), S1 was in a pretty jovial mood this afternoon. He was anxious to have a chat with me..... Some of the things that he told me today:

• Why the Aegean Sea was so-named (long story about Theseus, Minotaur and the King of Crete)
• He wants to write a book about "Guide to Space Travel"
• He is getting some training to be a Junior Librarian @ School
• His friend T does not want to wash his hands because he touched the girl he admired last week.
• He doesn't fancy the Korean girl anymore, as she talks way too much. As per his words "she can out-talk me to death!". According to him, she is only one step away to be as talkative as S2. Heee heee :-D
  
• The couple in High School Musical are IN LOVE in real life too.
• Description of land mines
• He wants to take up fencing (???)
  

It's good that he still wants to talk to me, yeah??

New Age Kids

As it was my birthday a week ago, H mentioned something like "get a new phone". Before I could even respond, S1 immediately piped-up "Yes. Yes. I want a new phone. I want a phone whereby one side is a MP3 player, and flip to the other side, it becomes a phone!". I don't know where he gets the information that there is such a device. From his friends at school or from billboards?

Holiday round the Corner...

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The Muslim holiday is just round the corner, and many people are preparing to go away. I have friends who will leaving next week. Yup! Their kids would be missing school for about 5 days.

What about us?
No such luck!
Why?
Thanks to H!

Some months back, I checked on a budget airline for flights to Macau (wanted to bring the boys to HK Disneyland) which had seats available during this festive season for USD 1600/- for the four of us. This was a GREAT deal! I wanted to book it BUT H said "WAIT. Maybe we go somewhere together. Just the two of us...". Well, our supposedly twosome trip did not materialize. And by this time, the outbound flight to Macau was already FULL!!! All flights out to ANYWHERE are ALL FULL!
What will be do?
Stay put in the city! Guessed we would require a proper trip planner to enable us to plan and chart our trip waaaaaaaaay in advance the NEXT time! One which would have some sort of a TIMER and ALARM!! Hahaha..

Am I a CoNTrol FrEaK?

Recently, I've written about needing new tactics when dealing with my S1. I think I need some advice/tips with handling growing boys. Both of us have engaged with some recent word wars. The biggest one happened on Friday morning, when he was getting ready for school. Don't know what happened but I ended up shouting and screaming, and him crying and shouting. *sigh* How like that? He kept on arguing with me...

And the next day, again I have to REPEAT myself for him to do something... Is it that I am a CoNTroL FrEaK? And that is why I am having problems?? Maybe I should just NOT care. But how can??? I know I should let go and let him learn from his mistakes....but that would be too late liow... How like that???

What do I NOT like?

• Me having to REPEAT myself about 4 times, and then SCREAM at him before things are done.
• SIMPLY and quickly completing work (really cin-cai bo-cai) to get to his TV/TV Games etc
• Answering me in a COCKY way
• Giving STUPID excuses
• Walking like a CLOWN and then tripping!!!
  
• Telling me work is DONE when in-fact NOT done!
• NOT responsible over his own belongings.
  

So how??? Any ideas how to have a SHOUT-LESS day??

International Posting

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H works for a multinational company, and we have been moving from one country to another for about a decade now. H's company would normally appoint International Movers from their panel to take care of our move. It usually starts with a survey of our home contents, followed by a discussion of the packing and shipping schedule. With International Shipping, it's not uncommon to have our home contents stored temporarily in a warehouse, until a ship to our destination is available.

Where will be our next posting? I really have no idea. But H did mention if I would want to move to Vietnam if the opportunity is available. I've been an expat wife long enough to NOT think too much of how long a posting would be or where the next posting would be. In today's fast paced globalised world, everything is not cast in stone! In the earlier years, I did dwell and worry about this...but not anymore. These days, I tell H "Only when the opportunity comes, then ask me. Don't ask me now!". Only when the time comes, then I will check out on our new host country online through InternationalMovers.com, a global relocation directory.

TAG: The Twos

SweetPea tagged me this EONS ago.

