New place, new adventure



We are flying off to Sibu tomorrow to meet up with hubby who has gone by road this morning. Our clothes, basic stuff and kids stuff have been packed into hubby's Hilux so me and kids will be flying off leisurely tomorrow. 

 

However we will be bringing in some sio pau over for hubby's grandparents and sister tomorrow.  I bought 30 pieces of sio pau from Hong Kong Puff Co in Foochow Road this morning.  When me and kids were there around 9.30am, the sio pau were just ready and freshly baked from the oven.  RM0.50 each.  I like its crispy crusts and sweet fillings.

 

We bought most baby stuff in Kuching because my SIL advised us to buy baby stuff in Kuching because the stuff there is more expensive.   So we have baby cot, and baby swing all the way from Kuching.  Lol!

It would be around 5 months when we would be returning to Kuching for a holiday.  I know I am going to miss Kuching, especially my parents and my home.  We only moved in end of September last year and now just 9 months, we have to move away.  *sigh*   

On high note everyone is excited about settling down in Sibu for at least 2 years.  So a new adventure for all of us.  I guess we will adapt to the environment in no time.

 

*recycled photo*

 

"Everyone is trying to accomplish something big, not realizing that life is made up of little things" ~Frank A. Clark

 

I like the above quote.  It stopped me for a moment.  I am thinking back of what we have accomplished so far and how we have come to this decision.  Well, it makes me believe that little things we do are actually the bigger (and easier to accomplish) achievements and when those little things accumulated to something big, what we gain in the end is going to be sweet.

 

Whatever it is, we are looking to life's little things in Sibu.  So, to a better future in Sibu!!! 

 

Sibu, here we come!!!  And hope to catch up with some Sibu bloggers while I am there!!  *wink*

 

 







Going into 3rd trimester

I am entering my 28th week, so another 3 months before I am due.  I am on my last stretch of my pregnancy and I could not be more happy.  And I would be experiencing my 3rd trimester in Sibu! 

I am very pregnant now, because tummy is more visible than previous month.  Probably because I am eating more and appetite is better after 20th week.  Some more I am munching more at night before I gone to bed. 

In the same purple outfit.  From Week 24 to Week 28.  Any difference?? 

Baby is very active in my womb, practising his kicking and punching more frequent.  Sleeps at nights also do not come easy but luckily I am able to take my afternoon naps to compensate for the lost of my sleeps.

I went for my OGTT (Oral Glucose Tolerance Test) early of the month in Gribbles Lab.  First time I underwent such test.  Need to fast for at least 8 hours, so me being the first customer in the lab I was given a very yukky glucose drink to be finished up after went for my first urine and blood sample test.  Really sweet and I almost puke after finished up a whole bottle.  The whole test took 2 hours and I need to give 3 rounds of urine and blood sample test before I can leave the lab.  And by the time I finished around 10.30am, I immediate went to have my chicken rice brunch.  Too hungry after fasting too long and did not have anything in my tummy.  *wink*

The report turned out good after collecting and consulting my doctor this morning.  So nothing to worry about developing any gestational diabetes.  Did not do in the previous 2 pregnancies.  Probably my previous gynae did not see the need of it.  However I am glad that I was given the chance to do it this round. At least I know how my body's response to glucose and chance of developing diabetes.

2nd trimester was great because I am more energetic and kept busy most of the times.  Funny thing is that I enjoy doing the housework especially cleaning.  Very weird because I feel like everything must be in order and clean.  Otherwise I start to cleaning till I am satisfy with the result.  Lol!

I am getting lazier as day goes by!  Hardly do much housework.  If I do, I will take my times so usually a 30 minutes work now take me more than an hour to get it done.  *wink*

I am more moody in this pregnancy.  Easily angered and irritated by small matters.  Sometimes I feel sorry for my hubby and kids because they have to take the blunt from me.  But I am glad that they understand my mood swings.  And I fall sick more too.  Took me a long time to recover from my sickness, mostly cough.  Hopefully my 3rd trimester is better on me.  

Guess what?  I found out that my confinement lady costs RM3300 for full day!  Wow!  The price has rocketing since 4 years ago.  Well, I guess she must be good to ask for such price.  Will only know after I delivered and use her service.....

