Quote of the day: Some dreams, do come true, so do some nightmares. Live with it.
Cars, lorries, busses and motorcycles were held up for hours yesterday. I wasted one and a half hours of my life. Worst ever jam in the history of the Woodlands Checkpoint. The only drama I saw at the customs? All the officers are garbed in bullet-proof vests.
"Suspected JI leader escaped from toilet: Singapore
SINGAPORE (Reuters) - A "security lapse" led to the escape of the leader of the city-state's wing of the Islamic militant network, Jemaah Islamiah (JI), Singapore said on Thursday.
Wong Kan Seng, Singapore's minister for home affairs, told members of parliament that Mas Selamat bin Kastari escaped from the toilet of a police detention facility, in the middle of a posh residential area, on Wednesday afternoon.
Acknowledging that the security lapse "should have never happened", Wong said everything was being done to arrest Kastari.
Singapore security systems are generally tight and sophisticated on the island to police its borders.
Local newspapers reported that thousands of policemen were deployed late on Wednesday in a massive hunt for Kastari, who was thought to have escaped unarmed and walks with a limp.
The JI has been blamed for several deadly bombing attacks in Southeast Asia, including the 2002 bombings that killed more than 200 people on Indonesia's resort island of Bali.
Singapore, a strong U.S. ally and a major base for Western businesses, sees itself as a prime terrorist target in the region after it foiled JI plots in 2001 to attack its airport and other targets, including the U.S. embassy, the Americna Club and the Singapore American School.
Kastari left Singapore after the plots seven years ago after nearly 40 other suspected members of JI were rounded up. He was arrested by the Indonesian police on the Indonesian island of Bintan in January 2006 and sent back to Singapore.
He had since been held under Singapore's Internal Security Act, which allows for detention without trial."
Maybe he didn't get to eat his ayam penyek. So anyway, Happy Leap Year Day. One extra day this year, and how do you want to spend it? Just. One. Precious. Day.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
A Child's Early Experiences and Its Effects
Quote of the day: Change is the only constant thing in life.
I came across this while surfing for porn. Simplified version for you fast-track minds.
Exploring the Behavioral, Psychological, Physical, Intellectual and Emotional Consequences of Events During Prenatal Development, Birth and Infancy.
Early experiences provide a template for how we experience the rest of our lives.
Research shows that
# prenates are conscious, aware and sensitive
# pre- and perinatal events are remembered ( perinatal means a numder of weeks, immediately before and after birth)
# prenates and infants take on their parents; unowned experiences and feelings
# pre- and perinatal experiences may have dramatic long-term effects ( positive and negative)
# prenatal and birth experiences can impair bonding
Common Early Experiences...
# being unwanted
# fertility assistance/in vitro
# induction/augmentation
# domestic stress or abuse
# separation from mom
# earlier pregnancy losses
# considering, planning or attempting abortion
# lack of empathy ('feeling')
# caesarean
# prenatal loss of twin
# drugs/toxins
# NICU
Their Possible Effects
# colic
# low self-esteem
# lack of inner awareness
# inability to start/finish
# bossiness
# easily startled
# hypervigilance (overly cautious)
# resistance to cuddling
# eating issues
# inconsolable crying
# fear, nervousness and restlessness
# developmental delays, learning disabilities
# defiance, resistance to following rules
# sleep disturbances
# anger and distrust
# lack of confidence
# hopelessness
# clinginess
# digestive upsets
# hypersensitivity
# neediness
# easily frustrated
# prolonged crying or no crying at all
# attachment/bonding problems
# allergies, asthma and physical ailments
# spatial disorientation, clumsiness
Which Often Manifest In Later Life As...
# having to stay in control
# body image problems
* restrained spirituality
# rage and violence
# chronic health problems
# inability to receive love
# money and career issues
# always being a 'victim' or 'drama queen/king'
# reduced access to inner wisdom and intuition
# lack of empathy
# eating disorders
# drug use/abuse
# anxiety disorders
# cynicism or despair
# never 'belonging'
# lack of presence
# sexual problems
# being out of touch with creativity
# difficulty with intimacy
This is taken from a website that offers services for parents and therapists working with children.
Personally, I find it hard to be convinced. Or is it actually a trait I have due to early experiences? *panic*
This is the best time for you to chat with your mom/dad. See if you're screwed up as an adult. I know I am.
I came across this while surfing for porn. Simplified version for you fast-track minds.
Exploring the Behavioral, Psychological, Physical, Intellectual and Emotional Consequences of Events During Prenatal Development, Birth and Infancy.
Early experiences provide a template for how we experience the rest of our lives.
Research shows that
# prenates are conscious, aware and sensitive
# pre- and perinatal events are remembered ( perinatal means a numder of weeks, immediately before and after birth)
# prenates and infants take on their parents; unowned experiences and feelings
# pre- and perinatal experiences may have dramatic long-term effects ( positive and negative)
# prenatal and birth experiences can impair bonding
Common Early Experiences...
# being unwanted
# fertility assistance/in vitro
# induction/augmentation
# domestic stress or abuse
# separation from mom
# earlier pregnancy losses
# considering, planning or attempting abortion
# lack of empathy ('feeling')
# caesarean
# prenatal loss of twin
# drugs/toxins
# NICU
Their Possible Effects
# colic
# low self-esteem
# lack of inner awareness
# inability to start/finish
# bossiness
# easily startled
# hypervigilance (overly cautious)
# resistance to cuddling
# eating issues
# inconsolable crying
# fear, nervousness and restlessness
# developmental delays, learning disabilities
# defiance, resistance to following rules
# sleep disturbances
# anger and distrust
# lack of confidence
# hopelessness
# clinginess
# digestive upsets
# hypersensitivity
# neediness
# easily frustrated
# prolonged crying or no crying at all
# attachment/bonding problems
# allergies, asthma and physical ailments
# spatial disorientation, clumsiness
Which Often Manifest In Later Life As...
# having to stay in control
# body image problems
* restrained spirituality
# rage and violence
# chronic health problems
# inability to receive love
# money and career issues
# always being a 'victim' or 'drama queen/king'
# reduced access to inner wisdom and intuition
# lack of empathy
# eating disorders
# drug use/abuse
# anxiety disorders
# cynicism or despair
# never 'belonging'
# lack of presence
# sexual problems
# being out of touch with creativity
# difficulty with intimacy
This is taken from a website that offers services for parents and therapists working with children.
Personally, I find it hard to be convinced. Or is it actually a trait I have due to early experiences? *panic*
This is the best time for you to chat with your mom/dad. See if you're screwed up as an adult. I know I am.
Monday, February 25, 2008
My Day Today
Quote of the day: There's no such thing as a wrong decision. (You wouldn't make a decision, knowing it is wrong isn't it?)
It has been an emotional roller coaster ride for me. This morning was the climax. My angel boss whom I've been under for the past wonderful 6 working years announced his future endeavor in another company. He is the kind of boss who spoils the market, just like the ad exec who spent RM54k proposing to his girl on public billboard on V-day.
