Nightly post

Both hubby and little gal have just tugged sleepily in their respective beds. I will call it a night too myself after this post. Yawn! It was a tiring day at work with nothing less but excitement. The time passed pretty fast today too. I couldn't believe it when it was time to go home at 5pm.

After 2 days of craving for nasi lemak, I managed to got a pack this morning. *laugh* I have gone to the same place 2 days in a row. Much to my disappointment the nasi lemak is not ready for sale yet. I wonder why they are slow as no such problem in the past. It opens at 730am daily and in the past, I reach there around that time and the nasi lemak is freshly packed and out from the kitchen for sales.

Alas! Not wanting to disappoint my colleagues (as I promised them yesterday and today), I drove to another place for nasi lemak. Thank god, the stall opens as yesterday it wasn’t. If cant get from our favourite place, this nasi lemak will do for our craving. Like a friend said “just when you want it, there is nothing for you, but when you don’t want it, it is plentiful” *wink*

Keep blackheads at bay

My face used to be very oily. Friends used to tease me that my face was so oily that I can use the oil to fry an egg. *laugh* I would not hesitate to buy and experiment with any skincare products over-the-counter in departmental stores and even consulted doctor on my problem.

Unfortunately my skin condition did not improve and pores were quite visible from near distance. Nothing cured the occasional “eruption of volcanoes” and get rid of the blackheads. Fortunately few years ago, a friend introduced me to a reputable skincare brand that fit my skin condition. Thank god, everything turns out right. Now my skin complexion is better and blackheads are much at reducing rate. Make up is easier to apply too.

Oily face produces more oil than other skin type, making them prone to breakout and blackheads. I have learnt that forceful squeezing will not get rid of the blackheads and prevent new one from occurring, so the best way to deal with them effectively is to deal with the source of the problem:

(Following tips are taken from Shape magazine, July 2008)

Squeezing and pinching skin with nails or pressing too hard can make things worse
Squeezing and pinching may lead to more infection, or permanent scarring. Try not to touch your skin. To get rid of the blackheads, why not head to the dermatologists or skincare professional?

If you are using makeup, be sure to use formulas that are non-comedogenic and oil free so they wouldn’t block your pores
Always remove your makeup at the end of the day and do not sleep with your make up on. Keep all makeup brushes and sponges clean. If can, dispose used sponges every month to avoid bacteria from accumulate on the sponges. Cleansing tip: Wash your tools with a mild shampoo once a month and let them dry completely before using them again.

Avoid scrubbing with harsh abrasives
Irritating your skin with harsh chemicals can cause inflammation and further damage

Smoking dries out the body both internally and externally
Even if you are recipient of second-hand smoke, it can still cause dehydration

Ask your dermatologist about Retin-A
It is a derivative of Vitamin A. It increases cell turnover and can help prevent clogging and subsequently, blackheads and acne

Consider using salicylic acid, a gentle, organic acid, to exfoliate your skin
It removes dead skin cells on your skin surface and subsequently makes blackheads easier to remove

Movies catching up to do

There are so many summer movies around the cinema now that I can't hardly decide which one to watch. Usually hubby and myself will choose the better rating movies to watch in cinema. Usually those sci-fiction movies with impressive sound effects. Romance movies we will buy DVDs instead. *wink*

I got preview from friends that X-Files movie not so good, but I have yet to watch it. As a die-hard X-Philes, I shall grab a DVD and judge for myself. For now, I am keen to watch some of the available and up-coming movies, such as this Wall-E movies. I think my little gal will enjoy it in cinema.

Oh yeah! The mummy movie returns with Brendan Fraser fighting against the resurrected Chinese emperor. I cant wait to watch this movie as my favourite actors (Jet Li, Michelle Yeoh) are in there!!

An avid fan of Abba, it would be interesting to catch Mamma Mia The Movie starring the handsome Pierce Brosnan (former 007 agent). Never know that he can sing.....hmm

Pictures courtesy of Yahoo!

