Ben's melbourne uni fren got married yesterday. It was held at Four Season's, with the most fantastic dessert I've ever had. :) It was the wedding cake, and boy was it FABULOUS!
Needless to say, we sat at table 16 - for the Melbourne University/Trinity College friends. Beside me was Claire Teo, an Associate working with MAS. She looked alot like Julia and Vaness's onscreen girlfriend in Meteor Garden. Very nice girl with regular concerns regarding marriage, children and just waiting for her partner to pop the question. Her partner looked like Kenny Bee. So strange. Next to him was Dr Ong or something, with his wife, Shirley. Strange thing was - she looked very familiar, but I still can't recall where I've seen her before. Very irritating feeling. We had an unoccupied seat which was frequently occupied by different people - there was Yining, who looked like Dorine, I think. But she also looked familiar. Then there was Daniel Heng. He lives at Jalan Hock Chye. We were trying to recall the street name - Chye something, Hock something - before the dinner. I realised it was Jalan Hock Chye. Then sudden it clicked as Ben was talking to him. Suddenly I erupted, "SYBIL HENG IS YOUR SISTER!" Hahah... I was so strange. And he went - Yah. She just delivered a couple of days ago. Sybil was my secondary school classmate. Co-netballer. And one of the last few we expected to get married. Well, she got married and is now a proud mother of a baby girl. Then there's Felix between Daniel and Ben.
Shaan flew in from Melbourne last Wednesday and put together a wedding with the help of her girlfriends. Michelle, a.k.a. Princess Lala, was her co-ordinator. She's is just simply amusing to watch. Totally kan cheong spider and gets upset really easy, she's just amusing lah.
Well, now to the story of the amazing cleavage. Told Ben I definitely had to blog about this.
I wore a black halter neck to the wedding, totally accessorised. My dress revealed a little cleavage at the start of the dinner. Midway, the cleavage was more pronounced. Finally, at the end of the dinner, I had quite a cleavage, thanks to breastfeeding. I took a risk and wore a strapless bra (Yah. that's a risk. so sad right? Risk because i may develop blocked ducts due to prolonged wearing.) So i wore wat i wore and by the time the dinner ended, Abby's food source was pretty filled and puffed up. Very strange occurence. All my life I've only encountered drooping cleavages... adjust bra before the dinner and have nice cleavage, then by the time the dinner ends, bra drops abit and cleavage also vapourises. Hahah... Think last nite's event must have gotten stares from breastmen (men who like breasts). They must be thinking - how come this cha-bor's cleavage is getting more and more as the night passes? Well, I dare you to come near and touch them. They'll explode in your face and shoot across the room. They are missiles in disguise my friend.
Well well. The joys of breastfeeding.
Tomorrow's the big day - Goodlife's second anniversary. They've got this grandparent-grandchild lookalike competition, and Eve & I - 2 ahsohs bearing Miss Singapore titles - have been helping these folks put together a show. Let's hope they have a great time tomorrow and not die of stage fright. :P
Saturday, November 27, 2004
Tuesday, November 23, 2004
Nothing much to blog about...
Days have been passing back and like those slow mo effect where the centre character just goes slowly while the world whizzes pass? Yup, that's life right now. Too many things happening, but too tired to blog. In fact, the good thing out of all these events is that I'm spending more time with God, reading the bible and pumping milk.
Yup. I'm trying to get letdowns by staring hard at the breastpump and it's accessories. Boy it's hard work.
Let downs are a good thing. For those who aren't breastfeeding, letdown is a sensation probably never felt before in your breasts/chest. Intense pins & needles? Or like some books write, "a tingling sensation"? Let downs are a good thing because 1) you know that you're burning fat as you produce breastmilk 2) the baby has something to drink when you're not around to feed her 3) it's a rare phenonmenon.
Someone teach me how to get multiple letdowns.
As you can tell, I really have nothing much to blog about. Except that I'm going MAMMA MIA with ELISE TOMORROW!!! Very honoured to be her guest. :) Thanks dear! :D And that I'm teacing in the mornings. Yes. Being back in the classroom is a good feeling. Exciting! :D
Yup. I'm trying to get letdowns by staring hard at the breastpump and it's accessories. Boy it's hard work.
Let downs are a good thing. For those who aren't breastfeeding, letdown is a sensation probably never felt before in your breasts/chest. Intense pins & needles? Or like some books write, "a tingling sensation"? Let downs are a good thing because 1) you know that you're burning fat as you produce breastmilk 2) the baby has something to drink when you're not around to feed her 3) it's a rare phenonmenon.
Someone teach me how to get multiple letdowns.
As you can tell, I really have nothing much to blog about. Except that I'm going MAMMA MIA with ELISE TOMORROW!!! Very honoured to be her guest. :) Thanks dear! :D And that I'm teacing in the mornings. Yes. Being back in the classroom is a good feeling. Exciting! :D
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Looking for this song
Come Holy Spirit
fall on me now
I need your anointing
come in your power
I love you Holy Spirit
you're captivating my soul
and everyday
I grow to love you mor
.::ChOrus::.
I'm reaching for your heart
you hold my life in your hands
drawing me closer to you
i feel your power renew
nothing compares to this place
where i can see you face to face
anoint me Lord
in spirit and in truth
fall on me now
I need your anointing
come in your power
I love you Holy Spirit
you're captivating my soul
and everyday
I grow to love you mor
.::ChOrus::.