Chinese black bean soup (黑豆汤) for a preggie

Most pregnant women love to consume this soup during pregnancy and confinement.  It is rich in fibre and great antioxidant.  A very nourishing soup if you add dates and other herbs into the soup but for me, I like the plain black bean soup only.

 

It is a belief that when you are pregnant and consume a lot of this soup, your baby will grow up healthily and with less sickness.  I don't know because I do not take much of this soup in my pregnancies.  *wink*  I remember my mum used to cook a lot of this soup when I was in my teen and she kept on nagging me to drink more.  She said that it can help in acne and detoxification because when I was in my teen, I have serious acne problem.  Well, to accommodate her, I drink the soup only and did not eat the meat.  *wink*

 

Ingredients:

Pork ribs; washed and blanched
Handful of black beans, washed and soaked for 10 minutes
Salt to taste

Method

1. Boil a pot of water.  Since black beans absorb water, you can add more water to the pot.
2.  Once the water is boiled, throw in the pork ribs and black beans.  Cook for an hour.
3.  Add salt to taste and off the heat. 

Missing you, my friends

If you are my FB buddies, you would know that I have been eating non-stop for the past days.  That is why my tummy suddenly grown bigger.  Everyone commenting that my tummy is bigger compared to a month ago.  Oh yeah!  Going to post my tummy picture another day for you to judge. Lol!

It has been an eventful weekend for me because I were busy meeting up my friends since Friday afternoon.  Everyone knows that we are leaving for Sibu soon, so a quick meet up because I would not been seeing them so soon.   Although I am still recovering from cough, it does not stop me from going out under the warm hazy weather to meet my friends.  But of course I have to take care of what I eat and drink more fluid.

1. Friday

Meet up with the ever lovely KC in Pan Tree Food Court, Green Heights Mall for lunch.  I have known KC since college time; on the very 1st day in college.  We were so "green" that time but we been through a lot of great times together especially when we went to study our final years in Nilai College. 

Great lunch in the nice air-con food court.  I like its Sarawak Laksa and Malay economy rice stalls there. But that afternoon I tried the Ginseng Chicken soup with rice (RM6.00).  Slightly expensive and I get 1 big drumstick in a bowl of warm soup.  Cannot complain much since it is in an air-con food court. 

2. Saturday

Brunch with my friends from the college, who are also hubby's good friends through me.  *wink*  We have an enjoyable brunch in Sing Garden, regardless of the warm weather. 

In the evening, we had a bbq dinner at the pool side in our resident clubhouse, which was fully organised and sponsored by my ex-staff. She prepared all the food and cooking.  So touching!!  And the kids get to play in the pool too.  Which is good, because after all the splashing and kicking in the water, they can eat almost everything!!

3. Sunday

Lunch with my ex-colleagues (SC, NW, HL) from my very first company in Yew Fook café, Bormill Estate.  Again, air-con cafe because special request of 2 preggies.  Lol!  The temperature is soaring especially in the afternoon and we could not help but go to air-con place to avoid the heat.

So wonderful to meet up with SC and her 13yo daughter who flew from Singapore.  It has been 13 years since we work together and known each other.

Sigh!  I am already starting to miss them.

Gosh!  Need to get myself together now.  I have been procrastinating my packing last wekk because I were not up to it.  But at least I have started to pack some kids' clothes in the luggage bag.  Hubby is going to leave for Sibu soon, so I better get our clothes ready and packed by this Wednesday!

Something savoury



Almost every CNY my mum would cook her signature kiam chai ark (salted mustard duck soup).  It is one of my dad's favourite dishes beside the Lo Ark (braised duck) and ngoh hiang.  And many dad's friends who tasted her kiam chai ark also commented on its flavourish soup and tender duck meat.  Funny thing is I never fancy the kiam chai ark.  I prefer my duck roasted or braised, but not in soup. So all those years I never taste my mum's kiam chai ark. 

 

This year without fail, my mum cooked her kiam chai ark for family reunion dinner on Chinese New Year Eve and we went back for the dinner.  Hubby and I have been married for 9 years but he never has the chance to taste her kiam chai ark till this year.  Every years we celebrated CNY outside Kuching.

 

Hubby praised my mum's kiam chai ark and ate many bowls of the soup.  You can say that he falls in love with this soupy dish from that day onwards. 