Beware of Coxsackie

Lately I have been hearing news on children around Kuching with suspected case of contracting Coxsackie virus. I am wondering why the affected nurseries did not close down to prevent further children from getting the diseases as it is infectious. Younger children are receptive to the disease as their immunity is not that properly develop compared to older children and adult.

If you remember, last year there were cases of children death resulted from Coxsackie virus in Sarawak. Some nurseries and schools have to be closed down and total disinfection of the area was conducted.

Coxsackie virus symptoms are similar to hand, foot and mouth diseases. Children will have fever and rashes on the skin. So do not treat it lightly when your children suddenly lose appetite, no energy to play, have mild fever or have HFM symptoms. Bring them immediately to clinic or hospital for check up.

There is still no effective vaccination for the disease yet, but practises proper hygiene is the best weapon against it. Wash your and your children’ hands with disinfectant. Do not bring your children to crowded areas such as shopping malls and playgrounds to minimize chances of contracting the diseases.

Kenapa Serius Sangat?

Didi, thanks for passing me this long tag. It is also your first for passing me one! :) Hahaha! One glance I thought I couldnt possibly finish them all tonight, but luckily it only take me about 15 minutes to sum up all the answers. Don't tell me, am I too serious or what? But I can tell you my answers are nothing but the truth!

1. Where is your cell phone? In my bedroom. I am next room.

2. Your significant other? Hubby? He is still in his office

3. Your hair? Black by nature, a little light brown highlight

4. Your mother? She should be at home right now

5. Your father? Hhmmm, he should already have dinner by now...

6. Your favorite thing? Food, what else

7. Your dream last night? I can’t remember what I dream about. Or did I have a dream at all last night??

8 Your favorite drink? Fruit smoothies

9. Your dream/goal? Financially secure and free from worries.

10. The room you’re in? My sis-in-law’s room

11. Your hobby? Reading, aerobic, sleeping

12. Your fear? Lizard

13. Where do you want to be in 6 year? Sure hope not in Kuching by then

14. What you’re not? A famous writer

15. Muffins? Banana muffins and blackberry muffins

16. One of your wish list items? Hit a jack pot

17. Where you grew up? Kuching ...

18. The last thing you did? Finish my dinner

19. What are you wearing? Office wear (skirt and blouse)

20. Favorite gadget? Handphone

21. Your pets? Don’t have any at the moment

22. Your computer? In my bedroom. Acer brand

23. Your mood? Happy and busy at the same time (try to finish this long tag)

24. Missing someone? Hubby. Wonder what time he is coming back tonight

25. Your car? Toyota Corolla

26. Something you’re not wearing? Earrings

27. Favourite store? Shoes outlet

28. Like someone? Everyone.

29. Your favorite color? I like torquoise

30. When is the last time you laughed? In the office this afternoon when sharing a gossip with colleagues

31. Last time you cried? Hmm, I cant remember. Maybe last week??

Okay now it is time for you to judge my answers...... :)

Passing to anyone that is serious (or not) to try it.

Would you do it if you have to take a jump?

There was this incident happened last year in Kapit when we went back for Christmas. There was one fine afternoon after me and little gal woke up from our afternoon nap.

We slept in the master bedroom on upper floor with a front balcony. You know old houses with spacious balcony where you can dry your laundry there. After woke up from my nap (3pm something), I went to retrieve those dry laundry at the balcony. Suddenly there was a “bang!” Oh god! My own daughter locked me out. The door lock was not in good condition and I totally forget to put a door stopper to prevent it from closing.

So, there I was, standing in short pant and t-shirt under a hot sun. I was shouting and banging the door, hoping that my FIL that sleeping in the living room downstair would hear me. The whole banging last 15 minutes but it felt like ages with me standing, shouting and banging. The problem was no one heard me, as no residents around during that time.

