doesn't mean ...

there's something I see today that I think I need to write about because I 'boh song'.

I was at the KL International Book Fair at PWTC this evening after work. Can get some very good deals (but that's beside the point).
At one of the booth, I saw a Malay lady (a mother I suppose) browsing through collection of Peter & Jane (hardcover story books like Ladybird series) ---> you know those collection with different level from level 1 - level 10.
It was written very clearly on the rack that there will be 30% discount on all Peter & Jane series and the price shown is before discount. The price tag shows RM9.90. A simple calculation will show that the book cost about RM7 each after discount.

This lady took a book, walk up to an Indian man (not sure a temporary worker/permanent worker who's neatly dressed) and tidying up books and asked him "how much is this?" in a very rude manner.
The worker didn't reply (as in speak) but point to the discount tag on the rack instead.
The lady got angry and raise her voice "you don't know is it? no use".
She then took the book and stormed to the counter & I presume to check the price with a manager (perhaps).

Seeing that I was dumbfounded by the whole episode, the worker looked at me & signalled to me that he couldn't speak.
At that point of time, I feel bad.
I just smile and nodded my head to acknowledge him.

All I want to say with this incident is :

1. I applaud this company who is not biased towards less privileged people - at least this company give them a chance to earn a living.

2. I do not agree with the lady's attitude.
Firstly, it was very clear on the discount given & that the prices shown are before discount. Secondly, even if the worker doesn't tell you verbally the price, he did attempt to show you. Thirdly, even if the worker doesn't reply to you, you have no rights to raise your voice and call another person no use (what more a less privilege person).
Forthly, you maybe a more educated person whose children read 'Peter & Jane' series but that doesn't mean you have rights to be rude, to judge people or do whatever you like to whoever you want.

Really makes me wonder what's the use of the so good 'Peter & Jane' series (no offense to Peter & Jane series) when you doesn't even able to potray a good example of basic courtesy & morale for your children.

I'm supposed to go sleep but I just have to let go of this 'boh song'ness. Now I think I can sleep better.

in support of earth hour 2010

in support of CY's earth 2010 effort, I've created a little lantern too =)
come show your support too!

doing things I've not done for quite a while

so here I am ...

listening to songs while fine tuning my resume
actually it's more like sing-along session ... having a one-(wo)man show concert eh =p
and I've got a list of my fav songs lining up (some back to 70s, 80s, 90s) ... and yes I'm that old =p

ps. finding for today : songs lyrics & melodies - once learnt very hard to forget. You will automatically know how to sing even after a few years lapse of not singing the song at all.
Music is amazing, isn't it?

and music can make us want to sleep, isn't it?
cause I'm very sleepy now....Zzzzzzz

those were the days

Today on the train (lrt) home, in a state between sleepiness & awakeness, something came to my mind.

I remember during my primary school & secondary school, how I 'ngak sek ngak sek' also can managed through.
It was still manageable during primary school ... at least if I don't know how to do homework, can still ask parents, they still able to guide on primary school stuffs.
Come secondary school ... my parents favourite line 'try asking your teacher / friends'
Come upper secondary ... my parents added another line to their favourite line 'try asking your teacher / friend. why never pay attention in class & why your friend know how to do but not you.'

So I did what I was told ----> I asked friends (a few that are top in their subjects of expertise) but when time is limited, I remembered doing 'manual photostat' of the entire answer. In fact I've been doing it most of the time =p
There were times when I did try to understand but some things were just way beyond my understanding at that point of time. Experts are human too ... they too may be irritated when I still don't get it despite their very patient and detailed explaination.
Of course I told my parents I asked my friends and got the answer (which I really did...haha)

Then I remembered last time for projek ERT (Ekonomi Rumah Tangga), we have only got like 1 hour each week to use the limited no. of sewing machine (which also has to be shared, i think ratio is 1:3). Usually, when it's time to use, it's the end of lesson time.
The thing is, not everyone has a sewing machine at home and I happened to be one of them. In order to complete the project on a tight timeline, I had to go around friends & neighbours house to use their sewing machines.
I almost spoilt a neighbour sewing machine due to my inefficiency. Only god knows how may I've been unwelcome and troublesome.
but I guess that's how i learnt to be so 'thick faced' .... haha

actually, there's a point that I want to deliver when I begin, but when I reach here i suddenly forgot why I started writing about this in 1st place...

maybe I'm wondering how I 'ngak sek ngak sek' also can pull through secondary school till today?
maybe I'm wondering whether has our schooling system done us any good?
maybe I'm wondering about what influence our family & friends can have on us?
maybe I'm wondering whether it's the destination that matters or the journey that matters?'
there are just too many possibilities...

Do you have something during your school years that you would like to share? please do so =) and let us immerse ourselves in the joy of yesteryears =)

alot done

over the past few days, I feel accomplished ... I've done alot

1. I can multitask better at work.

2. At last I make the effort to join colleagues for lunch... after the absence for the past few months.

3. organise a small gathering of some close colleagues .... watch a very entertaining movie and had a great dinner at 'food court'.