Two names you go by:
1) Girl
2) Mummy

Two things you are wearing right now:
1) Bra
2) Underwear

Two things you would want (or have) in a relationship:
1) Love
2) Respect

Two things you like to do:
1) Sleep
2) Eat

Two things you want very badly at the moment:
1) Some food (thought I could skip dinner....)
2) My eczema to go away

Two things you did last night:
1) Blogged
2) Went out dinner

Two things you ate today:
1) Dim Sum
2) Squid with Salty Egg

Two people you last talked to:
1) H (over the phone)
2) Kids

Two things you’re doing tomorrow:
1) Hurry kids for School
2) Gym

Two favorite days of the week:
1) Saturday
2) Sunday

Two favorite holidays:
1) Chinese New Year
2) Christmas

Two favorite beverages:
1) Latte (must be good one lah)
2) Watermelon Juice

Two things about me! Things you may not have known:
1) I am a procrastinator!
2) And a lazy bum!

Two jobs I have had in my life:
1) Con-Sultan
2) Project Engineer

Two movies I would watch over and over: (and do)
1) Overboard
2) Donno what else wor...

Two places I have lived:
1) Bangkok
2) Singapore

Two of my favorite foods:
1) Curry Laksa
2) Pork Mee Soup

Two places I’d rather be right now:
1) A nice beach with a cool breeze?
2) Up on a mountain with a cool breeze?

Won't be tagging anyone since this tag already old old liow....

Need More Space!

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One of the problems of living in a rented home is that I can't install built-in cabinets when I am in need of additional storage space. I mean, I certainly do not want to spend money for something that I cannot ship. Right? I need a closet cabinet that is stylish yet modular enough to be dismantled for shipping to our next base...wherever that may be.

More Food!

Actually, this post should be in my other blog...but...

Anyway, we went to this place called Gourmet Garage for dinner today. It just opened about a couple of weeks back, and is about 5 minutes drive from our house (when there's NO jam). It's a mini-supermarket cum restaurant. It's very Aussie. Very outback. Very rugged feel.... It's nice. We enjoyed the food, and the prices are quite reasonable...(same cost as my coffee session with S1)

Sushi Section @ Gourmet Garage
Caesar's Salad
Seafood Chowder
Spaghetti Bolognese
Club Sandwich

Forgot to take picture of my Pecan Pie with Ice-Cream. I wallop the dessert the moment it arrived. :-) Verdict is: We will come again!!

Romance After Marriage?

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Do we need romance after marriage?

Of course, we do!!!

I think a lot of us folks somehow neglect this important aspect after some years of married life. We think "Oh! We are an old married couple. We don't this sort of stuff!". But the fact is that no matter how long a couple has been married, the relationship does require continual nurture. One fun way of doing this is romancing your spouse! Be it with a romantic candlelit dinner or an unexpected delivery of flowers. Words like "I love you" or "I miss you" are music to your spouse's ears. No. It's not corny! Even if you have just celebrated your GOLDEN anniversary, these words are just as important as when you were a newly-wed. Wanna know how else to add romance into your marriage? Check out www.romanceforeveryone.com for some great tips.

Bratz Party

Went to a Birthday Party today...The theme was "BRATZ".

The place was decorated with cut-outs of the Bratz girls. See the pix below. The cut-outs were almost 5 feet tall! Standing against this backdrop, I am slightly above the words "8th Birthday"...and I am about 5 ' 6". The pinata was also in a shape of Bratz.

There were LOADS of kids and adults too. Think the birthday girl's parents must have spent more than USD 1 K on this party! There's the cost of the entrance fee to this playground, the food, cake, party organizer with this fancy backdrop, party packs, games prizes etc etc. Cialatt, right? Don't think I can ever spend that kind of money on a party leh...

Muscle Man!

I have been told by many people that both my boys are really skinny. Most times, I would brush the comments off with a "they are really active boys, and they burn off off fats easily". But sometimes, I look at them, and indeed I see the bones on their ribs protruding out, and I can't help wonder if I am malnourishing my kids. Perhaps I have to supplement their diet with some high protein muscle milk that would pump them up abit? What do you think?

Irregular Power Supply

I don't know if I have mentioned this before, but the power supply in my rented abode is not very reliable. I don't mean that the power supply gets interrupted, but more of the voltage supply is rather irregular. So much so that we have had some internal circuit board in our LCD TV burned-out. It costs a bomb to repair. And now, H's DVD player is also affected and is still in the repair shop. Think power supply repair of some sort needs to be undertaken to rectify the irregularities.