I'm reaching for your heart
you hold my life in your hands
drawing me closer to you
i feel your power renew
nothing compares to this place
where i can see you face to face
anoint me Lord
in spirit and in truth
Hari Raya Celebration
Went to aunt michelle's place with Eve & Vic on Monday. She invited them coz she had been wanting to visit them but couldn't find the time. Also, Her heavenly culinary skills tipped the choice towards her side - that is, going to her place instead and pigging out! :D It was really mothers-at-work. Breastfeeding, feeding Mattie, changing diapers, trigger happy mummies snapping shots of the 2 princesses. But, see, there's a problem. It isn't really very advisable to use flash, so we had to have really steady hands and the subjects, i.e. babies, had to stay really still. (Yeah, right.)
When we first starting shooting, both of them were really excited! Smiles were abundant, poses were frequent and both looking at the photographer! But because there were movements, there weren't any good shots. Only when after the excitement died down could we get a decent shot of the both of them.
Well. As you can possibly tell, the excitement had died down, so they could keep still to take the shot. Sigh.
When we first starting shooting, both of them were really excited! Smiles were abundant, poses were frequent and both looking at the photographer! But because there were movements, there weren't any good shots. Only when after the excitement died down could we get a decent shot of the both of them.
Well. As you can possibly tell, the excitement had died down, so they could keep still to take the shot. Sigh.
Monday, November 15, 2004
Ex-bimbo?
The power of the media. First, the line up of the nominated MPs - and Eunice Olsen is included in the 9. Well, the government wants 'fresh blood', and her blood's in her line up. She appears amongst executive chairpeople, lecturers, and 'successful' people in 'Ex-beauty queen in new line-up of NMPs' (Nov 13, 2004 Straits Times) (have to login in to read story I think). After reading today's article in The Sunday Times first, then yesterday's, I can't help but feel that her title is a hinderance to her. In the Nov 13's line up, it goes like this:
Mr Alex Chan Meng Wah, Executive Director, MMI Holdings
Dr Geh Min, Nature society president, Environmentalist
Mr Lawrence Leow Chin Hin, Executive Chairman, Cresendas Group
Dr Loo Choon Yong, Executive Chairman, Raffles Medical Group
Ms Eunice Elizabeth Olsen, Former co-host Wheel of Fortune
Ms Ong Soh Khim, Asst Prof, Mechanical Engineering Dept, NUS
Prof Ivan Png Paak Liang, Dept of Information Systems and Dept of Business Policy, NUS
Dr Tan Sze Wee, Managing Director Rockeby Biomed Corporation Ltd
Mr Teo Yock Ngee, General Secretary Amalgamated Union of Public Employees.
She's a political science and philosophy graduate. She volunteers 'one third' of her time... hmmm... 8 hrs a day?... with trouble youth etc. She's a former title holder. And co-host on the Wheel of Fortune. And the media chooses to focus on the most newsworthy angle - the Alphabet Flipper. Hmm. Maybe it's to do with the international fame of the programme. Maybe it's got something to do with Vanna White's 5 to 6 figure dresses she wears everyday on the show. Maybe it's got nothing to do with any of these at all... but just a weak attempt by the media to hit below the belt. If the paper wasn't that regulated by the government, they'd have put 'hotel pianist' as her description under her pretty photo. This only goes to show the level of respect the newspaper has for the youth that has been chosen to represent the youth of today. As expected, the next day, the newspaper runs a full-length article on her to put her on the showcase and let everyone come to their conclusion. With such an interesting headline that says "Who says an ex-beauty queen can't be an NMP?", some may say 'yes', others may say 'no', while my relative of mine comments, "Who says she can?" with such cynicism that smarts the eyes.
Being politically correct (no pun intended), I'd say this is the time to hone her potential and demonstrate to the rest of the world what she is made of. She has to overcome the treacherous stereotype the title has cast on her. If not, the stereotype is tragically further reinforced. She's got a tough journey ahead. For her views to be heard, she's gotta do more than just offer a couple of hours to community service. (I know of a couple of youths who are doing more community service work than her.) True, not many titleholders are able to do that, but her resume needs to be way more impressive for people to pay attention to her. Being a title-holder with a pretty face and a megawatt smile is not going to do the trick. Brigette Ow (Mrs S'pore Int'l 1998), who works with Eunice, has my respect though. She lost her husband to cancer recently and set up a relatives of cancer victims support group. (But then again, I don't really know much about the support group. It could simply be a yahoogroups thingey.)
I've learnt that these portfolios are just a facade. For instance, recently I was roped in to organise a fashion show for the elderly. I further roped Eve in coz I knew this was different from the last time, which was for the elderly only. This time, it's gramps and kids. Just a couple of hours of work and we're done. But that could also be termed as community work with the elderly and children, isn't it? Not Mother Theresa material, and honestly, I don't even think it's worth mentioning in any resume.
People only see with their physical eyes, but not their hearts. All the facades blind people. That's why I HATE to talk about 1997. Only after a long time when people get to really know me, then I am less anal if they find out about my deep dark secret. If people do find out before they know me sufficiently well, surely enough, "BIMBO" will automatically be carved on my forehead - Ally McBeal style.
I was just reflecting: imagine the headline - Paradox: Ex-beauty queen awarded Valedictorian". Then they'll think - gosh, either the whole cohort hasn't been working, or more naturally, the ex-beauty queen slept with the dean! Sigh. I wonder who the real bimbos and himbos are. Just wondering, if I had gone up stage as a valedictorian and was introduced as an ex-Miss Singapore, I wonder how insulted the rest of the cohort would feel. That would illustrate how intense the stereotype of this bloody title is.
Mr Alex Chan Meng Wah, Executive Director, MMI Holdings
Dr Geh Min, Nature society president, Environmentalist
Mr Lawrence Leow Chin Hin, Executive Chairman, Cresendas Group
Dr Loo Choon Yong, Executive Chairman, Raffles Medical Group
Ms Eunice Elizabeth Olsen, Former co-host Wheel of Fortune
Ms Ong Soh Khim, Asst Prof, Mechanical Engineering Dept, NUS
Prof Ivan Png Paak Liang, Dept of Information Systems and Dept of Business Policy, NUS
Dr Tan Sze Wee, Managing Director Rockeby Biomed Corporation Ltd
Mr Teo Yock Ngee, General Secretary Amalgamated Union of Public Employees.
