Updates....

Today is the end of the year, 2008. And tomorrow it will be 1 Jan 2009. So how was your year? Mine was not very good but towards the end, things are starting to get better. So hopefully, next year will be a better one, with hopes of striking 4D or Toto again...heehee...

Anyway, I have lots and lots of photos taken from Grandpa's birthday bash. I was so happy to see my relatives from Malaysia and it was so fun. But it was a pity that I didn't get to go out with them over the weekend coz I was working...bummer....never the less, pictures galore and see how much we enjoyed ourselves.....

Noisy and Dusty.......

My house is very dusty and noisy at the moment. Nope, I'm not having a X'mas party at the moment. It's because we got a new aircon, thanks to hubby's bonus. So today is the installation and I'm at home, in my hall, sitting down and waiting for them to finish. I guess it would not be soon as they have just started but I have to bear with it coz after everything is down, we will have a nice cold room to sleep in tonight. :) Oh, not only that, my new camera have arrived. When we purchase the aircon, they also gave us a camera. It may not be the latest model, but it does not matter to me. I've been wanting to get a new camera for a long time and since now it comes as a PWP with the aircon, why not? So now, I'm charging the battery. By tomorrow, the camera will be ready to use and you will see lots and lots of pictures of princess coming soon!

One more month to the end of the year......

It's going to be the end of the year soon and looking back this year, I wish there were certain things that I can change and some decisions that I wish I didn't make. As for holidays, I can't deny that it's very good. In fact, from Dec last yr till Oct this year, I have been to places which I can only go if I have the extra cash. Last year, I went to Phuket with my former company. Even though it was a company trip, but it was quite nice as the last time I've been there was like when I was abt 12, 13 yrs? Gosh, that is sure a loooong time. Then there were short trips to KL and Seremban, which was good as a quick getaway. In Sept, went to Sunway with hubby and princess and had so much fun. Then just last month, went to Bali with my current company, which I must say it was fun. The shopping was really cheap, compared to what they have. Like Roxy or Quicksilver, the things there are much cheaper, I guess, due to the exchange rate. And now, I'm contemplating of going back to Bali with the family or maybe to Hong Kong to the Disneyland for Ashley. She is growing up so fast that I feel I'm not even spending enough time with her.

But now, there are more serious issues that I have to think about and that is can we afford to have another kid? I was talking to hubby yesterday and initially, I wanted to have only one more, but since I'm going to stop work, why not have 2 instead? At least it makes the house more lively. But then, can we survive only on hubby's pay? I know that his company will give good bonus but it would mean that we have to sacrifice alot of things. By alot of things, that means no going out to eat often, no new toys, no more coffee bean breakfast or drinks. I know that it would not be easy but would I be able to handle 3 kids? Already with princess I feel that I'm not spending time with her, so if I decided to have 2 more, would that means I will not have any time for her at all? Sigh, sometimes, hubby tells me to pray and have more faith in HIM but then, being human, we tend to think too much.

Oh well, I guess it's time for me to go back to church and start to pray for more strength, courage and wisdom to overcome these "obstacles" that is going thru my mind now.

Busy and tired......

I'm so swamped with housework now....sigh.....although end of the month, I will be going to Bali, I just can't help but feel it's kinda exhausting. Dunno why I feel that way, but maybe it's becoz hubby is not spending enough time with me. I'm not blaming him for helping out at the popiah store and the extra cash does comes in handy but I just wish that he will not go for one day and just spend Sunday mornings with us. Oh well, I guess I'm just having one of my mood again.

On the other hand, my bestie gave me a Coach wristlet. Yup, that's the one below. I was very surprised coz she have just gave birth and with 2 kids and not working, it's not easy for her to go shopping at all. It's nice and I think I will get her something also but what should I get for her? Prada? Gucci? Sigh, I will check out their stuff online and see what to get her.

Oh, before I forget, our Sunway holiday was fantastic. Hubby and princess had fun but it was a pity that I didnt take much pictures as the camera I brought was a bit bulky. Hmm....maybe it's time for me to get a new camera? We had fun playing at the lagoon. The hotel was ok, as expected from a 4 star hotel but what cheeses me off was the check-out. Oh well, what to do? As I'm in the service line, I have to be more understanding. We will be going back to Sunway again next year, this time with my in-laws. It would be more fun, when you have more people going.