Birthday Dinners...Updated with Pix

On the actual day (Tuesday), went to a new Grill and Wine place called RUSTIQUE with the boys. The ambience was quite nice. Ordered a Caesar's Salad, Seafood Paella and Seafood Basket for the boys. Food was quite good, and prices reasonable. The total bill for 4 of us was less than the Mommy/Son Coffee Session that I had with S2 earlier this month. I actually took some photos with my mobile phone...but cannot find the cable to connect to the notebook.

RUSTIQUE
Caesar's Salad

Seafood Paella

Next day, we went to a fancier place. Just the two of us. We went to the Steak House at the Four Seasons Hotel. H used to joke that he can only bring customers there on company's expense, and thus cannot bring me there. Anyway, I had the Pan-Seared Foie Gras with caramelized bananas (yummy but I think the one at Emilie is better) which melts in the mouth as it should, followed by a Grilled Australian Wagyu Rump Steak (My first Wagyu!!!). Dessert was a scoop of Rum and Raisin Ice-cream. Chose the cheaper Rump Steak (USD 30) vs the Rib-Eye which was as USD 55/-. No lah...didn't want to look like suah-koo, so didn't take any pictures. This place was also having a GOURMET burger promotion, the most expensive one was a Gourmet Kobe Burger at USD 110/-!!!! Seow or not???

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!

Want to fast fast post this... Only 6 minutes left before the day changes...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!!

We Are Certified!!!

Yay!! H and I are now PADI CERTIFIED Open Water Divers!
Yup! Yup! Yup!

As mentioned in my last post, we went to the islands for our Diving certification over the weekend. On Saturday morning, we set-off from our home at 6.30 am as our driver said it'll take an hour to reach the pier. ALAMAK! Took only 30 minutes to reach there. The boat was only gonna leave at 8.00 AM. So...can you imagine us having to wait for soooooooo long at the pier? With nothing to do?

Anyway, the speed boat did depart on time with about 50 passengers. Took about 1 1/2 hours to reach the island. The water was crystal clear. Unfortunately, the hotel was errrr... let's just say that we had to "rough it out". The room does have air-cond, TV and fridge. The kids, especially S1 hated the toilet. I don't know why..I thought the toilet was quite clean and presentable. Think maybe he was not used to a bathroom that does not have a bathtub. These kids are so used to 5-Star hotel, that this very basic hotel needed some little used to. I was only concerned with bed bugs! Luckily, we all slept well. No bed bugs. No mozzies.

Boys played with sand, while we had the first two open water dives at the coral reef off the island. The corals were already quite "dead". Apparently, no real divers come to these islands for real diving, but just for their certification. Just as well, cause on my second dive, I landed on some corals and broke them. URGH!!! I fell like a brick. I had 5 kg weights on me...which I think too much for start of the dive. After the dives, four of us walked round the island. Took us only 15 minutes. Then we sat by the beach to have drinks. No terror Pina Coladas or Margaritas but H had a beer, and me a coke. Waited for sunset...and took some great pictures. See them??? Then we had dinner (included in the hotel package. Not great food. But okay lah...). We went to bed pretty early...all of us slept at 9.30 AM.

Next morning... I sort of heard S1 leaving the room to walk on the beach, and then H telling S2 something...and then H came into my bed to wake me up. And then S2 said "Are you going to S-E-X?" See lah? Kids these days. Anyway, saw that outside was soooo bright! Sun already OUT liow. Missed the opportunity to take pictures of sunrise. Washed up and then had breakfast.....Fried Rice and Fried Egg. Think had a little too much. Why? Read on!

