Eternity

Need more formal dresses

2010-10-08T08:33:00.001+08:00

It looks like I'm going to need to shop for some special occasion dresses as I expect to have some formal functions coming up next year. And God knows if I'm going to be just the size I am or having a little life growing in me by then :)

So it doesn't make sense to shop now although I would like to be proactive and start looking for something suitable now. Haha. First time I want to be efficient and to plan ahead but circumstances are not going to let me.

Oh well, I guess we just have to wait and see...

Itching for a new phone

2010-10-08T08:27:00.003+08:00

I'm not much of a cell phone buff, but while I was trying to shop for a cover or protector for my Nokia phone, I found that these days all the accessories on sale are for Blackberrys and iPhones. Hardly anything is sold for the usual cell phones already!

That made me thing if I'm really out and obsolete holding on to a mobile phone that's not one of those "in" thing. Now that iPhone 4 is out, I got a feeling the previous versions could be a tad bit cheaper,right? Hmm...hand it getting itchy...wondering if I should trade in my current so-called smart cell phone for one of the iPhone.

What do you think? I'm not really willing to pay that much for a brand new cell phone, so I gotta find a good price for a trade-in first. But not even sure if the value of my phone today is going to be much of a help at all as things like this get obsolete so quickly.

Still thinking, thinking, thinking...I'm still tied down to my 24-month cell phone plan, so can't really get to change the plan for one of those free phone promotions.

One man's meat is another man's poison

2010-09-22T23:51:00.002+08:00

It's so true that what we often find not our cup of tea is really what is truly sought after by someone else. Over the weekend I made friends with a lady who's a foreigner living in the country. She's got fair skin and for some strange reason she hates that. She's always wanted skin colour like us Asians, tan and all.

She was saying that she used to go to far extends to get her skin colour looking like ours. She would buy tanning bed lotions and sometimes get spray-ons too. Of course it doesn't last for long and she has to go back over and over to get it done consistently.

Since living her, she was hoping that the sun can help her get tanned more naturally but it hasn't been working that way.

For us we just want to more fairer than what we are. How ironic huh? I wonder if we were in each other's shoes, would we still want what we don't have?

Still not going for it

2010-09-22T23:48:00.002+08:00

Some of my distant relatives are very health conscious and they often go for colon cleansers for weeks on end. I've been encouraged to do so but I just can't bring myself to do it.

They kept reassuring me that once I get started and get used to it after a few times, it is actually not as bad as I think. They are probably right but it's always the hardest to take the first step.

And up to now, I still haven't gotten the courage to take that first step. So scared!!

Lucrative industry

2010-09-22T23:41:00.002+08:00

Being in the beauty industry is such a lucrative business. These days people are willing to pay huge money to look and feel good. Not only are beauty treatments expensive, even lifestyle things like spas can cost way too much.

Earlier a friend was telling me that she knows this tai-tai who owns a spa and the kind of services offered there are so incredibly high end that even when she was offered a trial for half the price, she found it still too expensive to try out. What more to pay full price for it.

Apparently at the spa, they also do skin problem treatments and the most costly treatment in this area is the body acne treatment program. Apparently a lot of people suffer from it and it's not easy to get rid of it once and for all.

If you are thinking of going into business, you can always consider this industry. It really has become a big thing in the last century and I believe it will only grow as people go more and more for looks and lifestyle these days.

So bloated

2010-09-22T23:37:00.002+08:00

After having a really good appetite for weeks, I suddenly felt a reversal of it in recent days. Not sure why it happens all so suddenly. All I need is to drink a glass of water now and I feel so full and bloated.

And all the while I was thinking if my appetite continues to be this good, I would need the fastest way to burn fat before I become terribly out of shape. Looks like I may not need it after all now that I get full so easily.

I think as we age, the body system sometimes get screwed up somewhat. That's the only logical explanation as to why the body acts so strangely sometimes right?

Fun time to get together

2010-09-19T17:05:00.003+08:00

Last night we went to a friend's house for a little party. While there, we were talking about organising more such get-togethers because it was rather fun for everyone.

After the Mooncake Festival, the next one that we are thinking of getting together for a party is Halloween next month. Someone sure had something in mind already on what she wanted to be for Halloween...she was asking where we could rent costumes for the party and someone recommended a place in Hartamas. I've heard of it too.

One other brave lady says she wants to find sexy adult costumes to rent for the event too. Hmm...I'm not so sure we are keen to see her dressed as such...there's gonna be children at the party. I really hope she's joking or we won't really want to go with her dressed up as some sexy character!

Anyway, I really do look forward to more gatherings. It's been a long while since we've done something like that and we've forgotten how fun it can get :)

Rainy Friday

2010-09-17T09:33:00.002+08:00

Had a really good week...woke up this morning to such a rainy day but it feels good. Cooling morning to start the day, so the rain doesn't disturb me at all, enjoying the breeze of it :)

On the contrary, got an email from a friend talking about something called Black Friday. I'm not familiar with what it is, but I believe it's some sort of a festive thing where she lives but the name itself doesn't sound very friendly, huh?

Never mind friendly or not, I'm enjoying my Friday. Some work to get done today but nothing that's too tedious :)

Looking forward to the weekend and another great week ahead.

Mess in web hosting

2010-09-17T09:22:00.003+08:00

The other day I was helping a friend out with some web hosting issues he was facing. He had engaged the service of one particular company for a year but was apparently not very happy with the service after a year. So in the midst of looking for another while his current service is expiring, he asked me to help host him for a while and I agreed.

I didn't know it would be so much work on both our parts, as it caused some panic when he lost his entire blog because the domain name could not be found when I hosted it.

So he had to speed up his search to compare web hosts and find the next suitable one. I recommended the one I was using but he found it expensive. So I recommended some others I've tried before on a smaller scale so he could quickly get his site back.

As a quicker way to find a reliable company, I told him to read just host user reviews to get fair feedback on what other users feel about the many companies out there.

In the end he was happy with some godaddy user reviews and bought it. I'm glad he had signed up for his own hosting and we settled it all and his site is now back on track.

Don't know why it just didn't work on mine and I didn't want his stuff deleted whilst being hosted on my web host.

I think I won't want to do this kind of favour anymore...it's a huge responsibility especially if someone loses years or hard work blogging!

Thinking of doing up a will

2010-09-03T07:13:00.002+08:00

Not because I have tones stashed away, but because I have a basic will service provided to me for free :)

Was looking over the form and seeing how I can fill up all the necessary information and I was wondering how on earth people can actually put every dime to their name.

Anyway, when learning all about the will, I also learned that whatever insurance we have, it's all above the will and that it's creditor proof. I think that's one important aspect but I don't know why when the agents were pushing to provide their life insurance quotes, they fail to mention that.

I would think it's a great selling point to most people. Or maybe it was just those few agents I've come across who never highlighted that to me. Did you know this?

If anyone is thinking of doing a will, I would suggest you get a professional to do it for you. It can be as comprehensive as you want it to be. Of course the more complex and detailed you want it, the more expensive it gets.

But I think it's worth to invest in one to ease the hassle of execution when our days are long gone.

What a morbid thought for the day, huh? :P

Pain in the heel

2010-09-03T07:06:00.002+08:00

I've been having this nagging pain on the right heel for about 2 weeks now. Not sure what caused it and why it still won't go away :(

I only started to notice it when I was out shopping for some Kwikset door handles with a girlfriend. We walked and walked to try to find a shop that offers the best price.

Maybe it was that day when we did too much walking. But I can't be sure, maybe the problem was already developing before that and it just showed up then.

I have a phobia of going to the doctor to check out such pain because to me, the solution to get rid of the pain normally means having to go through some more pain!

I really hope the pain goes away soon. It's rather irritating and sometimes it makes me walk funny too! :(

The new world

2010-09-03T07:00:00.002+08:00

Have you noticed any big change in our world in terms of what people do for a living? Back when I was deciding on a college and thinking what career I wanted to build for myself, it was still a pretty stereotype world where we limit our thinking to the kinds of jobs we would do.

Back then even before I started my college, I was doing some medical job search to see roughly how much it pays because I was keen to take on a medical course and be a Dr.

But because I was terribly afraid of the sight of blood, I gave up trying to get into med school. No point of me keep fainting each time I see blood right? Hehe.

But these days, it's a whole different world altogether. People no longer stick to the stereotype jobs that we once knew. There are so many other professions that interest the young minds.