4. found the courage to voice my opinion & concern to management.

5. bought a high chair & mattress for ah bi at warehouse sales.

6. getting advice on feeding solids from friends & colleagues.

7. drove after being a passenger for so long.

8. make a little more improvement to my portfolio

9. remove 60% of the weeds from my home garden

10. clear the stack of newspapers that have been on my dining table since beginning of this year.

11. manage to read a chinese book to ah bi and go through 4 box of flash cards with him.

12. grabbed the best deal from tesco
(a) flash cards (buy 1 box free 1 box at RM3.95 each) - we bought 8 box for RM15.80 (effectively about RM2.00 per box)
(b) Playskool stacking cups - square and round (at RM3.22 each box) - each box contain 8 cups in varying descending sizes.
(c) 10-piece rubber mat - those where you combine the square to form a mat for baby tummy time (at RM7.90 for a set of 10) - bought 2 sets.

- don't ask me how I remember all the prices in detail .... I always can remember the prices I see on promotion leaflets and in hypermarkets very well (the prices can not escape from my eyes and my mind) ... must be occupational hazards =p keke

have a good week ahead everyone!!!

our new hair stylist =)

chinese new year + valentine day is coming

but since we were a little tight on budget, we decided to go for the most affordable hair stylist in town =p

ps. never mind you have hair all over your face =p

ps. never mind you have hair dye all over your forehead =p

2 years & more to come

2/2/10
We have been in this 'partnership' for 2 years
Towards the second half of last year, we have a new 'small little boss' joining us.
I couldn't have ask for more ... I'm very thankful.

2/2/10
It was a working day and we didn't take time off to celebrate.
But I was touched by the little small gesture that requires alot of effort and 'heart'
Maybe simple but it was one of the tastiest dinner I had.
and the thing is 'I've not got anything for him' <---- this I feel very bad. Our little boss was very cooperative as he fell asleep as soon as we reached home <---- something that is rare. and NOW, my 'small little boss' is calling me again.. PS. I love you both

break up

Today, I felt gloomy & down from the moment I step into the office till the moment I leave.
This kind of feeling is like you have something invisible pulling you down, weighing down on your heart.
From today, the 2 desk next to me (my left & right) will be empty. Gone are those days when I can just turn either way & start babbling away.
They broke us up and they chuck us all in different territories ... left to fend for ourselves in unchattered water.
Who knows how battered will we be by the end of the day?
Who knows what will become of us in the future?

somethings are meant to be put together before they can flourish ... put them apart, either they don't mean anything or they will fade ... take jigsaw for example.

until this stage, there's nothing much left that can be done ...
like any time in our lives ... we just have to carry on ... move forward ... accept that this are realities in life.

To the two of you (sitting to me left & right previously in the office) ... I love you.
You both have brought special meaning to my life ... I cherish those moments we spent together. Wishing you both the best of everything in life.

heart breaking

It's heart wrenching ... heart breaking to see news on the dragon boat incident.
When I looked at the headline of The Sun newspaper today ... with it a photo of a mother (& family members) crying for her son ... I feel very very sad.
My prayers to the dearly departed & their loved ones.

hear it straight from a 'near' encounter

what's wrong with me?

I feel so darn sleepy and yet I refuse to sleep ...
what have become of me?

The past 3 weeks or so ... I've been very busy
both at work n at home.
As though 24 hours is not enough for me
So many things to do ... so little time to rest n relax.
I'm overwhelmed.

Every day after work without fail I'll be nodding my head all the way home in the LRT.
Tired ... exhausted ... both the body & mind.
too many things occupying my hours ...
I think my mind/body is working 'terrificly' even when I'm asleep.
I'm coping with new additions both in my personal & working life ...
why do we have to conform to others' expectations?
why do we have so much things we want to achieve in life?
sometimes I think I live for everyone except myself ... pathetic isn't it?
I'll remain standing ... this I know
For how long ... this I'm not sure

meanwhile, I think I better grab some sleep 1st ... whatever happen tomorrow ... tomorrow only worry ... sleep is more important now.
haha...I know I'm grumbling
cause this is what I do when I'm darn sleepy n refuse to sleep

I sit like this, U sit like that

ah dear drew this a moment ago in his attempt to show how I sit ...
this was after I denied being hunchback & insisted that he also sit the same way like me

According to the sit-fu, the picture on the left is how he sit and the right is how I sit.
such a great sit-fu !! =D muahaha...
Now I've a clear pic of how I sit with my back bent .... this explain the back ache I sometimes experience.

2009 or 2010?

Suddenly I'm at a lost ...
I've not review my 2009
I've not set my reso for 2010
everything is happening too fast ... it seem like I'm still continuing from 2009 ...
wake up ...eat ... sleep ... wake up ... eat ... sleep
i think I'm experiencing hangover effect of 2009.

Perhaps, I really need to spend a little time to myself
Sit down (or maybe stand up) and think ... think really hard
be more specific with what I want
be more understanding to myself

Nevertheless, thanks to all of you for being with me all along...the ups and the downs.