Oh, the Aeroline bus that we took to Sunway was fantastic. It was really pure luxury. The seats recline to almost 180 degrees. We left on Wed morning and had a really smooth ride up. When the bus arrive at Sunway Pyramid shopping centre in the afternoon, we went straight to the hotel to check in. After our check in, we rested to a while before heading out to the shops. This time round, we really bought a lot of things. During dinner time, Uncle Simon came and brought us out for dinner. He drove to Jaya One, where we had a good duck dinner at this resturant, Duck King. The last time that I went in, we ate at the same place but at the Thai restuarant, Kinnara. One thing I can't deny is, the food is really good. If not, my uncle will not bring us there. After that he drop us off at our hotel.

So the next day, we spent one whole day at the park. Seriously,1 day is not enough. The waterpark itself already takes one day. So we had to forgo the theme park, coz the weather was really hot and both hubby and princess was tired. Went back to the hotel and rest and after that had a good dinner at a teochew resturant in the shopping centre. About 9 plus, my uncle called and my aunt came and pick us up for supper. Yes, SUPPER!!! We had black hokkien mee, pork rib mee and bbq stingray. Was so full.

On Fri, we just walked around the shopping centre and went on a shopping spree. Bought 3 pairs of shoes for myself, and hubby bought shirts and shoes also. Princess also bought something so our bags was so full of stuff. Oh, I also went for a much needed manicure and pedicure. It was so cheap there. Then my uncle came to pick us up around 4 plus and we went over to IKEA. The concept is exactly the same as Singapore but one thing they have that S'pore does not is kids trolley. YUP!!! Princess had a fun time pushing the small trolley and she was so happy. After Ikea, we had dinner at another ulu place, which again, the food is fantastic. Pity that I didnt take any pictures...next time, I will take the pictures and you can see for yourself. After dinner, we went to 1 Utama and it's another big shopping centre. Hubby was shocked when I told him that we are only walking one wing of the place. In fact, I think we will need at least 2 days to finish walking the whole centre. There, I bought 2 necklaces with matching earrings. It was simple and nice, very suitable for work. Then it's back to the hotel for much needed rest and packing up before check out.

On Sat, had a nice breakfast at Toast Box and did some last minute packing. I was so happy that everything went smoothly, but something had to screw up. Yup, the check out. Sometimes I wonder is it because we are not in Singapore that our mean side starts to come out? Oh well, since it's over, there is not point in dwelling over it. Uncle Simon came and pick us up and brought us to another place to have lunch. This time, it was chicken rice. OMG!!! The chicken is so fat and juicy!!!! Both hubby and princess enjoyed it so much. Then we went back to his place to put our stuff down and had a good rest. Later in the evening, he drove us to Mid Valley Mega Mall. Yup, you guess it! Another shopping centre. We went to Dragon I to have dinner before doing our shopping and by the time we are done, it was time to go back.Too bad, didnt really hv the chance to explore the place again. We took a cab back and upon reaching Uncle's place, kiddo fell asleep.

On Sun, got up, had breakfast and lazed around. Then went out for lunch with Aunt Mary and Linda. On the way there, princess was posing for my hp camera. Took a few shots and she looked good in one of the shots. After a wonderful lunch, went back to rest before heading to 1 Utama to take our bus back.

Overall, the trip was good and we really enjoyed ourselves. But it can be tiring and sad to have a wonderful holiday come to an end. I guess it's really time spent with family that is most important. Hubby told me that it was fun as he really got to know princess better, with her temper and funny actions.

Updates.....

I'm going off tomorrow, so will not be able to have any access to the internet till Monday. Hopefully, it will be a good break for me, if not, there is the Bali trip in Oct. :)

Anyway, the latest update about his church buying the plot of land in Ethopia, is someone have mailed them a cheque for $60K. Yes, you have read correctly, $60,000. So they have met their 1st target which is $250 k for the purchase of the land and the funds are on the way to firm up all legal works. So now, they will wait for news on their side to see if all goes well.