She's a political science and philosophy graduate. She volunteers 'one third' of her time... hmmm... 8 hrs a day?... with trouble youth etc. She's a former title holder. And co-host on the Wheel of Fortune. And the media chooses to focus on the most newsworthy angle - the Alphabet Flipper. Hmm. Maybe it's to do with the international fame of the programme. Maybe it's got something to do with Vanna White's 5 to 6 figure dresses she wears everyday on the show. Maybe it's got nothing to do with any of these at all... but just a weak attempt by the media to hit below the belt. If the paper wasn't that regulated by the government, they'd have put 'hotel pianist' as her description under her pretty photo. This only goes to show the level of respect the newspaper has for the youth that has been chosen to represent the youth of today. As expected, the next day, the newspaper runs a full-length article on her to put her on the showcase and let everyone come to their conclusion. With such an interesting headline that says "Who says an ex-beauty queen can't be an NMP?", some may say 'yes', others may say 'no', while my relative of mine comments, "Who says she can?" with such cynicism that smarts the eyes.
Being politically correct (no pun intended), I'd say this is the time to hone her potential and demonstrate to the rest of the world what she is made of. She has to overcome the treacherous stereotype the title has cast on her. If not, the stereotype is tragically further reinforced. She's got a tough journey ahead. For her views to be heard, she's gotta do more than just offer a couple of hours to community service. (I know of a couple of youths who are doing more community service work than her.) True, not many titleholders are able to do that, but her resume needs to be way more impressive for people to pay attention to her. Being a title-holder with a pretty face and a megawatt smile is not going to do the trick. Brigette Ow (Mrs S'pore Int'l 1998), who works with Eunice, has my respect though. She lost her husband to cancer recently and set up a relatives of cancer victims support group. (But then again, I don't really know much about the support group. It could simply be a yahoogroups thingey.)
I've learnt that these portfolios are just a facade. For instance, recently I was roped in to organise a fashion show for the elderly. I further roped Eve in coz I knew this was different from the last time, which was for the elderly only. This time, it's gramps and kids. Just a couple of hours of work and we're done. But that could also be termed as community work with the elderly and children, isn't it? Not Mother Theresa material, and honestly, I don't even think it's worth mentioning in any resume.
People only see with their physical eyes, but not their hearts. All the facades blind people. That's why I HATE to talk about 1997. Only after a long time when people get to really know me, then I am less anal if they find out about my deep dark secret. If people do find out before they know me sufficiently well, surely enough, "BIMBO" will automatically be carved on my forehead - Ally McBeal style.
I was just reflecting: imagine the headline - Paradox: Ex-beauty queen awarded Valedictorian". Then they'll think - gosh, either the whole cohort hasn't been working, or more naturally, the ex-beauty queen slept with the dean! Sigh. I wonder who the real bimbos and himbos are. Just wondering, if I had gone up stage as a valedictorian and was introduced as an ex-Miss Singapore, I wonder how insulted the rest of the cohort would feel. That would illustrate how intense the stereotype of this bloody title is.
Friday, November 12, 2004
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Thursday, November 11, 2004
PDFers & Em2lites
Met up with the other PDF parents today. It was a great gathering... really enjoyed the sharings and dun really feel so alone in this entire parenting discipline. Blanca mentioned that the mum must be really determined, or failure rate will be really high. I think it's quite an amazing gathering. There were 3 3-month old babies (Abigail 2nd August, Joan 14 August & Daniel 9 August), and one 11-month old Noel. And all 10 adults still managed to sit at the table to have jolly good conversations!!! The 3 babies are on a similar cycle, so all slept at & for about the same time... fed Abby at 1pm but she was really tired coz she was up from about 12, so she koed at 1.30pm in the car seat while Joan and Daniel also koed around the same time (both of them sleep on their tummies.) Joan was awake most of the time while during the 'Sleep' part of the routine, but she was left on her own. She was crying on and off but Abby just slept through... Daniel too! As for the 11month old Noel, he was with the adults coz his wake time was longer, but he sat really well in the high chair! Just as we have been advised to teach our babies - hands by the side, no struggling!
Jessica (Noel's mum), shared about how she went out with her friend with a 15mth old son who had to be entertained by many objects during feeding time and how the mum and Jessica herself couldn't eat WHEN the toddler was eating or else he'd want their food. That boy's mealtimes were also very unpredictable - lunch can range from 10am to 2pm. So Jess fed Noel in less than 15min while her friend took a long time! The friend, because she had run out of things to entertain her son, gave him her lipstick, and guess what - he opened it and stuck his finger inside and ruined it! That's 'normal' for Jessica's friend's life.
Our group also discussed about how PDF is really frowned upon by tonnes of people. It's really controversial. Type 'Gary Ezzo' and you will hardly find any good thing regarding it. However, we the 'converts' are really glad that we've been exposed to it coz we see results which are pretty unheard of. A 3month old baby that sleeps from 7pm to 7am? But we all agreed that the mummy must be really strong and be able to face up to criticisms. We also noticed that the Ezzo underlying principle is supported (usually) by SAHM (stay at home mothers) which subsequently lead to homeschooling.
