IF IT IS TO BE, IT IS UP TO ME!

2012, calmber and better

2012-01-14T10:18:00.000+08:00

Love, love, love how 2012 has started! My boys are 9 and 6! And morning school is great! More time, to go playground, to have fun, to do my morning walks, and it has been a blessing. 2012 is going to be about focusing on getting into better shape, more family time and catching up with friends.!

Is it really coming to the End of 2011!??!

2011-11-14T19:16:00.000+08:00

Another 3 months has flew by since I last blogged here. Lots been happening at work. Office is full with people, which is a good sign, but together with it comes more organization and work, and I am feeling all over the place and really need to come together and get things worked out. Being thankful and positive and getting organized is the way to go. I am so looking forward to the school holidays which is starting in a few days time! Why? More family time, and time with friends, slowing down, family holidays, and everything cosy and nice. I love love love year ends too..! Something complete about it. So am working towards a great whatever left of 2011!

Summarizing June, July, August 2011

2011-08-24T18:09:00.000+08:00

I honestly dont know what happened in these last 3 months. My kids have grown, I have been lagging on both gardening, cooking and baking. Kids are growing so fast and sometimes all I want to do is just to hold them close and capture their childhood for those brief moments...and loving their boy smells...boy's smell differently from girls...you will know what I mean if you have boys.

Going Bananas

2011-05-08T13:56:00.000+08:00

Bananas is a weekly must haves in our home. I buy them during my weekly grocery...And we are lucky being a tropical countries we get them all through the year. I try to buy the 'kampung' ones as the reengineered ones though looks perfect makes me feel that there may be too much of pesticide in them. Keeping bananas fresh is another thing altogether. They tend to ripe way too fast and at the same time.. I was told by a friend that cutting off the bananas from it's stem keeps it longer. I have been trying this method and it really works! It keeps the banana fresh much longer. Just cut them off individually. Having bananas at home is really useful. When kids are hungry this is the best and healthier way to fill them up.When you need to go out and need a snack for the kids it's easy to keep one of two of them in your bag. When they are really ripe you can mash them up and make some muffins.... My kids favorite is still the malaysian way of eating them. That is to mash the banana with some flour and sugar and salt to tast, make them into a thick pancake like batter and drop spoonfuls of them in hot oil and fry them till deep fry them in oil till golden brown.

IKEA

2011-04-29T09:37:00.000+08:00

Something about Ikea that warms my heart. When I receive Ikea brochures, have lunch at Ikeas or go shop it Ikea its always fun. Obviously their marketing works. The bright colors, the easy setting, the ideas and design...or i so love Ikea. They are all about ideas, ideas and cute ideas. They make me want to set a beautiful home, they make me want to curl up on their sofas...and every child should have an Ikea bedroom...I think I need to go to Ikea soon!.

Kids follow what their parents do and not what they say

2011-04-27T00:10:00.000+08:00

I am feeling anxious and guilty as I have not been setting examples of a good parent. Kids follow what we do and not really what we say. I have been screaming a lot lately at my kids, When they squabble, or to get them to do homework. And I know if I don't stop now(hopefully not too late) they will also scream to get things done! Another thing I need to do is spend more time with them, playing and giving them more space and time to play. Being a working mum and also with their school schedule doing this can be challenging. But just like everything that is important this has to be given importance. All is not bad. Good thing is I acknowledge this and willing to work on this, that is a start!

Keeping it simple

2011-04-25T12:21:00.001+08:00

I am learning to keep things simpler this year...and still have fun. I realise when I throw parties to keep is simple and fun...I used to spend money and lots of time on my kids party. But this year i kept the numbers smaller, focussed on what is fun for the birthday child and his friends, kept decor simple, and the food great and balanced as possible. My son still claimed he had the best time of his life....Even when it comes to meals I am trying to keep it simple. One pot meal, simple sandwiches...Over the weekend for lunch I made some srambled eggs with salad..and the kids seem to enjoy them, and throw in some fruits. or it's sandwiches or simple roast and salad. Even for entertainment over weekends and holidays we are trying to keep it simple. Visiting a friend, going to the park, visiting cousins or spending time at home with some games and craft. And I realise there is something soothing and calming in keeping it simple.I am still learning there are many areas in my life where I can keep it simpler...

Counting Blessings on Wednesday

2011-04-19T21:36:00.000+08:00

I am thankful today:

1. I have good colleagues who are also friends.
2. I have friends to call and talk to at any given time.
3. I came home to a clean home and dinner on the table.
4. I came home to my two beautiful boys, and a husband who took my boys cycling so I can have some quiet time.
5. We had dinner together as a family.

What are you thankful for today?

Rainy days and roast

2011-04-16T16:36:00.002+08:00

The title may not say much but I thought it sounded cute:) it's Saturday and I love Saturdays not as much as I love fridays but I still love Saturdays more then Sundays! Kids woke up early as usual! It was raining very heavily and was a perfect setting for a Saturday! I was debating between a crepe and pancake with strawberry! Decided on the crepe as i dont like the fluffy pancakes. Made the crepe followed a recipe from Nigella's and served it with strawberry cooked with some sugar and butter! Perfect! Kids ate them up quickly and rushed to watch Tangled! I was happy! Then I planned for lunch and Jaimie Oliver's Rosemary roast chicken came to mind. Its a simple, quick recipe, do try it. I am one of those who's too lazy and indisciplined to follow a recipe through and through! So I got a free range chicken or some higher grade chicken of 1.5 kg or so, wash and pat it dry? Massage it generously with salt, black pepper and olive oil and left it alone. I cut 2 large carrots in chunks. At the same time I boiled 4 large sized potatoes with a lemon! I stuff the chicken with a whole lemon, garlic, onions and Rosemary. I roasted for about 1 hour and 40 minutes. Cut the 3/4 boiled potatoes into wedges and toss them with the chicken for the last 1/2 hour of cooking. How do you know the chicken is cooked.I took a knife and poked at the thickest part of the chicken and if the water runs clear then the chicken is cooked. Remove the chicken, potato and the carrot, let them sit for 10 minutes before serving. You will be left with lovely juices in the pan with some onions and garlic. I use a fork and mash it up, and then strain the juices for gravy for the chicken and vegetable. This recipe is definitely a keeper. Family ate them. I devoured them!

Thinking about weekend

2011-04-14T09:58:00.000+08:00

I am working from home today, and it's Thursday.Okay I am super blessed to be able to work from home when I want to..Thank you God... I am already thinking about weekend and how to make it great...and wholesome:)...and a fun family time. Must start with the right breakfast, probably some scrambled eggs with toast, lunch..probably a roast with salad...and dinner...we probably go out and have a grab(not to healthy??)...Will take the boys to Amcorp mall for some tea and to get the bayblade( a new craze amongst boys and probably girls too).. Sunday will go and visit mum in law, did not do that last weekend, so have to do it this week:)...Kids get to play with their cousins...too!

Bedroom makeover

2011-04-12T21:51:00.001+08:00

Before

I have been wanting to makeover my bedroom with minimal spending. My children 8 and 5 have been moved to their own bedroom. Meaning husband and I have the room to ourselves. No more children toys everywhere. I will like the room to be cost, organized and pretty:) the room has one queen size bed in brown, a side table in brown, a 5 drawer chest and table in white. Just one picture on the wall. The wall color is a shade of cream brown. Will post photo later. All the furnitures have been painted white. And this has made a huge difference to the bedroom. Other ideas to place a carpet, to have nice framed pictures above the bedhead, a comfortable chair to curl up with a book, a standing lamp shade,an oil burner and to paint the wall with a shade of white and the wall behind the bed a green I saw on the ikea website. And I hope to have a sanctuary of comfort and peace to read, rest and pray in:)... More photos of before and after to follow.

Arjoonha turned 8

2011-04-10T10:35:00.001+08:00

My oldest son just turned 8 yesterday! We had a party at home with his favorite food and cake and closes friends! He was at his happiest andneclaimed everything was absolutely awesome! Andto top it all he got toys that he wanted, UNO spin and another spin game..and has been raving about it since last nit. And to make things better one of his good friends stayed the night, so when they woke up this morning the excitement of playing with the new toys are even better. Seeing him so happy makes it all worthwhile. Every year I get excited about my childrens birthday and throwing them a fun party and tends to spend quite a bit ..this year I kind of scaclee back on the scale of the whole thing.for a few reasons. One I do not want my kids to relate happiness to spending money, I want them to know simple things can make them happy and also to focus on the important things, such as relationship and hospitality! Cakes can be so expensive about rm80-100.. Hhis time I baked his favorite butter cake with buttercream icing..he loved it ...and we had simpler party packs, home organized games and the winners get a gift each, like board games..the biggest expenses was in getting strawberries. That is arjoonha favorite fruit! So we had chocolate fondue with lots of strawberries of course. We had fried chicken, glass noodles fried, popish and cheesy wedges. And domino's pizza! ..kids had a blast, we were very exhausted but then agan the objective was met. Arjoonha had a memorable party with his standard two friends! My baby has turned 8.. And I wish he will grow up to be a God fearing and mankind loving human being and to live life passionately more then anything else!

Thy Name is My Healing O My God

2011-01-12T21:07:00.000+08:00

My best friend of 31 years called me and said her pap smear result does not seem good according to her doctor, and told her to go for another check up. She was told that it may be early stages of cancer. She called and told me this and cried. And I felt my world crumbling. The first thing that came to my mind is that she can't die she has 3 young children. Then I thought she cant die we havent spent enough time together as we have been busy with our lives, work..etc...Have we taken each other for granted?? And then I told her I will come with you for the check up and will be there for you. I felt I needed to be there with her every step of the way. This was one week ago. And I have been praying for her health. I hope that its just some infection and nothing more. It aslo made me make my own appointment for a pap smear and ultrasound as I have been procastinating it, feeling almost invincible. It made me realise that Health is utmost important...and without it we have nothing...As mothers we need to be in the best of health, to be there for our children and family and our friends...And keeping Healthy is going to be way up my list of things this year...

My 2011 resolutions!

2011-01-08T10:39:00.000+08:00

Wholesome food for family and self. More fruits and greens! Spend carefully and buy if really necessary. Invest. Pay all bills promptly. Work when working. Spend more time with mother. Date night with siva..gosh which day must choose one! Read daily! Pray daily, and have constant study class...I am on track with some of this and for others I must make more effort! Best of luck!!!!

Happy New Year 2011

2010-12-31T22:18:00.000+08:00

2010 came conquered and leaving in 2 hours! I am home alone with my youngest son, Bhaarath who is recovering from German measles. My friends came over to accompany me, and it has been a quiet gentle day. I am waiting for Siva and Arjoonha to be home from Melaka! 2010 and 2011 is just a difference of another day but no one on earth will feel the same tonight as the new year approaches. Each will be in his thoughts, taking account of the year gone by and looking forward to the possibilities of a new year. New year resolutions to be made and everyone will strive to do better..isn't the spirit of this evening amazing to spend similar thoughts and feelings throughout the planet. I am so thankful for all that I have been blessed with and am so thankful! Looking forward to 2011, may the days be gentle, may it be filled with music, may it be spent with loved ones, may trouble forget me, may contentment fill me, may I give more then I receive.