4 More days to go....Woo Hoo!!!!

4 more days.....and I still have not packed yet..sheesh!!! Anyway, been so busy lately with work and housework that I hv no time to blog. Not only that, my PC kinda crashed coz I got a feeling that my IE7 have jammed up my Firefox...oh well, hopefully, smelly melly can come and help me hv a look at it during the time that I'm having my holiday....not only that, I'm hoping that my flu and sore eyes will heal before we leave...talk abt bad timing....what happen was this: Woke up yesterday morning and found that my right eye was swollen...YES!!! it was puffed up like a puffer fish...so after sending princess to school, I went to work to clear my stuff before heading to the doc. When I was at the doc, she told me that I have conjunvitis. OMG!!!! I nv had this before and it comes a shock to me....not only that, she told me to refrain from going under the sun, which is no problem as I will only go back in the evening and also refrain from looking at the computer.....which is quite hard considering I have to stare at the computer the whole day....on well, I wld hv to try to do something else then...then my flue is back!!! The horrid flu which had plagued me for almost a mth is back.....so now, I'm trying to blow my nose and drinks lots and lots of water...but seriously, I do think that there is something wrong with my immune system as why am I having all these illness and taking a long time to recover from it? Sigh... it looks like I may hv to start taking my vitamins and exercise already.....

On a sad note, my good friend, Yujin Gomez Lovell, passed away on 31 July. He was battling leukemia for almost 2 yrs and for a moment, it was in remission and I was so happy for him. But when he msg me back in Jun, the leukemia was back with a vegenance and the doctors told him that he have less than 3 months to leave. Then when I msg him again just last wk, his mom replied and told me that he have passed away. I was so sad that I cried, coz it's just not fair for a nice guy like him to go so young...sigh.....So now, my next trip will be going up to Michigan to pay my respects to him.....I guess it's better for him to go now than to suffer for a long time.....

Holiday is coming....yippee!!!

It's officially one more month of work before I'm off to my holiday. Surprisingly, this year I will be going to 2 places in a short span of 2 months. Come Sept, I will be going to Sunway Lagoon Themepark to get burnt and have fun with hubby and princess. Just 2 weeks back, Dad brought her to Wild Wild Wet in Downtown East and it was like a preview of what she is going to experience in Sunway. So just can't wait to get a lovely tan and of course, eat and shop!!! Then in Oct, our company is going to Bali for a company retreat, taking advantage of the long Deepavali weekend. It will be fun going with my colleagues and getting to know them better, not that I don't know M well enough. It would be a very good break before all the year end madness descend on me. Coz come Nov, it would be rushing for X'mas shopping and also arranging for princess's birthday in school. I was thinking of ordering McDonald's for her so that they take care of everything but I would need to check with them what would be the damage like. Sigh, now that I'm not earning as much as before, I would still like to give her a good party. Yes, I know that you can't exchange wealth for health and I should be happy that I have a job that enables me to spend more time with her instead of doing more overtime but sometimes........

It never gets old

Frozen veggies and other stuff.....

I'm really thankful for frozen veggies by Watties. The thing is, I don't really fancy it but becoz of time constraint and rising cost, I have to look for alternatives. So yesterday, after a nice dinner at Dian Xiao Er, Vivocity, me, hubby, princess and grandparents went to Giant for some grocery shopping. As usual, I wanted to get my fresh veggie but it seems that nothing is available coz it's was quite late into the evening. So while walking around the veggie section, I came across frozen veggies from Watties. It consist of 3 small steamer packet with 2 servings of veggie in each packet. Best of all, it can be microwavable. Just pop in the microwave oven for abt 3 mins and it's ready to eat. So I bought 3 packs of it and now I got my veggie intake for a week...I know, this is taking the lazy way out, but for this whole mth, I would hv to get up at 0530, which, is really an unearthly hour to cook my lunch and pack princess school bag. So by the time everything is down, it's time to bring her to school and then to my office. And when I return back home, my eyes will barely open and I don't think I have the energy to cook my lunch.....so this is where shortcuts comes in handy.... :)