I had a nightmarish weekend. So this morning, it almost felt like a shock therapy. Daniel has been throwing tantrum fits since Friday. It's unlike his normal tantrums that ends quickly with some distraction. It felt as if he became this different being, like he's possessed. I thought he just had a tiring and overstimulated day but there seems to be more to it.
We'd start the day fine, him, being his usual happy self. Then something little will trigger his hour-long crying stunt. Any amount of consoling, talking or giving in did not help at all. When that stubborn brat wants something, he wants it! But even after giving him what he wants, he still continue his fit. He becomes this angry toddler who is stubborn and persistant and unreasonable. This I didn't understand at all. It's probably the ultimate demand of attention.
Let's see if you think he deserve a slap with this scenario that happened yesterday evening. I was preparing dinner, by the sink. He comes over and want to wash his cup on the pretext of playing with water. I let him. Then when water starts going into my washer, the water at the sink goes a little slower (piping system liddat wan). HE IS NOT AMUSED AT ALL LOR! He kicks and protests. I turn it to the max already. He kept protesting and crying. I explain a godzillion time to him.
Me: (turning on the tap to it's fullest) SEE, it's on
D: OPEN OPEN OPEN!
Me: Open already!
D: OPEN OPEN OPEN!
Me: See, this is off (turns off the tap), and this is open (turns on the tap)
D: OPEN OPEN OPEN!
Me: Look, it's open to the max! Come and feel it! (gestures him to prove my claim)
D: (pushes my hands away) OPEN OPEN OPEN!
Me: (xian)
D: OPEN OPEN OPEN
Me: (ignores him)
D: MUMMIEEE MUMMIEEE MUMMIEEEE (repeats this chant for the next one hour, ONE HOUR)
He'd resist any comforting but eventually he'd calm down and then he's back to his sweet adorable boy who understands things! Why? Why? Why?!
Tell me, macam kena rasuk right? It has never happened. At one point, in desperate measures, we brought him to a temple to sweep an amulet up and down his body seven times, burn the amulet, mix it with water and make him drink it. Being a Christian, I never believed in doing it, so imagine how desperate I was. Well, it didn't work, that I can tell you.
SO, we've decided to stop school for him. Obviously, he is not ready. At least we tried. He was so interested in going to school before this when I introduced nursery to him for the first time last year. Or so we believed.
After analysis, and still analyzing, I think it's the complete separation from his nanny. Plus, many factors pertaining a new environment, new caregivers, new friends, new life. It could also be a 'transition into toddlerhood' which occurs at around his age, around 3 years old (information courtesy of Angeline, the mama trouper). Tantrums, aggressive behaviour, defiance, you name it, they got it. Terrible twos/threes. I think it has begun.
But something made my day today.
It has been an emotional roller coaster ride for me. This morning was the climax. My angel boss whom I've been under for the past wonderful 6 working years announced his future endeavor in another company. He is the kind of boss who spoils the market, just like the ad exec who spent RM54k proposing to his girl on public billboard on V-day.
I had a nightmarish weekend. So this morning, it almost felt like a shock therapy. Daniel has been throwing tantrum fits since Friday. It's unlike his normal tantrums that ends quickly with some distraction. It felt as if he became this different being, like he's possessed. I thought he just had a tiring and overstimulated day but there seems to be more to it.
We'd start the day fine, him, being his usual happy self. Then something little will trigger his hour-long crying stunt. Any amount of consoling, talking or giving in did not help at all. When that stubborn brat wants something, he wants it! But even after giving him what he wants, he still continue his fit. He becomes this angry toddler who is stubborn and persistant and unreasonable. This I didn't understand at all. It's probably the ultimate demand of attention.
Let's see if you think he deserve a slap with this scenario that happened yesterday evening. I was preparing dinner, by the sink. He comes over and want to wash his cup on the pretext of playing with water. I let him. Then when water starts going into my washer, the water at the sink goes a little slower (piping system liddat wan). HE IS NOT AMUSED AT ALL LOR! He kicks and protests. I turn it to the max already. He kept protesting and crying. I explain a godzillion time to him.
Me: (turning on the tap to it's fullest) SEE, it's on
D: OPEN OPEN OPEN!
Me: Open already!
D: OPEN OPEN OPEN!
Me: See, this is off (turns off the tap), and this is open (turns on the tap)
D: OPEN OPEN OPEN!
Me: Look, it's open to the max! Come and feel it! (gestures him to prove my claim)
D: (pushes my hands away) OPEN OPEN OPEN!
Me: (xian)
D: OPEN OPEN OPEN
Me: (ignores him)
D: MUMMIEEE MUMMIEEE MUMMIEEEE (repeats this chant for the next one hour, ONE HOUR)
He'd resist any comforting but eventually he'd calm down and then he's back to his sweet adorable boy who understands things! Why? Why? Why?!
Tell me, macam kena rasuk right? It has never happened. At one point, in desperate measures, we brought him to a temple to sweep an amulet up and down his body seven times, burn the amulet, mix it with water and make him drink it. Being a Christian, I never believed in doing it, so imagine how desperate I was. Well, it didn't work, that I can tell you.
SO, we've decided to stop school for him. Obviously, he is not ready. At least we tried. He was so interested in going to school before this when I introduced nursery to him for the first time last year. Or so we believed.
After analysis, and still analyzing, I think it's the complete separation from his nanny. Plus, many factors pertaining a new environment, new caregivers, new friends, new life. It could also be a 'transition into toddlerhood' which occurs at around his age, around 3 years old (information courtesy of Angeline, the mama trouper). Tantrums, aggressive behaviour, defiance, you name it, they got it. Terrible twos/threes. I think it has begun.
But something made my day today.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Night terror
Quote of the day: It's what in your heart that makes you who you are.
He had it long ago, once or twice, usually when he has had an overstimulated day. This time, I anticipated it as he has just begun school, so understandably, the reaction to his new environment and new life will partly manifest itself through incidences of night terrors. Everything in the article below fits very well except for the sweating, breathing fast and rapid heart rate. All he does is moan and cry intermittently. It's night terror alright. I call it SHUT-UP-I-FEEL-LIKE-SLAPPING-YOU-RIGHT-THIS-INSTANCE.
Have you had the most weird conversation? It goes like this.
D: (whimpers and looks at me)
Me: What's wrong?
D: (whimpers and looks at me)
Me: Why?
D: (whimpers and looks at me)
Me: Are you in pain?
D: (whimpers and looks at me)
Me: Do you want water?
D: (whimpers and looks at me)
Me: WHAT DO YOU WANT?
D: (whimpers and looks at me)
Me: OK, mummy go to sleep now.
D: (cries)
It was 2am. I held him lovingly, I carried him and walked for a while, I sang a song, I kissed him, I patted his back, I spoke to him, I distracted him.
It wasn't him. It just wasn't.
He eventually fell back into slumber after half an hour. One mortal minute of that half an hour was distressing and it really tests your patience. I think my threshold is pretty high, from all the years of road traffic I put up with, especially coming across stupid jackass drivers.