Building character

2010-12-28T11:49:00.000+08:00

My kids are going to be 8 and 5. Having a live in maid meaning most houseworks are done for you and you have someone there all the time to help. That is great, as you can do so much more but the downside of it is we become too reliant on the maid, and kids do not seem to be able to pick up after themselves. We have been pretty firm with them needing to do things for themselves, but they haven't started on doing chores. Have started them right away. I can think of so many to get them to do. Washing dishes, making beds, feeding pet, vacuuming, washing car, ...And to make it all fun..am gonna create a point system. Each chore has a certain point to it. And we can see how many points they collect monthly and that will be converted to something. For example 20 points, and extra hour on the nintendo, 50 points a McDonald burger..that way they earn it and something to look forward to...okay off to do the chart!!!!

Don't sweat the small stuff!

2010-12-28T09:23:00.000+08:00

My Acer Aspire net book crashed yesterday, now I hear how crappy acer net book is, and my apartment's pipe busted yesterday, and my sore throat came back with a vengeance. Now do I fret and whine? But I look at my kids they are healthy and good, my hubby grumpy but he is there, my life so rich with friends and family, and I can't bring my self to whine nor be down! I have so much to be thankful for! Thank you!

Wholemeal Cinnamon buns!

2010-12-21T17:45:00.000+08:00

We think something is very difficult even before attempting it...I have always thot making good loaves of bread is difficult what more making cinnamon buns!! Bun it's not difficult once you know how to and have the right ingredients. And I am ecstatic as with the whole meal bread dough I made some cinnamon buns..with brown sugar and cinnamon, raisin and walnuts and it was yummy, soft and moist...And I made 2 loaves of bread, one to give away...And now my sister once one and my colleagues too..and I am out of bread flour and wholemeal flour...I need to bake more to be given away for thursday...baking and learning to bake bread was one of my 2010 resolution, and fullfilled at the tail end of the year............Home made bread is here to stay!

Bread Glorious Bread

2010-12-20T19:59:00.000+08:00

I have always wanted to bake bread, knead it, see it rise, punch it and form it and bake it...and fill the house with the smell of freshly baked bread. I got a 4 star recipe, and bought all the ingredients...organic bread flour and whole meal flour, honey and yeast...I baked a loaf, baked small buns with chocolate chips and it tasted so good..densed, moist and heavy!!! I am overjoyed..I am going to repeat this recipe very soon and add on some flaxseeds and sunflower seeds. I am going to bake as often as I can and try out new breads..and fill my family up with wholesome bread. I am going to bring a loaf of bread when i visit a friend, as a gift...it's going to be all about bread from,now on..Will this addiction last...and if it last...I will reward myself with a KitchenAid ...or a breadmaker..or both? It is is absolutely therapeutic to dip your hands into risen bread ..........And then seeing your kids spreading the butter and jam on it and devouring it.....Such satisfaction.

Rainy days are so cosy!

2010-12-19T17:46:00.000+08:00

December is totally wet. It rains every other day and I so love it. Amidst the cool weather my heart warms up! Also because I love seeing my kids having carefree days with no schools and exams to worry about! Love love love December. Had a long great conversation today with a friend and it was all about forgiving and moving forward, seeing the good in people and the importance of spiritual education for our children. And the conversation made me lighter, happier and hopeful. Sometimes a great conversation with a good friend is the perfect thing ons rainy wainy day.

The sweetness of Friendship

2010-12-17T17:53:00.000+08:00

Friends are totally important to me, they are an extension of family to me. I am happiest being with friends and family. Through the years I have learnt that with friends we must give without expecting, and with different friends I am comfortable to share different aspects of my life. I have friends whom I can call at anytime of the day, friends to talk about children, friends to talk about work, friends to talk about spiritual aspects and all of them enriches my life in different ways, and makes this journey of life so much easier and meaningful. I can't imagine not having them in my life. The times spent with friends over a cup of coffee, in the hospital cafeteria, curled up in the sofa, in the car..are special moments. Everyone...especially every girl must have good friends...as others can come and go but good girlfriends are forever! My resolution for 2011 is not to take them for granted and to spend quality time with each of them.

December 2010

2010-12-13T21:07:00.000+08:00

I can't believe it's December 2010, and very soon the year is over with all it's glory! I still remember like it was yesterday, that I was lining up all the resolutions for this year...I cant even remember half of it and definitely did not stick by most of it. This year has been a great year overall...I have been so very blessed in all the areas of my life, I really could not ask for more, while saying this i am feeling nervous knowing that 'To those much is given, much is expected'!! This is the month to reflect for all that has gone right and not so right, and what I could have done better. And more resolutions for next year...definitely..there will always be new resolutions...I want to be a better person next year then I have been this year. More then anything I want to be a great mother, a patient wife, and wonderful sibling, a thoughtful daughter a fun and understanding friend, a useful citizen of the world, and I want to be kind and fair to myself!!! 2011...I am so ready for you.... please shower me with sunshine, green grass, with love and fun, with God and money, with family and friends, with great moments, and manageable challenges, with new experience and gentle weather...

Blogging from ISTANBUL

2010-11-22T01:27:00.001+08:00

I am at the hotel lobby waiting for our bus to the airport. Leavıng to home after 16 days, can hardly waıt to hold my boys and hug and kıss them. I feel for every parent who has to be away from her chıldren..ıt ıs paınful. Amıdst the paın Istanbul ıs an amazıng place a great mıx of old and new...and yes İ manage to see the Dancıng Dervısh!! Been travelıng for the last 16 days and what ıs most ıntrıguıng wıth places are the people and how they lıve! Travelıng does open up ones mınd and soul lıke no other and makes the world seem so small yet so much to see...

Change of taste bud?

2010-10-26T20:23:00.000+08:00

My children do not eat papayas, more so my older one who is seven. I have tried many a times to feed this vitamin packed fruits but they wont eat them. We planted some papaya seeds about 20 months ago, and now the tree is about 6 feet tall and fruiting. We just got the 3rd fruit 2 days ago, and today it was ripe to be eaten. My older son after dinner looked at the cut papaya and said yummy picked it up and ate it. And I was totally surprised. He finished the whole bowl and I was thrilled. He has seen it grow from a seed...I am happy!!!

My life moves in some weird 2 monthly cylcle

2010-10-22T14:37:00.000+08:00

The reason for the title of this entry. Each time I think of blogging, or need to blog 2 months has gone by. The last time I blogged was in August. Our wedding anniversary was 2 days ago. I have been so preoccupied with our oncoming travels to Turkey and beyond that I have forgotten about it. We have been married for 9 years, that makes it 18 years we have known each other, we dated for 9 years before getting hitched. I am happy, I am free, I do what I want to do, I love my job and my life, and I am what I am for the husband I have, as he is there to always support and to be my pillar. He let's me do and be what I do best. You may be crazy and silly but you are what I need to be what I want to be(does that make sense) So thank you Siva, I may marry you again if I were to live my life all over again(and he does not read my blog, so I can say anything without him getting big headed about it).

We have been busy coordinating and all for our oncoming trip to Turkey. We will be away for 2 weeks and this will be the longest we will be away from the kids. So going to miss them too much but I am getting excited traveling to that exotic country!!! Will post photos on the next entry.

Tea time

2010-08-29T13:51:00.002+08:00

I love tea time. Either having them at a tea stall with friends, or having a traditional tea with family I simply love them. There is something unhurried and relaxing about tea time.a it's a no pressure meal! Growing up tea time was a daily affair. We had tea and my mother with the little she had made local delicacies and some days we had tea and cream crackers! I remember sitting in our kitchen under the hot zinc roof sipping away at tea. They are quiet precious moments. During the weekends we will have friends visiting us for tea, and during these times my mum will make something more elaborate for tea. Life is not as simple now as those days and our tea time is limited to weekends only, when we have the luxury of time to indulge in tea. As I was thinking about tea, I felt that having friends over on a perfect Sunday will be just right. So a quick invitation was carried out and accepted ... Now what shall we have for tea??

Sow and Reap

2010-08-29T12:22:00.003+08:00

Tasted the first papaya from our tree. It took almost 15 months for the tree to grow from a tiny seed to a fruit bearing plant! We can easily go out and get a papaya for a couple of ringgit. But oh, the satisfaction of seeing it grow and fruit...it's something else altogether. Imagine the feeling of one's children growing up and becoming good and successful people...That brings me to another conversation that happened yesterday. My sis came down and she always has this thing about having enough saving's for retirement and children's education which not a bad thing. But too much of focusing on one's retirement sometimes makes one forget to live in the now...Siva and I went for a walk after my sister left. I thought he said something that made a lot of sense. He said focus on the children's spiritual education and in bringing them up to be good people and the rest will fall into place. So...yes save and invest for our future...but above all children's spisitual and moral education comes first..

A new chapter ... a new office

2010-08-27T13:23:00.003+08:00

We moved office yesterday. We have collected quite a bit of stuff in the last 3.5 year. We have moved to our own office from the current office suite. Meaning to say our own pantry, and toilet and space. That should be a nice change. But as usual any changes makes me nervous and uncertain,and will take me a week or so to get used to. But plaza damas is nice. It has nice shops, ambience...and hope our business will thrive and grow here. So I am looking forward to go to work at my new office next week....

A New Chapter...a kitten

2010-08-27T12:57:00.005+08:00

I am no cat person. But neither will I say I am a dog person..but given the choice between both I would say I am a dog person. My children are more of a cat person, Arjoonha is a cat person, Bhaarath he loves most cuddly animals. What i wanted to say is we got a kitten! Our first pet. Her name is Arba, and Arjoonha named it. He said it's a Mexican name. And when asked what it means, he said it means Arjoonha + Bhaarata = Arba! So Arba it is! Arba has been with us for a week now. I like to see my kids being gentle with the cat, stroking and kissing it and lowering the TV volume when the kitten sleeps. They have been fighting over it as who can have it on their lap...