Just last night I was talking to my son's babysitter who supports a nephew's education and they were telling me that he's taking a course in bakery. And according to them, it's not that cheap. I believe them. These days, nothing comes cheap anymore.

I sometimes look at my son at play and I tend to wonder what he would want to be when he grows up. I won't decide for him, because I would like him to choose the life he wants and the career path for himself.

My job is only to see to it that whatever he chooses, we will be able to help him fulfill it.

I guess this is also a change of parenting style from the days of our parents, huh?

Love and thanks

2010-08-18T09:07:00.002+08:00

Very glad to know that my aunt is our of surgery and is recovering. We have all been worried and anxious about it for weeks. Thank God she is alright now. For a lady as strong as her, we're glad she has that fighting spirit to keep going when it's so easy to give up and give in.

She's been pretty close with the doctors and medical assistants there since she has been there very frequently over the last 2 years. They are also a great source of support for her as they are all very encouraging towards her.

It reminds me how noble a profession it is to be in the health care service industry. When I wanted to go for a course in a medical assistant school many years back, I didn't think of it in this manner. I thought it was just a nice paying profession.

How people grow and change in their perception over time. And I'm glad it's for the better. Love and thanks to people who are serving others well!

Looking for play schools

2010-08-17T16:16:00.002+08:00

I'm now at a stage where I need to start looking out for a suitable play school for my 3-year old boy. I don't even know where to start.

The only criteria I have in mind is that it will be best if it's near the home. But I wouldn't want to compromise on the quality of the school, so if I find one that's suitable and it's not too far out, then we would still consider and give it higher priority even.

I never knew looking for play schools can be just as tough as looking out for primary schools or even colleges, universities and even Online School.

Maybe it's because we parents nowadays are more kiasu for our children than for ourselves back then. But that's how parents are like, right? :)

Never evern forget to renew your health insurance

2010-08-10T01:44:00.003+08:00

A couple of days ago I suddenly realised that I forgot to renew my son's medical card policy. I blame myself for it as I was sent the reminder and I didn't do anything about it. Now I gotta go find the letter and quickly go do what I need to do.

It's important for us to keep our medical insurance active at all times. It's something we can't afford to miss out on. But a good insurance company will do their job quite well in sending reminders and even find ways to help you renew the policy easily and conveniently. The one I'm with is not that good in this area, I must say. They've only sent me one communication thus far and they're remained quiet.

Do shop around for different health insurance quotes too before you settle for the one that suits you best. I know they may not differ a lot from one policy to another in terms of what they cover, but you just never know who can offer a great deal.

I got my son's policy at a very good deal. Just that the service level is not up to my standard. But I suppose for now it's not very crucial.

Anyway, I better go and set a reminder to do this first things first!

Time to record precious moments

2010-07-31T01:16:00.002+08:00

We bought a semi-DSLR camera just before the little boy was born, and more than a year ago we upgraded to a DSLR one. Now I think maybe we should get a camcorder to record the precious moments of the boy growing up too.

When he was a baby, still pictures are good enough, but now as he gets older, it seems like a good idea to capture videos of what he does, says, etc. Still photos can't really capture the essence of it all.

I guess I will make it a target. Once I hit a certain sales target, I'll reward us with one :)

Supper guilt

2010-07-16T01:30:00.002+08:00

Urgh...I feel so guilty. Been snacking late at night. I stopped eating supper some time already but recently I started again. It's not because I'm hungry, just feel like eating while I'm working. Not good for me, I know, working late into the night and eating so late some more! Tsk tsk tsk!

I've threwn out the bottle of Clarins fat burners oil a few months ago. If I still have it, I'd probably be using it. Hehe.

I think I will have to suppress my urge to eat supper. It's not hard for me to do, just that I never really said no before. But now that I start to feel guilty and bad about it, I'd better stop already!

Good durian

2010-07-11T16:18:00.002+08:00

Just had some large seeds of durian, packed from yesterday at the SS2 Durian Buffet. They are really good and tasty. But it surely comes pricey, just 2 fruits cost us RM45. And they are not exceptionally large, but I've got to say the size of each seed is sufficient and satisfying.

I ate so many today that it's actually quite out of the norm. I normally just have 3 to 4 max, but I had a lot more than that today because I couldn't stop. Yeah, that good. It's my second time having it in a span of less than a month.

Can't continue having too much of durian because it's real fattening. Don't want to go for diet pills like apidexin after eating too much durian. Not that worth it though the taste is great :)

Had a great outing yesterday

2010-07-09T18:08:00.002+08:00

Yesterday was mummy and son's day out. We had fun. It was an ice cream day where I promised to take him out on a treat. He wanted to browse the toy section of the store first before we settled for ice cream.

After ice cream, we walked about some more. Haha, maybe it was my unconscious way of wanting to lose whatever calories the ice cream had put in! :P

Imagine what it would do to me if I stick to the plan of having this mummy and son day out once a month and we go for ice cream treats like that. Must find diet pills that actually work already!

But it will be worth it even if I have to take it...because I love the day with him and I think he enjoyed himself too. It feels great to have time with just him!

Love doing masks these days

2010-07-09T18:04:00.002+08:00

I've been hooked on doing masks lately. The facial ones, I mean. These days, with plenty of selection of various types of masks, and all it takes is 10 minutes or the longest being about 20 to 30 minutes, it's real easy to get to it.

It's especially relaxing on a busy day and if the weather is hot, all the more I feel like peeling off one of those masks and slap it on my face.

Bought quite a few different ones to try out and so far have enjoyed those that I've used. Looking forward to more this weekend.

Next thing I should be looking out for will be eye creams as the dark circles are coming back...and maybe something for wrinkles too. I've been recommended prevera. Never heard of it before.

Maybe before I try all that eye product, I could try the eye masks first. Hehehe, see, told ya I was hooked on masks!!

We're taking the afternoon off

2010-07-08T15:35:00.004+08:00

It's the first time I'm doing this and I'm so excited. I decided to take the afternoon off today and go pick up my boy from the babysitter's so that we can spend the day together.

Yes we do that on weekends but it's different doing so on a weekday. I feel it's such a luxury to be able to do this. I think he's looking forward to it too and I can't wait...but for now I'm waiting because I want him to take a short nap first. But it won't be long before I leave home to go get him.

Do you know where will be our first stop? It's ice cream :) I promised him to buy him some when I was telling him about our day out this morning. He seems happy with that. He loves ice cream.

I'm not into ice cream anymore though, and it's just as well otherwise I'll be F-A-T every time I get some whenever I buy him ice cream :P And then I'll be needing adipex p and I believe it won't make me a happy mummy that way. Hehe.

Anyways, I can't wait for a good time this afternoon. I think I'll try to do this as a monthly thing where I will take 1 weekday off and spend the afternoon out with my boy.

Like my idea? :)

Handle debts smartly

2010-06-24T17:55:00.002+08:00

Recently one of the banks that I have a credit card with has been aggressively calling me to promote one of their personal term loan product. The interest rate is supposedly cheaper than many others and it comes with some form of insurance too.

After many calls and some emails, I finally decided to do the smart thing. I took it up, a small amount to start with so that I can use the funds to pay off some other debts which are currently on a higher interest rate band.

The good thing about this loan is that the tie-in is a rather short period, and if I decide to pay off the entire sum after the tie-in period, I won't have to incur a penalty fee provided I give them a month's notice. Not too bad an idea. Hope to save some money that way.

How do you handle your debts? It is sometimes not the most pleasant of things to think about but if you do come across some good offers, it's worth it to think it through and take action.

Too bad they don't have any similar products for purchase order financing otherwise I might think about it too for my business. Good way to leverage sometimes :)

Are my lines showing?

2010-06-01T00:02:00.003+08:00

Just wondering...because recently a well-meaning friend was introducing me to this site: www.agespotsremoval.net. Sometimes I forget I'm going to need some of these products soon in order to stay "youthful". But I keep thinking - not now, not yet. Not sure if that's denial playing its role or I'm just plain naive and optimistic! Haha.

Anyway, perhaps my fine lines are already starting to show...not surprisingly. After a son and now thinking of another...it's about time!

Funny conversation

2010-05-31T23:58:00.002+08:00

I overheard some of my aunts talking the other day about a strange topic - about testosterone boosters. Hmm...it's definitely something I don't wish to participate in with them as I don't want to know too intimately what they or their hubbies may need. I just felt really odd sitting around there while they talked about it.