On another note, I have been an 'angel' this weekend...attended mass on Sat at Our Lady Star of the Sea then on Sunday sat thru a sermon by hubby's pastor. The thing is, the big guy up there works in ways that we can't understand and I have to agree that he is really looking out for us. So, his church is looking for a piece of land in Ethiopia and they are trying to raise $350k to buy the land and build a bible college and a church there. So to date, the amt raised is not even half yet. Then his pastor was told that there is another piece of land for sale and it is much bigger and slightly cheaper at $250k and it needs to be finalised soon if not that plot of land will be gone. So his pastor made a difficult decision-he donated the money that he have saved for 2 years to bring his family to Israel to the building fund. Needless to say, the family was quite sad but since it's for a good cause, they took it in stride. When I heard him say that, I was touched. Here is a pastor, who is not earning much and yet when heard that the funds is required, without any hesitation, he just donate the money to the building fund. Then it got me thinking-since we are going for our trip soon, why not donate that money to the fund? It may not be a big amount, but as long as we can help in any way why not? Then his pastor went on to say other things but before ending, he told us a piece of happy news-one of the church in Australia invited him to speak at their church next year and extend the invitation to his family as well, with all expenses paid. So in a way, when the Lord closes one door, he will open another. I'm glad that everything worked out fine for his pastor. So after the service ended, I told hubby about donating our holiday money to the fund, then hubby said it's ok. we do not need to do it. He was also thinking about it and he will donate some of the USD that we have to the fund. He was quite surprised that I can think of this and come to think of it, he was actually happy that I care so much....erm excuse me? I don't have a black heart.....just sometimes I can't see eye to eye with him that's all....so all in all, it was a good weekend and hopefully.....maybe....I will strike the lottery on Friday? :)

Ashley's first photo shoot

Photos of Singapore Flyer

Singapore Flyer and Photo shoot.....

It's been a really busy week and I kinda enjoyed it! :) Well, last Sunday, it was Dad's birthday and he bought tickets to the Singapore Flyer. It was the first time that we went there and man, I was so in awe of the sights. Lil princess enjoyed it so much and after the Flyer, we went to the seafood restaurant to have our dinner. The food is not bad, considering I paid abt $300 ++ for it. We ordered chili crabs, which is a must, cereal prawns, veggie, soups, rice fish and beef. So after a nice meal, Melly treat us to ice-cream and it was a real nice way to end the day. Then I was so busy with work and have learn more new commands to issue ticket. Hopefully, I will be more stable and maybe boss can increase my pay? :p

Yesterday, it was fun as it was Lil princess first photo shoot. The pictures were nice and she really enjoyed herself. Then we went for dinner at parkway and ended off the day having durians at Serangoon Road. By the time I got home, I was dead tired. Later today, I will be making my way down to Joo Chiat, so I guess I better start to look for Hubby's tie...now where did I put it? Hmm.....

Half year gone....

June has come and gone.....and next thing you know, it will be the end of the year soon. Well, so far how was it for you? As for me, I have changed my job...from the exhibition industry back to the travel industry. Lil princess is talking more clearly, all thanks to her phonics class that she have been attending in school. For the first time, we went to Sentosa with hubby, which I manage to persuade him to take a day leave and have fun. So now, what's next? Well, for starters, there is a bbq on 12 Jul @ my aunt's place to celebrate my dad and cousin's bday, not to mention my wedding anniversary also. Then in Aug, maybe going to bintan for a night but it all depends on daddy which resort he wants to saty. Then in Sept, we are going for our annual family vacation @ Sunway Lagoon, where we wil be staying at the Pyramid Hotel and sepending 2 full days at the lagoon. Then it's Xmas, come Dec, where I will go broke buying all the Xmas prezzie for everyone and then it will be a new year after that.

Phew!! There seems to be so much things to do and yet so little time. But the main thing is as long as I'm spending time with princess and hubby, it's enough for me as I feel that I'm really blessed to have such a loving hubby and an intelligent and adorable daughter. Who knows, I might even have another addition soon?

Ashley & Boo @ Sentosa

At long last.....

After 8 years working in the travel industry and taking a 4 year break in between and going back to the travel industry just this year, I have finally learned how to issue a ticket. Mind you, it's my first E-ticket on SQ. My boss was the one who teach me and I was so scared that I will make a mistake. But the steps were pretty easy so I guess with lots of practice, I will be able to issue without any supervision. There is just so many steps to issuing an air ticket and with now that we are going paperless, it will be a challenge also. Not only that, this will teach me to be more careful as any mistakes made when issuing a ticket can result in a ADM (agent debit memo), which the airline will send us a bill to top up for the amount that was not calculated in the fare. Gosh, this is such a big step...so I guess I better be alert and make sure that all the calculations are correct. I guess after a while, my boss may send me for a ticketing course...but that will be a long way more... :)

Touched my heart........