I need IPad accessories

2010-08-13T15:59:00.002+08:00

Went with Janice and Louis to BSC to look for Ipad accessories at Mac shop. But it was way too expensive. The Ipad screen protector is sold at RM129 and RM219. The Mac shop at Empire Subang is at RM79. I need to go there tomorrow to get the screen protector for my new toy. I love the Ipad now, it's my book, games and all ...I have to fight with my kids to use it. Anyway..though I did not manage to get any accessories, we had a great lunch at George and the Dragons, at Bangsor Shopping Complex. I really, really like that place. I had Cheddar Cheese Ploughman again:) ..Start to a beautiful weekend:)

Being Married

2010-08-09T18:14:00.002+08:00

We meet someone, we fall in love, we get married, we have kids, and then some of us wonder what happened to the person we got married to. Either I changed, or he changed or something changed, and you can never almost get to that feeling when it all started. But then again we dont have to get to that feeling when it all started, we have to make it better or make it newer. And that brought us to leave work at lunch and to have that lunch together and spend that afternoon together probably cuddling up, just talking, and it's all about just us. And that's we did today.

iPad

2010-08-08T21:33:00.003+08:00

It has been all about iPad from Apple this weekend. I recently got an iPad for my husband who turned 50. It was more of an excuse to buy it for him so the whole family can get to use it. It's an amzing gadget!!! Even my mum can use it, it's that simple. It's an absolute joy to browse on the iPad as it's fast and I love the mobility, you can use it anywhere. The one I purchased is the one with wifi, so wherever you are with wifi you are able to use the internet. My children, mother, husband and of course me have been enjoying this new toy. It's a book, it's a computer, it's a game console, it's youtube, it's literally perfect. Apple really does it like none other. I am excited to know what Apple will come up with next. And ...the weekend was sealed with a trip to my sister's place to celebrate Shannon's birthday, and also of course to show off the iPad.

iPad

2010-08-08T21:33:00.002+08:00

Where did the year go?

2010-08-07T23:19:00.002+08:00

The year has flown by. I have been blogging so rarely this year. It's almost as I have been wrapping myself up with all kinds of activities and waiting for something to release me. Make sense? I dunno. I have learnt something about me recently, that I have high level of tolerance. I can bear with a lot of nonsense, probably I am a coward in voicing out my opinion or I am just tolerant. I have been happy, I have been down, but there is something tight inside me that I cant put may finger on, and feel that I am not living and doing what I should. work has been better this year, and I am kinda waiting for my trip to turkey in oct. Kids are doing great, sheroz has been a teenager lately, and siva.. That's another thing altogether. Migration has been on my mind to provide the kids a fairer environment and future but the thought of starting all over and working for someone is quite daunting, So dunno again. I have not been praying much, and not cooking much, or creating much. I am almost waiting, ..waiting,,, So I need to make a decision now to stop waiting and to live in the now. Or one fine day I may realize I have wasted much a way. The other day a friend asked me if I am happy, I said yes I am most of the time. actually the truth is I am happy most of the time, I have much to be thankful for. much. i just need to pray.

I did not realise...

2010-04-16T13:16:00.008+08:00

I know I have not been blogging for such long time...3 months! I have been blogging in my head and have been so busy . Weekdeays are at office and coming home to pick arjoonha from school and schoolworks ... weekends have been so very busy with some activities or another. Last 4 weekends we were either not around or having some function. Am so looking forward to this weekend... Fasting month has come and gone, Bahai New Year, Arjoonha's birthday has come and gone. Lots has happened, the economy seems better this year then last, politically the country is still stinking...I am so very disappointed with myself for not keeping true to my dont procastinate resolution!!! Sigh..I have to do something about this and once and for all STOP PROCASTINATING!...Photos of happening last 3 months.

New Year 2010 and First Day of School!

2010-01-04T21:52:00.006+08:00

Happy New Year! 2010 is here! I am wishing and will be working towards a fabulous year...so in 2011 I can say that was a year I truly lived:):):) New Year's day had a small party at my place and gathered family and close friends to welcome the 2010. And the days went by fast and today both my sons started school...Arjoonha my started year 1 and he is 7 and Bhaarath is 4 and started kindergarten. It's amazing the anxiety we feel for our kids, trying to shelter them from all harm and making it an amazing experience. It was a good day...as it could have been worst, things went generally pretty smooth. I did not go to work today and I thought i will go to work tomorrow, but will play it by ear. Arjoonha will be going to a homework coaching centre prior to his afternoon school..(how i wish he can have someone teach him in the house), but I am not chinese educated and he is going to a chinese school and needs someone to coach him..(ok i am rambling here, but I am not sure if all this is good for him,and the arrangement is conducive). Under the circumstances I will stick to this till a better plan comes up! Sigh...why do I worry so much, I should pray trust in God and let it go...and I must do more letting go this year! Life has been a blessing and I have so many good things happening...and I realise I have no right to complaint. Anyway Happy New Year again.

Year Ends

2009-12-24T22:51:00.004+08:00

There is something hopeful and refreshing about year ends. Probably it's all the commercial, and hype..from the media. But year ends always makes everyone looks a little more cheerful, happier and relaxed. There is something exciting about a new year ahead, a chance to get things right, to start all over again, to wish and to hope to make things better then the past year! If I could just have a choice of one resolution, then it will be to try harder..and if I could have just one wish, then it would be wishing for peace to reign on earth! And we started our year end partying earlier...And had a sumptious dinner!

Simple Life!

2009-12-22T20:18:00.004+08:00

When I was a young child our idea of a holiday or getaway is going to relatives or friends house during the school holidays. My parents will be busy catching up with their friends over meals or tv and we the kids will be chatting away or playing games such as hide and seek and as we grew older maybe monopoly. No strolling in the shopping mall, computer games and checking into hotels...we were not able to to afford that. And as a child I envied those who were able to stay in hotels and go to far away places for holidays. As an adult now I realise I begin to crave for those simple holidays where we are able to call into a friends or cousins place. This is exactly what we did last weekend. We took the kids to a friends place at another state and stayed at their home and we felt so welcome..and happy just catching up and chatting till the wee hours of the morning! We ate at home, went for walks and dinner...The kids...hmm they played, they watched lots of TV(sigh the idiot box seems to dominate all homes)... We did not spend much, it was a cheap break, but it was fulfilling, warm and fun..

My kids are growing up way too fast!

2009-12-15T18:21:00.003+08:00

Arjoonha started school yesterday, he is in year one, 7 year old big boy! I cant believe it,still remember him being the cutest baby so gentle and easy to care for. Now here he is wearing his school uniform and going to the big school! i felt so anxious and nervous for him. How if he is bullied, how if he gets an ogre for a teacher, how if he is a very poor student and comes out last in class, how if he is depressed and despises school..how if he does not enjoy school the way I did a long time ago! I brought him to school, and was with him for awhile, he seems quiet but at ease, and soon i left and he seemed alright! I felt better seeing him all cool about it and not making a fuss...and i thought okay this is not too bad after all...the world is not as bad out there as i imagined it to be! Bhaarath my 2nd son is going to preschool in january and it's a whole lot of changes for us. Both boys in school. I will miss them just being crazy and young and not worrying about schoolwork! But they grow, and learn, and hurt and laugh and cry and smile and hopefully they will grow up to be courageous, kind and God fearing!

Good movies come in all colors...black,white, yellow or red!

2009-11-16T15:37:00.003+08:00

I love watching movies, documentaries, cook shows, celebrity news and almost everything and anything. Nothing gives me more joy then a good movie, and my version of a good movie is a about 'women, and family, and love and friendship and jane austen kind of love! I also have a sadistic streak and once awhile enjoys holocaust and end of the world movies, and of course that will include going to the cinema to watch 2012! Have booked tickets for the family today evening! What i enjoy is not the sordid details of dying and the world coming to an end, I dont believe in that! But the good and bad of humanity when something terrible happens. I sure do hope 2012 will not be disappointing. Growing up I was a fan of little house in the prairie, and wanted to be laura ingalls(braid and all), or wanting to be Anne in Anne of Green Gables(with hair as red as carrot), or wanting a family like the Waltons(grandpa and grandma)! A dose of a good movie and a good cuppa coffee is all I need to perk me up...and also well behaved children, loving husband, lots of money, lots of free time...Hope I am not asking for too much here!:)

Maidless

2009-11-08T20:07:00.002+08:00

Our domestic helper dear Awi has left for a 2 months break. Selfishly I so regret for granting her a 2 months break, though it's a well earned one. I was so nervous the thought of her leaving to indonesia, where she comes from. She has been with us for 5 years and we have come to rely on her more then we will like to admit. She cleans and cooks for us, and while we are out at work she minds the kids. So you can imagine just how much she does. Being working parents with a full time job and 2 active boys leaves us with very little time. Any time left after work is spent with them, or taking them for classes and prayer sessions..Without a maid we have to send them to daycares and childminders which can be more costly and not having a home environment. A good domestic helper is indeed a blessing for us. They take care of our home and kids while we are at work. Back to Awi being away, i was a bundle of nerves, and my sweet friend Louis offered his maid to help us for 4 days a week. That was so surreal and took care of most of our worries. So sunday till friday morning i have help with house and kids, and that is such a BLESSING. Friday till sunday afternoon without any help with kids and housework was making me all crazy and totally exhausted. There is just no way working mothers can hold a full time job and still take care of kids and run a clean home. So I am counting my blessings! And my heart goes out to all the women out there who does too much.. ! I am counting my blessings!

8 years of marriage!

2009-10-20T17:24:00.007+08:00

Today is our 8th year wedding anniversary! We got married at 5pm, 20th October 2001. Siva my husband was so nervous walking down the aisle and I was busy waving at everyone and he was getting all nervous as I was all over the place. I remember when we were invited to give the wedding speech, I literally grabbed the mic from him and gave the speech first not that I was domineering(though Siva will beg to differ), but because I was nervous and wanted to get it over with, and I remember not having a taste of our own wedding dinner because we were busy talking and meeting guests...and later we were so hungry and when all went home we went out with shorts and tshirt to the nearest tea shop and had tea! I remember us feeling a little funny that we were husband and wife and not merely a couple still dating..It all felt strange and comfortable! I remember us feeling exciting and fun preparing for our honeymoon to Thailand.. I remember Siva having sore eyes during the honeymoon but we just didnt care..It feels like a lifetime ago, but only 8 years ago. I married Siva not for the usual reasons, of gentle and being tall dark and handsome...err he is tall and dark though...2 out of 3 is not too bad I guess.. But I married him as I know I can totally rely on him. ...And he will be and is a great father..and he is the most generous and helpful person I have ever come across ..And he will put my welfare, my children, family and friends welfare first...I sure do hope we have many, many more anniversaries to celebrate!

It's a all about family who became friends, and friends who became family

2009-10-19T14:39:00.004+08:00

Last weekend was a weekend all about family and friends. My brothers and sisters gathered at my place and we had a cook-out...and also we took many family photos. I really wanted us to take some family shots with my mother...as she is not getting any younger..so many many photos were taken! I was glad. We wanted to get photos professionally done, but it was a Sunday and all photo studios were closed! But nevertheless we transformed my little garden into a photo studio... I was happy! And I have this urge to sit down with my mum and find out about her childhood, and how she met my dad, and more about my dad, as I never really knew him, and by the time I wanted to know him, he was gone. So must make it a point this weekend to get my mum over.

Something about year ends.