Though I turned around and walked off, I can't help thinking how funny it would've turned out if they did get a few of us nieces and nephews to contribute ideas or what we know in the area in terms of products to use!

Friend in need

2010-05-31T23:56:00.003+08:00

I've got a friend who keeps going around asking for anyone who can give her honest lipofuze reviews before she makes up her mind to go for it. Well none of us can help her as we don't touch such products.

Anyone knows of anyone who does and point us in the direction to get some of these unbiased reviews? Much appreciated. I'd be sure she'll be grateful for them too :)

Would you do a colon cleanse?

2010-05-31T23:53:00.002+08:00

I've been bugged many times by many family members that I should start using some colon cleanse products as a way to detox and stay healthy. I just can't bring myself to do such programs.

Anyone out there has anything to say about them? I tend to think those who constantly push me to do them are biased on their views. Maybe I can get some neutral ones here...anybody?

Strange riddle

2010-05-31T23:50:00.001+08:00

A friend thought it was going to be a clever riddle when she gave me this to guess what is stands for: 7-dfbx. I told her it sounds alien and it's probably something to do about the html coding or something.

She laughed and said it actually stands for 7-day fat burner extreme. Hmm...I wonder why she thought I'd guess something like that. Not funny at all. Don't try such silly jokes on your friends. Unless they are people who are keen to lose some weight ;)

Cheap printing, anyone?

2010-05-31T23:47:00.002+08:00

Recently I've been toying with the idea of getting some reusable bags and printing them as giveaways. But I don't know where to find the cheapest printer nor the supplier of such bags. There was this particular printer that we used to do poster printing that charged us at very reasonable rates, but not sure if the rates would stay the same some 4 years down the road now.

Maybe I should just give a call and find out. If I do get cheap rates, I'm just afraid I might still be indecisive on whether I should spend that kind of money.

Fickle, fickle, fickle me!

Big celebration for the big boys

2010-05-21T10:57:00.002+08:00

A few nights ago I attended an event where I was merely a guest. Next year I intend not to be just an invited guest by someone who's entitled to be there, but I will work towards being there because the company sent me an invitation!

It was a very inspiring event watching big winners in their own categories being awarded what the deserve for all their hard work.

That night I was watching the true champions in action. These big boys and girls deserve all the admiration of others. Someday, I want to be there too. And join them all for the big celebration afterwards with wine and Dutch Master cigars. Well I don't do any of the wine nor cigars, but just being in their company to be one of them is good enough! :)

So annoyed

2010-05-20T10:14:00.002+08:00

Last night I came about someone's business site by word of mouth. She happens to be a friend of a friend's whom I've spoken briefly with once some time back. She not only ventured into the same business I'm in, she actually did up her site exactly the way mine was done.

Ok, no big deal, you say, almost all sites are set up quite similarly. But what ticked me off most was that she copied the content WORD FOR WORD into her site! So everything looks just like mine except for colour difference and of course some of the products varied.

Can you imagine that? She thought I didn't know so I sent her an email to tell her off. She came back with an apologetic reply saying she was busy and didn't have enough time to think of what to write. Lame excuse.

While I worked day and night on my old faithful Acer Aspire notebook, she happily and easily swiped everything. Sigh...some people are just plainly lacking of imagination and only want the easy way out.

Good thing I've gone one step ahead and changed the way things are now with the business. But I won't be surprised that she'll catch up and do just the same.

Guess this is something out of my control. Just wanted to let off some steam here. I'll forget about this and move on anyway.

Urge to eat but no appetite

2010-05-15T00:44:00.002+08:00

Don't know what's up with me lately. When I feel hungry or have some cravings for some food, I go right ahead to eat and satisfy the urge. But the strange thing is that the moment the food is there, I don't feel like eating it. It's as if I've lost my appetite right away. I didn't take any appetite suppressants, so I don't understand why it's happening.

Maybe I just need to relax, take deep breaths and let things go a bit easy on myself. Hopefully then I'll be back on track. In all things, not just this appetite thing.

Feeling the heat coming on

2010-05-15T00:42:00.003+08:00

Just today I suddenly felt that my body is exceptionally warm. Next thing I know, my lips feel dry and rather painful, like how it is when it is heaty. My throat seems drier too. It feels like the hot spell is coming...but this is no time for me to fall ill, I have a lot I need to set out to do for the rest of the month.

So better start popping those vitamins and be careful with my diets too. A pity to get sick now!

Our job market is improving?

2010-05-10T22:45:00.001+08:00

While having coffee with friends today, one of them was sharing with us that the job market in our country is improving. I'm not so sure, but if it's true, it's a great piece of news. It means people are at least earning some money, able to spend some and that's what keeps our economy going.

To those who are employed this is also a relieve especially for those who are hunting for a job change. More vacancies, better chances. For people like me who aren't out to find a job, ah well at least it just proves that things are going well and it still helps to know this can help keep our streets safer, right?

Everybody wins this way :)

No mood to work

2010-04-27T01:23:00.002+08:00

Almost every night I'm up working on one thing or another. Do I get tired? Well sometimes. There are times when I feel burnt out too. And tonight is one of those nights. I just feel so tired of working that even though there is a pressing need to do some updates, I can't bring myself to go do so. I just need a break, I think.

I've been doing something that I've not done for a long, long time - read blogs. I haven't been following many of those blogs that I used to follow daily. Then I went back to them today and found that many sites have disappeared. Some have completely changed too in terms of what they write about.

At one of those sites, I got bored reading about colonix review and at some other sites I got bored reading about recipes because I don't have the time to use them anyway :(

So I turned to watching some of my favourite shows - Friends. Happily doing so now while I type this post. Ahh...finally doing something that doesn't involve cracking my head :)

Looks like a good, quiet night.

Does a guy bother about the brand of his tie?

2010-04-16T23:38:00.002+08:00

A thought just came to mine, does a guy really care about the designer ties they have, or does any tie even those without brands work just as well?

I find some of the branded ties to carry really boring and traditional designs whilst those that aren't branded are in fact nicer and more creative.

But then again that's my point of view, and a lady's one at it too. So I just wondered if guys see it the same way or they don't mind wearing ties that are generic in brand but looks good? Anyway, you can't really spot the brand, can you?

Overbooked

2010-04-16T23:32:00.002+08:00

This month is a busy one. I didn't foresee having so many things going on this month. In fact, even for next month there are going to be quite a lot of functions. Am quite glad for all the invitations, some I can't wait to attend too.

Keeping busy and having many things on have kept me sane and purposeful. I've been more busy than having a 9-to-5 job and I'm enjoying it.

Well gotta go work out how I can attend more than one function on the same day. They are all equally important to me and I truly want to go for all of them!

Thinking of getting a compact camera

2010-03-27T01:45:00.002+08:00

After more than a year of getting our DLSR camera, I suddenly kinda long for a compact camera. It definitely is easier to bring around everywhere we go.

Right now we hardly bring our DSLR out because it involves carrying another bag around when we're out, plus the weight too. A small and compact one is good to go once I just slip it into my handbag.

So before you make a decision on what kind of digital cameras you want to buy, do consider carefully where you will be hardworking enough to bring one that's big and heavy! Don't make the same mistake.

Mixed market views

2010-03-27T00:47:00.002+08:00

Lately since I got back into regularly investing, I've taken more note of how the market is doing and what's going on around the globe as everything has some effects on various markets.

Whether it's the Outer banks foreclosures, China refusing to let its currency appreciate, the issue of debts in Europe, they all play a role in affecting our investments.

But fortunately there are some people that I know who are great students of the market and they are the people I can count on to give me more understanding of what's going on if not for direct investment advise.

The views at the moment seem quite mixed but generally going in a good direction. I feel so. How about you?

Time for another insurance

2010-03-27T00:40:00.002+08:00

Come April we'll have to get another insurance quote for the family car. Each time we renew insurance for the car, I am reminded how quickly time has passed us by.

We bought that car because we needed a car with more space now that we've got a little kid travelling with us. At the time when he was a baby, we needed the space most. Now that he's older, we find it easier to travel with lesser things and so the car feels a little under utilised in terms of space.

But I believe one day, we will probably start needing the space again :) I do have a lot of sentimental values attached to the car, so it's not likely that we will change it anytime soon.

Spent a fortune on the new laptop

2010-03-25T02:11:00.002+08:00

About 2 months ago I purchased a new laptop. Not that the old one was giving my any problem, it was just too heavy for me to lug around. So I bought a new one. I thought I bought it for a song because many people said it was a good price that I paid for. So I was glad.