Well, our instructors has just given birth to their SIXTH child. All PDF babies and their schoolage kids are being homeschooled by their mother. *kowtow* Apparently, Gary & Anne Marie Ezzo personally visited Petrina and Seng Kiat (our instructors) and are in pretty close contact with them. Hmm. The group also talked about their kids - all very well-behaved. Ben (Glen's husband) shared about how the children, when their mum comes out and claps 3 times - all put back their toys promptly. The kids all have their own temperaments, but all are very well behaved. The third one - about 5-7yo - cleans up the table after dinner. All the kids do housework! (Except those who can't walk yet.) It's an incredible household. Petrina's really a Proverbs 31 woman.
And they have no maid.
Alvin was sharing about how he once casually asked one of the kids (while he was having his dinner at their table) whether she had her dinner. She refused to answer. Cuiling (one of our course helpers with no. 3 on the way) told Petrina when the mummy walked past that her girl had ignored Alvin. Petrina then held her daughter's face very firmly and faced it towards Alvin and made her respond. Gosh. Very strict. But the children all love her. Alvin also shared that when the cell gathered to pray for Pet, all the kids went and hugged their mum. We've seen their kids... really very wholesome! Unlike the kids ben & i have seen.
Am really very encouraged after today's outing. Sometimes when what I do seems so different from the rest of the world and the world doesn't really see eye to eye with it, I can get quite discouraged. But when I gather with like-minded people, it is rejuvenating. Really look forward to such meetings in future. :)
~~~
Last nite, the em2lites went for block 85 bak chor mee after cell. It was really fun! Oh, and we saw Maia Lee. Tattoos all over. Hahah... I saw her back, didn't need to see her face to recognise her. Poor thing. Even go eat BCM also gotta dress up. Andrew and Charlotte shared their testimony of how God provided great weather for them. Roland and Chellie were going fishing this morning. Min's going Vietnam - mission trip. (But she was down today, big time! Must pray for her!) Edna was organising an outing this evening. 6 of them went. We stayed at home instead. There's wedding lunch tomorrow. Such a strange date - It's a working day for those who did not take leave.
Cell was short and sweet yesterday. Wat impacted most was Roland's sharing about the Holy Spirit. Jesus told his disciples - prior to his ascension - that they'll receive the Holy Spirit, and then go make disciples. (Acts 1:8) When Roland's feeling really down, he shares with people about Jesus. He liken it to Lupin's favourite activity - computer gaming. When Lupin is not allowed to play on the computer, he feels down. But when he's allowed, his spirit is uplifted and he is happy. Likewise, according to Acts 1:8, the Holy Spirit is given to us to empower us to make disciples for Jesus. But when we don't, we grieve the Holy Spirit, so to speak. But when He is allowed His favourite activity, He is no longer grieved, and our spirits likewise is uplifted. (Of course, when we defile our bodies, we grieve Him as well.) I appreciated what he shared. So often, we're so self-absorbed and self-centred that we fail to recognise that we are the temple of the Holy Spirit and it is He that works in us. When we swear, smoke or have unclean thoughts, it affects Him. Tall order to live a godly life, but I'm glad God is the one doing the work and I am called to obey. So whenever I'm tempted, I sense His prompting and make the choice to either obey or otherwise. Well, i'm still work in progress and I'm glad I'm so, if not i'll be dead. :) Heh. The thing I've learnt is - when I obey His prompting, the next time He prompts, He becomes 'louder' and I am more sensitive. The opposite also holds true. When I ignore His prompt, the next time, His voice gets softer until it is barely audible. Simply because our own voice overrides His. We become too self-absorbed in hearing our thoughts, our emotions, and our self-justifications. We ought to quieten our defenses and just listen to His voice. :)
Jessica (Noel's mum), shared about how she went out with her friend with a 15mth old son who had to be entertained by many objects during feeding time and how the mum and Jessica herself couldn't eat WHEN the toddler was eating or else he'd want their food. That boy's mealtimes were also very unpredictable - lunch can range from 10am to 2pm. So Jess fed Noel in less than 15min while her friend took a long time! The friend, because she had run out of things to entertain her son, gave him her lipstick, and guess what - he opened it and stuck his finger inside and ruined it! That's 'normal' for Jessica's friend's life.
Our group also discussed about how PDF is really frowned upon by tonnes of people. It's really controversial. Type 'Gary Ezzo' and you will hardly find any good thing regarding it. However, we the 'converts' are really glad that we've been exposed to it coz we see results which are pretty unheard of. A 3month old baby that sleeps from 7pm to 7am? But we all agreed that the mummy must be really strong and be able to face up to criticisms. We also noticed that the Ezzo underlying principle is supported (usually) by SAHM (stay at home mothers) which subsequently lead to homeschooling.
Well, our instructors has just given birth to their SIXTH child. All PDF babies and their schoolage kids are being homeschooled by their mother. *kowtow* Apparently, Gary & Anne Marie Ezzo personally visited Petrina and Seng Kiat (our instructors) and are in pretty close contact with them. Hmm. The group also talked about their kids - all very well-behaved. Ben (Glen's husband) shared about how the children, when their mum comes out and claps 3 times - all put back their toys promptly. The kids all have their own temperaments, but all are very well behaved. The third one - about 5-7yo - cleans up the table after dinner. All the kids do housework! (Except those who can't walk yet.) It's an incredible household. Petrina's really a Proverbs 31 woman.
And they have no maid.
Alvin was sharing about how he once casually asked one of the kids (while he was having his dinner at their table) whether she had her dinner. She refused to answer. Cuiling (one of our course helpers with no. 3 on the way) told Petrina when the mummy walked past that her girl had ignored Alvin. Petrina then held her daughter's face very firmly and faced it towards Alvin and made her respond. Gosh. Very strict. But the children all love her. Alvin also shared that when the cell gathered to pray for Pet, all the kids went and hugged their mum. We've seen their kids... really very wholesome! Unlike the kids ben & i have seen.