 

Early this week while clearing my fridge, I found that I still have some pork ribs and salted mustard.  Don't want to waste the salted mustard, I thought of my mum's kiam chai ark, but I used pork ribs instead.  My mum's kiam chai ark does not have tomatoes in it, but I am thinking of something sourish, so I went to market and get a tomato to go with my salted mustard pork rib soup.

 

So here is my version of Kiam Chai Bak Kut soup. 



 

Ingredients:

1 1/2 rack of pork ribs, chopped into bite size, washed and blanched
Salted mustard (I used the head since the leaves have been used up), chopped into smaller pieces
1 tomato, washed and sliced
1 garlic clove
1 thumb-sized ginger, sliced
1/4 tsp Salt or to taste
Dashes of pepper, or to taste (optional)


Methods:

1. Soak the chopped mustard in a bowl of water for 10 minutes to reduce the saltiness.
2. Fill a pot of water, enough to cover all the ingredients.  Heat up the pot.  Once the water is boiled, throw in the blanched pork ribs, salted mustard, tomato, garlic and ginger.  Let it simmer for 1 hour.
3. Add salt and pepper to taste.  Stir the soup and off the flame. 

My Miscellaneous Picture #3: Glass

They are breakable, fragile and come in many shapes and sizes but beautiful to be seen.

 

 

 

 

"Money Leaks" Month

This month we bought a lot of stuff, and coupled with big expenses and bills, we are definitely burning a big hole in our pockets.  More of hubby's pockets than mine!  *wink*  

 

#1 Baby list

The list is getting longer, but we got the necessary stuff to be packed to Sibu.  My SIL advised us to buy most baby things in Kuching because those things are rather pricey in Sibu.  As you know that baby things are not that cheap, so we bought the baby cot, strollers, feeding bottles and accessories here.

 

#2 Assessment

Already settle the 2nd half year's house assessment bill.  Very happy that there is a council office in MJC, so it is convenient and fast to pay the bills since not many people know this place.

 

#3 House bills

Settled around RM1700.00 for the house in term of the yearly service charges, insurance premium and quit rents.

 

#4 Telekom

Banked in some advance money in the account, so it will auto-deduct around RM60.00 every month till the next time I am back.

 

#5 Water bill

Pay RM50 advance to my resident's office so it will auto-deduct RM5.00 for the months where minimum pays are charged.  Enough to cover till I am back in November so water supply will not be cut off. 

 

#6 Travel expense

Paid RM280 for our air flight to Sibu.  Luckily I got a cheap fare for myself and my 2 kids.  And I also booked our air flight back here in November. 

 

#7 Others

My credit cards and other miscellaneous which is over RM1500.00.  *sob sob*

 

 

Sigh!!!  And I realised there is one more week left in the month of June.  And it means one more week before we are leaving Kuching.....

Brown rice tea?

A friend gave me this tin of brown rice tea last year.  50 tea sachet per tin.  Half year has gone and I did not even finish half of the content. 

 

I don't like brown rice taste and smell.  Tried taking it few years ago with wheat germ and protein for dietary reason, but after many months I quit the diet and never touch brown rice since then.  Fyi, I did lose some weights but because it was hard to buy wheat germ powder, I did not continue the diet.

 

Brown rice is rich in fibre.   Those with constipation problem can try drinking this brown rice tea.  I don't take this brown rice tea very often.  Maybe once a week or when ever I remember to drink it.  *wink*  

And what surprised me is that in its instruction on the tin, it mentioned that brown rice can be taken during confinement.  Hmm, maybe because of its high fibre and heaty properties??  I don't know about you, every time I take brown rice, I feel heaty and keep drinking water. 

I seldom take it nowadays.  Not on such hot weather......

Choked and Cough

The weather has been very crazy since last week.  Hot and hazy.  We are seeing less rain for nearly a week now.

 

This morning when I woke up, I could smell the haze.  The smell of smoke nearly choked me when I opened my windows.  Oh dear!  Sure not good and does not help my condition since I have been coughing for few days now.  Just hope by taking more Vitamin C and staying indoor, I will get well soon.

 

Since hubby is on leave today, I decided to cook some green mung soup.  We love the soup so much that I cook it almost every weekend.  Mung soup is known for clearing body heat and toxin.  So, on this hazy weather, it is great to drink a bowl of chilled green mung soup.