But soon after I discovered that the specs of the laptop didn't work with some of the major softwares I needed to install. Because of that, I had to go downgrade my operating system and it cost me a couple hundred to go downgrade the laptop!

On top of that I purchased a new anti-virus software too. There are some other home budget software that I'm considering to boost he efficiency of the laptop. So in the end, it does look like I'm spending a bomb on this new toy.

But is it worth it? I guess so. Kinda enjoying the crystalised screen and the much lighter weight. Plus the new OS is quite cool too. My old one is pretty outdated, I have to admit! :P

Best way to lose pregnancy bulge is to breastfeed

2010-03-23T14:10:00.003+08:00

Some mummies-to-be were asking the other day what is the fastest way to lose pregnancy weight once they have delivered. Well I told him there's really no easy and fast way out, not even those highly expensive programs at slimming centers nor the best fat burning exercises can really help very much.

For a lot of mummies out there, their experience is that the best way for them to lose the weight is to breastfeed their newborn for as long as possible. Not only does it help to shrink the tummy, it bonds mummy and baby. You get double benefits out of such a joyful exercise. Why not?

So many insurance agents knocking on our doors

2010-03-23T14:07:00.001+08:00

Well not really knocking on doors, more like ringing us up anytime of the day they wish! Have you received such insurance marketing calls? I've been getting so many lately that I've begin to wonder if a lot more people are now joining the insurance business or it just so happened that my name is turning up on a lot of databases because it's that phase of life where people usually top up on their policies?

Permed my hair

2010-03-23T14:04:00.002+08:00

Did I mention that just before the Chinese New Year I went for a change of hairdo? Instead of the usual and boring straight hair, this time I had it permed. One of my biggest objective was actually to look more matured. Ahem! Yes you heard me right...I want to look more matured and was hoping the permed hair would help a little.

It's more for work than anything else but you know, some people said I look younger than older! Oh dear....reverse effect! Nevertheless, I think I like it better this way and I do think I do look a little older than before :)

Quite an oxymoron, I know...sometimes I go shopping for wrinkle creams and then I go perm my hair to look older! Haha!

Where to find bar code scanner toy?

2010-03-23T14:00:00.002+08:00

We went shopping at a supermarket some time back and I put the little boy in the trolley while I shopped. To keep him occupied, I just grabbed a toy and gave it to him so that he can play while I shopped. What I gave to him was one of those cash register toy that comes attached with a toy version of a barcode scanner. He was really taken in with that.

When we were checking out, I asked if he would like to have it and he said no, and asked me to put it back. So off we went. But now he keeps asking me for that toy! I went in search for it at the same place but I can't find it anymore. I can't find such toys at the department stores too.

Anyone knows where I can get such a toy?

Investing in diamonds?

2010-03-23T09:20:00.002+08:00

Some months back I kept seeing advertisements in the newspapers about how diamonds are good investments. I was thinking gold was what people went for when the share market was irrational, but diamonds?! I couldn't imagine that they will be good investments. Hmm...maybe I should take out those loose diamonds that I don't wear anymore from jewelries and have them evaluated to see how much they cost! Hehe...never know I can actually get some money out of them since I'm no longer wearing them as blings!

Worried about security again

2010-03-23T09:11:00.002+08:00

Following the recent developments on the town council's requirement for government roads not to be blocked by privately owned road barriers, our little neighbourhood will have to remove the security barrier that we've paid to put up. Sigh...why can't the government care more about the security of its residents? It's not like an everyday thing that we're disrupting ambulance and fire engines from coming into the neighbourhood!

Looks like we have to tighten our home security systems. Good thing the home alarm still works though we don't subscribe to the call service anymore.

Be safe inside and out, ok?

Not for me

2010-03-06T01:33:00.002+08:00

I've never taken any products for slimming down. Well ok in the first place it's not as if I need it. So I don't quite get it when promoters keep pushing flyers to me about their weight loss programs or products. Do they really think I should be keen? Hmm...

I won't blame those spam mails with all sorts of marketing gimmicks and even specific lipozene reviews and testimonials simply because they just never know who they are spamming, but being face to face and seeing the person in front of you, I think one can make better judgement whether or not to hand over a flyer, you reckon?

No guts

2010-03-06T01:31:00.001+08:00

I have been invited several times by some relatives to go join them for some colon cleanser sessions. I really don't dare to go for such programs. I don't feel very comfortable at all. The thought and idea of the process itself scares me. I wonder how some people actually enjoy it and even get hooked on it!

Privilege for the disabled

2010-03-06T01:26:00.002+08:00

I just learned that in some countries disabled people's welfare are quite well looked after compared to what we have in ours. I think it's thoughtful and good that special people like these are helped along the way.

I guess it does make sense for special people to want to migrate to those countries where there is disability appeal for them. But I wonder if such applications are easily acceptable?

I know nothing in this area. Don't mind my midnight rambles.

All those beauties pay a price

2010-03-06T01:16:00.001+08:00

Have you ever wondered whether the famous and hot celebrities are naturally slim and beautiful the way they are? For most of them, I don't think they are that "genuine". I think most of them go for some sort of plastic surgeries or even botox. Not to mention all sorts of weight loss programs too. Otherwise, how do you explain how some of them can look so gorgeous and shapely a short while after birth?

So I think all those beauty that we see on screen and in print actually come with a price that they paid. Nothing is really so perfect in the world, ain't it?

Fickle minded on skincare brand

2010-03-06T01:15:00.000+08:00

I like trying out new brands of skincare even though I've found good ones that work for me. I guess it's just part of that experience of wanting to know what else is great out there. I recently was introduced to jan marini skin care. Never heard of it before. Have you? Not sure if I want to give it a go.

Reminiscing

2010-03-06T01:09:00.002+08:00

Met a friend today and we were talking about our experiences with pregnancy and labour. Since the chat, I found myself reminiscing that magical yet scary moment. I can't believe it's been over 2 years now.

Sometimes when I think about having the next baby, I find that there are parts that I will definitely look forward to and also moments that I would like to erase from my memory. I'm sure most mothers who went through child birth can relate :)

I don't mind having to pop in all those prenatel vitamins on a daily basis although I don't quite like swallowing pills, don't even mind if I have to endure the morning sickness, but labour itself was really quite an experience.

It's really unfortunate that there's no easy way out to have a bundle of joy. But God is so great that women often find themselves so willing to repeat it all although they know the kind of things they have to put themselves through.

Life really is a wonder.

Do you really absorb ads?

2010-02-20T02:25:00.000+08:00

I'm just wondering if our brains get immuned to ads that we frequently see in the newspapers and even on TV or billboards. If you flip through the newspapers, you'll notice lots of ads from banks as well as for weight loss products. If you noticed them, chances are we probably we absorb to some extent, otherwise we won't even know they exist.

I sometimes get so sick of all the ads that I prefer to just skim through the papers and totally not glance over any ads at all to save my time.

To this end, I do think reading the papers online will save me not only money to buy them but also time. I just scroll through the headlines and read what I want without having to flip the pages and get distracted by all those ads to buy almost everything under the sun.

Know nothing

2010-02-20T02:22:00.000+08:00

I know nothing about diet pills like phentermine. A friend I know is attempting to go for it even though I was trying to discourage her. I don't think there are really any such pills that don't bring about some negative side effects. What say you?

Why wreck your health and maybe even your life just to lose a couple of extra pounds, huh?

Outdated

2010-02-20T02:19:00.000+08:00

I've become quite outdated in terms of catching up with brand names. I went shopping the other day with some girlfriends and when they were talking about brands like Michael Kors, I got lost. I think I may have heard of it some time ago but the name never really registered. I just don't catch up with brands anymore these days.

Are brands important to you now compared to when you were a teenager?

My furry friends

2010-02-20T02:13:00.002+08:00

It' been a long time since I talked about my beloved furry friends here. Well I must say I've terribly neglected them for the longest time and I do feel very sorry about that. But somehow I just have to put my little boy as first priority and the fact that they may cause him more harm than fun, I have no choice but to keep them away so that he will be protected in his early years.

Nevertheless, they have been pretty well fed and of late I noticed that one of them does have a slightly bigger tummy :) She doesn't complain, of course. Though the feline species do want to look as good as humans do, they don't really bother much with the best diet supplements they can get. They really wouldn't mind more food if they can get more!