For our third dive, we took a speed boat out to another reef. Took boys with us. Whilst we were diving, boys were feeding fishes with bread from the breakfast table. They really enjoyed the speed boat ride, and feeding the fishes. When we finished the 3rd dive, we headed back to the hotel. I somehow felt queasy, and nauseous. H kept on telling me to go back to the room to puke. Our instructor says that it's because I ate, and then swim too much, instead of relaxing in the water. Rested, but refused to go puke. Then off we went for the 4th Open Water Dive. Wa.....the moment, I surfaced, really beh tahan! I puked all my fried rice out!! All the fishes of course came to EAT my regurgitated fried rice! And the instructor was already up on the pier and he shouted "very good. lots of fishes!" ...H was not too far from me when I puked. I don't know if he was DISGUSTED but he did help me to the ladder to get out of the water. Waaaa...after the puke, really felt SO MUCH better!!! Obviously, I didn't learn from my previous lesson!

Then, we took the boys on the banana boat. The attendant asked if we wanted the boat to be flipped at the finale. Of course I said NO lah. As it is, my S2 already quite reluctant to go on it. When the boatman turned the boat, and water splashed up, aiyooooo my S2 screamed and screamed. How to have the boat flipped over?? After that, S1 canoed by himself. He's quite good! We then had lunch (after puke liow, sure can eat some more!!), cleaned up and ready to leave the island. We departed at 2 pm. Supposed to arrive at 3.30 pm, but the boat detoured to pick up some other passengers from another island. Consequently, we only got back at the pier at 4.10 pm. Fed the boys' McD's on our way home...

Overall, we all enjoyed ourselves. Boys actually said that they wanna go again despite of the basic facilities. :-)

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Growing boy...

Yesterday, as usual...boys and I chatted in the car on the way to their Mandarin class. The convo centered around our trip to the Thousand Islands this weekend, and then S1 asked why don't we go to Bali?

Me: But you've been to Bali. And you will be going again for your Residential. Maybe Borobudur. We will definitely go to Borobudur.

S1 thought it was the Borobudur Hotel..that's located in the northern part of the city.
S1: Great! I can meet Chef Betz again, and have the famous Oxtail...

Me: Okay..This weekend we can go. Err.. okay not this weekend. Next weekend.

S1: No. Since this weekend, I cannot hang out with my friends, I want to hang out with them next week. Next Next weekend then we go.

Me: Wa...So long. Next week, we go lah...

S1: Hello. Mommy. I also have a life one you know!!

I was gobsmacked!!!! I just replied "wah...you dare to talk to me like that?"

When I told H...he said "Lei ker chai tai kor ler". (Your son big liow)
*sigh* Have to change tactics liow...

Soft Soft Leather!

Don't you just love the luxurious feel of soft leather? Even better, a soft comfortable leather chair! One that you can plonk yourself in, lift your feet up and recline in a sloth position in front of the TV set. What better way than to relax after a hard days work? Wait NO more! Get yourself the MUST-HAVE Leather Club Chairs, Brown Leather Chairs or Recliner Leather Chairs now!!! Hurry up!!

Finally...We are Going..

.......to the Thousand Islands this weekend to get our Diving Certification.

Don't know if the place is as nice as these photos though...

Our trip has been postponed for more than two months? First, postponement was in July, when I had to have S1's birthday, then it was postponed in Aug because H had to work, and then it was because of the Hungry Ghost festival. Now, it's the 8th Lunar Month, can go liow, and rooms are also available. So.... looks like we will be off this Saturday morning. Hopefully, S2 will not start panicking about going on the boat again (Read my previous post).

It has been so long, I can hardly remember what to do. Thought we should do a refresher course at the Dive Center first, but the instructor said NO NEED. So how?

But looking forward lah.....

Home Away from Home...

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Like many expats, we live in a rented property. A property that we have painstakingly selected through sweat, tears, frustrations and of course the trademark traffic jams. One that we can make it our home away from home.

The weird thing about renting a property here is that the rent needs to be paid TWO YEARS in advance. Yup! You heard me right! TWO YEARS! Most leases MUST be for the duration of two years. If you are unlucky, you might end up with a terrible landlord whom takes your $$$$ and never to be heard of. I've had unfortunate friends who had terrible landlords. One had her air-condition units broken-down, and the landlord refuses to fix them. Another had leaking roofs, and the landlord tells her that it's her problem. One had to endure noise pollution as the landlord refused to install double glazing to keep the noise out, and even had the cheek to tell her to move out!