2009-10-12T17:29:00.003+08:00

End of 2009 is fast approaching, and really what happened to the last 10 months...It just ran by while I was busy with life. Year end always put me in good mood, the thought of wrapping up, gatherings, beginnings...it is almost like a long extended Friday! If you know what I mean. The next 2 months is going to be different very different. Why? Awi my domestic helper is going back to Indonesia for 2 long months to be with her family. She so dearly misses her children. But the bright side is she will come back and extende her stay for another 2 years or so...God willing! So the next 2 months with no help in hand i have many delegations in mind. It is going to be pretty adventurous, with Siva and me working full time and no one to tend to home and kids. I need my mother's help...Time for the SOS call...and lots of arrangements. Kids are all growing up and soon another year older...

Yoga

2009-10-08T21:04:00.002+08:00

After much procastination and failed attempts, I have alas enrolled in a Yoga class. The timing is perfect 8-930pm, a small class of 5, and 3 minutes drive from home.Perfect! My first class was yesterday and I literally got my body into a TWIST! I feel ache all over today, used muscles which I never knew existed. But I felt good, 1.5 hours of just about me and my body and my breathing:).That is a luxury...and to make it better I am slowly but surely trying to convince my husband to enrol too. Hopefully it helps with his back problems and also in keeping fit!....Road to a Healthier US!

July, August and well into September...it passes by

2009-09-17T21:47:00.003+08:00

I haven't blogged for so long...almost 3 months..time just passed by...And I am not quite sure what happened and where it went. To capture the glimpse of the last 3 months

- friends had marital problems...on and off..and I was doing lots of listening.
- did lots of gardening and have a patch of garden with green grass and some nice potted plants..and some sugarcane, roselle plant...and some flowering plants...all looks trimmed and nice
- business is getting better compared to the 1st half of the year...Thank you God.
- Arjoonha my oldest son, got his entry to year one, which he will be starting in January and i am feeling anxious of the thought of him going to a proper school. My baby all grown up. I hope he makes lots of great friends and finds joy in learning.
- did lots of baking, orange butter cake, brownies, carrot cake...
- failed in some attempt of losing weight
- visited melaka and had a great weekend...went to the Melaka Zoo and kids had a blast.

Present : Oh I am so tired of the jam caused by the fasting month...all will end after this weekend. Hope i find more inspiration to blog..my heart has been lacking creative juice I guess...or ahem am I having a writers block...LOL!

Oh Ye of Little Faith...

2009-06-03T23:57:00.002+08:00

I say I believe, but yet I worry. I say I surrender myself to thee..I lay all my affairs in Thy hand, yet I doubt and fear. I say I will be a happy and joyful being, and I will not let trouble harrass me, yet I sigh and whine....
Sometimes day to day life, and small things get the better of me..I sweat the small stuff. Then I pray, I see what I have around me, great family and friends, and I feel ashamed of letting small things worry and upset me...Then I shake up, and straighten up and life gets all bright and better!

Bali, Indonesia

2009-05-27T14:35:00.007+08:00

Bali was a place which I wanted to go for some time. Heard much about the beaches, the culture and people. And they are very famous for great Spas! For a very cheap price! So we grabbed a promotional offer and went off just husband and i for the first time leaving behind our son's and headed to the tropical island of Bali!!!! And I call this trip the 'marriage saving trip':). It was a 3hours flight from Kuala Lumpur and arrived in Bali about noon. We did not book any accommodation, which is on hindsight not a very good idea as Bali is always fully booked. It is more like a mini Australia, as every nook and corner there are Australian tourist by the dozen. Many comes there for surfing... And with the conversion from AUD to Indonesian rupiah, it becomes a very cheap holiday destination. So anyway we took a cab to the Legian street which is the quieter street of the famous Kuta Beach, and walked around and found a hotel, actually the only one available, as cost about USD30, with swimming pool and a balinese courtyard. The bathroom was a little dinghy for my liking..but we had no choice. So we headed to the beach, and the waves were pretty wild and everyone was doing the beach thingy. It felt a little weird at first as it has been ages since just siva and i went for a holiday without the kids..It felt strange to be able to just do anything with no worries of the kids...Okay before you judge we missed the boys very much all throughout the holiday but we wanted to just enjoy the time we were there. So we ate, and we ate, and we walked, and we walked! Actually we ate more then we walked, it was crazy. We ate guacamole with avocado, kebab, sate, pizza, balinese food, all kinds, we had breakfast, tea, lunch, tea, dinner and supper...with no interruption. We read, and finished a book each, watched CD's vantage point and a kevin costner show, we went for a Bali dance thingy, we walked amongs the paddy fields, we cycled through balinese villages and spoke to the people, we took a drive through the only kind of art village which is 20km long heading towards the volcanic mountains. okay the only thing is i have so few photos to justify all this. As when we are actually doing things and breathing in the moment, we forget to put a camera in front of us.. Balinese art and craft are amazing and very cheap. We bought 2 large pieces of abstract oil painting which cost me about USD30-40 only, and they are beautiful. I will get those pics and post it here. We made a good contact with Week a local who has a car and does drive us around on very good rates, trustworthy and reliable. We stayed the next 3 days near the mountains, which is Ubud in a small hotel which is surrounded by paddy fields, the hotel has a stream which goes kinda under or through it and has a typical balinese design. It is the Junjungan Bali Hotel and Spa. And yes we went to the spa, had good massage, manicure, pedicure and all...and came out completely spoilt and wanting for more.

Bhaarath's Birthday!

2009-05-19T21:48:00.006+08:00

Last Sunday, May 17th we had a birthday party at McDonalds. I was at a lost for a venue and decided to have it at McDs. My baby Bhaarath turned 3. He had so much fun having get to celebrate his birthday and receiving many gifts. It was a simple and fun party with family and friends. I love you Bhaarath, may you have another 100 birthdays in your life!

17 May 2007...I believe in Miracles.

2009-04-19T23:24:00.006+08:00

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Bhaarath during his 1st week and now...

My second son, Bhaarata may not have grown in my tummy, but he grew in my heart and my soul. He was truly a gift from God! We took the eventful journey to receive him, my husband, my oldest son and I. It was such a nerve wrecking moment as I already loved him when we decided to take that journey. I remember the nurse bringing him down and he was wearing this yellow t-shirt and cute socks and a pair of white special shoes for his special feet. I did not want to carry him until I was certain that he was going to be mine, as I cant imagine holding him and not having him. My husband held him first and fell in love with him, Arjoonha decided at 4 years old that he is the baby brother for him. I was the last to carry him, and I was trying my best not to cry but then again emotions got the better of me. What was worst was we were not able to take him home that day. When we left it was heartbreaking as I was leaving my son behind. It was such a long night...The next morning we went back and we received him, and this time I carried him, and held him tight, and said a quick good bye and dashed into the car and felt strange having this little boy on my lap. He was very quiet and I was kissing his head all the time, to assure him that all will be okay. I was not sure if I could love another as I love my Arjoonha. But as I held him I know I have nothing to worry as I felt all the love and more. When we reached home it was all so surreal. He just lied down and slept on our couch. That night I kept on checking the baby court to see if he was for real and really there in the room with us. I saw him sleeping soundly, my husband and I kept on carrying him throught the night. And I loved him from that first moment and I love him even more now...

9 April 2003...Motherhood.

2009-04-19T23:08:00.004+08:00

I conceived my oldest boy, Arjoonha, about 8 months after our wedding. We loved him from the time we found out we were pregnant. My husband and I prayed for him everyday and read stories and sang to him. The pregnancy was perfect except for the 1st trimester where I was throwing up and feeling nauseas. When it came time for my delivery, there were some complications and he was born 'baby blue' not breathing, and they have to revive him. I remember muttering's from the nurses that I am bleeding too much, and Arjoonha being rushed off from the room to be resuscitated. I remember my husband running after the nurses ...and I remember him coming into the room about 1 hour later. I honestly thought that the baby did not make it from the look on my husband's face. He said the baby is okay and they are checking on him. I refused to believe and demanded to see a doctor. My husband came again with a doctor to reassure me that the baby is fine but they have to keep him in the ICU for observation. I remember being wheeled back to my room and I started crying when I was alone, as the whole experience is not what I expected. I expected to have my baby beside me and I should be feeding him. But I was alone the first night with no baby and felt cheated. The next morning I was wheeled to the ICU to see the baby for the first time. And he was a large baby at about 4kg. And I felt all the emotions a mother should feel, and wanted to take care of him and protect him. Both of us stayed at the ICU for 10 days, as his sugar level was very low. It was the longest 10 days of my life as I was so worried that something will go wrong. At the end of our stay I was so ready to go home to the normalcy of life and just to enjoy him without all those drips, and to be able to cuddle and carry him freely. I hardly accepted any phone calls during that time, and shut myself up from the rest of the world, except for my husband. I spent time saying prayers and also to record his daily progress and just caring for the baby so we could both get out of the hospital happily. And all ended well and we were back home! I never imagined I could feel so much love like the one I felt for my son!

Arjoonha's 6th Birthday Party!

2009-04-18T14:47:00.007+08:00

Pictures from Arjoonha's birthday party. The cake was made by a dear friend!

I feel totally BLESSED!

2009-04-12T23:43:00.002+08:00

I feel totally blessed today! For having a great mother who always is full of energy and love, for having had a father who loved to read(probably where all of us got our habits from), for having 2 wonderful sisters who are always willing to help and be there for me, a brother who is considerate and kind, a husband who puts my happiness above his and helps around, my maid who is always smiling and puts up with my impatience, my sons who are a joy to me and gives me a purpose to strive, my friends who listens and makes me laugh, my work which I love and pays my bill, my 2 wonderful colleagues who have become more then colleagues to me, my laptop for giving me some quiet time to blog my thoughts away....I feel totally blessed today!

My Baby is 6!

2009-04-11T11:54:00.005+08:00

Pin the tail to the Elephant and the Pinata

Arjoonha my oldest just turned 6 on the 9th of April. This will be his last pre-schooling year. Every year at least 2-3 months before his birthday we will get excited and start talking about his birthday. Last 5 years we had parties at all the outlets in town. This year we decided to settle for an old fashioned birthday parties at home, and it is tomorrow. Now I found out how much work actually involves in preparing a party at home. Have to ensure that there are appropriate food for kids and parents, games to keep them entertained, party favours and decorations to create the right ambience etc. I have fond memories of my own birthdays when I was a young child Though we had little financially my mother ensures to make it special for us, by making our favourite food or having a small party. And I want my children to grow having wonderful fun memories of their birthdays and to make it a day that they have lots of fun with their friends. So I have to get my creative juice flowing...Will a game of pinata, pinning the tail to the elephant, musical chair, poison box and 'dance and freeze' be good for a 6 year old and his friends? We shall find out tomorrow! Here are the pics...not very eerrr professional ...but cheaper then the ones we buy from the store. God Bless You Arjoonha.

Bahai New Year!

2009-04-11T11:36:00.010+08:00

Had a great time hosting lunch for about 50 family and friends. It was also like a house warming do. It was really nice to have all loved ones together, though I was moving from one group to another and cannot really remember who I spoke to and who I did not, but it was just a nice fuzzy feeling. Kids had a great time making a mess in their rooms and thrashing all the toys (sigh)! Awi and I had a crazy time trying to figure out which piece belonged to which part. These are the signs of kids having too many toys...