Am really very encouraged after today's outing. Sometimes when what I do seems so different from the rest of the world and the world doesn't really see eye to eye with it, I can get quite discouraged. But when I gather with like-minded people, it is rejuvenating. Really look forward to such meetings in future. :)
~~~
Last nite, the em2lites went for block 85 bak chor mee after cell. It was really fun! Oh, and we saw Maia Lee. Tattoos all over. Hahah... I saw her back, didn't need to see her face to recognise her. Poor thing. Even go eat BCM also gotta dress up. Andrew and Charlotte shared their testimony of how God provided great weather for them. Roland and Chellie were going fishing this morning. Min's going Vietnam - mission trip. (But she was down today, big time! Must pray for her!) Edna was organising an outing this evening. 6 of them went. We stayed at home instead. There's wedding lunch tomorrow. Such a strange date - It's a working day for those who did not take leave.
Cell was short and sweet yesterday. Wat impacted most was Roland's sharing about the Holy Spirit. Jesus told his disciples - prior to his ascension - that they'll receive the Holy Spirit, and then go make disciples. (Acts 1:8) When Roland's feeling really down, he shares with people about Jesus. He liken it to Lupin's favourite activity - computer gaming. When Lupin is not allowed to play on the computer, he feels down. But when he's allowed, his spirit is uplifted and he is happy. Likewise, according to Acts 1:8, the Holy Spirit is given to us to empower us to make disciples for Jesus. But when we don't, we grieve the Holy Spirit, so to speak. But when He is allowed His favourite activity, He is no longer grieved, and our spirits likewise is uplifted. (Of course, when we defile our bodies, we grieve Him as well.) I appreciated what he shared. So often, we're so self-absorbed and self-centred that we fail to recognise that we are the temple of the Holy Spirit and it is He that works in us. When we swear, smoke or have unclean thoughts, it affects Him. Tall order to live a godly life, but I'm glad God is the one doing the work and I am called to obey. So whenever I'm tempted, I sense His prompting and make the choice to either obey or otherwise. Well, i'm still work in progress and I'm glad I'm so, if not i'll be dead. :) Heh. The thing I've learnt is - when I obey His prompting, the next time He prompts, He becomes 'louder' and I am more sensitive. The opposite also holds true. When I ignore His prompt, the next time, His voice gets softer until it is barely audible. Simply because our own voice overrides His. We become too self-absorbed in hearing our thoughts, our emotions, and our self-justifications. We ought to quieten our defenses and just listen to His voice. :)
Monday, November 08, 2004
Amore
Wat a day. Because I had a spa appointment at Amore (got the spa package for $57!), travel arrangements had to be made to ship me out of the house. Major booboo, and my SIL got a scolding from my MIL. :( Next time, better communication, lesser assumption.
Finally, Ben sent me there. There was an erratic driver in a blue van next to us who threatened to knock down a girl, and crash into our car. Unfortunately, as I got out of the car, yet to close the passenger door, Ben reversed to avoid the van, and almost knocked me down with the open door instead. I almost died. But I didn't have any flashback of life events, so I knew my time wasn't up yet. Instead scenes of a program, "What went wrong?", flashed across my mind. It was of an elderly woman who was stopped by the police. She stopped on a descending slope and put her car in neutral instead of park. She got out of the car (releasing the foot brake in the process) and the car started rolling and dragged her down. The car ran over her shoulder. All these caught on the police tape and reeled in my head. Scary.
Went to the spa and was greeted by a stern looking supposedly savvy looking auntie with straight fringe and funky eyeglasses. She showed me to my locker, gave me my towel, robe and slippers and waited for me as I changed out from my clothes. I asked for the bin to dispose of my breastpads (yes, breastfeeding makes u leak elsewhere) and she was quite kancheong coz she thought I was menstruating, thus I would dirty the entire spa. :P And that place has only ONE bin. Irritating. After that, she asked me to take my own sweet time to take a shower, which I did. And she waited outside. Like a principal u know?
When I emerged from my shower, she showed me to the 'Steambath' which effectively is the sauna. Well, I was a li'l puzzled when i was released into the room. Was I supposed to be butt naked because it's a steambath, or like a sauna, modestly robed in a towel? I chose the latter, and took a steambath in my towel. It took a loooong time, and I was starting to wonder if they were going to get me or I was supposed to end it on my own...
They got me. Another lady, (she really resembles this actress who co-starred with Chow Yun Fatt - the actress had supernatural powers - te yi kong neng - and could pass a ring through a wall... small eyes, anyone knows who this actress is?), called for me, auntie style also, and directed me to the 'Hydrobath', which effectively is a bathtub with jets. As I descended, my mind was thinking - my SIL has this at home... :P
Spent good time with God though, and thought about a few things. :) Other than that, I waited patiently for my Aromatherapy massage. It was good... strong strokes, and no conversation. Just the way I like it :), unlike the St. Gregory's Spa experience.
After the massage, I got up and realised that my masseur was pregnant. SIX MONTHS PREGNANT. If I had notice she was pregnant, I don't think I would have enjoyed the experience at all! Instead, I would have been so worried for her climbing all over me! Gosh! I was really very impressed!