Anyway, speaking of my feline friends, this year will mark the 2nd year of Piper leaving me already. I still miss her a lot. My little one tends to have a soft spot for her too although he's never met her. He watches videos and photos of her and I can sense that he likes her a lot.

I hope very soon I can do more for my 2 furry friends. I think they really deserve to be treated better.

A year wiser already

2010-02-20T02:09:00.002+08:00

No it's not my birthday yet but since we just celebrated yet another new year by the Chinese calendar, I can't help but feel older already. As we get "wiser" by the years, I think we ladies will start to be more concerned with shopping for stuff like anti-aging skin care, adult acne solutions because products that used to work just don't work as well anymore, some weight loss solutions too!

But no I'm not beaten by the fact that I'm growing older by the years...sometimes I can't wait to see how life will unfold in the later part of our lives :)

Is that a crazy thought? Perhaps...

Happy CNY everyone!

2010-02-20T02:05:00.002+08:00

Here's a belated Gong Xi Fa Cai to everyone! :) How was your Chinese New Year? This time around our little boy really enjoyed the celebrations and company of those we met up with. He really had a ball of a time :)

We ate quite a bit too. Think I gained some weight already. And it's just 1 week of celebrations! Another week of CNY to go...can't imagine if I continue eating like this and then need some quick weight loss formula to lose it :P

How was your new year?

Sometimes familiarity doesn't work

2010-02-04T18:52:00.001+08:00

I recently bought a new laptop from someone who's known to us. I've always thought that it's best to be recommended a shop or person to buy something from, but as it turns out, I think I disagree now. It's hard when things aren't turning out the way you expect and then it gets kinda difficult to have the situation corrected because it's a friend of someone who sold you something you're not satisfied with. Hard to handle huh?

I think the next time I'm looking for laptop computers, I'll do it on my own and just go to the shops, find the best deals, and make sure I truly get what I want.

Really, familiarity sometimes does not work well at all!

Stuck to TVB drama

2010-02-04T00:29:00.003+08:00

As much as I know watching TV is a big time waster, there are some programs that I find too hard to resist. Some of them are my WLT TVB dramas which I find hard to miss at times. But they are often shown at times that I just can't make. Quite sad...

Having said that, I was very happy to find out that the new season of Lost will be back soon at the end of this month :) And it's going to be at a time where I think can manage to catch it! :) It's going to be an exciting season and if we had a home theater system, it'll be even more exciting.

Anyway, lately I've really cut down a lot on watching programs. I'm so behind in my CSI series. I missed the entire CSI Miami season, can you image that?!

But I guess giving up TV time for something more worth while is always worth it...just that I sometimes get bitten by the bug and I just itch to watch an episode here and another episode there... :)

Holiday, holiday, holiday!

2010-01-29T01:24:00.003+08:00

Yes, the word holiday has been on my mind a lot lately. I just want to go some place different and have a short and nice break with the family. Some quiet time to ourselves.

Where do you go for such a break? I've always enjoyed watching how the Westerners can just drive off in their caravans to some outskirt places and then enjoy the quiet moments. You can stop wherever your caravan takes you too, isn't that kinda adventurous? :) But of course it's also quite risky if the thing breaks down and you need motorhome towing service when you're in the middle of no where!

Seeing that we're not gonna be able to do that kind of travels, I guess just taking a trip on the road to some nice quiet places will do for us. So any ideas where we can go? :)

Simple solution

2010-01-23T02:23:00.002+08:00

Once in a while, my little one develops some red itchy spots on his body and asks us to help him scratch, especially when the itch develops on his back. And most of the time, this kind of itch develops only at night.

Then it occured to me that maybe he's allergic to the sheets. It does make sense that he itches more often at night when he's lying on the bed than other times then, doesn't it?

If that's true, I guess the solution is simple, just find out some anti-allergy bedding products and change our sets to those. But I suppose these stuff don't come cheap too. But it's worth a try where my little boy is concerned.

Anyone has tried any of these?

Interesting TV program

2010-01-20T15:03:00.002+08:00

I haven't been watching TV for a long, long time. Not even my favourite programs like CSI. Sometimes I do miss it but I think I will have more time for them once I've reached my objectives later on.

Last week I took a small break and was actually surfing the channels to see what's new. Lots, apparently! I've missed out that much!

I happen to catch a glimpse of the program called The Biggest Loser or something like that. I was surprised to see the runner-up of Malaysian Idol Dina as a host for the show. Is she not singing anymore?

Anyway, I thought it's quite an interesting program and maybe it does act as a kind of motivator for those who want to lose weight. There's really no need for top diet pills and crash diets for losing weight.

I've also been catching up a little bit on the WLT series. Well not really watching them but just finding out what are the latest offerings on the channel. Seems good but seriously no time to follow them already :( Maybe have to rent the VCDs next time :P

No cure for eczema

2010-01-20T14:59:00.003+08:00

Some friends of mine whose kids suffer from eczema have asked if I know of any effective eczema treatment. What I've learned thus far is that there really is no cure for eczema once it develops.

It is unfortunate that my little boy developed slight eczema when he was just a month old. But the doctor prescribed him some cream called Elomet which works wonders for him.

However, we still have to monitor his condition very closely so that it doesn't get any worse. My hope is that it goes away with careful monitoring and mangement of his condition. I heard that if by the age of 4, children who have skin problems that don't go away will most likely have eczema for life.

That's so sad isn't it?

Naturally losing weight

2010-01-20T14:55:00.002+08:00

My in-laws recently commented that I lost weight. The last time they saw me prior to the time they said I lost weight was just merely 2 weeks before. How fast I seem to be losing weight! I guess I'm one of those people who won't be needing weight loss supplements! Haha.

But I better don't speak so soon because a lot of people tend to balloon up after having more than 1 kid...I'm only just a little way there with 1 kid for now. So I still gotta keep a watch and not take it for granted that I lose weight easily.

Multivitamins just for guys?

2010-01-20T14:49:00.002+08:00

I was browsing the supplement shelves at one of the pharmacies the other day and was surprised when one of the sales assistant came up to me to introduce something new to me - men's multivitamin. I was taken aback as I didn't expect vitamins to be so gender specific.

But since I was rushing and didn't have time to linger and listen to all that she wanted to explain, I didn't find out much about it. But hey, interesting to know for sure!

Sleeping lots more

2010-01-20T14:43:00.002+08:00

Did I ever say how late I used to sleep as a result of trying to run 2 businesses and hold a job last year? I was sometimes just sleeping for 3 to 4 hours and I was warned by my facial lady that I seriously need to sleep to get rid of those terrible eye bags and I may need to start looking for the best anti wrinkle cream now instead of later if I keep up that kind of late nights!

Well this year I'm no longer holding on to that full time job so I'm only just running 2 businesses. So at least I get more time to spread between the two. I am getting more sleep as a result too because I won't need to work late into the night.

I do feel better and healthier and I think I should keep this up. But I have to admit that once or twice in a week I do find myself rather busy and sleeping late still. Guess it's time management put to the test for me now.

Been learning how to manage my time better too. According to one of the audio programs I listen to, the expert on time management says that the way to achieve good time management is to get better at what we do so that we do it quicker and more efficiently. Makes sense I guess.

CNY is approaching and I have yet to start doing the shopping. Guess gotta take one of these few weekends to start already. Weekdays are now too precious to go shopping! :)

The new year travel bug itch

2010-01-11T07:01:00.002+08:00

Since my time is flexible now and it's the first time ever for me, I do feel great about it. The travel bug itch has started and it is especially tempting now more than ever for me to want to start planning to go on family vacations, even if they are short trips in the country. We've not done that for quite a while now.

Maybe 2010 should be more about seeing the world together as a family. I would love that. In fact, I kinda made a promise to the little one that soon I will bring him to see Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck for real - at Disneyland!

I would love to go to the one in the US simply because it's all in English. It's quite funny to hear Mickey and friends speaking and singing in Chinese, Japanese and even in French. I like it best in English. But I do hear that it's quite tough now to get visa to enter the US. Oh well, there goes the thought of going through some panama city beach hotels coupons I came across online for some cheap family vacation there in the near future.

But I will work towards the Disneyland one...perhaps by next year. Let's hope it'll be a smooth application there.

For this year, I am aiming for a free trip to New Zealand :)

All naturale please...

2010-01-02T18:07:00.002+08:00

Someone came up to me the other day and asked if I can spare some minutes listening to her explain about a hgh supplement she's selling from a reputable health product company. Reputable or not, I wasn't interested. I'd rather age gracefully.