I even consider jumping from the balcony after attempt to attract my FIL’s attention was futile. I did climb out from the balcony but with no shoes on, the roof was very hot for my feet. And when I looked down, it was pretty high and if I jump, I will landed on the hard tiles of the car pouch. If I used the water spout to go down, I was worry about the condition of the spout as it may not hold my weight. It does look like it can break easily. So there again, few minutes passed by with my feet hanging out from the balcony, deciding whether to take the leap or not. I know that if I jump I will hurt or sprain myself but if I did not jump, I don’t know how long I will be there. There were times when I near to tears but I told myself to think of a way to get down instead.

Then, suddenly a neighbour rode in bike passed by. I shouted for his assistance. Luckily there was a ladder in front of the house so he held it to let me down. Of course while climbing down from the roof and down the ladder, I got few scratches but it was a real solace to find someone passing by during that hour. And the funny thing is that, before I knock at the front door, my FIL suddenly opened the door and said “How come you were outside?” I guess he has heard some noise in front of the house by then. Geez! He heard my shouting and banging but thought it was next-door neighbour’s children. So much for his assumption. Pity me for standing outside for so long.

And guess what? When I reached upstair, my little gal was standing on the sofa, peeping through the window looking for me! She did not make any noise or cry, otherwise my FIL or myself would hear her. I was completely overwhelmed with anger and relief. I cannot be angry with her anymore because at the same time, I was happy to see her safe and I was safe too.

That was my true experience. When think of it again, it was pretty funny. How did it happen, and how I climb down from a ladder that hardly tall enough for me to climb down. I never tell anyone else. I totally had forgotten all about it when back to Kuching. Just suddenly came to my mind today while I was chatting with my colleagues on our children progress.

I learnt a lesson too. Never take your children lightly. They may be smart, listening to your instruction but they are unable to differentiate when it is time to listen and when it is not. My little gal always has the habit of closing the door. I instructed her at home so she got very used to close the door when we are out from the bedroom. She did not know the consequences of shutting her mother out in the balcony that fine afternoon as she just get used to close the door then. So, I do not blame her because she simply does not know what is right and what is not.

She keeps them

It is a good thing that I taught my little gal to save money once she knows what coin is. Now every time she saw any coins on the floor or table in the house, she will pick them up and run directly to her room to insert them into her coin box. Now her coin box (EON Bank’s red car) is so full that it is getting heavier. I haven’t got time to take out the coins and change them accordingly.

When ever she visits her aunty in her room, she will search around for any loose change. Her aunty has the habit of keeping her coins in her drawer, so little gal will know where to search for them. Daddy is always full of coins at the end of the day, so she asks from her daddy once he comes back. Once she got the coin, she will keep them in her coin box. Sometimes she will show me and say “Money! Buy sweets!” Don’t ask me why she asks for sweets because I nor her dad bought any sweets for her before. I guess she know that with coins she can buy sweets only, not other stuff. *wink*

She understands the value of money. She knows money is needed to buy things. We ask her does she has money to shop, she will say “No money” while shrugging her shoulders. Then she will start giving excuses to go shopping such as go buy milk, go buy shoes as shoes are spoil, or go buy diapers. Any excuses will do as long as they can make us bring her shopping.

There were one occasion when my parents brought her shopping for new shoes as she keeps complaining to her grandparents that her shoes spoil (actually just the front part of her shoes taken off, only need to glue back). Instead of going to shoes section, she dragged them to the toys section and chosen a diver’s equipment. Her grandpa insisted that she still small and don’t know how to dive, but little gal just shrug off and told her grandpa “Pay money, over there” and pointed to the counter. Oh boy! Kids nowadays are very clever. Not easy to fool them.

Sleeping beauty

Sleep does not always come easy when you are stressed out. You would be turning and tossing in your sleep, worrying about your impending tasks or stressing out on your unpaid bills. Lack of sleep will lead to insomnia which in turn you will suffer from delayed sleep, a disturbance of body clock.