After changing, the package talk started as I drank my tea. I managed to piss the principal-looking-savvy-ah-soh-with-straight-fringe-and-funky-eyeglasses off with 'no I've no pay/no credit card/trying another company (shouldn't have said that).' She got really peeved, and I got away with $880 in my pocket, unscathed. :D
HY picked me up and I gobbled my sandwich on the way to Jazz for Beginners (or Idiots/Dummies rather) at Bugis Amore. Abit like my Jazz ballet class, but more contemporary. I enjoyed it even though my big left toe gave me problems due to my cuticle, but nevertheless I still enjoyed it tremendously. But I'll be alone, coz HY didn't really enjoy herself. :P Well, at the rate I'm going, I'm going to max out my lessons really soon! Minimum going for classes at a rate of twice per week, i think this will be the first time I'll use ALL the lessons! :D Yesh! :D
Finally, Ben sent me there. There was an erratic driver in a blue van next to us who threatened to knock down a girl, and crash into our car. Unfortunately, as I got out of the car, yet to close the passenger door, Ben reversed to avoid the van, and almost knocked me down with the open door instead. I almost died. But I didn't have any flashback of life events, so I knew my time wasn't up yet. Instead scenes of a program, "What went wrong?", flashed across my mind. It was of an elderly woman who was stopped by the police. She stopped on a descending slope and put her car in neutral instead of park. She got out of the car (releasing the foot brake in the process) and the car started rolling and dragged her down. The car ran over her shoulder. All these caught on the police tape and reeled in my head. Scary.
Went to the spa and was greeted by a stern looking supposedly savvy looking auntie with straight fringe and funky eyeglasses. She showed me to my locker, gave me my towel, robe and slippers and waited for me as I changed out from my clothes. I asked for the bin to dispose of my breastpads (yes, breastfeeding makes u leak elsewhere) and she was quite kancheong coz she thought I was menstruating, thus I would dirty the entire spa. :P And that place has only ONE bin. Irritating. After that, she asked me to take my own sweet time to take a shower, which I did. And she waited outside. Like a principal u know?
When I emerged from my shower, she showed me to the 'Steambath' which effectively is the sauna. Well, I was a li'l puzzled when i was released into the room. Was I supposed to be butt naked because it's a steambath, or like a sauna, modestly robed in a towel? I chose the latter, and took a steambath in my towel. It took a loooong time, and I was starting to wonder if they were going to get me or I was supposed to end it on my own...
They got me. Another lady, (she really resembles this actress who co-starred with Chow Yun Fatt - the actress had supernatural powers - te yi kong neng - and could pass a ring through a wall... small eyes, anyone knows who this actress is?), called for me, auntie style also, and directed me to the 'Hydrobath', which effectively is a bathtub with jets. As I descended, my mind was thinking - my SIL has this at home... :P
Spent good time with God though, and thought about a few things. :) Other than that, I waited patiently for my Aromatherapy massage. It was good... strong strokes, and no conversation. Just the way I like it :), unlike the St. Gregory's Spa experience.
After the massage, I got up and realised that my masseur was pregnant. SIX MONTHS PREGNANT. If I had notice she was pregnant, I don't think I would have enjoyed the experience at all! Instead, I would have been so worried for her climbing all over me! Gosh! I was really very impressed!
After changing, the package talk started as I drank my tea. I managed to piss the principal-looking-savvy-ah-soh-with-straight-fringe-and-funky-eyeglasses off with 'no I've no pay/no credit card/trying another company (shouldn't have said that).' She got really peeved, and I got away with $880 in my pocket, unscathed. :D
HY picked me up and I gobbled my sandwich on the way to Jazz for Beginners (or Idiots/Dummies rather) at Bugis Amore. Abit like my Jazz ballet class, but more contemporary. I enjoyed it even though my big left toe gave me problems due to my cuticle, but nevertheless I still enjoyed it tremendously. But I'll be alone, coz HY didn't really enjoy herself. :P Well, at the rate I'm going, I'm going to max out my lessons really soon! Minimum going for classes at a rate of twice per week, i think this will be the first time I'll use ALL the lessons! :D Yesh! :D
The Weekend
Abby (3mo 6days) is 7.14kg. That's 15 over pounds. That's heavy. She's only 3mths old. The pd mentioned that she'd be overweight soon if she continues to put on at that rate. Well, my objective is that she lasts more than 3hrs after each feed. She seems to like feeding alot.
Eve, Vic, Ben & I went for the Food Expo last saturday after a disappointing visit to the Grand Roxy Hotel at Marine Parade. Very disappointing. Supposed to be $17+++ per pax. Also, when I called in the afternoon, they said they were fully booked. Later when I called again to book for Sunday tea, they said we could just walk in. And after some confusion, I found out that we could walk in on Saturday evening itself! So we did. And we were truly disappointed. The spread was littleand I was thinking, if 3 of us ate, the $50 we would spend would get us ALOT OF good chocolate and Famous Amos elsewhere!!! So we politely declined and headed for the Singapore Expo where delicious food awaited us. Abby was at home asleep with granny while Vic was with us. Abby slept the whole time when we were out! From 6plus all the way to about 11! Granny's room must have been a nice place to snooze... :)
Randy came back from Tekong and is eagerly awaiting upgrading to a higher Pes status. He is bored stiff and was so close to tears because he could do the stuff the other fit guys were doing. He realises that he's been taking shit advice from people with less than positive attitudes and love to slack... hahah... am glad my bro wants to give his best. Mum & I are prepared also, and support him all the way. :)
Gave Ben a notebook... I love the cover!
"Nothing is more beautiful than the love that has weathered the storms of life."
-Jerome K Jerome
Eve, Vic, Ben & I went for the Food Expo last saturday after a disappointing visit to the Grand Roxy Hotel at Marine Parade. Very disappointing. Supposed to be $17+++ per pax. Also, when I called in the afternoon, they said they were fully booked. Later when I called again to book for Sunday tea, they said we could just walk in. And after some confusion, I found out that we could walk in on Saturday evening itself! So we did. And we were truly disappointed. The spread was littleand I was thinking, if 3 of us ate, the $50 we would spend would get us ALOT OF good chocolate and Famous Amos elsewhere!!! So we politely declined and headed for the Singapore Expo where delicious food awaited us. Abby was at home asleep with granny while Vic was with us. Abby slept the whole time when we were out! From 6plus all the way to about 11! Granny's room must have been a nice place to snooze... :)
Randy came back from Tekong and is eagerly awaiting upgrading to a higher Pes status. He is bored stiff and was so close to tears because he could do the stuff the other fit guys were doing. He realises that he's been taking shit advice from people with less than positive attitudes and love to slack... hahah... am glad my bro wants to give his best. Mum & I are prepared also, and support him all the way. :)
Gave Ben a notebook... I love the cover!