Open House, Open Hearts

2009-03-14T08:39:00.002+08:00

Next Sunday I will be having family and friends over for lunch, about 50 of them. Am not cooking this time, I will just enjoy the company, as food is being catered, yahoo!. It's Bahai New Year. From now till May there will be a whirlpool of activities. April will be Arjoonha's 6th birthday and May will be my baby's who is turning 3! There is something about planning all these, and making it the best time for the kids and also family and friends. Opening my home to friends, I feel is a physical gesture of opening my heart, and at the end of the day what really matters are the relationship one forms with the people around them.

My Mum!

2009-02-18T10:20:00.006+08:00

My sister's and I

My mother!

It was my mum's 73rd birthday on Feb 15. We had a surprise do for her with family and friends at my place. My mother...what can one say. She is an amazing lady in the true sense of the word. She is a chinese by origin and given up for adoption to an Indian family. She was loved by her adopted mother who was a widow and my grandma passed away when my mum was barely 12. My mum has to go and live with a relative who only took her in as a helper to assist with household chores and taking care of her 10 children. She went through many tough days but her sense of humour, curiosity of life got her through. She could have easily chose to be bitter and sensitive, but she became totally the opposite. She even treated that lady with love and respect till her last days. She then later was married off to my dad at 17 and my dad was 34 years old. What I learnt most from my mum is about giving and welcoming people of all walks of life, races and religion. If there is a Radio or TV that is not working my mum will fix it, a leak in the roof she will fix it. A neighbour needs help, she will be there... A fun personality too. She is so very mischiveous, and loves to play pranks on people even till now..she drives us mad some times. I hope she will have many more healthy birthdays to come, and I hope that I can emulate her in living life!

I am not too sure...Happy Valentine's

2009-02-13T18:44:00.006+08:00

I just realised I havent blogged for more than a month. I really dont know why, but i know I have this unsettled feeling inside me...Maybe I am anxious about the economy and the effect it may have on my work, the political climate of the country..and many more.Maybe i am menopausal, is 37 too young to go thru it?? I do have a lot in my mind to write though. Tomorrow's valentine's day. I am going to cook Roast Lamb Shoulder Jamie Olivier Style for husband and children. For the boy's they are not familiar with red meat, so will make them roast chicken instead,and we will have a family dinner with candlelight and all. I told my 6 year old that I am inviting him for dinner and he asked me where? I said my kitchen, and he said "I can't drive yet"..hmmm.. One can never be too sure what goes through 6 year old's mind. Happy Valentine's Day!

Family Portrait

2009-01-02T09:20:00.006+08:00

There is something about family portraits that is intriguing. I always look for one when I am at someone's home. At my mother in laws house, there are faded family photos on the wall. It catches the era it was taken in with the 50s and 70s hairdo and fashion. And I will scrutinise each of their faces to see if they are looking happy or sad. I will ask my mother in law their stories. At my mother's place there are family portraits of her mother who adopted her but whom we never knew as she passed away when my mum was a teenager. Family photos gives me a sense of belonging and continuation. I have been wanting to have my family picture taken for some time now, since Arjoonha was 2. But procastination got the better of me. But then again it will not be a complete family without Bhaarath around. So since we have Bhaarath(my 2nd son) in our life now, it feels just about time to get it done. Here we go...all of of us.

2009 ARRIVES!

2009-01-01T13:07:00.003+08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR! I am well into 2009 now! We ushered in the New Year with about 40 friends and family,while eating 12 grapes each when the clock struck 12(supposedly a Philipines tradition as a symbol to have 12 sweet months), and watching the display of fireworks from the Twin Tower! We hugged and wished each other a very happy new year,and we came home about 2am. And wallah...we are in 2009! My hope and wish for this year is to live it with humanity in mind and to be joyfully optimistic.

Resolutions!

2008-12-24T12:04:00.003+08:00

I have not been much of a blogger lately. My internet is down at home and also I cant seem to find my camera cable. Tt has been a frustrating journey getting the telecommunications department to do something about it. I tried being polite, angry, rude, and sent a few emails across. Got a reply to one today and they said they will get it up and running. But when, I need to no when! But that aside I am not going to let this ruin my holiday spirit! So I have to steal some time during work to blog. Everywhere I go there seem to be some christmas songs playing, the shopping complexes are all decorated with christmas decorations. And people are genetally more relaxed, and happier during this time of the year. There is something hopeful and warm about year ends. Something refreshing that we can get things right again. When I was younger year ends were about holidays, sleeping till late mornings, and just lazy days with family and friends. Now being a mother it means planning fun time for my children and catching up with friends. I just love year ends. We will be having friends over to stay for the next few days, so it is going to be a noisy and fun time for the family. My resolutions will be to be happy in the 'now' and to spend fun time with family and friends! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Tooth Fairy's Visit!

2008-12-09T11:13:00.003+08:00

The tooth fairy visited my 5 year old yesterday! My son, Arjoonha lost his first tooth the night before. We were woken up early Monday morning by Arjoonha who was so excited that when he checked under his pillow. The Tooth Fairy in exchange of his tooth, left him an hotwheels car a card and 10 bucks. He was all so excited that the Tooth Fairy knows exactly what he wants! He is hoping more tooth to drop to enjoy further rewards! But I told him it only happens to the first one! But the joke is our maid, Awi from Indonesia was equally excited as she thought Tooth Fairy is for real, and said solemnly that it never visits her village in Indonesia! I had a hard time controlling my laughter!

THEY ARE AT THE SAME TABLE AND NOT TALKING!

2008-11-24T12:03:00.002+08:00

When my husband and I wasdating back when we were in Penang Island, we used to go everywhere in our honda motorcycle. We will talk and talk and talk more, wherever we are! For meals most days we go to our favourite shop tucked away in Bayan Lepas, and used to watch couples both young and old at other tables. One of the games we used to play is to create imaginary lives by looking at other couples. Once we noticed this couple with 2 children at the table having their meals. They look probably married for 10 years or so, and throughout dinner they only uttered 2 words or so. And I remember telling my boyfriend then, that I hope we wont get to a point where we wont have nothing much to say to each other. That would be very sad!

CHANGE IS INEVITABLE

2008-11-19T09:44:00.002+08:00

I may come across as being adventurous and independent; but I realized that I am such a coward when it comes to changes. I need the push, the kick, the pull and the encouragement to take the first step, and once I am there right in the middle of things I adapt pretty fast. So I am in a few changes in my life now...and keeping fingers crossed that all will turn out great, and my friends can tell me I told you so. And luckily for me I have friends around me who are willing to bear with my moans and groans and fears...and just encourage me through it.

I HAVE MOVED!

2008-11-17T17:16:00.004+08:00

Moving house is indeed stressful! And I only moved 45 minutes away from where I am now. How do people move to another country or continent! Dont think I will survive it! Gosh it is amazing the amount of things we manage to collect in that small apartment of ours. Yes we have finally moved to our new place, and it is slowly beginning to take shape. Slowly but surely we are getting settled in. New neighbours, new lanes, new schools, new markets, new playgrounds, many new things to adapt too! Will post more stuff later! Just to say I am back! I have a new colleague in my office, so a few changes in life, and i realise I am not very good with changes!

A visit to the man in White.

2008-10-09T19:43:00.005+08:00

Arjoonha (my eldest one) has a skin condition and it looks like brown patches on his body. It started when he was 6 months old, and we have taken him to many doctors who was not able to diagnose it. Then about 2 years ago it was diagnosed as Uticaria Pigmentosa, which is a harmless condition which will eventually disappear as he reaches puberty. I am not sure if I imagined it, but I thought the spots were becoming darker, and I was concerned if it would be something more serious like skin cancer, especially after watching the episode of Oprah on skin cancer. So I decided to take him for another round of check up. I could have kissed the doctor when he said it was nothing to worry about but to bring him for quarterly review to observe it. He also gave him a topical cream to help fade the patches! Arjoonha was excited that he can have the day out with me. So we had fun having breakfast at the Starbucks which was located at the hospital; yes hospital is much fun nowadays! I remember my own mum taking me to hospital for routine checks as I had bout of sinus when I was a child. But it was not as easy as I have it nowadays. In those days we did not have a car, so my mum has to take me in a bus journey of almost 2 hours, and we have to stay at a relatives place to attend to the hospital appointment. I remember the highlight of the visit when my mum and I enjoy the delicious bowl of soup noodle at the hospital cafeteria!

Simple and Old Fashioned?

2008-10-02T17:39:00.011+08:00

Serious about Pictionary

Arjoonha took a picture of a cat

Shopping complexes are perpetually crowded all year round in Malaysia. It is either we are spending money always, or during our free times sadly we do not have other useful activities to do. We really should have better things to do in life then going to the shopping complexes as a ritual; such as putting your time to good use, having friends to visit or willing to have you around, or you having friends over or maybe volunteering for a useful course...If week after week if we only have the shopping complexes to visit then it is time to reevaluate our lives, our values and maybe our everything. Yesterday we were invited to a friends beautiful home, away from the buzzing noise of the city. It is nestled in a real pretty green area of Seremban. We really did not have any plans, except to visit.So we had lunch, we had tea, children played to their hearts content in the large compound, we played pictionary and we had the old fashioned fun! It was really refreshing. I am indeed grateful to be surrounded by good friends who are willing to have us around!

HEART vs POCKET

2008-09-27T07:01:00.002+08:00

Got the keys to our hew home, and now the real work starts. Met the contractor last night and we went through on what needs to be done. I realised what I want a lot to be done(yes Louis you were right all along, I do want a lot). I was thinking with my Heart and not with my Pocket. So the list went on and on, and mind you we have not even come to the part of new furnishings yet! I will be receiving the quotation on Monday and will 'sit down' before viewing it, in case I faint with shock. If you are wondering why my husband is not mentioned here with the contractor, BECAUSE my husband is from Mars. He believes in 'simplicity' to a fault. If I leave it to him, we will move into that house as it is, with its lavender exterior and worn out floors and broken doors...! (Then again I wish I can be like him at times so I will not have the burden of wanting all in order...). I am feeling anxiety attack as there is a lot to be done..and decisions to made...

Say NO to ISA! : If it is to be, it is up to me.

2008-09-15T19:13:00.005+08:00

I live my life at times bordering on "If it is to be, it is up to me' or 'Who died and made me King?'. Yesterday I chose the former! The Internal Security Act a draconian law has been used again in this so called democratic country, and 3 people have been jailed. With the ISA you are denied your right to engage a lawyer or to defend yourself! People are crying injustice and are telling the government that they will no longer tolerate such abuse of power. So Siva and I went to join the candlelight vigil last night to release those who are held and to give them a fair trial. The rain and the presence of police did not dampen the spirit of those who wanted to stand up for what they believe in. The presence of the police was intimidating but the spirit was high. This is my first time joining such a vigil and it was indeed a special experience.