He better make me a nice Mother's Day card this May.
"Night terrors are a common sleep problem among children. By some estimates, about 15% of younger children have occasional night terrors. Although most common in children between the ages of 2 and 6 years, they can occur at almost any age.
Although usually considered to be normal or benign, they are often very scary and distressing to parents who often overreact, especially during a child's first night terror.
When you hear how most experts describe night terrors, it is easy to see why parents find them distressing. Children who have night terrors are usually described as 'bolting upright' with their eyes wide open, with a look of fear and panic, and letting out a 'blood curdling scream'. These kids will usually also be sweating, breathing fast and have a rapid heart rate (autonomic signs).
And although it will seem like they are awake, during a night terror, children will appear confused, will not be consolable and won't recognize you.
Typical night terrors last about 5 to 30 minutes and afterwards, children usually return to a regular sleep. If you are able to wake your child up during a night terror, he is likely to become scared and agitated, mostly because of your own reaction to the night terror, especially if you were shaking or yelling at him to wake up. Instead of trying to wake up a child having a night terror, it is usually better to just make sure he is safe, comfort him if you can, and help him return to sleep once it is over.
No treatment is usually necessary for routine night terrors. Since they are often triggered in children who are overtired, sticking to a good bedtime routine and making sure your child is getting enough rest can help to prevent them.
For children who get frequent night terrors, it might help to wake your child up before the time that he usually has a night terror. This is thought to interrupt or alter the sleep cycle and prevent night terrors from occuring (it also works for sleepwalking).
Rarely, sleep medications might be used for a short time if your child gets very frequent night terrors
What You Need To Know:
Night terrors are also called sleep terrors or pavor nocturnus.
Similar to sleepwalking and sleeptalking, night terrors are considered to be a disorder of arousal and are a partial arousal from non-REM sleep.
Unlike a nightmare, children usually don't recall having a night terror.
Also unlike nightmares, night terrors usually occur in the early part of the night, about 1 to 4 hours after going to sleep.
If your child gets night terrors, make sure that baby sitters and other caregivers are aware of them and know what they should do if one occurs.
Most children outgrow night terrors as they get older."
He had it long ago, once or twice, usually when he has had an overstimulated day. This time, I anticipated it as he has just begun school, so understandably, the reaction to his new environment and new life will partly manifest itself through incidences of night terrors. Everything in the article below fits very well except for the sweating, breathing fast and rapid heart rate. All he does is moan and cry intermittently. It's night terror alright. I call it SHUT-UP-I-FEEL-LIKE-SLAPPING-YOU-RIGHT-THIS-INSTANCE.
Have you had the most weird conversation? It goes like this.
D: (whimpers and looks at me)
Me: What's wrong?
D: (whimpers and looks at me)
Me: Why?
D: (whimpers and looks at me)
Me: Are you in pain?
D: (whimpers and looks at me)
Me: Do you want water?
D: (whimpers and looks at me)
Me: WHAT DO YOU WANT?
D: (whimpers and looks at me)
Me: OK, mummy go to sleep now.
D: (cries)
It was 2am. I held him lovingly, I carried him and walked for a while, I sang a song, I kissed him, I patted his back, I spoke to him, I distracted him.
It wasn't him. It just wasn't.
He eventually fell back into slumber after half an hour. One mortal minute of that half an hour was distressing and it really tests your patience. I think my threshold is pretty high, from all the years of road traffic I put up with, especially coming across stupid jackass drivers.
He better make me a nice Mother's Day card this May.
"Night terrors are a common sleep problem among children. By some estimates, about 15% of younger children have occasional night terrors. Although most common in children between the ages of 2 and 6 years, they can occur at almost any age.
Although usually considered to be normal or benign, they are often very scary and distressing to parents who often overreact, especially during a child's first night terror.
When you hear how most experts describe night terrors, it is easy to see why parents find them distressing. Children who have night terrors are usually described as 'bolting upright' with their eyes wide open, with a look of fear and panic, and letting out a 'blood curdling scream'. These kids will usually also be sweating, breathing fast and have a rapid heart rate (autonomic signs).
And although it will seem like they are awake, during a night terror, children will appear confused, will not be consolable and won't recognize you.
Typical night terrors last about 5 to 30 minutes and afterwards, children usually return to a regular sleep. If you are able to wake your child up during a night terror, he is likely to become scared and agitated, mostly because of your own reaction to the night terror, especially if you were shaking or yelling at him to wake up. Instead of trying to wake up a child having a night terror, it is usually better to just make sure he is safe, comfort him if you can, and help him return to sleep once it is over.
No treatment is usually necessary for routine night terrors. Since they are often triggered in children who are overtired, sticking to a good bedtime routine and making sure your child is getting enough rest can help to prevent them.
For children who get frequent night terrors, it might help to wake your child up before the time that he usually has a night terror. This is thought to interrupt or alter the sleep cycle and prevent night terrors from occuring (it also works for sleepwalking).
Rarely, sleep medications might be used for a short time if your child gets very frequent night terrors
What You Need To Know:
Night terrors are also called sleep terrors or pavor nocturnus.
Similar to sleepwalking and sleeptalking, night terrors are considered to be a disorder of arousal and are a partial arousal from non-REM sleep.
Unlike a nightmare, children usually don't recall having a night terror.
Also unlike nightmares, night terrors usually occur in the early part of the night, about 1 to 4 hours after going to sleep.
If your child gets night terrors, make sure that baby sitters and other caregivers are aware of them and know what they should do if one occurs.
Most children outgrow night terrors as they get older."
Friday, February 15, 2008
Still Keeping Fingers Crossed...
Quote of the day: Programming today is a race between software engineers striving to build bigger and better idiot-proof programs, and the Universe trying to produce bigger and better idiots. So far, the Universe is winning.
How many of us are keeping our fingers crossed each day? If you are right now for whatever reason, I'm keeping mine crossed for you too.
Daniel's 5th day in nursery. I tried something different. When I dropped him off, instead of manja-ing him, you know the usual, "Aww, Daniel good boy OK, go to school OK, play with friends, mummy working" bla bla bla, in high pitch manja tone, which is returned with increasing decibels of wailing accompanied with a heart-wrenching "DON WAN DON WAAAAAAAAAN", I looked him in the eye and said to him firmly. "NO CRY, MUMMY WORKING OK". Immediately, he stopped his emotional blackmail stunts.
He is also sleeping earlier now. Instead of dozing off at 11.30pm, he now sleeps at 10pm. Hallelujah!
I had also discussed about adjusting my working hours with my angel boss and my angel director. I said I could cut an hour a day and prorate my salary. HR thinks it's cumbersome to calculate. I could take one month of no-pay leave, and cut an hour a day. Director said, "Just do it informally. It's alright with me. I believe you can adjust your time as you deem right. I know, even 15minutes can make a big difference in the traffic." We chatted a while more and I left her office with sunshine in my heart.