Get back your sleep by following the tips below:

Avoid caffeine intake
Cut down on caffeine or nicotine before bedtime, as they are found to interfere your sleeping pattern. They are powerful stimulant and unless you want to be awake the whole night, you should avoid taking them in the evening

Exercise regularly
Exercises are good for your health and promote sleep too. Try yoga or meditation.

Watch your alcohol
Some people enjoy a nightcap before bed. Alcohol’s initial effect is relaxation but when its effects wear off after a few hours, you will experience awakenings during the night. So avoid alcohol intake if you don’t want to be disturbed in the second half of the night

Don’t stay in bed if you cant sleep
If you don’t fall asleep within 15 minutes of going to bed, get up and do something relaxing until you feel sleepy again. Read a book, watch television and listen to soothing music. Do not do anything stimulating, like eating.

Reserve bed for sleep

Do not do work while in bed. By having laptop in bed, the bed will become a place for activities other than sleep and the link between bed and sleep is further weakened. The one exception to the “do nothing in bed except sleep” rule is having sex – its physical and psychological satisfaction can benefit sleep

Tag from my friend

Thanks Hilda for this interesting tagging. Been a while since I done the last tagging, so I am getting a bit rusty here. :) Well, here it goes:

1. When you buy a greetings card, are the words or the picture more important to you?
Actually both. But I would look at the picture first.

2. What's your favorite kind of cake?
Rich American Chocolate Cake!!! Fattening….

3. Do you ever make gifts for people, if so what, or do you buy them?
Yes, mostly personal items like perfume, cosmetic products, wallets etc

4. What's your favorite holiday?
Like Hilda, I love beaches and sightseeing too!!

5. Are you going on holiday this year?
Yes, we are actually planning to go to Thailand end of this year. I hope it comes true……

6. What was the best party you've ever been to?
My post-wedding party! Karaoke session till 1am in the morning

7. If you are married, describe your wedding. If not, what would your ideal wedding be like?
Our wedding is in a grand hotel, with a romantic song ushering us into the wedding hall.

8. What's the most romantic thing that's ever happened to you?
A candlelight dinner on our 2nd date with pianist playing next to our table…..oooohhh

9. What's your favorite girls' name?
Megan, Jane and Catherine

10. What's your favorite boys' name?
Eddison, and Nicholas

11. Which celebrity would you like a dream date with?
Brad Pitt definitely!

12. Which female celebrity do you find beautiful? Angelina Jolie or Jennifer Aniston?
Angelina Jolie

13. Which male celebrity do you think is attractive?
Brad Pitt

14. What is your best character trait?
Romantic and likeable

15. What is your worst habit?
Impatient

I would like to pass to tag to my friends, Jen, Didi, Hye and Agnes.

Green rice?

Have you eaten nasi lemak in green colouring before?

I bought this pack of nasi lemak from Bread & Pastry this morning for breakfast. Guess what? Price also increase and portion shrink. RM2.10 per pack, but as today is a 10% promotion, it discounted to RM1.90.

It has been long since I tasted Bread & Pastry’s nasi lemak, so this morning is one of those day when I feel like eating one although my throat still not fully recovered. I don’t care, just want to satisfy my nasi lemak crave. Just a little surprise to see my rice in green colour when opened up the pack this morning.

Those bags aren't just bags

A woman is never having enough of one thing. The thing I am talking about here is clothing. A woman’s wardrobe is always full of clothes. Clothes can be categorized into casual wear, office wear, dinner wear and those you wear at home. And they further categorized into blouses, spaghetti, long pants, short pants, skirts, dresses etc. With so many categories, I believe every woman have never have enough wardrobe to keep all those stuff and they can never have enough of clothes!! Am I right?