"Nothing is more beautiful than the love that has weathered the storms of life."
-Jerome K Jerome
Friday, November 05, 2004
Last nite...
Ben's finally back from reservist! Yes! Many great things happened during this reservist - his safety, talking on the phone in the wee hours of the morning like silly teenagers in love and then refusing to put down the phone, rain (becoz of that, the exercise was called off and he could go back camp to charge his phone!!), my productivity boost (yeah! I'm back in business! No longer an ultra sluggish cow... heheh) and a renewed relationship! :D All that constant praying does wonders for the relationship I must say... each time I looked out the window and saw the heavy grey clouds, I would really pray for his safety, and also pray that there'll not be any freak lightnings in open ground. (My bro almost got hit once!)
Didn't watch Singapore Idol last nite, went out for dinner with Ben and Abby instead at Jack's Place. Ben was extremely disappointed with their level of professionalism and service. We were seated next to a serving station in a corner (thought we'd haf some privacy so I could nurse whenever) but to our disappointment, the auntie waitresses and manager was gossiping, talking pretty loudly, slamming drawers and making sure their cutlery clunked the loudest WHILE ABBY WAS ASLEEP. So after a very loud CLUNK, Abby woke up and we stared at the waitress. She came over and COOED at Abby, asking, "Oh, she woke up alredi uh? So cute hor, sleep how long alredi? Blah, blah, blah..." while we told her a couple of times it was SHE who woke the baby up, and that the baby was supposed to be ASLEEP. Gosh. Some people are just real dense. And we weren't smiling.
As for their gossiping, a non-Chinese manager had to come over, look them straight in the eye and say "Eh, no gossiping." The Chinese Gossiping Manager laughed, and the other Chinese Gossiping Waitress was like, "HARRH? What he say uh?" "No gossiping." "Gossiping? *Gibberish* *Gibberish* *Gibberish*" (In some Taiwanese/Chinese dialect.) It was indeed Jack's MisPlace and more of Jack's Taiwanese Restaurant.
I had venison medellion and some scallop thingey which looked suspiciously like mussels on scallop shell... well, I've seen scallops in their 'original packaging' before when I was in Australia, and last nite's dinner didn't resemble scallop one bit. :S Oh well...
So the feedback time came. We were pretty upset by the whole dining experience (they handled the billing badly too...) that we gave our feedback. While Ben was writing on the Comment Card, the Chinese Gossiping Manager tried to make amends but sarkaring* Ben. Well, For the comments section, he was pretty objective about it. I shan't comment about his comment any further. Hm.
Should've just gotten take-away and go home watch SI instead. :P Abby would've gotten better rest. Well, we kicked the dust off the sandals of our feet and vowed never to return to that outlet.
*Sarkaring means bootlicking
Didn't watch Singapore Idol last nite, went out for dinner with Ben and Abby instead at Jack's Place. Ben was extremely disappointed with their level of professionalism and service. We were seated next to a serving station in a corner (thought we'd haf some privacy so I could nurse whenever) but to our disappointment, the auntie waitresses and manager was gossiping, talking pretty loudly, slamming drawers and making sure their cutlery clunked the loudest WHILE ABBY WAS ASLEEP. So after a very loud CLUNK, Abby woke up and we stared at the waitress. She came over and COOED at Abby, asking, "Oh, she woke up alredi uh? So cute hor, sleep how long alredi? Blah, blah, blah..." while we told her a couple of times it was SHE who woke the baby up, and that the baby was supposed to be ASLEEP. Gosh. Some people are just real dense. And we weren't smiling.
As for their gossiping, a non-Chinese manager had to come over, look them straight in the eye and say "Eh, no gossiping." The Chinese Gossiping Manager laughed, and the other Chinese Gossiping Waitress was like, "HARRH? What he say uh?" "No gossiping." "Gossiping? *Gibberish* *Gibberish* *Gibberish*" (In some Taiwanese/Chinese dialect.) It was indeed Jack's MisPlace and more of Jack's Taiwanese Restaurant.
I had venison medellion and some scallop thingey which looked suspiciously like mussels on scallop shell... well, I've seen scallops in their 'original packaging' before when I was in Australia, and last nite's dinner didn't resemble scallop one bit. :S Oh well...
So the feedback time came. We were pretty upset by the whole dining experience (they handled the billing badly too...) that we gave our feedback. While Ben was writing on the Comment Card, the Chinese Gossiping Manager tried to make amends but sarkaring* Ben. Well, For the comments section, he was pretty objective about it. I shan't comment about his comment any further. Hm.
Should've just gotten take-away and go home watch SI instead. :P Abby would've gotten better rest. Well, we kicked the dust off the sandals of our feet and vowed never to return to that outlet.
*Sarkaring means bootlicking
Psalm 23 (For the Work Place)
The Lord is my real boss, and I shall not want.
He gives me peace, when chaos is all around me.
He gently reminds me to pray and do all things without murmuring and complaining.
He reminds me that HE is my source and not my job.
He restores my sanity everyday and guides my decisions that I might honor him in all that I do.
Even though I face absurd amounts of e-mails, system crashes, unrealistic deadlines, budget cutbacks, gossiping co-workers, discriminating supervisors and an aging body that doesn't cooperate every morning, I still will not stop------ for He is with me!