I reached the school at 6.15pm yesterday to pick him up. There were still many children around waiting for their parents. I reached home at 6.30pm. I couldn't believe it. Suddenly I have all this extra time which was a luxury for me in the past. And with Daniel sleeping earlier now, I have more time for myself. I believe I'm becoming happier.
Still keeping fingers crossed.
How many of us are keeping our fingers crossed each day? If you are right now for whatever reason, I'm keeping mine crossed for you too.
Daniel's 5th day in nursery. I tried something different. When I dropped him off, instead of manja-ing him, you know the usual, "Aww, Daniel good boy OK, go to school OK, play with friends, mummy working" bla bla bla, in high pitch manja tone, which is returned with increasing decibels of wailing accompanied with a heart-wrenching "DON WAN DON WAAAAAAAAAN", I looked him in the eye and said to him firmly. "NO CRY, MUMMY WORKING OK". Immediately, he stopped his emotional blackmail stunts.
He is also sleeping earlier now. Instead of dozing off at 11.30pm, he now sleeps at 10pm. Hallelujah!
I had also discussed about adjusting my working hours with my angel boss and my angel director. I said I could cut an hour a day and prorate my salary. HR thinks it's cumbersome to calculate. I could take one month of no-pay leave, and cut an hour a day. Director said, "Just do it informally. It's alright with me. I believe you can adjust your time as you deem right. I know, even 15minutes can make a big difference in the traffic." We chatted a while more and I left her office with sunshine in my heart.
I reached the school at 6.15pm yesterday to pick him up. There were still many children around waiting for their parents. I reached home at 6.30pm. I couldn't believe it. Suddenly I have all this extra time which was a luxury for me in the past. And with Daniel sleeping earlier now, I have more time for myself. I believe I'm becoming happier.
Still keeping fingers crossed.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Stress stress stress
Quote of the day: Being a mother gives you the best joys and worst stresses in the world.
Daniel's 3rd full day in nursery. I called minutes ago to check on how he is doing. He sobs on the phone, "Mummy come, mummy come". I am typing my resignation letter. Sooooo close.
My angel boss, being a father of two, asked me how my son is doing in school so far.
"He cries and misses me a lot".
"Well, that is usually what happens. But you can't give up now because it'll only teach him to manipulate you by repeating this 'crying' method".
Generally it'll take a week for a child to settle in. Maybe two weeks depending on your child. I ask myself, is he ready? Someone told me, even in kindy for the first time at 6 years old, some kids still cry. Some, settle in with no problem at all.
I'm too anxious, or I'm too hard on him. I can't decide. Will this adversely affect his development in times to come? Can I counter it? Or will everything just work out the way it should be (my hardcore philosophy). Guilt is eating me alive.
The husband came home at 7am after pulling an all-nighter CNY gambling session at his buddy's place. This gambling fever usually lasts for a week or more based on previous years' record. But this would be the first overnight stunt. What I'm mad at is that there were no prior warning, no SMSes, no calls, nothing.
Frankly, I was shocked and mad, because it was already planned, including the intention NOT to inform me. Better to ask for forgiveness than permission. It would've been ok with me, so I feel this is a totally disrespectful thing to do to wives. That scheming snake. It saddens me because I am anything but a control queen. It saddens me because I feel like I've been tricked. It saddens me because he is my husband.
I have to admit. At times, I wish very hard that I'm not a mother and I'm not a wife. In fact I wish I live alone on a beautiful island, that has uninterrupted FAST wireless network and Haagen Dazs. I wish I am a nobody.
Sigh... this too shall pass.
Daniel's 3rd full day in nursery. I called minutes ago to check on how he is doing. He sobs on the phone, "Mummy come, mummy come". I am typing my resignation letter. Sooooo close.
My angel boss, being a father of two, asked me how my son is doing in school so far.
"He cries and misses me a lot".
"Well, that is usually what happens. But you can't give up now because it'll only teach him to manipulate you by repeating this 'crying' method".
Generally it'll take a week for a child to settle in. Maybe two weeks depending on your child. I ask myself, is he ready? Someone told me, even in kindy for the first time at 6 years old, some kids still cry. Some, settle in with no problem at all.
I'm too anxious, or I'm too hard on him. I can't decide. Will this adversely affect his development in times to come? Can I counter it? Or will everything just work out the way it should be (my hardcore philosophy). Guilt is eating me alive.
The husband came home at 7am after pulling an all-nighter CNY gambling session at his buddy's place. This gambling fever usually lasts for a week or more based on previous years' record. But this would be the first overnight stunt. What I'm mad at is that there were no prior warning, no SMSes, no calls, nothing.
Frankly, I was shocked and mad, because it was already planned, including the intention NOT to inform me. Better to ask for forgiveness than permission. It would've been ok with me, so I feel this is a totally disrespectful thing to do to wives. That scheming snake. It saddens me because I am anything but a control queen. It saddens me because I feel like I've been tricked. It saddens me because he is my husband.
I have to admit. At times, I wish very hard that I'm not a mother and I'm not a wife. In fact I wish I live alone on a beautiful island, that has uninterrupted FAST wireless network and Haagen Dazs. I wish I am a nobody.
Sigh... this too shall pass.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Wished I Had A Clone
The most stressful time of the year for me has come. The hectic Chinese New Year (this applies especially if you are married with kids) and the annual Scientific Advisory Board Meeting. My workload at home and in the lab tripled. I have but one body. This year, the meeting is held in Bintan. Having a kid comes in handy because I have an excuse NOT to stay the night. My smartass unmarried colleague's excuse was "I have to watch my house". I ask her, "You dog ah".
On the 1st of Feb, a major event took over our lives and changed it in a way we never imagined. For a few hours, then everything was back to normal.
His first project in school. 99.9% done by teachers. It's a broom by the way. To sweep away the cookie crumbs I guess.
Did he cry? Oh boy he did. He wailed when I left the school. Same thing this morning. He cries when he sees me leaving, cries for a while more until it's breakfast time. Then he is kept busy with activities for the rest of the day. Another step in the journey of life.
I will be heading to Seremban today, and possibly Ipoh on Thursday, and back in JB on Saturday or Sunday. Any gatherings?
On the 1st of Feb, a major event took over our lives and changed it in a way we never imagined. For a few hours, then everything was back to normal.
His first project in school. 99.9% done by teachers. It's a broom by the way. To sweep away the cookie crumbs I guess.
Did he cry? Oh boy he did. He wailed when I left the school. Same thing this morning. He cries when he sees me leaving, cries for a while more until it's breakfast time. Then he is kept busy with activities for the rest of the day. Another step in the journey of life.
I will be heading to Seremban today, and possibly Ipoh on Thursday, and back in JB on Saturday or Sunday. Any gatherings?
Monday, January 21, 2008
Gloomiest Day
News of the day: Heath Ledger is dead.
Traffic at the causeway was non-threatening and smooth today AND yesterday, even at 7.30am. Being a seasonal user of the causeway and the usual route to work in Xin-jia-puo, road traffic is so embeded in my life. It's like a stock market that will determine if you'll waste or save half an hour. Same for KL drivers I bet.