 

Another favourite fruit of mine is Jambu Air ("Rose Apples" in English).  I basically grow up with few favourite local fruits such as papayas, watermelons, guava, bananas and jambu air.  What I love the most is Jambu Air because of its juicy and soft flesh.  There are 2 types of Jambu Air; one is where the skin is really red in colour while the latter is more paler complexion. 

 

 

I got myself the paler type from the market yesterday, which is sweeter and juicier.  I remember my mum used to make a dipping to go with this fruit, which taste spicy and sweet.  But for me, I just like to eat it as the way it is.  Sweet and moist.  Great munching on a hot day!!!

Nice but tiring weekend

I am glad that Monday is here.  Because usually on weekend, I would not be able to rest with my 2 kids around the house.  If anyone came to my house on weekend, no one would expect a clean and tiring living room because it will be scattered with their toys and papers.  And I never bother to clear their stuff because after 1 minute you are done, something will come out from the toy baskets. 

 

But on certain (but rare) occasions, the kids will be happy to keep things clean some day.  Especially when we bribed them by bringing them shopping or swimming, which are their favourite past time during the weekends. 

 

Hubby bought new swim jackets for the kids during the Gawai holiday and we have yet to try them out till last Saturday evening.  I think the size is European because both jackets are slightly bigger for my kids but with some modification, we managed to fit both kids into the swim jackets.  They do look funny in the jacket because of the air pads on front and back, which my kids commented that they look like turtles in them!  Lol!  But with those jackets, they can learn to swim more as hands are now free from holding any rubber rings etc.  *wink*  See if I remember to bring my camera to the swimming pool and take picture of them in the jacket this weekend when they go for their evening swim.

 



Yesterday was Father's Day and I know by looking at the FB, everyone is treating their fathers to special lunches and dinners.  Most places are fully booked way in advance.  Luckily we managed to get a nice table last night.  We had our Father's Day dinner last night together with my side of the family.  We celebrated our Father's Day in buffet style in Ristorante Beccari, Merdeka Palace Hotel & Suites.  I been there once, which was during a NZ Special Dinner.  I was invited by my ex-boss who was a NZ college alumni. 

 

My dad loves buffet, so my brother came up with the idea of having the Father's Day dinner in Ristorante Beccari as they serve nice Italian food.  With RM55++ for adult and half price for children above 5 yo, my brother managed to book a table for 9 of us.  It was packed last night.  We started our buffet dinner around 6.30pm. 

 

Sorry, no food pictures this time because I could not take pictures with many people queue and crowding the food area and my kids bugging me with their terrible table manners.  So it is always good not to bring younger kids to a 5-star hotel restaurant unless you do not mind to bring some attention to your table.  *wink*

 

Ristorante Beccari serves yummy Italian thin crust pizza (from spicy to savoury pizza), good pasta (where the chef cook on the spot where you can order from 3 sauces choice) and nice salad.  They have nice smoked beef and lamb shank last night where I ate a lot.   If you are into cookies and cakes, they have many pastry to choose from, but me having no sweet tooth, did not touch any of them.  They are just too nice to see, but I bet they are too sweet for my teeth.

 

I were too full from the dinner that I could not sleep last night.  Only managed to fall asleep after 12, and this morning need to wake up early to fry sausages for my girl's Teacher's Day celebration in school today.  My first time cooking food for the Teacher's Day, as in the past, I always bought pastry for the celebration.  Since my girl told the teacher that she will bring sausages, so I have to cook for the party. 

 

I am sure she has a great time in school today with food, games and fun.  Alright, need to log off for now as she is off at 11.00am.  Luckily the school is just a minute drive from home, so no need to rush like crazy picking her up!  Till my next post, have a great week, everyone!! 

 

Happy Dad's Day

To all dads and dads-to-be out there!  Happy Father's Day!

It's been 6 months since...

Wow!  First week of school has been flying through the days and I am back to my normal "rush" routine.  A little disorientated on Monday because after 2 weeks of lazy mornings, I have to wake up early to prepare for the days.  But I enjoy the rush because that is how I passed my time every day. 