I don't know if I should feel insulted since she approached me. Do I look like I need hgh supplement right now? Hmm...doesn't matter. I don't think I should choose to feel insulted. This year is a brand new one for me and I intend to live everyday feeling positive.

How has your new year been so far? I'm looking forward to start working on my career come Monday :) And you know what? If I do look a little more matured, it might actually be an advantage to my new career...hmm...food for thought there :P

Happy New Year 2010!

2010-01-01T19:16:00.002+08:00

Happy New Year 2010! Wow, time really flies...so much has happened but it all happened in the span of just 12 months. Unbelievable!

This year my life takes on a new beginning. Lots of new beginnings, actually. I consider it as starting a new career from scratch. But I'm optimistic about it and I think that's what's most important. To set the mindset right from the beginning.

Now that I'm on my own and can't count on benefits from organisations which I've enjoyed the last 10 years, it looks like I've got to start managing a lot of things from now on. It's time to start looking for good medical card plans as well as some free insurance quotes for life plans.

Should get started right away as these things take time to decide. If you have good recommendations, please let me know :)

Happy new year, everyone!

Merry Christmas to all!

2009-12-28T08:34:00.002+08:00

Hi all, just a quick note to wish everyone a Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year ahead!

The new year is going to be a big change for me. A new career, a new life. I'm looking forward to it although I do feel a little nervous at times when I think of the uncertainties I will have to deal with.

No more cushy company benefits like free medical treatments, taking up a student loan for more studies, having maternity benefits and even free leave.

But it doesn't matter. I believe I have more to gain to let all these go. Let's see how the year unfolds for me. Wish me luck and more! :D

Can't wait for my new phone to arrive

2009-12-08T21:58:00.003+08:00

Recently I signed up for a new mobile service plan. Along with that plan comes a free phone. This is the first time I'm going to own a phone that supports lots more features that I can make use of. Not that I care to have the latest technology, but to know that I will actually make use of them and benefit a lot from these features are actually making me really excited in wanting the phone.

It's gonna be another week or two before the phone arrives. I simply can't wait and am already thinking what are some of the stuff I can do with it that will in future save me a lot of time and help me not waste time while I have to wait in line or stuck in jams. How cool!

Luckily I didn't go buy a phone much earlier to cater to my coming needs. I'm glad to have waited and now have this free one come along. Some months back a friend of mine wanted a good but cheap phone and was negotiating hard with some of these sellers of mobile phones. I think in an attempt to make the sale at the very low price that my friend wanted, the quality of the set was compromised. For some strange reason after a day of use, the phone suddenly got locked!

She brought it back to the shop and while she got back her unlocked phone after waiting for about half an hour, she was defiitely not pleased as to how they can give her something faulty.

They just sheepishly said that maybe it's just some software malfunction and not really a problem with with phone. But then again, my friend said they weren't the least surprise when she brought her phone in and complained. That's when she suspected she had been sold a compromised product.

So you see, when you want something, I think we should pay a fair price for it. Or just have the patience and resources to get it at a good deal like how I managed to get the free phone. It's definitely more worthwhile this way. At least that's how I feel about it :)

Can't wait, can't wait, can't wait...

Thinking of Christmas gifts already?

2009-11-19T00:23:00.002+08:00

I'm starting to think of some gift ideas for Christmas since it's not going to be long more to go. Today I was asked what I'll be getting for my little boy for Christmas. I have no idea just yet. Definitely not things like PS3 or an xbox 360 yet, he's still far too young for me to spend that kind of money :)

I really have no idea for now what to get for everyone. Seems to get harder and harder every year. Maybe I'll have to start thinking of ideas earlier every year!

What about you, what are some of your ideas for Christmas gifts this year?

Life is good

2009-11-16T12:20:00.002+08:00

It's been a couple of weeks since I handed that life-changing envelope to my boss and HR. There surely is no turning back for me now. So how do I feel after a few weeks and the reality of my action has settled in me?

Pretty great, really! :)

I'm very pleased with my decision to retire from the world of employment. I don't hope nor wish to go back to it. It's a whole new life ahead of me and it's truly what I want. I just hope that I will have smoother paths going forward. Barriers are necessary, and to some extent certain. I only hope that they will strengthen me and let me learn valuable lessons.

Are you curious what I'm gonna be doing after this? :) Well it's not a secret...so you will soon find out more when reading this blog. It's not selling diet pills that work, for sure :) I will be offering more future than that!

Waking up contentedly

2009-11-11T07:21:00.004+08:00

Since the little boy came into our lives, I think we can count the number of times we've actually slept through the night without being woken up just by the 10 fingers we have. But I find that each night when we get woken up, we do willingly and contentedly go about attending to his needs.

Whether it's him wanting milk and water, or insisting on switching on the bathroom lights and going back to sleep, or needing to have a quick wash because his diaper leaked, we've never once felt angry at having to disrupt our sleep.

I guess that's what we call unconditional love, isn't it?

I think most of my friends are now at this stage of life where we understand the true meaning of giving without receiving and what true and unconditional love is all about...isn't it just wonderful? :)

Love the internet!

2009-11-01T07:42:00.002+08:00

There is really nothing quite as great at the invention of internet, don't you think? Most of us can't live without it these days. Kids grow up not knowing a world without the computer and internet. How different the world is now compared to the one that we grew up in.

How do you use the internet to your convenience? I love online banking. Hate going to the banks so that technology made available to us is really God-sent. Can't complain about the use of blogging tools too these days. Most people have blogs nowadays too.

Now I even apply for insurance policies online, like my home and car insurances. Yes, these services have come a long way from being agent-led to technology-led. I'm also eyeing a life insurance online site as I think I may sign up for one via this channel too.

Simply love the internet...if I can hug it, I will! :D

Turning point

2009-10-22T07:12:00.003+08:00

Been really upset for the last 2 days and am seriously contemplating a big turning point in life. I am all for it, but of course the fear of change comes in. Not to mention the fear of not having financial security the moment I decide to take this step too.

But the feeling is so strong that I sometimes wonder if it's out of impulse or is it a great desire to really go for what I want.

It does cause me quite a bit of sleepless night and stress. And if I don't get to the bottom of this, well, decision wise at least, it's going to continue to stress me out and make me lose more weight with all that stress hovering about me. Hmm...does seem like this dilemma is the best weight loss pills anyone could ask for!

I shall see what I can do about it. Will be talking to AC later in the day and let's hear what she thinks about my thoughts and plans.

How many water filter systems do you need?!

2009-10-14T00:42:00.003+08:00

I know water quality isn't the best that we have here, and so a lot of homes install their own water filters. We've used a few different brands and types but still I find the water not really that clean. What about you?

That leads me to wonder if we actually should install more filters at different points leading up to the kitchen where we need clean water for consumption. Don't know which is the truly recommended brand to use either as everyone claims theirs is the best around.

Any tips, anyone?

Holiday bug

2009-10-13T08:52:00.002+08:00

It's almost approaching year end and I'm bitten by the holiday bug. It's not like we always travel far and away for year end holidays but we do go away for a short break when we "balik kampung" during Christmas time.

But this time around I do feel like maybe we should do something different. I was checking out Air Asia and since it's been a long time since I've checked them out, I was pleasantly surprised to find so many more destinations that they're now flying to.

I think in time to come it would be okay for me to check out cheap myrtle beach hotels because Air Asia may just fly there some day :)

But for now, at least for this year end, I don't think we're going to go as far. Maybe just within the country or just a neighbouring country. Perhaps I can plan for something in the very near future.

Who says holidays only happen at the end of the year huh?

Looking for a laptop sleeve

2009-10-02T23:55:00.002+08:00

These days I have started lugging my own notebook to work on some days because I use my lunch time to do some of my own things which require my notebook. Since I don't like to carry around a laptop back, I've been carrying it in my hands instead of in a bag. That's when I realise it's probably safer to keep it in a sleeve when carrying around like that.

But these laptop sleeves don't come cheap. I saw some that cost some 3-digit price tag and some which cost only about RM30 or so. Of course I would have to admit that the more expensive ones are nicer in design and feel better in quality. I'm just not so willing so spend too much on a sleeve. Anyone has any better options for me that won't set me back more than 50 bucks?

Now that I have to lug this 14-inch laptop around quite a bit, I've started to appreciate netbooks more than ever. It's really a lot lighter and smaller in size to carry which also makes me look better since I'm rather petite!