We do have quite a decent landlord. Whenever something fails in the house, a quick phone call and the maintenance worker is here at our door on the same day, or the next. If we require any Home Improvements, it will be completed too! The only bummer is that an invoice would come at the end of the month, and we'll have to settle it. :-(

Our First Time!

"Tai Yat Chee".......

Very "sum chaer" people will think "tai yat chee do yiar"???" BUT of course being the sweet innocent girl that I am, I do not mean that. What I meant was OUR first time at the GOLF COURSE! YAY!!!!

It was Ladies' Day on Wednesday (yesterday), so two girlfriends (W and L) and I went to the Golf Course for the very first time. We have had about 8 lessons with the Golf-Pro already, and I felt that we MUST go out to the course liow. What for wait and wait , and continue hitting at the carpet at the driving range? Go out and do the real thing lah! So....off we went....dragging our Golf-Pro with us. Of course must pay him lah... But overall, including green fees, buggy, caddy and Golf-Pro fees...we paid about USD 55/- each. Okay lah..

Anyway, our tee off time was at 8.00 AM (Our hubbies were like "huh? 8 AM too late. Should tee off at about 6 AM or something". Aiya... we where will wake at 4.30 AM for golf one??? Seow meh?).... and at the counter, the lady asked "Do you need a buggy?". I didn't answer and paused abit, L immediately piped in and said "Of course need a buggy! Why you must think so long?" ...hahaha... so, we took the buggy...and only paid for the 9-hole. I was contemplating of the 18 hole, cause only another USD 6 for the additional 9-holes. But my friend stopped me lah..

First hole, we already like Seow Char-boh.. laughing and all. And there was a flight in front of us. Our Golf-Pro was quick to quiet us, and educate us Sua-Koo ladies the first etiquette of golf...ie. KEEP QUIET when there are people teeing-off. hahahah...

Me very GUNG-HO was the first to tee-off Surprisingly, it didn't look bad! In fact, it looked quite impressive! Then L started to say "Si lah. Si lah. Pressure me. Give me stress only." hahaha...She was so nervous that when it was her turn, she missed the ball, cangkul the grass and the golf club flew to the back. Luckily we were standing quite far away. The guffaws were unevitable!!! kekekeke... But after that, she did calm down, and did hit decently.

Overall, I think we did fairly well for the first outing on the golf course. I lost a few balls into the river though. The male caddy (whom I have to say was quite good. Telling me which direction, helping me locate the balls, advising on the way I should hit..... we were saying that these days, most courses have replaced with female caddies who only POSE rather than help with the game. But guys don't care lah...but we ladies of course want good caddies rather than Heow-Pohs what!!) chose my clubs for me, and wanted to be safe. Gave me a 7-iron so that ball will just land before the river. But you know STRONG POWDERFUL SUPERWOMAN like me, hit so hard and the ball went into the river.

My girlfriends? At hole-6, there was mention of stopping...and After hole-7, they were negotiating one take hole-8 and the other hole-9. In the end, they didn't finish the last hole, which was a Par 5. Me? Did quite well at the last hole, if I must say!! Can't wait to go AGAIN!!!!

London is Calling Out to Me....

YES! It is.
I seriously can hear the beckoning calls of "Come back! Come back!"
It is rather hard to resist vibrant London.
Ever heard of the quip "He who tires of London, tires of Life"?
London bars, pubs, cafes,restaurants , parks (I absolutely love Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens), West End Shows, shopping, Sunday flea markets are always full of life, color and sounds.
Ahhh....Don't you wish to be part of that London lifestyle? I do!

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How Come Ahh?

........that after going to the gym diligently, twice a week for more than a month (early Aug)...

..... I STILL weigh the same?
..... My shorts STILL as tight as ever?

HOW COME AHH???

Is it because time not spent enough at the gym?
Kenot be what... I am on the X-Trainer for 30 +5 minutes. The calorie counters shows > 310 cal, the distance shows > 5 KM wor.... And then after that, I do weights for my belly and arms for about 25 minutes. Still not enough??

Or is it because twice a week is not enuff?
Really?? Must be at least 3 times a week?

Or is it because I think I go to the gym twice a week, I MAKAN banyak-banyak?
Errr...maybe a little bit because of this reason ler...