 

And guess what?  It has been 6 months since I quit my shop and become a full time SAHM.  Once a while I do missed the old times when I earned my own money and having to go to office and sitting in front of a pc doing some paper works.  But after working for 13 years I took the big leap of becoming a Stay-At-Home-Mum last year.  It may not sound interesting to some, but I feel it is worth the sacrifice.  And I am glad that hubby is supportive and able to support the family financially while I am in charge of the household. 

 

I don't care for a lavish lifestyle and comfort, but as long as we have the basics and the kids are growing healthily and happily, it is enough.  And I am not greedy too.  A family holiday once or twice a year.  Well, we need the break and bring the family together once a while, right??

 

Now I realised that I am blessed in my life.  I have a wonderful and understanding hubby, 2 lovely children and been surrounding with family and friends.  Thank god for your blessing. 

 

 

Done with her school transfer

I have done with my daughter's school transfer stuff.  Am glad everything went smoothly.

 

Collected the forms from her school before the school holiday and after filling the forms (2 types of forms with 4 copies each) and photocopied the relevant documents, I passed to the school headmaster for his signature. 

 

Collected the forms from the headmaster office on Monday and yesterday, I went to the Pedawan Education Department for their approval.  The government building is just few metres away from the Chung Hua Primary School No 6, which is about 10 minutes drive from our house.  First time being to this building.  Never knew of its existence till yesterday.

 

I heard that it usually take few days or weeks for approval but I am glad that it only take about 30 minutes yesterday because no submission except mine. The staff is helpful and friendly.    She came back with 3 copies of approval letters.  I was advised to pass one copy (with attached documents) to Sibu's Education Department, and an approval letter to the current school.  I keep one copy of the letter. 

 

My girl's transfer is the 3rd in her class.  The teachers were rather surprised that we are moving to Sibu because they commented my girl did well in her exam.  She actually came top in her class.  But what to do???  Hubby is transferring to Sibu office so we are going over end of June and the kids can start in their respective schools on 1 July.

 

Posted the forms over to my SIL in Sibu this morning for her to pass to the Sibu Education Department.  Never knew there was so much procedure to be done for a school transfer.  However I am glad that everything is done on my part and I can concentrate on other matters now. 

My share of changs

I don't know about you, but I feel the times are really passing very swiftly right in front of my eyes!!!  I feel like yesterday, that I just had a bite on meat dumpling.  How about you?

 

It is that time of the year again.  Time to eat your "bak chang" (zhong zi 粽子 ).  I always enjoy eating bak chang and I usually eat one or two chang, but this year, hubby ordered a lot from his colleague.  His colleague made a very nice bak chang.  Not too big dumpling and the meat is delicious.  The rice and meat are not dry.  Fit my taste.  So far I have been eating 3 dumplings since he brought home last Friday night. 

 

Meat chang is saltier

 

 

I have given 12 changs to my family this morning and I still have a stash in the freezer. I just need to warm them up when ever I have that craving.   *wink*  Uneaten bak changs can be stored in refrigerator for 3 - 5 days and in freezer up to 2 months!!

 

This is the traditional Hakka chang, which is full of peanuts and sweeter.  Given by my brother's girlfriend (my future SIL)

Our anniversary dinner



We had our anniversary dinner a night early on Sunday since Monday is a school and work day.  And most eatery places are off on Monday night.  So we celebrated our 9th anniversary on Sunday evening.  More of a family dinner with the kids who were excited and kept asking me what is "anniversary".  Lol!

 

Hubby suggested Jambu as the venue since I never been there before.  Jambu has been there for many years but I never dine there.  Not many people recommended this place so I guess the food is so-so.  But to my surprise, the place is very beautiful and intriguing.  Feel like you stepping into different time zone with its unique decoration and chic antiques.  Hubby mentioned the place is owned by an Australian so that is why his interests in such fascinating interior.

 

The kids were very much at home in Jambu and that is much to our dismay because we were worry they will break a thing because they have many things around.  But other that having pillow fights, the kids were enjoying themselves while hubby and I have some private times for a while.  *wink*



 

We were welcomed by its nice fountain with many gold fishes in the mini pond at the entrance.

 

 

One of its decoration that I find interesting.

Nice assortment of magazine greeted you in the washroom

Me and kids spent some times in the washroom because we could not get our eyes off the decoration

 

 

I did not take much of the interior of the place because it was rather dark.  The main hall is under renovation and we were having our dinner on one side of the house.  So not much seating in there, but it was not packed when we were there around 7pm.  And here come our order.  