On another unrelated matter
ps. I've just witnessed non-stop lightning on the night sky - more than 5 minutes and still on-going (something I've never seen before) ... ah dear told me 2012 is coming.
Suddenly I'm afraid. I'm worried. Is it true? what if it all really end?
I've not live enough ... I've not love enough ...
I'm a 'KIASI' after all.
There are people (and animal) whom I need to love, protect and care. I can't abandon them.

i just love the colours

I ended spending RM20 buying these 6 towels (3 for RM10) .... just because I love the colours.
Yes, I'm crazy =p

'Reduced to clear"

RM15 with change ... that's all forAh Bi's christmas present =D <----- thanks to 'Tesco - Reduced to Clear". Really lucky for us to stumble upon these great deals. Thank you Santa Claus!

(1) Fisher Price Learning phone (actual price RM49.90) Got it for RM5.49. Condition good without packaging and screen a little scratched but does it matter? =D

(2) Magnetic drawing board (remember those we can keep on drawing & erasing with a swipe) (don't know actual price, estimated RM15). Packaging a little torn, functionality is still there.

(3) Learn 123 - Flash Card (actual price : RM3.99) Got it for RM1.62. Again, everything intact except a packaging torn. Hehe, I know it's not time for ah bi to learn 123 yet, but ah bi just like to see mama holding the cards to him =D

(4) Bowling set + bonus rugby ball sharpener - come in loose packaging. Got it for RM2.76.
Papa & mama can play 1st ... hehe, plus those pins can make good sounds and colourful enough to attract ah bi =D









(5) combination of 2 squeky rubber ducky soap trays, 1 froggie, 1 trampoline, 1 water PSP(where you push button-->pump air to put little rings into 2 sticks). Actual price : rubber ducky each cost RM2.90, trampoline - RM4.90, water PSP - don't know. We got it for RM2.07.











With this experience, I learnt that sometimes good things in life need not be all new or very expensive. We just need to appreciate what we've got and make do with what we can afford =D cheers!!!

Happy 'Dong Jie' everyone =D

one of the most natural & tasty 'tong yuen' .... not to mention 'colourful'

made by ku po's friend .... the aunty that stays near our home.

wondering how the colour blue, purple & orange comes about (no artificial colouring)?

blue - from 'lam fa' blue flower -well known for making kuih that eat with kaya

orange & purple - from sweet potatoes.

Happy Dong Jie everyone .... hope everyone enjoy tong yuen with your family & loved ones.

December .... the month we'll always remember =)

I had a great week....
...... started with ah dear going shopping with me at SOGO for ah bi's stuff & even brought me to Pudu for some nice chicken, char siew, siew yuk rice. Sometimes I really enjoy travelling around with dear using public transport and walking around.

...... On another day, gone to cancel my credit card, went praying at the temple - had vegetarian lunch & got to know a new friend (Mag) and shopped for half a day at KLCC (ended up spending some money). My 1st time buying toys for ah bi =D ah bi's toys are mostly handed over / given by people / made out of household items.

...... Ah bi 1st outing with us .... where else if not Tesco (did I hear someone say Tesco baby?) =p

...... my buddies are going for HK trip ... how I wished I could join them but I've greater responsibilities at home ... I'm needed now

..... had my 1st time 'kuat sa' and 'tui guat' .... painful till tears come out but feel great after. I've battered arms and back like kena abused =p

December is always one of my favourite month
time for clearing leave
time when most couple ties the knot & have a new beginning - weddings & marriage registration
time when everything seem to be in a relaxing holiday mood
time when everyone is looking forward .... with the festive atmosphere & the glimpse to a fresh new year
(this year I've many friends who are delivering December babies this month ... 5 of them ... such a happy time of the year)

and also because we always have great holidays & activities such as gathering for a group of close friends in December. This December 'tidak dikecualikan' also ... OF COURSE
We are closing this year with 'yat wok suk' steamboat =D yahoo!!!
and thanks to our understanding friends .... knowing that I may be immobile for the time being, they even offer to come to our home =D

sorry for the very disorganised post ... just feel like typing whatever I want to say ... lazy to compose ah =p

help needed

If you are :

1. shopping at Guardian (the retail pharmacy chain) &

2. is not collecting stamps to redeem 'Big Headz' soft toy

I need your help, please help me to keep the stickers and do not throw them away. (It's very precious ah)

I'm currently on a mission to redeem a free Lion 'Big Headz' for ah bi.

Total they need 40 stamps .... I have 23 so far, another 17 to go.