Daniel will officially start nursery on the 1st of February at NURI education centre, Danga Bay/Straits View. And yes to all you mothers out there nodding at what I'm about to say, the separation anxiety will be mostly on my part. I think I'll be the one crying at the front gate, reaching out to him as he is escorted into his classroom, screaming, "Baby baby I'll be here, mummy's here, NO, DON'T GO! COME BAAAAACK" as my eyes tear over the sign 'No Parents Allowed'. That'll be my proudest moment.
What I heard on the radio this morning, some psychologists formulated that the 3rd Monday of January is the gloomiest day of the year based on several factors.
1. Most likely to have the gloomiest weather.
2. Post-holiday monotony starts to sink in.
3. Christmas bills starts to arrive.
4. People start to break their New Year resolutions.
January is also the hot month for divorces, suicides and depression.
So, if you're one of 'em feeling very low and horribly depressed, imagine what teachers have to go through marking these papers..
Traffic at the causeway was non-threatening and smooth today AND yesterday, even at 7.30am. Being a seasonal user of the causeway and the usual route to work in Xin-jia-puo, road traffic is so embeded in my life. It's like a stock market that will determine if you'll waste or save half an hour. Same for KL drivers I bet.
Daniel will officially start nursery on the 1st of February at NURI education centre, Danga Bay/Straits View. And yes to all you mothers out there nodding at what I'm about to say, the separation anxiety will be mostly on my part. I think I'll be the one crying at the front gate, reaching out to him as he is escorted into his classroom, screaming, "Baby baby I'll be here, mummy's here, NO, DON'T GO! COME BAAAAACK" as my eyes tear over the sign 'No Parents Allowed'. That'll be my proudest moment.
What I heard on the radio this morning, some psychologists formulated that the 3rd Monday of January is the gloomiest day of the year based on several factors.
1. Most likely to have the gloomiest weather.
2. Post-holiday monotony starts to sink in.
3. Christmas bills starts to arrive.
4. People start to break their New Year resolutions.
January is also the hot month for divorces, suicides and depression.
So, if you're one of 'em feeling very low and horribly depressed, imagine what teachers have to go through marking these papers..
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
MacBook Air
Quote of the day: This too, shall pass.
MacBook Air. World's thinnest notebook. For the wireless world. Oh god oh god oh god help me oh god. I'm so not kidding when I say I'm going to hump shamelessly at the first one I see. Watch the guided tour in apple.com. Prepare some tampons for nose bleed.
MacBook Air. World's thinnest notebook. For the wireless world. Oh god oh god oh god help me oh god. I'm so not kidding when I say I'm going to hump shamelessly at the first one I see. Watch the guided tour in apple.com. Prepare some tampons for nose bleed.
Monday, January 14, 2008
A Typical Saturday
Quote of the day: Going to church doesn’t make you a Christian anymore than standing in a garage makes you a car.
Let's see, I jump-started Saturday at 9.30am going to the Larkin wet market with my sweet little boy who obediently held my hands all the way. Market wet and slippery that's why. I love this market. It's the largest. Which means competitive prices, and more variety. Bought my groceries, breakfast and coffee for the hubbie who slept in. Came home, sorted my groceries in the fridge, fed the boy and myself breakfast. Did the first batch of laundry. Served hubbie his first important meal of the day. Watched Barney. Played hit-bubbles-with-plastic-racket at patio and some other toys/games. Did second batch of laundry. Bathed the little one. Fed him and myself junk food. Called a Singer Sewing Machine company to come have a look at my antique Flying Man sewing machine. Watched KTV-inspired-young-foursome-songstresses-singing-ChineseNewYearbeat-tunes. Because the little one fixates on young foursome songstresses, therefore under the spell of long concentration that tires him out, he falls asleep. Baby napped, mummy napped a bit while the hubbie goes out to run his errand. Woke up, started preparation for lotus root soup and dinner. Called daddy dearest to come over for dinner, but he was in Surabaya. Called mommy dearest to come over for dinner. Don't get me wrong. I don't favour my dad over my mom. It's a complicated 'scheduling' courtesy of separated parents. Hubbie came back to feed me junk food. Singer sewing machine specialist arrived to evaluate my antique Flying Man sewing machine. He took it back to his workshop. I asked him how much the sewing machine is worth if I trade it in, he said "You give free also people don't want la nowadays". And I thought it was priceless. I continue dinner preparation at full gear. I love my kitchen. It's airy and bright. But I always have to look out for cats that sneak in and steal marinated fish. Did my third batch of laundry. Fed the little one junk food. Played and cooked intermittently. Served dinner. Cleared the sink. Played more with the little one, hang out with mommy dearest. Cleaned the little one up, changed into his pjs. Took a shower. Watched Barney and played. Read bedtime stories. Lied beside him until he slept. Spent some private time with the hubbie. Tidied up little messes around the house, actually this, I do it in between any other activities, or at least I try. Sit at my art workshop and do some hands-on. Dozed off snugly in my new king-sized humongous bed.
PHEW. A typical weekend for mua. Just thought I'd share this mundane details of my mundane life. Nyahahah.
Let's see, I jump-started Saturday at 9.30am going to the Larkin wet market with my sweet little boy who obediently held my hands all the way. Market wet and slippery that's why. I love this market. It's the largest. Which means competitive prices, and more variety. Bought my groceries, breakfast and coffee for the hubbie who slept in. Came home, sorted my groceries in the fridge, fed the boy and myself breakfast. Did the first batch of laundry. Served hubbie his first important meal of the day. Watched Barney. Played hit-bubbles-with-plastic-racket at patio and some other toys/games. Did second batch of laundry. Bathed the little one. Fed him and myself junk food. Called a Singer Sewing Machine company to come have a look at my antique Flying Man sewing machine. Watched KTV-inspired-young-foursome-songstresses-singing-ChineseNewYearbeat-tunes. Because the little one fixates on young foursome songstresses, therefore under the spell of long concentration that tires him out, he falls asleep. Baby napped, mummy napped a bit while the hubbie goes out to run his errand. Woke up, started preparation for lotus root soup and dinner. Called daddy dearest to come over for dinner, but he was in Surabaya. Called mommy dearest to come over for dinner. Don't get me wrong. I don't favour my dad over my mom. It's a complicated 'scheduling' courtesy of separated parents. Hubbie came back to feed me junk food. Singer sewing machine specialist arrived to evaluate my antique Flying Man sewing machine. He took it back to his workshop. I asked him how much the sewing machine is worth if I trade it in, he said "You give free also people don't want la nowadays". And I thought it was priceless. I continue dinner preparation at full gear. I love my kitchen. It's airy and bright. But I always have to look out for cats that sneak in and steal marinated fish. Did my third batch of laundry. Fed the little one junk food. Played and cooked intermittently. Served dinner. Cleared the sink. Played more with the little one, hang out with mommy dearest. Cleaned the little one up, changed into his pjs. Took a shower. Watched Barney and played. Read bedtime stories. Lied beside him until he slept. Spent some private time with the hubbie. Tidied up little messes around the house, actually this, I do it in between any other activities, or at least I try. Sit at my art workshop and do some hands-on. Dozed off snugly in my new king-sized humongous bed.