His presence, His peace, and His power will see me through.
He raises me up, even when they fail to promote me.
He claims me as His own, even when the company threatens to let me go.
His faithfulness and love is better than any bonus check.
His retirement plan beats every 401k there is!
When it's all said and done, I'll be working for Him a whole lot longer and for that,
I BLESS HIS NAME!
He gives me peace, when chaos is all around me.
He gently reminds me to pray and do all things without murmuring and complaining.
He reminds me that HE is my source and not my job.
He restores my sanity everyday and guides my decisions that I might honor him in all that I do.
Even though I face absurd amounts of e-mails, system crashes, unrealistic deadlines, budget cutbacks, gossiping co-workers, discriminating supervisors and an aging body that doesn't cooperate every morning, I still will not stop------ for He is with me!
His presence, His peace, and His power will see me through.
He raises me up, even when they fail to promote me.
He claims me as His own, even when the company threatens to let me go.
His faithfulness and love is better than any bonus check.
His retirement plan beats every 401k there is!
When it's all said and done, I'll be working for Him a whole lot longer and for that,
I BLESS HIS NAME!
Thursday, November 04, 2004
Quote of the Day
An alarm clock is a device for awakening people who don't have small children (or babies).
How true. :)
How true. :)
Tuesday, November 02, 2004
20 Questions to a Better Relationship
eXpressive: 6/10
Practical: 7/10
Physical: 2/10
Giver: 4/10
You are a XPIT--Expressive Practical Intellectual Taker. This makes you a Manager.
You are cool, thoughtful and intelligent. Your approach and your sense of humor are under-the-radar, your charm is undeniable. You keep everything under control. You have distinctive vocal mannerisms. You may not have much interest in approaching strangers, but when you do, you are successful.
You will probably end up with someone beautiful, fascinating and off-balance. While your partner may steal the limelight, it's you that keeps things running smoothly and provides stability in your relationship. If you are with someone as contemplative and hard-headed as you, you can have a tough time.
Your greatest asset is that you tackle conflict as it rises -- you don't ignore it and let it brew. If you have a partner that *does* let it brew, it will make you crazy! You can find yourself fighting for two -- trying to anticipate your partner's needs and draw their feelings out -- which is exhausting and, well, not your job.
You would never cheat. You would make an excellent spouse. When your spouse's friends met you, they would think, "Crap, why couldn't I get that one?"
Of the 146000 people who have taken this quiz, 6.2 % are this type.
Practical: 7/10
Physical: 2/10
Giver: 4/10
You are a XPIT--Expressive Practical Intellectual Taker. This makes you a Manager.
You are cool, thoughtful and intelligent. Your approach and your sense of humor are under-the-radar, your charm is undeniable. You keep everything under control. You have distinctive vocal mannerisms. You may not have much interest in approaching strangers, but when you do, you are successful.
You will probably end up with someone beautiful, fascinating and off-balance. While your partner may steal the limelight, it's you that keeps things running smoothly and provides stability in your relationship. If you are with someone as contemplative and hard-headed as you, you can have a tough time.
Your greatest asset is that you tackle conflict as it rises -- you don't ignore it and let it brew. If you have a partner that *does* let it brew, it will make you crazy! You can find yourself fighting for two -- trying to anticipate your partner's needs and draw their feelings out -- which is exhausting and, well, not your job.
You would never cheat. You would make an excellent spouse. When your spouse's friends met you, they would think, "Crap, why couldn't I get that one?"
Of the 146000 people who have taken this quiz, 6.2 % are this type.
Abby's 3mths old today
She's alredi 3 mths old! Vic's licking fingers, while Abby loves to slurp on her wrist! She looks like she's eating a drumstick! Well, our chicken drumstick girl posed for this photo to show daddy that she's wearing what he bought in JKT. :)
Today we had our usual routine - drop Lina at mum's place, go Breakthru for foot massage with Choo E2 and Ryan, go grab lunch, go E2's house makan and feed Abby, fall asleep there, then go mum's place for dinner. Except tat Benji wasn't around. :'( Missed his call!! Argh. But he knew I'd feel rather bang, so he massaged me saying that he'll call later. :)
Abby got pretty traumatised today though. Her cousin Ryan patted her. Usually it isn't that traumatising, but when she's patted ON THE FACE, well, it's a different matter all together. So she wailed. And wailed. My poor baby. My aunt picked her up after that. The massage was finishing, so I thought let the fella finish first then I go pick her up. Then she cried and cried. And then she calmed down considerably. When my massage finished, I took over from my aunt and Abby complained to me!! She started crying again. And went on for quite awhile! But after that, she fell asleep in my arms. Happy that her mummy knows the trauma she just went through.
Well, I'm not supposed to be online too much coz I'm not very productive elsewhere as I spend most of my time reading online stuff. I need to be more selective now, and read material that is uplifting. :) If not, everyone's moods get affected. It's not fair to the people around me. :)
Mmm. Marshmallows in hot milo is delicious. :D
Well, I need to backup the material I've written online esp regarding Abby and present it to her when she's older. This mummy wants to keep a journal for her, but I prefer typing than writing. Terrible hor? :P
Today, she vocalised some words, amongst her Ahhhs! and smilely sighs. When my mum was asking me if I wanted to stay overnight at her place or go home, at that point, Abby let out a very loud "Doh Wan!" Mummy n i just stared at each other and laughed! We were so astonished! Later I asked mum if she could ask Lina if she wanted to attend our church's Bahasa service, then mum commented that Lina's reading of the bible is better than some of her students in Sawang, Indonesia. She later said that their standard is similar to her reading the Bahasa bible -then she asked a rhetorical question - ni shou hao bu hao? - (u say good or not?) and at that point, Abby let out a "HAO!"
Wah.
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