(1 stamp given for every RM15 spent)

Thank you very very much ah =D

BF

A few months back, BF would still mean BoyFriend to me.
Now, BF has totally got a new meaning ... Breast Feeding that is
& together with bring a new string of abbreviation

try BMI?
don't worry, it still stands for Body Mass Index
well, now Breast Milk Index seemed to mean more to me =p

Before I proceed, allow me to say thank you very much to all who have supported me throughout my breastfeeding experience especially my love ones & my group of close friends who not only supported me emotionally(by borrowing me their ears and shoulder) but also financially. I'm able to invest in a good breast pump with their help (sponsoring). Also friends & colleagues who share their knowledge, books & magazines with me in their quest to help me conquer my problems.

there are a few personal experience which I would like to share (although everyone's experience is unique to mother & baby) ... hopefully these may give you a little idea what to expect when it comes (not like me...blur blur)

1. there will be well meaning & experienced senior members of family / relatives / friends who advises you to supplement with formula milk. Their reasons range from 'afraid baby not full enough','breast milk is not thick enough to make baby full','you got no enough milk', 'your milk is too dilute'. Although they all mean well, perhaps they may not realise that every ounz of formula milk is the 'killer' of breast milk supply.

2. then there will be 'doctor' who instead of giving encouragement to breastfeed, advise a mother to supplement / give formula milk to her baby. Doctor gave a more 'doctorish' reason ... you've have no idea how much your baby has drank, he's not having enough...not full enough... which is why he's not sleeping well / colicky. (did I mentioned I try very hard to listen to this 'doctor' but failed miserably). Not all doctors are pro-breastfeed... some never even advised / mentioned about breastfeeding even after the baby is bornt. Instead the doctor's clinic are distributing free formula milk powder. It's good to know that lactation consultant is a better person to go to than doctors in general.

3. then there will also be the 'confinement lady' who naturally prefer 'formula milk' as they are able to adjust the feeding time as compared to 'breast milk' feeding time as and when demanded. This is crucial to them as they need to cook for the mother & help with household works...which is best done while baby is asleep (after feeding time is adjusted) every 2-3 hours. Pacifier is a 'must' for them which may cause nipple confusion ... creating more problems to mother who is trying to establish milk supply. Most confinement lady may not have fully breastfeed their baby thus they may think it's a norm that every baby drink formula milk ... it's really up to us to insist of breastfeeding. What I did was sharing with her all the chinese pregnancy and parenting magazines to give her understanding. I've also got to know that there's another group of confinement lady who are very pro-breastfeeding all for the wrong reason... they feed the mother with lots n lots of alcohol ... the baby will be very 'easy to care' ... sleeping most of the time even when the loud noises are unbearable.

4. then there are milk powder companies who on the surface seemed very supportive of your breastfeeding effort but turn around offering you their products (which is so good & sooo good). I've been getting phone calls from major baby formula milk brands ... they are providing very good follow ups (hopefully until you start your baby on formula milk).

5. then there are companies / employers who indirectly thwart our breastfeeding effort ... due to lack of support in term of facilities. I've known many who gave up breastfeeding upon the end of maternity leave (2 mths) due to reasons as such. It's short sighted of the organisation not to 'see' the long term benefit of breastfeeding .... children with better immune system translate into lesser leave taken by employees. Perhaps there's another reason employers are not providing ... when you need to feed formula milk, you need more money, you'll work harder to earn more money (this one I made up myself)

6. then there's myself to blame ... of course, there were things that I wished I may have done differently such as not being 'so eager to please' everyone who offered advices, not being confident enough with myself & my ability, not being insistent enough when I should be .... and the list goes on. I'm not still not good enough now but I learnt through my experience. I really do hope that my persistence 'a.k.a stubborness' was not a worthless effort.

the journey is really not easy and may not be getting easier ... I had a rocky start ... had my fair share of problems ... and now as we got 'steadier', I've new emerging problems ... my baby refuses to take anything from bottle but I need to go back to work. (i'm working on it now...anyone with any solutions? )

ps. going back to office, I'm going to 'advocate' for a breastfeeding / breast pumping room at each building via suggestion to HR. Well, of course I'll rope in the support of mums and mums-to-be (that included singles who have intention of having babies). I'll need all the support I can get. At least I hope many many more will get to benefit from this.

children & parents

Virgo child

Common sense & attention to detail are two of your Virgo child strongest characteristics, even from a young age. You might find your little one organising her toys or saving her pocket money to buy some longed-for item, while other children spend their cash on whim.

Your little virgo isn't likely to be impulsive. Instead, she'll measure the pros & cons of a situation & then make a decision on what to do. Virgo children have high standards & are naturally cautious, so they can seem picky & shy. This is simply because they prefer to stand back & think about a situation rather than throwing themselves into it.

Your virgo child is a natural helper. She likes order & genuinely wants to help out & do good things for your family & later the world. This is a quality that you should try to encourage & praise her for.

As parents of a virgo, you'll need to calm your child's expectation of perfection with the message that sometimes, good enough is just that. Build up her confidence as much as you can, as your child is likely to be self-critical and overly modest.

Help your little virgo relax & enjoy the simple pleasures in life by getting outside and enjoying nature together. A long walk or a family bike ride is an easy way to do this.
Bedtime routines, balanced meals & regular fun days will be important for your virgo child, who tend to be a bit of a worrier. Anything that encourages relaxation will help your child stay calm & centred.


Gemini & Cancer parents

You two are quite differentin your approaches to parenting. One of you comes from the head and the other from the heart, so between you all areas are covered! The Gemini parentis the more logical and talkative. You prefer intellectual to emotion, and you'll be the one to help your children with their homework as well as many of the fun project they want to try. You like new things & a variety of activities, & will provide these for your children to their delight.