PHEW. A typical weekend for mua. Just thought I'd share this mundane details of my mundane life. Nyahahah.
Friday, January 04, 2008
AALLLLLAAAAAHHHHHWAAAKBAARRR!
Quote of the day: “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”-Eleanor Roosevelt
I stopped making New Year Resolutions since I left school. Everyone tells of how resolutions are pointless because after 3 days, they are forgotten. But this year, I decided that I should make some. Something easy to follow throughout 365 days, and if possible for the rest of my life. Here goes.
1. Do breast-enlarging exercises while chanting "I want to be Jessica Simpson".
That's about it.
NO. Seriously.
1. Focus. Finish a task one at a time instead of multi-juggling-going-back-and-forth feat I always pull on my to-do list, whether it's at work, or at home.
2. Flirt. Let my hair down and flirt with the public. Make friends with strangers. Smile more. Reach out more. Return a gaze when I'm given one. Wink. When was the last time you winked at your lover? I mean seriously! Winking is the cutest flirting act ever!
3. Facials. I had my first in 2004. That was it. My blackheads are 3 years old. We gotta take care of our pores, don't we.
4. Fruits. More fruits. Less processed food like the irresistible IKEA hotdog.
5. Gym. For a toner, fitter me.
6. Patience. LOTS of it. Patience with the son, the husband, stupid drivers on the road, traffic, myself, and well.. generally.
OK. That's the real deal. I just realized those resolutions are towards living longer. That's terrible, why would I want to live longer when pollution, petrol price, living cost and the integrity of our nation's leaders are getting worse. Seriously! Given the chance I would be happy to live a healthy and fit 60 years, tops. Enough is enough. I don't want to be burden. Of course, that is not up to mua isn't it.
More reorganization this weekend. And I hope I'll get numb to the incessant mosque broadcast prayers in the mornings. I'm starting to find it very annoying. One session at 5am is enough, they want to do it again and again! Macam training. Yeesh bedebah betul.
I stopped making New Year Resolutions since I left school. Everyone tells of how resolutions are pointless because after 3 days, they are forgotten. But this year, I decided that I should make some. Something easy to follow throughout 365 days, and if possible for the rest of my life. Here goes.
1. Do breast-enlarging exercises while chanting "I want to be Jessica Simpson".
That's about it.
NO. Seriously.
1. Focus. Finish a task one at a time instead of multi-juggling-going-back-and-forth feat I always pull on my to-do list, whether it's at work, or at home.
2. Flirt. Let my hair down and flirt with the public. Make friends with strangers. Smile more. Reach out more. Return a gaze when I'm given one. Wink. When was the last time you winked at your lover? I mean seriously! Winking is the cutest flirting act ever!
3. Facials. I had my first in 2004. That was it. My blackheads are 3 years old. We gotta take care of our pores, don't we.
4. Fruits. More fruits. Less processed food like the irresistible IKEA hotdog.
5. Gym. For a toner, fitter me.
6. Patience. LOTS of it. Patience with the son, the husband, stupid drivers on the road, traffic, myself, and well.. generally.
OK. That's the real deal. I just realized those resolutions are towards living longer. That's terrible, why would I want to live longer when pollution, petrol price, living cost and the integrity of our nation's leaders are getting worse. Seriously! Given the chance I would be happy to live a healthy and fit 60 years, tops. Enough is enough. I don't want to be burden. Of course, that is not up to mua isn't it.
More reorganization this weekend. And I hope I'll get numb to the incessant mosque broadcast prayers in the mornings. I'm starting to find it very annoying. One session at 5am is enough, they want to do it again and again! Macam training. Yeesh bedebah betul.
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Old is New Again
Quote of the day: We look forward to the time when the power to love will replace the love of power. Then will our world know the blessings of peace. -William Gladstone
Happy New Year folks! I am EXHAUSTED to the point of being cranky. I'm worse than a baby! Hubbie and I have spent exactly 5 days of non-stop packing, moving and unpacking. The stuff keeps popping up! I never knew we had truckloads of stuff in such a small house. At least now, that truckload of stuff is nicely distributed around in the new house. The renovation sort of climaxed last Thursday where all of a sudden, the house was literally filled with people... the laminate flooring workers, the plumbers, the carpenters, the painter, the electrician, the curtain people and ( GOD BLESS) 4 Vietnamese ladies who cleaned, scrubbed and polished everything in the house.
Here are just some random then-and-now changes. More shitloads of photos next time.
The kid's room
My workshop/study
Master bedroom
Bathroom
Stairways
Hallway on upper floor.
Sometimes, it's unbelievable. It feels like one of those scary feeling where you have something too good to be true that you're afraid that it's just a dream.
I can still smell the paint....
Happy New Year folks! I am EXHAUSTED to the point of being cranky. I'm worse than a baby! Hubbie and I have spent exactly 5 days of non-stop packing, moving and unpacking. The stuff keeps popping up! I never knew we had truckloads of stuff in such a small house. At least now, that truckload of stuff is nicely distributed around in the new house. The renovation sort of climaxed last Thursday where all of a sudden, the house was literally filled with people... the laminate flooring workers, the plumbers, the carpenters, the painter, the electrician, the curtain people and ( GOD BLESS) 4 Vietnamese ladies who cleaned, scrubbed and polished everything in the house.
Here are just some random then-and-now changes. More shitloads of photos next time.
The kid's room
My workshop/study
Master bedroom
Bathroom
Stairways
Hallway on upper floor.
Sometimes, it's unbelievable. It feels like one of those scary feeling where you have something too good to be true that you're afraid that it's just a dream.
I can still smell the paint....
Monday, December 24, 2007
Down Memory Lane
As I was clearing away unwanted stuff and going through my old photo collection and letters, cards and autographs, it brought me back to the 90's. I read an old diary I used to write in and I felt like I reading something that someone else had written. I have forgotten who I used to be and yes, I felt silly. But those were the events that made me who I am today and I will not trade it for anything in the world.
I can't remember when this picture was taken in uni, but it sure gave me the warm feeling. It's genuine, what we were. It's unpretentious. We were carefree and happy. As most undergrad students are.
And ohmigod look how young we were. This was taken at Taman Negara, 1998. I much prefer the way he looks now. All the manly charms...and extra flesh around the belly. Still the same heart.
*flashback to 1994* Way before digital images existed. Want to photoshop anything? Here.
X-files trading card. I'm keeping it for Daniel so that when he's 8 in school, all his friends exchange Ben Tennyson, Power Rangers, Transformer cards, he is the only one in class that has the exclusive edition of alien cards.
Autographs, autographs, autographs. Roses are red, violets are blue, friends forever, I'll remember you.... These days, everyone writes on everyone's Facebook, which by the way... I suck at it.