 

 

My salmon with vegetable salad

Hubby has its grilled lamb rack

We ordered its Aglio de Olio for sharing with the kids

My girl hardly could finish the beef burger but thanks to Jay, she able to finish up the fries

My cheeky kids who were having great times in Jambu

 

 

If you ask me, Jambu is not a good place for nice food.  There is other nicer place to enjoy great Western food with such prices in Kuching.  But if you are looking for a nice pub or chit chatting place with some privacy, Jambu is a good recommendation.  *wink*



Saying "I do"....9 years ago

Last year in June, marked our 8th year wedding anniversary.  We have survived the first cycle of 7th year marriage itch.  Today is our 9th year together as husband and wife.   

10 June 2004

We are officially signed our names on the Marriage Certificate in the Marriage Registrar office.  We did not choose the date but it coincide with my SIL' birthday. 

We had 2 close friends to be our witnesses and another as our photographer of the ceremony.  We said our vows, exchanged rings and signed our papers in front of the ceremony officer on this date.
 

After that I was busy calling and getting quotations for the wedding venue, wedding decorations and wedding album packages.  Also planning for the events and guest list for the reception.  Stress me although I have one year to plan.

December 2004

We took our wedding photographs in Pearl Studio.  We spent almost the whole day having my makeup and change into different gowns.  For outdoor photos, we went to Pos Office, Court House, the road going to Kasuma Condominium and Pasir Pandak beach.  We were too tired that day and we ate our take-away McD's burgers at home.

We also confirmed the following:

Venue & caterer : Riverside Hotel Grand Ball.

Flower Decoration: Lavender
Wedding cards: My friend, Winnie

January 2005

I had Winnie to design the wedding invitation card and it was ready in few weeks time.  Printed by Lee Ming Press and in time for distribution during CNY.

February 2005

We scouted for our bedroom furniture and after much comparison we purchased ours from LSH.  Bad choice but we learnt from our mistakes.  However I love its wooden drawer which I brought over to my new house.  Used to be my drawer but now it belongs to hubby.

Mar - June 2005

Busy buying stuff for the wedding day. Some stuff like the tea set for the tea ceremony, red clothing, red basket and umbrella I still kept.   I like this cute pair of cock and hen the most.

My dad even took few days of refurbish the living and kitchen tiles for my wedding.  He wanted the house to look nicer.  *wink*

25 June 2005

Our wedding day and dinner reception

My bouquet of roses

Make up and hair dressing around 6am

Ready me!

The groom and entourage arrived around 8am but before they can get the bride, they need to do some exercises!  Our poor Best Man did all those hard works instead!

In the newlywed's room

Little Graeme who has the honour to lie and roll on the newlywed's bed

Tea ceremony is a must in every Chinese wedding.  Over here, we served to my parents

Posed with our wedding car

My "chi mui"

The main actor and actress for the night in the main table

Cutting cake ceremony

A kiss for the bride

Change into my night gown

26 tables with my side taking 10 tables!

One of the highlights was our wedding dance.  Hard to dance in my wedding gown to the "Sway" song by Michael Buble.

27 June 2005

We were off to our honeymoon i.e sunbathing and snorkelling in Redang Island and shopping in KL.

10 June 2013

And now back to 2013 as of today.  We have been together for 9 years.  Wow!  What a journey?  We have grown older and wiser (I hope).  We are blessed with 2 lovely children and soon a new member will be added into the family in September.   Any celebration you may ask?  Nothing big, just a family dinner.  But one thing for sure, it is always good to spend our special days (such as anniversaries) together as a family.  :)

May the love we share grow stronger and deeper with each passing year!

Not from B&W era

 

My eldest has a school holiday homework to be submitted when school reopens on Monday.  It is about finding some old pictures of parents and pasting on the workbook.  It mentioned about black and white photographs but I do not have them.  I am a '70s girl and that time, we already had colour film rolls.  So I looked through my old photo albums since hubby does not have his as all are kept in his hometown.

 

After looking through the album, I decided to loan my girl these 2 photos of mine.  I am choked with nostalgia, sharing my photos with my kid.  *wink* 

 

A 6 months 10 days old me.  If you noticed, the photo frames at the back belong to my mum.  All her pictures.

About 2 years old in Santubong beach