The cancer parent is a nurturing force to be reckoned with! You will introduce your children to the traditions and rituals of your youth, & will incorporate them into your family life. You're sensitive and emotional, so your chidren will be able to pour their hearts out to your sympathetic ear.

gemini parent,virgo child
running on nervous energy

You & your virgo child share an intellectual outlook, & you both run on nervous energy, but beyond that you're really pretty different. You've always been curious, spontaneous & sociable, but your little virgo is much more reserved. She's quiet & observant, especially when there are lots of people around. In fact, your naturally high energy could cause your child to hold back even more, as commotion & impulsive behaviour make her nervous.

Your little one thrives on orfer & routine, neither of which is your strong point. Your sytle is to make a plan & then change it halfway through, which is likely to drive your little virgo mad! For her sake, try to stick to a set of routine for school & meals, & establish a regular bedtime. You can still encourage her to relax & be flexible in other ways.

Cancer parent, virgo child

A solid emotional bond

A born worrier, your virgo child can be a bit reserved or highly strung from an early age. It's a good thing she has such a warmly nurturing, supportive parent as you! You're sensitive to her feelings & concerns, & you go out of your wat to provide her with plenty of emotional support.

Under your tender guidance, your little virgo can learn to feel more secure in the world, but take care not to compund her fear with your own. As the parent, your job includes putting on a show of confidence, even when that's the last thing you're feeling inside. In fact, you can learn a lot from your child in that area. She's somewhat more grounded & practical by nature than you are, so she can teach you by example about setting your emotions aside when it's time to get something accomplished.

I stumbled upon this at http://www.babycentre.co.uk/horoscopes when I was searching for baby care stuff. Suprisingly, these above paragraph seems to be ringing truth especially the part on parents...it's good to know what to expect although I don't believe in everything they say =)

ps. click above link if you're curious to find out about what parent / child you'll be like or have been like =) ENJOY!

1st online purchase

I've not really brought anything online (yes,despite living in this age)
this would be my 1st purchase online ... paiseh ^^!

Never expect myself to spend this much purchasing stuffs online ... stuffs that I don't get to touch / feel/ try before buying. (for a fussy buyer like me!)
spent almost RM1000 in total (a big sum for a 1st timer imho & I DO NOT EVEN DARE TO SPEND THAT AMOUNT OFFLINE ... I've must have been CRAZY)
It has cross my mind that what happened if I've transfered the money to the specific account and don't receive my goods / receive my goods not in acceptable condition, but I guess there's too much thing to worry about if I were to start worrying.
(Oh, did I mentioned I kept looking out of the door every minute waiting for some delivery guy to appear =p )

It was a very pleasant online shopping & buying experience though =D
thanks to the very efficient & prompt service as well as good customer service rendered.

this experience has sparked 2 things in me :

1st : it has tempted me to spend more money online ... purchasing stuff that are so easily available (at fingertips) without the hassle of going to the mall physically. I can do research and search for the best deals online.
After that 1st experience, I've been very tempted to purchase clothes & handbags online (& have them delivered to my doorstep ... since now I'm less mobile)
really a bad case of 'belum cuba belum tau, sudah cuba tiap tiap hari mau' .... LOL
.... I'm obsessed to the point where I need to keep myself sane by reminding myself that those 'cash' are better off used somewhere else.

2nd : it has opened my eyes towards a new avenue ... another stream of income. I was telling myself ... if I were to be a full time mother / housewife, this could be 'IT' ... establishing & managing an online store presence. Wait... I don't really need to be a full time mother / housewife to do 'THAT'.

RM1000 for such a lesson (an experience) ... worth it?

love makes it all worthwhile

my life (yes, 24 hour of my everyday) revolve around him now ...

there were many things we've been through and many things coming ...

but LOVE MAKES IT ALL WORTHWHILE

pay it forward

Most of the time, when I encountered difficulties or obstacles in life (read : having troubles) I'm fortunate to have people to help me out (in cantonese, we call them guai yan).

I've always feel very grateful ... that things turn out better for me that I make it a point to pay it forward (especially when I'm indebted to the 'guai yan's and don't know what else I can do to repay their kindness)

Take for instance, earlier this year when I was very prone to fainting especially during peak hours rush in the morning, many good samaritan (most are total strangers) have helped me before.

Among them, there's one that really had me wonder 'is there still such kind people around?' especially in urban area where people are more selfish for self protection (this i don't blame anyone)

This 'guai yan' is a guy who caught hold of me just as I faint in time after alighting the LRT at bandaraya station. The next thing I knew was I was asked by 2 female LRT officers whether I'm alright. They brought me to the rest room of the LRT station allow me to recover laying on a row of chairs.

A colleague from the opposite direction LRT who saw me fainted came over to help. I was told when I woke up later that the guy who helped me earlier had actually left the station, came back with a bottle of 1.5L mineral water and 2 roti cream (thinking I may have skipped my breakfast).

He left before I recover that I didn't managed to remember his face or thank him for his kindness.