Besides clothes, we also love to buy accessories that go with them, such as costume accessories, bags, belts, footwear, hair accessories and shawls. I would not go into details of other accessories but I am keen to talk more about bags.

Just the other day, my hubby was commenting on my handbags. He has grown tired of complaining about my wardrobe. Yeah, it is overloaded with clothing. Some time when I open up my wardrobe, some clothing or bags will fall from the top compartment onto my head. *laugh* Yes, that is how cramp my wardrobe is. Some of my clothing I have kept in boxes since not enough space for all of them. Now hubby is targeting my handbags!!

I have thrown few out in the past since I don’t use them much and some are spoiled (after been kept too long in the closet). Hubby commented why I need to have so many bags. Why cannot use one bag and when spoil, go buy a new one? Want to know my answer? My answer (universal answer of every woman) is because I need this bag for this clothing and that bag for this clothing. Certain occasion requires certain bag!! A beach bag when you go to the beach. That bag when you going out with your children. Stylish clutch when you have a dinner. Executive bag when you go to a formal meeting. I think hubby almost chokes at my answer but I don’t care. For him, bags are just bags, but for me, they aren’t just bags. They are accessories, every woman’s companion. With matching bag and outfit, a woman is all set to go.

I don’t fancy any particular brands but I mostly collect F. Timber brand. Nothing fancy as I think practical is important. As long as the bag looks nice, why need to get an expensive and branded one. With so many imitations around, we cannot differentiate which is real or fake unless you look closely on the details to see the difference.

Now I only left with 8 bags in my closet. How many bags do you own??

Funny calls

Some people either too secretive or just don't have any phone courtesy. Once a while, I will received calls from people calling up and ask who call them. Conversation as follow:

Me : Hello?
XX : Who call me (without even saying “hello”. Where is their manner??)
Me : Sorry, who are you?
XX : Someone call me, my number is 01x-xxx xxxx. I got this number on my handphone screen.
Me : Sorry, I didn’t call you, but who is this?
XX : Where is this place?

Me : This is XX company. Can I have your name so I can check who call you?

XX : Never mind. (hang up)

So you see, some people just don’t want to leave their name and phone number and how in the world should I know who calling them?? Sometimes it is funny but most of the times, you just don’t have the patience to entertain such people. You encounter any before?? Those long-winded conversation that going on and on and the other side of the phone keep talking and did not bother to leave their name and contact?

Me at the 30 milestone

I was visited Hye’s blog the other day, it has been a while since my last visit. Sorry my friend for been busy and not dropping by as often as I like. I read one particular post of hers, on what goals she setting when she reaches 30. Very interesting, you guys should go and check it out yourself.

When I read the title, it comes to my mind that I have passed the 30 mark and going to turn 31 soon. Oh no! I cannot believe that I am going to be 31 and I were thinking to myself what I have achieve so far in my life.

Well, firstly I got myself married and have baby. Now my baby is 2 years old plus. I and hubby bought a house last year before we reach our 30s. We are proud to say that we are an owner of a house although the house is not ready to move in. *wink* What is next??

Yes, I am changing my job at the age of 30 (mind you, I am still in 30 bracket, heheheh). If you remember, one of my new year resolutions is to change job. Another resolution is to stay healthy. Well, I have been sick on and off through the past 6 months, so that part of the resolution still not fulfilled well. Some more there has been some changes in my aerobic classes schedule which I can’t follow through. As for healthy cooking, I am still improving on my skills. And look like hubby has been competing with me in the kitchen so I don’t get much chance of cooking for the family. He is hooked to AFC (Asian Food Channel) lately and has been trying his hands on those cooking he saw in tv.

Alright, I am getting long winded. Must be the age 30 syndrome! *laugh* Hubby has been complaining of my “lo so” and nagging lately. I am like an old lady, don't act like a 30 years old lady, he said. *wink* Now what does that mean huh?

A little move

I have decided to take up a new job offer. It is a totally different career path for me as it involves different skills and nothing that I have done before. A totally new working environment and learning curve for me.