But again, I'm not willing to invest in a new gadget just yet. So have to make do with my faithful laptop...

Weekend with friends

2009-09-26T18:38:00.002+08:00

I hardly have time to catch up with friends these days but I do try harder nowadays. It's easier when my son is already 2 years old, versus the time when he was just a couple month old baby. Having said that, it's also not easy handling a Terrible-Two when out in public. You just never know when he decides to act up and be a Terrible-Two!

Anyway, we caught up with a friend whom we've not seen for a year. It was a pretty short session at an ice cream shop but we had a good time chatting and just catching up with each other's lives. After having shared our updates, I feel like we've all come such a long way and we have changed in terms of what we prioritise in our lives. I guess that's bound to happen as you move from one stage of life to another.

It was all very serious conversation, about our jobs, our plans for the future, what we dream for and all. But it all took a turn to be a laughing matter when we touched on the topic of someone's tummy looking a lot larger than before. Since we're good friends, there's really no offence in talking straight to each other. See this is the kind of friendship I enjoy, where you know the person so well and you can just have straight talks without worrying too much. We can even go at length talking about top rated weight loss pills to take for that someone to get rid of that unsightly layer on the tummy!

My point is that having close friends is such a blessing and comfort in life when all around us can be quite scary. I do want to meet up more with friends and have more feel-good sessions just talking and laughing. Maybe I should make it a new year resolution to do this.

Glad for a short working week

2009-09-26T18:32:00.003+08:00

Boy am I glad that we had a long break last weekend. Working just 3 days a week definitely agrees very well with me! :) Unfortunately this is a luxury that comes by rarely for most people.

We were down south the previous weekend visiting some relatives. It's been so long since we caught up. When we met, most of the time the topic we talked about was health. It's something close to our hearts as most of my relatives have some form of health issues to deal with. My uncle was generously sharing with us on his colon cleanse reviews with the many centers he went to try out. After hearing how it's done, I don't ever want to do any sessions!

Anyway, we got back into town on Monday and I ran some errands on Tuesday. Going back to work on Wednesday was such a mood killer, especially when everyone had everything to dump on you. I was so glad by the time Friday evening came. But time passes by too quickly when you're not at work...it's already more than half the Saturday gone. Tomorrow I would be busy all day and wouldn't have much family time. And then it's back to a full week of 5-day work. How sad that is for me!

All sorts of donation drives out there

2009-09-20T18:11:00.002+08:00

The other day I was in a coffee shop with a friend when I overheard some guy going around asking for donations for the building of a drug rehab. Honestly, I am quite skeptical of people who go around collecting donations for any kind of purposes because there are so many scams around.

I thought it was a new one to have a donation drive for drug rehabilitation. If I were to donate to such a cause, I would prefer to do it through some proper drug rehabilitation association instead.

I guess there are all kinds of donation drives these days for anything you can think of. Unfortunately, it makes it even more dubious for me!

How much are you willing to spend on a vacuum cleaner?

2009-09-20T18:07:00.002+08:00

Some years back when I was heavily pregnant, someone recommended me to listen to his friend talk about some super good vacuum cleaner. Apparently it has some superior central vacuum system that helps cleaning and purifying the air in the rooms.

We took about half an hour to be introduced to it, with a demo included. We were impressed for sure, but we didn't buy it although the sales pitch focused on how good it will be to keep the air and rooms clean for a new addition in the family.

The reason we didn't buy is because the vacuum cleaner costs some RM5,000. No matter how much I would love to keep everything clean and purified for my family, I'm not willing to part with that money.

How much are you willing to spend on a vacuum cleaner?

Selamat Hari Raya

2009-09-20T18:02:00.002+08:00

To friends of mine who are celebrating the festive season, Selamat Hari Raya to you. To everyone else, happy holidays and enjoy the long break. I definitely am :)

This holiday I'm back to visit relatives whom I do not get to see often. The last time we caught up was during the busy period of Chinese New Year where house visiting wasn't for a long period since we have to cover many relatives' houses. So this is a great time to catch up.

However, not everyone is around. Some of my cousins have taken the opportunity of this long break to go on a holiday. I didn't even know until very recently. No wonder some of them were asking for info on cheap hotels in Las Vegas. I guess they didn't bother telling me or even inviting me to join the trip because they know I simply can't travel so far now that I'm a mummy of a toddler.

Nevertheless this trip has been very fruitful in many ways. Am enjoying every minute and feeling contented.

Oops moment

2009-09-05T14:24:00.003+08:00

It was quite funny at work the other day. Someone asked this lady who was a tad on the overweight side whether she has looked into taking some weight loss supplement to help her condition. The lady looked a bit uneasy when she was put on a spot like that but she calmly smiled and said no.

Who on earth asks such a silly and insensitive question anyway? And not in front of so many other people too, for crying out loud!

Okay I just had to get that funny story documented here...hehe. Now back to offline work...

In spring cleaning mood

2009-09-05T14:17:00.002+08:00

Lately we've been in our spring cleaning mode. It started with having to clean out my apartment because I have to make it ready for tenants to move in. We do have quite a bit of stuff stored there so it is quite a lot of work to shift them out. It's even harder work to have to find the space for all those stuff in our home! I honestly don't know how we're going to do this.

But at least we've cleared off quite a lot of things here, so we've got a bit more space to temporarily store those other stuff first.

What I do want to do is to visit the light fixture store to pick up some lighting items to fix at the apartment before letting it out. One of the lighting unit is faulty already. I have to find a hot water heater to fix in there too. Seems like quite a bit of money to spend just to have it rented out!

But I do feel good that at least it's going to be helpful in cutting down my expenses when it gets rented out. I guess I don't really mind doing the spring cleaning for it. It's also helped me to unearth a lot of my hidden gems that I'd forgotten all about all these years. Brings back some memories close to my heart.

Anyway, before the boy wakes up from his nap, I better go do a bit more spring cleaning. And see what else I can discover from the cleaning session.

My boy turns 2

2009-08-27T00:01:00.003+08:00

Today marks my little boy's 2nd birthday. I am more excited about his birthday than he is. We've been telling him the simple plans we have for his birthday and we're looking forward to celebrating his special day.

When I look back at all the glorious 2 years that have gone pass, I can't help but feel that time has so quickly passes us all by. We've been such proud parents all the way through and I've enjoyed every bit of motherhood.

At this juncture I'm always being asked when the second will come along. It's inevitable, isn't it? But since we also would like to have a companion for our now 2-year old, I guess we don't mind being asked. I guess it's just a matter of time.

If you ask me if I'm afraid to start all over, I would have to admit that I'm not fearless. I suppose that's normal too. It's every woman's nightmare to think of the morning sickness during pregnancy, the labour pain, the confinement period, sleepless nights due to night feeds and losing the post-pregnancy weight (hopefully not with the use of diet pills), the finances to support the family not to mention the well-being of the children.

It's overwhelming, needless to say. But for all the double or triple joy we get in return with each new addition in the family, I suppose it'll all be worth while.

Anyway, it's time for bed now. We're all looking forward to celebrating the day filled with love.

Not a good time to be buying cars

2009-08-19T01:32:00.002+08:00

Was talking to a friend just yesterday and he mentioned to me that some of his siblings are planning car purchases and the ones they are getting are continental cars which mean expensive maintainance. He was a bit surprised at their decision to buy brand new cars since their current cars are working just fine.

I kinda agree with him. Right now all I can think of is to pay off my car and be liability-free for as long as I can. It may be an old car but it certainly isn't an old junk and it still ferries me very well.

But I suppose different people have different priorities so we can't fault anyone for wanting a new car for a change. I know some who are planning to sell off their vehicles too. Someone want to sell off his sell motorhome because it is expensive to maintain and he finds that his family doesn't use it as often anymore due to less travel plans. Makes perfect sense to me to get rid of such a vehicle!

What about you? Staying put with what you have, selling or buying?

H1N1 fears

2009-08-14T01:11:00.001+08:00

The fear of H1N1 has just gotten very real for me. Someone in the office building is confirmed to be a victim and is currently in the hospital. We don't even know who he or she is, and don't know the condition he/she is in too.

Since we found out that there's been a positive case, a few of us are tempted to just take some time off work to be safe. It's too bad that we don't have any work from home policy where we can just lug home the laptop. So we've no choice but to go to the office everyday and subject ourselves to the risk of H1N1.

I don't like the company for not doing more to elp us be safe!