Later I found out the price tag showed KK supermart - some convenience store like 7-11, i don't think there's any KK supermart near the bandaraya station, so either this good samaritan has walked very far to buy the water n roti or he had sacrificed his breakfast.

As I felt better, 3 colleagues of mine brought me to the nearest panel clinic.
Again, they were late for some meetings due to helping me. They even contacted ah dear to come fetch me.

I've started to feel that I'm surrounded by good and kind people almost all the time ... and I realised by paying it forward, it will make this world a so much more better place ... for us as well as our children.

Oh .... the story ended beautifully .... because one morning around 3 months down the road, while I was waiting for LRT in the morning, a girl whose face is as pale as tissue paper dashed out of the crowded LRT. I forego the LRT and decided that the girl need help. I know how exactly it feel like fainting. True enough, she almost fainted when I hold her arms and lead her to the bench. Asked her to take deep breath and went to call for help when she recover a little. I even had the gut to ask another person to look after her while I went to the ticketing counter for help.
I even spoke to her mum when the girl passed her handphone to me (talking about being a busybody).
Oh .... I did not go and buy the mineral water and roti for her.

for every kindness that we received, if we pay it forward ... the compounding effect will be even greater =) the world will be a wonderful place =D

blessings

realised I've not wrote for about 26 days (4 days short to a month)
realised that I've so many things to write, to share that I literally have at least 1 post for a day ... yet I've not have time to put everything in writing (plus I don't know where to begin .... it's a long long journey)
realised that in these 26 days .... I've received so so much blessings
realised that there will be more more 26 days to come ... and there will be more more blessings I'll receive.

I thank God for all the blessings we've received ... precious little

ps. have you ever seen the flower of aloe vera plant? the aloe vera plant in my garden is having flower ... the 1st time in my almost 30 years =D

letter for wishbone

Sometimes we do not know whether to be angry or to laugh at wishbone...
why do I say so?
she seem to have her ways to people's heart ...


either she thinks all letters from SPCA is for her OR
ps. I have no idea how she actually tear open a letter that's in the letter box??? and choose this one from the 2 letters in the letter box??? is it the SPCA smells???


she's doing her bit ... trying to help her buddies in SPCA (by letting them out)



only god knows what's on wishbone's mind I think .... =p

re'living' those moments

During then ..... year 2004 (at aunty andy's home)

During then .... another year .... 2005 (at CY's home)


During then ... another another year .... 2006 (at SY's home)

what about 2007 & 2008 gathering? anyone have the pictures?

If I'm not wrong we did have BBQ + potluck for 2007 & 2008 right?

no matter what, let's make one happen for 2009 eh? ok boh kawan kawan?

up early

It's fun and refreshing to be up early ...
woke up with a stomach pain... went to toilet and couldn't get myself to sleep again.
Read a few chapters of a 'Tony Parsons' book and still couldn't sleep thus decided to station myself at the PC.
Love the calmness and serenity of the morning ...
Love wishbone greeting me with her 'furiously wagging' tail when I opened the glass door.
Love wishbone stay right there at the door step accompanying me (without fail) - lol...she's actually waiting for her 'breakfast' ...

Up early .... it's like you have whole lots of time to yourself ... it's like you have the whole long day for yourself.

Have a happy day everyday .... everyone
(yeah, I know easier said than done .... but but at least give it a try)

'puppet show'

I'm getting a little tired of some 'puppet shows' put up by some so called 'respected' sweepers who treat us like dirt (cheap dirt).
They sweep us under this 'carpet' at one moment and decided we should be swept under another 'carpet' at the next moment.
All they do (or did well) so far was sweeping us around ....
Somehow, I have a feeling that this bunch of dirt will not stay long ... they will follow the wind to a better place ... leaving no dirt to be swept.
Perhaps then the sweepers will realised no matter how well they sweep, they are still sweeping the dirt under the carpets, not into a dustpan.

Honestly, life has got much more to offer than being swept around ... (especially like nobody's business).

the voice of,
a little frustrated tiny speck of dirt

father's side of the stories

=D 1
The new father ran out of the delivery room and announced to the rest of the family who were waiting for the news : "We have twins!"

The familly was so excited they immediately asked : "Who do they look like?"

The father paused, smiled, and said, "Each other'.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
=D 2
A man speaks frantically into the phone, "My wife is pregnant, and her contractions are only 2 minutes apart!"

"Is this her first child?" the doctor queries.

"NO!!!" the man shpouts.
"This is her husband!"


source : Wyeth Mama 'Beautiful Life Begins' Guide

Different kind of read

I picked up the latest issue of Cleo the other day...
and I found I didn't have the patience nor the passion to finish (or even start reading) it at all.
I forced myself a little to at least read some interesting articles .... but I just couldn't wait to 'get rid of it' just as I started.
Nothing in there really interest me any more (sad to say). Cleo was at some point one of the mag I read diligently.

It makes me wonder ... what is happening?
Is it me or is it the magazine?
I think it ought (it has) to be me... outgrowing the magazine.
My priorities have changed and so do my need & taste in read & knowledge.
Perhaps I'm too old for that 'stage' Cleo is in.