Old Friends, New Friends

2008-09-10T20:19:00.005+08:00

Arjoonha my oldest boy makes friends easily. Nothing makes him happier then playing with friends other then watching TV. My youngest one Bharath tags along happily. We live in an apartment and the only common place to play is in the swimming pool or the little play area around it. So my children spends many a day basking in the pool. Arjoonha has a group of friends he plays with and for some reason he chooses friends who are much older then him. His partners in crime are Ruby, JR and Joon Joon. He is going to miss them much once we move to our new place next month,and I am sure they will miss him too. I sure do hope he will make good friends in our new place. Speaking about friends, 2 very old friends from my primary school has managed to get in touch with me via facebook. How cool is that. And we have not met for like 25 years! We are meeting for lunch tomorrow and I am so excited! Must take lots of photos!

Acts of Friendship

2008-09-01T08:03:00.002+08:00

I received an expensive gift from someone and it really did not mean much. A friend braved through after work traffic jam to get me some petrol as my car stalled in the middle of the highway, another sends her husband to pass me some medication that I needed,one friend gives me a lift everytime I do not have the car to get to work, and another sends me home when I still do not have a car to get home from work, a neighbour sends her daughter who is studying for nursing to give my mother a good rub for her backache...I find the most valuable of friends are those who do things for each other. The gift of time and skills are the most valuable. Recently I went to a friend's son's one year old party. And being new parents, overwhelmed at throwing a large party, they forgot to charge their cameras. I offered to get the photos of the party, and later sent it to her in a CD. She was so very grateful to be able to capture the precious moments. If we do not to things for others or have friends who do things for us, then we really need to take a moment to wonder why we have not welcome people into our lives, and the kind of human being we have become...And that to me is truly scary!

It's raining, it's pouring..the old man is snoring...

2008-08-30T15:33:00.005+08:00

I havent been much of a blogger recently. I have been busy with getting tenants for my current apartment and managed to get one. So one thing off the basket. The weather has been glorious, not many may agree; but after months of bright sunshine and blue sky, it has been raining heavily daily, and I so welcome the cool cosy weather. It is perfect when it rains over the weekend, like for now. I am at my dining table with my laptop, and hubby and sons are sleeping in the room. So the house is perfectly quiet. I am at my happiest now. I have been going through house magazines to choose colours and furnitures that I would like when I move to our house sometime October. There are so many to choose from, and so much to do, that reminds me to get a Gantt Chart up, so all will get done. We had pancakes with butter, honey and strawberry jam which I got from our recent trip to Camerons, this morning for breakfast. Family loved it so that made me happy. Here is the recipe:

2 cups of white flour
2 eggs
a pinch of salt
4 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
200ml water
50ml milk

Whisk all up, and heat up a skillet or a non stick pan. Pour a ladle full of batter and cook till golden brown on both sides. Serve it hot with butter, honey, maple syrup or fruit preserves.

My camera is out of battery, so will paste photo later.

Brown, Black, Yellow, White...Purple and Blue? The colour of Mankind

2008-08-23T09:41:00.004+08:00

In recent times in our country racism has taken a turn for the worst. It has existed all the time. One tend to feel his race is superior to others, and feel more comfortable and secure surrounding oneself with their own race. It is a strange 'herd' syndrome! It is stranger still when those who claim themselves to believe in God or at least in their own mind thinks they are religious to be racist. I would have imagine the basic teaching they would have been exposed to is love mankind as all are God's creation. I suppose being in the faith I am in with multiracial followers, and having good friends of multiracial background, I find it difficult to feel that one race is superior to the other. Daily in our newspapers we read teachers being racist to students of different race, and in work, we have employers demanding to wanting to hire people of certain race not because they may be smarter or bring value to work, because they are comfortable surrounding themselves with their own race. Still baffles me...I suppose until we truly believe that we belong to human race and we are all the same regardless of colour or race, till then mankind is nothing better then wearing loin cloths and living in the cave! And seriously dont waste our time going to places of worship to bow and pray when we cant respect another being as equal.

Low Time, High Time...All times

2008-08-15T21:28:00.003+08:00

I have been feeling a little blue lately. Not sure who the culprit was, PMS, being in love with Gerard Butler, something someone said, Ms Chong...I am not sure. Today I am down with a cold, and my nose is blocked, eyes are teary, house is a mess, political climate in our country a real pain in the you know where, but I am feeling happier. Not sure why? I feel more certain, more in control and definitely much happier. Hope this cold will clear away...I want to breathe in the weekend. Does chicken soup really help with cold? I am going to make me one anyway!

Movie struck! PS: I love you

2008-08-14T21:10:00.005+08:00

I cried my heart out for this movie. PS I love you was the perfect movie.I am so in love with Irish man now, and I want to visit Ireland! It was all so beautiful.The songs in the movie was also beautiful. If you are looking for a movie to curl up on the sofa with, on a nothing much to do weekend, then stop your search. Go and buy a DVD and watch this movie.Gerard Butler was all so hot here! Go to youtube to listen to the tracks. Here is the URL. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDQj_des6Gs

Cameron Highlands Trip

2008-08-02T14:54:00.008+08:00

Tea plantation

Aveetha, Arjoonha, Shervin and my brother Thiaga

This trip nearly got cancelled as mother in law (mil) was not well. But hubby asked to go without him as the kids have been looking forward to this for the last 2 months. So we went to Cameron's and on the way we stopped by at Ipoh and visited my aunt and cousins, and that was very nice. Kids got to meet the relatives. After a 1/2 day visit we headed towards the higland. The weather was pleasant but at night pretty cold, about 15-16c. But there were too much of development going and the authorities should keep a tab so that they dont destroy the beauty of this place. The tea plantation was indeed breathtaking. Kids enjoyed the long walk there (I decided to stay at the tea shop and drank hot tea, and stuffed myself with scones). All in all it was a good holiday, with my brother, mother and sister's family!

Family That Eats Together Stays Together

2008-07-17T20:03:00.004+08:00

Not that easy for all family members to come together for dinner. With both parents working, children with extra classes and schedules I suppose this has become more difficult. We try to have family dinner time at least 4-5 times a week. Reason why it is not 7 times a week is, sometimes Siva(my husband) works till night. My youngest son Bhaarath is only 2 but he can eat by himself, with some mess of course. During this time we ask each other about his/her day. Other then saying prayers together in the mornings and evenings this is the only other time where we sit down together to do something as a family. I sure do hope we will continue doing this even when the children are all grown up!

What happens on some Sunday mornings!

2008-07-15T06:52:00.007+08:00

We normally have friends over for devotionals or simply for breakfast over at our place on Sundays. This Sunday I was in a lazy mood, but then got a call from Gina asking if there is anything going on. So invited her over with another friend and soon we were all at my place chatting and having breakfast. It was a treat as Gina brought along her cutie-pie son and we were all goo-goo, ga-gaing over him! Sorry forgot to take pictures of Joshu (gina's baby).

Aidan's 1st Birthday

2008-07-12T22:23:00.007+08:00

Bhaarath not comfortable with the father's new image

Siva was influenced by the recent Hulk movie!

Aidan & Brit

Having fun on the bouncing castle

We were at Aidan's 1st Brithday today. Aidan's mum is Brit and we went to University together and I just realised that we have been friends for 15 years! We had so much fun at University doing innocent crazy things, and had fun as working adults,and been through each other's weddings and delivery and now attending each other's party or the kis party and live about 20mins from each other. So we had a blast of a time at the party both adults and children. Children had great fun in the bouncing castle and playing football! Will attach photos, have some technical glitches. Great party Brit...though you look like you can do with a good long break..Not an easy task to put up a party for kids.

Mydin please be environmentally friendly

2008-07-07T10:57:00.003+08:00

I do grocery shopping at Mydin weekly. I try to reduce on the usage of plastic bags and bring my own bags to cart the goods. Yesterday when I at the payment counter and asked the cashier to use the bags she refused saying that it is Mydin's policy to used plastic bags. Gosh..! I was furious and tried explaining to her, but she just could not comprehend. So the supervisor came over and made some sill facial gesture and I told her again that I do not want to use plastic bag. And then people started looking at me as though I committed a crime, for not using plastic bags. So I made some fuss and noise and then they allowed me and I came out there determined to send an email to the local tabloid and Mydin. If their policy is not environmental friendly then they better start doing something about it!

Every Stranger a Friend we have not met

2008-06-29T19:15:00.005+08:00

We meet people daily in our lives, everywhere. Everyone we meet has some interesting story to share or experience we can learn from . I am one who loveeesssss to hear about other people's lives. Some may call this as being nosey, but I like the term being inquisitive! My son's swimming instructor(I am referring to her as M in case she does not want me to mention her on this blog) is a German lady who has been in Malaysia and married to a local and has 2 sons. So we meet briefly almost every Sunday and exchange some niceties in between the classes. Today Arjoonha had his swimming class, and in that one hour he was with her I quickly made a batch of chocolate chip cookies. Okay I am going to post this recipe later. At the end of the class it started raining, and also she did not have another class after my son's. So I invited her over for tea at my place. It was a perfect, cosy weather to have someone over for hot tea and chocolate chip cookies. I got to know quite a bit about her. Such interesting details as to how she backpacked throughout Indonesia, and ended in Malaysia accidentally and met her husband who is a town planner by accident. And 11 years later married with 2 boys. Also I got to know more about her life in Germany and some of her political views and priorities in life. And as mothers do we ended our conversation discussing about our children. Now M has become more then just my son's swimming instructor. It's amazing what a cup of tea and cookie can do on a rainy day.

A Typical SATURDAY: Counting my blessings!

2008-06-28T21:49:00.008+08:00

With so many uncertainties around us, sometimes a typical weekend is a blessing indeed! Today we had a typical SATURDAY. We woke up slightly later then normal. My eldest son Arjoonha is an early riser, so by 730am we are all up. He gets excited about preparing breakfast for the family, so I try to get him involved and we usually have toast, scrambled eggs, baked beans and sausages. Then some lazing around in the pyjamas and some playing. Then Arjoonha is sent for his children's class and in that 1 hour I will prepare lunch, such as sandwiches or spaghetti. Today was chicken sandwich day. We have lunch together, then the kids are allowed to watch a cartoon, while the adults get some rest, reading time or computer time! After that we normally head to my mother's and spend the rest of the evening there. The children get to meet and play with their cousins and I get to catch up with my mum and sisters, and the husbands are normally in the background having tea, reading, napping or taking the kids to playground. We normally head back home after dinner, and children will doze off in the car and have to be carried back home. This is how we spend a typical Saturday!