***
How to prepare a meal that's refreshing, light yet fulfilling, Sou Men cold noodles.
The ingredients.
Sou Men. Comes in bundles per packet. Bundles= one serving.
Tsu Yu. Sou Men soup base. Dilute with one volume of icy cold water.
Grated ginger, minced Japanese plum and sliced spring onions.
Bring water to boil. Cook soumen noodles until it floats. Sieve out and immerse in icy cold water for a minute. Sieve into a bowl of diluted cold soumen soup. Add the spring onion, grated ginger, minced plum and a pinch of wasabi if you likey. Served cold!
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
I can't remember when this picture was taken in uni, but it sure gave me the warm feeling. It's genuine, what we were. It's unpretentious. We were carefree and happy. As most undergrad students are.
And ohmigod look how young we were. This was taken at Taman Negara, 1998. I much prefer the way he looks now. All the manly charms...and extra flesh around the belly. Still the same heart.
*flashback to 1994* Way before digital images existed. Want to photoshop anything? Here.
X-files trading card. I'm keeping it for Daniel so that when he's 8 in school, all his friends exchange Ben Tennyson, Power Rangers, Transformer cards, he is the only one in class that has the exclusive edition of alien cards.
Autographs, autographs, autographs. Roses are red, violets are blue, friends forever, I'll remember you.... These days, everyone writes on everyone's Facebook, which by the way... I suck at it.
***
How to prepare a meal that's refreshing, light yet fulfilling, Sou Men cold noodles.
The ingredients.
Sou Men. Comes in bundles per packet. Bundles= one serving.
Tsu Yu. Sou Men soup base. Dilute with one volume of icy cold water.
Grated ginger, minced Japanese plum and sliced spring onions.
Bring water to boil. Cook soumen noodles until it floats. Sieve out and immerse in icy cold water for a minute. Sieve into a bowl of diluted cold soumen soup. Add the spring onion, grated ginger, minced plum and a pinch of wasabi if you likey. Served cold!
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Monday, December 17, 2007
Enchanted
Quote of the day: The human brain starts working the moment you are born and never stops until you stand up to speak in public. -George Jessel
The boy and I watched Enchanted at the cinema. I was as enchanted as he was. He had the VIP seat aka mummy's warm and comfy lap. It's the perfect movie for him because:
1. There is che che mei. Pretty girl in princessy gowns, long hair, big blue eyes and make up. He like.
2. Funny animated squirrel. He like.
3. Evil queen transformed into dragon. Dragon he like.
4. Che che mei singing. He like.
I like one thing. PATRICK DEMPSEY is one hot who'syourdaddy thing. It's funny because I didn't really quite get the McDreamy craze when Grey's Anatomy first came into the screen. Dark wavy thick hair only wat. Mua is swooning at his dark wavy thick hair and the whole package. Other than that, I say, it's a great movie. Watching fairytale characters living in the real world is hilarious.
I caught myself pivoting and humming while I call the birds, rabbits, squirrels and deers to help me clean the house. *harp plays*
The boy and I watched Enchanted at the cinema. I was as enchanted as he was. He had the VIP seat aka mummy's warm and comfy lap. It's the perfect movie for him because:
1. There is che che mei. Pretty girl in princessy gowns, long hair, big blue eyes and make up. He like.
2. Funny animated squirrel. He like.
3. Evil queen transformed into dragon. Dragon he like.
4. Che che mei singing. He like.
I like one thing. PATRICK DEMPSEY is one hot who'syourdaddy thing. It's funny because I didn't really quite get the McDreamy craze when Grey's Anatomy first came into the screen. Dark wavy thick hair only wat. Mua is swooning at his dark wavy thick hair and the whole package. Other than that, I say, it's a great movie. Watching fairytale characters living in the real world is hilarious.
I caught myself pivoting and humming while I call the birds, rabbits, squirrels and deers to help me clean the house. *harp plays*
Friday, December 14, 2007
"Weaker Sex"
Quote of the day: “Whatever women do they must do twice as well as men to be thought half as good. Luckily, this is not difficult.” -Charlotte Whitton
"KOSMO reported that the women were more overweight than men in the country, with the weaker sex outnumbering males by 150,000 on that aspect. " ...pinched from The Star
Weaker sex.
(Meaning women)
Tsk tsk.. KOSMO writer still living in the cave, writing articles with chalk. Or just a plain insensitive wuss.
"KOSMO reported that the women were more overweight than men in the country, with the weaker sex outnumbering males by 150,000 on that aspect. " ...pinched from The Star
Weaker sex.
(Meaning women)
Tsk tsk.. KOSMO writer still living in the cave, writing articles with chalk. Or just a plain insensitive wuss.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
A little drama on an ordinary day at work
It wasn't a drill. I heard the fire came from the animal holding unit. That's a scary thought.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Meeting Ou Xiang
Quote of the day: We can do not great things - only small things with great love. -Mother Theresa
Barney came to town. That was why JUSCO Tebrau City was packed with children and their parents, aunts, uncles, grandpas, grandmas, cousins, grand-aunts, grand-uncles.. you name it, we got it. Barney is BIGGER than MIchael Jackson now.
I have to admit this. As I anticipated Barney's appearance on stage, my heart was pounding like a teenager on meth and when he finally emerged, I was almost moved to tears. How strange. Daniel was stunned and literally fixated on Barney, BabyBop and BJ. His first ou xiang. I can't explain it. The joy of seeing something that makes your child happy.
And off to the arcade. I'm telling you, this dude can beat crocs. We were impressed.
I would like to announce that I entered the semifinals of Tennis BTI Open yesterday, but lost. Not bad for a Wii game beginner like me! What I love about this new toy in town is that you don't have to press those annoying arrow buttons to navigate yourself like PS. It's totally sensor-based so that means your movement controls the character you're playing. It's good exercise without straining yourself. The only sport injury would probably be kena hantam by your real life opponent swinging too violently beside you. I gotta get one and start hantam-ing.
***
Some cards I made.
Currently, I will be at full gear in packing and moving. Bit by bit. The new house is being re-painted, including the iron grills. It's still a mess.
Barney came to town. That was why JUSCO Tebrau City was packed with children and their parents, aunts, uncles, grandpas, grandmas, cousins, grand-aunts, grand-uncles.. you name it, we got it. Barney is BIGGER than MIchael Jackson now.
I have to admit this. As I anticipated Barney's appearance on stage, my heart was pounding like a teenager on meth and when he finally emerged, I was almost moved to tears. How strange. Daniel was stunned and literally fixated on Barney, BabyBop and BJ. His first ou xiang. I can't explain it. The joy of seeing something that makes your child happy.
And off to the arcade. I'm telling you, this dude can beat crocs. We were impressed.