I really thank God for blessing and watching over Ashley. From the day I was carrying her, I was so worried that she will not be getting enough nutrients from me. But once she was born, I was worried about her developments, whether is there something wrong with her when she was supposed to walked at the expected age, or talk or sing or do the things that the expert says they were suppose to do. But God made sure that she grew up fine, by watching over her every single day.

When I read this article about a blind girl playing the piano in Korea, I thought that maybe she was an adult. But she is just a 5 year old kid, abandon by her biological mother at birth but later on was adopted by a loving couple. When I saw the video, I nearly cried. How can a mother abandon such a lovely girl? But the Lord is great, as he watched over her and gave her such an amazing talent to touch our hearts. So after watching this video, I really thank the Lord for watching over my daughter each and every day.

Pictures of Poh Piah Making....& Ashley's funny faces....

Long Weekend........

Well, today is a Monday and also a public holiday. So now, I'm home, just lazing around and surfing the net. Lil princess is in the hall, taking her nap so by the time she gets up, it will be around 3pm. I manage to finish washing a mountain load of clothes but there is still the last basket waiting to be washed. Oh well, it would have to wait till the evening.

Basically, the weekend was not bad. Uncle Simon was in town with Stephanie and her friend. Went out dinner with them on Friday. Then on Sat, lil princess went to the zoo with them. I guess they had lots of fun, as she was telling me about the animals she saw. Then on yesterday, me and lil princess went down to Joo Chiat as hubby was helping out at the store. Manage to take some pictures but what struck me was the pans they used. I was talking to hubby saying that the pans are really very old and you can't even find them anywhere. We are talking about the really heavy metal pans, which I think the iron was also made of tat material. You know, those old irons which you need to put charcoal in to heat it and it will remain hot till the charcoal is being taken out. So that got me thinking: how many of old things can we find nowadays? None! Yup, you read right. NONE!!! Why? Because as time moves on, we throw things out. So if we want a piece of heritage, we go to the museum to see. So if no one were to take over the shop when his uncles retires, will the pan be shown in the museum for others to see how the poh piah skin was made? This might happen one day.......

Anyway, there is a new museum in town- The Peranakan Museum. I so want to go there and see but I must try to see if hubby has the time. Why? Because hubby is half peranakan himself as his maternal grandmother is a peranakan. So that make lil princess 1/5 peranakan also. Why 1/5 you wonder? Well, that's because she is also 1/5 hokkien, 1/5 cantonese, 1/5 shanghainese, and 1/5 hakka. So in short, she is a rojak. :) Well, it would be good to introduce her to go to the museum now as at this age they are just so full of questions. Hmm...maybe I can bring her there myself next weekend?

We are going to the movies.....

Come 8th June, me, hubby and lil princess will be going to the movies. We will be watching Kung Fu Panda. This is organised by Berriwerks (thank god for them), who organises events like this for us parents who wants to go to the movies but unable to becoz of our young ones. The link to this current event as follows:- http://www.berriwerks.com/events.html#panda .

** FYI, their tickets always sells out fast so I suggest that you quickly email to Pamela (email is in the link) and reserve your tickerts fast. Hope to see u guys there on 8th June!!

A wonderful weekend

On Sat, our new TV have finally arrived, after patiently waiting for one week. It's really big and nice. Then in the afternoon, met hubby at Bugis then we went to the Samsung's agent at Burlington Square to get our Home Theatre system. It's a pity I can't get my vouchers on the spot as they have ran out of it. So after getting it, went home to asssemble the set. As I was assembling it, I realise that I may have to change our TV console. But that's for the next time. Once that was done, I rested for a while before going to Causeway Point to have dinner. Hubby treated me to a nice thai dinner at Siam Kitchen and boy, was it spicy! After that, we walked around the shoopign centre before going home. On the way home, lil princess was in a very chatty mood. She was singing songs and telling us stories of her classmates and what did they do in school. Man, she can really yak my ears off!

Then on Sunday, hubby went down to Joo Chiat to help out at the store. And I got up pretty early also. Did all the housework and my and lil princess was there before 12 as she wanted to see her dad make the skin. So we were there till 2pm, then made our way to his church. After church, we walked around City Plaza as it was still abit too early. Then we made our way to Lai Huat Sambal Fish Restaurant @ Lor 36 Geylang. I think the food is much better than the other store at Rangoon Road. We ordered quite a lot of food, like chili crab, black pepper crayfish,sambal fish, pig trotters, sambal potato leaves, herbal chicken, tofu and prawn roll. I was so full and after dinner, my brother drove us back. Once I reach home, I can barely stand on my feet so after my bath, I just collapsed on my bed and fell into a deep sleep immediately.