Simple Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Ingredients
Chicken breast or fillet
Fresh grounded pepper
Salt
Honey
Lettuce cut into small pieces
Onions slices
Cucumber slices
Tomatoes slices
Pickles(optional)
Cheese slices
Bread: white/whole meal, or pita bread
Dressing
Tomato/Chilli Ketchup
Mustard
Mayonnaise

Marinate chicken with salt pepper and honey and leave it for an hour
Then roast the chicken in an oven till all brown and tender
once chicken is cooked cut it into slices
Then pile up the bread with layers of chicken, cucumber, onion, tomato, lettuce, pickes, cheese and put on any dressing that the family likes. You can also toast the bread if you like. If you feel you will need more vegetables for lunch you can serve the sandwich with a bowl of salad that you family loves!
This is a simple wholesome meal with chicken and vegetables, perfect for quick lunches. This is also perfect for take away by wrapping it into cling wrap so that it will remain fresh when you are going out!

Other then chicken you can also use egg!

“Every man dies - Not every man really lives.”

2008-06-27T14:46:00.004+08:00

Today could have easily been Friday the 13th. I came to office excited that it was a Friday and looking forward to the weekend, but then a friend of mine was very upset about something and she was really down, then I received another call with news of someone I know having ovarian cancer, and then another news that my hubands good friend is in ICU with a lung failure with a slim chance of surviving. I am a little shocked with all these news, as me or my loved ones could have been one of these people. Life is so fragile and unpredictable, and it puts us to shame that we worry about trivial things like if my butt looks big?? I wonder what will go through our mind when we are on our deathbed? Death comes unheralded, and I must remind myself of this the next time I start worrying about some trivia matters! Live life!

Come over to my place...

2008-06-26T21:53:00.009+08:00

I remember my mother bringing me along to visit families, for reasons such as someone is not well, funerals, births, or just visiting a friend or family whom we have not met for some time. When we were younger we did not have a car, neither telephone,so we were not able to inform the family before visiting. We used to take the bus or cab for the visits. The families will welcome us happily, and will serve us tea and biscuits, or if nothing is available then they will quickly run to the shop and get us something. Nowadays with the ease of having a car and all, casual visiting is almost a forgotten art.I have heard of people who says that they were upset as they had friends just dropping in without letting them know or given a short notice. I wonder is it because we have lost the 'community'feeling and are too caught up with our busy lives, or maybe it is true that life is indeed very busy, with career, traffic jams, more demands to earn more, etc...? We felt tired after work today but had a neighbour in hospital down with dengue. So I thought to myself what my mother would have done? Sigh...I have to visit the neighbour, so we went to visit her with a copy of the Oprah magazine to cheer her up. She looked happy that we visited, and I was glad that we did. We were able to show the kids the importance of caring and visiting, although they went to bed nearer to 10pm and not 830pm!

Monday Blues..House and Holiday///

2008-06-24T19:06:00.004+08:00

Yesterday I had a serious bout of Monday blues. I really mean blues! My colleagues can vouch for this. I was feeling down for no reason,sad for no reason and my spirit was truly low. Came back home and was cheered with the faces of my boys. I was saved by the prayer session we had that night, which made me feel immediately better. The power of prayers... I felt my spirit being refreshed and gladdened. So today I am back with better spirit and goodwill. Yahoo, we are signing the S&P tomorrow to seal the purchase of the house; it is 17 days with no TV in my house. Still contemplating if I should introduce it after 21 days or drag it to another 30 days. And I am also looking forward to our holiday next month to Cameron Highlands...Okay it may not be New Zealand but a holiday nevertheless! No pictureslah today...let me see if I can get something on Cameron Higlands..

Water, water everywhere

2008-06-22T17:51:00.012+08:00

There are no shortage of beaches and water activities in Malaysia. When I was younger I used to live in Sitiawan which is 1/2 hour from Lumut and Pangkor Island. So we do go to the beach, though thinking back we really should have gone more often. I tried to learn swimming by sneaking out of the house to join my friends at the naval base but that failed. Then later at University a friend taught me swimming. So I picked up some breast stroke, and was beginning to feel at ease in water. And I did some snorkeling back then in Pangkor and Redang and fell in love with it, and even thought of taking up Diving(haven't found the guts and company yet). So as soon as Arjoonha was old enough I decided to enrol him into swimming class. Now he can do breast stroke and back stroke and is very at ease in water. Bhaarath is such a natural. That boy must have been born under water. He can dive and put his face into the water with ease. End of last year we went for a holiday to Pangkor and went snorkeling. The guide dropped us at a point and we had 2 choices either to hike up a hill or swim around the island to reach the snorkeling spot. So out of 20 of us, 6 of us decided that we would be able to swim across. And yours truly was insane enough to do this. I really regretted this temporary insanity of mine, 10 minutes into the swim. The current was strong, waves were strong, and I was thinking this will be how I will die. The Star tabloid will carry the heading, "Stupid woman drowned due to being over confident'!. It was one hour swim and my limbs felt alien to the rest of my body. Okay...what was good was, the underwater scene. The beautiful fishes! But then I was not able to see the bottom of the sea at all and heart missed a beat... Anyway I survived and later when I was calmer I felt good for being able to do it. I made a decision then to take up some lessons to brush up on my swimming skills.

Arjoonha's Sports Day 2008-Qdees

2008-06-21T13:10:00.007+08:00

Prize giving: Trophy and spiderman toy!

The march past

Arjoonha with Ms Chow

We were at Arjoonha's sports day today. When he was a 6 month old baby he developed a pigmentation condition which leaves small dark patches like those marks left by chicken pox all over his face and body. Whenever someone meets him for the first time they will ask about these spots. So when he first heard of sports day at 4 years old, he thought it was to celebrate the 'Spots'. He came home excitedly to tell us that there will be a 'Spots' day. Now that he is 5 and all grown up he knows better. So we were out from 8-12noon today. Bhaarath was excited to tag along and to to see his big brother sporting. It can be pretty hillarious to see antics of the 'Kiasuness' of parents these days. They tried to squeeze through to take pictures, or shout across for their kids to smile. One father who was standing beside me was calling out to his 6 year old daughter. "Rachel, Rachel, Rachel smile,smile...put your cap on properly,stand straight, smile, smile." The poor girl was looking around embarrassed with her father's antics.And then there was another mother, who kept on going to the area where parents are not allowed to wipe the sweat of her 5 year old son, continuously". I can almost imagine the boy growing up to be all nerdy and soft!. But there are also some composed and nice parents, who let their children sweat a little, or just let them be kids. I chose them to speak to and hang around with. After all this is sports day and a little sweat and dirt wouldn't kill anyone.

House Hunting-Hunted

2008-06-19T22:48:00.003+08:00

Remember I mentioned that I may have found a house after all. Yes it has been decided and the loan has been approved, so awaiting for the S&P to be signed and then money to be disbursed. We will be moving into our new home some time end oct, once Sheroz's year end examination. So working backwards we will need to get many things sorted out. Meeting up with the education department for transfer, changing of utilities, changes of addresses for all bills, renovation work, informing friends of move(oh yeah,we receive healthy amount of visitors to our place, whom we enjoy their company very much), furniture shopping, and much more...

IDIOT BOX Saga continues...

2008-06-19T16:14:00.003+08:00

It has been 13 days without TV at my home. Kids were kind of restless the first 5 days or so. Slowly they are getting into a pattern or accupying themselves with other stuffs. I am seeing more toys being taken out and played with. I see them playing amongst themselves more. In the morning Arjoonha has been focusing on breakfast and all. So seems like worth the experiment. Siva and I are also sleeping earlier then usual. Hmm..so what do I do now, do I bring back the idiot box into our lives, or to leave it completely behind? I do believe TV in moderation and with guidance can be a great learning tool, but it's sometimes a challenge to set the limit, even for myself. I get hooked to E-News and in finding out which celebrity is divorcing, giving birth..etc. Let's give it another 20 days or so and let me enjoy the bliss of not having TV for some time! What do you think?

To Copy or Coffee

2008-06-14T22:51:00.005+08:00

During my 2nd year university break I took up a temporary position as a secretary at Standard Chartered. I was reporting to the Sr VP of International Corporate loan, a real good looking guy. About 2 weeks into my job, he called me over and asked me for some coffee. So I eagerly went to inform the tea lady. She asked me if he requested for white or black. Being so young, I thought everyone only drank coffee with milk, so I went to my boss and asked him white or black? He looked at me really funnily, and then mentioned 'white', and added is there other colour? I smiled politely and said okay, and informed the tea lady. So she brought the coffee over and passed it to him. And he called me over and said where are the copies. And at that point I wanted to piss in my pants, literally piss, and was so embarrassed that I am sure my face was red although I am tanned! He actually asked me to make copies of the earlier document he passed to me and when I asked him white or black he was wondering what other colours can the photocopy print be in but I thought he wanted coffee!!! How I wished I just could drop dead and never have to work for him another day. But I continued to do so for almost 3 months, and he even threw me a farewell party at Chilli's when I left.

Bra Story

2008-06-13T18:58:00.007+08:00

Friday is here again! Yahoo...! I thought I will share something funny. When I was younger we lived in this Chinese New Village kind of a house. It is not fenced, has lots of places to run around and surrounded by lots of trees. One of the chores I do is to pick up the clothes from the clothing line when I returned from school. So I came home on a Friday afternoon, and picked up the clothes and then mother asked me to run an errand to Ah Kow's shop to get some sago. So I took my bicycle (we cycle everywhere those days), and cycled passed some houses, and pass the Chung Cheng Chinese primary school (it was after school hours so students were outside the school waiting for school buses), and then I reached the shop. I parked my bicycle and strutted into the shop and bought 50cents worth of sago (yes 50cents actually meant something then!). So Ah Kow gave me the stuff and I took it and swung my head (I used to wear my hair in a ponytail), and I felt something swinging across my face. And I felt the earth opening up and swallowing me alive. My mother's bra was stuck to my hair and hanging as an extension of my ponytail! I was so embarassed that I did not look anywhere. I took the bra, shove it into my pocket and cycled with a dead pan face... The sago kuih did not taste good that day!

DOWN WITH THE IDIOT BOX

2008-06-12T21:45:00.006+08:00

Today is the 6th day with '0' TV time in our home. Not that I have become an over responsible parent, but the astro decorder is faulty. Our first reaction was to get it fixed so we can enjoy having the kids leave us alone for a few minutes, or Siva get all glued up during CSI or House screening time, or me having the 'me' time by watching celebrity gossips! But we decided otherwise and thought this will be a brilliant time weaning kids of TV and also to see how the family functions without it. The greatest mistake I made as a parent is to let my sons have meals in front of the TV! Although I have limited the kids to 2 max 3 cartoons a day but still had tough time feeding kids without the TV on. So the last 5 days has been blissful. Instead of TV it has been replaced with books, and board games, and just doing things together. The kids are also forced to look at toys that normally they ignore and they play with each other more. Experts says kids below 2 years old should have no TV time, and above 2 no more then 1 hour. But most kids I know spend hours in front of the TV, watching adult shows that are inappropriate for their age. TV promotes too much violence, risky behaviours, sex, alcohol and drugs. So if you think your kids are watching too much you can try some of these:

1. limit the number of and kind of shows they can watch and stick to it.

2. set a good example by limiting your own tv viewing.