I would like to announce that I entered the semifinals of Tennis BTI Open yesterday, but lost. Not bad for a Wii game beginner like me! What I love about this new toy in town is that you don't have to press those annoying arrow buttons to navigate yourself like PS. It's totally sensor-based so that means your movement controls the character you're playing. It's good exercise without straining yourself. The only sport injury would probably be kena hantam by your real life opponent swinging too violently beside you. I gotta get one and start hantam-ing.
***
Some cards I made.
Currently, I will be at full gear in packing and moving. Bit by bit. The new house is being re-painted, including the iron grills. It's still a mess.
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Travelogue 2007
The Budget Terminal at Changi Airport.
Pretty impressive I must, for a budget terminal, exterior and interior-wise. Inside, there are only about 10 outlets to eat and shop. The BEST shop was the bookstore because 15 minutes after we checked in, came the announcement of our flight delay. @#$%&! We couldn't get out due to immigration issues. Hubbie left his cellphone in my car back at my workplace, but we couldn't get out of the airport to go get it. So, we were stuck, but we were Mr. and Mrs. Sunshine. Nothing could get us mad because this was our first vacation in 2 years. We had our asses glued to the bookstore floor. I read 5 celebrity gossip magazines and... did you know Britney is balding?! It was fantastic. We never have the chance like this ie. forced to do nothing for 3 hours, but read and read your heart's content in a bookstore.
People sitting around at the corridor leading to our boarding gate.
Our compensation meal. VEGE sandwich.
After an hour's flight, we are whisked off to our resort by a very hi-tech Toyota 6-seater super VIP van that had mega speakers., and to me it looked more like a cockpit. These tour maxivans are apparently common here.
Our room at Buri Tara Resort.
And because the pathetic vege sandwich couldn't fill our stomachs for 2 hours straight, we head to the 24-hour Raja Burger. 2 minute tuk-tuk ride.
Balcony of our room with direct pool access.
Our first meal in Krabi. Chicken rice by the roadside stalls. They're the best.
Ao Nang, the main town of Krabi, where the shops and the beach are.
Ao Nang Beach. The water looks clear, but I find the sand a little dull and not-so-fine.
Our pre-dinner. Sensational green papaya salad, must-have tom yam soup and sticky rice.
We spent the day just walking around Ao Nang before being lured into the mass massage pavilion.
The next day was spent island hopping under the blazing sun.
Paradise! OK, this picture doesn't do justice to the sheer azure little 'lagoon' surrounded by white fine sand. This is what I call paradise.
Another beach. Camera battery eat shit on me.
The next day, we said good bye to Krabi and off we went to another part of our vacation. Retail therapy in Bangkok.
Nok, one of Thailand's popular budget airline.
I decided that we should indulge ourselves in a boutique hotel which is becoming very popular in Thailand. Boutique hotels/resorts are usually small, cozy, have limited rooms, and they are very pretty. Like this one called Dream Bangkok located at Sukhumvit where shopping areas are easily accessible.
This is the most basic room we took. So chic!
Oh lookie what we have here. So thoughtful.
For the next 4 hours, we rubbed shoulders with the crowd at Chatuchak/Jatujak/JJ market. THE mother of all markets in Thailand where you can find treasures among the 15,000 stalls in there. Taken from the overhead bridge on our way back, this is only 10% of the crowd, this one is heading to and from the market to the Skytrain station.
Market outside our hotel.
Chicken 'satay' for pre-dinner.
Chicken soup noodle for dinner.
More food!
Just can't get enough of it. We went back to JJ weekend market the next day again. I bought a fancy little tee from a stall the previous day, and I regretted not getting more, so I went back to hunt for it. Alas, I could not find that stall anymore. All this while I had followed the rule "You like something, BUY it! You'll never find it anymore". I wish I had changed it to "You like something, buy TWO, or more!"
On the way back to the hotel to check out, we made one last stop.
I left my heart there... at that T-shirt stall in JJ market. Next trip!!
Pretty impressive I must, for a budget terminal, exterior and interior-wise. Inside, there are only about 10 outlets to eat and shop. The BEST shop was the bookstore because 15 minutes after we checked in, came the announcement of our flight delay. @#$%&! We couldn't get out due to immigration issues. Hubbie left his cellphone in my car back at my workplace, but we couldn't get out of the airport to go get it. So, we were stuck, but we were Mr. and Mrs. Sunshine. Nothing could get us mad because this was our first vacation in 2 years. We had our asses glued to the bookstore floor. I read 5 celebrity gossip magazines and... did you know Britney is balding?! It was fantastic. We never have the chance like this ie. forced to do nothing for 3 hours, but read and read your heart's content in a bookstore.
People sitting around at the corridor leading to our boarding gate.
Our compensation meal. VEGE sandwich.
After an hour's flight, we are whisked off to our resort by a very hi-tech Toyota 6-seater super VIP van that had mega speakers., and to me it looked more like a cockpit. These tour maxivans are apparently common here.
Our room at Buri Tara Resort.
And because the pathetic vege sandwich couldn't fill our stomachs for 2 hours straight, we head to the 24-hour Raja Burger. 2 minute tuk-tuk ride.
Balcony of our room with direct pool access.
Our first meal in Krabi. Chicken rice by the roadside stalls. They're the best.
Ao Nang, the main town of Krabi, where the shops and the beach are.
Ao Nang Beach. The water looks clear, but I find the sand a little dull and not-so-fine.
Our pre-dinner. Sensational green papaya salad, must-have tom yam soup and sticky rice.
We spent the day just walking around Ao Nang before being lured into the mass massage pavilion.
The next day was spent island hopping under the blazing sun.
Paradise! OK, this picture doesn't do justice to the sheer azure little 'lagoon' surrounded by white fine sand. This is what I call paradise.
Another beach. Camera battery eat shit on me.
The next day, we said good bye to Krabi and off we went to another part of our vacation. Retail therapy in Bangkok.
Nok, one of Thailand's popular budget airline.
I decided that we should indulge ourselves in a boutique hotel which is becoming very popular in Thailand. Boutique hotels/resorts are usually small, cozy, have limited rooms, and they are very pretty. Like this one called Dream Bangkok located at Sukhumvit where shopping areas are easily accessible.
This is the most basic room we took. So chic!
Oh lookie what we have here. So thoughtful.
For the next 4 hours, we rubbed shoulders with the crowd at Chatuchak/Jatujak/JJ market. THE mother of all markets in Thailand where you can find treasures among the 15,000 stalls in there. Taken from the overhead bridge on our way back, this is only 10% of the crowd, this one is heading to and from the market to the Skytrain station.
Market outside our hotel.
Chicken 'satay' for pre-dinner.
Chicken soup noodle for dinner.
More food!
Just can't get enough of it. We went back to JJ weekend market the next day again. I bought a fancy little tee from a stall the previous day, and I regretted not getting more, so I went back to hunt for it. Alas, I could not find that stall anymore. All this while I had followed the rule "You like something, BUY it! You'll never find it anymore". I wish I had changed it to "You like something, buy TWO, or more!"
On the way back to the hotel to check out, we made one last stop.
I left my heart there... at that T-shirt stall in JJ market. Next trip!!
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