So all in all my weekend was good but tiring. Guess I really do need to sleep early if not I will be falling to asleep on my feet very often.

Should teachers bare and tell?

Ok, this is going to be quite a sensative topic. What happen was I was reading some news online and came across this article that an Aussie teacher is appealing against her dismissal because she posed nude in a magazine with her husband. So the thing is should teachers pose nude and tell the whole world about their sex life?

What do you think?

* Link to the article

http://manlydaily.com.au/article/2008/05/09/10079_news.html

World Youth Day

Ok, technically speaking I'm not a youth anymore but hey, how do you define youth? :) Anyway, World Youth Day is celebrated annually on the diocesan level, and every two or three years internationally with young people from every continent and nation gathering together with the pope. It is characterized by the happiness of young adults being with the Pope and with each other. The next international celebration is in Sydney, Australia, for the XXIII World Youth Day in July 2008. I have heard about it and wanted to go but due to finance commitment, I can't. And now that I'm married, I'm not even sure if I can go a not. But the thing is, no matter what happen, as long as your faith in the Lord is strong, there will be a way to go. And this is really a once in a lifetime opportunity. So I guess I have to pray real hard and try to make this dream a reality.

Got a new TV......

I was not even thinking about getting a new TV yesterday as me and hubby made our way to Vivocity for our dinner with Mom, Dad and little princess. So after having a wonderful dinner at Marche, we were just walking around, looking at stuff when we saw that Courts was having a roadshow for the latest promotion of the Samsung LCD Tvs. We were looking around when one particular model caught hubby's eye. It was the series 4, 37" LCD and the price was quite good. So after asking the promoter questions and doing the sums, hubby looked at me and say "How? Want to get a not? Good deal leh!" I was not thinking of getting it but it was the free gift and the big discount that changed my mind. :) Then after a few minutes of deliberation, we decided to get the set.

Imagine, the original prince was $1999 but after a $300 discount and also throwing in a free home theater entertainment set AND $300 Robinsons voucher, Gosh! how can I resist such a good deal? (Typical S'porean...always want free stuff...heehee ) And furthermore, Marks & Spencer is having a sale now and I saw some of the stuff I wanted to get so the vouchers really come in handy. Hubby told me that the vouchers are my Mother's Day present. (I know, cheapo of him, but hey, at least I get to spend without bursting the card limit.) So now, I've got a 21" Samsung Flat Screen TV and a Sony DVD Player, which I have no idea where to put and it is still in good condition. Guess I may put it in the lil princess's room for her to watch her shows....

Online shopping anyone??

Came across this bag at this website, http://www.babyphat.com/ and I was so tempted to buy it on the spot. It's so gorgeous and I love the colour. But then, I would need seek clearance from my other half to see if he allows me to buy...as the USD currency is low at the moment....oh well, let's hope approval is given soon... :)

Below is the bag that I hope to get. Nice rite? Sigh.........

It's all coming back......

Today is the last day of my ABACUS course. For those who do not know what is ABACUS, well, it's a GDS (Global Distribution System) that travel agents use to make flight booking and see if the airlines have any seats to sell. So after 3 days of attending this basic course, today is the written test. The funny thing is, I thought I would have lost all my commands as it has been four years since I have left the travel industry and there were alot of changes. So after sitting thru the course, I realised that I have not lost my touch at all. My grey matters just need a lil nudge and everything use unlocked. Needless to say, I finished the paper quite quickly and even my coursemates say that I should not even be attending this course as they saw how quickly I completed the revision sheets and the practical booking. But I told them that this is a refresher course for me as there are bound to be some changes. Indeed, there were changes, but it's not that major. So tomorrow, it would be back to work and I will be tested by my boss and my supervisor cum good fren, M. We'll see how it goes and whether I can pass their test.

Coming on just fine.....