3. use good judgement on the kinds of show that a young child can watch (for instance too much sex in james bond, but young kids watches this freely)

4. come up with a family tv schedule and choose shows that they whole family can enjoy

5. talk to your child about what he or she sees

6. offer fun alternatives to TV ; board games, play dough, physical activities etc

Bottom line is limit your TV time...and I can say this bravely because we dont have a TV for now, and I hope for a very long time! Share with me if you have great ideas about limiting TV time.

HANDY MANNY

2008-06-10T22:43:00.004+08:00

My mother was a great exemplar to her children. I remember when I was younger, or when she was younger she used to climb the roof of the house to patch a leak, or repair the TV or radio when it's faulty, or cement a broken pavement, ...We rarely got someone to do it. So when I got my apartment I bought me a Black and Decker's Drill set! So I fixed all our window railings, shelves for the bathroom, and hung up all the pictures and frames! It was definitely cost savings, but also a good feeling that you got it done yourself. My husband though thrifty and macho in all ways for some reason does not seem to be part of this. His idea of DIY is when we purchase the DIY furnitures he fixes them (sigh...). One of our kitchen tap has been leaking. So I went to the hardware shop and the friendly guy at the shop gave me a tutorial on how to do the whole works, from cutting the pipe, the glue, the extension and then to replace it with a new tap head. Okay it may sound difficult, but actually with some guidance and also with some commonsense..Wallah we fixed it. Yes I mentioned 'We' because I forced hubby into it. And guess what in 1/2 hour it is fixed. And guess how much the plumber asked me for it? Not including the price of the materials (about RM60 in total, for the tap(this depends china, malaysia or italy made; never get china made or else you have to do it all over again in a month, the tape, the glue, the flexi rod, and some small valve), and RM80 for workmanship or he can give small discount and charge me RM60! Can you believe that? Meaning we would have spent about RM140 - RM160 for this work and we did it with only RM60, and the better part of it is we learnt how to do it and able to use the skill again.So next time you have a leak or a need for a fix, go to the friendly hardware shop and find out on how to DIY or call me and I will do it...for lesser then what the plumber will charge. With cost of living increasing these skills will come in truly handy.

Being a Friend to Earth

2008-06-10T22:27:00.004+08:00

There is so much talk on environment and what is good and what is bad. I always wonder if all the talks, the articles will actually help, and if those at the grassroots really care or even thinks about it. I was pleasantly surprised as all the buzz and talks, and articles do help after all. I went to a small shop near where I work and the guy at the counter mentions about one should not use too many plastic bags, I went to Subway for a sandwich and the lady behind the counter mentioned that she is bringing up a suggestion the her management to switch to paper bags instead...And yesterday I went to a traditional hardware shop near where I live and when I refused a plastic bag for the things I purchased, he said all of us should reduce on plastics, and so forth. It looks like being environmentally friendly is close to everyone's heart. All this is fine but how do we do our part..We may not be carrying placards to protest but may find our own small ways.. In my family for instance we are trying to use lesser plastic bags. When we do grocery we bring as many bags as possible, when we buy our bread we refuse plastic bags, when we withdraw money on the ATM we try not to ask for receipts unless necessary, we also collect all unused things laying around our home and send them to the recycling spots, there are many around housing estates,.... Let me know if you have any good ideas and lets do our bit and be Enviromentally Friendly!

Weekend: Now you see it,now you don't

2008-06-08T20:59:00.010+08:00

Drop spoonful of
cookies
Bhaarath with the cookies

The anticipation of the weekend is much more a joy then the actual weekend itself. There is some magic in the universe on Friday's.The sky looks bluer, people kinder and the world seems to be all bright and cheerful. No bigots and fanatics, only sane and nice people. Then Sunday comes creeping through and the world again seems like a battle ground,where one need to fight to survive. Okay...that is how it is for me anyway (also I am in thePMS timeframe). In recent times I have become a little braver in facing the sunday blues. This weekend was really a busy one. I had prayer sessions, meeting with old friends for lunch, and then spending time with mother-in-law. On Saturday afternoon Arjoonha did not have his usual children class so we made chocolate chip cookies. It turned out well. For the first 20 pieces I tried the original recipe and it turned out great, for the 2nd 20 I added in cocoa powder, and it tasted good, but the cookies were not so soft, and slightly harder.I preferred the 1st batch. This recipe is very simple and all will be good to go in less then 15mins of preparation and 10 mins of baking. Let me know how it turns out!

1 cup butter (original recipe they use shortening)
3/4 cup white sugar
3/4cup brown sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups chocolate chip(original recipe german choc, I used Hersheys choc chips)

preheat oven
cream butter, sugar, until fluffy and then add in eggs, and beat well. Then stir in vaniila and all the other dry stuff and mix well till they blend.
use a spoon to make drops intoa greased baking tray.
8-10mins.

Siva's Birthday

2008-06-05T22:39:00.009+08:00

Our family's Birthday falls one after another. It starts with Arjoonha in April, Bhaarath and me in May and Siva in June. Today is Siva's Birthday(my husband). Getting a gift for Siva is the hardest thing to do (still thinking of what to get him). I took Siva out for dinner to this nice place, Australian Outback at Bangsar Village. It has a cosy, pleasant setting, and our kind of country music was playing. So we ordered serious stuff like lamb and beef and tucked away. I find the food to be better then Chillis! Then we talked about the house, kids, etc.. and without the kids around we can really talk. I used to feel guilty leaving the kids at home and having the 'Us' time, but now I do realise how important it is to do this. Life tends to get so busy and crowded and we forget how important it is to invest in 'Us' as a couple. So did have a good evening, and we came home to my so called adopted sister Jaci who dropped by with a cake. It was a good thing as the kids were looking forward to singing the birthday anthem for their father. Another thing, I thought this was really sweet. Siva received Birthday greetings from his mum. She said she remembers the day he was born; easy birth, healthy baby, lovely sunday morning(the amazing part is she remembers this, as she has 10 kids). Happy Birthday Siva, may you have another 40 healthy ones! Will post photos later today, my laptop is having some issues.

Gun Cat or Gantt Chart

2008-06-03T17:08:00.005+08:00

When I was at my first job at Baxter Healthcare the very first assignment I received was to manage the renovation of the cafeteria. For a fresh graduate like me to manage a 1million project was a big thing. I was very proud of it. My boss at that time (a very nice lady, Beh Gaik Kee), told me to do a Gun Cat (yes I heard it as Gun Cat and that is the first time I heard that word). I then learnt about it from a fellow colleague annd then found out it was 'Gantt Chart'. That was the beginning of my Gantt Charting days, and I have been using Gantt Charts for all the major moves in my life. When I got married I had a Gantt Chart on 'mahjong paper' across my living room to prepare for the big day; when I was pregnant with Arjoonha I had a Gantt Chart to prepare the to buy's and to do's before the baby arrives; when we moved to our current apartment I had a Gantt Chart to plan for the move, and now that I have confirmed the purchase of a house (YES, YES, we have paid the booking fee for the house), I will definitely be happily Gantt Charting away. Thanks to Gaik Kee for the first introduction to Gantt Chart! You can google to find many samples on how to do a Gantt Chart.

Practice Makes Perfect : The Art of House Hunting

2008-06-01T22:16:00.003+08:00

If practice makes perfect then I am an expert in house hunting. I have been looking for a house for almost a year now. I tried direct contact with the owner, through the tabloids, internet and agent. I have looked at places near where I live now, far away from where I live and places I never thought I may live. I have spoken to colleagues, strangers, friends and not so good friends about it. I have increased, decreased the budget. I have changed decision from single storey, one and a half storey to double storey house, and I believe I may have found ONE after all. It is not where I live now, or a single storey or the budget that I had in mind. But I believe I have found the house in which we are going to make our home. It is nestled somewhere in USJ where I believe my family will have good places to cycle, parks to run around, schools to go to and friends to visit. What I have learned in this one year of house hunting? To understand your priorities, and to listen to your gut feeling, and the most important is to pray for a best decision. Will let you know if the house buying thingy materialises....! I should know it in a day or two.

The Joy of Baking...

2008-05-29T22:29:00.011+08:00

Jamie Oliver in the making The children enjoying the muffin

There is a great sense of satisfaction and joy in baking and more so when the product is enjoyed by the family. WhenI reached home I remembered my colleague mentioning about having cakes at secret recipe after dinner yesterday, and 'cakes' were in my mind. Arjoonha loves to help me in the kitchen. I am not sure if he is destined to be a chef, but he enjoys it! He is always breaking, whisking or mixing something for me, and Bhaarath in the background licking up the bowl. So today before dinner we decided to make a batch of chocolate chip muffins. Muffins are really so easy to make. You do not have to worry about the baking gadgets, as you just need to gather the ingredients and whisk it up with a spoon and it is all ready to go. They are so easy to make that it is almost child's play. It was a challenge keeping the muffins away from the kids till after dinner. They hurried through their dinner and started digging into the muffins. Here is the recipe for you to have fun with your kids.

Chocolate Chip Muffins recipe
¾ lb chocolate chips.1/3 lb of soft butter.4 medium eggs.2 ½ cups of flour.1 cup of sugar.¼ cup of milk.1 tablespoon of baking powder.½ teaspoon of vanilla extract.½ teaspoon of salt.

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and butter your muffin pan.Beat the butter and the vanilla extract together to form a light, airy mixture.One at a time, add the eggs, and beat gently. Add ¼ cup of the sugar after each egg and mix thorougly.Put the baking powder and salt in the milk, then add to the mixture.Fold in the flour and the chocolate chips.Pour the mix into your buttered muffin pan, filling each cup two-thirds full.Bake for 25 minutes or until muffins turn golden brown.

School Holiday Guilt

2008-05-28T22:47:00.005+08:00

Arjoonha and Bhaarath lazing around in their PJs

During my younger days, at school holidays we did not expect to be entertained, or have special plans made. The biggest treat would be taking a bus ride with my mother to Ipoh and visiting my aunts, uncles and cousins; and staying with them for a few days. The one hour bus ride from Sitiawan to Ipoh was adventurous for a poor traveler like me, who will wretch and vomit a good ten times before reaching the destination. I will start the vomiting spree from the time waiting at the Sitiawan bus station and smelling the exhaust smoke, and then through the journey. I used to suffer from such intense motion sickness that I dread traveling, but my excitement and eagerness to visit my relatives and to listen to all the family gossips was such a strong urge.. Now that I am a mother of a school going boy, I feel this nagging guilt when the kids are left in the apartment, cooped up whole day, and feeling bored or with no plans. So I continuously sought ways to entertain the children. This school holiday my niece Shazrin is with us and she is great in making arts and crafts with the boys. So today we took a drive to the art and craft shop and picked up some papers, brushes and glitters, so the kids can be kept busy tomorrow. A few more plans have been put into place, like movies with the cousins, trip to the park and etc....Yeah that got me thinking that Arjoonha needs to improve on his reading during the holidays