Losing weight

2009-08-12T21:57:00.001+08:00

I've been pigging out quite a bit, snacking every now and then and not really caring that I might put on some love handles. I thought I would surely put on a little even if not a lot, at the rate I've been snacking and sometimes even having late and heavy dinners. But funnily enough, I find that I'm actually losing weight!

Some of my clothes are feeling a little loose on me and I even need a belt for several of my belts! I suppose lots of mothers would like to be losing weight naturally like this while keeping up with all those meals and snacks. So I should be counting my blessings, huh? At least I don't need to spend on buying some best diet pills in an attempt to love the post pregnancy weight :)

Let his soul rest in peace

2009-07-27T22:05:00.002+08:00

Whatever happened to Teoh Beng Hock, I hope his soul rests in peace now. It's horrible what happened to him. I shudder to think of all the torture he must've been through. I'm sure he must've had all the fear in him and to have died alone in such a place, whether of his own doing or of others, it's a real pity.

What I find to be very odd is the fact that there was no autopsy report to state the cause of death. Why is that so? Isn't it very strange? So was he beaten to death or did he fall to his death? However you look at it, it's just strange, strange and strange.

I'm sure such a case wouldn't have been let off so easily in the US. There was once a case that someone was beaten up and when it was reported, plenty of Tennessee injury lawyers were on standby to help fight the case.

But who would fight the case here? I'm sure there will be those who want to put up tough fights to put whoever responsible behind bars but based on what kind of evidence when there's really none to start with?

Sad story. Nothing but a sad story.

And today, another sad death. Yasmin Ahmad. Rest in peace too, Yasmin.

I'm finally going for my facials again!

2009-07-18T23:39:00.001+08:00

It's been a very long time since I last went for a facial. My package is still there, unfinished. I don't even know how many more sessions I have but I know it's at least 3 more to go. Finally I'm able to find some time to go pamper myself and get a back massage while I'm at it too. I'm looking forward to it :)

I don't know if my beautician is going to complain about the condition of my skin. I was lectured when I first went to her because she said I wasn't taking good care of my skin, and it was very dry. But since then I have taken more care in making sure I put on enough moisturiser day and night!

But at least I don't have much of a skin problem (thank God for that). So at least I don't have to subject myself to talks of the best acne treatment or skin repair sessions of some sort. So let's see what I'm gonna get myself into in the coming week ahead. Really, really need some relaxation!

Time to look around for some medical card plans

2009-07-18T23:34:00.002+08:00

With my new plan of what I want to pursue in the very near future, I thought that it is time to start scouting around for affordable health insurance. I don't actually have a personal medical card that I purchase myself. I've always depended on the companies I worked for to provide medical cards to me.

It has suddenly dawned on me that it's something I should look into more seriously now. Even if the company provides medical benefits, they are always limited. I believe having a customised policy drawn up to meet our personal needs is getting to be more and more important, looking at what's happening around us in the recent years.

Medical plans don't come cheap though...but I believe everyone should have one. It's worth it. You don't want to be a burden to someone else should anything untoward happens, right?

My latest impulse shopping treat

2009-07-08T22:35:00.002+08:00

I wasn't planning to shop. I was hoping to save up as much as I can, as fast as I could. But one day, I accompanied a friend to a shoe store because she needed shoes. I wasn't planning on buying any but when I saw this lovely pair in just the right colour and height, I found myself reaching for them to try on.

Did I buy them in the end? Yes I did. What a weakling!

You see, women sometimes just can't say no to shoes. Somehow, people design all these pretty and appealing women shoes for a reason - to make you keep buying them although you may not need them!

But still, I blame myself for the indiscipline, no one else. Not the designer who designed the shoes, the storekeeper who said the shoes are perfect for me, and not my friend who kept nodding in approval when I tried on the shoes. It's me and just me.

Women and their impulsive shopping, it's dangerous! But you know, I somehow am enjoying that little splurge and treat for myself. It's been quite a while since I bought shoes :)

Less places to shop at

2009-06-28T23:47:00.003+08:00

The economy has gotten so bad that many retailers have closed their doors. The first of them were Woolworth in England followed by many others afterwards. Some who are still in business have also downsized and cut back on the many outlets they have everywhere.

Recently I heard another unfortunate retailer to join the bandwagon in closing shop is Circuit City. I wonder who's going to be next...

The new Nikon DSLR

2009-06-28T23:42:00.003+08:00

Just 6 months after I bought my very first DSLR camera, I read that Nikon has released the newest entry level DSLR model in the market, the Nikon D5000. I read the review and found that it's actually a little higher level than just an ordinary entry level camera.

It comes with some great features adopted from the Nikon D90. Not that I know how to use the many functions, but what I found to be great on this new model are the live view, the digital camcorders capability and the size. It is said to be a little smaller than the usual DSLRs, but the reviewer thought that small is not really that great. I would beg to differ.

Anyway, if you are looking for a good DSLR camera, do have a look at this one. It's all the good features in one and it costs around RM3,288. A little more expensive than the usual entry levels, but look at all those features packed in! It's worth it.

Farewell, Michael

2009-06-28T23:33:00.003+08:00

It is indeed sad to know that Michael Jackson is no longer with us. I'm not the biggest fan, but I do have some fond memories from some of his more meaningful songs.

The tributes that have been shown on the various TV channels are simply amazing. And I watched some too just because I know it will be a long, long time before they will be shown again. You don't see much of Leslie Cheung and Anita Mui's stuff on TV anymore, do you?

One of those tributes I caught on TV was a concert that he held. The crowd at the concert was simply incredible. To think that one man can hold up such a crowd, to be so loved...it's really amazing and something to celebrate.

The crowd was so huge that a lot of people were fainting and had to be taken out in stretches. It was quite a scary scene. I wonder if these people have any Rochester personal injury lawyer signed up before going for such a crowded concert! Not sure if they can be insured in such an event altogether.

I remember that the King of Pop came to our shores for a concert that one time. And that was the year that I left for my studies and missed the concert. I heard later that the crowd at that concert was also insane. I can't imagine what it must've been like to see Michael Jackson in person and to be wowed by his performance. I guess I will never know now.

May this most misunderstood soul rest in peace and may he finally see himself as the perfect creature that he is. Farewell, Michael. You have certainly made this place a better place for us with your wonderful music.

Enjoy the pregnancy first, worry later!

2009-06-13T13:16:00.002+08:00

Some of my colleagues at work are pregnant. I'm not very close to them but I do feel happy for them. After having gone through pregnancy and having a wonderful kid, I do understand how life changing it is and how great life is with some tiny feet pitter-pattering up and down the home.

However, before some of them are even close to their delivery dates, they are already worried about losing their pregnancy weight and have started to enquire about ways to lose weight effectively once they've given birth.

One of them was sharing with the rest to read up on some phenphedrine reviews that were said to be good. I just kept quiet.

I'm not sure that diet pills are the answer to losing pregnancy weight. For those who are breastfeeding, they should really find out the side effects of such pills before subjecting their babies to substances like that.

My boy is down with the flu

2009-06-13T12:55:00.002+08:00

No, not the swine type. Just a normal flu. He's been having fever for over a week now, sometimes on and sometimes off. We've been to the paed a couple of times and he hated each one. I don't know why but nowadays he screams bloody murder the moment we are at the paed's office! It's not like the paed hurt him or gave him any injections before, but he just doesn't like it there.

Anyway, we're very lucky to have a babysitter who's very caring and genuinely cares for his wellbeing. Not only did the couple bring him to the paed while I was at work, they also care enough to make him barley and some double boiled herbs that are said to help in the recovery of a fever.

God bless these kind souls.

The babysitter even bought some supplement that will help to improve his appetite as he was refusing food and eating a lot less than he used to. I didn't even know she did this and was about to go pick up something from the pharmacist. Isn't that just so kind of her?

She said he was getting thin and she couldn't bear to see him being flesh and bone, and wanted to beef him up. I was very happy to hear that she really cares so much. Actually, I do feel quite heart sick too to see him not being as fleshy as he was during his younger days. But maybe that's a natural progression as he grows up. Some parents have been telling me that I do not want to see him growing up being obese in adulthood and then going for pills like Anoretix to slim down.

Whilst that is of course true, I just wonder if we're doing a good job as parents to keep him more beefed up. He is growing taller which is a good sign, but just not the weight. Is this worrying? I seriously don't know.

Anyway, our focus now is to get him well and fully recovered from his flu. It isn't such a nasty one, but his running nose and cough just don't seem to go away :(