Today is the 4th day at the new company and so far, it has been qutie okay. Considering that I have not been in the travel industry for 4 years. Now everything have changed and formats have also changed. So I'm going back to class in 2 wks time for a refresher course and hopefully if everything turns out well, I may consider continuing my studies, picking up where I have left off, provided my grey cell matters are working :)

Is there more than life to this?

he speaks damn good cantonese.....

Check out this quirky video....

Hungry for Poh Piah?

If you are craving for Poh Piah and would like to try to make it yourself, why not head down to 95 Joo Chiat Road? The shop name is Kway Guan Huat and they have been around for over 70 years already. Hubby's grandfather started this shop and now, it's really popular with residents staying around there. If you go there early on a weekend morning, you can get to see them make the skin. (Will try to get some pictures) It's a lot of hard work, and also quite fascinating. Lil princess loves to eat just the skin and also play around the shop. The shop is quite old, but then, you will be transported back to the 50's or 60's as the decor is around that era. Hubby will be going there quite often on a Sunday to help out, so I will probably be there on Sundays as well. If it's not to eat, then maybe to see how they cook the filing? So make your way there and give it a try one weekend.

Oh, they are also being mentioned on another blog.
http://ieatishootipost.blogspot.com/search/label/Poh%20Piah

Clearing out my work now....

Another 5 more days and I will no longer be working in the exhibition industry. I have decided to go back to the travel trade. It's not that the exhibition industry is not interesting but the thing is to make me choose between my family and my career it can be quite difficult. Besides, do I want to miss out on my daughter's growing up years since now she is at a very inquisitive age? At first, I was thinking that I will be able to manage both my career and the house but when to get a call from her, asking me why am I working so late really breaks my heart. So that also prompted me to make a decision as at the end of the day, I know I would have to quit and look after her full time. It is not easy as now everything is rising, but thank god for a very understanding hubby, who said that he will support me even if I decided to become a housewife.

So now, it's really with a heavy heart that I have to start packing and brining back all my stuff that I have here over 3 yrs. Sheesh, hubby is gonna scream at me for having too much stuff when he sees the storeroom and studyroom...sigh....

Crying buckets after watching this video on Kelsey Briggs.............

Rainy weekend.......

It was a cold & wet weekend and I love it. It's just something about the rain that I love. To snuggle up in bed, with a nice, warm comforter and sleep till you can't sleep no more. But unfortunately, I had to get up early on Sat coz Meri was coming over to meet me for breakfast at McDonald's. So I was up and cleaning up the house before meeting her. After that, we had a nice breakfast, when my mom called and said that lil princess wants to come home coz she was bored. So waited for lil princess at McD and also bought her a Big Breakfast meal. After a nice breakfast, we took a slow walk home. Then I wondered what she wanted to eat for lunch. Baked some french fries for her and by the time the fries was done, hubby was home already. He also ate some fries before taking a nap. Lil princess also took a nap and by the time both of them got up, it was evening time. Dad called and we went down to AMK hub for dinner. Bought some food for Sunday's dinner coz I told them to come over for dinner and I will cook. At the same time, saw a philips DVD player, which is only $49, I immediately bought it. When we reach home, hubby tried to fix it up, but to no avail. Then I came in and managed to solve the problem before he vented his anger on the poor machine. The sound was very clear when and it was nice. So now all we need is a TV for the study room and I can watch my shows there without fighting wz hubby or princess for the TV.

On Sunday morning, we just laze around before packing the house. I cooked baked fish and pasta for lunch and took a short break before wondering what to cook for dinner. So when it was almost 4.30pm, took the chicken out from the fridge and into the oven it went. The menu was roasted chicken, lotus root with peanut soup and veggies. Unfortunately, my chicken was almost burnt as I forgot to bring down the temperature of the oven. By the time I have discovered it, it was a bit too late. The skin have blacken already but I have managed to bring down the temperature. So by the time mom & dad came by, dinner was ready. Dinner was good, as dad said that I have improved tremendously. Well, being married for 4 years and need to cook every now and then will definitely make me try to improve my cooking. If not, how to eat outside every day? It's just so expensive and not to mention the amount of MSG they use.....

After dinner, we relax for a while and then it was time for bed. I didnt really get enuff sleep as I was doing some last minute housework. So managed to fold and iron all the clothes that was all over the lounge chair. By the time I went to bed, it was already past mid-night. Now I'm having a whopper of a headache, which the caffeine is not helping at all.....So overall, last weekend was quite a lazy one..