I am glad that I have the support of my family and friends as it makes my decision-making easier. One part of me is very sad and reluctant, but the other part of me telling me that I need to get on, acquire new skills and different appeals somewhere. It is never easy to leave the company and colleagues that I have been accustomed to; they are like my second home and family.

My first job since I graduated from college many years ago. Throughout my tenure with the company, I have learnt many things and met great people. I find comfort from my colleagues and share both professional and personal advices with them. So you see it is kind of sad to leave my colleagues (now considered my best friends) behind in pursue of a different career. Beside that, I hate to leave my colleagues behind at such impending moment with many projects on one’s hands. I am going to miss them; they have been very supportive throughout those years and great to work with. *sob sob*

For the remaining weeks, I will hand down my duties and updates to my fellow colleagues. So I am slowly passing down my works. Meantime, my new company requires me to go through a thorough medical check up as part of new staff requirement. Since I have been thinking of doing a medical check up in the past, it is a good opportunity for me to get down to it. Now I am hoping that I will pass the test. *wink*

Working mothers in office

Weekend is approaching. Don’t you look forward to it after 5 days of working? As a working mother, I am definitely looking forward to Saturday and Sunday where I can spend times with my family and relax at home.

Office may not be in your mind now but I would like to share with you here on some office rules involving working mothers.

In any offices, you will find this underlying divide – mothers versus non-mothers. Unless you have understanding colleagues, many non-mothers may think that mothers usually can get away with many excuses and get extra perks. It may seem unfair as they chose to be mother, non-mothers think. On the other hand, working mothers will resent feelings or comments of non-mothers, as they like non-mothers, work hard for the company too. The only difference is that they have children and priority differs from non-mothers.

If you are a working mother, you are probably working because you need the income or because you enjoy your career. So your job is important either way. It is already tough working 8 to 5, then coming home to start your second shift. After dinner, homework and bedtime, there is no time for you. It is understandable for you to feel sorry for yourself. After all, you have it much harder than the non-mothers. They can go to movies, go shopping and return to work each day refreshed. So how do you rejuvenate yourself and do not feel sorry for yourself??

First, be positive. You should set example for your children. Always prioritize your tasks each day; work to plan. You can get help from your spouse in certain tasks at home.

Secondly, plan some day off and do the things you want to do. Hook with other mothers, go for a date and do something you enjoy. Recharge your battery, as you need it for your double job.

Thirdly, avoid office resentment. Be professional and understanding. Be part of the working family; involve in office activities and treat other equally. Share your stories about children and parenthood, and listen to non-mothers’ stories. It is good to have friends than enemies in office as you are part of a big family and you would be seeing others most of the time. It would not be beneficial to anyone and company if you make enemies with anyone.

Food for the soul

When you are not feeling well and lose your appetite, the food that crosses your mind is definitely porridge. I don’t know about you but I never like to take porridge. When I was small, I tried to avoid porridge as much as I can. The most I would take a very small portion just to please my mum.

Mum will cook plain white porridge with many condiments such as salted fish, salted egg, preserved fu chu and salted vegetable that go with it. Sometimes she will add in dried squid and chai poh (preserved radish) into the porridge to make the porridge smell and taste nice.

Now that I am married and mum is no longer stay near to cook when I am sick, I am feeling home sick thinking of her porridge. Isn’t it ironic? Now I miss her porridge. *laugh* Since mum is not around, I will have to resort to cook it or hunt for porridge somewhere else.

Today is just one of those days when I feel like having a bowl of porridge. Thank god I find a good place that sell nice porridge! Teochew porridge set in Hong Kong Noodle House in Jalan Padungan. Only RM4.00 per set and it comes with 5 dishes. I had kiam chye with sliced chicken, roasted duck meat, salted egg, tau chu (fermented bean curd) and fried bean curd. It makes my day.