No more Cleo ... Goodbye Cleo ...
Have you ever like reading a certain genre of books / magazines and finding yourself disliking the same genre over time?

Hey, that's my dog

This is our wishbone .... the 'steadiest' dog in the neighbourhood.
just don't ask me how she got up there... she just got up there all by herself.
Sometimes, she'll just sit up there waiting for us to come home.

Fascination box

I went crazy last Friday while shopping with dear at Tesco.

I refused to budge from the stationeries section ... despite numerous attempts to persuade and numerous attempts to threaten me ...haha

There were something there that glued me to it. I couldn't bring my feet to leave.

It's something that has kept me fascinated for the almost 30 years in my life.

I insisted on buying that 'fascination box' despite dear has given me another 'fascination box' with more varieties.

Not enough with that 'fascination box' ... on Saturday, I again went berserk searching for the 'book' that allow me to start using what's inside 'fascination box'.

After a few futile attempts at the pasar malam (night market), I went to the chinese book booth at Tesco concourse area - found some but was too pricey.

We proceeded to the book store, dear was helping me search high and low for the wanted 'book' .... it was located at very strategic place - toddlers / kiddies' eye level =D

There were about 8 selections ... I was only allowed to buy 2 (I took 3 anyway...shhh...hehe)

Upon reaching home, bathing, having dinner & watching movie, I embarked the journey of 'fascination' ...

It was really therapeutic and calming.... (I know what you must have been thinking)

This is CHILDISH I know ... but I found it effective in making me HAPPY and CALM my nerves.

total damage : about RM10 - the fascination box cost about RM3.50 and colouring book cost RM2 each... ( i see someone shaking his head...lol)

ps. now I start to wonder whether I'll start fighting with my children for colouring activities? lol

2 jabs in a day..

I've just got back from the 2nd jab for today.
It has been some time since I last got jabbed ...
what more 2 in a day at the buttock (almost same spot) 12 hours apart
I've numb feeling all over my right leg.
I'm going to rest ... I need rest.
people say if there's anyone who's willing to take the pain for us ... it has got to be our parents and our love ones ... it is indeed true.

I'm back on track ...

source : flickr.com/photos/coloursofmalaysia/2227968631/

I'm back on track ...errr. I mean the walking track at Tmn Tasik Permaisuri.
I've just came back from the track.
It has been like a month (that's a total of 4 weeks equivalent to 30 days) I've been absent from my weekly walk at the park.
It feels good to be alive and walking with the companionship of buddies. Thank you buddies.
Also thanks to CY & family whom I always trouble to pick me. Thank you very much CY.
Looking forward to more walks.
They say the 'walking' will make the 'process' easier ... hopefully it does help =D

'no need to read also can' post

It has been some time since I wrote something 'SOLID'
I used to be someone who write about what happened in my life ...
somehow I feel I've changed over time.
I'm now a little more protective of those dear to me in my life or coming into my life.


I'm not too sure as to whether this is for better or for worse ...
sometimes I feel like sharing my ups & downs in my life,
sometimes I'm afraid I spill too much for my own good.


Now that I'm closer to the BIG 30 ... I think I've got a clearer picture of what I want in life.
No doubt I do wander around aimlessly at times but I know what I want most of the time.
I also begin to understand more about unconditional love and responsibilities.
It has been a wonderful journey so far ... I would like to say thank you God for the blessings I received every day.


Yah, most probably you have the feeling "write already equal to didn't write" cause I "say some don't say some"
Perhaps it will be some time before I learn to open up again.

English is a difficult language .... for some

I couldn't stop laughing after reading this ... such is the beauty of language =p

lunchtime is lunchtime

The office phone rings, one of the employees picks up and says: "What kind of an idiot is it that dares to phone me in the middle of my lunch break?!?"

The caller shouts back: "Do you have any idea whom you are talking to...? I am the CEO of this company!"

The employee replies: "Do you have any idea whom YOU are talking to?"

Perplexed the CEO mumbles: "NO!!!"

The employee heaves a sigh of relieve and say: "Thank goodness for that!!" and hangs up.

ps. this is one smartie the company should retain =p


source : from some forwarded email

Saturday night dinner

Asparagus

Macaroni sauce

Lasagne

The Sturday Night Dinner ... thanks to ah dear =)

On Sunday, I failed in my attempt to boil herbal soup for ah dear though ... I added too much salt and ended up with a pot of 'sea water' =p .... there you see, I was & am never good in cooking but I hope I'll be good enough to cook for my children in future =)

那一天

This is one of my favourite movie of all time ... 天下无贼 A World Without Thieves
the story, the scenes and the song 杨坤 - 那一天
The song will start playing on minute 5:16 of the video snippet from the ending of the movie. A little long but I hope you can watch till the end.

and this short simple scene ... it's so simple yet it conveys a whole lot of emotions.

money money money

Lately, I'm worrying about money again ...
We seem to have many expenses coming and I feel I'm not earning enough.
Call me a kiasu but I'm more comfortable with some 'cushion' (the thicker the better) in my account rather than living from paycheck to paycheck.
I've been saving very hard from young ... thank to what my parents inculcate in me and I do take money very seriously.
Looks like now I'll need to pursue a higher income ... nevermind via the main stream or via side stream (even better if it's from multiple streams)
Help me ... I need the money.
I'm also in a dilemma. I do not know whether in times like this, is it appropriate for me to hint to my friend to return the money I lent her about 1.5 years ago?
I really do hope she and her husband is doing better now and returning a few thousands of dollars will be 'sap sap sui' for them. But then how come I find it so hard to ask? why?

will you or will you not?