My Valentine's Present

Sad news................

I have just received an email from a very dear friend. Even though we have not met, we have always kept in touch by emails and phone calls. It was only recently that I have heard from him. And it was not good news. It seems that his leukemia was back with a vengeance. He have been battling this for a long time and every time when he thought it's in remission, it comes back again. So now, the doctors have given him 4 choices:- a) do nothing, b) continue with the chemo on low dosage, c) continue with the chemo on high dosage or d) seek for a 2nd opinion with another hospital. He have chosen the second choice but the future looks really bleak. I wish there was just something that can be done. He does not even deserve this at all. There is just so much for him to do, as he is only in his 30s...but it seems that God have other plans for him. The only thing now I can do on this side of the world is to pray for him and hope he gets well soon.

A difficult decision............

There comes a time in life when I have to make a humongous decision and it's quite difficult when there are so many factors involve. Well, I have discussed with hubby and we feel even with one income, we can survive, then I do not need to worry so much. But the thing is, I also got some of my own loans to pay and if I were to stop working, would I be able to pay them off without letting hubby know? Sigh....sometimes, it is just so hard to decide. Anyway, I will have to wait for a response from Saturday's meeting to see if I do get it. And from what M just told me, I do stand a good chance, but I will need a black and white confirmation. So if this is confirm, then I will be able to make up my mind and firm up my decision. And from there, I will have to make adjustment, not only in work but also in the finances, which, it should not be that hard..... or is it???

Thank you Hubby!

Hubby got me my Valentine's Day present...a Swatch watch. Well, technically, he gave me the money to go and buy the watch. I have chose a very simple and nice design. But I was really lost for choice as I also liked this other design. No worries, I will go and get the other design by myself, hopefully by next month.

Not a good start......

Today is the 3rd day of the CNY and lil princess fell sick. She had a high fever yesterday of 38.5 and the whole night I was making sure that the fever does not go up to 39, if not,I would have to send her to the hospital immediately. This morning, when she got up, her fever did not subside, so I was keeping my fingers crossed that the clinics are open. Alas, it was not the case. Both my family doctor and the paediatrics clinics are not open. So I had to go down to the pharmacy to get over the counter medication. I'm so worried that her fever will continue to climb as she has vomited out the medication that I've fed her. Looks like it's going to be another sleepless night again.

Gong Xi Fa Cai

The lunar new year is just less than 4 days away and I have yet to do up the study room. Well, the study table and cupboard are here in the room, but it's still a bit bare. Need to add the finishing touches quickly before the new year. Yikes!!

Anyway, I'm hoping that this would be a good year for me, money and career wise. Although I'm still thinking about the other job offer....sigh, sometimes when a person is just too comfortable in his/her comfort zone, it's quite tiring to start all over again. So I guess I will give it another thought and see how after the new year. On another note, I have finally join a gym. This shows that I'm really serious in losing weight and getting healthy. But hopefully I will be motivated to go, if not it would be money wasted.....

New Study Room....

My new workstation is going to come in tomorrow.....Yipee! Now that the last room is complete, I will be having an open house on the 10th day of Chinese New Year, which is on 16th Feb. I have invited my colleagues and we are going to have a blast of a time. But not sure if I should cook and what to cook...maybe chicken curry, deep fried wanton, pasta? Guess I will leave it up to them as I also have included a potluck option.

Anyway, pictures of my very empty study room:-





I will post the done up study room soon.

Happy New Year!!!!

Well, today is the first day of the new year and it was okay. I guess that's because I'm growing old or because I'm married and have a kid, that's why the new year is not really fantastic. But nevertheless, looking back at 2007, it was really an up and down year for me. Well, mostly down becoz it made me open my eyes to a friendship, which I thought was worth it but at the end of day is not. Not only that, it has also taught me to be more wary of other people who claim be the very best of friend but when at a crucial moment, they just bail out like rats. But there was also some ups, like having a mini windfall in TOTO, which was like so unbelievable, as I have never won anything before. And also got to make new friends and colleagues. So all in all, it was quite an okay year on 2007.

As for resolutions, there is only one this year and it's to lose weight and get back in shape. So my hubby suggested that I draw up a contract to set a target on how much weight to lose and also how long. Dunno where he got this idea but it may be worth a try. We'll see if at the end of the year I will lose those post pregnancy pounds..... :)