A friend raised an easy question to another friend which may not have such an easy answer after all.
Q : You're not so into that person. However, if in the end, there's no other options / alternative, will you still choose to be together with that person? Will you?

I could not answer this question because I've found the person I love.

There are differing views on this though :

1. NO... It wouldn't be good to treat others as last options. It wouldn't feel good too if we are that person's shoe. If we think we both are not meant for each other, let the person go. Do not hang on or give that person hope just because we are afraid we couldn't find other better options. Thus if you've let go, no matter what happen in the end, you'd rather remain single than to drag the other person (whom you may love only half heartedly) in.

2. YES ... Sometimes, when we come to the last options, things may just work out wonderful. Never try never know. Sometimes, when we are still capable and have the conditions to find better options, we do not want to settle for 2nd best. However, things that doesn't look bright in the beginning may shine in the end...Susan Boyle remember?

3. YES ... Human being human are greedy and selfish creatures (although not all, i do not want to generalise). We do not want to be tied down to a person because we are secretly hoping we find a better option down the road. At the same time, we may refuse to let the person go because we want 'security' .. something we can fall back on just in case other options fail. Thus we want both the 'grass is greener' option and the 'security' despite being unfair to the other person. In the end, you still think having 'someone' is better than 'having no one'.

But then again, like they say, love is blind ... you could be not into that person at 18 but love that person to bits at 28... so things in life are sometimes hard to say.

Will you or will you not?

clean up act

Arriving unusually early in office yesterday, looking at my office desk ... it suddenly occur to me to clean my office desk .... to sort out what's below, what's above and what's inside my desk.

If you're wondering what's below my desk, wonder no more .... there are currently 19 boxes, 2 pairs of shoes / sandals, some paper bags, some plastic containers, some recycled A4 papers in 2 boxes.

what's on my desk .... papers & papers, files, calendar, plants, monitor, keyboard, telephone, some souvenirs from colleagues....

what's inside my desk (basically refering to 3-tier drawer) ..... haha, my colleagues say I have a sundry shop here right at my desk.... basically it consist of neccessities like dry condiments / foods, medicines, mobile kitchenware (eg.bowl, spoons, forks), personal items, a support pillow, some recycled plastic bags, ang pow packets, notebook, groceries which I've yet to bring home.
haha...now that I do stock check, really like a sundry shop, isn't it? =p hehe

update as of 11/6/09 8:40am : I've only managed to clear my desktop of some papers and old newspapers and brought some brochures home to for wishbone's shi* =p i think to really clear this whole place of mine will take weeks if not month ... it's a personal MEGA project (imagine how long it took me to accumulate those THRASH) =p wish me luck.

getting angry

Looking back, I almost never got angry for the past 6 - 9 months ... and hope to keep it that way =)
I think I almost forgot how to get angry ...
Everytime when I'm about to get angry, I will think who am I to judge others and why should I be angry when I myself make mistakes as well. Sometimes I will also think 'What if this is the last moment of life I get to see this person and yet I spent it getting angry and souring the relationship with this person?'
And because of not getting angry and stating my 'opinion' in a firm manner ... many may feel or see me as a person with no 'stand' ...
but let me share with you, I have my 'stand' ... it may differ and it may be the same as others ... but I do not see the point of getting angry just for the sake of winning the argument. Sometimes the one that wins the argument loses all.

I do know of people who get angry at the slightest things .... and these people are the one suffering themselves in the end. We do not need to suppress all our anger all the time ... but do not let it consume us and the people around us.
You may want to try not getting angry for a week .... a month ... a quarter
you'll feel different ... as though the world is suddenly so much more a nicer place to be in (no kidding =)

that's where I discovered ..

Popular Warehouse Sales at Summit USJ

that's where I discovered my motherly instinct kicking in.

I don't know much Chinese words yet I struggled to read and understand each book I lay my hand on ... mostly children book.

Being a bad storyteller, I'm afraid I'll run out of bedtime stories to tell my children in future.

Thus, I'm preparing myself with stories to entertain my tiny tots =D plus the challenge of reading the stories in Chinese (with hanyu pinyin) hehe ^^!

I was very happy as there were VERY GREAT deals at the Popular Warehouse Sales ... imagine books like these going for RM1 to less than RM5 except for the set which costs RM24.90 with 2 hardcover 150 pages book and a story telling VCD.

Sometimes cheap stuffs can be precious gems too =D (to me at least)